A structure and method of fabricating an interconnect structures with bi-layer metal cap is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an interconnect feature in a dielectric material layer; and forming a bi-layer metallic cap on a top surface of the interconnect feature. The method further includes depositing a blanket layer of a dielectric capping layer, wherein the depositing covers an exposed surface of the dielectric material layer and a surface of the bi-layer metallic cap. The bi-layer metallic cap includes a metal capping layer formed on a conductive surface of the interconnect feature; and a metal nitride formed on a top portion of the metal capping layer. An interconnect structure is also described having an interconnect feature formed in a dielectric layer; a bi-layer metallic cap formed on a top portion of the interconnect feature; and a dielectric capping layer formed over the bi-layer metallic cap.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to the forming of interconnect structures in semiconductor devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a structure and method of forming an interconnect structure with bi-layer metal cap.
2. Description of Related Art
Integrated circuit chips typically include two or more levels of conductive lines which are vertically spaced apart and separated by intermediate insulating layers. Interconnections are formed between the levels of conductive lines in the chip for providing, for example, high wiring density and good thermal performance. The interconnections are formed by means of lines and vias which are etched through the insulating layers separating the levels. The lines and vias are then filled with metal to form interconnect features (i.e. via studs). A typical interconnect structure includes metal vias running perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate and metal lines running parallel to the semiconductor substrate. This process results in multiple levels of conductor wiring interconnection patterns, having individual levels connected by via studs, operating to distribute signals among the various circuits on the chip.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate prior art interconnect or wiring structures including a dielectric layer 12 having a plurality of lines 14a, 14b and 14c formed therein. Lines 14a, 14b and 14c may be formed by first masking an insulating layer with photoresist and then selectively etching a portion of the insulating layer. Using well known photolithographic techniques, lines 14a, 14b and 14c are etched through a cavity formed in the photoresist to form an opening to dielectric layer 12 using isotropic or anisotropic etching processes. Following the etching of lines 14a, 14b and 14c and the removal of the photoresist, a barrier or liner layer 16 is deposited on the bottom and sidewall portions of the lines by means well known in the art. Liner layer 16 includes a material capable of lining the lines so as to prevent the diffusion of later deposited material.
With particular reference to FIG. 1A, lines 14a, 14b and 14c are then filled with a metal layer 18 using deposition techniques well known in the art. Metal layer 18 is then annealed and planarized. Metal layer 18 typically includes a conductive material, usually, Cu. Finally, a dielectric capping layer 20 is deposited over metal layer 18, diffusion barrier 16, and dielectric 12. The completed wiring structure is illustrated by FIG. 1A.
With reference to FIG. 1B, capping layer 20 may include a selectively deposited metal, such as CoWP resulting on a wiring structure having a Cu/metal interference with superior adhesion strength when compared to the typically used Cu/dielectric interface having enhanced electromigration resistance. Despite the improvement in electromigration resistance, however, the use of a metallic capping layer provides an interconnect structure with metallic residue present on a surface of the dielectric material between each conductive feature. This problematic metallic residue is illustrated in FIG. 1B. Specifically, FIG. 1B shows a prior art interconnect structure that includes a dielectric material 12 having conductive features embedded therein. The conductive features include a conductive material 18 which is located within an opening provided in the dielectric material 12. The conductive material 18 is separated from the dielectric material 12 by a diffusion barrier 16. A metallic capping layer 20 is present on the upper exposed surface of each conductive feature, i.e., atop the conductive material 18. As shown, metallic residue 22 forms on the exposed upper surface of the dielectric material 12 during the formation of the metallic capping layer 20. The presence of the metallic residue 22 between each of the conductive features hinders the reliability of the prior art interconnect structure and has delayed using metallic capping layers for the last three generations.
Accordingly, a need exist for a simplified method of forming interconnect structures having a metallic cap which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and which is compatible with existing integration schemes.

Interconnect structure with bi-layer metal cap


A sample storage container of the present invention includes: a storage container (100) that stores a sample (6) under an atmosphere different from an atmosphere of an outside; a diaphragm (10) through which a charged particle beam passes through or transmits; a sample stage (103) that is arranged inside the storage container (100) and that is capable of moving a relative position of the sample (6) to the diaphragm (10) in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction under an atmospheric state where the atmospheric states inside the storage container and outside the storage container are different each other; and an operating section (104) that moves the sample stage (103) from an outside of the storage container (100), wherein the sample storage container is set in a state where the sample (6) is stored in a vacuum chamber of a charged particle beam apparatus.

In order to observe a very small area of an object, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), etc. are used. Generally, in these pieces of apparatus, the air is evacuated from a casing in which a sample is set, to make a sample atmosphere as a vacuum state for capturing an image of the sample. However, a biochemical sample, soft material and the like may be damaged or changed in state in the vacuum. On the other hand, a demand is growing for observing such samples with an electron microscope, which leads to development of sample storage casings with which an observed sample can be observed under atmospheric pressure or in a desired type of gas, SEM apparatus and the like.
These pieces of apparatus, in principle, have a diaphragm or minute holes through which electron beams can transmit, between an electronic optical system and a sample to separate the vacuum state from an atmospheric state. These pieces of apparatus have a diaphragm between the sample and the electronic optical system in common.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sample storage container having a diaphragm through which electron beams transmit on an upper surface side. Reflected electrons or secondary electrons from the sample, which have contacted the diaphragm, are detected for an observation with a SEM. The sample is maintained in a space formed by an annular member arranged around the diaphragm and the diaphragm, and the space is filled with liquid such as water.
In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a SEM in which an electron source side of an electron optical column is arranged to face downward, an object lens side is arranged to face upward, and a diaphragm is arranged via an O-ring on an emitting hole of electron beams at an end of the electron optical column such that the electron beams can transmit. In the invention disclosed in the Patent Document 2, an observed sample is directly set on the diaphragm, and primary electron beams are irradiated from a lower surface of the sample to detect reflected electrons or secondary electrons for an observation with the SEM. The sample is maintained in a space formed by an annular member arranged around the diaphragm and the diaphragm, and the space is filled with liquid such as water.

Sample storage container, charged particle beam apparatus, and image acquiring method


A dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer element and related circuits and methods. The transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a row decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a column decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a bias voltage source coupled to said row decoder, and a driving signal source coupled to said column decoder. Preferably, a master clock also is provided to allow for a synchronization of signals between the row decoder and column decoder.

The present invention relates generally to transducers for ultrasound imaging systems and, more particularly, to dynamically configurable transducers for such systems.
Recently, substantial attention has been directed toward the development and implementation of internal and external ultrasound imaging systems.
Intraluminal, intracavity, intravascular, and intracardiac treatment and diagnosis of medical conditions utilizing minimally invasive procedures is an effective tool in many areas of medical practice. These procedures typically are performed using imaging and treatment catheters that are inserted percutaneously into the body and into an accessible vessel, such as the femoral artery, of the vascular system at a site remote from a region of the body to be diagnosed and/or treated. The catheter then is advanced through the vessels of the vascular system to the region of the body to be diagnosed and/or treated, such as a vessel or an organ. The catheter may be equipped with an imaging device, typically an ultrasound imaging device, which is used to locate and diagnose a diseased portion of the body, such as a stenosed region of an artery.
Intravascular imaging systems having ultrasound imaging capabilities generally are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,677, issued to Crowley, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes such an intravascular ultrasound imaging system. An ultrasound imaging system typically contains some type of control system, a drive shaft, and a transducer assembly including an ultrasound transducer. The transducer assembly includes a transducer element and is coupled to the control system by the drive shaft. The drive shaft typically includes an electrical cable, such as coaxial cable, for providing electrical communication between the control system and the ultrasound transducer.
In operation, the drive shaft and the transducer assembly are inserted, usually within a catheter, into a patient""s body and may be positioned near a remote region of interest. To provide diagnostic scans of the remote region of interest within, for example, a coronary blood vessel, the ultrasound transducer may be positioned near or within the remote region of the patient""s body. Diagnostic scans are created when the control system alternately excites and allows sensing by the ultrasound transducer. The control system may direct the ultrasound transducer toward or away from an area of the remote region. When the ultrasound transducer is excited, a transmitting/receiving surface of the transducer element creates pressure waves in the bodily fluids surrounding the ultrasound transducer. The pressure waves then propagate through the fluids within the patent""s body and ultimately reach the region of interest, forming reflected pressure waves. The reflected pressure waves then return through the fluids within the patient""s body to the transmitting/receiving surface of the transducer element, inducing electrical signals within the transducer element. The control system then may collect the induced electrical signals and may reposition the ultrasound transducer to an adjacent area within the remote region of the patient""s body, again exciting and sensing the transducer element. This process may continue until the remote region has been examined sufficiently and a series of induced signals has been collected. The control system then may process the series of induced signals to derive a diagnostic scan and may display a complete image of the diagnostic scan.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of transducer that may be required, or preferred, for a particular procedure often will vary depending upon the type of procedure to be performed. For example, for some procedures it may be desirable to utilize a transducer with a long, or extended focus, such that areas of tissue remote from the transducer may be imaged clearly, whereas in other procedures it may be desirable to utilize a transducer with a relatively short focus to image, for example, areas of tissue in relatively close proximity to the transducer. Those skilled in the art also will appreciate that, depending upon the type of procedure to be performed, it may be desirable to utilize transducers having the ability to implement certain scanning functions. Finally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in many imaging systems, such as those described above, a transducer will be rotated to perform a scanning function, and that the provision of such capabilities may add significantly to the cost of an imaging system.
In view of the foregoing, it is believed that a need exists for an improved ultrasound transducer that overcomes the aforementioned obstacles and deficiencies of currently available ultrasound transducers. It is further believed that a need exists for a transducer that is dynamically configurable, such that its performance may be dynamically altered to meet the needs of a given application.
In one innovative aspect, the present invention is directed toward a dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer.
In one presently preferred embodiment, the transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a row decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a column decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a bias voltage source coupled to said row decoder, and a driving signal source coupled to said column decoder. Preferably, a master clock also is provided to allow for a synchronization of signals between the row decoder and column decoder.
Using the row decoder, a bias voltage may be applied to selected rows of capacitive transducer elements provided within the array to enable the function of those elements, and thereafter, a driving signal (or stimulus signal) may b e supplied to selected columns of capacitive transducer elements provided within the array. In this fashion, numerous configurations of capacitive transducer elements may be activated for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves within a predetermined medium.
In another presently preferred embodiment, a dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a first pair of row and column decoders for applying a DC bias signal to selected capacitive transducer elements within the array, a second pair of row and column decoders for applying an AC driving signal to selected capacitive transducer elements within the array, and a clock for providing a master clock signal to the first and second pairs of row and column decoders.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different control circuits may be utilized within a dynamically configurable transducer in accordance with the present invention depending upon the performance characteristics needed from the transducer. For example, in alternative embodiments a DC bias signal by be applied to all of the capacitive transducer elements within an array, and a single row or column decoder could be utilized to selectively apply an AC driving signal to desired rows, or columns, with the array. Alternatively, a single row or column decoder circuit could be used to selectively couple both the DC bias signal and the AC driving signal to desired rows, or columns, of transducer elements within the array.
In another innovative aspect, the present invention is directed toward systems and methods for dynamically configuring an ultrasound transducer. Within such methods, a bias voltage, or a combination of a bias voltage and driving voltage, may be used to selectively activate and deactivate capacitive transducer elements provided within an array of such elements. Thus, using systems and methods in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to activate selected rows or columns of capacitive transducer elements in a predetermined sequence within a transducer element array or, alternatively, to enable and activate predetermined geometric configurations of the capacitive transducer elements within the array and in a predetermined sequence. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer in accordance with the present invention may be configured in numerous ways, depending on a desired application or use of the transducer.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer with integral bias regulation and command and control circuitry


A TV receiver, which comprises an image character recognition means to recognize captions included in images of the TV programs as characters, a TV program type determination means to determine types of the TV programs, and an information screen generating means to generate information screens whose form and contents are adapted to each type of the TV programs. A main controller serves as the image character recognition means, the TV program type determination means, and the information screen generating means described above. When storing the TV programs in a hard disk, the main controller recognizes characters included in images of the TV programs and also determines type of the TV programs. After the determination described above, the main controller generates an information screen whose form and contents are adapted to the type of the TV program, which is determined by the TV program type determination means, with using the characters recognized in the recognition process described above, and then displays the information screen on a display.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a television (hereinafter, referred to as "TV") receiver such as a TV receiver with a built-in hard disk drive, and more particularly, it relates to a display of contents which are included in TV programs.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, after watching TV programs on travel, cooking, and so on (abbreviated as "TV programs" hereinafter), users sometimes purchase a publication in which contents of the TV programs are described, review an Internet website for the TV programs, and watch the TV programs again with taking notes to organize and confirm the contents of the TV programs which the users already watched (abbreviated simply as "confirm" or "the confirmation" hereinafter).
FIG. 5 shows an example of a conventional confirmation process carried out by a user to confirm contents of a TV program. Firstly, when there is a publication in which the contents of the TV program watched by the user are described (YES in S101), the user purchases the publication (S102) and confirms the contents of the TV program described in the publication (S103), and then the confirmation is completed. In contrast, when there is no publication in which the contents of the TV program are described (NO in S101), and also when the TV program can be stored in a hard disk recorder or the like (YES in S104), the user stores the TV program in the hard disk recorder or the like (S105). Subsequently, the user searches for desired data in the TV program stored in the hard disk recorder (S106), takes notes of the data searched at the S106 (S107), confirms the contents of the TV program from the notes (S103), and then the confirmation is completed.
When the TV program cannot be stored in the hard disk recorder or the like in the S104 described above (NO in S104), and also when the user can use a personal computer which can be connected to the Internet (YES in S108), the user searches for an Internet website in which the contents of the TV program are described with operating the personal computer (S109). When the user can find out the Internet website after the search (YES in S110), the user confirms the contents of the TV program described in the Internet website (S103), and then the confirmation is completed. In contrast, when the user cannot find out the Internet website at the S109 (NO in S110), the user completes the confirmation without carrying out the S103 described above.
As described above, when confirming the contents of the TV program which is already watched, the user needs to purchase the publication in which the contents of the TV program are described, review the Internet website of the TV program, or watch the TV program again with taking notes, and those confirmations make the user go to trouble.


Energy is stored in the horse power spring to surely start the engine. The stopper having the engaging engageable with the end behind the rotation direction of the cam plate depressed area is arranged at near the cam plate which is integrally formed with pulley fixed to the engine crank shaft and has the depressed area o the disk rim, and the urging means supporting the stopper in a movable manner to the engaging position where the engaging engages with the depressed area and toe the avoidance position for avoiding the rim of cam plate, and normally urging to move the stopper to the avoidance position, on the other hand, enabling the stopper to move to the engaging position from the outside, and urging not to move the stopper to the avoidance position until a sufficient rotation load is added to the cam plate at the engaging position is provided.

This invention relates to an ignition system for small engines which may give sufficient horse power to a horse power spring for engine rotation, by providing a torque limiter with the current ignition systems.
Generally, a small engine ignition system has a drive gear which connects to a tubular cam having a nail engaging to a centrifugal latchet of a pulley fixed to the engine crankshaft with a horse power spring. This drive gear is rotated manually or by an electric motor to store energy in the horse power spring, when the energy exceeds the start resistance, the sudden release of the horse power spring starts the engine.


A system includes a multifunctional peripheral (MFP) and a computer connected to the MFP via a communication link. The MFP includes a scanner for use by walk-up user to scan a page. The computer provides a user interface that enables a user to request a document be printed and then scanned on the MFP.

Peripheral devices have become available which are able to perform a number of related functions, such as copying, printing, faxing and scanning. These devices are sometimes referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs). An MFP may include a print engine for printing pages and a scanner. The scanner is typically configured to allow a walk-up user to scan a hardcopy document so as to create data (scan data) that describes the page. After the hardcopy document is scanned, the MFP may allow the walk-up user to send the scan data to a particular destination and/or to print additional copies of the document, etc.
The MFP has gained wide acceptance in the market place. One reason for this market success is associated with the versatility of these devices. It would be desirable, however, to increase the versatility of an MFP beyond the present state of the art.

Device with printing and scanning capability


A sprayer is provided for preferably permanent attachment to a container containing a chemical product to be diluted by a carrier stream. The sprayer comprises a nozzle member having a mechanism for attachment of the nozzle member to a source of the carrier stream. The nozzle member also includes a control mechanism for controlling flow of the carrier stream. The sprayer also includes a control member having a product aperture and an inlet or vent port disposed therein. The sprayer further comprises a cap member, including a means for attaching the cap member to the container. The cap member is slideably attached to the control member and includes a corresponding product channel and an inlet or vent channel. Preferably, the control member and the control mechanism for controlling the flow of the carrier fluid are operatively connected such that a single motion can simultaneously open or close both the flow of carrier fluid and the chemical product.

Liquid aspirators are commonly employed to apply diluted solutions containing chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers to lawns or garden foliage. Typically, sprayers of this type are attached to a garden hose. The pressure of the water delivered through the hose creates a negative pressure gradient that causes a chemical solution to be aspirated into the water stream, thereby providing a diluted solution to be sprayed.
In general, aspiration sprayers include a container for holding the chemical solution to be diluted and sprayed and a sprayer/mixing head. The base portion of the sprayer head serves as a cover for the chemical container. Such sprayer heads generally include an adapter for connecting the sprayer head to a standard garden hose, and a hand valve for turning on and off the flow of water from the garden hose. The sprayer head also includes an aperture over which water from the garden hose passes to mix with undiluted chemical solution from the container. Such sprayer heads may also include a venturi chamber in which the water from the garden hose mixes with the chemical from the container.
In principle, as water passes over the aperture or through the venturi chamber, a siphoning or vacuum action, is created by virtue of the velocity of the water passing over the aperture or through the chamber, to draw chemical from the container into the water stream for dilution. The basis of operation of these sprayers is Bernoulli's principle. The effect is also referred to as the Kuanda effect.
In common use today are 28 mm. aspiration sprayers used by a number of manufacturers. Until recently, such units were shipped with the sprayer/mixing head attached to the side of the container of liquid chemical in some manner. Liquid in the container is contained by a standard "child-proof" cap. Before use, the consumer removes the cap, attaches the sprayer head and connects a garden hose.
When the product container is emptied, such removable sprayer heads can be removed and attached to another container. Although economically advantageous, removable sprayer heads introduce the potential of exposure of adults and especially children to concentrated chemical product. In many instances the contained product is a potentially hazardous chemical such as an insecticide or herbicide.
Within the past few years, however, new "on-the-bottle" units have entered the market. With on-the-bottle units, the consumer merely connects the unit to a hose and is ready to spray. Because on-the-bottle units are designed to be discarded once the attached product container is emptied, such units are preferably inexpensive to manufacture.
Generally, leakage of the potentially hazardous chemical product is possible through the product aperture and through a small air vent hole, each of which are necessary elements of any aspiration type sprayer. Several manufacturers have introduced on-the-bottle units that are described as sufficiently sealed when not in use for safe shipment and storage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,923, for example, discloses a variable dilution ratio hose-end aspirator sprayer. The sprayer comprises a container for housing the liquid to be mixed with the water and a mixing head having a nozzle at one end thereof and a garden hose attachment device at the other end thereof. The sprayer also includes a mixing chamber within the mixing head, a hose for communicating the liquid from the container to the mixing head and a disk having a plurality of apertures therein rotatably mounted in the mixing head to control flow from the container to the mixing chamber. A flow tube communicates liquid in the container to the inlet in the mixing chamber though a selected aperture in the disk so that the liquid is diluted with pressurized water at a dilution ratio determined by the size of the aperture aligned with the tube and the mixing chamber. The sprayer also includes a cleaning orifice positioned circumferentially from the mixing chamber so that each aperture of the disk may be selectively aligned with the cleaning orifice for cleaning.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,016 also discloses an aspiration-type chemical sprayer for dispensing small quantities of a liquid-based chemical into a stream of carrier fluid. The sprayer includes a sprayer head assembly sealingly mounted onto a container for storing the chemical to be disbursed. The sprayer head assembly also includes a multi-function unitary valve for providing a range of aspiration rates simultaneously with full communication of the container interior to atmospheric pressure. The valve may also include means for positive and simultaneous closure of the aspiration and vent passages so as to seal the chemical in the container when the sprayer is not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,059 similarly discloses an aspiration-type chemical sprayer including a sprayer head assembly sealingly mounted onto a container holding chemicals such as pesticides or fertilizers. A unitary valve in the sprayer head assembly controls carrier fluid flow from a pressurized source of water while simultaneously providing a controlled aspiration rate and full communication of the container interior to atmospheric pressure. The valve additionally includes simultaneous closure of the carrier fluid, aspiration and vent passage ways so as to seal the chemical in the container when the sprayer is not being used.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,588 also discloses an aspiration-type sprayer comprising a sprayer head which is permanently attachable to a container in which additive material is received. The sprayer head may be moveable between positions controlling the degree of aspiration affected, and is provided with a cap moveable between a first position in which the cap seals the container and prevents the additive material from escaping therefrom and a second position in which the container is unsealed and aspiration of the contents thereof can take place. Elements may be provided as part of the sprayer assembly for controlling the flow of the aspirating fluid. The cap is secured in its sealing position by an element which require special manipulating for release, thereby providing an important safety feature.
Similarly, Green Sweep.RTM. has recently introduced a sprayer in which a water shut-off valve is linked with the product aperture seals so that one rotational movement results in both water and product being released at the same time (or simultaneously shut off).
Although it is desirable to enable on/off control of both water inflow and product flow in a single movement, this feature hinders the ability to provide a short product channel as both the aperture for water flow and the product aperture must be close enough to the control cylinder to be within the diameter of the control cylinder. The product channel of the Green Sweep sprayer, for example, traverses two right angles before opening into the carrier stream, resulting in a product channel length of over one (1) inch.
The product channel (i.e., the passage through which the chemical to be diluted passes after leaving the container to reach the product aperture and enter the carrier stream) of aspiration type sprayers is generally formed during injection molding with the use of a pin of appropriate diameter. In sprayer head designs that are shipped disconnected from the product container, the product channel is relatively short and straight, essentially passing linearly through a thin plastic base or cap member. Such product channels are typically 3/16 inch in length. The increased complexity and extension of product channel (arising from both the requirement of appropriate sealing during nonuse in the case of on-the-bottle designs and attempts at single movement control) create the potential of significant reduction in quality. Slightly bent pins used to create the product passage or small pieces of flashing can create performance failures or even non-performance at water pressure levels under 20 PSI.
Although the feature of single-movement control has complicated prior sprayers as set forth above, absence of this feature creates the need for two control valves, which complicates consumer instruction and use, increases the potential for leakage and may increase manufacturing cost.
It is therefor desirable to develop an on-the-bottle sprayer capable of single-movement control in which the length of the product channel is substantially minimized and in which the product channel is substantially linear.
It is also desirable that such a sprayer be simple in operation and inexpensive to manufacture.


A rotating regulating device for the rotation and/or linear displacement of an actuating element of a valve, throttle, blowout preventer or similar, in particular in the field of gas or oil supply, exhibits a spindle drive and a drive train rotationally driving the spindle drive, the drive train exhibiting at least one reduction gear unit and a drive device. The rotating spindle or nut of the spindle drive exhibits at least one engaging element, essentially protruding radially outwards, which engages guide slots, whereby a first guide slot is fixed relative to a device housing and a second guide slot can be rotated relative to the device housing and/or is supported for displacement in the longitudinal direction of the rotating spindle. The guide slots exhibit at least different slopes in the longitudinal direction of the rotating spindle and the movable guide slot is connected for movement to the actuating element.

The invention relates to a rotating regulating device for the rotation and/or linear displacement of an actuating element of a valve, throttle, blowout preventer or similar, in particular in the field of gas or oil exploitation and production, with a spindle drive and a drive train driving the spindle drive rotationally, the said drive train exhibiting at least one reduction gear unit and a drive device connected to it in a manner which permits movement.
With the above mentioned devices, such as valves, throttles or similar, an actuating element is always needed which is displaced linearly, which is rotated or both rotated and linearly displaced. Due to the movement of the actuating element, with a valve, for example, an appropriate shut off body is moved. An appropriate valve opening is opened or closed by rotating, by linear displacement or by a movement of the shut-off body combined from these movements. This applies analogously to throttles with which appropriate throttle elements are swivelled, rotated or displaced by the actuating element. With blowout preventers normally two shut off elements move in a straight line towards one another to close off a bore hole. Such devices are used particularly in the field of gas and oil supply and in this respect at inaccessible places, such as for example, below the surface of the sea or even on the sea bed.
From practice such rotating regulating devices are known in which a spindle drive is rotated by a drive device with the intermediate stage of, for example, a reduction gear unit in a drive train and the appropriate rotation and/or linear movement is transferred to the actuating element from this unit.
It has in fact been shown that such previously known rotating regulating devices can be generally easily controlled and also the actuating element for the appropriate devices can move with relatively good reproducibility and accuracy. However, for a range of equipment it is necessary to be able to carry out finer regulation of the actuating element and, in particular with regard to the drive device used, to be able to achieve even greater reduction. In order to be able to carry out very fine, accurate and reproducible movements of the actuating element without complicated control of the drive device.


A foam dispenser includes a dispensing outlet, a pre-mixing chamber receiving liquid from a liquid source and air from an air source, a mixing chamber downstream of the pre-mixing chamber and proximate the dispenser outlet, and a first conduit coupling the pre-mixing chamber to the mixing chamber.

Foam soap dispensers generally form foam by mixing a stream of liquid soap with a stream of air in a chamber under force or pressure. In order to obtain a more homogenous texture of foam, the mixed stream of liquid soap and air is passed through a mesh (or screen) in a mixing chamber to generate the foam. The liquid soap is dispensed using various types of pumps, such as displacement piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, rotary pumps, gear pumps, etc. Similarly, the air is added to the stream by either using a type of pump or by sucking the ambient air into the mixing chamber and mixing it with the liquid soap stream, as is the case in manually operating soap dispensers. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a soap dispenser 10 may be mounted on a counter 12. However, the reservoir 14 for the liquid soap and the air source 16 may be mounted or located a distance away from the actual dispensing location (i.e. the dispensing opening) 18 of a dispenser spout 20. Typical distances can exceed 2 feet. In one type of setting, the dispenser spout 20 typically has a dispensing opening 18 which dispenses the foam. In hands-free operation type of foam dispensers, a sensor such as an infrared sensor 22, is mounted proximate the tip of the dispenser. The sensor 22 senses a user's hand underneath the dispenser, and sends a signal to a controller 24, such as a microprocessor, which in turn sends a signal to operate a pump 26 for pumping the liquid soap from a reservoir 28 and to a pump 27 for pumping the air from a source 30 air into a mixing chamber 32. The controller may be coupled to a power source 25, such as a battery or an electricity source for powering the controller, sensor and/or the pumps. In order to obtain a better texture of foam, one or more screens 34 (typically two or three screens) are placed in the chamber. The distance 36 between adjacent screens is typically within ⅜ of an inch. In cases, such as that shown in FIG. 1 where the liquid and air supply pumping locations are located at a distance from the dispensing opening 18 of the dispenser such that the foam generated by the mixing chamber has to travel at a distance from along a dispensing line 40, as for example at a distance greater than 10 inches, the quality of the foam is significantly reduced by the time it travels from an outlet 38 of the mixing chamber to the dispensing outlet 18. In addition, the foam generated by the mixing chamber that is not pumped out of the dispenser outlet 18 remains within the dispensing line 40 from the mixing chamber to the dispenser outlet. Thus, the next time a user tries to obtain foam, the user obtains the stale foam that has remained within line 40. In some cases, the mixing chamber 32 is placed adjacent to the nozzle foam to avoid the problem indicated above. However, in such dispensers, the quality of the dispensed is strongly dependent on the type of the liquid soap, the mixing ratio of liquid soap with air and the pressure applied to deliver the liquid soap and the air. Consequently, the user is limited to using the type of liquid soap specified by the dispenser manufacturer in order to maintain the quality of the foam promised by dispenser manufacturer. As such, the quality of the foam obtained with these types of dispensers varies from user to user, and may depend on how long the foam has remained within the dispensing line 40. Moreover, these types of dispensers are typically designed for a specific type of liquid soap. Thus, the quality of the foam produced is dependent on the type of liquid soap used. Consequently, a more robust foam dispenser is desired that can produce a more consistent quality of foam even when different types of liquid soap are used.


A system for transmitting data using orthogonal mode division multiplexing (OMDM), a multiplexing method derived from the orbital angular momentum of photons. In one embodiment, a transmitter transmits multiple superimposed radio frequency (RF) beams each independently modulated with data, and each with a different orbital angular momentum rotational state. An OMDM receiver receives the different rotational states in separate communications channels. The OMDM states are substantially orthogonal, providing independent data channels for increased data capacity, and providing privacy.

1. Field
One or more aspects of embodiments according to the present invention relate to the transmission of data, and more particularly to a system and method for transmitting data on multiple superimposed beams of electromagnetic waves with photons in different angular orbital momentum states.
2. Description of Related Art
Communication using free-space electromagnetic waves such as free-space radio frequency (RF) or microwave waves is common in various applications. In such a communication system it may be advantageous to send data with low error rates without using more power than necessary. For a single channel of a certain bandwidth, the data rate possible at a given error rate increases only logarithmically with the signal to noise ratio. Therefore, if a system with one channel is transmitting enough power to achieve a good signal to noise ratio, it may be more power-efficient to increase the bandwidth of the channel, or to add channels, than to increase the power in the existing channel. Increasing the bandwidth of the channel may in some cases, however, face technical obstacles.
Free-space communications may also pose problems related to privacy when, for example, confidential data are transmitted by a sender to an intended recipient, and a third party may intercept a beam of electromagnetic waves, and receive the confidential data.
Thus, there is a need for a system for transmitting data power-efficiently in a manner providing privacy protection.


Straight or cyclic pentapeptides with receptor affinity to .mu. or .delta. opioid receptors having a primary sequence backbone of Tyr-X-Phe-Leu-Z, Seq. ID Nos. 1, 2, and 3. X and Z can be covalently coupled to provide a heterocyclic structure according to the following conditions:. i) when the pentapeptide is straight X is selected from the group consisting of Ser, Gly, Pro, AMCA and D-Ala and Z is selected from the group consisting of Glu, Gln or amino derivatives of Glu or Gln, Seq. ID No. 1, with the proviso that if X is Ser, then Z is Glu or amino derivatives of Glu; and PA0 ii) where the pentapeptide is cyclic X is selected from the group consisting of D- or L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, D- or L-lysine, D- or L-ornithine and D or L-cysteine and Z is selected from the group consisting of Gln or Glu or amino derivatives of Gln or Glu, Seq. ID No. 2, and 3, with the proviso that if X is D-or L-Cys, then Z is Cys, Seq. ID No. 3.

The physicians treating growth hormone deficient (GHD) patients with human growth hormone have frequently reported that patients experience an increased quality of life in comparison with a control group not subjected to the treatment. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding social isolation, physical mobility, sleep and emotional status (see Acta Paed Scand (Suppl), v356, p55-59, 1989, S Bjork et al. and Acta Paed Scand (Suppl), v356, p70-72, 1989, G A McCauley) In clinical treatment with human growth hormone some secondary effects on the central nervous system (CNS) have been observed. It has been suggested that opioid active peptide fragments released from growth hormone may reach the CNS if the human plasma contains proteolytic activity for releasing them. If such fragments can pass through the blood-brain barrier, they may affect the CNS. These previous studies indicate that human growth hormone affects the CNS and suggests that enzymatically released fragments may interfere with opioid receptors.
A number of studies have shown that enzymatically treated preparations of proteins can include peptides with opioid activity such as .beta.-casomorphin, cytochrophins and hemomorphins. .beta.-casomorphin originates from degraded beta-casein peptone and is previously disclosed in Physiol Chem, v360, p 1211-16, 1979, V Brandl et al.; Pharmacol Sci, v4, p193, 1979, V Brantl et al.; Eur J Pharmacol, v106, p213-214, 1984, V Brantl et al. and J Clin Endocrinol Metab, v68, p283-9, 1989, F Nyberg et al.
It has also been shown that enzymatically derived fragments of mitochondrial cytochrome b contain cytochrophins, another opioid peptide (see Eur J Pharmacol, v111, p293, 1985, V Brantl et al). For a reference of hemomorphins see Eur J Pharmacol, 125, p 309-10,1986, V Brantl et al. The opioid activity of these peptides were confirmed by testing their inhibition of the electrically induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum myentric plexus longitudinal muscle preparation (GPI-assay) as well as by receptor assay.
Certain cyclic oligopeptides with opioid receptor activity have previously been disclosed by J De Maio et al. in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 77(12), 1980, p 7162-6. This article discloses a number of prepared cyclic enkephalin analogs. Cyclic oligopeptides with opioid receptor affinity are also disclosed in J Med Chem, Vol. 35, 1992, p 3956-3961, P Schiller et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,024 (J. Stewart et al.) discloses a class of tetrapeptides demonstrated to have opiate activity with a guinea pig ileum strip test having the general formula H-Tyr-X-Y-Z. Another reference that discloses opioid receptor binding straight tetrapeptides is European patent application EP 350 221.
In a previous study, two different peptidases were investigated for their ability to release fragments of human growth hormone, which may interfere with opioid receptors. The enzymes were a commercially available trypsin and an endopeptidase partially purified from human plasma. The fragments were separated on reversed phase HPLC and subsequently analyzed by an opioid receptor assay performed with synaptic plasma membranes from rat brains (without cerebellum). The results indicated that receptor active fragments were released both by trypsin and the endopeptidase. However, in a guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus/longitudinal muscle preparation (GPI) assay, these fragments were found to be less potent than beta-casomorphins (fragments of casein peptone). These findings were published at the IV Meeting of the European Neuroendocrine Association (Santiago de Compostela 28-30 Jun. 1989).

Oligopeptides with affinity to opioid receptors


A power detection system is disclosed that includes a detector circuit and a comparator circuit. The detector circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor that is not identical to the first transistor, and a third transistor that is substantially identical to the first transistor. Each of the transistors is commonly coupled to a current source and is coupled to a differential input voltage. The comparator circuit is for providing an output that is representative of whether the input voltage is above or below a threshold voltage responsive to a difference between the first transistor and the second transistor.

The present invention generally relates to power detectors for use in wireless communication systems, and relates in particular to systems and methods for reducing power requirements of a wireless communication system.
Wireless communication systems generally include transmitter and receiver circuits that have power (e.g., current) requirements that vary during use, due at least in part, to usage, network characteristics, and antenna characteristics. For example, the power required for signal transmission through an antenna may vary, and it is generally important to monitor the output power of the antenna during use. Failure to monitor this output power may result in too little power being employed, which may lead to dropped calls, or may result in too much power being used, which may lead to decreased useful battery life and/or network jamming.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,939 discloses a power detector that employs a rectifying diode circuit that senses a peak RF signal coupled thereto, and the circuit provides a linear power detection functionality.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,006 discloses systems and methods for detecting output power in a transmission system that includes a power amplifier, a track and hold circuit, a log power detector in a feedback path, and a log power detector in a reference path in communication with the track and hold circuit. Such systems provide a wider range of detection of a logarithmic scale, but operate continuously and consume an amount of current that is not insubstantial, at least in part, due to the fact that such systems employ the use of logarithmic amplifiers in the power detection circuits.
Battery power requirements of wireless transmission systems that employ power amplifiers typically require that current use be minimized. U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,849 discloses power detector systems for CMOS devices that employ a first envelope detector that is coupled to a voltage sensor, and a second envelope detector that is coupled to a current sensor. Although the system is disclosed to be suitable for use with CMOS systems that employ dual gate oxide devices for using two power levels, the envelope detectors are disclosed to be logarithmic amplifiers in an example, and the system operates continuously.
There is a need, therefore, for a system and method for providing power detection with reduced current requirements.

Low current power detection circuit providing window comparator functionality


A desired writable optical data recording medium has a transparent substrate 1 where a side wall of a recess is connected to a land surface by a curved surface. A data recording portion of a dye material may be placed only in recesses of a pre-formatted pattern on a transparent substrate, and a reflective layer may be formed on the data recording portion and on the exposed land area between neighboring recesses. The medium can show reflectivity of not less than 65% on reproduction and reduce the cost for manufacturing thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a writable optical data recording medium comprising a data recording layer composed of a dye material, and a manufacturing method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A writable optical data recording medium which has a data recording layer composed of a water-insoluble organic dye material and which produces an output signal conforming to the CD format in reproduction of its recorded data has been known. This type of recording medium is called as WO(write once) type CD (Compact Disk) and is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open No.2-289,935 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,276. This WO type CD has a structure in which a data recording layer composed of a dye material, a metal reflective layer, and a protective layer of a UV curing type resin are successively formed on a surface having a pre-formatted pattern of a transparent substrate. In recording, a laser beam is irradiated through the transparent substrate to the recording layer to heat the dye material by virtue of the absorption of the laser light. The heat decomposes the dye material to change the optical property of the data recording layer, and causes deformation of the transparent substrate placed under the data recording layer. When the recorded data is reproduced, a low-powered laser beam, unaffecting the data recording layer, is irradiated to the recorded area along the tracks, and then a difference between intensities of the reflected lights from the recorded portion and unrecorded portion is detected.
In accordance with the CD Standard, the WO type CD has to have 65% or more reflectivity with a laser beam for reproduction to be able to reproduce the data by an available CD players. In order to satisfy such a standard, the above-mentioned WO type CD uses gold metal for the metal reflective layer material. However, it goes without saying that the use of gold or silver metal as a reflective layer material increases the manufacturing cost of the WO type CD and its price accordingly.
In order to reduce the cost for manufacturing the WO type CDs, a WO type CD using aluminum for its metal reflective layer material has been proposed, for example, as described in Television Journal Vol.48(1994), No.5, pp 584-590.
The WO type CD using aluminum for its metal reflective layer material intends to seemingly heighten the reflectivity of the WO type CD by forming a light interference layer on the incident side of a recording or reproduction beam to cause multi-interference of the incident light. Accordingly, the WO type CD has a light interference layer as an essential part. However, since the light interference layer is formed by a process of sputtering an inorganic dielectric material, the process increases the total cost for manufacturing the WO type CD.

Optical data recording medium and manufacturing method thereof


A motor vehicle includes a driver assistance system which is rendered operative when the motor vehicle travels below a limit speed to automatically brake the motor vehicle to a halt while moving forward or backing up. The deceleration characteristic can be predefined or can be selected from an array of deceleration characteristics in dependency on an operating behavior of an accelerator pedal.

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a driver assistance system.
The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the reader in understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to be construed as an admission that this related art is prior art to this invention.
Driver assistance systems find application in many forms in modern motor vehicles. For example, speed control systems such as the so-called ACC system (ACC=Adaptive Cruise Control) which maintains the speed of the vehicle at a set cruising speed, when no other vehicle is registered in front of the vehicle. When the sensor mechanism detects however a vehicle ahead, the ACC system adapts to the speed of the vehicle ahead by adjusting a time gap or distance previously set by the driver. Conventional ACC systems are also able to actively brake a vehicle to a halt, when the situation of the vehicle ahead demands such an action.
These ACC systems require the presence of a complex sensor technology to be able to properly survey the surroundings and to effectively adapt to the situation at hand. This sensor technology is also needed to assist and relieve the driver, when complex control tasks are involved. However, the use of such an ACC system is inapposite when simple control tasks are concerned that especially involve complete participation by the driver.
It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved motor vehicle with a driver assistance system which obviates prior art shortcomings and which is simple in structure and able to execute multiple tasks but yet is reliable in operation.

Motor vehicle with driver assistance system


A magnetoresistive read head having a corrugated magnetoresistive layer wherein the corrugated section does not encroach on magnetic elements on either end of the magnetoresistive layer. The corrugations in the magnetoresistive layer stabilize the magnetization in the center region of the read head, while the magnetic elements stabilize the magnetization at the ends. By separating the two stabilization methods, unfavorable interactions between them is reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to data storage technology, and particularly to devices implementing magnetoresistive read heads.
2. Background of the Invention
In the data storage field, information is stored in many ways. One way includes writing data onto a magnetic tape by selectively magnetizing regions of the tape. The magnetized tape regions produce a magnetic stray field which can be read by a read head located above the tape surface and converted into an electrical signal. A common type of read head for this task is the magnetoresistive (MR) read head.
A common goal in the information storage industry is to magnetically stabilize a magnetoresistive read head such that the generated electric signal is well behaved. This is frequently accomplished by controlling the boundary or end magnetic domains in a MR element. The control is via magnetic exchange tabs or permanent magnets (PM) deposited at the ends of the element. However, the wider the track width is made, the less effective boundary magnetic control is for the center of the element. A recent technique to overcome this limitation is to introduce a periodic perturbation (gratings) of the element shape in the middle of the device which creates a periodic magnetic charge that stabilizes the middle of the MR element. However, the periodic perturbation can interfere with the magnetic field of the PM and bias current flow direction into MR element. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that read elements must continue to decrease in size to keep up with the scaling of other related technologies. As the read heads are made smaller, the relative sizes of regions of magnetization instability in the MR element grow.
The technology of MR read heads would therefore benefit from a way to stabilize magnetization patterns in the read head.

Non-penetration of periodic structure to PM


Described methods and apparatus provide a controlled perturbation to an adhesive bond between a device wafer and a carrier wafer. The controlled perturbation, which can be mechanical, chemical, thermal, or radiative, facilitates the separation of the two wafers without damaging the device wafer. The controlled perturbation initiates a crack either within the adhesive joining the two wafers, at an interface within the adhesive layer (such as between a release layer and the adhesive), or at a wafer/adhesive interface. The crack can then be propagated using any of the foregoing methods, or combinations thereof, used to initiate the crack.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to improved debonding equipment and methods, and more particularly to debonding temporarily bonded wafers.
Several semiconductor wafer processes include wafer thinning steps. In some applications the wafers are thinned for the fabrication of integrated circuit (IC) devices. Thin wafers have the advantages of improved heat removal and better electrical operation of the fabricated IC devices. Wafer thinning also contributes to a reduction of the device capacitance and to an increase of its impedance, both of which result in an overall size reduction of the fabricated device. In other applications, wafer thinning is used for 3D-integration bonding and for fabricating through wafer vias.
Wafer thinning is usually performed via back-grinding and/or chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer. CMP involves bringing the wafer surface into contact with a hard and flat rotating horizontal platen in the presence of liquid slurry. The slurry usually contains abrasive powders, such as diamond or silicon carbide, along with chemical etchants such as ammonia, fluoride, or combinations thereof. Polishing the wafer with the platen using the abrasive slurry thins the wafer, while the etchants polish the surface at the submicron level. The wafer is polished until a certain amount of substrate has been removed to achieve a targeted thickness.
For wafer thicknesses greater than 200 .mu.m, the wafer is usually held in place with a fixture that utilizes a vacuum chuck or some other means of mechanical attachment. However, for wafer thicknesses of less than 200 .mu.m and especially for wafer thicknesses of less than 100 .mu.m, it becomes increasingly difficult to mechanically hold the wafer and also maintain control of the planarity and integrity of the wafer during thinning. In these cases, it is not uncommon for wafers to develop microfractures and break during CMP.
An alternative to directly holding a wafer during thinning involves attaching the device wafer (i.e., the processed wafer) to a carrier wafer for support and then thinning down the exposed opposite surface of the device wafer. The bond between the carrier wafer and the device wafer is temporary and the wafers are separated upon completion of the thinning (or other processing steps).

Debonding temporarily bonded semiconductor wafers


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for accommodating unattended services at a property. In one aspect, a monitoring system is disclosed that includes a processor and a storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations can include receiving a request to enter the property to perform the unattended service, configuring the monitoring system to allow access to a first portion of the property associated with the unattended service without triggering an alarm event, obtaining image data of the property after the monitoring system is configured to allow access to the first portion of the property, determining, based on the obtained image data, that an unattended service provider has entered into a second, different portion of the property, and triggering an alarm event.

The offering of unattended services is on the rise. Unattended services include any service that is performed at a property when a resident of the property is not present at the property. Such unattended services may include services such as in-home delivery of goods purchased online, plumbing services, HVAC maintenance services, property cleaning services, home repair services, or the like.

Monitoring system for monitoring unattended services


In a machine tool having a main shaft, a thermal change amount between two sampling times is computed on the basis of the movement distance of the main shaft during a period from time 0 to time 1a. After thermal change amounts are computed, a total thermal change amount which results from adding these thermal change amounts is computed. Since the thermal change amount is based on the movement distances (driving states) that are detected at the respective time points and the influence of the thermal change amounts that has been computed previously are added to the computed thermal change amount, it is possible to compute the total thermal change amount corresponding to the driving states at the respective time points.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a machine tool thermal change computation apparatus for use with a machine tool to compute a thermal change amount generated in the machine tool and a storage medium for storing a program for such a thermal change computation.
2. Description of Related Art
Machine tools include generally a machining mechanism for cutting or drilling a workpiece and assembling product component parts on a base plate, and a driving mechanism for changing a relative position between the machining mechanism and a workpiece. In general, machine tools for cutting a workpiece or the like include a holding mechanism for holding tools such as drills and taps, a main driving mechanism for rotating tools held on the holding mechanism, an X-axis feed mechanism for feeding tools in the X-axis direction, a Y-axis feed mechanism for feeding tools in the Y-axis direction, a Z-axis feed mechanism for feeding tools in the Z-axis direction, an electronic control apparatus for controlling these feed mechanisms and the like.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a machine tool 10 includes a splash guard 12 for preventing cut wastes from splashing. In the inside of the splash guard 12, there are disposed a table 14 for holding a workpiece (not shown), an automatic tool change (ATC) magazine 16 for changing tools such as drills and taps, a machine tool body 20 and the like. The splash guard 12 includes a control panel 22, a work change opening 24 for loading or ejecting a workpiece and an inspection hatch 26 used mainly for maintenance and the like.
As shown in FIG. 19, the body 20 includes a main shaft 28 for holding tools such as drills and taps, a main shaft motor 30 for rotating the main shaft 28, a ball thread mechanism 36 which comprises a nut unit 32 housing a number of steel balls and which is fixed to the main shaft side and a ball thread 34 inserted into the nut unit 32, a Z-axis motor 38 for rotating the ball thread 34, a guide rail 40 disposed in parallel with the ball thread 34, a slide 42 for coupling the guide rail 40 and the main shaft 28 or the like.
In this body 20, the ball thread mechanism 36 and the Z-axis motor 38 constitute the Z-axis feed mechanism for feeding the main shaft 28 in the Z-axis direction (up-down direction in FIG. 15). When the Z-axis motor 38 rotates the ball thread 34, the main shaft 28 is moved in the Z-axis direction. Moreover, the table 14 shown in FIG. 14 may be moved in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction. As the main shaft 28 may be moved in the Z-axis direction, relative positions among a workpiece and tools in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions may be changed.
In this type of machine tool, as the ball thread mechanism 36 is operated, a frictional heat is generated and the ball thread 34 expands. Also in other mechanisms, a thermal change occurs due to the heat thus generated. When such thermal change occurs in the Z-axis direction, for example, an error occurs in a depth of flute and a height of stepped portion formed on a workpiece. If a tolerance is sufficiently larger than a thermal change amount, then a machining error caused by such thermal change is negligible. If not, such a thermal change should be corrected.
Therefore, there is provided a thermal change amount computation apparatus for computing a thermal change amount of a machine tool. In this computation apparatus, when a drive mechanism is controlled in accordance with a previously-determined work program, the drive mechanism is controlled while a machining error is corrected in response to the computed thermal change amount (JP-A-62-88548).
However, in this machine tool thermal change amount computation apparatus, since the thermal change amount is continuously computed during the machine tool is operated, a system for executing such computation processing should be operated constantly as well, resulting in an increase in the computation processing load.
In view of the fact that a heat generated amount and a heat radiated amount are placed in the equilibrium state as the temperature rises during a machine tool is continuously operated, a method of computing a thermal change amount is proposed in JP application No. 8-298866 by the same assignee as the present application. That is, during a period in which the machine tool is operated, a thermal change amount at each timing point is computed based on a saturated thermal change amount (thermal change amount in the equilibrium state) and a machine tool driving time. When the computed thermal change amount becomes nearly equal to the saturated thermal change amount, the value of the saturated thermal change amount will be used as the thermal change amount. In this case, if an accurate saturated thermal change amount is given, a thermal change amount at each timing point may be computed thus reducing a computation processing load.
However, in the above machine tool thermal change amount computation apparatus, a thermal change amount computation accuracy is lowered a little in the case where a machine tool operating program includes a step for driving a machine tool at a high speed and step for driving a machine tool at a low speed. If the saturated thermal change amount is fixed relative to an average driving speed, it is unavoidable that the above computation method computes a thermal change amount as a smaller thermal change amount in step of driving a machine tool at a high speed and computes a thermal change amount as a larger thermal change amount in step of driving a machine tool at a low speed.

Thermal change computation apparatus for machine tool and storage medium for executing the computation


A method and system for allowing nodes in a multi-node computer to be appropriated by a master node in the multi-node computer. The node to be appropriated is suspended into an ACPI S3 Sleep State, causing current system operations state information to be stored in a backup memory in the appropriated node. The master node then populated a primary memory in the appropriated node with OS and other information required to join a partition that includes the master node. When the master node no longer wishes to use the appropriated node, the backup memory in the appropriated node is mirrored back into the primary memory. When the appropriated node “wakes up” from the S3 state, it continues executing software commands where it left off, without knowing anything that had happened after going into the S3 state.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to the field of computers, and in particular to multi-node computers. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for allowing a master node in a multi-node computer to appropriate the resources of another node in the multi-node computer while the other node is in an ACPI S3 Sleep State.
2. Description of the Related Art
In multi-node computers, such as the x-Series® of servers manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation, it is possible to configure two or more physical nodes into a larger logical partition where a single operating system can utilize the resources across all nodes. In this scenario, each individual machine boots up to a common point in Power On Self Test (POST) firmware, and then determines if it should merge with one or more other nodes(s). If one or more systems were to merge, it is typically not possible for the partition to be separated into individual nodes without a complete system reset to POST. Likewise, if each node was to boot as a stand-alone system into an operating system, it is not possible for those systems to logically "join" a partition without rebooting both nodes.
Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that allows a first node in a multi-node computer to be able to hot join a second node in a logical partition, regardless of the operating system in use by the second node, without having to reboot the entire partition.

Dynamic node partitioning utilizing sleep state


A device for dissipating and discharging undesired electric charges, especially from airplanes. The device is formed from nonmetallic conductive material, such as carbon loaded plastic, and comprises a number of regions having varying conductivities. A region at a first end where the device is connected to a mass to be discharged has a lower conductivity than a region at a second end. The device includes a coating comprised of insulating material, which coats the entire surface of the nonmetallic material except for a portion of the nonmetallic material on the second end of the device. A magnetic flux is created which pulls charges from the mass through the device. The charge is in part dissipated in the nonmetallic material and is in part discharged into the air through the exposed portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for dissipating and discharging electrical charges from bodies which cannot be connected to ground directly. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a non-metallic apparatus for dissipating and discharging electrical charges, such as static electricity or charges caused by electrical overstress or lightning, from an aircraft.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, sophisticated electronic equipment has found more and more uses on a wide variety of devices. For example, sophisticated aircraft and motorized vehicles are nearly completely reliant on electronic equipment provided therein. Further, some aircraft and motorized vehicles serve as convenient containers for electronic devices which perform a wide variety of functions not related to the operation of the vehicle. However, the very advances which have enabled the inclusion of sophisticated electronic equipment onto such vehicles has rendered such electronic equipment quite susceptible to breakdown or failure due to electrostatic and other undesired electrical charges. Such a failure or breakdown can be catastrophic on certain vehicles, such as aircraft.
Aircraft are especially susceptible to the build-up of electrostatic charge, lightning strikes and electrical overstress. Technological advances have permitted aircraft to fly at any time day or night and in all kinds of weather. However, the communication, radar, navigation and control systems which have revolutionized flying are easily affected by undesired electric charges. Various weather conditions can cause radio frequency interference, electromagnetic interference, and electromagnetic pulses, which can degrade or reduce the effectiveness of the systems. Lightning strikes can be especially devastating. Accordingly, dissipation and discharge of undesired electrical charges are major concerns in the aircraft industry.
In this regard, conductive wicks have been developed for discharging accumulated electrostatic charge from aircraft. These wicks are designed so that charge flows from the moving body into the wick and is discharged therefrom. However, the wicks presently in use have a number of drawbacks. These wicks act as independent circuits, requiring a relatively high level of charge to build up in the moving body before discharge is initiated therethrough. To reduce the charge level necessary to initiate discharge, wicks have become part of more complex discharge systems which include specialized circuitry for initiating discharge. This results in more complex wicks, which are more expensive to produce and more prone to failure.

Electric charge discharge and dissipation device


A data processing system comprising a single Host coupled by a communications channel to a single multifunction peripheral is disclosed. The multifunction peripheral comprises a paper tray, a display, a user input device, a processor, a first memory for long term storage and a second rewritable memory for short term storage, a communications interface, the multifunction peripheral for providing document scanning and hard output functions. The Host comprises a processor, a first rewritable memory for long term storage and a second rewritable memory for short term storage, a communications interface, and a network adapter for communicating with a computer network. The communications channel coupling the communications interface of the multifunction peripheral and the communications interface of the Host. Data is transferred efficiently between the Host and the multifunction peripheral using the SCSI-2 standard by combining a header and content into a single packet and transmitting the packet using a SEND MESSAGE or GET MESSAGE command.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to multifunction peripheral devices and more particularly to increasing the efficiency of communication to a multifunction peripheral device by increasing the performance and efficiency of the multifunction peripheral interacted and its interface protocol.
2. Description of Related Art
In a typical networked multi-user computer environment, a number of individual workstations are linked together through a network, usually a local area network (LAN). Also linked on the LAN are one or more peripheral devices such as printers or plotters. Traditionally, each peripheral device was dedicated to single function. Hence, although documents coming from a facsimile machine contained text and graphics that could be virtually identical to documents coming from a printer, separate machines were used for each of these functions. Furthermore, some functions were performed entirely off line with respect to the network. Thus users who wished to send a document via facsimile might be required to first print out the document, then hand carry it to a facsimile machine, punch in or otherwise select a phone number, and then feed the printed document through the fax machine. Similarly, those who wished to make multiple copies of a document might print out a single copy, carry it to a photocopying machine, and feed the pages to the photocopy machine which could make, and perhaps collate multiple copies.
This earlier generation of devices tended to be "unintelligent," or perhaps, better "uncommunicative." They accepted data in accordance with whatever means they had available, and processed it according to instructions.
More recently, however, peripheral devices have become available which are able to perform a number of related functions. These devices are known as multifunction peripherals (MFPs).
The Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA) has provided an MFP interface standard known as the IS-650 Multifunction Peripheral Industry Interface Standard, Level 1 (MFPI-1) specification version 5.5. According to this standard, an MFP is:
Computer equipment used to scan, print, facsimile transmit, and/or copy documents. It also may have the capability to provide data modem and other voice telephony services. The MFP may be an integrated unit or may be several discrete units that are interconnected on the same communication channel to the Host or interconnected using several different channels. One or more of the subsystems may be omitted from the MFP.
A "Host" is any terminal or computer capable of providing commands and data to operate a peripheral. In practice, a Host is a computer of any size, or a group of network nodes on a given local area network. A "subsystem" is one of several logical peripheral units, such as printer, scanner, fax-data-voice (FDV) modem, internal memory, stand-alone controller (SAC), operator console and others which may exist in the MFP. The Host and the MFP communicate through a "channel."
MFPI-1 organizes the subsystems as components on the channel. The channel also has a resource management component which manages the subsystems from a supervisory level. The languages which are used to control the subsystems, such as printer page description languages, fax/data/voice modem languages, and scanner languages are not within the scope of the standard. MFPI-1 also allows multiple subsystems of the same type (two printers for example), and does not constrain the number or type of subsystems included within an MFP.
An MFP can operate in stand-alone mode, wherein two or more subsystems are used without interaction with the Host. One example of this is copying. Stand-alone operations may occur at the same time that the Host is accessing a different subsystem for a Host-controlled operation.
The channel used to access the MFP is not restricted by MFPI-1. However, MFPI-1 provides information for operations utilizing various channels such as the Bidirectional Parallel (IEEE-1284), Asynchronous Serial (EIA/TIA-RS-232-E), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) channels. The SCSI architecture, for example, allows up to eight devices on the bus (including a SCSI host). MFPI-1 specifies that the Host and MFP are each one such device, and that other MFPs can be coupled to a single SCSI bus. MFPI-1 is generally limited to a single SCSI host on a given channel. Channel issues such as identification of the SCSI host requesting service if multiple SCSI hosts are to be connected are said to be beyond the scope of MFPI-1. MFPI-1 does, however, suggest that a given channel architecture, such as SCSI, may provide for multiple SCSI hosts.
In a networked system where many workstations are sharing peripherals, the use of a multifunction peripheral is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, rather than providing, for example, two different scanner functions (one for reading documents for facsimile transmission, one for reading documents for copying) and three different printing functions (one for printing computer generated documents, one for printing documents received through facsimile transmission, and one for printing documents that have been scanned in for copying), a single scanning function and a single printing function perform the work of printer, copier and facsimile machine. On the other hand, the single multifunction peripheral may become a bottleneck. Previously, where there was one user wishing to print a document, one user wishing to transmit a document via facsimile, and one user wishing to copy a document, each would ordinarily each have directed his or her task to a separate machine, and thus not interfere with one another. With a single machine performing all three functions (in our example), queues will more readily form in order to make use of those functions. Hence, it is desirable to achieve any efficiencies possible in the MFP interface and interface protocol in order to enhance the performance of the MFP.
Since the channel carries all data and commands between the Host and MFP, this link is critical to the performance of the MFP. Where the channel is a SCSI channel, by increasing the efficiency of use of the SCSI channel and its protocol, the MFP's performance is also enhanced.
The SCSI protocol allows packets of data to be sent from the Host to the MFP and from the MFP to the Host. However, under MFPI-1, only the Host can initiate data transfers. (The ANSI SCSI specification actually allows peer-to-peer communications, but few SCSI adapters do this.) Furthermore, MFPI-1 describes only a limited command set, although this command set is similar to the SCSI standard command set for communications devices.
Under MFPI-1, the SCSI protocol's operating procedure has two phases in each direction, known as the "Header Phase" and the "Content Phase." This two-phase approach is specified by MFPI-1 out of conformance with normal SCSI implementation and also to protect against faults. In the Header Phase, the Host transfers a header, which is a small fixed length amount of data which describes the actual data to be sent during the Content Phase. In the Content Phase, the Host transfers packets of information (called "content") to the MFP. Data transfer from the MFP to the Host operate in a similar fashion. Data transfers from the Host to the MFP, including transfers of header and content, are sent by the Host using the SEND MESSAGE command. The Host retrieves data from the MFP using the GET MESSAGE command.
The format for the SEND MESSAGE command is reproduced in the table below.
______________________________________ Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte 0 Operation Code (0Ah) 1 Reserved (00h) 2 Reserved (00h) 3 Reserved (00h) 4 HostID (Stream Selection MSB) 5 UnitID (Stream Selection LSB) 6 (MSB) 7 TransferLength 8 (LSB) 9 Header Vendor Reserved NACA Flag Link Phase Spec ______________________________________
The SEND MESSAGE command includes the TransferLength field. The TransferLength field is three bytes in length and specifies the length of the header or content packet to be sent.
The format for the GET MESSAGE command is reproduced in the table below.
______________________________________ Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte 0 Operation Code (08h) 1 Reserved (00h) 2 (MSB) 3 AllocationLength 4 (LSB) 5 Header Vendor Reserved NACA Flag Link Phase Spec ______________________________________
The GET MESSAGE command includes the AllocationLength field. The AllocationLength field is three bytes in length and specifies the length of the header or content packet to be sent.
SCSI data packets, for the GET MESSAGE and SEND MESSAGE commands, have a format defined by MFPI-1 and are described in Section 13.4.5 of MFPI-1. The packet header is formatted as shown in the following table. This header is transmitted as data as part of a SEND MESSAGE or GET MESSAGE command. Bytes 0-5 are general in nature. Bytes 6-12 refer to the transmit direction for the channel. Bytes 13-17 refer to the receive direction for the channel. All eighteen bytes are mandatory in every header. The use of many of the fields is optional.
__________________________________________________________________________ Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte 0 No Content Control ProtocolMode (0) Reserve Reserve Content ChkValid Content 1 HeaderLength (18) 2 HeaderCheckValue 3 HostID 4 UnitID 5 PacketNumber 6 Reserved 7 EOF ApplicationFlags 8 (MSB) 9 TransmitContentLength 10 (LSB) 11 (MSB) TransmitContentCheckValue 12 (LSB) 13 FlowOn FlowOff ACK NAK Allowed Reserved Length Valid 14 ReceiveRefPacketNumber 15 (MSB) 16 ReceiveAllowedLength 17 (LSB) __________________________________________________________________________
The field, "TransmitContentLength" is three bytes long and specifies the length of the content packet to be transferred.
It is therefore the object of the invention to enhance the performance of the MFP. It is a further object to achieve efficiencies in the MFP interface. It is a further object to achieve efficiencies in the MFP interface protocol.

Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.


An improved method of molding a container finish for containers containing liquid at or above atmospheric pressures in which the frusto-conical sealing area thereof is formed in substantially unflawed condition. To accomplish this, the mold for the container includes the usual upper and lower members which move axially when the mold is opened, which members mate with a pair of side members which move laterally when the mold is opened. However, as contrasted with prior art molds of this type, the upper mold member is provided with an axially oriented cavity which encloses that portion of the neck finish which includes the sealing surface to a degree wherein the laterally extending parting line at the upper end of the side members is positioned below the lower edge of the frusto-conical sealing surface thus eliminating the presence of either axially oriented or transversely oriented parting lines on the sealing surface itself.

This invention relates generally to the field of closures for containers containing liquid at or above-atmospheric pressures such as containers for carbonated soft drinks, and the like, as well as non-carbonated fruit drinks, and more particularly, to an improved method for molding containers, the finish of which includes a frusto-conical sealing area the top end of the finish.
In my copending application Ser. No. 07/848,228 filed Mar. 9, 1992, there is disclosed a bottle finish of this type incorporating a frusto-conical sealing area adjacent the open mouth of the finish. This form of closure has proven to be very effective, and capable of withstanding internal pressures within the container in the order of 150 pounds per square inch, approximately three times the above internal pressures normally encountered during contemplated use.
However, such closures do require sealing surfaces which mate accurately on the closure and the finish of the container, which are substantially free of flaws which form potential sources of leakage. Particularly in the case of containers which are formed of molded glass, and in which commercial tolerances are relatively large, it has been found that leakage can occur if the sealing surface on the container finish has even the slightest flaw, due to the relative inflexibility or substantial resiliency of such surfaces.
In the case of containers or bottles formed from synthetic resinous materials, the problem relative to commercial tolerances is not as critical as with containers formed from glass. However, such containers are usually blow molded using a blank that has been previously formed as an injection molding, including the frusto-conical sealing surface at the finish portion thereof. Any flaw in such sealing surface is not normally corrected during the blow molding process.
In the case of glass containers, they are normally formed by injection molding in a multi-part mold. As is the case with synthetic resinous containers, the aligned edges of the mold parts are seldom perfectly fitting, so that the molded product usually has, on the outer surface thereof raised lines corresponding to each of the parting lines on the mold. When such lines extend into the frusto-conical sealing surface, the corresponding sealing surface on the closure is unable to form a complete seal, with resultant leakage occurring.
Glass containers do have a substantial advantage over synthetic resinous containers used in the soft drink and beer marketing areas. While synthetic resinous containers can and frequently are recycled, glass containers are inherently more sturdy and can be refilled for reuse as well. With repeated use, the outer peripheries of the containers are invariably subject to rubbing contact with similar containers resulting in a degree of abrasion which is usually harmless from the standpoint of appearance. However, containers of this type which incorporate the above-described frusto-conical sealing surface can incur damage in the sealing area during usual cleansing and refilling procedures which is not easily visually detected, but which, nevertheless, results in a recycled container which is no longer capable of maintaining an adequate seal with a corresponding cap applied after the container is refilled.


A kind of ozone disinfecting non-cordless mouse that is installed with an internal ozone generator module, which is connected to the power of the USB (Universal Serial Bus) plug, such that the ozone generator can produce ozone gas during use of the mouse. The gas is dispelled through a suitable port in the carapace of the mouse, and can disinfect the mouse or its surrounding area, and disinfect or clean the surrounding air. The creation also includes an ozone disinfecting cordless mouse, in which an ozone generator module is installed in the interior of the receiver or recharger outlet of the mouse. This ozone generator module is powered by the existing power supply of the receiver or recharger outlet, and can produce ozone gas when the cordless mouse is inserted into the cradle of the receiver or recharger outlet. The resulting ozone gas is then dispelled through a suitable vent, and can disinfect the mouse or its surrounding area, and disinfect or clean the surrounding area.

This invention relates a mouse (computer mouse), and is more particularly to having ozone disinfection capabilities for purifying the air. This refers to mouses that have been outfitted with an ozone generator module (in the inside of non-cordless mouses or the inside of receiver or recharger outlet housing in cordless mouses) that produces and dispels ozone gas that can disinfect the mouse itself and its surroundings, as well as purify the air. This process occurs using the power from the USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector in non-cordless mouses or the outer power from receivers or power outlets in cordless mouses.
Generally, a mouse is an essential computer device that is used to input coordinates, select items, move items on the screen, etc. There are two general types of mouses, including cordless and non-cordless. Cordless mouses are typically connected to computers through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) plug to help conduct mouse operations using the computer's power. Cordless mouses are also generally connected to a computer through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) through a receiver or electrical outlet, such that the mouse operations are sent remotely through a cordless module in a receiver or electrical recharge outlet. Ordinary cordless mouses can also be rechargeable, with the help of a recharger cradle. During use, mouses are in constant contact with the human hand, yet most people do not wash their hands before using mouses, and commonly come in contact with other objects during mouse use, especially in locations such as banks, governmental institutions, or computer outlets, in which there are computers and mouses provided to the public for information needs. From this, we can see that the mouse is a breeding ground for germs, and can spread them though close contact with human hands. This invention was designed precisely for disinfection of mouses during use.


A three-dimensional object manufacturing method is provided and includes: a cavity portion material layer forming step of discharging a droplet of a material from a discharging head through an inkjet method to form a cavity portion material layer, which is a material layer configuring a periphery of at least one part of a cavity; a sandwiching member installing step of installing a lid member, which is a member arranged with at least one part sandwiched between a plurality of material layers, on a cavity portion material layer; and a material layer-on-sandwiching member forming step of discharging the droplet of the cavity portion material from the discharging head through the inkjet method on at least one part of the lid member to further form the material layer on the lid member.

Conventionally, an inkjet printer that carries out printing through an inkjet method is being widely used (see e.g., Non-Patent Literature 1). Furthermore, in recent years, a method carried out using an inkjet head (inkjet shaping method) is being reviewed for the configuration of a manufacturing apparatus (3D printer) for shaping the three-dimensional object.
In this case, the manufacturing apparatus shapes the three-dimensional object through a layering and shaping method of overlapping a plurality of layers of ink formed by the inkjet head. Each layer is formed based on three-dimensional shaping data representing a three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object to be produced and coloring data of the surface.

Three-dimensional object manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus


Aminated isoflavonoid synthesized by aminating the 4-keto group of isoflavanone and isoflavanone ring systems, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and uses thereof as therapeutic agents.

Naturally-occurring plant isoflavones are known to possess a wide range of fundamental biological effects on human cells including anti-oxidation and the up-regulation and down-regulation of a wide variety of enzymes and signal transduction mechanisms. Mitotic arrest and cytotoxicity of human cancer cells, increased capillary permeability, increased cellular adhesion, increased response of vascular smooth muscle cells to vaso-relaxants, and agonism of estrogen receptors, are just a few examples of the responses of animal cells to the biological effects of naturally-occurring isoflavonoids.
A range of therapeutic benefits as a result of these biological outcomes have been identified including the treatment and prevention of pre-menopausal symptoms such as pre-menstrual syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis and senile dementia, alcoholism, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and cancers such as prostate, breast and large bowel carcinomas [see WO 93/23069; WO 96/10341; U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,331; JP 62-106017; JP 62-106016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,528; JP 62-106016A2; JP 62-106017A2; JP 61-246124; WO 98/50026; WO 99/43335; WO 00/49009; WO 00/644438; WO 99/48496].
While over 700 different naturally occurring isoflavones are described, only a few are confirmed as having potential therapeutic benefits in animals including humans. These include daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin and glycitein. These and all naturally occurring isoflavones are found in nature as the monomeric form either in a free state, or, more likely, bound to a carbohydrate moiety (glycoside). The isoflavone has to be separated from this moiety before it becomes biologically active.
A number of compounds with a structure related to naturally occurring plant isoflavones are also described as having biological properties with potential therapeutic benefit to animals including humans. These include compounds that are naturally occurring metabolites of plant isoflavones produced by bacterial fermentation by gut flora and embrace compounds such as equol and 0-desmethylangolensin [WO 93/23069; WO 98/08503; WO 01/17986; WO 00/66576]. Also included in this group is the synthetic isoflavonoid ipriflavone, which is developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis [WO 91/14429] and a wide range of synthetic isoflavonoid analogues [WO 98/08503].
Despite the considerable research and accumulated knowledge in relation to isoflavonoid compounds and derivatives thereof, the full ambit of therapeutically useful isoflavonoid compounds and their activities is yet to be realised. Moreover, there is a continual need for new, improved or at least alternative active agents for the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, defence against and/or prevention of various diseases and disorders.
A requirement accordingly exists for new generation compounds that exhibit physiological properties important to the health and well-being of animals, particularly humans, and to find new methods which exploit these properties for the treatment, amelioration and prophylaxis of disease.

Aminated isoflavonoid derivatives and uses thereof