A seating unit has a base pivotably coupled to a back by a reclining mechanism, which has a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the base side members. The arms are coupled to a rearward transverse member that swings forward and compresses a cylinder actuator as the user reclines the back. The opposed end of the actuator is coupled to a forward transverse member, which is in turn coupled between the base side members. The actuator has a release valve that is operated by pulling a manual lever of a release mechanism. The release mechanism frees the cylinder actuator from a rigid position thereby allowing the user to force the back rearward or allowing the predisposed extension force of the cylinder to return the reclining back to the fully upright position. Discontinuing the release mechanism will cause the actuator to arrest the back in a reclined position.

The invention relates to furniture such as a chair or sofa, such furniture pieces being referred to herein generally as seating units, and more particularly, to an improved mechanism for controlling the inclination angle of the back rest to the seat cushion.
Modern recliners exist that allow a user to recline the chair back relative to the seat. These existing recliners use mechanisms to control the inclination angle of the back. These mechanisms are housed internal to the seating and or back unit such that the mechanisms are hidden from view. However, these mechanisms are relatively complex and to some extent impose constraints on the furniture manufacture and transportation. Specifically, some of these mechanisms prohibit the disassembly of the back from the base frame, which holds the seat cushion, because the mechanisms extend into, and form a part of, the back. Additionally, these existing recliner mechanisms require a particular cross-beam configuration that is sized for each specific width of seating unit. This precludes manufacturing and assembling uniform components when producing a variety of sizes and styles of seating units.
The present invention pertains to a reclining back mechanism separable from the back rest. Significantly, the mechanism of the invention is constructed so that it is located within the stationary base area of the seating unit, thus enabling disassembly of the back rest from the base frame to facilitate, among other things, shipping and manufacture. Further, the present invention provides for a system of multiple lengths of interchangeable cross beams that allows for the manufacture of a variety of sizes, widths, and styles of recliners.

Reclining back mechanism for a seating unit


An image capturing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects brightness of light from an object, an XY addressing type of image sensor, a focal plane shutter having a mechanical second curtain shutter, an electronic first curtain shutter that resets the pixels in each line, and causes accumulation of charges in the pixels to start, a period detection unit that detects periodic variation in a light amount, a prediction unit that, based on the period of the variation in the light amount, predicts variation in the light amount in a predetermined exposure time, and a control unit that controls a reset time of the electronic first curtain shutter such that charge accumulation amounts of the pixels of each line fall within a predetermined range according to the variation in the light amount.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for correcting unevenness of exposure caused by external light variation (generally referred to as "flicker") that occurs when an image capturing apparatus performs shooting.
Description of the Related Art
Accompanying an increase in the sensitivity of digital cameras in recent years, high-speed shutters have been released also in environments using artificial light sources in which flicker occurs. When a high-speed shutter is released in an environment using a flicker light source, variation occurs in the exposure of each frame during continuous shooting due to variation in the external light. Also, if the brightness of the light source varies within one frame during this time, unevenness of exposure will occur in upper and lower portions of the image. Regarding this kind of problem, for example, a method has been proposed in which the gain of the image is raised or lowered after shooting so as to adjust the exposure.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-236808 discloses a shooting system in which exposure is started by resetting all of the pixels of an image sensor at the time of still image shooting, and exposure is stopped by closing a lens shutter. Also, unevenness of exposure is prevented by controlling a program line diagram in advance such that shooting is performed at an exposure time at which unevenness of exposure caused by flicker is not likely to occur.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-053742 discloses a shooting apparatus that shoots a still image using a combination of a focal-plane mechanical second curtain shutter that suspends exposure and an electronic first curtain shutter that travels to start exposure before the mechanical second curtain shutter suspends exposure. Also, a mechanism is described which corrects unevenness of exposure that appears in an image due to this kind of combination of an electronic shutter and a mechanical shutter.
However, if the exposure is adjusted by changing the gain of the image after shooting, blown-out highlights will appear in bright portions, and the S/N ratio will deteriorate in dark portions. Also, if control is performed such that unevenness of exposure caused by flicker does not occur in the program line diagram as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-236808, it will no longer be possible for a user to perform shooting using an intended shutter speed and diaphragm value as if shooting using a single-lens reflex camera. Also, with the shooting system disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which exposure is started by resetting all of the pixels in an image sensor once during still image shooting and exposure is suspended by closing the lens shutter, there is no mention of unevenness that appears in the top and bottom portions of an image captured using a focal plane shutter.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-053742, regarding the unevenness of exposure that appears due to the combination of the electronic first curtain shutter and the mechanical second curtain shutter, the travel curve of the electronic first curtain shutter is corrected using parameters determined as shooting conditions, such as the exit pupil distance (PO value) of the lens. For this reason, the unevenness of exposure caused by flicker cannot be corrected.

Image capturing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium


The present invention provides a method of detecting the amount of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The method uses an aggregate primer series, which comprises at least two primer sets, in an amplification reaction to detect the relative concentration of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The primer sets have different sensitivities and hybridize with sub-target sequences which are different regions of the target sequence. The method generally comprises cycling a test sample suspected of containing a target sequence, an aggregate primer series, and means necessary for performing an amplification reaction; and detecting any amplified sub-target sequences. Based on a qualitative detection of the amplified sub-target sequences generated by individual primer sets, the relative quantity of the target sequence can be determined.

Methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence that may be present in a test sample are, by now, well known in the art. Such methods include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which has been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202, the ligase chain reaction (LCR) described in EP-A-320 308, gap LCR (GLCR) described in European Patent Application EP-A-439 182, multiplex LCR described in International Patent Application No. WO 93/20227 and the like. These methods have found widespread application in the medical diagnostic field as well as the fields of genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry. Unfortunately, one drawback of nucleic acid amplification reactions is that they are mostly qualitative.
The nature of amplification reactions makes it difficult for them to be used to quantitatively detect the presence of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. Accordingly, while traditional amplification reactions are useful for detecting the presence of a minute quantity of a target sequence in a test sample, traditional amplification reactions generally cannot be employed to determine the quantity of a target sequence in a test sample. However, variations of traditional amplification reactions have been developed which enable quantitative amplification reaction analysis.
One quantitative amplification reaction is called "competitive amplification." This method is commonly applied to PCR. According to competitive amplification reactions, a standard nucleic acid sequence competes with a target sequence during the amplification reaction. Generally, the standard sequence and a sample suspected of containing a target sequence are combined in a dilution series in which the amount of the standard sequence is constant in all members of the series. Alternatively, the standard sequence and sample sequence are combined in a dilution series in which the amount of standard sequence is varied among the members of the dilution series. In any case, the concentration of the standard sequence in the members of the dilution series, is known. PCR is then performed on all members of the dilution series and results in the production of a mixture of two nucleic acid sequence species. One species derived from the standard sequence and one species derived from the sample sequence. The concentration of each species in a particular dilution depends on the number of copies of the standard and sample sequences in the dilution prior to amplification. During the amplification reaction, detectable groups are typically introduced into both types of sequences. After amplification, the two species are separated and the amount of detectable group incorporated into each species is determined. This detection procedure is performed for each member of the dilution series. A competition curve can then be generated and the amount of sample sequence can be extrapolated based on the known amounts of standard sequence.
Methods of competitive amplification have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,727; Kinoshita T., et. al., Analytical Biochemistry 206: 231-235 (1992); and Jalava T., et. al., BioTechniques15:(1), 134-205 (1993). While these competitive amplification techniques have shown utility, they require substantial amounts of sample preparation as well as technician interaction and a concomitant risk of sample contamination. In addition, the use of a standard sequence adds an additional reagent not generally a requirement of traditional amplification reactions. Moreover, performing amplification on members of a dilution series requires more reagents than performing amplification on a single sample. All of these factors add to the costs of performing competitive amplification reactions.
Another quantitative amplification reaction is "kinetic amplification analysis". This method takes advantage of a dye's ability to bind double stranded nucleic acid sequences. For example, PCR generally produces double stranded nucleic acid sequences. In the presence of a dye, such as ethidium bromide, which binds double stranded nucleic acid sequences, an increase in fluorescence is observed with successive rounds of PCR amplification. The greater the amount of target nucleic acid sequence in a test sample, the earlier a rise in fluorescence will be observed.
Kinetic amplification analysis has been described in Higuchi R., et. al., Bio/Technology 11: 1026-1030 (1993). Unfortunately, the efficiency of an amplification reaction can vary from sample to sample. Hence, while two samples may contain equivalent target sequence concentrations, different fluorescent rates for the two samples may be obtained in a kinetic amplification analysis. Accordingly, this method is not always useful in a clinical setting because of the wide variety of samples which are assayed.
Thus there is a need for a method of quantitatively performing an amplification reaction which does not require excess technician manipulation or reagents, and can be employed in a clinical laboratory setting.

Wide dynamic range nucleic acid detection using an aggregate primer series


Resistance increase in Cobalt interconnects due to nitridation occurring during removal of surface oxide from Cobalt interconnects and deposition of Nitrogen-containing film on Cobalt interconnects is solved by a Hydrogen thermal anneal or plasma treatment. Removal of the Nitrogen is through a thin overlying layer which may be a dielectric barrier layer or an etch stop layer.

Technical Field
The disclosure concerns a method of forming layered structures having conductive Cobalt interconnects for interlayer connectivity in an integrated circuit such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structure.
Background Discussion
As critical dimension (CD) is reduced for CMOS devices, line resistance of the conductive interconnects increases. The conductive interconnects are typically Copper. In order to address the problem of increasing line resistance, the conductive interconnects may be formed of Cobalt instead of Copper.
Following chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), exposed surfaces of the Cobalt interconnects tend to form an overlying thin Cobalt oxide layer, which must be removed. One method for removing the thin Cobalt oxide layer is to treat the structure with an ammonia plasma (a plasma formed of NH3). This treatment can enhance time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) behavior of the structure. It is a challenge for one to remove the Cobalt oxide layer without damaging the under layer.

Cobalt resistance recovery by hydrogen anneal


A light emitting composition, light source device, and display device are provided. The light emitting composition has a phosphor, including a glass layer containing at least silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) formed on the surface of the phosphor. Exposed regions of the phosphor are made discrete by the glass layer.

The present application relates to a light emitting composition having a phosphor, a light source device having such a light emitting composition, and a display device having such a light source device.
A phosphor has a feature such that the wavelength band of light emitted from the phosphor changes according to the kind or composition of the components of the phosphor. Accordingly, the phosphor has received attention as a light emitting material in which a desired wavelength band of emitted light can be selected from a wide wavelength range.
On the other hand, it is expected to apply the phosphor having such a feature to a thin display device called an FPD (flat panel display) such as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, and organic EL (electroluminescence) display.
Since a light emitting configuration for obtaining white light by the combination of a YAG:Ce phosphor to be excited by blue light and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a blue light source was proposed (see Japanese Patent No. 2927279, for example), the above attention and expectation have been increasing on a phosphor to be excited by blue light.
Such a light emitting configuration obtained by the combination of a phosphor to be excited by blue light and a blue light source has been considered to be suitable for a light source device adapted to be used in a display device (e.g., a backlight used in a liquid crystal display) (see JP-A-2004-505172, for example).
According to this light emitting configuration, a drive circuit can be simplified as compared with a configuration such that all of the blue, green, and red colors are obtained by direct drive type light sources such as LEDs. Further, according to this light emitting configuration, a deterioration of peripheral members (resin members, LED chips, etc.) can be suppressed as compared with a configuration using near-ultraviolet light as excitation light. Owing to these advantages, the combination of a blue light source and a phosphor is considered to be suitable for a light source device in a display device.
However, most of phosphors to be excited by blue light have a disadvantage such that the moisture resistance is low and the characteristics are therefore deteriorated by the moisture contained in the air (atmosphere).
In general, a light source device is difficult to clear a reliability test under the conditions of ordinary temperature and ordinary humidity and is difficult to additionally clear a reliability test under more stringent conditions (e.g., a temperature of 40° C. or more and a humidity of 90% RH (relative humidity) or more). However, since the phosphor to be excited by blue light has low moisture resistance, the above severe reliability test is difficult to be cleared. For example, in the case that an alkaline earth metal sulfide (CaS:Eu) as the phosphor described in JP-A-2004-505172 is mixed with epoxy resin and a blue LED is potted with this mixture to perform a reliability test under the conditions of 45° C. and 95% RH, the emitted light intensity decreases by about 60% after 173 hours as shown in FIG. 5. This result is insufficient as long-term reliability of products.
To solve this problem on the moisture resistance of the phosphor, it has been proposed to deposit glass on the surface of the phosphor, thereby improving the moisture resistance (see Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-52354, for example).
However, the present inventors have found that the deposition of glass is difficult to improve the moisture resistance of the phosphor. More specifically, the present inventors have found that the influence of the deposition of glass on the phosphor changes according to the condition and degree of the deposition and that the moisture resistance is possibly reduced when the amount of deposited glass is small (e.g., glass is discretely deposited on the surface of the phosphor).
The present inventors have performed an environmental test under the conditions of 25° C. and 75% RH by using a phosphor on which glass is discretely deposited.
As the test result, although the test conditions are less stringent than those of the reliability test mentioned above with reference to FIG. 5, it was determined that the emitted light intensity of the phosphor is reduced with time irrespective of whether or not the deposited glass is present as shown in FIG. 6. Further, as apparent from FIG. 6, the rate of deterioration of the phosphor is higher in a sample having the deposited glass (broken line y) than in a sample having no deposited glass (solid line x).

Light emitting composition, light source device, and display device


A computer-implemented method, computer system, and computer program product for generation of a password with increased password strength. Embodiments of the present invention may include receiving one or more alphanumeric characters. Embodiments of the present invention may include receiving one or more images. Embodiments of the present invention may include hashing the received one or more images. Embodiments of the present invention may include hashing the one or more alphanumeric characters and the hashed one or more images to generate the password. Embodiments of the present invention may include replacing the one or more alphanumeric characters with the one or more images and sending the generated password to a server. Embodiments of the present invention may include sequencing the one or more images between the one or more alphanumeric characters. The one or more images may be personal photos of a user.

The present invention relates generally to the field of computing, and more particularly to password strength. Information, such as passwords, are important to a user or a business. For example, passwords may be needed to access different accounts, such as a bank account or an email account. It is generally important for such information to be protected from unauthorized appropriation and subsequent misuse.

International Business Machines Corporation


In one aspect, the present invention provides a load-bearing structure with a novel interlocking edge. Also provided is a method of making a load-bearing structure having an overlapping edge, in which structural members are combined so that a stepped-down lip of one structural member covers a peripheral edge of another member. Also provided is a load-bearing structure having cellular structure and which is useful with or without an overlapping edge. In addition, there is provided a molding method for making cellular, load-bearing structures.

Load-bearing structures with overlapping edges which are fitted together or otherwise combined to make a load-bearing surface, are well known. Illustrative are hard wood flooring pieces provided with tongue and groove interfit. Nevertheless, there is a need for a load-bearing structure having an improved interlocking edge, and in particular with reduced weight but yet good load-bearing properties.
Thermoplastic polymer/reinforcing fiber composites are used to replace metals in aerospace and automotive applications. However, new applications have been slow due to the higher cost of composites when compared to conventional materials like metal, wood or concrete. If the cost could be adequately reduced and yet the strength could be maintained, numerous applications exist where thermoplastic polymer/reinforcing fiber composites could replace metal, wood or concrete. These applications include furniture framing, power poles, shipping containers, crates, shipping pallets, platforms, construction decking, bridge decking, mud pads, road mats, driveways, warehouse flooring, and flooring for trucks and trailers.
Known uses of thermoplastic polymer/reinforcing fiber composites further include reinforcing bars or re-bars, reinforced mats and reinforced fabrics. These uses are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,634 to Shobert et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,513 to Rau et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,809 to Marissen et al. Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymer strengthens and stiffens the composite. This type of polymer is often termed a "matrix resin" in the context of polymer/reinforcing fiber composites.
Engineering type, plastic resins such as polyester, nylon, polyphenylene sulfide and polyurethane are frequently used as matrix resins in fiberglass composite laminates and pultrusion profiles. When solid, these resins are very rigid and provide the most stiffness, but fracture when overstressed, often leaving sharp splintered edges.
Accordingly, there is a need for load-bearing structures of reduced cost and yet good load-bearing properties. In addition, if fiber/matrix resin composites are used in certain load-bearing structures, there is a need for flexibility of the composites so that fracturing and sharp splintered edges do not result.


An oral solution dispenser apparatus for attachment to a powered toothbrush handle having a drive coupling mounted thereon, includes a housing adapted for attachment to the handle, the housing having a recess therein for receiving a cartridge containing the oral solution, a pump disposed in the housing for moving the oral solution from the cartridge, and an outlet nozzle extending from the housing and adapted to permit movement of the oral solution from the pump and from the housing. A head having bristles thereon is adapted to interconnect with the handle drive coupling and the housing outlet nozzle, to facilitate powered movement of the bristles and movement of the oral solution from the outlet nozzle to proximate the bristles.

Toothbrushes are well known in the art. In general, a toothbrush comprises a head having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, and a handle adapted to be grasped by the hand of a user.
Powered toothbrushes are also well known in the art. In general, a powered toothbrush comprises a replaceable head having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, and a handle adapted to be grasped by the hand of the user. The replaceable head is adapted to be removably mounted on the handle so that a driver mechanism located within the handle can drive the head longitudinally and/or laterally and/or rotationally, whereby to aid in brushing the teeth.
In the typical situation, dentifrice (e.g., toothpaste, tooth powder, etc.) is applied to the bristles of the toothbrush (either manual or powered) prior to the commencement of brushing. This is generally accomplished by grasping the handle of the toothbrush in one hand and the dentifrice container in the other hand, and then manually applying the dentifrice to the bristles of the toothbrush. Once the user has applied the dentifrice to the toothbrush, the user then commences brushing the teeth.
Thus, with conventional manual and powered toothbrushes, the dentifrice is generally held in a container separate from the toothbrush, and applying the dentifrice to the bristles of the toothbrush is a two-handed operation.
It has been recognized, for both manual and powered toothbrushes, that it would be advantageous to provide an improved toothbrush having a supply of liquid dentifrice located within the handle of the toothbrush, and a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the stored liquid dentifrice to the bristles of the toothbrush for application directly to the teeth.
In the past, there have been a number of proposals for achieving the foregoing, but all of these proposals are believed to suffer from one or more significant disadvantages, including ineffectiveness of operation, lack of durability, unattractiveness of appearance, prohibitive cost of manufacture, cross-contamination, etc.
Furthermore, with respect to powered toothbrushes, these proposals have generally required that the handle of the powered toothbrush be designed with dentifrice dispensing in mind. In other words, none of these proposals is believed to have addressed the issue of how a non-dentifrice-dispensing powered toothbrush can be quickly and easily converted into a dentifrice-dispensing powered toothbrush.
In addition to the foregoing, in some circumstances substances other than dentifrice may need to be applied to the teeth and/or to the tissue adjacent to the teeth (e.g., the gums) or to other tissue accessible by the oral cavity (e.g., the throat, etc.). By way of example, but not limitation, such substances may include whitening or bleaching agents, anticariogenic (i.e., anti-cavity) agents, such as fluoride, or medicinal agents, such as an antibacterial agent, a local or systemic antibiotic, etc. All such agents and dentifrices are collectively referred to hereinafter as "oral solutions". In this respect it should be appreciated that the term "solution" is not meant to be limiting, in the sense that it is intended to cover any flowable material consistent with the present invention, e.g., fluids, liquids, suspensions, gels, etc.

Powered toothbrush with associated oral solution dispenser mechanism


An electrically conducting bonding connection (B) is produced between an electronic circuit (S) arranged on an electrically conducting support plate (1) and the support plate (1) by providing a hole (4, 5), into which an electrically conducting bonding element (2) with a bondable surface (3) is pressed in such a way that the support plate (1) and the bonding element (2) enter into an electrically conducting and frictional connection; the bonding connection is subsequently produced with the bonding element (2).

The invention relates to an electrically conducting bonding connection between an electronic circuit arranged on an electrically conducting support plate and the support plate.
To ensure better stability or better heat removal, electronic circuits are often arranged on metallic, electrically conducting support plates.
From the electronic circuit, built up for example on a printed circuit board or ceramic board, electrically conducting connections, for example ground connections, to the metallic, electrically conducting support plate must be produced. Since support plates are generally produced from aluminum in a casting process, they are coated with an electrically poorly conducting casting skin.
Until now, electrically conducting connections between the electric circuit and the support plate have been produced by means of bonding connections or by drilling threads into the support plate and attaching cables and cable lugs on it by means of screws.
Bonding connections are in this case usually produced by means of thick aluminum wire. In this case, the surface of the support plate (for example elevations created in the course of the casting process) must be prepared by machining shortly before the bonding operation, with the electronic circuit already mounted, for example by milling, since a bonding connection between aluminum wire and a casting skin is not possible because it represents a connection which is mechanically and electrically very poor.
Such a connection is very complex to produce, requires considerable space and entails the risk of soiling (metal scobs caused by the milling work). A connection of this type cannot be produced by automatic machines alone. Further, manual processing steps are required.

Electrically conducting bonding connection


The invention provides a battery which can improve cycle characteristics by forming a more stable and stronger film on the surface of an anode active material layer. A cathode and an anode are layered with a separator in between. The anode has an anode collector and the anode active material layer. The anode active material layer contains Si, Sn, or an alloy thereof, and formed by vapor-phase method, liquid phase method, or sinter method. It is preferable that the anode active material layer is alloyed with the anode collector on at least a part of interface between the anode active material layer and the anode collector. The separator is impregnated with an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution contains cyclic carbonic ester having saturated bonds such as vinylene carbonate and vinylethylene carbonate as a solvent. Consequently, a strong and stable film is formed on the surface of the anode active material layer, and decomposition of the electrolyte solution in the anode is inhibited.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery comprising a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, and more particularly such a battery whose anode has an anode collector and an anode active material layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in connection with high-performance and multi-function of mobile devices, high capacities of secondary batteries, the power source for the mobile devices have been desired earnestly. As a secondary battery which meets this demand, there is a lithium secondary battery. However, in the case of using cobalt acid lithium for a cathode and graphite for an anode, which is currently a typical form for lithium secondary batteries, a battery capacity is in a saturated state, and it is extremely difficult to greatly obtain a high capacity of the battery. Therefore, from old times, using metal lithium (Li) for an anode has been considered. However, in order to put this anode to practical use, it is necessary to improve efficiency of precipitation dissolution of lithium and to control dendrite precipitation form.
Meanwhile, a high capacity anode using silicon (Si), tin (Sn) or the like has been actively considered. However, when charge and discharge are repeated, these anodes are pulverized and miniaturized due to significant expansion and shrinkage of an anode active material, collecting characteristics are lowered, and decomposition reaction of an electrolyte solution is facilitated due to an increased superficial area, so that their cycle characteristics are extremely poor. Therefore, an anode wherein an anode active material layer is formed on an anode collector by vapor-phase method, liquid phase method, sinter method and the like has been considered (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H08-50922, Japanese Patent No. 2948205, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-135115). According to this anode, since miniaturization can be inhibited compared to conventional application type anodes wherein slurry containing a particulate anode active material and a binder is applied, and the anode collector and the anode active material layer can be integrated, so that electronic conductivity in the anode becomes extremely excellent, and high performance in terms of capacity and cycle life is expected. In addition, a conductive material, a binder, and voids which have existed in the anode conventionally can be reduced or excluded. Therefore, the anode can become a thin film essentially.
However, even in the anode wherein the anode active material layer is formed on the anode collector by vapor-phase method, liquid phase method, or sinter method, there is a problem that a film formed on the surface of the anode active material layer is not stabilized due to expansion and shrinkage of the anode active material associated with charge and discharge, so that continuous decomposition reaction of the electrolyte solution is induced. Therefore, even in this case, it is difficult to say that its cycle characteristic are sufficient. That is, it is necessary that more stable and stronger film is formed on the surface of the anode active material layer.


A method for identifying an undesired condition in the function of a floating roof of a tank, the method comprising determining a filling level of a product in the tank, detecting a reference distance between a reference position on the roof and the surface using a level gauge mounted on the roof, forming a reference distance deviation as a difference between the reference distance and an expected value, and comparing the reference distance deviation with a specified range. If the reference distance deviation is outside the specified range, a data set including the reference distance deviation and the filling level is stored. These steps are repeated for a plurality of points in time, and the undesired condition is then identified based on stored data sets of reference distance deviations and filling levels. The present invention thus provides an economical method to provide diagnostics of a floating tank roof.

In external floating roof storage tanks, the floating roof is adapted to float on the product stored in the tank. It is known to provide monitoring systems for floating tank roofs.
The purpose with this type of system is to have control of the floating roof, i.e. to make sure that dangerous situations related to cases when the roof does not float properly on the product surface are detected. There are also advantages related to environmental requirements, e.g. to avoid evaporation of volatile hydrocarbons into the environment in case the roof gets flooded with product. Finally, the monitoring system may eliminate or at least reduce the need for inspection activities. Typically the pontoons of a floating roof must be inspected for leakage every year or even every quarter by a person that opens up the hatches in the pontoons. This type of work has certain personal risks and could be minimized with the roof tilt system.
The monitored distance between the floating roof and the product surface is normally substantially constant. Due to external influence such as wind, rain or snow, minor deviations of a few cm are acceptable, but deviations exceeding a certain threshold (e.g. more than 5 cm in some applications) typically indicate some kind of fault or undesired condition.
It would be desirable to provide diagnostics functionality for predicting when there are prevailing fault conditions, so that such fault conditions may be addressed before any incident occurs.

Identifying undesired conditions in the function of a floating roof of a tank


The bourdon tube pressure gauge includes: a joint which is made of the resin and is attached to a pressure container; and a bourdon tube which is made of metal and has a rear end fixed to the joint. The joint comprises a fixation hole into which the rear end of the bourdon tube is inserted to be fixed by bonding, and an inside of the fixation hole is more widened than an opening of the fixation hole which serves as an insertion port for the bourdon tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bourdon tube pressure gauge.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a pressure gauge for measuring an internal pressure in a pressure container and the like, there is conventionally known a bourdon tube pressure gauge employing a bourdon tube (refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-196893A, for example). A bourdon tube pressure gauge described in the Japanese Patent Publication (JP2008-196893A) includes a bourdon tube and a joint to which a rear end of the bourdon tube is fixed. In this bourdon tube pressure gauge, the bourdon tube and the joint are made of metallic materials such as a copper metal and steel. In addition, in the bourdon tube pressure gauge, in order to fix a rear end of the bourdon tube to the joint, the rear end of the bourdon tube is inserted into and brazed to a fitting hole which is formed in the joint
In recent years, needs for reduction in cost of the bourdon tube pressure gauge are increasing in the market. If a resin is used as a material of the joint in response to this, cost of the bourdon tube pressure gauge can be reduced. However, it is impossible to fix by brazing a bourdon tube made of metal to a joint made of a resin, and hence there is a fear of degrading a fixation strength of the bourdon tube with respect to the joint. Accordingly, there is a fear in that generation of pressure inside the bourdon tube results in detachment of the rear end of the bourdon tube from the fitting hole of the joint.


In an interference wave detection/study process, counters m.sub.i (t.sub.j), n.sub.i (t.sub.j) are set by an initial value "zero" to set the detection number of an interference wave of not less than a threshold power level per channel i and per time period ti. The m.sub.i (t.sub.j) is updated, then the power U.sub.i of a measured interference wave is compared with the threshold value r. The n.sub.i (t.sub.j) is updated only when U.sub.i .gtoreq.r. The n.sub.i (t.sub.j) is divided by m.sub.i (t.sub.j) to obtain the arriving probability of an interference wave. These processes are repeated over all channels. In a channel search/allocation process, the power U.sub.i of the interference wave in the smallest W.sub.i (t.sub.j) is compared with a value r, When U.sub.i (t.sub.j).gtoreq.r, the channel having the second smaller W.sub.i (t.sub.j) is selected and the above processes are repeated. it becomes a calling loss when all channels are searched. When U.sub.i <r, this channel is allocated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a channel allocation method used for mobile type communication devices located in a system including a plurality of macros and microcells which commonly use the same frequency band, and more particularly, it relates to a channel allocation method that is capable of studying the characteristics of interference waves arrived from other cells (in a radio zone) and of searching channels according to a channel searching order that has been set and of selecting and allocating one of the channels.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are conventional channel allocation methods for mobile type communication devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the conventional technique disclosed in the following literature (1) uses a method for re-using a frequency band used by a macrocell station 2a by a microcell station 4a in a system that has already been used around United State of America. This method is referred to as "a reuse channel fixed allocation method".
(1) Y. Kinoshita et al., "HIGH DENSITY SPACE DIVISION MULTIPLE ACCESS" AND "DOUBLE REUSE OF FREQUENCY CHANNEL", Proceedings of the 3rd IEEE International Conference on Universal Personal Communications, PP.552-557, 1994).
As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 2, the conventional technique disclosed in the following literature (2) uses a method of monitoring channels just before the allocation of a channel by a microcell to be installed in an area having a strong interference in a Personal Handy-Phone System in use around Japan, and of allocating the channel after checking the existence of interferences. This method is called as "an interference avoidance channel allocation method".
(2) J. E. Padgett et al., "OVERVIEW OF WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS", IEEE communications magazine, pp.28-41, January, 1995.
As shown in the flow chart of FIG.3, the conventional technique disclosed in the following literature (3) uses a method of setting a priority to each channel in relatively weak interference area in which a specified channel can be used constantly without any interference and of allocating or assigning a channel having a relatively lower interference while updating the priority of the channel when a channel is allocated or assigned to be used. This method is referenced to as "priority channel allocation method".
(3) H. Furukawa et al., "A MICROCELL OVERLAID WITH UMBRELLA CELL SYSTEM", Proceedings of the 44th IEEE vehicular technology Conference, pp.1455-1459, 1994.
As shown in the flow chart of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the conventional technique disclosed in the following literature (4) uses a method of eliminating the channel, in a channel allocation operation to select a channel to be used, in which an interference has happened once a relatively weak interference area in which a specified channel can be used constantly without causing of any interference. This method is referred to as "a channel allocation method in which any channel of the occurrence of interference is eliminated for channel allocation".
(4) J. Worsham et al., "A CELLULAR BAND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE International Conference on Universal Personal Communications, 1993.
As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, the conventional technique disclosed in the following literature (5) uses a method of allocating a channel as long as the number of interferences happening in this channel is not more than a predetermined number. This method is an improved method of the method disclosed in the literature (4) described above. This method is referred to as "a channel allocation method in which the interference in a channel is happened at more than predetermined times is eliminated for channel allocation".
(5) J. Avery et al., "A COMMON AIR INTERFACE FOR A CELLULAR AUXILIARY PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE", Proceedings of the 5th IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, pp.665-669, 1994.
In the reuse channel fixed allocation method designated by the reference character (1) described above, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a microcell installed in a building in a macrocell K uses a fixed frequency band allocated for a macrocell A which is adequately separated in distance from the microcell in order to avoid the occurrence of interference.
In the interference avoidance channel allocation method denoted by the reference character (2) described above, like the channel search/allocation processes shown in FIG. 2, first of all, a unused channel i is allocated (Step S12a) when a new channel allocation request is happened in a call/intracell hand-off operation (switching of a channel during calling). Then, the interference power of the channel i is measured (Step S13), and the measured power is compared with a threshold power level (Step S14). When U.sub.i <r, (at Step S15, there is an interference wave), a next channel is selected when there is a channel that is not searched (Step S16), the processes described above are repeated. When there is no channel having the condition U.sub.i <r after the search of all of channels are completed, the channel allocation operation enters a calling loss. At Step S14, when U.sub.i <r, this channel is allocated (Step S18).
In the priority channel allocation method designated by the reference character (3), like the channel search/allocating processes as shown in FIG. 3, when a new channel allocation request is happens, first of all, the channel having the maximum priority level is selected (Step S12b). Then, the power level U.sub.i of the interference wave in this channel is measured (Step S13), and this power level U.sub.i is compared with a threshold power level r (Step S14). When U.sub.i .gtoreq.r, the priority level of this channel is decreased (Step S14a), and then it is checked whether or not the all of channels are searched (Step S15). When there is un-searched channel, the channel having the next priority level is selected (Step S16b), and the processes described above are repeated. If there is no channel having the condition U.sub.i <r after all of the channels are searched, the new channel allocation request becomes a calling loss (Step S17). Thus, the priority level of the channel in which there are the interference waves is decreased by this method. In addition, at Step S14, when U.sub.i <r, the priority level of the channel is increased (Step S14b), and the channel is allocated (Step S18). Thus, the priority level of the channel in which there is no interference wave is increased in this method. This method can allocate channels in which there is no interference wave because the channel search operation is performed from the channel having the highest priority level to the channel having the lowest priority level in order.
In the channel allocation method in which any channel of the occurrence of interference is eliminated for channel allocation designated by the reference character (4) described above, like an interference detection process shown in FIG. 4A and a channel search/allocation process shown in FIG. 4B, first of all, unused channel is selected (Step S2). Then, the interference power of this channel is measured (Step S5), and the measured interference power level U.sub.i is compared with an threshold power level r (Step S6). At Step S6, when U.sub.i .gtoreq.r, the channel i in which the interference wave is detected is eliminated from channel allocation (Step 6c) in order to avoid the occurrence of interference to a macrocell. When U.sub.i <r, a next channel is selected (Step S9), and the processes described above are repeated.
When a new channel request has happened during the calling/intracell hand off operation, first of all, a channel i in the channels to be allocated is selected (Step S12c), then the interference power U.sub.i of the channel is measured (Step S13), and the measured interference power level U.sub.i is compared with an threshold power level r (Step S14). At Step S14, when U.sub.i .gtoreq.r, it is detected whether or not all of the channels are searched (Step S15). When there are un-searched channels to be allocated, one channel in the un-searched channels is selected (Step S16c), then the processes described above are repeated. When there is no channel having the condition U.sub.i <r, this request enters the calling loss (Step S17).
When there is the channel having the condition of U.sub.i <r (at Step S14), this channel is allocated (Step S18). In this method described above, the channel having the interference wave is eliminated from channel allocation. By using this method, no interference has happened in allocated channels.
In the channel allocation method in which the interference in a channel has happened at more than predetermined times is eliminated for channel allocation denoted by the reference character (5) described above, like an interference wave detection process shown in FIG. 5, first of all, one (a channel i) of unused channels is selected (Step S2), the interference power level U.sub.i of the channel i is measured many times at each time period (Step S5a). Then, this interference power measuring process is repeated for all of the channels and a time rate P.sub.i where the interference power level exceeds a threshold power level per time period in each channel is obtained (Step S6d, Step S9, and Step S6e). The channel whose time rate P.sub.i is not less than a predetermined time rate P.sub.t is eliminated for channel allocation (Step S6f). Thus, in this method, the channel is used for channel allocation so long as the number of interference occurrences in this channel is not more than predetermined time.
In the prior art, there are the conventional channel allocation methods (1) to (5) described above, we summarizes these methods as follows:
(1) The reuse channel fixed allocation method, as shown in FIG. 1, where selected or fixed channels are reused in the same frequency band. PA1 (2) The interference avoidance channel allocation method, as shown in FIG. 2, where the interference avoidance allocation operation is executed only during the channel allocation operation. PA1 (3) The priority channel allocation method, as shown in FIG. 3, where the priority level of a channel is updated only when the channel allocation is executed. PA1 (4) The channel allocation method in which any channel of the occurrence of interference is eliminated for channel allocation, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. PA1 (5) The channel allocation method in which the interference in a channel is happened at more than predetermined times is eliminated for channel allocation, as shown in FIG. 5. PA1 (11) In the conventional channel allocation method (1), there is a possibility to cause an interference under a circumstance that it is easy to happen interference between microcells and macrocells when the microcells are installed at a higher floor in a building or when there are many existing macrocells to easily cause interferences. PA1 (12) In the conventional channel allocation method (2), it can not avoid the occurrence of interference during calling because the allocation avoidance operation for the channels that have had no interference is executed only during the channel allocation operation. Therefore an intracell handoff is required so as to increase the load of a microcell station and the number of interrupts of calling is increased, so that the quality of calling is decreased. PA1 (13) In the conventional channel allocation method (3), it can not avoid the occurrence of interference at the following channel allocation operation even if a channel priority level is high at the last channel allocation operation. In this case, the priority level must be decreased in this channel allocation operation. Therefore the channel priority level is only decreased and increased in this method, not constantly decreased. This method is used for a microcell that is installed at a lower floor (the first floor or the second floor) in a building in which the number of the occurrences of interferences to a macrocell is relatively low (relatively lower interference condition). However, by using this method, it is difficult to reduce the interference between macrocells and microcells installed in a higher floor in a building in which the number of the occurrences of interferences to the macrocells is high (higher interference condition). PA1 (14) In the conventional channel allocation method (4), it is difficult to use this channel allocation method in a circumstance where the number of the occurrences of interferences is high (the higher interference condition), because interferences are detected in all of channels and those channels are eliminated from the channel allocation operation, so that there is no channel to be allocated in the circumstance. PA1 (15) It is difficult to use the channel allocation method (5) in a circumstance where the number of the occurrences of interferences is higher (the higher interference condition), because there is the case that the number of channels, (each time rate indicating that the interference power is over a predetermined power level exceeds a predetermined time rate), to be allocated becomes zero.
However, there are drawbacks (11) to (15) in the above conventional channel allocation methods (1) to (5), as follows:

Channel allocation method used for mobile type communication devices


A source material dispenser for an EUV light source is disclosed that comprises a source material reservoir, e.g. tube, that has a wall and is formed with an orifice. The dispenser may comprise an electro-actuatable element, e.g. PZT material, that is spaced from the wall and operable to deform the wall and modulate a release of source material from the dispenser. A heat source heating a source material in the reservoir may be provided. Also, the dispenser may comprise an insulator reducing the flow of heat from the heat source to the electro-actuatable element. A method of dispensing a source material for an EUV light source is also described. In one method, a first signal may be provided to actuate the electro-actuatable elements to modulate a release of source material and a second signal, different from the first, may be provided to actuate the electro-actuatable elements to unclog the orifice.

Extreme ultraviolet ("EUV") light, e.g., electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of around 50 nm or less (also sometimes referred to as soft x-rays), and including light at a wavelength of about 13.5 nm, can be used in photolithography processes to produce extremely small features in substrates, e.g., silicon wafers.
Methods to produce EUV light include, but are not necessarily limited to, converting a material into a plasma state that has an element, e.g., xenon, lithium or tin, with an emission line in the EUV range. In one such method, often termed laser produced plasma ("LPP") the required plasma can be produced by irradiating a target material, such as a droplet, stream or cluster of material having the required line-emitting element, with a laser beam. For example, for Sn and Li source materials, the source material may be heating above its respective melting point and held in a capillary tube formed with an orifice, e.g. nozzle, at one end. When a droplet is required, an electro-actuatable element, e.g. piezoelectric (PZT) material, may be used to squeeze the capillary tube and generate a droplet at or downstream of the nozzle. With this technique, a relatively uniform stream of droplets as small as about 20-30 μm can be obtained.
As used herein, the term "electro-actuatable element" and its derivatives, means a material or structure which undergoes a dimensional change when subjected to a voltage, electric field, magnetic field, or combinations thereof and includes but is not limited to piezoelectric materials, electrostrictive materials and magnetostrictive materials. Typically, electro-actuatable elements operate efficiently and dependably within and range of temperatures, with some PZT materials having a maximum operational temperature of about 250 degrees Celsius.
Once generated, the droplet may travel, e.g. under the influence of gravity or some other force, and within a vacuum chamber, to an irradiation site where the droplet is irradiated, e.g. by a laser beam. For this process, the plasma is typically produced in a sealed vessel, e.g., vacuum chamber, and monitored using various types of metrology equipment. In addition to generating EUV radiation, these plasma processes also typically generate undesirable by-products in the plasma chamber (e.g debris) which can potentially damage or reduce the operational efficiency of the various plasma chamber optical elements. This debris can include heat, high energy ions and scattered debris from the plasma formation, e.g., atoms and/or clumps/microdroplets of source material. For this reason, it is often desirable to use so-called "mass limited" droplets of source material to reduce or eliminate the formation of debris. The use of "mass limited" droplets also may result in a reduction in source material consumption.
Another factor that must be considered is nozzle clogging. This may be caused by several mechanisms, operating alone or in combination. These can include impurities, e.g. oxides and nitrides, in the molten source material, and/or freezing of the source material. Clogging can disturb the flow of source material through the nozzle, in some cases causing droplets to move along a path that is at an angle to the desired droplet trajectory. Manually accessing the nozzle for the purpose of unclogging it can be expensive, labor intensive and time-consuming. In particular, these systems typically require a rather complicated and time consuming purging and vacuum pump-down of the plasma chamber prior to a re-start after the plasma chamber has been opened. This lengthy process can adversely affect production schedules and decrease the overall efficiency of light sources for which it is typically desirable to operate with little or no downtime.
With the above in mind, Applicants disclose systems and methods for effectively delivering a stream of droplets to a selected location in an EUV light source.

Source material dispenser for EUV light source


An acoustic processing module receives an acoustic signal, and outputs an analog output signal. Microphone sensors are provided for generating a corresponding electrical signal in response to the acoustic signal. A signal processing circuit is connected to the microphone sensors, and processes the electrical signals according to one or more analog signal processing functions to generate the analog output signal. An integrated casing encapsulates the microphone sensors and the analog processing circuit, and prevents external interference from affecting any electrical signals within the integrated casing.

A variety of sensors exist for converting real-world properties into electrical signals that can be manipulated for various purposes. For example, an electret condenser microphone (ECM) converts acoustic signals (e.g., such as a person's voice) into analog electrical signals that can be provided to an associated device such as a personal computer, cellular phone, wireless phone, conference phone, voice recorder, and so on. Many such associated devices include a well-known analog input interface to receive the electrical signals that embody the acoustic signal as captured by one or more ECMs.
For example, FIG. 5 shows a conventional ECM 50 connected to an associated device 500 via a signal line 10. ECM 50 includes an ECM capsule 51 and a junction field-effect transistor (JFET) 52. The output of ECM capsule 51 is connected to the gate of JFET 52, which is coupled between a voltage supply (VDD) and ground potential. ECM capsule 51 converts acoustic signals (e.g., such as a person's voice) into electrical signals, and JFET 52 amplifies the electrical signals received from ECM capsule 51 to produce a low-impedance analog output signal. Although JFET 52 consumes valuable circuit area and requires a connection to VDD, its amplifying function reduces the output signal's susceptibility to undesirable external interference such as electric fields and magnetic fields. Thus, without JFET 52, the high-impedance signal output from ECM capsule 51 is very susceptible to such interference.
The analog output signal (OUT) is provided from ECM 50 via signal line 10 and is received into device 500 via a well-known input interface 520 that includes a bias resistor (Rbias) connected between VDD and signal line 10. A coupling capacitor (Cin) blocks unwanted DC components of the analog input signal from being transmitted to circuitry 510 within device 500. VDD is a standard operating voltage (e.g., such as 1.8 volts or 3.3 volts), and Rbias is sized to bias the input signal line 10 at approximately 1.5 volts. Typically, the input signal line 10 is responsive to voltage differentials of a few tens to a few hundred milli-volts in the analog output signal OUT, and can provide between 200-300 uA of current to ECM 50. Because input interface 520 is configured to receive analog signals from ECM 50, input interface 520 is sometimes referred to as an ECM-compatible interface. Indeed, to ensure compatibility of device 500 with external microphones such as ECM 50, input interface 520 is typically configured to operate as described above.
In many applications, it is desired to improve the sound quality of acoustic signals provided by microphones such as ECM 50. For example, a digital signal processing (DSP) based circuit can be connected between the ECM and the associated device and configured to processes the electrical signals provided by the ECM using various techniques such as noise reduction and directional sensitivity to improve sound quality. The DSP based solution typically includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a DSP circuit, and possibly a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The ADC converts the analog signals received from the ECM into digital signals that can be processed by the DSP circuit to perform one or more desired functions such as noise reduction and/or directional sensitivity. The DAC converts the digital signals output from the DSP circuit back into analog electrical signals that are compatible for input to ECM input interface 520 of device 500.
The various components of the DSP engine (e.g., the DSP circuit, the ADC and DAC circuits, and other associated circuitry) are relatively complex, require a significant amount of silicon area, and consume significantly more power than is typically available from the signal line 10 connected to an ECM-compatible analog input such as input interface 520. As a result, the DSP engine is typically formed as a separate IC chip that includes its own power connections to VDD and includes input terminals to receive electrical signals embodying acoustic signals from a separate microphone circuit, which undesirably limits the ability for such systems to be miniaturized and/or deployed in low-power applications. Accordingly, there is a need for a microphone system that can implement signal processing functions such as noise reduction and directional sensitivity and yet be housed in module that is significantly smaller and requires significantly less power than conventional acoustic processing systems.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawing figures.

Small-footprint microphone module with signal processing functionality


An improved sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes a fastener coupled to the exterior surface for securing the sterile drape to the non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system while reducing the volume of the sterile drape. Advantageously, the drape allows for quick and simple installation and increases visualization of the patient by reducing the size of the drape with more form fitting features, while allowing for freedom of movement of the manipulator.

In robotically-assisted or telerobotic surgery, the surgeon typically operates a master controller to remotely control the motion of surgical instruments at the surgical site from a location that may be remote from the patient (e.g., across the operating room, in a different room or a completely different building from the patient). The master controller usually includes one or more hand input devices, such as joysticks, exoskeletal gloves or the like, which are coupled to the surgical instruments with servo motors for articulating the instruments at the surgical site. The servo motors are typically part of an electromechanical device or surgical manipulator ("the slave") that supports and controls the surgical instruments that have been introduced directly into an open surgical site or through trocar sleeves into a body cavity, such as the patient's abdomen. During the operation, the surgical manipulator provides mechanical articulation and control of a variety of surgical instruments, such as tissue graspers, needle drivers, electrosurgical cautery probes, etc., that each perform various functions for the surgeon, e.g., holding or driving a needle, grasping a blood vessel, or dissecting, cauterizing or coagulating tissue.
This new method of performing telerobotic surgery through remote manipulation has, of course, created many new challenges. One such challenge results from the fact that a portion of the electromechanical surgical manipulator will be in direct contact with the surgical instruments, and will also be positioned adjacent the operation site. Accordingly, the surgical manipulator may become contaminated during surgery and is typically disposed of or sterilized between operations. From a cost perspective, it would be preferable to sterilize the device. However, the servo motors, sensors, encoders, and electrical connections that are necessary to robotically control the motors typically cannot be sterilized using conventional methods, e.g., steam, heat and pressure, or chemicals, because the system parts would be damaged or destroyed in the sterilization process.
A sterile drape has been previously used to cover the surgical manipulator but the drape may at times be difficult or time-consuming to install, limit movement of the surgical manipulator, or hinder the surgeon's view of the surgical site. Prior drapes have also at times hindered visibility or touching of the monitor screen.
What is needed, therefore, are telerobotic systems, apparatus, and methods for minimizing the need for sterilization to improve cost efficiency while protecting the system and the surgical patient. In addition, these systems and methods should be designed to be simple to install and to minimize installation time while allowing for maximum freedom of movement and visibility during the surgical procedure. Accordingly, a sterile drape, system, and method for robotic surgery having improved efficiency and effectiveness are highly desirable.


In an order control apparatus including a first memory area (1) for storing item information corresponding to item numbers, a second memory area (2) for storing structure information corresponding to the item numbers, and a third memory area (3), a control section (4) stores in the third memory area an order number and an ordered item number received as order information from an input unit (7). Simultaneously, the control section: (i) reads from the first memory area the item information corresponding to the ordered item number, and stores the readout item information in the third memory area; and (ii) reads from the second memory area the structure information corresponding to the ordered item number, and stores the readout structure information in the third memory area with the order number added to the structure information as a parent order number. Alternatively, the structure information with the parent order number associated with the order number may be acquired by searching the contents of the third memory area. An order developing section (5) develops the item information and the structure information stored in the third memory area into manufacture instruction information.

This invention relates to an order control apparatus for use in a production control system and, in particular, to an order control apparatus for use in developing order information, relating to an ordered product, into manufacture instruction information.
A production control system utilizing a production order number and another production control system based on material requirement planning (abbreviated to MRP) are well known in the art. For example, such systems are disclosed in Japanese Patent Prepublications (A) Nos. 30953/1992, 251050/1987, and 342241/1993.
This invention Is most suitable for use in the production control system utilizing the production order number. However, this invention it also applicable to the MRP-based production control system, as will later be described.
A conventional order control apparatus for use in the production control system utilizing a production order number comprises an Item information memory area, a structure information memory area, and an order memory area. The item information memory area stores, in correspondence to each of the item numbers representative of products items, each item information representative of a manufacturing feature of each of the products. Likewise, the structure information memory area stores, in correspondence to each of the item numbers, each structure information relating to component parts of each of the products. The order memory area stores, upon receiving an order number representative of an ordered product and an ordered item number representative of an item of the ordered product, and stores the information as order information.
More specifically, the item information memory area stores, in correspondence to each of the item numbers, the lead time of each of the products and the name of each of the products as item information. The lead time is equivalent in meaning to a time interval required to manufacture each product. The structure information memory area stores, as structure information, component item numbers representative of component items of the component parts of each of the products, and unit amounts of the component parts of each of the products in correspondence to each parent item number. The unit amount is equivalent in meaning to the number of each of the component items required in manufacturing a single product in the manner which will become clear as the description proceeds.
The above-mentioned conventional order control apparatus stores in the order memory area the order information received from an input unit and manages only the order information independently of the item information and the structure information.
Thus, the order information is not related to the item information and the structure information corresponding thereto. Every time new order information is supplied from the input unit, the order control apparatus must request that the input unit provide the item information and the structure information corresponding to the new order information. In this arrangement, it is necessary to input the item information and the structure information by an operator by using the input unit.
After the item information and the structure information are stored in the item information memory area and the structure information memory area, respectively, the order control apparatus stores the order information in the order memory area and makes an order developing section execute calculations as required. The order developing section thereby produces manufacture instruction information.
In the above-described conventional order control apparatus, the order information is not related to the item information and the structure information corresponding thereto. For example, in case of an individual production order in which a product specification is determined by the order, it is necessary for the input unit to re-enter the item information and the structure information so as to meet the specification determined by each order.

Order control apparatus capable of reducing input operation by an input unit


An optical module with optical fibers is intended to be able to be easily sucked and conveyed, and mounted on another substrate. An optical module of the present disclosure includes an optical device to which optical fibers are optically connected; and a carrier including a substrate and an adhesive layer formed at a surface of the substrate, and a part of the optical device and a part of the optical fibers are adhesively fixed on a surface of the adhesive layer. The optical device may include ball grid array shaped electrodes. The carrier may be provided with a plurality of holes.

Due to a rapid increase in communication demand, efforts for implementing large-capacity communication networks have been vigorously made. There has also been a strong demand for optical modules to have more integrated functions and to be more downsized, for increasing a bit rate per unit volume of communication equipment. Ball Grid Array (BGA) can achieve a dense array of a large number of electrical interfaces, and thus is a key technique for downsizing optical modules (Non Patent Literature 1). Furthermore, a BGA package is mounted on a substrate by reflow mounting, and thus is expected to achieve a lower mounting cost as compared with a case where related-art optical modules in which butterfly-style packages or flexible printed substrate (Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC)) packages are used is mounted by soldering.

NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION


A rail adjustable mount adjusts a rail to support information handling system chassis with different depths in racks of different depths. The adjustable mount couples to a rack front with a sliding portion extending into the rack interior. The adjustable mount sliding portion slidingly engages a guide of the rail to allow adjustment of the rail relative to the rack so that a rail fits into a rack having a depth that is greater than the length of the rail's housing. A floating portion of the rail supports the rail at the rear of the rack and allows the rail position to float relative to the rear of the rack. A biasing device of the adjustable mount biases the rail towards the front of the rack to aid full extension and retraction of the rail at the rack.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of information handling system mounts, and more particularly to an adaptive information handling system rack rail mount.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Information handling systems are often configured to handle anticipated functions and workloads. As an example, server information handling systems have evolved over time to include availability of an increased density of features and components, especially in mid-range and high-end products. Server information handling systems are often maintained in rack enclosures that vertically stack information handling systems on sliding rails. The height and width of server information handling systems that reside in standard-sized racks are set by the EIA-310-E standard. Typically, information handling systems are designed to have dimensions defined by the number of standardized U that the system has for its height and width. A typical full-size rack has from 42 to 48 U of space for supporting information handling systems and related equipment, such as power supplies and network communications gear.
Although standard sized racks constrain the height and width of server information handling systems, the depth of a rack can vary to allow larger information handling system chassis modules, such as to accommodate additional and/or larger components. If a rack has too great a depth for an information handling system chassis module, such as where a server information handling system is de-featured for a lower-end product offering, the shorter chassis leaves an empty space at the back of the rack when it is slid into the rack interior on its rails. In order to accommodate different chassis and different rack sizes, manufacturers typically have to design rails with different lengths and different connections to the chassis. For example, the rail has to have a length that couples to the front and rear mounting flanges in the rack and either the rail or the chassis has to adjust a coupling point so that the chassis rests at the front of the rack in a closed position with the rails retracted to the rack interior.
Providing different rails for racks and/or information handling systems of different depths can present a substantial logistics problem for information handling system manufacturers and information technology administrators. Although an optimized rail solution may exist for each variation of rack and chassis depth, development and inventory costs for providing multiple rail solutions make this approach inefficient. For example, different types of rails increase the complexity of ordering rails for a given chassis and rack, and increases the risk that an incorrect rail will be delivered to an end user. As another example, deployment and re-deployment of information handling systems to an established data center with existing racks presents increased complexity if installed rails do not work with newly ordered information handling systems. The cost of manufacturing increases if multiple types of rails are produced, as compared with efficiencies available if more rails of a particular type are ordered. In addition, inventory overhead costs are increased with an increased number of rail types that have to be tracked by unique part numbers and maintained in sufficient numbers to timely fill product orders. Instead of providing plural rails types, a manufacturer could design a single rail kit to accommodate the deepest system in a "U" family to make all shorter systems fit by default. However, this penalizes shorter systems by forcing them to use rails that are longer than required and thereby artificially constrains the number and type of racks in which the shorter systems will fit.

Adaptive information handling system rack rail mount


A control device of a hybrid vehicle has an engine and an electric motor, the hybrid vehicle being configured to perform motor running using only the electric motor for running and engine running using at least the engine for running, the control device comprising: a first starting portion starting the engine by using the electric motor; and a second starting portion starting the engine without using the electric motor, the control device being configured to expand a range of performing the motor running when the engine is started by the second starting portion as compared to when the engine is started by the first starting portion.

A hybrid vehicle is well-known that includes an engine and an electric motor acting as a drive force source for running. In such a hybrid vehicle, switchover is made between, for example, motor running (EV running) for running with only the electric motor used as the drive force source for running and engine running (EHV running) for running with at least the engine used as the drive force source for running, based on a drive request amount (e.g., request drive torque, request drive force, and request drive power). For example, a switching point for switching the EV running and the EHV running, i.e., a switching line defining a motor running range (EV range) for performing the EV running and an engine running range (EHV range) for performing the EHV running, is changed based on a vehicle state. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that if a state making an engine start difficult is detected at the time of previous engine start, an engine start determination threshold value (e.g., corresponding to the switching point) for the drive request amount is made smaller, i.e., the EV range is made smaller, to start the engine earlier so as to detect an abnormality of the engine in the early stage.


A non-volatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. In the non-volatile memory device, at least one first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type may be formed spaced apart from each other on a portion of a substrate. A plurality of first resistance variation storage layers may contact first sidewalls of each of the at least one first semiconductor layer. A plurality of second semiconductor layers of a second conductivity type, opposite to the first conductivity type, may be interposed between the first sidewalls of each of the at least one first semiconductor layer and the plurality of first resistance variation storage layers. A plurality of bit line electrodes may be connected to each of the plurality of first resistance variation storage layers.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same. Other example embodiments relate to a non-volatile memory device having a resistance variation storage layer and a method of fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
There has been an increasing demand for higher capacity mobile electronic devices. There also has been a demand for smaller-sized and high capacity electronic devices. As the size of the electronic devices decreases and the capacity increases, the more desirable it is to obtain non-volatile memory devices having a higher integration density and a higher capacity. The integration density of non-volatile memory devices formed from a highly-integrated pattern is restricted due to the limitations of photolithography technology.
For example, a non-volatile memory device using a resistance variation storage layer and a diode switch is desirable for obtaining a higher integration density because the non-volatile memory device has a smaller area per unit cell.
In the conventional art, the integration density of the non-volatile memory device in a single layer structure is restricted.

Non-volatile memory device and method of fabricating the same


An overhead-camshaft internal combustion engine having an outer wall of a crankcase provided adjacent a crankshaft, with a spiral-surfaced opening through which the crankshaft is passed. The outer crankcase wall is integrally provided with a loop guide engaging recess formed thereon. The loop guide engaging recess supports a base end portion of a loop guide for guiding an endless chain. A loop-retaining member for preventing the timing endless chain from dropping is arranged at a position on the lower side of a loop drive sprocket integrally formed at an end portion of the crankshaft.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a crankcase structure for an over head camshaft (OHC) type of internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crankcase structure having a loop guide locking (engaging) recess and a loop-retaining member integrally formed on a crankcase of the OHC internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Background Art
There is a known OHC internal combustion engine in which a loop guide engaging recess is formed at an outer periphery of a crankshaft-penetrated opening in a crankcase of the internal combustion engine, the crankshaft-penetrated opening and an opening in the vicinity of the loop guide engaging recess are each formed in a tumbler-like shape deformed from a circular shape, and a loop-retaining member for preventing an endless loop member from dropping from an intake and exhaust valve-driving sprocket at the times of maintenance, inspection or repair is formed in a plate provided as a body separate from the crankcase.
An example of such known OHC internal combustion engine in which a loop guide engaging recess is formed at the outer periphery of a crankshaft-penetrated opening in a crankcase of the internal combustion engine is disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-105132.
In the OHC internal combustion engine, as disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-105132, the plate as a body separate from the crankcase as well as the loop-retaining member is needed separately, whereby the number of component parts is increased.
In addition, an inner peripheral surface of an opening formed in a crankcase overlaps partially with a hollow cylindrical surface having a smaller radius, while the inner peripheral surface of the opening on the side remote from the crankshaft overlaps with a hollow cylindrical surface having a larger radius, to be in a tumbler-like shape. Therefore, stress concentration occurs in a constricted portion (a waist portion). In order to avoid this problem, the crankcase wall is made thicker, leading necessarily to undesirable increase in weight.
The present invention has been made to overcome such drawbacks. Accordingly, it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a crankcase structure for an OHC internal combustion engine which has a small number of component parts, is simple in structure, and is light in weight.

Crankcase structure for an overhead-camshaft internal combustion engine, and engine incorporating same


A substrate has a base, an intermediate layer, a conductive layer, and conductive films. The base is a ceramic insulator. The intermediate layer is on a main surface of the base. The conductive layer is on the intermediate layer. The conductive films are on the conductive layer, covering an exposed portion of the conductive layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a substrate having an insulating base and can be applied to, for example, a substrate having a ceramic or glass ceramic base.
2. Description of the Background Art
In wide-raging areas of technology such as information network, ceramic substrates and glass ceramic substrates are heavily used.
A ceramic substrate is a complex consisting of a ceramic base, a conductive portion, a plating film and the like. The conductive portion is formed on the ceramic base and the plating film is so formed as to cover the conductive portion. When the ceramic substrate having the above structure is manufactured, there is a case where part of the plating film is joined to an upper surface of the ceramic base.
When the ceramic substrate having the above structure is thermally treated with temperature changes, there is a case where cracks appear on the upper surface of the ceramic base near the conductive portion. This is caused by a large difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plating film and that of the ceramic base.
Specifically, in the case where part of the plating film is joined to the ceramic base, when the ceramic substrate is thermally treated, a stress is produced between the plating film and the ceramic base due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion. Since the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion is large, the stress which is thereby produced becomes large and as a result, it causes cracks in the ceramic base.
For the purpose of suppressing occurrence of such cracks, there are techniques of changing manufacturing processes such as lowering the temperature for the thermal treatment and reducing the degree of temperature changes in the thermal treatment. There are other techniques of changing a pattern of the conductive portion, for example, by rounding comers of the conductive portion or reducing the density of formation in the conductive portion.
Patent Document 1, Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette No. 3-209793, shows another technique in relation to the present invention.
In adopting the above techniques of changing the manufacturing processes, a free design of processes becomes impossible and moreover the process time becomes longer. As a result, due to the above problems in the manufacturing processes, the production efficiency of ceramic substrates becomes lower.
In adopting the above techniques of changing a pattern of the conductive portion, there arise problems of requiring a long time to change a design and increasing a manufacturing cost. Further, since there is no quantitative rule for design, the design change of the conductive portion is dependent only on experience. This requires setting of a larger design margin, resulting in lower efficiency of development.
Further, in order to reduce the stress applied onto the base, a method of reducing the thickness of nickel-plating film may be used. When components are soldered to the conductive portion, however, the nickel-plating film serves as a main junction layer. Therefore, in order to ensure good soldering, thinning of the nickel-plating film or simplification should not be easily made.
The cracks appearing in the upper surface of the ceramic base has an ill-effect on reliability and durability of the ceramic substrate. Therefore, suppressing occurrence of such cracks may allow significant cost reduction and contribute to an increase in fields of application.