A moving object detection device has a magnetic sensor element, a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor element; a board on which electronic parts are mounted, a holder; and a case. The holder has an integral approximately box-shaped support part to hold the magnet and the board, and the holder is inserted into the case so that the magnetic sensor element, the permanent magnet, and the board are contained in the case. The holder and the case are fitted and fastened to each other by concave-convex-shaped elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a detection device for detecting change in a magnetic field. More particularly, the invention relates to a moving object detection device suitably used when moving state of an object to be detected is magnetically detected. The object makes linear movement or rotary movement such as a rack or a gear made of soft magnetic substance in an industrial machine tool, or an engine of an automobile.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There is a method using a property that an output signal of a magnetic sensor element is changed in response to a soft magnetic body coming close to the magnetic sensor element applied magnetic field by a permanent magnet, in order to detect moving state of an object which makes a linear movement or rotary movement such as a rack or a gear of the soft magnetic body in an industrial machine tool or an engine of an automobile, etc.
A moving object detection device was proposed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 4-21962, in which a housing is integrally formed by a resin, so that the housing can contain a magnetic sensor element to be a major element for detection of a moving state of an object to be detected, a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor element and terminals to which a protection (processing) circuit part receiving an output signal of the magnetic sensor element is connected for outputting a detected electric signal to the outside.
In such a moving object detection device, since the magnetic sensor element and protection (processing) circuit parts connected to the terminals by soldering are molded by integrally covering them with a resin, special consideration in designing is necessary to avoid any stress applied to the magnetic sensor element and the electronic parts, which are susceptible to stress. In addition, careful control in designing or manufacturing is necessary to avoid solder-connected spots being disconnected or shortened by heat and stress at the time of molding resin.
It may be also possible that the resin will be molded after attaching the magnetic sensor element and circuit parts for protecting (processing) the output signal on a board, however, some consideration is still required to avoid any occasion that the circuit parts are destroyed, and the soldered spots between the terminals and each circuit parts are disconnected or short when the board is warped or bent by the heat and stress at the time of molding resin.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-214176 discloses a device that overcomes those problems, for example. In the device, a magnetic sensor element, a permanent magnet for applying magnetic field to the magnetic sensor element, and a board implemented with a circuit for protecting (processing) an output signal of the magnetic sensor element are held by a holder and contained in a case made of resin. When an opening of the case is sealed with sealing resin, a passage hole for the sealing resin is provided on the board so as to prevent warping or bending of the board at the time of sealing with the sealing resin and hence, to prevent occurrence of disconnection or short circuit failure at a solder-connected spot and destruction of a circuit part.
The moving object detection device in accordance with the Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-214176 will be described according to a side sectional view in FIG. 10.
In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1 denotes a magnetic sensor element and reference numeral 2 for a permanent magnet for applying a required magnetic field to the magnetic sensor element, and the magnetic sensor element 1 and the permanent magnet 2 are held on a resin holder 3. A circuit part 6 for protecting (processing) an output signal of the magnetic sensor element 1 is implemented on a board 4, and the board 4 is also held on the holder 3. A resin passage hole 4a is formed substantially at the center of the board 4. When sealing resin is poured in a resin case 10 to seal an opening of the case, the sealing resin can pass through the hole 4a. Each end of conductors 5 is connected to the board 4. The conductors 5 are provided for leading an electric signal to the outside, which is made from an output signal detected by the magnetic sensor element 1 by a signal protection (processing) circuit on the board 4.
The resin case 10 is in the cylindrical shape with a bottom, and one end is an opening part 11 before sealed with the sealing resin, and a notch portion 12 is further formed from an edge of the opening part 11. A cover grommet 15 made of resin is fitted to the notch portion 12, and its inner surface 16 constitutes a mechanical fitting portion of a connector. A grommet 20 arranged inside the cover grommet 15 is an elastic body such as rubber, and the conductors 5 are inserted to each of through holes of the grommet 20.
Outer circumferential portions of the case 10 and the cover grommet 15 are covered with a molding body 25 of the sealing resin to form an attaching portion 26 and to seal the opening part 11 of the case 10.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-214176, the device has such a structure that the magnetic sensor element, the permanent magnet and the board for the output signal protection (processing) circuit are held by the holder, the periphery is sealed by resin molding, the mounting portion to be mounted on an industrial machine tool or an automobile engine is formed and the connector portion for wiring/connection to an electric control system of the industrial machine tool or the automobile engine is formed. Accordingly, it has the following problems.
(1) When a quantity in one time production is small (i.e., small-lot production), preparation of die set for resin molding requires a number of processes, and improvement of production efficiency is limited.
(2) Since the sealing resin is poured and filled in the periphery of electronic parts implemented on a board for an output signal protection (processing) circuit, stress caused by expansion/contraction of the sealing resin is applied to the electronic parts and the connected spots due to change in atmospheric temperature in actual use. Thus, it is necessary to take measures for alleviating this stress in order to improve resistance to thermal shock.
(3) Since a waterproof structure is adopted by welding of the molded sealing resin to the resin case, it is necessary means for preventing separation of the welding interface of the sealing resin caused by change in atmospheric temperature in order to improve a life with respect to waterproof property.


A support arrangement of a wind turbine tower and a method to support the tower is provided. A support arrangement for a wind turbine tower is disclosed, whereby the support arrangement includes a first connection means to connect to a first part of the tower. The support arrangement includes a second connection means to connect to a second part of the tower. The first connection means are fixed in their position in respect to the support arrangement, and the second connection means are adjustable connected to the support arrangement, so that the distance between the first connection means and the second connection means is adjustable to counteract a deformation of the tower due to gravity. The support arrangement includes a third connection means to detachably fix the position of the second connection means in respect to the support arrangement 1 to support the counteracted shape of the tower.

A wind turbine comprises a rotor, a nacelle and a tower. The rotor is rotatable connected to the nacelle and the nacelle is connected rotatable to the tower.
Parts of the wind turbine are prefabricated and are then transported to the installation site of the wind turbine. At the installation site the prefabricated parts of the wind turbine are connected to build a wind turbine.
The tower of the wind turbine is prefabricated in segments. The segments are transported to the installation site and are there connected to form the tower of the wind turbine.
Nowadays, wind turbine towers are more than 60 m high, often more than 90 m. They have a circular crosscut and have a diameter of more than three meters, and are made of steel. For transportation and installation a tower is segmented into several segments. The segments comprise means for connection at their ends, for example, flanges, to connect the tower segments to each other during installation.
The wind turbine tower segments are stored and transported in a horizontal orientation, thus in a lying manner.
Due to gravity, the horizontally oriented tower segments tend to deform in a way that the circular crosscut ovalizes. It is therefore known to support the tower segment at the flanges in a vertical direction to avoid the deformation.
WO 2013/117182 A1 describes a method for handling tower sections for a tower, in particular a wind power plant, wherein the finished tower sections are at least stored, transported and sequentially set up at least partially one on top of another. The tower sections are each already equipped on their ends with a handling device during or after their completion. Then the finished tower sections are coupled to the load-bearing equipment of transport means using the handling device with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section and then the tower sections are brought in the horizontal position to the location of their erection. The tower sections transported to the erection location are then brought to a vertical position by means of the handling device with unchanged linkage thereof on the tower section by means of at least one lifting device.
This shows the disadvantage that the tower segment is attached to the frame in the shape it already acquired. A tower segment in a horizontal orientation deforms in an elastic deformation as soon as it reaches this orientation. The tower segment is then connected to the transportation frame. Thus, the tower segment is stored and transported in a slightly elastically deformed shape.
This leads to problems during transportation. The tower segment in its slightly elastically deformed shape is connected to a rigid transportation frame. Due to changing forces during transportation, the tower segment varies its elastic deformation, whereby the connection means between the tower segment and the transportation frame might be damaged.
Embodiments of the invention provide a transportation frame that preserves the tower segment in its original shape.

Support arrangement of a wind turbine tower


A position control method of inertial drive actuator includes a movement-amount setting step of setting an amount of movement, a target-position setting step of setting a target position of a moving body, a position detection step of detecting a relative position of the moving body, a comparison step of comparing the target position and the relative position, a drive-voltage pattern setting step of setting a drive voltage pattern which is to be applied to the moving means, a first electrode, and a second electrode, based on the amount of movement which is set, and a comparison result, and a driving step of driving the moving body by controlling a frictional force between the vibration substrate and the moving body, by making an electrostatic force act on both, while synchronizing with a movement of the vibration substrate, by applying a drive voltage pattern which is set at the drive-voltage pattern setting step, between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the moving body is moved to the target position by repeating steps from the comparison step to the driving step.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inertial drive actuator which drives a moving body by inertia, with respect to a vibration substrate which is subjected to reciprocated drive by a moving means, and a position control method of the inertial drive actuator.
2. Description of the Related Art
When a drive pulse of a waveform formed of a gently rising part and a rapidly falling part is applied to an electromechanical transducer such as a piezoelectric element, at (in) the gently rising part of the drive pulse, the piezoelectric element is displaced by being extended gradually in a direction of thickness, and at the rapidly falling part, the piezoelectric element is displaced by being contracted rapidly. Given this, by using this characteristic, by applying a drive pulse of a waveform as mentioned above to the piezoelectric element, discharge and charge are repeated at different speeds, and vibrations are generated in a direction of thickness in the piezoelectric element, at different speeds in the piezoelectric element. By the vibrations generated, a driving member fixed to the piezoelectric element is let to make a reciprocating movement at different speeds, and a moving member (body) which is attached to the driving member is moved in a predetermined direction. An actuator carrying out the abovementioned function has been known. Moreover, a displacement amount detection method of detecting a position of the moving member of such actuator or a position of a lens holding frame which is attached to the moving member of such actuator has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2006-171172.
A conventional position detection method and a positioning method will be described below by referring to FIG. 13. Here, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a lens unit according to the conventional displacement detection method. In this lens unit, a holding frame 218 which holds a lens 216 is fixed to one end of an outer cylinder 214, and a lens 220 is held by a reduced-diameter portion 214B formed at the other end. A lens holding frame 226 which holds a lens 228 is attached to a drive shaft 222 connected to a piezoelectric element 230. The lens holding frame 226 is guided in an optical axis O direction by a guide shaft 224. A magnetic pole 238 of N polarity or S polarity is polarized at a fixed interval alternately along a longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 222. Whereas, a magnetic resistive element 236 is fixed to the holding frame 226, and an MR sensor 234 is formed by the magnetic pole 238 and the magnetic resistive element 236. When the magnetic resistive element 236 is displaced along the drive shaft 222 due to a displacement of the holding frame 226, since the magnetic resistive element 236 intersects the leakage magnetic flux of the magnetic pole 238, a value of resistance of the magnetic resistive element 236 changes periodically, and generates a predetermined position detection pulse. By counting the number of these position detection pulses, it is possible to find an amount of displacement of the holding frame 226 and the lens 228 in a direction of arrow A and a direction of arrow B. Moreover, in the outer cylinder 214, a home position sensor 240 is fixed at a position corresponding to a home position of the holding frame 226.
By using this apparatus, firstly, a position detection at a rough position is carried out. Concretely, a predetermined drive pulse is applied to the piezoelectric element 230, and the amount of displacement of the holding frame 226 is obtained by a position detection pulse from the MR sensor 234. The amount of displacement which is obtained is divided by the number of drive pulses required for this displacement, and the amount of displacement of the holding frame 226 per drive pulse is obtained. Based on the amount of displacement per drive pulse which is obtained, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the desired amount of displacement of the holding frame 226, are applied to the piezoelectric element 230, and the holding member 226 is positioned. Concretely, for instance, the holding frame 226 is moved once to the home position, and with this as a reference, the predetermined number of drive pulses are applied to the piezoelectric element 230, and the holding frame is made to be displaced to the desired position.
However, since a frictional force due to the attachment of the drive shaft 222 and the lens holding frame 226 is not constant in a movement stroke, there is a problem that the amount of movement of the lens holding frame 226 (moving body) per drive differs for each pulse. Consequently, only by applying the number of pulses based on the amount of movement per one drive which is calculated, an error between the amount of movement per drive which is calculated and the actual amount of movement per drive piles up, and it is not possible to carry out accurate positioning finally.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Position control method of inertial drive actuator and inertial drive actuator


Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable medium use external databases for biometric authentication. A server receives a request for authentication of a user from a requestor. A notification is sent to a user device associated with the user from the server. A biometric image is received within the server in response to the notification. A biometric ID of the user is sent from the server to an external database for identifying a biometric template stored with the external database. An authentication result indicative of a match between the biometric image and the biometric template is determined and the authentication result is sent to the requestor. The external databases are owned by a third party, and the biometric template of the user was previously generated and stored within the external database in association with the biometric ID.

A user is often asked for authentication when initiating an electronic communication. For example, where the user wishes to secure items over the Internet, the user is asked for authentication (i.e., proof that the user initiating the communication is who they say they are) before remuneration occurs. Such authentication is typically a password or security code that is associated with an identity of an account used to obtain the merchandise or service.
Many databases containing biometric templates already exist. For example, in India there is a unique identifier (ID) server that hosts a database with fingerprint templates of over one billion people. Other countries have similar databases. These databases are for example run by governments. Thus, many people have their biometric information already stored in a database in association with a unique identifying number. With the wide availability of biometric scanners in smartphones, these databases may be used to authenticate a user by capturing a biometric image and sending it to the existing database for authentication against a corresponding biometric template.

Systems and methods for biometric authentication using existing databases


In a vehicle parking system, when a selected shift position is changed between Park and a shift position other than Park, if both an electric motor of an electric parking lock mechanism and an electric motor of an electric parking brake mechanism are operated, these electric motors are started in such a manner that the times at which striking currents supplied to these electric motors reach their peaks are staggered.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicle parking system and a method for controlling the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a control over multiple electromagnetically-driven actuators in a vehicle parking system that includes multiple devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-162022 (JP-A-2006-162022) describes a parking brake system in which an electric motor is rotated to operate a parking brake mechanism when the shift position selected by a shift position selection device is Park. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-27415 (JP-A-2006-27415) describes a parking brake system in which an electric motor is rotated to apply parking brakes when the shift position selected by a shift position selection device is a shift position other than Park, Neutral and Reverse, and a service brake operating member is operated. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-327101 (JP-A-2003-327101) describes a parking brake system in which an electric motor is rotated to automatically release parking brakes when the shift position selected by a shift position selection device is changed from Drive to Reverse or changed from Reverse to Drive. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-06-1157 (JP-A-06-1157) describes a parking lock system in which an electric motor is rotated to operate a parking lock mechanism when the shift position selected by a shift position selection device is changed from a shift position other than Park to Park.

Vehicle parking system and method for controlling the same


Disclosed is a novel binary sieve catalyst useful for olefin upgrading and fluid catalytic cracking which comprises. a crystalline zeolite metallosilicate core and a shell selected from an aluminum phosphate molecular sieve (AlPO.sub.4), a silicon-substituted aluminophosphate (SAPO), a metal aluminophosphate (MeAPO), and a crystalline metal aluminophosphate (MeAPSO) and is generally synthesized by a method comprising:. adding a powdered form of crystalline zeolite metallosilicate into an aqueous slurry comprising phosphoric acid, alumina source, metal salt and an amine, mixing the slurry for 1 to 12 hours in a Teflon liner at room temperature, sealing said slurry in an autoclave and placing said slurry in an oven at 130.degree. C. to 240.degree. C. for 12-168 hours to form said binary molecular sieve catalyst, washing and drying the product, calcining the product at 530 to 570.degree. C. in nitrogen for 5-15 hours, calcining the product in air for 1 to 3 hours to burn off the template.

Molecular Sieves
Natural and synthetic zeolitic crystalline aluminosilicates are useful as catalysts and adsorbents. These aluminosilicates have distinct crystal structures which are demonstrated by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure defines cavities and pores which are characteristic of the different species. The adsorptive catalytic properties of each crystalline aluminosilicate are determined in part by the dimensions of its pores and cavities. Thus, the utility of a particular zeolite in a particular application depends at least partly on its crystal structure.
Molecular sieves such as ZSM-5 and Y-zeolites are materials of great importance in catalytic processes. Active acid sites and shape selectivity often grant molecular sieves interesting characteristics in catalyzing chemical reactions.
Crystalline aluminosilicates are usually prepared from aqueous reaction mixtures containing alkali or alkaline earth metal oxides, silica, and alumina. "Nitrogenous zeolites" have been prepared from reaction mixtures containing an organic templating agent, usually a nitrogen-containing organic cation. By varying the synthesis conditions and the composition of the reaction mixture, different zeolites can be formed using the same templating agent.
In recent years many new breeds of molecular sieves with various pore sizes and acidity have been synthesized. Synergistic effects may be obtained by forming new materials consisting of two kinds of molecular sieves, one as a core encapsulated by another as the shell. The catalytic performance of the core will be affected by the nature of the shell in terms of shape selectivity and acidity, especially in diffusion controlled reactions.
The intergrowth phenomenon of the zeolite crystals is also known. It corresponds to a heterogeneous crystallization in which the crystals of a zeolite B appear sporadically during the crystallization of a zeolite A. Microscopic examination does not generally detect the zeolite intergrowths. These are evidenced by microdiffraction studies in which zones of the zeolite B appear as defects in the structure of the zeolite A. The best known example of intergrowth is that of the zeolite T which issues from the intergrowth of offretite and erionite. Since the intergrowth leads to a perturbation in the form and/or the size of the cages and channels, the zeolite AB obtained will have different properties from the two zeolites of which it is formed.
In general, zeolites may be divided into ten different structural types depending on the structural building blocks. These groups include the analcime group, natorlite group, chabazite group, phillipsite group, heulandite group, mordenite group, faujasite group, laumontite group, pentasil group and the clathrate group. For an overview of zeolite science and the preparation of zeolite molecular sieves, one may wish to refer to Denkewicz R. P. (1987), "Zeolite Science: An Overview," from Jrnl. Mater. Ed., 9(5) and Breck, D. W. (1984), Zeolite Molecular Sieves, R. E. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, Fla., both incorporated herein by reference.
Molecular sieves of the crystalline zeolite type as well as the aluminum phosphate, crystalline silicoaluminophosphate or crystalline metal aluminophosphate type are known in the art and now comprise hundreds of species of both naturally occurring and synthetic compositions. In general, the crystalline zeolites are aluminosilicate frameworks based on an infinitely extending three-dimensional network of SiO.sub.4 and [AlO.sub.4 ].sup.-1 tetrahedra linked through common oxygen atoms. The framework structure encloses cavities occupied by large ions and water molecules, both of which have considerable freedom of movement, permitting ion exchange and reversible dehydration.
The aluminum phosphate molecular sieves are generally structures comprised of [AlO.sub.4 ].sup.-1 and [PO.sub.4 ].sup.+1 tetrahedra linked through common oxygen atoms. Molecular sieves are attractive as interactive support materials because of their structural features and physical properties. These materials can provide shape selectivity, ion exchange, acid-base sites, and large electrostatic fields.
Early crystalline aluminophosphates and a method for their preparation are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,440, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The class of aluminophosphate described therein have an essential crystalline framework structure, the chemical composition of which is expressed in terms of molar ratios of oxides as: EQU Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 1.0.+-.0.2P.sub.2 O.sub.5,
said framework structure being microporous where the pores are uniform and in each species have nominal diameters within the range of from 3 to 10 Angstroms, an intracrystalline adsorption capacity for water at 4.6 torr and 24.degree. C. of at least 3.5 weight percent, the adsorption of water being completely reversible while retaining the same essential framework topology in both the hydrated and dehydrated state. The term "essential framework topology" refers to the spatial arrangement of the primary Al--O and P--O bond linkages. No change in the framework topology indicates that there is no disruption of these primary bond linkages. The aluminophosphates are prepared by hydrothermal crystallization of a reaction mixture prepared by combining a reactive source of phosphate, alumina and water and at least one templating agent.
For an overview of structures and template concepts of aluminophosphates see P. J. Grobet et al. (Editors) Innovations in Zeolite Materials in Science, Elsevier Science Publishers, B. V., Amsterdam. This article describes several different types of aluminophosphates.
Aluminophosphates are different from microporous compositions synthesized with silica. The aluminophosphate molecular sieves are moderately hydrophilic, apparently due to the difference in electronegativity between aluminum and phosphorus. Their intracrystalline pore volumes and pore diameters are comparable to those known for zeolites and silica molecular sieves.
One class of aluminophosphates are substituted with silicon. They are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,871, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The materials have a three dimensional crystal framework of PO.sub.2 +, AlO.sub.2 - and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units, and exclusive of any alkali metal or calcium which may optionally be present, an as-synthesized empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis of: EQU mR:(Si.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2
wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system: "m" represents the moles of "R" present per mole of (Si.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z) and "x", "y", and "z" represent the mole fractions of silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively as tetrahedral oxides. Examples include,SAPO-5, SAPO-11, SAPO-16, SAPO-17, SAPO-20, SAPO-31, SAPO-34, SAPO-35, SAPO-37, SAPO-40, SAPO-42 and SAPO-49.
Other crystalline microporous compositions include crystalline metal aluminophosphates. They are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,029, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The members of this novel class of crystalline metal aluminophosphates have a three-dimensional microporous framework structure of MO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2 and PO.sub.2 tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula: EQU mR:(M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2
wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the moles of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero to 0.3; "M" represents at least one metal of the group magnesium, manganese, zinc and cobalt; and "x", "y" and "z" represents the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides.
Highly crystalline cobalt aluminophosphates of type 36 have been synthesized and characterized. See "Investigations on the CoAPO-36 Molecular Sieve", Akolekar, D. B., Catalysis Letters 28 (1994) 249-262.
In an article titled "Synthesis, Characterization, Thermal Stability, Acidity and Catalytic Properties of Large-Pore MAPO-46", J. Chem. Soc. FARADAY TRAN., 1993, 89(22) 4141-4147, Akolekar, et al. the catalytic activity of MAPO-46 in ethanol to aromatics conversion is discussed.
Another class of crystalline molecular sieves have a three dimensional microporous framework structure of MgO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral oxide units. They are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,038, incorporated by reference in its entirety. These molecular sieves exhibit ion-exchange, adsorption and catalytic properties. The members of the class have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula: EQU mR:(Mg.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2
wherein R represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Mg.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value from zero to about 0.3; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides.
The Mg APSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization for an effective time at effective pressures and temperatures from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of magnesium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus and an organic templating agent, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,038.
In an article titled "Comparison of Thermal Stability, Acidity, Catalytic Properties and Deactivation Behavior of Novel Aluminophosphate-based Molecular Sieves of Type 36", J. CHEM SOC. FARADAY TRANS. 1994, 90 (7), 1041-1046, D. B. Akolekar discusses studies in which different MeAPOS, containing Mn, Zn, Co, and Mg were prepared and characterized.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,942 there is disclosed a process for preparation of faujasite-type zeolites or aluminum phosphate molecular sieves which include an encapsulated multidentate metal chelate complex which comprises preparing an aqueous alkaline admixture of aluminate and silicate anions and an alkaline or alkaline earth hydroxide, in a molar ratio and a pH appropriate for the formation of a zeolite of the faujasite group,
introducing a multidentate metal chelate complex larger than nominal pore size of the faujasite zeolite into the admixture, PA1 reacting the admixture under conditions appropriate for the formation of a crystalline zeolite of the faujasite group and PA1 preparing from the reacted admixture a crystalline zeolite having a multidentate metal complex encapsulated within the zeolite.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,224 there is disclosed a binary zeolite system comprising two zeolites, A and B, having different crystalline structures while having common structural units, where the crystals of zeolite A, forming a central core, are selected from the group consisting of offretite and omega zeolites; and the crystals of zeolite B, forming the crown, are selected from omega zeolite and mordenite. Zeolites A and B being. disposed concentrically and following the same longitudinal axis are both limited to aluminosilicate compositions.
A surface-inactive shape selective metallosilicate catalyst, useful for the conversion of lower molecular weight olefins is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,146. The novel composition comprises an inner core portion and an outer portion disposed as a porous shell around the inner portion, wherein the inner portion consists essentially of metallosilicate zeolite having a medium pore structure, such as ZSM-5 or ZSM-23 and the outer portion comprising a fluoride containing crystalline shell consisting essentially of silica substantially free of acidic sites and having substantially the same crystalline structure as the inner core portion. This system is limited to a core and shell of the same crystal structure and XRD pattern.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,977 discloses a crystalline zeolite SSZ-24 which is prepared using an adamantine quaternary ion as a template and is used to convert hydrocarbons.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,580 there is disclosed a method for the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feed to convert it essentially into gasoline and hydrogen which comprises contacting said hydrocarbon feed with a catalytically effective amount of cracking catalyst wherein the catalyst is the binary zeolite system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,224, supra.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,054 discloses a layered catalytic cracking catalyst comprising a core and a shell, each having openings of a specified range. The shell which may further contain a metal passivator can act as a metal sink and can remove metals from the unit by attrition. The catalyst is preferably prepared by forming the core and then coating or encapsulating the core with a shell material. In this system, the core and shell configurations result from incorporating matrix and binder components with zeolite, not by directly synthesizing one zeolite around another.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,676 there is disclosed a method for modifying a composition of matter comprising an inorganic, porous, non-layered crystalline phase material exhibiting, after calcination an X-ray diffraction pattern with at least one peak at a d-spacing greater than 18 .ANG. and having a benzene adsorption capacity of greater than 15 gms benzene per 100 gm of said material at 6.7 kPa (50 ton) and 25.degree. C., comprising contacting with a treatment composition comprising an inorganic oxide of a trivalent element X or a precursor of said inorganic oxide, said contacting occurring under conditions sufficient to incorporate trivalent element X in said crystalline phase material.
European Patent Application 113,473 claims the formation of a zeolite having a double structure which comprises a core made of crystalline borosilicate and a shell made of crystalline silicon oxide. The system is limited to a core and shell of the same crystal structure, i.e. showing the same X-ray diffraction pattern. There is no evidence presented on the actual forming of the core and shell configuration.
None of these references discloses a binary molecular sieve having a zeolite core and an aluminum phosphate molecular sieve shell.
FCC
Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) is well known in the refining industry as particularly advantageous for conversion of heavy petroleum fractions to lighter product.
The heavy feed contacts hot regenerated catalyst and is cracked to lighter products. Carbonaceous deposits form on the catalyst, thereby deactivating it. The deactivated (spent) catalyst is separated from cracked products, stripped of strippable hydrocarbons and conducted to a regenerator, where coke is burned off the catalyst, with air, thereby regenerating the catalyst. The regenerated catalyst is then recycled to the reactor. The reactor-regenerator assembly are usually maintained in heat balance. Heat generated by burning the coke in the regenerator provides sufficient thermal energy for catalytic cracking in the reactor. Control of reactor conversion is usually achieved by controlling the flow of hot regenerated catalyst to the reactor to maintain the desired reactor temperature.
The design of many modern FCC units provides for the addition of the hot regenerated catalyst at the base of a riser reactor. Fluidization of the solid catalyst particles is promoted with a lift gas. Steam is used to promote the mixing and atomization of the feedstock.
Hot catalyst (650.degree. C.+) from the regenerator is mixed with preheated (150.degree.-375.degree. C.) charge stock. The catalyst vaporizes and superheats the feed to the desired cracking temperature usually 450.degree.-600.degree. C.
Coke deposits on the catalyst and the feed is cracked during the upward passage of the catalyst and feed.
The coked catalyst and the cracked products exit the riser and enter a solid-gas separation system, e.g., a series of cyclones, at the top of the reactor vessel. The cracked products pass to product separation. Typically, the cracked hydrocarbon products are fractionated into a series of products, including gas, gasoline, light gas oil, and heavy cycle gas oil. Some heavy cycle gas oil may be recycled to the reactor. The bottoms product, a "slurry oil" is conventionally allowed to settle. The catalyst rich solids portion of the settled product may be recycled to the reactor. The clarified slurry oil is a heavy product.
Good overviews of FCC process can be found in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,152,065 (Sharp et al.); 3,261,776 (Banman et al.); 3,654,140 (Griffel et al.); 3,812,029 (Snyder); 4,093,537, 4,118,337, 4,118,338, 4,218,306 (Gross et al.); 4,444,722 (Owen); 4,459,203 (Beech et al.); 4,639,308 (Lee); 4,675,099, 4,681,743 (Skraba) as well as in Venuto et al., Fluid Catalytic Cracking With Zeolite Catalysts, Marcel Dekker, Inc. (1979) incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FCC catalyst can contain finely divided acidic zeolites comprising, e.g., faujasites such as Rare Earth Y (REY), Dealuminized Y (DAY), Ultrastable Y (USY), Rare Earth Containing Ultrastable Y (RE-USY), Si-Enriched Dealuminized Zeolite Y (LZ-210) disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,711,864, 4,711,770 and 4,503,023, all of which are incorporated herein by reference) and Ultrahydrophobic Y (UHP-Y).
FCC catalysts are typically fine particles having particle diameters ranging from 20 to 150 microns and having an average diameter around 60-80 microns.
Though many improvements have been made in the FCC process, a number of problem areas remain. In addition, some process variables change depending upon the desired products. None of the available references suggests using a binary sieve containing a zeolite core and an ALPO shell in catalytic cracking.
Propylene Upgrading
As is well-known to those skilled in the art, the advent of reformulated gasolines to meet ever increasing environmental and other requirements is reflected in a significant increase in the demand for isobutylene and isoamylenes which are used to prepare methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and methyl t-amyl ether (TAME)--the gasoline additives of significant current interest. Isobutane and n-butenes are also of increasing importance due to the high octane alkylates that can be produced from them.
On the other hand, there are abundant supplies of propylene which are available from refining processes such as catalytic cracking. It would be desirable to be able to convert these propylene (C.sub.3.sup.=) streams to isobutane (i-C.sub.4), n-butenes (n-C.sub.4.sup.=), isobutylene (i-C.sub.4.sup.=) and isoamylenes (i-C.sub.5.sup.=) streams.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,884 teaches a process of converting C.sub.3+ olefins to product comprising non-aromatic hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight than feedstock olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons using large pore Y and beta zeolites. Butenes, isoamylenes and isobutane were not the products of interest.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,957,709 and 4,886,925 teach a system combining olefin interconversion (upgrading olefins into streams rich in isobutylene and isoamylene with the production of MTBE and TAME).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,029 teaches olefin interconversion by MCM-22 zeolite. The application is limited solely to the MCM-22.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,134,241 and 5,134,242 teach olefin upgrading using the MCM-41 zeolite.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,014 discloses olefins upgrading using ZSM-5, however the upgrading is mainly for gasoline production.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,753 teaches upgrading propylene to isobutene using silicalite zeolites in the presence of steam, however isoamylenes were not included.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,001 discloses small olefin interconversions using metal phosphate molecular sieves, such as, for example, AlPO.sub.4, SAPO, FeAPO and CoAPO.
Instant Invention
It would be a distinct advance in the art if it were possible to synthesize a molecular sieve with different layers of compositions, acidity and structures and take advantage of the reactant, product, and transition-state shape selectivities.
No references have been found in the art which disclose a catalyst composition comprising a binary sieve wherein the core is a crystalline zeolite and the shell is an aluminum phosphate molecular sieve (ALPO), a silicon-substituted aluminophosphate molecular sieve (SAPO), or a crystalline metal aluminophosphate (MeAPO). Furthermore, there is nothing in the art which teaches or suggests using such catalyst composition for catalytic cracking and propylene upgrading.

FCC process using binary molecular sieves having a core and shell of different structures and compositions


According to an embodiment of the present invention, a low insertion force socket (10) includes a dielectric housing (20) defining a number of through-holes extending through an upper surface (202) and a lower surface (204) thereof. The through-holes each include a passage (206) for retaining a terminal (30) and a circular lead-in channel (208) in communication with the passage. The lead-in channel has a diameter smaller than that of an associated passage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the art of electrical connectors. And more particularly, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a low insertion force socket with lead-in mechanism for forming reliable electrical connection between a pin grid array package and a circuit substrate.
2. General Background
Low insertion force sockets are widely used in various electrical devices for forming electrical connection between a pin grid array integrated circuit package having a number of conductive pins arranged thereon and a circuit substrate. A low insertion force socket typically includes a dielectric housing having a number of passages and a number of conductive terminals residing in corresponding passages, respectively. Each terminal includes a base section secured in the passage, a pair of opposing spring arms extending upwardly from two lateral sides of the base section for resiliently clamping a pin of the pin grid array package therebetween, and a solder pad to be electrically connected to a circuit substrate.
However, in the prior designs, no lead-in mechanism is provided in the housing to ensure smooth mating of the pins of the pin grid array package and the terminals of the lower insertion force socket. When the pin grid array package is accidentally biased or offset from its normal or intended inserting direction central line due to improper manual operation, the rigid pins thereof may interfere with sidewalls of the passages or the spring arms of the terminals, which may cause damage to either the housing or the terminals.
Therefore, there is a heretofore unaddressed need in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

Low insertion force socket with lead-in mechanism background of the invention


A method for controlling a water pump of a vehicle moving a coolant circulating through a cooling load generating heat and a radiator includes calculating a rotation speed command based on a control reference temperature of the coolant. A water pump suction pressure is set and compared with a preset control reference pressure to control the rotation speed command. A system for controlling the water pump includes a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a coolant exhausted from the cooling load and a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the coolant to be supplied to the cooling load. A water pump pressure sensor detects a water pump suction pressure, and a water pump driver drives the water pump. A controller controls the water pump driver based on signals received from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the water pump pressure sensor.

In general, a cooling system of a vehicle controls rotation speed of a water pump based on a coolant temperature. The cooling system of the vehicle circulates the coolant circulating through a cooling load generating heat and a radiator discharging the heat to the outside via the water pump.
When driving the vehicle at a high altitude, as the atmospheric pressure is reduced, the water pump suction pressure is reduced. When the water pump suction pressure is reduced, as the water pump rotation speed is increased, the probability of cavitation is increased. The cavitation signifies a phenomenon in which the coolant is vaporized in an impeller of the water pump.
The probability of the cavitation is increased by increasing the water pump rotation speed, a flow rate of the coolant, and a water pump suction temperature, and reducing the water pump suction pressure and a saturation vapor pressure. If the atmospheric pressure is reduced, since the water pump suction pressure is reduced, the probability of the cavitation is increased.
Particularly, when comparing a fuel cell vehicle with a vehicle including an engine, there is a need for the increase in the coolant flow rate. However, an air-tightness level is low so that a pressure range capable of pressurizing is reduced, thus limiting the flow rate of the coolant to design a stable cooling system against a pressure variation of external air. Accordingly, there is a demand for a method of preventing the cavitation from being generated due to the variation in atmospheric pressure.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure, and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Method for controlling water pump of vehicle and system thereof


A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. The docking station includes a base and an ultraviolet light emitter. The ultraviolet light emitter is positioned and/or configured to direct ultraviolet light into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. Ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light emitter may assist with treating water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser.

Single serve beverage dispensers (SSBDs) are increasingly popular and have become ubiquitous on kitchen countertops. Certain SSBDs are loaded with capsules or pods that allow users to brew or mix an individual-size, unique, hot or cold beverage. Thus, SSBDs may provide a single cup of coffee to users who do not consume or desire an entire pot of coffee. In order to provide single beverages, SSBDs generally dispense small volumes of liquid (e.g., between eight and sixteen ounces) for each beverage. To permit consecutive preparation of beverages and decrease preparation time, certain SSBDs include a removable storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is generally sized to between four and eight dispenses worth of water therein.
Storing water for dispensing within the storage reservoir poses certain challenges. In particular, storing water for extended periods of time within the storage reservoir can be problematic. While the water is disposed within the storage reservoir, chlorine and/or chloramine within the water can dissipate. Chlorine and chloramine are commonly added to water by municipalities to act as a biocide and hinder bio-growth within water. Thus, dissipation of the chlorine and/or chloramine can present an opportunity for bio-growth in water within the storage reservoir. However, despite its hygienic benefits, users of SSBDs generally prefer the taste of water without chlorine and chloramine. Thus, removal or dissipation of chlorine and chloramine in water within the storage reservoir prior to dispensing the water may improve a taste of the water and an associated beverage.
Accordingly, an apparatus with features for hindering or limiting bio-growth in water within a reservoir of a beverage dispenser would be useful. In addition, an apparatus with features for hindering or limiting bio-growth in water within a reservoir of a beverage dispenser that does not require chlorine and/or chloramine would be useful.

Docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir


The apparatus according to various embodiments includes one or more processors, and one or more memories operatively connected to the one or more processors. The one or more memories may store instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to acquire a plurality of first position offsets of a plurality of first components respectively mounted on a plurality of first substrates with respect to a plurality of pads of the plurality of first substrates corresponding to the plurality of first components from the optical measurement device, set a range of a normal state for a component position offset based on the plurality of first position offsets, generate a control signal for adjusting at least one control parameter of the component mounting device associated with a component mounting position based on the range of the normal state, and transmit the control signal to the component mounting device.

Components may be mounted on a solder-printed substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board) by various surface mount techniques (SMT). The substrate on which components are mounted may undergo a reflow process. The mounted components may finally be bonded to the substrate during this process. In the substrate that has undergone the reflow process, it is required to appropriately determine the mounting position of a component so that the bonded component can smoothly make contact with pads (electrodes) of the substrate. If the component is not in good contact with the pads due to incorrect mounting, it may cause a defect in the substrate.

Apparatus and method for determining mounting information, and recording medium for storing instruction


A system includes software for customization of one or more game boards or elements, and/or for educational game play. An example embodiment includes a plurality of polygonal game-board segments, which can be assembled into a game-board, where each game-board segment presents spots upon which a player may “land.” The spots for each game-board segment may be logically connected to form a path of the game. Additional accessories may include: player pieces, a timer token, game cards, game metric identifiers (e.g., points, money, etc.), and a randomized movement indicator (e.g., dice). The software may be used for selection of educational categories, sub-categories, and elements for construction of game segments of the game-board, and may also be used for constructing, administrating, grading, and storing results of quizzes (which may be used for construction and/or playing of the game using the game board) and a played game, and/or for otherwise facilitating game play.

Educational institutions often seek out ways to present coursework in a way that is both fun and educational to the student body. Further, group learning has unique benefits, allowing a greater educational experience when used in conjunction with individual learning. Often times, games are played that impart educational information to a student, so that the enjoyment of learning is increased. However, the coursework within a single formative year of education is expansive, diverse, and ever changing as educational theory is improved and refined. Thus, certain specific games are used as specific points in the material, as a supplement to the normal lesson plan. Also, these games, are often replaced or rendered outdated. Even games with some degree of customization have an extremely limited set of options, and are usually presented in computerized form, since it is expensive to provide different variations of a material real space game.

Educational kit and method for teaching academic and vocational subjects


A method for etching metal silicide layers 22a, 22b and polysilicon layers 24a, 24b on a substrate 20 with high etching selectivity, and anisotropic etching properties, is described. In the method, the substrate 20 is placed in a plasma zone 55, and process gas comprising chlorine, oxygen and optionally helium gas, is introduced into the plasma zone. A plasma is formed from the process gas to etch the metal silicide layer 22 at high etching selectivity relative to etching of the polysilicon layer 24, while providing substantially anisotropic etching of the metal silicide and polysilicon layers. Preferably, the plasma is formed using combined inductive and capacitive plasma sources.

The present invention relates to a method for etching polycide structures on semiconductor substrates.
In integrated circuit fabrication, refractory metal silicides, such as for example tungsten, tantalum, titanium, and molybdenum silicides, are used to form high density, high speed, highly electrically conductive interconnect features and lines for electrically connecting devices formed on semiconductor substrates. For example, WSi.sub.x layers can be deposited on silicon dioxide to serve as gate electrodes for integrated circuits. However, at the silicide and oxide interface, diffusion of silicon from the SiO.sub.2 layer into the refractory metal silicide layer causes the metal silicide layer to have unacceptably high electrical resistance. "Polycide" stacks were developed to reduce the diffusion problems with metal silicide layers. With reference to FIGS. 1a through 1d, typical polycide structures on a semiconductor substrate 20 comprise refractory metal silicide layers 22, 22a, 22b (which are used interchangeably herein to designate metal silicide layers) deposited over doped or undoped polysilicon layers 24, 24a, or 24b (which are used interchangeably herein to designate polysilicon layers). The polycide structures are formed over silicon dioxide layers 26, 26a, or 26b (which are used interchangeably herein to designate silicon dioxide layers) on the substrate 20, and provide a low electrical resistance interconnect with excellent interfacial characteristics.
In conventional methods of fabricating the polycide interconnect structures, the metal silicide layers 22 are deposited over polysilicon layers 24. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,249, to Telford et al., incorporated herein by reference, describes a chemical vapor deposition process for depositing WSi.sub.x films on polysilicon via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of tungsten hexafluoride and dichlorosilane. After deposition of the metal silicide layer 22, photoresist material is applied on the polycide layers and exposed to light to form a desired pattern of interconnect features using conventional photolithographic processes. The patterned resist 30 serves as a mask for etching of the polycide structure using conventional etching processes to provide the shape of the etched feature 40 illustrated in FIG. 1b. Thereafter, the deposition and etching process can be repeated to form additional layers of polycide stacks, as illustrated in FIGS. 1c and 1d.
Conventional etching processes use a microwave or capacitive plasma of halogen-containing gases to etch the polycide stack of layers. Commonly used fluorinated etchant gases include CF.sub.4, SF.sub.6, and NF.sub.3 ; chlorine-containing etchant gases include Cl.sub.2 and BCl.sub.3 ; and bromine-containing etchant gases include HBr. One problem conventional etching processes is their relative inability to provide high etching selectivity ratios for etching metal silicide with respect to polysilicon, while simultaneously forming anisotropically etched features, with good profile microloading. High profile microloading occurs when the cross-sectional profile of the etched features 40 vary as a function of the spacing between the etched features 40. This occurs when the passivating deposits (i.e., complex polymeric byproducts that deposit on the sidewalls of features and reduce etching of the sidewalls) formed on closely spaced or "dense" features are removed at higher rates than on the features separated by relatively large distances. This occurs because plasma ions are channeled between, and bounce-off, the sidewalls of the closely spaced features to excessively etch the passivating layer thereon. In contrast, etching of passivating deposits on sidewalls of spaced apart features is not as high because of reduced channeling effects. This results in high profile microloading with the cross-sectional shape of the features 40 varying as a function of the spacing between the features.
Etching selectivity ratio is the ratio of the rate of etching of the metal silicide layer 22 to the rate of etching of the underlying polysilicon layer 24. It is particularly desirable to have high etching selectivity ratios for polycide structures having a non-planar and highly convoluted topography, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1c. In these structures, the portion of the conformal metal silicide layer 22b between the etched features as shown by the arrow A, is thicker than the portion of the metal silicide layer 22b on top of the etched features as shown by the arrow B. Thus, at a certain time during the etching process, at the portion B the metal silicide layer is etched through and etching of the underlying polysilicon layer begins, while at the portion A, the thicker metal silicide layer 22b is still being etched. This effect requires that the polysilicon layer 24b at the portion B be etched sufficiently slowly relative to the rate of etching of the silicide layer, that the entire polysilicon layer 24b at portion B is not etched through, before completion of etching of the thicker portions of the convoluted metal silicide layer 22b at portion A. Thus, it is desirable to etch the metal silicide layer 22b at a faster rate relative to the rate of etching of the polysilicon layer 24.
High etching selectivity ratios are obtained by using process gas compositions that etch different materials at different etching rates, depending upon the chemical reactivity of the process gas with the different materials. However, etching metal silicide with high selectivity to polysilicon is particularly difficult, because both materials contain elemental silicon and most conventional etchant plasmas etch the silicon portion to form gaseous SiCl.sub.x or SiF.sub.x species. Thus, it is difficult for the etchant plasma to chemically distinguish and preferentially etch the metal silicide layer 22 faster than the polysilicon layer 24. Also, the more chemically active plasma etching processes, such as ECR and/or microwave plasma processes, provide more dissociated chemically active etchant species, and result in isotropic etching of the silicide layers, as described below.
It is also desirable to etch the polycide stack to form anisotropically etched features 40, which result when the metal silicide and polysilicon layers are etched substantially vertically to provide features having straight sidewalls 48. Excessive etching at the sidewalls 48 of the etched features results in undesirable inwardly or outwardly sloped walls. A degree of anisotropic etching is obtained when dissociated species in the etchant gas combine to form complex polymeric byproducts that deposit as passivating layers on the sidewalls of freshly etched features 40, and serve to limit further etching of the sidewalls 48. More typically, anisotropic etching is obtained by imparting a highly directional kinetic energy to the charged species in the etchant plasma (by subjecting the plasma to an electric field perpendicular to the substrate 20), that causes the plasma species to energetically impinge upon and remove substrate material in the vertical etching direction. However, different materials are sputter etched by the highly energized plasma at the same etch rate providing little or no control over etching selectivity. For these reasons, it is difficult to obtain anisotropic etching in combination with high etching selectivity ratios for etching metal silicide on polysilicon.
Etchant gases compositions containing HBr are also often used to etch polycide structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,702 issued Mar. 9, 1993, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of anisotropically etching polysilicon using HBr, Cl.sub.2, and He--O.sub.2. However, the low vapor pressure of HBr causes contaminant HBr or Br-containing particles to condense upon the substrate 20. The contaminant particles absorb ambient moisture to form hydrobromic species that significantly affect the performance of the integrated circuit chip. Furthermore, many HBr gas compositions typically etch polysilicon faster than the metal silicide, for example the etching selectivity ratio of WSi.sub.x relative to polysilicon is typically about 0.7:1.
Multi-step etching processes that use different process gases for etching the different layers of material constituting the polycide structure have also been used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,712 issued May 10, 1992, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of etching a polycide structure using (i) an oxide etching step using CHF.sub.3, CF.sub.4 and inert gas, (ii) a silicide etching step using He, O.sub.2, and SF.sub.6, (iii) a polysilicon etching step using HBr and Cl.sub.2. However, such multiple step processes reduce process throughput, because the process chamber has to be exhausted of residual process gas before each successive etching step. Also, it is relatively expensive to connect multiple sources of gas to the process chamber. Furthermore, multiple step etching processes require precise control to determine the endpoint of each etching step, and in particular, between the successive silicide and polysilicon etching steps.
Thus, it is desirable to have an etching process for etching polycide structures with high etching selectivity, and in particular, for etching metal silicide layers at faster etch rates than polysilicon. It is further desirable for the etching process to provide substantially anisotropic etching, and to provide uniform etching rates across the surface of the substrate. It is still further desirable to have an etching process that is substantially absent HBr etchant gas, and that can be performed in a single step.


A level-setting attenuator for generating an output signal having a predetermined optical power from an input optical signal having a varying power is disclosed. The level-setting attenuator includes a telecentric imaging device, a variable atttenuator, an optical power detector and control electronics. The telecentric imaging device collimates a received optical signal which is received and partially attenuated by the variable attenuator. In some embodiments, the variable attenuator generates an attenuated signal portion and an unattenuated signal portion. The attenuated signal is directed, by the variable attenuator, to an optical power detector operable to measure the power of the attenuated optical signal. The detector sends a signal indicative of the measurement to control electronics. The control electronics are operable to generate a control signal for controlling the attenuation of the unattenuated signal portion so that is has the predetermined power level. The unattenuated signal portion is coupled, via the telecentric imaging device, into an output fiber.

Optical fiber-coupled components transmit digital or analog data over optical communications networks at time-varying power levels. Notwithstanding such variation, it is usually desirable for the average transmitted power to remain substantially constant. In the absence of such average power-level stability, problems relating to exceeding maximum or minimum input levels on other network components may arise. Moreover, significant power variations between multiple data channels can result in unacceptable levels of cross-talk therebetween. As network complexity increases, such as with the addition of active switching, e.g., wavelength add-drop and cross connect, the potential for problems relating to signal power variations increases.
Typically, intervention is required to maintain substantially constant average transmitted power levels. Such intervention is necessitated because average power transmitted by a given component will vary as a result of component degradation, changes in the fiber-coupling efficiency, or a change in input to the component. Intervention may be implemented as a system that includes an electrically-controlled variable optical attenuator used in combination with an optical signal monitor.
In a conventional implementation of the aforementioned system, a variable attenuator receives an optical input, attenuates the optical input, and delivers a portion of the received optical input. The delivered amount of signal is a function of the variable attenuator's then current attenuation setting. The delivered portion is received by an optical tap. Most of the delivered portion is transmitted by the optical tap to an output for delivery to subsequent network components. The signal transmitted to the output is the controlled quantity, and it is that signal that is delivered, under the best conditions, at a constant average power level. The small amount, e.g., about one percent, of the delivered portion that is not transmitted to the output is diverted to a detector. The detector measures the diverted portion. A signal indicative of the amount of the diverted portion is sent to control electronics. The control electronics send a signal to the variable attenuator, thereby resetting the previous attenuation setting, to increase or decrease attenuation to maintain constant average signal power out of the optical tap.
The aforedescribed conventional variable attenuator implementation thus requires at least three separate fiber-coupled components: a variable attenuator, an optical tap (such as a fused fiber coupler having one percent tap efficiency), and a fiber-coupled detector. The conventional implementation of the variable attenuator is thus relatively complex and expensive. It would be desirable to provide the art with a variable attenuator wherein all related components are integrated into a single device thereby providing cost savings, and reducing the size and complexity of the device.


A prosthetic apparatus and method facilitate the selection of a prosthetic leg having compression and expansion characteristics which are uniquely adapted to provide comfort for a particular handicapped individual. The prosthetic apparatus and method enable the compression and expansion characteristics of the apparatus to be readily adjusted without requiring the utilization of a coil spring, of compressed air, or of a hydraulic system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a prosthetic apparatus and method.
More particularly, the invention relates to a prosthetic apparatus and method which facilitates the selection of a prosthetic leg having compression and expansion characteristics which are uniquely adapted to provide comfort for a particular handicapped individual.
In a further respect, the invention relates to a prosthetic apparatus and method which enables the compression and expansion characteristics of the apparatus to be readily adjusted without requiring the utilization of a coil spring, of compressed air, or of a hydraulic system.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 C.F.R. Sections 1.97 to 1.99
Artificial legs are well known in the art. Such legs ordinarily are utilized by individuals who have experienced loss of part of a leg due to an accident, due to a medical procedure, or due to a wound received while serving in the military. An artificial leg is includes a cup or recess which is at the top of the artificial leg. The artificial leg is installed by placing the cup over the distal end of the "stump" or remaining portion of the user's original leg. The distal end can comprise a portion of the user's thigh or, if the amputation of the leg took place below the knee, can comprise a portion of the user's calf.
In order to soften the force of the blows which occur against the user's leg during use of the artificial leg, shock absorbers or other dampening systems are utilized in prior art artificial leg systems. Such dampening systems often appear difficult to adjust and comprise medieval looking, complicated mechanical systems which cause discomfort to the user. The cost of such systems is significant.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved leg prosthesis of simple structure and manufacture which would provide an increased degree of comfort to an individual utilizing the prosthesis.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved leg prosthesis and method for installing such a prosthesis.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved leg prosthesis which can be adapted to provide differing rates of compression and expansion.
A further object of the invention is to provide a self-lubricating compressible leg prosthesis which minimizes the play and lateral movement of slidably interacting structural members with respect to one another.


A non-looping nasal cannula device includes dual nasal prongs extending from a connection bracket and adapted to slide into both nostrils of a user to supply oxygen. The nasal cannula device further includes an oxygen delivery port extending from the connection bracket and configured to be attached to an oxygen tube. An attachment device is secured to the connection bracket and configured to be attached to a user's nose and/or skin in close proximity to the user's nose without looping around the user's ears.

A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver oxygen or airflow to a patient for respiration. A portable oxygen generator or a wall connection in a hospital connected to an immobile oxygen generator is used to supply oxygen to the patient using the nasal cannula. The nasal cannula generally consists of a lightweight plastic tube with two nasal prongs that fit inside the nostrils of the patient. The nasal cannula is conventionally looped behind the patient's ears. Respiratory oxygen can flow directly to the patient's respiratory system when the nasal cannula is secured in place.
A nasal cannula is often secured by taping it to the patient's cheekbones and looping the tube around the patient's ears or by using an elastic headband. The traditional "loop" cannula is, however, non-ideal. It rubs and chafes the sulcus area of skin behind a patient's ears and nostrils, causing significant patient discomfort and increased potential for intentional or unintentional removal of the apparatus by the patient.
Moreover, the nasal cannula is susceptible to accidental dislodging from the nostrils, for example, in patient movement and especially during sleep, unconscious movement or involuntary movement. Caregivers have constantly to check on a patient's cannula device and reposition it. A lack of oxygen can exasperate health conditions and can be life threatening. Dislodging of nasal cannula can increase health care costs and subject a patient to even more distress.
There has therefore been a long-standing need to improve methods of securing a nasal cannula. Despite significant recent advancements in this area, further improvements are possible.


A carton includes inclined end panels that bring microwave susceptor heating materials at the carton ends into close proximity with an article accommodated within the carton. The carton is of relatively simple construction and may be stacked with other cartons.

Microwave ovens have become a principle form of heating food in a rapid and effective manner. Various attempts have been made to provide microwave food packages that produce effects associated with foods cooked in a conventional oven. Such packages generally must be capable of controlling the distribution of energy around the food item, utilizing the energy in the most efficient manner, and ensuring that the food item and the container provide a pleasant and acceptable finished food item. For example, where browning and/or crisping of the food item is desired, such packages often include one or more microwave energy interactive elements that convert microwave energy into thermal energy, thereby intensifying the heating of the surface of the food item. Typically, relatively close proximity between the food item and the microwave energy interactive element is needed to achieve the desired browning and/or crisping. When the food item to be browned and/or crisped has a rounded or irregular shape, for example, in the case of a baguette or other roll, package design is complicated further. Thus, there remains a need for a microwave energy interactive construct that provides the desired level of heating, browning, and/or crisping of rounded or irregular food items in a microwave oven.

Construct for heating a rounded food item in a microwave oven


Method and system of purging evaporative emission control canister using heated purge air comprises a scrubber containing an activated carbon fiber material or carbon monolith selected to adsorb butane and/or pentane isomer vapors in low concentrations in air passing through the scrubber and to desorb the adsorbed butane and/or pentane isomers when purged with exhaust heated purge air. A method for reducing bleed emission to almost zero mg per day uses exhaust heated air purging of the scrubber.

Gasoline typically includes a mixture of hydrocarbons ranging from higher volatility butanes (C4) to lower volatility C8 to C10 hydrocarbons. When vapor pressure increases in the fuel tank due to conditions such as higher ambient temperature or displacement of vapor during filling of the tank, fuel vapor flows through openings in the fuel tank. To prevent fuel vapor loss into the atmosphere, the fuel tank is vented into a canister that contains an adsorbent material such as activated carbon granules ("evap" canister).
The fuel vapor is a mixture of the gasoline vapor (referred to in this description also by its main component, hydrocarbon vapor) and air. As the fuel vapor enters an inlet of the canister, the hydrocarbon vapor is adsorbed onto activated carbon granules and the air escapes into the atmosphere. The size of the canister and the volume of the adsorbent activated carbon are selected to accommodate the expected gasoline vapor generation. After the engine is started, the control system uses engine intake vacuum to draw air through the adsorbent to desorb the fuel. The desorbed fuel vapor is directed into an air induction system of the engine as a secondary air/fuel mixture. One exemplary evaporative control system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,548 to Reddy, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
When the gasoline tank is filled, fuel vapor accumulates in the canister. The initial loading may be at the inlet end of the canister, but over time the fuel vapor is gradually distributed along the entire bed of the adsorbent material. After the engine is started, a purge valve is opened and air is drawn through the canister. The air removes fuel vapor that is stored in the adsorbent material.
One problem encountered by such a system has been vapor breakthrough, or hydrocarbon emissions from the vented vapor adsorption canister, which is often referred to as canister bleed emissions. Such emissions may be, for example, about 20 mg hydrocarbons per day.
The problem of bleed emissions is particularly acute in hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline fueled internal combustion (IC) engine and an electric motor for better fuel economy. As will be appreciated, in a hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine is turned off nearly half of the time during vehicle operation. Because the purging of an evap canister takes place only during operation of the internal combustion engine when the desorbed vapor can be consumed in engine combustion, the evap canister purging with fresh air occurs less than half of the time the hybrid vehicle is running. Thus, although a hybrid vehicle generates nearly the same amount of evaporative fuel vapor as does a conventional vehicle, its lower purge rate may be insufficient to clean the adsorbed fuel out of the evap canister, thereby resulting in higher evaporative bleed or breakthrough emissions.
Accordingly, meeting the zero evap standard for hybrid vehicles is turning out to be particularly difficult. Some prior artisans have attempted to reduce breakthrough emissions by reducing the amount of vapor that is generated in the tank or that escapes the tank. For example, some hybrid systems use an expensive and complex semi-bladder tank for reducing tank vapor generation. The reduced tank vapor generation results in the need for a smaller evap canister, which in turn, can hopefully be sufficiently purged with the hybrid's lower purge air volume.
Regardless of its size, evaporative fuel stored in the evap canister needs to be purged and consumed in engine combustion. If the canister in not purged with a sufficient volume of purge air, as is problematic with hybrid vehicles, the canister bleed or breakthrough emissions will increase significantly once the canister is saturated.
Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,556, filed Nov. 25, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a method and system for evaporative emission control in which bleed emissions from the evap canister are adsorbed by activated carbon fibers in a secondary canister (or further chamber of the evap canister) referred to generically as a "scrubber." The system may be used in a conventional automotive vehicle having only an internal combustion engine or in a hybrid vehicle that includes both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In an embodiment of the zero evap system, the system comprises a three-chamber canister and a small auxiliary hydrocarbon scrubber. The scrubber preferably comprises either a carbon monolith or an activated carbon fiber felt. A presently available scrubber for use with the present invention is a MeasWestvaco of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,815. As will be appreciated, the composition of the adsorbents in the canister and scrubber are based on the composition of hydrocarbons being absorbed. The choice of materials for heated purge as described herein is within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art armed with the present specification.
Typically, evaporative fuel vapor consists of about 50% hydrocarbons in the C4 to C10 range and the balance of the mixture being air. The main canister's activated carbon traps almost all of the hydrocarbons with the exception of small amounts of the more volatile components (C4 and C5) which escape with the air. The hydrocarbon scrubber is provided to trap these C4 and C5 components that escape from the main canister. This system may be effective in reducing breakthrough emissions to almost zero. However, both the scrubber and primary canister need to be purged with a sufficient amount of air to hinder bleed emissions. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for effective purging of evap systems, and in particular, evap systems on hybrid vehicles.


A limited slip differential is provided with a rotatable casing for receiving input from an engine, a differential gear set of a bevel gear type and a pair of clutches. The differential gear set is provided with a pinion shaft supported in and rotated with the casing, a pinion gear rotatably supported by the pinion shaft and a pair of side gears for output, each of the side gears including gear portion engaged with the pinion gear. The gear portions are exposed to an internal surface of the casing so as not to obstruct oil circulation. The clutches are formed between the side gears and the casing and configured to frictionally transfer torque between the side gears and the casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a differential having a differential gear set of a bevel gear type.
2. Description of the Related Art
Differentials are well known in the prior art, which distribute input torque to a pair of output axles and wheels respectively associated therewith. The differentials allow differential rotation between the wheels and hence maintain traction of wheels with the road while the vehicle is turning. However, provided that the differential rotation is completely free, when one of the wheels happens to lose traction with the road and starts spin-out, the other wheel is unable to receive torque from the differential. Some arts for limiting differential rotation are proposed as in a common name of "limited slip differential".
Japanese Patent Publication (Examined) No. S46-8207 discloses a torque sensitive limited slip differential. The differential is capable of transferring torque given to a differential casing to a pair of side gears though allowing differential rotation therebetween by means of a differential gear set of a bevel gear type, which is provided with pinion gears supported by a pinion shaft engaged with the side gears. The differential is further provided with clutch members, cone clutches respectively opposed thereto and tapered rings. Each of the opposed clutch members is provided with splines so as to engage and connect with the side gear and the axle. The tapered rings are fixed with the differential casing. When the pinion gears receive the torque via the differential casing, thrust force on the respective side gears is induced. The thrust force urges the clutch members toward the cone clutches and hence induces friction force therebetween. When the torque given to the differential casing is large enough, for example in a case of starting and accelerating the vehicle, the friction force limits the differential rotation.


Execution of a program""s instructions in a simultaneous multithreaded processor is halted while the program is waiting for one or more events to occur by first arming an event monitor upon an arm instruction, that is, identifying to the event monitor one or more events to be monitored, such as a modification to a value or state of an identified memory location or group of locations, and setting a watch flag to indicate enable the event monitor. Upon execution of a quiesce request instruction, the program quiesces if the watch flag is set, and a timer is started. Upon observation by the event monitor of an identified event, or upon expiration of the timer, the watch flag is cleared and execution of the program resumes.

A xe2x80x9cthreadxe2x80x9d is a stream of instructions being executed by a processor. Software that is multithreaded has multiple threads of control that cooperate to perform a task.
A simultaneous multithreaded (SMT) central processor unit (CPU) provides, on a single CPU, the capability of executing instructions from multiple threads simultaneously.
On a simultaneously-multithreaded processor, the hardware provides facilities for executing multiple threads as if each thread were executing on its own CPU. This abstract thread processor is called a thread processing unit, or TPU. To the outside world, a TPU has all the capabilities of a conventional CPU. It holds a full process context while a process or thread is executing on that TPU. The term xe2x80x9cprocessorxe2x80x9d is used herein to refer either to a TPU or a conventional CPU.
For example, a 4-way issue CPU might have two functional units executing instructions from one thread, while the other two functional units are executing instructions from an unrelated thread. This is accomplished by providing enough registers and other process-specific resources on the CPU to support as many threads as can run simultaneously, and then choosing among the threads to determine which specific instructions will be executed. The threads may be related, where they are cooperatively doing work, or they may be entirely unrelated.
FIG. 1 compares sample execution sequences for superscalar, multithreading, and simultaneous multithreading architectures. Each row represents the issue slots for a single execution cycle: a filled box indicates that the processor found an instruction to execute in that issue slot on that cycle. An empty box denotes an unused slot. The unused slots can be characterized as horizontal or vertical waste. Horizontal waste occurs when some, but not all, of the issue slots in a cycle can be used. It typically occurs because of poor instruction-level parallelism. Vertical waste occurs when a cycle goes completely unused. This can be caused by a long latency instruction, such as a memory access, that inhibits further instruction issue.
Sequence (a) 2 corresponds to a conventional superscalar. As in all superscalars, it is executing a single program, or thread, from which it attempts to find multiple instructions to issue each cycle. When it cannot, the issue slots go unused, and both horizontal 3A and vertical waste 3B are incurred.
Sequence (b) 4 corresponds to a multithreaded architecture. Multithreaded processors contain hardware state, i.e., a program counter and registers, for several threads. On any given cycle, a processor executes instructions from just one of the threads. On the next cycle, it switches to a different thread context and executes instructions from the new thread. The primary advantage of multithreaded processors is that they better tolerate long-latency operations, effectively eliminating vertical waste. However, they cannot removed horizontal waste. Consequently, as instruction issue width continues to increase, multithreaded architectures will ultimately suffer the same fate as superscalars: they will be limited by the instruction-level parallelism in a single thread.
Sequence (c) 6 corresponds to a simultaneous multithreaded architecture and shows how each cycle in an SMT processor selects instructions for execution from all threads. It exploits instruction-level parallelism by selecting instructions from any thread that can potentially issue. The processor then dynamically schedules machine resources among the instructions, providing the greatest chance for the highest hardware utilization. If one thread has high instruction-level parallelism, that parallelism can be satisfied; if multiple threads each have low instruction-level parallelism, they can be executed simultaneously to compensate. In this way, SMT can recover issue slots lost to both horizontal and vertical waste.
Simultaneous multithreading is advantageous because it allows the CPU to get better throughput. Resources which would lie idle due to limited parallelism in one thread can be utilized by other threads.
A software program can be compiled, or decomposed, into multiple threads, with the purpose of achieving improved performance through parallel execution of those threads. The threads may be executed on different processors in a multiprocessor, or they may be executed on different thread processing units within an SMT CPU.
When programs are multithreaded in this way, locking protocols are used to control access to shared data. Assigning a special memory location, called a lock, to a section of data, controls access to that section of data. A thread can only update the data when it owns the lock.
An integral part of many locking protocols is a busy wait loop, often referred to as a xe2x80x9cspin lock.xe2x80x9d In a spin lock, a process loops, looking at a particular memory location, i.e., the lock, and waiting for it to change to a specific value before proceeding. Once the value has changed, the process is then free to attempt to obtain the lock via an atomic update of the location
In a conventional multiprocessor, the CPU resources and memory bandwidth consumed by a task in a spin lock are not simultaneously shared with any other tasks. Thus, while the task is spinning there is no resource contention within the CPU, and no reason not to let the task spin. Various studies have shown that approximately 15% of processor time is spent in spin loops.
In a simultaneous multithreaded CPU, however, the resources consumed by the spinning task are being denied to the other threads that are or could be doing useful work. In fact, Applicants have found that under these circumstances, the simultaneously multithreaded CPU provided no performance increase to the decomposed application, and can actually degrade the performance of the application.
One multithreaded computer uses fine-grained multithreading, which is different from SMT, and addresses the synchronization problem with a hardware retry which traps the thread after some number of failures and deschedules it. This is described in xe2x80x9cExploiting Heterogeneous Parallelism on a Multithreaded Multiprocessor,xe2x80x9d 1992, which can be found at web site tera.com/www/archives/library/psdocs.html.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/775,553 by Emer et al, xe2x80x9cA Multi-threaded Processor and Method That Selects Threads Based On An Attribute,xe2x80x9d (name amended in February, 1999), filed Dec. 31, 1996, assigned to a common assignee as the present invention and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, describes an SMT architecture.
Many papers have been published about Simultaneous Multithreading. For a fairly complete list, see web site cs.washington.edu/research/smt/. The University of Washington has done much work on efficient synchronization on SMT. See, for example, xe2x80x9cSupporting Fine-Grained Synchronization on a Simultaneous Multithreading Processor,xe2x80x9d 1995, available at web site cs.washington.edu/research/smt/papers/hpca.ps. A longer version of the paper, UCSD CSE Technical Report #CS98-587, is available at web site cs.washington.edu/research/smt/papers/smt.synch.ps.
These papers propose a synchronization xe2x80x9clock-boxxe2x80x9d mechanism which has the primary goal of providing faster synchronization between threads. The lock itself is memory-based, but once the lock is obtained by a thread on a particular CPU, the lock-box passes the lock among the threads on that CPU, if they require it. If a thread fails to acquire a lock and must wait for it to become available, the thread""s instructions are flushed from the pipeline to prevent that thread consuming resources on the CPU. The mechanisms of synchronizing and possibly flushing the instructions are combined into one xe2x80x9cAcquirexe2x80x9d instruction, and all actions required by that instruction are carried out strictly in hardware.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,247 is a software patent on scheduling to avoid locks. It does not involve hardware and it is not related to SMT architecture.
The present invention resolves the problem of spin-lock in an SMT architecture by halting, or xe2x80x9cquiescing,xe2x80x9d spin-locking threads while they are waiting for some event, i.e., the availability of a lock.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for halting execution of a program""s instructions while the program is waiting for one or more events to occur in a simultaneous multithreaded processor or multiprocessor environment includes arming an event monitor associated with the program by identifying one or more events to be monitored. Each thread preferably has its own event monitor.
An event may be, for example, a modification to some identified memory location or group of locations, such as a change of access state or a change of value stored in the location. A change of access state may be, for example, from shared to exclusive. Such an event is typically caused by another program.
A change of value can be observed by monitoring a memory bus. In one embodiment, a write to the identified memory location, rather than observing a change in actual value stored therein, is sufficient to recognize the event.
The expiration of a timer is another example of an event that may be monitored.
Preferably, the arming of an event monitor is performed by executing an arm instruction which identifies the memory location to be monitored. The physical address of the memory location is recorded in a working register associated with the program, and an indicator such as a flag is set to a first state which enables the event monitor to monitor for the event. The indicator is set to a second state if a change to the memory location whose address is recorded in the working register is observed by the event monitor. Preferably, a lock value is loaded from the identified memory location by the same arm instruction.
The method further includes requesting, by executing a quiesce instruction after executing the arm instruction, that the program be halted until the event is observed by the event monitor. There is no requirement that the program be halted. However, if execution of the program is halted, the event monitor monitors for the event. Subsequent to observation of the event by the event monitor, but not necessarily immediately after, execution of the program is resumed.
Preferably, it is the responsibility of the program to check whether the event has occurred when the program resumes execution from the quiescent state. Thus, to ease implementation, hardware is permitted to release a thread from its quiescent state occasionally even if the event has not occurred.
After requesting that the program be halted, i.e., the indicator has been set to the first state, its execution is halted, if at all, only if the event has not yet occurred since the arming. If the indicator is set to the second state, the program is not halted in response to the request to halt.
Preferably, upon halting execution of the program, program instructions subsequent to the quiesce instruction are flushed from the instruction pipeline.
To allow for a quick restart when execution of the quiesced program or thread resumes, while the program is halted, program instructions are fetched into an instruction buffer and allowed to propagate into the instruction pipeline. The instruction buffer could be managed in various ways. For example, the percentage or absolute number of the thread""s instructions allowed into the buffer could be limited, or different instruction buffers could be allocated to different threads.
Preferably, upon halting execution of the program, a timer associated with the program is set to time a predetermined time interval, and started. If program execution has not been resumed for other reasons, for example if the monitored event has not yet occurred, program execution is resumed upon expiration of the time. Preferably, the timer is stopped if execution of the program is resumed due to observation of the event by the event monitor.
Halting execution of, or quiescing, the program results in a reduction of power consumption, and allows other executing programs to utilize available resources.

Method and apparatus to quiesce a portion of a simultaneous multithreaded central processing unit

Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.


A system and method facilitating media browsing is provided. The invention includes a media delivery system adapted to provide media and thumbnail image(s) to a media display component. The invention further provides for a media delivery system to include a media analyzer, a thumbnail generator and a media player. The media analyzer can analyze content of media that the thumbnail generator can utilize in generating thumbnail image(s).

Conventionally, media browsing systems (e.g., VCR's) have provided limited ability for a user to intelligently browse media. For example, many media browsing systems provide a user the ability to "fast forward" or "rewind" media. However, the user typically blindly proceeds through the media stopping at random interval(s) to preview the media. Conventional media browsing schemes are typically rigid and do not account for specific needs/desires of individual viewers. As such, the media experience can be impaired by the awkwardness associated with convention browsing.

Media browsing system displaying thumbnails images based on preferences of plurality of users and placing the thumbnails images at a scene change