Disclosed is a gas sensor having a metal shell, a holder placed in the metal shell and a sensor element inserted through an axial insertion hole of the holder. The holder has a recessed portion recessed toward the rear from a front end face of the holder. The sensor element has, at a front end part thereof, a detection portion covered with a porous protection layer such that a rear end of the porous protection layer is situated within the recessed portion of the holder and is located at the rear side with respect to the front end face of the holder while maintaining a space between an inner circumferential surface of the recessed portion and an outer circumferential surface of the porous protection layer.

The present invention relates to a gas sensor (such as oxygen sensor, NOx sensor, HC sensor etc.) for detecting the concentration of a specific gas component in a gas under measurement.
Hereinafter, the term "front" refers to a gas sensing side with respect to an axial direction of a gas sensor; and the term "rear" refers to a side opposite the front side.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2012-189579 discloses one type of gas sensor (e.g. oxygen gas sensor) that includes an elongated plate-shaped or rod-shaped sensor element having, at a front end part thereof, a detection portion constituted by an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte material and a pair of detection electrodes. In this type of gas sensor, the sensor element is held in position by a holder within a cylindrical metal shell (metal housing). The holder is formed of an insulating material (such as ceramic material e.g. alumina) with an axial through hole so that the sensor element is inserted through the axial though hole of the holder with the front end part (detection portion) of the sensor element protruding toward the front from a front end of the holder. The metal shell is equipped with a thread portion so that the gas sensor is mounted to e.g. an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine by screwing the thread portion into a mounting hole of the exhaust gas. In a state where the gas sensor is mounted to the engine exhaust pipe, the detection portion of the sensor element is situated inside of the exhaust pipe and exposed to an exhaust gas (as a gas under measurement) so as to generate an electric signal responsive to the concentration of a specific gas component (e.g. oxygen) in the exhaust gas. Electrode terminals are formed on a rear end part of the sensor element and connected to an ECU (engine control unit; as an external device) through leads so that the electric signal of the sensor element is outputted to the ECU for air-fuel ratio control etc.
In order to cover the front end part of the sensor element and protect the detection portion from water contained in the exhaust gas, a protector (protection cover) having a plurality of vent holes is attached to a front end of the metal shell. In addition, a protection layer of porous material (e.g. spinel or alumina) is commonly formed on a predetermined surface region from the front end of the sensor element toward the rear in order to prevent the sensor element from deteriorating in detection performance due to the adhesion of a foreign substance contained in the exhaust gas or becoming broken due to the adhesion of water contained in the exhaust gas. The formation of such a porous protection layer is particularly effective as a measure against the breakage of the sensor element caused due to thermal impact by the adhesion of water in the case where a heater is provided on the sensor element for rapid heating and activation of the solid electrolyte material.
Herein, a noble metal material (e.g. platinum or alloy thereof) is used for various conductors (conduction layers) such as detection electrodes, heater energization electrodes etc. in the above-mentioned sensor element. The amount of use of the noble metal material increases with the axial length of the sensor element, which results in a cost increase. It is demanded to reduce the axial length of the sensor element for cost reduction. In recent years, there has been a demand to reduce the axial length or size of the sensor element for the purpose of not only decreasing the amount of use of the noble metal material for cost reduction but also decreasing the power consumption of the sensor element for energy conservation.
For the length reduction of the sensor element, it is conceivable to decrease the amount (length) by which the rear end part of the sensor element protrudes toward the rear from the holder. As mentioned above, the rear end part of the sensor element is a place where the electrode terminals are formed for electrical connection to front ends of the leads by crimp contacts. It is thus necessary to secure a predetermined length of the rear end part of the sensor element in order to improve the reliability of the electrical connection. It is also necessary, in view of the fact that the detection portion of the sensor element reaches a high activation temperature, to locate the electrode terminals apart (away) from the detection portion in order to avoid the electrical connection from being influenced by heat from the detection portion. For these reasons, there is a limit to the decrease of the protrusion amount (length) of the rear end part of the sensor element.


The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing an image signal etc. that are well applicable to removal of coding noise from, for example, an image signal. Based on five consecutive frames of an image signal Va, a memory portion 121 outputs as pixel data xi of predictive taps plural items of pixel data located in a space directional and time directional peripheries with respect to a target position in an image signal Vb. In the case, frames before and after a current frame are subjected to motion compensation by using a motion vector. A class classification portion 124 obtains a class code CL indicating a class to which pixel data of the target position in the image signal Vb belongs, by using the pixel data xi and motion vectors BWV(0), BWV(−1), FWV(0), and FWV(+1). A calculating circuit 126 obtains pixel data y of the target position in the image signal Vb based on an estimation equation by using the pixel data xi and coefficient data Wi that corresponds to the class code CL.

The compression coding schemes for image signals may include coding by means of MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) using DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform). This coding scheme performs motion compensation predictive coding for each block.
The DCT performs discrete cosine transform on pixels in a block, re-quantizes coefficient data obtained by this discrete cosine transform, and performs variable-length coding on this re-quantized coefficient data. As this variable-length coding, entropy coding by use of codes such as Huffman codes is employed often. The image signal undergoes orthogonal transformation to be divided into many items of frequency data from a low frequency to a high frequency.
When re-quantizing these items of divided frequency data, such a quantization finely on low frequency data having a high level of importance and coarsely on high frequency data having a low level of importance is performed, taking into account human visual properties, thereby enabling effective compression to be realized while keeping a high picture quality.
According to conventional decoding by use of DCT, quantized data for each frequency component is converted into a representative value of this code and inverse DCT (IDCT: Inverse DCT) is performed on these components, thereby obtaining reproduced data. For conversion into this representative value, a quantization step width at the time of coding is used.
As described above, coding by means of MPEG using DCT has a feature that coding is performed taking into account human visual properties, to realize high efficiency compression while keeping a high picture quality.
However, coding accompanying DCT is block-unit processing, so that as a compression ratio increases, block-shaped noise, so-called block noise (block distortion) may occur in some cases. Further, a portion such as an edge subject to a steep change in luminance may be subject to blotchy noise, that is, mosquito noise due to coarse quantization of a high-frequency component.
It is conceivable that the coding noise such as block noise and mosquito noise can be removed by adaptation processing for class classification. That is, by defining an image signal containing coding noise as a first image signal and a coding noise-free image signal as a second image signal, a class to which pixel data of a target position in the second image signal belongs is detected so that in accordance with this class, the pixel data of the target position in the second image signal may be generated.
In this case, based on the first image signal, plural items of pixel data not only located in a space directional periphery with respect to the target position in the second image signal but also located in a time directional periphery thereof are selected and using these plural items of pixel data, the pixel data of the target position in the second image signal is generated, thereby enabling a quality of the second image signal to be enhanced. In this case, however, as the plural items of pixel data located in the time directional periphery, such data as to have high correlation with the plural items of pixel data located in the space directional periphery with respect to the target position needs to be selected and used.

Image signal, processing device and processing method, coefficient data generation device and generation method used for the same, program for executing the methods and computer readable medium containing the program


A periodic pattern of colors is applied to a vehicle tire. The periodic pattern provides an indication of relative vehicle speed to an observer. The periodic pattern will appear to blend into a single color above a predetermined speed.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is directed to the field of novelty speed indicators. In particular, the invention is directed to a periodic color pattern imprinted on a tire that provides an indication of speed as well as entertainment when the tire is moving.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cyclists presently must rely upon bicycle cyclometers to determine the speed at which the cyclist is traveling. Analog cyclometers have a movable arm on a circular gauge face that points to an approximate indication of the speed at which the cyclist is traveling. Cyclometer gauges are difficult to read by cyclists. Typically, a cyclist is pumping the pedals and the bike and the cyclist, together, are subject to the irregularities in the surface across which the cyclist is traveling. The vibrations of the gauge caused by this movement can make it difficult for the cyclist to ascertain the speed at which the cyclist is traveling with any degree of accuracy. Typically, the resolution at which the cyclist may determine the speed is between 3 to 5 miles per hour. Digital displays, by contrast, may provide a more accurate reading, however, the vibration of the bicycle relative to the cyclist can make it difficult for the cyclist to read the digital display. Additionally, conventional speed indicators are just plain boring.
The present invention is a periodic pattern of color applied to a tire. The frequency of the color pattern is determined based upon a predetermined rotational speed at which the colors will appear to blend together to form a new predetermined color. For example, a periodic pattern of yellow and blue will blend above a predetermined speed to appear as a consistent green color.
The periodic pattern of colors may be applied to a bicycle tread such that when a cyclist is riding a bicycle having tires incorporating the present invention with the periodic color pattern applied to the tread of the tire, the cyclist will be able to determine when a predetermined speed is attained merely by viewing the tread of the tire.
The periodic pattern may be purely functional as in a series of blocks of colors. However, the periodic pattern may also include decorative patterns which are aesthetically pleasing. The periodic pattern of colors may also be applied to a side wall of a tire such that an observer of the cyclist may also determine when a predetermined speed is obtained by the cyclist.
The present invention also provides a substantial entertainment value. It is fun to watch the pattern change colors when riding the bicycle. Children can be entertained when watching the colorful display of the tire speed indications of the present invention.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which, for purposes of illustration only, shoe several embodiments in accordance with the present invention.


This disclosure discloses an illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus comprises an inner cover comprising a top surface having a first length; a pedestal on which the inner cover is disposed comprising a top surface having a second length; and a holder supporting the pedestal; wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an illumination apparatus and in particular to an illumination apparatus with a cover comprising a protrusion.
2. Description of the Related Art
The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of the solid-state lighting elements have the characteristics of the low power consumption, low heat generation, long operational life, shockproof, small volume, quick response and good opto-electrical property like light emission with a stable wavelength, so the LEDs have been widely used in household appliances, indicator light of instruments, and opto-electrical products, etc. As the opto-electrical technology develops, the solid-state lighting elements have great progress in the light efficiency, operation life and the brightness, and LEDs are expected to become the main stream of the lighting devices in the near future.
Recently, LEDs have been used for general illumination applications. In some applications, there is a need to have a LEDs lamp with an omni-directional light pattern. However, conventional LEDs lamps are not suitable for this need.
In addition, the LEDs can be further connected to other components in order to form a light emitting apparatus. The LEDs may be mounted onto a submount with the side of the substrate, or a solder bump or a glue material may be formed between the submount and the LEDs, therefore a light-emitting apparatus is formed. Besides, the submount further comprises the circuit layout electrically connected to the electrode of the LEDs.


The invention provides an apparatus for depositing particulate or powder-like material on the surface of a substrate. The apparatus comprises a hollow tube-like chamber consisting of a heat-resistant material, in which a plasma torch is generated. By means of a device for supplying solid particulate or powder-like material, the material is molten in the plasma torch and deposited on the surface of the substrate. In order to achieve a uniform temperature distribution in the plasma torch, the apparatus comprises at least two induction coils located at the outer surface of the hollow tube-like member and a high frequency generator means having at least two generator sections. A first of the at least two generator sections generates energy with a first higher frequency and a second of the at least two generator sections generates energy with a second lower frequency. One of said at least two induction coils are connected to the first generator section and another one of the at least two induction coils are connected to the second generator section.

The present invention refers to an apparatus for depositing particulate or powder-like material on the surface of a substrate, said apparatus comprising a hollow tube-like chamber consisting of a heat-resistant material, said tube-like chamber having a first and a second end, means for supplying solid particulate or powder-like material into said tube-like chamber at said first end, means for supplying a plasma gas into said tube-like chamber at said first end, and means for generating a plasma torch in the interior of said hollow tube-like chamber including ignition means for the ignition of said plasma torch.
In order to provide the surface of a substrate with a coating of particulate or powder-like material, so-called plasma coating devices are known in the art for several years. Thereby, in such devices, a metallic or ceramic powder material is blown into a plasma torch and, therein, heated up to a very high temperature. The powder material is molten and accelerated in the plasma torch and is finally thrown towards the surface of the substrate to be coated with very high speed.
There is a first category of industrially used plasma torch coating devices. These devices are powered with direct current whereby there is provided a pair of electrodes connected to a direct current power supply. A plasma gas jet is blown into the space between the two electrodes and, after an initial ignition process, is ionized therebetween in order to provide a plasma torch. The temperatures in the interior of the plasma torch are very high, i.e. sufficiently high to melt a particulate or powder-like metallic or ceramic coating material which is blown into said plasma torch.
A common characteristic of these direct current plasma coating devices is that the particulate or powder-like material is blown into the plasma torch, that it is thereby molten and that it is accelerated to a relatively high speed before it hits the surface of the substrate to be coated. The maximal speed and the maximal temperature of the particulate or powder-like coating material thereby depends on the characteristics of the plasma torch. The direct current plasma coating devices known in the art are in a position to provide an escape speed of the coating material in the region of about 100 to 300 m/s; however, the outlet cross section is relatively small. The consequence is that a long time is required to coat the surface of a large substrate. Thus, such devices are more preferred for the coating of small substrates.
Another possibility for the generation of a plasma torch is to inductively supply power to the plasma gas in order to create a high energy plasma torch, of course after an initial ignition process. For this purpose, there is provided a hollow tube-like chamber consisting of a heat-resistant material, said tube-like chamber having a first and a second end, means for supplying solid particulate or powder-like material into the tube-like chamber at said first end, means for supplying a plasma gas into said tube-like chamber at said first end, and an induction coil powered by a high frequency generator located at said second end for generating a plasma torch in the interior of the hollow tube-like chamber. Such an apparatus, however, is not in a position to provide a particularly high escape speed of the molten particulate coating material, but the usable outlet cross section, compared with a direct current plasma torch coating device as discussed hereinabove, is much greater. Thus, such a inductively coupled plasma coating device is much better suited for the coating of the surface of large substrates.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,250 discloses a method of depositing particulate material on a substrate. The apparatus used therefor is based on a conventional inductively coupled plasma torch coating device. However, the disclosure of the above mentioned Patent shows a way to increase the escape velocitiy of the particulate material molten in the plasma torch, as compared to similar devices known in the art. It is known that usual inductively coupled plasma coating devices can reach an escape velocity of approximately 10 to 30 m/s, while the apparatus described in the above mentioned Patent enables the molten coating material with a velocity of approximately 100 m/s or even more.
A great disadvantage, however, is common to both the conventional inductively coupled plasma coating devices and to the device according to the above mentioned Patent: The temperature distribution over the cross-section of the apparatus, particularly over the cross section of the hollow tube-like chamber in which the plasma torch is present and which is initiated and maintained by means of an induction coil, is not very uniform. With other words: In the region of a wall of the hollow tube-like chamber, the temperature of the plasma torch is substantially higher, continuously decreases towards the center of the tube-like chamber and, thereafter, increases again towards the opposite chamber of the tube-like chamber.
It is understood that these characteristics are not desired because the uniformity of the coating of the substrate is impaired and because the time required to coat a substrate of considerable size is increased.
A further disadvantage of an apparatus of the kind discussed hereinabove, i.e. inductively coupled plasma torch coating devices, is that the high frequency generator unit required to power the induction coil has to provide a relatively high amount of energy to maintain a plasma torch having the desired shape and intensity. It is known to every person skilled in the art that a device of the aforementioned kind requires a power supply which must be able to provide an energy in the region of 25 to 150 kW with a frequency of some MHz; thus, it is important to design the real coating device, i.e. the heat-resistant tube-like member with the integrated induction coil as well as the high frequency generator, either as a single unit or to take measures that the high frequency generator is not too far from the real coating device because the transmission of high energy in the region of several dozens of kW at a frequency of several MHz poses severe problems.

Apparatus for depositing particulate or powder-like material on the surface of a substrate


An apparatus for attaching an electronic security tag to a freshly printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side. The apparatus comprises a supply roll including a backing and a plurality of security tags attached thereto for supplying the electronic security tags. The apparatus further comprises means for printing indicia on the printable side and delivering the label to a label support. The apparatus includes a stripper element for separating the security tags from the backing at a label application station. The separated security tag is then attached to the label.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying security tags to labels, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for applying electronic security tags to freshly-printed labels for application to a package, and even more particularly, for applying electronic security tags selectively to printed labels.
Supermarkets are experiencing increasing theft of various food products, such as packaged meat. Due to an increase in theft and shoplifting of these products, various security measures may be incorporated into the products to discourage theft. One such counter-theft measure is the use of electronic security tags, such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, which are attached to the article to be protected. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for applying security tags, such as EAS tags, on food products. Food products displayed in supermarkets often include a label on their outer lid or wrapping which includes information such as the weight, price, unit weight, total price, or a description of the packaged item. The labels may also include advertising or a UPC bar code symbol. In order to mask the security tag, electronic security tags may be applied to the adhesive side of the labels, and the label and tag may then be applied to the article. In order to avoid having to prepare, store and inventory labels having attached security tags, it is advantageous to apply the security tag to the label immediately prior to attaching the label to the package. Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and method which can quickly and accurately place an electronic security tag on a label to be attached to a package.

Apparatus for applying security tags to labels


The present invention concerns a fastening bracket for use in a children's chair (1) with a seat plate (2), wherein the seat plate has a vertical opening, characterized in that it comprises: a frame piece (10) comprising a vertical first opening (11), for placement on the underside of the seat plate (2), a lining clip (20) comprising two parallel vertical locking pegs (21) for introduction into the opening in the seat plate (2) from above, wherein the locking pegs (21) are connected together in a first end by a flange (22) and each locking tap having a horizontal pin hole (24) in the other end, wherein the flange (22) has a horizontal extent which is larger than the opening area of the opening in the seat plate (2) and comprising a through going vertical inner opening (25) between the locking pegs (21), and a locking pin (30) comprising at least two parallel arms (31) for introduction into the pin holes (24) in the lining clip (20), wherein the arms (31) are connected together with the pin cross piece (32). The invention also concerns a harness set and the use of the bracket and the harness set.

It is well known that children, that is children such as from the age when they may sit by themselves (about 6-7 month) until they master sitting safely in a children's chair without falling out (about 2 years), need safety harness securing them sitting safely in children's chairs.
Often conventional harnesses are used, such as those accompanying a children's pram, a children's chair of which may be bought separately. In new children's chairs the harnesses are often anchored by a strap on each side of the seat in integrated fastening means, such as eyes or similar. Such harnesses have the disadvantage that they require integrated fastening means in the chair and also hinder the child in turning the upper body to the side because the straps on each side of the harness must be relative short. This short length of the straps should secure that the child sits safely in the chair, but this hinders and irritates the child.
In later years, a development has evolved in the direction of more countries and regions having their own safety measures for equipment to be used by children, such as in children's chairs and harnesses. This must be taken into account in the development of new children's chairs, but it may be difficult to adapt chairs which have been produced for a long time before such safety provision were put into force. It is especially difficult to perform such adaptations on chairs without making physical interventions in the chairs.
This is for example the case with the Tripp Trapp® children's chair which was developed as early as in 1972 and patented in 1976 and which still is a very popular children's chair in many countries.
The chair is designed to be adjusted in coherence with the body size of the child and therefore has a seat plate and a foot plate which may be moved into different height positions by gliding in tracks in the side pieces and being locked by tightening the distance between the side pieces. The sitting plate may further be adjusted in the depth position by the plate being pushed in relation to the seat support, and thereby providing the child using the chair a correct seat length under the thighs.
It has proven difficult to adapt existing seats to new effective demands, especially in order to keep the above-mentioned original functions of the chair. In order to achieve this, the attachment of a children's harness should be able to follow the height position of the seat.
In addition to fastening a harness to such chairs, it may also be desirable to mount a children's bow, which either may be used alone or simultaneously with the harness.
It is a further objective to provide a fastening means for this additional equipment so that also owners of older chairs may upgrade their chairs. As mentioned, it is also an objective to avoid physical intervention in the chair, such as making holes in some of the parts or inserting screws that leave spoiling marks in the chair which will be visible when the there no longer is any use for the children's equipment. Such adaptations further result in a risk of the user making adaptations in the wrong manner, and that the safety is not kept intact. It is therefore an objective with the invention to make the fastening of the children's equipment as intuitive and simple as possible, upholding safety at the same time and preventing a child from operating the fastening by itself.
US 2002/0036419 shows a system for fastening a harness to a juvenile seat by a retainer attached to the underside of the seat by screws. The retainer has a vertical opening corresponding to an opening in the seat through which the crotch strap with a mount may be conducted and the mount may then be attached to the retainer. The document does not suggest non-marking fastening means of the retainer, and a child would be able to release the mount from the retainer from the underside.


A manual transmission unit has one transmission input shaft, one transmission output shaft, a first intermediate shaft, a second intermediate shaft, a plurality of gear wheels, of which a first and a second drive gear wheel are arranged on the transmission input shaft and connectable in a rotationally fixed manner thereto, in particular in a permanently rotationally fixed manner thereto, and a plurality of torque transmission units for selective connection of additional gear wheels to at least one of the intermediate shafts. The first drive gear wheel intermeshes together with two intermediate wheels and the second drive gear wheel intermeshes together with two additional intermediate wheels. At least two, preferably at least three and more preferably at least four of the intermediate wheels are selectively connectible to the intermediate shafts for power transmission.

The invention relates to a manual transmission unit having a compact structure (topology). A manual transmission unit of this type is known from DE 10 2012 207 028 A1.
In the following text, the invention will be described using a manual transmission unit for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motor vehicle; this is not to be understood to be a restriction of the invention.
In automotive engineering, the efficiency and the installation space requirement, in particular, are of great significance for drive systems. It is frequently necessary that a manual transmission unit which is set up for adaptation of the speed/torque characteristic diagram of the drive machine to the load requirement is accommodated in a predefined installation space of the motor vehicle. The load requirements arise, in particular, from the driving request (acceleration and speed) and further boundary conditions (uphill or downhill section, vehicle mass, etc.). Furthermore, the manual transmission unit is to be capable of being operated with particularly high efficiency, in order to make a low energy requirement and low CO2 emissions possible. The constant development in the field of transmission technology makes it possible to realize new topologies (geometrical arrangement of gearwheels and transmission shafts) for manual transmission units.
DE 10 2012 207 028 A1 discloses a manual transmission unit of compact design having two axially parallel shaft trains. Furthermore, the transmission device has a spur gear mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism. Furthermore, the transmission device has a multiplicity of shifting devices, by way of which different, discrete transmission ratios can be set.
It is an object of the invention to provide a manual transmission unit with a particularly low installation space requirement, in particular in the direction of the transmission input shaft.
This and other objects are achieved by a manual transmission unit having at least one transmission input shaft, one transmission output shaft, a first intermediate shaft, a second intermediate shaft, a plurality of gearwheels, of which a first and a second drive gearwheel are arranged on the transmission input shaft and can be connected fixedly to the latter so as to rotate with it, in particular are connected fixedly to the latter permanently so as to rotate with it, and having a plurality of torque transmission devices for selectively connecting further gearwheels to at least one of the intermediate shafts, wherein the first drive gearwheel meshes at least with two intermediate gears, and the second drive gearwheel meshes at least with two further intermediate gears, and at least two, preferably at least three and with preference at least four of said intermediate gears can be connected selectively to the intermediate shafts for power transmission.
According to the invention, drive power can be transmitted from a transmission input shaft to a transmission output shaft by means of different transmission ratios. A manual transmission unit according to the invention results, in particular, in the advantage of a particularly low axial installation space requirement (direction of extent in the direction of the transmission shafts). As a result of a low axial installation space requirement, in particular, an additional arrangement of drive machines, in particular in order to convert a drive system into a hybrid system, is made possible. A low axial installation space requirement has a particularly advantageous effect, in particular, for front transverse drive designs.
In the context of the invention, a manual transmission unit is to be understood to mean a device for changing the speed ratio between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. In particular, the adaptation of the speed/torque characteristic diagram of a drive machine, in particular an internal combustion engine on its own and/or in combination with an electric or hydraulic drive machine, to the load requirement of a motor vehicle (driving resistances) can be achieved by way of a manual transmission unit. A manual transmission unit preferably has a plurality of discrete speed ratios, what are known as gears or shift stages. To this end, a manual transmission unit preferably has a plurality of transmission shafts, in particular arranged in parallel to one another, and gearwheels which are arranged, in particular, on said transmission shafts. Furthermore, a transmission device of this type preferably has a transmission housing. Here, the transmission housing is preferably set up to receive the wheels and shafts and secondly, further preferably, to receive a lubricant, in particular a transmission oil.
The transmission device according to the invention is preferably provided for longitudinal installation in a motor vehicle, and with preference for transverse installation. Here, in this context, the longitudinal installation is to be understood to mean that the transmission input shaft is oriented parallel to the main driving direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the transverse installation is to be understood to mean that the transmission input shaft is oriented transversely, preferably orthogonally, with respect to said main driving direction.
In the context of the invention, a transmission input shaft is to be understood to mean a device or a component, by way of which drive power (rotational speed, torque) can be fed to the transmission device, preferably can be fed from the drive machine. The transmission input shaft can further preferably be connected to a drive machine, in particular to an internal combustion engine. The transmission input shaft can preferably be connected to an internal combustion engine by way of a friction clutch or a torque converter. Further preferably, a vibration damper or absorber device, with preference at least one part of a single-mass or multiple-mass flywheel, is arranged completely or partially on a transmission input shaft.
In the context of the invention, a transmission output shaft is to be understood to mean a device or a component, by way of which the drive power (rotational speed, torque) can be discharged from the transmission device. The rotational speed and therefore also the torque can preferably be varied between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft by way of the transmission device. The drive power can preferably be transmitted in the direction of the drive wheels or the drive wheel of a motor vehicle by way of the transmission output shaft. Further preferably, the drive power can be transmitted to at least one articulated shaft or with preference a differential gear device by the transmission output shaft.
In the context of the invention, an intermediate shaft is to be understood to mean a device or a component which is arranged within the transmission device and which is provided for transmitting at least part of the drive power. Further preferably, the intermediate shaft is set up to receive one or more gearwheels which interact or mesh with one or more gearwheels received on the transmission input shaft or transmission output shaft in order to vary the rotational speed and the torque.
In the context of this invention, the meshing of two gearwheels is to be understood to mean that the gearwheels are in contact, in particular roll on one another, in order to transmit movement or power.
Further preferably, an intermediate shaft can be understood in the context of this invention to be a countershaft. Further preferably, the intermediate shaft can be understood to be a sectional shaft of a group transmission. Here, an intermediate shaft is arranged, in relation to the power flow from the transmission input shaft to the transmission output shaft, between the two shafts. In relation to the geometrical arrangement, one of the intermediate shafts or preferably two or more is/are arranged axially parallel with respect to at least one of the transmission input or output shaft, preferably with respect to both.
In the context of the invention, a torque transmission device is to be understood to mean a device, by way of which a power flow (torque, rotational speed) can be interrupted or established. The power flow can with preference be established and interrupted by way of a frictionally locking connection, preferably positively locking connection, and particularly preferably by way of a frictionally/positively locking connection. A torque transmission device is preferably selected from a group of devices which has at least the following elements:
synchronizing device, preferably a cone synchronizer device,
claw coupling,
gear coupling,
slider sleeve,
frictionally locking multiple disk clutch or jaw clutch,
hydrodynamic or hydrostatic clutch,
Visco clutch.
In the case of a manual transmission unit according to the invention, it is made possible to use at least one or more of the torque transmission devices "multiple times". By way of example, it is made possible to use one of the torque transmission devices to activate a first of a (first to sixth gear) of a further second gear (first to sixth gear); in particular, further compaction of the manual transmission unit is made possible as a result.
In the context of the invention, the selective connection of gearwheels to at least one of the transmission shafts is to be understood to mean that a power flow can be established between one of the transmission shafts and at least one of the gearwheels by way of one of the torque transmission devices. Further preferably, it is to be understood to mean that two gearwheels can be connected to one of the transmission shafts by way of a torque transmission device in such a way that either the one or the other gearwheel is connected to the transmission shaft.
A torque transmission device preferably has a slider sleeve section, in which it is connected fixedly to one of the transmission shafts so as to rotate with it and is mounted such that it can be displaced in the direction of the rotational axis of the transmission shaft, that is to say, in particular, axially. Further preferably, the torque transmission device has a torque transmission region, preferably two torque transmission regions, which can be brought into connection, in particular alternately, with the one or other gearwheel, in particular for the transmission of power to one of the transmission shafts.
In the context of the invention, a transmission cross-sectional plane is to be understood to mean an imaginary plane which is arranged orthogonally with respect to the transmission input shaft. Further preferably, the transmission cross-sectional plane is arranged orthogonally with respect to the transmission input shaft and with respect to the transmission output shaft and with respect to at least one of the intermediate shafts or preferably with respect to two or more of the intermediate shafts.
In the context of the invention, a singular point in the transmission cross-sectional plane is to be understood to mean the penetration point of a rotational axis through said plane, about which rotational axis one of the transmission shafts (transmission input shaft, transmission output shaft, first, second intermediate shaft) is mounted rotatably.
In the context of the invention, a gear plane is to be understood to mean a plane which is parallel to the transmission cross-sectional plane. Individual gear planes are preferably spaced apart from one another axially. In the context of the invention, axial is to be understood to mean the direction perpendicular with respect to the transmission cross-sectional plane.
Further preferably, a gear plane intersects at least two gearwheels which, in particular, mesh with one another, it being possible for drive power (rotational speed, torque) to be transmitted between the two gears. The two gears are then called gears which are arranged in the one gear plane in the context of the invention. Gearwheels which are arranged in one gear plane preferably mesh with one another.
Therefore, a gear plane is preferably to be understood to be a common sectional plane of two gearwheels, the one gearwheel being arranged on the transmission input shaft or transmission output shaft and the other gearwheel being arranged on one of the intermediate shafts.
The gear plane is preferably to be understood to be a plane of symmetry of at least one of the gearwheels, preferably of both. Further preferably, a gear plane is arranged at least in a region of said gearwheels, which region is set up for power transmission.
In relation to gearwheels, in particular, the toothing is to be understood to be a region which is set up for power transmission (active toothing width).
In one preferred embodiment, the penetration points of three or four transmission shafts (transmission input shaft, transmission output shaft, first, second intermediate shaft) result as incongruent points in the transmission cross-sectional plane. This is to be understood to mean, in particular, that the points are spaced apart from one another in the common plane. A particularly compact overall design can be achieved and therefore an improved manual transmission can be provided, in particular, by virtue of the fact that the penetration points are spaced apart from one another and the transmission shafts are likewise spaced apart from one another as a result, in particular are not arranged coaxially with respect to one another.
In one preferred embodiment, the manual transmission unit has a multiplicity of gear planes, but preferably four gear planes (first, second, third, fourth). At least two gearwheels which mesh with one another are preferably arranged in one gear plane. Further preferably, three or more gearwheels which mesh with one another are arranged in one gear plane. More than two gearwheels which mesh with one another in one gear plane are to be understood, in particular, to be a gearwheel chain. A gearwheel chain for producing a reverse ratio (reverse gear) is preferably arranged in a common gear plane. The gear planes are preferably arranged parallel with respect to the transmission cross-sectional plane and are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. Further preferably, the manual transmission unit has a first and a second reverse gear.
In one preferred embodiment, a first and a second drive gearwheel are arranged on the transmission input shaft. The drive gears are preferably connected fixedly to said shaft so as to rotate with it. The first and the second drive gearwheel are preferably permanently connected fixedly to the transmission input shaft so as to rotate with it. At least one of said drive gearwheels is preferably connected to the transmission input shaft in a frictionally locking manner, in particular by means of a press fit, with preference in a positively locking manner, in particular by means of a splined shaft connection or particularly preferably in an integrally joined manner, in particular in a single-piece manner or with preference by means of a welded connection. Further preferably, at least one of the gearwheels is connected to the transmission input shaft by way of a combination of two of the abovementioned connecting types. A particularly simple construction of the manual transmission unit is made possible, in particular, by way of the permanent fixed connection of the drive gearwheels to the transmission input shaft so as to rotate with it.
In one preferred embodiment, the first drive gearwheel is arranged in the fourth gear plane and the second drive gearwheel is arranged in the third gear plane. The transmission input shaft preferably enters into the manual transmission unit on a transmission input side, and further preferably the transmission input side faces the drive machine for providing drive power. The fourth gear plane preferably has the greatest spacing from the transmission input side of the gear planes which are provided for receiving the gearwheels. Tests have shown that an arrangement of this type of the drive gearwheels has a particularly favorable effect on the reliability of the transmission unit.
In one preferred embodiment, a first and a second output gearwheel are arranged on the transmission output shaft. The output gears are preferably connected fixedly to the shaft so as to rotate with it. The first and the second output gearwheel are preferably permanently connected fixedly to the transmission output shaft so as to rotate with it. At least one of the output gearwheels is preferably connected to the transmission input shaft in a frictionally locking manner, in particular by means of a press fit, with preference in a positively locking manner, in particular by means of a splined shaft connection or particularly preferably in an integrally joined manner, in particular in a single-piece manner or preferably by means of a welded connection. Further preferably, at least one of the gearwheels is connected to the transmission output shaft by way of a combination of two of the abovementioned connecting types. A particularly simple construction of the manual transmission unit is made possible, in particular, by way of the permanent fixed connection of the output gearwheels to the transmission output shaft so as to rotate with it. It is further preferably made possible in this way to arrange the torque transmission devices, in particular for the gearwheels, on three or fewer, preferably on two transmission shafts and therefore to make a particularly simple actuation thereof possible.
In one preferred embodiment, the first output gearwheel is arranged in the second gear plane and the second output gearwheel is arranged in the first gear plane. The first gear plane preferably has the smallest spacing from the transmission input side of the gear planes which are provided for receiving the gearwheels. Tests have shown that an arrangement of this type of the drive gearwheels has a particularly favorable effect on the reliability of the transmission unit.
In one preferred embodiment, a first, second, third and fourth intermediate gearwheel are arranged on the first intermediate shaft. Here, preferably, the first intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the fourth gear plane, the second intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the third gear plane, the third intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the second gear plane, and the fourth intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the first gear plane. The first to fourth intermediate gearwheels are preferably set up to be permanently in contact with the drive and output gearwheels which are arranged in each case in the same gear plane. In particular, a division of this type of the intermediate gearwheels results in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the manual transmission unit.
In a further preferred embodiment, a fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth intermediate gearwheel are arranged on the second intermediate shaft. Here, the fifth intermediate gearwheel is preferably arranged in the fourth gear plane, the sixth intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the third gear plane, the seventh intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the second gear plane, and the eighth intermediate gearwheel is arranged in the first gear plane. The fifth to eighth intermediate gearwheels are preferably set up to be permanently in contact (and to mesh with) the drive and output gearwheels which are arranged in each case in the same gear plane. In particular, a division of this type of the intermediate gearwheels results in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the manual transmission unit.
In one preferred embodiment, at least one or more of the intermediate gearwheels can be connected in a torque-conducting manner to the respective intermediate shaft by way of preferably in each case one torque transmission device. The first and the second intermediate gearwheel can preferably be connected selectively to the first intermediate shaft by way of a first torque transmission device. The third and the fourth intermediate gearwheel can preferably be connected selectively to the first intermediate shaft by way of a second torque transmission device. The fifth and the sixth intermediate gearwheel can preferably be connected selectively to the second intermediate shaft by way of a third torque transmission device. The seventh and the eighth intermediate gearwheel can preferably be connected selectively to the second intermediate shaft by way of a fourth torque transmission device. A particularly space-saving and therefore compact construction of the manual transmission unit can be achieved, in particular, by way of the use of one torque transmission device for selectively connecting two intermediate gearwheels to an intermediate shaft.
In one preferred embodiment, a reverse ratio gearwheel is arranged in one of the gear planes (first, second, third or fourth). Further preferably, the reverse ratio gearwheel meshes with one of the intermediate gearwheels and one of the output gearwheels. A particularly compact construction of the manual transmission unit is made possible, in particular, by way of an arrangement of the reverse ratio gearwheel between one of the intermediate gearwheels and one of the output gearwheels. The reverse ratio gearwheel is preferably arranged in the fourth gear plane. Tests have shown that an arrangement of this type results in particularly simple accessibility to the gearwheel. Further preferably, the reverse ratio gearwheel is arranged in the third gear plane. In particular, an arrangement of this type results in a particularly compact construction. The reverse ratio gearwheel is preferably arranged in the first gear plane. In particular, said arrangement results in simple assembly capability and also a compact construction. Further preferably, the reverse ratio gearwheel is arranged in the second gear plane.
In a further preferred embodiment, the transmission output shaft has two sections for outputting the drive power in the direction of the drive wheels. One of the sections is preferably arranged on the transmission input side of the manual transmission unit, and a second of said sections is arranged on that side of the manual transmission unit which lies opposite said side. By way of a configuration of this type of the transmission output shaft, in particular, the drive power can be distributed between left and right particularly satisfactorily in the case of an installation of the manual transmission unit transversely with respect to the driving direction, and the drive power can be distributed between rear and front particularly satisfactorily in the case of a longitudinal installation.
In one preferred embodiment, a manual transmission unit according to the invention is a constituent part of a drive system for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motor vehicle. In this context, connecting means are preferably to be understood to mean articulated shafts, shafts, transmission devices, in particular a differential transmission device. A manual transmission unit according to the invention is preferably set up for what is known as "transverse installation". Here, in this context, the transverse installation relates to the main driving direction of the motor vehicle.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Manual transmission unit having compact structure

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


The present invention relates briefly to an arrangement for hoisting devices to keep a cable (10) substantially vertically stretched between a derrick or the like and a hoisting device, e.g. a derrick bridle (1), so that the cable will not be able to be depositioned by gusts and other factors. The arrangement includes a set of brackets (12) stretched between and glidably fixed to two opposed hoisting cords (2a, 4a), each bracket (12) being equipped with a ring (13) approximately center, through which ring the cable (10) runs with an increasing inner diameter for each ring (13) from the top downwards. To the cable (10) are fastened a set of elements (14) spaced apart with increasing diameter for each element from the top downwards for each inner diameter of the rings (13) so that each element (14) one by one is restricted to pass a corresponding ring (13) and thereby each hoists one by one a bracket (12) holding the cable (10).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hoisting devices and especially to a cable guide keeping a cable stretched between the derrick itself and the hoisting accessories being supported by the crane by means of cords so as not to be effected and dislocated, especially by gusts.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In lifting load carrying bins, such as containers, special hoisting accessories are used, e.g. a derrick, bridle, supported by hoisting cables from a derrick or the like, is equipped with gripping elements to grip a container and during movement to retain it to the derrick bridle. The derrick bridle generally being adjustable to different container sizes has gripping elements for retaining the containers, the elements being equipped with electromechanic and/or hydraulic components. Independent of the type of guiding devices being used a supply line for current to the derrick itself is necessary and so are lines for transmitting signals from different sensors of the derrick bridle to the operator cabin giving the derrick operator the possibility of informing himself of the operation position of the bridle.
Although the invention is described in connection with a derrick bridle, as known to those skilled in the art, it can be adapted to many different types of hoisting devices.
The derrick bridle and its load is very heavy and will not be especially affected by winds. So is the case with the cable which is generally stretched between the derrick or the like and the derrick bridle over a distance of up to 30 to 40 m. The cable comprising a variety of different conductors, however, has a comparatively large diameter and so catches a great deal of wind. There does not need to be a particularly strong wind to affect the cable being and to push it sidewise out of the vertical of its normal position since such cable has comparatively little weight. This means that derricks today often are forced to stop operation at rather moderate wind forces not because the wind affects the load per se, but because the risk is rather large that such a cable might be pushed aside by the wind and hook on other objects or by other means be affected by stresses causing it to break or to damage objects.
There have been many different attempts to solve the problem of a cable being affected by winds. For example, it has been tried to increase the weight of the cable by attaching chains to it and to keep it stretched by means of various windlasses. None of these attempts have, however, been successful, the cable in these cases being strained at its sockets and being exposed to rupture. The application of windlasses is a very expensive procedure for keeping such heavy elements as cables stretched.
The present invention aims to overcome these problems mentioned above. The problem is solved with an arrangement according to the claims characterizing the invention.


Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device. The data storage device comprises a first actuator; a second actuator; a first set of disks, comprising one or more disks configured to correspond with the first actuator; a second set of disks, comprising one or more disks configured to correspond with the second actuator; and one or more processing devices. The one or more processing devices are configured to: write final spirals on the first set of disks; determine a time delta to implement cross-actuator alignment between the first set of disks and the second set of disks; and apply the time delta in writing final spirals for the second set of disks.

Data storage devices such as disk drives comprise a disk and a head connected to a distal end of an actuator arm which is rotated about a pivot by a voice coil motor (VCM) to position the head radially over the disk. The disk comprises a plurality of radially spaced, concentric tracks for recording user data sectors and servo wedges or servo sectors. The servo sectors comprise head positioning information (e.g., a track address) which is read by the head and processed by a servo control system to control the actuator arm as it seeks from track to track.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art disk format 2 as comprising a number of radially-spaced, concentric servo tracks 4 defined by servo wedges 60-6N recorded around the circumference of each servo track. A plurality of concentric data tracks are defined relative to the servo tracks 4, wherein the data tracks may have the same or a different radial density (e.g., tracks per inch (TPI)) than the servo tracks 6. Each servo wedge 6i comprises a preamble 8 for storing a periodic pattern, which allows proper gain adjustment and timing synchronization of the read signal, and a sync mark 10 for storing a special pattern used to symbol synchronize to a servo data field 12. The servo data field 12 stores coarse head positioning information, such as a servo track address, used to position the head over a target data track during a seek operation. Each servo wedge (e.g., servo wedge 64) further comprises groups of phase-based servo bursts 14 (e.g., N and Q servo bursts), which are recorded with a predetermined phase relative to one another and relative to the servo track centerlines. The coarse head position information is processed to position a head over a target data track during a seek operation, and the servo bursts 14 provide fine head position information used for centerline tracking while accessing a data track during write/read operations. A position error signal (PES) is generated by reading the servo bursts 14, wherein the PES represents a measured position of the head relative to a centerline of a target servo track. A servo controller processes the PES to generate a control signal applied to a head actuator (e.g., a voice coil motor) in order to actuate the head radially over the disk in a direction that reduces the PES.

Data storage device with multi-actuator drive with cross-actuator alignment


A side ingress water supply conduit arrangement for use with a height adjustable riser for a sprinkler head that reduces labor required for installation of the water supply conduit. The housing of a height adjustable riser is modified to include an integrally molded conduit, which delivers pressurized water to the bottom of an adjustable riser housing by introducing the water supply to the housing via the side of the housing. This allows the conduit to be located closer to the surface of the ground by installing conduits in a shallow burial location slightly below the top of the riser housing. Therefore, less earth removal and replacement is required, which reduces the labor necessary to install a sprinkler system. Another embodiment creates a modified conduit or tube shape, such as a “J” that works with the individual components of the adjustable riser as disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,648.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of irrigation sprinkler systems, and more particularly to a water supply line laterally coupled to an adjustable riser included in an irrigation sprinkler arrangement and which permits the water supply conduit to be located in close proximity to the surface of the ground.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In the past, conventional irrigation sprinkler systems have been employed wherein a plurality of individual irrigation sprinkler heads or units are connected with a water supply line in order to provide irrigation water to a selected terrain area. The supply line is often buried underground and is coupled by various joints and extending risers to the individual sprinkler unit or head. The length of the risers are individually chosen to achieve partial or full exposure of the individual sprinkler unit at a selected height relative to the ground level in accordance with the buried depth of the supply line, as well as the type and height of the specific surrounding vegetation. Usually the housing for the risers are elongated and are installed in the ground in a vertical orientation with the water supply line or conduit attached to the bottom of the housing. Therefore, the water supply line is buried deep enough to connect with the bottom of the riser housing which often requires that the lines or conduits be installed in a deeply dug trench. Since conventional risers are of different lengths, the digging of trenches are burying of water supply lines or conduits is a tedious and labor intensive procedure.
Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a simplified installation procedure and maintenance thereof for irrigation systems which permits the water supply lines to be installed near the surface of the ground so that deep trenches and deep burial of the water supply line is unnecessary. The installation of risers should include a portion of the water supply line or conduit which permits the line or conduit to be located closer to the surface of the ground. A typical adjustable height riser is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,648 which is suitable for practice of the present invention and the disclosure therein is incorporated into the present Application by reference.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Side ingress height adjustable riser for a sprinkler


A novel compound 4H-indeno[1,2-D]-1,3-dioxole,3a,3b,5,6,7,8a-hexahydro-2,2,3a,3b,7,7-hexamethyl 1 is dislosed as well as the use of the compound as a fragrance chemical. The fragrance compound is suitable for use in creating fragrances, and scents in items such as perfumes, colognes and personal care products.

There is an ongoing need in the fragrance industry to provide new chemicals to give perfumers and others persons ability to create new fragrances for perfumes, colognes and personal care products.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,840, hereby incorporated by reference, discusses the use of substituted tetrahydroindane derivatives as useful fragrance chemicals. U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,798 hereby incorporated by reference, discusses the use of 4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-7,7,8,9,9-pentamethyl-indano[4,5-d]-dioxin as a fragrance chemical. A commonly owned patent application Ser. No. 10/618,363, filed Jul. 10, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference, discusses a compound 4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-7,7,8,9,9-pentamethyl-indano[4,5-d]-dioxin and its use in perfumery.
Despite this disclosure and numerous other patents on fragrance materials, there is a continuing need to provide additional fragrance materials such that perfumers may create new fragrances for various applications.

Hexahydro-4H-indeno acetonide fragrance compound


A resist composition comprises (A) at least two kinds of resins each of which decomposes by the action of an acid to undergo an increase in its solubility for an alkali developer, wherein at least one kind of the resins (A) is a resin synthesized by living radical polymerization using a chain transfer agent represented by formula (I):

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resist composition which causes reaction upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation to undergo change in the properties thereof, and to a pattern-forming method using the resist composition. More particularly, it relates to a resist composition which can be used in the step of producing semiconductors such as ICs, producing circuit substrates for liquid crystal or thermal head, or in other photo fabrication steps, and to a pattern-forming method using the resist composition.
2. Description of the Related Art
A chemically amplified resist composition is a pattern-forming material which generates an acid in exposed areas upon irradiation with an actinic ray such as UV rays or radiation, causes change in solubility for a developer between irradiated areas and non-irradiated areas, and forms a pattern on a substrate.
In the case of using a KrF excimer laser as a light source for exposure, compositions mainly comprising a resin having a fundamental skeleton of poly(hydroxystyrene) which is small in absorption in wavelength region of 248 nm are used. Such system provides high sensitivity and high resolution and forms a good pattern, thus being a better system as compared with those wherein conventional naphthoquinonediazide/novolak series resins are used.
On the other hand, in the case of using light sources having further shorter wavelength, e.g., an ArF excimer laser (193 nm), there have been developed resists for the ArF excimer laser which contain a highly transparent resin having an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, because compounds having an aromatic group essentially have large absorption in wavelength region of 193 nm.
JP-A-2002-372784, JP-A-2004-12545 and JP-A-2003-5374 disclose resist compositions using a plurality of resins in order to improve such performances as sensitivity, iso/dense bias, etching resistance, and defocus latitude.
In view of total performance as a resist, it is extremely difficult, as things stand, to find out an appropriate combination of resins, photo acid generators, additives, solvents, etc. to be used. Further, upon formation of a fine pattern of 100 nm or less in line width, it has been demanded to solve the problem of pattern collapse which leads to defects upon production of devices, to improve line edge roughness of a line pattern, and to improve four performance factors of pattern collapse, line edge roughness, exposure latitude (EL) showing degree of fluctuation of a pattern dimension due to change in exposure amount and defocus latitude (DOF) with good balance.
The term "line edge roughness" as used herein means that the edge of the interface between a line pattern of a resist and a substrate has a form irregularly fluctuating in the direction vertical to the line direction. When this pattern is viewed from just above, the edge seems uneven (with an unevenness of from about ±several nm to about ±several ten nm). Since this unevenness is transferred to a substrate in the etching step, a large unevenness would cause electrical characteristics failure, which results in reduction in yield.
In the invention, particular attention is paid on living radical polymerization which can narrow or reduce a molecular weight distribution (degree of dispersion) noting uniformity of the resulting polymer. The term "molecular weight distribution" as used herein means the ratio of weight-average molecular weight to number-average molecular weight. A ratio nearer to 1 means a narrower molecular weight distribution. So far, JP-T-2000-515181 discloses a process for synthesizing a polymer by living radical polymerization. In addition, JP-A-2005-156726 discloses a resist composition using a polymer obtained by living radical polymerization which, however, cannot be said to provide sufficient resist performance.

Resist composition and pattern-forming method using same

Abstract: wherein:                A represents an organic group not containing hetero atoms; and        Y represents an organic group capable of releasing a radical.


A method for read measurement of a plurality N of resistive memory cells having a plurality M of programmable levels is suggested. The method includes a step of reading back from a number of reference cells to obtain a reading back parameter, a step of determining an actual read voltage for the N memory cells based on the obtained reading back parameter for obtaining a target read current at a following read measurement, and, a step of applying the determined actual read voltage to the N memory cells at the following read measurement.

Technical Field
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for read measurement of a plurality of resistive memory cells having a plurality of programmable levels.
Description of the Related Art
A prominent example for resistive memory cells having a plurality of programmable levels is Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM), particular Phase Change Memory (PCM). PCM is a non-volatile solid-state memory technology that exploits the reversible, thermally-assisted switching of specific chalcogenides between certain states of different electrical conductivity.
PCM is a promising and advanced emerging non-volatile memory technology mainly due to its excellent features including low latency, high endurance, long retention and high scalability. PCM may be considered a prime candidate for Flash replacement, embedded/hybrid memory and storage-class memory. Key requirements for competitiveness of PCM technology may be multi-level cell functionality, in particular for low cost per bit, and high-speed read/write operations, in particular for high bandwidth. Multilevel functionality, i.e. multiple bits per PCM cell, may be a way to increase storage capacity and thereby to reduce cost.
Multi-level PCM is based on storing multiple resistance levels between a lowest (SET) and a highest (RESET) resistance value. Multiple resistance levels or levels correspond to partial-amorphous and partial-crystalline phase distributions of the PCM cell. Phase transformation, i.e. memory programming, may be enabled by Joule heating. In this regard, Joule heating may be controlled by a programming current or voltage pulse. Storing multiple resistance levels in a PCM cell is a challenging task.
For example, one reference describes that the multiple states or levels in a PCM cell are created by varying the programming power, thus creating different crystalline and amorphous fractions within the cell. Further according to another reference, in metal-oxide resistive memory devices, multiple states may correspond to variations in the gap between conductive oxygen-vacancy filaments and the electrodes.
However, in many of such devices, temporal drift may pose a significant challenge to the realization of reliable multi-level functionality. The current-voltage characteristics associated with the various programmed levels exhibit temporal changes. This is usually attributed to the deviations in the band-gap and/or defect density of the memory materials over time. Low-field resistance that is widely used to differentiate between the various programmed states is particularly susceptible to drift.
In this regard, FIGS. 1 to 4 show an example illustrating drift in PCM cell having four levels (states). In this regard, FIG. 1 shows a read voltage 101 which is constant over time. FIG. 2 illustrates the resistance drift 201-204 of the four levels. The current drift is inverse to the resistance drift and shown by corresponding graphs 301-303 of FIG. 3. Further, FIG. 4 shows the drift coefficient for the resistance (curve 401) and for the current (curve 402). Recapitulating FIGS. 1 to 4, the low-field electrical resistance is particularly sensitive to the variation in activation energy applied by the current. When the cells are read with a constant read voltage, both the resistance R and the current I will drift with a drift coefficient having the same magnitude, but opposite polarity (see FIG. 4).
To counter drift, several techniques are known. One of the known techniques is the use of reference cells programmed to multiple resistance levels. These references may be programmed together with the programming of regular data cells or memory cells. By monitoring and characterizing the drift behaviour of each of the programmed levels, the drift in the regular memory cells may be partially accounted for, for example by altering the threshold levels for detection.
Another known technique is the use of so-called non-resistance-based cell-state-metrics as in the case of PCM cells (it is shown that the sub-threshold slope of the current-voltage curve corresponding to each programmed level is indicative of the amorphous/crystalline ratio and is not susceptible to drift. Several read-out schemes for estimating the slope are known.
In one reference, several coding strategies are proposed to address drift.
Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to improve the read measurement of a plurality of resistive memory cells.

Read measurement of a plurality of resistive memory cells for alleviating resistance and current drift

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A macro lens system includes a positive first lens group, a diaphragm, a positive second lens group, and a negative third lens group. Upon focusing from an object at an infinite distance to an object at a closer distance, the positive first lens group and the positive second lens group integrally move toward the object without changing a distance therebetween with respect to the negative third lens group which is stationary with respect to an imaging plane in a camera body. The positive first lens group includes a negative first lens sub-lens group and a positive second sub-lens group which are divided at a maximum distance between lens elements in the positive first lens group. The macro lens system satisfies specified conditions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a macro lens system for use in a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a standard lens system which is not a macro lens system, the correcting of aberrations is carried out based on an infinite distance, and in a macro lens system the correcting of aberrations is carried out based on a closer distance. On the other hand, it has been known that a macro lens system is frequently used for standard photography. It is therefore preferable to achieve a macro lens system in which the correcting of aberrations is suitably carried out from an infinite distance to a closer distance.
In order to meet such demands, there have been three types of prior-art macro lens systems:
First Type Prior Art:
a macro lens system in which the correcting of aberrations is carried out from an infinite distance to a closer distance with a floating mechanism by which focusing is performed by independently moving a plurality of lens groups.
For example, the macro lens systems categorized in the first type prior art are shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (hereinafter, JUPP) No. H08-15609, JUPP No. 2004-212692 and JUPP No. 2005-189727.
In JUPP No. H08-15609, the macro lens system is divided into four lens groups, and three lens groups thereof are independently movable to correct aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance.
In JUPP Nos. 2004-212692 and 2005-189727, the macro lens system is divided into two lens groups, and these two lens groups are independently movable in order to correct aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance.
Second Type Prior Art:
A lens system in which the most image-side lens group (final lens group) remains stationary with respect to the imaging plane, and the remaining lens groups provided in front of the final lens group integrally move in order to correct aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance (up to about −1/10 magnification).
For example, the lens systems categorized in the second type prior art are shown in JUPP Nos. S58-126512 and H02-125220
Third Type Prior-Art:
A lens system in which the first lens group or the entire lens system is formed as a retro-focus type lens system.
For example, lens systems categorized in the third type prior art are shown in JUPP Nos. H01-214812 and H10-31153.
In JUPP No. H01-214812, the first lens group is formed as a retro-focus type lens group in order to correct aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance. In this publication, the macro function is considered.
In JUPP No. H10-31153, the entire lens system is formed as a retro-focus type lens system, in which a positive lens group and a negative lens group are arranged in this order from the object, in order to correct aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance. In this publication, the macro function is not considered.
In a macro lens system with the floating mechanism (i.e., the first type prior-art), a problem, such as large variation of aberrations from an infinite distance to a closer distance, is solved; however, the floating mechanism which individually moves a plurality of lens groups is complicated, and tends to be mechanically instable.
In a macro lens system of the second type prior art, only one lens group is movable, or lens groups to be moved are integrally movable as one lens group; and therefore the macro lens system of the second type prior art is mechanically stable.
However, the correcting of aberrations can be carried out up to no more than about −1/10 magnification, and optical quality comes worse when the lens group is advanced to −1/2 magnification or to 1:1 magnification.
In a macro lens system of the third type prior-art, JUPP No. H01-214812 and JUPP No. H10-31153 are explained as follows:
In JUPP No. H01-214812, the first lens group is formed as a retro-focus type lens group, and the entire lens arrangement of the first lens group is to particularly reduce fluctuation of astigmatism from an infinite distance to a closer distance. Consequently, in the first lens group, the difference between the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the third lens element and that of the image-side surface thereof becomes smaller, so that the Z coefficient which indicates a criterion of easiness/difficulty for centering a lens element is extremely small (i.e., centering is difficult). As a result, the manufacturing costs thereof are undesirably higher.
In JUPP No. H10-31153, the entire lens system is formed as a retro-focus lens system in which the correcting of aberrations is carried out by appropriately distributing the refractive power over the front lens group and the rear lens group. However, if an attempt is made to advance the lens system up to −½ magnification or to 1:1 magnification, the front lens group and the rear lens group collide with each other, and hence it would be mechanically impossible to constitute the entire lens system as a retro-focus lens system.
On the other hand, a digital SLR camera is preferably designed to accommodate not only a photographing lens system exclusively for a digital SLR camera but also a photographing lens system for a conventional silver-halide-film SLR camera. Then, a digital SLR camera has to have a longer flange-back distance as a silver halide film SLR camera has. Accordingly, a photographing lens system exclusive for a digital SLR camera needs to secure a longer back focal distance as that of a silver-halide-film SLR camera.
However, the size of the imaging device of a digital SLR camera is smaller than the frame size of a sliver halide film, so that the focal length of a photographing lens system exclusive for a digital SLR camera has to be made shorter in order to achieve the same angle-of-view as that of photographing lens system for a conventional silver-halide-film SLR camera.


A design support system and a method of generating and using a customizable analysis report comprising functional safety data for an electronic component, such as microcontroller, are described.

Many systems are required to comply with safety standards. For example, automotive electric and electronic systems are required to comply with the ISO 26262 standard.
Usually analysis of a system is done in the context of a specific application being considered and, in the automotive sector, examples of applications include adaptive cruise control, airbag and braking.
Application analysis is conducted to understand a given application and to identify system components, how the components interact and how each component is used. Design partitioning is used to break down each hardware component into parts. If necessary, parts can be broken down further into sub-parts to aid the analysis. Fault probabilistic characterisation is carried out to identify plausible faults for each part or sub-part. Fault impact analysis is then performed to analyse the impact of each fault on the application. Safety mechanisms analysis is then conducted to determine how safety mechanism(s) cover significant faults. Finally, fault coverage analysis is carried out to determine the coverage offered by a given safety mechanism. This results in a set of parameters for each system for the application.
The steps depend on the application under consideration. Thus, if the application changes, then the design may need to be re-partitioned considering, for example, a different level of sub-parts and a new set of plausible faults are identified. The impact of each fault, analysis of safety mechanisms and the coverage of safety mechanisms may also need to be re-assessed.
Microcontroller units (MCUs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are widely used in automotive-related applications.
EP 1980964 A1 describes a method of performing failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) on integrated circuits. The method includes preparing a FMEA database which includes FMEA statistics and computing FMEA results using the FMEA database. However, the FMEA statistics are specific to a particular usage. Thus, if the usage changes, then a new set of FMEA statistics is prepared. This tends to be inefficient for MCUs.

Support system and a method of generating and using functional safety data for an electronic component


An inspection object is supported by a table. Light is emitted from a light source to illuminate the inspection object. An optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is transmitted through the inspection object. Another optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is reflected by the inspection object. Light transmitted through the inspection object is incident to a first sensor. Light reflected by the inspection object is incident to a second sensor. A defect of a pattern of the inspection object is detected using optical image data output from at least one of the sensors. A line width error is obtained by comparing line widths obtained from design data and optical image data of the pattern. A polarized beam splitter is disposed, movable between the inspection object and the first sensor, and between the inspection object and the second sensor.

In a production process of a semiconductor element, an original pattern in which a circuit pattern is formed, that is, a mask or a reticle (hereinafter collectively referred to as a mask) is exposed and transferred onto a wafer by a reduction projection exposure apparatus called a stepper or a scanner. Since production of a Large Scale Integration (LSI) requires a large manufacturing cost, it is crucial to improve the production yield. A defect of a mask pattern can be cited as a large factor of degradation in the production yield of a semiconductor element.
Further, in the inspection process, not only is the detection of a defect performed, but also, measurement of a line width (CD) of a pattern formed in a mask is performed, to generate a map of a distribution of a difference value (line width error: ΔCD) between the measured value of the line width and the design value of the pattern. The obtained ΔCD map is then fedback to the mask production process to be used for revising the condition of the process.
Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No: 2012-220388) discloses an inspection apparatus for inspecting a mask by dividing light emitted from a light source to two light paths, wherein one light path illuminates a mask to be inspected by light transmitted through the mask, and another path illuminates the mask by light reflected by the mask, thereby obtaining an optical image of the pattern of the mask by a sensor in which the light transmitted through the mask is incident, and another sensor in which the light reflected by the mask is incident. In this inspection apparatus, a polarized beam splitter is disposed along the light path from the mask to the sensor. Further, this polarized beam splitter is also disposed along the light path for illuminating the mask with the light to be reflected. That is, the light reflected by the polarized beam splitter illuminates, and is then reflected by, the mask, and is incident to the sensor after returning through the polarized beam splitter.
Generally, a mask consists of a quartz glass substrate, and a pattern consisting of a light shielding film comprising a chrome film formed on the surface of quartz glass substrate. The quartz glass substrate has birefringence, and the direction of the birefringence is different depending on the position of the inside of the substrate as a result of distortion, etc. Therefore, the polarized state of the light before transmission through the mask is then changed to a different polarized state after the light is transmitted through the mask, as a result there is a problem in that the light quantity of the light transmitted through the polarized beam splitter is decreased. Specifically, the light before transmission through the mask is circularly polarized light, whereas on the other hand, the light after transmission through the mask is elliptical-polarized light, depending on the difference of the direction of the birefringence in the mask. The light transmitted through the mask is changed by a quarter-wavelength plate from the circularly polarized light to the linearly polarized light having only a p-polarized component for the polarized beam splitter, thereby allowing transmission through the polarized beam splitter. However, because the elliptical polarized light is incident to the quarter-wavelength plate, the light to be incident to the polarized beam splitter is: non-linearly polarized light, or a linearly polarized light having the s-polarized component. As a result the light quantity of the light to be transmitted through the polarized beam splitter is decreased.
In order to resolve the above-mentioned problem, in Document 1, the quartz glass substrate in which a pattern is not formed, is illuminated before the inspection for detecting a defect, and then the transmitted light is incident to the sensor in order to generate brightness distribution data. Then, a brightness value of an actual inspection is corrected using the brightness distribution data. However, it takes a great deal of time to obtain the brightness distribution data for every before the inspection. Document 1 also does not disclose a generation of a ΔCD map.
An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus and an inspection method that can perform inspection to detect a defect easily and accurately by decreasing an effect by birefringence of a quartz glass substrate, and can obtain an accurate line width error in order to generate an accurate ΔCD map. Other advantages and challenges of the present invention are apparent from the following description.

Inspection apparatus and inspection method


A semiconductor layer contains, as a principal constituent, a Group III-V semiconductor compound, which may be represented by the general formula: AlxGayInzN, wherein x represents a number satisfying the condition 0≦x<1, y represents a number satisfying the condition 0<y<1, and z represents a number satisfying the condition 0<z<1, with the proviso that x+y+z=1. The semiconductor layer is formed with a laser assisted metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy technique. A semiconductor light emitting device comprises the semiconductor layer and may be constituted as a semiconductor laser or a light emitting diode.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor layer containing, as a principal constituent, a Groups III-V semiconductor compound, which may be represented by the general formula AlxGayInzN, wherein x represents a number satisfying the condition 0≦x<1, y represents a number satisfying the condition 0<y<1, and z represents a number satisfying the condition 0<z<1, with the proviso that x+y+z=1. This invention also relates to a process for forming the semiconductor layer. This invention further relates to a semiconductor light emitting device, which comprises the semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor light emitting apparatus, which comprises the semiconductor light emitting device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of light emitting diodes, GaN type materials have been developed, and high-efficiency blue to green light emitting diodes have been used in practice. The light emitting diodes for the three primary colors of red, green, and blue have thus become available, and application of the light emitting diodes to displaying use applications, and the like, has come into existence.
Also, recently, a white light emitting diode has been used in practice. The white light emitting diode comprises a blue light emitting diode and fluorescent substances located around the blue light emitting diode, which fluorescent substances are capable of being excited by the light having been produced by the blue light emitting diode and are thus capable of producing light having wavelengths falling within wavelength regions different from the blue wavelength region. With the white light emitting diode, the light having been produced by the blue light emitting diode and the light having been produced by the fluorescent substances are combined together, and white light is thereby obtained.
In the field of semiconductor lasers, semiconductor lasers capable of producing laser beams having wavelengths falling within the range of 375 nm (of the near ultraviolet light wavelength region) to 450 nm (of the blue light wavelength region) have been used in practice. However, under existing circumstances, there is no prospect of use of semiconductor lasers, which are capable of producing laser beams having longer wavelengths falling within the green to yellow light wavelength region, in practice.
An AlGaInN type semiconductor laser utilizing a ZnO base plate as a base plate has been proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484. One of causes for the limitation of the possible wavelengths of the laser beams, which are produced by the currently used semiconductor lasers, to the blue light wavelength region of 450 nm is the use of the GaN base plate as the base plate. It is considered that, in cases where a ZnO base plate having a lattice constant larger than the lattice constant of the GaN base plate is used, the band gap energy of the AlGaInN type material, which is lattice matched with the ZnO base plate, is capable of being set to be small, and that a semiconductor laser producing a laser beam having a longer wavelength is thus capable of being obtained.
However, with the AlGaInN type semiconductor laser utilizing the ZnO base plate as the base plate as proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484, the problems with regard to production are encountered. Specifically, in cases where the AlGaInN material is caused to grow on the ZnO base plate by use of a metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy technique (hereinbelow referred to as the MOVPE technique), which has widely been used for the production of the semiconductor lasers, the oxygen atom of ZnO of the base plate is eliminated, the base plate itself deteriorates before the crystal grows, and a crystal having good quality is not capable of being caused to grow. Also, with the semiconductor laser as proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484, the semiconductor active layer has a bulk structure. The semiconductor laser as proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484 thus has a device structure such that high efficiency characteristics are not always capable of being obtained.
As described above, the semiconductor laser as proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484 has the production problems with regard to the deterioration of the base plate and the low crystalline characteristics of the AlGaInN material and the problems with regard to the device structure in which the semiconductor active layer has the bulk structure. Therefore, with the semiconductor laser as proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484, it is not always possible to obtain a semiconductor laser having a high efficiency and good light emission characteristics. Also, in the examples described in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484, only the production of blue to violet laser beams is described. Thus in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1(1989)-017484, nothing is reported with respect to the production of a laser beam having a long wavelength falling within the green light wavelength region or a longer wavelength region.
Further, with the conventional light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes alone are not capable directly producing the white light. Specifically, heretofore, the fluorescent substances are excited by the blue light emitting diode, the light having been produced by the blue light emitting diode and the light having been produced by the fluorescent substances are combined together, and the white light is thus indirectly obtained. In cases where the light emission efficiency is taken into consideration, it is desired that a white light emitting diode capable of directly producing the white light is capable of being obtained.

Semiconductor layer, process for forming the same, and semiconductor light emitting device