An analog to digital converter 10 has a switched capacitor analog modulator 12 with three point calibration. Offset calibration applies on offset correction value in OCR 22 to an uncalibrated digital output. Register 28 holds a desired full scale value, register 24 holds a positive full scale value, and register 26 holds a negative full scale value. Depending upon the polarity of the converted analog signal, the offset corrected digital signal is multiplied by a positive or a negative gain correction factor.

This invention relates to Sigma Delta analog to digital converters (ADC), and, in particular, to an apparatus and a method for improving the integral non-linearity of Sigma-Delta ADCs through three point digital calibration.
Some ADCs make provision for correcting inherent errors. Such correction is commonly known as calibration which corrects for offset and gain errors. Offset is demonstrated by the ADC having a non-zero output when its input signal is zero or ground. In prior art devices the zero input is converted into a digital value, stored and subtracted from all other digital values converted thereafter. Gain error is demonstrated by the ADC having a non-ideal output, i.e., different from all 1s, when the full scale input signal is applied and offset error has been removed. In a similar manner prior art devices convert a positive reference voltage into a digital value that is offset corrected, and used to generate a gain correction factor. This gain correction factor is multiplied by all other offset corrected digital values converted thereafter.
Calibration relies upon the basic formula for a slope of a line, i.e. y=mx+b, where m represents the gain correction factor and b is the offset correction value. The ideal output for an ADC is all 1s when the input is at its full scale value. However, the actual noncalibrated full scale output of the ADC may be more or less, so its uncalibrated output is different from all 1s. In other words, instead of a slope of m, the slope is 0.5 m or 1.3 m or some other value different from the ideal. To remove gain error of the ADC others multiplied the offset calibrated output of the ADC by a gain correction factor that is the quotient of a division where the numerator represents the total resolution of the converter and the denominator is the offset corrected digital code determined from a full scale input to the ADC. As such, when an input analog signal corresponding to the actual full scale output is converted and multiplied by the calibration correction factor, the result will be the maximum output, i.e. all 1s. For example, in a three bit ADC the desired full scale output would be 111. Suppose the three bit ADC is designed to convert a full scale input of 2 volts to a digital signal. A fill scale input of 2 volts should yield a digital output of 111. Each binary code in the digital output represents one-eight of the span or 1/4 volts (i.e. LSB=0.25 V). However, one finds that when a input signal of 2 volts is applied, the offset corrected output is not 111 but rather 110. So, the three bit ADC has a gain calibration factor of 111/110, i.e. a correction factor of 7/6. So, any applied voltage signal will be corrected by subtracting offset and multiplying the correction factor (111/110) against the offset corrected value.
There are existing techniques for digital calibration to minimize offset and gain errors in Sigma Delta converters. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,807, 5,305,004 for examples of digital offset correction and unipolar gain slope correction.
The Sigma Delta modulator is the critical component in determining accuracy and linearity. In a Sigma Delta modulator with a switched capacitor integrator front-end the principal sources of non-linearity have been identified as the voltage coefficient of the capacitors (1st and 2nd order, primarily) as well as integrator leakage. Integrator leakage is due to finite integrator DC gain. This can be overcome by designing an integrator with sufficient gain for a particular application. Nonlinearity due to capacitor voltage coefficient can be addressed, to a certain extent, with a fully differential modulator structure. The fully differential signal paths allow the cancellation of first order nonlinearity due to the first order capacitor coefficient. However, the second order voltage coefficient will generate nonlinearities since they are not cancelled by these signal paths.
It has been observed that an ADC with a Sigma Delta modulator exhibits different gains for input signals of different polarities. So, negative signals will have a gain different from positive signals. It is believed that the observed difference in gains results from second order effects including the negative capacitance coefficients in the Taylor series expansion for the combined capacitance of a Sigma Delta modulator. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,454. Distortion due to 2nd order voltage coefficient effects are compensated for by using a capacitor interconnection scheme as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,454. There are shown polycrystalline silicon capacitors configured such that the lower plate of one capacitor is connected to the upper plate of the other capacitor and the lower plate of the other capacitor is connected to the upper plate of the first capacitor. With such a configuration, the odd ordered non-linearity contributing to the voltage coefficient errors are cancelled.
It would be desireable to have a solution to the problem of nonlinearities in ADCs without resort to a modification of the capacitor interconnection system. It would also be desireable to have a digital circuit solution to the problem of different gains of input voltages of different polarities. As is also desireable to have a piecewise linear transfer function for the ADS.

Sigma Delta analog to digital converter with three point calibration apparatus and method


This is a dispensing unit for condiments such as mustard, catsup, etc. or industrial liquids such as soap, chemicals. The condiment is contained in a container such as a bottle with a neck portion which is attached to a dispensing nipple. When the device is hanging upside down, the condiment in the container flows into the dispensing tip, which has a valve such that no fluid flows out the end of the tip until pressure is applied by squeezing the plastic bottle. A dispenser nipple passes through a hole in a plate or tray in a housing. A back resilient pad is on one side of the hole, and on the front side of the hole is a front pad. The dispensing nipple extends through this hole between the two pads. A push rod connects to a push plate on the front side of the front pad, and the application of force on the push rod forces the two pads towards each other. When the nipple is between them, it causes the nipple to be squeezed, thus dispensing condiment out the tip.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing liquids such as foods and condiments. It relates especially to a dispensing unit including a housing in which is secured in a vertical fashion different containers of various condiments which can be dispensed through dispensing nipples attached to the container.
2. Background of the Invention
Condiments such as mustard, catsup, mayonnaise, and various other sauces are widely dispensed in restaurants and cafes and especially in the fast food market. Restaurants have various dispensing systems for these condiments, such as catsup bottles or mustard bottles. Some of these bottles are rigid, and others are plastic where they can be squeezed. Many of the fast food restaurants have condiments in small plastic packages. When the customer needs catsup, for example, he tears off a corner of one of the packages and squeezes the product (such as mustard or catsup) onto the sandwich. The use of such packages leaves a lot to be desired. They are very messy, and also waste a lot of condiment being dispensed.


A cable support assembly for the electrical cables between sealed electrical penetration assemblies within a reactor penetration nozzle has been detailed. The cable support assembly is anchored at one end and slidably movable at the other end to provide for seismic and thermal movement. The cable support assembly includes conduits for protecting and shielding the cables which are disposed within the conduits.

The present invention relates to electrical cable support assemblies for electrical penetration assemblies which provide electrical connection through the biological, environment containment of a nuclear reactor system.
The nuclear reactor containment comprises a sealed containment building which may be of the type with a steel liner and a thick concrete wall about the liner, or of the double containment annular type where a steel shield wall is spaced from a surrounding concrete containment wall. In either case, the containment is sealed and designed to withstand unlikely accident conditions to ensure that no radioactive material can breach the containment to the surrounding environment.
Numerous electrical cables must be sealed through the containment to provide electrical operating power, instrumentation, and control capability for the reactor systems. An electrical penetration assembly is the sealed feed-through device by which such electrical connections are made through the containment. Thick walled pipes or nozzles are provided through the steel and concrete wall portions of the containment. The electrical penetrations pass through these nozzles and are sealed at header plates at opposed ends of the nozzles. The typical electrical penetration is of a modular configuration as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,262, and comprises a tubular metal housing with one or more electrical leads sealed within the housing and extending beyond each end for electrical connection. A plurality of such penetration modules are brought through a header and nozzle.
It is desirable to segregate or shield the individual electrical cables or cable bundles within the nozzle for safety as well as electrical shielding reasons. The containment and penetration design must also provide for seismic and thermal movement or expansion of the containment building with the penetration remaining sealed.

Cable support assembly for electrical penetration assembly for reactor containment


A photographic printer having a print station for generating photographic prints from photographic film frame images and an exposure determination film frame image scanner used in determining print exposure operating conditions at the print station. The printer is provided with an index print signal generator responsive to the output of the exposure determination film scanner to produce a matrix of film frame image signals from which index prints are produced by either the print station or by means of a separate printer.

An index print is a single print comprised of a matrix of small images corresponding to individual negative frames on a strip of photographic film. This type of print is desirable for the customer in that positive image reproductions are provided for convenient reference by the customer to indicate the content of the film without having to view the film directly. This is of particular benefit for negative film since the scene content of negative images is difficult to visualize, particularly by an untrained viewer.
At the present time, index prints are not generally produced by photofinishing laboratories although technology for doing so is known. The reason for this is believed to reside in the difficulty of doing so and the cost associated with extra equipment needed to produce the prints. In general, there are two basic techniques known for the production of index prints. One is to optically print the negative film frames onto photographic paper by contact printing or some other type of printing device. The disadvantage of this technique is that it requires separate equipment and extra handling of the film as will as additional time added to the overall print order processing.
Another technique involves scanning the negative frames with an electronic film scanner with equipment over and above that used in the normal photofinishing process and producing the index prints with a hardcopy output device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) printer, laser printer, thermal printer or the like. Examples of this technique are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,903,068 and 4,933,773. In the '068 patent a CRT scanning light source is used to expose the film frames onto the photopaper to produce the customer's print order. Simultaneously, a portion of the scanned image light is deflected to auxiliary digital image processing and memory circuits. When a predetermined number of frames have been printed, the corresponding stored digital image are recalled from memory and used to drive the CRT exposure scanner to produce an index print of the stored images as a matrix of reduced-size images on the next available space on the photopaper. The '773 patent is similar except that a non-scanning exposure light source is used for the principal print exposures. A portion of the image exposure light is deflected to a video camera and subsequent processing circuits wherein the image is scanned and digitized for storage in memory. After the appropriate number of frames are printed, the corresponding stored image are recalled from memory and an index print exposure made by means of an auxiliary scanning CRT light source. Both of these examples require significant additional capital investment for the added equipment required.

Photographic printer with index print generation


A device automatically places marks, such as notches, on solder as that solder is being dispensed to a soldering operation. The device is entirely mechanical, and places the proper amount of tension on the solder without stretching it, and guides the solder from a storage reel to a marking system. The solder is marked by elements located on a marking wheel that rotates next to a grooved wheel. The tensioning is effected by a plurality of grooved wheels around which the solder is trained and which can be adjusted to control the amount of tension applied to the solder.

Many processes require hand soldering. Current methods for hand-soldering printed circuit boards, or other soldering applications in the electronics industry, the plumbing industry, jewelry construction/repair, and the like, require precise, accurate and repeatable soldering steps.
This is important for several reasons. First, it is important because if a soldered joint on a printed circuit board is prepared too fast, the solder may not have melted properly and was not liquified enough to allow seepage in and around the metal that is being soldered together. In fact, the top surface of the solder may look like there is enough solder, but actually, there is an air pocket in the solder joint. This error can easily happen if a worker has been soldering for a long period of time, and is fatigued.
It is also important to know exactly how much solder is used to prevent waste and inefficiency in soldering methods. If the amount of solder used can be precisely determined, this data can be used to project other jobs, and to measure performance and provide quality control data for other jobs. Still further, knowing precisely how much solder will be necessary for a particular job makes cost projections easier to make, and more precise.
Currently, a worker is taught hand soldering by example, either from a teacher, mentor or from a training film. This method of measuring solder is generally called "eye-bailing." However, this is imprecise, especially with regard to applications in highly technical areas, such as printed circuit boards, or the like. Furthermore, accurate records of solder use are not kept using "eye-ball" techniques, and thus data for other uses and/or other applications may not be accurate. This may also affect quality and reliability of soldering operations. Still further, it is not easy to change the amount of solder used for jobs. Still further, there is no universal way to apply an "eyeball" method developed for one application to other applications.
Yet another drawback to current methods of measuring solder results because of worker fatigue. As a worker tires, his or her accuracy may vary or decrease, and the constant strain of accurately measuring solder may even exacerbate this fatigue.
Therefore, there is a need for a means and a method for accurately, precisely and repeatably marking solder for any particular job, and which can be easily altered and modified for other jobs.

Solder marking device and method of marking solder


An electrical sealing device consisting of a brush-like element comprising a plurality of flexible filaments (1) the majority of which are electrically conductive and are distributed substantially uniformly among the insulating filaments. The device can be used, for example, for electrically sealing around the edge of a door (6) of an equipment enclosure (5) so as to prevent electromagnetic interference from leaking into or out of the enclosure, or can be used for electrically sealing an aperture (9) through which wires (10) may pass.

This invention relates to electrical sealing devices, for reducing electromagnetic interference.
It is often necessary to provide an enclosure for electronic equipment which shields the equipment against externally generated electromagnetic interference. Alternatively, the enclosure may be necessary to prevent signals generated by the equipment from interfering with other equipment.
It is usually necessary to provide some door or cover plate for the enclosure, so as to allow access to the equipment. However, it is difficult to ensure good, uniform electrical contact between the door or cover plate and the surrounding part of the enclosure. Accordingly, there is a tendency for signal leakage to occur.
It has been suggested to use conductive gaskets for improving the electrical sealing between a door or cover plate and the enclosure. One form of gasket consists of a multiplicity of wire elements embedded in an insulating resilient material. Examples of such gaskets are described in British Patent Specification No. 751496 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,885,459. A second form of gasket consists of metallic particles distributed throughout an insulating resilient material, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,930. When a slab of the material is compressed, the particles provide a path of relatively low conductivity between opposite faces. Both forms of the gasket have a substantial mechanical stiffness, so that a large force is required to provide the required compression of the gasket round the edges of a large door or panel. Apart from the difficulties which may be experienced by a service engineer, for example, in closing the door, or replacing the panel, the force may be sufficient to cause distortion of hinges, catches, or of the door or panel itself.
One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical sealing device which requires considerably smaller compressive forces than the gaskets referred to above.
Another problem which arises with such equipment is that it is often necessary to provide a hole in the wall of the enclosure for wiring to pass through, and such a hole may allow electromagnetic interference to pass into or out of the enclosure. In order to minimize such interference, the hole is usually made of just sufficient size to accept the wiring. Sometimes the shielding braid on the wiring is held in a clamp around the periphery of the hole. This can, however, lead to difficulties in the initial fitting or replacement of the wiring, particularly if the wiring consists of one or more relatively thick and stiff cables.
Another object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electrical sealing device which can electrically seal a hole through which wiring passes, in such a way as to permit easy removal or replacement of the wiring.


The invention provides a system and method for assembling an electrical module. The module comprises a circuit board, a substrate and an electrical component carried on the substrate. The substrate is formed by a stamping process an is mounted at a location on the circuit board. The substrate forms part of an electrical circuit with a circuit in the circuit board and dissipates heat from the circuit board. The substrate and the circuit board are both initially carried in respective frames. Alignment registered in the frames allow the frames to be aligned such that the substrate is positioned at the location on the circuit board.

As is known in the art, a PCB embodies an electrical circuit which includes electrical components. In addition to functional characteristics of the circuit, operational characteristics, such as form factor, heat dissipation, track sizes and weights, must adequately be considered for the circuit contained in the PCB. For example, for a power converter PCB, power conversion components in the circuit generate significant amounts of heat, which must be properly dissipated. Also, the electrical tracks in the PCB for the circuit must be large enough to handle the high currents flowing therethrough.
Many PCBs utilize surface mount component technologies. These relatively small components generally have fine track widths on an exposed surface of a PCB. However, in order to obtain fine track widths, a relatively thin layer of copper must be used on the surface of the PCB. Generally, a thin layer of copper will not have the heat dissipation nor the current carrying capabilities of a thicker layer of copper. As well, as assemblies of electronic components become more complex, resort must be had to an increasingly greater number of substrate layers in a typical PCB. In many instances, conductive layers within such multilayer PCBs are thinner than their counterparts in PCBs which contain fewer layers.
All of the foregoing creates challenges and constraints for size reduction, heat dissipation and current carrying capability in the design and manufacture of assemblies of electronic components. There is therefore a need for an assembly that can carry relatively high electrical currents, that can dissipate heat for components mounted onto a PCB and that can be presented in a relatively compact size as compared to the existing art.

Component substrate for a printed circuit board and method of assembyling the substrate and the circuit board


A semiconductor device according to the invention is constructed as below. A charge accumulating layer which contains a magnetic substance is formed directly on a semiconductor substrate, and a gate insulating film is formed on the charge accumulating layer. Further, a gate electrode is formed on the gate insulating film, and source and drain regions formed in surface portions of the semiconductor substrate such that the gate electrode is interposed therebetween. Another semiconductor device according to the invention is constructed as below. A first gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a charge accumulating layer which contains a magnetic substance is formed on the first gate insulating film. Further, a second gate insulating film is formed on the charge accumulating layer, and a gate electrode is formed on the second gate insulating film. Source and drain regions formed in surface portions of the semiconductor substrate such that the gate electrode is interposed therebetween.

This invention relates to a semiconductor device having a transistor structure, and more particularly to a semiconductor device having a charge accumulating layer under a gate electrode.
Recently, a floating-gate memory device has been proposed as a structure in which the "single electron phenomenon" is applied to a MOS semiconductor device (IBM, S. Tiwari, IEDM95, p. 521). In this device, a record, which indicates whether or not electrons flowing through the channel of the substrate are accumulated in semiconductor particles in the gate oxide film, will appear in current/voltage characteristics between its source and drain. Therefore, this device is expected to be applied as a memory device.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the device structure proposed in the above document. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an Si substrate, reference numeral 2 a tunnel oxide film, reference numeral 4 an SiO.sub.2 film, reference numeral 5 a gate electrode, reference numeral 6 a source region, reference numeral 7 a drain region, reference numeral 8 an inversion layer, and reference numeral 21 Si fine particles. This device is characterized in that Si fine particles 21 with a size of about 5 nm are provided on the tunnel oxide film 2 with a thickness of 2 nm or less, and the gate electrode 5 is provided on the resultant structure.
In this device, electrons contained in the inversion layer 8 directly tunnel into the Si fine particles 21 on the tunnel oxide film 2 when a gate voltage has been applied. When electrons have tunneled into the Si fine particles, the electron distribution of a conduction band in the inversion layer 8 located under the Si fine particles 21 varies. As a result, the threshold voltage of a gate having its channel connected to the band changes. Since the change in the threshold voltage is about 0.36V, the state of electrons in the Si fine particles 21 can be sensed by sensing a change in the current flowing through the inversion layer 8 with respect to the gate voltage.
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are views illustrating changes in the conduction band of the above-described device. When a positive voltage has been applied to the gate, electricity is transmitted and accumulated into the Si fine particles from the inversion layer 8 via the tunnel oxide film 2, as is shown in FIG. 2A ("Write" state). Even if the application of the voltage to the gate electrode 5 is stopped, the electricity is retained in the Si fine particles 21, as is shown in FIG. 2B ("Store" state). In this state, the threshold voltage of the transistor increases. On the other hand, when a negative voltage has been applied to the gate, the electricity accumulated in the Si fine particles is discharged to the substrate side via the tunnel oxide film 2, as is shown in FIG. 2C. In this state, the threshold voltage returns to its original value ("Erase" state).
As described above, electricity can be transmitted into, retained in and discharged from the Si fine particles 21, and the threshold voltage of the device varies depending upon whether or not electricity is accumulated in the Si fine particles 21. This being so, this device can be used as a memory device.
Elements of this kind, however, have the following problems; in the conventional floating-gate device using the single electron phenomenon, the distance between a quantum dot and the channel layer of the substrate is as close as about 2 nm. Accordingly, the threshold voltage, which is disadvantageous, if high, in the case of a flash memory, can be suppressed. However, it is highly possible that electrons will return into the substrate. This being so, the retention time, i.e. the time required for the electricity in the quantum dot to discharge into the substrate side, is as short as several months. This is rather shorter than the retention time, i.e. several years, in the case of a usual flash memory which does not use the single electron effect.
Although as described above, the floating-gate device using the single electron effect can have a low threshold voltage but cannot retain electricity for a long time. This is a factor which makes it difficult to use the device as a memory device.

Semiconductor element having charge accumulating layer under gate electrode and using single electron phenomenon


An automatic messaging client launcher for a communication device automatically launches the communication device's messaging client, when the device is calling a currently unavailable destination communication device. The automatic messaging client launcher consists of an availability detector and a messaging initiator. The availability detector determines if the communication device being called is available. If the destination device is unavailable, the messaging initiator launches the messaging client.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communication messaging and, more particularly, to automatically initiated communication messaging.
2. Description of the Related Art
The communications industry is a fast growing industry, which answers the communication needs of people around the world. Mobile telephones, such as cellular and satellite phones, extend the reach of traditional wireline telephones, and enable users to stay in touch when they would otherwise be inaccessible. Communications carriers are also providing an increasing variety of services to their users. Messaging services (such as Short Message Service) are widely used, and are an important source of revenue for cellular carriers. In view of the growing popularity of messaging services, the availability of messaging services for other types of communication devices is also rising. However, despite the versatility of the available communications networks, no one is truly accessible at all times.
Cellular telephone users now commonly use their cellular telephones not only to call other users, but also to leave voicemail messages, and to send each other text messages. A significant amount of cellular carrier revenues now come from the transmission of Short Message Service (SMS) text messages. In view of the popularity of these services, messaging capability is becoming available for other types of telephones, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones. The range of services provided by communications carriers is expected to increase. Multimedia messaging services (MMS), which expand SMS messaging beyond text to include multimedia content, will soon be widely available. Every additional service that is offered by a communications carrier improves its ability to attract clients and to compete with other carriers. Cellular communication carriers expect that additional services will increase the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), mainly because of increased airtime, which is the billable duration of the conversation.
Telephone communications carriers routinely provide Voicemail services. Each voicemail-enabled user has an individual voicemail box on a central server. If a call recipient is unavailable to receive an incoming call, a prerecorded greeting is played to the caller. The caller is then able to record a voice message, which is stored in the recipient's voicemail box for access by the recipient at a later time. Voicemail is an important service for both the caller and the recipient. The caller is not obligated to call the same individual repeatedly. The recipient does not miss incoming calls, even when talking to a different individual or when the telephone is disconnected.
Voicemail has several disadvantages. Voicemail services can be cumbersome, as users may be required to listen to lengthy messages and to navigate through various menus in order to send or receive voice messages. The user also pays for airtime while utilizing voicemail services. For these reasons, callers often elect to end the connection rather than leave a voicemail message.
Cellular telephone messaging services, such as SMS and MMS, provide callers with alternative ways of communicating with other users without speaking to them directly. SMS is a transmission service for transmitting short text messages to wireless devices. A SMS message consists of a short text message, up to 160 alphanumeric characters in length. Non-text based short messages (for example, in binary format) are also supported, and are used, for example, for downloading ringtones and for logo services.
The Short Message Service features confirmation of message delivery. Thus, unlike paging, senders of SMS messages can receive a return message notifying them whether the short message has been delivered or not.
The Short Message Service is a store and forward service. SMS messages are not sent directly from sender to recipient, but via a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) that stores each message until the message can be delivered to the appropriate mobile device. If the subscriber is inactive, the SMSC holds the message for a period of time, and delivers the messages when the subscriber accesses the network. Sending SMS messages has become popular with callers, both for providing a new message format (text rather than voice), and because SMS messages are relatively inexpensive to send.
Two new messaging formats, EMS (Enhanced Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Message Service), are now emerging. EMS adds text formatting, black-and-white images and simple sounds to the unformatted text that SMS supports. Wireless service providers that offer SMS can add EMS with relatively simple upgrades to their network infrastructure.
In comparison with SMS and EMS, MMS provides users with significantly extended messaging capabilities. MMS messages may contain still images, text, audio and video clips, and presentation information, in addition to text. The presentation information defines the way the message content is presented to the user, for example the order in which still images are displayed. An MMS message is displayed to the recipient as a multimedia presentation. The recipient does not need to manually select and open data attached to a message. Like SMS, MMS provides confirmation of message delivery.
MMS messages are not transmitted directly from the caller to the recipient, but are forwarded via a Multimedia Service Center (MMSC) that performs a function analogous to the SMSC. However, the process for MMS transmission to the recipient is different.
When a sender sends an MMS message to a recipient, the message is first sent to the MMSC. The MMSC sends confirmation to the sender that the message was sent. The MMSC then sends the receiver a notification that a new message is waiting. The receiver can download the message immediately or at a later time. Once the message is successfully downloaded, the receiver is notified that the message was received, and the sender is notified that the message was delivered.
SMS and MMS messaging provide cellular clients with attractive alternatives to voicemail. SMS messages are short text messages that are inexpensive for the user, and are quickly transferred to the server over the signaling path. Additionally, once delivered, SMS messages are stored on the cellular device. Commonly, an indicator appears on the cellular device notifying the user that an SMS message has been received. The recipient is therefore more likely to view the message. Further information about messaging services can be found at http://www.mobilesms.com/, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. MMS messaging enables callers to send more elaborate messages, containing a variety of media.
Despite these advantages, SMS and MMS are currently an inconvenient way for a caller to communicate with an unavailable call recipient. If the caller attempts to place a regular call and the recipient does not answer, and the caller wishes to leave an SMS or MMS message, the caller must first hang up, and then manually access the SMS or MMS function on his or her telephone. Accessing a message function on a cellular device often requires navigating through various menus on the device. The message and the target address must be manually input into the device and then transmitted. Confronted by this option, most callers currently prefer to end the call or to leave a voice message and suffer its inconveniences.
There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, user-friendly messaging to an unavailable call recipient devoid of the above limitations.

Automatic messaging client launcher for a communication device


An interchangeable shoe strap system that permits the user to customize the fit and aesthetics of her footwear. The shoe includes a sole member 22 with an upper surface 24 to support a wearer's foot and a lower surface 26 to contact a support surface. An elastic binding 28 is affixed to a sole member 22 with a series of knots 36 and mounting studs 30, thusly creating loops in the elastic binding 28. An equal number of loops, of a substantially equal size, are aligned transversely along the side edges of the forward region of the shoe sole member 22. The shoe is completed when the wearer laces a strap 34 through the elastic bindings 28.

1. Field of Invention
This invention generally relates to footwear, specifically to a shoe with interchangeable straps to allow functional and aesthetic changes to the shoe.
2. Prior Art
Fashion conscious consumers are commonly concerned with coordinating their footwear with their attire. This often results in a large shoe wardrobe, which can be a financial burden, a storage inconvenience, and whose manufacture can tax the environment. Additionally, "strappy" sandals and other fashionable footwear are usually created in standard, fixed sizes and shapes, and do not provide a way for individuals to create a comfortable, custom fit.
Previously, inventors have created several types of shoes with interchangeable uppers/straps to allow alterations in the appearance and/or function of the footwear. Prior attempts have not provided a system for the wearer to easily and inexpensively create, in almost limitless variety, shoes of varying fit and appearance, while providing a resilient, flexible fit while walking.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,368,314 to Marx (1945); U.S. Pat. No. 2,761,224 to Garland (1956); U.S. Pat. No. 2,976,623 to Gallaway (1961); U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,153,968 (1939) and 3,154,866 (1964) to Loutbahn; U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,346 to Lockard et al. (1965); U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,633 to Connelly (1984); U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,102 to DeVincentis (1984); U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,058 to Jneid (1999); U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,359 to Bricker (2003); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,754 B2 to Cambronero (2005) are examples of systems of sandals with interchangeable straps wherein the straps connect to the sole with proprietary hardware connections such as snaps, anchors or other fasteners. These designs require complicated attachments between the straps and the sole, and force the wearer to purchase multiple straps from the manufacturer to create a variety of appearances of the shoe upper. Additionally, these systems do not intrinsically allow the wearer to customize the fit of the shoe or the configuration of the straps.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,834 to Vecchiola et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,696 to Berg et al. (2004) are systems wherein straps are threaded through transverse slots in the sole of the shoe. These systems require complicated and time-consuming maneuverings to change straps, allow only proprietary straps to couple with the sole, and the strap connection to the shoe is not inherently flexible, resulting in the strap abrading against the shoe sole and/or foot while walking.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,798 to Colan (1981); U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,234 to Manzi (2002); and the "Lee" style shoe by "Touch Ups" brand allow for a variety of ribbons, laces or other strap-like materials to form the upper, and allow for a variety of configurations of the lacing, but do not provide a flexible connection between the lacing and the shoe sole, resulting in the lacing abrading both against the foot, causing discomfort, and against the shoe sole, causing the lacing to deteriorate quickly.
All shoes with interchangeable uppers heretofore known suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages:                (a) The upper is of a proprietary design that forms a complete shoe only with a coordinating proprietary sole. Therefore, to change the appearance of the shoe upper, the user must go through the expense and inconvenience of purchasing a number of upper components from the manufacturer.        (b) The upper component(s) cannot be re-configured to create alternate arrangements for functional or aesthetic purposes.        (c) Only a limited number of styles or colors of proprietary uppers may be available from a manufacturer, restricting the user's ability to coordinate her shoes with her wardrobe and to truly create a unique custom shoe upper.        (d) Changing the upper requires a confusing and/or complicated connection method, typically employing hardware such as anchors, snaps or other mechanical connections.        (e) Connection methods utilizing a hardware attachment between the upper and sole are prone to damage from wear or user error.        (f) The fit of the upper cannot be customized.        (g) The upper has a static connection to the sole, causing the upper to abrade against the foot and/or against the shoe sole at the attachment point(s).        (h) Changing the upper is complicated and time-consuming, particularly where strap(s) are to be threaded through long, narrow, and/or curving slot(s).

Shoe with elastic bindings to receive interchangeable straps


In an exhaust emission control system for an engine, comprising an exhaust emission control catalyst disposed in an exhaust muffler whose inside is divided into a plurality of chambers, at least a portion of the inside of the exhaust muffler is divided into a first chamber for converting mainly NOx in exhaust gas and a second chamber for converting HC and CO in the exhaust gas. The exhaust muffler comprises: a partition wall having a conduit for guiding the exhaust gas from the first chamber to the second chamber; an exhaust gas inlet for introducing the exhaust gas into the first chamber; an external-air suction means for sucking external air into the second chamber; and a discharge pipe for discharging the external air and the exhaust gas flowing through the second chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exhaust emission control system for an engine, comprising an exhaust emission control catalyst disposed in an exhaust muffler whose inside is divided into a plurality of chambers.
2. Description of the Related Art
An exhaust emission control system including an exhaust emission control catalyst disposed in an exhaust muffler whose inside is divided into a plurality of chambers, is already known, for example, from Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-303623.
NOx, HC and CO are contained as components to be converted in an exhaust gas from an engine, and an exhaust emission control catalyst promotes reduction reaction of NOx and oxidation reaction of HC and CO. There is an exhaust emission control system already known, for example, from Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-273419, which is designed so that external air is introduced into an exhaust muffler in order to promote oxidation reaction by making up for the shortage of an amount of oxygen contained in an exhaust gas.
In the exhaust emission control system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-273419, the inside of the exhaust muffler is divided into a first chamber into which the exhaust gas from the engine is introduced and a second chamber leading to an exhaust gas discharge port, and the external air is introduced into the first chamber. However, in a state in which an amount of oxygen is large, the reduction reaction of NOx in the exhaust gas does not advance. Therefore, in the conventional technique in which the external air is introduced immediately into the exhaust gas which is introduced from the engine into the exhaust muffler, it is difficult to sufficiently convert NOx.

Exhaust emission control system for engine


A method for acquiring signals such as signals representative of the state of contacts (C1-Cn) of a motor vehicle, on communication ports (P1-Pn), which can be configured either in input mode or in output mode, of an electronic unit (1), called a computer, of the motor vehicle, according to which method the signals are acquired periodically by the alternation of time intervals of acquisition of the signals with standby time intervals. This method consists in configuring each communication port (P1-Pn) in input mode during the acquisition time intervals, and in level 0 output mode during the standby time intervals.

Present-day motor vehicles are designed so that, regardless of the operating mode of the vehicle, which may be the parking mode with the engine switched off or the movement mode with the engine running, it is possible to check the open or closed state of a plurality of contacts such as a door closure contact, a trunk closure contact, a headlight activation lever contact, a windshield wiper activation lever contact, and the like.
To this end, motor vehicles are fitted with an electronic unit or computer comprising:                a microcontroller having a plurality of communication ports and programmed to control the periodic acquisition of signals representative of the state of contacts, by alternating time intervals of acquisition of said signals with standby time intervals,        an electrical circuit for supplying power to each of the contacts and for connecting each of said contacts to a communication port.
The disadvantage of this acquisition method lies in the potential harmful consequences that may be caused by the occurrence of an electrical fault of the short-circuit type.
This is because an electrical fault at one of the contacts causes an electric current to be injected into each of the communication ports of the microcontroller. In the acquisition time intervals, this current generated by the electrical fault is usually found to be less than the current consumed by the microcontroller, so that the microcontroller is not affected by the electrical faults.
On the other hand, notably in the case of the latest generation of vehicles in which the computer's power consumption in parking mode is very low, notably in order to prevent battery discharge, the current generated by an electrical fault may exceed the amount of current consumed by the computer, resulting in damage to the electronic components of the computer.
At the present time, the only solution proposed for overcoming this drawback is that of providing the computer with components capable of blocking the current generated by electrical faults that may occur. However, this solution tends to complicate the design of the computer and entails additional manufacturing costs.

Method for acquiring signals such as signals representative of the state of contacts of a motor vehicle


Sterilizing device for a toilet that includes an ozone generator and an impelling device fluidically connected to the ozone generator that allows discharging the ozone generated into the flush water of the toilet. A controller controls generating the ozone and discharging the ozone into the flush water. A sensor detects the presence or the actuation of a user, the sensor being communicated with the controller. The controller controls the ozone generator depending on a signal received from the sensor. The sterilizing device also includes an ion plasma generator for discharging ion plasma directly into the air adjacent the toilet. The ion plasma generator being controlled by the controller.

Toilets are a propitious place for the transmission of organisms such as intestinal bacteria and viruses. Conventional toilets today use water flushing by means of conventional systems for cleaning, this water flushing being controlled manually or automatically by means of a stopcock. Contamination in the bathroom occurs when the toilet water is flushed and organisms are given off from the toilet. The use of bacteriostatic and bactericidal product dispensers for toilets, which inject the product into the flush water by means of a conduit, can reduce the number of organisms given off when flushing the toilet. However, they are rather inefficient because in most cases suitable maintenance is not performed or there is no calibrated relationship between the frequency of use and the amount provided. Furthermore, most of these products are highly toxic chemical products that produce contamination when discharged into water.
Devices that do not use toxic chemical cleaning products are known. In that regard, patent document JPH0633501 A discloses a sterilizing and deodorizing device integrated in a toilet. The device comprises an ozone generator, impelling means consisting of an air pump fluidically connected to the ozone generator that allow discharging the generated ozone into the toilet flush water, and control means that controls generating the ozone and discharging the ozone into the flush water when the user is positioned on the toilet. Part of the ozone discharged into the water of the tank of the toilet is dissolved in the water for subsequently flushing into the toilet bowl, and part of it is discharged from the water tank into the environment of the bathroom in which the toilet is located.

Sterilizing device and method for a toilet


A device for dispensing liquid including a liquid reservoir which can be deformed so as to dispense liquid by pressing on the reservoir, a liquid-dispensing end piece fitted on the reservoir, a channel for the passage of liquid, a channel for the passage of air from the outside to the inside of the reservoir, the channel for the passage of air being closed off by a member made of an air-permeable polymeric material, this material being non-porous, the member being called the air-permeable member.

In particular, the invention concerns the dispensing of preservative-free liquid, in the form of drops, using a deformable reservoir with air intake.
The current trend is to supply products, especially ophthalmic products, that do not contain preservatives. The sterility of the product must thus be guaranteed throughout the use of the bottle containing the liquid to be delivered.
From document WO92/01625, various devices are known that enable the delivery of drops of product contained in a reservoir and which prevent contamination of the liquid remaining in the bottle.
According to one example, such a liquid-dispensing device includes a reservoir and a dispensing end piece fitted on the reservoir, provided with a liquid-dispensing opening. The user applies pressure to the reservoir causing it to become deformed and, under the effect of pressure, a drop forms on the surface of the dispensing opening. Once the drop has been dispensed, the user releases the pressure on the deformable reservoir, which tends to take up its initial shape, generating a depression inside the bottle. To fill this depression and allow the reservoir to return to its initial shape, the end piece of the device comprises an air inlet in the reservoir. To ensure that the incoming air cannot contaminate the liquid remaining in the reservoir, a hydrophobic filter is fitted in the air channel. This filter allows the exterior air to enter the reservoir while avoiding the entry of microorganisms and dust, and preventing liquid from entering or leaving.
One problem with this type of device lies in the fact that it is difficult to guarantee its reliability. It is in fact difficult to test correct operation of the filter after fitting on the end piece, since the filter would have to be tested under water, which implies a risk of contamination or degradation during the test phase. It is therefore difficult to guarantee the integrity of the filters used and of their assembly on the end piece.
The present invention is intended to provide a device for dispensing liquid which reliably guarantees the sterility of the dispensing end piece.

Device for dispensing liquid in the form of drops


A multi-layer container which includes a container forming a body of rotation in a tubular or at least partially spherical or conical shape, and having a plurality of layers of weldable sheet metal therewith. The first one of these layers is wrapped directly upon and around the container and the other layers are wrapped around the first layer and one upon the other. Each layer includes at least one joint extending in the longitudinal direction of the container; at least some are only partially filled with welded material.

The present invention relates to a multi-layer container in the form of a body of rotation having a plurality of layers wrapped upon each other. The container has at least one longitudinal seam per layer provided by adjacent longitudinal edges and comprises a core or core pipe as well as the plurality of layers wrapped therearound. Such containers are particularly useful as pressure containers or vessels for chemical and petroleum substances.
For purposes of making such a multi-layer container, first pre-formed sheet metal layers are tensioned around the core pipe. Subsequently the layers are tensioned around the respective preceding layer. The layers are pressed relative to each other so that an engagement as complete as possible will be realized. Only in this way, will there be assured the necessary uniform load distribution over all layers. During the tensioning of the layers, the layer ends or edges of seams are at some points only fastened by tack welding and subsequently are completely welded, as required.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-layer container of the above mentioned general type which is considerably improved over previous container structures.

Fried, Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung


The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell consisting of a switching transistor and a capacitor wherein a polysilicon pad and a polysilicon storage node are simultaneously patterned with a self-alignment method without a mask.. Accordingly, the present invention has the following advantages: First, the overlay accuracy can be improved by patterning a polysilicon pad and a polysilicon storage node with a self-alignment method. Second, the fabrication process can be simpler than the prior fabrication process for the semiconductor memory cell of a noble stacked capacitor cell structure. Third, the storage capacitance of a capacitor can be increased.

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell and particularly to a method to improve the overlay accuracy and to increase the storage capacitance of a capacitor by simultaneously etching a polysilicon pad and a polysilicon storage node using a self-alignment method.
FIGS. 1(A) through 1(F) show schematic views of a fabrication process for a semiconductor memory cell of a noble stacked capacitor structure according to the prior art.
The conventional process used in fabricating a semiconductor memory cell of a noble stacked capacitor structure is described below with reference to the several views of FIG. 1:
As shown in FIG. 1(A), a gate 2 is formed on a substrate 1 and a CVD silicon oxide layer 3 is deposited using a chemical vapor deposition process over the whole surface and is then etched to form a buried contact. Subsequently, a silicon nitride layer 4 for a mask is deposited and patterned.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1(B), a polysilicon layer is deposited on the whole surface and patterned to form polysilicon pad 5. As shown in FIG. 1(C), a silicon oxide layer 6 is deposited by using a CVD method and is patterned and then a polysilicon layer 7 is formed on the whole surface by using a CVD method.
Next, as shown in FIG. 1(D), said polysilicon layer 7 is etched by using an anisotropic dry etching method to the deposition depth thereof and the silicon oxide layer 6 is removed to pattern a polysilicon storage node.
As shown in FIG. 1(E), a dielectric film 8 is formed and a polysilicon layer is deposited again and patterned to form the polysilicon plate 9. Therefore, the capacitor of a memory cell consisting of a polysilicon storage node, a dielectric film and a cell plate is fabricated. Finally, as shown in FIG. 1(F), an insulated layer 10 of Boron Phosphosilicate Glass (BPSG) is deposited, and etched to form contact and a tungsten plug 11 is next coated to form the bit line.
However, in the conventional technique used in fabricating a semiconductor memory cell of a noble stacked capacitor cell structure, the overlay accuracy is often inferior due to misalignment because of the need to etch both a polysilicon pad and a polysilicon storage node, and because the masking must also be accomplished in the fabrication process.

Method for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell


A USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) message may be transmitted by a communication device to an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) within a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) INVITE message, where it is received by a TAS (Telephony Application Server). The TAS sends the USSD message to an HSS (Home Subscriber Service) of the IMS using an existing Diameter Sh interface between the TAS and the HSS. The HSS then communicates with a USSD gateway to obtain a USSD response, which is sent back to the TAS over the Diameter Sh interface. The TAS sends the USSD response to the communication device within a SIP BYE message.

Many cellular communication networks use USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) to convey proprietary data and messages between handsets and network servers. Although USSD can be used for any purpose, it is often used to implement what are known as service codes, also referred to as feature codes, quick codes, or short codes. A service code is a textual code that can be entered into a handset by a user to provide information or instructions to a service provider and to receive responsive information. For example, a user may enter the code #bal# to see the amount of unused minutes in the user's account. When the user enters the service code, the code is sent to the service provider in a USSD message. The service provider looks up the information corresponding to the code and returns the information to the handset in a responsive USSD message. The handset displays the information to the user.
A user can also modify settings and configurations using service codes. As one example, a service code may allow a user to turn call forwarding on and off
USSD can also be used other services, such as callback services, money exchange services, location-based information services, service configuration, and so forth. Because USSD messages are not standardized, a given provider can use USSD for any desired purpose.
USSD services were originally used in older, circuit-switched networks, using SS7 (Signaling System 7) communication channels and protocols. However, service providers are gradually converting their networks to use IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) services and IP-based communications. Communications in these systems are often based on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and Diameter communication protocols rather than the previously used SS7 protocols.
Newer architectures typically provide flexibility by enabling service providers to deploy new IP-based technologies while keeping costs in line by leveraging existing services and signaling protocols. USSD is one example of this, where USSD messages can be handled in certain updated systems using SS7 communication protocols. However, a goal of many service providers is to eventually eliminate use of most or all such older protocols within their networks.


Systems and methods are provided herein for providing contention resolutions for components (e.g., mobile drive units, personnel devices) of an inventory system. For example, a method may comprise determining a task to be performed by a mobile drive unit within a storage facility. The MDU may be provided a set of commands related to the task. Conflict information may be received from the MDU that indicates an obstacle related to the set of commands and the task. An alternate set of commands may be generated for the MDU based at least in part on the conflict information and a computer-generated model. In at least one embodiment, the computer-generated model may be trained based at least in part on historical conflict information and conflict resolution information specific to tasks performed within the storage facility. The alternate set of commands related to the task may be provided to the MDU.

Modern inventory systems, such as those in storage facilities (e.g., a warehouse) operated by electronic marketplace providers, face significant challenges with respect to managing items in inventory. While storing items within a storage facility and retrieving items for order fulfillment were once traditionally accomplished by human personnel, it is becoming more common for these functions to be performed by a myriad of robotic devices (e.g., mobile drive units (MDUs)). As these devices travel about the storage facility, unexpected obstacles may be encountered such as fallen objects, misplaced storage containers, other MDUs, a human being, liquid on the ground, or the like. Current systems may lack effective contention resolution methods for overcoming these obstacles.
For example, it may be the case that two MDUs need to cross the same space at substantially the same time in the course of performing their respective tasks. This may cause the MDUs to compete for the space. In some systems, each mobile drive unit (MDU) may wait some period of time before requesting access to the space again. This may lead to performance inefficiencies as the MDUs may be stationary while they each wait to ascertain if the space is available. As another example, an MDU may encounter a stationary obstacle (such as a package that has fallen on the warehouse floor) and/or moveable/moving obstacle (such as another MDU, a human, etc.). In this scenario, the area around the obstacle may be labelled as inaccessible and the MDU (and potentially other MDUs) may be redirected to avoid the area. Computing new paths to avoid these areas may lead to delay and even further contentions as the travelable area within the warehouse has decreased. Additionally, current techniques may not allow the system to recover these areas even if the obstacle (e.g., the package, the human, etc.) no longer presents a conflict. Accordingly, current techniques may lead to delays in task completion that may negatively affect the performance of the MDUs operating in the storage facility individually, or as a whole, which may in turn lead to decreased profits for the electronic marketplace provider and a loss of good will with respect to its customers. Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems, individually and collectively.

Techniques for contention resolution for mobile drive units


The present invention provides a method for producing a dispersion of fine ceramic particles, the method comprising: adding fine ceramic particles having a mean particle size of less than 1 μm to a dispersion medium selected from the group consisting of a lower alcohol and water; and dispersing the fine ceramic particles in the dispersion medium using a rotor-stator homogenizer. The present invention enables the production of a highly homogeneous and stable dispersion of a nanosized ceramic powder, which is prone to aggregation and the homogeneous dispersion of which is difficult to form, by conducting a simple, uncomplicated operation.

Recent years have seen remarkable progress in the technical sophistication and downsizing of electronic devices, such as personal computers, cellular phones, and digital cameras. This progress has been accompanied by demands for the technical sophistication and downsizing of ceramics (key parts for electronic devices) for use in the electronics industry.
For example, because of its large band gap and excellent properties, such as electrical breakdown characteristic, heat resistance, and radiation resistance, silicon carbide has attracted attention as an electronic device material, for example, for compact and high-power semiconductors.
In addition, because of its excellent connectability to other compound semiconductors excellent in optical properties, silicon carbide has also attracted attention as an optical device material.
Silicon carbide is also excellent in mechanical properties, such as abrasion resistance, and thermal properties, such as heat resistance and thermal conductivity, while being significantly chemically stable and excellent in chemical resistance; silicon carbide thus has been used as a structural material, for example, for abrading agents, refractory materials, mechanical seals, and heat exchangers.
Known industrial methods for producing a silicon carbide powder include the Acheson process, silica reduction techniques, and silicon carbonization techniques. These methods, however, have submicron order limitations in mean particle size. Thus, dominant powders of silicon carbide have a mean particle size of submicron order or more.
There have been studies on new applications of silicon carbide powders in coating compositions for forming films, such as abrasion-resistant coating films, scratch-resistant coating films, heat-resistant coating films, and hardened coating films, as well as fillers for composite plating. In line with progress in nanotechnology, nanosized silicon carbide particles have also attracted great interest.
Examples of known methods for producing nanosized silicon carbide particles include a method using thermal plasma, which has a high temperature and high activity in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and allows easy introduction of a fast cooling process (see Patent Literature 1).
The production method is useful for producing silicon carbide nanoparticles having a mean particle size of about 5 to 100 nm with excellent crystallinity, and the method can provide silicon carbide nanoparticles with a very small impurity content if a high-purity starting material is chosen.
Another known method is a silica precursor calcination method comprising the step of calcining a mixture of a silicon-containing substance, such as an organosilicon compound, silica sol, and silica hydrogel, a carbon-containing substance, such as phenolic resin, and a metal compound, such as lithium, for suppressing the growth of silicon carbide particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to thereby obtain silicon carbide particles (see Patent Literature 2).
This method is thought to provide an ultrafine silicon carbide powder containing no coarse particles.
To form a film, such as an abrasion-resistant coating film, a scratch-resistant coating film, a heat-resistant coating film, or a hardened coating film, using the nanosized silicon carbide powders obtained by the above-described methods, the following method is usable: applying a dispersion obtained by dispersing a nanosized silicon carbide powder in a solvent onto an object to thereby form a coating film; and heating the coated film to form a film of silicon carbide particles.
However, the nanosized silicon carbide particles obtained by the above-described methods are agglomerated with a stronger cohesive force between particles than oxide nanoparticles, such as alumina and silica. It is thus difficult to prepare a dispersion in which nanosized particles are homogeneously dispersed.
In addition, the particles of conventional nanosized silicon carbide powders are prone to aggregation. The powders, when dispersed in a solvent, become extremely viscous, thereby making it difficult to prepare a highly concentrated dispersion containing a fine silicon carbide powder in an amount of about 8 wt % or more.
Thus, it is only possible to prepare a low-concentrated dispersion for the above-described applications. The low concentration makes it difficult to thicken a coating film during formation. To thicken the coating film, a coating liquid must be applied and dried repeatedly. As noted, the nanosized silicon carbide particles have many drawbacks.
Examples of methods for increasing the dispersibility of silicon carbide particles include a method comprising oxidizing silicon carbide particles in an oxidizing atmosphere to form an oxidized surface layer so that the compatibility of the particles with the solution is increased (see Patent Literature 3).
However, this method is disadvantageous in that when silicon carbide particles are heated in an oxidizing atmosphere, melt-bonding occurs in the oxidized surface layer, leading to aggregation of the silicon carbide nanoparticles, which thereby makes it difficult to disperse the nanoparticles in a solution.

Method for producing liquid dispersion of ceramic microparticles


A colored steel sheet having a coating thickness which is sufficiently small to permit welding therethrough, and yet exhibiting an excellently colored and lustrous surface. It is a steel sheet having a surface plated with zinc or a zinc alloy, and carrying a chromate film formed on its plated surface, and a colored film formed on the chromate film from a composition comprising specific proportions of a thermosetting resin and a dye, which are both soluble in an organic solvent. The composition may further contain a solid lubricant, or a granular rust-inhibitive pigment, or both. The colored film has a specific range of thickness, and a color other than black.

The manufacture of a variety of products having high quality, particularly in the fields of electric appliances for domestic use, and machines or furniture for office use, has created a growing demand for weldable and colored steel sheets having an excellent appearance which are made by the continuous and rapid treatment of steel sheets plated with zinc or an alloy thereof. The demand extends to sheets having a variety of colors.
There are known a number of methods which enable the manufacture of weldable black steel sheets in a continuous strip line. It has, however, been difficult to make a weldable steel sheet having any color other than black, since it has been difficult to produce a uniform color in a wide surface area.
The following is a brief description of the known methods for forming a colored film on a steel sheet, or a steel sheet plated with zinc:
(a) A resin solution containing an organic or inorganic pigment is applied onto a steel sheet by e.g. spraying or roll coating to form thereon a film having a thickness of several tens of microns. PA1 (b) A plating layer existing on a steel sheet is caused to undergo reaction or electrolysis to develop a colored film. This method includes variations as will hereunder be set forth: PA1 (c) The surface of a steel sheet, or a steel sheet plated with zinc is subjected to cathode electrolysis treatment to form a colored film (e.g. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10292/1987). PA1 (d) A solution obtained by adding an organic dye to an aqueous solution of potassium sodium silicate is applied onto a steel surface plated with zinc or an alloy thereof to improve corrosion resistance and adhesion (Japanese Patent Publication No. 30593/1980). PA1 (a) This is a common method of coating which employs an organic or inorganic pigment as a coloring agent. The uniform distribution of the pigment in a film is, however, essential to ensure a uniform color tone, and calls for a film thickness of at least about 10 microns. This thickness is too large to permit spot welding. The maximum film thickness that permits welding has been about three microns, and has been too small to ensure the uniform distribution of the pigment. PA1 (b) All of the methods as described at (b-2), and (b-5) to (b-7) are useful for forming only a black film. PA1 (c) This method is mainly employed for forming a black film and can only form a film of poor adhesion. PA1 (d) This method is not intended for forming a film having an excellent appearance, nor is it intended for imparting weldability, insofar as the disclosure does not contain any specific reference to the film thickness. Moreover, as the film is basically composed of potassium sodium silicate, the hardened film is unsatisfactory in lubricating property as required during the press forming of the steel sheet, and is, therefore, unsuitable for any steel sheet used for making electric appliances for domestic use, office machines or furniture, etc. Moreover, the disclosure does not specifically define the organic dye to be used. There are a very large number of kinds of organic dyes which are widely different from one another in properties including light fastness, tinting strength and solubility in a solvent. Some dyes are superior to others in e.g. tinting strength, but inferior in light fastness. It is, therefore, needless to say that all of the organic dyes are not equally useful. PA1 (1) A weldable colored steel sheet having a surface plated with zinc or a zinc alloy, and carrying a chromate film formed on the plated surface and having a coating weight of 1 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 in terms of metallic chromium, and a colored film formed on the chromate film from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin as a base resin and 1 to 200 parts by weight of a dye as a coloring agent, the resin and the dye being both soluble in an organic solvent, the colored film having a thickness of 0.3 to 3.0 microns, and a color other than black. PA1 (2) A weldable colored steel sheet having a surface plated with zinc or a zinc alloy, and carrying a chromate film formed on the plated surface and having a coating weight of 1 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 in terms of metallic chromium, and a colored film formed on the chromate film from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin as a base resin, 1 to 200 parts by weight of a dye as a coloring agent and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a solid lubricant, the resin and the dye being both soluble in an organic solvent, the colored film having a thickness of 0.3 to 3.0 microns, and a color other than black. PA1 (3) A weldable colored steel sheet having a surface plated with zinc or a zinc alloy, and carrying a chromate film formed on the plated surface and having a coating weight of 1 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 in terms of metallic chromium, and a colored film formed on the chromate film from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin as a base resin, 1 to 200 parts by weight of a dye as a coloring agent and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a granular rust-inhibitive pigment, the resin and the dye being both soluble in an organic solvent, the colored film having a thickness of 0.3 to 3.0 microns, and a color other than black. PA1 (4) A weldable colored steel sheet having a surface plated with zinc or a zinc alloy, and carrying a chromate film formed on the plated surface and having a coating weight of 1 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 in terms of metallic chromium, and a colored film formed on the chromate film from a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin as a base resin, 1 to 200 parts by weight of a dye as a coloring agent, 1 to 100 parts by weight of a solid lubricant and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a granular rust-inhibitive pigment, the resin and the dye being both soluble in an organic solvent, the colored film having a thickness of 0.3 to 3.0 microns, and a color other than black.
(b-1) A steel sheet is dipped in a chromating solution containing chromic acid and another acid, and if the bath composition and the reaction temperature are appropriately varied, it is possible to form a lustrous rainbow-colored film, an unlustrous yellowish green film, or a differently colored film on a steel surface plated with pure zinc; PA2 (b-2) A chromating solution containing Ag.sup.+ ions is used to form a black chromate film on a steel surface plated with pure zinc (as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 193376/1983); PA2 (b-3) A chromate film is formed on a steel surface plated with pure zinc, and the steel surface is, then, dyed by dipping in a dye solution; PA2 (b-4) A steel surface plated with pure zinc is dipped in a solution containing Ni.sup.2+ or Cu.sup.2+ ions, so that the metal which the solution contains may be deposited on the steel surface to form a colored film thereon; PA2 (b-5) A plating layer of pure zinc is subjected to anodic oxidation in an alkali solution to form a black film; PA2 (b-6) An electroplating layer of a Zn--Co, Zn--Ni or Zn--Mo alloy is subjected to anodic treatment to form a black film (Japanese Patent Publication No. 38276/1986); and PA2 (b-7) A steel sheet which has been plated with a Zn--Ni alloy is subjected to dipping, spraying, or anodic treatment with a solution containing nitric acid or a nitrate group to develop a black surface (Japanese Patent Publication No. 30262/1987). PA2 (b-1) This method is likely to form an unevenly colored surface, since its color is greatly affected by even a small difference in thickness of a chromate film. Moreover, it can form only a film having a yellowish or greenish color which is specific to a reactive chromate. PA2 (b-2) This method is useful for forming only a black film, as hereinabove stated. Moreover, the solution containing Ag.sup.+ ions is very expensive. PA2 (b-3) The dyeing of the chromate film requires a period of several or more minutes. This period is too long for the continuous coloring treatment of a steel strip, for which only a period not exceeding five seconds is permissible. PA2 (b-4) This method requires a treating time of as long as several or more minutes, but can form only a film of poor adhesion. Moreover, a film formed by the deposition of Cu.sup.2+ ions has the drawback of changing in color as a result of oxidation with the passage of time. PA2 (b-5) This method is also unsuitable for the continuous treatment of a strip, since it requires a treating time which is as long as 5 to 20 minutes. PA2 (b-6) and (b-7) These methods are both useful for forming only a black film, as hereinabove stated, though they can be carried out rapidly. Moreover, the dissolution of metal ions from a plating layer is not only uneconomical, but also obstructs continuous operation seriously, as the dissolved metal ions deteriorate the solution for the blackening treatment. Furthermore, both of the methods have only a limited scope of application, i.e. (b-6) is applicable only to a steel sheet plated with a Zn--Co, Zn--Ni or Zn--Mo alloy, while (b-7) is applicable only to a sheet plated with a Zn--Ni alloy.
All of these methods do, however, have their own drawbacks, as will hereunder be pointed out.