A vehicle-mounted drive control apparatus capable of effecting boosted escape running while preventing burnout when a reversible motor driven by way of a transistor bridge circuit encounters an abnormal load. A motor driven by a transistor bridge circuit reversibly drives a moving body between a reverse limit stopper and a forward limit stopper. A variable resistance produces an output signal related to the position of the moving body, and calibration information is read at the positions of the reverse limit position and forward limit position and saved from a microprocessor to a nonvolatile data memory in advance. When during normal drive running of the motor the motor stops at an intermediate position between the forward limit stopper and the reverse limit stopper, escape drive is carried out by the motor being driven alternately with a boosted current above its rated current and a resting current which is small or 0.

This invention relates to a vehicle-mounted drive control apparatus for drive-controlling a motor that is supplied with reversible power from a vehicle battery by way of switching devices of a driving circuit and reversibly drives a moving body between a forward limit position and a reverse limit position, and particularly to a vehicle-mounted drive control apparatus with improved handling of overloading of the motor.
Motor drive control units that control the duty ratio of transistors of a bridge circuit constituting a reversible rotation driving circuit controlled by pulse width modulation by a microprocessor are in use in a wide range of applications.
For example in Patent Document 1, 'Actuator Control Apparatus', technology is disclosed in which, in a gear shift motor for switching between a four wheel drive mode and a two wheel drive mode, when rotation of the motor has come to a stop due to an overload, rotational energy of the motor is accumulated in a torsion spring, and when the overload is removed this is released to drive the load quickly, and in the load-stop state the duty ratio is lowered so that an excessive lock current does not flow through the motor, and rotation of the motor is detected by a rotation sensor.
In Patent Document 2, 'Safety Apparatus of Power Window', technology is disclosed in which a potentio-sensor (variable resistance) for detecting the rotational position of a motor for driving the opening and closing of a window is provided, the detection output of the potentio-sensor at a fully open position is stored as a calibration value, and a safety control region in the vicinity of before fully closed is detected.
In Patent Document 3, 'Engine Control Apparatus for Car', the concept is disclosed of turning off a power supply relay with a delay after a power supply switch is turned off and in that delay time returning to an origin a stepping motor for controlling idling rotation of an engine.
In other art related to the present invention, Patent Document 4, 'Breakdown Diagnosing Apparatus', discloses technology for diagnosing a wire-break or short-circuit of a potentiometer and failure of a motor part in an apparatus wherein a motor actuator detects a potentiometer signal and uses it to control a stop position.
And in Patent Document 5, 'Engine Control Apparatus', relating to the present invention, detailed technology is disclosed relating to, in electronic throttle control for electrically controlling a throttle valve aperture, besides an initial position return mechanism of a throttle valve driving mechanism, failure determining means and good source determining means relating to an accelerator position sensor and a throttle position sensor installed as a double system.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-11-089268 (FIG. 1, Abstract)
Patent Document 2: JP-A-2000-274140 (FIG. 6, Abstract)
Patent Document 3: JP-A-05-018315 (FIG. 1, Abstract)
Patent Document 4: JP-A-2000-236685 (FIG. 1, Abstract)
Patent Document 5: JP-A-2003-161194 (FIG. 2, Paragraph 0037; FIG. 5, Paragraph 0047)
In the case of the 'Actuator Control Apparatus' of Patent Document 1, it is effective in an apparatus of a construction such that the efficiency of the motor drive system is poor and reverse-driving the motor from the load side is difficult, but if the efficiency of the drive system is high a holding current for preventing reverse-rotation becomes large, and there is a risk of driving transistors and the motor burning out.
And, when a forward limit position and a reverse limit position have not been detected correctly, there is a danger of unnecessary driving being carried out at the limit positions and of an abnormal state arising such that driving is impossible.
Whereas the apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a construction wherein the rotational position of the motor can be detected with a rotation sensor, in the 'Safety Apparatus of Power Window' of Patent Document 2 the rotational position is detected by an initially calibrated potentio-sensor, the motor has an ample torque such that it can drive the window immediately before fully closed and fully open, and in a safety management region where there is a danger of the window trapping something, if the motor slows down, disengaged drive is temporarily carried out and the motor is stopped.
Thus it is enough if the motor stops when an overload state arises at an intermediate position, and there is no mention of a method of escaping from an overload state.
In the case of the 'Engine Control Apparatus for Car' of Patent Document 3, means for initializing an actuator after a power supply switch is cut and the engine stops is disclosed, but there is no mention of a method of escaping from an overload state.
Similarly, Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5 disclose methods for identifying trouble with a potentio-sensor (variable resistance) detecting the rotational position of a motor, and do not touch upon a method of escaping from an overload state.


A substrate useful for forming lithographic printing plate precursors includes a metal or polymer support and an interlayer comprising a trialkoxysilyl polyethylene glycol acrylate having the following Structure (I):

Radiation-sensitive compositions are routinely used in the preparation of imageable materials including lithographic printing plate precursors. Such compositions generally include a radiation-sensitive component, an initiator system, and a binder, each of which has been the focus of research to provide various improvements in physical properties, imaging performance, and image characteristics.
Recent developments in the field of printing plate precursors concern the use of radiation-sensitive compositions that can be imaged by means of lasers or laser diodes, and more particularly, that can be imaged and/or developed on-press. Laser exposure does not require conventional silver halide graphic arts films as intermediate information carriers (or "masks") since the lasers can be controlled directly by computers. High-performance lasers or laser-diodes that are used in commercially-available image-setters generally emit radiation having a wavelength of at least 700 nm, and thus the radiation-sensitive compositions are required to be sensitive in the near-infrared or infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, other useful radiation-sensitive compositions are designed for imaging with ultraviolet or visible radiation.
There are two possible ways of using radiation-sensitive compositions for the preparation of printing plates. For negative-working printing plates, exposed regions in the radiation-sensitive compositions are hardened and unexposed regions are washed off during development. For positive-working printing plates, the exposed regions are dissolved in a developer and the unexposed regions become an image.
Various negative-working radiation compositions and imageable elements are described in and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,309,792 (Hauck et al.), 6,569,603 (Furukawa), 6,893,797 (Munnelly et al.), 6,787,281 (Tao et al.), and 6,899,994 (Huang et al.), U.S. Patent Application Publications 2003/0118939 (West et al.), 2005/0008971 (Mitsumoto et al.), and 2005/0204943 (Makino et al.), and EP 1,079,276A (Lifka et al.), EP 1,182,033A (Fujimaki et al.), and EP 1,449,650A (Goto).
Independently of the type of imageable element, lithography has generally been carried out using a polymeric or metal substrate (or "support") such as a substrate comprising an aluminum or aluminum alloy support of various metallic compositions. The surface of the metal sheet is generally roughened by surface graining in order to ensure good adhesion to a layer, usually an imageable layer, that is disposed thereon and to improve water retention in non-imaged regions during printing. Various aluminum support materials and methods of preparing them are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,076,899 (Sakaki et al.) and 5,518,589 (Matsura et al.).
For example, to prepare aluminum-containing substrates for lithographic elements, a continuous web of raw aluminum can be treated, for example, using a sequence of known steps. Such steps may include taking the continuous aluminum web through a degreasing section of a manufacturing machine to remove oils and debris from the aluminum web, an alkali etching section, first rinsing section, graining section (that can include mechanical or electrochemical graining, or both), second rinsing section, post-graining acidic- or alkali-etching section, third rinsing section, anodization section using a suitable acid to provide an anodic oxide coating, fourth rinsing section, post-treatment section, final or fifth rinsing section, and drying section, before either being rewound or passed on to coating stations for application of imageable layer formulations.
In the anodization section, the aluminum web is treated to form an aluminum oxide layer on its surface so it will exhibit a high degree of mechanical abrasion resistance necessary during the printing process. This oxide layer is already hydrophilic to some degree, which is significant for having a high affinity for water and for repelling printing ink. However, the oxide layer is so reactive that it can interact with components of the imageable layer in the imageable element. The oxide layer may partially or completely cover the aluminum substrate surface.
In the post-treatment section, the oxide layer is covered with a hydrophilic protective layer (also known in the art as a "seal", "sublayer", or "interlayer") to increase its hydrophilicity before one or more imageable layer formulations are applied. The hydrophilic protective layer can be applied by immersing the web in the post-treatment solution or by spraying the solution onto the web (with optional recovery tank, filter, and fluid delivery system). A suitable interlayer may also ensure that during development, the soluble regions of the imageable layer are easily removed from the substrate, leaving no residue and providing clean hydrophilic backgrounds. The hydrophilic interlayer can also protect the aluminum oxide layer against corrosion during development with highly alkaline developers and from dye penetration from the imageable layer.
Other hydrophilic interlayers are prepared from formulations including poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (PVPA), vinyl phosphonic acid/acrylic acid (VPA/AA) copolymers, and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,461 (Berghauser et al.) and EP 0 537 633B1 (Elsaesser et al.). U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,075 (Kimura et al.) describes the treatment of metal substrates with various compositions of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,765 (Mohr et al.) describes the use of a water-soluble organic polymer having acidic functional groups (such as phosphorous or sulfonic acid groups) with a salt of a divalent metal cation. Various organic polymers and metal cations are described that are believed to form a complex of polymer and metal cation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,787 (Elsaesser et al.) describes the treatment of aluminum substrates with a hydrophilic polymer solution followed by treatment with a solution containing divalent or polyvalent metal cations.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,468 (Takahashi et al.) describes the use of flexible supports having a hydrophilic layer comprised of metal oxide sols. Reactive functional groups have also been added to aluminum and polymer supports as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,659 (Nishimiya et al.) and EP Publication 1,495,866 A1 (Mitsumoto et al.). An intermediate layer comprising a polymer derived from a phosphate-substituted methacrylate is described in EP Publication 1,788,429 (Loccufier et al.).
A hydrophilic layer on the metal support of lithographic elements described in EP Publication 1,791,699 (Fiebag et al.) contains a phosphono-substituted siloxane. EP Publication 1,787,166 (Strehmel et al.) describes the use of phosphate-containing compounds in interlayers.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,049,048 (Hunter et al.) describes an interlayer material on an aluminum support in lithographic elements that includes a copolymer having acidic groups and silyl groups that are substituted with three alkoxy or phenoxy groups.

Substrate and imageable element with hydrophilic interlayer

Abstract: wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C6 alkyl, C1 to C6 alkenyl, C1 to C6 alkoxy, C1 to C6 acyl, C1 to C6 acyloxy, phenyl, halo, or cyano groups, or R1 and R2 together can form a cyclic group, R3 is hydrogen, or a C1 to C6 alkyl, phenyl, halo, or cyano group, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or methyl groups, R6 is hydrogen or a C1 to C12 alkyl group, X1 is —O— or —NR— wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group, X2 is —NR′— wherein R′ is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group, m is an integer of from 15 to 200, and n is an integer of from 1 to 12. The lithographic printing plates can be negative-working and particularly useful for on-press development and have a sulfuric acid-anodized aluminum support.


A seat assembly is disclosed for use in a motor vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. The seat cushion is operatively connected to the motor vehicle. The seat cushion supports an occupant on the seat assembly. A seat back is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. The seat back is movable between a generally upright seating position and a forwardly folded dumped position. The forwardly folded dump position has the seat back positioned against the seat cushion. A shoulder belt tower is fixedly secured to the seat back and supports a shoulder belt. The tower includes a tower base and a tower extension. The tower extension slidingly engages the tower base. A positioning device is coupled between the tower base and the tower extension. The positioning device automatically slides the tower extension between a use position extending out from the seat back for positioning the shoulder belt above the seat back for positioning the shoulder belt above the seat back and a stowed position recessed within the seat back.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a seat assembly for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a seat assembly having a positionable seat belt tower for an over the shoulder seat belt.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automotive vehicles include seat assemblies for supporting an occupant in the vehicle. The seat assemblies typically include a generally horizontal seat cushion and a generally upright seat back. A recliner mechanism often pivotally interconnects the seat back to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between the upright position, one or more rearwardly reclined position and/or a forwardly folded dumped position. Automotive vehicles include not only a first row of seat assemblies, i.e., driver and passenger seats, they also often include a second row, or even third row, of seat assemblies position behind the first row of seats. The seat back of the second and third row of seat assemblies may be pivotal to the forwardly folded dumped position to provide an extended cargo area in the rear of the vehicle.
It is further becoming increasingly common to connect the components of a seat restraint system, i.e., shoulder and lap belts, directly to the seat assembly for restraining the occupant in the seat assembly and vehicle. Such seat restraint systems are commonly referred to in the art as a seat integrated restraint or SIR. The seat integrated restraint typically includes a lap belt and a shoulder belt fixedly secured and supported by the seat assembly. The seat back commonly includes a shoulder belt tower for positioning and supporting the shoulder belt above the shoulder of the occupant seated on the seat cushion. The tower typically projects upwardly above the top of the seat back. However, when the seat assembly is used as a rear seat, that is, a second or third row passenger seat, the tower may engage the first row of seats when the seat back is pivoted to the forwardly folded dumped position.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a seat assembly having a seat integrated restraint and a shoulder belt tower which is stowable within the scat back when the seat back is pivoted to the forwardly folded dumped position.
One example of a seat belt positioning device for a shoulder portion thereof is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,228. This patent discloses a seat belt restraint system having an adjustable shoulder positioning device. The shoulder positioning device secured to the head rest of the seat assembly. A seat belt extending from a seat belt tower is realigned and redirected, depending on the position of the head rest, by size of the occupant of the seat. An eye has the seat belt extending therethrough. The eye has sensors to sense pressure applied thereto by the seat belt. A control unit moves the head rest up or down to relieve the pressure on the eye, resulting in a properly positioned head rest in the event of an accident. This system does not, however, disclosed a seat assembly having a seat belt tower that is movable to stowed position out of the way during the collapsing of the seat back into its forward dumped position.

Seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a positionable seat belt tower


Recorded information is accessed. A source document is determined using the recorded information. If a criterion is satisfied based on the recorded information and the source document, an action to be performed is determined. The action is then performed if it is determined that the criterion is satisfied.

The present invention generally relates to techniques for determining actions to perform and more specifically to techniques for using recorded information and portions of a source document to determine actions to perform.
Presentations are a powerful tool for presenting information to participants. During the presentation, slides from a source document are outputted and displayed while a presenter may describe or provide explanation for the outputted slides. At certain points during the presentation, certain actions may be desired. For example, a participant may want to view a translated slide of the outputted slide. Conventionally, in order to view the translated slide, a participant must recognize that a certain slide has been outputted and then manually initiate a translation program to translate the outputted slide or manually retrieve a pre-translated slide that corresponds to the outputted slide.
In addition to the above action, other actions may be desired, such as notifying participants that a presentation has started when a first slide in a source document is outputted and displayed. Also, different actions may be desired when different slides are outputted and displayed. For example, a video may be played or an e-mail may be sent when a certain slide is outputted. Conventionally, these actions are performed manually.
Accordingly, there is a need for automated techniques for determining actions to perform based on recorded information of an outputted slide from a source document.

Techniques for performing operations on a source symbolic document


A load control system may be configured using a design (e.g., graphical user interface) software. The design software may display icons representing fixtures (e.g., lighting fixtures) and devices (e.g., load control devices, controls, sensors, etc.) on a canvas. The design software may define relationships between the fixtures and/or devices. The design software may provide load control templates defining collections of devices, for example, for particular rooms in a building. The templates may be quickly placed on the canvas to define a particular area. Fixtures may be added to a template on the canvas and the design software may automatically create relationships between the fixtures and the devices (e.g., load control devices) of the template. In addition, the design software may automatically create relationships between the devices of the template (e.g., between controls and load control devices).

A load control environment, such as a residence or an office building, for example, may be configured with various types of load control systems. The load control environment may include load control devices that are associated with input devices for communicating load control instructions for controlling an electrical load. The load control environment may include one or more rooms. Each of the rooms includes load control devices that are capable of directly controlling an electrical load. For example, each of the rooms may include lighting control devices (e.g., ballasts, LED drivers, or dimmer switches) capable of directly controlling an amount of power provided to lighting loads. A room may include additional load control devices, such as motorized window treatments and/or an HVAC system. Each load control system may include various input devices and load control devices. The input devices may be capable of controlling the electrical load via the load control device by sending digital messages to the load control device that include control instructions for controlling the electrical load controlled by the load control device.
Large load control systems are often designed using design software running on a computing device, such as a computer or laptop. The design software may be configured to establish relationships between the control devices (e.g., load control devices, input devices, etc.) of a load control system. Since such load control system typically include a very large number of control devices, the design procedure using the design software may be lengthy and tedious.


A method and device for automatic film expansion and a storage medium are provided. The method includes the following. Perform overall stretching on an expanded film. An interval between each two adjacent LED wafers on the expanded film is monitored in real time. When an interval between two adjacent LED wafers on the expanded film is greater than or equal to a preset target interval, stop performing overall stretching, and search the expanded film for a local region where an absolute difference between an interval between two adjacent LED wafers and the preset target interval is greater than a preset error threshold. When the local region exists on the expanded film, perform local stretching on the local region until an absolute difference between an interval between each two adjacent LED wafers in the local region and the preset target interval is less than or equal to the preset error threshold.

With the rapid development of modern semiconductor chip technology, especially the gradual maturity of flip chip technology and the diversification of phosphor coating technology, chip packaging technology is also constantly improving. CSP (chip scale package), as the latest generation of chip packaging technology, is conducive to promoting new improvements in technical performances of semiconductor chips.
The process flow of CSP includes die bonding, lamination, dicing, and testing. After lamination, a product is diced into a number of matrix wafers by a precision dicing machine. After dicing, wafers need to be tested, and bin classification needs to be performed. If an interval between two wafers is too small, crosstalk will easily occur during testing, which affects parameters of test beads. To eliminate the above-mentioned effects, generally, before testing, a blue film or a white film provided with LED wafers is first stretched by a film stretching machine to expand intervals between the LED wafers on the film.
In the existing expansion technology, original intervals between the LED wafers are adjusted by fixing a periphery of an LED-wafer expanded film and stretching the expanded film outward by an expansion machine. However, by means of an outward stretching manner merely, not all intervals between LED wafers can effectively reach a desired target interval, which results in a relatively large error between an interval between some LED wafers and a target interval, thus failing to satisfy CSP production and use requirements.
In sum, the existing technology needs to be improved and developed.

Method for automatic film expansion, storage medium, and device

CHONGQING KONKA PHOTOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.


A foldable knife with multiple switching modes comprises a knife handle, a blade and a switch device. The knife handle has a resisting elastic plate, a positioning plate and a top cover. The resisting elastic plate has an elastic portion. The positioning plate is connected to the resisting elastic plate and has an elastic arm extended in the positioning plate. The top cover is mounted on the positioning plate and has a slide slot. The slide slot is formed on the top cover. The blade has a pressing rod and a manual pushing rod which are respectively formed on a surface of the blade towards the positioning plate. The switch device is mounted in the slide slot and has a pushing block mounted through the top cover, and the switch device is used to switch between an assisted opening mode and a manual opening mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a folding knife, especially a foldable knife with multiple switching modes.
2. Description of the Prior Arts
A conventional folding knife is a portable cutter. The conventional folding knife includes two types, one is manual folding knife and the other one is assisted folding knife. The manual folding knife has a knife handle and a blade mounted pivotally in the knife handle. When using the manual folding knife, a user needs to apply a continuous force for pushing the blade to a fixed position. Therefore, the manual folding knife is safe in carrying and opening. But opening the manual folding knife is slow and requires more physical force, so the manual folding knife is not suitable for use in emergency.
Furthermore, the assisted folding knife has a knife handle and a blade mounted pivotally in the knife handle. There is usually a spring element connecting to the blade and the knife handle. When the blade rotates into the knife handle, the spring element is compressed and elastically deformed by the blade. And the blade is positioned in the knife handle. When opening the blade, the user can only apply a small force to overcome the detent mechanism that holds the blade closed and then the blade would quickly pop out the rest of the way to the release the locked position by the spring element. Thus the assisted folding knife has the advantage of quickly opening the blade when needed. However, the advantage of the assisted folding knife might increase the danger when using the assisted folding knife, because the blade of the assisted folding knife is easily opened and increases the risks of unintentionally popping out. Especially, the assisted folding knife is dangerous when carried in the pocket.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a foldable knife with multiple switching modes to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Foldable knife with multiple switching modes


There is provided an image forming device, comprising: a print unit configured to form an image on a recording medium in which a memory device is embedded; a detection unit configured to detect a condition of the memory device embedded in the recording medium, the detection unit being positioned on a downstream side in a feeding direction with respect to the print unit; and a notification control unit configured to provide notification concerning the condition of the memory device, in response to a fact that the detection unit detects that the memory device embedded in the recording medium is defective.

1. Technical Field
Aspects of the present invention relate to an image forming device forming an image on a recording medium in which a memory device, such as an IC tag, is embedded.
2. Related Art
Recently, recording sheets in which IC tags are embedded have become widespread. Such an IC tag embedded in a recording sheet is able to store various types of information (e.g., image data). Hereafter, a recording sheet in which an IC tag is embedded is frequently referred to as an IC tag sheet. Image forming devices having a function of reading information from and writing information to an IC tag embedded in a recording sheet have also become widespread.
Since an IC tag is sensitive to static electricity and a mechanical force, an image forming device capable of examining whether the IC tag is good or bad has been proposed. Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 2006-327067 (hereafter, referred to as JP2006-327067A) discloses an image forming device configured to have a read/write device for reading information from and writing information to an IC tag embedded in a recording medium. More specifically, in the image forming device disclosed in JP2006-327067A, the read/write device is positioned on an upstream side of a transfer position at which an image is transferred to the recording sheet. When an IC tag is judged to be defective, the image forming device forms a particular image indicating that an IC tag is defective on a recording sheet and reedits image data.


A method for expanding a population of γδ T-cells is provided in which isolated activated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) are cultured in a medium comprising transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) under conditions in which the production of effector γδ T-cells having therapeutic activity against malignant disease is favored. The use of TGF-β in the production of effector cells in particular Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells is also described and claimed.

γδ T-cells account for up to 10% of circulating lymphocytes and operate at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Four attributes of these versatile cells render them ripe for exploitation in therapies and in particular in cancer immunotherapy. First, γδ T-cells recognise genomic, metabolic and signaling perturbations associated with the transformed state [1, 2]. Second, they possess a diverse network of immune effector activities, overlapping and yet distinct to those deployed by "conventional" αβ T-cells. γδ T-cells release perforin and granzymes, express both FAS and TRAIL, engage in Fc receptor-dependent effector functions and produce a range of immunomodulatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17. Third, γδ T-cells act as efficient antigen-presenting cells, enabling the perpetuation of immune attack through adaptive mechanisms [3]. Finally, since these cells are not HLA-restricted, they do not elicit graft versus host disease. This enhances the prospect of their future use in the allogeneic "off the shelf" setting [4].
Most circulating γδ T-cells in man display a Vγ9Vδ2 receptor that recognises non-peptide phosphoantigens (PAgs), best exemplified by IPP and its stereoisomer DMAPP (FIG. 1)[5]. Since PAgs are intermediates of mevalonate metabolism, Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells provide an innate mechanism to detect excess activity of this key metabolic pathway. Such surveillance is justified from an evolutionary standpoint since excess mevalonate pathway flux promotes cellular transformation, acting synergistically with p21Ras [6]. This reflects the fundamental role of this network in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids required for post-translational modification of several GTPases, including p21Ras, Cdc42, Rho, Rab and Rac.
Amino-bisphosphonate (NBP) drugs such as zoledronic (ZA), alendronic (AA), pamidronic (PA) and ibandronic acid (IA) exert anti-tumor activity through a combination of directly cytotoxic and immunomodulatory mechanisms [7]. A key example of the latter is the ability of these drugs to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells. This results from inhibition of FPP synthase within the mevalonate pathway, leading to increased PAg accumulation (FIG. 1) [8]. Tumor cells that have been pulsed with NBPs rapidly acquire large PAg loads and thus become more sensitive to recognition by Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells [5, 9]. Exploitation of this principle provides an opportunity to enhance tumor susceptibility to γδ T-cell immunotherapy.
The clinical development of γδ T-cell immunotherapy builds on two established findings. First, in an effort to achieve in-vivo expansion of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells, patients with diverse malignancies have been treated with ZA and low-dose IL-2. In many cases, these small studies have correlated circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell numbers with retarded disease progression [10]. Second, ex-vivo expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells have been tested as an autologous adoptive immunotherapy in several early phase clinical trials, involving diverse cancers including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) [11-13]. Although these studies have demonstrated the safety of infused γδ T-cells, clinical efficacy has been limited (even when combined with ZA). This highlights the need for better systems to expand these cells at high efficiency, yielding cells that exhibit improved anti-tumor activity.
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a secreted protein that exists in at least three isoforms, called TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3. It is a cytokine that has a role in a variety of processes including proliferation and cellular differentiation, but also immunity and cancer. It is generally understood that in this context, it has a regulatory immune effect, and this may explain in part why it is upregulated in certain cancers, which overexpress the cytokine to reduce the host immune response. There are many papers showing that addition of TGF-β to T-cells promotes a regulatory phenotype. For example, two independent groups have shown that culturing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence of cytokines that included TGF-β resulted in the production of regulatory γδ T-cells expressing high levels of Foxp3 and CD25 having an immunosuppressive function [14, 15].
The applicants have carried out studies of various protocols for the expansion of γδ T-cells and have found a particular set of conditions which produce high levels of cells with enhanced effector activity.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting the recording speed of a recorder, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR) are provided, wherein the recording speed is automatically changed by comparing the remaining length of a recording medium such as a tape with the remaining recording time of a program, thereby enabling the program to be recorded without interruption. The apparatus includes a reel rotation sensing device for sensing the states of a take-up reel and a supply reel, data input device for inputting data and setting a mode, a memory for storing the data input from the data input device, a system-control microcomputer for calculating a remaining tape length in accordance with the output signal from the reel rotation sensing device, and outputting a signal for controlling the tape's recording mode by comparing the remaining tape length with the data recorded in the memory, and a servo microcomputer for driving motors in accordance with the control signal from the system-control microcomputer.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the recording speed of a recorder such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), wherein the recording speed is automatically changed by comparing the remaining length of a recording medium such as a tape with the remaining time of a program that is being recorded, thereby continuously recording the program.
In conventional VCRs, the recording speed such as SP, LP, or SLP is selected by a user in a normal recording function for directly recording the current broadcast signals, or a reserved (programmed) function for recording a desired program at a pre-programmed time using a timer. Once selected, the recording speed is maintained until completion of the recording unless the selected speed is changed. Therefore, when the broadcasting time of a program to be recorded is longer than that of the remaining tape which will be recorded, conventional recording is disadvantageous in that latter portions of the program to be recorded cannot be recorded due to the lack of tape, which thus results in an incomplete recording.
Several techniques have been proposed to overcome these disadvantages, which however, are insufficient to present a satisfactory solution.
More specifically, it is known to form an indicating groove in the cassette tape housing according to its tape length, i.e., for 30, 60, or 120 minutes. When a video cassette tape with the indicating groove is loaded, the programmed recording time is determined in the VCR by sensing the indicating groove, and then the recording speed is automatically set by comparing the kind of tape with the programmed recording time. However, this technique is used only for the reserved (programmed) recording function. Moreover, the indicating groove must be formed in the video cassette tape, which required an indicating groove sensing device in the VCR.
In addition to the above technique, a technique is suggested that the remaining tape is calculated by sensing a take-up reel pulse and a supply reel pulse, which in turn are converted into analog voltages to be compared with a preset voltage, thereby changing the recording speed. However, since the recording speed changing point is adapted by detecting an analog voltage in accordance with a preset value, malfunction frequently occurs when a inaccurate reference voltages are set by the user.

Apparatus and method for automatically adjusting recording speed of a recorder


A device and method are provided for clamping and severing a compressible structure containing a fluid. A clamp having a pair of arms is secured in a clamped position about the structure so that the fluid between the arms is forced outward therefrom. A cutting assembly coupled to the clamp cuts through the pair of arms while in the clamped position to form first and second separated clamps that remain in the clamped position. As a result, the structure is severed and clamped without fluid discharge.

The severing of a fluid-filled compressible structure typically involves fluid loss from one or both sides of the severed structure. In most instances, the fluid loss is not desirable. Accordingly, some form of clamping of the structure takes place prior to the severing thereof. One example of this is the umbilical cord of a newly-delivered baby which must be severed shortly after delivery. For years, this process has been accomplished by clamping the cord at two separated positions therealong. The physician, father or other attendant then cut the cord between the two clamps. The limitations or drawbacks of this process are related to the convenience, speed and safety of the process.
In terms of convenience, three separate motions are required to clamp (twice) and then sever the umbilical cord. Further, a separate instrument must be handled by each motion thereby increasing the number of instruments that must be accessible on an instrument tray. In terms of speed, each separate motion requires valuable seconds at a time when even one or two seconds can be critical to the newborn's well-being. In terms of safety, the umbilical cord between the two separated clamps is under increased hydrostatic pressure. Thus, regardless of how little a gap there is between the two clamps, blood can be sprayed indiscriminately when the cord is cut. With today's concerns over blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis viruses, etc.), even a little blood discharge can be a problem for physicians, nurses and all other people present at the delivery.
In efforts to improve the process of cutting the umbilical cord, a variety of clamping and cutting devices have been developed. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,886, a hand-held device includes two clamps that are held together in a side-by-side relationship by a shear pin. A cutting blade located between the two clamps is used to cut the cord clamped by the two clamps. The single device clamps and cuts with the same motion thereby addressing the convenience and speed issues outlined above. However, safety is still a concern as the gap between the two clamps contains blood under pressure that will be discharged when the cord is cut.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,840, a similar structure to that just described is disclosed. An additional feature includes splash guards to prevent blood from splashing in the direction of surrounding individuals. While the safety concern is addressed in that the indiscriminate spraying of blood is prevented, the fact remains that blood will be discharged when the umbilical cord is cut.

Compressible structure clamping and cutting


Semiconductor devices having multiple substrates and die stacks, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device includes a package substrate, and a first die stack mounted on the package substrate and including a plurality of first memory dies. The device can include a substrate mounted on the first die stack, the substrate including a plurality of routing elements. The device can also include a second die stack mounted on the substrate, the second die stack including a plurality of second memory dies. The device can further include a controller die mounted on the substrate. The controller die can be configured to communicate with the second die stack via the routing elements of the substrate. The device can include a mold material encapsulating the first die stack, the second die stack, the substrate, and the controller die.

Packaged semiconductor dies, including memory chips, microprocessor chips, and imager chips, typically include a semiconductor die mounted on a substrate and encased in a protective covering. The semiconductor die can include functional features, such as memory cells, processor circuits, and imager devices, as well as bond pads electrically connected to the functional features. The bond pads can be electrically connected to terminals outside the protective covering to allow the semiconductor die to be connected to higher level circuitry.
Market pressures continually drive semiconductor manufacturers to reduce the size of die packages to fit within the space constraints of electronic devices, while also driving them to increase the functional capacity of each package to meet operating parameters. One approach for increasing the processing power of a semiconductor package without substantially increasing the surface area covered by the package (the package's "footprint") is to vertically stack multiple semiconductor dies on top of one another in a single package. The dies in such vertically-stacked packages can be electrically coupled to each other and/or to a substrate via wires, interconnects, or other conductive structures. However, conventional techniques for routing signals to and from vertically-stacked semiconductor dies may rely on complicated multilayered routing structures within a single package substrate, which may result in reduced signal integrity, larger package sizes, and increased manufacturing costs.

Semiconductor devices with multiple substrates and die stacks


Hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, wherein an automatic transmission disposed between a drive wheel of the vehicle and a drive power source including an engine and an electric motor is controlled by a shift control device, to change the speed ratio according to a normal shift pattern in a normal vehicle operating state, and according to a special shift pattern in a predetermined special vehicle operating state such that the speed ratio according to the special shift pattern is smaller than the speed ratio according to the normal shift pattern, and wherein at least the engine is selected by a substitute drive power source selecting device, as the drive power source for driving the vehicle in the special operating state in which the automatic transmission is controlled according to the special shift pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, which has shift control means for controlling an automatic transmission to change its speed ratio, according to a predetermined normal shift pattern determined to drive the motor vehicle with an optimum drive force, in a normal operating state of the vehicle, and according to a predetermined special shift pattern in a predetermined special operating state of the vehicle such that the speed ration of the automatic transmission controlled according to the special shift pattern is smaller than the speed ratio controlled according to the normal shift pattern. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with techniques for assuring a sufficient vehicle drive force in the special operating state in which the automatic transmission is controlled according to the special shift pattern.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
An example of such a hybrid vehicle drive system is disclosed in JP-A-7-67208, which includes as a drive power source an engine operated by combustion of a fuel and an electric motor operated with an electric energy a drive power, and an automatic transmission disposed between the drive power source and a drive wheel of the vehicle.
A hybrid vehicle drive system has different operating modes which are selectively established so as to minimize the fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. For instance, the operating modes include: an engine drive mode in which only the engine is used as the drive power source; a motor drive mode in which only the electric motor is used as the drive power source; an engine-motor drive mode in which both the engine and the electric motor are used as the drive power source; and an engine drive and charging mode in which the motor vehicle is driven by the engine while the electric motor is operated by the engine as an electric generator or dynamo, for charging an electric energy storage device which is provided to store an electric energy used by the electric motor to drive the motor vehicle.
The automatic transmission provided in such a hybrid vehicle drive system may be an automatic transmission having a plurality of operating positions having respective different speed ratios (input speed/output speed), which are selectively established by selective engagement and disengagement of clutches and brakes. Alternatively, the automatic transmission may be a continuously variable transmission whose speed ratio is continuously variable. The hybrid drive system has shift control means for controlling the automatic transmission to change its speed ratio, so as to drive the vehicle with an optimum drive force, according to a predetermined normal shift pattern on the basis of suitable parameters such as an operating amount of an accelerator pedal and a running speed of the vehicle. This normal shift pattern is used in the normal operating state of the vehicle, without a failure associated with the shifting of the automatic transmission.
The automatic transmission may fail to establish a given operating position due to a failure or defect of a solenoid-operated shift control valve or any other component. To cope with this failure, it is proposed to arrange the shift control means so that the automatic transmission is controlled according to a predetermined special shift pattern in a special operating state of the vehicle, namely, when a given operating position of the automatic transmission cannot be correctly established. According to the special shift pattern, the speed ratio of the automatic transmission is controlled to be smaller than that determined according to the normal shift pattern. An example of this type of shift control means is disclosed in JP-B-61-58694.
Where the second-speed position of the automatic transmission cannot be established, for example, the automatic transmission cannot be shifted up from the first-speed position to the second-speed position, and cannot be shifted down from the third-speed position to the second-speed position. In this case, the automatic transmission controlled according to the special shift pattern is shifted up from the first-speed position to the third-speed position whose speed ratio is smaller than that of the second-speed position, even when the automatic transmission should be shifted to the second-speed position according to the normal shift pattern. Alternatively, the automatic transmission controlled according to the special shift pattern remains in the third-speed position, even when the automatic transmission should be shifted down to the second-speed position according to the normal shift pattern. Since the second-speed position cannot be established when the automatic transmission should be shifted up or down to the second-speed position, the drive force for driving the motor vehicle tends to be insufficient when the automatic transmission is controlled according to the special shift pattern in the special operating state of the vehicle (i.e., upon some failure of the transmission). Namely, the transmission is undesirably shifted up from the first-speed position directly to the third-speed position even when the running condition of the vehicle (operation amount of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle running speed) requires the transmission to be shifted to the second-speed position, or alternatively, undesirably remains in the third-speed position even when the running condition of the vehicle requires the transmission to be shifted down from the third-speed position to the second-speed position. Thus, the vehicle drive force is likely to be insufficient according to the special shift pattern.
The above problem is also encountered where the automatic transmission is a continuously variable transmission.

Hybrid vehicle drive system having means for using at least engine as drive power source in special vehicle operating state, to assure sufficient drive force


The execution environment provides for scalability where components will execute in parallel and exploit various patterns of parallelism. Dataflow applications are represented by reusable dataflow graphs called map components, while the executable version is called a prepared map. Using runtime properties the prepared map is executed in parallel with a thread allocated to each map process. The execution environment not only monitors threads, detects and corrects deadlocks, logs and controls program exceptions, but also data input and output ports of the map components are processed in parallel to take advantage of data partitioning schemes. Port implementation supports multi-state null value tokens to more accurately report exceptions. Data tokens are batched to minimize synchronization and transportation overhead and thread contention.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for managing data which includes data transformation, such as data warehousing, data analysis or similar applications. In particular, the invention relates to an execution environment where reusable map components will execute in parallel and exploit various patterns of parallelism.
2. Description of the Related Art
The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion within this section.
Business processes are collecting ever-increasing amounts of data. The number of interaction points where data is collected is increasing and the amount of data collected at each point is increasing. Collected data is being retained for longer periods of time resulting in continual database growth. Data processing in a business process takes a variety of forms, such as data warehousing, decision support software, analytical software, customer relationship management. Such data processing invariably involves transforming the data for use.
Business processes are also increasingly going "real-time." This trend has an interesting side effect. As business processes become more dependent on near continuous refresh of data, they become less tolerant of transition periods.
Refresh transition occurs when the data changes. Multiple, related sets of data from multiple sources must be refreshed in a consistent manner with respect to time. The more dependent business processes are on up-to-date data, the smaller the time windows for updates. Decreasing time windows in conjunction with increasing amounts of data presents a process execution scalability problem.
Schema transition occurs when the type of data collected changes. Business processes and partnerships evolve and integrate in unpredictable ways. The more dependent business processes are on up-to-date data, the smaller the time windows for implementing change. That is, scalability is not limited by physical storage of data, but by applications to transform the data for business use. This presents a process development scalability problem, as well as an execution scalability problem. The challenge then is to lower the cost of development of data routing and transformation applications while at the same time, providing scaleable execution environments to respond to the ever increasing data flows and shrinking response time windows.
Dataflow graphs are widely recognized as an effective means to specify data processing software. Their value lies in the succinct presentation and explicit definition of data transfers as the data progresses through a chain of transformation processes. Such dataflow graphs typically represent transformation processes as nodes having input and output ports, with the connections between nodes represented by arcs specifying sources and destinations for data transfer. The nodes may be hierarchical, with a single node at a high level representing a summary of a dataflow graph which can be decomposed into lower-level nodes and arcs, until primitive data transformations are presented at the lowest level of the hierarchy. The dataflow representation is found to be especially apt for multi-threaded execution environments such as parallel processing.
With the wider availability of parallel processing, such as shared-memory multiprocessor (SMP) machines, clustered or distributed machines connected by networks, and single CPU machines executing multiple threads, the need for cost-effective and time-efficient programming methods for such execution environments is becoming increasingly important. The current state of the art in computer architecture design is shifting towards hyper-parallel computing. All the major CPU providers have embraced two trends, hyper-threading, and multiple core chips.
Hyper-threading is the ability for a single CPU core to execute multiple threads simultaneously by interleaving them in the hardware's instruction pipeline. The typical CPU instruction pipeline has grown in length such that a single thread cannot keep the pipeline full. Interleaving instructions from multiple threads is the logical next step.
Multiple core chips are the result of ever increasing chip real estate due to shrinking circuit size. It is equivalent to shrinking a multiple processor SMP server onto a single piece of silicon. For example, Sun Microsystems plans to have a single chip with 8 cores, with each core capable of executing 4 threads simultaneously. This is the equivalent of a 32-processor machine on 1 chip. This would enable a 64-processor machine to execute 64*32=2048 threads in parallel. Server hardware performance is set to expand rapidly for those applications that can take advantage of hyper-parallel computing.
As used herein, "multi-threading" is intended to include multiple core architectures, i.e. a distinction is not made between parallel processing architectures such as SMP machines or a single CPU machine executing multiple threads. The current invention is applicable to all parallel processing architectures, e.g. a "thread" might be a process on a CPU in a multi-core SMP machine.
The future of data integration will require both scalability in process execution and also scalability in process development. Parallel processing is a primary approach to execution scalability yet it typically increases the complexity of development. The paradox arises from the requirement of developing robust, complex, parallel applications in ever diminishing time frames.
Since they are found to be effective, dataflow graphs have been used for both the specification and design of computer software as well as for documentation, user application training, and supporting code maintenance or modification activities. Further attempts have been made to use dataflow graphs as the basis for code synthesis. The goal has been to design the software using the dataflow graph representation and then use the resulting graphs to synthesize code for execution by associating software library functions in imperative languages or objects in declarative languages with the nodes of the dataflow graph. Difficulties encountered with prior implementations are limited flexibility/expressive power in component linking such that 1) Not all repeating dataflow patterns can be encapsulated in reusable components such that end users quite often have to "reinvent" those patterns in each application. 2) Sub-partitioning hierarchical dataflows becomes prohibitively expensive when attempting to utilize alternative dimensions of parallelism.
The result has been that while dataflow graphs are widely used for system specification and design, and attempts have been made to synthesize code from such dataflow graphs, the two goals of process development scalability and process execution scalability have yet to be simultaneously achieved.
Previous attempts to synthesize code directly from dataflow graphs achieve execution scalability but do so only in limited cases where the dimensions of parallelism exploited match well with the limited degrees of parallelism exposed. Many real world cases are excluded due to the limited flexibility/expressive power in component linking thus impacting reuse and ultimately development scalability.
Alternatively the production code is sometimes written in a separate process from the dataflow design stage. Such an approach is acceptable if the pace of business process change is slow enough to allow high-performance production code to be written, by hand, after the system design is complete.
There exists, however, a significant and growing class of data intensive high-performance applications where both approaches above are unacceptable. That is, there is a significant class of applications for which the delay between requirements change and working high-performance implementation must be minimized. These are the applications that are based on the growing flood of real-time data. When schema transition of real-time data occurs, the business processes dependent on that data cannot go off-line. New implementations, based on the new schema, must be available. The development of high-performance production code must not become the bottleneck in real-time business process change. In these cases, both the cost and time for creation of the code and its execution time must be held to a minimum. To minimize the cost and time of code creation, a generic hierarchical dataflow representation of the system must be retained at design time. This representation must be then be automatically transformed into a parallel, type-specific, non-hierarchical representation for efficient execution.
An example of a dataflow graph development system is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,729. An example of a deadlock resolution system in a multi-threaded environment is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,716. Deadlock detection and correction in process networks are known, see, R. Stevens, M. Wan, P. Laramie, I. Parks & L. Lee, Implementation of Process Networks in Java, PNpaper.pdf July 1997. An example of a parallel programming environment is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,265. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference.
It would therefore be a significant advantage if the cost-effectiveness of the graphical dataflow representation for design could be used to synthesize executable code with performance adequate for short-term production.

System for deadlock condition detection and correction by allowing a queue limit of a number of data tokens on the queue to increase


A semiconductor device includes: a memory cell; a precharge circuit; a negative potential applying circuit; and a sense amplifier. The memory cell is connected to a first bit line and store data. The precharge circuit is connected to the first and second bit lines and precharges the first and second bit lines to a ground potential. The negative potential applying circuit is connected to the first bit line and applies a negative potential to the first bit line. The sense amplifier is connected to the first and second bit lines and read data based on a difference between a first potential of the first bit line and a second potential of the second bit line. An absolute value of the negative potential is smaller than the difference between the first potential and the second potential.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of operating thereof, and particularly, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a circuit, which is used for a memory, and a method of operating thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
A semiconductor integrated circuit having a memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated therein has been known. In recent years, in response to the demand of low power consumption, a semiconductor integrated circuit is progressing in lowering of a power source voltage. In response to the demands of this, an embedded DRAM also is progressing in lowering of a power source voltage. However, as lowering of a power source voltage progresses, a threshold voltage of an MOS transistor comes close to a power source voltage, so that there is a possibility that a fast read of the embedded DRAM is difficult. As a technique dealing with this, a DRAM with a ground-precharge configuration has been known.
For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application JP-P2004-265533A (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,914,840(B2)) discloses a semiconductor memory circuit. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a semiconductor memory circuit of JP-P2004-265533A. This semiconductor memory circuit 101 includes a memory cell 102, a dummy cell 104, a precharge circuit 108, and a sense amplifier 106. The memory cell 102 includes a first capacitor 111 and a first transistor Qc. The first capacitor 111 accumulates electric charges corresponding to memory data. The first transistor Qc is connected to a word line WL at a gate, is connected to a first bit line BT at one of source/drain regions, and is connected to a first capacitor 111 at the other of the source/drain regions. The dummy cell 104 includes a second capacitor 112, a second transistor Qr1, and a third transistor Qr2. The second capacitor 112 has a smaller capacitance than that of the first capacitor 111. The second transistor Qr1 is connected to a dummy word line WR at a gate, is connected to a second bit line BN at one of source/drain regions, and is connected to a second capacitor 112 at the other of the source/drain regions. The third transistor Qr2 electrically connects the second capacitor 112 to a voltage line WRP supplying a first voltage in response to a precharge signal when the dummy word line WR is inactive. The precharge circuit 108 precharges first and second bit lines BT and BN to a second voltage when the word line WL and the dummy word line WR are inactive. The sense amplifier 106 detects a potential difference between the first and second bit lines BT and BN when the word line WL and the dummy word line WR are activated and the first and second capacitors 111 and 112 are electrically connected to the first and second bit lines BT and BN, respectively. Then, the sense amplifier 106 amplifies voltages of the first and second bit lines BT and BN to the first and second voltages or the second and first voltages, respectively, when the sense amplifier 106. All of the transitions from an inactive voltage level into an active voltage level of the word line WL and the dummy word line WR are directed from the second voltage to the first voltage.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing an operation of the semiconductor memory circuit of JP-P2004-265533A. It is perceived that this semiconductor memory circuit is operated as follows. During a precharge period (as well as before a word selection period), a precharge line PDL is activated (VDD), and the first and second bit lines BT and BN are precharged to a ground voltage by the precharge circuit 108. In addition, a voltage line WRP is activated (VPP), and the second capacitor 112 (a capacitance Cs) is charged via the transistor Qr2. After that, during the word selection period, the word line WL is activated (VPP), and electric charges of the first capacitor 111 (a capacitance CS) is supplied to the first bit line BT via the transistor Qc. As a result, in the case where the electric charges are accumulated in the first capacitor 111 corresponding to the data, a potential of the first bit line BT is BT (H). On the other hand, in the case where the electric charges are not accumulated in the first capacitor 111 corresponding to the data, the potential of the first bit line BT is BT (L): GND. In this case, the dummy word line WR is also activated (VPP), and the electric charges of the second capacitor 112 are supplied to the second bit line BN via the transistor Qr1. As a result, the potential of the second bit line BN is an intermediate potential between BT (H) and BT (L). In other words, BT (H)−BN=BN−BT (L)=ΔV is established. Here, ΔV is determined based on a [bit line capacity Cb]/Cs. After that, the sense amplifier 106 is activated (VDD). As a result, when the potential of the first bit line BT is BT(H), BT(H) is made to increase to VDD. In addition, since the potential of the second bit line BN is BN(H), BN(H) is made to decrease to GND. On the other hand, when the potential of the first bit line BT is BT(L), BT(L) remains GND. In addition, since the potential of the second bit line BN is BN(L), BN(L) is made to increase to VDD.
However, we have now discovered the following facts. According to the semiconductor memory circuit of the above-mentioned JP-P2004-265533A, it is considered that three wiring lines including the dummy word line WR for reading the dummy cell 104, the voltage line WRP for precharging, and the word line WL of the memory cell 102 need to be driven at VPP (or a voltage close to VPP>VDD: positive) that is an activated level and at VBB (negative) that is an inactivated level. A current efficiency of a power source for supplying these both voltages is low, and the percentage of the electric power thereof is forty percent or more in the entire electric power to be consumed on the read operation, which is a largest ratio item. Therefore, in the semiconductor device having the memory circuit, a technique capable of reducing the power consumption is expected.
In addition, on a read operation of the memory cell 102, a potential of BN is raised by ΔV. In this case, a limit of a low voltage operation of the sense amplifier 106 depends on whether or not the gate voltages to be applied to PMOS transistors Q1 and Q3 in the sense amplifier 106 are sufficiently high for the threshold voltage Vth of these transistors. A gate voltage to be applied in this case is (VDD−ΔV), so that (VDD−ΔV)>Vth is an operating limit of the PMOS transistors Q1 and Q3. Here, the semiconductor integrated circuit having the embedded DRAM is made to reduce the power consumption by lowering of the power source voltage VDD of a logic circuit. In this case, if the VDD is lowered, (VDD−ΔV) approaches to Vth, and this causes a danger that an operating rate of the sense amplifier 106 is lowered. In addition, if the VDD is lowered, the influence of ΔV is increased and it is danger that variation of ΔV influences stability of the operation, because ΔV is changed due to variation of Cb/Cs that is easily influenced by the production tolerance. In the semiconductor device having the memory circuit, a technique capable of stably carrying out the read operation while lowering the power source voltage is required.

Semiconductor device and method of operating thereof


Automatically re-authenticating a computing device seeking access to a network or a resource. A method comprises forwarding a request received from the computing device to an authentication device to enable the authentication device to authenticate the computing device using a full-authentication mechanism. State information related to authenticating the computing device is created from authenticating the computing device. The state information is received and stored. For example, an authenticator device that forwarded the initial authentication request from the computing device to the authentication device receives and stores the state information. The computing device is re-authenticated using the stored state information without again contacting the authentication device.

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Computing devices that access resources over a network are commonly subjected to an authentication process. The authentication process determines whether a device requesting access to the network, or to a particular resource, actually is the device that it purports to be. If the device is authenticated, then depending on its identity, role, and other policy data, the device may be permitted to access the network, or selected resources within the network.
Wireless local area networks such as those that use an 802.1x protocol for wireless communications now commonly use some form of user authentication protocol. For example, Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), as defined in IETF RFC 2284, may be used. In EAP over LAN authentication, a wireless client device, such as a laptop computer, that is seeking to obtain network access is termed a supplicant. An AAA server provides user authentication services to an access device or authenticator, typically a router, which intercepts requests of the supplicant; the access device has the role of a client with respect to the AAA server.
Providing authentication services with an AAA server, or the like, allows centralization of policy decisions. Moreover, having a centralized AAA server avoids attacks from access points. However, performing authentication involves communicating numerous messages between the supplicant and the AAA server. If the supplicant requires re-authentication, the same process with multiple round-trip messages is used. This is time-consuming and computationally expensive. As a result, this approach is undesirable for mobile devices that frequently cross boundaries of wireless networks.
This approach is particularly unworkable because re-authentication can be triggered by numerous events. For example, re-authentication is typically required whenever the supplicant device is powered up or rebooted, when a user logs off the supplicant device, when the supplicant device is moved to a new access point, or when the supplicant device moves in and out of range of an access point. In addition, partial or unintended authentication may take place if the supplicant device is temporarily or transiently brought in or out of range of an access point.
Based on the foregoing, there is a clear need for an improved method for re-authenticating devices in networks. There is a specific need for an improved method for efficiently re-authenticating devices that use wireless networks. There is also a need for an approach for efficiently re-authenticating supplicant devices that use wireless networks that eliminates performing unnecessary round-trip messages whenever re-authentication is needed. There is also a need for an approach that can reduce processing and network load on the authentication infrastructure.

Method and apparatus for re-authentication of a computing device using cached state


Metrology systems and methods for lithography processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a mask having a plurality of corner rounding test patterns formed thereon. A first semiconductor device is provided, and a layer of photosensitive material of the first semiconductor device is patterned with a plurality of corner rounding test features using the mask and a lithography process. An amount of corner rounding of the lithography process is measured by analyzing the plurality of corner rounding test features relative to other of the plurality of corner rounding test features formed on the layer of photosensitive material of the semiconductor device. The lithography process or the mask is altered in response to the amount of corner rounding measured, and a second semiconductor device is provided. The second semiconductor device is affected using the altered lithography process or the altered mask.

Generally, semiconductor devices are used in a variety of electronic applications, such as computers, cellular phones, personal computing devices, and many other applications. Semiconductor devices are manufactured by depositing many different types of material layers over a semiconductor workpiece or wafer, and patterning the various material layers using lithography. The material layers typically comprise thin films of conductive, semiconductive, and insulating materials that are patterned and etched to form integrated circuits (ICs). There may be a plurality of transistors, memory devices, switches, conductive lines, diodes, capacitors, logic circuits, and other electronic components formed on a single die or chip, for example.
Optical photolithography involves projecting or transmitting light through a pattern made of optically opaque or translucent areas and optically clear or transparent areas on a mask or reticle onto a layer of photosensitive material deposited over a wafer. For many years in the semiconductor industry, optical lithography techniques such as contact printing, proximity printing, and projection printing have been used to pattern material layers of integrated circuits. Lens projection systems and transmission lithography masks are used for patterning, wherein light is passed through the lithography mask to impinge upon a semiconductor wafer or workpiece.
Although assist features such as serifs are often included in patterns to improve the pattern transfer from a lithography mask to a semiconductor device, in many designs, it is desirable for a pattern on a lithography mask to be transferred having exactly the same image as the pattern on the semiconductor device. However, due to diffraction, reflection, and other effects that can occur in a lithography process, rounding of corners of features patterned on a semiconductor device often occurs, which is referred to as "corner rounding." Corner rounding may vary in lithography systems, due to the type of photoresist used, the wavelength of light or energy used in the exposure process, and other parameters of the lithography process, for example.
It is desirable to determine the amount of corner rounding of a particular lithography process, in order to assess the required amount of tolerancing and other factors that impact semiconductor device performance and yields, for example. Current methods of measuring corner rounding involve taking a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image or photograph from a top view of a semiconductor device having functioning features formed therein, and manually measuring the amount of corner rounding of the functional features of the semiconductor device on the photograph. For example, a ruler is used to physically measure the corner rounding on the photograph. However, these methods are performed by human operators and they are subjective measurements, thus the measurements are prone to errors and variations. The manual measurements of the corner rounding in the SEM photographs are also time-consuming.
Thus, what are needed in the art are improved methods of measuring corner rounding of lithography processes used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices.


Provided is a Bone Cutting Guide (BCG) for facilitating the cutting of a patent's bones that may include an outer shell, comprising an upper shell; and a lower shell; a left guidance sphere, comprising a first plurality of pin guidance holes; and a first guide surface; a right guidance sphere, comprising a second plurality of pin guidance holes; and a second guide surface, wherein the left and right guidance spheres are positioned between the upper and lower shells; and a plurality of fasteners configured to hold the upper and lower shells together and, when tightened, secure the left guidance sphere and right guidance sphere into selected positions.

With current technology, during surgery to either correct a bone deformity or repair a bone in the event of trauma, surgeon and residents must cut bone without any guide, or "free hand." Typically, two portions of a bone must be cut and then grafted together. In one scenario, the two cuts should ideally be as close to parallel as possible so that two portions that remain fit together accurately. In a different scenario, two bones may need to be cut to a specific relative angle to each other to correct a particular deformity. Free hand cuts may often not be the exact specific angles that are required. Once a bone has been cut in such situations, there are few remedies in the event the cut has been incorrectly or inaccurately executed.


A method is described for the formation of an active catalyst system for use in the in-line bulk polymerization of polydienes. The method provides a homogeneous, active catalyst system which is capable of being transported to a polymerization reactor for use without causing blockages in piping, thereby saving time and production costs. The catalyst system is formed in-line in a continuous method to avoid prolonged storage periods of the catalyst that can otherwise lead to degradation and disposal of the aged catalyst system.

Polydienes may be produced through the process of bulk polymerization, also known as mass polymerization, wherein a conjugated diene monomer is polymerized in the absence or substantial absence of any solvent, and the monomer itself effectively acts as the diluent. Bulk polymerization has many advantages, one of which is that the absence or substantial absence of solvent equates to less contaminants, less reactants, and a simplified purification process. The solventless feature of bulk polymerization also provides environmental advantages in that emissions and waste water pollution are reduced. Thus, bulk polymerization is favorable because it can cut production time and costs.
Despite the attractive advantages, bulk polymerization reactions require careful monitoring. Bulk polymerizations are highly exothermic. Moreover, in the absence of solvent, the bulk polymerization mixture becomes very viscous and requires strong stirring equipment. These properties make temperature control troublesome. Without careful supervision, hot spots, which promote product degradation, gelation, and discoloration, may occur. In severe instances, exothermic reactions associated with bulk polymerization may lead to "run away" reactions.
In order to exploit the attractive advantages of bulk polymerization, improvements to the process are being continually developed. For example, catalysts have been used to facilitate economically favorable reaction speeds and to slow polymerization reaction enough to regulate heat and promote safety.
Many catalysts used in bulk polymerization are prepared in a single batch. Catalysts formed in this manner are usually unstable and degrade over time, which often results in a loss of activity and an increase in the costs and duration of polymer production, especially during unexpected shutdowns. Moreover, many catalysts prepared in a single batch are temporarily heterogeneous. Such heterogeneous mixtures can cause blockages in piping and prevent transport in in-line polymerization systems.
It is an objective of the present disclosure to alleviate or overcome one or more difficulties related to the prior art. It has been found that a step-wise catalyst synthesis process can beneficially modify the catalyst's phase, decrease the likelihood of blockages, and avoid degradation in the in-line bulk polymerization of polydienes.

Methods to prepare catalysts for in-line bulk polymerization


A waste storage and removal assembly for use with a waste chute under a sink wherein a carrier for a waste container is pivoted from positions outside and under the sink as well as raised and lowered in conjunction with a sealing member of the waste chute. The waste removal assembly is easily connected to a sink cabinet beneath the sink and is entirely accommodated therein so that no portion is visible when the waste container is stored thereunder. In an especially preferred form, the waste assembly is particularly suited for use with a chute connected to a saddle portion of a two basin sink which also has a drain control in the saddle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to sinks which provide for temporary storage of items to be recycled.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Concerns for the environment have placed new demands on the disposal of garbage. The use of waste removal systems which provide for the storage of recyclable items in a receptacle in conjunction with a sink are well known. For example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,635,361 and 4,689,840 there are disclosed guide rail systems for waste containers. Systems for pivoting waste containers inwardly and outwardly from under sinks are also well known. These are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 330,892; 1,207,598; 1,830,781; 2,067,983; and 2,172,188.
A problem with such systems is odor. In addition to providing movement of a waste container inwardly and outwardly from under a sink, a movement system should be capable of also providing a tight seal between the waste container and a waste chute. Moreover, when removal is desired, it should be easy to access the recyclables. Such a system should also be operable with the fewest component parts. Further, it should be easy to install and repair.
In keeping with aesthetic objectives, it is also preferable that all component parts be hidden from view when a container utilized in conjunction with the system is not being emptied. It is also desirable that the sink be of as compact a size as possible.


An input video signal is corrected based on a gradation correction curve. Generated first is histogram data which indicates distribution of each of a plurality of levels at which a luminance signal component of the input video signal is divided from the lowest to the highest luminance level per specific unit of image. Produced next is at least a first gain based on the distribution of the histogram data. At least the first gain and the histogram data are processed to produce a plural number of data for a gradation correction curve. The gradation correction curve is generated based on the plural number of data. The input video signal is then corrected based on the gradation correction curve.

The present invention relates to a video signal processor and a method of processing video signals.
Video signals are processed with gamma characteristics before broadcast to display apparatus having cathode ray tubes (CRT). CRT display apparatus process these video signals with reverse gamma characteristics to display images with linear gradation.
Different from CRT display apparatus, plasma display panels (PDP) and liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus, both types having linear gradation, apply gamma correction to video signals processed with gamma characteristics to process the signals with reverse gamma characteristics for displaying images with linear gradation.
Not only achieving linear gradation, gamma correction is applied to video signals to make corrections to gamma curves constituted by input luminance signals Y-IN and output luminance signals Y-OUT in image-quality adjustments.
One example of a gamma curve for image-quality adjustments is called an S-curve such as shown in FIG. 1. D.C. components may be added (characteristics "a") to or subtracted (characteristics "b") from the S-curve, as shown in FIG. 2, to control brightness of black or white in gradation adjustments. The characteristics shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be combined, if necessary.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-27285 discloses gradation correction with no suppression of gain and gamma curve in spite of the scale of dynamic range.
In known video signal processing with gamma correction, however, a gamma curve is a predetermined fixed curve. In contrast, images carried by video signals vary with time. Thus, correction with such a fixed gamma curve cannot offer optimum image quality constantly.

Video signal processor and method of processing video signal


A transformation restricting mechanism is configured to change a resisting force between a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a caliper that are configured to be displaced relative to each other. The first connecting member includes a turn supporting portion supported by a first shock absorbing device. The second connecting member includes a turn supporting portion supported by a second shock absorbing device. The turn supporting portion is supported by the first shock absorbing device closer to a first center axis than an intermediate axis which is coincident with a turning axis of a steering shaft when the vehicle body frame is in an upright state. The turn supporting portion is supported by the second shock absorbing device closer to a second center axis than the intermediate axis when the vehicle body frame is in an upright state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a leanable body frame and two front wheels.
2. Description of the Related Art
A known vehicle includes a vehicle body frame that is leanable leftward or rightward when the vehicle is cornering, and two front wheels that are arranged side by side in a left-right direction of the vehicle body frame (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313876, German Patent Publication No. 10 2010 052716, U.S. Pat. No. D547,2425, and Catalogo partidi ricambio, MP3 300 ie LT Mod. ZAPM64102, Piaggio).
The vehicle equipped with the leanable body frame and the two front wheels includes a link mechanism. The link mechanism includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member. In addition, the link mechanism includes a right side rod which supports right end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and a left side rod which supports left end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member. Intermediate portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member are supported by the vehicle body frame in a location directly in front of a steering shaft. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are supported by the body frame so as to turn about axes that extend substantially in a front-and-rear direction of the body frame. The upper cross member and the lower cross member turn relative to the body frame as the body frame leans such that the relative positions of the two front wheels in the up-and-down direction change. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are provided directly above the two front wheels in the up-down direction of the body frame when the body frame is in an upright state.
The vehicle including the leanable vehicle body frame and the two front wheels further includes a right shock absorbing device which supports the right front wheel so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame, and a left shock absorbing device which supports the left front wheel so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame. The right shock absorbing device is supported by the right side rod so as to be turnable about the axis of the right side rod. The left shock absorbing device is supported by a left side rod so as to be turnable about the axis of the left side rod. The vehicle described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313876 and German Patent Publication No. 10 2010 052716 further includes a handlebar, a steering shaft, and a turn transmitting mechanism. The handlebar is secured to the steering shaft. The steering shaft is supported to be turnable with respect to the vehicle body frame. When the handlebar is turned, the steering shaft also turns. The turn transmitting mechanism transmits the turning of the steering shaft rightward shock absorbing device and the left shock absorbing device.
The vehicle including the leanable body frame and the two front wheels includes many on-board components which are provided on the periphery of the steering shaft. The on-board components include lamps such as a headlamp, a radiator, a reservoir tank, electric components such as a horn, a main switch of the vehicle, a storage box, a storage pocket and the like.
The vehicles described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313876 and German Patent Publication No. 10 2010 052716 include a resisting force changing mechanism. The resisting force changing mechanism restricts the leaning of the vehicle body frame and a change in relative position of the two front wheels in the up-down direction of the vehicle body frame by increasing a resisting force against the operation of the link mechanism.
In the vehicle described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313876, the resisting force changing mechanism includes a brake disc and a caliper. The brake disc is fixed to the upper cross member which defines the link mechanism. The caliper changes the resisting force that is exerted on the operation of the link mechanism by controlling the frictional force between the caliper and the brake disc. The caliper is attached to a portion of the vehicle body frame which is located above the upper cross member. The link mechanism operates when the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism is zero or small. In the case of the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism being large, the operation of the link mechanism is restricted or stopped. In the case of the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism being zero or small, the brake disc and the upper cross member move together relative to the vehicle body frame.
In the vehicle described in German Patent Publication No. 10 2010 052716, the resisting force changing mechanism includes a rod, a piston that is provided at one end of the rod, and a cylinder in which the piston moves. In the resisting force changing mechanism, the rod extends or contracts relative to the cylinder as a result of the piston moving within the cylinder. The rod stays stationary relative to the cylinder as a result of the piston being stopped within the cylinder. The other end of the rod is supported by the left rod. The cylinder is supported by the vehicle body frame in a position above the upper cross member. The resisting force changing mechanism operates to change the resisting force against the link mechanism by changing the state of the piston moving within the cylinder. The link mechanism operates when the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism is zero or small. When the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism is large, the operation of the link mechanism is restricted or stopped. The rod and the cylinder also move as the link mechanism operates when the resisting force exerted by the resisting force changing mechanism is zero or small.
The vehicles described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313876 and German Patent Publication No. 10 2010 052716 include the link mechanism that is provided on the periphery of the steering shaft, and this link mechanism moves as the vehicle body frame leans. In addition, the vehicles include, on the periphery of the steering shaft, the resisting force changing mechanism which operates as the vehicle body frame leans and as the link mechanism operates. Accordingly, in the vehicle including the leanable vehicle body frame and the two front wheels, the resisting force changing mechanism needs to be provided so that a movable range of the resisting force changing mechanism does not interfere with a movable range of the link mechanism. Further, in providing on-board components, it is necessary that the on-board components are provided so as to avoid interfering with both the movable range of the link mechanism and the movable range of the resisting force changing mechanism. This tends to enlarge the size of a peripheral construction of the steering shaft in a vehicle that includes a leanable vehicle body frame and two front wheels.