A low-viscosity water-in-oil cosmetic emulsion preparation gives a smooth use feeling, lightly spreads when applied, and has excellent dispersed-powder stability. The cosmetic emulsion preparation has (A) a polar oil which is liquid at 25° C. and has an IOB value exceeding 0.1, (B) a hydrocarbon oil, (C) a polyoxyalkylene; and alkyl-modified organopolysiloxane represented by general formula (I), and (D) a powder surface-treated with both an N-acylamino acid and methylpolysiloxane. (In formula (I), R represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-5 alkyl group, x is an integer of 5-50, y is an integer of 1-30, z is an integer of 20-200, a is an integer of 2-20, b is an integer of 1-5, c is an integer of 2-20, and d is an integer of 0-20).

A water-in-oil emulsion composition having an oil phase as the external phase and a water phase as the internal phase is able to efficiently extend (spread) oil-soluble active ingredients, such as emollient oils, oil-soluble medicinal agents and ultraviolet ray absorbing agents, on the skin, so that it is a suitable product form for an external skin preparation and therefore, is widely used for such as foundations and skin-care creams in the cosmetic field.
Conventional water-in-oil emulsion cosmetics are stabilized by gelling the oil constituting the external phase to immobilize water droplets and reduce the collision frequency between particles in many cases, so that the viscosity thereof tends inevitably to be higher. Therefore, it has been considered hard to achieve both reducing viscosity and increasing stability thereof at the same time with regard to water-in-oil emulsion cosmetics, and in addition, it has been difficult to improve spreadability and feeling in use when applied and over-time stability thereof all at the same time.
To date, various attempts have been made towards realizing a low-viscosity and stable water-in-oil emulsion cosmetic. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes to improve the stability over time of the emulsion state, the feeling in use and the texture by using a hydrophobic silica having a surface treated with a dimethylpolysiloxane as an emulsion stabilizer and using a specific silicone-based surfactant as an emulsifier.
Additionally, Patent Document 2 proposes a skin makeup composition in emulsion form, containing a non-emulsifying uncoated silicone elastomer, multiple N-acylamino acid-treated pigments, and an emulsifier. It teaches that the inclusion of the uncoated silicone elastomer stabilizes the emulsion, and the treatment of the pigments with N-acylamino acid, which is a non-silicone compound, makes it more unlikely for the pigments to re-aggregate during storage.
Furthermore, Patent Document 3 proposes using a mixture of an alkyl dimethicone polyol, a dimethicone copolyol, a hydrophobic coated pigment and a large amount of a volatile oil in order to obtain a foundation composition that provides excellent storage stability and allows uniform application for makeup of the skin.
However, the above-mentioned water-in-oil emulsion cosmetics use silicone oils as bases, and thus might have the problem of lacking smoothness and skin compatibility. Additionally, even if a hydrocarbon oil or a polar oil is added to these water-in-oil emulsion cosmetics in order to improve the feeling in use, sufficient improvements in smoothness may not be observed, and conversely, the stability may be worsen, and color stripes (irregularity) due to aggregation of pigments may occur.


A lens array includes a lens assembly member and a light blocking member. The lens assembly member includes lens elements arranged in an arrangement direction substantially perpendicular to optical axes thereof. The light blocking member includes apertures extending and passing thought the optical axes. The lens assembly members and the light blocking member are arranged so that the following relationship is satisfied:RAY/RLY<RAX/RLX where RLY is a radius of the lens elements in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction, RLX is a radius of the lens elements in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, RAX is a radius of the aperture in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and RAY is a distance from a center of a circle with the radius RAX to an end portion of the aperture in a direction in parallel to the arrangement direction.

The present invention relates to a lens array; a light emitting diode (LED) head including the lens array; an exposure device including the lens array; an image forming apparatus including the exposure device; and a reading apparatus including the lens array.
A conventional lens array is used as an optical system capable of forming an erected same-size image of an object, and is arranged in a line arrangement in an image forming apparatus of an electro-photography type or a reading apparatus such as a scanner and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) head in which a plurality of LEDs is arranged linearly. In the reading apparatus, an image of an original is formed on a light receiving unit formed of a plurality of light receiving elements arranged linearly.
The conventional lens array includes a lens group formed of a plurality of lenses for forming an erected same-size image of an object. The lens groups are arranged substantially linearly, so that the erected same-size image of an object is formed in a linear arrangement. The lenses may be integrally produced through a plastic injection molding, thereby reducing a number of parts (refer to Patent Reference).
Patent Reference: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-87185
In the conventional lens array, when light leaks from one of the lenses arranged linearly and is incident on another of the lenses, an image called a ghost, i.e., another image of the object, may be formed on an image plane. When the ghost is formed, an exposure device of the image forming apparatus forms an image with low contrast, thereby deteriorating image quality, or it is difficult for the reading apparatus to accurately obtain image data corresponding to an original.
In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens array capable of solving the problems of the conventional lens array and forming an image with high contrast.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

Lens array, light emitting diode head, exposure device, image forming apparatus, and reading apparatus


A hole drilling method includes a rotating step of attaching a workpiece to a rotary table to make the workpiece rotate in an opposite direction to the rotating direction of the rotary tool and a drilling step of making the rotary tool and the workpiece move relative to each other in a direction in which they approach each other so as to drill a hole. The hole drilling step comprises making a position of the rotary tool track the rotation of the workpiece while drilling the hole so that the rotary tool is arranged at a position for drilling a hole in the workpiece.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hole drilling method and a machine tool.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the prior art, a machine tool which rotates a drill or other rotary tool to drill a hole in a workpiece is known. When drilling a hole in a workpiece, it is possible to rotate the drill or other rotary tool about its axis while moving the rotary tool toward the workpiece so as to form the desired hole. In such hole drilling, it is preferable to drill a hole of a desired shape at a desired position. That is, the machining accuracy of the hole is preferably high.
In this regard, when drilling a hole, the dimensional accuracy sometimes falls at the inside of the hole or the machining accuracy of the hole otherwise deteriorates. In particular, for drilling a deep hole where the depth is greater than the diameter of the hole, it is necessary to use a drill with a small diameter and a long axial direction. For this reason, sometimes the drill becomes lower in rigidity and the hole becomes lower in machining accuracy.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-4608A discloses a numerically controlled lathe which uses a drill mounted on a mill shaft to drill a hole in a workpiece which is secured by a chuck. In this lathe, when a flag which instructs drilling of a deep, small diameter hole is stored in the memory region, the workpiece and the drill are made to rotate in opposite directions. That is, it is disclosed to rotate the workpiece and rotate the drill and to make the drill rotate in the opposite direction to the rotating direction of the workpiece.
When drilling a hole, the drill etc. is rotated while gradually inserting it into the workpiece. The machining accuracy of the hole includes the dimensional accuracy of the change in shape of the hole in the depth direction and the straightness accuracy of the hole (or bending accuracy of the hole). In drilling a hole, it is preferable to drill it while suppressing deterioration of the machining accuracy.
As disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-4608A, it is possible to improve the machining accuracy by making the workpiece and drill rotate in opposite directions to each other on the same axis while making them approach. In particular, in the drilling of a deep hole, it is possible to drill a hole by a high machining accuracy.
In this regard, in this drilling, it is necessary to make the workpiece rotate so that the depth direction of the hole is aligned with the axis of rotation of the workpiece. It is necessary to arrange the position of drilling the hole on the axis of rotation of the workpiece. For this reason, when drilling a plurality of holes in a single workpiece, it is necessary to change the position of the workpiece each time drilling a hole. That is, when drilling a plurality of holes, it is necessary to refasten the workpiece to the workpiece rotating device so that the position of the hole is aligned with the axis of rotation of the workpiece. There is therefore the problem that the work takes time and trouble.
Further, since fastening the workpiece so that the position of the hole is aligned with the axis of rotation of the workpiece, sometimes unbalance occurs when making the workpiece rotate or the end of the workpiece strikes the machine tool making machining impossible. For example, when drilling a hole at one end of a long, thin workpiece, it is necessary to arrange that end on the center axis of the workpiece rotating device. In this case, sometimes the other end at the opposite side to that one end sticks out from the rotating device. As a result, when rotating the workpiece, sometimes the distance between the center of gravity position of the workpiece and the axis of rotation ends up becoming large and unbalance is caused. Alternatively, sometimes the other end strikes the machine tool. As a result, there is the problem that the workpiece which can be drilled with a hole becomes smaller.


There is provided an optical amplifier, which includes: an optical amplification medium; a pump light generator configured to generate pump light with a power corresponding to a set control value and supply the generated pump light to the optical amplification medium; a first controller including a level control circuit configured to generate the control value such that an output power of the optical amplification medium approaches a target power, and a limiter configured to limit a range of the control value in variable; and a latch circuit configured to set a specific control value to the pump light generator during a period in which the first controller is in a stop state.

An optical amplifier used in an optical transmission system has a control circuit to control pump light power based on input power and/or output power. In recent years, the control circuit of the optical amplifier may have been realized using a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
The FPGA includes an updatable program and/or a reconfigurable logic component, and thus it is possible to change a function of the FPGA by rewriting the program or reconfiguring the logic component. Therefore, by updating or upgrading the FPGA, it is possible to adjust an operation, a performance, a characteristic, and/or the like of the optical amplifier. Note that "updating (upgrading)" includes updating (upgrading) a program of the FPGA, reconfiguring a logic component of the FPGA, and/or updating (upgrading) a parameter of the FPGA.
The updating of the FPGA may be requested when an optical transmission system is in operation. In this case, the optical amplifier is supposed to have a function (in-service software upgrade function) of performing a process of updating the FPGA while continuing the operation of amplifying an optical signal.
However, the FPGA that controls the optical amplifier is not capable of controlling pump light power when the FPGA is being subjected to the updating operation. Therefore, when the updating of the FPGA is performed, for example, a control value for controlling the pump light power is stored in a memory. During a period in which the updating of the FPGA is being performed, the pump light power is controlled based on the control value stored in the memory. When the updating of the FPGA is ended, the control value stored in the memory is provided to the FPGA. Thus, the FPGA acquires the control value used immediately before the updating of the FPGA is performed, and the FPGA restarts controlling the pump light power.
As a related technique, an optical amplifier has been proposed which is capable of controlling optical amplification and updating an FPGA without conflict. As another related technique, an optical amplifier has been proposed which is for use at a relay node in an optical transmission system and which is configured to amplify an optical signal and perform an automatic level control (ALC) of output power. A method has also been proposed to suppress an error of a signal caused by an abrupt change in gain.
Descriptions of the above-described or other related techniques may be found, for example, in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-220977, International Publication Pamphlet No. WO 2009/016695, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-88376.


Drogues are formed in a flat configuration having a central portion and peripheral edges consisting of a plurality of spaced inner and outer intersecting belts or webs which may be separately secured to one another at the points of intersection, or integrally formed, and wherein first supple reinforcements are secured rearwardly of the front surface of the belts along the peripheral edges and second supple reinforcements are secured to the belts extending from edge to edge generally centrally of the drogues so that the drogues automatically open when deployed and are pulled through water. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion of the drogues include a generally imperforate panel.

This invention is generally directed to drogues and or sea anchors which are used as devices which are towed from the stern of water craft to act as a brake to reduce excessive and dangerous speed in conditions of high following winds and more specifically to drogues which are constructed so as to be compactly stored but which, when deployed, automatically assume an orientation which promotes the opening of the drogues as they are pulled through water. The invention more directly relates to open belted type drogues which are formed so as to create a plurality of open spaces between each of the belts through which fluid may pass and wherein the drogues act to control the speed of a vessel to thereby aid in stabilizing the vessel especially in rough seas.


A disposable wearing article includes a backsheet which is composed of inner and outer sheets and a light transmission in a region of the backsheet in which the inner and outer sheets are placed upon each other is in a range of 20 to 50%. First and second elastic members constituting leg elastic members are colored in substantially the same white or milky white as that of the inner and outer sheets and respective intermediate segments of these elastic members are sandwiched between a liquid-absorbent layer and the inner sheet. The inner and outer sheets conceal the respective intermediate segments of these elastic members so that the respective intermediate segments of the elastic members are not highly visible and the article is protected from any deterioration of its appearance.

The present invention relates to a disposable wearing article for absorption and retention of bodily waste.
There has already been provided a disposable wearing article comprising a liquid-pervious topsheet facing the wearer's skin, a liquid-impervious backsheet facing away from the wearer's skin and a liquid-absorbent layer sandwiched between the top- and backsheets so as to define a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending between these waist regions. The article is contoured by longitudinally opposite ends extending in a transverse direction and transversely opposite edges extending in a longitudinal direction. The article includes a plurality of waist elastic members attached to the longitudinally opposite ends in a stretchable/contractible manner and a plurality of leg elastic members attached to the transversely opposite edges of the crotch region in a stretchable/contractible manner (See PATENT DOCUMENT 1). In this article of prior art, the front waist region and the rear waist region are put flat together along the transversely opposite edges of the respective waist regions and these edges put flat together are permanently bonded together at a plurality of heat-sealing lines arranged intermittently along the respective edges of these waist regions. This article of prior art is of pants-type having a waist-hole and a pair of leg-holes.
The waist elastic members are sandwiched between the top- and backsheets and stretched at a predetermined ratio to be bonded to these sheets in such stretched state. The leg elastic members comprise first elastic members extending from the side of the front waist region into the crotch region so as to be convex toward a middle zone of the crotch region and second elastic members extending from the side of the rear waist region into the crotch region so as to be convex toward the middle zone of the crotch region. The first elastic members comprise transversely opposite lateral segments and intermediate segments extending between these lateral segments across the middle zone of the crotch region. The second elastic members comprise transversely opposite lateral segments and intermediate segments extending between these lateral segments across the middle zone of the crotch region. The lateral segments of the first and second elastic members are sandwiched between the top- and backsheets and permanently bonded to these sheets. The intermediate segments of the first and second elastic members comprise crossover sites lying immediately outside transversely opposite sides of the liquid-absorbent layer and intersecting one another and cross segments extending between the crossover sites across the liquid-absorbent layer. The crossover sites are sandwiched between the top- and backsheets and permanently bonded to these sheets. The cross segments are sandwiched between the backsheet and the liquid-absorbent layer and permanently bonded to these sheet and layer. The lateral segments as well as the intermediate segments of the first and second elastic members are stretched at a predetermined ratio and permanently bonded in such stretched state to the respective sheets and layer. The first and second elastic members are relaxed immediately after the lateral segments and the intermediate segments have been permanently bonded to the respective sheets and layer.    [PATENT DOCUMENT 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Gazette No. 1998-57410
In the case of the wearing article disclosed in PATENT DOCUEMENT 1, if a light transmission of the backsheet is relatively high, color of the respective intermediate segments of the first and second elastic members will be transmitted through the backsheet and consequentially the intermediate segment may be seen through the backsheet from the outside of the backsheet. If a stretch ratio of the respective intermediate segments of the first and second elastic members is relatively high, a contractile force of the intermediate segments may cause the backsheet as well as the liquid-absorbent layer to contract in the transverse direction and thereby cause the backsheet as well as the liquid-absorbent layer extending in the crotch region to be formed with a plurality of irregular wrinkles. If the respective intermediate segments of the first and second elastic members are seen through the backsheet and the contractile force of the intermediate segments causes the backsheet to be formed with such wrinkles, the respective intermediate segments of the elastic members extending in the crotch region as well as the wrinkles of the backsheet will be highly visible and the appearance of the article will be deteriorated.


Methods are provided for the modulation of hSGLT3 protein glucosensor activity. The sensor is expressed in cholinergic neurons that regulate muscle activity, and in tissues including the brain and pacreas. The present invention also provides methods of identifying therapeutic compounds that modify the function of these sensors. Such therapeutic compounds have a functional effect on regulators of muscle activity, including gastrointestinal smooth muscles; on regulation of weight and metabolism; regulation of pancreatic function, including glucagons release; and in taste perception.

Glucose, in addition to its central role in metabolism, also plays an important role as a signaling molecule in animal and plant cells. Glucose sensing is critical to such diverse physiological phenomena as regulation of metabolism in yeast, photosynthesis in higher plants, and, in mammals, the regulation of food intake, blood glucose levels, and enteric reflexes. Apart from yeast, where homologs of facilitated glucose transporters (Snf3 and Rgt2) have been implicated in glucose sensing, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved.
A family of proteins that are reported to act as transporters have been described. Human members of the SLC5 gene family include the intestinal and renal glucose transporters (SLC5A1, SLC5A2), the widely distributed inositol and multivitamin transporters (SLC5A3, SLC5A6) and the thyroid iodide transporter (SLC5A5). While a major function of these plasma membrane proteins is secondary active transport in epithelia, they also behave as Na+ uniporters, water and urea channels, and water cotransporters.
A pig SGLT3 expressed in Xenopus leavis oocytes behaves as tightly coupled Na+/glucose cotransporter with a lower affinity for glucose and a more restricted sugar specificity than SGLT1 (SLC5A1) clones. The human homolog to pig SGLT3 (hSGLT3, SLC5A4) was identified in the sequencing of chromosome 22. The sequence of the human protein and gene may be accessed at Genbank, NM—014227.
In view of the importance of glucose sensing in food intake, digestion, blood glucose levels, and enteric reflexes, the expression of such sensors is of great interest. The identification and isolation of sensing receptors (including ion channels), and signaling molecules would allow for the pharmacological and genetic modulation of these pathways. For example, availability of sensor and channel molecules would permit the screening for high affinity agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, and modulators of activity. Such compounds could then be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

The Regents of the University of California


A method, apparatus and system for measuring a temperature can involve measuring a voltage with a resistance temperature detector using a variable excitation current, and deriving a process temperature from the voltage measured by the resistance temperature detector. The process temperature can be further derived by applying a plurality of values of the variable excitation current, measuring corresponding values of voltage, and estimating a resistance by applying a least square estimation. The process temperature can also be derived by applying a different value of the variable excitation current at every iteration, using a recursive least square estimation to measure a resistance, and using confidence intervals for instrument diagnostics.

Industrial process control and monitoring systems can be used to monitor and/or control industrial processes. For example, a process variable such as pressure, temperature, flow, etc. of a process fluid can be measured by a process variable transmitter. This information can allow an operator to monitor the operation of the process. Furthermore, the measured process variable can be used as an input to a control algorithm and used to control operation of the process.
In many instances, a process variable transmitter may be located at a remote location and can transmit data (e.g., temperature, pressure, motion, etc) back to a central location over a process control loop. The process control loop can include, for example, a two wire process control loop in which the process variable can be transmitted in an analog manner, for example, based upon a 4-20 mA current level flowing through the loop, or a digital manner to the central location. The same two wires can be used to provide power to the process variable transmitter. Another example of a process control loop is a wireless control loop in which data can be transmitted wirelessly.
One type of process variable, which may be measured, is temperature. Various types of temperature sensors can be used to measure temperature and other conditions (e.g., pressure, motion, etc). One type of temperature sensor is a resistance based temperature sensor known as an RTD. The resistance of the RTD varies as a function of temperature.
RTD sensors are thus temperature-sensing devices in which the resistance of an RTD sensor increases with temperature. RTD measurements can be based on ratio-metric voltage measurement, where a known current is passed through the RTD (also referred to as an "RTD sensor"). FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a prior art RTD circuit 10 that includes an RTD sensor 14 with respect to a current source 12. The process temperature can be derived from the measured RTD voltage (V) according to the following equation:V=IEXTRT+N  (1)
Where IEXT is the excitation current, RT is the RTD resistance, and N represents additive noise. FIG. 2 illustrates the result 20 of such additive errors with respect to the RTD circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1. The noise N may cause lack of accuracy in the measurement. These errors can be of a systematic nature, such as those related to change in material properties for large temperatures; however these errors may also be of a random nature, such as those related to measurement noise, manufacturing, ambient conditions and others.

Enhancing RTD measurement accuracy by means of variable excitation current


This invention relates to a wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel comprising a hub mounted via a bearing on a stub axle, a brake disc non-rotatably mounted on a carrier portion of the hub and a lock ring axially fixed at an end of the carrier portion. The lock ring has a first side surface lying in contact with a surface on the brake disc and a second side surface located radially inwardly of the first side surface, the second side surface being in contact with a surface of the hub. The lock ring also has areas located radially between the first and second side surfaces which lack contact both with the surfaces on the brake disc and the brake hub. The lock ring is also provided with circumferentially spaced bosses. The lock ring permits limited axial displacement of the brake disc, relative to the carrier portion of the hub, upon axial loading of the brake disc.

The present invention relates to a wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel, comprising a hub mounted via bearing means on a stub axle, a brake disc non-rotatably mounted on a carrier portion of the hub, and a lock ring axially fixed at an end of the carrier portion, said lock ring having a first side surface lying in contact with a surface on the brake disc and a second side surface, located radially inwardly of the first side surface, said second side surface being in contact with a surface on the hub, and said lock ring permitting, during resilient movement upon axial loading of the brake disc, limited axial displacement of the brake disc relative to the carrier portion.
The invention relates also to a resilient lock ring which is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for a wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel.
SE-A-501 006, for example, reveals as previously known a wheel hub and brake disc arrangement, in which the carrier portion of the hub is provided with exterior splines engaging interior splines in a central opening in the brake disc. The brake disc is fixed axially by means of outer and inner lock rings held in grooves in the carrier portion of the hub, of which the inner lock ring axially fixes a resilient ring which has flat parallel opposing side surfaces, one of which having a radially outer portion in contact with a surface on the brake disc and a radially inner portion in contact with a surface of the hub. The resilient ring permits limited axial movement between the disc and the hub to compensate for tolerances and for deformation which occurs in the components involved in braking. The arrangement does not, however, allow for axial pretensioning of the disc, and the result is that. under unfavorable conditions, vibrations can occur during braking.
It is also known to screw a resilient lock ring securely to the wheel hub so that a portion of the side of the ring facing the hub and the brake disc is in contact with the hub and the rest against the disc. The spring distance of the lock ring, i.e. the radial extent of the area between the edge of the surface portion fixed against the hub and the outer edge of the ring, will in this case be relatively short, in a known example circa 3-5 mm. The short spring distance only permits a short axial spring movement which in turn increases the risk of crack formation in comparison to what is the case when there is a long spring distance. Due to the fact that the spring distance is short, the permissible degree of pretensioning is also relatively low.

Wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel


A high density device comprising: a chassis frame configured and dimensioned for mounting in a standardized telecommunications rack, the chassis frame defining a front plane and a back plane, the front plane being substantially coincident with a front support of the telecommunications rack; a sub-module chassis secured to the chassis frame, the sub-module chassis exhibiting a proximal face and a distal face; a first plurality of jacks located distal of the proximal face of the sub-module chassis; and a passageway formed between the sub-module chassis and an inner wall of the chassis frame, the passageway configured and dimensioned for the passage of cabling for connection to the first plurality of jacks.

The present invention relates to the field of rack mounted telecommunication devices, and in particular to a device having front access jacks distal of the device face.
Electronic devices are often rack mounted, with a typical rack being 19″ wide. A device designed for a standardized size rack having standardized input and output plugs or jacks is often referred to as a module. The height of a module is often defined in terms of multiples of a unit height, with 1 unit height being 1.75″ or 44.45 mm.
Midspan equipment in a local area network, such as an IEEE 802.3 compliant Ethernet network, supplies added functionality to the local area network. Midspan equipment is typically supplied in a rack mounted module connected between the data circuit terminating equipment (DCE) module and the data terminating equipment (DTE). In one embodiment, such as that described in the IEEE 802.3af standard, midspan equipment is used to supply power to the DTE over the communication cabling.
In a typical 10 Base-T, 100. Base-T or 1000. Base-T based system, 4 sets of twisted wire pairs are used to connect each jack of the DCE to a DTE. Typically, the 4 sets of twisted wire pairs are terminated at each end in a single standardized connector, such as an RJ-45 connector. Alternatively, at the DCE end a Telco or CHAMP connector, available from Tyco Electronics, is used to gang multiple output ports on a single connector. In many installations cabling infrastructure is laid down prior to installation of any DCE and DTE. This is typically accomplished via a patch panel, with cabling from the intended DTE location being connected to a 110 punch down or Krone connection at the back of the patch panel. The front face of the patch panel presents a front side connection for each intended DTE location.
Connections in a telecommunication rack for which changes may need to be made during normal operations are typically supplied at the face of the modules, as access to the rear of the telecommunications rack is often difficult. Rear connections are normally reserved for power and data communications backbone connections, as these are not typically disturbed once the initial setup has been completed. In particular, in a typical communication rack assembly, cables for which changes may be made during normal operations are dressed in the front of the rack and cables for which changes are not normally made are dressed in the back of the rack.
For an application in which midspan equipment is utilized, each port of the DCE for which the midspan equipment is to provide functionality must be connected to the midspan equipment, and an output port from the midspan equipment for connection to the DTE must be supplied. Thus, the physical size of a midspan equipment module is at least a function of the number of input and output ports required.
Preferably, a rack mounted midspan equipment module should take up a minimum amount of rack space, and at the same time support a maximum number of input and output ports. As indicated above, for each port for which midspan functionality is supplied, ports for connection to both a DCE and a DTE must be supplied. A ganged housing of 12 RJ-45 jacks designed to fit into a 1 U height module is commercially available, comprising 6 pairs of vertically stacked RJ-45 jacks. Typically, a single RJ-45 jack is associated with a single port. Unfortunately, the maximum number of RJ-45 jacks which can be placed in the front panel of a 1 U height module of a standard 19″ rack is no more than 56. Since for each port there is a corresponding output port, the maximum number of combined input and output ports supportable in a midspan device of the prior art is 28.
There is therefore a need for a device configuration which enables high density front access, and in particular a need for a configuration for a high density front access rack mounted module.


A non-pneumatic tire is disclosed where a resilient wheel is mounted on a rim and the wheel has an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of flexible webs interconnected between the inner and outer rings. The flexible webs define openings in through the resilient wheel. The stiffness of the inner wheel at a position adjacent to the inner face is different than the stiffness of the inner wheel at a position adjacent to the outer face. This stiffness difference can be accomplished by providing inflated membranes in at least some of the openings or by molding the wheel with an asymmetric parting line. In addition, the wheels could be dynamically controlled by providing magnetically actuable membranes in some of the openings.

The subject disclosure relates to non-pneumatic, or airless, tires (NPT).
Non-pneumatic, or airless, tires have historically been comprised largely of an entirely solid substance. These solid tires made the ride rather uncomfortable for passengers and caused greater damage to the suspension of a vehicle, which had to compensate for the lack of "give" in a solid tire. Eventually, it was found that putting pressurized air in tires created a more comfortable ride. However, along with their advantages, pneumatic tires still possess some drawbacks.
Loss of pressure causes the tire to flatten in the area where the load is applied, subjecting a larger portion of the tire to the load with every revolution, and leading to quicker degradation of the tire. Furthermore, a tire reliant upon pressurized air is susceptible to being punctured leading to rapid release of the pressurized air. Certain applications, such as military usage requires an NPT or run-flat tire for operation.
One recent version of NPT is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,308 entitled "Tension-based non-pneumatic tire", the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.


A fan unit for a heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, has a support structure or cowling having a main aperture forming a passage for a flow of air, and an electric fan having an impeller and an electric motor. A flexible electrical cable connects the motor to a source of supply voltage and/or to an associated control circuit. The cable has a terminal electrical connector having a body with one end connected to the cable, and another end provided with at least one connection aperture. A seat is provided in the support structure or cowling for receiving and retaining the terminal electrical connector, and for covering the at least one connection aperture of the connector.

More specifically, the invention relates to a fan unit of the type comprising an essentially plate-like support structure or cowling, having a main aperture forming a passage for a flow of air, and an electric fan. The fan includes an impeller having a central hub from which a plurality of blades extends, and an electric drive motor fixed to a support structure in the central area of the passage and connected to the hub of the impeller. The motor also has a flexible electrical cable having a terminal electrical connector for connection to a source of supply voltage and/or to associated control circuit. The connector has a body having one end connected to the cable and the other end provided with at least one connection aperture.
When fan units of this type are transported from the manufacturing site to the assembly site, the electrical terminal connectors may be damaged and/or may be penetrated by foreign bodies.
Hence there is a desire for a fan unit which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of prior art fan units.


An Anti-Parallel (AP)-pinned spin valve (SV) sensor having a free layer disposed between an AP-pinned layer and a pinned layer. The free layer being separated from the AP-pinned layer by a first conducting spacer and separated from the pinned layer by a second conducting spacer layer. The AP-pinned layer includes a first, second and third AP-pinned layers where the first and second AP-pinned layers are separated from the third AP-pinned layer by an anti-parallel coupling layer. The first AP-pinned layer is formed over and in contact with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. The AFM layer is used to pin the AP-pinned layer magnetizations directions. The presence of both an AP-pinned layer and a pinned layer dramatically improves the symmetry of the signal read by the SV sensor; the presence of the second spacer layer made of GMR promoting material increases the GMR coefficient; and the addition of the first AP-pinned layer eliminates the interdiffusion at the interface between the AFM and the AP-pinned layer resulting in larger GMR coefficient, well controlled net moment, and a highly stable sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to spin valve magnetic transducers for reading information signals from a magnetic medium and, in particular, to an improved antiparallel-pinned spin valve sensor, and to magnetic recording systems which incorporate such sensors.
2. Description of Related Art
Computer systems generally utilize auxiliary memory storage devices having media on which data can be written and from which data can be read for later use. A direct access storage device (disk drive) incorporating rotating magnetic disks is commonly used for storing data in magnetic form on the disk surfaces. Data is recorded on concentric, radially spaced tracks on the disk surfaces. Magnetic heads including read sensors are then used to read data from the tracks on the disk surfaces.
In high capacity disk drives, magnetoresistive read sensors, commonly referred to as MR heads, are the prevailing read sensors because of their capability to read data from a surface of a disk at greater linear densities than thin film inductive heads. An MR sensor detects a magnetic field through the change in the resistance of its MR sensing layer (also referred to as an "MR element") as a function of the strength and direction of the magnetic flux being sensed by the MR layer.
The conventional MR sensor operates on the basis of the anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) effect in which an MR element resistance varies as the square of the cosine of the angle between the magnetization of the MR element and the direction of sense current flowing through the MR element. Recorded data can be read from a magnetic medium because the external magnetic field from the recorded magnetic medium (the signal field) causes a change in the direction of magnetization in the MR element, which in turn causes a change in resistance in the MR element and a corresponding change in the sensed current or voltage.
Another type of MR sensor is the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor manifesting the GMR effect. In GMR sensors, the resistance of the MR sensing layer varies as a function of the spin-dependent transmission of the conduction electrons between magnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic layer (spacer) and the accompanying spin-dependent scattering which takes place at the interface of the magnetic and non-magnetic layers and within the magnetic layers.
GMR sensors using only two layers of ferromagnetic material separated by a layer of non-magnetic electrically conductive material are generally referred to as spin valve (SV) sensors manifesting the GMR effect (SV effect). In an SV sensor, one of the ferromagnetic layers, referred to as the pinned layer, has its magnetization typically pinned by exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic (e.g., NiO or Fe--Mn) layer. The magnetization of the other ferromagnetic layer, referred to as the free layer, however, is not fixed and is free to rotate in response to the field from the recorded magnetic medium (the signal field). In SV sensors, the SV effect varies as the cosine of the angle between the magnetization of the pinned layer and the magnetization of the free layer. Recorded data can be read from a magnetic medium because the external magnetic field from the recorded magnetic medium causes a change in the direction of magnetization in the free layer, which in turn causes a change in resistance of the SV sensor and a corresponding change in the sensed current or voltage. It should be noted that the AMR effect is also present in the SV sensor free layer and it tends to reduce the overall GMR effect.
FIG. 1 shows a typical SV sensor 100 comprising end regions 104 and 106 separated by a central region 102. The central region 102 has defined edges and the end regions are contiguous with and abut the edges of the central region. A free layer (free ferromagnetic layer) 110 is separated from a pinned layer (pinned ferromagnetic layer) 120 by a non-magnetic, electrically-conducting spacer 115. The magnetization of the pinned layer 120 is fixed through exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer 121. Free layer 110, spacer 115, pinned layer 120 and the AFM layer 121 are all formed in the central region 102. Hard bias layers 130 and 135 formed in the end regions 104 and 106, respectively, provide longitudinal bias for the free layer 110. Leads 140 and 145 formed over hard bias layers 130 and 135, respectively, provide electrical connections for the flow of the sensing current I.sub.s from a current source 160 to the MR sensor 100. Sensing means 170 connected to leads 140 and 145 sense the change in the resistance due to changes induced in the free layer 110 by the external magnetic field (e.g., field generated by a data bit stored on a disk). IBM's U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,590 granted to Dieny et al. and incorporated herein by reference, discloses an MR sensor operating on the basis of the SV effect.
Another type of spin valve sensor currently under development is an antiparallel (AP)-pinned spin valve sensor. FIG. 2A show an AP-Pinned SV sensor 200 which was the subject of several experiments conducted by the inventor. SV sensor 200 has end regions 202 and 204 separated from each other by a central region 206. AP-pinned SV sensor 200 comprises a Ni-Fe free layer 225 separated from a laminated AP-pinned layer 210 by a copper spacer layer 220. The magnetization of the laminated AP-pinned layer 210 is fixed by an AFM layer 208 which is made of NiO. The laminated AP-pinned layer 210 includes a first ferromagnetic layer 212 (PF1) of cobalt and a second ferromagnetic layer 216 (PF2) of cobalt separated from each other by a ruthenium (Ru) antiparallel coupling layer 214. The AMF layer 208, AP-pinned layer 210, copper spacer 220, free layer 225 and a cap layer 230 are all formed sequentially in the central region 206. Hard bias layers 235 and 240, formed in end regions 202 and 204, provides longitudinal biasing for the free layer 225. Electrical leads 245 and 250 are also formed in end regions 202 and 204, respectively, to provide electrical current from a current source (not shown) to the SV sensor 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, the magnetization direction 265 (MF) of the free layer 225 is set to be parallel to the air bearing surface (ABS) in the absence of an external field. The magnetizations directions 255 (M.sub.P1) and 260 (M.sub.P2)of the pinned layers 212 and 214, respectively, are also set to be perpendicular to the ABS.
A key advantage of the AP-pinned SV sensor of FIG. 2 is the improvement of the exchange coupling field strength between the AFM layer 208 and AP-pinned layer 210. This improved exchange coupling increases the stability of the AP-pinned SV sensor 200 at high temperatures which allows the use of corrosion resistant antiferromagnetic materials such as NiO for the AFM layer 208.
However, there are two major issues associated with the AP-pinned SV sensor of FIG. 2A. First, experiments conducted on the SV sensor 200 have shown that the read signal asymmetry of the AP-pinned SV sensor 200 changes from near 0% to about 30% as the thickness of the free layer 225 was changed from 72 .ANG. to 45 .ANG. while the thickness of the other layers were left unchanged. Read signal asymmetry is defined by the relation ##EQU1## where V.sub.1 is the maximum positive voltage of the read signal and V.sub.2 is the maximum negative voltage of the read signal and max(V.sub.1,V.sub.2) means the maximum of either V.sub.1 or V.sub.2, whichever is larger. FIGS. 2C and 2D show the transfer curves for the read back voltage signal as a function of the applied fields for the SV sensor 200 with free layer thickness of 72 .ANG. and 45 .ANG., respectively. Such a large read signal asymmetry implies that the optimum quiescent-state bias point does not lie near the middle of the resistance versus external field curve (FIG. 2D). The non-optimum bias point can cause sensor saturation, which results in non-linear response by the SV sensor. In-addition, the sensor saturation can also cause magnetic instability in the sensor. Due to these unfavorable effects, the error rate performance of the sensing means (for example, the recording channel) could be unacceptably degraded.
The reason for such a large signal asymmetry in the shape of the read signal sensed by the SV sensor 200 having a free layer thickness of 45 .ANG. is due to the fact that the bias point of the AP-pinned SV sensor is determined by the balance of several forces (H.sub.DemagAp, H.sub.FC, H.sub.I, and AMR) acting on the free layer 225 as shown in FIG. 2B. The demagnetization field (H.sub.DemagAP) of the pinned layer 210 and the ferromagnetic coupling field (H.sub.FC) between the free and pinned layers 225 and 210 is near zero. As a result, the bias point is mainly determined by the balance between the AMR effect present in the free layer 225 and the field generated by the current (H.sub.I) flowing in the pinned layer 210 and the spacer layer 220. For a 72 .ANG. thick free layer 225, the AMR coefficient is about 1% and the effect of the AMR on the bias point is nearly balanced by the H.sub.I field from the sense current flowing in the pinned layer and the spacer layer. However, for a 45 .ANG. thick free layer 225, the AMR coefficient is only 0.5%. As a result, the effect of the AMR on the bias point is not balanced by the field H.sub.I from the sense current.
Second, the exchange coupling field between the AFM layer 208 and the AP-pinned layer 210 is inversely proportional to the magnetic moment difference (net magnetic moment) between the two AP-pinned ferromagnetic layers 212 and 216. However, it is very difficult to control the net moment of the AP-pinned layer 210 (Co/Ru/Co) because of interfacial diffusion that takes place at the interface between the NiO AFM layer 208 and the first pinned layer 212 of Co. This interaction between the NiO AFM layer 208 and the Co first pinned layer 212 creates magnetic dead layer at the NiO/Co interface. The interfacial diffusion that takes place at the aforementioned interface causes a change in the moment of the first pinned Co layer 212 even after the AP-pinned SV sensor of FIG. 2A has been completely built. The change in the moment of the first pinned layer 212 causes the change in the net moment of the AP-pinned layer 210 by factors of 2 to 3 from one wafer to another. Such large variations in the net moment of the AP-pinned layer 210 results in large variations in the pinning fields which compromises the stability of the SV sensor 200 as well as the symmetry and size of the signals detected (read) by the sensor.
Aside from the aforementioned major issues associated with the AP-pinned SV sensor 200, disk drive industry has been engaged in an ongoing effort to increase the GMR coefficient of the SV sensors in order to store more and more bits of information on any given disk surface.
Therefore, there is a need for an AP-pinned SV sensor where the symmetry of the read signal detected by the SV sensor (read signal symmetry) is substantially improved as well as having a large GMR coefficient.

Antiparallel pinned spin valve sensor with read signal symmetry

International Business Machines Corporation


A focused light beam is directed onto a surface patch of a mask and decomposed into partial beams by diffraction at a structure formed on the surface of the mask. Detectors are set such that the intensity of at least two orders of diffraction can be measured. The measured intensities are compared with one another. By way of example, a quotient can be ascertained. The operations are repeated for adjacent surface patches. If the absolute values of the measured intensities fluctuate with a constant quotient, then a variation of the reflection or transmission over the surface of the mask is inferred. If the quotient varies as well, then line width fluctuations within the structure on the mask are inferred.

In order to fabricate integrated circuits, the structures formed on a mask are transferred, while being projected onto wafers covered with a photosensitive layer. After carrying out a developer step, the image structures formed in the layer on the wafer are transferred, in a further etching step, into an underlying layer that is to be patterned. Conventionally, masks, in which opaque or semitransparent structures are formed on an essentially transparent quartz substrate or similar materials, are used in production. For the projection, radiation is sent through the masks, so that the areas not covered by opaque structures are imaged in the photosensitive layer.
Technologies that are in development and will be used in the near future provide for the use of reflection masks, in particular those which can be used in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength range of between 10 and 14 nm exposure wavelength. The reason is that the materials that can be used for mask substrates are no longer transparent in these short wave wavelength ranges. The reflection masks therefore comprise, on the surface of the substrate a reflective layer, typically a layer stack, with an alternating layer sequence of molybdenum and silicon, a buffer layer and also an absorber layer arranged thereon. The reflection masks are irradiated at an angle of incidence that is not perpendicular to the surface, so that the reflection layers uncovered by the removal of absorber layer areas are imaged as structures via a lens system on the wafer.
In the case of reflection masks as well as transmission masks, it is crucial for the imaging quality that the distribution of the reflectivity or transmission over the mask surface is as homogeneous as possible. A locally reduced reflectivity or transmission leads to a weaker through exposure and thus, if appropriate, to a smaller line width of an exposed structure element, at the corresponding location in the photosensitive layer on the wafer. Particularly, in the case of EUV reflection masks, a locally varying reflectivity may have a direct influence on the process window during the imaging onto the wafer. It is necessary, therefore, to solve the problem of a locally varying reflectivity, as well as transmission, as early in the fabrication of the mask or in the development of the fabrication process in order to afford possibilities for avoidance.
It is possible to use fully reflective or transmissive mask substrates where the opaque or absorber layers are completely removed in a test exposure and to evaluate the intensity distribution arising in the image plane of the wafer. As an alternative, it is also possible to measure the reflectivity or transmission at larger open areas of the mask within which no opaque or absorbing structures are provided.
However, variations of the reflectivity or transmission in large, open areas may be very different from those within patterned regions. However, the process window of an imaging is precisely influenced, on the other hand, also by line width fluctuations within the patterned regions. If, moreover, the reflectivity or transmission is also governed by the density of the structures on the mask, then satisfactory conclusions about the influence of reflection or transmission fluctuations are virtually precluded.
The varying etching depth on the mask, for example, being dependent, if appropriate, on the width of a gap in the resist that has been exposed by an electron beam, beforehand in order to form the relevant structure on the mask. A narrower gap width may lead to a lower etching rate and thus to a smaller etching depth. If the opaque or absorber material is to be removed, then residues of the corresponding material may possibly remain on the reflective or transparent layer (substrate) and thus locally influence the reflection or transmission behavior.
Further examples relate to a silicon layer that is locally oxidized during etching, for instance, and is thus subject to increasingly greater absorption, or the formation of thin carbon films on the substrates on account of contamination.
Thus, conclusions about the causes of a line width variation of the image arising on the wafer can be obtained only to a very limited extent by means of conventional measurements of the local variations of reflectivity or transmission. Conversely, if, on account of ascertained line width fluctuations on the wafer, detailed measurements of the line widths of the mask are carried out in a microscope, but the ascertained gap widths exhibit nothing conspicuous, then it is also possible, with difficulty however, to draw conclusions about a varying reflection or transmission behavior as a cause of the fluctuations.

Method and apparatus for determining local variation of the reflection or transmission behavior over a mask surface


There is provided a compound having a good miscibility with another liquid crystal compound and having a combination of a low viscosity (η), high storage stability, and high T−i even after being used to produce a liquid crystal composition. In particular, it is a compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure is provided. Since the compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure is highly miscible with another liquid crystal compound, using the compound having a 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure as a component of a liquid crystal composition enables a production of a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a liquid crystal phase at low viscosity and in a wide temperature range and which has a high storage stability and enables production of a liquid crystal display device which responds fast and which has excellent display characteristics.

Liquid crystal display devices have been applied to, for example, watches, calculators, a variety of measuring equipment, panels used in automobiles, word processors, electronic notebooks, printers, computers, television sets, clocks, and advertising boards. Representative examples of types of liquid crystal display devices include a TN (twisted nematic) type, an STN (super twisted nematic) type, and a vertical alignment type and IPS (in-plane switching) type in which a TFT (thin film transistor) is used. Liquid crystal compositions used for such liquid crystal display devices need to satisfy the following requirements: being stable to external elements such as moisture, air, heat, and light; exhibiting a liquid crystal phase (nematic phase, smectic phase, or blue phase) in a wide temperature range mainly including room temperature as much as possible; having a low viscosity; and enabling a low driving voltage. In addition, liquid crystal compositions need to have, for example, dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈) and refractive index anisotropy (Δn) optimum to individual display devices.
A liquid crystal composition having positive Δ∈ is used in horizontal alignment-type displays such as a TN type, an STN type, and an IPS type. There has been a report on another type of driving; in particular, molecules of a liquid crystal composition having positive Δ∈ are vertically aligned in a state in which voltage is not applied, and then a horizontal electric field is applied for performing display. A demand for a liquid crystal composition having positive Δ∈ has therefore further increased. In all types of driving, however, there have been demands for improvement of response speed, and a liquid crystal composition having a lower viscosity than typical liquid crystal compositions is needed to satisfy such demands. In order to develop the liquid crystal composition having a low viscosity, it is effective to decrease the viscosity of individual compounds contained in the liquid crystal composition. In the case where a liquid crystal composition is applied to, for example, display devices, the liquid crystal composition needs to exhibit a liquid crystal phase stable in a wide temperature range.
In general, in terms of production of a compound having a low viscosity, it has been believed that the compound preferably has a molecular framework in which multiple cyclic structures are directly bonded to each other via no linking group, namely a structure called directly connected rings. Compounds having positive Δ∈ and a structure in which three or more rings are directly connected to each other are generally highly crystalline; in the case where a liquid crystal composition containing such a compound is stored for a long time, the crystals of this compound precipitate, which is problematic. In order to improve the storage stability of such a compound, a variety of compounds into which linking groups are introduced have been studied. Although the introduction of linking groups increases viscosity to some extent, miscibility in a liquid crystal composition can be enhanced, and the precipitation of crystals can be reduced (see Patent Literatures 1 to 8). A compound having a —CH2O— group as a linking group is highly chemically stable, and a liquid crystal composition containing such a compound exhibits a liquid crystal phase stable in a wide temperature range; however, the viscosity of this liquid crystal composition is extraordinarily high, which is problematic.
In order to produce a liquid crystal composition that exhibits a stable liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, a composition having a high clearing point (T−i) is effectively used. In general, increasing the number of ring structures contained in a compound is effective to produce a compound having a high T−i. Increasing the number of ring structures contained in a compound, however, leads to an enhancement in crystallinity with the result that crystals are likely to precipitate from the liquid crystal composition, which is problematic.

Compound having 2-fluorophenyloxymethane structure


In a water-hammer preventing unit for a check valve according to the present invention, a retainer pipe having openings at two edges thereof is provided inside a short pipe to form a circular space with the short pipe, and openings are formed on this retainer pipe. Further an elastic tube is provided on an external peripheral surface of the retainer pipe and covers the openings, and a communication path is formed between the short pipe and the valve body holder, and the communication path communicates the circular space to the flow path in the upstream side of the valve body and, when a fluid flows in the reverse direction, a portion of the fluid is accommodated from the opening into the circular space by expanding the elastic tube toward the circular space, and also flows a portion of the fluid in the said circular space to the flow path in the upstream side from the valve body.

There are various types of check valves based on the swing system, butterfly system, lift system, or cone system. Of these check valves, a check valve based on the swing system has, as components of the basic configuration, a valve box having a flow path, and a valve body rotatably mounted on a valve shaft and functioning to open or close the flow path of the valve box. A document disclosing this type of check valve is, for instance, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 7-145870. This document discloses a check valve based on the swing system in which a valve body is energized and turned by a spring to the valve-closing direction, and the spring is wound around a spring guide bar provided at a downstream position off from the valve shaft and also in parallel to the valve shaft. With this configuration, the energizing force of the spring acting to the valve body becomes stronger, which ensures quick opening and closing operations of the valve body and prevention of generation of water hammer.
In the check valve based on the conventional technology as described above, when a fluid flows in the reverse direction, the spring energizing the valve body to turn in the valve-closing direction prevents the valve from being quickly closed, but it is required to provide the spring guide bar as described above, a bearing guide and the like as described above to prevent water hammer, which complicates a structure inside the valve box and requires facility cost, and therefore the cost becomes disadvantageously high. There has been proposed a valve body having a small valve hole provided thereon, but in this case it is required to additionally provide a small valve body for opening and closing the small valve hole, and the valve body is easily broken when used for a long time, which is disadvantageous. Further there has been proposed the configuration in which a bypass conduit communicating an upstream side of the valve box flow path to the downstream side thereof is provided outside the valve box, but in this case a certain space is necessary outside the valve box, which sometimes causes troubles in installation of the valve.

Water-hammer preventing unit for check valve


A job continuation management apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes, job execution units that carrying out jobs; a job management information memory unit storing job identification information, identification information on the job execution unit, job execution information and job continuing execution priority in unit of the job; and a job continuation management unit referring to the job management information memory unit when a failure occurs in the job execution units, and, about records having identification information of the job execution unit identical with identification information of the failed job execution, sends the job identification information and the job execution information to one of the job execution units except for the failed unit sequentially in a order starting from a job having highest the job continuing execution priority to lowest, and making the job execution unit of a receiving party perform continuation execution of the job.

In the modern society in which IT environments have been developed highly and the dependence to IT in daily life is increasing, influence of a failure of a computer system on the society is very large, and thus a demand for high availability of a computer system is increasing more and more. In such a high availability system, it is one of big challenges how efficiently to perform recovery when failures occur.
As one of methods for establishing a highly available system, a method by which a spare server is prepared in advance as a server of a standby system in addition to servers of an active system used in a usual operation, and, when a failure occurs in the active-system server, the system is continued by switching to the server of a standby system, for example. Also, in recent years, according to the advance of a capacity increase and a price reduction of a hard disk and a memory, and to the progress of virtualization technologies which divide one server into a plurality of servers virtually, it has become possible to build virtual servers of an active system and a virtual server of a standby system in a single server. Thus, technological environments that enable construction of a highly available system relatively cheaply are also being put into place.
As an example of a high availability system utilizing such virtualization technology, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1997-288590, there is disclosed a system for realizing a non-stop operation of a system by making one of child OSs generated by a virtual computer system exist as a standby system, and by making, when a child OS of an active system becomes incapable of performing processing any more due to a system malfunction, the child OS of the standby system take the processing over.
Also, as another example of a system to perform recovery processing at the time of failure occurrence efficiently, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1996-314875, there is disclosed a system in which, when a failure occurs in a distributed node in a distributed system, lost function substitution about an application task to be lost by the failure is performed between normal distributed nodes according to the priority of the node for determining a party who takes over the task.

Job continuation management apparatus, job continuation management method and job continuation management program


Timing jitter sequences Δφj[n] and Δφk[n] of respective clock signals under measurement xj(t) and xk(t) are estimated, and a timing difference sequence between those timing jitter sequences is calculated. In addition, initial phase angles φ0j and φ0k of linear instantaneous phases of the xj(t) and xk(t) are estimated, respectively. A sum of a difference between those initial angles and the timing difference sequence is calculated to obtain a clock skew sequence between the xj(t) and xk(t).

The present invention relates to a clock skew measurement apparatus and a clock skew measurement method by which a skew between a plurality of clock signals distributed by a clock distribution circuit is measured.
A clock skew has conventionally been estimated statistically using a time interval analyzer or a frequency counter. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, when a reference clock signal CLKg from a clock signal source 11 is distributed and supplied to registers 12j and 12k, each of the clocks under measurement CLKj and CLKk in the respective registers 12j and 12k is inputted to a time interval analyzer 13, where a timing difference between a zero-crossing point of the clock signal under measurement CLKj and a zero-crossing point of the clock signal under measurement CLKk is measured, and a fluctuation of the timing difference is measured by a histogram analysis. An example of clock skew measurement using a time interval analyzer 13 is described in, for example, "Jitter Analysis Clock Solutions", Wavecrest Corp., 1998.
However, there is a problem in this clock skew measurement method using the time interval analyzer that it takes a long time to acquire a number of data required for the histogram analysis since, it requires an intermediate dead-time until clock skew measurement can be repeated. In addition, in the clock skew measurement method using the time interval analyzer, a skew between clocks having different frequencies cannot be measured. Therefore, a new clock skew measurement method is required for a precise control of a local clock and a global clock.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a measurement apparatus of a skew between clocks and its method by which a skew between clocks can be measured in a short time compared with a conventional apparatus and its method.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a measurement apparatus of a skew between clocks and its method by which a skew between clocks having different frequencies can be estimated.

Apparatus for and method of measuring clock skew


A system for automatic control of a process, comprising a process model using data and further comprising a data model for generating data for said process model and an empirical data extractor for extracting data from said process for said model, and wherein said data used by said process model is interchangeable between data obtained by said data model and data obtained by said extractor. The data model may be a partly statistical partly empirical orthogonal process model. The system is useful in allowing control systems using empirical prediction methods to perform automatic control before having built up a full results database.

Automatic process control as a means of controlling the conditions under which a process is carried out is well known. For many years, simple and then steadily more complex closed loop control has been introduced. The control loop uses a formula or model to relate a process output to one or more inputs and, as the output varies, feedback is used to alter the inputs to ensure that the output stays on track.
Certain processes, however, require large numbers of variables having complex relationships therebetween to be incorporated into a model for effective control. In particular some of the variables involved may be variables that are not changeable by a feedback signal, such as the quality of an input product. In such circumstances a fully comprehensive model is difficult to build. Such a fully comprehensive model may be particularly useful in the event that extremely high quality is required in the resulting product. An example is silicon wafer production.
A model is essentially an educated guess as to the relationship between an output and one or more system inputs, The model is required to predict the behavior of the process under different input parameters. Accurate prediction is required if the process is to be controlled to produce desired results. Thus, methods of deriving a model may be referred to as prediction methods.
A particularly useful group of prediction methods comprises what are known as empirical prediction methods. In empirical prediction methods, existing process data, that is to say actually measured inputs and outputs, are utilized to define the model. Different methods use different ways of analyzing the data and incorporating it into a model to arrive at a prediction of an output for any given set of input parameters. The term "data" is used herein to refer inter alia to the quantification of any observable parameter regarding the process.
Applicant's previously filed application no. U.S. Ser. No. 09/689,884 concerns a manufacturing control system, known as a process output empirical modeler (POEM) that uses an empirical prediction method to provide a model as a basis for APC to operate a process, in particular a factory-based production process, The model divides both input and output parameters into discreet sections, builds vectors of all reasonable combinations of the different discrete sections of the input parameters and uses empirical data to associate each of the vectors with a statistical average of actual outputs corresponding to the given vector. The vectors, with their corresponding results are then placed in the form of a lookup table and used in APC as part of a control process that optimizes the inputs that can be varied, in the light of the inputs that cannot be varied, to arrive at a desired result.
Another empirical method that may be used is the method of classification and regression trees, CART. The skilled person will be aware of numerous other methods that makes use of empirical information and to which the present considerations are applicable, such as CHAD and Neural Nets.
A disadvantage of the above system, and indeed of any system requiring statistically significant empirical data, is that it requires relatively large amounts of data before it can begin to run effectively. Furthermore, it is not sufficient to have a large quantity of data. It is additionally necessary to have a good scatter of data across the input space. Certain parts of the input space may be utilized only rarely and it may require a very large number of experiments to effectively fill rarely used parts of the input space. In the case of POEM for example, each input vector should preferably have a statistically significant set of outputs that can be processed to provide a meaningful average output for the given vector.
The data to be relied upon may often be user specific, as different manufactures, even if making the same product, may often insert their own proprietary variations to the process, or may use input materials from different sources, which input materials may behave slightly differently in the process. Manufacturers are not generally willing to provide data sets to their competitors, and system manufacturers generally do not carry out the process and thus do not have their on independent data sets, to sell along with the system.
For all of the above reasons, providers of the system are generally unable to provide meaningful datasets with the systems.
Thus each new purchaser of a system is required to develop his own data set, and until he has done so the system cannot be used effectively. The number of process results required to provide statistically significant coverage of the entire input space is often very high, especially where there are large numbers of parameters involved. Depending on the process, individual experiments may be expensive or time-consuming or both

Model predictive control (MPC) system using DOE based model


An output buffer is disclosed and includes a differential output buffer input configured for coupling to a differential output of an input circuit. The output buffer further includes an inductive voltage divider circuit coupled to the differential output buffer input, and configured to weaken a loading at the differential output of the input circuit.

Voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) are generally used in high-frequency communication or sensor systems, for example, as an oscillator for a frequency synthesizer or a modulator within a wireless communication apparatus. As illustrated in prior art FIG. 1, a voltage controlled oscillator 10 receives an input or tuning voltage 12 and outputs a signal 14 having a frequency that is a function of the input voltage 12 to a load 16. Consequently, by altering the voltage at the input 12, one may tune the oscillation frequency at the output 14.
In many instances, the performance of a telecommunications device is limited by the phase noise of the oscillator circuit, wherein phase noise may be described generally as the random variation in the phase or frequency of the output signal. Consequently, the phase noise may place a limit on the precision of the oscillator output frequency. On the other hand, an oscillator with a reduced phase noise indicates that the oscillator produces a lower amount of spurious energy outside the desired frequency range of operation.
One type of voltage controlled oscillator is the inductive/capacitive (LC) oscillator. One example of an LC oscillator is illustrated in prior art FIG. 2, wherein a schematic diagram of a high frequency differential output LC type voltage controlled oscillator 20 is provided. The LC oscillator 20 is sometimes referred to as a negative-resistance oscillator because an input impedance between a base node of the transistors T and a virtual or AC ground has a negative real component and a capacitive reactance. The input impedance is influenced by a variable capacitance or varactor CVAR that facilitates a tuning of the oscillation frequency at the differential outputs Q and Q(bar). The inductance LB substantially completes the resonant circuit. The inductance Lc matches the external load RL to the output of the transistor T to maximize the signal amplitude.
Circuit 20 of prior art FIG. 2 provides for some improvements over traditional millimeter-wave LC oscillators due to the inclusion of inductances LE1 and LE2. LE2 facilitates the feeding of the bias current from the transistor T into a virtual ground or AC ground node, and consequently an output capacitance of a transistor current source 22 is not shunted to CVAR and thus prevents a reduction in the tuning range of the oscillator. In addition, the contribution of the current source 22 to the circuit's phase noise is reduced dramatically. LE2 contributes to this advantage, together with the output capacitance of the current source 22, forms a low-pass LC filter that decouples high frequency noise generated by the current source 22 from the oscillator signal.
The addition of LE1 increases the loaded quality factor QL of the oscillator circuit 20 and thus reduces the phase noise thereof compared to a circuit having only a varactor CVAR. In addition, the inductances LE1, LE2 and the capacitance CVAR are designed so that the admittance YE of the total LC network that loads the emitter node of the transistor T is substantially capacitive within the entire oscillator frequency range of interest. The varactor CVAR in one example may comprise a base-collector type P-N junction that may be modified by an additional implant to provide a wised capacitance range. In addition, the inductances may comprise micro-strip lines formed in the metallization layers of an integrated circuit. The lengths of the micro-strip lines may be adjusted by clipping or cutting shorting bars associated therewith, thus altering the magnitude of the inductance.
The oscillator circuit 20 has an output matching network 24 that serves to optimize the load impedance at the collector nodes of the transistors T with respect to maximum output power and optimal loaded quality factor QL. The matching network 24 includes LC, a bond pad capacitance CP and, if the circuit is mounted, a bond inductance LQ. The matching network 24 couples to the external load RL.
In some applications such an oscillator is employed as part of a monolithically integrated circuit or in a multi-chip module where the oscillator output Q and Q(bar) are directly bonded to a loading chip. In such instances, an output buffer is not required. However, if the oscillator output is loaded by a transmission line and such line is (as usual) not perfectly terminated, the performance of the oscillator circuit 20 is degraded. For example, such performance degradation may be evidenced by discontinuities in a plot of oscillation frequency versus varactor bias voltage (not shown) within the desired frequency operating range.
One solution to decouple the oscillator circuit 20 from the load is illustrated in prior art FIG. 3, wherein a base-grounded output buffer 30 is coupled to the collector terminals of the transistors T (forming a cascode stage). The output buffer 30 of prior art FIG. 3 provides some measure of decoupling of the oscillator circuit 20 from the load, however, the buffer 30 suffers from several disadvantages: there is no substantial signal amplification, the decoupling capability is often not sufficient at very high frequencies, it reduces the oscillation amplitude and the loaded quality factor of the oscillator core, thus increasing the phase noise, and a higher supply voltage is required.
Therefore there is a need in the art for improved voltage controlled oscillator systems and output buffers that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Output buffer with inductive voltage divider


The present invention provides surface-emitting lasers that reduce a laser emission angle and are readily manufactured. Methods for manufacturing the surface-emitting lasers, devices, and electronic apparatuses are also described. The lasers are characterized in that a resonator of a surface-emitting laser includes a light emission surface having a portion that is provided with a lens shaped section formed from a semiconductor layer in a lens shape.

Semiconductor lasers include edge-emitting lasers that emit a laser light at an edge of a semiconductor substrate, and surface-emitting lasers that emit a laser light from a surface of a semiconductor substrate. Surface-emitting lasers are characterized in that the laser emission angle is isotropic and small compared to edge-emitting lasers. When a surface-emitting laser is used as a light source for optical communications, for example, a large optical output is required. In order to increase the output of a surface-emitting laser, an enlargement of its laser emission aperture is effective. However, when the laser emission aperture is enlarged, the laser emission angle becomes larger. When the laser emission angle becomes larger, and for example, when the surface-emitting laser and an optical fiber are directly, optically coupled without a lens or the like, the optical coupling efficiency is lowered, and their mounting margin is reduced.
According to a conventional method to compose a smaller laser emission angle of a surface-emitting laser, an upper surface of a columnar section of a resonator of the surface-emitting laser is formed into a convex lens shape (lens layer or contact layer). An emitted light of the surface-emitting laser is converged by the lens layer or the contact layer, whereby the laser emission angle becomes smaller (for example, see FIG. 1, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2000-76682).
It is noted that, in the surface-emitting laser described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 of the aforementioned Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2000-76682, the lens layer or the contact layer, which are formed in a lens shape, has an outer diameter that coincides with an outer diameter of the columnar section of the resonator. In actual surface-emitting lasers, the columnar section of the resonator is often provided with an outer diameter of 20 μm or greater. If the outer diameter of the columnar section is set to 20 μm or greater, and a sufficient lens curvature is to be provided to reduce the laser emission angle, the lens layer or the contact layer formed in a lens shape becomes too thick, and their manufacture becomes difficult.
On the other hand, a surface-emitting laser described with reference to FIG. 10 of the aforementioned Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2000-76682 includes an entire columnar section of the resonator that is formed into a lens shape. In this manner, the curvature of the lens shape can be made smaller, and the laser emission angle can be made smaller. However, in such a conventional surface-emitting laser, because the entire columnar section of the resonator is formed into a curved surface, a sufficient contact surface cannot be provided between an upper electrode (an anode electrode or a cathode electrode of the surface-emitting laser) and the contact layer. Accordingly, the conventional surface-emitting laser has a problem in that an element resistance (resistance between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode) becomes higher.

Surface-emitting laser, method for manufacturing surface-emitting laser, device and electronic apparatus


A transcoder calculates a reference conversion factor on the basis of a ratio between a total target bit rate of a whole second stream and an total input bit rate of a whole first stream and calculates a coefficient of variation from the total target bit rate of the whole second stream and an average output bit rate of a converted second stream in the N period. Next, a quantization step conversion factor in the next (N+1) period is calculated by adding the coefficient of variation to the reference conversion factor. Then, a quantization step value of a second stream in the (N+1) period is calculated by multiplying a quantization step value of a first stream in the (N+1) period by the quantization step conversion factor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transcoder for converting an input stream into a different output stream, and more particularly to a technique to appropriately control the amount of generated codes of the output stream toward a target bit rate.
2. Description of the Background Art
Images to be delivered on digital broadcasts, those to be stored in media such as DVDs and hard disks, and the like are compressed in accordance with various coding systems. The object for such compressions is to avoid constraint on a transmission band, increase the transmission speed, decrease the memory size or the like.
There are various standards for image coding system, such as MPEG2 and H.264. And there is a case where the coding system is converted for the purpose of reducing the amount of codes in a coded image that is inputted, or the like. A transcoder once decodes the inputted coded image. Then, the transcoder codes the decoded image in a different coding system (or the same coding system) again. Thus, the transcoder controls a bit rate of an output stream.
Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette No. 2006-74635 relates to a transcoder for converting an image compressed in a first compressive coding system into an image compressed in a second compressive coding system. This transcoder uses intermediate information generated during the decoding of the image compressed in the first compressive coding system to compress the image in the second compressive coding system.
In a rate control technique that has been conventionally used, image data of known format (frame rate/image size) is used as an input. Further, parameters for coding such as a target bit rate or GOP picture structure (IBBP . . . ) are intentionally determined by a user, and after determining these parameters, the coding is started.
In other words, before coding of a sequence, these information is given as known parameters, and these parameters are not changed during the coding of the sequence. Therefore, it is possible to intentionally perform a bit assignment for control of rate in advance to some degree.
On the other hand, in a rate control by a transcoder, a target bit rate of a whole output stream is set by a user, and specifications of an input stream, i.e., image size (format), frame rate, GOP picture structure, bit rate and the like, can not be recognized until a certain unit of the input stream (e.g., a sequence header, a picture header or one whole GOP) is decoded. Further, there is sometimes a case where an input stream consists of a plurality of different streams which are edited by cut and paste. In such a case, sometimes, the above specifications of the input stream are changed during the decoding. Though it is possible to solve this problem by recoding the decoded image after acquiring information obtained in the course of decoding of the input stream in advance, there disadvantageously arises a delay in an output by the streams to be taken in advance. For this reason, in a case of transcoding in one pass in real time, a system different from the background-art technique is needed in order to achieve an averaged bit rate of the output stream.

Transcoder controlling generated codes of an output stream to a target bit rate


The present disclosure is directed to a physically crosslinked, closed cell continuous multilayer foam structure comprising at least one foam polypropylene/polyethylene layer with a TPU cap layer. The multilayer foam structure can be obtained by coextruding a multilayer structure comprising at least one foam composition layer with at least one cap composition layer, irradiating the coextruded structure with ionizing radiation, and continuously foaming the irradiated structure.

Polyolefin foams can be used in various applications such as a trim component in a vehicle interior, a flooring underlayment, a tape, and a gasket. When used in these various applications, the polyolefin foam can be bonded to urethane based adhesives, polyurethane foams, and reacting urethane foams. Traditionally, to obtain satisfactory adhesion between polyolefin foam and (poly)urethane, a surface modification treatment such as corona, plasma, or chemical was applied to the foam.
However, surface modification of the polyolefin foam is an added processing step between the manufacturing of the foam and the final application. This can add cost which may render the process uneconomical for commercial purposes. In addition, polyolefin surface modification—particularly with corona—can also be temporary and may not be suitable for instances where the treated foam is stored in a warehouse or a retail store for an extended period of time.

Method of making coextruded, cross-linked polyolefin foam with TPU cap layers


A continuous foam-type band suitable for placement about a cylindrical container such as a compressed air or gas cylinder is disclosed, and use of the band as a handle as well as a means for isolation and protection of the compressed air or gas cylinder or similar containers is also disclosed.

As will be recognized by those familiar with the transport, storage and use of compressed air cylinders (e.g., welding gas tanks), such tanks present a potential problem when they are being moved and transported. When doing so, there is no convenient way to grasp the tanks to permit them to be easily moved, loaded, stored, etc. The disclosed tank sleeve(s) are believed to provide a novel solution to such a problem by not only providing a graspable sleeve that snugly fits over such tanks, but which further provides padding, graspable handles, etc. to permit the easy and safe movement, lifting, carrying and tying-down of such tanks.
Another advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the tank sleeve protects the coating or finish of the tank or cylinder on which it is used. As will be appreciated, compressed gas cylinders are color coded to indicate the type of gas inside, and it is desirable to protect such color-coding in order to assure that there is no confusion as to the contents. By surrounding the tank and providing a buffer against other tanks or surfaces during use and transport, the disclosed tank sleeves preserve the tank surface coating and color, thereby extending the tank's useful life.
Disclosed in embodiments herein is a lifting handle(s) for a cylindrical gas container, comprising: a continuous (circular) rigid foam band or ring for placement about a cylindrical container, said band having at least one enlarged portion therein with an elongated aperture therethrough forming a handle in a size suitable for receiving the fingers and palm of a human hand for grasping of said foam band, and on a portion of the band opposite the elongated aperture at least a second enlarged portion with at least one generally flat or planar exterior surface suitable for stabilization of the cylindrical container when in a prone position; a generally circular opening in the interior of said band, the inner diameter of the opening having a diameter the same or smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical container; and said band being formed of a rigid ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) type foam material and having a thickness (e.g., at least 1 inch, and in range of 1-3 inches) suitable for maintaining its general shape when the cylindrical container is lifted using the handle(s).
Also disclosed in embodiments herein is a pair of tank sleeves for application about an outer diameter of a compressed gas cylinder, each of the tank sleeves comprising: a continuous rigid foam band, said band having a first enlarged portion therein with an elongated aperture therethrough to form a handle, and on a portion of the band opposite the elongated aperture a second enlarged portion having at least one generally flat or planar exterior surface; and a generally circular opening in the interior of said band, the inner diameter of the opening having a diameter no greater than an outer diameter of the compressed gas cylinder.
The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments and equivalents set forth. For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or similar elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and aspects could be properly depicted.


A structure of a clutch plate is provided which is capable of retaining its stable quality without any chemical treating agent. In the clutch plate structure, laminar facings (9, 9) are attached to the sides (8, 8) of a metallic core plate (7) with a binding material (10), and a plurality of concaves (11 . . . ) filled with the binding material (10) are formed physically in the sides (8, 8) so that the adhesion area on the side of the core plate (7) becomes larger.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a structure of a clutch plate of an automatic transmission principally used for controlling the transmission of driving force in a vehicle, and relates to a method of producing it.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As shown in FIG. 9, there has been known a conventional structure of a clutch plate as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Early Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 62-172826.
In this type of clutch plate structure, liquid binding materials 3, 3 are applied to both side portions 2, 2 of a metallic core plate 1 shaped substantially like a disk, and facings 4,4 used as a friction member are attached thereto. The facing 4 is made of base paper and has the shape of a laminar disk.
In this clutch plate 5, as shown in FIG. 10, generally, the grease of the core plate 1 formed by draw-molding is removed with a detergent, and thereafter etching treatment of the core plate 1 is conducted chemically with a hydrochloric acid or nitric acid treating agent, so that coarse grounds having greater adhesive strength are formed on the side portions 2, 2. After that, the liquid binding material 3 is applied to the side portions 2, 2 of the core plate 1 on which the etching treatment has been completed.
In order to heighten durability, an impregnant is impregnated into the base paper of the friction member, and then the friction member is punched to be shaped substantially like a disk, and the facings 4, 4 are formed. Thereafter, the facings 4, 4 are attached to the side portions 2, 2, respectively, with the binding material 3. After the adhesion has been completed, the clutch plate 5 is obtained via drying, sizing, and grooving processes.
In the clutch plate 5 thus constructed, the grease of the core plate 1 is removed with a chemical agent, and thereafter etching treatment of the core plate 1 is conducted, and thus the core plate 1 is chemically coarsened. With the satisfactory adhesive strength of the binding materials 3, 3, the facings 4, 4 adhere to the side portions 2, 2.
After this treatment has been completed, the facings 4, 4 are attached to the side portions 2, 2 by means of the binding materials 3, 3. In this known clutch plate, a chemical material, such as a chemical agent and a treating agent, is required for a grease removal operation and etching treatment. However, there is a fear that, since the treating agent is intensely deteriorated with the passage of time, the deterioration thereof will make uneven the quality of a treated surface at the etching treatment, and the adhesive strength will be varied.

Structure of clutch plate and production method of same