Methods of producing an electromechanical circuit element are described. A lower structure having lower support structures and a lower electrically conductive element is provided. A nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanically responsive element) is formed on an upper surface of the lower structure so as to contact the lower support structures. An upper structure is provided over the nanotube ribbon. The upper structure includes upper support structures and an upper electrically conductive element. In some arrangements, the upper and lower electrically conductive elements are in vertical alignment, but in some arrangements they are not.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates in general to nonvolatile memory devices and, in particular, to nonvolatile memory arrays that use electromechanical nanotube technology.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Typical memory devices involve single-bit memory cells that have either an "on" state or an "off" state. One bit of memory storage is determined by either the "on" or "off" condition. The number of bits is dependent directly upon the number of memory cells in a particular memory array. For example, a device, which stores n bits, must have n memory cells. In order to increase the number of memory cells either the overall size of the memory array must increase or the size of each memory element must decrease. Increases in memory cell density have been achieved by improving lithographic techniques that have allowed progress from the production of micron-sized elements to the delineation of nanometer-sized features.
Important characteristics for a memory cell in an electronic device are low cost, high density, low power, high speed and nonvolatility. Conventional memory solutions include Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read only Memory (PROM), Electrically Programmable Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM).
ROM is relatively low cost but cannot be rewritten. PROM can be electrically programmed but with only a single write cycle. EPROM has read cycles that are fast relative to ROM and PROM read cycles, but has relatively long erase times and reliability only over a few iterative read/write cycles. EEPROM (or "Flash") is inexpensive, and has low power consumption but has long (millisecond) write cycles and low relative speed in comparison to DRAM or SRAM. Flash also has a finite number of read/write cycles leading to low long-term reliability. ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM are all nonvolatile, meaning that if power to the memory is interrupted the memory will retain the information stored in the memory cells.
DRAM stores charges on transistor gates that act as capacitors, but its need to be electrically refreshed every few milliseconds complicates system design by requiring separate circuitry to "refresh" the memory contents before the capacitors discharge. SRAM does not need to be refreshed and is fast relative to DRAM, but has lower density and is more expensive relative to DRAM. Both SRAM and DRAM are volatile, meaning that if power to the memory is interrupted the memory will lose the information stored in the memory cells.
As the discussion above indicates, conventional memory solutions fail to possess all the desired characteristics. Existing technologies that are nonvolatile are not randomly accessible and have low density, high cost, and limited ability to allow multiple writes with high reliability of circuit function. Meanwhile, existing technologies that are volatile complicate system design or have low density. Some emerging technologies have attempted to address these shortcomings.
For example, magnetic RAM (MRAM) or ferromagnetic RAM (FRAM) utilizes the orientation of magnetization or a ferroelectric region to generate a nonvolatile memory cell. To obtain nonvolatility, MRAM utilizes magnetoresistive memory elements involving the anisotropic magnetoresistance or giant magnetoresistance of magnetic multilayer structures. However, both of these types of memory cells have relatively high resistance and low density. A different MRAM memory cell based upon magnetic tunnel junctions has also been examined but has not led to large-scale commercialized devices.
FRAM uses a similar circuit architecture but stores information not in magnetic cells but in thin-film ferroelectric devices. These devices are purported to yield a nonvolatile memory by retaining their electrical polarization after an externally applied electric switching field is removed. However, FRAM suffers from a large memory cell size, and material incompatibility with standard semiconductor CMOS fabrication processes that makes it difficult to manufacture large-scale integrated components. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,853,893; 4,888,630; 5,198,994
Another technology having nonvolatile memory is phase change memory. This technology stores information via a structural phase change in thin-film alloys incorporating elements such as selenium or tellurium. These alloys are purported to remain stable in both crystalline and amorphous states, and the fact that these states are electrically distinct allows the formation of bistable switches. Nonetheless, while the nonvolatility condition is met, this technology appears to suffer from slow operations, difficulty of manufacture and reliability problems, and has not reached a state of commercialization. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,448,302, 4,845,533, 4,876,667 and 6,044,008.
Wire crossbar memory (MWCM) has also been proposed. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,128,214, 6,159,620 and 6,198,655. These memory proposals envision molecules as bi-stable switches. Two wires (either a metal or semiconducting type) have a layer of molecules or molecule compounds sandwiched in between. Chemical assembly and electrochemical oxidation or reduction are used to generate an "on" or "off" state. This form of memory requires highly specialized wire junctions and may not retain nonvolatility owing to the inherent instability found in redox processes.
Recently, memory devices have been proposed which use nanoscopic wires, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes, to form crossbar junctions to serve as memory cells. See WO 01/03208 ("Nanoscopic Wire-Based Devices, Arrays, and Methods of Their Manufacture"), and Thomas Rueckes et al., "Carbon Nanotube-Based Nonvolatile Random Access Memory for Molecular Computing," Science, vol. 289, pp. 94-97 (2000). Hereinafter these devices are called nanotube wire crossbar memories (NTWCMs). Under these proposals, individual single-walled nanotube wires suspended over other wires define memory cells. Electrical signals are written to one or both wires to cause them to physically attract or repel relative to one another. Each physical state (i.e., attracted or repelled wires) corresponds to an electrical state. Repelled wires are an open circuit junction. Attracted wires are a closed state forming a rectifying junction. When electrical power is removed from the junction, the wires retain their physical (and thus electrical) state thereby forming a nonvolatile memory cell.
The NTWCM proposals to date rely on directed growth or chemical self-assembly techniques to grow the individual nanotubes needed for the memory cells. These techniques are now believed to be difficult to employ at commercial scales using modern technology. Moreover, they may contain inherent limitations such as the length of the nanotubes that may be grown reliably using these techniques, and it may be difficult to control the statistical variance of geometries of nanotube wires so grown.

Methods of making electromechanical three-trace junction devices


According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is configured to execute an imaging mode of alternately executing a continuous wave Doppler mode of acquiring time-series Doppler data by performing continuous wave transmission/reception with respect to an object and a B mode of acquiring tomogram data represented by luminance by transmitting and receiving a pulse wave to and from the object, the apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire continuous wave Doppler data and the tomogram data by alternately executing the continuous wave Doppler mode and the B mode while switching the modes, and a display unit configured to simultaneously display Doppler spectrum information generated based on the continuous wave Doppler data and a tomogram generated based on the tomogram data.

The present application relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which can execute a continuous wave Doppler (CWD)/B simultaneous mode of simultaneously displaying a Doppler spectrum image captured by CWD and a tomogram captured by the B mode in cardiac diagnosis.
Ultrasonic diagnosis allows to display in real time how the heart beats or the fetus moves, by simply bringing an ultrasonic probe into contact with the body surface. This technique is highly safe, and hence allows repetitive examination. Furthermore, this system is smaller in size than other diagnostic apparatuses such as X-ray, CT, and MRI apparatuses and can be moved to the bedside to be easily and conveniently used for examination. In addition, ultrasonic diagnosis is free from the influences of exposure using X-rays and the like, and hence can be used in obstetric treatment, treatment at home, and the like.
Recently, in cardiac diagnosis, image diagnosis called PWD (Pulse Wave Doppler)/B simultaneous mode has been executed by using such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The PWD/B simultaneous mode is a mode of executing Doppler spectrum imaging by continuous wave Doppler and B-mode tomography at a predetermined timing and displaying the captured images in real time. The PWD/B simultaneous mode includes an imaging method called interleaved scan and an imaging method called segment scan. Interleaved scan is a technique of repeatedly executing, for example, one B-mode scan per four times of execution of Doppler scan. Segment scan is a technique of alternately repeating a period (Doppler segment period) of repeating transmission/reception in the Doppler mode by a predetermined number of times and a period (non-Doppler segment period) of repeating transmission/reception in the B mode by a predetermined number of times.
The CWD/B simultaneous mode, however, requires switching of continuous waves unlike a case in which PWD is used. For this reason, a B-mode image is displayed in the freeze mode during a period in which real-time display is performed in the Doppler mode. This makes it difficult to simultaneously implement real-time display of both a Doppler spectrum and a B-mode image in the CWD/B simultaneous mode, although the implementation of such technique is clinically demanded.
In order to improve the real-time performance of the CWD/B simultaneous mode, it is necessary to solve, for example, the following two problems. One is the problem of losses in intermittent execution of continuous STFT (Short Time Fourier Transform) analysis. For example, a large loss of about 50 ms occurs per frame in B-mode images. Even if interpolation of a loss of a maximum of about 16 ms is performed for this loss, the problem of image quality deterioration occurs. The other is the problem of strong transient responses (30 ms to 100 ms) due to the necessity to instantly switch B-mode scan and Doppler-mode scan. This transient response causes noise such as spike noise in a Doppler spectrum, resulting in degrade of image quality.
It is possible to handle the problem of losses in intermittent execution of continuous STFT analysis by using the spectrum loss interpolation technique disclosed in, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2001-149370, which uses an ARX model using an ECG waveform as a deterministic external input. However, there is no corresponding unit for the other problem of transient responses.

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method


A method for powder-metallurgically manufacturing a rotational body, including compacting a first starting body is compacted from a metal powder; forming a second starting body from metal, separately from the first starting body; placing the starting bodies against each other in axial contact via end faces in relation to a longitudinal axis of the rotational body; and permanently and firmly sintered the first starting body and the second starting body to each other by collective sintering. The first starting body is compacted from an aluminum-based powder, the second starting body is formed from an aluminum material, and the starting bodies are sintered to each other at their respective end faces.

Components exhibiting a complex geometry can also be manufactured powder-metallurgically if the components are assembled from separately compacted starting bodies and the starting bodies are permanently and firmly connected to each other in a material fit by collective sintering. A process for manufacturing composite-sintered machine components is for example known from EP 1 923 155 B1, in which a cylindrical inner member and a disc-shaped outer member are each individually compacted from an iron-based alloy powder and are sintered to each other to form a firm composite. The cylindrical inner member is formed with pillars which protrude axially into holes in the disc-shaped outer member. The pillars, when being compacted, are formed with a radial excess such that they protrude into the respective hole in a press fit and are thus firmly connected to the disc-shaped outer member across their circumferential areas when the two are collectively sintered. Comparable teachings are contained in DE 197 52 380 A1 and DE 10 2008 028 640 A1, which likewise describe the composite-sintering of compacts which are separately formed from an iron-based alloy powder. In accordance with this prior art, too, assembling the compacts in a radial press fit is also a precondition for creating the sintered composite. Compacting the starting bodies and/or compacting them in a press fit presupposes that the starting bodies are formed to an exact and narrow tolerance. Positioning the compacts which are to be sintered to each other in the respective press fit also incurs expense and takes time.

Sintered composite and method for its manufacture


A process for fabricating a MOSFET device has been developed featuring a polycide gate structure, comprised of a metal silicide component, overlying a polysilicon component, and with the metal silicide shape intentionally fabricated to be narrower than the underlying polysilicon shape. This polycide configuration is obtained using an isotropic RIE procedure for the metal silicide shape, while using an anisotropic RIE procedure for the definition of the polysilicon shape. The undercut metal silicide shape can now accommodate a thermally grown oxide layer, thicker than the thermally grown oxide formed on the underlying, straight walled polysilicon shape, and thus allowing a lightly doped source and drain region, and the subsequent MOSFET channel length, to be defined by the thin oxide, on the sides of the straight walled polysilicon shape.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to processes used to fabricate metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, (MOSFET), devices, and more specifically to a process used to create a gate structure for a MOSFET device.
(2) Description of Prior Art
The semiconductor industry is continually striving to increase the performance of semiconductor devices. The ability to create semiconductor devices with sub-micron features, or micro-miniaturization, has allowed this performance objective to be successfully addressed. The use of sub-micron features has resulted in a reduction in performance degrading capacitances and resistances, present with larger dimension, semiconductor devices. Advances in specific semiconductor fabrication disciplines, such as photolithography and dry etching, have contributed to micro-miniaturization of advanced semiconductor devices. For example the use of more advanced exposure cameras, as well as the use of more sensitive photoresist materials, have allowed sub-micron images to be successfully formed in photoresist layers. In addition the development of more sophisticated dry etching tools and processes, have in turn allowed the sub-micron features, in masking photoresist layers, to be successfully transferred to underlying materials, used in the creation of advanced semiconductor devices.
An area, critical for the performance of semiconductor MOSFET devices, is the channel region, or the region of the MOSFET device, located underlying a gate structure, between source and drain regions. The MOSFET source and drain regions are formed self-aligned, to an overlying gate structure, therefore the channel length of the MOSFET device is directly related to the width of the overlying gate structure. The advances in photolithography and dry etching disciplines have allowed gate structures, exhibiting sub-micron widths, to be routinely achieved, therefore resulting in the desired channel lengths, and thus satisfying desired performance objectives. However specific semiconductor process phenomena can interfere with the attainment of the minimum channel lengths offered by the narrow gate width, achieved via advanced photolithographic and dry etching procedures. For example, prior to the creation of a lightly doped source and drain, (LDD), region, self-aligned to a gate structure, a thermal oxidation procedure is performed to protect the sides of the gate structure from the subsequent ion implantation procedure, used to create the LDD region. The gate structure can be a polycide structure, comprised of a metal silicide layer, such as tungsten silicide, overlying a polysilicon layer. The oxidation procedure can create protrusions extending from the exposed sides of the metal silicide component of the polycide gate structure, increasing the width of the gate structure. However of greater concern is the enhanced oxidation rate of the metal silicide component, in relation to the underlying polysilicon component, of the polycide gate structure, resulting in a thicker than desired insulator layer, on the exposed sides of the metal silicide component. This unwanted feature, thicker than desired oxide on the side of the metal silicide, results in an increase in channel length due to the inability of the LDD ion implantation procedure, to self-align to the dimension that the gate structure was designed to.
This invention will describe a process of creating a polycide gate structure, in which a subsequent protective oxide layer, formed on the sides of the polycide gate structure, does not adversely influence the narrow polycide gate width dimension, and thus not adversely influence the channel length of the MOSFET device. This is achieved via a novel dry etching procedure, incorporating anisotropic, as well as isotropic etch cycles, used to form a polycide gate structure exhibiting a shape that will accept the formation of insulator growth, on the exposed sides of the metal silicide component, however without an increases in polycide gate width. Prior art, such as Park, et cl, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,578, describe a method for forming a specific polycide shape, used to prevent subsequent oxidation of the exposed polycide sidewall. In contrast this present invention describes the formation of unique polycide shape, which allows subsequent oxidation of the exposed sides to occur, however allowing the unique polycide shape to compensate for the oxidation formation.

Compensation of the channel region critical dimension, after polycide gate, lightly doped source and drain oxidation procedure

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation


To provide a motion video segmenting method, a motion video segmenting device, and a motion video processing system that are capable of reducing variation of time required for processing in a case where a motion video is segmented at a predetermined time, and an image processing device performs predetermined processing on a segmented motion video. The motion video segmenting device calculates a load value for each pack based on a rate of an image in which a difficulty degree is high included in the pack, and determines an image processing device having a smallest accumulation value of the load value of the pack which is transmitted previously as the transmission destination when image processing device which is the transmission destination of the pack is determined.

In recent years, tracking of position information of a player or a ball through a game is performed, a posture analysis, a behavior analysis, tracking of a position, and the like for each player are performed, and they are fed back to tactics of training or a next game for example, based on a sports motion video such as soccer.
In a case where a person manually analyzes many images configuring a motion video, much labor, time, or hand is required. Therefore, for example, NPL 1 discloses a sports video analysis system in which image analysis processing is automatically performed by a computer and in a case where the computer is erroneous, correction is accepted by the hand of a person, so that the analysis can be immediately performed and labor of a person can be reduced.

Motion video segmenting method, motion video segmenting device, and motion video processing system

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A lathe is provided which includes at least one workpiece spindle which is rotatable about a spindle axis. The lathe includes two tool carrier systems each comprising a slide system having at least a Z slide and a X slide and further comprising a tool carrier. The tool carrier system is movable relative to the machine frame in a Z direction parallel to the spindle axis. Each of the tool carrier systems is guided independently of the other respective tool carrier system with its own Z slide in the Z direction on the machine frame. The tool carrier systems are arranged on the same side of the spindle axis and each tool carrier system is movable in the Z direction on a path extending towards the other tool carrier system. Each slide system has a guide plane for the X slide defined by a X guide.

The invention relates to a lathe comprising a machine frame, at least one workpiece spindle arranged on the machine frame and rotatable about a spindle axis, two tool carrier systems movable relative to the machine frame in a Z direction parallel to the spindle axis and comprising tool carriers for several tools, each of these tool carrier systems being guided independently of the other respective tool carrier system so as to be movable with its own slide system in the Z direction on the machine frame.
Lathes of this type are known from the state of the art, wherein these lathes are either not suitable for the machining of shafts with two tool carrier systems and or the two tool carrier systems cannot be used at the same time in an optimum manner.
The object underlying the invention is therefore to improve a lathe of the type described at the outset in such a manner that machining of a shaft with optimum use of two tool carrier systems is possible.
This object is accomplished in accordance with the invention, in a lathe of the type described at the outset, in that the tool carrier systems are arranged on the same side of the spindle axis and each tool carrier system is thereby movable in the Z direction on a path which extends to the other tool carrier system in a collision-prone manner and that each tool carrier system has a tool carrier head which can be positioned in a first position in relation to the respective slide system such that this represents the structural component of the respective tool carrier system located closest to the other tool carrier system.
With the inventive solution, the possibility is thus created, by way of the advantageous possibility of the arrangement of the tool carrier head in the first position, of being able to use the tool carrier heads in an optimum manner since they can essentially be moved towards one another until immediately prior to a collision and thus the tools can be used close to one another and so an optimum operating area is available for each tool carrier system.
Alternatively or in addition to the inventive solution described at the outset, one particularly advantageous embodiment provides for the tool carrier systems to be arranged on the same side of the spindle axis and each tool carrier system to thereby be movable in the Z direction on a path which extends to the other tool carrier system in a collision-prone manner, and for each slide system to have an X slide which is guided on the Z slide and is arranged on a side of the Z slide facing the other tool carrier system.
A particularly favorable arrangement of the X slide provides for a guide plane, in which the X guide means for the movement of the X slide relative to the Z slide are located, to be located on a side, which faces the respectively other tool carrier system, of a guide element of the Z slide located closest to the respectively other tool carrier system.
With this solution it is ensured that the guide plane for the X slide is displaced to such an extent in the direction of the respectively other tool carrier system that the X guide means can be brought as close as possible to the Z guide means without hindrance by the guide elements of the Z slide in order to achieve as stable a guidance of the tools as possible by means of the X slide and the Z slide relative to the machine frame which ensures as great a precision of the machining as possible.
In this respect, it is particularly favorable when the X slide of each of the slide systems extends beyond a Z slide guiding this X slide in the direction of the respectively other tool carrier system.
A particularly favorable development of the slide systems provides for the Z slide to have X guide means which are arranged on a slide member thereof in such a manner that they are located closer to the respectively other tool carrier system than the respective slide member.
With respect to the position of the guide plane determined by the X guide means, no further details have so far been given.
It is particularly favorable, for example, for as stable a guidance of the X slide as possible relative to the Z slide when the guide plane determined by the X guide means extends transversely to the spindle axis since sufficient space for a stable design of the guide means is available transversely to the spindle axis without any restriction of the path of action of the tool carrier systems in Z direction resulting from this.
With respect to the definition of the movability of the tool carrier systems in Z direction on a collision-prone path it would, for example, be conceivable not to have the slide systems movable on a collision-prone path but merely the tool carriers. Since collisions of the tool carriers have to be taken into consideration in any case, it is, with a view to a particularly stable guidance of both tool carriers, constructionally favorable when the slide systems of both tool carrier systems can be moved in the Z direction on a collision-prone path. The simplest possibility for realizing this provides for the slide systems to be movable in Z direction on the same guide paths.
In order to be able to position the tools as close to one another as possible, it is preferably provided for the tool carrier heads to be aligned in the first position in such a manner that their tool receiving means allow use of tools which extend in an area extending transversely to the spindle axis at a point of intersection with the spindle axis.
As a result of the fact that tools can be used which are located in an area which extends at the point of intersection with the spindle axis transversely thereto, it is possible to travel with the tool carriers of the different tool carrier systems as close as possible towards one another and thus to operate lying as near as possible to one another during turning of the shaft.
In this respect it is particularly expedient when the areas extending transversely to the spindle axis extend approximately parallel to one another at the point of intersection with the spindle axis.
In order to be able to equip the tool carrier heads with tools as favorably as possible, it is preferably provided for the tool carrier head to be arranged in the first position relative to the slide system supporting it in such a manner that the slide system forms a free space for the tools extending away from the tool carrier head approximately in directions transverse to the spindle axis. This applies for at least one of the tool carriers of the tool carrier systems.
Both tool carriers of the tool carrier systems are preferably arranged in the first position in such a manner.
This may be realized particularly favorably when the tool carrier head can be positioned in the first position relative to the slide system supporting it in such a manner that this projects beyond a side surface of the slide system located closest to the respectively other tool carrier system in the direction of the other tool carrier system.
In order to be able to carry out not only shaft machinings but also other machinings with the inventive lathe, it is preferably provided for a counterspindle to be provided so as to be located opposite the spindle so that each of the tool carrier systems can cooperate with one of the spindles for the machining of a workpiece.
In order to be able to carry out, in particular, machining on front and rear sides, it is preferably provided for the spindle and the counterspindle to be movable towards one another for the transfer of workpieces.
In principle, it is possible with the inventive solution to also carry out machining of the workpieces in the spindle and the counterspindle with one of the respective tool carrier systems with a tool carrier head located in the first position.
For this purpose, tools are preferably used which extend in areas transverse to the spindle axis or to both spindle axes.
In order, however, to be able to carry out machinings, in particular, on the end side of the workpieces and of recesses extending into the end side, it is necessary to also use tools which extend approximately parallel to the spindle axis.
For this purpose, it is particularly favorable when at least one of the tool carrier heads is located in a second position relative to the slide system supporting it on a side of the tool carrier facing away from the other tool carrier system. In this second position, tools which extend parallel to the spindle axis may be used in the tool carrier head particularly favorably.
For this purpose, it is, in particular, favorable when, in the area of the tool carrier head in the second position, the slide system forms a free space for tools extending approximately in the direction of the spindle axis, these tools then being able to extend in the opposite direction to the respectively other tool carrier system proceeding from the respective tool carrier head without collisions of these tools in the two tool carrier systems with one another needing to be feared.
In this respect, it is particularly favorable when the tool carrier head is located in the second position in front of a side of the slide system facing towards the side of the corresponding spindle.
In order to be able to move the tool carrier head from the first position into the second position, the most varied of solutions are conceivable. One particularly favorable solution, for example, provides for the respective tool carrier to be movable relative to the X slide in such a manner that the tool carrier head can be brought from the first position into the second position, i.e. the transfer of the tool carrier head between the first position and the second position is brought about by way of a relative movement of the tool carrier with respect to the X slide.
Such a movement may be realized in a particularly simple manner when the tool carrier head can be moved from the first position into the second position by way of a pivoting movement.
A particularly favorable solution from a constructional point of view provides for the tool carrier to be mounted on the X slide so as to be pivotable about an axis. Such an axis is preferably an axis extending transversely to the spindle axis.
A particularly preferred solution provides for this axis to extend at right angles to the spindle axis and represent a so-called B axis of the machine tool.
The tool carrier can, in principle, be of any optional design as long as it creates the possibility of bringing several tools into use. Such a tool carrier could, for example, in the simplest case be a so-called linear tool carrier.
A particularly favorable form of a tool carrier provides for the tool carrier to be designed as a tool turret.
In this respect, it is particularly favorable when the tool turret has a turret head which is arranged on one side of a turret housing.
Such a turret head is preferably pivotable about a turret axis in relation to the turret housing.
This turret axis is preferably located such that the turret head is pivotable in relation to the turret housing about a turret axis which extends transversely to an X axis of the machine tool.
In this respect, the turret axis could take up any optional number of positions about the X axis. The turret axis is located particularly favorably when it extends approximately parallel to the Z axis.
With respect to the pivotability of the turret head into the first and the second positions, it is preferably provided for the turret housing to be pivotable about a pivot axis in relation to the X slide.
In this respect, the pivot axis is preferably aligned such that it extends transversely to the Z axis. In this respect, the turret head can preferably be brought from the first position facing the other tool carrier system into the second position facing away from the other tool carrier system by way of pivoting of the turret housing about the pivot axis.
Additional features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description as well as the drawings illustrating one embodiment.

Index-Werke GmbH and Co. KG Hahn and Tessky


The present invention is a laser light source device having: a silicon substrate having a first flat surface and a second flat surface which is formed at a position lower than the first flat surface by a level difference in the thickness direction; a first junction having a microbump structure comprising Au formed on the first flat surface; a second junction having a microbump structure comprising Au formed on the second flat surface; a first optical element and a second optical element for emitting laser light, which are joined to the first junction by a surface activation technique; a reflective member for reflecting the laser light from the first optical element toward a multiplexer, the reflective member being joined to the second junction by the abovementioned technique; and a multiplexer for directly receiving the laser light from the second optical element and multiplexing the laser light from the first optical element and the laser light from the second optical element, the multiplexer being joined to the second junction by the abovementioned technique; a configuration being adopted whereby the distance between the first optical element and the reflective member is different from the distance between the second optical element and the multiplexer, and the length of the optical path from the first optical element to the multiplexer is equal to the length of the optical path from the second optical element to the multiplexer.

It is known in the art to provide a projector which modulates light emitted from a light source unit by using a spatial light modulator and which projects the modulated light in an enlarged form onto a screen through a projection optical system such as a projection lens, etc. Traditionally, a metal halide lamp or a halogen lamp has been used as the light source unit for such a projector. However, in recent years, for such purposes as downsizing the light source unit and the projector while at the same time achieving extended service life and enhanced image quality, a display apparatus has been proposed that uses a light source constructed from laser diodes (LDs) of three primary colors (RGB) (for example, refer to patent document 1).
The laser light source used in the projection-type display apparatus disclosed in patent document 1 has a can-type structural stem. More specifically, an LD chip is rigidly fastened onto a common terminal that is connected to the stem by vertically passing therethrough, and the common terminal and a terminal to which the other electrode of the LD chip is connected by a wire are brought out to the back side of the stem; then a cylindrically shaped metal cap having a transparent window is mounted on the stem to seal the LD chip therein. In patent document 1, a laser unit which includes three such can-type laser light sources, one for each of the RGB colors, and which combines the laser light from the respective laser light sources by using a plurality of dichroic mirrors and outputs the combined laser light through a lens, is proposed as the light source for the display apparatus.

Laser light source device and method for manufacturing laser light source device


An image forming apparatus and a paper feeding method used with the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus includes: a paper feeding unit to accommodate a plurality of papers loaded thereon; a pick-up roller which picks up the papers loaded in the paper feeding unit and is set to rotate at multi-step speeds; a paper arrangement unit which aligns the papers to be transferred without skewing by applying a constant pressure to the front end of a paper transferred by a the pick-up roller; a printing unit which is disposed below the paper arrangement unit and forms a predetermined image on the transferred paper; a paper type sensing element which is disposed on a paper transfer path along which the paper feeding unit, the pick-up roller, the paper arrangement unit, and the printing unit are arranged; and a control unit which operates the pick-up roller at a rotation speed according to an identified paper type. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can prevent paper wrinkling or poor paper arrangement occurring in a paper arrangement process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept relates to an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding method used with the same, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that controls an arrangement speed according to paper thickness in order to prevent overall problems occurring during a paper arrangement process, and a paper feeding method used with the image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a view of an ink-jet printer as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes a paper feeding unit 10 that stores a plurality of papers P (or other recording media) and a pick-up roller 11 to pick up the papers P sheet by sheet, which is disposed above the paper feeding unit 10. A paper arrangement unit 30, a feeding roller 41, and a printing unit 50 are disposed on a transfer path of the papers P transferred by the pick-up roller 11.
The paper arrangement unit 30 includes a driving roller 31 and a pinch roller 35 which are pressed in contact with each other to form a nip N′. The driving roller 31 is connected with a driving motor 39 supplying a rotation driving force. An electronic clutch 38 is disposed between the driving roller 31 and the driving motor 39 to intermittently connect or disconnect the driving roller 31 to or from the driving motor 35. A pinch spring 37 is placed at another side of the pinch roller 35. The pinch roller 35 rotates in conjunction with the driving roller 31 while being pressed thereto by the pinch spring 37. When a position sensor 33 disposed close to the paper arrangement unit 30 detects the paper P, the driving roller 31 does not rotate immediately, but instead waits for a predetermined period of time to prevent paper skewing when the front end Pt of the paper P moves diagonally. In the paper arrangement unit 30, when a leading portion of the paper P is transferred, the paper P is pushed back while being stuck between the two rollers 31 and 35. When the lagging portion of the paper P is moved, the driving roller 31 rotates so as to align the paper P.
The paper P is pushed by a feeding force while passing between the driving roller 31 and the pinch roller 35 and is transferred towards the feeding roller 41. After the paper P is transferred to the feeding roller 41, the paper P enters between the feeding roller 41 and a friction roller 43 and then between an ink cartridge 51 and a paper guide 59. The ink cartridge 51 discharges ink droplets on the transferring paper P to form a predetermined image. The printed paper P is then discharged out of the inkjet printer between a star wheel 61 and a discharge roller 63, which both rotate while being pressed against each other, and is then the printed paper is loaded on an out-feed tray 71.
Examples of papers which are commonly used for an image forming apparatus such as an ink-jet printer include a plain paper, an ink-jet paper, and a photo paper. Since these types of papers are made of a laminated sheet including a chemical coating layer, the ink-jet paper and the photo paper are thicker than plain paper. Conventionally, an arrangement operation is performed under the same conditions regardless of a type of a paper supplied to a paper arrangement unit. Accordingly, when a thin plain paper is used, the paper creases in the paper arrangement process due to a lack of rigidity. In addition, when a relatively thick ink-jet paper or a photo paper is used, although the arrangement operation is performed, the paper is supplied to a feeding roller in a skewed position, resulting in a paper jam. Also, even when no paper jam occurs, there still is a problem in that ink discharged from an ink cartridge escapes from the paper, causing poor printing.

Image forming apparatus and paper feeding method used with the same


Improved inductive apparatus having controlled core saturation which provides a desired inductance characteristic with low cost of manufacturing. In one embodiment, a pot core having a variable geometry gap is provided. The variable geometry gap allows for a “stepped” inductance profile with high inductance at low dc currents, and a lower inductance at higher dc currents, corresponding for example to the on-hook and off-hook states of a Caller ID function in a typical telecommunications line. In other embodiments, single- and multi-spool drum core devices are disclosed which use a controlled saturation element to allow for selectively controlled saturation of the core. Exemplary signal conditioning circuits (e.g., dynamically controlled low-capacitance DSL filters) using the aforementioned inductive devices are disclosed, as well as cost-efficient methods of manufacturing the inductive devices. An improved gapped toroid and an associated method of manufacturing is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to components used in electronics applications, and particularly to an improved inductive devices used in, inter alia, filter and splitter apparatus for a digital subscriber line (DSL) or similar telecommunications system.
2. Description of Related Technology
Today, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) installations are often what is known as "self-install", or specifically where the subscriber installs a micro-filter or in-line phone filters on each telephone to isolate the phones (including faxes, answering machines, etc.) from the line and the DSL signal path. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical installation of such in-line filters.
The self-installable micro-filter is a challenging design, largely because it must have sufficient stop band in the DSL band to protect and preserve DSL performance, but at the same time should also have negligible effect on the voice band performance.
FIG. 1a illustrates a typical prior art in-line filter configuration used in DSL applications. Such prior art filter designs, however, often do not satisfy some of the telecom customer's requirements for both return loss and DSL stop band. One significant problem is that the total capacitance required for the DSL stop band requirements also produce excessive side tone in the upper band of the telephones, a highly undesirable result. Furthermore, the return loss problem becomes worse as more micro-filters are added for each of the subscriber's phones.
In certain countries, filter circuit requirements can be stringent. One major challenge, for example, is providing the 30 KHz stop band while providing the very high voice band return loss.
Prior art inductive devices are often not well adapted for use in the foregoing applications, based in large part on their inductance characteristic. As used herein, the term "inductance characteristic" refers generally to the inductance profile, or variation in inductance as a function of dc current through the inductor. FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate the inductance characteristics associated with typical prior art inductors having either fixed inductance or variable inductance, respectively. Note that in the typical "fixed" inductor, the inductance characteristic 102 is essentially flat or constant as a function of current, until comparatively high currents are reached. In comparison, the inductance profile of the variable inductor varies as a function of current, either in a substantially linear fashion 106, or in a somewhat "soft stepped" fashion 108, as shown in FIG. 2b. FIG. 2b is generally representative of the types of prior art device manufactured by, inter alia, Coilcraft Corporation of Cary, Ill., USA, such as the DT1608 Series SMT power inductors.
FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of the aforementioned Coilcraft device. As shown in FIG. 3, the device 300 comprises a two-piece core 302 having a base 304 with an off-centered post 306. The upper core piece 308 has an aperture 310 which is oversized with respect to the diameter of the post 306. This arrangement creates what amounts to a continuously variable gap between the outer surface of the post 306 and the interior surface of the aperture 310, ranging from a minimum gap at the closest point of approach of the two surfaces, to a maximum at the diametric opposite of the point of closest approach. This continuously variable gap has at least two disabilities, including: (i) a continuously variable or "soft stepped" inductance characteristic, which is undesirable or less than optimal in certain applications, and (ii) high cost of manufacturing, since two core pieces with precise relative tolerances must be provided (including precise alignment of the upper core piece 308 with the base 304. Furthermore, there is additional cost associated with manufacturing the "off-center" post 306, irrespective of its tolerances with the other core piece 308. Such off-center arrangement is also not generally conducive to use of well known alignment aids, such as the split-pin arrangement described subsequently herein.
Certain applications, including for example some DSL filter circuits where higher stop band loss is needed (such as for Caller ID functions), require inductive devices with an inductance characteristic different than those of FIGS. 2a or 2b. In the case of the aforementioned Caller ID function, higher stop band loss is needed in the on-hook state to protect the Caller ID device from current overload via the DSL signals. Consider the exemplary filter circuit described in co-pending PCT application No. PCT/US01/45568 entitled "High Performance Micro-Filter and Splitter Apparatus" filed Nov. 14, 2001 and assigned to the Assignee hereof, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this circuit, removal of most of the capacitance during the on-hook state reduces filter stop loss, thereby necessitating an additional or alternate mechanism for increasing the stop loss as previously described.
Similarly, for the exemplary filter circuit described in, inter alia, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,259 entitled "Impedance Blocking Filter Circuit" and issued Apr. 3, 2001, also assigned to the Assignee hereof, an improved inductive device is needed whereby sufficient inductance is present to allow the circuit to pass the on-hook stop band loss for a plurality of filters, while still allowing a larger off-hook capacitance.
Furthermore, to control the inductive performance, gapped toroids have been used. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/661,628, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,642,827, entitled "Advanced Electronic Microminiature Coil And Method Of Manufacturing" filed Sep. 13, 2000, discloses a microelectronic coil device incorporating a toroidal core and a plurality of sets of windings, wherein the windings are separated by one or more layers of insulating material. The insulating material is vacuum-deposited over the top of a first set of windings and cured before the next set of windings is wound onto the core. The toroidal core is also optionally provided with a controlled thickness gap for controlling saturation of the core.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,744 to Aldridge, et al. issued Apr. 22, 1980 and entitled "Magnetic core with magnetic ribbon in gap thereof" discloses a ferrite toroid having two radially extending gaps which extend part-way through the toroid for reduction of EMI. Into each gap there is inserted an insulative shim having a magnetic metal ribbon folded over the shim. When current is applied to a winding on the core, the resultant magnetic flux is steered into the magnetic ribbons and around the gaps. For high frequency excitations eddy current losses in the ribbons are high and the windings have low Q but high inductance. At high winding currents, the magnetic ribbons are saturated, the inductance is reduced and the Q of the winding increases. In a switching voltage regulator, this inductor tends to generate only a small amount of ringing and electromagnetic radiation noise.
In addition to desirable inductive performance characteristics, low cost of manufacturing for inductive devices is also a highly desirable attribute. Inductive device markets (as well as DSL filter circuit markets) are characteristically quite price competitive; hence, even small improvements in cost efficiency or reductions in pricing of these components can have significant impact on the viability of a manufacturer's product(s). Prior art approaches of controlling device inductance are often complex and dictate comparatively high costs of manufacturing, due to increased labor and/or parts associated with generating the desired inductance characteristic.
Board and interior space consumption is also an issue with many electronic devices (including DSL filter circuits); hence, in addition to the desired performance characteristics and low cost, minimal physical size and footprint is also very desirable. A device which performs well electrically and is inexpensive to manufacture, yet takes up appreciable board or interior space, is often not commercially viable.
ETSI Technical Standard 952, Part 1, Sub-part 5 (ETSI TS 952-1-5) entitled "Access network xDSL transmission filters; Part 1: ADSL filters for European deployment; Sub-part 5: Specification of ADSL/POTS distributed filters" specifies requirements and test methods for DSL distributed filters and distributed filters installed at the Local Exchange side of the local loop and at the user side near the network termination point (NTP). The Standard specifies requirements and test methods for distributed ADSL/POTS distributed filters valid at the user end of the local loop. Per the Standard, on-hook voiceband electrical requirements comprise two conditions: (i) a DC feeding voltage of 50 V, and using the impedance model ZON (10 kΩ), or (ii) a DC loop current in the range of 0.4 mA to 2.5 mA flowing through the distributed filter; and using an impedance model of 600 Ω to terminate the LINE and POTS port of the distributed filter at voice frequencies. The Standard's on-hook ADSL band electrical requirements may be met with a DC feeding voltage of 50 V, and using the impedance model ZON (10 kΩ). Off-hook electrical requirements may be met with a DC current of 13 mA to 80 mA. These requirements are comparatively stringent, especially for simple low-cost inductive devices.
Based on the foregoing, an improved inductive device having both low cost of manufacturing and desirable inductance characteristics is needed for use in, inter alia, digital subscriber line (DSL) signals. Such improved apparatus would ideally (i) have the desired inductance characteristics in the on-hook and off-hook states, so as to support for example functions such as Caller ID which require higher on-hook stop band loss (ii) be highly cost-effective to manufacture, (iii) be reliable, and (iv) be physically compact in both volume and footprint.


A device for transmitting a torque between two rotational elements (5, 2), includes an inner gear ring (24) that via only a few teeth engages an outer gear ring (23) being member of a cover (17) that is connected with one of the rotational elements (2). The axis of symmetry (A) of the gear ring (24) is oblique relative to the axis of symmetry (B) of the rotational elements (5, 2). By the aid of an eccentric portion (27) the gear ring disc (21) is imparted to perform a planetary motion along the outer gear ring (23), whereby a transmission element, that supports the inner gear ring, is subjected to a nutating motion. Between a stationary member (12) and the gear ring disc (21) a bellows (13) is provided, said bellows (13), in a hermetically tight way, separating the spaces (14,15) where the rotational elements (5, 2) are located.

The grounds for this invention are the sealing problems that relate to valve spindles. Rotatable as well as axially movable valve spindles are in practice often sealed by gland or radial sealings. These sealings include a set of rings that via a washer and a number of screws are compressed axially in order to expand radially and thus create a sealing between the spindle and a surrounding valve housing. However, the sealing is worn and consequently the sealing pressure decreases eventually. A regular follow-up draft of the screws is thus required. Sometimes spring washers beneath the heads of the screws are used to give a more long-lasting axial prestressing of the set of rings. For certain types of valves O-ring sealings are also used. These sealings have the disadvantage that the valve must be dismounted when the O-ring is to be exchanged.
Common for prior art valve sealings is that a relative movement takes place in the interface between the sealing material and the spindle. This means that the sealing will never become hermetically tight in absolute terms and as soon as the sealing is worn its sealing ability is reduced gradually. In e.g. the process industry, like chemical industry, there are very high demands upon valve tightness since fluids, whose flows are regulated by means of a valve, may be toxic as well as corrosive. A leaking gas valve, e.g. at an oil rig, may cause catastrophes.
Hermetically tight valves that use metal bellows are known for such valves where the valve operation is effected by an axial movement only, e.g. sliding valves and seat valves. In such a case the valve spindle at its outer end is provided with a thread that cooperates with a journalled nut that upon rotation causes the spindle to move axially. Inside of the thread and the nut a metal bellows is provided and it is possible to secure said metal bellows both to the spindle and the surrounding valve housing in a hermetically tight way due to the fact that the spindle moves only axially, i.e. without rotating. For other types of valves, e.g. ball valves, cap valves and revolving butterfly valves, it is necessary when operating said valves that the spindle is rotated or turned. This makes it impossible to secure a bellows hermetically tight to the spindle. The operation of said valves often requires that high torques are transmitted from the driving source in question to the rotatable spindle and the adherent valve body.
From a narrow aspect the aim of the invention is to realize a device that manages to transmit also high torques to a rotatable valve spindle simultaneously as the spindle is kept separated from the surroundings by means of a separating means that is hermetically tight. From a most general aspect the aim of the invention is to create a device for transmitting a torque that could be used wherever a rotational element is to transmit a torque to another rotational element simultaneously as the elements are kept apart by means of a hermetically tight separating means.
A device as generally defined in the preamble for transmitting a rotary motion is previously known for other purposes than operation of valve spindles. This known device has two rotational elements that consist of input and output shafts that are rotatably journalled in opposite walls of a housing that is placed in a partition between two separated spaces. The transmission element consists of a rigid arm that is pivotally journalled by means of a ball and socket joint located between the ends of the arm, the opposite ends of the arm being hingedly connected with discs on the input and output shafts respectively; more precisely in such a way that the arm transmits a rotary motion with a gear change of 1:1 from the input shaft to the output shaft. The arm is provided with a plate to which an end of a conically shaped bellows is tightly secured, the opposite end of the bellows also being tightly secured to one of said walls in the housing.
For several reasons it is not in practice possible to use a device of the last-mentioned type for transmitting high torques between input and output rotational elements, e.g. in a valve, simultaneously as hermetical sealing is guaranteed. Thus the bellows is moving with large strokes; this means that the bellows must not be made out of materials, e.g. metallic materials, that are resistant to high pressures. Further the arm that takes care of the transmission of rotation of the input shaft to the output shaft has such weak dimensions that it is not at all possible to transmit higher torques. Still further the structure does not allow fine adjustment of the output rotational element in different setting positions.


A cutting mat comprises: a baseboard defined with an assembling hole and at least one notch on a side of the assembling hole, a positioning member detachably disposed in the assembling hole, and a cutting board. The positioning member includes a circular body and at least one positioning protrusion formed on a side of the circular body and located in a corresponding position to the notch of the baseboard. The cutting board is formed at the bottom thereof with a circular recess for engaging the circular body of the positioning member, so that the cutting board is rotatably superposed on the baseboard. When the positioning member is inversely disposed with the positioning protrusion being protruded from the top surface of the baseboard, and the circular body and the positioning protrusion are partially received in the assembling hole and the notch of the baseboard, the circular recess and the positioning notch of the cutting board will be engaged with the positioning member and a part of the positioning protrusions; as a result, the cutting board is unrotatably positioned on the baseboard.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an office product, and more particularly to a cutting mat that is both fixable and ratable.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a cutting operation, the object to be cut is usually laid on a cutting mat so as to protect the cutting blade from damaging the surface of a table. Although cut marks will be left on the surface of the cutting mat after cutting operation, it doesn't affect the next round of cutting operation, which is why the cutting mat is widely used.
However, the cutting operation does not just include linear cutting, it also includes arc-shaped cutting, circular cutting and other forms of cutting. When an ordinary cutting mat is used in these forms of cutting operation, the user must turn his wrist or even has to stand up to adjust to a right angle, or might have to adjust the position of the cutting mat, causing inconveniences.
Later, a rotatable cutting mat was developed to overcome the above-mentioned inconveniences, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which comprises a baseboard 80 and a cutting board 81. The bottom surface of the baseboard 80 is covered with an antiskid layer 82, and a circular hole 83 is formed in the center of the baseboard 80. The top surface of the cutting board 81 is covered with a cut proof layer 84, and a circular block 85 is provided on the bottom surface of the cutting board 81 and is to be pivotally received in the circular hole 83 of the baseboard 80, so as to make the cutting board 81 rotatable relative to the baseboard 80.
It is very convenient for the user to do an arc-shaped or circular cutting operation just by rotating the cutting board 81 without moving the user's wrists or body. However, when doing a linear cutting, the cutting board 81 is also likely to rotate, and the cutting board 81 can't be laid flat on the table because of the circular block 85 on the bottom surface thereof, thus causing trouble in linear cutting.
To overcome the above-mentioned trouble, another magnetic type cutting mat was developed to overcome the inconveniences, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and also comprises a baseboard 90 and a cutting board 91. A plurality of antiskid pieces 92 are arranged at the corners and the center of the bottom surface of the baseboard 90. A magnet 93 is embedded on the top surface of the baseboard 90 and is located opposite to the antiskid piece 92 at the center of the bottom surface of the baseboard 90. The top surface of the cutting board 91 is covered with a cut-proof layer 94, and another magnet 95 is embedded on the bottom surface of the cutting board 91 and located correspondingly to the magnet 93 of the baseboard 90. By the attracting force between the magnets 93 and 95, the user can rotate the cutting board 91 with respect to the baseboard 90. In addition, the magnet 95 is embedded in the center of the bottom surface of the cutting board 91, allowing the cutting board 91 to be laid flat on a table. However, the cutting board 91 is likely to move or fall when it is subjected to a force in the horizontal direction since the cutting board 91 is just superposed on the baseboard 90 by the magnetic attractive force therebetween, adversely affecting the cutting operation. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the cutting board 91 and the top surface of the baseboard 90 are always treated to be smooth enough so that the cutting board will also rotate smoothly. As a result, the cutting board 91 is more likely to skid on the table when it is used independently without the baseboard 90.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages.


An image display device includes an operation unit having a plurality of operating members configured to input operation data indicative of content of a user's operation; an operation data storage unit configured to store the operation data; an application process execution unit configured to execute a predetermined application process based on the operation data; an information screen display operation detection unit configured to detect a predetermined information screen display operation; an information screen display unit configured to display an information screen in a display unit when the information screen display operation detection unit detects information screen display operation; and an operation invalidation flag storage unit configured to store an operation invalidation flag in a manner in which it corresponds to a part or all of the operation data when the operation data satisfies a predetermined condition during the information screen is displayed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display device, an image display method, and a program.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among games programs, some may show an information screen image on a computer screen in response to a predetermined information screen display operation carried out relative to the computer, such as a game device, or the like, while the game is being played. The information screen may be a pause screen for temporarily suspending or forcibly terminating the game, for example.
Display of various information items, including a time indicator, the residual amount of battery power used in the portable game device, or the like, on the information screen allows the user to continue playing the game while being aware of such useful information. However, when an information screen is shown while the game is being played, suspension of game operation each time the information screen is displayed is inconvenient. Therefore, an arrangement is desired in which continuation of the game operation is allowed as long as no inconvenience is incurred, even while the information screen is being displayed.
A game program according to the above-described background art comprises a program for showing an information screen in addition to the game program. Regardless of whether a user can utilize such a function for showing an information screen depends on whether the game program includes a program for that function. When no such program is included, a problem is caused wherein the user is unable to use this useful function.
Many of the game programs according to the above-described background art are defined so as to write images for one frame into a display buffer for a predetermined period of time and then to sequentially read, from the display buffer, the color data for pixels constituting the images to be shown on the display, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (cathode ray tube), or the like.
However, such a program is subject to the problem of distorted display when data for one frame cannot be completely written into the display buffer within a predetermined period of time due to an excessively large amount of images to be displayed.
The present invention has been conceived in view of the above, and the first object thereof is to provide an image display device, an image display method, and a program, all capable of continuing operation relative to an application such as a game or the like under a certain condition when an information screen is shown while the application is being run.
Furthermore, the second object of the present invention is to provide an image display device, an image display method, and a program, all capable of displaying an information screen while an application is run, without using the program of an application such as a game.
Moreover, the third object of the present invention is to provide an image display device, an image display method, and a program, all capable of preferable displaying a larger number of images.

Image display device restricting operation while information screen is displayed, image displaying method and medium storing program thereof


A slipper bushing is described as being comprised of a number of succeedingly larger cylindrical sleeves, beginning with a rigid, inner sleeve, followed by a polymeric sleeve, then a resilient elastomeric sleeve, and finally, a rigid, outer sleeve. The inner cylindrical surface of the elastomeric sleeve abutting the outer cylindrical surface of the polymeric sleeve, is provided with a number of circumferentially oriented grooves. A lubricant is placed between the interfaces of the polymeric and elastomeric sleeves and moves into and out of the grooves, as the bushing operates. End caps are used at the flange and barrel ends of the slipper bushing to cover the sleeves and seal the interfaces between them from contaminants.

The invention relates to bushings, and especially to slipper bushings which are mainly used in automobile suspension systems to provide relative rotation or slippage between rigid inner and outer sleeves of the bushing. This is conventionally accomplished by using a resilient, tubular rubber insert or sleeve which is bonded or press fitted to one of the metal sleeves.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,171,699, 3,215,477, 3,300,257, 4,671,678 and 5,100,114 are typical of the many patents relating to simple bushings which employ a resilient elastomeric insert, with or without metal reinforcement, between rigid, inner and outer metal sleeves. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,744,677, 4,767,108 and 4,809,960 relate to more sophisticated bushings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,244 discloses a unique slipper bushing which essentially comprises; (i) a hollow, cylindrical, inner metal sleeve, (ii) a specially shaped, resilient elastomeric insert or sleeve which is force fitted around the inner metal sleeve, (iii) an outer polymeric sleeve which surrounds the elastomeric sleeve in abutting relation, such that relative movement between the elastomeric and polymeric sleeves can occur, (iv) a lubricant between the interfaces of the elastomeric and polymeric sleeves to facilitate such relative movement, and (v) a pair of hollow, metal end caps force fitted to the opposing ends of the inner metal sleeve. The slipper bushing has good performance characteristics. However, it has been found that under very severe loading, the elastomeric sleeve becomes axially distorted or tends to extend over the end caps at its opposing ends, to adversely affect operation of the bushing. The slipper bushing of this invention is designed to eliminate or substantially reduce this problem by providing a structure with a highly improved capacity for resisting lateral or axial loads without becoming distorted excessively.
Briefly stated, the invention is in a slipper bushing which essentially comprises a hollow, rigid, cylindrical inner sleeve, a polymeric sleeve secured around the inner sleeve, a resilient elastomeric insert or sleeve surrounding the polymeric sleeve in abutting relation therewith, a lubricant between the abutting interfaces or surfaces of the polymeric and elastomeric sleeves, a rigid outer sleeve to which the polymeric sleeve is mold bonded and a pair of rigid, hollow end caps for sealing the opposing ends of the bushing, especially the lubricated interfaces between the polymeric and elastomeric sleeves. The lubricated interfaces are Provided with a plurality of circumferentially oriented grooves in which the lubricant is free to move in and out of.
It can be appreciated from the above brief description that the highly deformable resilient elastomeric sleeve is bonded to the rigid outer sleeve, to resist the distortion caused by lateral and axial loads contrary to my aforementioned '244 patent where the resilient elastomeric sleeve is secured to the rigid inner sleeve.

Slipper bushing with improved axial load capacity


A semiconductor memory device has side surfaces of neighboring bit lines that do not face each other to reduce a capacitance of a parasitic capacitor formed between adjacent bit lines. The semiconductor memory device includes contact plugs formed on a semiconductor substrate. Each contact plug is disposed between gate patterns. First and second conductive pads extend in different directions and are connected to the contact plugs. First and second pad contact plugs are formed on extended peripheries of the first and second conductive pads, respectively. Each of the first pad contact plugs has a height which differs from a height of each of the second pad contact plugs. First bit lines are connected to the first pad contact plugs, and second bit lines are connected to the second pad contact plugs.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a semiconductor memory device in which side surfaces of neighboring bit lines do not face each other to reduce a capacitance of a parasitic capacitor formed between the neighboring bit lines for enabling an operation speed of semiconductor memory device to be improved and to prevent a void from being generated in a contact plug.
In recent years, research on a semiconductor memory device with high integration and improved performance has been actively conducted. A problem caused by a high integration NAND flash memory device is described in detail below.
The NAND-type flash memory device consists of a plurality of cell strings. Each cell string comprises a source select transistor, a plurality memory cells and a drain select transistor which are connected to each other in series. A source of the source select transistor is connected to a common source line, and a drain of the drain select transistor is connected to a bit line. Gates of the source select transistors are connected to each other to form a source select line, gates of the drain select transistors are connected to each other to form a drain select line, and gates of the memory cells are connected to each other to form a word line.
The gate pattern including the word line, the source select line and the drain select line has a structure in which a tunnel insulating layer, a floating gate, a dielectric layer and a control gate are sequentially laminated. The dielectric layer comprises contact holes through which the floating gate of the source select line and the floating gate of the drain select line are exposed. The floating gate exposed through the contact holes is electrically connected to the control gate.
A lower structure of the flash memory device including the gate pattern is covered with an insulating layer to isolate the lower structure from an upper structure including the common source line and the bit line. The upper structure and the lower structure are electrically connected through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer and a contact plug formed in the contact hole.
As memory devices become highly integrated, a distance between the bit lines becomes smaller. An insulating layer is formed between the bit lines and side surfaces of the bit lines face each other. Thus, a capacitance of a parasitic capacitor formed between the bit lines is increased in inverse-proportion to the distance between the bit lines. An increase of the capacitance of the parasitic capacitor formed between the bit lines causes a resistive capacitive (RC) properties to decrease an operation speed of the semiconductor memory device.
Accordingly, a high integration semiconductor memory device having a reduced capacitance of a parasitic capacitor formed between the bit lines is required.
As semiconductor memory devices become more highly integrated, a plurality of patterns are formed with a stack structure in which an insulating layer is disposed between the patterns. Accordingly, an aspect ratio of the contact hole is increased. An increase of the aspect ratio of the contact hole causes generation of a void when a contact plug is formed, and the void results in a poor quality semiconductor memory device.
Accordingly, a semiconductor memory device is required which is suitable for high integration and is capable of preventing a void from being generated in a contact plug.

Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same


A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Sarah’, characterized by its upright, uniform and moderately vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; uniform, freely and early flowering habit; large orange red-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe, botanically known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Sarah'.
The new Kalanchoe is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Hinnerup. Denmark. The objective of the breeding program is to create new Kalanchoe cultivars with attractive foliage and flower coloration.
The new Kalanchoe originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventor in Hinnerup, Denmark in June, 2004, of the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana cultivar Celine, disclosed in U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 10/654,563, as the female, or seed parent with a proprietary selection of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana identified as code number KJ 2003 0936, not patented, as the male, or pollen, parent. The cultivar Sarah was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled environment in Hinnerup, Denmark in March, 2005.
Asexual reproduction of the new Kalanchoe by vegetative terminal cuttings in a controlled environment in Hinnerup, Denmark since July, 2005, has shown that the unique features of this new Kalanchoe are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


An electronic parts mounting apparatus which holds an electronic part with a mounting head, photographs the electronic part by a line camera 11, processes an image of the electronic part photographed by the line camera to recognize a position of the electronic part by using a recognition unit 16, positions the electronic part to a substrate in accordance with the position recognition result, and mounts the electronic part on the substrate. Offset values which are pre-stored for each recognition system associated with its own light source, a light source for transmission illumination 15a or a light source for reflection illumination 15b, are used for offset values used when a position correction is made, at the time of positioning, based on the position recognition result. Even in the electronic parts mounting apparatus of the type in which the plural recognition systems are selectively operated, the position recognition result difference caused by the use of another type of the illumination method is corrected to secure a necessary part mounting accuracy.

The present invention relates to an electronic parts mounting apparatus and method which holds an electronic part with a nozzle, and transfers the thus held electronic part to a substrate and mounts the electronic part on the substrate.
In the apparatus for mounting electronic parts on a substrate, a technique for correcting a mounting position of the electronic part by use of an image recognition process is widely used to improve an accuracy of a mounting position of the electronic part on the substrate. In the technique, the transfer head picks up an electronic part from a part supply sections and holds the electronic part with the nozzle, and moves to a substrate along a path. A camera photographs the electronic part held by the head. A photographed image of the electronic part is processed to detect a position shift of the electronic part. When the electronic part is positioned to the substrate, the position shift of the electronic part has been corrected and hence, the electronic part is accurately mounted at its true position.
Techniques for recognizing positions of electronic parts by use of a camera are known. A first technique of them is that the underside of an electronic part is illuminated with light from below, and a camera receives light reflected from the electronic part to photograph an image of the electronic part. The image thus obtained is used for the position recognition. Another technique is a transmission illumination technique. In the technique, a reflecting plate is used which is located on the rearward of an electronic part. Illumination light is projected to the reflecting plate. A camera receives reflecting light from the reflecting plate. An image photographed is used for the position recognition. A further known technique uses two different recognition systems which are respectively applied to their own objects to be recognized, and are selectively used according to an object to be currently recognized. Those systems are installed in one electronic parts mounting apparatus (see for example, JP-A-08-153997<Japanese Patent Application Publication Number: Hei08-153997.>). The electronic parts mounting apparatus currently used includes different light sources. Alight source is selected from those light sources according to a shape, size and surface property of an electronic part to be recognized. Thus, plural recognition systems can selectively be used.
In the electronic parts mounting apparatus of the type in which the plural recognition systems are selectively operated, the mounting position accuracy sometimes varies owing to characteristics of the recognition systems. To be more specific, also when an electronic part being in a same state is photographed by one and the same camera, the result of the position recognition based on an image of the electronic part photographed by the transmission illumination is sometimes different from the result of the position recognition based on an image of the electronic part photographed by the reflection illumination.
This recognition result difference is caused by various factors: for example, the difference between the transmission illumination system in which a silhouette of an outside shape of the electronic part is presented as an image and the reflection illumination system in which a shape of the underside of the electronic part is presented as an image, further, diffraction of the illumination light in the transmission illumination, and others. For this reason, when the part mounting work is performed by properly selecting the recognition system according to an object to be recognized in the electronic parts mounting apparatus of the type in which the plural recognition systems are selectively operated, the position recognition result difference as stated above causes the part mounting accuracy to vary.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The present disclosure relates to a task execution method, apparatus, device and system, and a storage medium, wherein same relate to the technical field of computers. The method comprises: acquiring a plurality of tasks to be processed; acquiring a first task in the plurality of tasks to be processed, and controlling a task execution device associated with a current control device to execute the first task; and when a task request of any task execution device is received, acquiring, from the plurality of tasks to be processed, a second task when a target task execution device is the any task execution device, and sending the second task to the any task execution device.

With development of the computer technology, utilizing a task execution device to execute tasks in batches so as to improve task execution efficiency has become a trend. At present, in related art, a task execution method usually simply encapsulates existing open-source tools such as Ansible or SaltStack, a user may submit a plurality of tasks, and a control device remotely controls a task execution device to execute the tasks.

Task execution method, apparatus, device and system, and storage medium

BEIJING DAJIA INTERNET INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


The present invention provides a fuel for homogeneous charge compression ignition engines, which can achieve a stable homogeneous charge compression ignition at a higher output. The fuel satisfies the following requirements (1), (2), (3), and (4):    (1) certain distillation characteristics between an initial boiling point (IBP): 0° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower; and an end point (EP): 250° C. or higher and 380° C. or lower;    (2) research octane number: 62 or greater and 85 or less;    (3) density at 15° C.: 0.700 g/cm3 or higher and lower than 0.800 g/cm3; and    (4) Reid vapor pressure at 37.8° C.: 30 kPa or greater and lower than 65 kPa.

The present invention relates to fuels for homogeneous charge compression ignition engines, more specifically to those having an excellent ignitability and capable of enhancing the engine output and widening the engine speed range as much as possible so as to improve the engine thermal efficiency.
Nowadays, two types of engines have been widely used, one of which is a spark ignition gasoline engine and the other of which is a compression ignition diesel engine.
For the spark ignition gasoline engine, fuel is injected into the intake port or the combustion chamber, and premixed gas of air fuel mixture is formed. Then the premixed gas is ignited by a spark plug and combusted. The fuel is required to have high vaporization and low auto-ignitability characteristics. Since the spark ignition gasoline engine emits nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide, a three-way catalyst has been widely used for purifying these emissions. However, an exhaust gas purification system such as a three-way catalyst is only applicable to a range where the air-fuel ratio is in a very narrow range of stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and it is the causes of low thermal efficiency and poor fuel consumption comparing with the compression ignition diesel engine.
For the diesel engine, a diesel fuel is directly injected into the cylinder and mixed with the air during compression stroke. The air-fuel mixture is auto-ignited by increasing the temperature and pressure by piston compression. The diesel fuel is required to have high ignitability characteristics. The compression auto-ignition diesel engine is excellent in fuel consumption and thermal efficiency but has disadvantages of NOx and soot emissions caused by the heterogeneous air fuel mixture. Furthermore, severe control of an after treatment system such as an oxidation catalyst, NOx trap, a diesel particulate filter or an SCR system is required to reduce NOx and soot to meet political regulations.
Therefore, the conventional spark ignition gasoline engine can purify the exhaust gas to a certain extent but has problems regarding fuel consumption and thermal efficiency. On the contrary, the diesel engine is excellent in fuel consumption and has high thermal efficiency, but it has problems of emission of NOx. Therefore, a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine has been studied to achieve low NOx exhaust gas, excellent fuel consumption and high thermal efficiency.
For the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, the fuel is injected into the intake port or combustion chamber at an injection pressure of 20 MPa or lower, which is extremely lower than the diesel engine and the fuel injection is completed at a crank angle of 60 degrees before the top dead center so that a premixed air-fuel mixture is combusted by auto-ignition but not by spark ignition. The homogeneous charge compression ignition engine takes a longer period to prepare a well-mixed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, comparing with the diesel engine. Therefore, for the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, a high temperature combustion region, the temperature of which is higher than 2200K, is not locally formed in the cylinder and this is the cause of low NOx emission characteristics (less than 10 ppm by mass) without a reduction catalyst. The thermal efficiency and fuel consumption of the homogeneous charge compression ignition engine are equivalent to those of the diesel engine.
Various fuels for the homogeneous charge compression auto-ignition combustion engine have been proposed, focusing on various indices such as ignitability, volatility, cetane number and octane number (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 13 below) However, more optimum and suitable fuels for homogeneous charge compression ignition have been demanded from the point of engine performances.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919657    Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919658    Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919659    Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919660    Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919661    Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919662    Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919663    Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919664    Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919665    Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919666    Patent Document 11: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919667    Patent Document 12: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-919668    Patent Document 13: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-315604

Fuel for homogeneous charge compression ignition engine


The present invention is a bore-fed hollow fiber membrane device which possesses improved shellside countercurrent flow distribution. More specifically, the hollow fiber membrane bundle has a radial Peclet number of about 30 or lower which results in improved fluid recovery and productivity.

This invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane device adapted for boreside feed which possesses improved shellside countercurrent flow distribution, resulting in higher productivity while producing a high purity non-permeate product stream.
Several designs for bore-fed hollow fiber membrane devices are known. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,871,379; 4,881,955; 4,929,259; 4,961,760; 5,013,331; and 5,013,437. In a boreside feed operation, a mixture of fluids to be separated is introduced into one end of the hollow fiber membrane device such that the fluid mixture flows down the bores (lumens) of the hollow fibers. The fluid which does not permeate through the fibers exits the bores of the fibers at the opposite ends of the fibers, while the fluid permeating through the fibers is removed from the outside of the fibers.
Conventional boreside hollow fiber membrane devices, particularly those designed for separation of gases, typically achieve substantially less than theoretical separation performance (based on membrane separation properties) due to inefficiencies in shellside flow distribution within the device. Generally, conventional bore-fed parallel-wrapped hollow fiber devices achieve only 50 to 65 percent of theoretical productivity, largely due to poor shellside flow distribution.
Conventional techniques for fabricating hollow fiber membrane devices frequently employ bias-wrapping or other methods to promote uniform packing of fibers, thus encouraging countercurrent shellside flow patterns and reducing channeling. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,339,341 and 3,442,002. These methods normally increase the complexity and expense of the device manufacturing process, and often result in a high degree of fiber wastage.
The performance of hollow fiber separation devices is often discussed relative to ideal performance models. Crossflow and countercurrent models are the most common. Both models assume that the fluid fed to the module flows in a direction parallel to the fibers. Because of the selective nature of the membrane, the fluid becomes progressively enriched in one or more components along the length of the fibers and progressively depleted in other components.
The ideal crossflow model assumes that the fluid permeating through the membrane at each point has a composition determined by the ratio of the fluxes through the membrane, that is, the local mole fraction of each component of the permeate is equal to the molar flux of that component through the membrane divided by the total molar flux through the membrane. The physical interpretation of this model is that all fluid permeating through the membrane is withdrawn without mixing with fluid permeating through the membrane at neighboring points.
The ideal countercurrent model assumes that the fluid permeating through the membrane collects and flows in a direction opposite to the flow of the fluid fed to the device. Because the feed fluid becomes progressively depleted in one or more components as it flows down the length of membrane device, the fluid permeating through the membrane also becomes progressively depleted in the same components. By forcing the permeating fluid to flow in a direction opposite the feed flow, the accumulated permeate dilutes the local permeate even more in the depleted components. Since the driving force for separation across the membrane is related to differences in composition, this additional dilution serves to increase the driving force and thus the separation performance of the membrane device. Consequently, ideal countercurrent performance maximizes the separating capability of a membrane device.
The equations describing ideal crossflow and countercurrent performance models are well-known to persons skilled in membrane device fabrication and mathematical methods to solve these equations are also well known.
Many factors can prevent a hollow fiber membrane device from achieving ideal countercurrent performance, including broken fibers, plugged fibers, leaks, non-uniform fiber size and/or properties, axial dispersion, and channeling. The ideal countercurrent model assumes that axial dispersion, diffusion, or mixing is negligible. The stream state (composition, pressure, temperature, and flowrate) inside each fiber is assumed to be identical at a given axial position. The flow is assumed to be perfectly countercurrent; the velocity outside the fibers depends only on the axial position and has no dependence on position perpendicular to the fibers.
Several patents describe methods for improving the performance of a device by inducing countercurrent flow patterns on the outside of the fibers to maximize the driving force for separation. Some patents discuss methods of improving the packing uniformity of the fibers to encourage even shellside flow distribution. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,339,341 and 3,442,002 describe a method for enclosing fiber bundles in porous elastic sleeves to compress the fibers, thereby increasing the fiber packing density and improving the uniformity of the spacing. This method is said to improve the flow distribution on the outside of the fibers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,654 describes a method of enclosing a bundle of hollow fibers in a flexible, impermeable envelope, maintaining a pressure difference across the envelope to compress the fibers together, then inserting the compressed fiber bundle into a shell. This method is also said to improve the flow distribution outside the fibers.
Several patents also discuss methods of baffling to promote countercurrent flow patterns. Outer baffles or shells with an opening at one or more ends are commonly used to force the fluid outside the fibers to flow in a generally countercurrent direction. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,871,379 and 4,781,834. Multiple internal baffles may also be used to promote countercurrent flow. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,929,259, 4,961,760, and 5,013,437 describe concentric and spiral baffles in cylindrical devices with core tubes to channel flow in the countercurrent direction.
The problem with such methods of improving shellside flow distribution is that the methods of manufacturing such devices greatly increase in cost and complexity without a correspondingly significant improvement in device efficiency.
Another problem associated with conventional hollow fiber membrane devices is that such devices are typically manufactured for standardized productivities or capacities. Such standardization of device productivities frequently results in systems either over or under designed for a given customer's capacity requirements.
What is needed is a hollow fiber membrane device which is adapted for boreside feed that does not require complex manufacturing methods to obtain uniform packing of fibers, yet still achieves performance that substantially approaches theoretical countercurrent performance, including theoretical recovery. What is also needed is a hollow fiber membrane device easily manufactured for a wide range of productivities or capacities.

Boreside feed hollow fiber membrane device