A MEMS microphone package structure having a non-planar substrate includes the non-planar substrate, a cover plate, and a sound wave transducer. The non-planar substrate has a carrying bottom portion and a sidewall. The carrying bottom portion has a sound hole. The cover plate covers the non-planar substrate from above and connects to the sidewall. Both the cover plate and the sidewall have a metal layer for shielding the microphone from electromagnetic interference. The sound wave transducer is located corresponding to the sound hole. Hence, the sidewall reinforces the non-planar substrate, such that the carrying bottom portion is thinned without weakening the non-planar substrate, so as to increase the capacity of a back chamber of the microphone without changing the appearance and dimensions of the package structure.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to package structures of MEMS microphones, and more particularly, to a MEMS microphone package structure having a non-planar substrate, characterized in that the non-planar substrate is reinforced by a sidewall thereof, such that a carrying bottom portion of the non-planar substrate can be thinned.
2. Description of Related Art
Compared to conventional microphones, MEMS microphones are being widely used in the electronic products due to the advantages of being compact, energy-efficient, and cheap. Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional MEMS microphone package structure 70 comprises a substrate 71. A sound wave transducer 72 and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 73 are electrically connected thereto and disposed/mounted on the substrate 71. The ASIC 73 is electrically connected to external components by a plurality of electrical connection structures 76 on the substrate 71. The substrate 71 is covered by a cap 74 to protect inside components of the MEMS microphone. As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate 71 of the conventional MEMS microphone package structure 70 carries the stress exerted by the back cover 74, the sound wave transducer 72, and the ASIC 73. As considerations are given to structural strength, the thickness of the substrate 71 cannot be thinning, and it is unfavorable to the current trend toward electro-acoustic products. Besides, the thinning of the MEMS microphone package structure 70 will decrease the volume of a back chamber 75 of the MEMS microphone package structure 70. In view of this, a reduction in the thickness of the substrate 71 is to increase the capacity of the back chamber 75, and further enhance the acoustic performance of the MEMS microphone, such as the sensibility, signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency response of the sound perceived.

MEMS microphone package structure having non-planar substrate and method of manufacturing same


Selected information to be used for code coverage collection of an application is obtained. The selected information is a subset of debug information determined for the application and includes entry point offset information for entry points of the application. Using the entry point offset information, one or more traps are installed in the application. Code coverage collection is performed, in which a determination is made as to whether a trap has been reached. Based on the trap being reached, reach information is provided. The reach information is used to determine code being utilized in the application and for which one or more test cases are to be specifically targeted, rather than testing the application in its entirety, to reduce cycle time within the processor.

One or more aspects relate, in general, to processing within a computing environment, and in particular, to facilitating such processing to improve performance.
An aspect of processing within a computing environment includes determining what lines of computer code of applications executing within the computing environment are being accessed (referred to as hit) and how those lines are performing. To make this determination, testing is performed. However, testing of entire applications is costly and affects system performance. Therefore, targeted testing is desirable.
Targeted testing allows certain lines of code or certain sections of an application to be tested without necessarily testing the remaining lines of code or sections. As an example, if code has been changed, targeted testing is used to test just the changed code and not re-test the remaining code. The collection of information used to determine what is to be tested, however, is burdensome, particularly for very large and/or complex applications or computing environments.

Code coverage collection based on limited select debug information

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The present disclosure provides an apparatus for producing fuel for a fuel cell car which includes: a main reaction chamber including an aluminum coil and configured to produce gas; a sub-chamber including a sodium aqueous solution, the sub-chamber in fluid communication with the main reaction chamber to communicate the produced gas; a circulation pump configured to supply a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in the sub-chamber to the main reaction chamber when producing the fuel, and further configured to return the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in the main reaction chamber to the sub-chamber when stopping production of the fuel; and a separator configured to separate hydrogen gas from the produced gas, and supply the hydrogen gas to a fuel cell.

(a) Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing fuel for a fuel cell car, and more particularly, to an apparatus that produces hydrogen in a fuel cell car without separately receiving hydrogen.
(b) Background Art
In view of the growing problems with global warming and the high price of oil, there is a need to develop technologies based on highly efficient, sustainable sources of energy. In particular, there is a need to develop vehicle technologies based on such sustainable sources of energy that also have the ability to reduce or eliminate the production of greenhouse gases.
Accordingly, many manufacturers have made an effort to develop vehicle technologies based on a secondary battery and a fuel cell as an energy source. In particular, with respect to the fuel cell, the majority of current research is focused on the hydrogen supply system and the cells that make up the fuel cell. Currently, a conventional hydrogen supply system is based on a super high pressure hydrogen tank, which is generally a container capable of holding compressed hydrogen at a pressure of not less than 700 bar. Consequently, there is no need to provide sub-devices in the hydrogen supply system, which results in a relatively simple hydrogen delivery system design. Unfortunately, such a hydrogen supply system has several significant disadvantages. For example, there are safety concerns with respect to accidents involving vehicles that contain hydrogen storage tanks with hydrogen under such high-pressures. Additionally, such hydrogen supply systems require a nationwide infrastructure capable of supplying hydrogen for use in such hydrogen supply systems in a vehicle, which is likely to take up to 20 years to develop. Furthermore, since the hydrogen supply system delivers hydrogen under pressure, the components of the fuel cell must be made from composites able to withstand this pressure. This has the disadvantage of increasing the cost required to produce the fuel cell. Accordingly, there is a need to develop technologies that enable hydrogen to be produced on board a vehicle.

Apparatus and method for on-board production of fuel for a fuel cell car

The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC)


Provided is a low water-vapor permeable composite film, which includes a 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film formed of polyester films or polypropylene films including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer stacked in sequence. The first layer further includes an anti-block agent. An alternate structure including a plurality of organic protection layers and a plurality of inorganic layers are formed on the 3-layered co-extruded biaxial-oriented film. The plurality of organic protection layers and the plurality of inorganic layers are stacked alternately. The inorganic layers are formed by atom layer deposition.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a low water-vapor permeable composite film. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a low water-vapor permeable composite film which is flexible and has high transparency.
2. Description of the Related Art
Air, water vapor and oxygen, in particular water vapor, are the main causes for the degradation of the active layer and low work function electrodes in optoelectronic devices. Thus, a low water-vapor permeable layer capable of blocking water vapor is needed for optoelectronic devices, such that the performance and life span of the optoelectronic devices are capable of being maintained and extended.
Among common materials such as plastics, glass and metals, plastics such as polyimide, polynorbornene or polyethylene naphthalate have poor water vapor barrier properties and are only suitable for anti-scratch usages in optoelectronic devices. Although glass has better water vapor barrier properties, its disadvantages of high energy consumption in fabrication, brittleness, no flexibility, bulk and heavy weight limit its applications. Metals such as aluminum foil have disadvantages of high energy consumption in fabrication, not being recyclable, high conductivity and opacity. These disadvantages make metal foils not suitable for the water vapor barrier layers in optoelectronic devices.
Since single material alone cannot meet the requirements of water vapor barrier layer in optoelectronic devices, some composite materials, for example, polymer substrates vacuum evaporated with metal or silicon oxide films, have been proposed. The composite materials have better water vapor barrier properties than plastics and are also flexible. However, the water vapor barrier properties and opacity of these composite materials still fall short of the requirements of the gas barrier layer in optoelectronic devices.
Therefore, a low water-vapor permeable film which has high transparency, good water vapor barrier properties and high flexibility is needed for optoelectronic devices.

Low water-vapor permeable composite film and packaging structure

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


One embodiment described relates to a multiple electron beam apparatus. Multiple columns are arranged in a row configured to generate multiple electron beams. A mechanism is included for translating a substrate so as to be impinged upon by the multiple electron beams. A direction of the substrate translation and a direction of the row of columns are at a skew angle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to microscopic inspection methods and apparatus. The present invention relates more particularly to automated inspection systems for semiconductor manufacturing.
2. Description of the Background Art
A variety of methods have been used to examine microscopic surface structures of semiconductors. These have important applications in the field of semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) fabrication, where microscopic defects at a surface layer make the difference between a good or bad IC. For example, holes or vias in an intermediate insulating layer often provide a physical conduit for an electrical connection between two outer conducting layers. If one of these holes or vias becomes clogged, it will be impossible to establish this electrical connection. Automated inspection of the semiconductors is used to ensure a level of quality control in the manufacture of the integrated circuits.
An example of a conventional electron beam (e-beam) apparatus for an inspection system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,821, issued to Meisberger et al (the Meisberger patent). The disclosure of the Meisberger patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Skew-oriented multiple electron beam apparatus and method


A driving method for an active matrix OLED display. In the driving method, a first current is provided to flow through an OLED of a pixel in a first period of one display period, according to a video signal on the data electrode and a scan signal on the scan electrode. Next, a second current is provided to flow through the OLED in a second period of the display period to neutralize carrier accumulation inside the OLED, wherein the first current and the second current flow in opposite directions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a driving method, and more particularly, to a driving method for an active matrix OLED display, as well as a pixel structure using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typically, an active matrix OLED display employs a large number of pixels to present an image, and controls the brightness of each pixel according to a brightness data.
FIG. 1 shows a pixel structure 10 of an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED). The switching transistor T1 is turned on and a data voltage indicated brightness is applied to a data electrode DATA when the scan electrode SCAN is activated. Thus, the storage capacitor Cs is charged or discharged, and the potential at the gate of the driving transistor T2 may coincide with that of the data voltage. The switching transistor T1 is turned off and the driving transistor T2 is electrically isolated from the data electrode DATA when the scan electrode SCAN is not activated. The data voltage is stored in the storage capacitor Cs, and the potential at the gate of the driving transistor T2 is maintained. The produced driving current I flows to the OLED 20 through the driving transistor T2 according to the voltage (Vgs) between the gate and source of the driving transistor T2. The OLED 20 then continuously illuminates according to the driving current I.
That is, in one display frame, the current received by the OLED is fixed. However, this driving method accumulates carriers inside the OLED 20 which reduce the life of the OLEDs. Moreover, the voltage Vo across the OLED gradually increases over time as shown in FIG. 3. Further, as shown by the formula P=I×V, as the voltage Vo increases over time, the power P also increases. In FIG. 3, curve C1 shows the effect of the voltage Vo of the OLED over time.

Driving method for active matrix OLED display


A turbine assembly having at least one rotor blade comprises an airfoil having a pressure sidewall, a suction sidewall and a tip portion having a tip cap. A tip is disposed on the tip cap. A plurality of blade tip cooling holes are positioned within the airfoil near the tip portion. Cooling grooves are disposed within the airfoil to connect the blade tip cooling holes with the top portion of the tip to transition cooling flow from the cooling holes to the tip portion.

The present invention relates generally to turbine engine blades and, more particularly, to a turbine blade tip peripheral end wall with a grooved cooling arrangement.
A reduction in turbine engine efficiency results from leaking of hot expanding combustion gases in the turbine across a gap between rotating turbine blades and stationary seals or shrouds which surround the blades. The problem of sealing between such relatively rotating members to avoid loss in efficiency is very difficult in the turbine section of the engine because of high temperatures and centrifugal loads.
One method of improving the sealing between a respective turbine blade and shroud is the provision of squealer type tips on turbine blades. A squealer tip includes a continuous peripheral end wall of relatively small height typically surrounding and projecting outwardly from an end cap on the outer end of a turbine blade that encloses a cooling air plenum in the interior of the blade.
During operation of the engine, temperature changes create differential rates of thermal expansion and contraction on the blade rotor and shroud that may result in rubbing between the blade tips and shrouds. Centrifugal forces acting on the blades and structural forces acting on the shrouds create distortions thereon that may also result in rubbing interference.
Such rubbing interference between the rotating blade tips and surrounding stationary shrouds causes heating of the blade tips resulting in excessive wear or damage to the blade tips and shrouds. Heating produced by the leakage flow of hot gases may actually be augmented by the presence of a cavity defined by the end cap and peripheral end wall of the squealer tip because of the increased surface area of the peripheral end wall. The peripheral end wall is especially difficult to cool, because the end wall extends away from the internally cooled region of the blade. Therefore, squealer type blade tips, though fostering improved sealing, actually require additional cooling.
Because of the complexity and relative high cost of replacing or repairing turbine blades, it is desirable to prolong as much as possible the life of blade tips and respective blades. Blade tip cooling is a conventional practice employed for achieving that objective. The provision of holes for directing air flow to cool blade tips is known in the prior art, for instance as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,254 to Zelahy, and have been applied to squealer type blade tips as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,339 to Horvath.
Turbine engine blade designers and engineers are constantly striving to develop more efficient ways of cooling the tips of the turbine blades to prolong turbine blade life and reduce engine operating cost. Cooling air used to accomplish this is expensive in terms of overall fuel consumption. Thus, more effective and efficient use of available cooling air in carrying out cooling of turbine blade tips is desirable not only to prolong turbine blade life but also to improve the efficiency of the engine as well, thereby again lowering engine operating cost. Consequently, there is a continuing need for a cooling hole design that will make more effective and efficient use of available cooling air.
A turbine assembly having at least one rotor blade comprises an airfoil having a pressure sidewall, a suction sidewall, and a tip portion having a tip cap. A squealer tip is disposed on the tip cap. A plurality of blade tip cooling holes are positioned within the airfoil near the tip portion. Cooling grooves are disposed within the airfoil to connect the blade tip cooling holes with the top portion of the squealer tip to transition cooling flow from the cooling holes to the tip portion.


A control apparatus of the present invention can realize stable and good follow-up slip control of a plant, such as a lock-up clutch, irrespective of a characteristic perturbation of the plant, for example, deterioration of frictional members or operating oil of the clutch. The apparatus of the present invention also has an improved convergence of transient response. The control apparatus approximates a characteristic perturbation by a high-order function in a frequency domain and gives requisites for the stable and good follow-up control as a sensitivity function S and a complementary sensitivity function T of a feedback control system. Design of the feedback control system is considered as an issue of mixed sensitivity of H.infin. control. A controller is accordingly designed with a function of predetermined order, which is substantially equal to the order of the high-order function approximating the characteristic perturbation. Design of the controller also reflects the result of evaluation of the complementary sensitivity function T. When the complementary sensitivity function T has a peak in a certain frequency domain, a predetermined increment is added to a weighting function W2 in the frequency domain. The plant input, for example, the slip revolution speed of the clutch, is controlled with the controller thus designed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control apparatus and a method of manufacturing the inventive control apparatus, as well as to a clutch slip control apparatus as one typical application of the inventive control apparatus and a method of manufacturing the clutch slip control apparatus. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a control apparatus for outputting a plant input to make the actual state of a general plant coincide with a target state, thereby controlling the actual state of the plant. A concrete technique applied to a clutch slip control apparatus given as one aspect of such a control apparatus outputs a plant input of clutch operation to make an actual slip revolution speed coincide with a target slip revolution speed and adjusts a slip condition based on the plant input thus output.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the advance of control theories, control apparatuses of various types have been designed and manufactured. By way of example, a clutch slip control apparatus is explained herein. Known clutch slip control apparatuses include those for controlling a slip condition of a lock-up clutch of a torque converter. Such slip control apparatuses are designed to solve contradictory problems; that is, coupling inputs with outputs of a torque converter transmits vibrations of an engine directly to a transmission in a range of low engine speed, thus worsening the ride, whereas disconnecting outputs from inputs in a wide range of engine speed does not realize effective reduction of the fuel consumption rate.
Improvement has been given to these slip control apparatuses with a view to reconciling a quick response and stable control. One example of proposed improvement includes a process of calculating a current plant input from a deviation of the actual slip revolution speed from a target slip revolution speed as well as from a differential and an integral of the deviation or from a target slip revolution speed as well as from a differential and a second differential of the deviation (see JP-B-2-586). Another example includes a process of expanding these quantities in times series to derive an increase in plant input (see JP-A-64-30966). Sufficient matching of the characteristics of the control apparatus with those of a plant enables the slip quantity to be stably adjusted to and kept at a level substantially equal to or proximate to a target value, thereby realizing the high follow-up ability over the target value without lowering the stability.
These control apparatuses, however, still have a drawback; that is, insufficient control over a characteristic perturbation in a system for controlling a clutch slip condition. When there is a significant difference in properties between individual lock-up clutches or individual slip-regulating hydraulic control systems, or when the frictional characteristics of the lock-up clutch or .mu.-v characteristics of the clutch are varied from the initial designed conditions, due to deterioration of frictional members or operating oil, to damage the stability of the slip revolution speed, the conventional control apparatuses can not realize the stable, high-speed control of the slip quantity to be substantially equal to or proximate to the target value. This issue will be described concretely with the drawings of FIGS. 36 through 38.
Characteristic perturbations in a slip control system are shown as variations in gain and phase of a transfer function from a plant input to a slip revolution speed. FIG. 36 is a graph showing a difference in designed properties between individual clutches. The characteristics of clutches are varied depending upon the instability or pressing orientation of frictional members, especially in a high frequency domain. When frictional members are worn or operating oil deteriorates thermally over time, both the gain and phase characteristics lower from the initial designed conditions in medium and high frequency domains as shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B. Such deterioration may cause the frictional characteristics to have a resonance peak in a high frequency domain as illustrated in FIG. 38. Under these conditions, the frictional members may show a so-called stick-slip behavior (repeating a series of movements, i.e., contact, revolution, and separation) and thereby cause a self-oscillation of several tens hertz. This results in totally damaging the control stability of the slip revolution speed.
The problem discussed above may be ascribed to the conventional design policies of control apparatuses. The prior art control apparatuses are designed to satisfy the stability and follow-up properties of control only under a specific condition, that is, on the assumption that control characteristics of a clutch are not significantly varied. Possible improvement applicable to the control apparatus, which calculates a current plant input from a deviation of the actual slip revolution speed from a target slip revolution speed as well as from differential and second differential of the deviation, is to change the constants of control according to the characteristic perturbations of the control system. Such improvement is, however, not practical since it makes the structure of the control system undesirably complicated while not ensuring the stability of the change-over algorithm.
The issue of characteristic perturbations always exists in real systems. In order to guarantee the stability of control, known control apparatuses generally have only a slow response. Although the slow-response control stably keeps the actual slip revolution speed substantially equal to or proximate to a target slip revolution speed under a stationary driving condition, it can not block an input torque variation of an engine or enhance the efficiency of torque transmission following a transient driving condition, in which the target slip revolution speed varies.

Control apparatus, clutch slip control apparatus, and methods of manufacturing these apparatuses


The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the yafA gene.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the microbiological industry, and specifically to a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family which has been modified to attenuate expression of the yafA gene.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
The bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) plays an important role in the transport of a variety of sugar substrates. The PTS of Escherichia coli is composed of two general cytoplasmic proteins, enzyme I (EI) and histidine phosphocarrier protein, HPr, which are used for all sugars, and some sugar-specific components collectively known as enzymes II, comprising soluble enzyme IIAGlc and membrane bound enzyme IICBGlc (Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Second Edition, Editor in Chief: F. C. Neidhardt, ASM Press, Washington D.C., 1996, pp. 1149-1174). Glucose uptake entails sequential phosphoryl transfer via the PTS, as follows: phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)→EI→HPr→IIAGlc→IICBGlc→glucose.
Each protein component of the E. coli PTS involved in glucose uptake has been shown to regulate the activity of a partner protein via direct protein-protein interaction. These regulatory functions of PTS depend on the phosphorylation state of the involved component. The err gene product (enzyme IIAGlc) mediates some of these regulatory phenomena. The product of the yafA (also known as frsA) gene, FrsA (fermentation/respiration switch protein) regulator protein was shown to form a complex which specifically interacts with the unphosphorylated form of IIAGlc (Koo, B. M. et al. J Biol Chem. Jul. 23, 2004; 279(30): 31613-21). The authors also reported that disruption of the yafA gene increased cellular respiration on several sugars including glucose.
Currently, there have been no reports of inactivating the yafA gene for production of L-amino acids.

Method for producing L-amino acid using bacterium of


For routing information in a network across firewalls, virtual sessions between two remote nodes are implemented by means of multiple point-to-point sessions between pairs of adjacent nodes connected through a tunnel crossing the corresponding firewall. Each node stores a routing table that is used to pass the information to be provided to a desired target node to the correct adjacent node. A peer-to-peer communication scheme is supported for allowing each pair of nodes to exchange information. For this purpose, a specific algorithm is proposed for propagating the routing information dynamically among the nodes of the network, with rules that prevent the generation of any propagation cycle.

Computer networks have become increasingly popular in the last years. Typically, every organization has its own private network, (for example, a LAN); the private network consists of multiple computers, which are connected to each other for implementing desired services within the organization.
On the other hand, the private network must be exposed to a public network (typically, the Internet) to allow communication with the outside; in this way, the organization can provide its services to third parties or it can exploit services offered by others. The above-described integration allows conducting business everywhere in the world (thanks to the ubiquity of the Internet); therefore, this has become a need for facing the challenges of the market globalization.
However, several security issues are raised by the attachment of the (secure) private network of the organization to the largely uncontrolled environment of the Internet. Particularly, the organization must be protected from intruders attempting to gain unauthorized access to the private network or attempting to compromise its operation.
For this purpose, a firewall is typically used to control the traffic between the Internet and the private network. In order to increase the security of the environment, the private network may also be connected to the Internet through an extension thereof, known as Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ includes all the computers (such as web servers) that must be publicly accessible from the Internet. A first firewall separates the DMZ from the Internet, and a second firewall separates the private network from the DMZ. In this way, the web servers are protected from the Internet and they are taken apart from the private network at the same time. Preferably, multiple security compartments (each one protected from the others by corresponding firewalls) are provided; in this way, any security breach in one of the compartments is restricted within the attacked compartment and it does lead to a total compromise of the environment.
Communication between computers separated by multiple firewalls (for example, located in two different compartments) is quite complex. This drawback is particularly acute when different protocols or technologies are used for the firewalls.
A solution known in the art is described in US-A-20030123483 and US-A-2003126230 (the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference). Particularly, those documents propose a specific communication stack for establishing virtual sessions between pairs of (remote) computers; each virtual session is implemented by means of multiple point-to-point sessions between adjacent computers, which are connected to each other through a tunnel crossing the corresponding firewall.
For this purpose, the computers are logically organized in a tree. Each computer (representing a node of the tree) stores a routing table, which specifies all the child nodes depending thereon in the tree. The routing table is used to pass information—to be provided to a target node—to the correct child node in the tree (until the desired destination is reached).
The routing tables of the network are created dynamically. Particularly, whenever a node turns-on it collects the routing tables from all the corresponding child nodes and updates its routing table accordingly. The routing table so obtained is then transmitted to the corresponding parent node in the tree, which updates its routing table and propagates the information along the tree up to a root node.
The above-described solution allows the root node to communicate with each leaf node of the tree in a secure manner.
However, this technique is restricted to applications having a hierarchical structure. Therefore, it is not possible to apply the same solution to generic applications; particularly, the above-described solution does not allow communications between whatever pair of computers in peer-to-peer applications.

Method, system and computer program product for routing information across firewalls

International Business Machines Corporation


A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fasting elements such as nails, bolts, pins in an object, includes a combustion chamber (13), a fuel source (11), a fuel conduit (12) connecting the fuel source (11) with combustion chamber (13) for feeding fuel thereinto, and at least one metering device (30) for metering a predetermined amount of fuel for effecting a setting process and having at least one variable volume metering chamber (31), and a displaceable piston body (34) for a pulsed ejection of fuel from the metering chamber (31).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements such as nails, bolts, pins in an object and including a combustion chamber, a fuel source, a fuel conduit connecting the fuel source with the combustion chamber for feeding fuel thereinto, and at least one metering device for metering a predetermined amount of fuel for effecting a setting process and including at least one metering chamber having an adjustable volume.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Combustion-engined setting tools of the type described above can operate with a gaseous or liquid fuel that is combusted in the combustion chamber generating pressure for driving the drive piston which drives a fastening element in.
Generally, the problem with combustion consists in admixing, to a proportional amount of fuel for each operational cycle, a corresponding amount of air or oxygen used as an oxidation medium. The amount of oxygen, which is available for use in combustion, depends very much on the surrounding temperature, air pressure, and air humidity. The necessary amount of fuel varies greatly with changes in the above-listed parameters, up to 40% in an extreme case. These variations of the amount of fuel unfavorably influence the combustion of the air-fuel mixture when the fuel-air mixture contains too much or too little fuel. Therefore, it is desirable to adapt the used amount of fuel to the respective environmental conditions. In order to achieve an optimal combustion, it is further desirable to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber with as high a speed as possible.
European Publication EP-1 254 745 A2 discloses a setting tool of the type discussed above and having a metering valve in which the volume of the metering chamber is adjusted with a spindle projecting into the metering chamber. For changing and preliminary setting the inner volume of the metering chamber, the spindle is displaced into the metering chamber to a greater or lesser degree. The displacement of the spindle is effected manually by screwing the spindle in or out of the metering chamber. The feeding of fuel to the combustion chamber is effected through an outlet valve under the own pressure of the fuel filling the metering chamber.
European Patent EP-0 597 241 B1 disclosed a combustion-engined setting tool in which a metering device is used for feeding fuel from a fuel source to a combustion chamber. The metering device includes a normally closed solenoid valve. The actuation of the valve is effected electronically and is controlled by a switching circuit. The switching circuit responds to actuation of a switch and opens the valve in a predetermined time interval to provide for flow of fuel from the fuel source to the combustion chamber.
The drawback of the setting tool of EP-0 597 241 B1 consists in that with variations of the pressure in the fuel source the flow velocity of the fuel varies and can result in a non-exact amount of fuel fed to the combustion chamber. The flow of fuel into the combustion chamber takes place under the fuel own pressure.
German Publication DE-42 43 617 A1 discloses a setting tool in which in an operational cycle, a gas inlet valve opens mechanically, and fuel from a fuel source is fed into a storage chamber which communicates with the surrounding air. This communication provides for a pressure and, if necessary, temperature equalization with the surrounding air, whereby a proper air-fuel mixture is fed into the combustion chamber. The fuel is fed from the storage chamber and to the combustion chamber at a predetermined time.
The drawback of the setting tool of DE-42 43 617 A1 consists in that the communication with the surrounding air can cause loss of fuel. Further, the pressure in the metering chamber cannot be controlled.
The object of the present invention is to provide a setting tool of the type described above in which the drawbacks of the prior art tools are eliminated, and an exact metering of full is insured.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a setting tool of the type described above and in which a high setting energy is achieved.


An assembly (20) for teeing golf balls including a ball hopper (180) for storing multiple golf balls in readiness for dispensation to a ball feeder (182). In turn, the ball feeder (182) channels the golf balls one at a time to a ball ejector (160). The ball feeder (182) includes an anti-jam mechanism (222) for maintaining the flow of golf balls to the ball ejector (160). The ball ejector (160) then transfers the golf ball to a ball receptacle (72, 290) on the end of a track member (32) in a fully retracted position. In turn, a drive mechanism (28) moves the track member (32) rectilinearly from the fully retracted position to an extended teeing position at which point the golf ball is delivered to a tee (26, 274). Having delivered the golf ball, the drive mechanism (28) returns the track member (32) to the fully retracted position at which point the ejector (160) transfers another golf ball to the receptacle (72, 290). A golf ball sensor (142) detects the presence or the absence of the golf ball delivered to the tee (26, 274) to signal the drive mechanism (28) to repeat the cycle.

1. Technical Field
The subject invention relates to an automatic golf ball placement apparatus. More specifically, the subject invention relates to an electromechanical assembly for automatically teeing golf balls.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The typical procedure for a golfer practicing hitting golf balls off a tee requires that the golfer each time prior to hitting a golf ball to bend over, pick up a golf ball, move to the tee, place the golf ball on the tee, straighten up, grip a golf club, and set his stance.
Various devices have been proposed by the prior art for automatically teeing golf balls. Typical of such devices is U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,964 to Kruger. However, these types of devices require that the device be permanently installed into a designated hitting venue, i.e., a driving range. In addition, the installation of such devices leads to complicated designs compromising both reliability and cost.
Other prior art devices are asserted as portable and less complicated, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,299 to Petrillo. However, these types of devices are rather bulky in size, and as a result the practicality of moving such a device is severely compromised. Specifically, the Petrillo '299 patent discloses an automatic golf ball teeing assembly including a ball hopper, a transfer mechanism, a delivery mechanism, and a tee. In delivering a golf ball to the tee, the delivery mechanism follows an upward and downward arcuate path. In order to accommodate the movement of the delivery mechanism, the ball hopper, the transfer mechanism, the delivery mechanism and the tee are arranged in series with respect to one another. Accordingly, the overall size of the assembly is relatively large and considerably bulky.
Thus, there is a need for an automatic golf ball assembly which is simple in design, inexpensive, portable and compact.


Disclosed is a method of reducing adhesion to the surface of equipment used in paper manufacture or in paper converting processes, comprising applying to the surface the a composition. comprising (a) 50-98 parts of hydrocarbon oil, (b) 1-40 parts of emulsifier, and (c) 1-10 parts of a non-curing hydrocarbon polymer.

In the manufacture of certain wet-laid paper products such as facial tissue, bathroom tissue, or paper towels, the paper web is conventionally subjected to a creping process in order to give it desirable textural characteristics, such as softness and bulk. The creping process typically involves adhering the web to a rotating creping cylinder, such as the apparatus known as a Yankee dryer, and then dislodging the adhered web with a doctor blade. The impact of the web against the doctor blade ruptures some of the fiber-to-fiber bonds within the web and causes the web to wrinkle or pucker.
The severity of this creping action is dependent upon a number of factors, including the degree of adhesion between the web and the surface of the creping cylinder. Greater adhesion causes increased softness, although generally with some loss of strength. In order to increase adhesion, an adhesive creping aid is used to enhance any naturally occurring adhesion that the web may have due to its water content, which will vary widely depending on the extent to which the web has been previously dried. Creping aids should also prevent wear of the dryer surface and provide lubrication between the doctor blade and the dryer surface and reduce chemical corrosion, as well as controlling the extent of creping. A coating that adheres the sheet to the drum will give a good crepe, imparting absorbance and softness with the least possible loss of paper strength. If adhesion to the dryer drum is too strong, the sheet may pick or even "plug", i.e., underride the doctor blade, and wrap around the dryer drum. If there is not enough adhesion, the sheet will lift off too easily and undergo too little creping. The creping adhesive, as an aqueous solution or dispersion, is usually sprayed onto the surface of the creping cylinder, e.g., a Yankee dryer. This adhesion of the sheet to the Yankee dryer improves heat transfer, allowing more efficient drying of the sheet.
If the web sticks too strongly to the creping cylinder, release agents can be sprayed on the cylinder. These release agents aid in the release of the tissue web at the creping blade, lubricate and protect the blade from excessive wear, and modify the properties of the adhesive allowing for control of coating thickness. Release agents may include materials such as emulsifiable oils, polyphosphates, and various surfactant-type chemistries. Release agents may be added to the wet end, blended with the adhesive and sprayed on the dryer using a single application system, or sprayed separately from the adhesive via a dedicated application system. The mode of action of release agents is such that they intentionally interfere with the formation of the coating. Typically, as the amount of release agent added is increased, the level of adhesion continues to decrease.
Certain hydrophobic chemicals, typically in the form of aqueous emulsions, are applied to paper machine equipment to act as release agents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,374 to Glover teaches that an oil-in-water emulsion containing an alcohol, a fatty acid or an oil, and lecithin emulsified with a water-soluble or water-dispersible surfactant can be used to control sticky deposition on the surfaces of press rolls, yankee rolls and couch rolls surfaces in papermaking In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,385 to Siebott et. al. teaches a process for cleaning and preventing deposition on paper machine parts, including the press section, by treating the surface with an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil phase can be any of several compounds including saturated hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, paraffin oil, mineral oil or poly-alpha-olefins. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,911 to Vanhecke et. al. teaches the use of aqueous microemulsions for improving the release properties of press rolls where the oil phase is selected from oils, water insoluble surfactants, water insoluble polymers, and waxes. The microemulsion is applied by first diluting it with excess water or by applying it directly in the presence of excess water. When the microemulsion is applied to the press roll in either diluted manner, the emulsion breaks up, causing the release components to deposit on the roll surface as larger macroemulsion size (or greater) particles, which are more efficient at affecting release.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,513 to Pease et. al. teaches the use of non-curing hydrocarbon polymers, such as polybutene, for improving the release of paper webs from the surface of press rolls or other papermaking equipment or converting equipment. The composition is applied directly to the equipment surface in the absence of water, which would require application to an already cured creping adhesive coating and preclude its use in systems where the adhesive and release agents are blended and sprayed onto the dryer in a single application system. Further, these compositions contain, at minimum, 20% polybutene.


Warehouse automation and methods of handling materials can be used to enhance the safety and efficiencies of warehouse operations. For example, automation systems and methods that make depalletization processes safer and more efficient are described. In some examples, a rotary lift table is used to automatically position a pallet load of boxes in an ergonomic position where a worker can readily transfer the boxes from the pallet to another location, such as a conveyor or another pallet. In some examples, a work cell for a worker includes two of the rotary lift tables that function in that manner.

In 2019, worldwide ecommerce sales topped $3.5 trillion USD, an increase of about 18% from the prior year. Online sales in 2019 were 14.1% of the total global retail sales. Ecommerce sales is expected to continue growing rapidly. It is anticipated that by 2024 about one-quarter of all retail sales will be via ecommerce.
The use of warehouse automation is one way to increase the efficiency of ecommerce and order fulfillment processes generally. The goals of warehouse automation include the efficient use of space resources, and the elimination of manual steps of the order fulfillment process and to optimize the efficiency of order fulfillment processes. Warehouse automation technology is useful for multiple reasons, such as, to make material handling processes more efficient, to improve worker safety by mitigating ergonomic risks, and to help reduce the occurrences of human error.


A memory unit 18 includes a bus 16 which couples the memory unit to a memory control unit 14. The memory unit includes a latch for receiving and storing an address from the bus, a first memory plane for storing information units associated with an odd address, a second memory plane for storing information units associated with an even address, an input latch for receiving from the bus an information unit associated with a received address and output latches for storing, prior to transmission to the bus, a stored information unit associated with a received address. The memory unit further includes logic, responsive to a state of a first bus signal line, for enabling the output latches to (a) simultaneously transmit to the bus an information unit from both the first and the second memory planes, or (b) sequentially transmit to the bus an information unit from one of the memory planes followed by an information unit from the other one of the memory planes.

This invention relates generally to a memory module for an information processing system and, in particular, to a memory module having selectable operating modes including a selectable data bus width and a selectable memory device control signal generation.
A memory module for an information processing system typically includes a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, a plurality of memory device integrated circuits, such as dynamic random access memories (DRAMS), and associated logic for generating memory timing and control signals, latching data, etc. One or more of the memory modules are coupled to a system bus of an information processing system and provide storage of data and instructions for one or more central processing units (CPUs) which are also coupled to the system bus. In some systems the memory module(s) may be coupled to the system bus via a memory bus and a memory control unit (MCU), the MCU being interposed between the system bus and the memory bus.
The system bus normally includes a data bus having a predetermined number of signal lines for defining a width of the bus. For example, a data bus may have 8, 16, 32, 64 or more signal lines for conveying an equal number of data bits. Modern, high performance systems are generally characterized by a data bus width of 64 bits (double-word) or 128 bits (quad-word).
The system bus normally also includes an address bus for defining data storage address locations within the memory module(s). The number of signal lines which comprise the address bus is directly related to the number of address storage locations which may be directly addressed by the the bus. For example, 20 address signal lines can directly address approximately one million address locations. Modern systems may have 28 or more address signal lines. For some system bus architectures the address bus is provided as a discrete bus while for other types of systems the address bus is time shared, or multiplexed, with all or a portion of the data bus. For these latter type of systems the multiplexed signal lines can convey an address during a first portion of a system bus cycle and convey data relating to the address during a second portion of the system bus cycle.
The system bus typically also includes a number of control signal lines such as memory read and write strobes, clock and bus cycle timing signal lines, etc.
Conventional practice in the design and manufacture of memory modules is to provide a module suitable for use with only one system bus or memory bus configuration. That is, the memory module is designed to accommodate a fixed data bus width, such as 64 or 128 bits. It can be appreciated that if a manufacturer of information processing systems provides different types of systems having different data bus widths that a memory module having a fixed bus width would not be useable in two or more different types of systems.
Also, DRAM devices are available in a number of operating configurations including page mode and static column mode. During a conventional page mode access cycle a row address is applied to the device, a row address strobe (RAS*) signal is asserted, a column address is applied and a column address strobe (CAS*) signal is asserted such that a particular address location within the DRAM is selected. The device is repetitively accessed in the page mode by incrementing the column address and reasserting CAS* without incurring the overhead of also changing the row address and reasserting RAS*. Thus, a conventional page mode type of DRAM page mode operation includes repetitive assertions of CAS*.
In a static column type of device the DRAM includes circuitry which detects transitions of the column address signals. With this type of device the requirement of repetitively asserting CAS* is eliminated in that applying a new column address, with CAS* remaining asserted, is sufficient to initiate a device read or write access cycle to the selected address. In general, static column operation results in a faster access cycle in that set-up and hold times associated with CAS* are eliminated.
As can be appreciated, these two types of DRAM devices have differing timing and control signal generation requirements which generally preclude conventional memory modules from operating with both types of devices. That is, conventional memory modules are typically designed to work with one type of device or the other. In that DRAM devices are in great demand and adequate supplies of a given type of device are not always readily available it can be seen that a memory module having the ability to operate with more than one type of DRAM device without modification is a desirable feature.
The foregoing and other problems are overcome and other advantages are realized by a memory unit, constructed and operated in accordance with the invention, for storing information units and being interconnected during operation with a memory control unit. The memory unit includes a bus coupling the memory unit to the memory control unit by a plurality of signal lines. The memory unit further includes a latch for receiving and storing an address from the bus, a first memory plane for storing information units associated with an odd address, a second memory plane for storing information units associated with an even address, an input latch for receiving from the bus an information unit associated with a received address and output latches for storing, prior to transmission to the bus, a stored information unit associated with a received address. The memory unit further includes logic, responsive to a state of a first bus signal line, for enabling the output latches to (a) simultaneously transmit to the bus an information unit from both the first and the second memory planes, or (b) sequentially transmit to the bus an information unit from one of the memory planes followed by an information unit from the other one of the memory planes.
Each of the memory planes further has an associated counter for storing and incrementing a portion of a column address, the counters being responsive to a bus signal asserted by the memory control unit. Up to 256 double-word write accesses or up to 128 quad-word read accesses can be achieved by supplying an initial address and thereafter toggling the bus signal to increment the counters. For page mode type of DRAMs toggling the bus signal also results in a deassertion and a reassertion of the CAS signal. For static column type of DRAMs the transition of the address counter outputs is sufficient to cause the DRAMs to begin a new access cycle.
The memory unit of the invention furthermore provides status signals to the memory control unit including a match signal to indicate that a particular memory unit lies within a range of addresses associated with a provided address and a signal which indicates, when asserted, that static column type of DRAMs are installed upon the memory unit asserting the match signal.


Disclosed are compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, wherein: R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, amino, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, --O.sub.2 CR', --NHCOR', --COR', --SO.sub.m R', where R' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl and wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; or. R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 independently represent --CONR'R", or --NR'R" where R' and R" independently represent hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; PA1 R.sub.10 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; and PA1 R represents an aminoalkyl group;. which compounds are useful in the treatment of affective disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders such as Parkinsonism and dystonia, and other disorders which respond to dopaminergic blockade such as substance abuse and obsessive compulsive disorders. Further, compounds of this invention may be useful in treating the extrapyramidal side effects associated with the use of conventional neuroleptic agents.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to anthracenecarboxamide derivatives which selectively bind to brain dopamine receptor subtypes. More specifically, it relates to N-Aminoalkyl-2-anthracenecarboxamides and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. It further relates to the use of such compounds in the treatment or prevention of various neuropsychochological disorders such as schizophrenia and other central nervous system diseases.
2. Description of the Related Art
The therapeutic effect of conventional antipsychotics, known as neuroleptics, is generally believed to be exerted through blockade of dopamine receptors. However, neuroleptics are frequently responsible for undesirable extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) and tardive dyskinesias, which are attributed to blockade of D.sub.2 receptors in the striatal region of the brain. The dopamine D.sub.3 receptor subtype has recently been identified (Sokoloff et al., Nature, 347: 146 (1990). Its unique localization in limbic brain areas and its differential recognition of various antipsychotics suggest that the D.sub.3 receptor may play a major role in the etiology of schizophrenia. Selective D.sub.3 antagonists may be effective antipsychotics free from the neurological side effects displayed by conventional neuroleptics. Compounds of the present invention demonstrate high affinity and selectivity in binding to the D.sub.3 receptor subtype. They may be of potential use in treatment of schizophrenia, psychotic depression and mania. Other dopamine-mediated diseases such as Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias may also be treated directly or indirectly by modulation of D.sub.3 receptors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,835 discloses N-aminoalkyl-2-napthalamides which have affinity at dopamine D.sub.3 receptors. The compounds of the present invention differ significantly from this prior art in that they possess an anthracenecarboxamide substructure.
Murray et al., in Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 5: 219 (1995), describes 4-carboxamido-biphenyls said to have affinity for dopamine D.sub.3 receptors.

N-piperidinyl- and N-tetrahydropyridinyl-2-anthracenecarboxamides: dopamine receptor subtype specific ligands


A structure according to the present invention relates to the non-reciprocal microwave device such as circulator/isolator and includes the circuit, a ferrite member and a dielectric film. The circuit has three arms, each composed of two branches incorporating multiple strips. The branches are folded over a ferrite and isolated from each other by dielectric films to compose a multi-layer structure coupled with ferrite. The branches and strips are shaped to minimize the overall thickness of layer structure and to avoid triple crossover at intersections. The described assembly method allows maintaining symmetry between the ports of circulator/isolator. The broadband and high power operation of resonant structure is achieved by minimizing the asymmetry and improving the power distribution over the entire ferrite area.

The present invention relates to nonreciprocal devices, such as isolators and circulators, operating at relatively low microwave frequencies (approximately 50 MHz–1 GHz), in relatively high power systems (approx. 50 Watts and higher) and under broadband conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to the center conductor circuit (further referred to as a circuit) having a central junction and arms for lumped element circulator/isolator with three ports and method for forming a resonant structure when this circuit is assembled with a ferrite and an isolating material. Externally applied biasing magnetic field allows the resonant structure to act as either circulator or isolator (when one of the ports is terminated).
The circuits for lumped element devices are well-known (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,209). In the known circuits, three arms extended from a central junction and folded over a ferrite are disposed on the ferrite surface in such a way that they intersect each other at specified angles in electrically isolated conditions and a DC bias magnetic field is applied to the ferrite. The arms in the known circuits may consist of one or more strips that are parallel to each other.
Circulators are usually connected to 50 Ohm transmission lines while isolators have one port connected to a matched 50 Ohm termination. In order to minimize the reflection of RF power, each arm, when incorporated into the resonant structure, should have 50 Ohm impedance, which requires the entire system to be symmetrical. In terms of attaining symmetry, the most crucial features in resonant structure are shape of the arms and geometry of strip intersection. In the narrow-band devices, a small asymmetry and difference in the arm impedances are tolerable since they can be compensated by a conventional tuning. In some particular applications the arms can also be differently shaped to obtain the required performance at narrow band (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,324). The broadband operation, however, is realized on the condition of well maintained symmetry between the arms. To achieve the symmetry, the overlapping pattern at strip intersections and disposition of all strips with respect to the ferrite(s) should be identical, or, at least, have minimal differences.
The simplest circuit is one which consists of the arms each having only one strip. In such circuit all three folded arms/strips intersect simultaneously in the central area of a ferrite forming one triple crossover. To ensure the electrical isolation at intersection, the strips are sandwiched between the layers of low loss thin insulation, such as dielectric films of Maylar, Kapton, and alike. The major drawback of this design is that at triple crossover the distance between the ferrite and strips varies from one strip to another. It means that the electromagnetic coupling between the strips and the ferrite varies from one strip to another as well, and because of that, the electrical characteristics of resonant structure become asymmetrical. Also, in a triple crossover area, the strip situated in a middle of the crossover becomes obstructed from the ferrite by two adjacent strips. This situation also contributes to the asymmetry. Another shortcoming of a single strip design is that the RF field associated with the strips is not uniform, but concentrated predominantly in the ferrite central area where the strips meet each other. To diminish the asymmetry and produce more uniform RF field the conventional design utilizes the circuits having more than one strip (typically two) at each arm. Two strips per arm being folded produce four intersections in each individual strip and twelve intersections in total. Conventionally, the resonant structure is formed by folding all strips of the same arm simultaneously. Because of multiple crossovers, the field distribution over the ferrite improves; however, triple intersections can stay. Therefore, device in operation becomes asymmetrical for the same reason as it was described for a single strip structure. The asymmetry can be reduced by folding the strips separately (weaving). This procedure reduces asymmetry by inverting the disposition of the strips at each consecutive intersection. But it also slows dawn the production process as the number of strips to be weaved increases.
With the increase of RF power passing through a device, avoiding a local overheating becomes more important. This can be done by distributing the RF field more evenly over the entire ferrite area. The uniformity of RF field can be achieved by increasing the number of strips in the arms. Increasing the number and width of the strips improves also the matching and broadband performance as the frequency decreases below 1 GHz.
Increasing the number of strips while using conventional folding methods leads also to the development of plurality of triple-intersection areas. For better performance, it is desirable to avoid all triple crossover areas at intersections, as they directly contribute to the development of asymmetry. If, for the symmetry reason, conventionally designed strips are folded and isolated separately, a dramatic increase of the layers of sandwich structure develops as number of strips in arms increases. With the increase of the number of layers and overall thickness some strips become positioned farther from the ferrite and, consecutively, become less coupled with resonant structure, thus decreasing the bandwidth and degrading the nonreciprocal action of circulator/isolator. As seen from above, the best high-power and broadband performance of lumped-element circulators and isolators can be achieved only if the increase in number of strips does not spoil the symmetry of arms and degrade the coupling between strips and the ferrite.
Accordingly, what is needed is a thin symmetrical multi-strip resonant structure for lumped element device wherein only two strips overlap at each intersection point, and a method for providing such structure. Such resonant structure, when used in nonreciprocal devices like circulator/isolator, has to provide adequate heat dissipation in relatively high power operation that is big enough electromagnetic field distribution area. Also, such resonant structure has to adequately operate within broadband conditions and at the frequency range less than 1 GHz.

Resonant structure and method for lumped element in nonreciprocal device


A receiver apparatus for tracking and rejecting a Transmit (Tx) signal in a wireless communication system and an operation method thereof are provided. The receiver apparatus includes a controller for receiving channel frequency information of the Tx signal and for controlling an operation for tracking and rejecting a frequency of the Tx signal; a phase locked loop for generating an oscillation frequency by generating a control voltage according to the channel frequency information of the Tx signal under the control of the controller and for filtering a signal corresponding to the oscillation frequency among signals input to a low noise amplifier; and the low noise amplifier for amplifying power while minimizing noise of a signal filtered by the phase locked loop.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a receiver apparatus and method for tracking and rejecting a Transmit (Tx) signal in a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for rejecting a Tx signal introduced to a receiver by performing frequency tracking in a wireless communication system employing a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) scheme.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in order to control power at a specific node in a wireless communication system employing a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) scheme, a Transmit (Tx) signal of a transmitter is output at a maximum power when a receiver is in a weak electric field. As a result, the Tx signal output from the transmitter is introduced to the receiver in the same node, and thus operates as an interference signal with respect to a Receive (Rx) signal.
Various conventional methods are provided so as to reject the Tx signal introduced to the receiver. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a conventional method in which an external Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter 103 is inserted into a receiver 101 to reject the Tx signal. However, the method of using the SAW filter is inconvenient since the external element has to be additionally purchased.
A conventional method in which a receiver rejects a Tx signal introduced to a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 201 using a manual-type notch filter 203 is shown in FIG. 2A. That is, in a conventional receiver using the notch filter 203, a frequency band to be rejected is regulated by the notch filter 203 under the control of a Voltage ConTRol (VCTR) 205 in order to reject a signal in the frequency band. In this case, the LNA 201 and the notch filter 203 of the receiver are connected through a node A 211 and a node B 213, and detailed structures thereof are shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C. The notch filter 203 is generally used to reject an image signal of an original signal. The Tx signal has conventionally been rejected by the use of the notch filter 203 according to a characteristic wherein a frequency difference between an Rx signal and a Tx signal is significantly large. The image signal simply has an effect on an actually received signal in a hetero-dyne structure, and has a significantly different frequency from the actually received signal since a frequency offset has an opposite feature according to a local oscillation signal in a reception band.
However, in the FDD-type wireless communication system, a Tx signal has a frequency band similar to that of an Rx signal. Therefore, there is a limit to the use of a method that rejects the Tx signal by the use of the notch filter. For example, in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) method, the Tx signal has a frequency band of 1900 Mhz and the Rx signal has a narrow frequency band of about 200 Mhz. Therefore, there is a limit when the Tx signal is rejected by using the manual-type notch filter as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

Receiver apparatus and method for tracking and rejecting transmit signal in wireless communication system


A patterned recording media comprises a segment and a null pattern formed in the segment. The segment comprises first and second rows of discrete magnetic elements separated by a non-magnetic material, and a row of non-magnetic material positioned between the first and second rows. The null pattern comprises consecutive groups of the discrete magnetic elements in the first and second rows of the segment. Each group in the first row has a magnetic polarity that is opposite the magnetic polarity of adjoining groups in the first row. Each group in the second row has a magnetic polarity that is opposite the magnetic polarity of adjoining groups in the second row.

The present invention relates to data storage devices and, in particular, to bit-patterned media and servo sector null patterns of bit-patterned media.
In a conventional magnetic disc drive, data is stored on one or more discs, which are coated with a thin magnetically hard layer. The magnetic layer itself is composed of a single sheet of very fine, single-domain grains. Every information bit of data is stored by many grains. This granular recording medium is typically divided into a plurality of generally parallel data tracks, which are arranged concentrically with one another perpendicular to the disc radius.
To guarantee good signal-to-noise ratio using such conventional magnetic media, the number of grains in every bit should be above a certain level. In order to save more bits on the given disc area (i.e., to increase the areal density), the size of a single grain is decreased. This is called scaling.
It is understood that scaling is limited by the onset of superparamagnetism: if the grain size is too small, the magnetic energy of grains is not sufficiently large compared to the thermal energy so that the magnetization becomes unstable and information can no longer be stored reliably. Superparamagnetism puts an areal density limit of 0.5 Tb/in2 for perpendicular recording.
This areal density limit could be exceeded through the use of bit-patterned media. In a patterned medium recording, ordered arrays of discrete magnetic elements are used to store data. The magnetic elements are separated from each other by a non-magnetic material. Each of the discrete magnetic elements or islands is a single grain and stores one information bit.
Unlike the conventional magnetic media, which requires the alignment of many adjoining magnetic particles that must each be magnetized into the same polarity (either positive or negative) to define a bit of data, the adjacent magnetic elements or islands of the bit-patterned media can have the same or different magnetic polarities due to their separation from each other by the non-magnetic material. This difference should allow bit-patterned media to have a much higher areal density than the conventional magnetic recording media.
High areal density recordings using bit-patterned media will require the precise placement of the head relative to tracks of the media. Unfortunately, conventional null patterns used by servo systems for controlling the head position relative to tracks of the granular magnetic medium are incompatible with bit-patterned media.
Aspects of the present embodiments provide solutions to these and other problems, and offer other advantages over the prior art.

Null servo pattern for bit-patterned media


The technique involves attaching a stiffener to a flexible substrate that has solder balls on the substrate. The steps include locating the flexible substrate on the stiffener with the solder balls on the side away from the stiffener, and drawing a vacuum to hold the flexible substrate in place. Locating the stiffener on a support with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface facing away from the support, and drawing a vacuum to hold the stiffener in place. Then, applying a pressure around the solder balls against the flexible substrate in the order of 2000 pounds per square inch to force the flexible substrate against the stiffener.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention, generally, relates to methods of making printed circuit board assemblies using flexible substrates and, more particularly, to a new and improved technique for attaching such flexible substrates to more rigid stiffeners.
Today, as the number of circuits increase so dramatically on a board or substrate, presently existing standards for electrical performance must be maintained, at the very least, to provide both consumer confidence and an increased competitive advantage. A step in this direction has been taken already in the development of the Ball Grid Array for integrated circuit packages, which now is taken to another height by the use of flexible substrates.
The ball grid array packages permit substantial increases in the number of circuit connections per unit area, but now, increases in the power involved have produced heat dissipation problems that are quite real and difficult to solve. Expected solutions require increases in cost, particularly if failures in package performance due to cracks are to be avoided.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,834 to Fischer et al. describes a package construction that separates voltage, signal and power leads into different conductive and dielectric layers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,865 to Karnexos describes a package assembling process using a tape automated bonding technique to provide a flexible dielectric film for an area array of pads.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,921 to Karnexos describes a grid array tape and a semiconductor are attached to a stiffener by bonding agents to obtain mechanical rigidity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,341 to Olson et al. describes an assembly of a circuit component to a flexible substrate with a rigidizer plate using a low modulus adhesive.

Technique for attaching a stiffener to a flexible substrate

International Business Machines Corporation


The general inventive concepts relate to display technology, and provides a display panel, a display device, and a method for fabricating a display panel. It reduces ripples in the display panel and light leakage around the pixel region from occurring when the display panel is subject to a pressure. The display panel comprises a first and second substrate which are arranged oppositely. The first substrate comprises a black matrix layer and a first magnetic layer. The second substrate comprises a second magnetic layer which corresponds to the first magnetic layer in position. The first and second magnetic layers form an attractive magnetic field force between the first and second substrates.

Conventional display panels generally comprise a color film substrate and an array substrate which are arranged oppositely, and a liquid crystal layer between the color film substrate and the array substrate. The color film substrate comprises a black matrix layer and a second alignment layer over the black matrix layer which covers the color film substrate. The array substrate comprises a plurality of pixel units which are arranged in a matrix, thin film transistors which correspond to each pixel unit, and a first alignment layer which covers the array substrate.
As shown in FIG. 1, it has been found that when a display panel is subject to a pressure, a relative displacement d develops between a color film substrate 10′ and an array substrate 20′ in a direction parallel with the display panel. At the same time, at the position of the display panel where it is subject to the pressure, the distance between the array substrate and the color film substrate also changes. The relative displacement between the color film substrate and the array substrate will cause the liquid crystal to flow locally, thus leading to ripples. In addition, the relative displacement d between the color film substrate 10′ and the array substrate 20′ in the direction parallel with the display panel tends to cause a black matrix layer 101′ to offset in position, thus leading to light leakage around the pixel unit. When the display panel is a twisted nematic (TN) model display panel, the rubbing trace is relatively shallow. As a result, in regions of the alignment layer in the color film substrate 10′ near metal lines (i.e., around the pixel unit), the effect on the direction of the liquid crystal molecules 30′ is relatively small.

Display panel comprising first and second magenetic layers, display device comprising the same, and method for fabricating the display panel

Beijing Boe Display Technologies Co., Ltd.


In some implementations, a device may receive file location information identifying a file to be transferred to a user device associated with the first network provider, wherein the file location information identifies a domain name associated with a second network provider. The device may provide, based on the file location information, a request to obtain one or more records associated with the domain name. The device may receive the one or more records based on the request. The device may selectively obtain, based on the one or more records, the file from a first content device associated with the second network provider or from a second content device associated with a third-party provider. The device may provide the file to the user device.

Rich communication services (RCS) is a communication protocol between mobile devices and carriers. RCS provides text-message capabilities similar to short message service (SMS) messaging. Additionally, RCS may provide various enhancements to SMS messaging, such as read receipts, multimedia (e.g., audio, video, picture, etc.) messaging, attachments, customized interactive objects, location sharing, group messaging sessions, among other examples.

Systems and methods for selectively obtaining a file via a direct file transfer or an indirect file transfer


A module plug includes a circuit board mounted in a mounting space on a casing to hold a front terminal rack and a rear terminal rack and a plurality of terminals in terminal holes on the front terminal rack and the rear terminal rack, a top cover covered on the casing and fastened to the rear terminal rack to hold a signal line, permitting the electrical wires of the signal line to be respectively forced into contact with the terminals on the rear terminal rack, the circuit board being convenient for the installation of an interference prevention circuit to prevent the terminals from interfering with one another.

The present invention relates to a module plug for telecommunication, and more particularly to such a module plug which comprises a circuit board mounted in a mounting space on a casing to hold a front terminal rack and a rear terminal rack and a plurality of terminals in terminal holes on the front terminal rack and the rear terminal rack, a top cover covered on the casing and fastened to the rear terminal rack to hold a signal line, permitting the electrical wires of the signal line to be respectively forced into contact with the terminals on the rear terminal rack, the circuit board being convenient for the installation of an interference prevention circuit to prevent the terminals from interfering with one another.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a module plug designed for connection to a module jack according to the prior art. The module plug is connected to a signal line, having a clip at the bottom for fastened to the module jack, and a plurality of terminals arranged in parallel slots at the front side for contact with respective terminals in the module jack. After the electrical wires of the signal line are, after removable of insulator, inserted into respective wire holes on the module plug, and then fastened to the terminals respectively. Because the bare conductors of the electrical wires have a certain length and arranged close to one another side by side, a terminal interference problem tends to occur during a data transmission more particularly to 100 MHZ high frequency data transmission. Furthermore, because the electrical wires are arranged in parallel, it is difficult to interchange the positions between the electric wires.
The present invention has been accomplished to provide a module plug which eliminates the aforesaid drawbacks. It is one object of the present invention to provide a module plug which can be conveniently installed with an interference prevention circuit to prevent signal transmission interference between the terminals. It is another object of the present invention to provide a module plug which allows the positions of the electrical wires of the signal line to be conveniently interchanged. According to one aspect of the present invention, the module plug comprises a casing, the casing having a clip for securing to a module jack, a plurality of insertion slots arranged in parallel at a front side thereof for receiving respective terminals in the module jack, and a mounting space defined behind the insertion slots; a circuit board mounted in the mounting space and secured to the casing, the circuit board comprising a plurality of front terminal holes, a plurality of rear terminal holes, and a plurality of mounting holes; a plurality of front terminals and a plurality of rear terminals respectively fastened to the front terminal holes and rear terminal holes on the circuit board, the front terminals being disposed in alignment with the insertion slots on the casing; a top cover is covered on the casing over the circuit board, the front terminals and the rear terminals, the top cover having a plurality of wire grooves at a bottom side thereof; a signal line is fastened to the top cover, the signal line having a plurality of electrical wires respectively fastened to wire grooves on the top cover and forced into contact with the rear terminals respectively. According to another aspect of the present invention, a front terminal rack and a rear terminal rack are respectively fastened to the circuit board to hold the front terminals and the rear terminals on the circuit board, the front terminal rack and the rear terminal rack each having a plurality of downward mounting rods respectively fastened to the mounting holes on the circuit board, a plurality of terminal holes which receive the front terminals and the rear terminals respectively, the terminals holes on the rear terminals rack being arranged in two parallel rows for holding the rear terminals in two parallel rows.

Module plug having circuit board with mounting terminals


A plastic injection mold for molding a plastic article includes an upper insert and a lower insert. The upper insert and the lower insert match with each other to define an annular mold cavity in between. An annular gate communicates with the mold cavity to allow molten plastic material to flow into the mold cavity to mold the article. An annular runner is connected with the annular gate for injecting molten plastic material to the annular gate. Molten plastic material will evenly flow into the mold cavity of the plastic injection mold through the annular gate to mold the plastic article, which prevents the plastic article from being disfigured, decreasing the number of defective products and improving the product quality.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mold, and more particularly to a plastic injection mold for molding a plastic article.
2. The Related Art
Nowadays, plastic articles are mostly manufactured by injection molding method. In general, a plastic injection mold comprises an upper insert, a lower insert and a runner system. A mold cavity is defined between the upper insert and the lower insert when they are combined together. The runner system is provided for injecting molten plastic material from a nozzle of an injection molding machine to the mold cavity. The runner system generally includes a sprue, a runner and a gate. The sprue connects the nozzle and the runner. The gate is an entrance of the mold cavity. The molten plastic material is injected into the runner from the sprue, and then flows into the mold cavity through the gate to form plastic articles. As known by the skilled in the field, the gate directly influences appearance, deformation, molding constringency rate and strength of molded articles. The gate style is chosen in accordance with the molded article. However, the conventional gate design is apt to make the molded article disfigure, causing possible material shortage, weld marks, shrinkage, gate-white-flecks, warpage, brittleness, degradation, etc. when the molded article is very small and thin.


Described is a mechanism for enabling an application operating as a web application to transition to a client-side application without impacting a user's interaction with the application. The progressive installation transitions through three states: a start-up state, a demand state, and an install state. During the start-up state, a subset of components associated with the application is downloaded and stored in a local data store. The subset is sufficient to allow execution of the application in a manner similar to a web application. During the demand state, additional resources associated with the application are downloaded. Transitioning from the demand state to the installed state occurs without impacting a user's interaction with the application. The transition may occur autonomously based on the number of additional resources stored in the local data store or upon an external trigger.

There are two main types of applications available today. A first type of application is a client-side application. The client-side application resides on a client computer and is available for use whenever the client computer is operational. This client-side application undergoes a distinct installation state before it is available for use. Typically, the installation state displays some form of a progress user-interface, such as a thermometer, during installation. During the installation state, the client-side application is not available for use. The client-side application must be fully installed before a user can use the application.
The other type of application is commonly referred to as a Web application or Web app. The Web app is stored on a Web server. The Web app is commonly deployed as multiple Web pages accessible over the Internet. A conventional Web app includes multiple Web pages representing markup-based documents. The Web app may also include scripts or other resources that are accessed through the Web pages. For most Web apps, the multiple Web pages and resources are hyperlinked together in such a way that the "business logic" of the Web app is distributed over the multiple resources. Each page is responsible for a portion of the overall business logic, and, by navigating from page to page, the user can experience the entire Web app. For the purpose of this document, the term "navigating" refers to causing a hosting environment to retrieve a resource associated with the Web app, such as by activating a hyperlink. Navigating to a resource typically involves navigating away from another resource where the navigated-to resource is the one being retrieved by the hosting environment. Web apps do not require an installation phase and are not available once the client computer is disconnected from the Web server.
Both of these methods for interacting with a software application have advantages and disadvantages, neither one is ideal.

System and method for progressively installing a software application


Method and system for mechanical separation of materials from discarded fluorescent light tubes being broken up. The system comprises a fan-driven exhaust air system which is designed for air transportation and separation of material fragments and which is supplied with air from three separating towers (8, 8', 8"). A mill (2) which breaks up the fluorescent light tubes delivers fluorescent light tube material to a first separating tower (8) where larger material fragments are separated off, while smaller material fragments and particles leave the tower together with the outflowing air. A screen (22) divides the coarse fraction from the tower into glass fragments and metal fragments. The metal fragments from the screen are made to pass through a metal crusher (28) which is connected to a second separating tower (8'). A magnetic separator (34) separates off magnetic material from a conveyor (32) for the glass fragments and metal fragments. From the conveyor (32), the glass fragments are made to pass through a glass crusher (42) which is connected to a third separating tower (8"). From the coarse fraction outlet of the third tower, the glass fragments are conveyed via a tumbler to a waste container (54). A cyclone (58) with downstream filters (66, 70) separates off fluorescent powder from the exhaust air.

A fluorescent light tube is a type of low-pressure discharge lamp which in most cases is designed as a closed glass tube (which, for example, can be straight, circular, or bent in a U-shape) with a cathode at each end. The glass tube encloses a gas filling containing mercury vapour. When the fluorescent light tube is switched on, an electron current passes through the gas filling from one cathode to the other. Mercury atoms in this gas filling are then acted upon by the electron current in such a way that they emit invisible ultraviolet radiation. On the inner side of the glass tube there is a layer of fluorescent powder (fluorescent substance) which has the property of converting the short-wave ultraviolet radiation into long-wave visible light.
Since a fluorescent light tube therefore contains a certain (albeit small) quantity of mercury, it is extremely important, from the conventional point of view, when disposing of used fluorescent light tubes, to deal with the mercury from these tubes in an efficient and safe manner. Discarded fluorescent light tubes must therefore be treated as exceptional hazardous waste which is sent to a special destruction plant where the mercury can be dealt with and recovered in a manner which is efficient and, from the point of view of environmental protection, completely satisfactory.
In a fluorescent light tube which is to be disposed of, the mercury which has condensed from the mercury vapour is found on the inner side of the glass tube wall, and since this inner side is coated with a fluorescent powder layer, most of the condensed mercury is therefore found in the fluorescent powder.
Additional mercury, in the form of mercury oxide and/or amalgam, is also found as precipitated particles which have deposited on the inner side of the glass tube wall, especially in the vicinity of the cathodes at the ends of the fluorescent light tube.
Analysis of various parts of crushed or ground fluorescent light tubes has additionally shown that the so-called cathode screen (usually a ferrous strip bent round the cathode) can itself have a relatively high concentration of mercury, for which reason it should be the subject of special treatment for separating off mercury, for example distillation.
A number of methods are already known for dealing with the mercury-containing fluorescent powder from discarded fluorescent light tubes. In one of these known procedures, the cathodes and the end sections including the metal end-sleeves (the end sockets provided with contact pins) of the fluorescent light tube are cut loose or cut off from the rest of the tube so that the latter is open at its ends. The fluorescent powder can then be suctioned or raked out of the tube with the aid of some suitable type of plunger-like scraper tool which has a long shaft and which is pulled or pushed through the glass tube, open at its ends, from one end to the other end.
While it is true that most of the mercury-containing fluorescent powder can in this way be cleared out of the glass tube cut off at its ends, the mercury-containing fluorescent powder and the mercury oxide found in the cut-off end sections of the fluorescent light tube cannot be dealt with and recovered in this way. The cut-off end sections can of course themselves be after-treated and distilled.
When the destruction of discarded fluorescent light tubes involves the fluorescent light tubes being crushed in their entirety (for example in a screw feeder), this also has the consequence that the lead oxide glass which is used as the end seals of the glass tube and as cathode holders will be mixed with the crown glass from the remaining parts of the fluorescent light tubes. This is a considerable disadvantage since it means that the usability of the recovered glass as a raw material for the manufacture of new glass products is thereby limited. The value of the recovered glass as a recovered raw material for the manufacture of new glass products is in this way drastically reduced.
In EP-A-0420367 there is disclosed a method and device for sanitation of mercury-containing lamps. DE-A-4030732 discloses a method for recycling of fluorescent lamps/tubes and broken pieces thereof. WO-A-9301889 discloses a method for removing metal electrical tips from fractured glass derived from a fluorescent tube crusher, and a tip separator for use with crushed fluorescent light tubes.

Method and system for mechanical separation of various materials/substances from disposed fluorescent light tubes and similar lamps being crushed


A method which may be used to condition a battery. The method includes sensing that the battery needs to be conditioned while an external power source is being used as the source of system power. According to the method, the battery is then used as the system power source while the external power source remains available.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the field of portable computing devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to conditioning a battery in a computing device while external power is applied.
2. Description of Related Art
Conditioning a battery typically prolongs the life of the battery and may also allow a battery charge sensor to calibrate itself. The first step of conditioning a battery is ensuring that the battery discharges completely or at least discharges to a certain level. Such discharging should be followed by charging until the battery is fully charged, or at least close to fully charged. Conditioning avoids cycling the battery only through a small charge-discharge range and reduces the likelihood that the battery will be limited in charge range by its "memory" of previous cycles.
Even though some batteries purportedly do not have this "memory" effect, conditioning may still be important. A "smart" battery designed for use with a computer system may include a sensor circuit to determine battery information, such as the amount of remaining charge. After many charge and discharge cycles, the battery sensor may lose its calibration and need to be calibrated again. Calibration may be accomplished by conditioning the battery. In other words, calibration may be accomplished by discharging the battery to a first (e.g., minimum) known level and then recharging the battery to a second (e.g., maximum) known level.
Unfortunately, prior art portable computing devices do not automatically condition batteries. Battery conditioning involves discharging the battery, and prior art devices do not discharge the battery when external power (e.g., direct current power from an A/C adapter plug or an alternate external direct current source) is applied. In fact, prior art devices often charge the battery any time that external power is applied and the battery is less than fully charged.
Consequently, to discharge the battery, the user of a prior art portable computing device may need to operate the device without external power until the battery is discharged. Alternatively, the user could simply leave the system inactive, presumably eventually discharging the battery. Both of these methods may be inconvenient to users since users may not be able to schedule computer use to accommodate battery charging and discharging.
Thus, with prior art systems, conditioning batteries requires user intervention. Such user intervention is inconvenient and reduces the likelihood that users will condition their batteries regularly to preserve battery charge range and allow accurate battery readings. Consequently, the prior art does not provide an adequate solution which automatically conditions batteries.

Method and apparatus for conditioning battery while external power is applied