Disclosed are methods of growing III-V epitaxial layers on a substrate, a semiconductor structure comprising a substrate, a device comprising such a semiconductor structure, and an electronic circuit. Group III-nitride devices, such as, for example, high-electron-mobility transistors, may include a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) between two active layers. For example, the 2DEG may be between a GaN layer and a AlGaN layer. These transistors may work in depletion-mode operation, which means the channel has to be depleted to turn the transistor off. For certain applications, such as, for example, power switching or integrated logic, negative polarity gate supply is undesired. Transistors may then work in enhancement mode (E-mode).

Group III-V devices, such as e.g. HEMTs, comprise a 2DEG (two dimensional Electron Gas) between two active layers, e.g. between a GaN and a AlGaN layer. It is known that this 2DEG results from spontaneous and piezo-electric polarization leading to charge separation within the materials. In most known devices of this type, the 2DEG is present at zero gate bias due to the characteristics of the materials. GaN FET devices for instance, with contacts formed on top of an AlGaN barrier layer, are normally-on devices. It is assumed that the formation of contacts on top of the epitaxial structure does not change drastically the polarization charges in a heterostructure such that if a 2DEG were present before the formation of the contacts, it would remain there after the processing. A certain negative voltage, called threshold voltage, on the gate is required to deplete the 2DEG through capacitive coupling. By applying a negative voltage to the gate an electron channel can be pinched off. This negative voltage is typically below a negative threshold voltage (Vth), typically between −2V and −8V. These transistors work in depletion-mode operation which means the channel has to be depleted to turn the transistor off.
For certain applications, such as e.g. power switching or integrated logic, negative polarity gate supply is undesired. In such a case, the gate control needs to work in such a way that, if the controlling circuitry fails for whatever reason, there is no galvanic connection between source and drain. FET devices for instance with a threshold voltage Vth>0 are normally-off devices. At zero gate voltage, so without gate control, no channel is present to conduct current. These transistors work in enhancement mode (E-mode).
To make a normally-off device, i.e. a device where no current can flow between source and drain when the gate is grounded or floating, typically a channel needs to be interrupted selectively under the gate contact (i.e. in the intrinsic part of the device, which is the part of the device where the current can be modulated) while at the same time preserving an as high as possible 2DEG density in the other regions (i.e. the extrinsic part of the device). FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a device with intrinsic and extrinsic parts. A gate bias above a certain positive threshold voltage will then induce a 2DEG under the gate contact allowing current to flow between source and drain.
Another issue with AlGaN/GaN HEMT's is the relative high contact resistance of the ohmic contacts, because of the high bandgap of the III-nitride material and the absence of impurity doping. One possible approach is the selective regrowth of n-type doped GaN, preferably with a low bandgap such as InGaN, in the regions under the ohmic contacts. In all known examples of this approach, the samples are taken out of the reactor and are patterned with SiOx for selective regrowth. This is very detrimental for the passivation of the surface of AlGaN/GaN HEMT.
Several methods have been reported to achieve such e-mode transistors:
Document U.S. 2010327293 (A1) recites an AlN buffer layer, an undoped GaN layer, an undoped AlGaN layer, a p-type GaN layer and a heavily doped p-type GaN layer that are formed in this order. A gate electrode forms an Ohmic contact with the heavily doped p-type GaN layer. A source electrode and a drain electrode are provided on the undoped AlGaN layer. A pn-junction is formed in a gate region by a two dimensional electron gas generated at an interface between the undoped AlGaN layer and the undoped GaN layer and the p-type GaN layer, so that the gate voltage swing can be increased.
This document does not provide a structure with good passivation
Further, growth of Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFET) where a p-type AlGaN layer on top of the AlGaN barrier causes depletion of the 2DEG, so it needs to be removed in the extrinsic device areas. The etching process to remove the p-GaN in the extrinsic device area is non-selective to the underlying layers and as such is very difficult to control.
In the above approach, p-type AlGaN is first grown everywhere on the wafer and then removed except in the gate area of the devices. As a consequence, etch depth is hard to control, plasma damage may result from it and the uncovered surface may be hard to passivate in further processing steps.
V. Kumar, et al. in "High transconductance enhancement-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on SiC substrate" (see Kumar in EL39-24 2003) recite use of an inductively-coupled-plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE), whereby recessed 1 μm gate-length enhancement-mode (E-mode) AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were fabricated. These 1 μm gate-length devices exhibited maximum drain current density of 470 mA/mm, extrinsic transconductance of 248 mS/mm and threshold voltage of 75 mV. These characteristics are much higher than previously reported values for GaN-based E-mode HEMTs. However, for practical applications, the threshold voltage is too low. A unity gain cutoff frequency (fT) of 8 GHz and a maximum frequency of oscillation (fmax) of 26 GHz were also measured on these devices.
These HEMTs are grown directly onto a substrate.
W. B. Lanford, et al. in "Recessed-gate enhancement-mode GaN HEMT with high threshold voltage" (see Lanford in EL41-7 2005) recite fabrication of enhancement-mode high electron mobility transistors (E-HEMTs) on GaN/AlGaN heterostructures grown on SiC substrates. Enhancement-mode operation was achieved with high threshold voltage (VT) through the combination of low-damage and controllable dry gate-recessing and the annealing of the Ni/Au gates. As-recessed E-HEMTs with 1.0 mm gates exhibited a threshold voltage (VT) of 0.35 V, maximum drain current (ID,max) of 505 mA/mm, and maximum transconductance (gm,max) of 345 mS=mm; the corresponding post-gate anneal characteristics were 0.47 V, 455 mA/mm and 310 mS/mm, respectively. The RF performance is unaffected by the post-gate anneal process with a unity current gain cutoff frequency (fT) of 10 GHz. However, for practical applications, the threshold voltage is too low.
These HEMTs are grown directly onto a substrate.
Gate recess etching with and without post-etch RTA treatment. Due to the non-selective nature of the etch, the process is hard to control.
Yong Cai, et al. in "High-Performance Enhancement-Mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Using Fluoride-Based Plasma Treatment" (see Cai et al. In EDL26-7 2005) recite a novel approach in fabricating high-performance enhancement mode (E-mode) AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The fabrication technique is based on fluoride-based plasma treatment of the gate region in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs and post-gate rapid thermal annealing with an annealing temperature lower than 500° C. Starting with a conventional depletion-mode HEMT sample, they found that fluoride-based plasma treatment can effectively shift the threshold voltage from −4V to 0.9 V. Most importantly, a zero transconductance (gm) was obtained at Vgs=0V, demonstrating for the first time true E-mode operation in an AlGaN/GaN HEMT. At Vgs=0 V, the off-state drain leakage current is 28 μA/mm at a drain-source bias of 6 V. The fabricated E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with 1 μm-long gate exhibit a maximum drain current density of 310 mA/mm, a peak gm of 148 mS/mm, a current gain cutoff frequency fT of 10.1 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency fmax of 34.3 GHz.
Herein, CF4 plasma treatment of the barrier layer is used. Fluorine plasma is known to have a detrimental effect on the dynamic behavior of the HEMT as it causes substantial increases in the dynamic on resistance. These HEMTs are directly grown on a substrate. F. Medjdoub, et al. in "Novel E-Mode GaN-on-Si MOSHEMT Using a Selective Thermal Oxidation" (and related patent application U.S. 61/080,983) recite a novel normally-off AlN/GaN metal-oxide semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MOSHEMT) on 100-mm Si substrates for high-power applications that is demonstrated for the first time by means of a selective thermal oxidation of AlIN. The formation of a high-quality insulating AlON layer resulting from the dry thermal oxidation of AlN at 900° C. in oxygen has been identified by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The AlN thermal oxidation appears to be highly selective toward the SiN cap layer allowing the local depletion of the 2-D electron gas (self-aligned to the gate) and thus the achievement of normally-off operation. Threshold voltage (VT) of +0.8 V and drain leakage current at VGS=0 V well below 1 μA/mm are obtained reproducibly over the wafer. The comparison of the fabricated MOSHEMTs with the control sample (identical but non-oxidized) reveals a drastic shift of VT toward positive values and three to four orders of magnitude drain leakage current reduction.
The above HEMT's comprise a gate on an insulation layer, namely on AlON.
The above document recites growth of thin barriers capped with in-situ SiN with and without thermal oxidation of the barrier. Without the thermal oxidation, due to the Schottky nature of the gate, the performance of the first approach is limited by the gate over-drive (Vg<2V). In the case of the oxidation of the Al-rich barrier, issues remain with the leakage current, dielectric breakdown and reliability of the gate oxide. In both cases, the threshold voltage is too low for practical applications.
X. Hu, et al. in "Enhancement mode AIGaN/GaN HFET with selectively grown pn junction gate" recite the fabrication and characterization of an enhancement mode AlGaInGaN heterojunction field-effect transistor (HFET) with selectively grown pn junction gate. At zero gate bias the device channel is depleted due to the high built-in potential of the gate-channel junction. The selective area growth approach enables both depletion and enhancement mode HFETs to be fabricated on the same wafer thus opening up the possibility of designing high speed, low consumption GaN-based logical integrated circuits.
In the approach by Hu et al, first a HEMT is grown, after which the wafer is taken out of the reactor to be patterned with SiOx with openings in the gate area. Subsequently, p-type AlGaN is selectively grown in the openings. However, SiOx is not a suitable passivation layer for HEMT devices and may cause the oxidation of the AlGaN barrier top surface, which leads to an increased dynamic on-resistance. Furthermore, it can only be deposited ex-situ i.e. after the wafer has been removed from the epitaxial reactor and exposed to atmosphere. After re-growth of the p-type AlGaN, the SiOx needs to be removed and replaced by a suitable passivation layer. Even further, as the AlGaN barrier has been exposed to atmospheric conditions as well as a number of processing steps, the passivation process may be difficult to control.
WO 2000/19512 A is directed to a method for forming a narrow gate of a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT). The method includes providing a structure including a III-V substrate, a channel layer over the substrate, a doped barrier layer over the channel layer, a protective layer disposed on the donor layer, an etch stop layer disposed over the protective layer, source and drain contact layers disposed over the etch stop layer, and source and drain contacts. A mask (a layer of photoresist patterned by an electron beam) is provided over the surface of the structure and includes an aperture which exposes a surface portion of the contact layers. The method as described in connection with FIGS. 3a-3e allows the formation of a gate recess by selective wet etching, thereby avoiding damage to the structure from dry etching. Further, because of the wet etching selectivity, there is a need to measure the channel current between source and drain to determine the etching point. As a consequence, the method yields greater uniformity, better reproducibility, and is less labor intense. Still, above mentioned method does not seem to enable better regrowth.

Method for growing III-V epitaxial layers and semiconductor structure


A method for controlling restart of an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain includes stopping the vehicle and engine, initiating the restart, estimating time required to restart the engine after the restart is initiated, filling and stroking launch elements of a transmission, when the estimated time substantially equals a second estimated time required to fill and stroke said launch elements, and increasing the torque capacity of the launch elements to accelerate the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and, more particularly, to control of a transmission friction control element during an engine restart event.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle configured with a hybrid propulsion system that utilizes at least two different sources of torque for propelling the vehicle. As one non-limiting example, a hybrid propulsion system may combine a conventional propulsion system that includes an internal combustion engine and a stepped-ratio change automatic transmission with an electric propulsion system that includes one or more electric motors and a rechargeable energy storage device, such as a battery, that can power the electric motors or store energy to improve fuel economy over the conventional vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle typically provides different powertrain operating modes with the engine running or shutdown depending on the vehicle operating conditions, battery conditions, and driver's propulsion request. Hence, one of the major functions that an HEV provides is the ability to start or stop the engine during certain conditions. When the engine is running, the electric portion of the propulsion system may be used to assist the engine in providing the required vehicle propulsion. During the conditions when the engine is shutdown, the driver's propulsion request can be provided entirely by the electric motor.
Motor vehicles can be designed to employ certain aspects of hybrid electric vehicle technology to reduce fuel consumption, but without use of a hybrid drivetrain. In such vehicles, called micro-HEVs, shutting down the engine during conditions where the engine operates at idle speed will be used to reduce fuel consumption in a conventional powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine and a stepped-ratio change automatic transmission, but no electric machine for driving the wheels. The primary condition that is checked by the micro-HEV powertrain control system before stopping the engine is that the driver has applied the brakes and the vehicle is stopped since the engine would typically be idling during these conditions in a conventional vehicle. Once the driver releases the brake pedal indicating a request for vehicle propulsion, the powertrain control system will automatically restart the engine.
In a micro-HEV application using an internal combustion engine with an enhanced starter motor for engine start/stop and an automatic transmission it is important to provide vehicle propulsion upon an engine restart in a responsive, consistent, and predictable manner. Delays due to transmission engagement and clutch torque capacity application will directly result in wheel torque delays and poor vehicle propulsion response.
Premature clutch torque capacity application can also lead to driveline torque oscillations and potential engine stall while restarting. In addition, poor vehicle performance will be sensed by the driver if the transmission engagement feel is too harsh during or after the engine restart. Temperature and other environmental conditions further amplify these issues.
If the engine is started while the transmission is fully engaged in gear, driveline excitation can occur as a result of engine start transients transmitting to the wheels. Furthermore, in automatic transmission applications with a torque converter, having the transmission geartrain fully engaged with the torque converter unlocked unnecessarily loads the engine while starting. An engine start strategy for which the transmission is fully engaged in gear requires auxiliary hydraulic line pressure during engine stops for electro-hydraulically operated automatic transmissions. This requires an auxiliary pump and results in energy consumption while the engine is off.
A powertrain control system for a micro-HEV powertrain must provide an immediate response to a request for vehicle propulsion when the engine is restarted. A strategy is needed to coordinate clutch filling during an engine start event while minimizing energy consumption in order to provide responsive, smooth, consistent and predictable vehicle propulsion performance.

Transmission clutch stroking control during an engine restart in a hybrid electric vehicle


[Object] To provide communication space for the user to have crossing over of discussions with respect to plural phrases while allowing the discussions to be conducted individually in parallel.

A frame-base composition tool is well known as the tool operated in the information processor such as a personal computer to compose by combining desired phrases selected from prepared phrases of a plurality of instruments (Non-Patent Document 1).
The phrase-forming tool which allows plural uses to create the phrase collaboratively via the network has also been distributed (Non-Patent Document 2). The phrase-forming tool has realized the communication among plural users via the text chat system for creating the phrase while allowing those users to share the information.
[Non-Patent Document 1]
"GarageBand3", [online], <URL: http://www.apple.com/ip/ilife/garageband/> searched on Aug. 29, 2006.
[Non-Patent Document 2]
"TransJam-Jammin' on the Web!" [online], <URL: http://www.transjam.com/webdrum> searched on Aug. 29, 2006.

Composition assisting apparatus and composition assisting system

Abstract: [Means for Solution] A module for generating phrase object (FO) data which contain identification information of phrase data and position information of a FO on a chat canvas (CC), a module for generating chat data which contain message text data and display position information on CC, a module for transmitting the chat data to a server, and receiving the chat data distributed from the server, a module for transmitting the FO data to the server and receiving the FO data distributed from the server, and a module for displaying the FO or the message text on the CC based on the FO data or the chat data are provided. The display mode of the message text is determined based on the display mode of the FO located close to the display position of the message text.


An EDM wire having an outer coating of gamma phase brass with an overlayer of continuous unalloyed zinc or ductile epsilon phase brass entrapping the gamma phase and a process for manufacturing the EDM wire is provided. A second process for synthesizing a ductile epsilon phase brass coating on the aforementioned and other substrates is also provided. The first process includes coating a copper bearing metallic core with zinc. The zinc coating is then converted to gamma phase brass via a diffusion anneal and subsequently re-coated with zinc prior to being cold drawn to its finish diameter.

The process of electrical discharge machining (EDM) is well known. In the field of traveling wire EDM, an electrical potential (voltage) is established between a continuously moving EDM wire electrode and an electrically conductive workpiece. The potential is raised to a level at which a discharge is created between the EDM wire electrode and the workpiece. The intense heat generated by the discharge will melt and/or vaporize a portion of both the workpiece and the wire to thereby remove, in a very small increment, a piece of the workpiece. By generating a large number of such discharges a large number of increments are removed from the workpiece whereby the workpiece can be cut very exactly to have a desired planar contour. A dielectric fluid is used to establish the necessary electrical conditions to initiate the discharge and to flush debris from the active machining area.
The residue resulting from the melting and/or vaporization of a small increment (volume) of the surface of both the workpiece and the EDM wire electrode is contained in a gaseous envelope (plasma). The plasma eventually collapses under the pressure of the dielectric fluid. The liquid and the vapor phases created by the melting and/or vaporization of material are quenched by the dielectric fluid to form solid debris. The cutting process therefore involves repeatedly forming a plasma and quenching that plasma. This process will happen sequentially at nanosecond intervals at many spots long the length of the EDM wire.
It is important for flushing to be efficient because, if flushing is inefficient, conductive particles build up in the gap which can create the potential for electrical arcs. Arcs are very undesirable as they cause the transfer of a large amount of energy that causes large gouges or craters, i.e. metallurgical flaws, to be introduced into the workpiece and the EDM wire electrode. Such flaws in the wire could cause the EDM wire to break catastrophically.
An EDM wire must possess a tensile strength that exceeds a desired threshold value to avoid tensile failure of the wire electrode induced by the preload tension that is applied, and should also possess a high fracture toughness to avoid catastrophic failure induced by the flaws caused by the discharge process. Fracture toughness is a measure of the resistance of a material to flaws which may be introduced into the material and which can potentially grow to the critical size that could cause catastrophic failure of the material. The desired threshold tensile strength for an EDM wire electrode is thought to be in the range 60,000 to 90,000 psi (414 to 620 N/mm2).
It is known in the prior art to use an EDM wire electrode with a core composed of a material having a relatively high mechanical strength with a relatively thin metallic coating covering the core and comprising at least 50% of a metal having a low volumetric heat of sublimation such as zinc, cadmium, tin, lead, antimony, bismuth or an alloy thereof. Such a structure is disclosed is U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,404 which discloses a wire having a steel core with a coating of copper or silver which is then plated with a coating of zinc or other suitable metal having a low volumetric heat of sublimation.
It is also known from the prior art, for instance from U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,153, to coat a copper clad steel wire with zinc and thereafter to heat the zinc coated wire to cause inter-diffusion between the copper and zinc to thereby convert the zinc layer into a copper zinc alloy. That patent describes the desirability of a beta phase alloy layer for EDM purposes. The copper zinc has a concentration of zinc of about 45% by weight with the concentration of zinc decreasing radially inward from the outer surface. The average concentration of zinc in the copper zinc layer is less than 50% by weight but not less than 10% by weight. The surface layer therefore includes beta phase copper-zinc alloy material at the outer surface since beta phase copper zinc alloy material has a concentration of zinc ranging between 40%-50% by weight. While this patent recognized that a copper-zinc alloy layer formed by means of a diffusion anneal process could potentially contain epsilon phase (approximately 80% zinc content), gamma phase (approximately 65% zinc content), beta phase (approximately 45% zinc content), and alpha phase (approximately 35% zinc content), the patent asserted that the preferred alloy material is beta phase in the coating.
Others in the prior art, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,726, recognized that the higher zinc content phases in the copper-zinc system, specifically gamma phase, would be more desirable for EDM wire electrodes, but the inability to cope with the brittleness of these phases limited the commercial feasibility of manufacturing such wire.
This situation changed with the technology disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,010. By employing low temperature diffusion anneals, the inventor was able to incorporate brittle gamma phase particles in a coating on various copper containing metallic substrates. However due to the brittle characteristics of the gamma phase brass alloy, the resultant microstructure is characterized by a discontinuous coating where the substrate material is exposed to the gap at these discontinuities. Therefore, the inferior cutting properties of the substrate, as compared to gamma phase brass alloy will retard the overall performance of the wire in proportion to the amount of substrate area exposed and the relative cutting performance of the gamma phase alloy and the exposed substrate material. The '010 patent found epsilon phase to be too unstable to be incorporated in the resultant high zinc content alloy coating, although the potential for a brittle epsilon coating was acknowledged.
There have been a number of attempts to combine the benefits of several coating materials by constructing multi-layered coatings. Examples of these attempts can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,306,523, 6,566,622 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,781,081. All of the multi-layered constructions disclosed in these patents containing gamma phase brass are subject to the same limitation that a single layered gamma phase brass suffers from, the brittleness of the gamma phase creates a discontinuous layer that is exposed to the workpiece, even when the gamma phase is covered by an additional layer.


In one embodiment, a processor includes: a plurality of cores to execute instructions, at least some of the plurality of cores to be allocated to a plurality of virtual machines (VMs); and a power controller coupled to the plurality of cores. The power controller may include a power distribution circuit to distribute an energy budget to the at least some of the plurality of cores according to priority information associated with the plurality of VMs. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Advances in semiconductor processing and logic design have permitted an increase in the amount of logic that may be present on integrated circuit devices. For example, it has become possible to integrate an increasing number of cores into a modern processor. This is especially true in server processors where throughput performance is highly valued. With virtualization techniques, a single processor can be partitioned into multiple virtual machines with a subset of resources of the processor mapped to a virtual machine. As an example, a group of cores can be allocated to a virtual machine. Multiple virtual machines however share a common power and thermal budget as they physically execute on the same processor, attached to the same platform cooling solution and power delivery solution. In this virtualized environment, different levels of service may be provided to different virtual machines. However, available processors lack suitable techniques to allocate power budget to ensure fair allocation.

System, apparatus and method for power budget distribution for a plurality of virtual machines to execute on a processor


Methods, devices, and computer program products for robust estimation of color-dependent measurements are described herein. In one aspect, a method for generating a reference color grid that may be placed beside a color-dependent measuring device is disclosed. The reference color grid may contain a number of colors which enable a mapping from the color space of a testing device to a reference color space. This mapping may allow a function that is able to determine an estimate of a color-dependent measurement based on a color in the reference color space to be used. In another aspect, a method for robust estimation of color-dependent measurement using a reference color guide is disclosed.

Accurate color measurements may be important in a variety of fields. For example, color-based measuring devices may be used to measure a large number of things, such as for a wide variety of medical or other purposes. Color-based measuring devices may include paper-based microfluidic devices which allow diagnosis of diseases based on concentration estimates of a substance in a fluid, such as in patient blood. These paper-based devices may be less expensive and more precise than prior techniques, and it may therefore be desirable to use these techniques.
However, in the use of color-based measuring devices, and other colorimetric systems, it may be important to accurately measure colors. For example, in a paper-based microfluidic device that is used to diagnose diseases, it may be important that the color of the final samples, and thus a concentration estimate of the samples be measured accurately. Further, it may be desirable for an individual to be able to measure the color of a sample or apparatus, without having to consult with a medical professional or purchase expensive medical devices. Thus, systems and methods of robust estimation of color-dependent measurements are desired.

System and method for robust estimation of color dependent measurements


To improve a method as well as a circuit arrangement (100) for detecting the ground offset of parts of a network system, more particularly for checking the ground contact between network control units where data are sent and received over at least one bus system so that, on the one hand, prior to a breakdown event already a warning can be obtained in this respect that the state of the ground connection between the control units is no longer optimal but, on the other hand, ground defects are not shown by mistake, there is proposed 'a! that in the idle state at least one bus line provided for receiving data and/or of at least one receiver line (24), after a predefinable first time period has elapsed, the level voltage (14) of this at least one bus line is scanned and compared with at least one predefinable limit or reference potential value, 'b! in that if the limit or reference potential value is exceeded, at least one ground error signal is generated, and 'c! in that in dependence on the fact whether until a predefinable second time period has elapsed, which is started at the same time as the predefinable first time period and is longer than the predefinable first time period, 'c.1! the idle state of the at least one bus line or of the at least one receiver line (24) is still there, or 'c.2! the idle state of the at least one bus line or of the at least one receiver line (24) is no longer there, the ground error signal is acknowledged or not acknowledged, respectively.

Systems, more particularly used in automotive electronics, which systems are networked by serial bus systems, are generally sensitive to ground offsets between the component parts; this especially holds for bus systems supporting one-wire operation such as, for example, error-tolerant CAN (Controller Area Network) physical layers. If in such systems the ground offset between the component parts becomes too large, there will be interference or even a breakdown of the communication.
According to the state of the art the bus lines themselves are used at present to detect from their idle level whether there is a deviation from the nominal level or not. The idle state of the bus lines results from the superpositioning of all the components in the network system and allows a comparison with the local supply voltage. When a predefined limit value is exceeded, it should be assumed that the local ground connection is no longer optimal and a warning may be issued.
For the correct evaluation of the bus signal it is now important for the bus to be in its idle state and just then no active transmissions take place over the bus; when a user is actively sending, a comparison with the local supply will always lead to a wrong result. To avoid this, document WO 97/36184 A1 proposes to utilize the digital transmission signal (TX) to ensure that the bus is in its idle state at the time of measurement.
However, this method has the disadvantage that according to protocol it cannot be excluded that the bus is not in its idle state at the time of measurement. Especially with the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol the bus may also be in its active state (acknowledge bit/arbitration phase/error flags) also without a transmission signal (TX) being present, and falsify the measurement of the ground offset in this way; this leads to an erroneous indication of ground defects.

Circuit for detecting ground offset of parts of a network


In an embodiment, a process to predict a probability of a future event occurring in a present competition includes receiving time-stamped position information of one or more participants in the present competition. The time-stamped position information is captured by a telemetry tracking system during the present competition. The process uses the time-stamped position information to determine a first play situation of the present competition. The process determines, based on at least the first play situation and playing data associated with at least a subset of one or both of a first set of one or more participants and a second set of one or more participants, a prediction of the probability of a first future event occurring at the present competition.

Evaluation of team strengths and players' abilities, and predicting outcomes of sport events (e.g., football games) have an important role in the sport industry for increasing spectators' interest and engagement. The evaluation is based on collection and analyses of event drive data such as play-by-play data. As an example, fantasy sports leagues and betting and/or gambling games are popular forms of applications using such historical play-by-play data in allowing spectators to get more involved with the sporting event. Conventional approaches for evaluating team strengths and thereby predicting outcomes of sport events are based on historical play-by-play data, such as data collected and published by the National Football League (NFL) at NFL.com. However, the play-by-data provided by the NFL is limited to only certain players of the teams. Also, such data is made available only after sport events are finished.
Recent developments for tracking players during a sport event can be applied to recording information about play situations (e.g., positions and movements of the players) during a game. Such tracking can be applied to track all the players of a team, instead of just a few of the key players. Additionally, the tracking provides more detailed data related to the movement and position of each player than is achievable by conventional data recording methods.

Systems and methods for making use of telemetry tracking devices to enable event based analysis at a live game


An electronic device case includes a front panel, a back panel, and a spine connecting the front panel and the back panel. A frame configured to hold an electronic device is hingedly coupled the back panel adjacent a first edge of the back panel. The electronic device case includes a first configuration with a second edge of the back panel opposite the first edge disposed adjacent to the frame and a second configuration wherein the frame and back panel are rotated relative to each other around the hinged coupling such that the second edge of the back panel is spaced from the frame.

Portable or handheld electronic devices, such as eReader devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, tablet computers and the like, have internal circuitry, delicate components, and screens that are prone to damage. Thus, there are holders, covers or cases for such devices that protect such devices from the environment. Further, it is often desirable to stand these electronic devices at various orientations and angles to use the electronic devices various functions, such as watching video programming, viewing still images, typing on a touch-screen keypad/keyboard that appears on the device screen, and video-chatting with another user at a remote location, such as through FaceTime® or Skype®. In order to protect their device and serve all viewing preferences, users often purchase protective holders or cases with viewing stands. However, many conventional cases available for mobile phones, PDAs, portable video/music players, and table computers, have rather limited functionality. Although they generally succeed in protecting the portable electronic device, they can detract from its portability, usability and/or aesthetic appearance, and fall short of the needs of the user in many other ways. Thus, there is a need for a case for electronic devices which can conveniently hold the electronic device in various desirable viewing configurations.

Electronic device case having an A-frame configuration


Eyeglasses have a lens member, a frame member and two temples. The lens member includes opposite front and rear lens surfaces, two through holes at left and right ends of the lens member, and an insert hole disposed between the through holes. The frame member includes a middle frame portion abutting against the front lens surface of the lens member, two retaining frame portions formed respectively on left and right ends of the middle frame portion and extending respectively through the through holes in the lens member, and an insert bar extending rearwardly from the middle frame portion and inserted into the insert hole in the lens member. The retaining frame portions abut against the rear lens surface of the lens member. The temples extend respectively and rearwardly from the retaining frame portions of the frame member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to eyeglasses, more particularly to eyeglasses that include a lens member, which can be easily mounted to and removed from a frame member.
2. Description of the Related Art
For convenience in use, one frame member is associated with several lens members. As such, there is a need for a structure that enables the mounting of any of the lens members to the frame member with ease.

Eyeglasses with a lens member easily mountable to and removable from a frame member


An improved structure of a coffin is disclosed. The coffin comprises a base seat board, a left side board and right side board, a rear side board and a front side board, and a top cover, characterized in that the left and right sides of the base seat board are provided with inverted T-shaped sliding slots and the top and bottom of the base seat board are provided with recesses, and the bottom of the left and right side boards is provided with an inverted T-shaped sliding rail and the top of the left and right side boards are provided with T-shaped sliding slots, the left and right end of the front and rear side boards are provided with T-shaped sliding rails, and the bottom thereof is provided with a protruded board, the top cover board along the edge thereof is provided with slots so that the top cover board can be connected to the left and right side boards.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved structure of a coffin, and in particular, to a coffin which is formed by combining a plurality of boards together via the formation of dovetail connection structure. The boards include a base seat board, a left and a right side board, a front side and a rear side board, and a top cover board. The coffin is made from paper materials such as recycle paper, or cardboards.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Conventional coffins are made from wood and are usually formed as a unit. It is rather laborious and wasting of time in the fabrication process of making these conventional coffins. Besides, they are bulky, heavy and occupy space, and are not convenient to store after production. The conventional coffin may cause hazards to the environment. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved structure of a coffin, which mitigates the above drawbacks.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved structure of a coffin, comprising a base board, a top cover board, a left side and a right side board, a front and a rear side board, wherein a xe2x80x9cTxe2x80x9d-shaped sliding slot provided on one edge of the board can be inserted and combined with an inverted xe2x80x9cTxe2x80x9d-shaped sliding slot so that the boards of the coffin are secured.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved structure of a coffin, wherein the coffin can be easily stored, and the cost of transporting is greatly reduced.
The foregoing object and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.


The present invention provides a method, a device and a system for multimodal interactions. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of activating a multimodal user interaction, providing at least one key input option and at least one voice input option, displaying the at least one key input option, checking if there is at least one condition affecting said voice input option, and providing voice input options and displaying indications of the provided voice input options according to the condition. The method is characterized by checking if at least one condition affecting the voice input is fulfilled and providing the at least one voice input option and displaying indications of the voice input options on the display, according to the condition.

In multimodal applications, users can interact with other input modalities than only the keypad. For example, commands that are traditionally given by scrolling and clicking can be speech-enabled in the application so that the user can speak the commands, which will then be recognized by an automatic speech recognition engine. Adding speech interaction to visual applications receives growing interest as the enabling technologies are maturing, since in many mobile scenarios using the keypad is difficult, for example when driving or walking.
Until now different multimodal browsing architectures have already been proposed. For example the document U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,473 describes a method, where voice browsing is realized by synchronous operation of a telephone network service and an internet service. This is definitively prohibitive due to the waste of network resources, requiring two different communication links. Further this service requires an interconnection between the telephone service and the internet service. Another hurdle for user satisfaction is that the over-the-air co-browser synchronization required in a distributed browser architecture may cause latencies in browser operation which will degrade the user experience.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,985 describes a method in which a wireless control unit implements the voice browsing capabilities to a host computer. For this purpose, a number of multimodal browser architectures have been proposed where these operations are placed on a network server.
The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,226 describes a system that is capable of changing the speech recognition grammar dynamically. For example, when an E-mail program goes to the composition mode, a new grammar set up is dynamically activated. This includes on one hand an improved use of device resources, but also includes the severe disadvantage that the device changes its "passive vocabulary." This may lead to frustrating experiences as the user who has learned that the device understands a certain expression may be faced with a device feigning deafness for its input when running another application.
The known systems suffer from the fact that users are not very keen to take the speech-enabled features into use. Another problem arising from the state of the art is that users may not always be aware of the operation status of speech enabled browsing systems.
While there are standards being developed for how to write multimodal applications, there are no standards as to how the application interface should be built so that it would be as easy as possible for the user to become aware that speech input can be used.
Especially in devices and applications it would be desirable for a user to know which particular voice input is allowed at different times or under certain conditions.
When a user has put a speech recognition system successfully into use, it is probable that the user also continues to use it. In other words, there is a hurdle in starting to use speech control.
The problem has been solved earlier by audio prompts etc., but these become annoying very quickly, which degrades the usability experience.
Moreover, due to system load or the behavior of applications, all speech control options may not be available at all times, which is very difficult to convey to the user using prior art techniques.
All the above approaches for a multimodal browsing architecture have in common that they are not suitable for use in mobile electronic devices of terminals such as mobile phones, or handheld computers, due to low computing power, restricted resources or low battery capacity.
So it would be desirable to have a multimodal browsing system that is speech-enabled and provides superior user-friendliness.

Method and device for providing speech-enabled input in an electronic device having a user interface


A robotic vacuum cleaner (10) with a self-propelled controller (12) with a vacuum source (36, 38) and a dirt receptacle (32), a self-propelled cleaning head (14) with a suction inlet (24), and an interconnecting hose (16) is provided. The controller and cleaning head cooperatively traverse a surface area in tandem when the interconnecting hose is connected between the cleaning head and the controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a power source (56) making the robotic vacuum autonomous. In another embodiment, the controller includes a power cord dispense/retract assembly (168) to provide access to utility power. In another aspect, the controller includes a portable vacuum (20) that is removed for manual operations. In still another aspect, a method of semi-automated environment mapping for a self-propelled robotic vacuum is provided. With respect to the method, the robotic vacuum also includes a remote control (18).

The invention relates to a robotic vacuum. It finds particular application in conjunction with a robotic vacuum having a controller with a removable portable vacuum, a cleaning head, and an interconnecting hose assembly and will be described with particular reference thereto. In one embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner has an internal power source and is autonomously self-propelled. In another embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner is also self-propelled, but uses standard utility power. In still another embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner includes a remote control and provides semi-automated environment mapping. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is also amenable to other applications.
It is well known that robots and robot technology can automate routine household tasks eliminating the need for humans to perform these repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Currently, technology and innovation are both limiting factors in the capability of household cleaning robots. Computer processing power, battery life, electronic sensors such as cameras, and efficient electric motors are all either just becoming available, cost effective, or reliable enough to use in autonomous consumer robots.
Much of the work on robotic vacuum technology has centered on navigation and obstacle detection and avoidance. The path of a robot determines its success at cleaning an entire floor and dictates whether or not it will get stuck. Some proposed systems have two sets of orthogonal drive wheels to enable the robot to move directly between any two points to increase its maneuverability. Robotic vacuum cleaners have mounted the suction mechanics on a pivoting or transverse sliding arm so as to increase the reach of the robot. Many robotic vacuums include methods for detecting and avoiding obstacles.
Generally, there are two standard types of vacuums: upright and canister. Uprights tend to be more popular because they are smaller, easier to manipulate and less expensive to manufacture. Conversely, the principle advantage of canister vacuums is that, while the canister may be more cumbersome, the cleaning head is smaller. A few patents and published patent applications have disclosed self-propelled and autonomous canister-like vacuum cleaners.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,830 to Hendriks et al. and assigned to Philips Electronics discloses a canister-type vacuum cleaner with a self-propelled canister. The vacuum cleaner also includes a conventional cleaning head and a hose assembly connecting the cleaning head to the canister. The canister includes an electric motor, a caster wheel, two drive wheels, a controller, and at least one touch or proximity sensor. The controller controls at least the direction of at least one of the drive wheels. As a user operates the vacuum cleaner and controls the cleaning head, the sensors in the canister detect obstacles and the controller controls the canister to avoid the obstacles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,453 to Sommer discloses an autonomous service robot for automatic suction of dust from floor surfaces. The robot is controlled so as to explore the adjacent area and to detect potential obstacles using special sensors before storing them in a data field. The displacement towards a new location is then carried out using the stored data until the whole accessible surface has been covered. One of the main constituent members of the robot includes an extensible arm that rests on the robot and on which contact and range sensors are arranged. When the robot is used as an automatic vacuum cleaner, airflow is forced into the robot arm. When one or more circular rotary brushes are provided at the front end of the arm, the cleaning effect is enhanced.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,368 to Feiten et al. discloses a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable arm and a cable to connect to an electrical receptacle for power. The arm includes a plurality of tactile sensors to recognize obstacles by touching the obstacle with the arm. The vacuum cleaner also includes a processor and a memory connected via a bus. An identified and traversed path is stored in an electronic map in the memory. Every obstacle identified on the path is entered in the map. The vacuum cleaner includes a cable drum for winding up the cable. The cable drum includes a motor to drive the cable drum for unwinding or winding the cable. The vacuum cleaner also includes a steering mechanism, wheels, and a motor for driving the vacuum cleaner along the path.
PCT Published Patent Application No. WO 02/074150 to Personal Robotics and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0174506 to Wallach et al. and assigned to Personal Robotics disclose a self-propelled canister vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is autonomous. In another embodiment, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner is powered by standard utility power via a power cord. The canister vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head module, a vacuum fan module (i.e., canister), and a hose assembly connecting the cleaning head module with the vacuum fan module. The vacuum fan module includes a controller that performs navigation and control functions for both the vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module. Alternatively, the controller may be separated from the vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module, and can be mobile. The vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module each include a drive mechanism for propulsion. The cleaning head module includes a cleaning brush assembly that can be motorized or air driven. The cleaning head module may also include a microcontroller that communicates with the controller.
However, none of the current robotic canister-like vacuum cleaners allow a user to perform vacuuming manually using one or more components of the self-propelled or autonomous vacuum cleaner. Additionally, current robotic canister-like vacuum cleaners do not provide a learning mode in which a user teaches the vacuum cleaner a remembered (i.e., stored) path for vacuuming an area using a wireless control device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Robotic vacuum with removable portable vacuum and semi-automated environment mapping


An image receptor sheet or web material carrying a layer with a polymeric binder on a support wherein the polymeric binder is at least 50% by weight of a polysiloxane modified resin and comprises polymeric moieties derived from polyesters or addition polymers with an acid value or hydroxy value between 2 and 50 mg KOH/g of polymer and the polysiloxane moieties are derived from epoxy-terminated polysiloxanes.

Copolymers comprising polysiloxane moieties are known to possess desirable properties. Coatings of such copolymers are very adhesive and water repellent, while remaining fairly scratch resistant. The copolymers do also possess desirable slip and anti-sticking properties.
In, e.g., EP-A 118 387 and EP-A 188 388 polyesters, modified with polysiloxane moieties and having good slip properties, are disclosed. The polysiloxane moieties are polysiloxane-polyethers and are di-hydroxy-terminated. The incorporation of the polysiloxane moieties in the polyester proceeds by polycondensation of the polysiloxane diol together with di-carboxylic acids and other diols.
In, e.g., EP-A 380 224, a thermal transfer donor element is disclosed, comprising an anti-sticking backing layer, wherein an organopolysiloxane-polyurea is incorporated. These copolymers are prepared by the reaction of a silicone diamine, a di-isocyanate and a diamine or dihydroxy chain extender.
The use of copolymers comprising polysiloxane moieties in toner particles used as image forming species in electrically or magnetically based imaging methods is also known. Said copolymers are mainly used to overcome adhesion problems typical for toner particles. The adhesion of toner particles to each other, diminishing fluidity of the toner and diminishing resolution in the final image is one of the problems addressed by using copolymers comprising polysiloxane moieties. An other problem addressed by the use of said copolymers, is, in a multi-component developer, the adhesion of toner particles to carrier particles. Also the problem of "hot-offset" in imaging methods using a heated fixing roller can be overcome by using the copolymers described above.
In DE-OS 22 53 402 it is disclosed to use a block copolymer comprising a hard block and a weak block to overcome problems with hot-offset. The choice of the preferred hard and weak blocks depends more on the elasticity modulus and/or tensile strength than by the chemical nature of the hard and weak blocks. A copolymer comprising poly(bisphenol A-carbonate) as hard block and polydimethylsiloxane as weak block is disclosed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,547 the use of low surface adhesion (LSA) additives in toner composition is disclosed. The LSA are cross-linked and formed by the reaction of an aminoterminated polysiloxane, a polyester and a novolac resin carrying epoxy groups. Di-functional secondary amine terminated polysiloxanes are preferred.
In EP-A 298 279 it is disclosed that toner particles, comprising a mixture of polyester resin and a polyester resin comprising polysiloxane chains (cross-linked or not) as toner resin, are very well suited for use in imaging systems using a hot roller fusing step. It is also stated, in e.g. EP-A 298 279, that the quality of the blending of both resins, during the toner preparation, influences the quality of the toner particles and the amount of polysiloxane modified polyester needed in the toner particles. In EP-A 298 279 the preparation of a random graft polymer of a multifunctional organosiloxane polymer, namely .alpha., .omega., .delta.-aminopropyl poly(dimethyl-co-methoxy-.delta.-aminopropyl siloxane) and a polyester is described. The reaction proceeds at 220.degree. C. for 2 hours followed by another hour reaction at 240.degree. C. and under reduced pressure. The incorporation of polysiloxane moieties in polyesters over an amino group, is not so desirable for polysiloxane modified resins used as toner resin, since polyester tend to be negatively charged by tribo-electric contact and the aminogroups diminish the negative chargeability of the polysiloxane modified resin.
Addition polymers comprising polysiloxane moieties are described in, e.g., EP-A 300 426, EP-A 361 522, EP-A 413 604 and EP-A 441 276. In EP-A 300 426 the preparation of addition polymers of unsaturated polysiloxanes and .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomers is described. This reaction gives rise to graft-polymers where the polysiloxane moieties are contained in side chains. The product is used as lubricant in electrophotographic photosensitive members. In EP-A 361 522 it is disclosed to produce a macromonomer by introducing a vinyl silane in a terminal diol-type polydimethylsiloxane and radical polymerizing said macromonomer with, e.g. vinylacetate or other .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomers.
In EP-A 581 150 it is disclosed to form a releasing agent for blending in to toner particles by reacting an organic polysiloxane having an hydroxyl group or an epoxy group with an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid grafted polyolefin or with a reaction product of said grafted polyolefin and an active hydrogen atom containing compound selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, an amine and an aminoalcohol. The polyolefin used in the reaction is preferably a low molecular weight polyolefin. This release agent is basically a crystalline polymer and by mixing this releasing agent with toner resins, the toner resin/releasing agent system shows incompatibilities, since the releasing agents in this disclosure are very apolar and since, due to the crystallinity of this releasing agent, the interfacial adhesion to the toner resin is very low. When using such a toner resin/releasing agent system in a process for toner preparation wherein the toner particles are prepared by a pulverizing process, the releasing agent tends to break out of the mixture, thus forming free particles of releasing agent during the pulverizing step. This free particles of releasing agent can not easily be controlled and are inevitably introduced together with the toner particles in the developer, thus inducing unstable behaviour of the developer.
There is thus still a need, to enhance the releasing properties of toner particles for a polysiloxane modified resin that could be incorporated in toner resin in higher amounts than previously disclosed and thus further enhancing the releasing properties of toner particles, without however negatively influencing the physical properties of the toner particles and showing a better compatibility and interaction with commonly used toner resins.
Most preparation methods for polysiloxane modified resins are adapted for the formation of either modified polycondensation copolymers or modified addition copolymers. A single method that makes it possible to form both modified polycondensation copolymers or modified addition copolymers, has not been found.
The reactions often proceed in organic solvents, which have to be recuperated for complying with environmental legislation, or when the reactions proceed in the melt, the preparation of copolymers comprising polysiloxane moieties are mostly conducted at high temperature and there is a risk of degradation of the polysiloxane moiety.
There is also thus still need for an easy, fast, reproducible and solvent free preparation method, that is applicable both for forming polysiloxane modified polycondensation copolymers and addition copolymers.

Image receptor sheet or web material carrying a layer with a polysiloxane modified polymer


According to various aspects, a method of forming one or more remanent-polarizable capacitive structures, the method including forming one or more capacitive structures, each of the one or more capacitive structures includes: one or more electrodes, one or more precursor structures disposed adjacent to the one or more electrodes, wherein each of the one or more precursor structures has a first dimension in a range from about 1 nm to 100 nm and a second dimension in a range from about 1 nm to about 30 nm; and, subsequently, forming one or more remanent-polarizable structures comprising a crystalline remanent-polarizable material based on a crystallization of a precursor material of the one or more precursor structures.

In general, various computer memory technologies have been developed in the semiconductor industry. A fundamental building block of a computer memory may be referred to as memory cell. The memory cell may be an electronic circuit that is configured to store at least one information (e.g., bitwise). As an example, the memory cell may have at least two memory states representing, for example, a logic "1" and a logic "0". In general, the information may be maintained (stored) in a memory cell until the memory state of the memory cell is modified, e.g., in a controlled manner. The information stored in the memory cell may be obtained by determining in which of the memory states the memory cell is residing in. At present, various types of memory cells may be used to store data. By way of example, a type of memory cell may include a thin film of ferroelectric material, whose polarization state may be changed in a controlled fashion to store data in the memory cell, e.g. in a non-volatile manner. The memory cells may be, for example, integrated on a wafer or a chip together with one or more logic circuits.

Remanent polarizable capacitive structure, memory cell, and methods thereof


A server includes a casing, a frame, at least one movable carrier and at least one M.2 expansion card. The casing has a through hole. The frame has an opening and an accommodation space connected to the opening. The frame is fixed in the casing and the opening corresponds to the through hole, so that the accommodation space is exposed to exterior via the through hole. The at least one movable carrier is removably disposed in the accommodation space, and the at least one M.2 expansion card is disposed on the movable carrier.

With the coming of the internet era, a variety of technology and device developments related to the internet are growing flourishly.
Generally speaking, during the process of repairing, replacing or expanding of an interior assembly (e.g., a M.2 interface module) of a conventional server, the casing of the server needs to be removed and then the whole assembly of the server also needs to be dismantled with tools, such that the repairing, replacing or expanding of the interior assembly may be continued. As such, it leads to an unwanted operation of assembling and repairing to the assembly of the server, thus failing to meet users' demand of easy removal/installation of interior assemblies.

M.2 interface module and server including the same

INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION


A fixed displacement vane-type hydraulic machine that includes a cartridge assembly having a rotor, a plurality of vanes carried by the rotor, side plates on opposed sides of the rotor, and a cam ring carried between the side plates surrounding the vanes and rotor to define fluid chambers between the vanes. A housing surrounds and encloses the cartridge assembly, and provides inlet and outlet passages for feeding fluid to and from the chambers. A shaft is coupled to the rotor and extends from the housing. A cam pin extends radially between the cam ring and the housing surrounding the cam ring for preventing rotation of the cam ring with respect to the housing so as to absorb reaction torque on the cam ring with respect to the housing due to pressure applied to the machine. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam pin is affixed to the cam ring, and is slidably received within an axial pocket in the surrounding housing during assembly of the cartridge to the housing. The axial pocket may include either a portion of the fluid flow path that extends through the housing, or a pocket specially formed in the housing for receiving the cam pin.

Vane pumps conventionally include a rotor coupled to an input shaft, a plurality of radial vanes carried by the rotor, side plates disposed on axially opposed sides of the rotor, and a cam ring carried between the side plates circumferentially surrounding the rotor. A plurality of fluid chambers are defined between the angularly spaced vanes, the axially spaced side plates and the radially spaced rotor and cam ring surfaces. A housing includes inlet and outlet passages for feeding hydraulic fluid to and from the chambers. Pressure applied to the pump creates a reaction torque on the cam ring, which must be absorbed by the surrounding housing. A similar reaction torque is created in vane-type hydraulic motors, in which flow of fluid through the housing and chambers provides a rotary output at the machine shaft.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide structure between the cam ring and the surrounding housing for absorbing the reaction torque caused by pressure applied to the pump. Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide such torque-absorbing structure that is inexpensive, reliable, and can be readily implemented in vane-type machines of differing designs and constructions. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide torque-absorbing structure of the described character implemented in cartridge-type vane machines, which are currently preferred in the art, and/or which is adapted to be employed in machines for rotation in either direction. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of assembling machines of the described character.
A fixed displacement vane-type hydraulic machine in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a rotor, a plurality of vanes carried by the rotor, side plates on opposed sides of the rotor, and a cam ring carried between the side plates surrounding the vanes and rotor to define fluid chambers between the vanes. A housing surrounds and encloses the side plates and cam ring, and provides inlet and outlet passages for feeding fluid to and from the inter-vane chambers. A shaft is coupled to the rotor and extends from the housing. A cam pin (or key) extends radially between the cam ring and the housing surrounding the cam ring for preventing rotation of the cam ring with respect to the housing so as to absorb reaction torque on the cam ring with respect to the housing due to pressure applied to the pump. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam pin is affixed to the cam ring, and is slidably received within an axial pocket in the surrounding housing during assembly of the cartridge to the housing. The axial pocket may comprise either a portion of the fluid flow path that extends through the housing, or a pocket specially formed in the housing for receiving the cam pin.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, angularly spaced pins are affixed to and project radially from the cam ring. One of these pins is dimensioned for sliding fit with the surrounding housing during assembly. The other pin functions to locate the cam ring with respect to the housing, and thereby to prevent angular misalignment of the cam ring and the housing. The pins and slots do allow for reverse rotation of the pump mechanism within the housing.

Fixed-displacement vane-type hydraulic machine


Calibration apparatus or comparators for testing temperature-sensing probes at elevated and reduced temperatures reduce or neutralize heat transfer along the extent of the heat sensor to obtain more rapid and accurate test results. A single cylindrical temperature controlled oven is formed in a metal block into which is inserted the probe to be tested. The oven is of sufficient diameter to receive probes having a wide range of cross-sectional configurations, and is not limited to probes having straight cylindrical shapes. To neutralize heat flow along the stem of the probe, a pair of actively cooled or heated adjustable jaws are secured to the metal block and positioned to grip the outboard stem of the probe. When the temperature of the jaws and the temperature of the probe are equal, the temperature sensed by the probe is compared to the known temperature of the oven. The difference between the two temperatures determined whether the temperature-sensing probe is functioning properly.

1. Field of Invention
The field of invention relates to apparatus and methods for determining whether heat sensors are within permissible tolerances for their intended purposes
2. Description of Related Art
Heat sensors may be in the form of thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, thermistors, temperature transmitters, bi-metal thermometers, mercury glass thermometers, or other such similar devices. There is widespread need for accurate heat sensors in industry and in the military, including such applications as missile silos, tanks, battleships, aircraft, chemical processes, steel making, plastic injection molding, autoclaves, hot water tanks, medical appliances, automobiles, and domestic appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves.
For heat sensors to perform their intended function, it is critical that they be accurate within a predetermined tolerance of a prescribed set point temperature, and that they be tested periodically for accuracy. Devices for such testing are available in the prior art, and are referred to by some suppliers as temperature calibration instruments.
The prior art device closest to the subject invention known to Applicant is his own invention, marketed by ThermaCal, Inc., and identified as "Model 18 Calibration Cool/Heat Source." In this device, an elongated, rectangular metal block is provided with a longitudinal cylindrical bore hole, which performs as an oven, having a diameter sufficient for a slip fit with the pencil-shaped cylindrical probe being tested. The metal block is preheated to a set point temperature, whereinafter the probe is inserted in the bore hole and the temperature for the metal block sensed by the probe is recorded or observed on suitable equipment designed for this purpose. If the sensed temperature is within the prescribed tolerance for the probe being tested, the probe may be returned to service. If not, either the probe may be scrapped, or the heat source mechanism being monitored by the probe may be recalibrated to function properly within the predetermined actual known tolerance of the probe.
It is customary for each block to have a plurality of bore holes, each of a different diameter, in order to accommodate probes of different diameters. The bore hole diameters are usually not less than 0.0625 inches, and 90 percent of the commercial market can be serviced with bore hole diameters between 0.0625 and 0.625 inches.
The prior art device just discussed is limited to testing cylindrical probes. The industrial market for temperature sensor, however, is highly diverse. This diversity has resulted in the design of many application-specific temperature sensing probes, such as those illustrated in prior art FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Probe 1 of FIG. 1 is a Type J thermocouple probe used in plastic molding machines, wherein the ferrule 2 provides a seal against hot high pressure plastics. Because of its enlarged configuration, the probe cannot be tested in prior art devices such as the ThermaCal, Inc., Model 18 comparator described above. Some Type J thermocouples, therefore, must be tested by other means, such as by hot oil baths, which are expensive, cumbersome, and not easily portable.
Probes for domestic appliances, FIG. 2, such as ovens, hot water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, gas-fired space heaters and the like, are mass produced, low cost, temperature sensors. A resistance temperature detector (RTD) substrate 3 is inserted into an open-ended tube 4. Then the tube ends 5 and 6 are swaged or clamped shut about the substrate. The technique is inexpensive, and the finished product is not liquid-tight. Therefore, this class of probe cannot even be tested in an oil bath. Furthermore, because of the irregular shape resulting from swaging, these probes cannot be effectively tested in the ThermaCal, Inc., Model 18 type comparator.
A pharmaceutical in-pipe probe 7, including threaded nut 8 and sleeve 9, such as shown in FIG. 3, like the FIG. 2 probe for domestic appliances, cannot be tested in a Model 18 type comparator because of its irregular shape. Because the sleeve 9 is not sealed against fluid penetration, testing in a hot oil bath is a very delicate procedure.
Prior art comparators with multi-hole metal blocks also have a source of error referred to as hole-to-hole non-uniformity of temperature. Usually this error is a few tenths of a degree Celsius, which is bothersome in many applications since a hole at the top of the block may not be at the same temperature as a hole at the bottom of the block.
Heretofore, only temperature sensors having cylindrical probes could be efficiently tested in prior art testing devices, such as Applicant's Model 18 comparator. Now, for the first time, irregularly shaped temperature sensors, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, can be efficiently and inexpensively tested in Applicant's subject inventive comparator. This fact is particularly significant with respect to inexpensive domestic appliance temperature sensing probes, such as shown in FIG. 2. Because these probes can now be accurately tested, they can be used in more sophisticated mechanisms that require extreme accuracy in temperature control. Thus, Applicant's inventive comparator has opened a wide range of new markets for low cost, previously untestable, temperature sensors.


A technique for permitting the visual building of a resource file is provided. A visual resource file builder file which includes a library of classes which correspond to keywords which may be included in a resource file. By selecting a visual representation of a keyword provided in a builder tool, a user is prompted to input keyword data relative to the selected keyword. Upon saving the input data, an instance of the keyword class (an object) is saved in the resource file. A graphical representation of the saved keyword object is displayed to the user in the graphical user interface for the builder tool. After the user has included one or more keyword objects in the resouce file, the user may convert the resource file into a standard text format resource file which may be utilized by computer programs written in many different computer languages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique in a data processing system for providing an intuitive graphical user interface for providing a simplified process for creating resource files. More particularly, the present invention provides a technique by which a resource file can be created through a visual model without requiring of a developer any extensive knowledge of the format for a resource file.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computer programs include both logic and data portions. One type of data included in computer programs is known as resources. Resources can include icons, cursors, menus, dialog boxes, certain types of text, audio clips, animation clips, bit maps, etc. Resources are used extensively in graphical user interfaces, multi-media programs, and in permitting national language support, i.e., German, Japanese, and Russian, for providing the ability to present text included in interfaces of programs in different languages.
Resources typically do not reside in a computer program's normal data segment. Resource data is typically maintained in resource files, which are treated separately and differently from other types of program data. For example, when the Windows operating system loads programs into memory for execution, such as programs written in the C or C++ programming languages, the operating system usually leaves the resources on the disk. Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. Only when a particular resource is required during the execution of the program does the operating system load the resource into memory.
Some object oriented languages treat resource files somewhat differently. For example, in Smalltalk and ScriptX, resources that will be used by an application or program are converted into data objects, and placed into an object pool or resource pool for use by the application as necessary during execution.
The current state of the art for the creation of resource files is arduous at best. Typically, a text editor of some type is used to create a resource file textually. That is, a developer must write from scratch a text-based file in an appropriate format which includes or calls upon resource data (from existing files, for example). The completed resource file is then compiled into an application being created with the rest of the code for the application. When the compiled application is executed, resource data can be visually inspected for accuracy. If the developer included formatting errors in the resource file while creating the resource file or called on a data file that does not exist or misidentified the name of a resource during the creation of the resource file, this will not be known until the application which includes the resource file is visually inspected during execution.
Additional problems are associated with the existing technique for creating resource files. Developers must know the precise format for resource files. Other than inspecting the text file before compilation, testing cannot be performed until after the resource file is compiled with the application and the application is executed. The latter problem wastes developer time and consumes computing resources, as compiling and executing an application can take significant amounts of time.
Additionally, resource files are a prime technique by which national language support is provided. When compiling an application, using resource files which include German text (as opposed to English text) produces a German language application. The process for providing national language support typically includes having a translator translate text portions of resource files into a desired language. However, the process for performing translations on resource files is often time consuming and complicated. Only certain elements from a resource file must be translated. But since standard resource files are text files, it is difficult to segregate out the portions which need translation. Further, compiling and execution of the program are required before the translation can be reviewed in context within the application for finding errors. The whole translation and error checking process is time consuming and thus quite expensive. Thus, producing a translated version of a program is quite arduous.
Accordingly, a need exists for a technique for permitting simplified creation of resource files having a format such that handling of resource files and review of data included in the created resource files are simplified.

Intuitive technique for visually creating resource files


A pressure transducer employing at least one piezoresistive sensor fabricated from diamond. The diamond piezoresistive sensors are formed on a dielectric layer fabricated from silicon dioxide. The dielectric layer is formed on a silicon carbide force collector. In addition, the silicon carbide force collector may be fabricated from .alpha.-silicon carbide or p-type silicon carbide.

Piezoresistive pressure transducers have a wide range of applications where accurate pressure monitoring is desirable. Typical applications include process monitoring, aerodynamics, engine testing, rotating machinery monitoring and testing, nuclear power and others. Generally, such transducers include a force collector and one or more piezoresistive elements. Frequently, it is desirable that such transducers are of small physical size and capable of operating at high temperatures.
One type of pressure transducer utilizes organic epoxy to bond sensors to a metal force collector. However, such transducers have disadvantages. A disadvantage is that repeated flexing of the force collector in response to pressure changes generally causes a weakening of the epoxy bond, thus degrading the accuracy of the transducer. In addition, the sensitivity of such transducers is typically low and degrades when the transducer is subjected to temperature variations. This limits the effective temperature range over which such transducers can be utilized.
Another type of prior art pressure transducer includes silicon (Si) sensors formed integrally with a Si force collector. Such monolithic transducers have pn junctions that isolate the sensors from the force collector. This type of transducer typically permits higher temperature operation. As is well known, however, the isolation between the sensor network and the force collector in such transducers deteriorates as a function of temperature. This is caused by thermally generated carriers which short circuit the sensors to the substrate. Typically, the isolation in such transducers deteriorates at temperatures above 350.degree. F., causing a short and a degradation in performance.
One method utilized to circumvent the shorting problem associated with Si includes fabricating dielectrically isolated sensors. This is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,800,264 entitled HIGH TEMPERATURE TRANSDUCERS AND HOUSING INCLUDING FABRICATION METHODS which issued to A. D. Kurtz et al. and assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., the assignee herein. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,823 issued on Jan. 6, 1976 to A. D. Kurtz et al. entitled HIGH TEMPERATURE TRANSDUCERS AND HOUSING INCLUDING FABRICATION METHODS. Transducers utilizing dielectrically isolated sensors are operable at temperatures in excess of 500.degree. C. However, above 600.degree. C. the Si sensing network and the Si force collector undergo plastic deformation, thus rendering the transducer inoperable.
Other materials have been investigated in order to provide a sensor that is operable at higher temperatures. Recent research has shown that silicon carbide (SiC) is an excellent semiconductor for high temperature applications and for use as a sensing element. Several high temperature devices have been manufactured from SiC, such as pn junction diodes that exhibit excellent rectification at 600.degree. C. This is shown in an article entitled "High Voltage 6H--SiC p-n Junction Diodes" by Matus, L. G., Powell, J. A., and Salupo, C. S. in American Institute of Physics, Applied Physics Lett., Vol. 59, No. 14, pgs. 1770-1772, on Sep. 30, 1991.
In addition, SiC has been utilized for the fabrication of high temperature pressure transducers. In this regard, reference is made to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/694,490 entitled HIGH TEMPERATURE TRANSDUCERS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME EMPLOYING SILICON CARBIDE, filed on May 2, 1991, and assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. Therein a high temperature transducer is described which uses pn junction isolated SiC sensing elements on a SiC force collector of opposite conductivity type. SiC enables a transducer to be operable at higher temperatures than previous transducers.
An important operating parameter for a pressure transducer is the level of the output signal it provides. A material property that this level depends on is the gauge factor associated with the material being used. Generally, a higher gauge factor yields a higher output signal level.
However, as is well known in the art, a disadvantage in utilizing SiC is that its gauge factor is relatively low. As shown in above noted U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/694,490, the gauge factor associated with SiC is approximately 31. As is well known in the art, gauge factors in this range will cause a transducer using SiC to produce relatively low output signals. It is desirable to provide a transducer having a significantly higher gauge factor than that of SiC so that the transducer may provide higher output signals and that is operable at temperatures above which Si transducers undergo plastic deformation.

Pressure transducer utilizing diamond piezoresistive sensors and silicon carbide force collector


The present invention relates to an apparatus and method as described in the specification and drawings for parallel high throughput corrosion testing and electroplating testing of test coupons.

Corrosion testing is used to detect performance flaws in, and electroplating testing is used to find improvements in performance of, an industrial material such as, for example, a metal, a plastic, and a glass. For instance, testing corrosion of metals is important for ensuring safe functioning and long-term physical stability of manufactured items and structures such as, for example, aircraft, automobiles, bridges, metal-frame buildings, ships, trucks, and aerosol cans. Thus, it is important to test for potential corrosive effects of industrial fluids such as, for example, airplane deicing fluids and ship stern lubricants that come into contact with these manufactured items or structures before the industrial fluids are employed in industry. An accepted method for testing corrosion performance of metals with ship stern lubricants is ASTM D665, "Standard Test Method for Rust-Preventing Characteristics of Inhibited Mineral Oil in the Presence of Water" (ASTM International, Conshohocken, Pa., USA). Each corrosion test using this method requires a separate metal coupon and about 300 milliliters of a test liquid. Components of the test liquid may include water, an electrolyte such as sodium chloride, a ship stern lubricant, and, optionally, an additive such as a corrosion inhibitor. After testing, the metal coupon is visually inspected for evidence of corrosion such as pitting, cracking, and discoloration. There is a need for higher testing productivity and lower expense in the corrosion and electroplating testing arts.


A stacker assembly for manufacturing an expandable integral blind, formed by adhering a plurality of cells formed from strip material, has opposing walls forming a stacking chamber and a rotating mechanism coupled to the stacking chamber for engaging the expandable integral blind. The rotatable mechanism actuates in response to the compression force of the expandable integral blind. A plurality of conveyor belts are used to supply the strip material to the stacker assembly, as well as introduce the strip material into the stacking chamber.

Retractable window coverings ("blinds") can be made of cellular structures for control of light and/or insulation. These cellular structures can be a single row of hollow cells or multi-cellular ("honeycomb") configurations and are often produced by bonding together strips of folded or tubular material in stacks, forming an expandable fabric portion of the blind. An example of an apparatus to produce such fabrics by stacking such strips is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,435 to Ruggles et al. The accurate stacking of such strips can be difficult to automate due to the strip materials having various textures, thicknesses, stiffness, folding configurations, and bonding methods. These challenges may lead to irregular blind fabrics which adversely affect the aesthetic quality of the blinds. This presents challenges related to: 1) conveying strip materials into the stacking apparatus with sufficient speed; 2) accurately placing the strip material in alignment with the fabric stack, while actuating and pressing (in the case of some adhesive bonding methods) the strip into contact with the stack; and 3) providing back-pressure of the stack to counteract the force of pressing the strip into the stack and/or hold the strips together while bonding completes—while allowing accumulation and then removal of the stack.
Conveying strip materials into a stacking apparatus has been accomplished by using vacuum belts as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,773 to Sevcik et al. or U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,435 to Ruggles et al., but this presents challenges in releasing the strip in an accurate location. Pinching between rollers entering the stacking apparatus, as disclosed in Publication US20050147800A1 to Herhold et al. (the '800 publication), presents challenges in fully-actuating the strip into accurate placement, as the strip length exits the rollers before being in the complete stack position.
Alignment of the strip material prior to stacking has been attempted by the use of a guide groove and pusher, as in the aforementioned '800 publication or in Publication US20040007310A1 (see FIG. 4) to Hsu. These grooves need sufficient space to accommodate for inconsistencies in the strips and the pusher may not move the strip symmetrically or uniformly along its length. Thus, it is difficult to achieve accurate placement on the stack.
Back-pressure on the stack throughout accumulation has been accomplished by providing a constant force on the stack, such as the weight shown in the aforementioned '435 patent. However, this weight would need to be removed occasionally to access the finished stack and may not provide constant force due to the stack's own weight accumulation.
Another common method to provide back-pressure is by using friction to constrict the stack exiting the stacker, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,039 (FIG. 7, 8) to Colson et al. These constrictions may be adjustable or actuated, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,730 to Huang. However, friction would accumulate with the stack, and be especially inconsistent for the first few strips of the fabric.
Therefore, there is a need for a stacker that is capable of rapidly positioning the strips for accurate alignment of the stack and that has ideal back-pressure. The present invention seeks to solve these and other problems.

Method and apparatus for stacking strip material of cellular blind fabrics


An inventive process for forming a conductive, particulate, fluorine-doped, zinc oxide product which is doped throughout. The process comprises the step of reacting vapor phase reactants in a vapor phase oxidation system and at a temperature sufficient to form the conductive, particulate, fluorine-doped, zinc oxide product. The vapor phase reactants used in the inventive process comprise: elemental zinc vapor; at least one fluorine source; and at least one water source.

A need presently exists for an electrically-conductive additive for paints, plastics, papers, and similar products which (a) will provide desirable electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic shielding properties, (b) will provide long service life, (c) is inexpensive to make and use, and (d) will enable the achievement of desired colors and/or transparency.
Carbon black, various metals, certain organic amines and amides, and doped tin oxide have been used heretofore as additives in paints, plastics, and paper products to provide desirable electrostatic discharge and/or electromagnetic shielding properties. However, these additives have significant shortcomings. Carbon black and the various metal additives used heretofore generally hinder and/or prevent the attainment of certain desirable colors and/or transparency. Products containing carbon black are also susceptible to sloughing. Organic amine and organic amide additives, on the other hand, generally have undesirably high solubilities and volatilities. Thus, products containing amine or amide additives typically have short service lives, low durabilities, and poor weather and humidity resistance characteristics. Finally, although doped tin oxide is desirably light-colored and electrically conductive, doped tin oxide is costly to produce.
Zinc oxide is a wide band gap semiconductor which can be made conductive by doping with Group IIIA metal oxides. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286 discloses a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for coating a substrate surface with a transparent, electrically-conductive, zinc oxyfluoride film. The composition of this zinc oxyfluoride film can generally be represented by the formula ZnO.sub.1-x F.sub.x wherein x is a value in the range of from 0.001 to 0.1. The CVD process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286 can be used to produce liquid crystal display devices, solar cells, electrochromic absorbers and reflectors, energy conserving heat mirrors, and antistatic coatings.
In the CVD process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286, the substrate in question is heated and then contacted with a vapor mixture including: a volatile and highly reactive zinc-containing compound, a volatile oxygen-containing compound, and a volatile fluorine-containing compound. The temperature of the heated substrate must be sufficient to induce, for the particular reactants chosen, a film forming deposition reaction. Oxidation occurs and the zinc oxyfluoride film is deposited only as the vapor mixture contacts the heated substrate.
Volatile zinc-containing compounds suitable for use in the CVD process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286 include diethyl zinc and dimethyl zinc. When, for example, the reactants used in the CVD process are diethyl zinc, ethyl alcohol, and hexafluoropropylene, the substrate must be heated to a temperature in the range of from about 350.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. If the particular substrate in question cannot withstand such temperatures, alternative reaction mixtures having lower film deposition reaction temperatures can be used.
Unfortunately, conductive zinc oxyfluoride films such as those produced by the CVD process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286 are susceptible to sloughing, scratching, and abrasion. Further, due to the difficulty and expense involved in coating large items and items having numerous and/or intricate surfaces, CVD processes do not provide a practical means for producing conductive plastic articles. Moreover, zinc oxyfluoride films of the type produced by the CVD process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,286 are not obtained in, and cannot be readily converted to, particulate forms which are suitable for addition to paints, plastics, papers, and other such products.
Other factors also mitigate against the commercial use of CVD-type processes. Due to the highly reactive nature of the zinc-containing compounds required for use in CVD-type processes, the use of such processes on a commercial scale would be quite dangerous. The use of CVD-type processes on a commercial scale would also not be cost effective since (1) the volatile zinc-containing compounds used in these processes are expensive and (2) only a fraction of the zinc-containing compound used in a CVD-type process actually reacts and deposits on the substrate. The requirement that heated substrates be used also reduces the commercial viability of CVD-type processes.
As is well known in the art, non-doped particulate zinc oxides have been produced using vapor phase oxidation processes. Vapor phase oxidation processes used for producing particulate zinc oxide products are generally discussed, for example, in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons, 1978, Volume 24, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,356 discloses a process for coating a particulate zinc oxide material in order to increase its electrical conductivity. In one embodiment of the process, a reportedly stable and conductive particulate zinc oxide product is produced by heating particulate zinc oxide in a non-oxidizing (preferably nitrogen) atmosphere in the presence of both (1) a fluorine compound and (2) zinc metal vapor. During the heating process, the particulate zinc oxide is preferably maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. C. to about 950.degree. C. for a period of about 20 minutes. It is also preferred that moist nitrogen be circulated through the process system during the initial stage of the heating process (i.e., during no more than the first five minutes of the heating period) and that dry nitrogen be circulated through the process system during the remainder of the heating period.
The coating process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,356 and the product produced thereby have numerous undesirable characteristics. The particulate zinc oxide product produced in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,356 is only surface coated. Thus, substantial conductivity losses are realized as surface attrition of the particulate product occurs. Additionally, at least two entirely separate processes are required to complete the coating method of U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,356. In the first process, a particulate zinc oxide product is produced and recovered. In the second process, the particulate zinc oxide material is fluorine treated and heat treated. Further, in comparison to the inventive process described hereinbelow, the coating process of U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,356 is very slow.

Conductive, particulate, fluorine-doped zinc oxide