A power switch locking device for controlling the on/off function of a soft touch type power switch is disclosed. In general, the output of the power switch is provided to an input of a microcontroller that switches on/off the main power switch or relay of the microcontroller in response to the signal level provided by the power switch. The power switch locking device of the invention cooperates with a function switch or key specified in the electrical appliance to control the on/off function of the power switch. Also, the function switch is of the soft touch type producing a momentary switch-on output signal when the switch is pressed. A switching control circuit is provided for receiving the output signals from the power switch and function switch, and for producing a control output signal capable of inverting its logical level state whenever the same level output signals from the power switch and function switch are inputted. Further included is an analog switch responsive to the control output signal level of the switching control circuit to connect the signal output of the power switch to, or disconnect it from, the power switch signal input of the microcontroller. In addition, a switch signal source is provided on the output side of the analog switch for generating a power switch signal that corresponds to the off state when the analog switch is in the disconnect or cut off state. Thus, the power switch is placed into a locked state when the power switch and the function switch are pressed simultaneously. During the locked state, the function of the power switch is disabled. Further, the power switch returns to the normal state when the power switch and the function switch are pressed again simultaneously. Thus, locking/unlocking the on/off function of the power switch is possible by pressing the power switch and one of the specified function switches.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a power switch for electrical appliances, and more particularly to an on/off control circuit for a soft touch type power switch having momentary contact points.
2. Related Art
Presently, most power switches for switching on/off power supplies used in electrical appliances adopt some push button type switch for easy operation and refined sensibilities. In particular, push button type power switches operated in a soft touch manner are effective in use with home appliances, for example, televisions, VCRs, remote controls, portable computers, etc., since they are in harmony with other function switches or alphanumeric keys using soft touch type push button switches.
In conventional power switches, there is a normal state in which the power switches are not pressed, and the signal supplied to the appliance connected to the power switch is maintained at a predetermined positive voltage. This maintains the appliance in the power-off state. On the other hand, if the power switch is pressed by the user of the appliance, the supply line is altered so that power is applied to the appliance. Once such a power switch of the prior art is pressed again, the appliance is toggled to the power-off state.
A problem with this prior art power switch resides in the fact that the appliance is toggled to a power on or off state whenever the switch is pressed. Thus, erroneous or mischievous pressing of the power switch will result in undesirable change of state of the appliance, with possible disruption to the functioning of the appliance or even possible damage thereto.
The following patents are considered to be representative of the prior art relative to power switches, and disclose arrangements and techniques which are burdened by the disadvantages discussed above: U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,387 to Kogure et al., entitled Power Source Voltage Supply Controlling apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,011 to Mokert, entitled Power Lockout Device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,731 to Abe et al., entitled Power On/Off Circuit With Lock Function, U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,492 to Peteuil, entitled Switching Circuit, U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,753 to Easthill, entitled Domestic Electrical Appliance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,456 to Yamamoto et al., entitled Battery Powered Electric Appliance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,954 to Cotton, entitled Power-Up Control For Microprocessor Based Appliance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,307 to Sivahop et al., entitled Electro Mechanical Sensor Power Up Circuit, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,067 to LaScola, entitled Appliance Switch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,276 to Pintell, entitled Protective System For Electrical Appliances, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,956 to Minor et al., entitled Automatic Electronic Lock Off System For An Appliance.


A portable and or modular alignment system for establishing the proper axial alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft, and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft. The first shaft extending from a first unit, while second shaft extends from a second unit. The axial alignment of the first shaft with the second shaft is achieved by adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical position of the first unit with respect to the second unit, where the second shaft may be assumed to be fixed in position. The alignment system comprises a control and computing unit for receiving alignment information indicative of vertical and horizontal position changes to be provided to align the first shaft with the second shaft. Changes in the vertical position are provided by a plurality of vertical actuator units, while changes in the horizontal position are provided by a plurality of horizontal actuator units. Each of the vertical actuator units and horizontal actuator units is responsive to the control and computing unit to enable the altering and adjustment of the alignment of the first shaft with respect to the second shaft to establish the desired axial alignment.

1. Field Of The Invention
The invention relates to alignment apparatus, and more particularly, to a system for establishing the axial alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft (extending from a first unit) with respect to a second rotatably mounted shaft extending from a second unit, where the shafts are arranged in an end-to-end orientation.
2. Background And Objects Of The Invention
There is a known need in the art to properly align the shaft of a first torque producing unit with the shaft of a second loading (component) unit. The desired axial alignment, if true and precise, provides for the high efficiency coupling of torque from the first unit to the second unit. Often the shafts are associated with respective rotating members of the each unit. The misalignment of the shafts may provide an angular alignment error where the center-lines of the two shafts intersect at an angle, or may be manifested by a parallel offset misalignment error where the respective shafts are parallel but exhibit an axial offset with the center-lines of each shaft not concentrically or coaxially aligned. Of course, a combination of angular and parallel offset misalignments are certainly possible. If the units are not properly aligned, where the respective shafts are not axially aligned along a common center-line or axis, the result may be damage to various components including items such as bearings, seals, gears, couplings, and the like. In addition, energy lost via friction and "vibration" may be conserved with proper axial alignment and delivered to the load.
A variety of "alignment fixtures" are known in the art to assist in the accurate alignment (or alignment verification) of coupled or uncoupled (but soon to be coupled) shafts. For example, an apparatus which may be employed to determine the alignment accuracy of two shafts is provided by U.S. pat. No. 4,553,335 to Woyton. The Woyton apparatus provides for readings (alignment information) to be provided either by well known means such as dial indicators or linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers, which are particularly useful for providing alignment information to a calculating or computing device to determine the amount of "shimming" which is required to properly axially align the respective shafts. Another known device, as provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5.056,237 to Saunders, may be employed with either coupled or uncoupled shafts to determine the alignment status thereof. The Saunders invention is arrangable for providing electronic alignment information (as well as dial indications). However, with each of the above alignment arrangements, and others available in the art, there exists a need to manually adjust the height of one or more units being aligned by using shims, and the like. In addition, many commonly employed alignment means and methods require relatively large amounts of time to produce a satisfactory alignment result.
Common shaft alignment methods are well know to skilled persons. For example, one commonly used method for determining alignment information, and one which is contemplated for use by Woyton and Saunders, is the well known "reverse indicator" or "reverse alignment" method. The reverse alignment process involves collecting alignment information at four (specific) locations having a 90 degree rotational displacement, as well known to said skilled persons. Again, these methods are generally employed to gather and determine the amount of shimming or spacing necessary to align a first shaft with respect to a second coupled, or to be coupled, shaft.
The advent of low cost computing and control components, including but not limited to microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programmable logic devices, has resulted in many computer based systems being designed for a large variety of functions and applications. These systems, which are often termed embedded (computer) systems, provide for the full or partial automation of many known processes or procedures, which have in the past been carried out manually or in a non-automated manner. For example, there is a need in the art for an improved alignment system which will support the automated and rapid alignment of a first shaft with respect to a second (possibly loading) shaft. Such systems may be designed using many known off-the-shelf components that may be applied to "automate" and or simplify many manually conducted alignment methods, which are presently employed in the art.
Objects of the present invention are, therefore, to provide new and improved precision shaft alignment systems having one or more of the following capabilities, features, and/or characteristics:
enables quick and easy axial alignment of two rotatably mounted opposed shafts; PA1 computer controlled manual (via operator input) or automated axial alignment processes supported; PA1 portable system; PA1 modular, simple, and flexible system architecture; PA1 significantly reduces the setup, calibration and alignment times typically required (when compared to many known alignment systems); PA1 very simple methods to realize precision alignment; PA1 includes low profile vertical actuator unit assemblies and embodiments; PA1 employs many common off-the-shelf components and devices.
The above listed objects, advantages, and associated novel features of the present invention, as well as others, will become more clear from the description and figures provided herein. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the appended claims.


A coreless-coil shock tube package system includes a “coreless” bundle of shock tubing, meaning that the tubing is not wrapped around a spool. The bundle may be a generally cylindrical coil of shock tubing. Optionally, two washer-like end plates abut the ends of the tubing coil for axial support. A self-adhesive tape covering partially covers the coil and end plates. A detonator is attached to one end of the tubing and lies tucked into the coil, through an end plate, for storage and transport. An igniter is attached to the tubing's other end. In use, the detonator is removed from the coil and attached to an explosive device. Then, the package is pulled away from the detonator and explosive, thereby uncoiling the tubing through the end plate for deployment. The igniter is actuated for igniting the shock tubing and activating the detonator and explosive.

Shock tubes are a type of fuse cord or blasting cord used in non-electric blast initiation systems. A shock tube was originally described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,590,739 to Persson. Shock tubing typically comprises an elongated, hollow, flexible, small-diameter tube, the inner surface of which is coated with a reactive substance, for example, a thin layer of detonating or deflagrating explosive composition. Most commonly, this composition consists of a mixture of octogen (HMX) and aluminum powder. Later shock tube designs such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,753 to Kristensen encompass multiple plastic layers to provide improved tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
In commercial blasting applications, the shock tubing provides a signal transmission device to transmit a signal to multiple blasting caps in demolition, mining, quarrying, or other applications, as known in the art. When initiated, the interior coating of the shock tube transmits a low energy shock wave that travels down the interior of the tube, without such shockwave breaching the tube sidewall. A detonator affixed to the end of the tubing is initiated by the shock wave, thereby setting off an attached explosive charge. As known in the art, shock tube-based initiation systems are typically employed and preferred over other systems because of the relative safety and reliability of such systems. The shock tube-based systems are non-electric, and thus are not affected by stray electrical currents, which could cause accidental initiation. Also, the shock tube-based systems do not require special electrical blasting machines, as is required for electric blasting cap systems.
In commercial applications, a firing device containing a percussion primer is typically used to initiate the shock tube. For military applications, a self-contained system is desirable. In military systems, an end fitting can be used to position a percussion primer on the end of the shock tube. This type of fitting and initiation system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,996 B1 to O'Brien et al.
In the field, a spring loaded firing pin device is typically attached to the assembly and used to fire the percussion primer for initiating the shock tube.
More recently, products have been developed for the military with the firing device permanently affixed to the shock tube lead in the factory. This results in a totally self-contained initiation system being delivered in one package to the field. This type of initiation system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,335 to O'Brien et al. As disclosed in this application, the firing devices are mounted on the flange of the spool. The shock tubing is wound around the spool and one or more detonators are crimped to the end of the shock tube.
Typically, the length of shock tube on a spool can vary from 80 feet to 1,000+ feet. The length of shock tube allows the field blaster to retreat a desired distance between the charge the detonator is initiating and the firing device that initiates the blast. This system is useful and has been deployed extensively in military field applications. However the use of a spool (and, of course, box) greatly increases the overall weight and volume of the shock tube package. For some applications, such as covert operations, it is desirable to have a self-contained detonator assembly that is easily carried by a person or one that will fit into a pocket on a vest.

ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE COMPANY


A subject identification device includes: an illuminator configured to generate illumination light including components at a plurality of wavelength bands, each of the components having a characteristic in accordance with a respective one of settings; an imager configured to generate an image signal by capturing light from a subject under the illumination light having the illumination characteristic; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: define an illumination characteristic of the illumination light; analyze the image signal to acquire spectral information of the subject; and cross check the spectral information of the subject with subject identification information in order to identify the subject. When the subject is not identified, the processor is configured to define another illumination characteristic that causes spectral information of potentials for the subject to be identified, and subsequently each of the imager and the processor performs a process.

The present disclosure relates to a subject identification device and a subject identification method.
In the related art, there is known a technique for identifying a subject based on spectral reflectance of the subject (see, for example, JP 2005-39408 A). This technique employs the spectral reflectance as a pure physical quantity belonging to the subject, so that the subject is identified at high accuracy.

Subject identification device and subject identification method


An imaging apparatus for recording an imaging result on a recording medium includes an imaging device operable to obtain an imaging result; an optical system operable to form an optical image on an imaging plane of the imaging device; a first motion detector operable to detect a movement of the imaging apparatus and to output a detection result; and a recorder operable to record the imaging result, together with the detection result, on the recording medium.

The present invention relates to imaging apparatuses, such as digital video cameras, and methods for processing imaging results. More particularly, the invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a method for processing imaging results, in which imaging results can be processed on the basis of information concerning the motion of the imaging apparatus obtained by a motion detector, such as an angular velocity sensor or an acceleration sensor, so that subjects can be detected by easily and reliably even if a background is moving due to panning or tilting, and as a result, various processing operations can be performed.
In some known recording/playback devices, such as optical disc drives, representative images are generated by detecting scene changes so that operations for locating the heads of scenes are simplified based on the representative images. A typical method for detecting scene changes is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-182019. In this method, motions of frames are detected by using a motion-vector detecting technique, and representative images are generated on the basis of motion detection results. Accordingly, scene changes can be reliably detected even if images are faded in or out.
Some of the recording/playback devices process moving picture files captured by an imaging apparatus, and have a function of correcting motion blurring based on detection results obtained from a motion detector, such as an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor. Methods for processing imaging results obtained from imaging apparatuses, such as monitoring cameras, by using various motion vectors have also been proposed. More specifically, subjects, such as human beings, are detected from imaging results by using motion vectors, and the detected subjects are traced.
In known methods for detecting subjects by using motion vectors, it is difficult to easily and reliably detect subjects if a background is moving due to panning or tilting.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an imaging apparatus and a method for processing imaging results, in which various processing operations can be performed by easily and reliably detecting subjects even if a background is moving due to panning or tilting.

Imaging apparatus and method for processing imaging results


If content is transmitted/received through a digital signal bus, protection of copyright causes a problem because of no deterioration in quality. Accordingly, authentication is required. The quantity of information to be processed is, however, so large that a long time is required for authentication. Accordingly, both achievement of handling property as in conventional analog connection and protection of copyrighted content without user's awareness become an object. The foregoing object can be achieved by authentication which is executed, for management of copyright, among apparatuses connected to the digital signal bus when the apparatuses are powered on or connected to the digital signal bus or when an input terminal connected to the digital signal bus is selected. The object can be further achieved by an encryption key shared among these apparatuses.

The present invention relates to digital signal processing apparatuses connected to each other for transmitting/receiving content having copyright.
If content is transmitted/received through a digital signal bus, video signals/audio signals, data, etc. can be transmitted/received without deterioration of quality, and this gives a large merit to users. Protection of copyright, however, causes a problem because there is no deterioration in quality. A technique for encrypting the content to be transmitted/received through a digital signal bus is described in NIKKEI Electronics, No. 712, Mar. 23, 1998, pp. 47-53. According to this technique, authentication is performed on transmission and reception side apparatuses so that the transmission/reception of content is enabled only between the apparatuses where authentication is established. The process protects copyrighted content from illegal copying.
Not only content but also information for controlling respective apparatuses can be transmitted through the aforementioned digital signal bus. Accordingly, one apparatus can control all the apparatuses connected to the one apparatus through a digital signal bus.
Although the use of the aforementioned technique makes it possible to protect the copyright of content, both authentication and encryption among apparatuses are so complex and the quantity of information to be processed is so large that a long time is required for processing. Furthermore, as the number of connected apparatuses increases, the quantity of information to be processed increases. Accordingly, there arises a problem in handling property. As described above, when content is to be transmitted/received through a digital signal bus, both achievement of handling property bearing comparison with that of conventional analog signals and protection of the copyright of the content without users' awareness become a problem to be solved.
Although the use of the aforementioned technique makes it possible for any one of the apparatuses to control all the apparatuses, there are numbers of handling ways for one purpose. Accordingly, there is a possibility that users hardly understand the handling ways.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Disclosed herein is a chip device including: a multilayer body having a hexahedral shape; an external electrode covering both distal ends of the multilayer body; and a shape maintaining material contained in the external electrode to maintain a shape of the external electrode at the time of forming the external electrode.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a chip device and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a chip device in which manufacturing efficiency of an external electrode is improved, and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among chip components, a chip device such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is configured to include a multilayer body having an internal electrode and an external electrode electrically connected to the internal electrode while covering both distal ends of the multilayer body. The multilayer body, which is a multilayer body of a plurality of sheets, has a generally hexahedral shape. The external electrode is manufactured by a process of dipping both distal ends of the multilayer body into a metal paste, performing surface plate tamping for raising a coverage of the metal paste, called bottom tamping, and then drying the metal plates.
However, in the case of forming the external electrode by the above-mentioned process, a phenomenon that the external electrode is not formed at a uniform thickness along a surface of the multilayer body occurs. More specifically, when the multilayer body is dipped into the metal paste, due to surface tension of the metal paste, a thickness of edge portions of the multilayer body becomes thin and a thickness of surfaces other than the edge portions becomes relatively thick. In this case, the external electrode is not formed at the edge portions of the multilayer body to cause a problem such as exposure of the multilayer body, or the like, which causes problems such as deterioration of reliability of the chip device, badness of an appearance of the chip device, and the like. Particularly, even though a metal paste film having a uniform thickness is formed through the surface plate tamping, the metal paste returns to its original shape in a process of drying the metal paste applied to the multilayer body, such that a phenomenon that the thickness of the edge portions of the multilayer body becomes relatively thin again occurs. The smaller the size of the chip device, the more intensified the he return phenomenon of the metal paste.

Chip device and method for manufacturing the same


The invention relates to a suspension insulator secured to a spring seat. The insulator has a cylindrical wall part and an annular body part. When the insulator is secured to the spring seat, an inner peripheral wall surface of the body part of the insulator and at least a part of an inner peripheral wall surface of the cylinder part of the insulator are not in contact with a cylindrical wall part of the spring seat. The remaining of the inner peripheral wall surface of the cylinder part of the insulator is in tight contact with the cylindrical wall part of the spring seat when the insulator is secured to the spring seat.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a suspension insulator positioned between a coil spring of a suspension device and a spring seat of the suspension device.
Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a suspension insulator made of a rubber material as a resilient body is positioned between a coil spring of a suspension device and a spring seat of the suspension device for preventing a vibration of the coil spring from being input directly to a vehicle body. This insulator is also referred to as "coil spring insulator" and hereinafter, will be simply referred to as "insulator".
As shown in FIG. 6(A), an insulator 100 of the related art has a cylindrical part 101 and an annular body part 102 extending radially outwardly from an end of the cylindrical part 101. A cylindrical peripheral wall part 111 of a spring seat 110 is inserted into a space defined by inner peripheral wall surfaces of the cylindrical and body parts 101 and 102. In other words, the insulator 100 tightens the peripheral wall part 111 by the inner peripheral wall surfaces of the cylindrical and body parts 101 and 102 and thereby, the insulator 100 is held on the spring seat 110.
Further, the body part 102 is clamped by an upper side coil end Sg of the coil spring and a flange part 112 of the spring seat 110 (for example, see JP 2009-108921 A).


A heat transfer indicating device for monitoring and/or measuring a flowing medium, especially a flow indicator and/or a flowmeter, with a preferably flexible component carrier (1), with electrical and/or electronic components (2) on the component carrier (1) and connected to one another to form a circuit, with a heating element (3), with temperature measuring element (4), with electrical connection (5) and with a housing. The flow indicator can be produced with relatively low cost, is relatively simple to mount, and can be easily re-opened again so that it can be repaired in case of a defect and the parts not affected by the defect can be re-used, by the fact that component carrier (1) is formed of two component carrier halves (1a, 1b) located on top of one another and between which the heating element (3) and temperature measuring element (4) are located.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a heat transfer monitoring and/or measuring device, especially a flow indicator and/or a flowmeter for flowing media, with a preferably flexible component carrier, preferably with electrical and/or electronic components, with a heating element, with at least one temperature measuring element, with an electrical connection possibility and with a housing. In particular, to such a device in which the electrical and/or electronic components are located on the component carrier and are connected to one another to form a circuit and in which the heating element and the temperature measuring element are made pin-shaped.
2. Description of Related Art
It was stated initially that the invention relates to a heat transfer monitoring and/or heat measuring device. Here, heat transfer monitoring device stands for a device in which heat transfer is simply monitored, in which therefore only the presence or absence of a certain heat transfer is ascertained. Conversely, heat transfer measuring device stands for a device in which heat transfer is measured; therefore, an analog measured value which corresponds to the heat transfer is obtained which can also be converted into a digitized measured value. In other words, a heat transfer monitoring device delivers a qualitative statement "heat transfer present" or "heat transfer absent", while a heat transfer measuring device makes a quantitative statement about heat transfer.
Heat transfer monitoring devices or heat transfer measuring devices of the type under discussion here are used especially to record heat transport by flowing media. They are then flow indicators or flowmeters, in the sense of the aforementioned differentiation, a flow indicator corresponding to the heat transfer monitoring device and a flowmeter to a heat transfer measuring device.
Generic heat transfer monitoring devices or heat transfer measuring devices as well as flow indicators or flowmeters work according to the calorimetric principle. Generally, differential temperature measurement is used. A first temperature measuring element measures the actual measured temperature, the measured temperature resulting from the heat output of the heating element, the temperature of the flowing medium and the heat transport capacity of the flow medium which depends on the flow. Furthermore, generally, a second temperature measuring element measures a reference temperature; but, measurement of a reference temperature is not absolutely essential, and can be omitted if, for example, the temperature of the flowing medium is known.
In the prior art heat transfer monitoring and/or measuring devices which operate according to the calorimetric principle, especially flow indicators and/or flowmeters, various embodiments are known (compare German patent document nos 24 47 617; 26 29 051; 32 13 902; 37 13 981; 38 11 728; 38 25 059; 39 11 008; and 39 43 437). In particular, heat transfer monitoring and/or measuring devices of the initially mentioned type are known which have a flexible, more or less film-like component carrier and electrical and/or electronic components, the electrical and/or electronic components being located on the component carrier and being connected to one another to form a circuit.
It is common to all heat transfer monitoring and/or measuring devices of the type to which the invention is directed that:
a) they can only be produced relatively expensively; in particular mounting is expensive; PA1 b) they are generally at least partially potted, therefore at least partially filled with a casting resin; PA1 c) especially due to b), they essentially cannot be opened, and PA1 d) due to b) and c), they cannot be repaired in case of a defect and the parts not affected by the defect cannot be re-used.

Heat transfer monitoring and/or measuring device


The present invention relates to a method for treating an inflammatory bowel disease, including administering an effective amount of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid or a salt thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
2. Background Art
Inflammatory bowel disease is the name of a group of chronic inflammation or ulceration of the mucosae of the large and small intestines of unknown cause. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two representative diseases.
In some reports, immune regulation for enteric bacteria or food antigens is suggested as possible causes of inflammatory bowel disease. However, no clear elucidation has currently been established.
Therapeutic agents for inflammatory bowel disease, and for ulcerative colitis in particular, include salazosulfapyridine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, steroids, and immunosuppressors. However, these agents provide limited therapeutic effects, and moreover, steroids and immunosuppressors create serious problems of adverse side effects after long-term administration.

Method for treating inflammatory bowel diseases


Percussive impacts due to bird strikes upon the hollow fan blades 20 are a well known problem. These percussive impacts not only deform previous fan blades but also reduce their stiffness. In accordance with the present invention, hollow fan blades 20 incorporate a cavity 23 within which, a matrix 24 with embedded expandable elements 25, is located. Thus, upon a percussive impact these expandable elements 25 are released in order to create an internal pressure within the cavity 25 which acts outwardly in order to relieve deformation and also stiffen the blade 20 as a result of the over pressure within the cavity 23.

Referring to FIG. 1, a gas turbine engine is generally indicated at 10 and comprises, in axial flow series, an air intake 11, a propulsive fan 12, an intermediate pressure compressor 13, a high pressure compressor 14, combustion equipment 15, a high pressure turbine 16, an intermediate pressure turbine 17, a low pressure turbine 18 and an exhaust nozzle 19.
The gas turbine engine 10 works in a conventional manner so that air entering the intake 11 is accelerated by the fan 12 which produce two air flows: a first air flow into the intermediate pressure compressor 13 and a second air flow which provides propulsive thrust. The intermediate pressure compressor compresses the air flow directed into it before delivering that air to the high pressure compressor 14 where further compression takes place.
The compressed air exhausted from the high pressure compressor 14 is directed into the combustion equipment 15 where it is mixed with fuel and the mixture combusted. The resultant hot combustion products then expand through, and thereby drive, the high, intermediate and low pressure turbines 16, 17 and 18 before being exhausted through the nozzle 19 to provide additional propulsive thrust. The high, intermediate and low pressure turbine 16, 17 and 18 respectively drive the high and intermediate pressure compressors 14 and 13, and the fan 12 by suitable interconnecting shafts.
It will be understood that particularly with regard to aircraft engine installations, weight is an important consideration. In such circumstances, if turbine fan blades can be hollow there is a significant reduction in both individual and collective weight of the fan blades and the propulsive fan 12. However, it will also be understood that in view of the significant air flow rates there is a high danger with regard to impacts, particularly upon the fan blades of the propulsive fan 12 at the air intake 11 end of the engine 10. It will be understood that these impacts may be as a result of debris or bird strikes on the propulsive fan 12 and possibly as a result of secondary and cursory impacts through the engine. In such circumstances, the inherent reduced weakness and susceptibility to deformation of hollow fan blades is a significant problem.
It will be understood that the fan blade assembly in the engine must be balanced for appropriate operation and that each individual fan blade must remain sufficiently structurally strong for continued operation until repair is possible. Previously, it has been known to fill the hollow cavity within fan blades with elastomeric materials in order to provide principally vibration damping within the blade but also by implication some reinforcement of that blade. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that these hollow cavity fillings being of an elastomeric nature will still become distorted with the fan blade when exposed to severe impact loads beyond the elastic deformation response of that fan blade in association with the filling.
As indicated above, the most dangerous impacts to fan blades relate to so-called bird strikes. Such bird strikes alter the run on behaviour of hollow fan blades due to alterations in the propulsive fan configuration which detrimentally affect both structural stiffness and natural frequency within the fan blade. These variations in structural stiffness and frequency combine with leading edge deformations in order to cause blade flutter and possibly further structural degradation due to vibrational work hardening etc. In view of these factors, it is generally accepted good practice to provide a more robust hollow fan blade than strictly necessary in order to resist initial deformation. Clearly, more robust fan blades necessitate greater blade mass for the same material type.


A combustion enhancer for insertion into the fuel line of a vehicle, consisting of a silver rod, with a cross-shaped cross section that is twisted axially to form a spiral. This form makes maximum contact with the fuel to swirl the fuel along the surfaces of the silver rod. The surfaces of the silver rod are roughened to promote additional turbulence. The fuel flowing over the silver helix creates a charge of static electricity and changes the fuel molecules to a more uniform size.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention applies to the field of devices that are placed in the fuel line of a vehicle to enhance the combustion in an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a typical automobile engine, only about 65 percent of the fuel is burned in the engine. The rest is emitted into the air via the tail pipe in the form of hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide. The catalytic converter is added to convert these unburned fuels to carbon dioxide and water, but the process is not 100 percent efficient. This incomplete combustion wastes fuel and contributes to air pollution. Various prior devices have been tried in order to increase combustion efficiency. Most of these devices have not performed well.
The twin problems of fossil fuel shortage and environmental damage due to the combustion of fossil fuels has created an increasing demand for higher efficiency internal combustion engines for motor vehicles. The higher efficiency engine would require less fuel to operate because it would obtain increased energy conversion efficiency from an identical amount of fuel used for a low efficiency engine. Consequently, less unburned fuel in the form of hydrocarbons enters the atmosphere along with the other exhaust gases, typically CO, CO2 and NO2. The level of environmental pollution in the form of photochemical smog would consequently be reduced since such smog is caused by ultraviolet radiation of unburned hydrocarbons in the atmosphere.
There have been prior art devices commercially available which have been directed to improving combustion efficiency. However, most of the prior art devices require modification to the carburetor, fuel injection or induction system of the internal combustion engine. These modifications may void the manufacturer""s warranty, especially as directed to emission control devices, and may further be non-certifiable or unlawful under various state and federal emission control or atmospheric quality regulations. Therefore, it would be advantageous for motor vehicle owners to simply attach an inexpensive fuel conditioning apparatus to the fuel lines of their automobile engines which would improve the fuel efficiency of the engine without voiding the warranty or operating unlawful equipment.
Gasoline is made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms combined into various kinds of molecules called hydrocarbons. The liquid hydrocarbons commonly used to produce gasoline have from 4 to 12 carbon atoms in each molecule and vaporize, or boil, at temperatures from approximately 100xc2x0 F. (37.78xc2x0 C.) to 400xc2x0 F. (204.44xc2x0 C.). Each one of these molecules has different qualities and characteristics with regard to the speed and temperature at which it will ignite and burn in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.
It is generally known that the lighter components of gasoline ignite more readily than the heavier components. An example of an apparatus proposed to take advantage of the lighter components during start up of an internal combustion engine can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,783,841, issued Jan. 8, 1974, to D. A. Hirschler, Jr., et al., which derives more volatile hydrocarbons from normal gasoline for use during start up of an internal combustion engine by vaporizing and subsequently reliquidifying the fuel.
In the past, permanent magnets have been attached to fuel lines on internal combustion engines to increase the fuel economy of these engines. The specific mechanism of how the magnets increase the fuel economy is not fully understood. It is believed that the magnetic field partially ionizes the fuel flowing in the fuel line to increase its affinity for oxygen, thus, producing more complete combustion of the fuel in the cylinders of the engine.
Fuel conditioning devices operating on the above principles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,036,182; 5,048,498; 5,271,369; and 6,041,763.
There is a need for an efficient, inexpensive fuel line conditioning device that can be inserted in the fuel line without the need for external magnets.
The invention is a combustion enhancer consisting of a silver rod, with a cross-shaped cross section that is twisted axially to form a spiral. This form makes maximum contact with the fuel to swirl the fuel along the surfaces of the silver rod. The surfaces of the silver rod are roughened to promote additional turbulence. The fuel flowing over the silver helix creates a charge of static electricity and changes the fuel molecules to a more uniform size.
A principal object and advantage of the invention is that the fuel is more completely burned, thus increasing the vehicle""s average miles per gallon significantly. More efficient and complete combustion also makes more energy available to the engine, and provides increased power to the vehicle.
A second principle object and advantage of the invention is that it greatly reduces or eliminates emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Another principle object and advantage of the invention is that the more complete combustion prevents formation and deposits of carbon in the engine, thus prolonging engine life.


The present invention is an apparatus for providing indirect illumination to a building interior or exterior using crown molding with specialized grooves for holding light ropes or other types of light sources. The invention generally consists of modular pieces of crown molding with an elongated groove in a top surface running parallel to the front surface. A light rope or other types of illumination are installed in the groove and provide indirect light on the wall, ceiling or other objects above the crown molding. Molding may also be used as picture frame and shelving accent lighting. Clips hold the light rope or other source of illumination inside the groove.

Currently methods of decorative, indirect interior or exterior lighting are often expensive, difficult to install and aesthetically unappealing. Methods exist for hanging strings of lights with hooks, clasps, and other similar devices. These systems often leave the wiring exposed and are not a visually attractive method of installing lighting.
Previous solutions to the need for indirect lighting involve complicated fluorescent lighting fixtures. Fluorescent apparatus are limited by the characteristics of fluorescent lighting, because fluorescent bulbs are mass-produced in limited sizes and the bulbs are rigid. Those considerations restrict the configurations available for decorative elements. Fluorescent lamps are relatively fragile and require substantial space surrounding the bulbs. Space is needed to insert or replace the lamps after the crown molding has been installed.
Light ropes are strings of small incandescent light bulbs within tubes of flexible material. Current methods of installing light ropes are inadequate due to the tendency of the light rope to sag in locations where there is no hook or other means of attachment to a surface. Additionally, light ropes that are viewed directly are not appropriate for every decorating scheme.
Needs exist for decorative indirect lighting methods and apparatus that are inexpensive and simple to install that add to the aesthetic appeal of a building.


A thread tension device for a sewing machine includes two or more pairs of discs for engaging with two or more threads. Two or more tension applying members are engaged with the pairs of discs for applying a biasing force against the pairs of discs. Two or more micro-adjusting mechanisms are engaged with the tension applying embers for adjusting the biasing force against the pairs of discs. An actuator is engaged with the micro-adjusting mechanisms for actuating the micro-adjusting mechanisms simultaneously.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thread tension device, and more particularly to a thread tension device for a sewing machine, particularly an overlock sewing machine or an overedge sewing machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A typical thread tension device for an overedge sewing machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,936 to Mikuni et al. and comprises a number of tension disc assemblies disposed on a shaft for clamping the threads and each including a first thread tension setting device for setting the spring force against the pair of disc of the tension disc assemblies, and each including a second thread tension setting device for adjusting the tension of the first thread tension setting device, and each further including a thread tension releasing device for releasing the spring forces to the tension disc assemblies. The thread tension of one or more of the tension disc assemblies may be released simultaneously.
Another typical thread tension device for an overlock sewing machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,548 to Satoma and also comprises a thread tension unit for clamping a thread to apply tension, a first thread tension setting device for setting the thread tension unit to apply a preset thread tension, a second thread tension setting device for adjusting the tension applied by the thread tension unit to an optional tension, and a thread tension nullifying device for nullifying the setting made by the second thread tension setting means. The thread tension nullifying devices each includes a pair of rocking bodies directly engaged with a cam body such that each of the thread tension units requires a whole set of rocking bodies and cam body.
In both of the prior arts, a whole set of tension releasing device or nullifying device is required to be provided for each pair of the clamping discs such that a number sets of identical tension releasing or tension nullifying devices are required to be engaged in the upper portion of the sewing machine. However, the upper portion of the sewing machine normally includes a compact or tiny space that may not be easily installed with so many elements and members.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional tension devices for sewing machines.

Thread tension device for sewing machine


The embodiments of the disclosure provide a measurement method and apparatus for a terminal, as well as a terminal. The measurement method includes that: a terminal acquires first indication information, the first indication information being for determining a measurement parameter of a dedicated measurement frequency, the measurement parameter of the dedicated measurement frequency being a first measurement parameter and/or a second measurement parameter, and the first measurement parameter being greater than the second measurement parameter.

A terminal, after acquiring an idle-state or inactive-state related measurement configuration, may store the measurement configuration. The terminal may perform cell measurement based on the stored measurement configuration when entering an idle state or an inactive state. Then, the terminal may indicate existence of a measurement result to a network side through an uplink message, and report the measurement result based on a request of a base station.
When the terminal performs cell measurement, if the terminal evaluates based on a present measurement requirement, in continuous time that a cell selection preparation condition or a cell reselection preparation condition is not satisfied, the terminal may not refer to a present measurement criterion, and the terminal may measure all neighbor frequencies configured by a serving cell. On the other hand, for dedicated measurement frequencies configured by the terminal, if the terminal performs cell measurement according to the present measurement requirement, measurement for the dedicated measurement frequencies may not be started after the dedicated measurement frequencies are detected, and detection of the dedicated measurement frequencies may cause additional power consumption of the terminal.

Terminal measurement method and apparatus, and terminal

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


The present invention relates to prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccines that contain Newcastle disease Virus (NDV) virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising one or more Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antigens. In one embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) comprising, in operable combination, a) Newcastle disease virus (NDV) matrix (M) protein, and b) one or more Epstein-Barr Virus (BBV) antigens. The invention's prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccines are useful for preventing and/or treating infection with EBV and/or disease associated Epstein-Barr Virus, such as cancer.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus, causes acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) and is linked to the development of several human malignancies. Approaches for EBV vaccine development are limited due in part to the oncogenic potential of the EBV genome and lack of animal models to test vaccine candidates. The EBV envelope glycoprotein, gp350/220, has been proposed as a vaccine antigen. However, in small Phase I/II clinical trials, vaccination with either vector constructs expressing gp350/220, or with the purified recombinant gp350 protein, did not prevent EBV infection although it did reduce the incidence of acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) in young adults. Importantly, recombinant EBVΔgp350/220 can infect both epithelial and primary B cells in vitro. While previous studies indicate that immunity to gp350/220 can limit infection, the poor success of using gp350/220 as a single vaccine antigen calls for innovative approaches utilizing multiple EBV proteins.
At least 4 EBVgp350/220 vaccine candidates have been tested in "clinical trials" such as Vaccinia vector expressing gp350/220 (Gu et al., 1995 (Phase I-Chinese population, EBV naïve 1-3 years old children), and Recombinant gp350 in CHO cells (Non-splicing variant) (3 dose regimen adjuvanted with ASO4) (Jackman et al. 1999; Moutchen et al, 2007. (Phase I/II) Safety and Immunogenicity in aged 18-37 years old EBV naïve Belgians; Sokal et al., 2007. Phase I randomized, double-blind placebo control in aged 16-25 years EBV naïve Belgians; Rees et al., 2009. Phase I chronic kidney disease kids awaiting organ transplants (UK)). However, none of these vaccine candidates achieved complete blockage of EBV infection.
Notably, EBNA1, LMP2 and gp350/220 antigens have been developed and independently tested in various clinical trials as vaccine candidates against EBV infection and EBV+ cells with promising results.
Candidate therapeutic vaccines in clinical trials include MVA-vector expressing EBNA-1 and LMP1 or LMP2 (Taylor et al, 2004 construction of the MVA vector expressing EBNA1 and or LMP2; Hui et al., 2013-EBNA1-LMP2 (Phase I targeting NPC patients in China); Taylor et al, 2014 EBNA1-LMP2 (A Phase I Trial in UK Patients with EBV-Positive Cancer), as well as Adoptive transfer PBMCs for treatment of PTLDs and NPCs (Louis, et al., 2009, 2010, Heslop et al. 1996 T cells adoptive transfer; and Chia et al., 2012 Phase I targeting NPC patients in China. Dendritic cells are transduced with adenovirus vector expressing ΔLMP1-LMP2). A recent phase I clinical trial of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector encoding deletion of Gly-Ala regions from the EBNA1 sequence fused to LMP2 as a vaccine candidate elicited a robust EBV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response in humans. However, the strategy used to deliver these two important EBV antigens, known for their oncogenic potential, may pose major health risks, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Furthermore, these vaccine candidates cannot generate neutralizing antibodies to eliminate reactivation or new EBV infections. There is also a risk of vaccine tolerance since the protein is constantly produced.
Thus, there is an urgent need for EBV vaccines that are safe, prevent EBV infection and/or limit EBV disease symptoms.

Virus-like particle compositions and vaccines against epstein-barr virus infection and disease


To provide a composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic nephropathy, which is less likely to cause any disadvantages such as side effects, and highly safe. [1] A composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic nephropathy, containing one or more dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of a degraded galactomannan, an indigestible dextrin, a polydextrose, inulin, arabinogalactan, dietary fiber derived from corn, a water-soluble soybean polysaccharide, psyllium, and a low-molecular weight sodium alginate, and/or a polyphenol compound.

Diabetes mellitus has a main feature of a symptom such as polydipsia, polyuria, or weight loss, or a chronic high blood glucose level, which is a disease generally accompanied by complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral nerve disorders. Diabetes mellitus is classified by its causations into primary diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I diabetes mellitus) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II diabetes mellitus)), secondary diabetes mellitus (pancreatic diabetes mellitus, pancreatic exocrine/endocrine diabetes mellitus, and drug-induced diabetes mellitus), and the like. Further, diabetes mellitus has been known to be a risk factor for an arteriosclerotic disease such as a cardiac infarction or a cerebral infarction.
Conventionally, as a method of treatment of diabetes mellitus, improvement in lifestyle by, for example, a dietetic treatment, a kinesitherapy or the like, and a method of treatment by an insulin injection, a drug administration or the like have been performed. In addition, a substance derived from a plant has been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (see, for example, Patent Publication 1).
On the other hand, as a method of treatment of diabetic nephropathy, conventionally, a method of treatment with sulodexide derived from mammalian intestinal mucosa (see Patent Publication 2), efonidipine hydrochloride (see Patent Publication 3), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix herb (Patent Publication 4), or the like has been performed.    Patent Publication 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-068995    Patent Publication 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-329541    Patent Publication 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 11-246417    Patent Publication 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-510286

Preventive, relieving or therapeutic composition for diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic nephropathy


The present invention relates to a compound that has p38 MAP kinase inhibitory activity useful as drug medicine, represented by the general formula (I):

p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (p38α/Mpk2/RK/SAPK2a/CSBP) (hereinafter referred to as "p38 MAP kinase") was cloned as an enzyme which induces tyrosine phosphorylation in monocyte after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Nature, 372, 739 (1994)), and is activated by various extracellular stimuli [physical stimuli (osmotic shock, heat shock, UV irradiation, and so forth), chemical stimuli (endotoxin, hydrogen peroxide, arsenic trioxide, an inflammatory cytokine, a growth factor, and so forth), and so on]. Also, since p38 MAP kinase is involved in the production of an inflammatory cytokine (such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, and so forth), a chemokine, and so on, an association between the activation of this enzyme and diseases is strongly suggested. Therefore, an improvement effect on various disease symptoms typified by inflammatory diseases is expected by suppression of p38 MAP kinase activation.
Accordingly, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor is expected to be useful in prevention and/or treatment of those diseases that are supposedly caused or deteriorated by abnormal production of cytokines including inflammatory cytokine or chemokine, or by over response thereto, namely cytokine-mediated diseases such as various inflammatory diseases [for example, inflammation, dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hepatitis, nephritis, glomerulonephritis, pancreatitis, psoriasis, gout, Addison's disease, arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, gouty arthritis, synovitis, etc.), inflammatory ocular diseases, inflammatory pulmonary diseases (e.g., chronic pneumonia, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), etc.), inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.), allergic diseases (e.g., allergic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, etc.), autoimmune disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism, Castleman's disease, immune rejection accompanying transplantation (e.g., graft versus host reaction, etc.), and so forth], central nervous system disorders [for example, central neuropathy (e.g., cerebrovascular disease such as cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction, head trauma, spinal cord injury, cerebral edema, multiple sclerosis, etc.), neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), AIDS encephalopathy, etc.), meningitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome, and so forth], respiratory diseases [for example, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and so forth], cardiovascular diseases [for example, angina, heart failure (e.g., congestive heart failure, acute heart failure, chronic heart failure, etc.), myocardial infarction (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction prognosis, etc.), atrial myxoma, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, dialysis-induced hypotension, thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), reperfusion injury, restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and so forth], urinary diseases [for example, renal failure, and so forth], metabolic diseases or endocrine diseases [for example, diabetes, and so forth], bone diseases [for example, osteoporosis, and so forth], cancerous diseases [for example, malignant tumor (e.g., tumor growth and metastasis, etc.), multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, carcinemia, and so forth], and infectious diseases [for example, viral infection (e.g., cytomegalovirus infection, influenza virus infection, herpes virus infection, corona virus infection, etc.), cachexia associated with infections, cachexia caused by acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), toxemia (e.g., sepsis, septic shock, endotoxin shock, gram negative bacterial sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) accompanying virus infection, etc.), and so forth], and so on.
On the other hand, WO 01/096308 discloses that the compounds represented by general formula (W), the salts thereof, or the hydrate thereof have an inhibitory effect on AMPA receptor and/or kainic acid receptor:

wherein QW represents NH, O or S;
R1W, R2W, R3W, R4W and R5W represent, samely or differently, hydrogen atom, halogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, or —XW-AW (wherein XW represents a bond, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkylene, an optionally substituted C2-6 alkenylene, an optionally substituted C2-6 alkynylene, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —SO—, —SO2—, —N(R6W)—, —N(R7W)—CO—, —CO—N(R8W)—, —N(R9W)—CH2—, —CH2—N(R10W)—, —CH2—CO—, —CO—CH2—, —N(R11W)—S(O)mW—, —S(O)nW—N(R12W)—, —CH2—S(O)pW—, —S(O)qW—CH2—, —CH2—O—, —O—CH2—, —N(R13W)—CO—N(R14W)—, or —N(R15W)—CS—N(R16W)— (wherein R6W, R7W, R8W, R9W, R10W, R11W, R12W, R13W, R14W, R15W and R16W represent hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkoxy; mW, nW, pW and qW each independently represents 0 or an integer of 1 or 2); AW represents C3-8 cycloalkyl, C3-8 cycloalkenyl, a non-aromatic 5- to 14-membered hetero ring, an aromatic C6-14 hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic 5- to 14-membered hetero ring, and these rings are optionally substituted by substituent respectively);
with the proviso that, three of R1W, R2W, R3W, R4W and R5W, samely or differently, represent —XW-AW and residual two always represent hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or C1-6 alkyl;
provided that in the above-mentioned definition, the cases where (1) QW is O; R1W and R5W are hydrogen atom; and R2W, R3W and R4W are phenyl groups, (2) QW is O; R1W and R4W are hydrogen atom; and R2W, R3W and R5W are phenyl groups, and (3) QW is O; R1W and R2W are hydrogen atom; and R3W, R4W and R5W are phenyl groups, are excluded.
Also, Japanese Publication Toku-Kai-Syo 60-58981 discloses that 1,3-thiazole derivatives represented by general formula (Y) or the salts thereof have inhibitory effects on pain, fever, inflammation, ulcer, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis, and platelet aggregation:

wherein R1Y represents cycloalkyl, cyclic amino, amino having 1 or 2 substituent(s) selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, phenyl, acetyl, and lower alkoxycarbonylacetyl, alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, carboxyl or lower alkoxycarbonyl, or phenyl which may be substituted by carboxyl, 2-carboxyetenyl or 2-carboxy-1-propenyl;
R2Y represents pyridyl which may be substituted by lower alkyl;
R3Y represents lower alkoxy, lower alkyl, hydroxyl, halogen, or phenyl which may be substituted by methylenedioxy.
Moreover, WO 00/064894 discloses that the compounds represented by general formula (Z) which may be N-oxidated or the salts thereof are useful as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors:

wherein R1Z represents hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, an optionally substituted hetero ring, an optionally substituted amino or acyl;
R2Z represents an optionally substituted aromatic group;
R3Z represents hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted pyridyl, or an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon;
XZ represents oxygen atom or an optionally oxidized sulfur atom;
YZ represents a bond, oxygen atom, an optionally oxidized sulfur atom, or NR4Z (wherein R4Z represents hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, or acyl);
ZZ represents a bond or a bivalent aliphatic hydrocarbon which may have a substituent(s).
Furthermore, WO 03/043988 discloses that the compounds represented by general formula (A) or the non-toxic salts thereof are useful as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors:

wherein AA represents a C5-10 mono- or poly-cyclic carbon ring, or a 5- to 10-membered mono- or poly-cyclic hetero ring containing 1 to 5 nitrogen atom(s), 1 to 2 oxygen atom(s) and/or 1 sulfur atom;
R1A represents (1) C1-8 alkyl, (2) C2-8 alkenyl, (3) C2-8 alkynyl, (4) halogen atom, (5) —OR4A, (6) —NR5AR6A, (7) —NR7ACOR8A, (8) —CONR9AR10A, (9) —COOR11A, (10) —SO2NR12AR13A, (11) —NR14ASO2R15A, (12) —SR16A, (13) —S(O)R17A, (14) —SO2R18A, (15) —NR22ACOOR23A, (16) —NR24ACONR25AR26A, (17) —COR27A, (18) nitro, (19) cyano, (20) trifluoromethyl, (21) trifluoromethoxy, (22) Cyc1A, or the like;
R4A-R18A and R22A-R27A each independently represent a hydrogen atom, C1-8 alkyl Cyc1A, or the like;
Cyc1A represents a C5-10 mono- or poly-cyclic carbon ring or the like (with the proviso that, the carbon ring or the like may be substituted with one to five R48A(s));
R48A represents C1-8 alkyl, halogen atom, nitro, cyano, or the like;
R2A represents C1-8 alkyl, —OR20A, —NR64AR65A, —COOR66A, —CONR67AR68A, —NR69ACOR70A, —SO2R71A, —SO2NR72AR73A, —NR74ASO2R75A, —NR76ACOOR77A, Cyc2A or the like;
R20A and R64A-R77A each independently represents hydrogen atom, C1-8 alkyl, Cyc2A, or the like;
Cyc2A represents a C5-6 mono-cyclic carbon ring or the like (with the proviso that, the carbon ring or the like may be substituted by one to five substituent(s) such as C1-8 alkoxy, halogen atom or the like);
GA and JA each independently represents a carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom;
EA represents C1-4 alkylene, —O—, —S—, or the like (with the proviso that, the C1-4 alkylene may be substituted by one to five substituent(s) such as C1-8 alkoxy, halogen atom, hydroxy, or the like);
BA represents a C5-10 mono- or poly-cyclic carbon ring, or a 5- to 10-membered mono- or poly-cyclic hetero ring containing 1 to 4 nitrogen atom(s), 1 to 2 oxygen atom(s) and/or 1 sulfur atom;
R3A represents C1-8 alkyl, C2-8 alkenyl, C2-8 alkynyl, halogen atom, —OR81A, —NR82AR83A, —NR84ACOR85A, —CONR86AR87A, —COOR88A, —SO2NR89AR90A, —NR91ASO2R92A, —SR93A, —S(O)R94A, —SO2R95A, —NR96ACOOR97A, —NR98ACONR99AR100A, —OCONR101AR102A, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, Cyc4A, or the like;
R81A-R102A each independently represents hydrogen atom, C1-8 alkyl, Cyc4A, or the like;
Cyc4A represents a C5-10 mono- or poly-cyclic carbon ring or the like (with the proviso that, the carbon ring or the like may be substituted by one to five substituent(s) such as C1-8 alkoxy, halogen atom or the like);
mA represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 5;
nA represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 7;
iA represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 12, with the proviso that, only necessary part of the meanings of the symbols in the formula were excerpted.
And more, WO 01/030778 discloses that the compounds represented by general formula (B), the pharmaceutically-acceptable cleavable esters thereof, or the acid-addition salts thereof are useful as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors:

wherein ZB represents N or CH;
XB represents —NR6B—YB—, —O— or —S— (wherein R6B represents hydrogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl C1-3 alkyl, C6-18 aryl, C3-18 heteroaryl, C7-19 aralkyl, or C4-19 heteroaralkyl, and —YB— represents C1-4 alkylene or a bond);
R2B represents phenyl which may be substituted by one or more substituent(s), the substituent(s) are selected from the group consisting of halo, trifluoromethyl, cyano, amide, thioamide, carboxylate, thiocarboxylate, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 alkyl, or amino which may be substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl;
R3B represents hydrogen atom, C1-10 alkyl, C3-10 cycloalkyl, C3-18 heterocycloalkyl, C6-18 aryl, or C3-18 heteroaryl, and each may have up to four substituent(s) selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, halogen atom, halogen-substituted C1-4 alkyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 alkylthio, or amino which may be substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl, or 5- to 7-membered nitrogenous hetero ring optionally containing further hetero atom selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom;
R4B represents C6-18 aryl, C3-18 heteroaryl or C3-12 cycloalkyl, substituted by up to four substituent(s) selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, halogen atom, halogen-substituted C1-4 alkyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 alkylthio, or optionally mono- or di-C1-C4alkyl substituted amino, or by N-heterocyclyl containing from 5 to 7 ring atoms and optionally containing a further hetero atom selected from O, S or N.

Nitrogenous heterocyclic compound and pharmaceutical use thereof

Abstract: wherein all the symbols are as defined in the description, or its salt, N-oxide or solvate, or a prodrug thereof. Further, there are provided a process for producing the same and usage thereof.

Abstract: The compound of the general formula (I) has a p38 MAP kinase inhibitory activity and is useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases in which an abnormal production of cytokine, such as inflammatory cytokine or chemokine, or an over-reaction thereto would be instrumental in the cause and aggravation of pathologic condition thereof, namely, cytokine-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory diseases, respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, central nervous diseases, etc.


A variable valve timing control device includes a driving side rotation member configured to synchronously rotating with a crankshaft, a driven side rotation member positioned coaxially to the driving side rotation member and integrally rotating with a camshaft, an intermediate lock mechanism selectively switching a locked state and an unlocked state, a first electromagnetic valve arranged at a position coaxial to the driving side rotation member and for controlling an supply and draining of an operation fluid relative to the fluid pressure chamber, a second electromagnetic valve positioned being offset from the position coaxial to the driving side rotation member and for controlling a supply and draining of the operation fluid flowing from the camshaft to the intermediate lock mechanism separately from the first electromagnetic valve, and a pump supplying the operation fluid to the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve.

A known variable valve timing control device includes a driven side rotation member provided coaxially to a driving side rotation member, a fluid pressure chamber defined between the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member, and an intermediate lock mechanism for selectively switching a locked state where a relative rotational phase of the driven side rotation member to the driving side rotation member is restrained at an intermediate lock phase positioned between a most advanced angle phase and a most retarded angle phase, and an unlocked state where the restraint is released (e.g., see JP2012-193731A (hereinafter referred to as Patent reference 1) and JP2010-223172A (hereinafter referred to as Patent reference 2).
The variable valve timing control device disclosed in Patent reference 1 includes a first electromagnetic valve (corresponding to a spool, an actuator, and a spring in the reference) for controlling the supplying and draining of the operation fluid to and from the fluid pressure chamber and a second electromagnetic valve (corresponding to a spool, an actuator, and a spring in the reference) for controlling the supplying and draining of the operation fluid from and to the intermediate lock mechanism separately from the first electromagnetic valve. The first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are provided coaxially to the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member. The variable valve timing control device disclosed in Patent reference 2 includes a first electromagnetic valve (corresponding to a first switching valve in the reference) for controlling the supplying and draining of the operation fluid to and from the fluid pressure chamber, a second electromagnetic valve (corresponding to a second switching valve in the reference) for controlling the supplying and draining of the operation fluid from and to the intermediate lock mechanism separately from the first electromagnetic valve, and a single pump supplying the operation fluid to the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve. The first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are provided on an axis which is different from an axis of the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member and is positioned closer to a camshaft compared to the position of the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member relative to the camshaft.
According to the variable valve timing control device disclosed in Patent reference 1 and Patent reference 2, because the switching control for locking and unlocking the intermediate lock mechanism is performed independently from the supplying and draining control of the operation fluid to and from the fluid pressure chamber, the precision for setting the relative rotation phase is assumed to be high.
Notwithstanding, according to the construction disclosed in Patent reference 1, because the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are provided coaxially to the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member, an axial length of the variable valve timing control device is increased. Further, according to the construction disclosed in Patent reference 2, space for mounting the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve and numbers of fluid passages for supplying and draining the operation fluid are required to be provided at a side closer to the camshaft relative to the driving side rotation member and the driven side rotation member. Thus, according to the known variable valve timing control devices, the degree of freedom for the positioning of parts is low because of the positional relations with respect to surrounding components that are placed close to each other.
Because the temperature of the operation fluid is low when starting the engine, adequate fluid volume necessary for unlocking the intermediate lock mechanism and changing the relative rotational phase cannot be ensured. Particularly, according to the construction for supplying the operation fluid to the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve simultaneously as a pump disclosed in Patent reference 2, time is required for unlocking the intermediate lock mechanism and supplying adequate volume of the fluid to the fluid pressure chamber when starting the engine.
A need thus exists for a variable valve timing control device which is not susceptible to the drawback mentioned above.


Systems and methods described herein provide an intelligent MEC resource scheduling service. A network device in a MEC network stores, in a memory, threshold values indicating overload conditions for resource usage by a first MEC cluster; monitors resource usage in the first MEC cluster; determines, based on the monitoring, when one of the threshold values is reached; identifies available resources in a second MEC cluster; and re-directs, based on the identifying, at least some of the resource usage from the first MEC cluster to the second MEC cluster.

Development and design of radio access networks (RANs) present challenges from a network-side perspective and an end device perspective. To enhance performance, Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) (also known as mobile edge computing) is being explored. In MEC, core network capabilities (e.g., computational, storage, etc.) are situated at the network edge to improve latency and reduce traffic. In contrast with core network workloads, for example, MEC workloads can vary more significantly at each MEC location. Local cycles of human activity, unscheduled events, planned activities, local emergencies, and the like that may have nominal impact on large scale network services (e.g., nationally or regionally-based services) can reflect more heavily on local MEC workloads.

Method and system for scheduling multi-access edge computing resources


A fuel reformer is configured in an exhaust line upstream of a LNT. To desulfate the LNT, over a first period, fuel is provided to the exhaust to make the exhaust rich. While producing reformate, the reformer is allowed to heat to a relatively large extent, typically at least about 75° C. Before the reformer overheats, the provision of fuel is reduced and typically stopped entirely for a second period, over which the reformer cools. The heating and cooling periods are repeated to complete the desulfation process. The reduced efficiency of operating the reformer over an extended temperature range is more than compensated for by the benefits of extending the rich pulse.

NOx emissions from diesel engines are an environmental problem. Several countries, including the United States, have long had regulations pending that will limit NOx emissions from trucks and other diesel-powered vehicles. Manufacturers and researchers have put considerable effort toward meeting those regulations.
In gasoline powered vehicles that use stoichiometric fuel-air mixtures, three-way catalysts have been shown to control NOx emissions. In diesel-powered vehicles, which use compression ignition, the exhaust is generally too oxygen-rich for three-way catalysts to be effective.
Several solutions have been proposed for controlling NOx emissions from diesel-powered vehicles. One set of approaches focuses on the engine. Techniques such as exhaust gas recirculation and partially homogenizing fuel-air mixtures are helpful, but these techniques alone will not eliminate NOx emissions. Another set of approaches remove NOx from the vehicle exhaust. These include the use of lean-burn NOX catalysts, selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and lean NOX traps (LNTs).
Lean-burn NOx catalysts promote the reduction of NOx under oxygen-rich conditions. Reduction of NOx in an oxidizing atmosphere is difficult. It has proven challenging to find a lean-burn NOx catalyst that has the required activity, durability, and operating temperature range. Lean-burn NOx catalysts also tend to be hydrothermally unstable. A noticeable loss of activity occurs after relatively little use. Lean-burn NOx catalysts typically employ a zeolite wash coat, which is thought to provide a reducing microenvironment. The introduction of a reductant, such as diesel fuel, into the exhaust is generally required and introduces a fuel economy penalty of 3% or more. Currently, peak NOx conversion efficiencies for lean-burn NOx catalysts are unacceptably low.
SCR generally refers to selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia. The reaction takes place even in an oxidizing environment. The NOx can be temporarily stored in an adsorbent or ammonia can be fed continuously into the exhaust. SCR can achieve high levels of NOx reduction, but there is a disadvantage in the lack of infrastructure for distributing ammonia or a suitable precursor. Another concern relates to the possible release of ammonia into the environment.
To clarify the state of a sometime ambiguous nomenclature, it should be noted that in the exhaust aftertreatment art, the terms "SCR catalyst" and "lean NOx catalyst" are occasionally used interchangeably. Where the term "SCR" is used to refer just to ammonia-SCR, as it often is, SCR is a special case of lean NOx catalysis. Commonly when both types of catalysts are discussed in one reference, SCR is used with reference to ammonia-SCR and lean NOx catalysis is used with reference to SCR with reductants other than ammonia, such as SCR with hydrocarbons.
LNTs are devices that adsorb NOx under lean exhaust conditions and reduce and release the adsorbed NOx under rich condition. A LNT generally includes a NOx adsorbent and a catalyst. The adsorbent is typically an alkaline earth compound, such as BaCO3 and the catalyst is typically a combination of precious metals, such as Pt and Rh. In lean exhaust, the catalyst speeds oxidizing reactions that lead to NOx adsorption. In a reducing environment, the catalyst activates reactions by which adsorbed NOx is reduced and desorbed. In a typical operating protocol, a reducing environment will be created within the exhaust from time-to-time to regenerate (denitrate) the LNT.
A LNT can produce ammonia during denitration. Accordingly, it has been proposed to combine a LNT and an ammonia-SCR catalyst into one system. Ammonia produced by the LNT during regeneration is captured by the SCR catalyst for subsequent use in reducing NOx, thereby improving conversion efficiency over a stand-alone LNT with no increase in fuel penalty or precious metal usage. U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,507 describes such a system. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0076565 describes such systems wherein both components are contained within a single shell or disbursed over one substrate.
In addition to accumulating NOx, LNTs accumulate SOx. SOx is the combustion product of sulfur present in ordinarily fuel. Even with reduced sulfur fuels, the amount of SOx produced by combustion is significant. SOx adsorbs more strongly than NOx and necessitates a more stringent, though less frequent, regeneration. Desulfation requires elevated temperatures as well as a reducing atmosphere. The temperature of the exhaust can be elevated by engine measures, particularly in the case of a lean-burn gasoline engine, however, at least in the case of a diesel engine, it is often necessary to provide additional heat. Typically, this heat is provided through the same types of reactions as used to remove excess oxygen from the exhaust. The temperature of the LNT is generally controlled during desulfation as the temperatures believed to be required for desulfation are generally close to those at which the LNT catalyst undergoes thermal deactivation.
Creating a reducing environment for LNT regeneration involves eliminating most of the oxygen from the exhaust and providing a reducing agent. Except where the engine can be run stoichiometric or rich, a portion of the reductant reacts within the exhaust to consume oxygen. The amount of oxygen to be removed by reaction with reductant can be reduced in various ways. If the engine is equipped with an intake air throttle, the throttle can be used. The transmission gear ratio can be changed to shift the engine to an operating point that produces equal power but contains less oxygen. However, at least in the case of a diesel engine, it is generally necessary to eliminate some of the oxygen in the exhaust by combustion or reforming reactions with reductant that is injected into the exhaust.
The reactions between reductant and oxygen can take place in the LNT, but it is generally preferred for the reactions to occur in a catalyst upstream of the LNT, whereby the heat of reaction does not cause large temperature increases within the LNT at every regeneration.
Reductant can be injected into the exhaust by the engine or a separate fuel injection device. For example, the engine can inject extra fuel into the exhaust within one or more cylinders prior to expelling the exhaust. Alternatively, or in addition, reductant can be injected into the exhaust downstream of the engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,473 describes a system wherein the reductant is reformate produced outside the exhaust stream and injected into the exhaust as needed. During desulfations, the reformate is injected upstream of an oxidation catalyst. Heat generated by combustion of the reformate over the oxidation catalyst is carried by the exhaust to the LNT and raises the LNT to desulfations temperatures.
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0050037 (hereinafter "the '037 application") describes an exhaust treatment system with a fuel reformer placed in the exhaust line upstream of a LNT. The reformer includes both oxidation and reforming catalysts. The reformer both removes excess oxygen and converts the diesel fuel reductant into more reactive reformate. For desulfations, heat produced by the reformer is used to raise the LNT to desulfations temperatures.
WO 2004/090296 describes a system wherein there is an inline reformer upstream of a LNT and a SCR catalyst. The reformer has a high thermal mass and is intended to operate at exhaust gas temperatures.
The operation of an inline reformer can be modeled in terms of the following three reactions:0.684CH1.85+O2→0.684CO2+0.632H2O  (1)0.316CH1.85+0.316H2O→0.316CO+0.608H2  (2)0.316CO+0.316H2O→0.316CO2+0.316H2  (3)wherein CH1.85 represents an exemplary reductant, such as diesel fuel, with a 1.85 ratio between carbon and hydrogen. Equation (1) is exothermic complete combustion by which oxygen is consumed. Equation (2) is endothermic steam reforming. Equation (3) is the water gas shift reaction, which is comparatively thermal neutral and is not of great importance in the present disclosure, as both CO and H2 are effective for regeneration.
The inline reformer of the '037 application is designed to be rapidly heated and to then catalyze steam reforming. Temperatures from about 500 to about 700° C. are said to be required for effective reformate production by this reformer. These temperatures are substantially higher than typical diesel exhaust temperatures. The reformer is heated by injecting fuel at a rate that leaves the exhaust lean, whereby Reaction (1) takes place. After warm up, the fuel injection rate is increased to provide a rich exhaust. Depending on such factors as the exhaust oxygen concentration, the fuel injection rate, and the exhaust temperature, the reformer tends to either heat or cool as reformate is produced.
In theory, the temperature of the reformer can be controlled through the fuel injection rate. For example if the reformer is heating, the fuel injection rate can be increased to increase the extent of Reaction (2) (endothermic steam reforming) while the extent of Reaction (1) (exothermic complete combustion), which is limited by the exhaust oxygen concentration, remains essentially constant. In practice, this approach often cannot be used. The size and catalyst loading of the reformer are limited for economic reasons, among others, and the efficiency of the fuel reformer is generally insufficient to accommodate high fuel injection rates. As a result, the reformer tends to heat as reformate is being produced, particularly when exhaust oxygen concentrations are in the 8-15% range.
One approach suggested by the '037 application for controlling this heating is to pulse the fuel injection. The reformer is allowed to cool between pulses. In this manner, the reformer can be kept at a desired temperature while a LNT regeneration completes. A desired temperature is, for example, 600° C.±50° C.
In spite of advances, there continues to be a long felt need for an affordable and reliable exhaust treatment system that is durable, has a manageable operating cost (including fuel penalty), and is practical for reducing NOx emissions from diesel engines to a satisfactory extent in the sense of meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations effective in 2010 and other such regulations.


A semiconductor device and system for a hybrid metal fully silicided (FUSI) gate structure is disclosed. The semiconductor system comprises a PMOS gate structure, the PMOS gate structure including a first high-κ dielectric layer, a P-metal layer, a mid-gap metal layer, wherein the mid-gap metal layer is formed between the high-κ dielectric layer, the P-metal layer and a fully silicided layer formed on the P-metal layer. The semiconductor system further comprises an NMOS gate structure, the NMOS gate structure includes a second high-κ dielectric layer, the fully silicided layer, and the mid-gap metal layer, wherein the mid-gap metal layer is formed between the high-κ dielectric and the fully silicided layer.

As CMOS technology continued to scale, metal gate electrodes were introduced to overcome the deleterious effects of doped polysilicon, namely gate electrode depletion, high resistance, and incompatibility with high-κ gate dielectrics. Every metal has a characteristic work function, which is a key material parameter that affects device threshold voltage. A work function is the energy needed to move an electron in the solid atom from the Fermi level to the valance band. Ideally, the Fermi energy value of a metal gate in NMOS area exists near a conduction band of silicon, while that of the other metal gate in the PMOS area exists near a valance band of silicon. Therefore, dual-metal gates using different metals may be conventionally used for NMOS and PMOS transistors. A method of forming dual-metal gates in a semiconductor device according to the prior art is explained by referring to FIG. 1a to FIG. 1d as follows.
FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate cross-sectional views of the process of forming gates in a semiconductor device according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1a, a semiconductor substrate 10, having an STI region 12 is provided. An N well and a P well (not shown in the drawings) are formed respectively in the semiconductor substrate 10 using masking and ion implantation processes known in the art. A high-κ gate dielectric 14 is deposited. A P-metal layer 16 is disposed on the high-κ dielectric. The P-metal layer 16 is formed of a metal material of which the Fermi energy lies near a valance band of silicon. Referring to FIG. 1b, the P-metal 16 at NMOS area 18 is etched away. The high-κ gate dielectric 14 may be damaged. As illustrated in FIG. 1c, the N-metal 20 is then deposited. The N-metal 20 is a metal material of which the Fermi energy lies near a conduction band of silicon. In FIG. 1d, the N-metal 20 at the PMOS area is shown etched away. Thus, a conventional dual metal gate structure is fabricated.
One disadvantage of the prior art is that the conventional dual metal gate process uses two separate metals for NMOS and PMOS. The metal etching process uses the gate dielectric as a stop layer, potentially damaging the gate dielectric. Further, the dual metal gate process is complex and is therefore expensive to manufacture.
Another method of processing is a phase-controlled FUSI gate process. The phase-controlled FUSI gate process uses different silicide phases to control the effective work function of the PMOS and NMOS transistors. Different silicide phases of Ni include NiSi, Ni2Si, Ni3Si, etc. A suitable threshold voltage may be realized for both PMOS and NMOS based on the composition control of Hf in the dielectric film and Ni in the electrode. NiSi and Ni3Si electrodes may be formed on a HfO2 composition for NMOS and PMOS. A description of a process for forming a phase-controlled FUSI gate in a semiconductor device according to the prior art is explained by referring to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2q as follows.
Referring to FIG. 2a, a semiconductor substrate 20, having an isolation dielectric between an N-well and a P-well structure (not shown) is provided. A high-κ gate dielectric 22 is deposited, and a poly-Si gate stack 24 comprising poly/oxide/poly layers is then disposed. A hard mask 26 is deposited for gate patterning. FIG. 2b shows substrate 20 following a gate etch step. FIG. 2c illustrates a series of process steps, including a dummy spacer 28 deposition (dummy spacer may include an oxide film and/or a SiN film), a PMOS photolithography, and a spacer/recess etch 30. FIG. 2d shows the result of a SiGe deposition 32. In FIG. 2e, the dummy spacer is removed. FIG. 2f is a view of substrate 20 after a pocket LDD implant 34 has been performed, and a SiN offset spacer 36 has been formed. FIG. 2g shows a cross-sectional view of the substrate following spacer 38 formation (main spacer may include an oxide film and/or a SiN film), source/drain 40 implants, anneals, and an RPO 42 (such as silicon oxide). FIG. 2h shows RPO removal and nickel metal deposition 44 for the silicidation process on the source/drain regions 40. FIG. 2i shows the source/drain regions 40 after silicidation. FIG. 2j shows capping oxide/SiN dep 46 (capping layer may include an oxide film and/or a SN film). FIG. 2k shows PR coating 48. FIG. 21 shows the gate stack 24 following a series of etch back processes to expose the top of the gate stack 24. FIG. 2m shows capping SiN 46 removal, and FIG. 2n shows capping oxide/hard mask 26 removal. FIG. 2o shows PR 48 strip. Next, the polysilicon gate stack 24 is etched back in the PMOS area 50 only (using photoresist to block NMOS area, not shown) in FIG. 2p. Therefore, the polysilicon gate stack 24 in the PMOS area is thinner than the polysilicon gate stack 24 in the NMOS area. Finally, a thick Ni metal deposition and full silicidation 52 of the remaining gate poly follows, with the resultant cross sectional view shown in FIG. 2q. This configuration has a PMOS area with metal-rich silicide, such as Ni3Si, which is suited for P-FET, and an NMOS area with mono-silicide, NiSi, which is suited for an N-FET.
An unfortunate artifact of the phase-controlled FUSI gate process is that it forms different thicknesses of poly, causing height differences between the NMOS and PMOS. This process, just as the dual metal process discussed above, is also complex, and may introduce variation during the PMOS polysilicon etch back process. The process used to achieve full-gate silicidation may induce an unacceptable amount of stress in the circuitry and degrade integrity of gate dielectric.

Hybrid metal fully silicided (FUSI) gate

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A damper device may include a frame, a baffle turnably supported on the frame for opening and closing a passage through which fluid is passed, and a drive unit for turnably driving the baffle. The drive unit may include an output member whose tip end side structures a slide mechanism together with the baffle, and a driving part which causes the output member to linearly advance and retreat to and from the baffle. The slide mechanism includes a groove formed in one of a tip end side of the output member and the baffle so that the groove is extended to move the baffle, and a slider part provided in the other so that the slider part is fitted into the groove, and the groove is formed in which at least one of both end portions of the groove is formed in an open end.

A damper device has been used in a refrigerator or in an air-conditioner for opening/closing a passage for fluid. The damper device includes a frame, a baffle which is turnably supported on the frame, and a drive unit for turnably driving the baffle. The passage through which fluid is passed is opened and closed by the baffle which is turned. Therefore, the above-mentioned damper device is often structured such that the drive unit is connected with a turning shaft of the baffle to turnably drive the baffle (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 64-048571).
However, when the drive unit is connected to the turnable support part for the baffle, the drive unit is disposed on the turning center axial line of the baffle and thus dimension in a widthwise direction of the damper device becomes large.