A scanning type exposure apparatus includes a mask stage position-measuring unite a substrate stage position-measuring unit, an arithmetic processing unit, and a control unit. The arithmetic processing unit multiplies results of measurement (WX, WY, W.theta.) by the substrate position-measuring unit by a conversion vector including components containing a magnification of a projection optical system and an angle of rotation between a mask and a substrate to determine a target vector quantity (RX*, RY*, R.theta.*) of a mask stage. An error vector is determined by subtracting, from the target vector quantity, results of measurement (RX, RY, R.theta.) by the mask stage position-measuring unit. The controller controls the mask stage so that the error vector becomes zero. The exposure apparatus includes correcting sections for correcting time lags in measurement by the respective position-measuring units. The arithmetic processing unit uses corrected positional information. The mask stage can accurately follow a substrate stage.

An exposure apparatus is used, for examples for producing semiconductor devices so that a pattern formed on a reticle which is used as a mask is transferred onto each of shot areas on a wafer with a photoresist having been applied thereto. Those often used as such an exposure apparatus have been hitherto represented by a reduction projection type exposure apparatus (stepper) of the step-and-repeat system (full-wafer exposure system). In recent years, however, a projection exposure apparatus of the so-called slit scan system attracts attention in response to the request to increase an area of an objective transfer pattern without increasing the load on a projection optical system so much, in which an image of a pattern on a reticle is successively transferred onto a wafer to be exposed by synchronously scanning the reticle and the wafer with respect to the projection optical system while a part of the pattern on the reticle being projected onto the wafer through the projection optical system.
Especially when exposure is performed in accordance with the slit scan system while an image being reduction-projected onto each of a plurality of shot areas on a wafer, movement from a certain shot area to the next shot area is performed in accordance with the stepping system. Accordingly such an exposure system is also called the step-and-scan system. As having been hitherto known, the step-and-scan system has been developed from an aligner in which a pattern on an entire surface of a reticle is transferred onto an entire surface of a wafer at an equivalent magnification by means of one time of scanning exposure.
Upon the operation of the projection exposure apparatus of the scanning exposure system such as the slit scan system and the step-and-scan system as described above, it is necessary to stably move a reticle stage and a wafer stage respectively for scanning in a state in which they are synchronized in a predetermined positional relationship. For this purpose, for example, the following operation has been hitherto performed. Namely, before the start of scanning, alignment is performed for the reticle stage and the wafer stage. After that, the wafer stage is scanned in a predetermined direction at a predetermined velocity, in synchronization with which the reticle stage is scanned at a scanning velocity corresponding to the predetermined velocity of the wafer stage. Further, positional discrepancy amounts of the both stages in the scanning direction and the non-scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the scanning direction) are determined by arithmetic operation. The position of, for example, the reticle stage is finely adjusted so that the determined positional discrepancy amounts are decreased.
In the conventional technique as described above, the positional discrepancy amounts in the scanning and non-scanning directions are determined for the reticle stage and the wafer stage during scanning exposures and control is performed so that the determined positional discrepancy amounts are independently corrected. Therefore, for example, even when the wafer stage is rotated by yawing during scanning exposures the positional discrepancy amounts are independently corrected in the scanning direction and the non-scanning direction, resulting in an inconvenience that a positional discrepancy arises between the reticle and the wafer.
In order to overcome the inconvenience, it can be thought that a relative angle of rotation between the reticle stage and the wafer stage is also detected to control the angle of rotation into a predetermined target value. However, when the positional discrepancy amount in the translational direction and the discrepancy amount in the angle of rotation are corrected independently with each others an inconvenience arises in that the process takes a long following time until the positional discrepancy amounts in the translational direction and in the rotational direction become allowable values or less respectively because of occurrence of another positional discrepancy amount in the translational direction due to rotation.
On the other hand, as the velocity of the stage becomes higher, a problem arises in relation to discrepancy in synchronization between the both stages resulting from a time lag during measurement by position sensors. For example, as for an apparatus which uses a laser interferometer as a position sensors a time lag of several tens .mu.sec arises between an actual movement position of a stage and a result of measurement for its position due to a signal processing time in a light-receiving element and a circuit (for example, an analog circuit of a sensor amplifier). If the influence exerted by the time lag is identical with respect to all sensors, then no influence is exerted on synchronous control However, actually, the time lag is different with respect to each of sensors (dispersion exists between sensors) in almost all cases. Accordingly, discrepancy in synchronization occurs between the reticle stage and the wafer stage, resulting in an inconvenience that the occurrence of discrepancy in synchronization makes a cause of exposure failure. The faster the velocity of the stage is, the larger the positional discrepancy due to the discrepancy in synchronization is.


There are provided a movable sinker apparatus of a weft knitting machine and a sinker which are capable of holding and pressing down a knitting yarn of a previous loop and sufficiently pulling down a knitting fabric. At forward positions of the sinkers, second protruding portions are close to each other, and thus a knitting fabric can be sandwiched therebetween. When the front and rear needle beds are faced each other so as to be symmetric at the needle bed gap, the forces of the wire springs are applied so as to pull down the knitting fabric in the vertical direction. A knitting yarn receiving portion is formed on a first protruding portion of the front end portion on the sinker, and thus it is possible to retain a knitting yarn of a previous loop and prevent the knitting yarn from moving as the knitting needle moves forward. the second protruding portion that projects outward in a radial direction is formed on a portion close to a front end of the first protruding portion, and the knitting fabric can be sandwiched and pulled down by the second protruding portions provided on the needle beds that are opposed to each other.

A movable sinker apparatus has been conventionally used that includes, between knitting needles arranged on a needle bed in a weft knitting machine, a sinker displaced by a cam mechanism provided on a carriage such that the sinker is swingingly displaced using as a fulcrum the vicinity on a needle bed gap side of the needle bed, so that the front end portion of the sinker moves forward into the needle bed gap and is withdrawn from the needle bed gap (see Japanese Examined Patent Publication JP-B2 05-83657 (1993), for example). The carriage is provided with a cam for driving the sinkers.
The front end portion of the sinker moves back and forth with respect to the side of the needle bed gap in conjunction with the travel of the carriage, and thus the front end portion can press a knitting fabric, and can be withdrawn from the needle bed gap to prevent, for example, a mechanical contact with other components in the narrow needle bed gap. The force of a spring is also applied to the sinker of the movable sinker apparatus.
When a reaction force from a knitting yarn is greater than the force of the spring, there is room in which the front end portion moves backward from the needle bed gap, and thus too strong a tensile force can be prevented from being applied to the knitting yarn. However, during stitch determination in which the knitting needle is pulled in by a stitch cam, the front end portion of the sinker is regulated so as not to be moved by the cam backward from the needle bed gap. When the carriage moves away, a state is kept in which the front end portion of the sinker has moved forward into the needle bed gap by the force of the spring.
In this movable sinker apparatus, a knitting yarn receiving portion is formed as a recessed portion on the front end side. Thus, when knitting a knitting fabric, it is possible to prevent a knitting yarn of a previous loop from moving together with the knitting needle when the knitting needle moves forward into the needle bed gap, by catching the knitting yarn of the previous loop. It should be noted that a "previous loop" refers to a knitting stitch that is formed by catching a supplied knitting yarn with a hook of the knitting needle and that is still on the knitting needle.
A movable sinker is known that has upper and lower protruding portions (see Japanese Patent No. 2646317, for example). The upper protrusion of a sinker that is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2646317 has a function to press a previous loop such that the previous loop does not move upward together with a knitting needle when the knitting needle is moved forward into the needle bed gap.
As shown in descriptions "catching a course in which the knitting material is newly formed" in Paragraph [0010] and "fastening action of the cam 20 on the newest course of the knitting material" in Paragraph [0012], the lower protrusion acts on a previous loop, and has a function as in JP-B2 05-83657.
The movable sinker apparatus of JP-B2 05-83657 is swingingly displaced about a base portion of the sinker, and catches and presses down a knitting stitch of a previous loop with the knitting stitch receiving portion at the front end portion. Also in the configuration of the sinker as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2646317, the main function of the lower protrusion is to fasten and press down a knitting stitch of a previous loop as in JP-B2 05-83657.
More specifically, the knitting stitch receiving portion of JP-B2 05-83657 and the lower protrusion of Japanese Patent No. 2646317 prevent a previous loop from moving upward by pressing the previous loop, and also have a function to pull down a knitting fabric. However, a knitting fabric is not sufficiently pulled down depending on knitting conditions, and thus there is a request for a more reliable pulling-down function.

Movable sinker apparatus and sinker of weft knitting machine


A turn-on interlock for propelling a vehicle, in particular a magnetic levitation train (maglev), along a track is disclosed, as well as a drive incorporating the turn-on interlock. A stator of a linear motor forming the drive and extending along the track is divided into a plurality of stator sections which can be sequentially connected to an electric power source for propelling the vehicle. Each stator section has one or more feed switches for connecting the stator section to an electric power source, and signaling elements ganged with the feed switches. The turn-on interlock prevents more than one stator section from being connected to the power source at any given time. A stator section can only be connected if all signaling elements or all signaling elements of at least a predetermined subset of the signaling elements indicate an “open” switching state of the feed switch.

The invention is directed to a turn-on interlock for propelling a vehicle, in particular a magnetic levitation train, along a track, and further to a drive with a corresponding turn-on interlock.
Nothing in the following discussion of the state of the art is to be construed as an admission of prior art.
Drives for magnetic levitation trains, also referred to as maglev, are known in the art. Such drives include a linear motor with a stator extending along the track. The stator is divided into stator sections which are sequentially connected to an electric power source to propel the magnetic levitation train. Each stator section includes a feed switch which provides the connection to the power source. To decrease the permissible distance between trains, the sections can overlap so that under certain conditions two magnetic levitation trains can operate within a single drive or operation management section. However, this can disadvantageously cause undesirable interferences, if two stator sections, on which simultaneously two magnetic levitation trains are located, are simultaneously switched on. This can cause the magnetic levitation trains to drop to one side, which may prevent the trains from reaching their next stop. These situations should therefore be prevented or should occur only with a low probability. Suitable software can be installed to prevent several stator sections from being switched on simultaneously. However, the reliability that can be achieved in this way is still insufficient.
It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved interlock device and associated drive with such interlock for a magnetic levitation vehicle, in particular a maglev train, moving along a track which obviates prior art shortcomings and is able to specifically prevent more than one stator section of a linear motor propelling the vehicle to be switched on simultaneously.

Turn-on interlock for propelling a vehicle, in particular a magnetic levitation train, along a track and a drive with a corresponding turn-on interlock


A method of forming abrasive grinding wheels includes the steps of preheating abrasive grains, an open circular mold and liquid epoxy binder, to a temperature below the curing temperature of the binder and at which the binder has relatively low viscosity. The binder is placed in the mold and the mold is rotated, or the mold is held stationary and grains are added from a moving delivery source. The abrasive is added along a radian with respect to an axis of the mold. The rate of the addition of the abrasive grains and the rotational speed of the mold or delivery source are controlled such that abrasive grains added during a prior rotation submerge in the binder by the time the mold or delivery source again reaches the area where more grains are added. After the binder is suitably filled with abrasive, the wheel is cured by heating and the solid mass removed from the mold and trimmed to size, removing any skin of excess binder. The method produces grinding wheels having low porosity, excellent balance and grinding characteristics. The method is suitable for use in the manufacture of super abrasive wheels as well as wheels which include conventional abrasives and fillers.

Many types of abrasive wheels are known in the prior art. A type of abrasive wheel proven to have exceptional grinding properties is the type made with abrasive grains embedded in a plastic binder. Common plastic binders include materials such as polyurethanes and epoxies.
In the past, abrasive wheels of a plastic type have been formed by mixing together the liquid binder, abrasive grains and other materials such as fillers. Once the materials are mixed they are poured into a mold. The mixture is then heated in the mold to cure the binder and form a solid wheel. The wheel is then removed from the mold and a skin of abrasive free binder that typically forms at the open surface of the mold is removed. Once the skin is removed, the wheel is suitable for use.
The problem with the prior art approach of making abrasive wheels is that they tend to be filled with air bubbles in the interior. This characteristic is referred to as "porosity". Porosity is undesirable in a grinding wheel because it tends to score the material being ground. Porosity also tends to cause imbalance in the wheel.
It is believed that the characteristic of porosity occurs because small amounts of air are introduced during the mixing and pouring processes. The tiny air bubbles expand during curing to form significantly larger pockets inside the wheel. Various approaches have been tried over the years to eliminate porosity, however the condition has persisted in commercially available wheels.
Thus, there exists a need for a method for manufacturing abrasive wheels that reduces porosity while providing improved wheel balance and grinding characteristics.


A trolling outrigger apparatus for trolling a fishing lure from a moving watercraft at a predetermined distance from the watercraft and at a specified depth using a sealed floating hull with a counter-steering rudder, a multiple line release clasps and a variable depth measuring device. The trolling outrigger method provides the benefits of covering a large area while fishing as well as the benefits of fishing at specified and consistent depths within the water.

The present invention relates generally to the trolling method of fishing from a moving boat or other watercraft, and in particular, to trolling with known fishing lures or live bait. More particularly, this invention relates to trolling a lure or bait off the side or stern of a moving watercraft at a specified depth within the water, and at an appropriate predetermined distance from the watercraft.
Fishing with a lure or live bait using the trolling method involves casting the lure or bait into a lake or river connected to a moving watercraft by means of a thin fishing line which pulls the lure or bait through the water. This pulling motion of the lure through the water causes the lure to engage in commonly used oscillations intended to attract the attention of fish within the water. Trolling while fishing also allows a greater area of the lake or river to be covered than by employing multiple casts of a lure or bait from a stationary watercraft. It is well known that covering a greater area of a lake or river while fishing increases the likelihood of successfully catching a fish, and it can increase the number of fish caught during a given period of time fishing. Indeed, the increased success of fishing while trolling has created various restrictions on its use in state stocked, or smaller bodies of water where local agencies have an interest in closely regulating the fish population.
One known method of casting a fishing line while trolling is to simply extend, by hand, one or more commercially available fishing rods over the water from a moving watercraft. Another known method, used more frequently within the commercial fishing industry, is to use long fiberglass poles called outriggers which extend from various regions of the boat. Fixed outrigger poles are removably secured to the watercraft by placing one end of the pole into a matched aperture on the boat. The opposite end of the pole (extended away from the boat) is then used to hold the fishing line in a stable position away from the boat and above the surface of the water. Outriggers and fishing poles come in a variety of lengths and are composed of a variety of materials to provide different levels of flexibility and resistance to the lure or bait and any fish which are reeled into the boat.
Due to the forward motion of a watercraft while trolling, a fishing line cast from the watercraft will tend to migrate toward the back, or wake, of the watercraft and remain there. However, it is undesirable for a fishing line to remain directly behind the watercraft while trolling because a moving watercraft generally has some means of propeller propulsion, which, in addition to the exhaust from a driving engine, creates a wake or path behind the watercraft. This wake or path directly behind the watercraft is generally significantly turbulent and not conducive to the normal oscillating motion of a fishing lure or live bait. In addition, fish are known to avoid engine exhaust and propeller wakes. Because of this, one primary function of a fishing pole or fixed outrigger while trolling is to control the placement of a fishing line, and therefore the placement of the fishing lure or bait, away from the turbulent thrust of the moving watercraft. In addition, these fishing poles and fixed outriggers can also allow multiple lines to be cast from one watercraft simultaneously without becoming entangled.
Because it is known that different species of fish respond to different water temperatures and weather conditions by occupying different depths within a body of water, it is desirable to position a fishing lure or bait to match the depth for a chosen species of fish. In addition, commercially available electronic graphical "fish finders," employed by many in the sport, allow the depth of a spotted fish, or groupings of fish, to be preciously determined. Knowing the depth of the fish provides the ability to target the "found fish" by trolling a lure or bait at that depth. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to control the depth at which a fishing lure or bait passes through the water while trolling.
The fishing pole and fixed outrigger methods of controlling a fishing line from a trolling watercraft, while effective in removing the lines from the wake of the watercraft, do not allow the depth of the fishing lure or bait to be controlled. This is because as the lure and line travel through the water, the force of the water against the lure and fishing line, cause both to move toward the surface of the water. The faster a watercraft trolls, the greater the tendency of the lure and line to move toward the surface.
The present invention provides a way to obtain the benefits of troll fishing, while allowing control of both the placement of the line away from the wake of the watercraft, and the depth of the lure or bait within the water. The present invention comprises a sealed floating hull to which a fishing line is attached, and which guides itself at a determined distance alongside the trolling watercraft using a weighted device beneath the hull to regulate and maintain the lure depth.
In addition, the present invention also provides a means by which to fish from a stationary pier or dock over the moving waters of a river. The counter force applied by the steering rudder of the present invention provides a stationary platform from which a lure line can be attached without moving down river with the current. In this way, a the repetitive casting generally associated with river fishing can be avoided.


A meltable food product for applying seasonings to food, or serving as a sauce for food, is disclosed. The product is designed to apply seasonings to food when it melts, which occurs as the food is cooked. The product has a gel-like consistency and is comprised of water, a solidifying agent, a food base, and seasonings embedded in the product. Methods for making and using the product are also disclosed.

When preparing food for human consumption it is customary to add seasonings or apply sauces designed to enhance the flavor of the food. Without formal training in the culinary arts, the novice cook risks unappetizing consequences by applying seasonings which are not adequate for the food being prepared, or not in the correct amounts or combinations needed to yield an appetizing and flavorful result.
It would be desirable if there were a product that would enable a novice cook to conveniently and easily season food as a gourmet chef would season it. Such a product would give the novice cook freedom from worrying about what type, or what amount, or what combination of seasonings needs to be used to produce a flavorful and appetizing result. It would also be desirable if such a product were edible with the food it is being used on.
A search of the prior art in this area yielded several patents disclosing methods to treat and preserve meat products, but none offering a product which is simple and convenient to use. Patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,721,142 and 3,406,081 require that the food product to be treated be dipped in emulsions, and are used primarily to treat frozen food products which are to be stored. Other patents of a similar nature are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,389,000; 4,473,592.
Of more relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 2,860,990, which discloses a method specifically for preparing a ham for consumption by applying a paste-like sugary layer on an inedible cheese cloth which covers the ham before cooking and requires that the inedible cheese cloth be removed after cooking. U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,671 also requires removal of an inedible netting before the meat product can be consumed.
Accordingly, there is a need for an edible product for enhancing the flavor of food which can be easily and conveniently used. Such a product would preferably enable the cook to season the food in one step.

Meltable food product, method of use and method of making


If e-mail awaiting transmission from a client such as a personal computer or workstation exists when a connection has been made from a dial-up server such as an Internet service provider to the Internet via a PSTN or ISDN, the e-mail is transmitted to a mail server on the Internet. If e-mail to the client exists in a mail server on the Internet, this e-mail is received and then forwarded.

This invention relates to a communication apparatus having a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network for providing a client with electronic mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, as well as to a method of such communication.
A method using a dial-up router is available as a method of connecting a terminal device, which has been connected to a local area network (LAN), to a network such as the Internet via a public network (PSTN/ISDN).
In a case where a terminal in the LAN uses a dial-up router to access the device of another party not included in the LAN, the dial-up router recognizes destination information such as an IP address from data output by the terminal and dials the public network automatically to make the connection to the other party""s device.
In a case where a terminal in the LAN is to view a Web page on the Internet, the dial-up router recognizes a datagram that carries a data request from the terminal. If a connection to a public network has not been made, the dial-up router makes the connection at such time.
In a case where Internet e-mail is to be sent, the dial-up router recognizes a datagram that carries the destination of the predesignated mail server and effects a dial-up connection from the public network in a manner similar to that mentioned above. If e-mail is received from a mail server, then the dial-up router makes the connection in like fashion.
In the example of the prior art described above, a connection to the public network is made whenever a Web page is viewed from each terminal in the LAN and whenever e-mail is sent or received by each terminal. As a result, a billing charge is made is made each time.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus and method in which when a connection is made to the Internet via a network, the efficiency with which the network is utilized is improved by implementing e-mail store-and-forward.
According to the pre sent invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a communication apparatus for making a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network to provide a client with e-mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, comprising: interface means for connecting a plurality of clients; dial-up connection means for making a dial-up connection to the Internet; and e-mail processing means for storing and forwarding e-mail, the e-mail processing means storing and forwarding e-mail when the connection to the Internet has been made by the dial-up connection means.
Further, according to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by providing a communication method using a communication apparatus for making a dial-up connection to the Internet via a network to provide a client with e-mail and viewing of Web pages on the Internet, comprising the steps of: transmitting e-mail to a mail server on the Internet in a case where e-mail waiting to be transmitted from the client exists when a dial-up connection has been made to the Internet; and receiving and forwarding, from a mail server on the Internet, e-mail to the client.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.


A process is provided for reacting dichloromonophenyl phosphate and monochlorodiphenyl phosphate with aliphatic alcohol in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst and absence of solvent, at a temperature above 60 to 200° C. and pressure of 0.001 to 1.1 bara, and sparging the reaction mixture with an inert carrier gas if the pressure is above 0.67 bars. Mixtures of monoalkyl biphenyl phosphates and dialkyl monophenyl phosphates and use of such mixtures as a plasticizer and/or flame retardant, are also provided.

The present invention relates to a process to prepare alkyl phenyl phosphates from a mixture comprising monophenyl dichlorophosphate and diphenyl mono-chlorophosphate.
A process to prepare alkyl phenyl phosphates is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,504,121. Monalkyl diaryl phosphate esters are prepared by reaction of an alkylchloro-phosphate and a phenolate compound. The alkylchlorophosphate is formed in a preceding step by reaction of phosphorus oxychloride and an alcohol. The phenolate compound is formed by reaction of phenol compound and a base. U.S. Pat. No. 2,504,121 teach that the reaction of a phenyl chlorophosphate compound with an aliphatic alcohol is objectionable, as the reaction is difficult to control and excessive quantities of triaryl phosphates are formed.
A process to prepare alkyl phenyl phosphates is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,887. In this publication an alkyl phenyl phosphate, more specifically (2-heptylundecyl)diphenyl phosphate, is synthesised by reaction of diphenyl phosphoryl chloride with 2-heptylundecyl alcohol in the presence of a triethyl-amine catalyst and an acid amine scavenger. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,997 relates to undesired processes starting from diphenyl phosphoryl chloride. It is not disclosed or suggested to start with a mixture of monoalkyl phenyl phosphate and dialkyl monophenyl phosphate.

Process to prepare alkyl phenyl phosphates


A first mark, in a double-well integrated circuit technology, is formed by a first etching of a first mask layer on top of an ONO stack. After a first well is doped, a second etching occurs at the first etching sites in the uppermost layer of oxide of the ONO stack forming a first alignment artifact. A second mask layer is applied after removing the first mask layer. A second well doping occurs at second mask layer etching sites to maintain clearance between the two wells within active areas and provide an overlap of the two wells in a frame area. At the first alignment artifact in the overlap of the two wells, further etchings remove remaining layers of the ONO stack and remove silicon from the upper most layer of the semiconductor forming a second registration mark, which may be covered by a protective layer.

In integrated circuit production, a layer-to-layer alignment and registration of fabrication masks is critical. The alignment of one mask layer to another or of a mask layer to a previously applied dopant is frequently critical to the fabrication of active devices or to electrical properties such as isolation capabilities, threshold parameters, or breakdown voltages. A misalignment of a sequence of fabrication steps may mean that a device is out of specification or inoperable. Yield and performance numbers for a device in production may vary significantly causing considerable cost consequences.
Typically a device site on a semiconductor wafer will have alignment or registration marks in the kerf or scribe line area. These registration marks allow automated or manually adjusted optical equipment, such as mask alignment tools, to register a mask layer to the die site. Many interdependencies exist in mask alignment including a lack of "run-out" (nonlinearity) in the features across the mask surface as well as an accurate planarity of the mask relative to the die surface. Variation of these quantities must be kept to a minimum over a considerable distance in order for features in the middle of the die area to be rendered accurately.
Certain technologies require device dimensions to be critically positioned in order to meet specifications and perform as intended. Device performance parameters such as breakdown voltages, threshold voltages, and electrical isolation capabilities depend critically on fabrication layer-to-layer registration in certain integrated circuit technologies such as high-voltage MOS (HVMOS), DMOS and BCDMOS (Bipolar CMOS-DMOS). These technologies rely crucially on fabrication alignment to have sufficient electrical performance characteristics and yield.
For example, in DMOS technology, a drain-to-source breakdown voltage (BVDSS) and an "on-channel resistance" (RDS(ON)) vary directly with a variation in layer-to-layer registration. What is needed is a method and structure to allow mask alignment and registration of the critical layers to be accomplished within either a die site frame or a die site itself.

Registration mark within an overlap of dopant regions


A termination is formed on an optical fiber by securing the fiber in a mold which defines a cavity for forming the termination. A liquid is injected into the cavity, which solidifies to form the termination. At least a portion of the mold is removed to expose the termination.

The present invention relates to fiber optics and, more particularly, relates to termination of optical fibers.
It is common practice today, when it is necessary to provide a termination for an optical fiber, to polish the end of the fiber to a mirror finish and to employ transparent adhesives. Polishing the fiber is a time consuming step, and adhesives leave much to be desired for terminating optical fibers. For one thing, adhesives take some time to cure or set, which increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, adhesives may have bubbles, which interfere with transmission of light, and adhesives do not solidify to form precisely-defined shapes.


A method in the fabrication of an integrated bipolar circuit comprises the steps of: providing a p-type substrate; forming in the substrate a buried n+-type region and an n-type region above the buried n+-type region; forming field isolation areas around the n-type region; forming a PMOS gate region on the n-type region; forming a diffused n+-type contact from the upper surface of the substrate to the buried n+-type region; the contact being separated from the n-type region; forming a p-type polysilicon source on the n-type region; forming a p-type source in the n-type region; forming a p-type drain in the n-type region; and connecting the PMOS transistor structure to operate as a PNP transistor, wherein the source is connected to the gate and constitutes an emitter of the PNP transistor; the drain constitutes a collector of the PNP transistor; and the n-type region constitutes a base of the PNP transistor.

Advanced silicon bipolar, CMOS or BiCMOS circuits are used today for high-speed applications in the 1–5 GHz frequency range, replacing circuits previously only possible to realize using III–V based technologies.
A common trend in microelectronics is to integrate more and more functions on a single chip, in order to increase the general performance and to reduce size, power consumption and price of the circuits. The versatility of a BiCMOS process is many time preferred, although it is not suited for all applications. High-performance bipolar integrated circuits have been used extensively for some critical building blocks in telecommunication circuits, mainly for analog functions such as switching currents and voltages, and for high-frequency radio circuit functions such as those in mixers, amplifiers, and detectors. For high-performance cost-effective circuits that would be used in e.g. cellular telephones, a bipolar-only process is many times still to prefer, instead of a BiCMOS process.
All modern high-frequency bipolar transistors apply polysilicon emitter technology. The emitter is formed by depositing a polysilicon layer, which is then heavily doped. When activated, preferably using RTA (rapid thermal anneal), the dopants are driven into the underlying substrate. A very thin emitter depth, which also permits thin bases (translates into good high frequency properties) is achieved. Another feature of polysilicon emitter technology is the increased beta, which is strongly related to the details of the interface between the polysilicon layer and the substrate.
Although in most RF-IC design the n-type devices, i.e. NPN transistors, are totally dominating, p-type devices, i.e. PNP-transistors, are needed for some circuit functions. However, a bipolar-only RF-IC process usually lacks good PNP-transistors, since the process is commonly designed for optimal vertical NPN transistor performance. High-performance vertical PNP-transistors can be added to the process flow, but to a cost of increased processing complexity and number of mask layers, see e.g. M. C. Wilson et al., "Process HJ: A 30 GHz NPN and 20 GHz PNP Complimentary Bipolar Process for High Linearity RF Circuits", Proc. IEEE BCTM Conf. 1998, p. 164.
Instead, lateral PNP transistors are usually employed as p-type devices, since the requirement can be very relaxed in terms of high-frequency properties, current drive ability, packing density etc.
The lateral PNP transistor is commonly made by placing two p-type diffusions in close proximity to each other in the epi-layer, one of them, the collector, surrounding the other one, the emitter. In most RF-IC processes, the base will consist of the n-well, with the subcollector used as base contact. The collector and emitter regions are separated by field oxide. A typical example of a lateral PNP device in a BiCMOS process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,600 by Gris.
The basic function of a MOS-gated lateral PNP-transistor is described in EP 0 093 086 by Vittoz, which points out that the gate should be biased so that the inversion in the MOS channel regions is avoided, i.e. the MOS transistor should always be off. U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,710 by Joyce et al. further describes integration of a lateral PNP device in a BiCMOS process using not only a plain MOS transistor, but also an additional nitride in the gate dielectric. EP 0 872 893 by Laurens describes an optimized lateral PNP transistor using MOS devices in a BiCMOS process.
A lateral PNP transistor by using MOS transistors is usually layouted in a circular manner. In the center of the layout is the emitter (source), surrounded by the gate. The MOS gate is connected to the emitter (source), to assure that the channel of the MOS device is always in accumulation.
A primary problem with the lateral PNP devices made by using MOS transistors is the low gain (beta), which typically is lower than 10. Another problem is the comparatively large area occupied by each device. An optimized structure is therefore needed.

Semiconductor fabrication process, lateral PNP transistor, and integrated circuit


A micro aerial vehicle can be converted during flight between a fixed wing flight mode and a rotary wing flight mode. The canard design micro aerial vehicle includes a fuselage, two tiltable propellers and airfoils arranged at a forward portion of fuselage, a pair of coaxial drive shafts positioned aft of the tiltable propeller and airfoil arranged for contra-rotation, a stop rotor mechanism, and a pair of wing panels, each of the wing panels attached to one of the coaxial drive shafts. The wing panels act as contra-rotating rotor blades in the rotary wing flight mode, and act as fixed wing panels in the fixed wing mode.

Uninhabited or unmanned aerial vehicles have been in use for several years for various purposes including carrying sensors, reconnaissance, and communications. Some unmanned vehicles are useful for flying into areas in which a manned aircraft would be at risk due to enemy fire, airborne contaminants, and other dangers.
In the mid 1990's, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) began funding development of micro-air vehicles. Some examples of micro aerial vehicles are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,989 to Cylinder, U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,398 to Cox et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,671 to Michelson.
Examples of small propeller driven flying devices are found in "The NRL MITE Air Vehicle", Proceedings of the Bristol RPV/AUV Systems Conference, 2001, by Kellogg, J. et. al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Some other examples of small unmanned vehicles are disclosed in "Nonconventional Aerodynamics for Micro-UAVs", Proc. 16th International UAV Systems Conference, Bristol, UK, April 2001 by Kellogg, J. et al. and in "Development and Testing of Unconventional Micro Air Vehicle Configurations", Proc. of Unmanned/Unlimited Conference, AIAA, September 2003 by Kellogg, J. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Further description of micro-air vehicles, including several stop-rotor converting type micro-air vehicles, is found in "Design and Development of the Samara Stop-Rotor Hybrid Micro Air Vehicle", Proc. 20th International UAV Systems Conference, Bristol, UK, April 2005, by James C. Kellogg, Richard I. Foch, Aaron D. Kahn, Michael Baur, Donald Srull, David A. Cylinder, and George Piper.

Convertible aerial vehicle with contra-rotating wing/rotors and twin tilting wing and propeller units

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


The present invention relates to an IC socket to be used for testing various IC packages, an object of which is to provide the IC socket with means facilitating insertion and removal of IC packages either in testing by employing an automatic loader or in testing with manual operation. It is constructed to have a socket body formed with a plurality of contacts for establishing electric contact with leads of an IC package, a cover 2 for removably fitting the IC package on the socket body, latches 4 having hooks 42 arranged at least at two diagonally opposing corners of said cover 2, and hooking to said socket body 1, and projections extending in the same direction to the hooks 42, releasing blocks 5 arranged in the vicinity of said latches and movable in the vertical direction with respect to said projection 43, and catching portions 11 formed in said socket body 1 and to be hooked the hook 42 of said latch 4.

1. Field of the Invention
The present in invention relates to an IC socket used for the testing of various IC packages, such as QFP (Quad Flat Package), SOP (Small Outline Package) and so forth.
Typically, IC packages are tested in some manner to ensure their proper functions. The present invention relates to the IC socket which enable various tests for a plurality of IC packages quickly and certainly.
2. Description of Prior Art
One of the tests for IC packages is the burn-in test, in which the IC package is inserted into the IC socket and thereafter installed within a convection oven for testing high-temperature characteristics of the IC package under an elevated temperature.
As to the IC socket to be used for the above-mentioned bur-in test, there are some applications in which the IC sockets adapted to testing by automatic process are disclosed. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,623,208 and 4,886,470 disclose IC sockets adapted to automated-type testing apparatus.
FIGS. 7 to 9 show the conventional IC socket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,208. In further detail, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing normal condition before testing, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing overall construction, FIG. 9 is a section of the condition, in which the IC package is inserted, taken along line B--B of FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 is a section of the condition, in which the IC package is installed, taken along line B--B of FIG. 7.
FIGS. 11 to 13 show the conventional IC socket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,470. In further detail, FIG. 11 is a perspective view in the normal state before testing, FIG. 12 is a section of the condition, in which a lead of the IC package is contacting the contact, taken along line C--C of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a section of the condition, in which a lead of the IC package is held in non-contact with the contact, taken along line C--C of FIG. 11.
As illustrated, the above-mentioned two kinds of IC sockets comprise socket bodies 10, covers 20 and a plurality of contacts 30. Each of the contacts 30 has a contact section 40 for electrical contact with the lead L of the IC package P (strictly speaking, a pad of a chip carrier corresponds to the lead in the first prior art example FIGS. 7 to 10), a cantilever section 50 for rotating the contact section, 40 to enable connection and releasing between the lead L and each contact 30.
Here, when the cover 20 is depressed downwardly against a resilient force (reacting force) of the contact 30, the above-mentioned contact 30 is forcingly displaced outwardly to place the contact 30 and the lead L of the IC package P into the non-contacting state to release connection therebetween. Accordingly, in this condition, insertion and removal (loading and unloading) of the IC package P can be performed. When depression force on the cover 20 is removed, the contact 30 is rotated in the reverse direction to restore connection with the lead L of the IC package P.
However, the above-mentioned IC socket does not have an operation stand-by mechanism. Therefore, particularly when the test for the IC package is performed by manual operation, loading and unloading od the IC package has to be done by downwardly depressing the cover 20 against the reacting force of the contacts, making the operation very difficult. In order to solve this problem, an IC socket provided with an operation stand-by mechanism of the cover has been disclosed in Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 64-65782, for example.
FIGS. 14 to 17 are illustrations showing the prior art in Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-65782. In further detail, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing overall construction of the IC socket, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the IC socket in a condition where the IC socket and the contact are held in a non-contacting state, FIG. 16 is a partial side section of the IC socket in the foregoing condition, and FIG. 17 is a partial side section of the IC socket in a condition where the IC package and the contact are held in a contacting state. It should be noted that the similar construction elements to the foregoing will be represented by the same reference numerals.
As shown, this IC socket enable the establishment of the operation stand-by state by hooking latch 70, formed integrally with the socket body 10, to projections 80 of the cover. With the above-mentioned IC socket, the cover can be held at the lowermost position. Namely, since the contact 30 can be held in the contact releasing position, it is unnecessary to forcingly depress the cover with an external force for facilitating loading and unloading of the IC package.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A water treatment apparatus includes: a first granular electrode member and a second granular electrode member stored in a water treatment unit and provided so as to be separated from each other; a power supply unit which applies voltage between the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member so that ions contained in treatment target water supplied from one side of the water treatment unit are adsorbed to the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member; and a washing water supply pump which causes washing water to flow from the other side of the water treatment unit to the one side of the water treatment unit, thereby washing the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member, wherein the first granular electrode member and the second granular electrode member each include a plurality of flowable granular electrode members.

Electric desalination technology using an electrical double layer capacitor is technology of adsorbing and removing ions contained in treatment target water such as sea water or contaminated water using a Coulomb force, thereby desalinating the treatment target water. In one example of conventional electric desalination, an electrical double layer capacitor having a flat-plate shape is configured such that activated carbon layers mainly formed from activated carbon having a high specific surface area are provided on both sides of a separator formed from an electrically-insulating porous liquid-permeable sheet, collector electrodes are provided on the outer sides of the activated carbon layers, and holder plates are provided on the outer sides of the collector electrodes. Then, while a liquid containing an ionic substance is passed through the electrical double layer capacitor, application of DC low voltage to the collector electrodes and short-circuit or reverse connection between both collector electrodes are repeated alternately (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
As another example, in an electrical double layer capacitor for performing desalination, ozone is generated from treatment water before desalination, and treatment target water is sterilized by the ozone, thereby preventing generation of biofilm on the surfaces of electrodes, and the polarities of the electrodes are changed alternately during operation, thereby decomposing and dissolving biofilm and/or scale that has been already generated on the surfaces of the electrodes and thus removing the biofilm and/or scale (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Water treatment apparatus and water treatment method


An apparatus and method for igniting combustible materials in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using corona discharge plasma from a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A tapered quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is adapted to mate with the combustion chamber. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is coupled with an energy shaping means, or waveform generator, that develops the appropriate waveform for triggering radio frequency oscillations in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. A loop coupling is angularly positioned within the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to match impedances between the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and the energy shaping means, or waveform generator. Radio frequency oscillations produce a standing wave in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and a corona discharge plasma develops near the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma developed near the center conductor ignites the combustible materials in the combustion chamber of the combustion engine.

There are two basic methods used to ignite combustion mixtures. Auto ignition through compression and spark ignition. Today a very large number of spark ignited (SI) engines are in use, consuming a limited fossil fuel supply. A significant environmental and economic benefit is obtained by making combustion engines more efficient. Higher thermal efficiencies for SI engines are obtained through operation with leaner fuel air mixtures and through operations at higher power densities and pressures. Unfortunately, as mixtures are leaned, they become more difficult to ignite and combust. More energetic sparks with larger surfaces are required for reliable operation, for example using multiple spark plugs per cylinder systems or rail-plug igniters. As more energetic sparks are used, their overall ignition efficiency is reduced because the higher energy levels are detrimental to the spark plug lifetime. These higher energy levels also contribute to the formation of undesirable pollutants. Therefore it would be desirable to have a spark plug capable of igniting leaner fuel air mixtures than traditional spark ignition sources.
Plasma ignition sources provide an alternative to traditional spark ignition and opens the door to more efficient, leaner and cleaner combustion resulting in associated economic and environmental benefits. Prior art methods and apparatuses describe using plasma as an ignition means for combustion engines. One method of generating plasma involves using a radio frequency (RF) source and a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to generate corona discharge plasma. The prior art uses a radio frequency (RF) oscillator and amplifier to generate the required RF power at a desired frequency. RF oscillators and amplifiers can be either semiconductor or electron tube based, and are well known in the art. The RF oscillator and amplifier are coupled to the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, which in turn develops a standing RF wave in the cavity at the frequency determined by the RF oscillator. By electrically shorting the input end of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and leaving the other end electrically open, the RF energy is resonantly stepped-up in the cavity to produce a corona discharge plasma at the open end of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. The corona discharge plasma can function generally as an ignition means for combustible materials and specifically in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine.
A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator is designed to have an electrical length that is approximately one-quarter of the radio frequency delivered from the RF oscillator and amplifier, although cavities that are multiples of one-quarter of the radio frequency will also work. The electrical length of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator depends upon the physical geometry of the cavity, the temperature, pressure and environment at the open end of the cavity, as well was whether one or more dielectrics are used to plug or seal the end of the cavity.
Energy consumption is minimized and the corona discharge is maximized when the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and radio frequency are appropriately matched. However, the cavity still generates a corona discharge plasma for a range of frequencies around the optimal frequency as well as at higher harmonics of the optimal frequency. An unmatched quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator generally results in lower efficiencies and less power being delivered to the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and therefore potentially less corona discharge plasma. When the corona discharge plasma is used as an ignition source for a combustion chamber, a reduction in the amount or strength of the corona discharge plasma is undesirable as it could result in non-ignition of combustible materials in the combustion chamber. Therefore, it is best to closely match the generated radio frequency to the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator to maximize energy efficiency and maximize corona discharge plasma generation.
However, in practice, the resonant frequency of a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator may not be optimally matched with the RF oscillator and amplifier. This can occur for any number of reasons, including improper selection of frequency in the RF oscillator, mechanical fatigue and wearing of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator or dielectric, or even transient changes in the resonant frequency of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator due to, for example, the formation of the corona discharge plasma itself or other changes in the environment near the region of the cavity. Therefore, it is desired that the RF oscillation be dynamically generated and modulated in such a way that it is closer to the resonant frequency of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator in order to attain the optimal frequency for corona discharge plasma generation.
Also, the prior art systems and apparatuses that describe systems, devices, and methods for using plasma as an ignition means in a combustion engine generally require redesign of electronic ignition control systems, the fuel injection systems, or even the combustion chambers of the engines themselves to function. Therefore, there exists a need for a corona discharge plasma ignition device that can function as a replacement for a spark plug in an internal combustion engine without requiring substantial modification to the engine, ignition control system or associated connections and circuitry.

Quarter wave coaxial cavity igniter for combustion engines


A projectile for firing from a launcher includes a propulsion stage having non-axisymmetric boosters arranged about a longitudinal axis of the propulsion stage. The propulsion stage may further include a central booster about which the non-axisymmetric boosters are arranged.

Ballistic missiles often include a flight vehicle and at least one propulsion stage coupled to the flight vehicle. Such ballistic missiles are often stored in a launch canister for loading into a launch tube of a launch system, or a launcher. A "round," a launch canister and a ballistic missile, often has a specific and inflexible weight requirement resulting from "load-out" capabilities of the launch system or of the armament or vehicle where the launch system is located, such as on a warship. The round weight requirement is divided between the launch canister and the ballistic missile. The weight of the ballistic missile is driven by the amount of propellant and necessary componentry, such as actuators, while the weight of the launch canister is driven by the requirement for a thick and heavy launch canister developed to provide compensation for over-pressurization during missile launch or to restrain fire loads during a "hang-fire" or an accidental ignition.
The propulsion stage enables egress from a launch canister and launch system, movement away from the launch system, and movement towards a target. Use of a propulsion stage having multiple or clustered motor boosters enables additional control of such egress and movement. However, use of multiple boosters causes enlargement of an external profile of the propulsion stage, requiring additional propellant for launch and other maneuvers, thereby increasing the weight of the projectile. Accordingly, there is a need for a projectile having a propulsion stage with multiple motor boosters that enables a balance between the projectile's external profile and the total round weight.


A conductive glass with a coat constituted mainly of a potassium-contained stannic oxide applied on a glass substrate, wherein a film thickness of the coat constituted mainly of the stannic oxide comes within the range of 1 to 100 nm, a potassium concentration is 0.1 to 10.0 wt %, and a surface compression stress of the conductive glass is 30 to 100 kg/mm.sup.2. After the stannic oxide coat is formed on the glass substrate, it is brought into contact with a melted potassium nitrate to contain potassium in the glass substrate and the coat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a conductive glass, and is particularly concerned with a conductive glass having a high strength and a high wear resistance.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Lately, a conductive glass is used in various fields such as electrodes for various displays or thin film photoelectric cells, transparent touch sensor, transparent anti-static coating, transparent electromagnetic shield and the like. The conductive glass is obtained exclusively by coating a glass substrate with a transparent conductive coating material thereon. For this kind of material, an oxide material having a semiconducting function is employed preferably, which includes representatively stannic oxide, indium tin oxide (hereinafter referred to as ITO), zinc oxide, cadmium tin oxide and others.
Since the conductive glass is exposed usually to a working surface, a high wear resistance and chemical resistance (acid and alkali resistances) are required sometimes for particular service. Further, for safety, there may be a case where a strength remarkably higher than a normal plate glass is required with the glass itself. To obtain a glass plate with high strength, such glass heated up to a softening point or over is cooled down quickly from the surface thereof to obtain a compression stress which is normally called thermal tempering, or glass plate is soaked in a molten salt containing potassium ion to exchange with a sodium ion in the glass, and thus the surface compression stress is obtained according to a difference in size of the ions, which is called chemical tempering. In either case, the glass is exposed to high temperature at about 400.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. in a process for increasing a strength of the glass.
However, it was difficult so far to satisfy concurrently an electrical characteristic of the conductive glass, a mechanical strength of the coat and a strength of a glass substrate. For example, an ITO film typical as the transparent conductive film displays a superior electrical characteristic, but is weak in wear resistance and chemical resistance of the film, and in addition a problem inherent therein is such that the electrical characteristic deteriorates or the film is damaged by carrying out the thermal tempering or chemical tempering for obtaining a strength of the conductive glass.
On the other hand, a stannic oxide film is superior to the ITO film in wear resistance. However, if a strength of the conductive glass is increased through the thermal tempering, then a sudden change in temperature of the process may often cause a crack on the film or a severe deformation of the glass substrate. Accordingly, for the thermal tempering, a strict temperature control will be necessary, or a deterioration of productivity may occur sometimes.
Further, it is conceivable that the glass substrate with thermal tempering and chemical tempering applied thereon beforehand is coated with a transparent conductive film, however, if a coating temperature is high in this case, the surface compression stress layer will vanish due to a transfer or diffusion of atoms.
Accordingly, a method available for coating at low temperature after the tempering is applied (for example, vacuum deposition and sputtering) is preferable as means for obtaining a conductive glass having a satisfactory strength, however, the equipment of this kind requires vacuum, so that a coating cost gets high inevitably.

Method of manufacturing a conductive glass with high strength and wear resistance


Provided are methods and inspection systems for evaluating height deviations on surfaces of composite structures. The method is based on obtaining multiple linear height profiles of a surface and generating a three-dimensional representation of that surface. This representation is then analyzed to determine various height deviations, such as wrinkles. The three-dimensional surface representation is generated based on position of each linear height profile on the surface. The analysis may be performed along any direction, which may be different than the inspection directions of to the linear height profiles. As such, height information from multiple height profiles is analyzed at the same time. This approach increases the quality of inspection and ensures that different types of height variations can be identified, which may be missed with individual analysis of each linear height profile. Furthermore, this approach allows using high precision linear height detectors, such as laser profilers.

Composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced materials, are being rapidly adopted for many new applications because of their light weight and exceptional strength. Some application examples include aerospace components (e.g., aircraft tail components, wing structures, fuselage skins, propellers, and the like), boats (e.g., hulls), bicycles (e.g., frames, sprockets), automotive (e.g., body panels, structural components, gas tanks), and the like. Various inconsistencies, in particular, height deviations on surfaces of formed composite structures, such as large wrinkles, can be undesirable when out of tolerance size. Wrinkles may occur during the fabrication of a composite part. Accurate sizing of inconsistencies (like wrinkle) on the surface of a composite part is essential to determining if it is outside of tolerances. This approach can also help to understand various processing conditions where inconsistencies such as wrinkles may form. At the same time, identification of wrinkles and other like inconsistencies may be more difficult than desired due to the nature of the surface (e.g., color and other surface conditions) of composite materials and the nature of the wrinkles (e.g., orientation, height deviations). Manual inspection processes have been primarily relied on for detecting wrinkles.

Surface inspection of composite structures


A cap for blocking a pipe. The pipe has a rim at an end thereof. The rim defines a pipe aperture. The cap includes a body for blocking the pipe aperture, the body including a bore having a threaded bore portion. A latch is movably mounted on the body for movement between a latched position wherein the latch engages the rim, and an unlatched position wherein the latch disengages the rim. A plug is provided for threaded engagement with the threaded portion and converts a rotational movement of the plug relative to the bore into a translation movement of the plug relative to the bore between a plug first position and a plug second position. The plug is operatively coupled to the latch for moving the latch between the latched and the unlatched positions in response to the plug being moved between the first plug position and a second plug position.

In many industries, there is a need to block an opening, such as an opening in a pipe. For example, in the fuel distribution industry, there is a need to prevent unauthorized access to fuel tanks. Indeed, underground storage tanks for gas in gas stations need to be protected against such unauthorized access for safety reasons, among others.
Currently, such storage tanks include a filling pipe to which a filling tube is attachable for refuelling the tank. When the tank is not refilled, there is a need to protect the opening of the pipe so that unauthorized persons cannot access this opening. In currently existing caps for such pipe openings, the cap is typically affixed to the pipe and a lock is secured to the cap so as to prevent an unauthorized person from releasing the cap from the pipe.
However, the locks that are typically used are relatively easy to break. In addition, such locks are exposed to water infiltration and therefore are prone to rust.
Also, when an authorized user wishes to access the pipe, there is a need to locate the key to the lock. If the key is not readily available there is a loss of time looking for the key or in trying to break the lock. In this last case a replacement lock also has to be provided.
Although the above example relates to the fuel distribution industry, there are also many other industries into which there is the need to block an opening in a pipe so that access by unauthorized persons is prevented.
Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide a novel cap for blocking a pipe.


Methods and systems for cleaning an acoustical couplant and test article before and during ultrasonic testing using components which are used for precleaning the test article as well as cleaning the acoustical couplant during the ultrasonic testing is provided. The invention also provides additional functionality such as preserving the acoustical couplant before, during, and after the ultrasonic testing from loss such as, e.g., evaporation.

The present invention relates generally to a system for cleaning a fluid, e.g., a couplant during submersion ultrasonic testing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system for improved and more consistent test results during ultrasonic testing by constantly filtering and cleaning a couplant used during testing and thereby reducing interference with sound waves used during ultrasonic testing.
Past methods of testing had error problems related to suspended particles in the water. A couplant had to be disposed of in particular ways due to explosive residue or some other hazardous waste. Experimentation has shown a need to avoid making changes to testing processes so testing data always correlates due to consistent test methodology. An effort and cost of disposal of a couplant and solid contaminates is also a significant problem of ultrasonic testing. The need to reduce waste output further motivated a change and improvement in existing processes.
Generally, embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for cleaning an acoustical couplant and test article before and during ultrasonic testing using components which are used for pre-cleaning the test article as well as cleaning the acoustical couplant during the ultrasonic testing is provided. The invention also provides additional functionality such as preserving the acoustical couplant before, during, and after the ultrasonic testing from loss such as, e.g., evaporation.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a pump is connected via plumbing to a strainer and a filter, through which a couplant from a holding tank passes before flowing through a test tank, where the ultrasonic testing is performed, and a plate cleaning tank, which allows the parts which are to be tested to be cleaned prior to beginning the test, further reducing the amount of residue present in the couplant during testing. Said filter captures contaminants from the cleaning and test operations and said pump moves a couplant through cleaning brushes and said ultrasonic test tank. This filtration system cleans a couplant during testing to eliminate contamination and improves both the quality and consistency of repeated tests. It has the further benefit of extending the useful life of a couplant used during testing thus reducing hazardous waste and reducing time required to remove and dispose of a dirty couplant. A method of manufacturing and method of use is also provided.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

System and method for cleaning a couplant during ultrasonic testing


In an embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes a bidirectional switch circuit. The bidirectional switch circuit includes a first semiconductor transistor mounted on a first die pad, a second semiconductor transistor mounted on a second die pad, the second die pad being separate from the first die pad, and a conductive connector extending between a source electrode of the first transistor and a source electrode of the second transistor.

Two or more power semiconductor devices such as diodes, transistors and the like may be arranged in a circuit to provide various configurations or functions. For example, two MOSFET transistors may be arranged in a circuit to provide a half-bridge configuration or a bidirectional switch which can supply electric current bi-directionally. Bidirectional switches may be used in applications such as electric power conversion circuits or plasma display apparatus, for example.


A continuous domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display (2) has a first substrate (21), a second substrate (22), and liquid crystal molecules (26) interposed between the substrates. A plurality of curved slits (211) and a plurality of curved protrusions (221) are disposed at insides of the substrates respectively. When an electric field is applied between the substrates, the liquid crystal molecules are inclined to be oriented parallel to the substrates. In addition, the curved slits and the curved protrusions affect the orientations of the liquid crystal molecules, such that the liquid crystal molecules are directed to incline in various directions in smooth continuums. The visual effect of the continuous domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display is the sum of multiple smooth continuous domains. Thus the continuous domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display provides a more even display performance at various different viewing angles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vertical alignment liquid crystal display, and more particularly to a continuous domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display. This application relates to a contemporaneously filed application having the same applicants, the same title and the same assignee therewith.
2. Description of Prior Art
A liquid crystal display utilizes the optical and electrical anisotropy of liquid crystal molecules to produce an image. The liquid crystal molecules have a particular passive orientation when no voltage is applied thereto. However, in a driven state, the liquid crystal molecules change their orientation according to the strength and direction of the driving electric field. A polarization state of incident light changes when the light transmits through the liquid crystal molecules, due to the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules. The extent of the change depends on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, by properly controlling the driving electric field, an orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is changed and a desired image can be produced.
The first type of LCD developed was the TN (twisted nematic) mode LCD. Even though TN mode LCDs have been put into use in many applications, they have an inherent drawback that cannot be eliminated; namely, a very narrow viewing angle. By adding compensation films on TN mode LCDs, this problem can be ameliorated to some extent. However, the cost of the TN mode LCD is increased. Therefore, MVA (multi-domain vertical alignment) mode LCDs have recently been developed. In MVA mode liquid crystal displays, each pixel is divided into multiple domains. Liquid crystal molecules of a pixel are vertically aligned when no voltage is applied, and are inclined in different directions according to the domains when a voltage is applied. Thus MVA mode liquid crystal displays can provide wide viewing angles. Typical MVA mode liquid crystal displays have four domains in a pixel, and employ protrusions and/or slits at the pixels to achieve the desired effects.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, Chinese Pat. Application No. 01,121,750, published on Jan. 23, 2002, discloses a four-domain MVA liquid crystal display. The MVA liquid crystal display 1 comprises a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 16 disposed between the first and second substrates 11, 12, and protrusions 111, 121 each having a triangular cross-section respectively disposed on the first and second substrates 11, 12. Components such as two polarizers having orthogonal polarization directions, pixel electrodes, common electrodes, thin film transistors and alignment films are also provided in the MVA liquid crystal display 1; however these components are not shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8.
FIG. 7 shows the alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules 16 when the MVA liquid crystal display 1 is in an off state; that is, when no voltage is applied. Most of the liquid crystal molecules 16 are vertically aligned perpendicular to the substrates 11, 12. Accordingly, light beams do not change their polarization states when passing through the liquid crystal molecules 16. The two polarizers are disposed on the substrates 11, 12 respectively. Because the polarization directions of the polarizers are orthogonal to each other, light beams that maintain their original polarization states when output from the first polarizer are absorbed by the second polarizer; In other words, the MVA liquid crystal display 1 is in a dark state when no voltage is applied.
FIG. 8 shows the orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules 16 when the MVA liquid crystal display 1 is in an on state; that is, when a voltage is applied. An electric field perpendicular to the substrates 11, 12 is generated. Because the liquid crystal molecules 16 have negative dielectric anisotropy, they are oriented in directions perpendicular to the electric field. In addition, the protrusions 111, 121 affect the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 16. For example, the liquid crystal molecules 16 at two opposite sides of the protrusion 111 are respectively oriented from top-right to bottom-left and from top-left to bottom-right. Therefore the light beams change their polarization states when passing through the liquid crystal molecules 16. Because the polarization directions of the two polarizers are orthogonal to each other, the light beams output from the first polarizer change their original polarization states and pass through the second polarizer. In other words, the MVA liquid crystal display 1 is in a white state when a voltage is applied.
FIG. 9 shows orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules 16 in four domains A, B, C, D. The protrusions 111, 121 are arranged on the substrates 11, 12 along generally V-shaped paths. Liquid crystal molecules 16 at two opposite sides of the upper portions of the protrusions 111, 121 incline in C and D regions, while liquid crystal molecules 16 at two opposite sides of the lower portions of the protrusions 111, 121 incline in A and B regions. The orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules 16 in a same inter-protrusion region are consistent. The orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 16 in each same inter-protrusion region is orthogonal to the orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules 16 in all of the other inter-protrusion regions. Therefore, each pixel attains a visual effect that is an overall result of four domains. This gives the MVA liquid crystal display 1 a more even display performance at various different viewing angles.
However, the four-domain configuration can only compensate visual performance in four directions. The overall viewing angle characteristics of the MVA liquid crystal display 1 are still inherently limited, and the MVA liquid crystal display 1 cannot satisfactorily present a uniform display at all viewing angles.
It is desired to provide a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal display which overcomes the above-described problems.

Continuous domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automated analysis of petrographic thin section images. In one aspect, a method includes determining a first image of a petrographic thin section of a rock sample, and determining a feature vector for each pixel of the first image. Multiple different regions of the petrographic thin section are determined by clustering the pixels of the first image based on the feature vectors, wherein one of the regions corresponds to grains in the petrographic thin section. The method further includes determining a second image of the petrographic thin section, including combining images of the petrographic thin section acquired with plane-polarized light and cross-polarized light. Multiple grains are segmented from the second image of the petrographic thin section based on the multiple different regions from the first image, and characteristics of the segmented grains are determined.

This specification relates to methods for analyzing petrographic thin section images.
A common issue in geological petrography work is the analysis of thin sections. Thin section analysis may be used to determine properties of the thin section such as mineral composition and texture.
Hydrocarbon fluids may be found in the pore spaces visible in thin sections. The study of geological thin sections has become one of the most important disciplines for hydrocarbon exploration.
Conventionally, thin section analysis has been performed by a point counting method. Point counting in thin sections is normally conducted through mechanical or electromechanical devices attached to a microscope. Such mechanical and electromechanical devices can be very expensive and offer limited functionality. The final results of point counting analysis are subjective and dependent on expertise of the user who performed the point counting.

Automated analysis of petrographic thin section images using advanced machine learning techniques


A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle, for ascertaining tire-specific parameters, includes a valve body, at least one fastening element, and a tire inflation pressure sensor with a housing in which is accommodated a sensor for determining at least one tire-specific parameter and for wirelessly transmitting the at least one tire-specific parameter to a control unit on the vehicle. The housing has a fastening region, and the valve body includes a fastening section. The fastening section of the valve body is detachably engaged with the fastening region of the housing with the aid of a fastening element. The fastening element is made as one piece with the housing of the tire inflation pressure sensor from a thermoplastic plastic.

Vehicle safety and reliability are crucial aspects in automotive technology. If for no other reason than safety, therefore, the tire pressure of vehicles or motor vehicles should be checked regularly, even though this is often neglected by the vehicle driver. For this reason, increasing use is made in modern vehicles of sensing devices in the form of tire inflation pressure sensors that automatically measure the tire inflation pressure and transmit it to a control unit on the vehicle. This is intended to avoid failures or accidents that are attributable to insufficient tire inflation pressure. Consequently, a critical deviation of the measured tire inflation pressure from a desired tire pressure should be detected early through this automatic measurement of the tire inflation pressure and indicated to the vehicle driver, making it possible to dispense with manual monitoring. In such systems for automatic measurement of tire inflation pressure, one tire inflation pressure sensor is arranged on each wheel or pneumatic tire. A tire inflation pressure sensor in this context often includes at least one sensor for sensing the tire inflation pressure or temperature, as well as a transmitter unit and, if applicable, an electronic analysis unit, which can also be provided on the vehicle, however.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, a tire pressure monitoring system 100 of the initially described type is shown, which is known from DE 10 2010 050 365 A1, for example. This known system 100 includes a valve body 110, a tire inflation pressure sensor 120 and a fastening element 130 attaching the valve body 110 to the tire inflation pressure sensor 120, wherein the fastening element 130 is implemented as a screw. To install the valve body 110 on the tire inflation pressure sensor 120, the fastening section 150 of the valve body 110 is inserted into a receptacle 160 formed on the housing 140 of the tire inflation pressure sensor 120. The receptacle 160 has a hole 170 which extends transversely to the insertion direction of the valve body 110 and into which the fastening element 130 implemented as a screw is screwed in order to fasten the valve body 110 to the housing 140.
It is disadvantageous of this known tire pressure monitoring system 100 that there is the risk during the installation process that the fastening element 130 implemented as a screw is lost, and that an assembly aid in the form of a screwdriver is needed in order to make the screw connection that ultimately holds the valve body 110 on the housing 140 of the tire inflation pressure sensor 120.
Another tire pressure monitoring system 200 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This tire pressure monitoring system 200 likewise corresponds to the initially described type, and is known from DE 10 2004 048 244 A1, for example. This known system 200 also has a valve body 210, a tire inflation pressure sensor 220 and a fastening element 230 attaching the valve body 210 to the tire inflation pressure sensor 220. However, in this tire pressure monitoring system 200, the fastening element 230 is implemented as a spring clip. Nevertheless, the valve body 210 in this design is also inserted into a receptacle 250 formed on the housing 240 of the tire inflation pressure sensor 220 in order to fasten the valve body 210 to the tire inflation pressure sensor 220. The receptacle 250 has an insertion slot 260 which extends transversely to the insertion direction of the valve body 210 and into which the fastening element 230 implemented as a spring clip is inserted in order to engage a recess 280 formed in the circumferential surface of the fastening section 270 of the valve body 210, and as a result to fasten the valve body 210 to the housing 240. In this known tire pressure monitoring system 200, as well, it is a disadvantage that a separate fastening element 230 is provided for installation, which makes the installation of the valve body 210 on the housing 240 more difficult.

Tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle


According to an embodiment, a communication management apparatus mediates data between an information processing terminal having a temporary memory and an external memory device that is installed outside the information processing terminal. The apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a write request issued by a device other than the information processing terminal for writing the data in the external memory device; a reading-writing unit configured to control reading of the data from the external memory device and control writing of the data in the external memory device; and a delete command issuing unit configured to, when the write request with respect to the external memory device is received, issue a delete command to the information processing terminal for deleting temporary data that is stored in the temporary memory.

It is known that some memory cards have an USB interface (USB stands for universal serial bus) or an SD interface (SD stands for secure digital) as well as have a wireless communication interface such as TransferJet or IEEE802.11. Among devices that use memory cards, there are devices which communicate via the USB interface or the SD interface and there are devices which communicate via the wireless communication interface such as TransferJet or IEEE802.11. Each such device can access a storage device (i.e., a device for storing data) installed in the memory card, and can perform reading and writing operations with respect to the data stored in the storage device.
However, if an attempt to write data is performed from a remote location via the wireless communication interface, then there occurs inconsistency between a data cache, which is maintained with respect to the data stored in the memory card and which is maintained in a terminal to which the memory card is connected, and the updated data in the storage device that gets updated due to the writing operation. Consequently, there are times when a mismatch in the contents of the stored data remains unresolved or when a mismatch in the file management information leads to malfunctioning of the file system.

Communication management apparatus, communication management method, and computer program product