An automatic system for phasing advancing articles having a planar supporting base and a method of phasing objects with this device. The method allows the collection in real time of data concerning the position of the articles (OG), transmit it to an aggregation center (MCR), storing it in a data structure and reprocessing it for determining variations of speed to be imparted to the articles, and sending commands to interfacing means (MAL) towards motors (4). The system comprises individually motorized transport modules (MCS) disposed on a frame (T) and defining a sliding plane for the objects, optical sensors (SO) disposed interstitially to MSC modules for detecting instantaneous data on the position of the objects, and automatic steering and control means (UGC) for changing the speed of the articles so as to create a predetermined gap therebetween, by receiving from sensors (SO) feed back data and changing the speed of modules MSC by acting on a main shaft (2).

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic system for phasing advancing articles having a planar supporting base, the separation step being eventually carried out by the system itself, and to a method of phasing the articles with this system.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Conventional singler devices receive adjacent articles at their inlet and output separated articles; these articles are usually sequenced, but they are time-spaced unevenly each from the other.
A singler device is disclosed in the Italian patent n. 01255541 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,063) to the Applicant.
In automatic equipment for handling articles or goods, very often it is necessary to sequence, according to a predetermined cadence, trains of articles outputted randomly by an upstream machine or system. This need arises from the fact that it is possible to remarkably increase the throughput of the downstream handling system by optimizing the sequences of the trains so as to space apart two consecutive articles by distances corresponding to the optimal distances required by the downstream machines.
Sometimes a constant delay between the articles may be necessary to be able to carry out subsequent operations on the articles (packing, labelling, bar-code reading and the like).
At present, solutions are known that carry out phasing operations on the articles with synchronous loading system, suitable for articles the same as each other and of pre-established dimensions, usually not easily switchable over phasing of articles having dimensions the same as each other but different from the pre-established ones.
One of these solution is disclosed by WO 93/15005 where incoming articles are synchronously engaged by pawls mounted on the feeder belt. In this embodiment the optical sensor senses "groups of items" as units to be checked. Solutions allowing the automatic phasing of articles having diffrent dimensions are not known; usually an operator carries out such operation manually.

Method and automatic system for phasing advancing articles having a planar supporting base


With the clock data restoration device 1, as a result of the processing of a loop which comprises the sampler section 10, detection section 20, timing determination section 30, and clock output section 40, the respective phases of the clock signal CKXA, clock signal CKXB, and clock signal CK are adjusted to match the phase of the input digital signal, the digital signal sampling time indicated by the clock signal CKXA is adjusted to match the peak time of the distribution of data transition times in a case where the value D (n−2) and value D(n−1) of the preceding two bits differ from one another, and the digital signal sampling time indicated by the clock signal CKXB is adjusted to match the peak time of the distribution of data transition times in a case where the value D (n−2) and value D(n−1) of the preceding two bits are equal to one another.

The waveform of a digital signal that is output by a transmitter deteriorates while being transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver via a transmission path and a clock signal and data must be restored on the receiver side. The clock data restoration device for performing such restoration is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.
The device disclosed in these Patent Documents 1 and 2 considers the fact that the time when the data in the digital signal whose waveform deteriorates make the transition changes and detects the data of the respective bits with three timings. Here, among the three timings when detecting the data of the respective bits, the first timing is set close to the start time of the data stability period of the bits, the second timing is set close to the end time of the data stability period of the bits, and a third timing is set at a middle time between the first and second timings.
Further, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 restores the clock signal by adjusting the respective timings so that all the data detected at the three timings for the respective bits match and, at this time, restores the data by detecting the data of the respective bits at the middle third timing.
However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 2 restores the clock signal by adjusting the respective timings so that the bit error rates at the first timing and second timing respectively (that is, the rate at which the data detected at each of these timings differs from the data detected at the middle third timing) are equal to one another and lie within the start set range and restores data by detecting the data of the respective bits at the middle third timing.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Application Laid Open No. H7-221800    [Patent Document 2] Japanese Published Patent Application, Japanese Translation of PCT international application No. 2004-507963

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A power system stabilizer (PSS) and a power system stabilization method estimate system construction parameters (k2 to k6) based on gains and phases of basic frequency components, and estimate an optimum frequency characteristic G.sub.PSS (j.omega.) of the power system stabilizer (PSS) based on the estimated system construction parameters (k2 to k6).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power system stabilizer and a power system stabilization method capable of stabilizing the operation of a power system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A power system stabilizer to be used in a generator excitation system for improving the stability of power system is often referred to as a PSS. Basically, there are a P type PSS and a .omega. type PSS. The P type PSS inputs a deviation value .DELTA.P (as an input signal indicating a difference from a reference value) of the active electric power of a generator. The .omega. type PSS inputs a deviation value .DELTA..omega. (as an input signal indicating a difference from a reference value) of the rotational speed of a generator.
Both the PSS generate a control signal corresponding to the input signal and outputs the generated control signal to an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for a generator in order to suppress the oscillation of active electric power, a terminal voltage potential, and other values of the generator in the power system.
Because the conventional power system stabilizer has the configuration described above, it is possible to suppress the oscillation of generators connected to the power system efficiently when there is no change of operational conditions of the power system. However, if operational conditions of the power system are changed and the oscillation with the frequency modes out of the designated range occurs, it is difficult to suppress the oscillation caused in the power system.

Power system stabilizer and power system stabilization method


A housing structure that can be used for forming a variety of camera arrays is disclosed. The housing structure comprises a plurality of camera retaining elements which can adaptably receive and retain cameras of various sizes and shapes. Adjacent camera retaining elements that form the housing structure are connected to each other via moveable couplings that enable the formation of camera arrays of various sizes and shapes.

Devices such as Occulus Rift and Samsung Gear VR bought virtual reality (VR) content out of the research realm and into the consumer market. Cheaper devices such as Google Cardboard are currently available which allow consumers to use their smartphones as virtual reality devices. User experiences with documentaries, films and games are greatly enhanced when their video content is presented as VR content as it provides viewers/gamers an illusion of having been transported into the world being viewed. This is because the VR content can in some cases be provided as 360 degree panoramic views as opposed to the two-dimensional series of images that is currently used in videos. The 360 degree images are captured using rotational cameras with ultra wide-angle lenses. When combined with head tracking, such 360 degree images allow the viewers to explore the images from different angles as they would in the real-world.


A loom and method of weaving, the loom having a frame and a member rotatably mounted on the frame. The rotatable member including a chin bar and a heddle. The loom is mountable on an operator's shoulders so that the operator may apply a force to the chin bar of the rotatable member, moving the heddle. Also a tandem loom having a frame supporting two rotatable members, for manipulating the two heddles by multiple operators.

In a loom, it is required to selectively raise and lower the warp threads so that the weft thread may be passed through the shed. A shuttle may facilitate passing the weft through the shed.
Typical looms provide shafts or harnesses, containing one or more heddles, that facilitate selectively raising and lowering the warp.
One example of a type of loom is a table loom. The table loom is generally placed on a table or stand. An operator manually moves the shafts or harnesses to manipulate the warp. This type of loom is not portable during operation. Additionally, because an operator must use her hands to move the shafts or harnesses, she must drop the shuttle periodically whenever the shafts or harnesses must be moved.
Another type of loom is a floor loom. A floor loom rests on a stand, and includes foot pedals called treadles. The treadles operatively connect to the shafts or harnesses. By manipulating the treadles, an operator may move the shafts or harnesses, thus creating a shed through which a weft may be passed. A floor loom frees up an operator's hands, so that she may continue to move the shuttle through the warp and need not drop the shuttle in order to manipulate the shafts or harnesses. This type of loom still presents the disadvantage, however, that it is not portable during operation. Additionally, the floor loom may be unsuitable for an operator who lacks full use of his or her legs or feet.
Other types of looms include power looms (whose shafts or harnesses are manipulated by machine), frame looms, and back strap looms. None of these looms are portable during operation. The looms may also require complex parts and mechanisms for their operation, which can lead to significant expense.
In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a loom that is inexpensive, portable during operation, and frees an operator's hands from having to manipulate the shafts or harnesses. Additionally, there is a need for a method of operating a portable loom, whereby an operator is able to transport the loom during operation.


A hinge apparatus for a portable terminal including a first housing, and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, includes a first connection terminal mounted on the first housing; a second connection terminal mounted on the second housing; and a connection member straightly reciprocating between the first and second connection terminals while the second housing rotates with an electric connection with the second connection terminal, wherein the connection member makes contact with the first connection terminal when the second housing is folded to the first housing with facing the first housing, and the connection member also moves in a direction of being spaced apart from and withdrawing from the first connection terminal when the second housing rotates in a direction of withdrawing from the first housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and more particularly to a hinge apparatus for a portable terminal, which can couple a pair of housings to each other, thereby allowing one of the housings to rotate in a direction of approaching or withdrawing from the other housing while they face each other.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, portable terminals may be classified into various types according to their appearance, such as a bar-type portable terminal, a flip-type portable terminal, and a folder-type portable terminal.
The bar-type portable terminal has a single body housing on which a data input/output unit, a transmitter, and a receiver are mounted. A keypad used as the data input/output unit always is exposed to the outside and may result in the malfunction thereof. Further, there is limitation in the miniaturization of the portable terminal because it is difficult to secure a sufficient distance between the transmitter and receiver.
The flip-type portable terminal has a body, a flip, and a hinge module for connecting the flip to the body. The body includes a data input/output unit, a transmitter, and a receiver mounted thereon. The flip covers the keypad used as the data input unit so as to prevent the malfunction of the keypad. However, there is also a limitation in the miniaturization of the flip type portable terminal because it is difficult to secure a sufficient distance between the transmitter and the receiver.
The folder-type portable terminal includes a body, a folder, and a hinge apparatus for rotatably connecting the folder to the body, in which the folder rotates to open and close the body. In a communication-standby mode in which the folder is closed over the body, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the keypad. In a communication mode, as a transmitter and a receiver are arranged on the body and the folder, respectively, it is possible to secure a sufficient distance between the transmitter and the receiver. Thus, there is an advantage of miniaturizing the portable terminal.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,980 discloses a hinge apparatus for a portable terminal as described above. The principle of the hinge apparatus disclosed in the U.S. patent is that a hinge cam having mountain-shaped portions and valley-shaped portions, a hinge shaft, and a coil spring enabling the hinge cam to be in close contact with the hinge shaft are received in a hinge housing, thereby opening and closing a folder or a flip using curved surfaces of the mountain-shaped and valley-shaped portions and the elasticity of the coil spring.
Further, such a flip-type or folder-type portable terminal detects the opening and closed states of the flip or folder. As a result, the portable terminal interrupts operation of input/output units such as a keypad, a transmitter, a receiver, and a display unit, etc when the flip or folder is closed. conversely, the portable terminal activates the input/output units to allow voice communication, wireless access to Internet, and data input, etc, when the flip or folder is open.
Meanwhile, in the conventional art, a hall sensor has been used as means for detecting the opening and closed states of the flip or folder. The hall sensor is a magnetic sensor in which resistance varies according to the change of magnetic field. When the portable terminal is open, the hall sensor is located far from a magnetic body, and detects the change of magnetic force so as to interrupt or activate the operation of the input/output units.
However, since the conventional portable terminals have separate detection means, such as a hall sensor, in order to detect the opening and closed states of the flip or folder, an internal circuit has a complicated configuration. Further, since a separate space should be secured in order to mount the hall sensor, there is a limitation to the miniaturization of the portable terminal.


The present disclosure relates to a sensor and a measuring system and a sensor network that incorporate one or more such sensors. An example sensor could be configured to measure a conductivity of a liquid. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode having a surface area, wherein the surface area of the electrodes determines a cell constant of the sensor (Kcell), and wherein at least one of the electrodes is provided with a switching means arranged so that the surface area of the respective electrode can be changed, thereby varying the cell constant (Kcell) of the sensor.

The conductance (unit: Siemens 1/Ω, S) or conductivity (S/m) of an electrolyte is a measure for the total number of dissolved ions. While conductance is a property of the electrolyte including the physical dimensions and electrode layout, the conductivity is the intrinsic property of the electrolyte and therefore a parameter of interest.
Conductance is defined as the inverse of the resistance (1/R). For measuring the conductance, a conductivity sensor with at least two poles with an opposite charge is needed. To determine the conductivity of a solution (k), the cell constant of the sensor (Kcell) is multiplied by the measured conductance (G) or divided by the measured resistance (R) of the fluid.
  κ  =            Kcell      ×      G                                      or                                      κ        =          Kcell      R          κ=conductivity [S cm-1]    G=(measured) conductance [S]    R=(measured) resistance [S2]
The cell constant of the sensor is dependent on the geometry of its two poles. In the case of two flat planar, parallel electrodes, the cell constant is determined by the distance between the electrodes divided by the effective electrolyte area in between them.
  Kcell  =      l    A      Kcell=Cell constant [cm-1]    1=distance between electrodes [cm]    A=effective area of the electrolyte between the electrodes [cm2]
To measure the electrical resistance of the liquid using conventional measurement equipment, an alternating potential or current is applied to the two electrodes. If a sensor with a high Kcell value is used, the measured resistance is higher than for the same solution measured with a sensor with a low Kcell. If for a highly conductive solution a sensor is used with a low Kcell, the resistance becomes very low. Consequently, the current through the liquid solution and electrodes becomes too high and noise will have a large impact on the measurement and its accuracy. In cases of extremely low conductivity, resistance becomes so high that conductivity is impossible to measure with common readout electronics. Therefore, a conductivity sensor with an appropriate Kcell value fitting with the expected concentration range in the target fluid solution has to be chosen.
Two flat, planar, interdigitated electrodes is a commonly used electrode configuration in miniaturized sensors for the detection of the conductivity in a liquid medium. For example, Timmer et. al. "Optimization of an electrolyte conductivity detector for measuring low ion concentrations", Lab on Chip June 2002, page 121-124 describes such an electrode configuration for use in a lab-on-a-chip and discloses how the Kcell value of such a sensor can be calculated and designed.
A disadvantage of miniaturized conductivity sensors, however, is that their microelectrodes have much higher impedance in comparison to conventional macro-electrodes due to influence of interfacial capacitance. Therefore, miniaturized conductivity sensors are not suitable for measuring as wide a range of conductivities as sensors with macro-electrodes. This implies that a correct miniaturized conductivity sensor (i.e. with the right Kcell value) has to be chosen, fitting with the expected concentration range in the targeted application.


An apparatus and method for demand loading a dynamic link library (DLL) is disclosed. The method includes generating a demand load library for demand loading the DLL and replacing the reference library of the DLL with the demand load library.

A computer application program usually includes a number of separate routines. Typically, the routines include a main program and several subsidiary routines referred to as objects, modules, or resources. Execution of the application program begins with the main program with calls being made to the subsidiary routines. In order to operate as a complete program, prior to execution these routines are linked together using a linker such as 386 link. The linker copies each of the routines into an executable file for the application program. The linker also provides each of the routines with information identifying the locations of other routines so that the routines can access each other. The executable file can then be loaded into the memory of a computer such that the application program can be executed by the computer according to the instructions in the routines.
A dynamic link library (DLL) is an executable module or routine containing services that application programs can call to perform useful tasks, e.g., directory searches, login commands, searching functions, character string manipulations, etc. DLLs exist primarily to provide services to application programs. These libraries play an important role in operating systems such as Windows and OS/2, which use them to make their services and resources available to application programs.
DLLs are similar to run-time libraries. The main difference between DLLs and run-time libraries is that DLLs are linked with the application program at run time, that is, when the computer is executing the application program, not when the application program files are linked with the linker. Linking a library with an application program at run time is referred to as dynamic linking; linking a library with an application program by using the linker is referred to as static linking. The discussion below focuses on the OS/2 operating system, but those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the following discussion applies equally to other operating systems, such as Windows, which utilize DLLs.
In order to access a DLL at run time, the application program must be able to obtain information indicating where to find the DLL. One method provided by operating systems utilizing DLLs is to use an import library, or reference library, which contains information regarding where to locate the DLL at run time. During linking, the linker uses statically linked reference libraries to resolve references to external services. As noted above, when an application program desires a service from a static link library, the linker copies the code for that service into the application program's executable file. When the application program desires a service run from a DLL, however, the linker does not copy any code from the DLL. Instead, the linker searches all defined import or reference libraries to find one that contains the necessary information regarding location of the DLL. The linker copies the necessary information from the reference or import library to create a dynamic link between the executing application program and the DLL.
When a process loads under the OS/2 operating system, all DLLs that the process references, either directly or indirectly, are also loaded. DLLs referencing other DLLs form a reference tree, the entire set of which gets loaded before the first instruction of the main program is executed. A typical DLL is only partially loaded. The remainder of the DLL is loaded on its first reference. The minimum DLL load requires some initialization in the operating system and the execution of the DLL's initialization routine. Any code or data referenced by the initialization routine, including the initialization routine itself, is loaded. For some DLLs, the dynamic link load time is quite expensive in terms of time, particularly if the DLL is very large or the DLL's initialization routine is very long.
Referring to FIG. 1, the several steps described above are depicted. The source program or application code 50, in a high level language such as C language, and DLL function prototypes 55 are processed by a compiler 60, producing an object code module 65. The object code module 65 is statically linked by a linker 70 to a DLL reference library 75 which resolves external references to the DLL to produce a load module 80 containing the application's executable file ready for loading and running in a computer.
The problem with load time initialization as described above is that frequently a process does not call the DLLs that it references. Therefore, the DLLs which are referenced but not called are unnecessarily loaded. When the load time of the unnecessary DLLs is a large percentage of the total execution time, the performance of the process degrades significantly.
There is a method utilized in the OS/2 operating system to prevent the unnecessary loading of DLLs. The method is called demand loading and is implemented using a well-known documented set of OS/2 operating system APIs (Application Program Interfaces). Demand loading is the process of delaying the load of a DLL until it is actually called. If a DLL is demand loaded but never demanded or called, it is effectively not loaded, and the cost of loading it is saved.
It will be appreciated that demand loading is utilized in other operating systems and creates problems similar to those encountered with the OS/2's demand loading technique.
The problem with the OS/2's demand loading technique is that it is difficult to use, particularly if a program has initially been written without it. It requires the programmer to replace a call to a target dynamic link with a load check, a couple of OS/2 demand loading APIs, and error recovery should the OS/2 APIs fail. The following C-like code illustrates this difficulty:
______________________________________ BEFORE (with no demand loading): x( ) /* call function X( );*/ AFTER (with OS/2's default demand loading): static funcptr x; if (x=0) /* if entry point address has not loaded */ { if(/DLL.sub.-- to.sub.-- load.sub.-- is.sub.-- not.sub.-- loaded) /* if DLL has not been loaded */ { rc = DosLoadModule (DLL.sub.-- to.sub.-- Load); /* load the DLL */ if (rc) { Do.sub.-- error.sub.-- recovery( ); } DLL.sub.-- to.sub.-- load.sub.-- is.sub.-- not.sub.-- loaded = FALSE; } /*obtain the address of entry point x( ) */ rc = DosQueryProcAddr (entry point identifier - either a name or ordinal number); if (rc) { Do.sub.-- error.sub.-- recovery( ); } *x( ); /* call function x indirectly */ ______________________________________
FIG. 2 illustrates the building of an application program with demand loading of DLLs directly coded into the application program. The application program or code 150 is modified to call the demand loading system calls from the operating system's APIs and call the DLL functions indirectly through function pointers as illustrated above in the C-like code. The DLL function prototypes 155 are modified to specify that the functions are called indirectly. The modified application code 150 and modified DLL function prototypes 155 are then compiled by compiler 160 to produce object code module 165. Object code module 165 is then linked by linker 170 to form a load module containing executable application code 180.
Given that demand loading is the solution to the load time initialization problem, what is needed is an alternative to direct coding of the OS/2 operating system's demand loading APIs.

Apparatus and method for demand loading a dynamic link library

International Business Machines Corporation


A garage door opener is retrofitted with a device that causes a garage door to close after it has been open for a predetermined amount of time. In a garage door of the type having a light that is activated when the door is opened or closed, a photocell is mounted in close proximity to the light to detect the presence or absence of light. When light is detected, the photocell conducts and prevents a first automatic switch, such as a silicon-controlled rectifier, from conducting. When absence of light is detected, the first automatic switch closes and a capacitor discharges through the first automatic switch and throws a second automatic switch, such as a transistor, that is electrically connected in parallel to a manually-operated switch for opening and closing the garage door. When the second automatic switch conducts, it mimics closing of the manually-operated switch and thus effects closing of the garage door. The circuit is enabled by a spring-loaded plunger that holds a pair of electrical contacts apart from one another only when the door is open.

This application claim the benefit of Provisional application Ser. No. 60/022,405, filed Jul. 30, 1996.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device that controls a garage door opener so that it automatically closes an open garage door after the lapse of a predetermined amount of time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices that open and close garage doors are commonly referred to as garage door openers. That terminology will sometimes be used herein, although it should be understood that the term garage door opener refers to a garage door closer as well.
There are two different types of switches for actuating a garage door opener. The first type is a normally open, momentary contact (push button) switch that is manually operated; it is permanently mounted on a structural wall at a convenient location. The second type is actuated by a portable, very high frequency, short range transmitter that is typically kept in a vehicle. The transmitter sends an encoded signal that is received and decoded by a receiver mounted in a garage; the receiver includes an antenna and a decoder and generates a signal that actuates a mechanical means for opening or closing the door upon reception of an authorized signal.
The mechanical means is typically a reversible electric motor. A nonreversible motor may also be used if modified to include clutches or other suitable mechanical means that enable it to perform the functions of a reversible motor.
Typically, limit switches are provided in a garage door opener controller means to shut down the motor when the door reaches its fully opened or fully closed position. Moreover, the controller means includes a door direction reversing means to reverse the direction of door travel at the conclusion of each door movement, i.e., when a door has been fully opened and the motor shut off, the controller means reverses the direction of the means controlling the direction of door travel so that the next motor activation results in door closing, and vice versa.
Additionally, most garage door openers include safety means to open the door when the mechanism is in its door-closing mode if an obstacle is encountered as the door lowers.
Devices have also been patented for closing, upon the expiration of a predetermined amount of time, garages doors that have been left open inadvertently. This feature enhances the security of the garage and of the attached dwelling, if any, i.e., it helps prevent theft and burglaries of the type commonly associated with open garage doors. It also saves a homeowner from interrupting a trip to make a return visit to the house just to check on the position of the garage door.
The needed device should have a structure that makes it economically feasible to include it in new garage door openers as a part of their original equipment. It should also be provided as a package suitable for retrofit applications as well.
However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in this art how the needed garage door opener could be provided.

Automatic garage door closing device with a door position detector switch


A control unit generates a first control signal for camera shake correction on the basis of a first acceleration detection signal, a second acceleration detection signal, and an angular velocity signal. The first acceleration detection signal including information relating to an acceleration acting on a camera and has an alternating current (AC) waveform corresponding to the acceleration. The second acceleration detection signal including information relating to the acceleration and has an output waveform. An AC component corresponding to the acceleration is superimposed on a direct current (DC) component in the output waveform. The angular velocity signal including information relating to an angular velocity acting on the camera.

In general, an angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocities around two axes perpendicular to an optical axis of a camera or three axes including an optical axis direction has been used for a camera shake correction technology of a camera. Meanwhile, the angular velocity sensor may not detect a shake in a translational direction of the camera. Therefore, for example, in an image shooting mode of taking a close-up picture of a subject as in micro photography, an influence of a shake (translational shake) in the translational direction is larger than an influence of an angular shake, and thus it is impossible to accurately perform camera shake correction.
Therefore, in recent years, a camera including not only the angular velocity sensor but also an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations in two axis directions perpendicular to the optical axis or in three axis directions including the optical axis direction has been known (for example, see Patent Literature 1). In this way, it is considered that accuracy of camera shake correction can be improved during micro photography. For example, a capacitive acceleration sensor has been widely used as the acceleration sensor (for example, see Patent Literature 2).

Camera control device and imaging device with camera shake correction function


A walking aid or crutch has a rod-shaped part (1), a grip (2) and a forearm support (3) or forearm region. The grip is connected at one end to the forearm support (3) and at the other end to the rod-shaped part (1). The walking aid may thus be substantially shaped out of a bent tube. This design of the walking aid places the supporting point of the walking aid further forward on the floor, giving the user a greater feeling of security and lengthening his steps.

The invention relates to a walking aid or crutch. Walking aids or crutches of this kind are used by persons hampered in walking temporarily or continually.
Known walking aids consist of a rod-shaped tube on which a grip and the bracket of the forearm support are mounted. The length of the rod-shaped tube is adjustable. On the bottom end of the pipe a so-called capsule having a walking surface of annular disk shape is provided. For the grip, a tube is welded to the rod-shaped body, which tube is required as a core for a plastic grip. A more common way is the solution of fixing a plastic member which includes a forearm sponge, a forearm support part as well as a perpendicularly protruding grip as a single-piece member on the walking tube. However, the steep angle of inclination of the forearm support part as well as the angle of the grip itself are not ergonomic. When putting a load on a slippery grip, the steep forearm support part pushes the encompassing hand forwardly in lever-like manner. The walking aid must be held actively so that after a short time, blisters will turn up on the hands. Furthermore older or weaker patients often cannot develop the required force and at premature times must use regular walking devices.
A further disadvantage lies in that by the commonly used construction of the forearm support part including the grip it is not possible to lay down, lean against or hang up the walking aids. This requires marketable hold members which, however, only are located in places intended therefor, like in doctor's practices, hospitals ambulances or the like. Because of the top-heaviness caused by the weight, of the construction, traditional crutches in addition tend to drop to the floor when leaned on. Many attempts are known for providing stableness to traditional crutches.
Moreover, two common walking aids cannot be held by the patient using one hand, as e.g. may be required for many actions of everyday demand, if one hand must be kept free for a short time; e.g. when climbing stairs, washing or similar activities.
Due to their construction they are not stackable either, for e.g. accommodating them in a car in room-saving and nevertheless ready-to-grip manner. Traditional crutches must be placed on the rear seats because of their tendency to slip away, this rendering more difficult access by a handicapped person.


In a semiconductor manufacturing process for manufacturing memory devices a method of screening hot temperature programmability rejects in memory devices during wafer sort at room temperature that would be rejected at class test at high temperature. All cells in the memory device are subjected to a first sequence of programming pulses at a voltage lower than the standard programming voltage. The number of pulses in the first sequence of programming pulses is from 1-5. Those die that verify as having been successfully programmed are passed. Those die that do not verify as having been programmed are subjected to a second sequence of programming pulses at a voltage lower than the standard programming voltage. The number of pulses in the second sequence of programming pulses is from 10 to 15 pulses. Those that verify as being programmed are marked as good and those that do not are repaired and retested.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the testing of Flash memory devices and, more particularly, to a test method of screening out Flash memory devices during wafer sort conducted at room temperature that would be hot temperature programming rejects discovered during class tests conducted at elevated temperature.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
This application is related to application, Ser. No. 08/655,337 entitled "Method of Screening Hot Temperature Erase Rejects at Room Temperature" and application, Ser. No. 08/653,227 entitled "Method of Utilizing Redundancy Testing To Substitute for Main Array Programming and AC Speed Reads" both applications having a common assignee with this application and filed on the same date as this application.
The standard test method used for Flash memory devices includes testing at the wafer level and testing after each individual die has been packaged. The wafer level testing is commonly done at room temperature and is called wafer sort. The package level testing is done after the wafer has been sawed into single die and encapsulated in a package which is typically plastic. The package level testing is commonly called final test or class test and is done at an elevated temperature, usually from 70-130 degree Centigrade. Once the package level or class test is complete the Flash memory devices that pass the class test are marked and shipped to the customer.
The wafer sort is used to remove or screen-out the die that have a defect or defects which occur during the fabrication of the Flash wafer. The wafer sort is used to ensure that only those die that have a possibility of being shipped to a customer are encapsulated in a package. This is done to control the package cost since bad die are not packaged.
Presently, the class testing is still necessary since the wafer sort is done at room temperature and some die are sensitive to operations at elevated temperatures and there were no known tests that could be conducted during wafer sort which is conducted at room temperature that could screen programming rejects that would be discovered at elevated temperature testing. The operations that are most sensitive to elevated temperatures are speed sorting (a sort that determines the speed of the Flash memory device), programming, and certain low level leakage current testing. In addition, a part of class testing is to ensure that the encapsulation process did not damage the die.
A programming operation changes the logic state of a cell from a "1" (called "blank") to a logic "0" (called "programmed"). The programming and read operations are done at the byte level, that is, 8 cells (bits) at a time, on the Flash memory devices. The erase operation changes the logic of the cell to a "1" or blank state. The erase operation is done on all cells in the array at the same time. To prevent "over-erasure" of an individual cell, all cells must be programmed to a logic "0" before the erase operation. Over-erasure of a cell can cause problems during subsequent programming and read operations and in some cases would prevent the cell from being programmed. The Flash memory device must have all cells at a logic "1" when transferred to the class testing or when shipped to a customer. This means that if any cell is read as programmed, that is, read at a logic "0" then all cells must be programmed to a logic "0", read, erased, and reread to ensure all cells are blank, that is, are at a logic "1". Presently, this must be done at both wafer sort and class test.
One of the problems encountered is that the cells are not exactly the same, that is, some cells either program or erase faster or slower than others. It is necessary, therefore, to provide a series of programming pulses or erase pulses to a device. The key to a good device is that all cells in the device can be programmed or erased by being subjected to a series of program pulses or erase pulses with the number of pulses being within an acceptable range.
The wafer sort and class test require lengthy test sequences due to the large number of memory cells that need to be read, programmed, read again, erased, and read again. The number of cells in a Flash memory device is commonly on the order of 1-2 million cells. It is expected that this number will increase in the future.
What is needed is a test methodology that can be conducted at room temperature during wafer sort that can successfully screen out those Flash memory devices that would be rejected during elevated temperature programming testing during class test, thus negating the requirement to repeat the lengthy testing sequence during class test. The advantage of such a test methodology would be that (1) test time for each good Flash memory device would decrease leading to lower product cost, (2) class test yields would increase since elevated temperature programming rejects would not be packaged and subjected to class testing which would result (3) in lower overall packaging cost.

Method of screening memory cells at room temperature that would be rejected during hot temperature programming tests


A cost-effective and accurate model train position transponding arrangement deploys inexpensive CCD cameras to “watch” the layout and determine the locations of trains and landmarks. Each item of interest features an optical beacon, preferably an infrared LED, which can be “seen” by the cameras. Filtering out other light and using color cameras these bright spots can easily be tracked by software. These beacons can be stationary, embedded in the track or mobile, mounted on the trains. Certain LEDs can be controlled to simply flash at a certain frequency if more accuracy is needed to determine the source of the bright spot. The cameras are preferably mounted more or less overhead, but any angle with sufficient visibility of the layout will work because the image will be calibrated to the actual layout. In cases where the LED beacon is blocked from the camera's vision the software may interpolate the position of the beacon based on the last known position and velocity. With 2 or more beacons on a single train, the software can make inferences about the other beacons based on the known physical separation between the beacons on the train.

Model trains can be controlled by various electronic means. The most popular system is called DCC (Digital Command and Control) and is a standard set by NMRA (National Model Railroad Association). There are also various RF and other protocols.
Existing controls are primarily one-way communication systems. Commands are sent to a decoder in the locomotive or rolling stock. Each decoder has an address, and specific commands can be sent to that decoder. Generally, a human operator is watching the layout and controlling the various trains on the layout. However, it is difficult to determine the physical location of the train on the layout by any electronic means. This makes computer control of model railroad signals and routing of switches and other trains very difficult.

Image-based tracking system for model train control


Appropriate updates to a respective user profile are inferred from monitored user activity. Such updates are suitable for use with applications programs that customize services based upon data and attributes stored in a user profile. The apparatus is arranged to personalize various aspects of a preferred profile updating process on the basis of stored user preferences, applying meta-rules to apply those user preferences to the definition of a set of personalized rule weights to be applied in a fuzzy inference process that infers profile updates by applying fuzzy rules and fuzzy sets to the analysis of event statistics derived from the results of user monitoring. The personalized rule weights are applied to selectively adjust the effect of particular fuzzy rules. In addition, mapping of event statistics to fuzzy rule premises in the fuzzy inference process may be personalized through the use of user-defined fuzzy sets.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to profile management systems and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for updating user profiles based upon personalized reasoning about user activity.
2. Related Art
It is known to provide online products and services customised in their operation to particular users according to information contained in respective user profiles. It is also known to update user profiles automatically over time to keep track of changes observed in a user's interests, and for application programs implementing products and services to adapt to such changes.
In a co-pending international patent application number PCT/GB02/01421 by the present Applicants, published under reference WO 02/080056, a profile management system is described in which a user profile is generated, the profile comprising a weighted selection of keywords representing the user's interests and attributes of those interests. Interest attributes may include expertise level of the user in respect of a particular interest, an importance rating for the interest, a privacy marking in respect of the interest and a duration factor relating to the duration of the interest. These attributes may be set as appropriate by a user. In addition, weights may be assigned to certain of those attributes, not only to indicate the relevance/importance of the attribute to the interest, but also to suit the individual user, providing a high degree of "fine-tuning" in profiles and hence to products and services that access those profiles. A method is also described for updating a user profile generated by that system, in particular for using a fuzzy inference engine and pre-designed fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules to semi-automatically update weightings associated with keywords and attributes of interests stored within a user's profile, on the basis of the user's information retrieval activity.
A paper entitled "Designing Agents for a Virtual Marketplace" by K. Kamyab, F. Guerin, P. Goulev and E. Mambani, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, describes a multi-agent architecture for a virtual sales assistant, including the idea of using pre-designed fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules to model a user's product preferences (e.g. to model linguistic terms such as "like", "dislike") and product descriptions (e.g. qualitative concepts such as "cheap", "expensive"). Differing user perceptions of the meaning of these terms are modeled by varying the distribution of membership functions within each fuzzy set. An agent captures feedback from a user and uses a fuzzy inference engine to update the model of user preferences in respect of particular products.
Known arrangements for generating updates to a user profile using fuzzy inference may be represented in overview as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a fuzzy inference engine 100 is provided to infer updates to a user profile 105 according to predefined fuzzy rules 110 and fuzzy sets 115 on the basis of input event statistics 120, e.g. results from the monitoring of documents accessed by a user and feedback by the user as to the relevance of accessed documents to the user's interests. For example, the fuzzy inference engine 100 may infer from the recent access by a user of documents relating to a particular category of interest, that this interest should be represented in the contents of the user's profile 105, so generating an update to add certain keywords to the profile 105, or to increase the value of a weighting associated with this interest if already represented in the profile 105. Fuzzy inference processes suitable for use in this arrangement are described for example in "Fuzzy Sets" by L. Zadeh, Journal of Information and Control, Volume 8, 1965, pp338-353, and "Fuzzy Logic Controllers", Parts 1 and 2, by C. Lee, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Management and Cybernetics, Volume 20, 1990, pp404-435.
It is known that user profiles (generated manually or by means of some automatic user modelling process) are essential to providing personalized products, information and services, for example in the context of the Internet or over corporate intranets. It is also known that these user profiles, describing user interests/needs and preferences, may change over time and that automatic systems capable of detecting these changes and making corresponding updates to profile data are highly desirable. However, whereas prior art arrangements are known to employ, for example, fuzzy sets to represent certain user preferences and to employ pre-designed fuzzy rules to infer updates to a user's profile, they offer little in the way of user control and personalisation of the profile update process itself.

Method and apparatus for automatic updating of user profiles

British Telecommunications public limited company


An improved filtration media, method of preparing the media, and method of treating a fluid stream with the media are disclosed. The improved media comprises a substrate having elevated levels of permanganate and water in one embodiment. More specifically, the improved media comprises a porous substrate impregnated with at least approximately 5% permanganate, and at least approximately 10% water, by weight. In another embodiment, the media further comprises sodium bicarbonate. Improved efficiency of removal of undesirable compounds such as hydrogen sulfide is achieved.

Undesirable airborne compounds, including sulfur compounds, ammonia, formaldehyde, urea, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, mercaptans, amines, and ethylene, occur in a number of environments, where most are primarily responsible for the presence of disagreeable odors, or irritating or toxic gases. Such environments include petroleum treatment and storage areas, sewage treatment facilities, hospitals, morgues, anatomy laboratories, animal rooms, and pulp and paper production sites, among others. These undesirable compounds may be bacterial breakdown products of higher organic compounds, or byproducts of industrial processes.
Hydrogen sulfide ("H.sub.2 S"), a colorless, toxic gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs, is produced in coal pits, gas wells, sulfur springs, and from decaying organic matter containing sulfur. Controlling emissions of this gas, particularly from municipal sewage treatment plants, has long been considered desirable. More recently, protecting electronic apparatus from the corrosive fumes of these compounds has become increasingly important. Further, H.sub.2 S is flammable.
Ammonia ("NH.sub.3 "), also a colorless gas, possesses a distinctive, pungent odor and is a corrosive, alkaline gas. The gas is produced in animal rooms and nurseries and its control also has long been considered desirable.
Chlorine ("Cl.sub.2 ") is a greenish-yellow gas with a suffocating odor. The compound is used for bleaching fabrics, purifying water, treating iron, and other uses. Control of this powerful irritant is most desirable for the well-being of those who work with it or are otherwise exposed to it. At lower levels, in combination with moisture, chlorine has a corrosive effect on electronic circuitry, stainless steel and the like.
Formaldehyde ("HCHO") is a colorless gas with a pungent suffocating odor. It is present in morgues and anatomy laboratories, and because it is intensely irritating to mucous membranes, its control is desirable.
Urea ("CH.sub.4 N.sub.2 O") is present in toilet exhaust and is used extensively in the paper industry to soften cellulose. Its odor makes control of this compound desirable.
Carbon monoxide ("CO"), an odorless, colorless, toxic gas, is present in compressed breathing air. Oxygenation requirements for certain atmospheres, including those inhabited by humans, mandate its control.
Oxides of nitrogen, including nitrogen dioxide ("NO.sub.2 "), nitric oxide ("NO"), and nitrous oxide ("N.sub.2 O"), are compounds with differing characteristics and levels of danger to humans, with nitrous oxide being the least irritating oxide. Nitrogen dioxide, however, is a deadly poison. Control of pollution resulting from any of these oxides is desirable or necessary, depending on the oxide.
Mercaptans and amines, including methyl mercaptan ("CH.sub.3 SH"), butyl mercaptan ("C.sub.4 H.sub.9 SH") and methyl amine ("CH.sub.5 N"), are undesirable gases present in sewerage odor. The control of these gases is desired for odor control.
Ethylene ("C.sub.2 H.sub.4 ") is a colorless, flammable gas that is a simple asphyxiant which accelerates the maturation or decomposition of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Control of this compound prolongs the marketable life of such items.
Attempts have been made to provide solid filtration media for removing the undesirable compounds listed above from fluid streams. Desired features of such media are a high total capacity for the removal of the targeted compound, a high efficiency in removing the compound from an air stream contacting the media, and a high ignition temperature (non-flammability).
The following approximate formulation is an example of a solid filtration media produced by the current state of the art: 69% activated alumina, 10% water, 4.5% potassium permanganate, and 17% sodium bicarbonate. The above solid filtration media is widely known in the art to have approximately a 9% capacity for the uptake of hydrogen sulfide gas in a gas stream.
One specific example of a solid filtration media for the removal of undesirable compounds from gas streams is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,750. The '750 patent discloses an apparatus and method for adsorbing ethylene and other gaseous contaminants, wherein the apparatus is a three-part container comprising permanganate impregnated alumina in one compartment, activated carbon in the second compartment, and a mixture of molecular sieves and activated silica gel in the third compartment. The '750 patent discloses that the concentration of the aqueous potassium permanganate solution used to impregnate the alumina should be limited to one pound of permanganate dissolved in one gallon of water since if more is dissolved, the pores of the alumina will be clogged, therefore reducing its oxidizing capacity. Ideally, the potassium permanganate and water solution is applied to the substrate so that the dried, finished product contains about 4 to 5%, preferably 4.5% of potassium permanganate by weight of the finished product. Also, the '750 patent teaches that water is simply a diluent which will eventually be evaporated, and therefore, is not meaningful except as a vehicle for application of the potassium permanganate to the basic alumina substrate. The product is deemed finished after a substantial portion of the free water has been evaporated. Preferably, the alumina is dried to remove 99% of the free water after the aqueous potassium permanganate solution has been applied to the alumina.
Although the '750 patent discloses a potassium permanganate impregnated alumina for the removal of undesirable compounds from fluid streams, the capacity of the impregnated alumina is limited. The efficiency of the permanganate impregnated alumina of the '750 patent is limited as its optimal concentration of permanganate is 4.5%, and higher concentrations of permanganate results in the clogging of the pores of the substrate and therefore its oxidizing capacity being reduced. Accordingly, this filtration media would be limited to approximately a 9% capacity for the uptake of hydrogen sulfide gas in a gas stream. Therefore, this filtration media could not be efficiently used in small filter beds as larger quantities of the impregnated alumina must be used to compensate for its limited capacity. Further, the use of the impregnated alumina of the '750 patent would be more costly as the media would have to be replaced more frequently, thereby incurring the cost of more frequently purchasing the media and also incurring the cost of the additional labor required for its more frequent replacement. Finally, the permanganate impregnated alumina of the '750 patent is limited in that the failures in the adsorption of contaminants in fluid streams which occur at the end of the useful life of the media would be more frequent due to the limited capacity of the media. Therefore, the media of the '750 patent could not practically be utilized in systems where the air quality is critical.
Another example of a solid oxidizing system in pellet to form consisting of activated alumina ("Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ") impregnated with potassium permanganate ("KMnO.sub.4 ") is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,399. The pellets disclosed in the '399 patent provide air purification and odor control by both adsorbing and absorbing odors, and then destroy the collected odors by the potassium permanganate's controlled oxidizing action. Apparently, the permanganate destroys odors by the following oxidation reactions: EQU MnO.sub.4.sup.- +8H.sup.+ +5e.sup.- .fwdarw.Mn.sup.+2 +4H.sub.2 O (acid) EQU 3MnO.sub.4 +2H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.MnO.sub.2 +2MnO.sub.4 +4OH (alkaline) EQU MnO.sub.4.sup.- +2H.sub.2 O+3e.sup.- .fwdarw.MnO.sub.2 +2H2O (neutral)
Because the permanganate will not ionize to release the active permanganate ion unless water is present, the substrate must be hydrophilic and the reaction must take place in normal ambient humidity. The '399 patent teaches that the amount of water necessary to cause the oxidation reaction is supplied by a normal ambient humidity. There is no teaching or suggestion in the '399 patent to elevate the amount of free water in the pellet. Further, there is no teaching or suggestion in the '399 patent to elevate the concentration of permanganate in the pellet above that obtained with the 5% aqueous solution of permanganate.
The potassium permanganate impregnated alumina pellets of the '399 patent are limited in that they have a limited capacity for removing undesired contaminants from gas streams. In one specific example in the '399 patent, the adsorbent was impregnated with a 5% aqueous solution of the permanganate and subsequently dried. No particular concentration range of potassium permanganate or water is disclosed for the pellets of the '399 patent. As the '399 patent does not teach or suggest elevated concentrations of permanganate or free water in its pellets, the potassium permanganate impregnated alumina of the '399 patent appears to have the same limitations as the potassium permanganate impregnated alumina of the '750 patent as discussed above.
Yet another example of a solid filtration media for removing undesirable compounds from a gas stream is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,226,332. The '332 patent teaches a method of producing granular activated alumina uniformly impregnated with a solid oxidizing agent, preferably potassium permanganate, for use in treating fluid streams. This method includes the spray addition of the impregnate, wherein the impregnate solution is sprayed onto the dry combination being tumbled in a mixer thereby forming pellets which are later dried to remove a substantial portion of the remaining water. The preferred impregnated concentration of potassium permanganate is 2.5%, by dry weight. The '332 patent discloses a range of 0.5 to 10% of potassium permanganate, from about 2% to about 4% of potassium permanganate being preferred. The '332 patent also discloses that the pellets are dried to remove at least a substantial portion of the uncombined (free) water.
Although the permanganate impregnated alumina of the '332 patent may contain approximately 0.5 to 10% potassium permanganate, the preferred range of potassium permanganate remains at from about 2% to about 4%. Accordingly, if the concentration of the potassium permanganate in the solid substrate is above 4%, it does not appear that the patentee expects any significant improvement over its capacity at a concentration of 4%. Also, the '332 patent does not teach elevating the amount of water remaining in the substrate. Further, there is no teaching in the '332 patent of how to avoid clogging of the pores of the substrate as expected from the high concentration of potassium permanganate. Accordingly, the potassium impregnated alumina as taught in the '332 patent would be expected by one skilled in the art to be limited in its capacity for the removal of undesirable compounds from fluid streams, and therefor has the same shortcomings as the potassium impregnated alumina of the '750 patent as discussed above.
As seen above, it is believed in the prior art that the adsorptivity of permanganate impregnated alumina is maximized when the concentration of the potassium permanganate impregnated in the alumina is approximately 4-5%. It is further taught that at concentrations above 5%, the potassium permanganate crystallizes and plugs the pores in the media, and therefore does not increase and may even decrease the adsorptivity of the media.
For example, in a study entitled "Proposed Program For Stage I of Research at Colorado School of Mines Research Foundation" of Golden Co., for Marbon Chemical of Des Plaines, Ill., it was found that the acceptable range of MnO.sub.4.sup.- in alumina pellets was between 2.5 to 3.0%, calculated as MnO.sub.4.sup.- ion weight percent of the oven-dry alumina. The 3.0% cut-off was based on prior experience where attempts to store greater amounts of MnO.sub.4.sup.- in the pellets resulted in pore-plugging by small crystals of KMnO.sub.4.
Also, in a conference report between Borg Warner Corporation Research Center of Des Plaines, Ill., and Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation of Baton Rouge, La., dated Jan. 11, 1960, regarding a cooperative R&D program on substrate improvement, it was concluded that a permanganate ("MnO.sub.4.sup.- ") concentration of 2.0% (dry basis) appeared to be optimum. It was also concluded that for production purposes it would be better to aim for 1.75 to 2.00% since it was thought that the tendency toward pore-plugging increases very rapidly above 2%.
Also, as seen above, it is believed that the concentration of water should be minimized in solid filtration media. In fact, the industry continues to minimize the water content of such media. The resistance towards increasing the concentration of water in alumina filtration media results from the belief that the activity of the media is directly related to its surface area and pore size. Significantly increasing the water content would therefore be expected to reduce the surface area available for adsorption of contaminants, and therefore decrease the media's efficacy.
Although there are a variety of permanganate impregnated substrate known in the art for removing undesirable contaminants from fluid streams, as demonstrated above, these known impregnated substrates all have a limited capacity for the removal of undesirable compounds from gas streams, and therefore have limitations and drawbacks in their use, and do not meet the needs of various industries.
Therefore, what is needed is a high efficiency, high capacity, low flammability permanganate impregnated substrate for the removal of undesirable compounds from gas streams. Further, this impregnated substrate needs to be long lasting, requiring fewer replacements and thereby minimizing replacement and maintenance costs. Also needed is a high capacity impregnated substrate which may be used in small filter beds, and therefore may allow the treatment of fluid streams where there are significant space limitations.

Solid filtration media incorporating elevated levels of permanganate and water


A non-destructive evaluation system and method is provided for detecting flaws in an object. The system includes a lamp for impinging the object with optical pulses and a focal plane array camera configured to capture the images corresponding to evolution of heat due to an impact of the optical pulses in the object. The system also includes an image acquisition system for capturing data corresponding to the images from the focal plane array camera. Both transmission mode imaging and reflection mode imaging techniques are used in an exemplary embodiment. A time of flight analysis system is also provided for analyzing the data from both transmission mode imaging technique and reflection mode imaging technique. The data from transmission mode imaging is used to determine thickness values at different points in the data and for determining location of flaws using the thickness values. The data from reflection mode imaging is used for determining depth of these flaws.

The invention relates generally to a thermographic nondestructive testing technique for determining flaws in an object by determining thickness and diffusivity at different points on the surface of the object.
Over the years, various nondestructive ultrasonic measurement techniques have been utilized to determine cross-sectional thickness of cast metal and other solid objects. Conventionally, the object is probed with ultrasonic waves, which penetrate the surface and are reflected internally at the opposite side or surface of the object. Based upon the time required to receive a reflected wave, the distance to the opposite (back) side can be determined, giving the thickness of the object at that point. Unfortunately, conducting ultrasonic measurements of this sort to examine the cross-sectional thickness would usually necessitate a cumbersome and time-consuming mechanical scanning of the entire surface with a transducer. In addition, to facilitate intimate sonic contact between the transducer and the object surface, a stream of liquid couplant must be applied to the surface or, alternatively, total immersion of the object in the couplant must be accommodated. Such accommodations, however, are most often not very practical or even feasible for numerous structural and material reasons. For example, ultrasonic systems capable of scanning and analyzing geometrically complex parts are typically very expensive and complicated. In addition, a mechanical scanning of the transducer over the surface of a large object can require substantial time delays, often of several hours.
In contrast, infrared (IR) transient thermography is a somewhat more versatile nondestructive testing technique that relies upon temporal measurements of heat transference through an object to provide information concerning the structure and integrity of the object. Because heat flow through an object is substantially unaffected by the micro-structure and the single-crystal orientations of the material of the object, an infrared transient thermography analysis is essentially free of the limitations this creates for ultrasonic measurements. In contrast to most ultrasonic techniques, a transient thermographic analysis approach is not significantly hampered by the size, contour or shape of the object being tested and, moreover, can be accomplished ten to one hundred times faster than most conventional ultrasonic methods if testing objects of large surface area.
Conventionally, an infrared (IR) video camera has been used to record and store successive thermal images (frames) of an object surface after heating. Each video image is composed of a fixed number of pixels. In this context, a pixel is a small picture element in an image array or frame, which corresponds to a rectangular area, called a resolution element, on the surface of the object being imaged. Because the temperature at each resolution element is directly related to the intensity of the corresponding pixel, temperature changes at each resolution element on the object surface can be analyzed in terms of changes in pixel contrast.
One known contemporary application of transient thermography is to determine the size and relative location (depth) of flaws within solid non-metal composites. Another application of transient thermography is for determining the thickness of metal objects. However, in all known contemporary techniques a calibrated reference standard for thickness is required or temperature dependent images are required to be generated which may intrinsically have greater error than required for accurate analysis.
Therefore, there is a need for a technique that can measure quantitatively, the absolute thickness, diffusivity and depth without using the thickness standards and without dependence on temperature.

Method and apparatus for thermographic nondestructive evaluation of an object


Page tables in the last level of a hierarchical page table system are scanned for candidate page tables. Candidate page tables are converted to large pages, having a page table entry in a level before the last level of the hierarchical page table system adjusted to be associated with the newly created large page. Upon receiving a notification that a large page is to be converted into a page table, a new page table is created. Each entry in the new page table is associated with a small segment of memory in the large page and an entry in a page table one level before the last level in a hierarchical page table system is adjusted to be associated with the new page table.

Processes executing on computing devices often require data to be used in computations. This data is typically stored by the operating system in memory, such as RAM. This memory is broken up into chunks called pages. Each page is associated with a unique address. When processes require data, the data is referenced by its unique address, and the address is used to lookup the physical location of the page to return the data. One common way this address to physical location translation is performed is by traversing a page table hierarchy. Such hierarchies trade off the size of the pages that are addressed with the number of levels in the hierarchy. However, the size of the pages also dictates how efficiently the memory space is used, with larger pages being less efficient. Therefore, there is a direct trade off between space efficiency (due to page size) and translation time efficiency (due to the number of pages in the page table hierarchy).
An additional factor in determining the efficiency of a page table system consists of the needs of the processes. If processes typically require large amounts of data, then larger pages may in fact be efficient in terms of memory usage. However, if processes typically require small amounts of data, then smaller pages will be more efficient. Since processes of both types tend to operate on computing devices, a method of dynamically supporting both would lead to greater efficiency. Operating system support for large pages is also not as robust in computing devices as support for smaller sized pages. This leads to an additional challenge in using large pages.


A device may receive sensor data regarding a user device; and determine, based on the sensor data, that a user of the user device is in a vehicle or driving the vehicle. When determining that the user of the user device is in the vehicle or driving the vehicle, the device may compare the sensor data, received from the user device, with a reference dataset that includes reference data associated with users being present in or driving a vehicle, or determine that a value of a measurement, received as part of the sensor data, satisfies a threshold that is related to whether the user is in the vehicle or driving the vehicle. The device may output a particular control instruction to the user device based on determining that the user is in the vehicle or is driving the vehicle.

Vehicle usage information is sometimes collected to aid in analysis (e.g., an analysis of driver habits, driver routines, etc.). Vehicle usage information may sometimes be used for insurance rating purposes and/or for some other purpose. Vehicle usage information can be determined via location identification techniques performed by a user device.

Determining that a user is in a vehicle or driving a vehicle based on sensor data gathered by a user device


In a single-reel type tape cartridge, a floating-lock structure comprising lock pieces and a lock spring for locking and biasing the lock pieces is provided between an upper surface of a tape reel and an upper case. On each of the lock piece are provided a restriction member for restricting upward movement of the tape reel and a releaser that is subjected to an unlocking operation performed an unlock member in a tape drive. Entry grooves for the unlock members are formed on an outer surface of the upper case, and the releasers are exposed in the entry grooves from operation openings provided in part of the entry grooves. When a main body case is loaded in the tape drive, the releasers are subjected to the unlocking operation by the unlock members so that the restriction members can move and evacuate upward in a hub space surrounded by a reel hub.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a single-reel type tape cartridge having a floating-lock structure for restricting upward movement of a tape reel in nonuse status and relates to a tape drive therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A rotation lock structure for restricting rotation of a tape reel in nonuse status is publicly known as Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2004-46993 (Patent Document 1, e.g., paragraph No. 0014, FIG. 1), for instance. The rotation lock structure is composed of a locking member that is guided and supported by an upper casing so as to be movable only in vertical directions, a spring for pressing down and biasing the locking member, gear teeth provided on the locking member, gear teeth formed on inner bottom of a reel hub and corresponding to the gear teeth on the locking member, and the like. In the nonuse status, the tape reel is held, so as to be incapable of rotating, by engagement between the locking member and the inner bottom wall of the reel hub through the gear teeth on both sides. In use, the locking member can be held in an unlocked posture by upward press against the locking member by an unlock pin provided on a drive shaft of the tape drive.
In such a rotation lock structure of this type, the tape reel in nonuse status can be held so as to be incapable of rotating but cannot be restricted in upward movement thereof. Upon reception of a large external force such as drop impact, accordingly, an upper flange of the tape reel may collide with an inner wall of a main body case, thereby may deform and damage edges of a recording tape. There is a trend for thicknesses of recording tapes to decrease with advancement in recording capacity of tape cartridges, and low physical strengths of recording tapes make a cause of susceptibility of tape edges to damage.
Other than such a rotation lock structure as described above, a tape cartridge having a floating-lock structure for restricting upward movement of a tape reel is publicly known as Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2005-276413 (Patent Document 2, e.g., paragraph No. 0055, FIG. 2), for instance. On an inner surface of an upper wall of a main body case are provided three lock pieces that reciprocate and slide in radial directions, and upward movement of the tape reel is restricted by insert engagement of outer ends of the lock pieces between an opening edge of a reel hub and the upper wall of the case. The lock pieces are locked and biased by springs, and upward thrust at a locking member described above with an unlock pin on the tape drive unlocks the lock pieces against biasing forces of the springs. For that operation, a cam piece is integrally provided on a lower surface at inner end of the lock piece, and a release projection for unlocking the lock piece through the cam piece is provided on upper surface side of the locking member.

Single-reel type tape cartridge, and tape drive


In system for implanting workpieces with an accurately parallel scanned ion beam, a fine-control collimator construct is used to reduce the deviation of the scanned ion beam from a specified axis of parallelism and thereby improve its collimation. The shape of the fine-control collimator matches the ribbon shape of the beam and correction of parallelism in two orthogonal directions is possible. Measurement of the non-parallelism is accomplished by sampling the scanned beam in two planes and comparing timing information; and such measurement is calibrated to the orientation of the workpiece in the plane where ion implantation occurs. Measurement of non-uniformity in the doping profile is accomplished using the same means; and the scan waveform is adjusted to substantially remove any non-uniformity in the doping profile.

Intended Applications:
In the field of ion implantation of semiconductors for transistor fabrication, there is a class of implants which is known as 'parametric' (sometimes also characterized as 'medium current implants') which uses ion doses typically in the range from 2×1011 to 1×1014 ions per sq. cm. These implants are generally employed for making fine adjustments in control of transistor parameters—such as for controlling the threshold voltage of the transistors, or for a variety of counter-doping purposes, or for controlling the gradient of doping with precision.
The term 'parametric' describes the role of these implants in controlling the transistor's operating parameters; in comparison, the term 'medium current' reflects the fact that these implants can be performed at high commercial throughputs using relatively low dose beam currents, which typically are below the current level at which space-charge forces would dominate the forces characterizing the ion optics of the implanter system. Medium current implants are typically performed with scanned ion beams. The scanning technique provides a convenient means of controlling the uniformity of the implant.
The incident angle with which the ions impinge on the silicon substrate is of great importance, for a number of reasons, including the following.
a) There is a phenomenon known as 'channeling', whereby the implanted ions penetrate the surface of the substrate more deeply if they align with the crystal axes or planes. This occurs because the fraction of the ions which miss initiating a nuclear scattering event at the first plane of encountered substrate atoms will also miss a large number of subsequent planes of atoms, as the deeper planes of atoms lie in almost perfect alignment below the top layer; and it is quite possible for the ions to be guided down a channel between the aligned planes of atoms in the substrate. Also, it has been found that under certain circumstances, the number of nuclear scattering events which are initiated per incident ion can vary by more than 30% in response to a change in the incident angle of far less than 1 degree.
b) Transistor sizes continue to become ever-smaller. The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, published by International Sematech at http://public.itrs.net, predicts the rate at which the critical dimensions of transistors will continue to shrink. As a result of this dimensional shrinkage, the aspect ratio of the openings in the photolithographic masks becomes greater. Also, an increasing fraction of all implants is performed with the ion beam at zero degrees to the normal to the wafer surface, to prevent poorly controlled shadowing of areas of the regions to be doped by the walls of the openings in the mask. Changes in the incident beam angle thus cause many undesired variations by shadowing and dopant placement in the process parameters, whose significance and magnitude is increased by the ever-shrinking dimensions of transistor size.
c) Certain processes exploit the ability of implantation equipment to vary the incident angle of the ions to a substrate in order to implant the ions (through an opening) beneath another feature on the substrate as a buried dopant. However, small variations in incident angle can cause significant variations in the alignment of the buried dopant.
Therefore, for these reasons (and many others), it is today very important to eliminate as much variation as possible in incident ion angle from wafer to wafer, and particularly between different sites on the same wafer; as well as to control these incident angles with a precision of better than about 0.1 degrees.
It will be noted that in the current generation of ion implanters, prior to reaching the wafer, the ion beam typically passes through a focusing lens or similar device (usually a dipole magnet) whose focus coincides with the center of the beam scanning device, thereby rendering the beam trajectories approximately parallel. Many such devices are conventionally known; and these are commonly and collectively referred to herein as 'Coarse Collimators'.
Serial Implantation Systems:
In conventionally known serial implantation systems, a wafer (or other substrate) is mechanically passed multiple times at constant velocity through a scanned ribbon beam. On each pass, a constant velocity is maintained until each edge of the wafer has substantially cleared the entirety of the ribbon beam. Subsequently, the wafer velocity is rapidly decelerated to zero (a complete stop); and then accelerated to a constant velocity in the opposite direction for another complete pass of the wafer through the ribbon beam. In this manner, the wafer is passed repeatedly multiple times through the beam until the desired full dose of ions has been implanted within the substance of the wafer.
Within such serial implantation systems, the variation of the implant angle remains a variable process parameter requiring ever-tighter control; and some implantation apparatus and systems therefore incorporate devices which use some mode of adjusting the average angle and direction of the beam with respect to the wafer surface. This effort, however, tends to be a single adjustment covering an averaged beam direction; and there remains still a substantial residual individual trajectory variation in beam direction across the locus of the scanned beam within these systems. Also, the adjustment typically combines the system's averaged variation with random changes from day to day in the beam setup conditions. In view of these markedly different and dissimilar circumstances, it would be desirable to measure and compensate for these variations across the full width of the implantation region for the wafer.
Conventionally Used Tools:
In the field of processing substrate materials with ion beams, various techniques have been developed for scanning ion beams and then passing the scanned beam through correcting devices to render the beams more parallel. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,276,477; 4,745,281; 4,922,106; and 5,091,655 which describe techniques for parallel-scanning ion beams, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,562, which describes a technique for controlling the uniformity of the implant by modifying the shape of the waveform used to scan the beam. The entirety of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,276,477; 4,745,281; 4,922,106; 4,980,562; and 5,091,655 individually is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
Techniques have also been developed for producing large, approximately parallel, ion beams as well as for also controlling the uniformity of these beams. These techniques are summarized by White et al., ["The Control of Uniformity in Parallel Ribbon Ion Beams up to 24 inches in Size", in Applications of Accelerators in Research and Industry, AIP conference proceedings, vol. 475, 1998, p. 830].
As used herein, the phrase 'controlling the uniformity' means that the current density of charged particles along the long width dimension (the x-axis) of the beam is caused to possess and exist in a desired profile. The density profile itself may be uniform (consistent or homogeneous), or may vary in a chosen pattern or predetermined manner (such as a left-to-right linear ramp).
In contrast, the phrase 'controlling the parallelism' means that the individual trajectories of the charged particles constituting the ion beam as a whole have a common directional angle and maintain a substantially similar spatial distance between them as they travel. Accordingly, the parameter of 'uniformity' for an ion beam should not be confused with, or be misunderstood as, or be misconstrued as either being the functional or definitional equivalent of or being similar to the parameter of 'parallelism' for a traveling ion beam.
Moreover, it is not unusual for one implantation system to attempt to control both parameters—the uniformity and the parallelism—of a traveling ion beam concurrently. For example, the ion implantation system disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,926 teaches the use of magnets for analyzing, shaping and rendering more parallel the ion trajectories of a beam; and concurrently, but separately, shows the use of particular multipole elements (integrated or distinct) to control the charged particle uniformity (current density) of the ions in the beam.
Another conventionally known approach, the use of algorithms, should also be properly recognized and understood for what it truly is. Algorithms for adjusting multipoles to achieve greater ion beam uniformity have been developed (as exemplified by those of Diamond Semiconductor Group Inc.); and such algorithms have been used in a variety of commercially manufactured ion implantation products. In one commercial version sold by Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding, a discrete multipole structure is present which is formed as a rectangular array of iron pole pieces mounted on a yoke and which surrounds a continuous ion beam via a central rectangular aperture. Each pole piece has a separate wire coil wound around it. When energized, the resulting magnetic field in the central rectangular aperture (through which the continuous ion beam passes) contains spatially varying dipole fields and causes a local deflection of the trajectories for the charged particles passing through it. Subsequently, at a processing stage (or plane of atoms) further downstream in the system, these trajectory deflections produce a well recognized and characteristic variation in current density—in which a one zone or region of the traveling ion beam exhibits a decrease in current density (i.e., uniformity) while a neighboring zone or region of the beam exhibits the converse effect, an increase in current density. See for example, the systems described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,786, and the White et al. publication cited above.
In the above described application using method and apparatus for unscanned (ie., continuous) ribbon beams, the parallelism of the ion beam is deliberately degraded (by about +/−0.5 degrees) in order to achieve better uniformity of charged particles. It would theoretically be possible to reverse the tradeoff and achieve a very high degree of beam parallelism at the expense of uniform current density, but the individual parameters of beam parallelism and current uniformity cannot in general be simultaneously optimized. This is a marked disadvantage and obstacle for many ion implantation applications which require both a high degree of particle trajectory parallelism and excellent uniformity of current density.
It will be appreciated also that the commonly available scientific and patent literature provides an abundance of information concerning the marked differences between parallelism and uniformity as well as the tradeoff accommodations which must be made between them, in favor of one parameter over the other. Merely illustrative and representative of these printed publications are the following, each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein: Berrian et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,106 and 4,980,562; Enge, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,276,477 and 4,745,281; White, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,575, White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,926; White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,786; Iwasawa, U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,474; Aoki, U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,262; and Isobe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,918.
For these reasons, were a new development to be made which would allow the parameters of parallelism and uniformity to be concurrently optimized for a scanned ion beam, it would be seen as solving a long-recognized problem and as being of major benefit to practitioners working in the technical field today. Moreover, if such a new development could also provide for two entirely independent controls—which would allow the parallelism of a scanned ion beam to be controlled separately and independently from the beam's current uniformity, this improvement would be acknowledged as being an unexpected advance and as being of unique benefit and advantage for the users of ion implantation devices and systems generally.

Method and fine-control collimator for accurate collimation and precise parallel alignment of scanned ion beams


A piston-cylinder aggregate comprising a cylinder in which an axially movable piston rod is arranged is provided. The piston rod has two pistons, which are separated from each other and which produce a damping force of a variable magnitude depending on the piston rod's stroke position. The piston-cylinder aggregate has a bypass area defined in its inner wall along a portion of the length of the cylinder, so that the damping force is at least reduced in the stroke area of the bypass, and the two pistons have a separation equal to or less than the length of the bypass, such that depending on the position of the piston rod, a damping force of variable magnitude is produced. For example, when both pistons are disposed within a section of the cylinder defined by the bypass area, the dampening force exerted by the piston rod is minimized, while when both pistons are outside the bypass area, the dampening force in both stroke directions is maximized.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to force dampening devices, and more particularly to piston-cylinder aggregate dampening devices with variable dampening force fields.
2. Description of the Related Art
Piston-cylinder based force dampening devices have many industrial applications, especially in the automotive industry. For example, a commonly-assigned German Patent Application No. DE 42 12 078 A1 discloses a piston-cylinder aggregate that is designed as an end position damper. This aggregate comprises a cylindrical pressure tube, which is axially limited on one side by a bottom and on the other side by a seal guidance unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder aggregate includes a piston system, having several piston rods and flow ducts equipped with non-return valves, that subdivides the pressure tube into two steam spaces. The aggregate has a stroke area, defined as a range of the relative positions of a piston rod with respect to the pressure tube, in which no damping force exists. Only one piston of the piston system acts in the end regions of the piston rod stroke, because each piston has a non-return valve; thus, one piston produces a damping force for one movement direction and no damping force for the other flow direction, due to the non-return valve.
Another dampening piston-cylinder aggregate is shown in German Patent No. DE PS 12 51 165 that describes a shock damper with a piston on a piston rod, in which the piston consists of two piston heads. The piston works together with a rod attached to the bottom of the shock damper. The piston rod holds the piston on its outer diameter, so that an opening can be made in the center for each piston head. These center openings act, with the rod, as chokes, and the non-return valves arranged at the piston heads ensure that no damping force is produced starting from a given end position. Furthermore, the shock damper produces no damping force in a middle stroke area, because the diameter of the rod is reduced over a defined length, permitting the center openings to produce practically no damping forces. However, the damping force is produced only by the present cross-section resulting from coverage of a center opening by the rod. The piston heads, because of their non-return valves, do not participate in the damping force effect.
Yet another dampening device is shown in a commonly assigned German Patent Application No. DE 34 46 133 that discloses a vibration damper with variable damping force, in which a bypass in a damping valve device can be activated by an adjustment device in such a manner that at a given time either one of the damping valve systems in the damping valve device is producing a damping force or both damping valve systems are active.
However, none of the above or other load dampening devices provide a load-dependent dampening force which adjusts automatically to compensate for an increased load magnitude without external intervention. It would thus be desirable to provide a load dampening device for providing a dampening force of a magnitude dependent on the magnitude of the load being exerted on the device.

Piston-cylinder aggregate with displacement-dependent dampening force field