Provided herein are fixed-dose combination (FDC) compositions comprising therapeutically effective amounts of at least one cannabinoid and spilanthol whether as essentially pure isolates or synthetics or as components of essential oils or plant extracts or combinations thereof. The compositions are formulated as pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, nutricosmetics, cosmetics, or food products. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for the treatment of a gastro-enteric disease selected from the group consisting of irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and acute and chronic pancreatitis or of sepsis. Other pharmaceutical uses are as anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-microbial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antinociceptive, analgesic, anesthetic, anti-cancer, apoptosis inducing, antiscorbutic, antipyretic, anti-malarial, addiction mitigatory, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, diuretic, anti-diarrheal, vasodilator or aphrodisiac agents. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention exhibit a synergistic effect.

An FDC drug, also known as combination drug, is a fixed-dose combination, which includes two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), combined in a single dosage form, which is manufactured and distributed in fixed doses.
The vast medicinal potential of plants has been appreciated by humans long before recorded history.
Traditional medicine utilizing medicinal plants and plant extracts has been practiced for centuries in parallel to modern Western medicine. Among the more than 300,000 seed plants, some 60% have been utilized for therapeutic interventions, particularly in South America, Africa, and Asia.
Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, is a genus of flowering plants that includes at least three species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis as determined by plant phenotypes and secondary metabolite profiles.
Several medicinal uses have been found for the active ingredients of Cannabis, mainly the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). For example, treatment of nausea and pain associated with cancer and chemotherapy, nausea, pain associated with AIDS, arthritis and rheumatism, migraines, stress and depression, to mention a few.
Spilanthol, also known as affinin (C14H23NO, MW: 221.339 g/mol) is a secondary metabolite bioactive N-alkylamide compound found in many different plants having several biological properties and health effects. Spilanthol is present, for example, in the genus Heliopsis longipes also known as chilcuague and in several species in the genus Acmella, for example, A. oleracea, also known as paracress and jambu.
Like many plant-originated alkamides, spilanthol (affinin) presents various bioactivities, from helping to protect the plant to being an antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-cancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and endocannabinoid agonist.

Compositions comprising a cannabinoid and spilanthol


An electrical connector (7) includes an insulative housing (1) having front and rear faces (10, 20). A first and a second receiving rooms (101, 102), which communicate with each other are defined in the insulative housing (1) and extend forwardly from the rear face (20). A third receiving room (103) is defined in the insulative housing (1) and extends forwardly from the rear face (20) as well. A retaining cavity (6) is in communication with the third receiving room (103). A resilient contact (2) is received in the first receiving room (101) and comprises a first contacting portion and a first connecting portion (23) beyond the rear face (20). A central contact (4) comprises a plate portion (41) received in the third receiving room (103), a fork-type contacting portion (42) extending forwardly from the plate portion (41) and a third connecting portion (43). The plate portion (41) has a retention member (44) for engagement with the retaining cavity (6).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to a power jack.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An electric product such as a notebook computer, a PDA, a digital camera or the like is required to be made as compactly as possible, therefore, electrical connectors used therein are also strongly required to be made in extremely compact designs by minimizing outer dimensions thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,851 issued to Hosiden on Apr. 16, 1991 discloses a power socket having a housing, a pin, a stationary contact and a movable contact, all of which are received in the housing. The pin and the stationary and movable contacts are disposed in a direction parallel to a mounting surface of a printed circuit board on which the power socket is mounted. The pin is secured to the housing of the power socket by an additional engagement fixing body integrally formed with a rear wall of the housing. Therefore, the occupied space of the power socket on the printed circuit board is increased, which is out of current trend. The engagement fixing body has a complex structure, thus, increasing manufacturing difficulty and cost.
Hence, an electrical connector having thin improved structure is required to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art.

Electrical connector with improved structure


The invention relates to novel CD1a-presented antigens. These antigens can be used as antigens, adjuvants or as immunomodulatory agents in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic applications.

The immune system is a complex system of molecular and cellular defenses that recognize potentially harmful exogenously or endogenously derived antigens. When stimulated, the immune system undergoes a series of activities that results in an immune response that is cell-mediated, antibody-mediated (i.e., humoral), or a combination of both.
A large part of the cell-mediated immune response is the activation of T cells through the recognition of and response to antigen presentation. It has long been recognized that antigens derived from polypeptides are presented to T cells through a group of molecules known as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In MHC-mediated presentation, the T cell antigen receptor recognizes a peptide in combination with an MHC molecule. In general, antigens presented by MHC class I molecules are recognized by CD8+ T cells, while antigens presented by MHC class II molecules are recognized by CD4+ T cells. See, for instance, the description of MHC molecules and their antigen presentation in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,679,347; 5,853,737 and 6,238,676.
Recently, it has also been recognized that antigen presentation occurs through a distinct family of antigen presenting molecules, CD1 molecules. In humans, five CD1 genes have been identified: CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, CD1d and CD1e. These proteins are displayed on antigen presenting cells which include Langerhans cells, activated B-cells, dendritic cells in lymph nodes, activated blood monocytes, etc. Although there is a structural resemblance to MHC molecules, CD1 molecules differ from MHC molecules in a variety of ways. For instance, CD1 genes are apparently non-polymorphic, while human MHC genes are highly polymorphic. Additionally, until the instant invention, CD1 molecules were believed capable of presenting only non-peptide antigens, unlike MHC molecules.
Responses to non-peptide antigens have been previously reported. For example, CD4− CD8− and CD8+ T cells expressing αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) recognized M. tuberculosis lipid and lipoglycan antigens presented by CD1b proteins and, as a result, exhibited measurable proliferation and interferon-γ secretion (Porcelli et al. Nature 1992, 360(6404):593-7; Stenger, S., et al., Science 276:1684-1687 (1996)). In another study, two CD8+ TCR αβ+ T cell lines displayed cytotoxicity and strong Th cell type I cytokine response as a result of the recognition of M. tuberculosis antigens when presented by CD1a or CD1c proteins (Rosat et al., Journal of Immunology 162:366-371 (1999)).
Beyond being involved in the response of the immune system to bacterial invasion, CD1-presentation may also play a role in autoimmune disease. CD1 molecules have been shown to be recognized by CD4−CD8− T cells derived from patients with SLE (Porcelli, et al., Nature 341:447-450 (1989)), and even though no foreign antigen was present, leukemia cells expressing CD1 molecules were lysed by the T cells. More recent studies have shown that self lipids like phosphatidylinositols, gangliosides and sulfatides can lead to T cell activation in vitro and in human disease. (Shamshiev et al. Eur J Immunol. 1999, 29(5):1667-75; Gumperz et al. Immunity. 2000 February;12(2):211-21.) In addition, CD1d proteins have been shown to modulate T cell responses to tumors in ways that affect the final outcome of immune mediated diseases (Moodycliffe et al. 2000, Nat. Immunol. 1:521-525; Terabe et al. Nat Immunol. 2000, 1(6):515-20; and Cui et al. Science, 1997, 278(5343):1626-9.)
Due to the involvement of CD1 presentation in stimulating T cell responses, new CD1-presented antigens would be useful in augmenting and/or polarizing immune responses. These antigens would therefore be useful in detecting and treating microbial (e.g., bacterial) infections, autoimmune diseases or other diseases in which T cells play a role.

Methods and compositions for immunomodulation using CD1 antigens


A pressure control system for controlling pressure of a fluid in a chamber includes a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the fluid in the chamber, and a valve configured to control the pressure of the fluid in the chamber by regulating flow of the fluid from the chamber. The pressure control system further includes a controller. The controller is configured to estimate the volume of the chamber, and to generate a pump speed curve of the valve. The controller is further configured to monitor and modify the pump speed curve so as to maintain a slope of the pump speed curve to at least a minimum value, and to use the modified pump speed curve to adjust the position of the valve in response to pressure measurements by the pressure sensor, so as to maintain the pressure in the chamber at a desired pressure setpoint.

In applications such as semiconductor processing, pressure control systems may be used to control pressure in a chamber. Pressure control valves are typically used, including but not limited to pendulum valves, butterfly valves, and throttle valves.
These valves may be controlled by a controller that uses different control algorithms. In particular, model-based control algorithms may be used that control the valves based on a pressure setpoint trajectory, and make compensations to the valve position to ensure that the actual pressure follows the pressure setpoint trajectory. When model-based control algorithms are used by the valve controller, various system parameters may have to be known, in order to optimize pressure control performance. These system parameters may include, but are not limited to, the volume of the chamber that encloses the fluid whose pressure is being controlled, and the pump speed curve of the valve that charts the pump speed (as controlled by the valve) of the system as a function of valve position.
Pressure control systems may typically require the end user to enter the chamber volume by hand. The user may not know, however, the accurate value of the chamber volume. If an incorrect chamber volume is input by the user, the pressure control performance may be compromised. Sub-optimal pressure control performance may result, including longer settling time, and larger overshoot or undershoot.
The valve controller may gather the actual pump speed curve using the existing algorithm without modification, which may result in the pump speed curve having slopes near zero. The near zero slope may require a high bandwidth of the valve motion controller. The actual bandwidth of the valve motion controller may be limited, however, resulting in an inadequate and oscillatory response.
A system and method are therefore needed for estimating proper chamber volume, and for optimizing the pump speed curve to improve pressure control performance.

Pressure control system with optimized performance


A power generation system (10) including an apparatus for attaching a generator stator core (20) to a frame support (30) and associated methods are provided. The system (10) preferably includes a stator core frame support member (30) and a generator stator core (20) including a plurality of keybars (22) positioned spaced-apart and extending along outer peripheral portions of the generator stator core (20). The generator stator core (20) is positioned to overlie the stator core frame support member (30). The system (10) further includes a core supporter (40) connected to the stator core frame support member (30) and positioned to contact the generator stator core (20). The core supporter (40) includes first (43) and second (44) core connectors (42) for low tuning the natural frequency of a generator stator core (20) and for stabilizing the power generation system during operation. The method of stabilizing the power generation system (10) during operation includes attaching first (43) and second (44) core supporters (42) along a stator core frame support (30) and positioning the generator stator core (20) to overlie the stator core frame support (30). The method also includes connecting the generator stator core (20) to the first (43) and second (44) core supporters (42) so that a connection is made between the generator stator core (20) and the stator core frame support (30).

This invention is related to the power generation industry and, more particularly, to the field of mounting frames supporting stator cores.
In the power generation industry, generator stator cores are supported on mounting frames. As is known in the art, generator stator cores generally include keybars positioned along an outer peripheral surface of the generator stator core. During operation of a power generation system, the generator stator core experiences an xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition during which the generator stator core cyclicly deforms. The generator stator core temporarily deforms into an oval shape during operation. The deformations take place along both the horizontal and vertical axis. The xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition experienced by the generator stator core accounts for some of the tangential and radial forces on a power generation system. Manufacturers of power generation systems are often faced with the problem of designing an efficient stator core frame support that can compensate for the xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition experience by the generator stator core during operation. Current frame supports are very large and inefficient.
Power generation systems also experience transient faults during operation. When the power generation system experiences a transient fault, the generator stator core is suddenly displaced or rotated and it is difficult for a frame or frame support to sustain the forces associated with the transient fault. Manufacturers and users of high voltage generator stator cores often have great difficulty providing an efficient support for the generator stator core. In order to provide a frame support that is sufficient enough to sustain the forces associated with transient faults experienced during operation of the generator stator core, the frame support is normally very large and extremely inefficient.
Current power generation systems conventionally provide generator stator cores that have a higher tuned natural frequency. A generator stator core having a higher tuned natural frequency makes the power generation system more expensive and complex. A less stable power generation system requires a large core supporter that is also not cost effective and extremely inefficient.
Some generator stator core support frames incorporate an outer frame surrounding the core that is then attached to a bedplate or lower frame such as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,177 by Carbonell et al. titled xe2x80x9cSpring Mounting For An Electric Generator.xe2x80x9d The mounting frame surrounds the core and connects to all of the keybars positioned on the outer peripheral portions of the core. The surrounding frame is then attached to a lower frame using side and lower connecting members. The combination of these connecting members provides a support frame that is inefficient and cumbersome. Furthermore, the combination of the surrounding frame and the support frame provides a support apparatus with an increased load path, i.e., the load from transient faults and vibratory forces must travel an increased distance.
A similar arrangement for such an apparatus can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,540 by Cooper et al. titled xe2x80x9cGenerator Core Support System.xe2x80x9d This support system connects to the generator stator core around the outer periphery of the generator stator core where the keybars are positioned. Similarly, the support system provides a complex and inefficient connection between the generator stator core and the support frame. This rigid connection does not relieve lateral and tangential forces associated with transient faults. Accordingly, excess force from transient faults can cause damage to the generator stator core and frame if the core is not properly fastened to a frame support that can withstand these forces.
As understood by those skilled in the art, it is common to support a power generator stator core on a support frame that includes a connecting member between the generator stator core and the frame support in the six o""clock or twelve o""clock positions, i.e., a connecting member between the lower outer portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support. It is also common to support a power generator stator core on a support frame that includes a connecting member between the generator stator core and the frame support in the twelve o""clock position, i.e., a connecting member between an upper outer portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support. These configurations of frame supports provide inefficient connections that do not allow for the elimination of lateral forces associated with transient faults that occur during operation.
Additionally, it is costly and time consuming to provide support systems for power generators due to the cumbersome size and configuration of the current support frames necessary for accommodating transient faults and the oval mode experienced by power generation systems during operation. Some current support systems are so cumbersome that it is not possible to assemble the core and the core support system separate from one another. Presently, the core and the core support system must be constructed simultaneously. The simultaneous construction of the core and the support frame is extremely costly and time consuming.
In view of the foregoing, the present invention advantageously provides a high voltage power generation system including an apparatus for attaching a generator stator core to a frame support and methods of stabilizing a power generation system, reducing vibration and eliminating lateral movement of a generator stator core, low tuning the natural frequency of the generator stator core during operation, and compensating for an xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition that occurs during operation of the power generation system that are efficient and cost effective. More particularly, the present invention advantageously utilizes spring supports to allow for a generator stator core to be supported by a generator stator core frame support in a manner that eliminates any rigid connections in the power generation system. The present invention also advantageously provides an apparatus and methods for protecting a power generation system from the forces associated with transient faults. The present invention further advantageously compensates for temporary deformations that result in radial and tangential forces that are encountered when the generator stator core experiences an xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition during operation. The present invention still further advantageously compensates for the stresses applied to a power generation system associated with a generator stator core having a high tuned natural frequency by low tuning the natural frequency of the generator stator core.
More particularly, the present invention provides a power generation system that includes a stator core frame support member having a lower inner surface portion and a lower outer surface portion. The lower inner surface portion, for example, can have a substantially semi-annular shape. The lower outer surface portion is positioned to contact a support surface. The system also includes a generator stator core that can likewise have a substantially annular shape. The generator stator core preferably includes a plurality of keybars positioned spaced-apart and extending along the outer peripheral portions. The generator stator core is positioned to overlie the lower inner surface portion of the stator core frame support member and has a lower end portion positioned spaced-apart from and not in contact with bottom portions of the lower inner surface of the stator core frame support member. The upper end portion of the generator stator core is also positioned spaced-apart from and not in contact with the stator core frame support.
The system further includes a core supporter connected to the stator core frame support member. The core supporter is positioned to contact a plurality of keybars that are positioned along outer side peripheries of the generator stator core. The core supporter preferably has first and second core connecting means for attaching the stator core frame support member to the generator stator core. The core connecting means relieves vibration and prevents lateral movement of the generator stator core, low tunes the natural frequency of the generator stator core, and stabilizes the power generation system during operation to thereby provide a stator core frame support member that is efficient and cost effective. The first core connecting means preferably is connected to a first medial side outer peripheral portion of the generator stator core and the second core connecting means preferably is connected to a second medial side outer peripheral portion of the generator stator core. The second medial side outer peripheral portion of the generator stator core is positioned opposite the first medial side outer peripheral portion of the generator stator core. The first and second core connecting means are positioned substantially symmetrical along the longitudinal axis of the generator stator core. The combination of the first and second core connecting means connect portions of the stator core frame support member to portions of the generator stator core.
This configuration of a the generator stator core and the stator core frame support low tunes the natural frequency of the generator stator core and provides a more stable power generation system. This configuration also advantageously relieves vibration and prevents lateral movement of the generator stator core associated with transient faults that occur during operation. This configuration still further advantageously compensates for tangential and radial forces encountered by the power generation system when the generator stator core experiences the xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition. By relieving vibration and eliminating lateral movement of the generator stator core and by further stabilizing the power generation system, a smaller and more efficient generator stator core frame support member is provided.
The present invention relieves vibration and prevents lateral movement of the generator stator core by providing a plurality of connections between the generator stator core and the stator core frame support member along medial side portions of the generator stator core and not bottom or top peripheries of the generator stator core. The power generation system is further stabilized by eliminating a support contact between a bottom portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support and by eliminating a support contact between a top portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support. These configurations of the power generation system advantageously eliminate lateral force components associated with transient faults, reduce vibratory forces associated with operation of the generator stator core, low tune the natural frequency of the generator stator core, stabilizes the power generation system, and further advantageously reduce costs and time associated with providing a support frame for a high voltage generator stator core. These configurations of the power generation system also advantageously compensate for temporary deformations of the power generation stator core when the generator stator core experiences an xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition during operation.
The present invention still further provides a generator stator core support apparatus for relieving vibration and eliminating lateral movement of the generator stator core during operation, low tuning the natural frequency of the generator stator core, and stabilizing the power generation system. The generator stator core support apparatus preferably includes first core connecting means for connecting the generator stator core to a stator core frame support when the generator stator core is positioned to overlie lower inner surface portions of the stator core frame support. The first core connecting means preferably is positioned to contact a first outer peripheral medial side portion of the generator stator core and to contact a first upper medial side portion of the stator core frame support. The generator stator core support apparatus also includes second core connecting means for connecting the generator stator core to the stator core frame support. The second core connecting means preferably is positioned to contact a second outer peripheral medial side portion of the generator stator core. The second outer peripheral medial side portion is positioned opposite the first outer peripheral medial side portion of the generator stator core. The second core connecting means is further positioned to contact a second upper medial side portion of the stator core frame support. The second medial side portion of the stator core frame support is positioned opposite the first medial side portion of the stator core frame support.
The combination of the first and second core connecting means connects portions of the generator stator core to portions of the stator core frame support to thereby low tune the natural frequency of the generator stator core, stabilize the power generation system, relieve vibration, and prevent lateral movement of the generator stator core during operation. The combination of the first and second core connecting means is further positioned to support the generator stator core when connected thereto without a support contact between an upper or lower end portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support. There is no longer a stiff support between the generator stator core and the stator core frame support when the connecting support is eliminated between the lower end portion or the upper end portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support.
By providing an interstitial space between the upper and lower end portions of the generator stator core and the inner surface portions of the stator core frame support, lateral forces associated with transient faults that occur during operation of the generator stator core are eliminated. This interstitial space also relieves vibration of the generator stator core during operation and compensates for temporary deformations that produce tangential and radial forces encountered by the generator stator core when experiencing an xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition during operation. By low tuning the natural frequency of the generator stator core, relieving vibration, eliminating lateral movement, stabilizing the power of generation system and compensating for the xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition, the present invention advantageously decreases the load from the generator stator core to the stator core frame support. The decreased load allows for a smaller and more efficient stator core frame support. A smaller frame advantageously provides a shorter load path along which the load from the generator stator core to the stator core frame support must travel. This configuration further advantageously reduces costs and time associated with providing a support frame for a high voltage generator stator core thereby providing an efficient stator core frame support.
The present invention also provides a method of stabilizing a power generation system, relieving vibration, eliminating lateral movement and low tuning the natural frequency of the generator stator core during operation. The method includes the step of attaching a first core supporter which has a biasing support member that includes an elongate spring bar to a first upper medial side portion of a stator core frame support. The method also includes attaching a second core supporter which also has a biasing support member with an elongate spring bar to a second upper medial side portion of the stator core frame support. The second upper medial side portion is positioned opposite the first upper medial side portion so that the combination of the first and second core supporters are positioned substantially symmetrical along portions of the frame support. The method further advantageously includes positioning the generator stator core to overlie lower inner surface portions of the stator core frame support, connecting the generator stator core to the first core supporter along a first medial side portion of the generator stator core, and connecting the second core supporter to a second medial side portion of the generator stator core. The second medial side portion is preferably positioned opposite the first medial side portion of the generator stator core, and the combination of the connections between the first and second core supporters and the first and second medial side portions of the generator stator core form a connection between the generator stator core and the stator core frame support. The connection between the generator stator core and the stator core frame support advantageously reduces vibration and eliminates lateral forces experienced by the generator stator core, low tunes the natural frequency of the generator stator core, and provides stabilization to the power generation system during operation without a support contact between an upper or lower end portion of the generator stator core and the stator core frame support.
The method of stabilizing the power generation system provided by the present invention advantageously reduces the cost associated on constructing power generation systems. The method further advantageously reduces the time associated with constructing a frame support to low tune the natural frequency of the generator stator core and stabilize the power generation system. The method also advantageously eliminates lateral force components and vibration forces associated with transient faults during operation of the high voltage generator stator core. The method still further advantageously provides a stator core frame support that is efficient, cost effective, and can compensate for the vertical and horizontal force components associated with the xe2x80x9coval modexe2x80x9d condition experienced by the generator stator core during operation. The method also advantageously decreases the path along which a load must travel between the generator stator core and the stator core frame support.

Power generation system including an apparatus for low tuning a generator stator core upon attachment to a frame support and associated methods


The present invention provides a microfluidic device for synthesizing an array of compounds and methods for using the same. In particular, the microfluidic device of the present invention comprises a solid support base, an elastomeric layer attached to the solid support, and a plurality of flow channels located within the interface between the solid support and the elastomeric layer. In addition, the solid support comprises a functional group for forming a bond with a reactive reagent. In some embodiments, the microfluidic device further comprises a second plurality of flow channels that intersect the first plurality of flow channels. A plurality of control channels are also present in the microfluidic devices of the present invention. The control channels can be actuated to regulate flow of fluids within the flow channel(s).

Methods for synthesizing polymers (e.g., oligonucleotides) on a solid support have been developed for producing large arrays of polymer sequences on solid substrates. These large "arrays" of polymer sequences have wide ranging applications and are of substantial importance to many industries including, but not limited to, the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical industries. For example, the arrays can be used in screening large numbers of molecules for biological activity, e.g., receptor binding capability. And arrays of oligonucleotide probes can be used to identify mutations in known sequences, as well as in methods for de novo sequencing of target nucleic acids. In addition, PNA (peptide nucleic acids) arrays can be used to screen molecules which are useful in antisense (mRNA) gene regulation, or molecules which bind to specific sequences of double-stranded DNA. Furthermore, combinatorial arrays can be used in gene expression analysis. See, for example, van Dam et al., Genome Research, 2002, 12, 145–152, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Oligonucleotide arrays with up to hundreds of thousands of samples on an area of a few square centimeters have been synthesized and proven to be extraordinarily useful in various applications including gene expression studies. Over the past several years, a new set of technologies have emerged for making arrays of synthetic surface-bound polymers.
One method for synthesizing high-density patterns on surfaces is photolithography process as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854, issued to Pirrung et al., and PCT Application No. 92/10092. In this method, light is directed to selected regions of a substrate to remove protecting groups from the selected regions of the substrate. Thereafter, selected molecules are coupled to the substrate, followed by additional irradiation and coupling steps. By activating selected regions of the substrate and coupling selected monomers in precise order, one can synthesize an array of molecules having any number of different sequences, where each different sequence is in a distinct, known location on the surface of the substrate. This method requires specialized reagents (e.g., photoremovable protecting groups), which is relatively expensive and presently have significantly lower coupling yield than conventional reagents. Moreover, in general, to make an array of N-mers requires 4N cycles of deprotection and coupling, one for each of the 4 bases, times N base positions. This photolithographic method also typically requires 4N masks, thereby adding a considerable expense to the procedure. Furthermore, any decreased deprotection efficiency results in the decreased coupling efficiency. And because the deprotection reaction generally does not result in 100% cleavage of the protecting groups, there can be "deletion sequences." For example, if one strand is accidentally not deprotected, but becomes deprotected later, then it will have missed one or more coupling steps. Conventional reagents do not suffer this problem because it is the coupling step which is most inefficient, and missed couplings can be terminated (nearly completely) with the capping step. Thus with conventional reagents, impurities consist of truncated sequences, but with photo-cleavable reagents, impurities consist of truncated and deletion sequences.
Another method for producing polymer arrays is an ink-jet technique which uses the print heads of commercial piezoelectric ink-jet printers to deliver reagents to individual spots on the array. While this technique uses relatively inexpensive conventional chemical reagents with typically high coupling yield, it can deliver one, and only one, drop of reagents at a time, unless multiple jets are used simultaneously. Moreover, the solid support must be patterned to achieve small feature sizes. Furthermore, two drops of liquid applied too closely together on a surface tend to spread into each other and mix, thereby limiting the array density achievable with the ink-jet method.
There are other methods including robotic deposition of reagents in an array of fluid-containing wells and the use of fluidics to deposit reagents on a surface. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,311, issued to Brennan et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,048, issued to Zaffaroni et al. However, each method has its own limitations such as limited array density, increased production cost per array, and/or serial (i.e., non-parallel) synthesis.
Therefore, there is a need for a chemical reaction apparatus and a method for preparing array of compounds with high throughput, high product quality, enhanced miniaturization and lower costs.


A donor layer (17) including an undoped wide bandgap material (14) and an n-type dopant (16) is deposited on a substrate (12) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) at a first temperature which is high enough for optimal growth of the donor layer (17). The dopant (16) is silicon or another material which exhibits surface segregation in the wide bandgap material (14) at the first temperature. An undoped spacer layer (18) of the wide bandgap material is deposited on the donor layer (17) at a second temperature which is sufficiently lower than the first temperature that surface segregation of the dopant material from the donor layer (17) into the spacer layer (18) is substantially suppressed. A channel layer (20) of a narrow bandgap material is formed on the spacer layer (18) at a third temperature which is higher than the second temperature and selected for optimal growth of the channel layer (20). The spacer layer (18) is substantially undoped, and the low temperature growth and reduction of donor movement reduces ionized impurity scattering in the channel layer (20).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of microelectronic transistor devices, and more specifically to a method of fabricating an improved heterostructure which is especially suited for an inverted modulation-doped, or high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT).
2. Description of the Related Art
Gallium indium arsenide (GaInAs)/aluminum indium arsenide (AlInAs) based HEMTs fabricated on indium phosphide (InP) substrates currently exhibit the highest current gain cut-off frequencies, highest maximum frequencies of oscillation and lowest noise figure of any three terminal device. These HEMTs include a modulation-doped heterojunction at which an n-doped A1InAs donor layer provides electrons to form a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in an undoped GaInAs channel layer. A1InAs is a wide bandgap material, whereas GaInAs is a narrow bandgap material.
In a conventional HEMT, the donor layer is formed above the channel layer, whereas in an inverted HEMT, the donor layer is formed below the channel layer. A double-doped HEMT structure is also known, including donor layers above and below the channel layer. The high performance of these HEMTs is due, in part, to the relatively high 2DEG concentration (greater than 3.times.10.sup.12 /cm.sup.2) produced at the heterojunction, as well as the high mobility of electrons (greater than 10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /Vs, lattice matched) in the undoped GaInAs channel.
HEMTs are preferably fabricated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The process has been improved to reduce the substrate temperature from the previous value of 600.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. to reduce dopant diffusion in gallium arsenide (GaAs) based HEMTs, such as described in an article entitled "High performance inverted HEMT and its application to LSI", by S. Nishi et al, Inst. Phys. Conf. Ser. no. 83, 1987, pp. 515-520.
A1InAs/GaInAs HEMTs require an n-type dopant, usually silicon (Si), in the AlInAs donor layer. The Si may be distributed through the thickness of the donor layer, or may include a substantially planar layer of Si buried in an undoped AlInAs layer (delta or planar doping). Under normal MBE growth conditions at 500.degree. C. or above, A1InAs/GaInAs HEMTs suffer from extrinsic degradation due to surface segregation of Si in A1InAs.
In normal HEMT structures in which the doping is above the AlInAs/GaInAs heterojunction, the segregation of Si toward the surface of the epitaxial layer leads to a degraded transfer efficiency of electrons into the 2DEG. To compensate, higher doping concentrations are then required to achieve a given 2DEG concentration, which in turn can degrade device performance by increasing the gate to drain capacitance.
In inverted HEMTs, in which the doping is typically less than 100 Angstroms below the AlInAs/GaInAs heterojunction, the segregation of Si leads to dramatically reduced mobility of the 2DEG due to ionized impurity scattering, and consequently poor conductivity in inverted as well as double-doped HEMTs. This is much more deleterious than the problems caused by surface segregation in the conventional HEMT structure.
The use of spacer layers grown at low temperatures on the order of 300.degree. C. to slow beryllium (Be) diffusion out of GaInAs P base layers in heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) is known, such as described in an article entitled "IMPROVED HIGH FREQUENCY PERFORMANCE OF A1InAs/GaInAs HBTs THROUGH USE OF LOW TEMPERATURE GaInAs", by W. Stanchina et al, in InP and Related Compounds Conference Proceedings, Denver 1990, pp. 13-16.
However, Si is a relatively large atom, and does not diffuse in A1InAs as does a relatively small atom such as Be in GaInAs. In surface segregation, the large Si atoms "float" toward the surface of an AlInAs layer at 500.degree. C. or above during MBE growth, whereas in diffusion the relatively small Be atoms migrate throughout the layer.
As discussed in an article entitled "Si dopant migration and the AlGaAs/GaAs inverted interface", by L. Pfeiffer et al, Appl. Phys. Lett. Vol. 58, No. 20, May 20, 1991, pp. 2258-2260, low temperature MBE would be expected to produce non-optimal growth conditions in AlGaAs which would result in new problems such as deviations from stoichiometry, increases in impurity sticking coefficients during growth, and increased alGaAs roughness. The solution described by Pfeiffer involves the formation of a spacer layer at the normal growth temperature of 640.degree. C. which is much thicker (800 Angstroms) than conventional spacers (400 Angstroms).

Method of fabricating inverted modulation-doped heterostructure


Individual voltages of la plurality of batteries or voltage sources which are connected in series and voltages on both ends of the plurality of batteries or voltage sources are detected. An offset value of a differential amplifier is determined through an arithmetic operation for the detected voltages. The offset value thus determined is used to correct the measured values of the battery voltages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a monitor signal output circuit for outputting a monitor signal to monitor a voltage of a battery, a battery pack having a monitor signal output function, a battery voltage monitor circuit for monitoring a voltage of a battery in accordance with a monitor signal, a battery system and an apparatus each having a battery and a monitoring function for a voltage of the battery, a battery voltage monitor method for monitoring a voltage of a battery, and a battery voltage monitor program storage medium storing therein a program for a battery voltage monitor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many of portable type of electronic apparatuses such as a note type of personal computer and the like are loaded with a battery for apparatuses.
In case of an apparatus which is operated on a desk, or in the event that a portable type of apparatus such as a note type of personal computer is operated on a desk, there is no need to consider such a matter that a supply of electric power for operating those types of apparatus operated by electric power from a commercial power supply through an AC adapter is interrupted. On the other hand, in case of an apparatus operative upon receipt of supply of electric power from a battery, there is a need for a user always to be aware of a residue of the battery. Particularly, in case of an information processing apparatus such as a notebook-sized personal computer and the like, there is a possibility that when the residue of the battery becomes zero (or the battery died), all of partially completed data will be erased. Accordingly, there is a need for a user to be aware of a state of consumption of the battery and to save the partially completed data onto a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk before the residue of the battery becomes zero.
For the purpose of preventing troubles involved in a situation that the residue of the battery becomes zero, the conventional notebook-sized personal computer and the like incorporates thereinto a system for monitoring the residue of the battery.
FIG. 11 shows a battery system having a battery residue monitor function.
A battery system 10 comprises a battery pack 20 and a battery voltage monitor section 30. The battery system 10 is incorporated into a notebook-sized personal computer 40. The battery pack 20 is connected with the battery voltage monitor section 30 in such a manner that a selection signal input terminal 20a of the battery pack 20, a battery voltage output terminal 20b of the battery pack 20, a power supply terminal 20c of the battery pack 20 and a ground terminal 20d of the battery pack 20 are connected with a selection signal output terminal 30a of the battery voltage monitor section 30, a battery voltage input terminal 30b of the battery voltage monitor section 30, a power supply terminal 30c of the battery voltage monitor section 30 and a ground terminal 30d of the battery voltage monitor section 30, respectively.
The battery voltage monitor section 30 shown in FIG. 11 comprises a DC-DC converter circuit 31 and a microcomputer 32 operative upon receipt of a supply of an electric power of 5.0 V from the DC-DC converter circuit 31.
The microcomputer 32 transmits a selection signal for optionally selecting any one; of three batteries S1, S2, and S3, which are connected in series within the battery pack 20, via the selection signal output terminal 30a of the battery voltage monitor section 30 and the selection signal input terminal 20a of the battery pack 20 to a battery protection circuit 21 of the battery pack 20. The battery protection circuit 21 transmits in accordance with the selection signal a monitor signal representative of a voltage of the battery selected by the selection signal via the battery voltage output terminal 20b of the battery pack 20 and the battery voltage input terminal 30b of the battery voltage monitor section 30 to the microcomputer 32. The microcomputer 32 converts the transmitted battery voltage into a digital signal to recognize the battery voltage in form of a digital value, so that the residue of the battery is recognized from the battery voltage.
The battery pack 20 shown in FIG. 11 is provided with two FETs (FET1 and FET2). The batteries S1, S2, and S3 are each a chargeable battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. FET1 of the two FETs turns off, when a voltage of the batteries S1, S2, and S3 goes down to the lower limit, and thereby preventing an over discharge of the batteries S1, S2, and S3. FET2 turns off when the batteries S1, S2, and S3 are completely charged and further charged, and thereby preventing an over-charge of the batteries S1, S2, and S3.
FIG. 12 is a view showing an internal structure of the battery protection circuit of the battery pack 20 shown in FIG. 11. However, here, the prevention of the over discharge and the over charge of the batteries is not a main subject matter, and thus a circuit structure of the prevention of the over discharge and the over charge of the batteries and the associated description will be omitted.
The battery protection circuit 21 has: a selection signal input terminal 21a for inputting a selection signal; a monitor signal output terminal 21b for outputting a monitor signal representative of a voltage of a battery; a node connection terminal 21c connected to one end (a plus electrode of S1) of a plurality (three) of batteries S1, S2 and S3 connected in series; a node connection terminal 21d connected to a connecting point of two batteries S1 and S2; a node connection terminal 21e connected to a connecting point of two batteries S2 and S3; and a node connection terminal 21f connected to another, end (a minus electrode of S3) of the batteries S1, S2 and S3 connected in series. Both ends of the plurality (three) of batteries connected in series and the connecting points of the battery-to-battery are referred to as a xe2x80x98nodexe2x80x99.
The battery protection circuit 21 comprises three differential amplifiers AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3, and a multiplexer MPX. The three differential amplifiers AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3 are for inputting two nodes 21c and 21d, two nodes 21d and 21e, and two nodes 21e and 21f, respectively. Outputs of the three differential amplifiers AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3 are fed to the multiplexer MPX. The multiplexer MPX selects one of the three inputs in accordance with the selection signal entered through the selection signal input terminal 21a and outputs the selected one through the monitor signal output terminal 21b.
The microcomputer 32 shown in FIG. 11 sequentially outputs the selection signal to optionally select the batteries S1, S2 and S3, and receives through an AD conversion the monitor signal representative of the associated voltages of the batteries S1, S2 and S3, and thus it is possible to know the voltages of the batteries S1, S2 and S3.
FIG. 13 is a graph showing a relation between a discharge time (a horizontal axis) and a battery voltage (a vertical axis) of a lithium-ion battery. FIG. 14 is a graph showing a relation between a battery voltage (a vertical axis) and a battery residue (a horizontal axis) of a lithium-ion battery.
As shown in FIG. 13, when a battery is used, a voltage of the battery is gradually lowered. When the voltage of the battery is monitored, as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to know the residue of the battery from the voltage of the battery.
According to the microcomputer 32, it is possible to take measures to meet the situation that the battery is not usable, in such a manner that the microcomputer 32 detects the respective voltages of the batteries S1, S2 and S3 to know the residue of the batteries, so that the microcomputer 32 informs of the residue a user of the notebook-sized personal computer 40, and when the residue of the batteries draws to the limit in use, the microcomputer 32 alarms the user, and/or data are automatically saved.
Here, there will be explained an offset voltage of the differential amplifiers AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3 shown in FIG. 12 and a measurement error caused by the offset voltage.
FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing one (here, the differential amplifier AMP1) of the three differential amplifiers AMP1, AMP2 and AMP3 shown in FIG. 12.
The differential amplifier AMP1 comprises a differential amplifier AMP11 and resistances connected around the differential amplifier. AMP11. In FIG. 15, R1 and R2, which are applied to the resistances, imply resistance values as well as the resistances. xcex1 denotes an offset voltage of the differential amplifier AMP11.
When a voltage to be applied to a noninverting input of the differential amplifier AMP1 and a voltage to be applied to an inverting input of the differential amplifier AMP1 are expressed by V+ and Vxe2x88x92, respectively, an output voltage V0 of the differential amplifier AMP1 is given by equation (1) as set forth below.
V0=(R2/R1)(V+xe2x88x92Vxe2x88x92)+( (R1+R2)/R1)xc3x97xcex1xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram which is modified in the point that the inverting input of the differential amplifier shown in FIG. 15 is grounded. In this case, the an output voltage V0 of the differential amplifier AMP1 is given by equation (2) as set forth below.
V0=(R2/R1)xc3x97V++((R1+R2)/R1)xc3x97xcex1xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram which is modified in the point that in the preceding stage of the differential amplifier shown in FIG. 15, there are provided differential amplifier AMP12 and differential amplifier AMP13 which serve as a buffer.
The differential amplifier AMP12 and differential amplifier AMP13 are buffer circuits for noninverting input and inverting input of the differential amplifier AMP11 respectively. The differential amplifiers AMP12 and AMP13 serve to prevent a leakage of a current from the batteries S1xcx9cS3 by the resistances R1 and R2 for determining amplification factor of the differential amplifier AMP11. The offset voltage xcex1 by the differential amplifiers AMP12 and AMP13 is a common mode input of the differential amplifier AMP11 and is cancelled by the differential amplifier AMP11. Therefore, it is sufficient to consider only the offset voltage of the differential amplifier AMP11 also in the differential amplifier shown in FIG. 17. Thus, an output voltage V0 of the differential amplifier AMP1 is given, in a similar fashion to that of FIG. 15, by equation (1) as set forth below.
V0=(R2/R1)(V+xe2x88x92Vxe2x88x92)+((R1+R2)/R1)xc3x97xcex1xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
As seen from equations (1) and (2), the amplification degree of the differential amplifier AMP1 is determined by resistance values of the resistances R1 and R2, and accuracy of the amplification depends on the accuracy of the resistance values. As seen from equations (1) and (2), however, accuracy of the amplification is determined by ratio R2/R1 of the resistance values of the two resistances R1 and R2, but not the absolute value of the resistance values of the resistances R1 and R2. consequently, it is possible to implement a high accuracy of amplification degree by making inside an LSI the resistances R1 and R2 which determine the amplification degree. That is, in the event that the resistances are made in the LSI, the absolute value of the resistances is involved in the error of xc2x120-30% due to a diffusion dispersion of an impurity. To the contrary, the ratio of the resistance values of the two resistances can be controlled with great accuracy, and thus it is possible to prevent a dispersion of the ratio from rising more than 0.05%.
To the contrary, with respect to the offset voltage xcex1 of the differential amplifier, a dispersion in the manufacturing process of an LSI is directly reflected. Thus, when a plurality of differential amplifiers are made within the same LSI, the offset voltages xcex1 of the plurality of differential amplifiers, which are made within the same LSI, are almost the same as one another, but are large in difference among chips.
For example, it is necessary for a notebook-sized personal computer to detect the battery residue in accuracy of 1% or more. However, in this case, for the offset voltage xcex1 of the differential amplifier, it brings about a result of 2-3% or more in dispersion when the offset voltage xcex1 is converted into the battery residue.
In order to obtain a great accuracy of output of a differential amplifier, it may be considered that a fine control circuit is added to regulate the offset voltage xcex1 to be zero. However, this involves problems of a working amount required for the regulation of the offset voltage and rising of a cost for preparing a circuit for the regulation. Further, the offset voltage xcex1 is associated with a temperature change and a secular change, and thus even if the offset voltage xcex1 is regulated in the manner as mentioned above, it is difficult to cope with changes of the offset voltage xcex1 due to the temperature change and the secular change.
In order to cope with the problems as mentioned above, Japanese Patent Laid Open Gazette Hei. 6-260851 proposes a scheme that both the noninverting input and the inverting input of the differential amplifier are grounded at the time of the offset measurement, and then an output voltage of the differential amplifier is measured, so that the offset voltage is detected including temperature change and the secular change.
However, the offset voltage xcex1 is concerned with both the plus case and the minus case; nevertheless the above-mentioned proposed scheme is permitted to measure only the plus case of the offset voltage xcex1. For this reason, according to Japanese Patent Laid Open Gazette Hei. 6-260851, there is proposed a scheme that the offset voltage is regulated beforehand so that the offset voltage always offers the plus even if the temperature change and the secular change are concerned.
However, also in case of the proposed scheme, there is a need to prepare a circuit for regulation of the offset voltage and to perform a working of regulation of the offset voltage. Thus, it is unavoidable that the cost rises.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a monitor signal output circuit, a battery pack, a battery voltage monitor circuit, a battery system, an apparatus, a battery voltage monitor method, and a battery voltage monitor program storage medium, which need no pre-regulation, and are capable of measuring a battery voltage with great accuracy.
The present invention can be classified to two groups of a first group in which battery voltages are measured with great accuracy, and a second group in which battery voltages are measured with great accuracy, and in addition such a great accuracy of measurement is implemented by a circuit operative on a low voltage of the power source.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first monitor signal output circuit, which belongs to the first group, comprising:
a differential amplifier for monitor signal output; and
a change-over circuit for changing over a connection between a plurality of batteries connected in series and an input of said differential amplifier in accordance with a selection signal so that said differential amplifier outputs a signal according to the selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of the plurality of batteries and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first battery pack, which belongs to the first group, incorporating a plurality of batteries connected in series, and a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of the plurality of batteries and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries.
In the battery pack according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is preferable that said battery pack further incorporates a battery voltage monitor circuit having:
an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
In this case, it is acceptable that said offset computing section computes the offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with three signals representative of a first voltage involved in at least one part of battery of the plurality of batteries, a second voltage involved in at least one another part of battery of the plurality of batteries, and a third voltage involved in two or more batteries in combination of said part of battery and said another part of battery.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first battery voltage monitor circuit comprising:
an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of a plurality of batteries connected in series and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
In the battery voltage monitor circuit according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is acceptable that said offset computing section computes the offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with three signals representative of a first voltage involved in at least one part of battery of the plurality of batteries, a second voltage involved in at least one another part of battery of the plurality of batteries, and a third voltage involved in two or more batteries in combination of said part of battery and said another part of battery.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first battery system comprising:
a plurality of batteries connected in series;
a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of the plurality of batteries and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two nor more batteries; and
a battery voltage monitor circuit having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first apparatus operative upon receipt of supply of an electric power, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of batteries connected in series;
a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of the plurality of batteries and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries; and
a battery voltage monitor circuit having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first battery voltage monitor method comprising steps of:
computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages, of a plurality of batteries connected in series and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier; and
correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first battery voltage monitor program storage medium storing a battery voltage monitor program which causes a computer to operate as an apparatus for monitoring a voltage of a battery when the battery voltage monitor program is executed in said computer,
wherein said battery voltage monitor program storage medium stores the battery voltage monitor program having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals including signals representative of voltages of a plurality of batteries connected in series and a voltage involved in a combination of predetermined two or more batteries, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries using the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
According to the above-mentioned invention belonging to the first group, an offset voltage of the differential amplifier is measured utilizing such a feature that the offset voltage is constant in both cases that a voltage of any one of a plurality of batteries connected in series is measured, or that voltages of two or more batteries connected in series is measured, and a measurement error is corrected from the measured battery voltage. Thus, it is possible to measure and correct the offset voltage at the time of measurement, including changes of temperature and secular change, without provision of an adjustment in advance, and thereby measuring the battery voltage with great accuracy.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second monitor signal output circuit, which belongs to the second group, comprising:
a differential amplifier for monitor signal output; and
a change-over circuit for selecting in accordance with a selection signal any one of a plurality of signal pairs consisting of a signal pair representative of voltages on two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal pair representative of a voltage of one battery, which is selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of batteries connected in series and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources, said change-over circuit feeding a selected signal pair to said differential amplifier.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second battery pack, which belongs to the second group, incorporating a plurality of batteries connected in series, and a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources.
In the battery pack according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is acceptable that said battery pack further incorporates said plurality of voltage sources.
Alternatively, it is acceptable that said plurality of voltage sources are adapted for an external connection, and said battery pack has terminals to which nodes of said plurality of voltage sources are connected.
Further, it is also acceptable that said battery pack further incorporates a battery voltage monitor circuit having:
an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section. In this case, it is acceptable that said offset computing section computes the offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with three signals representative of a first voltage involved in a first voltage source of the plurality of voltage sources, a second voltage involved in a second voltage source of the plurality of voltage sources, and a third voltage involved in a voltage source in combination of said first voltage source and said second voltage source.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second battery voltage monitor circuit, which belongs to the second group, comprising:
an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
In the second battery voltage monitor circuit according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is acceptable that said offset computing section computes the offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with three signals representative of a first voltage involved in a first voltage source of the plurality of voltage sources, a second voltage involved in a second voltage source of the plurality of voltage sources, and a third voltage involved in a voltage source in combination of said first voltage source and said second voltage source.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second battery system, which belongs to the second group, comprising:
a plurality of batteries connected in series;
a plurality of voltage sources connected in series;
a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of said plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources; and
a battery voltage monitor circuit having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node, and an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second apparatus operative upon receipt of supply of an electric power, which belongs to the second group, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of batteries connected in series;
a plurality of voltage sources connected in series;
a monitor signal output circuit having a differential amplifier which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of said plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources; and
a battery voltage monitor circuit having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of said differential amplifier in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from said monitor signal output circuit, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node, and an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second battery voltage monitor method, which belongs to the second group, comprising steps of:
computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node; and
correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a second battery voltage monitor program storage medium storing a battery voltage monitor program which causes a computer to operate as an apparatus for monitoring a voltage of a battery when the battery voltage monitor program is executed in said computer,
wherein said battery voltage monitor program storage medium stores the battery voltage monitor program having an offset computing section for computing an offset voltage of a differential amplifier, which outputs a signal selected in accordance with a selection signal of a plurality of signals consisting of a signal representative of a voltage between two nodes, which are selected in accordance with the selection signal, of a plurality of nodes consisting of both ends of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series and connecting points of the voltage sources, and a signal representative of a difference voltage between a voltage of one battery, which is selected from among the plurality of batteries in accordance with the selection signal and slice voltages on said plurality of voltage sources, in accordance with a plurality of signals derived from a monitor signal output circuit having said differential amplifier, each of said plurality of signals being representative of a voltage between nodes in which at least one node is different from another node; and
an offset correction section for correcting measurement errors of voltages of the plurality of batteries in accordance with the signals representative of difference voltages associated with the plurality of batteries, derived from said monitor signal output circuit, and the offset voltage computed in said offset computing section.
According to the above-mentioned invention, which belongs to the second group, an offset voltage of the differential amplifier is determined through a measurement of voltages of a plurality of voltage sources connected in series, and slice voltages on the plurality of voltage sources are determined from the differential amplifier, so that the battery voltage subtracting the slice voltage is outputted to monitor the battery voltage. This feature makes it possible to monitor the battery voltage with greater accuracy by a circuit of a low voltage.
Particularly, in case of the lithium-ion battery having characteristics shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the voltage on a state that it is completely charged is about 4V, and the voltage on a state that it is discharged up to the degree unavailable is 3V. Thus, the difference is 1V or so. Therefore, determination of a suitable slice voltage makes it possible to sufficiently monitor the battery voltage with a circuit operative on the battery voltage of, for example, 3V or so.

Monitor signal output circuit, battery pack, battery voltage monitor circuit, battery system, apparatus, battery voltage monitor method, and battery voltage monitor program storage medium


Provided are materials for a formed body comprising hexagonal boron nitride and such formed bodies. Also provided are heat-treated formed body obtained by heat-treating the formed bodies. The invention further relates to processes for making the formed body and the heat-treated formed body.

Hexagonal boron nitride has a high temperature stability, is electrically insulating, is a solid lubricant and has a high thermal conductivity. Furthermore hexagonal boron nitride is used as raw material for the production of cubic boron nitride, it can be used for cosmetic purposes and as a release agent for metallurgical applications, and for further applications for example in the field of metallurgy. It is densified by hot-pressing in order to obtain sufficient mechanical stability and optionally sufficient density of formed bodies. The hot-pressed formed bodies are usually machined mechanically to the final shape.
Hexagonal boron nitride powder is technical synthesized by nitridation of boric acid in the presence of a nitrogen source. As a nitrogen source, ammonia can be used, and then usually calcium phosphate is used as a carrier material for the boric acid. An organic nitrogen source such as melamine and urea can also be used and can be reacted with boric acid or borates under nitrogen. The nitridation usually is carried out at a temperature of from 800° C. to 1200° C. The thereby obtained boron nitride is substantially amorphous, it is also known as turbostratic boron nitride. The amorphous boron nitride is transformed at higher temperatures of up to about 2100° C., preferably in a nitrogen atmosphere, into hexagonal, crystalline boron nitride. Often for this high temperature treatment crystallization additives are added to the amorphous boron nitride.
In the high temperature treatment, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is produced in the form of primary particles having a platelet shaped morphology. Typical sizes of the boron nitride platelets are in the range of 1 to 20 μm, but platelet sizes of up to 50 μm are also possible. Usually the hexagonal boron nitride is crushed or de-agglomerated after the high temperature treatment, in order to obtain powders that can be further processed for various applications. In further steps impurities can be removed selectively to obtain high purity hexagonal boron nitride.
To obtain mechanically strong bodies, hexagonal boron nitride powder is filled in molds and hot-pressed and thereby densified at high temperatures. Often the hexagonal boron nitride powder is granulated before it is hot-pressed, in order to increase the bulk density and to allow higher fillings of the molds, as non-granulated hexagonal boron nitride powders have usually low bulk densities of about 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm3. The so produced hot-pressed bodies have a sufficient mechanical stability for producing solid shapes, which is usually done by mechanical machining.
Hot-pressing of boron nitride is a cost-intensive process, as for hot-pressing a special equipment is required where high temperatures of above 1800° C. and up to about 2200° C. and high uniaxial pressures of about 20 MPa can be applied in a protective gas atmosphere.
EP 0 939 066 A1 discloses a method to form pellets or agglomerates of high density boron nitride made of high-purity hexagonal boron nitride powder, with the operations of cold pressing and granulation repeated until the density of the pellets or agglomerates is above 1.86 g/cm3. The obtained pellets are intended to be used for converting hexagonal boron nitride into cubic boron nitride and are mechanically weak.
DE 19 750 107 C1 discloses a boron nitride sealing body that is produced by using machined hot-pressed hexagonal boron nitride to which a binder has been added for dry-pressing. As a binder, aluminum phosphate can be used.
DE 10 2014 222 365 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a seal for a sensor element, comprising the following steps: providing a ceramic material having at least boron nitride and boron trioxide with a proportion of boron trioxide with respect to the ceramic material of 2.0 wt.-% to 6.0 wt.-%, forming the ceramic material by pressing to a gasket, and thermal treatment of the seal at temperatures of 475 to 1250° C. The boron nitride material which is used for the disclosed method can be obtained, for example, by milling or machining of hot-pressed sintered parts.
DE 10 2008 062 155 A1 discloses a ceramic mass for producing a sintered hexagonal boron nitride body that is solidifiable in a pressureless thermal treatment, comprises hexagonal boron nitride, and a nano-scale powder based on oxides, hydroxides, oxyhydrates or compounds forming oxides under thermal treatment, of silicon and aluminum and of aluminum. The forming of the ceramic masses is done by extruding with a moisture content of 30 to 34 wt.-%.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,989 discloses a material and a method of forming a dried cake by mixing boron nitride powder with a source of aluminum oxide, for example a water-based colloidal aluminum oxide or peptized aluminum oxide monohydrate liquid. The dried cake can be subsequently pressureless sintered at a temperature of about 500° C. to about 1000° C.
JP61132564 discloses a normal pressure sintered body that is made from 40-80 wt.-% boron nitride and 20-60 wt.-% of a mixture of a composition of Al2O3 with B2O3 in a weight ratio of Al2O3:B2O3=100:10 to 5, granulated by spray drying, green shaped and pressureless sintered in a non-oxidative atmosphere at a temperature of 1600 to 1800° C. During sintering, the formation of aluminum borate 9Al2O3*2B2O3 (Al18B4O33) is reported.
The non-published European patent application no. 16174825.6 discloses a formed body comprising hexagonal boron nitride, wherein the formed body has a Brinell hardness of at least 2 HBW 2.5/2, and wherein the formed body is obtainable by a process at temperatures of at most 100° C. The formed body may further comprise water-soluble boron compounds.
When boron nitride formed bodies containing water-soluble boron compounds, such as boron oxide or boric acid, are exposed to humidity, then the water-soluble boron compounds will be leached out. In certain applications, for example sealing components for sensors, this is not desired, as boric acid is environmental hazardous, the porosity of the leached-out material will increase and therefore the mechanical stability will decrease.
Therefore, there is a need for hexagonal boron nitride formed bodies that are mechanically stable and that can be produced by a cost-efficient process without the need of hot-pressing, and that can be used as sealing components, and that have a reduced content of water-soluble boron compounds.
As used herein, "a", "an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Adding an "(s)" to a term means that the term should include the singular and plural form. E.g. the term "compound(s)" means one compound and more compounds (e.g. 2, 3, 4, etc.). The term "comprise" shall include also the terms "consist essentially of" and "consists of".

Formed hexagonal boron nitride body, heat-treated hexagonal boron nitride body and processes for producing the same


A floodlight radar system includes a transmitter arranged to generate output waveforms at first and second centre frequencies, and at least one transmit antenna configured to illuminate a search volume constantly at the first and second centre frequencies. A sparse array of receive antennas is arranged in a common plane and configured to monitor the search volume constantly. The system includes a receive circuit arranged to extract target position information from return signals received by each antenna, and a signal processor circuit which is arranged to resolve ambiguity in the position information using a known relationship between calculated Doppler spectra, wavelengths and phase differences at the first and second frequencies, to calculate azimuth, elevation, range and velocity of a target identified in the search volume. The system is able to rapidly detect and locate multiple fast moving targets in three dimensions.

THIS invention relates to a floodlight radar system for detecting and locating moving targets in three dimensions.
When a radar system with the capability to rapidly detect and locate fast-moving targets in three dimensions anywhere in the search volume is required, a floodlight radar is an appropriate choice.
Without scanning its beam (either mechanically or electronically), a floodlight radar transmitter continuously illuminates the full search volume by means of a single wide beam antenna. Detection and location of targets in three dimensions is accomplished by appropriately processing the signals received with multiple receive antennas.
Floodlight radars, as described by W Wirth, Radar techniques using array antennas, IEE, 2001, pp. 419-447, have a long legacy. The first operational air-warning system, the Chain Home network built in Britain before the second world war, was a pulsed floodlight system described in British patent GB 593 017 of R Watt. The floodlight principle is also known under other names, such as Array Signal Processing (ASP)—see A. Rudge, K. Milne, A. Olver, and P. Knight, Eds., The Handbook of Antenna Design, Volume 2, Peter Peregrinus, London, U.K., 1983, pp. 330-456.
In a floodlight radar, the transmitter "floods" the search volume with electromagnetic waves radiated from the transmit antenna. This is in contrast to a scanned radar, where an antenna directs a scanned pencil or fan beam to one or more small parts of the search volume at any one instant. The floodlight radar therefore simultaneously illuminates all targets in the scan volume at all times. The radiation patterns of the individual antennas of the multiple-channel receiver also cover the complete search volume. The antenna system is often referred to as a staring array. These characteristics of a floodlight radar are the keys to the rapid detection of fast-moving targets anywhere in the search volume.
The receive antennas can either be arranged as a densely or sparsely packed phased array forming multiple simultaneous beams, as described by F. Athley, C. Engdahl, and P. Sunnergren, "On radar detection and direction finding using sparse arrays," Aerospace and Electronic Systems, IEEE Transactions on, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 1319-1333, October 2007, or as a sparsely packed interferometer array. The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the array determine the accuracy with which elevation and azimuth angles of arrival can be estimated.
The densely packed array has the advantage that simultaneous beams covering the full search volume can be formed by means of ASP, with each beam providing a high antenna gain on receive. It is, however, a complex and costly system. A radar with a square array with dimensions of 5 wavelengths on a side covering a search volume of a quarter hemisphere will typically use a 64 channel receiver and a 64 channel signal processor.
The sparsely packed array has the advantage that simultaneous beams covering the full search volume can be formed by means of ASP, with each beam providing a high antenna gain on receive, but has the disadvantage that grating lobes are also formed. Various techniques have been devised to identify and eliminate returns from targets in grating lobes as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,692,575 of Nishimura.
The sparse interferometer receive array does not form beams. It has the advantage of a lower hardware count for a given accuracy of location, but suffers the disadvantage of angular ambiguities, where targets at different locations can produce similar antenna responses. It requires special measures to resolve these ambiguities, one of which is to use overlapping high gain antennas, but this severely limits the search volume. The sparse array with wide-beam radiators has much lower directivity than the densely packed array. To overcome the disadvantage of low gain, the transmitter power must be increased with respect to that needed for a densely packed receive array.
Conventional single-frequency direction-finder technology to resolve angular ambiguities is well-known, but requires at least five antennas arranged in two dimensions to resolve angular ambiguities in azimuth and elevation. See E. Jacobs and E. Ralston, "Ambiguity resolution in interferometry," Aerospace and Electronic Systems, IEEE Transactions on, vol. AES-17, pp. 766-780, 1981.
It is an object of the invention to provide a floodlight radar system that overcomes at least some of the above mentioned problems and is suitable for detecting and locating moving targets in three dimensions.

Floodlight radar system for detecting and locating moving targets in three dimensions

REUTECH RADAR SYSTEMS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED


A residue computing device on a Galois Field, for calculating a residue of a product of a multiplier factor and a multiplicand under a modulo, includes a gate for allowing the multiplier factor to pass therethrough when a leading bit of the multiplicand is 1, an adder for adding a temporary residue and a value obtained by the passage, a gate for allowing the modulo to pass therethrough when a leading bit of a summed value of the adder is 1, and a subtractor for subtracting the modulo from the summed value of the adder when the leading bit of the summed value is 1, wherein a process for setting a value obtained by shifting a subtracted value of the subtractor by one bit, as the temporary residue on the basis of the next clock is repeatedly performed for each clock to thereby calculate the residue.

The present invention relates to a residue computing device on a Galois Field, which is most suitable for a residue arithmetic operation and a power-residue arithmetic operation used in elliptic curve cryptography, etc.
While arithmetic operations defined in elliptic curves on an affine space can provide efficient calculations with a microcomputer or the like when the arithmetic operations form a group, particularly, a finite field (Galois Field) is taken by reside arithmetic operations, their calculations result in enormous amounts. Therefore, applications to cryptographs had been considered in the 1980s. It has been found that this type of elliptic curve cryptosystem is capable of implementing security of the same degree with a key having a shorter bit length as compared with the conventional DSA system or RSA system. Attention has thus been given to this point of view in recent years. For example, an elliptic curve cryptosystem whose key length is 224 bits, can handle calculation processing with a calculated amount of about 1/7 as compared with a RSA system whose key length is 1024 bits. Thus, the elliptic curve cryptosystem was considered to be better-suited for an IC card, particularly a wireless IC card as the field of application using the elliptic curve cryptosystem. In the wireless IC card, the third party is capable of easily intercepting communication data and the wireless IC card cannot get by with avoiding encryption of the data. While the wireless IC card has the merit of being capable of passing through a gate with being non-contact, it must break a cipher and authenticate it during its short passage time. It is thus necessary to provide a reside computing device which efficiently executes a residue arithmetic operation or the like in the elliptic curve cryptosystem.
When it is desired to execute the residue arithmetic operation or the like, dedicated LSI or a processor equipped with a multiplier of about 32 bits performs calculations by, for example, a method of dividing a bit length of a long key every 32 bits and carrying out calculations. An algorithm for avoiding division by preference has been adopted for the calculations. This is a contrivance for reducing a chip size. As the above algorithm, it has been known that a calculation time interval becomes short if the Montgomery method, for example.
However, such a method using a multiplier having a less number of bits has many problems. The method is accompanied by a drawback that since a complex algorithm is used, the amount of calculations increases, and a clock should be unavoidably made fast from the need for the calculations in a short period of time, thereby increasing current consumption. Further, since data being in the course of their calculations must be stored in their corresponding registers or the like and a number of the registers are used, the amount of circuitry cannot be reduced so far.
An increase in current consumption will impose a restriction on a wireless IC card, particularly, a wireless IC card of such a type that power is supplied in the form of external electromagnetic waves. An increase in the size of a chip will raise the cost of wireless IC cards supplied in large quantities.


A fuel pump unit comprising a housing part (4) arranged between an electric motor (2) and a fuel pump (3). The housing part is provided with expansion joints for compensating thermal expansions or swelling of the material of the housing part (4). The gap between the impeller (6) and the housing parts (4, 5) of the fuel pump (3) can be kept constant by virture of the expansion joints, whereby the fuel pump (3) is essentially prevented from jamming especially when it runs dry.

The invention relates to a fuel feed unit for a motor vehicle having a fuel pump which is driven by an electric motor, and having a rotor of the fuel pump arranged between two housing parts, the rotor being fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to a shaft of the electric motor.
Fuel feed units of this type are frequently used in modern-day motor vehicles and are known from practice. The housing parts of the fuel pump are produced mainly from metal or a sintered ceramic, or have a sintered bush, which is pressed into plastic, as a bearing for the shaft. The housing parts are separated from the rotor by a particularly small clearance and thus form a gap seal of the fuel pump. Heat input as a result of friction or heat from the electric motor leads, however, to the housing parts and the rotor expanding, and thus to a reduction in the gap between the housing parts and the rotor. As a result, further friction occurs in the fuel pump which, in the worst case, causes the later to become jammed. The fuel pump seizes after a very short time in particular during dry running of the fuel feed unit.
The problem on which the invention is based is that of developing a fuel feed unit of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that the fuel pump is largely prevented from seizing, in particular during dry running.