The present invention provides a novel method of controlling the incineration temperature of industrial waste incineration processes such that the incineration emissions products comply with governmental regulations and operating and capital costs are minimal. Modifying the incineration temperature in response to changes in the emission products and the waste streams results in optimal and reliable control of the incineration process and the resultant incineration emissions. Capital and operating costs are reduced significantly as a result.

This invention relates to the field of industrial waste disposal, and more particularly, to the incineration of industrial waste streams in thermal oxidizers, furnaces, combustors, or incinerators (hereinafter individually and collectively referred to as xe2x80x9cincineratorsxe2x80x9d), in combination with or without a boiler, in industrial processing industries such as the chemical industry (e.g., industrial process pertaining to the production of acrylonitrile, acrylic acid and its esters, methacrylic acid and its esters, and vinyl chloride monomers), petroleum refining industry, petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry.
Waste streams that are generally subject to incineration may be produced in industries such as the chemical industry, petroleum refining industry, petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry. Such waste streams may be sludges, slurries, gases, liquids, oils or combinations thereof For example, chemical processes that produce waste streams that need to be disposed of include the production of acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid and its esters, acrylic acid and its esters, vinyl chloride monomer, phenol, synthesis gas, and ethylene. Some petroleum refining sources of waste streams include: hydrotreater purge gas; catalytic reformer overhead gas; and fuel gas from the stabilizer column. Chemical plant sources include: waste hydrogen streams; vent header streams; slop-oil streams; absorber and stripper column overhead streams; and effluents from waste water treatment systems.
An incineration process is a rapid oxidation process that releases energy that may or may not be harnessed to do useful work such as producing steam in a boiler. Although incineration processes can achieve high destruction efficiencies, these systems are typically expensive to operate due to the energy involved. Most importantly, incineration systems have secondary emissions associated with their operation that are heavily regulated by environmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (the xe2x80x9cEPAxe2x80x9d) and the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (the xe2x80x9cTNRCCxe2x80x9d). Substances in incineration emissions that typically are regulated are: CO and NOx. CO2 is also a concern as it is a greenhouse gas. Generally, environmental regulations limit the amount of these substances that can be emitted from a company""s waste incineration process on an hourly basis. Thus, the goal when disposing of waste streams through incineration is to comply with the applicable environmental regulations while minimizing energy consumption so that the process is cost-effective. Conventional incineration systems for industrial waste streams have failed to meet this goal.
In heretofore known incineration systems, environmental regulatory specifications limit the operating conditions of the incineration process to specific operating conditions used during a xe2x80x9cstack test.xe2x80x9d Usually, the xe2x80x9cstack testxe2x80x9d is run in a worst case scenario. Therefore, the operating conditions such as temperature, fuel, and air that are dictated by the stack test are not sufficiently flexible to adjust to changes in the composition, feed rate or fuel value of the waste streams. Operating conditions based on this single xe2x80x9cworst casexe2x80x9d approach are seldom varied as they oftentimes are dictated by rigid environmental permit requirements. Further, there is little opportunity for change as stack tests are performed infrequently. While this approach assures emissions compliance, its inflexibility also guarantees that the incinerator is always run at its most costly operating conditions.
In conventional industrial waste incineration processes operated at stack test operating conditions, a waste stream is generally combined in a furnace with a large amount of fuel, such as natural gas, and an excess of air. Because a large amount of fuel is used, the emissions that are produced from this conventional process usually comply with environmental regulations. However, this method is not cost-effective because natural gas, the primary fuel, is expensive. Also, because an excess of fuel is used, the temperature of the incinerator is very high, usually from about 1000xc2x0 F. (538xc2x0 C.) to about 2000xc2x0 F. (1076xc2x0 C.). These high temperatures, in combination with the nitrogen in the air feed to the system, create an undesirable amount of NOx, a heavily regulated emission substance.
Traditionally, efforts to minimize CO and NOx emissions from incineration systems have focused on the adjustment of air (e.g., temperature, flow, and distribution) in the system and optimization of its distribution. This has been done by monitoring the oxygen content of the emissions.
Measuring or monitoring the oxygen content of incineration emissions has been used in conventional systems as a standard feedback control, wherein adjustments to the air feed into the incineration system ultimately control the amount of CO in the incineration emissions. Insufficient air makes the system fuel-rich, which may pose an explosion hazard. While an excess of air avoids this problem and is favorable to achieving complete combustion, too much air results in excess NOx formation and requires greater energy consumption. Also, using more air means bigger fans, which in and of themselves are expensive. Heretofore known systems have not looked to temperature as the controlling variable to optimize the system; therefore, the conventional means to achieve optimization of the incineration process, i.e., by controlling the air feed through monitoring the oxygen content of the emissions, results in burdening the incineration process with excess air that must be heated and an excess formation of CO and NOx in the emissions. Operating costs are high and efficiency is low when control of the incineration process is solely limited to this method.
Another problem with some of the conventional incineration systems using the oxygen content of the emissions as a means to optimize the system is that, if the condition of the waste stream changes, the incineration system is unable to adapt to those changes optimally and reliably, resulting in inefficient and costly process performance and possibly regulatory noncompliance. Process parameters such as temperature in conventional systems are not adjusted to changes in the waste stream. Further, in conventional systems, the only means to address changes in the waste stream has historically been to add an excess of air to the system, which results in the disadvantages described above.
However, notwithstanding the awareness of these regulations, many of the conventional incineration methods have not been able to ensure their compliance on a cost-effective basis. Accordingly, the industrial processing industries would greatly welcome a method which not only controls emissions from industrial waste incineration processes such that compliance with environmental regulations is ensured, but also provides a method of incinerating waste wherein capital and operating costs are reduced significantly.
Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide novel methods to optimize an industrial waste incineration process such that emissions from the process comply with environmental regulations and the process is cost-effective.
Another object of this invention is to provide novel methods which enable the incineration process to adapt quickly and accurately to changes in the waste stream (e.g., changes in its fuel value, temperature, feed rate, or composition), in a manner such that the emissions remain at or under the target level.
These and other objects that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification are based, in part, on the surprising discovery that modifying the operating temperature (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cthe firebox temperaturexe2x80x9d) of the incinerator, in response to changes in the emissions products and waste streams, results in the ability to consistently control the incineration process and the resultant incineration emissions.
The present invention pertains to novel methods for incinerating industrial waste. In one embodiment, a method encompasses by the present invention includes the steps of:
(a) determining whether a waste stream is being fed into the incinerator,
(b) evaluating a CO emission rate to calculate the CO emissions rate minus a target CO rate (hereinafter xe2x80x9cxcex94COxe2x80x9d), and
(c) adjusting a firebox temperature of an incinerator in response to the xcex94CO calculation.
In another embodiment, a method encompassed by the present invention includes the steps of:
(a) determining whether a waste stream having a feed rate and a fuel content is being fed into an incinerator;
(b) measuring the feed rate of the waste stream to calculate a the mass flow rate of the waste stream at a time t1, minus the mass flow rate of the waste stream at a time t0, where t greater than t0 (hereinafter xe2x80x9cxcex94Mxe2x80x9d);
(c) adjusting a firebox temperature of the incinerator if xcex94M is greater than or less than 0;
(d) analyzing the energy content of the waste stream to calculate the energy content of the waste stream at a time t1, minus the energy content of the waste stream at a time t0, where t1 greater than t0 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cxcex94Exe2x80x9d);
(e) adjusting the firebox temperature of the incinerator if xcex94E is greater than or less than 0;
(f) evaluating a CO emission rate of the emission products to calculate a xcex94CO; and
(g) adjusting the firebox temperature of the incinerator if xcex94CO is greater than or less than 0.
One of the many advantages of the present invention is that less costly-fuel is now needed to maintain desirable destruction efficiency of waste. Accordingly, less energy is used in the incineration process; and therefore, the producer realizes a cost-savings. Another advantage of the present invention is that fewer undesirable emission products are generated because increases in air feed are avoided. Thus, the capital and operating costs associated with using a large amount of air in the system can be saved.
Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following specification, claims and drawings.

Method of firebox temperature control for achieving carbon monoxide emission compliance in industrial furnaces with minimal energy consumption


A voltage comparator includes an amplifier coupled to receive an input signal at an amplifier input and generate an output signal at an amplifier output in response to the input signal. The amplifier includes a current generation circuit coupled to generate a first current flowing through a first branch and a second current flowing through a second branch. A first transistor has a first terminal coupled to the amplifier input and a second terminal coupled to the first branch. A second transistor has a third terminal coupled to the second branch, a fourth terminal coupled to a reference voltage. A second control terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first control terminal. An output circuit is coupled to the amplifier output to generate a comparator output signal in response to the output signal. The amplifier output is coupled to the second branch.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates generally to power converters. More specifically, examples of the present invention are related to controlling a power converter in response to certain signals from the power converter.
2. Background
Switch mode power converters are widely used for household or industrial appliances that require a regulated direct current (dc) source for their operation, such as for example battery chargers that are commonly used in electronic mobile devices. Off-line ac-dc converters convert a low frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz) high voltage ac (alternating current) input voltage to a required level of dc output voltage. Various types of switch mode power converters are popular because of their well regulated output, high efficiency, and small size along with their safety and protection features. Popular topologies of switch mode power converters include flyback, forward, boost, buck, half bridge, and full bridge, among many others including resonant types.
A major challenge in the market of switch mode power converters is reducing the size and cost of the switch mode power converter while maintaining high performance operating specifications, including efficiency. To increase efficiency, power converters may include a control circuit to control switches and/or other circuitry in the power converter in response to sensing certain input signals at specific nodes of the power converter. In some applications, the control circuit may control a switch in response to an input signal that may vary between a relatively wide range of voltages. Furthermore, the control circuit may need to detect that the input signal has crossed a certain threshold and adjust an output signal accordingly. It may also be desirable for the control circuit to quickly respond to a given input signal in order to increase the efficiency of the power converter. In some instances, the threshold may be a voltage that is below the negative supply voltage rail of the control circuit. In some instances, the threshold may be low (small in magnitude).
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.


An acoustic detector based on rupture event scanning (“REVS”) with a detection setup allowing the monitoring of REVS signals near the driving frequency and with optimized impedance matching between the REVS crystal and the front-end of the detection circuitry for use in detecting the presence of particles such as bacteria, viruses, or other particulates in liquid samples with extreme high sensitivity.

Quartz crystal microbalances ("QCM") have been developed as sensitive chemical and biochemical sensing devices and can be used for the detection of disease-related particles such as viruses and bacteria in liquid samples (see e.g. Thompson, M. et al., Analyst Vol. 116, pp. 881–890, 1991; Rickert, J. et al., Biosensors & Bioelectronics Vol. 12, pp. 567–575, 1997; Uttenthaler, E. et al., Biosensors & Bioelectronics 16, 735–743, 2001). In this technology, a binding partner such as an antibody is attached to the surface of a small resonant quartz crystal with a mechanical resonance frequency typically in the 10 to 30 MHz region. If a disease-related particle binds to the antibody, the resonance frequency of the quartz crystal shows a very small shift, whereby such shift in frequency or a correlated phase shift between the electrical excitation and the mechanical vibration is an indication that an antibody-specific binding partner was present in the liquid sample.
A significant improvement in the detection sensitivity of a QCM biosensor has been achieved by applying the technology of rupture event scanning ("REVS"), (see Dultsev, F. N. et al., Langmuir Vol. 16, 5036–5040, 2000; Cooper, M. A. et al., Nature Biotechnology Vol. 19, 833–837, 2001; WO 01/02857 A1 to Klenerman et al.). In the REVS technology, as in the classic QCM technology, a binding partner such as an antibody is attached to the surface of a small resonant quartz crystal with a mechanical resonance frequency typically in the 10 to 20 MHz region. The liquid sample containing bacteria or viruses is brought into contact with the activated crystal surface so that binding events can take place.
After a 30-minute incubation period, the resonant quartz crystal is operated as close as possible to the fundamental mechanical resonance frequency, whereby the driving power for the quartz crystal is monotonously increased, until suddenly the binding between the binding partners is broken up. According to the inventors of REVS, such breaking or "rupture" event can be detected due to the emission of noisy sound waves with a preferred frequency spectrum around the third harmonic of the fundamental resonance frequency. The quartz crystal acts as a sensitive microphone, and the generated electrical signal is monitored via an electric resonance circuit tuned to a frequency close to the third harmonic of the fundamental resonance frequency of the crystal. The REVS technology has the potential of detecting the breaking-away of only a few binding partners, in other words, the technology offers the potential for extreme sensitive detection.
It is very likely that rupture events may also cause even stronger sound signals at or close to the fundamental resonance frequency of the quartz crystal, but due to the high-level driving signal in this frequency region, the weak REVS signal is obscured and can not be detected in prior art detection devices. As mentioned above, the inventors of REVS have, therefore, designed a detection setup where the REVS signal is coupled from the quartz crystal into a parallel resonance circuit tuned to a frequency close to the third harmonic, and from there into a narrow-band electronic receiver. The detection setup as disclosed in WO 01/02857 A1 is shown schematically in FIG. 1.
In the detection setup shown in FIG. 1, G1 is the driving signal generator working at the crystal's fundamental resonance frequency, F. QC is the vibrating quartz crystal, and G2 is a local oscillator working at a frequency 3F+ΔF with ΔF being a frequency offset of approximately 80 kHz. Generator G2 tunes the lock-in amplifier to the detection frequency 3F+ΔF. The quartz crystal QC is connected with the input of the lock-in amplifier via a parallel resonance circuit, tuned also to the frequency 3F+ΔF.
The quartz crystal can, near the third harmonic of its fundamental series resonance frequency, be modeled as a signal source for REVS signals with an internal ohmic impedance of about 50Ω. The ohmic impedance of the parallel resonance circuit, on the other hand, may be as high as 500 kΩ. This substantial impedance mismatch between the "source" and the front-end of the detection circuitry results in a non-optimized extraction of signal power from the REVS crystal. FIG. 2 illustrates how the detected power depends on the impedance matching between a 50-Ω source and the detector input impedance. From this figure it can be seen that a parallel resonance circuit with an effective ohmic component of 500 kΩ may not be an optimum front-end for a REVS detection setup.
In view of the disadvantages in prior art REVS-based acoustic detectors as described above, there exists still a need for a more optimized detection setup in an acoustic detector based on rupture event scanning.

System and method for detecting particles


A two-chamber metering dispenser 1 for liquid and/or paste-like media is equipped with two containers 2, 3 made of plastic, which are arranged in parallel positions next to one another and are provided each with a hand-operated metering pump and with a follower piston. The follower piston is tightly in contact over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the containers. In order to optimally utilize the hollow space in the case of an elliptical outer cross-sectional shape, and to guarantee a tight contact between the follower piston and the inner surfaces of the container walls, the two containers 2, 3 form a common outer jacket 10, which has an elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the containers are separated from one another by two middle walls 14, 15, which are arched against each other symmetrically to the short axis 12 of the ellipse.

It is important in metering dispensers of this class for the two chambers, in which the media to be dispensed in a metered manner are contained, to have a cross-sectional shape which promotes the tight contact of the follower piston with the entire circumference of the inner surface.
The storage chambers are therefore designed as cylindrical chambers in the prior-art two-chamber metering dispensers of this type (DE 41 20 644 C1, DE 42 12 413 C2, U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,874 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,871), and the storage chambers according to DE 42 12 413 and DE 41 20 644 can be inserted in the form of separate containers into a receiving housing, whose head is provided with a two-medium metering pump or with two metering pumps each associated with one container, which can be actuated by a common actuating member.
The other two documents mentioned pertain to two-chamber metering dispensers, in which the cylindrical storage chambers are arranged concentrically one inside the other, wherein the follower piston of the larger storage chamber is sealingly in contact with both the cylindrical inner surface of the circumferential wall and with the cylindrical outer surface of the smaller storage chamber.
The concentric arrangement of the two storage chambers has the drawback that both cannot have the same cross-sectional shape. The side-by-side arrangement of the two cylindrical storage chambers is disadvantageous because there are relatively large unused spaces between the pump housing, which accommodates the two storage containers and preferably has an elongated round shape, and the two cylindrical storage containers, these unused spaces being located between the mutually parallel side walls and the curvatures of the storage containers.
It has also been known that single metering dispensers can be provided with a storage chamber having an at least approximately elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such a cross-sectional shape of the storage chamber is preferred not only because of its optical appearance, but also because it better fits the hand and thus offers advantages in terms of handling. However, two-chamber metering dispensers with an elliptical shape are not known.
If two cylindrical storage chambers were inserted into such an elliptical housing shape, the unused space would be even larger than in the prior-art two-chamber metering dispensers with an elongated round housing shape.


A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface, a MONOS-type memory cell formed over the main surface and having a channel, an n-channel transistor formed over the main surface, and a p-channel transistor formed over the man surface. Nitride films are formed in a manner to contact the top surfaces of the MONOS-type memory cell, the n-channel transistor, and the p-channel transistor. The nitride films apply stress to the channels of the MONOS-type memory cell, the n-channel transistor, and the p-channel transistor.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof and in particular to a semiconductor device including a field-effect transistor and a manufacturing method thereof.
Conceivable examples of a semiconductor device including a flash memory or central processing unit (CPU) include microcomputers. A microcomputer generally has a structure having many metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors formed on a semiconductor substrate.
A preferred example of a flash memory is a non-volatile memory, which is a device that retains recorded information even when turned off. A logic circuit such as a CPU is preferably a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistor, a combination of so-called n-channel and p-channel MOS transistors. Examples of a non-volatile memory include a transistor according to metal oxide nitride oxide silicon (MONOS) technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-41832. Herein, a memory cell according to MONOS technology which is used as a flash memory is referred to as an FMONOS (flash metal oxide nitride oxide semiconductor) memory cell. By forming FMONOS-type memory cells and CMOS transistors on a semiconductor substrate, a high-functionality microcomputer is formed. Such a microcomputer is used in industrial machines, household electrical appliances, car-mounted systems, and the like.
Meanwhile, a technology for increasing the drive current flowing between the source and drain of n-channel and p-channel MOS transistors forming a CMOS transistor is disclosed in X. CHEN, S. FANG et al, "Stress Proximity Technique for Performance Improvement with Dual Stress Liner at 45 nm Technology and Beyond," 2006 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers, United States, 2006 IEEE, 2006, 1-4244-0005-8/06/$20.00. This literature discloses a technology called "stress proximity technique (SPT)," that is, a technology that forms a thin film for applying stress to the channel regions of n-channel and p-channel MOS transistors in a manner to cover the MOS transistors. This literature also states that, in the MOS transistors according to the SPT, elimination of a side wall insulating film of a gate electrode increases stress applied to the channel region by the thin film.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof


Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Occurrences of spinal stenosis are increasing as society ages. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, lateral recess or neural foramen, characterized by a reduction in the available space for the passage of blood vessels and nerves. Clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis include extremity pain, radiculopathy, sensory or motor deficit, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and neurogenic claudication. Pain associated with such stenosis can be relieved by surgical or non-surgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, back braces and the like. While spinal stenosis is generally more prevalent of the elderly, it can occur in individuals of all ages and sizes.
There is a need for implants that may be placed between spinal processes for minimally invasive surgical treatment of spinal stenosis.


An arrangement for developing photographic sheet carriers in daylight operation has a closeable receiving container, a chamber with a plurality of treatment baths, an input table through which a sheet carrier is transported to the treatment baths, a transporting element for transporting the sheet carrier through the treatment baths, a drier supplying an air stream to the sheet carrier and having a suction, a light-tight ventilating device provided in the chamber with the treatment baths and located close to the input table, wherein the chamber with the treatment baths is connected with the suction side of the drier.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for developing photographic sheet carriers in a daylight operation.
More particularly it relates to an arrangement for developing a photographic sheet carrier in daylight operation, with a closeable receiving container, an input table with which the sheet carrier is transferred from an input cassette into a chamber with chemical treatment baths, a transporting device for transporting the sheet carrier through several treatment baths, and a drier in which an air stream is supplied to the sheet carrier by a blower.
Arrangements of the above mentioned general type are known in the art. In a known arrangement the vapor from the development baths escapes through the supply slot for the photographic sheet carrier and is condensed on the input table. The quantity of condensate is especially a problem when the developing machine operates with a high development temperature of approximately 40.degree. C. The condensate on the one hand can act for adhering of the sheet carrier to the input table and thereby lead to transportation disturbances, and on the other hand it can cause a predevelopment and thereby a lower quality of the end products. Especially in the development machines which are used for graphic crafts, it cannot be acceptable in any case.

Arrangement for developing photographic sheet carriers


The present invention is directed to cell plates for an electrolyser module and to an electrolyser module incorporating the plates. The plates comprise an electrolysis chamber opening, at least one degassing chamber opening, and at least one gas-liquid conduit opening. The plates further comprise a channel connecting the electrolysis chamber opening and the gas-liquid conduit opening. The present invention is directed further to a process and apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture generated at an electrolysis cell.

Electrosynthesis is a method for production of chemical reaction(s) that is electrically driven by passage of an electric current, typically direct current (DC), through, for example, a liquid, such as an electrolyte, between an anodic electrode (anode) and a cathodic electrode (cathode). An electrochemical cell is used for electrochemical reactions and comprises an anode and cathode which are in intimate contact with the electrolyte. The current is generated from an external power source and is passed between the two electrodes. Each electrode typically comprises about half of the electrochemical cell. The rate of production is proportional to the current flow in the absence of parasitic reactions. For example, in a liquid alkaline water electrolysis cell, DC is passed between the two electrodes in an aqueous electrolyte to split water, the reactant, into the component product gases, hydrogen and oxygen, which evolve at the surfaces of the respective electrodes. Water electrolysers have typically relied on cell separator membranes or diaphragms combined with pressure control systems to control the pressure between the two halves of an electrolysis cell to ensure that the gases produced in the electrolytic reaction are kept separate and do not mix.
As used herein, the terms "cell", "electrolysis cell", "electrochemical cell" and equivalent variations thereof refer to a structure comprising an anodic electrolysis chamber and a cathodic electrolysis chamber. Selectively permeable membranes or diaphragms (both referred to herein after as "membranes") are disposed within the cell to prevent the gases produced at each electrode from intermixing within the electrolysis cell. An "electrolysis chamber" comprises one electrode and is separated from the other electrolysis chamber of the cell by the membrane. The electrolysis chamber is referred to as an anodic electrolysis chamber or a cathodic electrolysis chamber depending on whether the electrode is an anode or a cathode, respectively. In each electrolysis chamber, electrodes are typically mounted in close contact with the membrane. This can be accomplished, for example, by pressing the membrane between the electrodes. Membranes that are particularly suited to this purpose are described in EP-A-0 232 923 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,978, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Multiple cells may be connected either in series or in parallel to form what are commonly called electrolyser cell "stacks". Theoretically, there is no limit to how many cells may be used to form a cell stack. The term "electrolyser" or "electrolyser module" refers to the combination of an electrolyser cell stack and such peripheral components as degassing chambers and the necessary piping to connect the operative parts. The term "electrolyser system" refers to an electrolyser module and any equipment used in combination therewith, such as power supply equipment, water purification and supply equipment, and may also include gas conditioning and compressing equipment, electricity regenerator equipment, and equipment for storage and subsequent dispensing of the gas.
In the operation of a cell stack during the electrolysis of aqueous electrolyte, the anode serves to generate oxygen gas whereas the cathode serves to generate hydrogen gas. The two gases are kept separate and distinct by the membrane. In some types of electrolyser modules currently used, the flow of gases and electrolytes within the stack may be conducted via circulation gasket assemblies which also act to seal the structure of one electrolysis chamber to another electrolysis chamber and to prevent leakage of electrolyte and gas from the structure.
In some electrolyser modules currently used, an end box is situated at both ends of the stack. The end boxes serve several functions including providing a return channel for electrolyte flowing out from the top of the cell. They may also provide a location for components used for controlling the electrolyte level, for example, liquid level sensors, and temperature regulators, for example, heaters, coolers or heat exchangers. In addition, with appropriate sensors in the end boxes, individual cell stack electrolyte and gas purity may be monitored. Also, while most of the electrolyte is recirculated through the electrolyser, an electrolyte stream may be taken from each end box to provide external level control, electrolyte density, temperature, cell pressure and gas purity control and monitoring. This stream would be returned to either the same end box or mixed with other similar streams and returned to the end boxes. Alternatively, probes may be inserted into the end boxes to control these parameters.
As a gas is produced in the anodic electrolysis chamber or cathodic electrolysis chamber of the cell, it is mixed with the liquid of the cell to form a gas-liquid mixture. The gas will rise to the top of the cell but it requires time and space to become effectively separated from the liquid (through, for example, natural phase separation) and subsequently released. The end box as described above is sometimes used as an area to allow gas-liquid separation. Another typically used mechanism to allow the gas-liquid separation to occur is to utilize degassing chambers which are located externally to the cell stack. Each gas generated in the cells may enter a degassing chamber through a series of pipes or other connections attached to the cells. The degassing chambers may be located above the cells and benefit from the lower density of the gas and the gas-liquid mixture (relative to the liquid alone) which causes them to rise up to the degassing chambers. This location of the degassing chambers relative to the cells allows the degassed liquid to flow back down to the cells with the aid of gravity. Alternatively, pumps are used to pump the gas-liquid mixtures to the appropriate degassing chambers. The extra equipment required in these scenarios has the drawback that it is costly and it increases the space requirement for the electrolyser module. In addition, the extra pieces required to connect the degassing chambers to the cells provide opportunities for leakage, resulting in costly and time-consuming maintenance of the electrolyser module.
In an attempt to solve the problems associated with such degassing chambers, some electrolyser modules have been designed so that the degassing chambers are integrated with the cells. In some such designs, each electrolysis chamber of a cell stack is in direct communication with a degassing chamber through a first channel through which gas-liquid mixture enters the degassing chamber. Gas evolves from the gas-liquid mixture and the degassed liquid exits the degassing chambers through a second channel which is in direct communication with the appropriate electrolysis chamber and is situated below the first channel. For example, European patent application no. 1194716 (which is incorporated herein by reference) describes cell plates (referred to as holding frames) which define openings for an electrolysis chamber and openings for one or more degassing chambers where each cell plate is in direct communication with an associated degassing chamber. It has now been determined that integrated electrolyser modules of this design do not provide optimal conditions for removal of entrained gas from the liquid. In addition, such designs do not provide optimal conditions for increasing overall current efficiency of the electrolysis reactions and do not allow for effective differential pressure control between the anodic and cathodic electrolysis chambers. There is, therefore, a need for an electrolyser module which improves upon problems with the prior designs as described above.


The present invention relates to a method for preparing a peptide having a stable, internally constrained alpha-helical, beta-sheet/beta-turn, 310-helical, or pi-helical region and a method of stabilizing an alpha-helical, beta-sheet/beta-turn, 310-helical, or pi-helical region within a peptide structure. The resulting peptides and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Protein secondary structures include β-sheets/β-turns, π-helices, 310-helices, and α-helices.
The α-helix is the most common element of protein secondary structure and participates widely in fundamental biological processes, including highly specific protein-protein and protein-nucleic acids interactions. Molecules that can predictably and specifically disrupt these interactions would be invaluable as tools in molecular biology, and, potentially, as leads in drug development (Kelso et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126:4828-4842 (2004); Schafmeister et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 122:5891-5892 (2000); Austin et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119:6461-6472 (1997); Phelan et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119:455-460 (1997); Osapay et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114:6966-6973 (1992); Kemp et al., J. Org. Chem. 56:6672-6682(1991); Jackson et al., J. Am Chem. Soc. 113:9391-9392 (1991); Ghadiri et al., J. Am Chem. Soc. 112:1630-1632 (1990); Felix et al., Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 32:441-454 (1988)). Exposed α-helices on the surfaces of proteins are also often involved in recognition of other biomolecules. Peptides composed of less than fifteen residues corresponding to these α-helical regions typically do not remain helical once excised from the protein environment. Short peptides (<15 residues) that can adopt α-helical structure are expected to be useful models for the design of bioactive molecules and for studying aspects of protein folding.
Several strategies have been reported for the preparation of stabilized α-helices (Andrews et al., "Forming Stable Helical Peptides Using Natural and Artificial Amino Acids," Tetrahedron 55:11711-11743 (1999)). These methods include incorporation of nonnatural amino acids (Lyu et al., "Alpha-helix Stabilization by Natural and Unnatural Amino Acids with Alkyl Side Chains," Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 88:5317-5320 (1991); Kaul et al., "Stereochemical Control of Peptide Folding," Bioorg. Med. Chem. 7:105-117 (1999)), capping motifs (Austin et al., "Template for Stabilization of a Peptide Alpha-helix: Synthesis and Evaluation of Conformational Effects by Circular Dichroism and NMR," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119:6461-6472 (1997); Lyu et al., "Capping Interactions in Isolated Alpha Helices: Position-dependent Substitution Effects and Structure of a Serine-capped Peptide Helix," Biochemistry 32:421-425 (1993); Chakrabartty et al., "Helix Capping Propensities in Peptides Parallel Those in Proteins," Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90:11332-11336 (1993); Kemp et al., "Studies of N-Terminal Templates for Alpha-helix Formation—Synthesis and Conformational-analysis of (2s,5s,8s,11s)-1-acetyl-1,4-diaza-3-keto-5-carboxy-10-thiatricyclo[184.108.40.206(4,8)]tridecane (Ac-Hell-Oh)," J. Org. Chem. 56:6683-6697 (1991)), salt-bridges (Bierzynski et al., "A Salt Bridge Stabilizes the Helix Formed by Isolated C-Peptide of RNase A," Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79:2470-2474 (1982)), metal ion chelation (Kelso et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 126:4828-4842 (2004); Kelso et al., "A Cyclic Metallopeptide Induces Alpha Helicity in Short Peptide Fragments of Thermolysin," Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 42:421-424 (2003); Ruan et al., "Metal-ion Enhanced Helicity in Synthetic Peptides Containing Unnatural, Metal-ligating Residues," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112:9403-9404 (1990); Ghadiri, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 112:1630-1632 (1990)), and covalent side chain linkers such as disulfide (Jackson et al., "A General Approach to the Synthesis of Short Alpha-helical Peptides," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113:9391-9392 (1991)), lactam (Phelan et al., "A General Method for Constraining Short Peptides to an Alpha-helical Conformation," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119:455-460 (1997); Bracken et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116:6431-6432 (1994); Osapay et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 114:6966-6973 (1992); Felix et al., Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 32:441-454 (1988)), and hydrocarbon bridges (Schafmeister et al., "An All-hydrocarbon Cross-linking System for Enhancing the Helicity and Metabolic Stability of Peptides," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:5891-5892 (2000); Blackwell et al., "Highly Efficient Synthesis of Covalently Cross-linked Peptide Helices by Ring-closing Metathesis," Angew. Chem Int. Ed. Engl. 37:3281-3284 (1998)). Stabilization of the α-helix structure with these strategies is typically context dependent (Geistlinger et al., "An Inhibitor of the Interaction of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta and Glucocorticoid Interacting Protein," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 123:1525-1526 (2001); McNamara et al., "Peptides Constrained by an Aliphatic Linkage between Two C(alpha) Sites: Design, Synthesis, and Unexpected Conformational Properties of an i, (i+4)-Linked Peptide," Org. Chem. 66:4585-4594 (2001)). More importantly, however, these strategies typically block solvent-exposed surfaces of the target α-helices, or restrict or replace important side chain functionalities from the putative α-helices.
Thus, there remains a need for identifying a general method for the synthesis of highly stable internally-constrained peptide structures, such as short α-helical peptides, with strict preservation of the helix surfaces. The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.

Methods for preparing internally constrained peptides and peptidomimetics


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for determining geographic locations of devices. One of the methods includes obtaining an estimated user location associated with each respective IP address block based on observed events from the IP address block; obtaining an estimate of a probability model p(ev|loc), the probability model p(ev|loc) including a respective probability distribution of interest locations for each of multiple user locations; wherein obtaining the estimate of the probability model p(ev|loc) includes calculating p(ev|loc) from a p(zone|loc) matrix and a p(ev|zone) matrix; and using the estimate for the probability model p(ev|loc) and the observed events to calculate an estimate for multiple probability distributions X(loc) associated with a respective IP address block.

This specification relates to determining geographic locations of devices on a network.
Knowing the geographical location of a device coupled to a network, e.g., the Internet, can be valuable to provide new or improved services to the device or to users of the device. For instance, news, weather alerts, advertisements, and other services can be selected based on knowing where a user device is located.

Refining location detection from a query stream


An egg collection device for collecting eggs from an array of confinement cage rows comprises separate continuous flexible belts of individual, interchangeable basket members themselves linking together to form the egg collector. Each individual basket member includes a pair of sidewalls for containing the egg transported therein. This unique design enables the separate continuous flexible belts forming the egg collector to be spaced apart to conform to the spacing between the confinement cage rows with which the collector is being used, thereby making the collector adaptable to a wide variety of cage arrangements. Another improvement is directed to the manner in which the individual continuous flexible belts are driven and provides for a sprocket wheel which does not protrude into the basket member carrying the eggs.

a. Field of the Invention
In general, this invention relates to devices for the collection of eggs, on a commercial basis, from an array of poultry cages. More specifically, however, this invention relates to significant improvements in apparatus comprising a vertical egg collector which greatly reduces the risk of damage to the eggs during the collection process, thereby substantially increasing productivity.
b. Description of the Related Art
Egg collection apparatus of the general type and kind disclosed by the present invention is also seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 587,668, U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,016 and certain other references cited therein. However, none of this prior art discloses, nor makes obvious the unique combination of elements presented and claimed herein. As a result, no prior art, nor combination thereof, solves the problems resolved by the present invention.
In general, devices of this type are utilized to efficiently collect eggs delivered by a series of cage conveyors associated with an arrangement of confinement cages. Once collected, the eggs are delivered to a cross conveyor which carries the eggs away for further processing, packaging and eventual shipping. During the collection process, however, contact between the eggs themselves, and with the handling equipment necessarily occurs and can cause severe damage and marking to the eggs which, unless controlled, can significantly impact the productivity of the laying operation. For example, prior are devices of this type necessarily require some means of removing the individual eggs from the main collector belt and depositing them onto the cross conveyor. In the device disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,016 and others, this equipment comprises a removal plate (reference numeral 17 in the '016 patent, see column 7, lines 31-38) having tines or fingers which dislocate the eggs from the main collector belt and onto the cross conveyor.
Similarly, the transfer of the eggs from the conveyors associated with the cage configuration into the main collector belt, in most cases, involves contact between adjacent eggs on the cage conveyors and the equipment used to effectuate the transfer. Moreover, movement of the eggs within the individual compartments of a main collector belt, and the resulting contact with the conveyor elements can also be excessive depending on the random orientation of the eggs within the individual compartments of the collector belt. This too can cause severe damage and marking to the eggs and reduce productivity dramatically.
Other drawbacks accompanying the prior art devices of this type and kind include difficulties associated with the servicing and replacement of the main collector belt. In addition, the prior art devices have a relatively narrow range of adaptability to the various types of cage configurations used in the industry.

Egg collector having separate continuous flexible belts of baskets for each cage conveyor


A selvedge device (1), having at least two pairs of heddle holders (2) for holding heddles (3) on either side, a drive device for driving the two pairs of heddle holders (2) by reciprocating movements, in which the drive device has at least two drive bodies (4) and each pair of heddle holders (2) is attached to a drive body (4), and in which the heddle holders (2) of at least one pair of heddle holders (2) are attached to the corresponding drive body (4) so as to be height-adjustable with respect to this corresponding drive body (4).

During each operating cycle of a weaving process, weft insertion systems can insert one or more wefts between warp yarns, which have been positioned according to predetermined patterns and/or weave structures, in order to thus produce one or more fabrics.
By means of such selvedge devices, so-called selvedges are formed on the edge of a fabric with a weave structure which may differ from the weave structure of the fabric itself. As a result thereof, the wefts are caught and retained and remain present in the resultant fabric in stretched form. Fabric edges which are necessary for after-treatments may be provided in the same way. In this case, it is often necessary to produce complicated weave structures in a limited area.
Said drive bodies of the selvedge device are moved according to reciprocating movements by the drive device in order to drive the heddle holders according to these movements. These reciprocating movements may be directed in opposite directions.
A pair of heddle holders may hereto be connected to each other as part of a weaving frame.
The heddles are provided with heddle eyelets in which selvedge yarns and warp yarns are inserted. By means of the reciprocating movements, a shed is formed between the selvedge yarns during successive operating cycles of a weaving machine. A weft yarn is arranged in the resultant shed in each case. In order to catch and retain a weft, the selvedge yarns have to cross after each weft. Preferably, these crossings are produced by shifting the heddle holder pairs per two in counterphase.
Even with two pairs of heddle holders, per weft insertion system, moving in counterphase, it is possible to form a so-called one-one weave structure, in which a crossing is produced after each inserted weft yarn. Each weft yarn is then caught, both on the left and on the right, by a selvedge yarn.
If, for example, so-called two-two weave structures have to be possible, an additional pair of heddle holders is required for each weft insertion system to ensure that each weft yarn is caught. The four pairs of heddle holders preferably move two by two in counterphase, but other movements are also possible, as long as a crossing is produced after each weft.
Such one-one weave structures require 2 pairs of heddle holders for plain-weaving machines, 4 pairs of heddle holders for double-face weaving machines with 2 weft insertion systems and 6 pairs of heddle holders for double-face weaving machines with 3 weft insertion systems.
Such two-two weave structures require 4 pairs of heddle holders for plain-weaving machines, 8 pairs of heddle holders for double-face weaving machines with 2 weft insertion systems and 12 pairs of heddle holders for double-face weaving machines with 3 weft insertion systems.
Wefts may be inserted by means of air or water or by means of a projectile. Preferably, a weft insertion system consists of a pair of cooperating rapiers, which take the weft from one side of the weaving machine to the other side of the weaving machine and pass the weft to one another midway.
With such selvedge devices, it is always important for the selvedge heddles with the selvedge yarns inserted in their heddle eyelets to be moved up and down as quickly as possible in order to be able to lock the weft yarns in as quickly as possible, without the rapiers touching the selvedge yarns or the heddle eyelets. The selvedge shed formed by the selvedge yarns preferably adjoins the movement path of the rapier in the fabric to be formed as closely as possible. The rest position of a heddle eyelet is therefore preferably placed in the centre of the selvedge shed to be formed. The more accurately these heddle eyelets are placed in the desired position, the smaller the reciprocating movements can be and the quicker the weft yarns can be locked in.
In a heddle, the heddle eyelet takes up most space. Sometimes, the rest positions of the heddle eyelets of the selvedge heddles which perform identical movements are placed at different positions with respect to each other. In this way, the selvedge heddles can move through the shed slightly more easily, because they have more options when the selvedge yarns cross.
However, when modifying a weaving machine for weaving another fabric, the position of one or more heddle eyelets may be moved, so that a larger reciprocating movement is required to ensure that the rapiers do not touch the selvedge yarns. As a result thereof, the weft yarns are locked in less rapidly.
Also when replacing heddles, the heddle eyelets of newly installed heddles may deviate from the desired position.
In such cases, adapting the position of one or more heddle eyelets may be effected in some weaving machines by shortening and/or lengthening corresponding heddle cords on one or both sides. However, in practice, this is a relatively difficult task. In addition, the reproducibility of such an adjustment is relatively limited. Wear further renders this adjustment option more difficult.
Often, it is also possible to move the entire selvedge device in the weaving machine. However, this means that all heddle eyelets are moved simultaneously, as a result of which deviations of one heddle eyelet cannot be compensated for.


A mobile communication device (200) has a software architecture (302) that includes a closed operating environment (306). The closed operating environment is inaccessible to the user of the mobile communication device, and it includes software for implementing a reporting function designed to collect certain information from within the mobile communication device, and to transmit it to an entity outside the mobile communication device, such as a server (310).

As mobile communication systems become more widespread, more complex, and more affordable, there is an increasing demand to innovate and provide additional services that are integrated with mobile communication service. Recent developments in mobile communication service include internet access, email, instant messaging, and even networked games among others. Since mobile communication service has become relatively inexpensive, it has become more common for organizations to provide their members with mobile communication devices facilitate more efficient communication. In fact, many organizations and business have come to rely on equipping so many of their members with mobile communication devices that mobile communication service has become a significant operating cost. As such, these organizations and businesses would like to gather usage information to analyze the efficiency of this expense.
One approach to gathering usage information is to provide each mobile communication device with a reporting application that runs in a software operating environment of the mobile communication device. The user of the mobile communication device invokes the application, and the application acquires, gathers, compiles, and formats the desired information as needed. Once the information is collected in the necessary form, it can then be transmitted to an information collecting entity operated by the organization or business. Since many mobile communication devices now have the ability to access the internet and transact information over the internet, via a wireless communication system, the mobile communication device can send the information to a server operated by the organization or business connected to the internet.
In addition to being able to access the internet, many mobile communication devices are now able to load and execute third party applications. Thus, an organization or business could develop its own application to be loaded on the mobile communication devices it gives to its members to perform information gathering. Third parties may even develop software to sell to such organizations and businesses. However, to be useful, the information collected must be authentic. By using an application that resides in what may be referred to as an open operating environment of the mobile communication device, there is the potential that similar applications may be developed to provide false information in the guise of authentic information. Essentially it could allow the user of the mobile communication device to appear to be engaged in an approved activity when the user is in fact engaging in a different activity. Therefore there is a need by which information can be collected from mobile communication devices in a way that ensures the information is authentic.

Method and apparatus for authenticated reporting in a mobile communication device


A bicycle rear wheel adapter has an annular body that abuts a sprocket-carrying body that extends in an axially outer direction and receives sprockets in radially peripheral positions. A coupling element on the annular body couples with the sprocket-carrying body so the adapter rotates as a unit with the sprocket-carrying body, and a sprocket-receiving seat on the annular body couples with a sprocket so the adapter rotates as a unit with the sprocket. The adapter is suitable for cogsets with small sprockets grouped in a monolithic grouping.

Hereinafter, the spatial indications, like in particular those of radial, axial and circumferential direction, will be given with reference to the rotation axis of the rear wheel of the bicycle, which coincides with the axis of the cogset, of the sprocket-carrying body, of the hub of the wheel and in general of all of the elements that rotate with the wheel. Moreover, the axial direction with be indicated as outwards if directed away from the longitudinal mid-plane of the bicycle or away from the hub of the wheel, and vice-versa as inwards if directed towards such a mid-plane or towards the hub. The short indications outer and inner (or axially outer and axially inner) will also be used in the same way: outer thus equates to facing in the outward axial direction and inner equates to facing in the inward axial direction.
In order to mount a cogset on the hub of a bicycle rear wheel, a so-called sprocket-carrying body is normally used, which on one side is made to rotate as a unit with the sprockets through shape coupling, and on the other side is made to rotate as a unit—however in a unidirectional manner—with the hub through a set of ratchets or similar, commonly called freewheel. In this way, the transmission chain engaged with the various sprockets is capable of transmitting a torque to the hub in the advancing direction of the bicycle.
The sprocket-carrying body essentially consists of a tubular body that is mechanically coupled at the radially peripheral surface thereof with central mounting openings made in the sprockets. The radially peripheral surface of the sprocket-carrying body is shaped with substantially axial ribs and grooves, alternating in the circumferential direction, adapted for allowing the aforementioned shape coupling. For this purpose, the central mounting openings of the sprockets are provided with extensions or projections directed radially towards the rotation axis which couple with the grooves present on the sprocket-carrying body.
The sprockets are thus mounted axially on the sprocket-carrying body in succession, from the sprocket having the largest diameter, so that when the sprocket-carrying body is mounted on the hub of the wheel of the bicycle the sprockets of larger diameter are located towards the inside, i.e. close to the rear wheel, whereas the sprockets of smaller diameter are located towards the outside.
The ribs and grooves on the radially peripheral surface of the sprocket-carrying body also perform the function of providing a so-called mounting key, for the correct angular positioning of each sprocket. The expression mounting key is meant to indicate a particular profile of an axial portion of the radially peripheral surface of the sprocket-carrying body and a corresponding profile of the central mounting opening of each sprocket, wherein these profiles have a well-determined non-regularity in the circumferential direction that allows each sprocket to be mounted on the sprocket-carrying body only in a very precise angular position. The mounting key thus ensures that a predetermined mutual angular phasing is maintained between sprockets which is necessary for the correct operation of the rear gearshift of the bicycle. For example, a mounting key is obtained by providing for the grooves on the sprocket-carrying body to all be the same except for an odd one, and consequently shaping an odd one of the extensions of every sprocket: the coupling of the sprocket on the sprocket-carrying body can thus only take place with that angular position of the sprocket on the sprocket-carrying body that allows the engagement of the odd extension with the odd groove. Of course, for some sprockets it is possible that two or more possible angular positions are provided (due to the repetitiveness in the circumferential direction of the shape features of the toothing), and consequently it is possible to provide two or more odd extensions.
In more modern bicycle gearshifts, particularly for bicycles intended for racing, there is a well-known tendency to increase the number of sprockets. When a cogset reaches 11, 12 or even more sprockets, it may be possible to do without the front gearshift; this simplifies and lightens the bicycle, which is undoubtedly advantageous to the cyclist, provided that this is not accompanied by a penalization in the availability of gear ratios.
In order to allow this result, it is necessary to have a small sprocket with a very low number of teeth, for example 10 or 9, in the cogset. The small number of teeth, however, is clearly accompanied by a small sprocket diameter, which can become too small to allow mounting on normal sprocket-carrying bodies. It has thus become common to use cogsets in which the smallest sprockets (typically the first three) are made as a unit with each other to form a monolithic group (also commonly called triplet, precisely because it groups together three sprockets), and the central opening for mounting on the sprocket-carrying body extends axially only at the largest sprocket of the group; the smallest sprockets extend more towards the rotation axis, but do not engage with the sprocket-carrying body, since it is ensured that they are set in motion by the fact that they form a unit with the largest sprocket of the group.
In order to allow this type of coupling, it is however necessary for the sprocket-carrying body to have a shorter axial extension with respect to the cogset. In other words, in order to mount a cogset of this type, with the first sprockets very small and fixedly connected to one another to form a monolithic group, on the hub of the bicycle wheel, a special sprocket-carrying body, in particular a short sprocket-carrying body is necessary.
However, such a short sprocket-carrying body cannot allow the mounting of a conventional cogset, in which each sprocket must be individually coupled with the sprocket-carrying body: indeed, the smallest sprockets would be located in an axial position that the sprocket-carrying body does not reach.
Consequently, the demanding cyclist or the professional athlete competing in cycling races, if he/she wishes to use different cogsets depending on the conditions (typically the altimetric profile) of the route that must be traveled, must resign himself/herself to replacing the sprocket-carrying body along with the cogset: indeed, in order to be able to use a cogset with very small sprockets (in particular fixedly connected in a monolithic group) he/she will have to mount a special short sprocket-carrying body on the hub, whereas in order to be able to use a more conventional cogset with not so small sprockets he/she must mount a long sprocket-carrying body.
The problem at the basis of the present invention is that of allowing a flexibility of choice of the cogset without also forcing the replacement of the sprocket-carrying body.

Adapter for a sprocket-carrying body for a bicycle rear wheel


A communication node system for an Ethernet-PON includes: an LLID register for storing an LLID being an allocated identifier; a preamble generator for generating a PON preamble; a CRC generator for generating a CRC for the preamble; a transmission connector for combining transport data with the CRC-including preamble to generate a transport frame, and forwarding the transport frame; a reception connector for receiving the frame and dividing the frame into a preamble and received data; a filter for extracting an LLID from the preamble, comparing the extracted LLID with the LLID stored in the register, and selectively filtering the extracted LLID; and a received frame generator for discarding the received data, or combining the received data with the preamble to generate a received frame.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication node system, a control node system, and a communication system using those node systems in an Ethernet-PON (Passive Optical Network).
(b) Description of the Related Art
Ethernet-PON (hereinafter referred to as "EPON") is a passive optical subscriber network designed for applying the Ethernet used in the existing LANs (Local Area Networks) to general subscriber networks. EPON is comprised of the PON that has passive splitters for combining, in a passive manner, an OLT (Optical Line Termination) connected to the network with ONUs (Optical Network Units) connected to subscribers. Namely, the PON is a medium shared tree structure, that unlike the conventional media sharing in the Ethernet, has a directionality of data transmission due to the characteristics of fiber and splitters such that a down-stream frame sent from the OLT is forwarded to all the ONUs, while an up-stream frame is sent directly to the OLT from one ONU without being forwarded to another ONU.
The EPON uses an approach for communicating Ethernet frames between an OLT connected in the PON form and a plurality of ONUs, and it is now standardized as IEEE 802.3ah. The existing Ethernet supports shared medium and point-to-point links. A PON in which down-stream data are broadcast and up-stream data are forwarded only to the OLT based on TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) is a network not supported in the existing MAC (Media Access Control).
With the upper bridge connected in the PON, a problem occurs in regard to compatibility. Namely, when an ONU sends a MAC frame to an OLT and the MAC frame is forwarded to another ONU, the upper bridge must send the frame to the same port again, and accordingly, the ONU again receives the MAC frame at the same port as used for sending the MAC frame. This is unacceptable in the existing bridge. For the purpose of compatibility with the existing bridge, the PON structure has an LLID (Logical Link Identification) for logical identification of the ONU, inserted into the 8-byte preamble to acquire compatibility with the upper bridge. Using the LLID, the EPON system appears as multiple point-to-point links in a point-to-multipoint communication environment so as to be compatible with the upper bridge. The LLID in the down-stream frame represents the ONU to which the frame is forwarded (LLID may include "broadcast"), and the LLID in the up-stream frame represents the ONU from which the frame is forwarded.
In the existing Ethernet, all the terminals or nodes belonging to the same LAN segment receive the same frames at the same time. In the PON, for forwarding a frame from one ONU to another, the ONU sends the frame to the OLT and then the OLT returns the frame to the corresponding ONU with its destination address. But the frame received at the OLT cannot be returned to the ONU according to the existing Ethernet standard. To solve this problem in the EPON, some approaches have been attempted, as follows.
In the first approach, an emulation layer for point-to-point communication is provided between a physical (PHY) layer and a MAC layer. This approach is subdivided into two methods. In one method, the emulation layer removes a PON-tag from all the frames received from the ONU, sends the removed PON-tag to the upper layer, and broadcasts a copy of the frame to all the ONUs through a PON interface. Each ONU checks the PON-tag of the received frame. The ONU discards the frame by filtering if the PON-tag is identical to its PON-tag; otherwise, it removes the PON-tag and sends it to the upper layer. However, this method that returns all the frames to the PON interface even in the case of non-point-to-point communication between ONUs has a problem in regard to an excessive consumption of the down-stream bandwidth in the PON.
In the other method, the PON-tag attached to the up-stream frame from each ONU is used to discriminate the frame, which is then forwarded to the upper MAC layer. As many logic MAC layers are provided as there are ONUs connected to the PON interface. Each MAC layer is connected to the port of the bridge so that the frame is switched through the bridge and forwarded down through the corresponding MAC layer. The frame forwarded from the bridge is combined with the PON-tag corresponding to the destination address and is broadcast to the ONU through the PON interface. The ONU checks the PON-tag of the received frame, and removes the PON-tag and sends the frame to the upper layer if the PON-tag is identical to its PON-tag; otherwise, it discards the frame by filtering. In this case, each MAC layer performs frame multiplexing, and inter-MAC layer multiplexing must be performed once again, thus making the frame multiplexing complicated. Additionally, this method must provide as many logical MAC layers as there are ONUs for one PON interface.
In the second approach, a shared LAN emulation layer is provided on the MAC layer of the OLT. The shared LAN emulation layer is comprised of three parts, i.e., a lower layer shared LAN emulation layer, a logical MAC layer, and an upper layer shared LAN emulation layer. The lower layer shared LAN emulation layer checks the LLID of the up-stream frame from the ONU and sends the frame to the MAC layer. The logical MAC layer sends the frame to the upper layer shared LAN emulation layer. The upper layer shared LAN emulation layer, which has a similar function to the bridge of the IEEE 802.1D, checks the LLID of the frame for point-to-point communication and sends the frame to the corresponding logical MAC layer. The logical MAC layer sets the LLID to the frame and sends the frame to the lower layer. For broadcasting, the frame is forwarded down with a separate broadcasting logical MAC, in which case broadcasting bits are set. Here, the number of the logical MACs is k (the number of LLIDs×2+1), and the frame format must be different from the standard for the purpose of the shared LAN emulation function. The precise frame format is not mentioned in the cited reference of this technology. Moreover, the need for multiplexing between logical MACs increases the complexity of the multiplexing for the down-stream data.

Communication node system, control node system, and communication system using node systems in ethernet-passive optical network

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A liquid fuel level sensing device disclosed herein may include: a holder; an arm fixed to the holder; a cover fixed to the holder to cover the arm; and a float connected to the arm outside the holder. The holder may include a bottom portion and a first snap fit structure, which may include a pair of support portions provided with an interval therebetween, and provided on the bottom portion. First and second interval portions may be provided between the pair of support portions, the first interval portion may hold the arm, and the second interval portion may be provided above the first interval portion and be narrower than a width of the arm held in the first interval portion. The cover may include a deformation restricting portion provided at a position facing an outer surface of at least one of the pair of support portions.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-242174 describes a liquid fuel level sensing device provided with a body (a body part), a holder, an arm, a cover, and a float. The body is configured to be fixed in a fuel tank. The holder is rotatably supported by the body. The arm is fixed to the holder. The cover is fixed to the holder so as to cover the arm. A part of the arm extends externally from the holder. The float is connected to the arm outside the holder. The float floats on fuel in the fuel tank. As a liquid level of the fuel changes, the float moves up and down. When this happens, the arm rotates with respect to the body together with the cover and the holder. The liquid level of the fuel is sensed by sensing a rotation angle of the arm.


Holistic tracking and monitoring of goals is provided. An indication of a first goal and a first set of attributes associated with the first goal and another indication of at least a second goal and a second set of attributes associated with the second goal are received. The first goal and at least the second goal are aggregated into a combined goal. A set of defined actions to achieve the combined goal is determined. Respective statuses of each defined action of the set of defined actions and a combined status for the combined goal are tracked. A representation of the combined status and the respective statuses are provided in a perceivable format. Further, the combined status and the respective statuses are updated in real-time.

Everyone has goals in life and many of these goals require money in order to be achieved. Further, the goals may be classified as short-term goals, medium-term goals, long-term goals, and so on. In some cases, individuals create a budget and set aside money every month toward a specific goal. Further, a family may have a joint goal, such as a family vacation, and may set money aside monthly for that specific goal. However, it may be difficult for each member of the family to reconcile their goals with the family goals in the respective time desired to achieve the goals. Accordingly, one more of the financial goals might not be achieved in the given time period.


A device for use in conjunction with a case or wallet that have compartments in which credit cards and the like are kept. The device has two parts which are movable relative to each other between a secure and open position. In the secure position, the cards and the device are retained for storage. In the open position, a card to be used may be removed from the device, but if the card is not replaced into the device, the device cannot return to the secure position. Therefore, should the user of the credit card not return the credit card to the device, it will be readily apparent to the user that the credit card is missing. The device has a locking lug which, depending on the locking lug's position in the device, the device may not be returned to the secure position unless the credit card used is returned to the device.

The invention relates to a device for securing card-type objects, in particular cheque guarantee cards and credit cards, against being lost or mislaid, comprising:
two parts which are movable relative to each other between a secure position in which the card is retained in its storage space and an open position in which the card can be removed, PA1 and mechanical means which prevent closure of the parts until in the secure position, and which can be rendered inoperable by means of the card. PA1 two substantially flat parts which are hingedly connected to each other near an end edge of each preferably by a hinge pin, PA1 the first part near the hinge pin being provided with a chamber which is open near the end edge of the part, and in which said displacing element is situated, in form of a locking lever which can swivel about a swivel pin crossing the hinge pin at right angles, PA1 in that the second part is provided with a first moulded-on finger which comes to rest against the locking lever at one side of the swivel axis thereof, in such a way that when the two parts are swung open the locking lever will swivel, and the other end of it goes into the movement path of a second finger moulded onto the second part in the chamber, and, as a result, a closing movement of the second part is blocked, and PA1 in that the hinge pin lies at least a card thickness higher up than the internal face of the second part, thereby producing a slit-shaped space, so that--in swinging the device through the open position thereof--by inserting a card through the interspace into the chamber, the locking lever can be swivelled back in order to release the blocking of the second part. PA1 that one part comprises a bottom face with raised edges on two opposite sides and at least one stop edge for the card at one of the other sides, PA1 that the bottom face is provided with at least one resilient element which can be pressed into the bottom face by a card which is present, and will spring up from said face in the absence of a card, PA1 the second part being provided with a stop lug for the resilient element, at such a point that, after a relative movement of the two parts to the open position in which the card can be removed, the two parts are prevented from moving back to the closed, secure position. PA1 a box part, dimensioned in such a way that a card and a spring can be present in the internal space thereof, and of which box part a section of one of the large faces is fixed, while a section is open and a front side contiguous therewith is also open, PA1 a lid part, substantially dimensioned in such a way that it can close said open section of the box part, it being hingedly fitted substantially at the position of the end edge of the fixed top part, PA1 the lid part at the front side being provided over a part of the width with at least one gripping edge for the card edge, PA1 in that in the closed end of the box part there is a spring which is placed under tension by a card pressed against it, PA1 and in that the bottom face of the box part at the open front side and/or the lid part near the gripping edge for the card is/are provided with a recess over a depth which at least corresponds to the compression depth of the spring when the card is placed in the holder.
Over the years a large number of proposals have been made for securing cheque guarantee cards and credit cards against being lost or mislaid. In this case the problem is not so much one of securing against theft, but rather of having an aid to ensure that when a card is used for the purpose for which it is intended the user does not forget to return it to the correct place in wallet or card case. Most proposals known hitherto have been based on electrical or electronic measures, often leading to some type of sound signal. These security circuits have become increasingly ingenious with the passage of time, but at the same time they have often become more susceptible to faults. Rising cost is almost always an inevitable consequence of this increasing degree of complexity.
Mechanical solutions were proposed, e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,832, from which the device defined in the precharacterizing part of claim 1 is known. One of the disadvantages of this device is that it consists of a great number of parts. Apart from the fact that an embodiment for several cards gets the form of a box of a considerable thickness whilst users generally prefer a case or wallet form, this publication does not disclose an embodiment for a single card and the product is rather expensive.
A consequence of all this has therefore been that, despite the large number of proposals made, only a very small number have been put into practice.

Device for securing card-type objects, in particular cheque guarantee cards and credit cards, against being lost or mislaid


The present invention concerns an ion irradiation system and has for its object to provide an ion irradiation system and method which enable one or more ions to be applied to a target point with high accuracy. The ion irradiation system according to the present invention comprises: an ion microprobe; a deflector for deflecting an ion microbeam generated by said ion microprobe; a micro slit for extracting a single or predetermined number of ions from said ion microbeam deflected by said deflector; a sample holder mechanism for holding a sample to be irradiated with said single or predetermined number of ions extracted through said micro slit; a scanning electron microscope mechanism for observing the surface of said sample in real time; a secondary electron detecting system for detecting secondary electrons which are emitted from the surface of said sample, said secondary electron detecting system including a secondary electron multiplier; and an electric field control circuit for controlling an electric field which is applied to said deflector, said electric field control circuit being composed of a clock generator, a counter connected to said clock generator and a high-voltage amplifier connected to said counter and having its output connected to said deflector; wherein said counter counts output signal pulses from said secondary electron multiplier and supplies a clock signal to said high-voltage amplifier of said electric field control circuit during counting of said single or predetermined number of ions and stops the supply of said clock signal to said high-voltage amplifier upon completion of counting of said single or predetermined number of ions, whereby said ion microbeam is chopped by said deflector one or more times instantaneously reverse its direction or deflection with respect to said micro slit, thereby extracting said single or predetermined number of ions through said micro slit.

The invention relates to an ion irradiation system which utilizes an ion microprobe and, more particularly, to an ion irradiation system and method which permit highly accurate irradiation of a target with a single ion or predetermined number of ions placed under control.
With the progress of information processing techniques, there has been a growing demand for various satellites equipped with a variety of functions, and to meet the demand, semiconductor devices fabricated as closely-packed or high-density integrated circuits have come to be loaded on various satellites. In outer space a large number of radiant rays or cosmic rays are present, to which are exposed the semiconductor devices loaded on the various satellites, and their deterioration and temporary malfunction (such as a single event effect) by the radiant rays in outer space pose serious problems. The deterioration and temporary malfunction of the semiconductor devices by the radiant rays are likely to be caused by radioactive decay on the earth as well as in outer space, and much study is now being given to this problem in the development of closely-integrated semiconductor devices such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
The integrated circuits that are loaded on an artificial satellite are subjected to very severe endurance tests prior to launching, because the circuits, once broken down, cannot be replaced after launching. In conventional irradiation tests for checking the durability of integrated circuits against high-energy ions, the integrated circuits are randomly or indiscriminately irradiated with ions over a wide area and statistics on the probability of occurrence of malfunction is compiled to thereby examine the durability of the integrated circuits against the ion irradiation. With this method, however, it is impossible to specify regions or sites where the integrated circuits are likely to malfunction, and hence the prior art lacks a decisive factor in the development of highly durable integrated circuits.
The phenomenon that is caused by the incidence of a single ion is commonly referred to as a single event. The single event gives rise to malfunction of a device, and hence constitutes an obstacle to the miniaturization or microfabrication of devices. To overcome this obstacle, it is of importance to clarify the mechanism of the single event and take preventive measures accordingly. A soft error and a latch-up are known as the device malfunction by the single event.
(i) Soft error
A dynamic random access memory (hereinafter referred to as a DRAM) stores information by storing charges in capacitors. The DRAM package contains a slight amount of radioactive substance, and if even one .alpha. (alfa) particle (He.sup.2+) emitted from the radioactive substance enters into the DRAM, then the amount of stored charges, i.e. the stored contents will change, but the information thus changed can be restored by re-writing. Since the DRAM itself is not destroyed, this phenomenon is called a soft error. The presence of such a soft error hinders the miniaturization of the DRAM.
(ii) Latch-up
CMOS devices are now widespread as power-saving devices. The CMOS devices include many parasitic elements, and hence perform an unexpected operation according to the conditions under which they are placed. A phenomenon which is particularly liable to occur is one in which a large current flow is triggered under a certain condition, resulting in the destruction of the device. This phenomenon is called latch-up. When .alpha. (alfa) particles enter the CMOS device, electrons and holes are generated in large quantities, triggering the latch-up. The presence of the latch-up constitutes an obstacle to the miniaturization or microfabrication of the CMOS devices.
A micro ion beam (MIB) and a focused ion beam (FIB) are both focused ion beams although there is a slight difference in nuance between the two terms, and differences between them are given in the following table.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Comparison between micro ion beam and focused ion beam MIB FIB ______________________________________ Ion particle light ion heavy ion Acceleration high (.about.MeV) low to medium energy (.about.hundreds of keV) Beam diameter .about.1 .mu.m tens of nm Beam parallelism parallel nonparallel Use analysis fine surface machining ion implantation ______________________________________
FIG. 14 shows the construction of a conventional ion microprobe system, and FIG. 15 is its block diagram. In FIGS. 14 and 15, reference numeral 1 indicates a Y steerer, 2 a feedback slit, 3 a deflector, 4 a beam viewer, 5 a beam shifter, 6 a beam profile monitor, 7 a pre-slit, 8 a micro-slit, 9 a turbo pump, 10 a scraper slit, 11 a Faraday cup, 12 a quadrupole magnet lens, 13 a beam scanner, 14 a SEM column, and 15 a target chamber.
The ion microprobe system shown in FIG. 14 and a beam focusing technique are disclosed in detail in Y. Nakata, M. Sugimori, M. Ishikawa, H. Shimizu and I. Ohdomari, "Development of Ion Microprobe," Bulletin of Science and Engineering Research Laboratory, Waseda University, No. 124, pp. 20-33, 1989 and in T. Kamiyama, E. Minehara, K. Mizuhashi, Y. Nakada and I. Ohdomari, "Doublet Q-Magnet for MeV Ion Microprobe," the same bulletin as mentioned above, pp. 34-38. The beam focusing technique is a technique which focuses high-energy ion beams while retaining their parallelism. The minimum beam spot size now available is 1.9.times.1.7 .mu.m.
The beam focusing technique is related to the irradiation accuracy of the ion irradiation system according to the present invention. Since a single ion that the present invention handles passes the same orbit as that of the ion beam, minimization of the beam spot size is needed to ensure accurate irradiation.
The ion beam is made flat by use of a slit, which is operated in the same manner as that in which the aperture of a lens is stopped down. The aperture of an objective slit is made as small as possible so that it can be regarded as a point light source. (The opening of the objective slit can be adjusted by increments of 1 .mu.m.)
Ion microbeams, which are high-energy charged particle beams having their diameters reduced down to several submicrons, have already been employed as means for an elemental analysis or the like at more than twenty places throughout the world. Much effort has been devoted, in particular, to increasing an ion current in order to obtain better statistics. However, increased ion current density now poses a serious problem because of radiation damage to the sample which is caused by a concentrated application of ions to an extremely limited area of the sample.
To reduce the radiation damage to the minimum, the prior art ion microprobe uses a high-resolution, high-efficiency radiation detector, and the conventional ion irradiation system is provided with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) so that it is capable of irradiation by both of the ion microbeam and an electron beam.
The ion irradiation system has been developed primarily for investigating the effect of irradiation of the sample by high-energy charged particles. A technique for controlling ions to strike the sample at a specified point is now being developed in GSI of Germany as well, but it does not include control of the number of incident ions. Besides, an experiment which uses radioisotopes such as .sup.24.spsp.1 Am is also conducted to examine the effect of irradiation by a small number of ions, but in this case the position of incidence of ions on the sample cannot be decided and ions of arbitrary energy cannot be obtained either.
FIG. 16 through 18 are schematic diagrams for explaining techniques for directing the above-mentioned collimated ion microbeam to the target position or point on the sample surface.
A first step is to detect the positional relationship between a reference position and the target position by means of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) (FIG. 16). The next step is to move the sample holder of table so that the ion beam strikes at the reference position (FIG. 17), followed by moving the sample holder by the distance based on the detected positional relationship to bring the target position into coincidence with the reference position (FIG. 18). Thus, the ion beam can be applied to the sample at the desired strike position.
A fine-structured silicon (Si) test pattern is placed at the reference position. FIG. 19 shows an SEM image of the silicon test pattern.
The pattern is composed of lines and spaces (0.5 to 5.5 .mu.m wide) and is designed to permit measurement of both of the position of incidence of the ion beam and the beam spot size. Such a computer output as shown in FIG. 19 is obtained by scanning the ion beam. In this instance, if two adjacent lines can be distinguished from each other, then the ion beam spot size is estimated to be equal to the space defined by the two lines therebetween.
As mentioned above, the silicon test pattern has two functions, i.e. a standard of the beam spot size and a reference position for aiming the ion beam at a specified point. The above-noted aiming technique is needed because direct irradiation of the sample with the ion beam will cause damage to the sample and hence is not preferable.
A description will be given hereunder of the prior art which are related to the ion irradiation system and method according to the present invention.
Techniques for the detection of the beam spot size and its position of incidence for the ion microprobe system are disclosed in M. Sugimori et al., "Beam size and beam site detecting system for ion micro probe," Proc. of '89 Autumn Meeting of the Applied Physics Society of Japan, 29a-H-2, pp. 494. To facilitate the detection of the spot size and position of incidence of the ion beam, the detecting system set forth in the above prior art literature utilizes a target chamber provided with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) so that a secondary electron image by the ion beam and an SEM image are observed in the same target chamber. This system uses, as the test pattern, a fine-structured relief test pattern formed on a silicon chip and detectes the spot size and position of incidence of the ion beam by comparing the secondary image and SEM image of the silicon test pattern. By rotating the sample holder, the sample is set at 90 degrees to the electron beam during observation of the SEM image and similarly set at 90 degrees to the ion beam during radiation of ions. That is, the rotational angle of the sample holder is variable. With this detecting system, a 1 .mu.m pattern can be observed with high resolution.
The measurement of the beam size is disclosed in T. Kamiya et al., "Beam Size Measurement for MeV Ion Microbeam System," Proc. of '91 Spring Meeting of the Applied Physics Society of Japan, 29p-ZD-11, pp. 547. Kamiya et al. measured the beam size by use of an He+beam of 3 MeV in order to evaluate the performance of a microbeam unit mounted on a 1.7 MV tandem accelerator. Experiments reveal that it is effective in measurement of the beam spot size to employ a method which detects secondary electrons which are generated by scanning with a microbeam a fine-structured silicon relief test pattern fabricated by semiconductor machining techniques. As the result of a preliminary measurement, a beam spot size of 1.7.times.1.9 .mu.m.sup.2 was obtained.
A beam aiming technique is disclosed in M. Koh et al., "Beam site control system for micro ion beam," Proc. of '91 Spring Meeting of the Applied Physics Society of Japan, 29p-ZD-12, pp. 547. The disclosed system employs a target chamber with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and applies as ion beam and an electron beam to a fine-structured silicon relief test pattern to obtain its secondary electron images, from which the position of irradiation is detected. Positioning control for irradiation is effected by (a) detecting a reference irradiation point, i.e. the position of the sample and then (b) transferring the sample holder and irradiating the sample with the ion beam.
The above-mentioned beam aiming technique has the following advantages:
(1) It has been confirmed that the spot size of and He+beam (3 MeV) can be reduced by the edging effect to 1.7.times.1.9 .mu.m.sup.2.
(2) It is possible to carry out real-time observations of a secondary electron image by the ion beam on the SEM display screen and perform image processing by a computer.
(3) It is possible to observe an ultra-fine relief test pattern (which consists of lines and spaces 0.5-5.5 .mu.m wide) and effect high-speed, simple irradiation position control, using the fine relief test pattern as a reference position.
The concept of the single ion irradiation system is set forth in J. Murayama, et al., "Development of Single Ion Hitting System," 1990 Autumn Meeting of the Applied Physics Society of Japan, Proceedings, 27p-Y-1. The single ion irradiation system disclosed in this literature is formed by an ion microprobe and a beam chopper. The beam chopper includes a slit, a deflector and an electric field control circuit and is used to extract a single ion from an ion microbeam.
The single ion irradiation system operates following the procedure mentioned below.
(1) The ion beam is aligned and the position of irradiation is determined.
(2) A bias voltage is applied to the deflector to deflect the ion beam to prevent it from passage through the slit.
(3) After a certain elapsed time a reverse bias is applied to the deflector to deflect the ion beam in the reverse direction. The thus reverse-deflected beam is also prevented from passing through the slit. (At this instant a single ion is extracted.)
(4) Secondary electrons from the target are detected and the quantity of radiation is identified.
However, the Murayama et al. literature does not confirm the extraction of a single ion nor does it disclose the entire structure of a concrete ion irradiation system and a specific method of extraction of a single ion or predetermined number of ions. Further, the literature makes no mention of specific conditions for extracting a single ion or desired number of ions with a high degree of accuracy.
Moreover, the extraction of a single ion by chopping an ion beam had not been ascertained experimentally. But the inventors of the subject application have now ascertained the extraction of a single ion; namely, they have succeeded in experimentally extracting a single ion and a predetermined number of ions with accuracy. The present invention concerns an ion irradiation system and method for obtaining a single ion and a predetermined number of ions.
Experimental data on the extraction of a single ion is disclosed in the inventors' report, "Singularity Estimation of Ions Extracted by Chopping Ion Beam," Proc. of '91 Autumn Meeting of the Applied Physics of Japan, 12p-ZB-5, pp. 591. Furthermore, the irradiation of CMOS ICs with ions is reported by the inventors' in "Mapping of Radiation Immunity on CMOS Devices," Proc. of the above-noted meeting, 12p-ZB-6.

Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 236