Managing membership of a domain of processors in a distributed computing environment including determining the lowest numbered node available in the domain and periodically sending grovel messages from the other available nodes to the lowest numbered node in the domain. Responsive to receiving all of the grovel messages by the lowest numbered node, the lowest numbered node performs a two phase commit whereby the lowest numbered node becomes a name server for managing the processors in the domain. The two phase commit includes sending an insert phase 1 (P1) message to the other available nodes from the lowest numbered node and, responsive to the insert P1 message, sending an acknowledge (ACK) message from the other available nodes to the lowest numbered node. Responsive to the ACK messages, a commit message is sent to the other available nodes notifying them that the lowest numbered node has become the name server.

In a distributed computing environment, the computer contains a plurality of computer nodes which process data in parallel. In many such systems, the nodes may be organized into partitions, with each partition having one or more domains. Each domain may be running a different computer program. In many of these systems, a single node controls each domain. As each node becomes available by coming on line or coming up, the node must be assigned to a domain, and the other nodes in the domain must become aware of the new node such that tasks of the program running in the partition may be shared. In some systems this is done by each node sending a message to every other node in the system to determine such information as which node is controlling the domain and which tasks are assigned to which nodes.
In high availability applications wherein there is a recovery process to recover a failed node, it is necessary for the failed node which is recovering to find out the same information as a new node coming on line for the first time. There is a further requirement in that if the failed node is the node that controls the domain, it is necessary to appoint a new node to take over control of the domain within a partition. Many times this is done by sending a message from each node to every other node in the domain to find out which nodes are still available and to attempt to assign a new control node. The result of such schemes is to send out a heavy volume of message traffic each time a node comes up or is recovered.

International Business Machines Corporation


A combination vehicle advisory system which consists of a multiplicity of warning lights that are on the front of the vehicle at a location such as above the front bumper and beneath the grill and at a location on the rear of the vehicle such as above the licence plate and on the door of the vehicle, both on the passenger side and the driver side, combined with a window advisory systems comprising a multiplicity of words which are embedded into the front of the front window so they can be read by oncoming traffic, embedded into the rear window so they can be read by traffic following the vehicle embedded into a side window on the driver side of the vehicle so that they can be read by cars on that side of the vehicle, a multiplicity of words embedded into a window on the passenger side of the vehicle so that they can be read by drivers of vehicles of that side of the vehicle, and a multiplicity of words embedded into the interior of the front of the window so that they can be read by passengers in the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of vehicle warning systems which provide a visual display to advise other drivers on the road as to what action the driver of a vehicle is taking.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, warning systems to advise other drivers of what a driver of a vehicle is doing have been developed. Most of these systems involve the use of warning lights to signal what a driver is about to do or has just done.
The following ten issued patents or published patent applications are relevant to the field of the invention:
1. U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,641 issued to Yang on Jan. 16, 1990 for "Real-Time Speed Display Apparatus" (hereafter the "Yang Patent");
2. U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,962 issued to Sarokin on Jul. 10, 1990 for "Front Mounted Vehicle Braking Indicator" (hereafter the "Sarokin Patent");
3. U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,426 issued to O'Sullivan on Dec. 13, 1994 for "Front-Mounted Vehicle Brake Light" (hereafter the "O'Sullivan Patent");
4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,691 issued to Tim Kao on Aug. 25, 1998 for "Accessory Brake Light System For Automobile" (hereafter the "Kao Patent");
5. U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,780 B1 issued to Kashefy on Apr. 3, 2001 for "Dynamic Traffic Light" (hereafter the "Kashefy Patent");
6. U.S. Pat. No. D451,281 S issued to Bernier on Nov. 27, 2001 for "Front Bumper Brake Light" (hereafter the "Bernier Patent");
7. U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,830 B2 issued to Cohen on Jun. 3, 2003 for "Progressive Brake Light System" (hereafter the "Cohen Patent");
8. United States Patent No. US 2003/0231108 A1 issued to Welch on Dec. 18, 2003 for "Vehicle Movement Warning Light System" (hereafter the "Welch Patent");
9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,272 B2 issued to Hall on Feb. 10, 2004 for "Front Safety Light For Alerting Braking Conditions OF A Vehicle" (hereafter the "Hall Patent");
10. PCT Application No. PCT/US01/44124 filed on Nov. 6, 2001 for "Method And Apparatus Used For Installation And Operation Of A Front Vehicle Brake Light" (hereafter the "'44124 PCT Application").
The Yang Patent discloses a real-time speed display apparatus for displaying vehicle speed with different colors of light which has a speed detector for detecting the speed of revolution of the transmission shaft of a vehicle and outputting a speed signal with its pulse rate varied as a function of the revolution speed. The invention involves a real-time speed display apparatus for displaying the speed of a vehicle with lights of different colors comprising detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle and outputting a speed signal; control means coupled to the detection means for generating a display control signal in response to the speed signal; and display means coupled to the control means for generating light of different colors in response to the display control signal. The detection means also comprises a brake detector connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle, to generate a predetermined control signal to the display means upon detection of the use of the vehicle's brake pedal. Upon receipt of the predetermined control signal, the display means will generate a red light.
The Sarokin Patent deals with a front mounted vehicle braking system. The lights are in the front of the vehicle. The invention involves a braking indicator for vehicles which provides an indication from the front of the vehicle. By way of example referring to Column 2, beginning on Line 23, the invention discloses "an initial depression of the brake pedal results in movement of the pin into the first detent thereby completing an electrical circuit from the vehicle battery through the first contact to the first front mounted brake light thereby providing an indication to vehicles or pedestrians in front of the vehicle that the vehicle's brakes have been initially applied. Further, depression of the brake pedal beyond the initial brake depression moves the pin into the second detent thereby completing a circuit through a second contact between the vehicle battery and the second brake light indicator. This activates a second brake light indicator to provide an indication to vehicles and pedestrians in front of the vehicle that the vehicle brakes have been depressed further beyond a light depression or initial brake depression.
The O'Sullivan Patent discloses a vehicle brake light signal for alerting pedestrians or other vehicle drivers positioned in front of a vehicle to a deceleration of the associated vehicle. The device includes a signal assembly which may be secured to a front area of the vehicle. The signal assembly is electrically coupled to both the brake lights of the vehicle and the variable rate flasher. Upon a depression of the brake pedal of the vehicle, the signal assembly will illuminate or flash to warn others of the vehicle's deceleration. Alternative embodiments of the invention involve a variable aperture assembly controlled by a deceleration sensor for varying the intensity of the signal assembly as a function of the vehicle's deceleration. As you can see, in this case it is located in the center of the vehicle as opposed to underneath the headlights as in the previous patent.
The Kao Patent which issued in 1998 also discloses an accessory brake light system for an automobile is located on the grill. An objective of the invention is to provide an accessory brake light system for automobiles that can provide various kinds of warning signals to point out the braking conditions of the automobile for vehicles or pedestrians positioned in front of the vehicle. The device as disclosed comprises specific warning signals when the automobile is braking to slow down or fully stop in order to enable other vehicles or pedestrians that are positioned in front of the vehicle to be clearly aware of whether the driver of that vehicle is prepared to stop or not and hence reduce the chance of an accident from happening.
The Kashefy Patent discloses a lighting system is on the back of the vehicle but it has a sequence of lights with various logical steps so that cars following the vehicle can know exactly the nature of the way the vehicle is braking. The vehicle signaling display device is mounted on an automotive vehicle, so that signaling lights of the device are visible for drivers of following vehicles. They include orange or amber, red and green lights and includes a system specifically designed to count speed sensor pulses for measuring speed of any vehicle of any make and model on which the device is installed for controlling the signaling lights in accordance with the speed of the vehicle so that the device turns certain sequence colors to tell following drivers how fast the vehicle is going and whether it is slowing down.
The Bernier Patent is a design patent which is entitled "FRONT BUMPER BRAKE LIGHT" and as disclosed in FIG. 6, the front bumper brake light is shown above the grill on the front bumper. Therefore, the concept of having a front bumper brake light is shown in this design patent.
The Cohen Patent shows the concept of having different lighting sequences to illustrate different speeds of the vehicle and what the driver is doing. The brake lights are in the back of the vehicle and not the front. The progressive vehicle brake light system consists of a brake sensor arranged to sense the travel of a brake pedal and the brake light display arrangement to illuminate or extinguish in sequence or progressively in response to the travel of the brake pedal. The brake light display consists of a row of light emitting diodes which are arranged to illuminate from the opposite ends toward the middle as the brake pedal is depressed and to extinguish in reverse sequence when the brake pedal is released.
Welch discloses a vehicle provided with front warning lights adjacent to the front corners of the vehicle. When the vehicle's brake is released, the lights adjacent to the front corner flash red to warn that the vehicle is about to move or has begun to move. A release of the brake pedal deactivates the rear brake lights and completes electrical circuits to activate the red front warning lights. Optionally, a set of green lights can be added to the system to flash green when the vehicle is stopping or when the vehicle has stopped, thereby signaling to other vehicles at an intersection that those vehicles could safely cross in front of the vehicle until the front warning lights change from green to red.
The Hall Patent is a front safety light for alerting braking conditions of a vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the numerous different locations in the front of the vehicle show the braking system in the front. The invention involves an accessory brake light system for a vehicle comprising a secondary brake light attached to a front of the vehicle. A power source is provided for supplying power to a primary brake light. The primary brake light is attached to the rear of the vehicle. A switch connects the power to the primary brake light when the brake is engaged by an operator which causes the primary brake light to illuminate. A delay mechanism is provided which is capable of determining a delay period after the brake is engaged and the power is connected to the secondary brake light after the delay period thereby illuminating the secondary brake light.
The WIPO Patent discloses a method and apparatus used for installation and operation of a front vehicle brake light. The method discloses using the existing brake light circuitry installed within a vehicle to energize an additional apparatus, such as a front vehicle brake light without adding any components other than one jumper cable which when installed, causes the additional light to illuminate simultaneously with the rear brake lights when the vehicle brakes are applied, so as to notify pedestrians or other drivers viewing from the front of the vehicle that the host vehicle is in a braking mode.
While the prior art discloses warning systems which include a sequence of lights, there is a significant need for an improved advisory system to advise drivers of other vehicles and passengers within the vehicle being driven as to the moving or stopping condition of the vehicle at any given time.

Enhanced vehicle advisory system to advise drivers of other vehicles and passengers in the vehicle of actions taken by the driver


The present invention discloses the use of edge-angle-optimized solid phase epitaxy for forming hybrid orientation substrates comprising changed-orientation Si device regions free of the trench-edge defects typically seen when trench-isolated regions of Si are recrystallized to the orientation of an underlying single-crystal Si template after an amorphization step. For the case of amorphized Si regions recrystallizing to (100) surface orientation, the trench-edge-defect-free recrystallization of edge-angle-optimized solid phase epitaxy may be achieved in rectilinear Si device regions whose edges align with the (100) crystal's in-plane <100> directions.

Semiconductor device technology is increasingly relying on specialty semiconductor substrates to improve the performance of the n-channel MOSFETs (nFETs) and p-channel MOSFETs (pFETs) in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. For example, the strong dependence of carrier mobility on silicon surface orientation has led to increased interest in hybrid orientation Si substrates in which nFETs are formed in Si with a (100) surface orientation (the orientation in which electron mobility is higher) and pFETs are formed in Si with a (110) surface orientation (the orientation in which hole mobility is higher), as described by M. Yang, et al. in "High Performance CMOS Fabricated on Hybrid Substrate with Different Crystal Orientations," IEDM 2003 Paper 18.7 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/250,241, filed Jun. 17, 2003 entitled "High-performance CMOS SOI devices on hybrid crystal-oriented substrates."
Amorphization/templated recrystallization (ATR) methods for fabricating hybrid orientation substrates such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,850, supra, typically start with a first semiconductor layer having a first surface orientation directly bonded to a second semiconductor layer having a second surface orientation different from the first. Selected areas of the first semiconductor layer are amorphized by ion implantation, and then recrystallized into the orientation of the second semiconductor layer using the second semiconductor layer as a crystal template.
FIGS. 1A-1D show a "top amorphization/bottom templating" version of the ATR method of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/725,850, supra, for forming a bulk hybrid orientation Si substrate. In this version of ATR, the first semiconductor layer being amorphized is on the top and the second semiconductor layer acting as a template is on the bottom. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows the starting substrate 10 which comprises a top silicon layer 20 having a first surface orientation, a bottom silicon layer or substrate 30 having a second surface orientation different from the first, and a bonded interface 40 between them. FIG. 1B shows the substrate of FIG. 1A (designated now as 10′) after formation of dielectric-filled shallow trench isolation (STI) regions 50. Selected regions of top Si layer as 20′ are then subjected to amorphizing ion implant 60 to produce one or more amorphized regions 70, as shown in FIG. 1C. The amorphizing ion implant 60 would typically be performed with Si or Ge ions. Amorphized regions 70 span the entire thickness of the upper Si layer 20″, and extend into the lower Si layer 30′. The amorphized regions 70 are then recrystallized into the second surface orientation, using the lower Si layer 30′ as a template, to produce (idealized) planar hybrid orientation substrate 80 with recrystallized, changed-orientation Si region 90 as shown in FIG. 1D. In this example, the orientations of Si regions 30″ and 90 may have a (100) surface orientation, while the Si regions 20″ may have a (110) surface orientation.
It should be noted that the notation (jkl) indicates a family of crystal planes with Miller indices j, k, and l, and that the notation <j′k′l′> indicates a family of equivalent directions with Miller indices j′, k′, and l′. Here and in the remainder of this application, the "in-plane <j′k′l′> direction" of a crystal having a (jkl) surface orientation should be taken as referring to <j′k′l′> directions which are coplanar with the (jkl)-oriented crystal's surface.
In contrast to the idealized outcome shown in FIG. 1D, recrystallization of the amorphized Si region 70 in the structure of FIG. 1C more typically results in a structure like that of FIG. 2, where changed-orientation Si region 90 includes trench-edge defects 99. For the case in which changed-orientation Si region 90 has a (100) surface orientation and rectilinear sides aligned with the Si crystal's in-plane <110> directions, the trench-edge defects form a continuous band of defective Si 99, as shown in the top view of FIG. 3A. These trench-edge defects, associated with slow-growing (111) planes encountered during recrystallization, have been described by N. Burbure and K. S. Jones "The effect of oxide trenches on defect formation and evolution in ion-implanted silicon," Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 810 C4.19.1 (2004). These trench-edge defects are very stable and cannot be removed even by annealing at 1325C for 5 hours.
As discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/142,646, Si device regions with these trench-edge defects are not suitable for FETs whose geometry requires the FET's gate to cross over the trench-edge defects, as shown in FIG. 3B, where nFET 105 on the structure of FIG. 3A comprises gate 114 and source and drain regions 116 and 118. Defective edge regions 99 that pass directly under gate 114 provide a potentially low-resistance leakage path between the FET's source and drain regions.
As further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/142,646, ATR process sequences in which the STI patterning is performed after ATR may be used to avoid the trench-edge defect problem encountered with "ATR-after-STI" process sequences. While these "ATR-before-STI" alternatives still leave defective border regions between changed-orientation and original-orientation RX regions, the defective border regions can be removed and replaced by STI. However, this approach starts to become problematic when device scaling requires the original-orientation and changed-orientation Si regions to be separated by isolation regions narrower than the width of the defective border regions (usually about the thickness of the direct silicon bonded (DSB) layer being amorphized). In addition, the ATR-before-STI approach typically requires additional alignment steps, since the patterned amorphization and recrystallization does not leave anything to which the STI level could be aligned (in contrast to the ATR-after-STI approach in which the patterned ATR is easily aligned to the STI shapes).
The trench-edge defects described by Burbure and Jones supra are also seen in the source/drain (S/D) regions of FETs fabricated in (100)-oriented Si for cases in which the source/drain processing includes an amorphization and recrystallization step. (S/D amorphization is a preferred adjunct of the doping process because it improves dopant activation.) This is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H, where FIGS. 4A-4D are top view pictorial representations and FIGS. 4E-4F are cross section views through lines 4E-4E, 4F-4F, 4G-4G, and 4H-4H of FIGS. 4A-4D respectively. Rectilinear Si device region 140 having a (100) surface orientation and surrounded by STI 150 is first formed with the edge alignment and orientation shown in FIG. 4A (cross section view FIG. 4E). Gate 160 (or gate footprint 160′ in the top view figures) with underlying gate dielectric 161 is then formed on Si device region 140 (FIGS. 4B and 4F), followed by ion implantation (using gate 160 as a mask) to form amorphized and doped S/D regions 170 (FIGS. 4C and 4G). Recrystallized S/D regions 171 and trench-edge defects 180 resulting from the recrystallization/dopant activation anneal are shown in FIGS. 4D and 4H. Because the implant is performed using the gate as a mask, the trench-edge defects do not extend under the gate as they do for the blanket amorphization case of FIG. 3B. However, these defects are still a concern, especially when their dimensions start approaching those of the source and drain.

Trench-edge-defect-free recrystallization by edge-angle-optimized solid phase epitaxy: method and applications to hybrid orientation substrates

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention concerns a process to produce a high surface area niobium oxynitride, tantalum oxynitride, vanadium oxynitride, zirconium oxynitride, titanium oxynitride or molybdenum oxynitride coated substrate for use as an electrical energy storage component in a capacitor or a battery configuration. The process relates to:. (a) coating one or both flat etched surfaces of a solid substrate, in the form of a thin sheet, with a solution or a slurry of a metal halide in a liquid volatile carrier to produce a thin surface film; PA1 (b) contacting the metal halide surface film-carrier coated substrate of step (a) with oxygen, air, or combinations thereof at a temperature to convert the metal halide to metal oxide, respectively, as a thin film and to remove the liquid volatile carrier; PA1 (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) to obtain a desired thickness; PA1 (d) heating the metal oxide film coated substrate of step (c) in oxygen, air or combinations thereof to convert at least about 95% of the metal chloride to metal oxide; PA1 (e) increasing the temperature of the metal oxide coated substrate to elevated temperatures; PA1 (f) contacting the oxide coated substrate produced in step (e) with a nitrogen source selected from excess flowing gaseous ammonia, a mixture of ammonia gas and hydrogen gas, or a mixture of hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas at elevated temperatures to convert about 95% or greater of the oxide coating to the corresponding metal oxynitride on the substrate, which metal oxynitride layer has a high surface area and is electrically conductive; and PA1 (g) cooling to ambient temperature and recovering the high surface area metal oxynitride coated substrate produced in step (f).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a process for the formation of a thin film of a porous metal oxynitride having a high surface area on the surface of an electrically conducting substrate. The metal chloride is dissolved in a volatile organic liquid, a substrate is coated with a film, the film is converted to the porous metal oxide which is then converted to the porous metal oxynitride. The thin layer metal oxynitride covered-substrate is useful for electrical energy storage as an electrode in a capacitor or battery configuration.
The present invention generally relates to an energy storage device, and more particularly to a bipolar double layer capacitor-type energy storage device, and to improved methods for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Energy Storage Devices--There has been significant research over the years, relating to useful reliable electrical storage devices, such as a capacitor or a battery. Large energy storage capabilities are common for batteries; however, batteries also display low power densities. In contrast, electrolytic capacitors possess very high power densities and a limited energy density. Further, carbon based electrode double-layer capacitors have a large energy density; but, due to their high equivalent series resistance (ESR), have low power capabilities. It would therefore be highly desirable to have an electrical storage device that has both a high energy density and a high power density.
A review by B. E. Conway in J. Electrochem. Soc., vol. 138 (#6), p. 1539 (June 1991) discusses the transition from "supercapacitor" to "battery" in electrochemical energy storage, and identifies performance characteristics of various capacitor devices.
D. Craig, Canadian Patent No.1,196,683, in November 1985, discusses the usefulness of electric storage devices based on ceramic-oxide coated electrodes and pseudo-capacitance. However, attempts to utilize this disclosure have resulted in capacitors which have inconsistent electrical properties and which are often unreliable. These devices cannot be charged to 1.0 V per cell, and have large, unsatisfactory leakage currents. Furthermore, these devices have a very low cycle life. In addition, the disclosed packaging is inefficient.
M. Matroka and R. Hackbart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,288, discusses a capacitive power supply based on the Craig patent which is not enabling for the present invention. A capacitor configuration as a power supply for a radiotelephone is taught; however, no enabling disclosure for the capacitor is taught.
J. Kalenowsky, U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,340, discusses a capacitive power supply having a charge equalization circuit. This circuit allows a multicell capacitor to be charged without overcharging the individual cells. The present invention does not require a charge equalization circuit to fully charge a multicell stack configuration without overcharging an intermediate cell.
H. Lee, et al. in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 25 (#1), p.324 (January 1989), and G. Bullard, et al., in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 25 (#1) p. 102 (January 1989) discuss the pulse power characteristics of high-energy ceramic-oxide based double-layer capacitors. In this reference various performance characteristics are discussed, with no enabling discussion of the construction methodology. The present invention provides a more reliable device with more efficient packaging.
Carbon electrode based double-layer capacitors have been extensively developed based on the original work of Rightmire, U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,641. A. Yoshida et al., in IEEE Transactions on Components, Hybrids and Manufacturing Technology, Vol. CHMT-10, #1,P-100-103 (March 1987) discusses an electric double-layer capacitor composed of activated carbon fiber electrodes and a nonaqueous electrolyte. In addition, the packaging of this double-layer capacitor is revealed. This device is on the order of 0.4-1 cc in volume with an energy storage capability of around 1-10 J/cc.
T. Suzuki, et al., in NEC Research and Development, No. 82, pp. 118-123, July 1986, discloses improved self-discharge characteristics of the carbon electric double-layer capacitor with the use of porous separator materials on the order of 0.004 inches thick. An inherent problem of carbon based electrodes is the low conductivity of the material resulting in a low current density being delivered from these devices. A second difficulty is that the construction of multicell stacks is not done in a true bipolar electrode configuration. These difficulties result in inefficient packaging and lower energy and power density values.
Ultracapacitors provide one approach to meet the high power requirements for the advanced energy storage system for many uses, from cardiac pacemakers to cellular phones to the electric automobile. Until recently, the only packaged high power ultracapacitor material available for significant charge storage has been a mixed ruthenium and tantalum oxide (Z. W. Sun and K. C. Tsai, J. Electrochem. Soc. Ext. Abs., vol. 95-2, pp. 73-76 (1995) and R. Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,453 (1995)). Unfortunately, ruthenium and tantalum oxide are expensive.
Additional references of interest include, for example:
The state of solid state micro power sources is reviewed by S. Sekido in Solid State Ionics, vol. 9, 10, pp. 777-782 (1983).
M. Pham-Thi et al. in the Journal of Materials Science Letters, vol. 5, p. 415 (1986) discusses the percolation threshold and interface optimization in carbon based solid electrolyte double-layer capacitors.
Various disclosures discuss the fabrication of oxide coated electrodes and the application of these electrodes in the chlor-alkali industry for the electrochemical generation of chlorine. See for example: V. Hock, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,169 issued Oct. 8, 1991; H. Beer U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,271 issued Oct. 4, 1977; and A. Martinsons, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,008 issued Feb. 9, 1971. These electrodes, however, in general do not have the high surface areas required for an efficient double-layer capacitor electrode.
It would be useful to have a reliable long-term electrical storage device, and improved methods to produce the same. It would also be desirable to have an improved energy storage device with energy densities of at least 20-90 J/cc.
Packaging of Energy Storage Devices--As mentioned above, there has been significant research over the years regarding electrical storage devices of high energy and power density. The efficient packaging of the active materials, with minimum wasted volume, is important in reaching these goals. The space separating two electrodes in a capacitor or a battery is necessary to electrically insulate the two electrodes. However, for efficient packaging, this space or gap should be a minimum. It would therefore be highly desirable to have a method to create a space separator or gap that is substantially uniform and of small dimension (less than 5 mil (0.0127 cm).
A common way to maintain separation between electrodes in an electrical storage device with an electrolyte present (such as a battery or capacitor) is by use of an ion permeable electrically insulating porous membrane. This membrane is commonly placed between the electrodes and maintains the required space separation between the two electrodes. Porous separator material, such as paper or glass, is useful for this application and is used in aluminum electrolytic and double layer capacitors. However, for dimensions below 1 or 2 mil (0.00254 to 0.00508 cm) in separation, material handling is difficult and material strength of the capacitor is usually very low. In addition, the open cross-sectional areas typical of these porous membrane separators are on the order of 50-70%.
Polymeric ion permeable porous separators have been used in carbon double layer capacitors as discussed by Sanada et al. in IEEE, pp.224-230, 1982, and by Suzuki et al. in NEC Research and Development, No. 82, pp. 118-123, July 1986. These type of separators suffer from the problem of a small open area which leads to increased electrical resistance.
A method of using photoresist to fill voids of an electrically insulating layer to prevent electrical contact between two electrode layers for use as a solar cell is disclosed by J. Wilfried in U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,193, issued Sep. 27, 1988.
A process of creating an electrolytic capacitor with a thin spacer using a photosensitive polymer resin solution is disclosed by Maruyama et al in U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,181 issued Aug. 16, 1988. The use of solution application methods described with a porous double-layer capacitor electrode would result in the undesirable filling of the porous electrode.
A number of reports are found in the art to produce various metal nitrides having high surface area. Metal nitrides of particular interest include molybdenum nitride, titanium nitride or iron nitride.
Some additional specific references in this art include the following:
PCT/US93/08803, filed Sep. 17, 1993, Inventors: Tsai, K. C. et al., Int. Pub. No.: WO 94/07272, Int. Pub. Date: Mar 31, 1994.
PCT/US95/03985, filed Mar. 30, 1995, Inventors: Tsai, K. C. et al., Int. Pub. No.: WO 95/26833, Int. Pub. Date: Oct 12, 1995.
PCT/US95/15994, filed Dec. 11, 1995; Inventors: L. T. Thompson et al., Int. Pub. No. WO 96/19003, Int. Pub. Date: Jun. 20, 1996.
Robert R. Tong, et al., U.S. Pat. No.: 5,464,453, Issued: Nov. 7, 1995, U.S. Ser. No.: 947,294, Filed: Sep. 18, 1992, U.S. CI. 29/25.03.
Robert Tong et al., U.S. Pat. No.: 5,384,685, Issued: Jan. 24, 1995, U.S. Ser. No.: 947,414, Filed: Sep. 18, 1992, U.S. CI. 361/503.
Additional U.S. Patents of general interest include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,763; 4,851,206; 5,062,025; 5,079,674; 4,327,400; and 5,185,679.
Molybdenum Nitride (Mo.sub.2 N, MoN)--Low cost, high surface area, and conductive molybdenum nitride is a potential candidate as an alternative material for a high charge storage capacitor. Many reports appear in the literature which describe the formation of molybdenum nitride as a powder having high surface area. A number are listed below. However, none of these references disclose the formation of an adherent film of high surface area molybdenum nitride having improved adhesion on a substrate on a surface. The reaction of powdered molybdenum oxide (MoO.sub.3) with ammonia (NH.sub.3) is described to produce .gamma.-molybdenum nitride (Mo.sub.2 N), which has a fcc structure with a surface area in excess 200 m.sup.2 /g (L. Volpe and M. Boudart, J. Solid State Chem., 59, 332 (1985)).
For molybdenum nitride production and testing, the following art is of interest:
D. Finello in "New Developments in Ultracapacitor Technology" reported at the Fourth International Seminar on Double Layer Capacitors and Similar Energy Storage Devices (Volume 4) Dec. 12-14, 1994, Deerfield Beach, Fla. reported a study of a molybdenum nitride sample. The molybdenum nitride was described as being prepared by treatment of the oxide film on the surface of a solid foil with ammonia at elevated temperatures. The results show that the nitride is marginally useful as a porous energy storage.
D. Finello in "Characterization of Molybdenum Nitride Electrodes" reported at the Fifth International Seminar on Double Layer Capacitors and Similar Energy Storage Devices, Dec. 4-6, 1995, Boca Raton, Fla. describes the comparison of molybdenum nitrides formed by heating the molybdenum oxide film on the surface of a substrate with ammonia. MoCl.sub.5 may be used as a starting material. The product Mo.sub.2 N is not pure and is contaminated with MoO.sub.2 and MoN.
M. Wixom in "Non-Oxide Ceramic Electrodes", disclosed at the Fifth International Seminar on Double Layer Capacitors and Similar Energy Storage Devices, Dec. 4-6, 1995, Boca Raton, Fla., Vol. 5 that certain metal nitride and metal carbide electrodes can be used for volumetric energy density and power density. Additional detail is not provided.
M. Goodwin in "PRI Ultracapacitors and Evaluation of Molybdenum Nitride" reported at the Fifth International Symposium on Double Layer Capacitors and Similar Energy Storage Devices, Dec. 4-6, 1995, Boca Raton, Fla., in general that molybdenum nitride may make a useful electrode. The production of such an electrode was not disclosed.
L. Volpe and Boudart M. "Compounds of molybdenum and tungsten with high specific surface area". Journal of Solid State Chemistry. vol.59, 332-347 (1985).
L. Volpe and Boudart M. "Ammonia synthesis on molybdenum nitride". J. Phys. Chem. vol.90, 4874-4877 (1986).
G. S. Ranhotra, Bell, A. T. and Reimer, J. A. "Catalysis over molybdenum carbides and nitrides II. Studies of CO hydrogenation and C.sub.2 H.sub.6 hydrogenolysis". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 108, 40-49 (1987).
G. S. Ranhotra, Haddix, G. W., Bell, A. T. and Reimer, J. A. "Catalysis over molybdenum carbides and nitrides I. Catalyst characterization". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 108, 24-39 (1987).
E. J. Markel and Van Zee, J. W. "Catalytic hydrodesulfuriza-tion by molybdenum nitride". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 126, 643-657 (1990).
C. H. Jaggers, Michaels, J. N. and Stacey, A. M. "Preparation of high-surface area transition-metal nitrides: MO.sub.2 N and MoN. Chemistry of Materials. vol. 2, 150-157 (1990).
J-G. Choi, Choi, D. and Thompson, L. T. "Preparation of molybdenum nitride thin films by N.sup.+ ion implantation".J. Mater. Res. vol. 7, 374-378 (1992).
L. T. Thompson, CoIling, C. W., Choi, D., Demczyk, B. G. and Choi, J-G. "Surface and catalytic properties of molybdenum nitrides". New Frontiers in Catalysis. 19-24 (1992).
Jeong-Gil Choi. "Temperature-programmed desorption of H.sub.2 from molybdenum nitride thin films". Applied Surface Science. vol. 78, 299-307 (1994).
R. S. Wise, and Markel, E. J. "Catalytic NH3-decomposition by topotactic molybdenum oxides and nitrides: Effect on temperature programmed .gamma.-MO.sub.2 N Synthesis". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 145, 335-343 (1994).
K. L. Roberts and Markel, E. J. "Generation of MO.sub.2 N nanoparticles from topotactic MO2N Crystallites". J. Phys. Chem. vol. 98, 4083-4086 (1994).
R. S. Wise and Markel, E. J. "Synthesis of high surface area molybdenum nitride in mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 145, 344-355 (1994).
J-G. Choi, Curl, R. L. and Thompson, L. T. "Molybdenum nitride catalysts". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 146, 218-227 (1994).
B. G. Demczyk, Choi, J-G and Thompson, L. T. "Surface structure and composition of high-surface-area molybdenum nitrides". Applied Surface Science. vol. 78, 63-69 (1994).
E. P. Donovan and Hubler, G. K. "Ion-beam-assisted deposition of molybdenum nitride films." Surface and Coatings Technology. vol. 66, 499-504 (1994).
C. W. Coiling and Thompson, L. T. "The structure and function of supported molybdenum nitride hydrodenitrogenation catalysts". Journal of Catalysis. vol. 146, 193-203 (1994).
C. H. Jaggers. "The preparation and characterization of high surface area transition metal nitrides". U.M.I. Dissertation Services. (1994).
M. S. Mudholkar and Thompson L. T. "Control of composition and structure for molybdenum nitride films synthesized using ion beam assisted deposition". J. Appl Phys. vol. 77, 5138-5143 (1995).
H. Joon Lee, Choi, J-G, Coiling, C. W., Mudholkar, M. S. and Thompson, L. T. "Temperature-programmed desorption and decomposition of NH.sub.3 over molybdenum nitride films". Applied Surface Science. vol. 89, 121-130 (1995).
Titanium Nitride (TiN)--Titanium nitride has a number of uses in the art. It is used to strengthen surfaces as a coating, as semiconductor layer and as electrode materials in electrical applications.
Some references of interest concerning titanium nitride include:
S. R. Kurts and Gordon, R. G. "Chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride at low temperatures". Thin Solid Films, vol. 140, 277-290 (1986).
P. Mehta, Singh, A. K. and Kingon, A. I. "Nonthermal microwave plasma synthesis of crystalline titanium oxide & titanium nitride nanoparticles". Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. vol. 249, 153-158 (1992).
E. O. Travis and Fiordalice, R. W. "Manufacturing aspects of low pressure chemical-vapor-deposited TiN barrier layers". Thin Solid Films. vol. 236, 325-329 (1993).
Y. W. Bae, Lee, W. Y., Besmann, T. M., Blau, P. J. and Riester, L. "Synthesis and selected micro-mechanical properties of titanium nitride thin films by the pyrolysis of tetrakis titanium in ammonia". Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. vol. 363, 245-250 (1995).
H. Rode, and Hlavacek, V. "Detailed kinetics of titanium nitride synthesis". AlchE Journal. vol. 41, 377-388 (1995).
K-T. Rie, Gebauer, A., Wohle, J., Tonshoff, H. K. and Blawit, C. "Synthesis of TiN/TiCN/TiC layer systems on steel and cermet substrates by PACVD". Surface and Coating Technology. vol. 74-75, 375-381 (1995).
J. N. Musher, and Gordon, R. G. "Atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride from tetrakis (diethylamido) titanium and ammonia". J. Electrochem. Soc. 143, 736-744 (1996).
In these applications, titanium oxide is used to produce the titanium nitride. The surface area is usually low and the electrical storage capacities are marginal.
Iron Nitride (FeN)--Iron nitride is described in few references.
For iron nitride production, the following art is of general interest:
A. Tasaki, Tagawa, K., Kita, E., Harada, S. and Kusunose, T. "Recording tapes using iron nitride fine powder". IEEE Transactions on Magnetics. vol. MAG-17, 3026-3031 (1981).
K. Tagawa, Kita E. and Tasaki, A. "Synthesis of fine Fe.sub.4 N powder and its magnetic characteristics". vol. 21, 1596-1598 (1982).
M. Kopcewicz, Jagielski, J., Gawlik, G. and Grabias, A. "Role of alloying elements in the stability of nitrides in nitrogen-implanted .alpha.-Fe". J. Appl. Phys. vol. 78, 1312-1321 (1995).
D. C. Sun, Lin, C., Jiang, E. Y. and Wu, S. W. "Multiphase iron nitride gradient films". Thin Solid Films. vol. 260, 1-3 (1995).
K. H. Jack. "The synthesis and characterization of bulk .alpha."-Fe.sub.16 N.sub.2 ". Journal of Alloys and Compounds. vol. 222, 160-166 (1995).
T. Chuijo, Hiroe, K., Matsumura, Y., Uchida, H. and Uchida, H. H. "Reactivity of N.sub.2 with Fe in FeN.sub.x formation by activated reactive evaporation process". Journal of Alloys and Compounds. vol. 222, 193-196 (1995).
F. Malengreau, Hautier, V., Vermeersch, M., Sporken, R. and Caudano, R. "Chemical interactions at the interface between aluminum nitride and iron oxide determined by XPS". Surface Science, vol. 330, 75-85 (1995).
None of these is art or in any configuration teaches or suggests the present invention.
Additional references of general interest include U.S. Pat. Nos, 3,718,551; 4,816,356; 4,052,271; 5,055,169; 5,062,025; 5,085,955; 5,141,828; and 5,268,006.
The metal oxynitrides have been studied, usually for use as a dense coating to provide chemical and physical resistance to surfaces.
Titanium nitride (TiN) has been studied extensively because of its many useful applications. It is already used as a wear-resistant coating on tools, as a gold substitute for decorative coatings and for thin film resistors. Its metallic conductivity and refractory stability make it the material of choice for diffusion barrier in microelectronics applications. S. Kurtz et al. in Thin Solid Films vol. 140, p. 277 (1986) measured 3 .mu.m TiN film that had 8.5 Moh's hardness scale, on which diamond is 10. It has the resistivity of 55 .mu..OMEGA. cm. Most of TiN thin films are produced by chemical vapor deposition (see, for example J. N. Musher et al. J. Electrochem Soc., vol. 143, p. 277 (1996), E. O. Travis, et al., Thin Solid Films, vol. 236, p. 325 (1993) and K.-T. Rie, et al., Surface and Coating Tech., vol. 74-75, p. 375 (1995)):
______________________________________ 2TiCl.sub.4 + N.sub.2 + H.sub.2 .fwdarw.2TiN + 8HCl 900-1200.degree. C. 6TiCl.sub.4 + 8NH.sub.3 .fwdarw.6TiN + 24HCl + N.sub.2 500.degree. ______________________________________ C.
Titanium oxynitride (TiNO) is a stable intermediate chemical product between titanium oxide and titanium nitride. These thin films of TiNO formed by sputtering are used as an anti-reflection coating (T. R. Pampalone, et al., J. Electrochem Soc., vol. 136, p. 1181 (1989)) and/or a diffusion barrier (N. Kumar. et al. Thin Solid Films, vol. 153, p. 287 (1987)). Only gas nitriding of titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) produces high surface area titanium oxynitride ((C. H. Shin, et al., Journal Solid State Chemistry, vol. 95, p. 145 (1991)). H. Teraoka, et al., in Japanese Patent 89-60729 describe that the titanium oxynitride is obtained by the reduction of TiO.sub.2 in nitrogen atmosphere.
Additional references for TiNO include:
C. H. Shin, et al., Journal of Solid State Chemistry, vol. 95, 145-155 (1991) disclose the preparation and characterization of titanium oxynitride having high specific surface area.
R. Marchand, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,016 disclose multi-layer ceramic capacitors having as the conductive elements therein, layers of perovskites containing oxygen and oxygen. However, these perovskite metal (1) metal (2) oxygen nitrogen structure compounds still have low conductivity. No capacitance data has been disclosed.
K. Kamiya, et al. in the Journal of Materials Sciences, vol. 22, p. 937-941 (1987) disclose the nitridation of TiO.sub.2 fibers prepared by the sol-gel method.
In view of the above, it would be very useful to have one or more methods to produce a reliable small space separation between electrodes in electrical storage devices with a large open cross-sectional area. The present provides these methods.
The present invention provides a process to produce a lower cost, adhering layer of porous high surface area metal oxynitride on a metal sheet (foil) substrate.

Method of producing high surface area metal oxynitrides as substrates in electrical energy storage


Data separating means extracts intra-frame or intra-field encoded blocks from an intra-frame or intra-field encoded, and inter-frame or inter-field encoded digital video signal, and a digital audio signal contained in an input bit stream. Error correction code appending means appends error correction codes to the extracted intra-encoded blocks. Recording means records the data having the error correction code appended, in special replay data recording areas predefined on the magnetic recording tape. During fast replay or slow replay, error correction is achieved even for the replay signal with a low output level and a poor symbol rate.

The invention has been achieved to solve the problems described above, and its object is to provide a digital VTR with which the picture quality is higher in special replay, such as slow replay, still replay and fast replay.
Another object is to improve the resolution during fast replay.
A further object of the invention is to provide a digital VTR with which a fast replay signal can be reproduced without fail even when the track is nonlinear or the scanning trace is non-linear, and which is reliable.
A further object of the invention is to provide a digital VTR with which a fast replay is possible at a large number of speeds, and which is convenient to use.
A further object of the invention is to provide a digital VTR with which a fast replay is possible at the same speed without regardless of whether the drum is of two-head configuration or four-head configuration.
A further object of the invention is to provide a digital VTR which permits detection of burst errors at a short processing time using a means of a simple configuration, and detection of erroneous correction.
A further object of the invention is to enable use of a common recording format for the normal data and the fast replay data, and to thereby simplify the format forming means in the recording system and the ID and header reading means in the replay system.
A further object of the invention is to provide a digital VTR with which a fast replay is possible at a plurality of speeds, and the screen is switched at an interval to provide pictures which are easy to see.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device which can record and replay a maximum amount of fast replay signal at each of the fast replay speeds.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device capable of replaying the fast replay signal without being affected by the fluctuation in the head scanning traces.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device capable of fast replay at a very high speed.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording recording data having digital video and audio signals, with error correction codes respectively appended in the recording and vertical directions, in respective predetermined areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape in a predetermined track format, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting data of intra encoded blocks in the form of intra-frame or intra-field blocks from the intra-frame or intra-field encoded, or inter-frame or inter-field encoded digital video signal, and the digital audio signal, contained in an input bit stream;
error correction code appending means for appending error correction code to the data of the intra-encoded blocks extracted by said data separating means; and
recording means for recording the data with the error correction code appended, in the recording areas allocated in the magnetic recording tape to special replay data.
With the above arrangement, when replay signal obtained intermittently by scanning the magnetic recording tape during fast replay or slow replay is used to form a replay picture, it is possible to achieve error correction, and accordingly, even for the replay signal having a low output level and a poor symbol error rate, a special replay picture of a satisfactory quality can be formed by applying error correction.
It may so arranged that the recording means disposes the special replay data recording areas in such recording areas that by scanning the magnetic recording tape once with a rotary head at a predetermined replay speed during replay of the special replay data, the error correction code can be reconstructed.
With the above arrangement, the capacity of the memory required in the error correction decoder for forming an error correction block can be reduced. Moreover, the timings for control over writing and reading of the replay data into or from the memory, and starting the error correction can be synchronized with the rotation of the rotary head, so that the control over the memory and control over the error correction decoder can be simplified, and the overall circuit size can be reduced.
It may so arranged that the recording means disposes the special replay data recorded on the magnetic recording tape, taking error correction block for the respective replay speed as a unit, in recording areas concentrated on oblique tracks of the magnetic recording tape.
With the above arrangement, even where there is non-linearity in the track, its effect can be avoided, and the special replay data can be reconstructed without being influenced by the non-linearity, and a special replay picture of a good quality can be obtained.
It may be so arranged that the error correction code appending means appends, to the special replay data, error correction code set to have a minimum distance identical to that of error correction code appended to the digital video or audio signal.
With the above arrangement, by slightly modifying the error correction decoder for the digital video signal or the digital audio signal, error correction decoding can be achieved, and it is not necessary to add a separate error correction decoder, so that the circuit size can be reduced.
It may be so arranged that the error correction code appending means appends, to the intra-encoded block, error correction code having identical magnitude for each of the replay speeds.
With the above arrangement, special replay data can be decoded using the same error correction decoder for various replay speeds, and the circuit size can be reduced.
It may be so arranged that the recording means disposes the error correction code in such recording areas that by scanning the magnetic recording tape once with a rotary head at a predetermined positive or negative symmetrical replay speed (which may be either of the values corresponding to positive and negative tape transport speeds having the same absolute value) during replay of the special replay data, the error correction code can be reconstructed.
With the above arrangement, maximum use is made of the special replay data recording areas to form error correction blocks. Moreover, it is possible to avoid repetition of the special replay data more than necessary, and the sizes of the error correction blocks for the respective replay speeds can be made uniform, and the overall circuit size can be reduced.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals in respective predetermined areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape in a predetermined track format, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting intra-encoded data in the form of intra-frame or intra-field data from the intra-frame or intra-field encoded, or inter-frame or inter-field encoded digital video signal
the intra-frame or intra-field digital video signal, and the digital audio signals, contained in an input bit stream;
recording means for recording the bit stream in areas for the digital video signal, and recording the intra-encoded data extracted at the data separating means, in areas for the digital audio signal.
With the above arrangement, the intra-frame or intra-field, and inter-frame and inter-field encoded digital video signal and the digital audio signal are input in the form of a bit stream, and the bit stream is recorded in the digital video areas, while the extracted intra-frame or intra-field encoded data only is also recorded in the digital audio areas. In this way, the still replay data and slow replay data are formed.
It may be so arranged that the data separating means extracts the intra-frame or intra-field encoded data packet by packet from the bit stream in which the digital video and audio signals are mixed in the form of packets of respectively constant lengths.
With the above arrangement, intra-frame or intra-field encoded data is extracted packet by packet from the bit stream in which the digital video and audio signals are mixed in the form of packets of respectively constant lengths, so that the still replay data and slow replay data can be separated packet by packet. Accordingly, the bit stream can be recorded without modification, on the magnetic tape.
It may be so arranged that the data separating means extracts the intra-frame or intra-field data macro block by macro block from the bit stream forming the digital video data of one macro block, having a plurality of luminance signal blocks and chrominance signal blocks collectively, each block consisting of 8 pixels by 8 lines.
With the above arrangement, intra-frame or intra-field data is extracted macro block by macro block, so that the still replay data and the slow replay data can be separated macro block by macro block. It is therefore possible to cope with the data, formed taking a macro block as a unit, such as that of progressive refreshing.
The digital VTR may further comprise memory means for storing one frame of field of the intra encoded data extracted by said data separating means, data being read from said memory means at a data rate at which data is recorded in the digital audio signal areas.
With the above arrangement, at least one frame or field of intra encoded data is sequentially written, and read at a data rate at which it is recorded in the digital audio signal areas, so that the data is extracted frame by frame or field by field. Accordingly, a still picture can always be recorded by extracting the data frame by frame or field by field.
The digital VTR may further comprises picture replay means for replaying video data for special replay, such as fast replay, still replay, and slow replay, from the intra-encoded data recorded in the digital audio signal areas.
With the above arrangement, by replaying video data for special replay, such as fast replay, still replay and slow replay, pictures with a high definition can be produced.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording recording digital video and audio signals in respective designated areas of oblique tracks in a predetermined track format, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting intra-encoded data in the form of intra-frame or intra-field encoded data from the intra-frame or intra-field encoded, or inter-frame or inter-field encoded digital video signal, and the digital audio signal contained in an input bit stream; and
recording means for recording the bit stream in the digital video signal areas, and recording the intra-encoded data extracted by the data separating means in the digital audio signal areas, and in the digital video signal areas.
With the above arrangement, the input bit stream is recorded in the digital video areas, and the intra-frame or intra-field encoded data extracted from the bit stream is recorded in the digital video signal areas and the digital audio signal areas, so that by using both of the digital video signal areas and the digital audio signal areas, special replay data with a good picture quality can be obtained.
It may be so arranged that the recording means records a first low-frequency component of the intra-frame or intra-field encoded data in the digital video signal areas, and records a second low-frequency component of a higher-frequency band than the first low-frequency component, of the intra-frame or intra-field decoded data, in the digital audio signal areas.
With the above arrangement, the first low-frequency component of the intra-frame or intra-field encoded data is recorded in the digital video signal areas, and the second low-frequency component of a higher-frequency band than the first low-frequency component is recorded in the digital audio signal areas. Accordingly, a better picture quality can be obtained, and the special replay image can be obtained even if the data in the digital audio signal areas is not reproduced.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording recording digital video and audio signals in respective designated areas of oblique tracks in a predetermined track format, using a rotary drum on which head of two different azimuths are mounted, comprising:
data separating means for extracting a fast replay signal from the normal recording signal;
recording means for recording the fast replay signal in one region in one track per one scanning of the head, of the regions covered by the head traces and in the tracks of identical azimuth;
identification signal recording means for recording an identification signal for identifying the track; and
replay means for replaying the identification signal.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay data can be reproduced from one location in one track per one scanning of the head during fast replay, so that even when the track is non-linear or the scanning trace is non-linear, the head can be scanned with reference to the region at said location where the fast replay data is recorded, and the data can be accurately reproduced.
It may be so arranged that a first recording region is provided in one track of one azimuth in which the fast replay signal is recorded, and a second recording region for recording the fast replay signal is also provided in the track of the other azimuth, and succeeding said one track;
the length of the second recording region is about half the length of the first recording region, and the center of the second recording region within the track is at about the same position as the center of the first recording region within the track.
With the above arrangement, in the case of a drum of two-head configuration, the fast replay signal in the tracks of one azimuth can be reproduced from the first recording region, while in the case of four-head configuration, the fast replay signal in the tracks of both azimuths can be reproduced from the first and second recording regions. As a result, the total amount of fast replay data, given as the sum of the data from the heads of two different azimuths, is the same, and the screen (whole picture) can be formed from the same amount of fast replay data, regardless of the head configuration, during fast replay at the same speed.
As a result, it is possible to obtain a device with which the fast replay speed is not limited by the head configuration, and the fast replay picture quality is identical regardless of the head configuration, and the device is therefore convenient to use.
It may be so arranged that, in the upper and lower end parts of the first recording region which extend out of the region corresponding to the second recording region of the adjacent track of a different azimuth, the signal identical to those in said second recording region is recorded.
With the above arrangement, where the sub-regions formed by equally dividing the first recording region is called A1, A2, A3 and A4, in turn, the signals recorded in the regions A1 and A4 are extracted, and recorded, without modification, in the second recording region, as well. In other words, the fast replay data recorded in the track of a first azimuth is divided equally and the first and fourth quarter data are recorded in the track of a succeeding, second azimuth. The data recorded in the track of the second azimuth can therefore be obtained by simple rearrangement means.
It may be so arranged that the recording means forms the fast replay signal dedicated for the particular fast replay signal for each of the fast replay speeds, and records the fast replay signal at different positions on the magnetic recording tape.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay signals are prepared for the respective fast replay speeds, and the data is configured so that the picture is switched at an interval which facilitates watching of the reproduced picture during fast replay at each speed.
It may be so arranged that the recording means repeatedly records the fast replay signal for (M×i)-time speed replay (i=1, 2, . . . n) at predetermined positions in predetermined tracks of consecutive M (M being a natural number) tracks, and repeatedly records the fast replay signal for (M×i)-time speed replay, 2×i times, taking the M tracks as one unit for each speed.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay signal for the predetermined speed is recorded in the predetermined position in the predetermined track, of the consecutive M tracks, and the fast replay signal for the (M×n)-time speed replay is repeatedly recorded 2n times, taking the M tracks as a unit. Accordingly, during fast replay, it is sufficient if the control over the drum rotation and the tape transport speed performed in such a manner that the fast replay signal recorded at one location in the M tracks is reproduced. For instance, when the fast replay is effected at (M×n)-time speed, compared with the case in which the fast replay data is recorded at one location in M×n tracks, the amount of movement to a predetermined track in the state of transition at the time of changing the replay speed is smaller, and the reproduction of the fast replay data at the newly selected speed can be started in a shorter time.
It may be so arranged that the recording means repeatedly records the fast replay signal for 4i-time speed replay (i=1, 2, . . . n) at predetermined positions in predetermined tracks of consecutive four (M being a natural number) tracks, and
said identification signal recording means records three types of frequency signals as pilot signal for tracking control on these four tracks, being in superimposition with the digital data.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay data is disposed taking four tracks as a unit, and the identification signals (such as the three pilot signals f0, f1 and f2 two of which (f1 and f2) may consist of two different frequency signals superimposed on the digital data signal, and the last one of which (f0) may be featured by the absence of any signal superimposed on the digital data signal) for tracking control are recorded, so that, during fast replay, by the use of the identification signal, the desired track can be selected, and the fast replay data recorded in the track can be reproduced.
It may be so arranged that the digital VTR further comprises error correction code appending means for appending the error correction code formed of a predetermined number of sync bits inserted at a predetermined period in the signal sequence recorded in the magnetic recording tape, a predetermined number of ID bits succeeding the sync bits, a predetermined number of first parity bits generated from the ID bits, second parity bits generated from a predetermined number of digital data succeeding the first parity bits, third parity bits generated from a plurality of digital data extending over the sync bits, and fourth parity bits generated from the digital data and positioned at the back of the digital data;
erroneous correction detection means for comparing the fourth parity bits with the first parity bits reproduced by the replay means, and detecting erroneous correction on the basis of the result of comparison.
With the above arrangement, a fourth parity is appended only to the digital data recorded in the sync blocks, and on the basis of the result of the fourth parity check, the burst error in which the digital data is continuously missing in the middle of it can be detected quickly by a relatively simple comparison means.
Moreover, on the basis of such information, the erroneous correction at the error correction decoder in a replay system at the next stage can be detected.
It may be so arranged that the error correction code appending means appends the fourth parity bits only to the fast replay signal.
With the above arrangement, errors can be detected promptly even in a fast replay in which burst errors occur frequently due to the periodical amplitude fluctuation in the replay signal.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting digital video signal (hereinafter referred to as fast replay signal) used for fast replay, from a normal recording signal;
recording means for recording the fast replay signals for the respective fast replay speeds, in predefined consecutive regions in a predefined track of a group of four consecutive tracks;
identification signal recording means for recording identification signal for identifying the tracks;
replay means for replaying the recording signal for normal replay, or fast replay signals for +2-time speed replay, or +4N-time speed replay or (−4N+2)time speed replay (N being a positive integer); and
tracking control means for performing tracking control so that the head scans the predefined regions in the predefined track of the four tracks in accordance with the identification signal.
With the above arrangement, four tracks are taken as a unit, and identical pattern is repeated every four tracks, and the data for each fast replay speed is recorded in the specific consecutive sync blocks in specific track, and during fast replay, the tracking is controlled at the specific position on the specific track. As a result, it is possible to increase the recording rate of the fast replay data.
It may be so arranged that the identification signal recording means comprises:
recording means for recording, as said identification signal, pilot signals of two different frequencies alternately, every other tracks; and
the tracking control means includes comparison means for comparing the levels of the identification signals of the two different frequencies contained in the replay signal, while the head is scanning the position corresponding to the center of the area where the fast replay signal for the particular fast replay speed is recorded.
With the above arrangement, during fast replay, by comparing, at a specific timing, the levels of the identification signals of two different frequencies contained in the replay signal, and effecting tracking control on the basis of the result of the comparison, the head scans the areas where the data for the respective fast replay speed is recorded. As a result, even if the there is nonlinearity in the track, or the like, it is possible to accurately track the region where the necessary data is recorded.
It may be so arranged that the identification signal recording means comprises:
recording means for recording, as said identification signal, pilot signals of two different frequencies alternately, every other tracks; and
the recording means records sync block numbers together with the fast replay signal;
the tracking control means compares the levels of the identification signals of of the two different frequencies contained in the replay signal, when the sync block number of the predefined sync block in the area where the fast replay speed signal for the particular fast replay speed is recorded, to achieve tracking control.
With the above arrangement, when the predefined sync block number is detected during fast replay, the levels of the identification signals of two different frequencies are compared, to detect the tracking error, and tracking is controlled on the basis of the result of the comparison, i.e. on the basis of the detected tracking error. Accordingly, the head accurately scans the area where the fast replay data is recorded. That is, even if the position at which the fast replay data is recorded is shifted in the longitudinal direction of the tape, the area where the necessary data is recorded can be tracked accurately.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting digital video signal (hereinafter referred to as fast replay signal) used for fast replay, from a normal recording signal;
appending means for appending sync byte, ID byte, header byte to the fast replay signal, in the same sync block configuration as said recording signal;
recording means for recording the fast replay signal in areas on tracks, such that during fast replay, only one location on one track of an azimuth identical to the head is covered by the head scanning trace;
identification signal recording means for recording identification signal for identifying the tracks; and
replay means for replaying the identification signal.
With the above arrangement, the areas where normal replay data is recorded, and the areas where fast replay data is recorded have an identical sync block configuration, (with identical sync, ID and header configurations) so that the appending means for appending sync byte, ID byte and header byte in the recording system, and the reading means (including the ID and header reading means) can be used in common.
The digital VTR may further comprise:
input means for inputting a password from outside;
recording means for recording the password together with the digital video signal;
replay means for replaying the password at the time of replay of the digital video signal; and
replay inhibiting means for inhibiting display of the digital video signal unless a correct password is input at the time of replay.
With the above arrangement, it is possible to protect the program or the whole tape from unauthorized replay.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting digital video signal (hereinafter referred to as fast replay signal) used for fast replay, from a normal recording signal;
recording means for disposing a fast replay signal for an (M×i)-time speed replay (i=1, 2, . . . , n), at predefined positions on predefined tracks of consecutive M tracks (M being a natural number), and repeatedly recording the fast replay signal for (M×i)-time speed replay, (2×i) times;
identification signal recording means for recording identification signal for identifying the tracks on which the fast replay signal is recorded; and
replay means for performing replay at an arbitrary replay speed which is an even-number of times the normal speed, and is lower than the (M×n)time speed, using the fast replay signal recorded for (M×n)-time speed replay.
With the above arrangement, the data recorded for (M×n)-time speed replay can be all replayed at an even-multiple speed lower than the (M×n)time speed, although the reproduced data may be duplicated.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
data separating means for extracting intra-frame encoded image data, from an input bit stream;
recording means for forming fast replay signals for a plurality of fast replay speeds from the image data, and recording the n1-time fast speed signal in an area therefor, at positions designated according to the corresponding position on the screen of the signals, with the signals corresponding to the edges of the screen being positioned at the ends of the recording region on the oblique track, and with the signals corresponding to the position toward the center of the screen being positioned toward the center of the recording region on the oblique track; and
replay means for performing fast replay at an n2 time speed (n2>n1) by replaying the n1-time fast replay signal.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay signal of the central part of the screen is collectively recorded in the center of the area recording the n1-time fast replay signal, and replay is conducted at a fast replay speed n2, higher than n1.
Accordingly, although the areas from which the signal is replayed is narrowed because of the increase of the replay speed to n2, the central part of the screen can be replayed.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
sync block forming means for forming sync blocks by appending sync bytes to digital signal recorded in the magnetic recording tape at a predetermined interval;
data separating means for extracting a fast replay signal from the normal recording signal;
recording means for sequentially and repeatedly recording n pieces of data Di (i=1, 2, . . . n, n being a natural number) each of which can be recorded in one sync block, over (n+2×w) consecutive sync blocks Sj (j=1, 2, . . . (n+2×w)) at identical positions on predefined tracks;
wherein n is a maximum number of sync blocks which can always be reproduced from the track regions overlapping with the head scanning traces during m-time speed replay,
w is a minimum natural number which is not smaller than the maximum shift from the reference position at which the head crosses a specific track, during m-time speed repay.
With the above arrangement, the maximum amount of data a head can reproduce from one track at a predefined fast replay speed is recorded repeatedly in the vicinity of the head scanning trace, taking account of the head position fluctuation, the maximum amount of data which is recorded can all be reproduced during fast replay. All the data can be read during fast replay in which the effect of the head position fluctuation is large.
It may be so arranged that the recording means repeatedly records the fast replay signal in (n+2×w) consecutive sync blocks Sj at an identical sync block position on each track, on at least m consecutive identical-azimuth tracks.
With the above arrangement, the fast replay signal is repeatedly recorded at identical positions on consecutive tracks, so that the fast replay signal can be replayed whichever track the head begins scanning during fast replay.
Accordingly, control over the head scanning position is simplified, and the fast replay at an arbitrary speed is possible as long as the head passes the predefined track positions.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital VTR for recording digital video and audio signals, in designated areas on oblique tracks of a magnetic recording tape, in a predefined format, using a rotary drum on which heads of two different azimuths are mounted, and replaying from the areas, comprising:
sync block forming means for forming sync blocks by appending sync bytes to digital signal recorded in the magnetic recording tape at a predetermined interval;
data separating means for extracting a fast replay signal from the normal recording signal;
recording means for sequentially and repeatedly recording p pieces of data Di (i=1, 2, . . . p, p being a natural number not more than n) each of which can be recorded in one sync block, in (p+L+1) consecutive sync blocks Sj (j=1, 2, . . . (p+L+1)) at the same position in each track, in at least m tracks of consecutive identical-azimuth tracks in such a manner as to satisfyek+1=mod[{ek+p−mod(p+L+1, p)}, p]
where ek and ek+1 (integers not less than 1 and not more than p) are the suffixes i to the data D first recorded,
where n is the maximum number of sync blocks which can always be reproduced consecutively from the region of the track on the tape overlapping with the head scanning trace during m-time speed replay,
L is the number of sync blocks which is a minimum integer not smaller than (D−B+C)
where C is the difference between the starting positions of the tracks Tk and Tk+1 in the track longitudinal direction,
D is the difference between the positions, in the track longitudinal direction, at which the head crosses with the respective tracks,
B is the length of the region from which the reproduction from one track is possible consecutively, during m-time speed replay, and
mod [a, b] expresses the remainder of a divided by b.
With the above arrangement, the arrangement of data repeatedly recorded on the tracks is such that the different data recorded on two identical-azimuth tracks proximate to each other and crossed by the head during one scanning are reproduced at least once without fail, so that the fast replay data can be recorded with a minimum number repetitions. With the arrangement of data described above, even when the head scanning trace position fluctuates or the head trace phase is shifted, reading of the fast replay data is ensured, and images can be reproduced with a good quality, and much fast replay data can be recorded and reproduced.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Device for recording digital video and audio signals in designated areas of a recording medium in a predetermined track format


Systems and methods for hardening portions of ballet pointe shoes include applying quantities of a mixed two-part epoxy resin to broken-down or softer-than-desired portions of the shoes. In some embodiments, epoxy resin is applied to interior surfaces of the toe box and/or shank portions of the shoe. In some embodiments, epoxy resin can also be applied to select exterior portions of the shoes.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to the field of ballet shoes, and in particular to systems, methods and kits for hardening portions of ballet shoes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ballet pointe shoes are designed to help a dancer achieve the illusion of weightlessness by allowing the dancer to stand and dance on the tips of her toes (i.e. en pointe). To achieve this, the shoes typically include a hardened toe box and a hard, rigid insole called the shank. When first purchased, pointe shoes are often either too hard, too soft, or simply ill fitting for a dancer. Thus, dancers have developed many methods to "break in" their new shoes to obtain the desired stiffness and fit. Through use, pointe shoes also break down to the point that they are no longer sufficiently stiff or properly shaped. Often, this occurs within only a few uses. Thus, dancers have long performed many "home brew" methods in attempts to harden or repair old pointe shoes according to their specific needs.
There remains a need for a simple, easy to use technique for stiffening and/or repairing pointe shoes that can be used by a wide variety of dancers and with a wide range of shoes.

System and method for hardening ballet shoes


Differential amplifiers are provided with a common-mode controller that establishes an amplifier common-mode output level while it also enhances amplifier gain and output impedance. The amplifier includes cascode transistors and the controller includes positive-feedback transistors that respond to an output side of the cascode transistors and negative-feedback transistors that respond to an input side of the cascode transistors. Gain and output impedance are increased by the positive-feedback transistors and the increase is controlled by the negative-feedback transistors. Common-mode level is established by voltages between current and control terminals of the positive-feedback transistors. The differential amplifiers are shown to be especially suited for use in switched-capacitor structures.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to differential amplifiers and, more particularly, to analog-to-digital converter systems that include such amplifiers.
2. Description of the Related Art
The usefulness of a variety of signal conditioning systems is dependent upon accurate signal processing. For example, pipelined analog-to-digital converter systems are typically formed with a plurality of converter stages that are serially connected to thereby convert an analog input signal to a corresponding digital output word. All but the last of these converter stages convert a respective portion of the input signal to at least one corresponding digital bit of the output word and pass a residue signal to a succeeding converter stage for determination of additional digital bits of the output word.
The residue signal is often generated with an amplifier and a set of capacitors that are switched in a first operational mode to receive an electrical charge from a preceding converter stage and switched in a second operational mode to transfer this charge to capacitors coupled between the amplifier's input and output. The accuracy of these charge-reception and charge-transfer processes has often been degraded by deficiencies in the amplifier's operational parameters (e.g., gain, input impedance, and common-mode output level).

Differential amplifiers with enhanced gain and controlled common-mode output level


An amusement machine comprises a passage (3) having an entry and an exit and defining a plurality of routes through which playing pieces can be caused to pass by a user of the machine. A hopper (8) for playing pieces is positioned between the entry and the exit of the passage and adapted to receive and temporarily hold playing pieces which pass through at least one of the plurality of routes. A movable barrier (14) is arranged between the entry of the passage and the hopper and, depending on its position, permits playing pieces to enter the hopper, or prevents playing pieces from entering the hopper and diverts them to a different route which by-passes the hopper. A counter determines the quantity of playing pieces in the hopper. A gate (9) is cooperable with the hopper and the counter and, when a predetermined quantity of playing pieces is held in the hopper, is actuated to release playing pieces from the hopper, whereby the released playing pieces can pass to the exit of the passage.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an amusement machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to amusement.
Machines of the type to which the invention may apply employ a plurality of playing pieces, particularly small playing pieces such as coins or balls. The invention is particularly adapted for use with coin pusher amusement machines, although it should be appreciated that it is not restricted to such machines.
2. Description of the Related Art
Coin pusher amusement machines are illustrated, for example in GB-A-2 124 913 and GB-A-2 272 383. Such machines generally include a horizontal playfield, on which a large number of coins is distributed. In the context of this specification, the term "coins" should be understood as including any similar discs or tokens or the like. The pattern of coins on the playfield is periodically disturbed by a coin pusher, which may be in the form of a movable stage which periodically sweeps across part of the playfield surface. Coins are pushed towards an edge of the playfield and some may be pushed over the edge into a "win chute". From this, they pass into a receptacle and may be recovered by the user of the machine. The user is able to introduce additional coins into the machine, which may pass onto the playfield surface directly or via an upper surface of the coin pusher. The object of the user of the machine is to insert such additional coins with the hope that a larger number of coins will be pushed over the edge into the win chute.


A shift device has thrust pieces to change force in a radial direction to thrust when they swing relative to and contact with a hub. The thrust pieces respectively are fixed with holders each containing a ball and a spring. The springs elastically press the balls outwardly in the radial direction against the groove of the shift sleeve, pressing the radially inner surfaces of the thrust pieces on the guide surfaces of the hub through the holders to be configured in such a way that a clearance between the radially outer surfaces of the thrust pieces and the inner surface of the shift sleeve is ensured and the thrust pieces can swing being guided along the guide surfaces.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shift device with a synchronizer for a transmission in which pressing force applied to a shift sleeve can be amplified into larger pressing force acting on a synchronizer ring while gears of the transmission are shifted, thereby reducing an operating force necessary for a driver or an actuator.
2. Description of the Related Art
A shift device with a synchronizer for a transmission of this kind is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4609796 and Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2007-285400.
The former conventional shift device has a plurality of thrust pieces. The thrust pieces are formed like a letter "H" when they are seen from an outer side in a radial direction, having a cross section like an arc along an inner surface of a shift sleeve. They are respectively arranged in axial-directional recesses of the shift sleeve at certain even intervals in a circumferential direction of the shift sleeve so as to move in an axial direction in cut-off portions of a hub. An upper surface of the thrust pieces are pushed by a spring shaped like a letter "C" outwardly in the radial direction on an inner surface of the shift sleeve.
The thrust pieces have a projection that is formed at a central position thereof. Each projection is capable of engaging with three circumferential grooves formed on central portions of predetermined three splines in lots of splines of the shift sleeve. The thrust pieces further have first slanted surfaces respectively formed on side surfaces of four projecting portions at four outer corners of the thrust pieces and second slanted surfaces respectively formed on outer surfaces of the projecting portion. The first slanted surfaces correspond to slanted surfaces on the cut-off portions of the hub, while the second slanted surfaces correspond to slanted surfaces formed on the recesses of the shift sleeve.
In the former conventional shift device, when the shift sleeve is positioned at a neutral position, the first slanted surfaces of the thrust pieces are free from a contact with the slanted surfaces of the hub, while the projections thereof engage with the circumferential grooves of the shift sleeve.
On the other hand, when the shift sleeve is shifted toward one of speed gears, the thrust pieces move towards the one of the speed gears in the axial direction in a state where bottom side surfaces of the thrust pieces press projections of a synchronizer ring. At this time, the slanted surfaces of the shift sleeve press the second slanted surfaces of the thrust pieces in the axial direction according to the value of force that presses the thrust pieces outwardly in the radial direction by the spring and the centrifugal force.
The thrust force causes a friction torque between friction surfaces of the synchronizer ring and a cone shaped portion integrally formed with the speed gear. The friction torque draws the synchronizer ring, thereby rotating the synchronizer ring at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction relative to the hub. Accordingly, the projections of the synchronizer ring contact with the side surfaces of the thrust pieces to press them in the circumferential direction. Consequently, the thrust pieces swing in a state where radially outer surfaces of the thrust pieces are guided along the inner surface of the shift sleeve. This swing movement causes the first slanted surfaces thereof to contact with the slanted surfaces of the hub. The thrust pieces change the friction torque into the thrust pressing the synchronizer ring through the first slanted surfaces of the thrust pieces and the slanted surfaces of the hub.
That is, the bottom side surfaces of the thrust pieces press the projections of the synchronizer ring in the axial direction. When the shift sleeve further moves toward the speed gear, chamfers of the splines of the shift sleeves contact with chamfers of the synchronizer ring. At this time, the thrust pieces are forced to move inwardly in the radial direction against elastic force of the spring through the slanted surfaces of the shift sleeve. This state is maintained until the synchronization is ended, so that the shift sleeve is prevented from further advancing toward the speed gear. In the synchronization operation, the friction torque is determined due to force generated at the synchronizer ring being pressed by the shift sleeve and force generated between the first slanted surfaces of the thrust pieces and the slanted surface of the hub, thereby being amplified. When the synchronization ends, the shift sleeve rotates the synchronizer ring back to its original position, and then the shift sleeve further moves in the axial direction to engage with splines of the speed gear.
On the other hand, the latter conventional shift device has a plurality of thrust pieces similar to those of the former conventional shift device. It differs from the former conventional shift device mainly in the construction and function of springs.
That is, three springs are respectively provided in the thrust pieces arranged at even intervals in the circumferential direction. The springs in the latter conventional shift device use three coil spring instead of only one spring shaped like C in the former conventional shift device. Each coil spring is capable of pressing a ball against a radially inner surface of the shift sleeve, but it is not capable of pressing the thrust pieces outwardly and/or inwardly in the radial direction. The balls and the springs are contained in holders that are inserted in holes formed in center portions of the thrust pieces, respectively. The holders are not fixed to the thrust pieces, and bottom portions (the most-inner portion in the radial direction) thereof contact with bottom surfaces of cut-off portions of a hub so that the springs can press the balls against the inner surface of the shift sleeve and the bottom surfaces of the hub receive reaction forces of the springs.
Between the holders and the thrust pieces, stoppers are provided so as to prevent them from being separated from each other. The operation of the latter conventional shift device is similar to the former conventional shift device except that, in the latter conventional shift device, the springs do not press the thrust pieces on the inner surface of the shift sleeve, but the thrust pieces are pressed on the inner surface of the shift sleeve by the centrifugal force acting on the thrust pieces when a shaft is rotating.
These former and latter conventional shift devices with the synchronizers, however, encounter the following problem.
In the both shift device, the thrust pieces make a swing movement in the amplification operation, where the axes of the thrust pieces and an axis of the shift sleeve shift from in a co-axial relationship to in an oblique relationship. As the both surfaces are formed as a partial portion of an outer surface of a circular cylinder, their axes of the thrust pieces deviate from the axis of the shift sleeve, inclining to the hub when the thrust pieces swing in the synchronizer operation. This swing and inclination movement of the thrust pieces generates a resistance between the radially outer surfaces of the thrust pieces and the radially inner surfaces of the shift sleeve because the radially outer surfaces of the thrust pieces are pressed on the radially inner surface of the shift sleeve by external force such as elastic force of the spring and the centrifugal force. The resistance deteriorates the amplification performance in the synchronization operation of the shift device.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a shift device with a synchronizer for a transmission which overcomes the foregoing drawbacks and in which can decrease a resistance generated due to a contact between thrust pieces and a shift sleeve when the thrust pieces swing relative to a hub in a synchronization operation, thereby improving a synchronization performance.


A first fluid system includes a thermostat portion T, a valve portion V, and an ECU 30A. The thermostat portion T includes a first thermostat 18 in a first divergent pathway PB1 and a second thermostat 19 in a second divergent pathway PB2. The valve portion V includes a valve mechanism in at least a second portion SG2 of portions SG1, SG2, SG3. In the ECU 30A, achieved is a control unit that controls the valve portion V to switch a flow control state of at least one of the valve mechanism of the valve portion V when one of an open failure and a close failure occurs in one of the thermostats 18, 19.

Patent Document 1 discloses technology considered to be relevant to the present invention as technology to control a fluid such as a coolant of the engine. Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling system of an internal-combustion engine that sets a high water temperature or a low water temperature by using a high-temperature thermo-valve and a low-temperature thermo-valve.
In addition, Patent Documents 2 through 4 disclose technology related to a failure of a thermostat as technology considered to be relevant to the present invention. Patent Document 2 discloses an engine cooling system failure detecting device that detects a failure of a thermostat. Patent Document 3 discloses a cooling control system of an internal-combustion engine that circulates a cooling medium through a cyclic path having a heat exchanger that releases heat when a failure occurs in a thermostat valve. Patent Document 4 discloses a cooling system of an engine that includes an electric thermostat that opens and closes in accordance with higher temperature between temperature of cooling water and temperature of an electric heater to open and close in accordance with the temperature of cooling water even when a failure occurs in the electric heater.