A portable multi-purpose illumination device that wraps into a compact shape for storage and includes a holding and storage device; a positioning member that is extendable and that is connected to the holding and storage device and around which at least a portion of the positioning member is wrapped for storage; and a light source housed within the holding and storage device and powered by connection to a power source which is at least one of (a) a power supply electrically connected via the positioning member and (b) a detachable battery housed within the holding and storage means. The positioning member is manually deformable and may be attached to various structures. The holding and storage device additionally features a retainer for various lenses and mirrors. The illumination device may be used to view a target object obscured from direct view by an intervening object by positioning the mirror appropriately.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a portable multi-purpose illumination device, and more particularly to a light source that can be positioned for hands-free task lighting, magnified inspection, hand-held conventional flashlight use, or mirrored viewing of an otherwise obstructed object.
2. Background of the Related Art
Light sources have many applications and are in widespread use. One common example is the ordinary flashlight. The flashlight has many advantages and it is safe and easily used by almost any person including children. Common flashlights come in many sizes and some are small enough to fit into a pocket or the like. Even though flashlights are small, they produce good illumination. However, despite these advantages flashlights have certain disadvantages. One big disadvantage is that flashlights are not suited for use in many situations where the user needs to employ both hands. Two hands are frequently required in situations where additional light is necessary or desirable. For instance, changing an automobile tire usually requires the use of both hands. If this is done at night, when there is no other person to hold the flashlight, the person changing the tire must find some way to support and aim the flashlight. The same problem exists when performing work on an engine under the hood of a car.
Another disadvantage of conventional flashlights is that often light will not reach an area in a crowded location that requires illumination. For example, the engine compartment of a modern car is so filled with hoses, belts, and wires that they limit access to tools. At times, it is necessary to illuminate a work area within the engine compartment, but this may not be possible due to the limited space available, the size of the flashlight, and the hand holding it. Consequently, the flashlight must be held at a considerable distance from the work area and thus the light can be interrupted by hoses, belts, etc. so that the intended work area or space is inadequately illuminated.
There are other portable lights with specialized uses, such as book lights for reading, that do not require the use of a hand to hold it, but again these are not versatile. A book light may be excellent for its intended purpose, but it does not function well as a multi-purpose flashlight.
There are some types of specialized flashlights, such as those secured to a hat or a belt by a clip, which project and direct light in front of the user. This type of light can be worn while walking and allows the hands to be free to carry equipment. However, it is designed for a specialized use and is not versatile.
There are some limited alternatives to flashlights for specialized purposes. Such devices may include a book light that includes a base, a neck portion, and a light. These devices are typically used in situations where localized light is required for reading a book. Book lights are designed to hold the light source at a designated and generally limited distance from the book. Thus, book lights are not versatile and they produce a light that has a bright illumination at the center of an illuminated area, which fades to poor light towards a periphery of the illuminated area. Consequently, the uses for such lights are relatively limited.
There are specialized light needs that do not have satisfactory light sources. An example of this is the keyboard of a computer, particularly the keyboard of a laptop computer. Frequently, computers are used in low light situations and, while the user is able to view the screen, the user has difficulty seeing the computer keyboard and associated reading material next to the keyboard. There are portable light devices available to the computer user, but such devices are simple too bulky and are not generally used for tasks that are not associated with the computers.
All of the previously mentioned lights are practically useless in situations where an area that is to be worked on or within cannot be viewed directly by the person that is attempting to perform a task in the obscured area. An example of this situation is working on an automobile engine where the bolts or the like that are to be removed cannot be viewed by the person working on the engine. This type of situation requires more than just direct illumination that a flashlight or the like can supply. In this situation, it is necessary to provide the person with a view of the area that he or she cannot see directly. Consequently, in this situation, some type of reflecting means is necessary to reflect an image of the work area, as well as an illumination source to illuminate the area where the work is to be preformed. There is a definite need for a device that provides a user with the capability of reflecting an image as well as illuminating a work area or an obscured area that is not possible with prior art flashlights and the like.
There are lighting devices that use flexible necks. These devices have a light at the tip of a neck. On some of these devices, the neck wraps around a base power source for storage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,483 to Noel E. Zeller (1992) discloses a flashlight with a flexible extension stored in a peripheral groove of a power-housing base. Zeller's peripheral groove is not designed to store precise lengths of neck, however. In addition, a user of Zeller's light is forced to manipulate the neck and power-housing base to free the neck. The present invention overcomes this problem by allowing a user to select a precise length of neck without touching, manipulating, or even using a power-housing base. The present invention allows a user to select a short length of neck to illuminate a small area, such as a paperback novel, or a longer length of neck to illuminate a larger area, such as several pages of sheet music. By not storing the neck around the power-housing base, the present invention retains an adjustable length neck when it is attached to other devices, such as a USB port on a computer or a cigarette lighter power source in a car. In addition, Zeller's light is designed for specialized use and is not as versatile as the portable multi-purpose illumination device of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,036,000 to William H. Pease (1912) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,453 to Steven Coan and Gerald T. Mroch (2000) disclose devices designed for inspection of an obstructed field of view. However, these devices use necks that are not flexible and storable to precisely adjustable lengths. The present invention overcomes these limitations. In addition, the devices of Pease, Coan and Mroch are designed for specialized use and are not as versatile as the portable multi-purpose illumination device of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,036,000 to William H. Pease (1912) uses a mirror and lamp where the mirror can rotate in only one plane. U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,643 to Gordon W. Clemmer, Jr. (2002) makes use of a mirror with two joints, to rotate the mirror in two planes. These devices are not designed to permit the user to quickly replace the mirror with lenses, color filters, and the like, however. The portable multi-purpose illumination device of the present invention overcomes these limitations by using a single joint, i.e., a ball and socket assembly, that is less expensive to manufacture, and allows the user to quickly and easily change from a mirror to a lens or the like. The present invention is more flexible by using a rotating ring that can mount on either side of the light source and has a stronger securing means by the use of a groove and ring design. In addition, the devices of Pease and Clemmer are designed for specialized use and are not as versatile as the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable and multi-purpose illumination device that overcomes the limitations of prior art illumination devices, such as flashlights and the like. It is an additional object to provide an illumination device that allows a user to illuminate and view obstructed areas that would normally not be possible. It is a further object of the invention to provide an illumination device that is self-supporting and configured to allow a user to readily position a lens, mirror, and a source of light precisely at a location where it will be most useful without a need to find additional objects or items to support the light source. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable and multi-purpose illumination device that wraps and collapses around itself for compact storage.

Portable multi-purpose illumination device


An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion. The connector is disengaged from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector to enable withdrawal of the connector from the adapter. The pushing forces can be applied to the connector at a pushing region by using a stylus member. A zero rotation embodiment provides for linear or curvilinear, non-rotational movement of the ferrule within the connector relative to the optical axis for better alignment and tunability. A movable plug extender is provided within the ferrule holder to facilitate injection of adhesive and protect fiber from breakage during the termination process and thereafter.

In the fiber optics field, the need frequently arises to connect or disconnect connectors and adapters arise in both single channel or multiple channel connectors and adapters. The invention here disclosed applies primarily to single fiber applications. There is a continuously increasing demand for higher density interconnect systems in fiber optics applications, especially in those cases where multiple fiber connectors or multiple fiber ferrules are not conveniently reachable due to small size, routing or other considerations.
Generally, modern single fiber optical connector plugs are manufactured with ferrule diameters ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 millimeters. The introduction of sub-millimeter diameter ferrules has resulted in miniature single fiber optical connectors and adapters that allow very high density configurations. In the fiber optics field the need frequently arises to transfer light from one fiber to another either permanently or temporarily. Optical connector plugs are one of the solutions used for this purpose. Fibers terminated with optical connector plugs can be coupled together and disconnected when necessary, either to end the connection or to route the light to a different fiber. Optical connector plugs can be of the single or multiple fiber variety. Single fiber connector plugs (simplex connector plugs) provide the connection of only one fiber to another single fiber. In multiple fiber connector plugs several fibers are simultaneously coupled with another set of similar fibers. The invention here disclosed applies primarily to single fiber applications.
Traditionally, in simplex connector plugs the connection is achieved by the use of cylindrical ferrules. The ferrules, which can be manufactured from several materials, including ceramics, metal, plastic and glass, have in their center a coaxial channel of a diameter slightly larger than the optical fiber. The optical fiber is inserted in the channel and maintained fixed by the use of adhesives, such as epoxy, or mechanical clamping. One end of the fiber is made to be flat or protrude slightly from the end surface of the ferrule and is then terminated, generally by a polishing procedure or other means that provide a very smooth surface.
Two connectors (otherwise referred to as "connector plugs") are mated with the help of an adapter. The connector plugs comprise the ferrule and the ferrule holder. The adapter has in most cases an internal cylindrical sleeve that aligns the ferrules of both connector plugs. Modern fiber optic connectors usually have a spring mechanism that pushes the ferrules towards one another with a controlled force, in order to achieve physical contact of both fiber ends, thereby improving the optical performance of the connection.
The termination or polishing of the fiber ends is a very involved and delicate procedure which results in the fiber position being either slightly below or above the ferrule end-face surface. The protrusion of the fiber from the ferrule end has to be controlled to very tight tolerances in order to avoid damage of the fiber ends when in physical contact. The pressure between fibers has to be kept in a narrow range in order to keep the glass in its elastic region and thereby prevent fiber rupture as well as preventing the movement of the fibers inside the ferrule channels (pistoning) when the two connector plugs are mated. It is also very important to obtain a very smooth surface free of scratches and other defects, especially in the central core section of the fiber where the light travels. In particular, since ferrule ends and fibers are generally polished together, it is necessary to prevent released ferrule material from damaging the fiber ends during this procedure. The introduction of very small ferrule diameters makes it easier and faster to polish the fiber during the polishing procedure.
Keeping fiber optic connector plugs free from contaminants such as dirt or dust is also very important. Dirt or dust on fiber ends can scatter or absorb light, causing excessive loss of signal and corresponding poor system performance. Presence of contaminants inside the connector plug could cause misalignment with similar consequences. Likewise, because of the intensity of the light being transferred, it is important to shelter users from unintended viewing so as to prevent eye injury.
There is also a continuously increasing demand for higher density interconnect systems in fiber optics applications, especially in those cases where multiple fiber connector plugs or multiple fiber ferrules are not convenient due to routing or other considerations. Generally, modern single fiber optical connector plugs are manufactured with ferrule diameters ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 millimeters. The introduction by the present invention of sub-millimeter diameter ferrules has resulted in a very small single fiber optical connector plug that allows very high density configurations.

Ultra-small, form factor single fiber optical interconnect system, with push-push type insertion/withdrawal mechanism and shuttered modular connector and shuttered adapter and method for using same


A coloring layer composition for a chromatic device of the present invention contains an oxide such as tungsten oxide or niobium oxide and so on as a solute, water and an organic solvent such as propanol. In the step of forming a reduction coloring layer, a film is formed by using a peroxotungstic acid solution containing 100 parts by weight of WO.sub.3.aNb.sub.2 O.sub.5.bH.sub.2 O.sub.2.cH.sub.2 O (wherein a, b and c are each a positive number) as a solute, 20 to 120 parts by weight of water and 80 to 800 parts by weight of n-propanol as an organic solvent. At this time, a dip coating method is used, and the vertical pulling-up speed is less than 15 cm/min. The present invention can effectively prevent unevenness and separation of the reduction coloring layer.

The present invention relates to a coloring layer composition for a chromatic device, and a method of producing a chromatic device by using the composition. The composition can be used in, for example, a coloring layer formation process for forming a reduction coloring layer of an electrochromatic (EC) device.
A known chromatic device, e.g., EC device, comprises a first transparent substrate 1, a first electrode layer 2, a reduction coloring layer 3, an electrolyte layer 4, an oxidation coloring layer 5, a second transparent electrode layer 6 and a second transparent substrate 7, which are successively laminated as shown in FIG. 1. In this EC device, when a current higher than the determined threshold value is applied between the first electrode layer 2 and the second electrode layer 6, oxidation and reduction reactions take place in the vicinities of the interfaces between the first electrode layer 2 and the reduction coloring layer 3 and between the second electrode layer 6 and the oxidation coloring layer 5 to obtain a reversible coloration-bleaching change.
In the EC device, tungsten oxide (WO.sub.3) can be used for the reduction coloring layer 3. Known methods of forming the reduction coloring layer 3 comprising WO.sub.3 include general dry methods such as a sputtering method and an evaporation method, a spin coating method for forming a film by using a peroxotungstic acid solution as disclosed in "Applied Physics" No. 61, Vol. 3 (1992) (pp. 226-269), and a dip coating method for forming a film by using the some peroxotungstic acid solution. Other known methods of forming the reduction coloring layer in the EC device include methods using a solution containing an organic compound of W, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 56-38379, 61-36292, 61-123691 and 62-112132.
However, if a dry method such as a sputtering or evaporation method is performed, a large vacuum apparatus is required for obtaining a large-area EC device, thereby increasing the production cost. Particularly, if the sputtering method is executed, since the temperature of the substrate used is increased, a glass substrate can be used, but a resin substrate cannot, thereby hindering the light weight properties of the EC device.
Even if the spin coating method is performed, the coloring layer can be obtained without an increase in the production costs only when a substrate of about 30 cm square is rotated, and thus larger EC device cannot be produced at low cost.
It thus seems practically effective when producing a large EC device at low cost to perform the dip coating method. Wet methods such as printing methods, spray methods, spin coating methods and so on other than the dip coating method also seem to be practically effective.
However, the results of the tests performed by the inventors showed that the wet dip coating method causes wave-like flows in the film after pulling up the substrate, and thus causes unevenness in the reduction coloring layer formed by drying the film as is. Particularly, if the peroxotungstic acid solution is used in the dip coating method, bubbles occur in the film due to the generation of oxygen caused by the decomposition reaction of the hydrogen peroxide contained in the solution, and the release of the oxygen dissolved therein during the dipping and pulling-up of the substrate. If the film is dried as is, unevenness occurs in the reduction coloring layer formed. Since the unevenness in the reduction coloring layer can be visually confirmed, and as it causes unevennes in the transmittance of the EC device during coloring, quality problems arise.
In addition, although a uniform film can be formed immediately after pulling up the substrate, heat treatment of the film in post-processing causes cracks in the reduction coloring layer and in turn separation of the layer. The cracks and separation bring about contact between the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer of the EC device, thereby causing quality problems due to deterioration or dissolution of the first electrode layer. If a large EC device is produced, unevenness in or separation of the reduction coloring layer is particularly conspicuous, and utility thus significantly deteriorates. A wet method using a solution containing an organic compound of tungsten has the drawback that preparation of the organic compound is troublesome.
The above drawbacks apply to not only the EC device but also other chromatic devices such as thermochromatic devices, photochromatic devices and so on which have a coloring layer comprising an oxide of at least one of W, Nb, Mo and V.
The present invention has been achieved in consideration of the above actual conditions, and an object of the present invention is to permit reliable production of a large chromatic device at low cost.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel coloring layer composition used for forming a reduction coloring layer of a chromatic device.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a high-quality chromatic device on which a coloring layer is formed by using the above composition under specified conditions so as to prevent unevennes in and separation of the coloring layer.
As a result of intensive studies performed by the inventors for solving the above problems, it was found that the mixing of an organic solvent with a coloring layer forming composition is effective for decreasing the surface energy of the film formed and effective in preventing unevenness in and separation of the film. It was also found that the organic solvent can prevent oxygen from generating due to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and in prevent the dissolved oxygen from being released. The organic solvent is required to have compatibility with water because a solute comprising an oxide of at least one of W, Nb, Mo and V is dissolved in water, and to be evaporated by heat treatment of the film. This resulted in the achievement of the present invention. It was further found that a film of a coloring layer without unevenness or separation can be formed by employing a dip coating method and vertically pulling up the treated substance at a low speed.

Color layer composition for chromatic device and method of producing chromatic device by using same

Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidishokki Seisakusho


The present disclosure is related to an aluminum-containing precursor composition, especially a precursor composition which is vaporized to be used for vapor phase deposition processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Alane-amine adducts were used to deposit aluminum-containing films by vapor phase deposition process [S. M. Olsthoorn, F. A. J. M. Driessen, L. J. Giling, D. M. Frigo, and C. J. Smit, "Photoluminescence on high-quality AlxGa1-xAs grown by metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy using alane bis(dimethylethylamine)" Applied Physics Letters, Volume 60, p 82 (1992)]. Among alane-amine adducts, dimethylethylamine-alane (DMEAA) and N-methylpyrroridine-alane (MPA) are frequently used because both are in a liquid state at ambient temperature. Especially, N-methylpyrroridine-alane, an alane adduct with a cyclic amine, N-methylpyrrolidine (MP), represented by AlH3.MP (MPA), is more stable than DMEAA and thus is more suitable as a chemical vapor deposition precursor. However, N-methylpyrroridine-alane is still not thermally stable. At 60° C., N-methylpyrroridine-alane is decomposed to generate N-methylpyrrolidine (MP), which could be observed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy [J. M. Lee et al., "A noble metallization process using Preferential Metal Deposition (PMD)-aluminum with methylpyrroridine alane (MPA)" International Interconnect Technology Conference, San Francisco, Jun. 4-6, 2001, Proceedings of the IEEE 2001 International Interconnect Technology Conference, 2001, p 72. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?tp=&arnumb er=930021].


An apparatus for deterring instability of a motorcycle comprising: a support member; a stabilizer link communicating with the support member, and a frame bracket communicating with the stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer link maintains a substantially constant positional relationship between the support member and the frame bracket.

Motorcycles that have an engine, a transmission mounted rigidly to a single frame as a rigid member produce extreme vibration resulting in both frame and rider fatigue. In order to eliminate fatigue; manufactures like Harley-Davidson and others produce motorcycles that mount a rear suspension arm pivotally connected to a pivot member on a transmission assembly; the transmission assembly is connected to a engine to form a separate rigid power train unit; which is attached to a main frame through soft elastomeric mounts; the power train unit is interconnected by one or two stabilizer links to portions of the motorcycle; permitting movement in a vertical plane. These arrangements have reduced vibration input to the main frame and the rider; while maintaining integrity of the power train unit during transmission of driving forces between the engine and a rear wheel.
However, these designs have affected handling characteristics of the motorcycle due to the elastic connections between the power train unit and the main frame. Both the handling characteristic and the operating stability of the motorcycle are compromised, relative to a motorcycle configured with a single rigid frame. Because the soft elastomeric mounts: facilitate vertical movement of the power train unit relative to the main frame; and accommodate lateral deflection of the rear suspension arm in the horizontal plane; this results in weaving and wobbling; especially on long sweeping turns; which can be life threatening. This condition exists because the power train unit is interconnected with a portion of the motorcycle with less than three stabilizer links; less than three tie rods; less than three tie links; and therefore not anchored in the horizontal plane.
Motorcycle manufacturers do produce motorcycles with vibration isolation that interconnect the engine power train unit in respect to the main frame exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,423 issued to Buell et al, (Buell '423). Buell '423 teaches a plurality of at least three tie rods interconnecting the engine and the power train unit with the main frame to mitigate lateral motion of the rear suspension arm in the horizontal plane. However, Buell '423 does not teach or suggest a solution to retrofit those motorcycles manufactured that have a power train unit interconnecting to the main frame with less than three tie rods.
A second exemplification in U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,240 issued to Buell et al (Buell '240). Buell '240 teaches at least three tie links interconnecting the engine and transmission assembly with the main frame to mitigate lateral motion of the rear suspension arm in the horizontal plane. However, Buell '240 does not teach a solution to retrofit those motorcycles manufactured that have less than three tie links interconnecting, the power train unit to the main frame.
Thus, challenges remain and needs persist to provide an apparatus for deterring the dangerous and life threatening instability of the motorcycles, manufactured with vibration isolation that have less than three stabilizer links interconnecting the power train unit (first portion of the motorcycle); to the main frame (second portion of the motorcycle) to prevent lateral movement.

Apparatus for detering instability of a motorcycle


A plurality of heat sinks assembled to form a rack in a lightweight box accommodate printed circuit cards between the heat sinks and circulate cooling oil through the heat sinks to drain the test heat from the boards quickly. Each heat sink includes a porous metal foam core configured in zigzag shape to provide a tortuous path for the fluid flow which extends into lateral fins comprising the side plates of the metal foam for receiving the cards or ground plates therefore. These plates are clamped against the fins for close contact to the cooling fluid thereby shortening the heat flow path. Brazed on aluminum top and bottom cover plates make a fluid tight connection with the porous metal. The brazed on top and bottom plates are also configured in the zigzag pattern of the foam. Lightweight thin aluminum feelers or plates conform to the zigzag sides of the foam and are clamped there against by side covers so that the feelers melt in a brazing process for sealing the side covers in fluid tight core conforming relationship with the foam metal core. After brazing the side covers have milled uniform slots formed along their exteriors for receiving the boards which are clamped against one side of the so-formed fins by wedge locking devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is a new lightweight card rack for printed wiring boards and method of more efficiently extracting the heat from the boards immediately upon testing completion.
2. Prior Art
Prior art heat extractors suffer from three large disadvantages:
1. They are inefficient in removing heat,
2. They do not minimize the length of the heat removal path, and,
3. They are bulky and heavy.


Bottom electrode contact structures for a semiconductor assembly and a method for forming same are described. An exemplary semiconductor device comprises electrode contact structures in a phase change memory device. The phase change memory device comprising a phase change cell is made up of a bottom electrode contact structure comprising a phase change material liner connecting between a conductive top electrode and a conductive bottom electrode where the resulting ultra-small contacts are determined by the intersection of the sidewall bottom electrode and the phase change liner.

There are many different memory devices available for use in electronic systems. The type of memory device chosen for a specific application depends largely upon what features of the memory are best suited to perform the particular function. For instance, dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and static random access memories (SRAMs) are used to temporarily store program information and data "actively" being used by a microprocessor or other control device. To date, dynamic random access memories have been the most commonly used RAM for electronic applications. Random access memories tend to provide greater storage capability and programming options and cycles than read only memories, but they must be continually powered in order to retain their content. Most dynamic random access memories store data in the form of charged and discharged capacitors contained in an array of memory cells. Such memory cells, however, are volatile in that the stored charges will dissipate after a relatively short period of time because of the natural tendency of an electrical charge to distribute itself into a lower energy state. For this reason, most dynamic random access memories must be periodically refreshed, that is, the stored value must be rewritten to the cells, for example, every 100 milliseconds in order to retain the stored data in the memory cells. Even SRAMs, which do not require refreshing, will retain stored data only as long as power is supplied to the memory device. When the power supply to the memory device is turned off, the data is lost.
Efforts have been underway to create a commercially viable memory device that is programmable, randomly accessed, and nonvolatile. To this end, various implementations of such nonvolatile random access memory devices are presently being developed which store data in a plurality of memory cells by structurally, chemically, or magnetically changing the resistance across the memory cells in response to predetermined voltages respectively applied to the memory cells. Examples of such variable resistance memory devices include those based on polymers, perovskites, doped amorphous silicon, magnetic devices, and chalcogenide glass.
Resistance variable memory is a RAM that has electrical resistance characteristics that can be changed by external influences. The basic component of a resistance variable memory cell is a variable resistor. The variable resistor can be programmed to have high resistance or low resistance (in two-state memory circuits), or any intermediate resistance value (in multi-state memory circuits). The different resistance values of the resistance variable memory cell represent the information stored in the resistance variable memory circuit. The advantages of resistance variable memory are the simplicity of the circuit, leading to smaller devices, the non-volatile characteristic of the memory cell, and the stability of the memory states. The resistance variable memories that are being researched and developed include but not limited to Magnetic RAM (MRAM), Oxide RAM and Phase Change RAM (PCRAM). Among these different resistance variable memory technologies, PCRAM is one of the most promising candidates for next generation memory technology due to its various advantages such as high density, high speed, better scalability, low cost and low power.
Phase change memory technology utilizes a thermally induced reversible structural phase change between amorphous and polycrystalline states of the cell material. The rapid and reversible phase change gives rise to a change of cell material resistance, which can be measured electrically by the read operation. The amorphous state has a higher resistivity, while the polycrystalline state has a lower resistivity. Both phase states are nonvolatile and can retain their states at room temperature or elevated temperatures (up to 85 C) up to 10 years. The phase change is accomplished by Joule heating the cell material with a set or rest programming current pulse. To switch the cell material or a portion of cell material from low-resistivity polycrystalline state to high-resistivity amorphous state, a short but large RESET pulse is applied to heat up the cell above the material meting point. Subsequently the molten cell material is rapidly cooled down by thermal conduction through surrounding material and is quenched into a solid state that retains the disorder inherent in the molten state, which is termed amorphous state without long range order. The cooling rate has to be larger than 1011 K/s for the quenching to be effective. To switch the cell from amorphous state back to the low-resistivity stable polycrystalline state, a longer but lower SET pulse is applied to raise the cell material temperature to above its crystallization temperature but below its melting temperature. The SET pulse has to be sufficiently longer than the material crystallization time to ensure the crystallization process is complete.
Since the cell needs to be heated up above the melting temperature within a very short time to reset the memory, it is necessary to supply a sufficiently large RESET current to the memory cell. The requirement of large RESET current is one of the biggest issues with phase change memory, which can be of the order of 1 mA for the state-of-the-art phase change memory technology. Because of the large RESET current requirement, large access transistors and large cell size are implemented in the current phase change memory design. The cell size is larger than 16 f2 if a CMOS MOSFET is used as the access transistor, while it is slightly smaller at 10 f2 if a bipolar transistor is used as the access transistor, where f is the minimum line width of the process node, even though the cell size can be smaller if a cross point diode-accessed configuration is utilized for the cell circuit design. The large cell size impedes low cost large scale phase change memory integration to compete with other existing non-volatile memory such as NOR or NAND flash. On the other hand, phase change memory can be easily scaled down to smaller feature size, with functionality demonstrated even down to 5 nm. The operational mechanism and underlying physical principles dictates the scaling rule of phase change memory, in which the RESET current can scale inversely to the bottom electrode contact area. In order to reduce the transistor and cell size and increase the memory data density, the development of the phase change memory technology in the past has mostly focused on the reduction of the programming current requirement by reducing the contact area between the bottom electrode and the phase change cell. The present invention addresses the desire to reduce the programming current requirement for a phase change cell by restructuring the contact area between the cell and bottom electrode by means of a novel process technique to achieve an effective ultra-small contact area that is inaccessible with the current photolithography or spacer technologies.
The present invention describes various bottom electrode contact structures for a semiconductor device and in particular a phase change memory semiconductor device and methods to form same, that reduces set and reset current requirements by reducing the effective contact area between the cell and bottom electrodes of the phase change cell.

Bottom electrode contacts for semiconductor devices and methods of forming same


A method of regulating a target system generates a plurality of digital signals which define a reference pulse train with a frequency dependent upon a reference signal. A target system to be regulated (such as a transport speed of a paper transport assembly in a printer) has an output in the form of a plurality of digital signals defining a feedback pulse train having a frequency. The frequency of the reference pulse train is compared with the frequency of the feedback pulse train. A control signal is generated dependent upon the frequency comparison, and is provided as an input to the target system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to automatic control systems with feedback, and, more particularly, to proportional/integral/derivative automatic control systems using a feedback pulse train from a target system to be regulated.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automatic control systems with feedback are used to regulate the operation of a target system, such as a paper transport assembly in a printer with a regulated rotational speed of a roll. One such control system is known as a proportional/integral/derivative (PID) control system which provides a control signal to the target system which depends upon an error signal (proportional, KP) the integral of the error signal over time (integral, KI), and the change in the error signal over time (derivative, KD). A weighting or gain constant is associated with each of three error terms KP, KI and KD. A transfer function utilizes these three error terms to generate a control signal used to control the target system. Examples of such transfer functions include:
Continuous Transfer Function:GPID(S)=KP+KI/S+KdS
Discrete Transfer Function:GPID(Z)=KP+KI[Tz/(z−1)]+KD[(z−1)/Tz]where:
T—sampling period
KP—proportional gain
KI—integral gain
A conventional PID control system as described above may be carried out using a computer, such as a personal computer (PC). A problem with such a conventional PID control system is that the target system typically provides digital feedback output signals in a form which cannot be directly utilized by the PC. For example, if the target to be controlled is the rotational speed of a rotating body, such as a roll in a printer, the digital feedback output signals are typically provided in the form of digital pulses which are outputted from an optical encoder. The digital pulses cannot directly be used by the PC, but rather must be converted to some form of other digital signal which can be readily interpreted and utilized by the PC. The process of converting the digital feedback pulse train to some other form of digital signal induces errors and noise into the signal which is used as feedback to the control system. Such errors and noise are not desirable.
What is needed in the art is a PID control system which allows the feedback signals from a target system to be more quickly and accurately used by the PIED control system without inducing noise into the system.

Method of regulating a target system using a frequency comparison of feedback and reference pulse trains


A bias voltage generator for providing a control voltage and a source line voltage to a memory array includes a reference voltage generating circuit and a voltage converting circuit. The reference voltage generating circuit receives a program signal or an erase signal, and generates a reference voltage. If the program signal is received by the reference voltage generating circuit, the reference voltage has a positive temperature coefficient. If the erase signal is received by the reference voltage generating circuit, the reference voltage has a negative temperature coefficient. The voltage converting circuit converts the reference voltage into the control voltage and the source line voltage. The voltage converting circuit enlarges the reference voltage by a first magnification so as to produce the source line voltage, and enlarges the reference voltage by a second magnification so as to produce the control voltage.

As is well known, a flash memory is a non-volatile memory. After the flash memory is powered off, the stored data are still retained in the flash memory. Consequently, the flash memory is widely used in a variety of electronic products.
Generally, the memory array of the flash memory comprises plural memory cells. In addition, each memory cell has a floating gate transistor.
During a program cycle, hot carriers are selectively injected into a floating gate of the floating gate transistor. For example, if no hot carriers are injected into the floating gate, the memory cell has a first storing state (e.g. the state "1"). Whereas, if the hot carriers are injected into the floating gate, the memory cell has a second storing state (e.g. the state "0").
Moreover, after the hot carriers are injected into the floating gate, a threshold voltage of the floating gate transistor is subject to a change. Consequently, during a read cycle, the storing state of the memory cell may be realized according to the threshold voltage of the floating gate transistor.
Moreover, during an erase cycle, the hot carriers are rejected from the floating gate.
FIG. 1A is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a memory cell of a flash memory. As shown in FIG. 1A, the memory cell 11 comprises a select transistor Pa and a floating gate transistor Ma. These two transistors are both p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. In addition, the body terminals of these two transistors are connected to a body voltage VBB (e.g. 6V).
The source terminal of the select transistor Pa is connected to a source line to receive a source line voltage VSL. The gate terminal of the select transistor Pa receives a select voltage Vzwl. The source terminal of the floating gate transistor Ma is connected to the drain terminal of the select transistor Pa. The gate terminal of the floating gate transistor Ma receives a control voltage Vzcl. The drain terminal of the floating gate transistor Ma is connected to a bit line BL.
FIG. 1B is a table illustrating associated voltages of the flash memory during a program cycle (PGM) and during an erase cycle (ERS).
During the program cycle, the select voltage Vzwl is 0V. Since the select voltage Vzwl is 0V, it means that the select transistor Pa is selected and turned on. In addition, the source line voltage VSL is 5V, the control voltage Vzcl is 6V, the bit line BL receives 0V, and the body voltage VBB is 6V. Consequently, a program current flows toward the bit line BL. When the program current flows through a channel of the floating gate transistor Ma, the hot carriers are injected into the floating gate. Meanwhile, the program action is completed.
During the erase cycle, the select voltage Vzwl is 0V. Since the select voltage Vzwl is 0V, it means that the select transistor Pa is selected and turned on. In addition, the source line voltage VSL is 6.5V, the control voltage Vzcl is −6.5V, the bit line BL is in a floating state, and the body voltage VBB is 6V. Under this circumstance, since the voltage difference between the gate terminal and the body terminal of the floating gate transistor Ma is 12.5V, the hot carriers are rejected from the floating gate to the body terminal. Meanwhile, the erase action is completed.
From the above discussions, it is necessary to provide higher positive voltages (or lower negative voltages) during the program cycle or the erase cycle of the flash memory. Generally, these voltages are generated by a bias voltage generator.
FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating a conventional bias voltage generator. As shown in FIG. 2, the conventional bias voltage generator 200 comprises a bandgap reference circuit 210 and a voltage converting circuit 220.
The bandgap reference circuit 210 generates a reference voltage Vref to the voltage converting circuit 220. By the voltage converting circuit 220, the reference voltage Vref is converted into plural output voltages. The output voltages are transmitted to a memory array 230. For example, these output voltages contain the source line voltage VSL, the select voltage Vzwl, the control voltage Vzcl and the body voltage VBB.
Generally, the reference voltage Vref provided by the bandgap reference circuit 210 is stable. In other words, the reference voltage Vref does not vary with the fabricating process, the temperature and the power supply voltage. That is, even if the ambient temperature changes, the reference voltage Vref provided by the bandgap reference circuit 210 is maintained at a fixed voltage value (e.g. 1.163V).
In addition, the voltage converting circuit 220 is a charge pump for enlarging the reference voltage Vref by a specified magnification in order to produce various output voltages. For example, the voltage converting circuit 220 may enlarge the reference voltage Vref by a first magnification in order to produce the source line voltage VSL; and the voltage converting circuit 220 may enlarge the reference voltage Vref by a second magnification in order to produce the control voltage Vzcl. In this way, the bias voltage generator 200 can produce accurate output voltages.

Bias generator for flash memory and control method thereof


A DC motor controller for use with a battery powered DC motor operatively positioned in a vehicle is disclosed. A power source-watch dog circuit 2 monitors a micro computer 8 and decreases the battery supplied voltage to below a predetermined voltage. A key switch input circuit 3 receives a switch-on signal generated by a key switch and outputs a signal to the power source-watch dog circuit 2 to initiate electrical power output from the battery 1 to the micro computer 8. A pedal input circuit 4, which includes a pedal for varying electrical resistance, converts the varied resistance into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the micro computer 8. The micro computer converts the analog signal to a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. A D/A converter converts the digital signal outputted by the micro computer into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal. A pulsewidth modulator 10 modulates the analog signal and outputs the modulated signal. A gate output circuit 11 generates a logic signal having a "high" or a " low" level according to the modulated signal outputted by the pulsewidth modulator 10 and outputs the logic signal to a motor driver 16 which operates the DC motor. A battery voltage sensor 7 senses the voltage of the battery 1 and outputs a battery voltage sensor signal to the micro computer 8. A temperature sensor 13 senses the temperature of the motor driver and outputs a temperature sensor signal to the micro computer 8. An output current sensor circuit 12 senses current flowing through the motor driver 16 and outputs a current sensor signal to the micro computer 8. A vehicle direction changing sensor 6 prevents an overload of the DC motor 17 by sensing an abrupt change in the direction the vehicle is being driven and outputs a vehicle direction changing sensor signal to the micro computer 8.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a DC motor controller, and more particularly, to a DC motor controller useful for controlling a DC traction motor of a vehicle where the motor is operated with a DC power source such as a battery or the like.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
Generally, various technological paths relating to the DC motor controller have been suggested and used in industry. The DC motor controller is widely used for controlling a traction motor of a vehicle.
A conventional DC motor controller comprises an electrical control system for reversing the rotational direction of the motor and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,545 issued to Sheheen in June 1965. A control system for a battery driven motor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,309 issued to Danne Hell on October 1967. A controller which enables the reversal of the rotational direction of a DC motor and which comprises a rectifier, a permanent magnet and a rotor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,573 issued to Ebert, et al., on September 1981, and which is related with U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,545.
A pulsewidth modulation control system for supplying a voltage pulse of various pulsewidths from the battery to the motor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,520. A control circuit for controlling the amount of current for an electric motor by utilizing a chopper circuit connected in series with a battery is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,961 which issued to Marumoto in July 1980.
However, because the operation of the motor by the above prior art DC motor controllers is controlled with an analog signal by utilizing an operational amplifier, the control speed and reliability of the motor are significantly reduced.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a DC driven motor controller which can solve the above described disadvantages by increasing the control speed of the motor with digital signal processing utilizing a micro computer, and by simplifying the complicated circuit of the prior art controllers.
The preceding object should be construed as merely presenting a few of the more pertinent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to both the summary of the invention and the detailed description, below, which describe the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.


A method for displaying a multiple level visual index representing data records, comprises storing a plurality of data records and receiving a request to access the stored data records. The method continues by using index parameters to generate a multiple level visual index for the stored data records to be accessed. The method concludes by transmitting a graphical representation of the generated multiple level visual index.

Conventional database management systems use indexing to facilitate user access to keyed data. Keys may be unique to particular files or records (social security number, vehicle identification number ("VIN"), etc.) or non unique (dates, student grades, etc.), and may have significance solely to the intended user of the application (e.g., a VIN to a car salesman using a dealership inventory application).
In large databases, a user query may cause thousands of keyed data records to be returned, slowing access to the desired data while the user filters and scrolls through the list of returned data. Furthermore, in network-based applications, rendering large amounts of data on the client computer is impractical and the increased network traffic and server usage greatly reduces system efficiency. Applying the search/filter/results methods used in Internet search engines, in which the user executes filter queries and accesses a virtual number of results pages one page at a time, requires, for a large result set, the examination of hundreds of pages before the desired record or file is located. Existing single level indexes are of extremely limited use for subdividing large amounts of data to allow for efficient location of desired data. For example, Sun's single-level Java Help Facility, which has separate indexes for the letters "A" thru "Z", generates 3100 entries when the letter "A" is clicked.

System and method for automated construction, retrieval and display of multiple level visual indexes


A planetary gear arrangement has two simple planetary gearsets and six selectively engageable friction torque transmitting mechanisms which are controlled to establish five forward transmission ratios and one reverse transmission ratio. One of the planetary gearsets establishes one forward ratio and the reverse ratio. The two planetary gearsets are compounded through both a continuous torque transmitting connection and a selectively engageable drive connection comprised of one of the torque transmitting mechanism during the two lowest forward transmission ratios and through the continuous torque transmitting connection during the highest of the forward transmission ratios. Both planetary gearsets are maintained in a direct drive ratio during the numerically central (third) forward ratio.

Current passenger vehicles have an internal combustion engine which provides output speed and torque over a range of speeds. However, this speed range is not sufficient, nor is the torque range sufficient, to provide good operating characteristics for a vehicle.
To assist the engine in providing adequate operating ranges for the vehicles, a multi-speed power transmission is combined with the engine to form a powertrain for the vehicle. The transmission generally consists of a plurality of gear ratios which may either be manually or hydraulically selected. A vast majority of the current vehicles utilize automatic shifting power transmissions in which an electro-hydraulic control system is utilized to effect the establishment of each individual ratio and to control the interchange between ratios.
The automatic shifting power transmissions generally include two or more planetary gear arrangements which may be coupled in a variety of manner. Generally, with two planetary gearsets being utilized, a four-speed forward planetary gear arrangement or powertrain is provided. Thus, it is obvious that the engine operating range is utilized in each of the four transmission ranges to provide a wide vehicle operating range. The transmission also includes a reverse drive ratio.
Many current vehicles also utilize a five-speed power transmission, however, the current vehicles utilizing five-speed transmissions incorporate interconnected planetary transmissions to provide the five forward speeds and one reverse speed.

Power transmission with two simple planetary gearsets


A cable assembly is provided including an encapsulated cable having one or more elements and an intermediary section. The encapsulated cable extends along a length direction. The intermediary section extends along the length direction and is attached along a length of the encapsulated cable and extends outwardly therefrom. The intermediary section is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing the cable assembly to an external surface without the one or more fasteners contacting the one or more elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cable assemblies, and more particularly, to flat, flexible, encapsulated cables used to make electrical and/or other connections in industrial equipment, process automation, robotics, medical, aerospace, weapons, and satellite applications.
2. Description of Related Art
A flat cable assembly, also referred to as a ribbon cable, includes encapsulated elements such as conducting wires extending roughly parallel to each other. When the cable assembly is laid flat, the conducting wires extend roughly parallel to each other on roughly a single plane. The conducting wires, which may themselves be insulated, are encapsulated by molding, extrusion or some other process in a plastic sheath. The plastic is typically a silicone, but it can also be a urethane, a polytetrafluoroethylene (sold by Dupont under the trademark Teflon), or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) depending upon the application. Because the cable assembly is normally made of a flexible material, it can be bent or twisted at any of various points along the length of the cable assembly.
The cable assembly provides for termination of the conducting wires. The terminations may be at a crimp, a solder bucket connection, or to insulation displacement connectors (or IDC connectors) at which the cable assembly is forced onto a row of forked contacts. The conducting wires are usually terminated at both ends of the cable assembly using HDC connectors. However, only one end of the cable assembly may be IDC terminated, with the other end being terminated, for example, at a regular crimp or solder bucket connection.
To conserve space and encapsulation material, the conducting wires in a cable are positioned side-by-side in close proximity to one another. Thus, a fastener cannot be placed through the cable without risking damage to one or more of the conducting wires. Securing the cable assembly to an external object or surface can be achieved using a separate cable clamp or tie that contacts or wraps around the cable assembly at top and bottom edge portions of the cable assembly. Such securing of the cable assembly can also be achieved using one or more separate cable clips, each of which is configured to secure a top or bottom edge portion of the cable assembly to the object or surface.
Cable having a round cross section may also have clamping down issues when it is being used to make connections in various applications. Separate clips or other fastener elements need to be used to permit the use of fasteners for cable management.
Alternatively, separate channels or conduits are provided to support the cables being used and provide for cable management. Such channels or conduits add to the cost of equipment however and can add to the difficulty and complexity of assembly due to the need to run the cables through the channels or conduits.
Another example of a securing mechanism is disclosed in Gallant et al., "Securing Electrical Conductors," U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,055, Dec. 20, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference. Gallant et al. discloses fastener elements that are arranged and constructed to engage a further set of mating fastener elements provided on a supporting surface. The fastener elements are used to secure a cable or flexible circuit board to the supporting surface. As disclosed in Gallant et al., the fastener elements can be loop-engageable fasteners and/or loops.
As such, there is a need for a cable assembly which can be secured to an object or surface without using separate clips or clamps that wrap around or contact top and/or bottom edge portions of the cable assembly and in most cases without requiring mating fastener elements to be provided on the object or surface. There is also a need for a cable assembly which may allow for the elimination of separate channels or conduits used for cable management.


When a camera is set in a portable state responsive to a photographing state detection device and a portable state detection device, film is rewound from a take-up spool chamber into a film cartridge and the take-up spool chamber is compressed in the direction of film feed to reduce the size of the camera body in the film feed direction. When the camera is set in a photographing state, the camera body is extended and the film is taken up from the film cartridge into the take-up spool chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera and, more particularly, to a camera having at least two modes, i.e., a portable mode and a photographing mode.
2. Related Art Statement
Conventionally, a camera is desirably reduced in size to improve the portability of the camera, and various compact cameras are developed and practically used. On the other hand, a recent compact camera has an auto-focus function, an electric flash unit, and the like to obtain a simple photographing method and high performance. In addition, in such a camera, a film winding operation and a film rewinding operation are made automatic, an extending operation of a lens barrel or the like is performed by a motor or the like, a battery cell serving as a driving power supply for these operations are built in the camera, so that the camera body is made as small as possible. A large number of cameras similar to the above camera are disclosed.
Furthermore, in recent years, a large number of cameras using the following film are disclosed. That is, assume that a film as a whole is accommodated in a cartridge, that the film is fed out of the cartridge to be used, and that the film is rewound without exposing all the frames of the film and loaded on the cartridge again. In this case, the film can be used such that the film is fed out to an unexposed frame.
However, as described above, portability is improved as the camera body is reduced in size. In a photographing state, when a finger is put on an optical system or the like for an auto-focusing operation, a distance is erroneously measured, and an out-of-focus picture may be obtained. When the camera body is reduced in size, the distance between an electric flash emitting unit and a photographing lens decreases, a so-called red-eye phenomenon in which red eyes are picked up as an image in an electric flash photographing state may occur. In a photographing state, a reduction in size of the camera may adversely affect photographed pictures.

Camera having photographing state for taking photographs and compact portable state