A method is provided for manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor having a small DC resistance without decreasing the inductance or the impedance. The method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor includes the steps of: preparing a ceramic green sheet; forming an electrode film on one surface of the green sheet; multilayering a plurality of the green sheets in such a way that the surfaces on which electrode films are formed face each other for pairs of the green sheets; contact-bonding the green sheets; and sintering the green sheets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor, and in particular, a multilayer-type chip inductor having a small DC resistance.
2. Description of the Related Art
A method of reducing the DC resistance of a multilayer-type chip inductor involves increasing the cross-sectional area of an internal conductor. In order to increase the cross-sectional area of an internal conductor, the width and the thickness of the internal conductor may be increased. If the width of the internal conductor is increased, however, the inductance decreases. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the internal conductor also may cause various manufacturing problems. Therefore, it is difficult in practice to increase the cross-sectional area of the internal conductor. For this reason, a coil comprising parallel internal conductors has been conceived as a method for decreasing the DC resistance of an inductor.
First, a multilayer-type chip inductor of a first conventional example in which coils are connected in parallel will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 4.
With reference to both FIGS. 4 and 5, a multilayer-type chip inductor 1 is formed in such a way that green sheets 2a to 2e having electrode films 3a to 3e formed thereon, respectively, are multilayered in two upper and lower stages and sintered together. Further, external electrodes (not shown) are formed on both ends of this sintered body.
The first green sheets 2a to 2e are formed into sheets from an insulating ceramic slurry, such as ferrite or a dielectric. The electrode films 3a to 3e, which become internal conductors, are formed on one surface of the sheets by printing or like technique. Furthermore, in the first green sheets 2b to 2e, via holes 4b to 4e are provided at one end of each of the electrode films 3b to 3e. The upper and lower stages of first green sheets 2a to 2e are multilayered in sequence, causing the electrode films 3a to 3e to conduct in order to form two inductors 5. In parts of the electrode films 3a and 3e, one end of each film is extended to the end of each of the green sheets 2a and 2e so that it connects to and provides conduction with the external electrode (not shown), forming extension electrodes 6a and 6e, respectively.
The multilayer-type chip inductor 1 is obtained in the following way. As shown in FIG. 4, a predetermined number of dummy green sheets 2f on which no electrode film is formed are multilayered in sequence to form a bottom portion of the device. Next, the first green sheets 2a to 2e containing the electrode films 3a to 3e on their respective top faces are multilayered on top of the dummy green sheets 2f. Further, in the same manner, another series of green sheets 2a to 2e are multilayered, and a predetermined number of dummy green sheets 2f are applied. Then, the body is contact-bonded and sintered. Then, external electrodes are formed at both ends (the right side and the left side in FIG. 4) of this sintered body.
Since the first green sheets 2a to 2e shown in FIG. 4 are formed with the electrode films 3a to 3e of a xc2xe turn, respectively, two inductors 5 of 3.5 turns are formed inside the sintered body.
The external electrode on the right side is made to conduct with the extension electrodes 6a and 6a of the inductors 5 and 5, and the external electrode on the left side is made to conduct with the extension electrodes 6e and 6e of the inductors 5 and 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the multilayer-type chip inductor 1 is such that the two upper and lower inductors 5 and 5 are connected in parallel.
Next, a multilayer-type chip inductor of a second conventional example comprising a coil of parallel internal conductors will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Components in FIGS. 6 and 7 which are the same as those of the above-described first conventional example are given the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted.
A multilayer-type chip inductor 11 is formed in such a way that first green sheets 2a to 2e have electrode films 3a to 3e formed thereon, respectively. First green sheets 12a to 12e are similar to the first green sheets 2a to 2e. The green sheets 2a to 2e are alternately arranged (e.g., interleaved) in a multilayered fashion with the green sheets 12a to 12e. These multiple layers are then sintered, and then external electrodes (not shown) are formed at both ends of this sintered body.
The first green sheets 12a to 12e are formed into sheets from an insulating ceramic slurry in the same manner as the first green sheets 2a to 2e, and electrode films 13a to 13e are formed on one surface thereof. Further, in the first green sheets 12b to 12e, via holes 14b to 14e are formed at the ends of the electrode films 13b to 13e, respectively. In the first green sheets 12a to 12d, via holes 17a to 17d are provided at the other ends of the electrode films 13a to 13d, respectively.
The multilayer-type chip inductor 11 is obtained in the following way. As shown in FIG. 6, a predetermined number of dummy green sheets 2f are multilayered in sequence to from a bottom portion. Next, the first green sheets 2a, 12a, 2b, 12b, 2c, 12c, 2d, 12d, 2e, and 12e are multilayered on top of the bottom portion, with each surface having an electrode formed on its top side. Further, a predetermined number of dummy green sheets 2f are applied on top of the body, and then the body is contact-bonded and sintered. Then, external electrodes are formed at both ends (the right side and the left side in FIG. 6) of this sintered body.
Therefore, in the multilayer-type chip inductor 11, an inductor 15 of 3.5 turns which is made to branch into two lines via the respective via holes is formed within the multilayered body. The external electrode on the right side is made to conduct with the extension electrodes 6a and 16a of the inductor 15, and the external electrode on the left side is made to conduct with extension electrodes 6e and 16e of the inductor 15.
However, in the above-described conventional first and second examples, although the DC resistance of the inductor is reduced, the following problems are present. In the first conventional example, because the decrease in inductance is large, the number of windings of the coil must be increased to maintain the inductance at a desired value. In the second conventional example, although the decrease in inductance is small, the number of via holes corresponding to via holes 17a to 17d provided in the first green sheets 12a to 12d and the number of types of first green sheets increases, causing the manufacturing process to become more complex.
An object of the present invention is to solve at least the above-described problems. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor such that the DC resistance of the inductor is small without decreasing the inductance and the impedance.
To achieve the above-described object, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor, comprising the steps of: preparing a ceramic green sheet; forming an electrode film on one surface of the green sheet; multilayering a plurality of the green sheets in such a way that the surfaces having electrode films formed thereon face each other for pairs of the green sheets; contact-bonding the green sheets; and sintering the green sheets.
More specifically, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor, comprising the steps of: preparing a ceramic green sheet; overlaying a first green sheet having a coil-like electrode film of less than one complete turn formed on one surface of the green sheet and a second green sheet having formed thereon a coil-like electrode film which is symmetrical with the first green sheet so that the electrode films face each other in order to be formed into a pair; multilayering a plurality of such pairs of the green sheets; and sintering the green sheets, wherein the respective coil-like electrode films are made to conduct by via holes provided at the ends of the coil-like electrode films, thereby forming an inductor.
Preferably, the ceramic is an insulating ceramic.
The method of manufacturing a multilayer-type chip inductor further includes a step of forming external electrodes which conduct to the ends of the inductor before or after being sintered.
As a result, as in the first and second conventional examples, it is possible to increase the cross-sectional area of the conductor and to reduce the DC resistance of the inductor. In the present invention, however, the design does not result in a decrease in the inductance and the impedance. Further, the manufacturing method of the present invention is less complex than the manufacturing method of the above-described second conventional example (e.g., because it reduces the number of via holes required).

Method of manufacturing multilayer-type chip inductors


A method for determining the fill level (l) on the basis of the travel time (t) of a high-frequency measuring signal (SHF), which is transformed into a lower frequency, intermediate-frequency measuring signal (SZF), wherein the transformation factor (KT) is obtained from a difference frequency (fSweep) between a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) and a sampling frequency (fsample) The pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) or the sampling frequency (fsample) is altered on the basis of a control with a control variable (c_var) through an appropriate control algorithm, such that a desired value (fSweep—setpoint) of the difference frequency is controlled to; wherein a gradient (grad) of at least two values is determined, and on the basis of the gradient (grad) and the difference frequency (fSweep), or difference time (tSweep), in the case of a set control variable (c_var), an operating point (OP) of the control is determined, and the control algorithm is adjusted accordingly thereto.

Such methods for determining and monitoring fill level in a container are often used in measuring devices in the fields of automation- and process control technology. For example, measuring devices under the names Micropilot or Levelflex are produced and sold by the assignee. These measuring devices function according to the travel-time measurement method, and serve for determining and/or monitoring a fill level of a medium in a container. In the guided microwave method, or the TDR (Time Domain Reflection) method, a high-frequency pulse is emitted along a Sommerfeld or Goubau wave guide, or along a coaxial wave guide. This pulse, upon meeting a discontinuity in the DC-value (dielectric constant) of the medium surrounding the wave guide, is partially reflected back. In the freely-radiating, travel time measuring method, for example, microwaves are emitted via an antenna into a free space, and the echo waves reflected on the surface of the medium are then received back by the antenna following the separation-dependent, travel time of the signal. On the basis of the time lapse between the transmission of the high-frequency pulse and the reception of the reflected echo signals, the separation from the measuring device to the surface of the medium can be obtained. Taking into account the geometry of the interior of the container, the fill level is then determined as a relative or absolute parameter.
The travel time measuring method can be divided essentially into two categories: The first is based on a time measurement and requires a pulse sequence-modulated signal for the distance covered; a second widely-used evaluation method is to determine the sweep difference frequency between the emitted, continuous, high-frequency signal and the reflected, received high-frequency signal (FMCW—frequency modulated continuous wave). In general, the following explanations are not limited to a specific evaluation method.
A general problem in the case of all travel time measuring methods using high-frequency measuring signals in the GHz (Gigahertz) region is that, for the evaluation of high-frequency measuring signals, high-frequency components, which are designed for such high-frequency ranges, must be used. These high-frequency components have the disadvantage that they are complex to produce and very expensive to purchase. One possibility for evaluating the high-frequency measuring signals using inexpensive low-frequency components is to map the high-frequency signals into the low-frequency range by means of a sequential sampling. The method for the sequential sampling of high-frequency measuring signals represents a possibility for transformation into the low-frequency range, wherein, in this method, a time-expanded, intermediate-frequency signal is generated from a multiplicity of quasi high-frequency, periodically-sampled, measurement signals. This additional processing step is carried out because there are no suitable, cost-effective data-processing units, e.g. DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) which can reliably process high-frequency measuring signals.
An approach for generating a time-expanded, intermediate-frequency signal is the mixing principle in which two oscillators produce two oscillations with slightly different frequencies. Through the slight "detuning" of the frequencies of the two oscillations, a phase shift results, which increases linearly with each measuring period. This phase shift corresponds to a linearly-increasing time delay.
The mixing principle is illustrated for example in DE 31 07 444 A1 by means of a high-resolution, pulse radar method. A generator produces first microwave pulses and radiates them via an antenna, at a predetermined transmission repetition frequency, in the direction of the surface of the filling substance. A further generator produces reference microwave pulses, which correspond to the first microwave pulses, but differ slightly from these as regards the repetition frequency. The echo signal and the reference signal are mixed, for example, by a frequency converter, or mixer, whereby an intermediate frequency signal is generated. The intermediate frequency signal has the same behavior as the echo signal, but is, however, stretched relative thereto by a transformation factor, which is equal to a quotient of the pulse repetition frequency and the difference frequency between the pulse repetition frequency of the first microwave pulses and the sampling frequency of the reference microwave pulses.
In the case of a pulse repetition frequency of several megahertz, a difference frequency of a few hertz, and a microwave frequency of several gigahertz, the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal lies well below 200 kHz. The advantage of the transformation to the intermediate frequency is that relatively slow, and thus inexpensive electronic components for registering and/or evaluating signals can be used.
Referenced in this connection is also German Utility Model DE 29815069 U1, which describes this known transformation technology in the case of a TDR-fill level measuring device. This sampling circuit has two oscillators, at least one of which has a variable frequency, with one oscillator driving the transmitting generator, and the other driving the sampling pulse generator. A frequency mixer forms the difference of the two frequencies, which is used for adjusting, or controlling, the transformation factor, which is to be as constant as possible, to a desired value via a feedback branch.
A disadvantage of regulating the difference frequency to a desired value according the state of the art is that such a control takes a very long time, and, under certain conditions, results in regulating to an incorrect desired value of the difference frequency.

Method for determining fill level on the basis of travel time of a high-frequency measuring signal


A device for controlling projected light beam from an electronic flash, this invention consists of a tube of elastic material such as neoprene or polyurethane (4), with a light side (6) and a dark side (5). The shape and elasticity of this device allow its configuration to change by rolling the snoot over on itself. Rolling the snoot partially upon itself, changing its length, will thereby change the size of the projected light beam. Rolling the snoot inside out will select a different interior reflectivity, thus a different quality of projected light.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to controlling the light cast from electronic flash devices.
2. Prior Art
The art of lighting for photography and film is a craft often encumbered by specialized equipment, which requires a balance of portability and utility in its design. Ideally, the photographic artist's need for any given tool should not be overwhelmed by the devices complexity, cumbrous or cost. A snoot is a lighting tool that confines the light emitted from a light source to an area determined by the length of the snoot, size of the opening, and distance to the subject illuminated. Snoots with a light, reflective interior will cast light with a softer edge, or fall-off, than a snoot with a dark, non-reflective interior, as explained in the lighting assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,828. In filmmaking, snoots tend to be made from metal sheeting. Their annulus may be adjusted as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,571 or their length may telescope as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,602 or sections may be added or subtracted as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,828. In still photography, the aforementioned solutions to snoot adjustability, is simply too cumbersome for a photographer working on location. Snoots for still photography need to fit easily onto a variety of electronic flashes and fit unobtrusively within a camera bag. While commonly manufactured flash snoots are made from fabric or cardboard and plastic and are made to be collapsible and portable, they have a number of disadvantages:                a) Hook-and-loop fasteners are required to connect them to the light source. This can mean permanently adhering a hook or loop strip to the electronic flash, or using a separate adapter to connect the snoot to the flash.        b) These snoots lack an inherent continuous adjustability; broader beams are only achieved by using a separate, shorter snoot.        c) Inner reflectivity on these snoots is fixed and not designed to change.

Flexible, reversible and adjustable flash snoot


A radio communication apparatus add an information element (ACK/NACK information element) indicating a reception result of a received signal of a transmission sequence number to the another information element (Other ACK/NACK information element) indicating a reception result of a received signal of another transmission sequence number, which information elements are transmitted to the another radio communication apparatus; and the another radio communication apparatus judges a reception result of the transmitted signal on the basis of the information element and the another information element received from the radio communication apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatuses for radio communication preferably used in a communication system which employs the HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) method, one of mobile communication systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the present 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) method, one of the third-generation mobile communication systems, is being standardized. One of the standardization objects is to define HSDPA which provides a downlink transmission speed of 14 Mbps at maximum.
HSDPA adopts an adaptive coding and modulation method, in which communication between a base station and a mobile station is switched between, for example, QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) modulation method and 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) method according to a radio environment between these stations.
Further, HSDPA employs an HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest) method which is characterized by that, if a mobile station detects an error in received data from a base station, the base station retransmits the same data responsive to a request from the mobile station and the mobile station performs an error correction decoding process using both received data and the retransmitted data. In HSDPA, efficient use of received data even with an error in the above manner makes it possible to enhance the gain of error correction and thereby reduce the number of retransmission processes.
HSDPA mainly uses radio channels of HS-SCCH (High Speed-Shared Control Channel), HS-DSCH (High Speed-Downlink Shared Channel), and HS-DPCCH (High Speed-Dedicated Physical Control Channel).
HS-SCCH and HS-DSCH are common downlink channels (i.e., in the direction from a base station to a mobile station). HS-SCCH is a control channel to transmit various parameters (L1 information) concerning data transmitted through HS-DSCH. The parameters are exemplified by modulation type information indicating that data is transmitted through HS-DSCH in which modulation method, the number of spreading codes to be allocated (a code multiplication number), a process number of HS-DSCH, a retransmission/new indicator whether or not transmission data is retransmission data or new data, and a pattern used for rate matching to be performed on transmission data.
HS-SCCH is capable of concurrently transmitting a control signal to a number of mobile stations using a number (e.g., four) of spreading codes, and each of the mobile stations specifies HS-SCCH destined for the own mobile station with reference to UE-ID (User Equipment-IDentity).
HS-DPCCH is a dedicated control channel to uplink communication from an individual mobile station to a base station, and is specifically used to transmit an ACK signal (ACK information) and a NACK signal (NACK information), respectively indicating successfully reception and failure reception of data through HS-DSCH, from the mobile station to the base station. In the event of failure in data reception, if the data received is a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error, the mobile station transmits a NACK signal to the base station, which performs retransmission control.
Additionally, HS-DPCCH is used to send a base station a CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) that is a measurement result (e.g., SIR (Signal to Interference Ratio)) of receipt quality of a signal from the base station when measurement is performed by a mobile station. The base station judges, according to the CQI, whether or not the downlink radio environment is good, and switches a modulation method to a method able to transmit data in a higher speed if the judgment result is positive and conversely switches to a method to transmit data in a lower speed if the judgment result is negative (in other words, performs an adaptive modulation). Here, a frame format for HS-DPCCH is shown in FIG. 21 and a field for HS-DPCCH is shown in FIG. 22.
As described above, in a system employing HSDPA, data transmission between a base station and a mobile station is confirmed, and if a loss of a PDU (Packet Data Unit) or a transmission-and-reception error is detected, the system carries out FEC (Forward Error Correction) and ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest).
Further, in order to enhance the communication efficiency by efficient operation of HARQ, there has been proposed an N-channel Stop and Wait method in which N (an integer of two or more) HARQ processes are provided in a radio communication between a base station and mobile stations. In this method, before reception confirmation information (ACK/NACK information) concerning a certain transmission process reaches either station (the mobile or base station) from the opposite station (the base or the mobile station), the first station can transmit a PDU for the next process to the opposite station.
For example, in an N-channel stop-and-wait method where N=6, when a PDU with process number "1" is transmitted from the base station to a mobile station, the base station sequentially transmits PDUs for six processes at maximum in advance before ACK/NACK information for the PDU of process number "1" from the mobile station reaches the base station. That improves communication efficiency in a radio communication system even large in response delay. In HARQ employing the N-channel stop-and-wait method, a number (N) of processes are independent one after another and reception confirmation information (ACK/NACK information) concerning each process is associated with the individual process and transmitted to the opposite station.
However, data pieces concerning one or more of a number of processes do not correctly reach the opposite station for various reasons such as deterioration in communication state.
As a result, if a result of recognition of ACK/NACK information at the transmitter side (the mobile station) does not coincide with that at the receiver side (the base station), an abnormal operation exemplified by the below (1) to (4) occurs. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing examples of a transmission operation performed in the base station when the base station has misrecognized ACK/NACK information from the mobile station.
(1) If the base station misrecognized ACK information from the mobile station to be NACK information, the base station judges that the mobile station (the opposite station) has not correctly received the data and retransmits the same data to the mobile station (a retransmission process).
(2) If the base station misrecognized ACK information from the mobile station to be DTX (not reached), the base station judges that the mobile station does not recognize the transmission of the data to the mobile station and transmits the same data as new data.
(3) If the base station misrecognized NACK information from the mobile station to be ACK information, the base station judges that the base station has normally received the data and transmits next new data.
(4) If the base station misrecognized NACK information from the mobile station to be DTX information, the base station judges that the mobile station does not recognize the transmission of the data the mobile station and transmits the same data as new data. In this case, if IR (Incremental Redundancy) combination is activated, again of IR combination cannot be obtained because the base station transmits the data without changing the RV (Redundancy Version) (Chase combination).
As described above, if the base station misrecognizes ACK/NACK information, the base station does not retransmit data which should be retransmitted or unnecessarily retransmits data that has been normally received by the mobile station.
As a solution to the above problem, Non-Patent Reference 1 discloses that previously-known training patterns called Preamble and Postamble (hereinafter called PRE and POST, respectively) are attached to ACK/NACK information so as to sandwich the ACK/NACK information as shown in FIG. 24, so that adjustment of a detection threshold value by such training patterns can improve accuracy of detection of ACK/NACK information at the receiver side, avoiding an increase in the transmission electricity power.
Further, the following Patent Reference 1 discloses the technique that soft-decision combination values of all the symbols of ACK/NACK information are combined and ACK/NACK information is judged on the basis of a comparison of the combination result and the predetermined threshold value.
The following Non-Patent Reference 2 describes an allowable error rate on a radio propagation path between a mobile station and a base station.    [Patent Reference 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (KOKAI) No. 2005-51713    [Non-Patent Reference 1] TR25.899V6.1.0 (September 2004) (6.7 ACK/NACK Transmit Power Reduction for HS-DPCCH with preamble and postamble)    [Non-Patent Reference 2] TS25.104 V7.4.0 (June 2006) (8.10 Performance of ACK/NACK detection for HS-DPCCH)
The above-described art disclose contrivances to reduce the possibility of misrecognition occurrence on ACK/NACK information.
However, considering the case where the control channel (HS-DPCCH) through which the above receipt confirmation information (ACK/NACK information) is transmitted is not demodulated in the receiver station (i.e., the base station), these techniques cannot ensure normal (sure) transmission of ACK/NACK information.
In particular, an allowable error rate of a radio propagation path between a mobile station and a base station in a predetermined environment is defined to be less than the specification condition 10−2 (see above Non-Patent Reference 2). This allowable error rate is for a long period and is therefore excessively large for an instant error rate in communication on the high-speed movement or in a multi-path fading environment, resulting in tendency of occurring an error.
As understood from the above description, since misrecognition of ACK/NACK information is unneglectable, the problem is that normal data communication (retransmission) is not carried out for a process ACK/NACK information of which has been misrecognized.
Here, description will be made in relation to data (packet) communication (a retransmission process) performed when ACK/NACK information has been misrecognized with reference to accompanying drawing FIG. 25, which is a flow diagram explaining data communication in the above case (3), for example.
In a communication system employing an N-channel stop-and-wait method, the base station transmits new data (a packet) having process number "1" (Process #1) and packet number "X" (Packet No. X) to the mobile station (packet transmission). If the mobile station cannot normally receive the data piece in question, the mobile station transmits NACK information to the base station (feedback of the reception result of the packet).
The base station receives the reception confirmation result (the feedback information) from the mobile station and, if however misrecognizes the NACK information to be ACK information due to an error occurring at the radio propagation path, transmits new data having process number "1" (Process #1) and packet number "X+1" (Packet No. X+1) when performing a transmission process of the next process umber "1" (HARQ block).
The mobile station plans to perform a combination of retransmission process on the data of process number "1" and packet number "X", but cannot carry out the planed process because the new data received from the base station has process number "1" and packet number "X+1". Further, the base station does not retransmit data of process number "1" and packet number "X" to the mobile station, the data (packet) is lost.
As described above, if the base station misrecognizes ACK/NACK information from the mobile station, normal operation for data communication cannot be performed. As another example, if the base station misjudged an ACK response to be NACK or DTX, the base station should transmit a new data but actually carries out a retransmission process whereby the communication rate is lowered.
As described above, the process ACK/NACK information of which is misrecognized is temporarily deadlocked until the next reception confirmation information (i.e., ACK/NACK information) of the same process is correctly received by the base station.
Accordingly, in an HARQ process performed in N-channel stop-and-wait method where N=6, deadlocking of one process lowers communication rate (throughput) by as high as 17 percent (one sixth).

Method and apparatus for radio communication


An electronic component connecting apparatus includes an electronic component connecting section connected to an electronic component having terminals, a circuit board connecting section which is connected to a circuit board and which is electrically connects at least one of the terminals and the circuit board with each other, and a conduction section which electrically connects outside other than the circuit board and at least one of the terminals with each other. A current path between the electronic component and the external apparatus is shortened, and a heating value is suppressed. It is possible to prevent the apparatus from being damaged, and to increase the number of signal lines while preventing the circuit from becoming complicated.

Prior to shipment of semiconductor components such as LSIs and ICs, a semiconductor test of supplying power to the semiconductor component to take out a signal, and checking operation of the semiconductor component is carried out. In a semiconductor test, it is common to use a test machine having a socket board in which a power supply board and a signal leading board are superposed on each other, and a socket in which probes penetrate in a resin casing. In the semiconductor component and the socket board, signal leading electrode pads (signal pads, hereinafter) and power supply electrode pads (power pads, hereinafter) are arranged, the socket is mounted on the socket board. A semiconductor component is mounted on the socket so that electrode pads of the semiconductor component and the socket board are electrically connected to each other through a probe of the socket.
In recent years, leakage current is increased by finer design rules of a semiconductor component and power source frequency is increased by speedup tendency of a server apparatus or the like on which the semiconductor component is mounted. Accordingly, an amount of current in the semiconductor component at the time of operation is increased. The power consumption in the past was at most about 50 [W] but now it exceeds 100 [W]. In addition, data bus width of a server apparatus is expanded. Accordingly, a ratio of signal pads to the entire electrode pads is increased and a ratio of power pads is reduced. Thus, an amount of current flowing through one power probe which connects power pads of the semiconductor component and the socket board is abruptly increased. Since the probe is surrounded by a resin casing, it may not radiate heat easily, and if the heating value increases as the current increases, a pressure spring which presses the probe against the electrode pad may be damaged.
In this regard, it is common that a socket is provided with a blower fan or a heat sink to efficiently radiate heat generated by the probe. There is also proposed a technique in which an power supply board embedded with a signal leading line therein is provided with a through hole and plated with gold on the inner wall. A contact pin is inserted into the through hole, and an elastic material is pushed against the semiconductor component, thereby causing the board and the contact pin to contact directly with each other (see Japanese Patent Laid-open Application No. 2001-13208, for example). According to this technique, it is possible to shorten a current path between the power supply board and contact pin, reducing a resistance so that the heating value is suppressed.
According to the technique, however, since the signal leading line is embedded in the power supply board, if the number of signal leading lines is increased, the circuit becomes complicated. Thus, although this socket can be applied to a high temperature testing socket of a semiconductor component, there is a problem that it is difficult to use this socket as a normal socket which is mounted on a server apparatus and used for connecting a semiconductor component and an external component with each other.

Electronic component connecting apparatus, electronic unit and electronic apparatus


A method for incrementally calculating the impact of coupling noise on the timing of an integrated circuit (IC) having a plurality of logic stages by performing an initial timing analysis on the IC to provide a first determination of the impact of coupling noise on the timing. One or more design changes to the IC are then performed. In response to the design change, the impact of the coupling noise to the timing is calculated on the logic stage where the change was made and on the logic stages downstream thereof. The results of the calculations are then inputted to a timing analysis tool to adjust the delay and slew of each logic stage where the design change was made and to the logic stages downstream thereof.

This invention is related to the electronic design of very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI), and more particularly to a static timing analysis that guarantees the functionality and performance of a VLSI chip.
Conventional static timing analysis normally assumes static loads and nets. Coupling in the form of interaction between adjacent wires causes disturbances that are not easily handled by a conventional static timing analysis. One reason is that coupling can prevent levelization of the logic network upon which static timing analysis algorithms depend.
Coupling capacitance occurs when two neighboring wires are in close proximity of each other. Depending on how the signals rise or fall on these wires, delay and slew change on the victim net (defined as the net whose switching is affected). Slew is the time it takes for a signal transition to occur, e.g., to rise from 10% of the supply voltage to 90% of the supply voltage. Referring to FIG. 1, the aggressor nets (defined as the nets whose switching affects the victim's delay) or neighboring nets, undergo an opposite transition than the victim net. Consequently, the delay and transition time of the victim net increases. As seen in FIG. 2, aggressor nets may also undergo a transition in the same direction as the victim. Consequently, the delay and transition time in the victim net may decrease. These changes in delay and slew can be significant, and properly accounting for them becomes a significant problem.
Calculating the magnitude of the impact of capacitive coupling on the delay and slew depends upon several factors, including (a) the amount of capacitance; (b) the switching windows of the victim and aggressor nets, i.e., the range of times during which the nets make a transition; (c) the transition times (slews) of the victim and aggressor nets; and (d) the voltage swings of the victim and aggressor. From the information of (b), (c), and (d), a K-factor is calculated. The K factor represents the amount by which the effect of the coupling capacitance on the net increases or decreases as a result of switching occurring on the net to which it is coupled. The K-factor is multiplied by the capacitance to increase the victim capacitance (causing an increase in delay and slew), or to decrease the victim capacitance (causing a decrease in delay and slew).
The basic K-factor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,395 to Hathaway et al., although the values of K referenced herein do not coincide with the K factor Kprior used in the aforementioned patent, they rather correspond to 1−Kprior and 1+Kprior. Therefore, the term Kprior will preferably be used hereinafter to relate the current invention to this prior art.
The K-factor computation described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,395 is an iterative process. Initially, it starts with an assumption of worst-case K-factors when performing a timing analysis. In the first iteration, the worst-case timing is used to calculate the switching windows and determine new K-factors. The new K-factors are passed on to a timer, and a timing analysis is performed once again. In the second iteration, the updated timing results are used to calculate new switching windows, and thus new K-factors. Again, the new K-factors are transferred to the timer and the timing analysis is once again performed. This process continues until convergence is achieved, following a criterion determined by the user.
Optimization engines typically perform trial design changes, and call upon a timing analyzer to incrementally update the timing information to decide whether or not the change improves the design. A method of incremental timing analysis is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,937 to Abato et al. Current solutions perform these operations without including the effects of the capacitive coupling on the timing. The solution outlined previously does not lend itself to incremental changes because the victim paths depend on the timing information of their aggressor paths. This dependence will now be explained.
Referring to FIG. 3, two neighboring paths of logic, a victim path, and an aggressor path are shown. Assume that an iterative timing analysis has already been performed and that the 'K-factors' have already been calculated for each coupling capacitance in the design. A change in net 4, for instance, affects the timing downstream to that change (i.e., nets 5 and 6). In addition, since the timing of net 4 is changing, its switching window (i.e., the range wherein a transition takes place) will change, and the timing impact of coupling on any nets for which the changed nets are aggressors must be re-analyzed. More specifically, a change in timing in net 4 implies that the K-factors may change between net 1 and net 4, between net 2 and net 5, between net 3 and net 6, and so on. In turn, when nets 1, 2, and 3 are re-analyzed as a result of the change in timing in nets 4, 5, and 6, the nets 1, 2, and 3 to which they are coupled must also be re-analyzed, leading to a repeated analysis throughout the design.
In summary, present design automated optimization tools typically rely on incremental timing to quickly assess changes. Because capacitive coupling is becoming more significant in current and future integrated circuit technologies, designers need optimizers that are aware of the coupling impact on the timing. Since no method is known to exist that is capable of performing incremental coupling-impact-on-timing analysis without iterating over the entire design (causing a large runtime impact), the optimizer does not recognize the impact of its change on the coupled timing, and one is misled into thinking that a change is advantageous.
Without the ability to update timing, including the coupling impact on the timing in a fast incremental manner, run times for coupling-aware timing analysis have become far too cumbersome for use in optimization tools. The closer the optimizer approaches the accuracy of signoff timing analysis (i.e., the timing analysis used to determine whether the final design will satisfy all timing requirements), the less likely it will be that timing problems will be detected during signoff timing analysis, significantly reducing the design turn around time (TAT).

Method for fast incremental calculation of an impact of coupled noise on timing

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided is a method for detection of a preselected condition such as subclinical stress or pain in a subject animal using heart rate variability. The method comprises the steps of determining a heart rate and/or inter-beat interval for the subject animal over a preselected period of time to determine the subject animal's heart rate data. The method further comprises analyzing the heart rate or inter-beat data from the subject animal to identify a set of heart rate variability data for the subject animal for a selected heart rate variability parameter such as a frequency domain or time domain parameter such as LF/HF ratio. The heart rate variability data from the selected animal can be compared to substantially normal values established for the selected animal species or compared to the subject animal's own previously identified substantially normal values or HRV pattern over a period of time and thereby determine whether the preselected condition exists.

Will Rogers once stated: "Personally I have always felt that the best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian, for he can't ask his patients 'What is the matter . . . ?', he's just got to know." Since the inception of veterinary medicine, the veterinarian has been forced to rely on a keen sense of observation and assessment of clinical parameters for evaluation of his/her patients in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Over the years and often on the heels of human medicine, many clinical tools, diagnostic and/or prognostic parameters and modalities have developed for assessment of these clinical parameters and hence evaluation of the health status of an animal.
Heart rate variability (HRV) generally refers to the beat-to beat fluctuations in heart rate (e.g., variation in R-R interval) that occur as a normal physiological response, e.g., an internal response to neuronal or endocrine influence, or variations in heart rate that occur in response to external stimuli. In general, heart rate variability reflects non-invasively the autonomic nervous system activity, e.g., the sympathetic and parasympathetic influences upon heart beat rate and rhythm.
In human medicine, the most studied body systems in HRV analysis are: the respiratory system and its effect on HRV known as respiratory sinus arrhythmia; the vasomotor system and baroreceptor variation in heart rate and blood pressure, e.g., Mayer waves; the thermoregulatory system; the renin-angiotensin system and the central nervous system. At present, in human medicine, it can generally be stated that greater variability in heart rate indicates a better state of health for the autonomic nervous and/or cardiac systems (see, e.g., petrus.upc.es/wwwdib/bio/heart_rat_var/pruebas/hrv1.html).
In human medicine, heart rate variability has been studied or used in the prognosis of sudden cardiac death and for the diagnosis of subacute and potentially catastrophic illness. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,469 to Griffen et al., HRV has been used in a method to access the health status of premature newborn infants and for the early detection of catastrophic illness in a patient. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,354 to Nishimura discloses a method for evaluation of respiration and heart beat which permits one to forecast sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Heart rate variability has also been used in human medicine as an indicator of exercise capacity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,499 to Carlson et al., discloses a method for correlation of VO2.sub.max with HRV for determining exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Tygesen et al. in "Intensive home-based exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation increases exercise capacity and heart rate variability" (Int J Cardiol. 2001 July; 79(2-3):175-82) disclose that intensive exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation increases exercise capacity and global HRV, which could be of prognostic significance.
Various systems for determination of and/or monitoring HRV in human patients have been described, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,427 to Hoover which discloses a rather cumbersome apparatus designed to be worn by the patient comprised of an output device requiring a plurality of properly placed electrodes for generation of an electrical signal from the patient's heart.
In veterinary medicine, prior to the present invention, the limited attempts at utilization of heart rate variability have produced variable results. For example, in "Spectral analysis of circadian rhythms in heart rate variability of dogs" (Am J Vet Res. 2001 January; 62(1):37-42), Matsunaga et al. disclose that power spectral analysis of HRV may be useful as a noninvasive technique for assessing the effect of drugs on activity of the autonomic nervous system in dogs. Likewise, Kawase et al. in "Heart rate variability during massive hemorrhage and progressive hemorrhagic shock in dogs" (Can J Anaesth 2000 August: 47(8):807-14) disclose that HRV could be a valuable tool in assessing various degrees of hemorrhagic shock.
In food producing animals, heart rate variability has been studied in cattle with BSE (see, e.g., "Heart rate variability in BSE", Vet Rec. 1996 December 21-28; 139(25):631) and during parturition in cattle (see, Jonker et al., "Characteristics of fetal heart rate changes during the expulsive stage of bovine parturition in relation to fetal outcome", Am J Vet Res. 1996 September; 57(9): 1373-81).
Likewise, limited analysis of heart rate variability has been conducted in the horse. For example, Physick-Sheard et al. indicate that frequency and power spectral analysis of HRV may be a method for assessing exercise response to experimental manipulations and disease states in the horse (Physick-Sheard et al., "Frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability in horses at rest and during exercise", Equine Vet J. 2000 May;32(3):253-62).
Kuwahara et al., and Thayer et al. report that the equine heart may be largely controlled by parasympathetic activity and disclose a decrease in HRV by training, rather than an expected increase as seen in human counterparts (See, Kuwahara et al., "Influence of training on autonomic nervous function in horses: evaluation by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability.", Equine Vet J Suppl. 1999 July; 30:178-80; Thayer et al., "Heart rate variability in the horse by ambulatory monitoring", Biomed Sci Instrum. 1997; 33:482-5; and also Thayer et al., "Heart rate variability during exercise in the horse.", Biomed Sci Instrum. 1997; 34:246-51). Prior to the present invention, perhaps one of the more definitive works for heart rate variability in the horse set forth by Mark Bowen (Bowen, M., "Heart Rate Variability", Cardiology of the Horse, Ch. 11: 161-76, 1999 W. B. Saunders (ed. by Celia Marr)), acknowledged the largely experimental nature of the use of this modality in the horse and notes that little work has been actually been done in the horse.
Moreover, much of the work done in animals cites confusing, if not disappointing results. For example, in "Heart rate variability in Doberman Pinschers with and without echocardiographic evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy" (Am J Vet Res. 2000 May; 61(5):506-11) Calvert & Jacobs disclose that HRV as a diagnostic tool in animals has important limitations and that better noninvasive tests of autonomic function are needed. Likewise, Calvert demonstrated that HRV analysis in the dog is confounded by pronounced sinus arrhythmia and may not have clinical utility as a diagnostic technique in dogs (see, "Heart rate variability", Calvert, C. A., Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 1998 November: 28(6):1409-27, viii). See also, Minors & O'Grady, "Heart rate variability in the dog: is it too variable?", Can J Vet Res. 1997 April; 61(2):134-44.
Animal studies with dogs at Ohio State University indicated that the low frequency component of the HRV spectrum (0.06-0.10 Hz), often used as an "accurate" reflection of sympathetic activity, does not correlate with interventions which enhance cardiac sympathetic drive, e.g., exercise and myocardial ischemia (which should elicit increases in the low-frequency power). In these studies, the low frequency power decreased rather than increased and, as such, does not accurately reflect changes in sympathetic activity (see, Houle & Billman, "Low-frequency component of the heart rate variability spectrum: a poor marker of sympathetic activity", Am J Physiol. 1999 January: 276(1Pt2:H215-23). Thus, there still exists a need in the art for a device and method which enables convenient, accurate, and meaningful analysis of such HRV parameters in animals.
In addition, prior to the present invention there has been little to no work done with respect to HRV as a clinical tool for assessment and management of stress in animals, especially animals reared in confinement or for companion animals, e.g., in pets exposed to separation anxiety. Likewise, prior to the present invention, the art has been virtually devoid of information relative to providing effective non-invasive management of pain in animals utilizing HRV. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a device and method which enables a veterinarian, or other user, to accurately, conveniently and efficiently assess pain and well being in animals and for diagnosis of disease conditions and for clinical evaluation of efficacy of therapeutic measures to eliminate or manage the same.

Utilization of heart rate variability in animals


In a cooling device for electrical or electronic components, in which rib-like cooling elements (3) made of good heat-conducting material are thereby connected to a base plate (2) carrying the components (1a, 1b, 1c) to be cooled that the web-like bases (3a) of the cooling elements (3) are fixed in slot-like longitudinal notches (4) of the base plate (2), the fixing is thereby improved that the groove-shaped indentation (4a) in the side wall (4c) of the longitudinal notch is shaped and dimensioned in free cross-section in such a way that the permanent molding of the side wall of the profile base (3a) takes place without essential bending deformation of the profile limbs of the cooling elements (3) rising from the longitudinal notch (4).

In a known cooling device (EP-A-0 696 160) of similar type, the rib-like cooling elements, made of good heat-conducting material, are fixed in slot-like longitudinal notches of a base plate which serves for the fastening of electrical or electronic components to be cooled. The fixing of the rib-like cooling elements in the slot-like longitudinal notches takes place by clamping, in that a stretched piece of wire, in the area of the end of adjacent profile limbs, i.e., the profile base of the rib-like cooling elements, is pressed in such a way that the ribbon-shaped material of the cooling elements, in the area of these ends, is pressed against the longitudinal walls of the longitudinal notches. In order to improve the fixing, it is also intended to have the longitudinal notches dovetail-shaped. Furthermore, it is suggested to provide for groove-like indentations in the side walls of the longitudinal notches.
Furthermore, it is known (EP-A-0 483 058) to slit the areas between adjacent longitudinal notches and, after insertion of the cooling elements shaped as hollow bodies, to press the base plate material in the area of the side walls of such longitudinal notches inwards in such a way that the ends of the cooling elements are clamped between the side walls.

Cooling device for electrical or electronic components


The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating oil and water and removing suspended solids. It comprises a generally cylindrical first portion with an open end and a closed end. A generally axial overflow outlet is provided in the closed end and a moveable member is associated with this closed end having a plurality of orifices of progressively smaller diameter than the overflow outlet. This moveable member may be moved such that any selected one of the plurality of orifices may be axially aligned with the overflow outlet. The separator includes at least two radially balanced feed injection ports in the cylindrical first portion adjacent to the closed end thereof. A converging tapered second section with open ends is axially flow connected to the open end of the cylindrical first portion and a converging tapered third portion with open ends is axially flow connected to the tapered second portion. A fourth generally cylindrical portion is axially flow connected to the third tapered portion. This separation is of particular value in heavy oil production.

This invention relates to a cyclone separator. It relates more particularly to a hydrocyclone for separating immiscible fluids, e.g. oil and water, and removing suspended solids.
In heavy oil production, it is commonplace for fluids produced at the well head to contain in excess of 70 percent by volume of water, as well as varying amounts of suspended solids. In order to transport and process the oil and safely dispose of or recycle the water, it is necessary to separate these components in an efficient manner.
A variety of different cyclone separators have been developed for this purpose. For instance, Thew et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,288 describes a cyclone separator for removing oil from water having a first cylindrical section followed by a pair of converging funnel shaped sections. The oil is removed through an overflow outlet at a closed end of the cylindrical section, while the water travels down the funnel shaped sections.
Kuryluk U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,574 describes a separator for separating materials of different specific gravities, including materials of non-uniform size. That system employs a rotating agitator as a primary means of imparting rotational energy to the materials being processed. It also depends on separate injection of water and separate chambers for mixing and dilution.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a hydrocyclone which provides improved separation of oil and water, while also being capable of removing solids.

Hydrocyclone for separating immiscible fluids and removing suspended solids


A photographic exchange network may allow individuals taking photographs to share those photographs with other individuals having their photograph taken. An example technique may include receiving an indication of a physical location of a first user and, responsive to receiving the indication of the physical location of the first user, determining at least a second user at the physical location of the first user. The example technique may also include transmitting information identifying the first user to a mobile device associated with the second user and then receiving an image of the first user from the mobile device associated with the second user.

The number of photographs taken in day-to-day life has grown as the number of portable electronic devices that include a camera has grown. For example, many people now carry a smart phone, PDA, or tablet computer, to name a few computing devices, that includes a camera for capturing an image of a surrounding environment. With ready access to this photographic equipment, individuals now frequently take photographs at a variety of functions such as sporting events, casual social gatherings, business meetings, and formal events such as weddings. A photograph can be an easy way to memorialize an activity and can help trigger remembrances of an event at a later date.
Unfortunately, most photographic equipment requires an operator to actually take a photographic image. As a result, the operator of the equipment is typically not in the photographs taken during the course of an event. For example, the owner of a camera or camera-equipped electronic device may take pictures all during the course of an event using the device. At the end of the event, the owner of the device may have a number of pictures of other attendees at the event but few pictures of himself or herself at the event. Likewise, other attendees of the event may have pictures of other guests at the event on their devices but lack pictures of themselves. While attendees can share pictures with one another, it is often difficult to match an individual in an image with a person taking the image to facilitate efficient exchange of a picture.

Personal photographer mobile application


A portable power system has a turbine engine generating mechanical energy. A homopolar electrical machine receives this energy. The homopolar electrical machine has a single stationary superconducting field coil configured to create a magnetic field. A homopolar rotor is configured to rotate within the magnetic field such that a rotating magnetic field is created in a stationary winding by interaction of the rotating permeance wave produced by the homopolar rotor and the magnetic field produced by the single stationary field coil. The homopolar electrical machine is configured as a generator and produces electrical power for the portable power system.

The disclosed systems generally relate to the application of electrical motors/generators and more particularly to homopolar machines including superconducting windings.
Historically, most superconducting electric machines have included a superconducting field coil installed on the rotor. The superconducting coil is maintained at a temperature approaching zero Kelvin using a continuous supply of cryogenic fluid such as, but not limited to, helium (He). If a high temperature superconductor (HTS) is used in fabricating the field coil, a cryogenic fluid such as nitrogen (N2) may be used to achieve superconducting temperatures. The cryogenic fluid is typically supplied to the superconducting field coil from a stationary cryocooler through a transfer coupling that is coupled to one end of the rotor. The transfer coupling channels the cryogenic fluid from a stationary portion to a rotating portion on the rotor. The cryogenic fluid is then routed through a cooling loop thermally coupled to the superconducting field coil and then back to the transfer coupling for return to the stationary cryocooler.
The superconducting field coil is subjected to thermal stresses, centrifugal stresses, and is provided with an electrical connection through the rotor to power the superconducting field coil. Accordingly, designing, fabricating and operating such a rotor may be difficult. For example, the superconducting coils, especially HTS coils, may be sensitive to mechanical strain. Specifically, because the coils are coupled to the rotor, the coils may be subjected to centrifugal forces that may cause strains and degrade the performance of the superconductor. In addition, because the coil is maintained at a cryogenic temperature, an elaborate support system may be needed to maintain the coil in position against the centrifugal forces while preserving the integrity of the thermal insulation between the coil and the parts of the rotor at ambient temperature. Further, the performance of these machines limits the application of the same.
Problematic areas where an electromechanical applications of energy conversion are required are portable military auxiliary power for land, air or sea based platforms, where a portable turbine drives the generator. The high power density sought requires a high speed machine, with a rugged rotor. An electric ship drive motor and generator provide power for propulsion, which has high power density, high efficiency and can be driven directly or through a gearbox. Other applications include: Ship auxiliary power (High power density, high efficiency requirement); Hydrogenerator (High efficiency required and usually low speed); Wind generator (high power density required with very low speed); Frequency shifter (generator with controlled low frequency ac in field winding to generate constant frequency power for varying turbine speed).

Superconducting homopolar inductor alternator for power applications


The present invention relates to an opto-electronic system including an opto-electronic module and a cage assembly for electrically connecting and securing the electronic module to a host computer device. Corresponding mechanical features are provided on the module and the cage assembly to prevent modules from being plugged into incompatible cage assemblies.

A conventional opto-electronic system, illustrated in FIG. 1, includes an opto-electronic module 1, e.g. a transceiver, and a cage/guide rail assembly 2. The module 1 includes an optical connector 3 at a front end thereof, and an electrical connector 4 at a rear end thereof. Typically, the optical connector 3 includes a pair of ports for receiving a first optical fiber to be optically coupled to a receiver optical sub-assembly (ROSA), and a second optical fiber to be optically coupled to a transmitter optical sub-assembly (TOSA). The TOSA and the ROSA are disposed adjacent one another on a module printed circuit board within a module housing 6. For convenience, the electrical connector 4 is formed on an edge of the module printed circuit board.
The cage/guide rail assembly is for mounting in a host computer device, and includes a faceplate 7 mounted on an edge of a host printed circuit board 8, and a cage or guide rail 9 mounted on the host circuit board 8 extending from the faceplate 7. An access hole 10 is provided in the faceplate 7 enabling the module 1 to pass therethrough into the cage 9. An electrical connector 11 is mounted within the cage 9 for receiving the electrical connector 4, and for transmitting electrical signals between the host computer device and the opto-electronic module 1.
Conventionally, as new multi-source agreement (MSA) transceiver systems were developed, the cage or rail assemblies for securing the optical module to a host computer system changed significantly, so there was no confusion over which transceiver fit into which cage/rail assembly. However, currently there is a desire to maintain some of the existing module and cage sizes or dimensions to enable some parts to be used in multiple product lines. Unfortunately, problems can arise when new transceiver modules are plugged into systems with existing non-compatible electrical connectors, and vice versa, when old transceiver modules are plugged into new cages with new non-compatible electrical connectors.
An object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a transceiver module/cage system that ensures transceiver modules can not be plugged into non-compatible cages.

Optical cage system preventing insertion of incorrect module


A scanning device includes a first chassis, a second chassis and a calibration mechanism. The first chassis is for scanning one side of a document. The second chassis is for scanning the other side of the document. The second chassis is movably disposed opposite the first chassis. The calibration mechanism is for calibrating the color depth of the scan image. The calibration mechanism includes a calibration sheet and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is fixed in the scanning device. The second chassis exerts a force on the calibration sheet to generate a relative movement between the calibration sheet and the first chassis. When the second chassis ceases exerting the force, the elastic member releases a resilient force for moving the calibration sheet to a starting position. The first chassis performs dynamic calibration by the relative movement between the first chassis and the calibration sheet.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a calibration mechanism, and more particularly to a calibration mechanism of a scanning device thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
The scanner is mainly used for scanning a document or a photo, and then transforming the image into an electronic file for the convenience of storage, transmission and editing. The automatic document feeder (ADF) scanner, a scanner used for scanning a double-sided document or image, is both time-saving and convenient to the user.
Referring to FIG. 1A, an ADF scanner is shown. The ADF scanner 100 includes a body 101 and an ADF 103. The body 101 includes a bottom chassis 107 and a calibration sheet 108. The ADF 103 includes a top chassis 105. The top chassis 105 and the bottom chassis 107 are used for scanning different sides of a document to obtain the image data from different sides of the document.
When the scanner 100 is started up or in the warm-up process, the scanner 100 first of all scans a calibration sheet, and then uses the image data of the calibration sheet as a reference for the shading correction and compensation of the system and improving the color cast problem of the image. Referring to both FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a relative position between a top chassis and a calibration sheet is shown. According to a conventional scanning method, the calibration sheet 108 is fixed in the body 101. Since the calibration sheet 108 is fixed, the top chassis 105 is fixed as well. During the calibrating process, the top chassis 105 keeps scanning the same scan line on the calibration sheet 108. This is called "static calibration". As shown in FIG. 1B, the top chassis 105 can only scan the scan line positioned at Ax. As for other scan lines, the scan lines corresponding to the positions of A0, A1 to An on the calibration sheet 108 will never be scanned. However, such method has a disadvantage. When the position of Ax on calibration sheet 108 is smudged by dirt or dust, the calibration sheet 108 will be incapable of providing precise reference. As a result, the scanning quality of the scanner 100 is greatly affected.

Scanning device and calibration mechanism thereof


The invention provides hosiery including a panty portion that is asymmetrical. The hosiery provides a comfortable fit for a variety of different sizes including larger sizes and maternity.

1. Field of the Invention
Disclosed are pantyhose suitable for an expanded size range such as for plus-sizes and maternity which are knitted to include a panty wherein the front and back portions have different dimensions.
2. Description of Related Art
Plus-size is a generic term for apparel targeted to larger individuals (for example, women over size 14 and men over size XL.) In the United States, over 30% of the total consumer base can be characterized as plus-sized, growing at a rate of 2% per year. Similarly, in Europe, there is an average of 23% of consumers characterized as plus-sized, lead by the United Kingdom with a 47% of the female population above size 14, followed by Germany at 29%. This size group is rapidly increasing in developing countries, such as China and Brazil at a rate of about 5% per year.
Plus-sized women have difficulty finding acceptable hosiery garments, i.e., pantyhose. Currently available hosiery garments are frequently unattractive with built in panels and/or cause the wearer discomfort. The result is that many women in this size range choose to wear pants/trousers rather than wearing pantyhose.


Metal connector ties for tying together the roof covering, roof sheathing, roof beams, top plate, and outside walls of existing wood structures against shear and tensional forces from strong winds or seismic activity. Two different sheet metal connectors can be used to tie together the roof beams, top plate, and outside walls by fasteners driven through the connectors, around obstructing wood trim and utility wires, and into the wood members. The roof covering, roof sheathing, and roof beams are tied together by metal connectors, rods through the roof, standard pipe connections and guide wires, that are tied to the roof beams by fasteners. All ties are used on the exterior of existing buildings without dismantling any wood trim or utility wires.

This invention relates to metal connectors for tying together wood members in existing wood structures, and in particular, holding down roof structures against high winds including hurricanes.
In warm climates that are prone to hurricanes, existing single-family houses are typically constructed of light-framed timber. Newer houses have timber stud walls (double wall construction) and timber roof framing with plywood or wood slats. Most of the roof rafters or trusses are not attached to the exterior walls with metal hurricane fasteners. Older houses are usually of single-wall construction with timber-roof framing and non-structural corrugated metal roofing. (See Structural Engineers Association, 1993, p. III-22).
Studies of the damage that the 1992 Hurricane Iniki caused in Kauai, Hawaii, showed that there was extensive loss of roof covering (wood and asphalt shingles, sheet metal, and clay tiles), and sheathing (plywood, tongue-and-groove decking, and metal decking) due to high wind and inadequate attachment. The failed attachments were at the nailing of the roof covering to the sheathing; the stapling of the plywood sheathing; the nailing of metal decking to the battens and the battens to the purlins (trusses); and the nailing and splicing of tongue-and-groove decking. This caused dangerous wind-blown debris and resulted in extensive water damage to the buildings"" contents. Many of the failed connections were xe2x80x9ctoe-nailedxe2x80x9d together, (See Structural Engineers Association, 1993, p. III-22).
Engineers have recommended that all houses being built in Hawaii be in compliance of the current (Building) Code and the continuous load transfer path from roof to foundation should be integrated into all stages of building. Use of (prior art) hurricane clips does not, in and of itself, ensure successful building performance. (See FEMA publication FIA-23 p. 80).
Prior to this invention, the outside wall sheathing had never been used before to form a continuous load transfer path from the roof to foundation. When building houses in a tropical climate, house foundations are very shallow or lacking completely. This invention uses the outside wall sheathing to tie the rafter, top plate, and outside wall together in order to resist uplift forces.
Recent unpublished research on wooden building performance during earthquakes shows that the outside wall sheathing is the most important structural member. If the sheathing comes loose from the wall when a building is shaken during earth tremors, the building can collapse. This invention helps hold the sheathing to the outside wall. None of the prior art holds the outside sheathing to the wall.
A number of connectors have been developed to tie together the roof rafter and the top plate, but these previous connectors were made to be used during construction of the structure. These connectors cannot be retro-fitted to existing structures without extensive dismantling or damage to inside wall board or outside trim. Prior tie connectors are also limited to the number of roofing and structural members that can be tied together.
The roof lock in U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,599 to Hames, March 1922, and the dock bracket in U.S. Pat. No. D.290,223 to Westerheim, June 1987 did not tie the rafter to the top plate and outside sheathing. The hurricane tie in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,372, December 1987, and snugging connector in U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,985, January 1990, both to Commins, can tie the rafter to the top plate in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. They can not be used as a retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not go around the frieze board; they did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The bearing connector in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,646, May 1992, to Colonias et al. is used to carry roof loads, but can tie together a rafter, top plate, and two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate together in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. This connector can not be used as a retrofit on existing houses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not go around the frieze board; and it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter.
The building construction ties in U.S. Pat. No. 2,300,113, to Faber, October 1942, can tie the rafter to the joist and wall stud in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. They can not be used as retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top plate together; they did not go around the frieze board; and they did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The free gusset metal ledger hanger in U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,664, to Gilb, October 1982, is used to provide ledger support around the inside perimeter of buildings or at internal concrete or masonry walls. This connector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existing houses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not tie together a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter; and it did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The wall tie in United Kingdom patent 2,096,664, to Durrant, October 1982, is used to strengthen mortar joints in brick walls. This connector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existing wood houses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not tie together a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter; and it did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The connecting plate for wood members in Germany patent 238,822, to Sauer, March 1986, is used to connect planks, boards, or strips, using bending slots and nail holes. This connector, by its large bending slots, is a weak connector. Bending this connector weakens the metal, especially since most carpenters would hammer the connection to make it fit on planks and boards. This connector is useful for attaching together boards that intersect at odd angles, that is, not equal to 90 or 45 degrees. This connector may be used as a retrofit on existing houses, but was intended for attaching beams and blanks in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. It did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter; and it did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The metal connectors in Switzerland patent 214,358, April 1941 is used to connect wood and metal members together. The connectors can tie I-beams, angle iron, and wood boards to metal frames in skeleton structural framework of new construction. They can not be used as retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top plate together; they did not go around the frieze board; and they did not tie together two 2xc3x974""s of the top plate.
The apparatus and method for securing a building during high winds in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,986 to Winger, June 1994, is used to secure several of the roof rafters to the ground by cables and anchors. This system is employed only when high winds are expected, as the cables must be extended and attached to the ground anchor manually. In a post-and-beam constructed house where the inside rafters are exposed, the cables and attaching hardware are exposed to view. Cables can kink, stretch, rust in place, and break. This system did not tie down the roof sheathing or roof shingles. This system will not work if the homeowner is not home to secure the anchoring cables. It cannot work in areas where tornadoes can occur without warning, especially if the home owner is sleeping or is seeking shelter in the basement or interior room. The system requires extensive and expensive carpentry work and expensive hardware. This system cannot tie into the hot water system or heat hot water by solar energy.
Winger""s U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,896 does not securely tie together the rafter and ridge plate, and tie them straight down to the ground. It cannot use the house foundation as an anchor member. This apparatus is anchored to the ground at an acute angle instead of straight down, which means that more obstructions may be in the way of a ground anchor. Because of the acute angle of the ground anchor, and its angle toward the house, a portable drill could not be used to prepare the hole or install the ground anchor. Because of the acute angle of the ground anchor, it cannot be installed as deep as an anchor that goes straight down.
The house anchor in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, June 1932, uses cables and ground anchors to secure the roof to the ground. This system cannot tie into the hot water system or heat hot water by solar energy. It did not tie together the rafter and ridge plate or tie them straight down to the ground; since the rafter and ridge plate are not secured together and tied to the ground on the gable end of the house, the house is vulnerable to winds on the side of the house that can push or pull and separate the gable end of the rafter plate to ridge plate connection. Cables can stretch and break. Parts of the house anchor include eye-bolts and cable guides which can pull out from wood when subjected to perpendicular pulling forces as from strong winds.
The exterior anchoring apparatus for surface sheets in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, March 1967, uses metal rods and clamps to secure exterior sheathing to a roof. This system cannot be retrofit to an existing roof. It did not tie the sheathing securely to the rafter and ridge board. It does not tie the roof securely to the ground. It did not heat water by solar power.
Objects of this invention are to tie together the roof and supporting structures of an existing building, and to make the structure resistant to strong winds. It is a further object of this invention that the ties be inexpensive and simple. It is a still further object that the invention be simple to install, but have equal or more strength than hurricane ties that are installed on new construction. It is a still further object of this invention that the roof covering, roof sheathing, roof beams, top plate and outside walls of an existing structure be tied together against shear and tensional forces from strong winds.
A further objective is to provide for the installation of this invention on the outside of existing structures. Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
These and other objectives of the invention are achieved by a system of simple and economical tie connectors, that tie together the roof covering, roof sheathing, roof beams, top plate, and outside walls of an existing building against shear and tensional forces from strong winds. Several of the ties can be installed by a practical homeowner.
Because this invention can be retro-fitted to the outside of existing structures, it can bring many houses xe2x80x9cup to codexe2x80x9d or greater than new construction that use existing hurricanes ties. The ties do not have to be installed all at once, but can be installed a few at a time as finances require, however, installing all of the ties will provide the most protection against strong winds. In hurricane-prone areas, installation of this invention may decrease insurance premiums.

Hurricane tie system for retrofit on existing structures


A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement around a direction of a shorter side. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. First lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other. Second lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other.

In a computer system, the number of electronic devices such as servers, storages, and network devices increases as the scale of the system becomes larger. If the number of electronic devices increases as described above, a storage frame called rack is used to store efficiently the electronic devices and realize a small footprint. Further, if the electronic devices are to be mounted in the rack, housing-mount rails for mounting the housings of the electronic devices are laid from the front surface to the rear surface of the rack. Then, the housings of the electronic devices are placed on the housing-mount rails and the electronic devices are stacked in the rack. Such a rack is regulated in height of housings to be stored by 1 U.
Even if the electronic devices are to be mounted in the rack, it is not requested that the electronic devices are stored in the entire rack. If the electronic devices are not stored in the entire rack, there occurs an empty space at the front side of the rack where no electronic devices are mounted. When there is an open space at the front side of the rack, air exhausted from the electronic devices flows back into the electronic devices, and the electronic devices suck again the returned exhaust air. In this state, the electronic devices are not properly cooled but accumulate heat that may cause a crash of the electronic devices. Thus, blank plates are attached to the space at the front side of the rack to fill the front space.
Since there may be spaces of various sizes in the rack, blank plates for 1 U, 2 U, and 3 U are provided to support spaces of all sizes. Conventionally, it is determined a space of what U is open at the front side of the rack, and then a blank plate appropriate for filling the determined space is selected and attached. In the case of adding an electronic device, after the blank panel is removed, the housing is mounted, a blank panel suited for the remaining space is selected, and then the selected blank panel is attached. Meanwhile, removing a mounted electronic device from the rack also requests reselection and attachment of a blank plate. Thus, a plurality of blank plates are prepared at any time and a storage space is secured for the blank plates. In addition, to add or remove a housing, there arises a troublesome labor of replacement and attachment of blank plates.
To fill a space open at the front side of a rack, there has been suggested a conventional technique by which, in a rack to which a printed board is attached, two plates formed by corrugated plates or rigid plates are stacked together and placed according to the width of an empty slot to seal the rack. In addition, there has been suggested a conventional technique by which plates with convex and concave portions on both sides are joined together by fitting the convex and concave portions, thereby to adjust the width of the plates and seal the rack to which a printed board is attached.
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 08-307079
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Laid-open Utility Model Publication No. 63-131191
However, in the case of using the conventional technique by which plates are stacked, a plurality of plates are prepare to support the space sizes of 1 U, 2 U, and 3 U. Furthermore, some blank plates are added or removed. This causes wasteful operations such as securing a storage place for spare or unused blank plates or scrapping of unused blank plates. In the case of using the method in which plates are joined together with convex and concave portions to match the plate size to the space size, a plurality of plates are prepare to support the space sizes of 1 U, 2 U, and 3 U. Furthermore, some blank plates are added or removed. Further, for formation of an appropriate space, troublesome operations are performed such as removing the blank plates, fitting the convex and concave portions, and then attaching the blank plates again.


A substrate for playing a community poker-type card game having a seven card layout in a Z-pattern of a first row of three card frames, a second row of one single card frame, and a third row of three card frames. The first row may include a card number 1 spot, 2 spot, and a 3 spot. The second row may include a card number 4 spot that is positioned directly below the card number 2 spot. The third row may include a card number 5 spot, a 6 spot, and a 7 spot. The Z-pattern may be defined by the card number 5 spot being below the card number 1 spot, the card number 6 spot being below the card number 2 spot and directly below the card number 4 spot, and the card number 7 spot being below the card number 3 spot.

The present disclosure relates generally to games, and more particularly, to a modified poker card game, and a computer system for playing the modified poker card game. Special features are provided to enhance game play.
The growth of the gaming industry, in particular, gambling casinos has been very significant over the last decade. The industry has come to recognize the need for new games and new gambling concepts.
A problem with introducing new games has always been the basic criteria for mass-market gambling, which favor: (a) easy to-learn game rules; (b) strategies that are easy to master and that do not favor "the expert" disproportionately; (c) a short duration between the start (the bet) and the finish (the payoff); (d) the ability to place multiple wagers during each game's short duration; (e) an enticing payoff structure; (f) a game that is fair such that the casino should not have an unreasonable advantage; and (g), notably, the game must be "secure" (i.e., resistant to cheating and tampering).
Over the years, there have been many different types of games that have attempted to satisfy the demands of the gaming industry. These games have ranged the gamut from those involving great mental prowess to games involving merely chance. Nevertheless, there is still a strong interest in game concepts that create real excitement.
This document describes devices and methods that are directed to resolving at least some of the issues described above.

Modified poker card game and computer system for implementing same


Vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been produced by attenuation of wild type strains of the virus selected from the group of attenuated NADC-8, attenuated NADC-9 and attenuated NVSL-14. These vaccines are useful in monovalent, bivalent or polyvalent vaccines.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a vaccine for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) comprising one or more strains of attenuated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).
A previously unknown disease of pigs, PRRS was recognized for the first time in the United States in North Carolina in 1987. From there, it quickly spread throughout all of the major swine producing areas of North America. It next appeared in Europe, and today PRRS has almost worldwide distribution. Many swine producers, government officials, and veterinarians believe that PRRS is currently one of the most serious economic threats faced by the swine industries worldwide.
As its name implies, PRRS is characterized clinically by its ability to cause reproductive failure (in pregnant females, especially when initially infected late in gestation), and respiratory tract illness (in pigs of all ages, but most common and severe in young pigs). Infection with PRRSV is also thought to be immunosuppressive and thus potentiate the effects of other swine pathogens. On the basis of retrospective serological studies, it also has become evident that many infections of swine with PRRSV are either subclinical or result in less obvious clinical signs. Therefore, the PRRSV often gains access to a herd and spreads extensively before its presence is first detected.
The virus can persist in an infected host for at least several months. Such "carriers" perpetuate the infection and make control of the disease extremely difficult. As a consequence, the most effective means for reducing the economic impact of PRRS is to vaccinate (immunize) potentially susceptible pigs before they are exposed to virulent field virus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Only a single attenuated vaccine, (manufactured by Boehingher Ingelheim and distributed by NOBL Laboratories) prepared from a single strain of PRRSV, is commercially available. It is only licensed for use in pigs between 3 and 18 weeks of age for the prevention of respiratory tract illness (Gorcyca et al., 1995).
Another attenuated vaccine has been described for the prevention of reproductive failure (Hesse et al., 1996 ). It is prepared from a single strain of PRRSV and has only been tested against a single strain of PRRSV. The challenge strain is described as heterologous on the basis of the anamnestic response of vaccinated gilts following challenge; however, no other evidence has been presented to establish that the two strains, i.e., the one used for the vaccine and the one used for challenge of immunity, are genetically or antigenically different.
There are two known major serotypes of PRRSV (Done et al., 1996, herein incorporated by reference). One (prototype Lelystad) is representative of at least most strains that have been isolated in Western Europe. The other (prototype ATCC 2332) is representative of at least most strains isolated in North America and Asia. The two prototypes are easily distinguished serologically in that antisera from pigs exposed to one prototype react poorly or not at all with the other. There also are antigenic variants within prototypes (Meng et al., 1995), and base sequence differences among strains isolated in North America have allowed for their differentiation (Wesley et al., 1996).
A study, wherein sows previously exposed to PRRSV strain NADC-8 were protected when subsequently exposed during gestation to either virulent strain Lelystad or virulent strain NADC-8 (Lager et al., 1995), provided evidence that at least one American isolate could protect against the reproductive failure caused by either an American or European isolate of PRRSV.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome vaccine

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture


A configurable logic element (CLE) for a field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes “expanders”, i.e., connectors that allow fast signal communication between logic blocks. Expanders allow the configurable interconnection of a plurality of logic blocks, or portions thereof, to form a single logical entity that can implement large user circuits such as PALs, lookup tables, multiplexers, tristate buffers, and memories. One embodiment includes a configurable logic block. In a first mode, the logic block provides two N-input LUTs having N shared inputs and two separate outputs. The outputs are then combined using an expander to generate an (N+1)-input function. In a second mode, the logic block provides two N-input LUTs having M unshared inputs. An optional third mode provides a plurality of product term output signals based on the values of the N input signals.

Programmable logic devices (PLDs) are a well-known type of digital integrated circuit that may be programmed by a user to perform specified logic functions. One type of PLD, the field programmable gate array (FPGA), typically includes an array of configurable logic elements (CLEs) surrounded by a ring of programmable input/output blocks (IOBs). The CLEs and IOBs are interconnected by a programmable interconnect structure. (The programmable interconnect structure between CLEs and IOBs is also referred to as general interconnect). The CLEs, IOBs, and interconnect structure are typically programmed by loading a stream of configuration data (bitstream) into internal configuration memory cells that define how the CLEs, IOBs, and interconnect structure are configured. The configuration data may be read from memory (e.g., an external PROM) or written into the FPGA by an external device. The collective states of the individual memory cells then determine the function of the FPGA.
One significant task when implementing a user circuit in an FPGA is the assignment of user logic into the various CLEs and IOBs. This process includes "mapping", where the user circuit is divided into pieces that will fit into a single CLE, IOB, or a portion thereof, and "placement", where each mapped piece of logic is assigned to a particular CLE or IOB (or portion thereof) in a particular location on the FPGA. The final step in implementing the circuit is called "routing", where the mapped and placed logic is connected together using the programmable interconnect structure. The mapping, placement, and routing processes are typically performed by computer software, which reads in a description of the user circuit (for example, in the form of a netlist) and provides the bitstream that is used to program the device, as described above.
In practice, each CLE is typically formed from several smaller logic blocks, such as 4-input lookup tables (LUTs). Because each block has a fixed size, and the size of the block is usually fairly small to facilitate the efficient implementation of small logic functions, the implementation of larger user circuits requires the use of several logic blocks. Sometimes these logic blocks can be accommodated within a single CLE, in which case the general interconnect need not be used to connect the blocks. In other cases, the required number of logic blocks is too large for a single CLE. The necessary logic blocks must then be connected using the general interconnect, which is typically slower than connections within a single CLE. Thus, user circuits up to a certain size (i.e., the size that will fit in a single CLE) are typically faster than user circuits of a larger size. Further, user circuits that fit into a single logic block (e.g., a single 4-input LUT) result in the fastest implementations.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide structures and methods for combining two or more logic blocks in such a way as to permit user circuits too large for a single logic block to function at more nearly the same operating speed as user circuits within a single logic block.

Configurable logic element with expander structures