A circuit includes a logic circuit containing a first transistor and a second transistor which are connected in series to each other between a high power supply and a low power supply in such a manner that an emitter of one of the first and second transistors is connected to a collector of the other of the first and second transistors. The first transistor is positioned closer to the high power supply, and the second transistor is positioned closer to the low power supply. The logic circuit operates in accordance with voltages input into bases of the first and second transistors. The circuit further includes a current amplifying circuit containing a third transistor whose collector is connected to one of the high and low power supplies, whose emitter is connected to the other of the high and low power supplies, and whose base is connected to an output from the logic circuit. The current amplifying circuit amplifies a current of a logic signal from the logic circuit and feeds, from the emitter of the third transistor, the current-amplified logic signal back to the base of the second transistor.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a circuit and an oscillating apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a circuit including therein a logic circuit and a current amplifying circuit that amplifies the current of the signal output from the logic circuit and feeds the current-amplified signal back to the logic circuit, and to an oscillating apparatus which uses the above-mentioned circuit as a frequency dividing circuit.
2. Related Art
In a conventional logic gate circuit constituting a logic circuit, transistors are provided as switches between a high power supply with a relatively high potential and a low power supply with a relatively low potential. Here, the transistors may be field effect transistors (FETs), MOSFETs, high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) or the like. The logic gate circuit outputs a logic signal in accordance with an input signal, for example, by connecting one of the high and low power supplies to the output terminal of the logic gate circuit depending on whether the switches are turned on or off.
Here, a logic gate circuit including therein two or more input terminals is provided with two or more transistors the bases of which are connected to the input terminals. Depending on the type of the logic operation which is desired to be performed by the logic gate circuit, the transistors may be connected in series to each other between the high and low power supplies in such a manner that the emitter of one of the transistors is connected to the collector of the other of the transistors. Take an example of a NAND circuit with two input terminals. The NAND circuit outputs the logic value "0" to the output terminal when the two inputs both indicate the logic value "1". Therefore, the NAND circuit may be configured according to one embodiment in such a manner that the two transistors are connected in series to each other between the high and low power supplies and the bases of the transistors are connected to the input terminals. In this NAND circuit, when the two inputs both indicate the logic value "1", the two transistors are turned on so as to connect the low power supply to the output terminal. As a result, the NAND circuit outputs the logic value "0".
Here, it is necessary to generate a voltage of, for example, 0.9V between the base and the emitter in order to cause the transistors to operate. This necessity limits the number of transistors which can be connected in series between the high and low power supplies. In view of this, it is desired to realize a high-speed logic circuit with it being possible to keep the number of transistors which can be connected in series between the high and low power supplies equal to or smaller than a predetermined number.


An eddy current probe for nondestructive testing, having a rotatable shoe that holds the eddy current coil. The probe is attached to an arm of automated eddy current test equipment, and has a coil-containing shoe that may be rotated to a desired angle with respect to the surface to be inspected. The probe has a motor and pulley system for providing this rotational motion.

Eddy current testing is one method of nondestructive testing that uses electromagnetic wave phenomena. Like all such methods, the testing is indirect: the material properties to be measured must be correlated with appropriate electromagnetic properties. This correlation succeeds, provided that the test conditions are well controlled and that the instrumentation is well calibrated.
Eddy current testing involves the observation of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and metals. The basic requirements are a coil or coils carrying an alternating current, to which an electrically conductive specimen is subjected, and a means of measuring the response current or voltage. The alternating current through the coil, of a chosen frequency, produces eddy currents in the specimen, which in turn produce fields in the coil.
One means of applying the current to the specimen is holding the test coil in a probe that is moved over the surface of the specimen. A part of this test process is maintaining the correct angle between the specimen and the coil. Ideally, this relationship is a constant, and analysis is easiest if the coil is kept perpendicular to the surface of the specimen. For flat surfaces, this goal is easily met, but for surfaces having irregular shapes, the probe must be adjusted according to surface variations. For example, many applications involve testing parts of equipment that may have irregular surface features, such as curves, bolt holes, flanges and the like.
In application, the basic method of testing involves moving the probe over the specimen surface. Sophisticated automated systems have been developed for providing the exciting current, moving the probe, and analyzing the response signal.
To maintain a constant angle between the coil and the test surface, existing test systems use a set of probes designed to access all possible surfaces. For example, one probe might be designed for flat surfaces, whereas another probe might be designed for reaching into a bolt hole or around a corner of a flange. As the test arm is moved over the specimen, appropriate probes are installed. Mechanical manipulators can be used to vary the angle to some extent, but the range of manipulation is limited, and inadequate for some test geometries.
A problem with using multiple probes is that each probe must be recalibrated once installed. This is due to the fact that each eddy current coil is somewhat different in electromagnetic properties. This recalibration results in substantial overhead in terms of time during the test process. In some irregular test surface geometries, the total inspection time may be dominated by the calibration time, rather than the actual test time. Thus, a need exists for a method of eddy current testing that eliminates the need for multiple probes.


A multiple orientation particulate discharge apparatus including an outer vessel, having first and second ends, and an interior vessel forming a void and substantially sealed to the outer vessel proximate the first end. A single-action discharge valve selectively seals an outlet through the outer vessel. An outlet manifold spans the outlet and has a plurality of radial passageways that place the outlet in communication with the void. An inlet with an inflation valve is provided into the void through the outer vessel for filling the interior vessel with particulate and for pressurizing the interior and outer vessels. A plate proximate the second end has a plurality of angled bores and is interposed between the outer and interior vessels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to single-operation particulate discharge apparatus such as fire extinguishers and fire suppression apparatus, and in particular, to an apparatus for discharge of particulate under pressure such that the apparatus can be operated in multiple orientations.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
Pressurized vessels are often used for discharge of particulate such as fire suppression powders. However, prior art particulate discharge vessels do not perform well when inverted from their normal upright operating position, and frequently leave substantial particulate within the vessel.
Some prior art vessels for holding a fire extinguishing particulate and its pressurizing agent (typically, Nitrogen gas) include, in most cases, an internal siphon tube that draws the fire extinguishing material and nitrogen from the bottom of the pressurized vessel and discharges the mixture from the top. While such a prior art vessel is effective when operated in an upright position with the siphon tube extending into the bottom of the vessel and discharge being from the top of the vessel, such a prior art vessel will not work effectively when in the inverted position.
Another type of prior art pressure vessel has the discharge outlet at the bottom of its vessel, and can be effective to discharge more than 95% of its contents provided that the vessel is operated in its upright position such that discharge occurs from the discharge outlet at the bottom of the vessel. Such prior art solutions include Edwards, U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,471 (issued Apr. 27, 2010), fully included by reference herein, and Edwards et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,081 (issued Jun. 22, 2010), also fully included by reference herein. Edwards, U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,471, discloses a single-action discharge valve that could preferably be used with the present invention. Edwards et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,081, discloses use of a single-action discharge valve within a fire-extinguishing apparatus and the control circuitry therefor, as could be used with the present invention. However, these bottom-discharge prior art vessels are also ineffective when operated in an inverted position because substantial particulate remains within the vessel after the discharge cycle occurs.
Additionally, Butz, James R., et al., "Fine-Water-Mist Multiple-Orientation-Discharge Fire Extinguisher", NASA Tech Briefs (January 2010), p. 50, Vol. 34 No. 1 (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.), discloses a fine-water-mist multiple-orientation-discharge fire suppression device that can be used on spacecraft and airplanes in multiple orientations.
None of these references, either singly or in combination, discloses or suggests the present invention.
It is therefore desirable to provide a particulate discharge vessel that can operate effectively in multiple orientations, inverted, non-inverted, and horizontal, and that will discharge substantially all of the particulate within the vessel regardless of orientation.

Multiple orientation particulate discharge vessel


A keyboard connection apparatus is used for connecting an information processing system with at least one of first and second keyboards which output acknowledgment in response to a predetermined command applied thereto from the information processing system. The apparatus has a connection circuit, coupled between the first and second keyboard and the information processing system, for selecting one of the first and second keyboards to pass signals from and to the selected keyboard therethrough, and a control unit for controlling the selection of the connection circuit so as to keep the selection of the selected keyboard when an acknowledgment is outputted from the selected keyboard in response to the predetermined command and to change the selection of the keyboard to the other keyboard when an acknowledgment is not outputted from the selected keyboard.

The present invention relates to a keyboard connection apparatus and a keyboard input apparatus for an information processing system such as a personal computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in an information processing system such as a personal computer, besides a system keyboard, an additional keyboard can be connected.
When the additional keyboard is not connected, an input signal from the system keyboard is outputted. In contrast, when the additional keyboard is connected, the input signal from the additional keyboard is outputted in a higher priority than that from the system keyboard. In such a conventional keyboard input apparatus, the additional keyboard is connected by using a connector with a switch. The system keyboard is connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) through a connection circuit, and the additional keyboard can be connected to the connector with the switch. When a control signal to be input to the control circuit goes low, the input signal is passed therethrough. However, when the control signal goes high, the impedance of the output terminal of the connection circuit becomes high causing the input signal to cutoff.
When the additional keyboard is not connected to the connector with the switch, the switch of the connector causes a low voltage control signal to be applied to the control signal input terminal of the connection circuit. Thus, in this state, the connection circuit is turned on and thereby the output signal from the system keyboard is inputted to the CPU through the connection circuit.
When the additional keyboard is connected to the connector with the switch, the switch of the connector causes a high voltage control signal to be applied to the control signal input terminal of the connection circuit. Thus, in this state, the impedance of the connection circuit becomes high and thereby the output signal from the system keyboard is cutoff and the output signal from the additional keyboard is inputted to the CPU through the connector with the switch.
In the aforementioned keyboard connection apparatus, the additional keyboard should be connected by using the connector with the switch. Since the connector with the switch is large in size, the entire system proportionally becomes large.
Moreover, since the connector comes with the switch, the composition of the connector becomes more complicated and expensive than that with no switch.

Keyboard connection apparatus and keyboard input apparatus


A digital MR sensor with a high magnetoresistance ratio is provided. The MR sensor includes a first magnetic element; and a second magnetic element at least a part of which is resiliently deformable so as to contact with or be separated from the first magnetic element according to a direction of a magnetic force generated between the first and second magnetic elements while the second magnetic element is magnetized under influence of an external magnetic field.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor, and more particularly, to a MR sensor which detects a magnetic field using a change in electric resistance between two magnetic bodies that is caused by the change in an external magnetic field.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hard disk drives (HDD) are widely used as information storage devices and use magnetic material as an information recording medium. In a HDD, information is recorded by applying strong magnetic field to a local region, called a bit, of recording medium, thereby switching the magnetization direction of the region. Stored information is detected by using the magneto-resistive (MR) sensor which detects the direction and strength of the magnetic field coming out from the bit recorded on the medium. Since bit size gets smaller and smaller as recording density is increased, the magnetic signal from the recording medium also gets smaller. In order to realize high recording density, one of the critical issues is how to effectively detect the small magnetic field emanating from the small bits recorded on the medium. To enhance the detection capability of the MR sensor, various types of sensors adopting different mechanisms such as anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR), giant magnetoresistance (GMR), and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) have been developed. The initial AMR type sensor has a 1˜2% magnetoresistance ratio compared to the present GMR type sensor which has approximately a 10% magnetoresistance ratio, and currently, the TMR type sensor with approximately a 40% magnetoresistance ratio is being implemented for a read sensor for commercial magnetic heads for a HDD.
However, in order to accurately reproduce information from a magnetic recording medium having a recording density of several Tera bits per square inch (Th/in2), a new magnetic sensor with a much higher magnetoresistance ratio than as described above may be required.


An additive manufacturing system is disclosed. The additive manufacturing system may include a moveable support, and a print head connected to the moveable support. The print head may be configured to discharge a continuous reinforcement that is wetted with a liquid matrix. The additive manufacturing system may also include an auto-threader configured to thread the continuous reinforcement through the print head, and a controller in communication with the moveable support, the print head, and the auto-threader. The controller may be configured to selectively activate the auto-threader at a start of a manufacturing process.

Continuous fiber 3D printing (a.k.a., CF3D™) involves the use of continuous fibers embedded within material discharging from a moveable print head. A matrix is supplied to the print head and discharged (e.g., extruded and/or pultruded) along with one or more continuous fibers also passing through the same head at the same time. The matrix can be a traditional thermoplastic, a powdered metal, a liquid resin (e.g., a UV curable and/or two-part resin), or a combination of any of these and other known matrixes. Upon exiting the print head, a cure enhancer (e.g., a UV light, an ultrasonic emitter, a heat source, a catalyst supply, etc.) is activated to initiate and/or complete curing of the matrix. This curing occurs almost immediately, allowing for unsupported structures to be fabricated in free space. And when fibers, particularly continuous fibers, are embedded within the structure, a strength of the structure may be multiplied beyond the matrix-dependent strength. An example of this technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,511,543 that issued to Tyler on Dec. 6, 2016 ("the '543 patent").
Although continuous fiber 3D printing provides for increased strength, compared to manufacturing processes that do not utilize continuous fiber reinforcement, setup associated with the process can be complex and/or time-consuming. For example, threading of the fiber(s) through the print head has historically been a manual process involving a narrow hook placed in reverse direction up through a nozzle of the print head. The hook is then attached to the fiber, and pulled back out through the nozzle. This can be difficult when using stiff reinforcements (e.g., prepreg fibers, wires, etc.), and even more time consuming when using more flexible fibers (e.g., dry fibers).
The disclosed system is directed at addressing one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art.

Additive manufacturing system having automated reinforcement threading


An adjustable spring mattress includes a plurality of parallelepipedal bodies made of a synthetic elastic material and being mutually coupled together. Each body houses an inner coil spring, and is separated from adjoining bodies through a throughgoing hole. The bodies are partially separated by V-shaped separating slots which longitudinally and transversely traverse the mattress.

The present invention relates to an adjustable-spring mattress.
It is already known in the prior art to provide bed mattress assemblies, or sofa cushion or seating arrangements, by using coil springs, housed in small coil spring bags.
Said coil springs, in particular, are arranged depending on the size of the mattress to be made, and frequently, the mattress assembly is coated by a soft and plushy material layer, and the thus made assembly is introduced into a fabric material envelope to provide a finished mattress.


A semiconductor storage device showing a good memory characteristic, and a manufacturing method thereof, includes a semiconductor layer, a stacked body including a first insulating layer, a charge trapping layer, and a second insulating layer that are provided above the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode provided above the stacked body, a side wall insulating layer provided at the side of the gate electrode, and impurity regions and provided in the semiconductor layer. The end surface of the stacked body is positioned outside the end surface of the gate electrode.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an insulating-film trapping type non-volatile semiconductor storage device (hereinafter "MONOS") and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
As a semiconductor storage device capable of electrically writing and erasing, there has been a non-volatile semiconductor storage device, which can retain stored date even when power for a memory is eliminated. As such a semiconductor storage device, there is a MONOS type semiconductor storage device.
A MONOS type semiconductor storage device 1000 according to a related art example is shown in FIG. 9. In the semiconductor storage device 1000, a gate electrode 130 is formed above a semiconductor substrate 110 with an ONO film 120 therebetween. A thermal oxide film 132 is formed on a side surface of the gate electrode 130, and a surface of the semiconductor substrate 110 where a side wall insulating layer 140 is formed. In the semiconductor substrate 110, impurity layers 150 and 152 having an LDD structure are formed at the side of the gate electrode 130.


A slightly bendable nail file which has indicia in the form of a pictorial image. The file comprises a flexible foamed synthetic resin core sandwiched by paperboard panels. Each paperboard panel has a layer of transparent grit bonded thereto. One paperboard panel has a photograph formed thereon, the photograph being outwardly visible through the transparent grit. The other paperboard panel has a mirror coating.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to flat, hand held files of the type generally employed for abrading finger nails and the like. More particularly, the invention comprises a file having indicia disposed thereon, with transparent grit or abrasive disposed over the indicia, with a mirrored opposing surface. The indicia is revealed through the transparent grit. The nail may be employed in conventional fashion while displaying the indicia without obstruction from the grit both in its original condition and after it has been employed for abrading. The mirrored surface provides a convenient second cosmetic function which would otherwise require a separate apparatus. The invention is useful both in professional and consumer applications wherever cosmetic products and procedures are utilized.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Finger nail files are generally purely utilitarian devices intended for abrading finger nails. They generally comprise planar members having a rough surface suitable for abrading finger nails. Finger nail files are generally fabricated in one of two ways. The file may be formed from a stratum of metal, such as steel, which is scored or otherwise treated to have a roughened or abrasive surface.
While steel files are durable, they lack flexibility. Flexibility imparts an ability to conform to a body surface. Conformity enables a more even polishing to be achieved. Flexible finger nail files have been provided in the prior art by forming the file from parallel strata including a flexible core stratum and surrounding strata fabricated from materials suitable for carrying abrasive in the form of grit of predetermined fineness.
Flexible nail files or similar implements are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,459,987 and 4,534,138, issued to William E. Pangburn respectively on Jul. 17, 1984, and Aug. 13, 1985, U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,483, issued to David Bray on May 22, 1990, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,981, issued to Dallas H. Stephens on Sep. 16, 1997, as well as in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,561, issued Aug. 6, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,637, issued May 5, 1992. U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,520, issued to Edwin F. Neckermann on Oct. 22, 1996, describes translucent or transparent grit. However, none of these patents shows or suggests use of indicia on a nail file, much less indicia revealed in or behind transparent or translucent grit, or incorporating a mirror into a nail file, these being characteristics of the present invention.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
The present invention provides a nail file displaying indicia on at least one broad face. In a preferred embodiment, the face displaying indicia also bears abrasive grit. The grit is transparent or translucent, so as to reveal the indicia below. The face of the nail file therefore performs two functions, those of displaying indicia and also bearing a roughened surface for abrading. The file also incorporates a mirror on the side opposite that bearing abrasive grit. This feature enables consumers and cosmetologists to perform two cosmetic functions utilizing one apparatus.
Indicia may take any form, such as a pictorial image or imprinted data. The data may convey messages relating to advertising, instructions, identity of the manufacturer, purpose, or characteristics of the file. A pictorial image, if provided, may convey a theme establishing a marketing identity, illustrating method of use, or merely suggesting a self-image appropriate for persuading consumers to purchase or use the file.
The file is preferably of the flexible type, so that it may conform to a finger nail or to a curved surface of any object being polished or abraded. The file is formed from a flexible synthetic resin core sandwiched by two paper or similar outer strata.
Accordingly, it is one object of the invention to provide an abrasive file which displays indicia.
A second object of the invention is to provide a mirror as part of a file.
A further object of the invention is to display indicia from a surface bearing abrasive material.
It is another object of the invention that the file be flexible.
It is a further object of the invention to convey data or information on the abrasive face of a file.
Still another object of the invention is to provide transparent or translucent abrasive material on the file.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.


The present invention provides a wiring-connecting material comprising from 2 to 75 parts by weight of a polyurethane resin, from 30 to 60 parts by weight of a radical-polymerizable substance and from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a curing agent capable of generating a free radical upon heating, and a process for producing a wiring-connected board by using the wiring-connecting material. The wiring-connecting material of the present invention may preferably further contain a film-forming material and/or conductive particles.

Epoxy resin adhesives are widely used for various purposes such as electric, electronic, construction, automobile and airplane materials because they can provide a high bond strength and have excellent resistance to water and resistance to heat. In particular, one-pack type epoxy resin adhesives are usable with ease because it is unnecessary to blend the chief material and the curing agent, and are widely used in the form of film, paste or powder. In such one-pack type epoxy resin adhesive, epoxy resins, curing agents and modifiers can be combined in variety. Hence, appropriate selection of their combination enables achievement of any desired performance as disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-open (KOKAI) No. Sho62-141083.
A filmlike adhesive disclosed in this Japanese Patent Application Laid-open (KOKAI) No. Sho62-141083, however, can not sufficiently be reactive at the time of curing because it uses a catalytic curing agent which is inert at normal temperature, in order to achieve both short-time curing properties (fast-curing performance) and storage stability (storage properties) to attain a good stability. Thus, though having a good operability, it must be heated at about 140° C. to about 180° C. for a connecting time of about 20 seconds, or must be heated at about 180° C. to about 210° C. for a connecting time of 10 seconds.
In recent years, however, in the field of precision electronic instruments, circuits are being made highly dense, so that connecting terminals have come to be formed in and at very narrow width and pitch. Hence, this has caused come-off or peeling and misregistration of wiring in some cases when terminals are interconnected under connecting conditions adapted to such conventional epoxy resin wiring-connecting materials. Also, it has been sought to shorten connecting time so as to enable connection within 10 seconds in order to improve production efficiency. To satisfy these demands, it is sought to provide a low-temperature fast-curable wiring-connecting material capable of curing at a low temperature and yet in a short time.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Wiring-connecting material and wiring-connected board production process using the same


The present invention intends to prevent deviation and gap from being generated in a joining section of a golf club in which a head main body 10A and a surface material 10B are integrated by joining together and provide a high quality golf club head having an improved durability and manufacturing method thereof. In the golf club head in which the head main body 10A and the surface material 10B are joined together such that they are integral, a groove 18 is provided in a joining section between the both members and joint material 19 composed of fiber reinforced resin material is embedded in that groove. Consequently, the joining strength is intensified.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club head in which a head main body and a surface material are integrated by bonding together and a manufacturing method thereof. Meanwhile, the "head main body" mentioned in this specification and the scope of claim for a patent refers to a section which to be is integrated with a golf shaft and has a face section, the head main body being formed integrally of metallic material or fiber reinforced resin material. The "surface material" refers to a member which forms the surface of a section in which the golf club head is located while it is integrated with this head main body, this surface material constructing a crown part or a back side face and being formed of metallic material or fiber reinforced resin material.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, golf club heads in which the head main body and the surface material are integrated by bonding together and a manufacturing method of such golf club head have been proposed.
For example, according to a patent document 1, in a golf club head comprised of a club face, a crown section, a sole section, a rear section, a neck section and the like, the club face, the central portion of the sole section, the central portion of the rear section and both portions of the crown section are formed of a single metallic reinforced plate as the head main body, while the surface material is formed of carbon fiber reinforced composite resin material for the other sections, and both the members are bonded together along their border peripheries with adhesive agent.
According to the patent document 2, a main body is cast with a mold in which a strike face plate is provided and a shaft fixing base is extended from an end of this strike face plate while a concave section is formed on an opposite side to the strike face of the strike face plate. After the angle of the shaft fixing base is adjusted by trimming, an engagement hole is made by tapping a bottom section of the main body. Next, the main body is subjected to heat treatment and polishing treatment. The periphery of the concave section in the main body is sand-blasted with alumina into rough phase. After that, a cover section made of carbon fiber reinforcing agent of multiple layers and having a hole for weight is joined with the concave section and a weight is engaged with the hole for weight so as to obtain a golf club head. Then, this golf club head is placed within a mold and an air bag is taken into the golf club head through the engagement hole and the air bag is filled with gas until the cover section makes a contact with a cavity in the mold and the golf club head is left to harden by hot pressing. After that, the air bag is taken out. Then, a filler block is engaged with the engagement hole.
Further, this inventor has proposed through Japanese Patent No.2002-244725, a manufacturing method of golf club head which comprises a hosel section, a face section, a crown section, a side section and a sole section while a head shell hallow inside is comprised of a first outer shell made of metallic material and a second outer shell made of fiber reinforced resin material, the manufacturing method comprising: a step of forming the outer shell of metallic material having the hosel section, face section and sole section, a step of obtaining an outer shell preparatory formed body by attaching a prepreg sheet in which the reinforced fibers are impregnated with thermosetting resin, a step of overlaying the prepregs in which the reinforced fibers are impregnated with thermosetting resin at positions corresponding to the crown section, side section and sole section of a head forming core material and taking out that core material so as to obtain the outer shell main body preparatory formed body comprised of the crown section, side section and sole section, a step of obtaining a head preparatory formed body by combining the outer shell preparatory formed body with the outer shell main body preparatory formed body and disposing a tube member within a hallow section in the head preparatory formed body through a hole in the hosel section and a step of placing the head preparatory formed body in a mold, closing the mold and heating the head preparatory formed body in the mold by filling the tube member with gas and applying pressure so as to obtain a head formed body.
As disclosed in the above-mentioned conventional arts, generally, to join the head main body and the surface material together, both the members are formed separately and joined together with adhesive agent applied to the joining sections of the both members or a preliminarily formed metallic material member is disposed within a golf club head forming mold and resin material for the surface material is hardened and formed integrally with the metallic material member.
After the joining of the both members is completed, burr formed by hardening of excess adhesive agent at the time of joining with the adhesive agent or excess resin at the time of the integral forming is removed and gaps generated in the hardened adhesive agent or resin are filled with putty. After polishing and painting, a golf club head is completed.    Patent document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. HEI 7-406    Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-340499
However the golf club heads produced by joining the head main body and the surface material according to the above-mentioned conventional arts have following problems.
Because the golf club head is used for striking a ball repeatedly, vibration due to impact by the striking is generated entirely in the golf club head each time it hits the ball. Thus, because in a golf club head in which the head main body and the surface material are integrated, the properties of both the members are different, differences in transmission of vibration by such impact and the amount of deformation in material due to the impact are generated. Consequently, deviation or gap is generated in the joining section between the both members, thereby finally leading to destruction of the golf club head, which is a problem to be solved.
Further, in a golf club head constructed by joining the both members together with adhesive agent, the durability can be improved by intensifying the coupling force of the both members by enlarging the bonding area of the joining section or using strong adhesive agent. In a golf club head constructed by integral forming of the both members also, the durability can be improved by intensifying the coupling force of the both members by using a formation use adhesive agent having an excellent fitting performance to metallic material.
However, although in the golf club heads whose durability is improved, the coupling force can be intensified for the improvement of the durability, it is difficult to eliminate completely slight deformation in material and deviation and gap due to vibration on the border between the both members. Further, a crevice is generated in a coating film applied across the border on the joining section accompanied by the deviation or gap which may be generated when a ball is hit repeatedly with the golf club head finally finished by coating. For this reason, customer complaints occur and its specified quality cannot be maintained, which is a problem to be solved.

Golf club head and manufacturing method thereof


When a contradictory event in which raising of the engine rotation speed is detected and the inertia phase start time is early occurs (8), a learn correction is made to engagement hydraulic pressure (ON side). If the raising of the engine rotation speed cannot be canceled still after the learn correction is made, release hydraulic pressure (OFF side) is increased for correction.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission for a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
To provide smooth shift without the raising of the engine rotation speed in shift control of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, particularly at the upshift time, it is important to control the hydraulic pressure of an engagement side clutch (frictional engagement element). Hitherto, various techniques for learning whether or not the shift is good and controlling optimum clutch hydraulic pressure have been proposed.
For example, in an art described in JP-B-3-16545, a temporary rise in the engine speed during shifting is captured and the preparation time and engagement hydraulic pressure for a clutch on the engagement side (frictional engagement element) are corrected.
However, the related art is hard to be satisfactory in the point of preventing the raising of the engine rotation speed.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission for a vehicle for performing a learn correction to hydraulic pressure control and effectively preventing the raising of the engine rotation speed.
To the end, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of frictional engagement elements driven by electromagnetic solenoids wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to the frictional engagement element on the engagement side and hydraulic pressure is discharged from the frictional engagement element on the release side for shifting output of an internal combustion engine, the shift control apparatus comprising raising occurrence detection means for determining whether or not raising the rotation speed occurs in the internal combustion engine, engagement hydraulic pressure learn correction means, when the raising occurrence detection means detects raising the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine at a predetermined shifting time, for making a learn correction to the engagement hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side at the next predetermined shifting time, and release hydraulic pressure correction means, when the learn correction value of the engagement hydraulic pressure provided by the engagement hydraulic pressure learn correction means becomes a predetermined value or more, for correcting the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side at the next predetermined shifting time.
When raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is detected, a learn correction is made to the engagement hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side and when the learn correction value becomes a predetermined value or more, the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side is corrected at the next predetermined shifting time. That is, it is assumed that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine occurs because the hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side is low or the startup (preparation time) is late, and the engagement hydraulic pressure is increased or the startup is hastened. When raising of the engine rotation speed still occurs, it is considered that releasing the hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side is early (for example, the friction coefficient of the frictional engagement element is lowered, etc.,), and the hydraulic pressure on the release side is corrected. Thus, an excessive correction of the engagement hydraulic pressure can be prevented and convergence of learning can be enhanced, so that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine can be prevented effectively.
According to a second aspect of the invention, the shift control apparatus further comprises inertia phase start time appropriateness determination means for detecting the start time of an inertia phase, comparing the start time with a predetermined reference time, and determining whether or not the inertia phase start time is appropriate, and when it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate, the release hydraulic pressure correction means corrects the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side at the next predetermined shifting time.
When it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate, specifically, early or late and more specifically, late, the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side is corrected at the next predetermined shifting time. Thus, an excessive correction of the engagement hydraulic pressure can be prevented and convergence of learning can be enhanced, so that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine can be prevented effectively.
According to a third aspect of the invention, the shift control apparatus further comprises engagement hydraulic pressure correction means, when raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is not detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate at the next predetermined shifting time, for correcting the engagement hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side at the next predetermined shifting time.
When raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is not detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate, specifically, early or late and more specifically, early, the engagement hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side is corrected at the next predetermined shifting time. Thus, an excessive correction of the engagement hydraulic pressure can be prevented and convergence of learning can be enhanced, so that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine can be prevented effectively.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a shift control apparatus of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of frictional engagement elements driven by electromagnetic solenoids wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to the frictional engagement element on the engagement side and hydraulic pressure is discharged from the frictional engagement element on the release side for shifting output of an internal combustion engine, the shift control apparatus comprising raising occurrence detection means for determining whether or not raising the rotation speed occurs in the internal combustion engine, inertia phase start time appropriateness determination means for detecting the start time of an inertia phase, comparing the start time with a predetermined reference time, and determining whether or not the inertia phase start time is appropriate, and release hydraulic pressure correction means, when raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate at a predetermined shifting time, for correcting the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side at the next predetermined shifting time.
When raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate, specifically, early or late and more specifically, early, the release hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the release side is corrected. That is, it is judged that the inertia start time is early because the engagement hydraulic pressure already high and it is judged that raising of the engine rotation speed is not still canceled because the hydraulic pressure on the release side is low for control. Thus, an excessive correction of the engagement hydraulic pressure can be prevented and convergence of learning can be enhanced, so that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine can be prevented effectively.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the shift control apparatus further comprises engagement hydraulic pressure correction means, when raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is not detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate at the next predetermined shifting time, for correcting the engagement hydraulic pressure of the frictional engagement element on the engagement side at the next predetermined shifting time.
When raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is not detected and it is determined that the inertia phase start time is not appropriate, specifically, early or late and more specifically, late, the engagement hydraulic pressure is corrected. Thus, an excessive correction of the engagement hydraulic pressure can be prevented and convergence of learning can be enhanced, so that raising of the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine can be prevented effectively.

Shift control apparatus of automatic transmission for vehicle


A protocol independent interface for processing, within a mobile device, protocol aiding data received at a call processor with a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) interface, where the protocol aiding data is produced according to a Geolocation Server Station protocol is disclosed. The protocol independent interface may include a means for receiving, at the GPS interface, the protocol aiding data received at the call processor, means for converting the received protocol aiding data to interface data that is transparent to the Geolocation Server Station protocol, and means for passing the interface data to a GPS module.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to global positioning systems ("GPS"). In particular, this invention relates to an almanac collection system for collecting piecewise almanac information from a GPS satellite.
2. Related Art
The worldwide utilization of wireless devices (also known as "mobile devices") such as two-way radios, portable televisions, Personal Digital Assistants ("PDAs"), cellular telephones (also known as "wireless telephones," "wireless phones," "mobile telephones," "mobile phones," and/or "mobile stations"), satellite radio receivers and Satellite Positioning Systems ("SATPS") such as the United States ("U.S.") Global Positioning System ("GPS"), also known as NAVSTAR, is growing at a rapid pace. As the number of people employing wireless devices increases, the number of features offered by wireless service providers also increases, as does the integration of these wireless devices in other products.
Since the creation of the NAVSTAR by the Joint Program Office ("JPO") of U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD") in the early 1970s, numerous civilian applications have arisen that utilize new technologies associated with GPS. These new technologies include, as examples, personal GPS receivers that allow a user to determine their position on the surface of the Earth and numerous communication networks such as the Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") and Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA") cellular networks that utilize GPS clock references to operate. As a result of these new technologies, there is a growing demand for mobile devices that can transmit, among other things, their locations in emergency situations, incorporate positional information with communication devices, locate and track tourists, children and the elderly, and provide security of valuable assets.
In general, GPS systems are typically satellite (also know as "space vehicle" or "SV") based navigation systems. Examples of GPS include but are not limited to the United States ("U.S.") Navy Navigation Satellite System ("NNSS") (also know as TRANSIT), LORAN, Shoran, Decca, TACAN, NAVSTAR, the Russian counterpart to NAVSTAR known as the Global Navigation Satellite System ("GLONASS") and any future Western European GPS such as the proposed "Galileo" program.
The NAVSTAR GPS (henceforth referred to simply as "GPS") was originally developed as a military system to fulfill the needs of the U.S. military; however, the U.S. Congress later directed the DoD to also promote GPS's civilian uses. As a result, GPS is now a dual-use system that may be accessed by both U.S. government agencies (such as the military) and civilians. The GPS system is described in GPS Theory and Practice, Fifth ed., revised edition by Hofmann-Wellenhof, Lichtenegger and Collins, Springer-Verlag Wien New York, 2001, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
Typically, the utilization of GPS includes identifying precise locations on the Earth and synchronizing telecommunication networks such as military communication networks and the cellular telephone networks such as CDMA and TDMA type systems. Additionally, with the advent of the U.S. Congress' mandate, through the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), for a cellular telephone network that is capable of providing a cellular telephone user's location within 50 feet in emergency situations (generally known) as "Enhanced 911" service or "E911"), GPS is being employed for both location determination and synchronization in many cellular applications.
In general, the array of GPS satellites (generally known as a "GPS constellation") transmit highly accurate, time coded information that permits a GPS receiver to calculate its location in terms of latitude and longitude on Earth as well as the altitude above sea level. GPS is designed to provide a base navigation system with accuracy within approximately 100 meters for non-military users and even greater precision for the military and other authorized users (with Selective Availability "SA" set to ON).
GPS typically comprises three major system segments: space, control, and user. The space segment of GPS is a constellation of satellites orbiting above the Earth that contain transmitters, which send highly accurate timing information to GPS receivers on earth. At present, the implemented GPS constellation includes 21 main operational satellites plus three active spare satellites. These satellites are arranged in six orbits, each orbit containing three or four satellites. The orbital planes form a 55° angle with the equator. The satellites orbit at a height of approximately 10,898 nautical miles (20,200 kilometers) above the Earth with orbital periods for each satellite of approximately 12 hours.
As an example, in NAVSTAR, each of the orbiting satellites contains four highly accurate atomic clocks (two rubidium and two cesium). These atomic clocks provide precision timing pulses used to generate a unique binary code (also known as a pseudorandom "PRN-code" or pseudo noise "PN-code") that is transmitted to Earth. The PRN-code identifies the specific satellite in the GPS constellation. The satellite also transmits a set of digitally coded information that includes two types of orbital parameters for determining the locations-in-space for the satellites known as almanac data and ephemeris data.
The ephemeris data (also known as "ephemerides") defines the precise orbit of the satellite. The ephemeris data indicates where the satellite is at any given time, and its location may be specified in terms of the satellite ground track in precise latitude and longitude measurements. The information in the ephemeris data is coded and transmitted from the satellite providing an accurate indication of the position of the satellite above the Earth at any given time. Typically, current ephemeris data is sufficient for determining locations-in-space to a few meters or a few tens of meters at current levels of SA. A ground control station updates the Ephemeris data each hour to ensure accuracy. However, after about two hours the accuracy of the ephemeris data begins to degrade.
The almanac data is a subset of the ephemeris data. The almanac data includes less accurate information regarding the location of all the satellites in the constellation. The almanac data includes relatively few parameters and is generally sufficient for determining locations-in-space to a few kilometers. Each GPS satellite broadcasts the almanac data for all the GPS satellites in the GPS constellation on a twelve and one-half ("12.5") minute cycle. Therefore, by tracking only one satellite, the almanac data of all the other satellites in orbit are obtained. The almanac data is updated every few days and is useful up to approximately several months. Because of its relatively long lifetime, GPS receivers that leave been off for more than a few hours typically utilize the almanac data to determine which GPS satellites are in-view. However, both the almanac and ephemeris data are valid only for a limited amount of time. As such, the location of the satellites based on this information is less and less accurate as the almanac and ephemeris data ages unless the data is updated at appropriate intervals in time.
The ephemeris data includes three sets of data available to determine position and velocity vectors of the satellites in a terrestrial reference frame at any instant. These three sets of data include almanac data (as mentioned earlier), broadcast ephemerides, and precise ephemerides. The data differs in accuracy and is either available in real-time or after the fact. Typically, the purpose of the almanac data is to provide the user with less precise data to facilitate receiver satellite search or for planning tasks such as the computation of visibility charts. The almanac data are updated at least every six days and are broadcast as part of the satellite message. The almanac data within the satellite message essentially contain parameters for the orbit and satellite clock correction terms for all satellites. The GPS almanac data is described in "GPS Interface Control Document ICD-GPS-200" for the "NAVSTAR GPS Space Segment and Navigation User Interfaces" published by NavTech Seminars & NavTech Book and Software Store, Arlington, Va., reprinted February, 1995, which is herein incorporated by reference.
In a typical operation example, when a GPS receiver is first turned on (generally known as a "cold start") or woken up from a long stand-by condition of more than a few hours, the GPS receiver will scan the GPS spectrum to acquire a GPS signal transmitted from an available GPS satellite. Once the GPS signal is acquired the GPS receiver will then download the GPS almanac data for the GPS constellation, the ephemeris data and clock correction information from the acquired GPS satellite. Once the almanac data is downloaded, the GPS satellite will then scan the GPS spectrum for the available (i.e., the "in-view") GPS satellites as indicated by the almanac data. Ideally, given sufficient time and assuming the environmental conditions surrounding the GPS receiver allow the GPS receiver to acquire two to three additional in-view GPS satellites, the GPS receiver receives both distance and timing information from the three to four satellites and calculates its position on the Earth.
Unfortunately, for many applications both time and environmental conditions may limit a GPS receiver's ability to download the GPS almanac data, especially in indoor or limited sky-view conditions. The problems associated with time are usually described by the Time-to-First-Fix ("TTFF") values. If the TTFF values are high, the GPS receiver will have limited applications because it will take too long to determine its initial location.
As an example, in a wireless or cellular telephone application, a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant ("PDA") with an integrated GPS receiver would have to wait at least 12.5 minutes (assuming perfect environmental conditions with all necessary in-view satellites being visible) for the GPS receiver to download the GPS almanac before making a call. This would be unacceptable for most applications.
In cellular telephone applications, this limitation would be even more unacceptable in view of the E911 mandate that requires that a cellular telephone send its position information to emergency personal in an E911 emergency call. If a user finds themselves within an emergency situation with a GPS enabled cellular telephone in their possession that is turned off or has been in a long stand-by condition, the user would have to generally first wait at least 12.5 minutes of time with continuous uninterrupted satellite visibility (because the GPS receiver typically needs a strong signal to acquire the almanac and/or ephemeris data reliably) before being able to make an emergency call that would transmit the user's location to the emergency personnel. In a typical metropolitan or naturally obstructed environment, the wait may be longer than 12.5 minutes because the environmental conditions may make acquiring the first satellite more difficult. It is appreciated that this would be unacceptable, especially in a life-threatening situation.
Past approaches to reduce the amount of time required to download the almanac data have included storing some sort of almanac (such as factory installed almanac data) in a memory unit (such as a read-only memory "ROM") in the GPS receiver. Typically, this pre-stored almanac data is utilized to reduce the TTFF in a cold-start condition.
In this approach, the cold-start condition usually still has a relatively long TTFF time due to the uncertainties associated with the satellite positions and the age of the pre-stored almanac. Once the first fix is acquired, this GPS receiver can then download the updated almanac data from the acquired satellite and update the ROM (or a read-access memory "RAM") for future use. However, this approach still requires that the GPS receiver receive the updated almanac data. (i.e., receiving a "fresh" copy of the almanac data) from the satellites for future acquisitions. Receiving the updated almanac data will still require significant amounts of time that will affect the performance of the GPS receiver.
Therefore, there is a need for a system capable of obtaining almanac information in a more efficient manner that overcomes the previously mentioned problems.
In response to these problems, aiding approaches have been developed for mobile telephones that assist the GPS receiver by providing aiding data from a communication module (also known as a "call processor" or "CP") for such purposes as acquisition, location calculation and/or sensitivity improvement. Examples of some of these aiding approaches include systems described by United States ("U.S.") U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,734, titled "Method and apparatus for determining time for GPS receivers," issued on Aug. 13, 2002 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,002, titled "GPS receiver utilizing a communication link," issued on Jul. 16, 2002 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,254, titled "Satellite positioning reference system and method," issued on Jun. 25, 2002 to inventors Moeglein et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,314, titled "GPS receiver utilizing a communication link," issued on Jun. 4, 2002 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,786, titled. "Method and apparatus for measurement processing of satellite positioning system (SPS) signals," issued Nov. 6, 2001 to inventors Sheynblat et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,399, titled "GPS receivers and garments containing GPS receivers and methods for using these GPS receivers," issued on Jul. 10, 2001 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,441, titled "Satellite positioning reference system and method," issued on Apr. 10, 2001 to inventors Mooglein et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,290, titled "GPS receiver utilizing a communication link" issued on Mar. 27, 2001 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,427, titled "Distributed satellite position system processing and application network," issued on Feb. 6, 2001 to inventors Krasner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,980, titled "Method and apparatus for determining time for GPS receivers," issued on Nov. 21, 2000 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,874, titled "Method and apparatus for acquiring satellite positioning system signals," issued on Oct. 17, 2000 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,336, titled "GPS receiver utilizing a communication link," issued on May 16, 2000 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,944, titled "Method and apparatus for determining time for GPS receivers," issued on Aug. 31, 1999 to inventor Krasner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,327, titled "GPS receiver utilizing a communication link," issued on Nov. 24, 1998 to inventor Krasner; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,327, titled "GPS receivers and garments containing GPS receivers and methods for using these GPS receivers," issued on Oct. 20, 1998 to inventor Krasner, which are herein incorporated by reference. Unfortunately, these aiding approaches in wireless networks are typically cellular network (i.e., cellular platforms such as TDMA, GSM, CDMA, etc.) and vendor specific, and are provided by Geolocation Server Stations located at the cellular network. As a result, the GPS receiver in the mobile telephone (also known as a "mobile station" or "MS") must typically be compatible with the Geolocation Server Station of the cellular network.
However, many network-aiding systems are not yet implemented and of those that are implemented, they typically incorporate Geolocation Server Stations that utilize Geolocation Server Station protocols that are not compatible with each other. Therefore, there is also a need for a system capable of allowing a GPS receiver to operate with the numerous Geolocation Server Stations that is Geolocation Server Station protocol independent.


An energy conversion device comprising at least one thermal energy input, a plurality of energy outputs, a first modular part and a second modular part, wherein: the first modular part comprises at least a core Brayton generator; the second modular part comprises at least a heat pump module comprising at least one heat exchanger; and wherein the heat pump is integrated with the first modular part in order to share at least one heat exchanger between the first and the second modular parts, as well as set of valves and variable speed mechanical coupling and gear box. The core Brayton generator comprises an expander module and a compressor module configured to be positive displacement machines of the screw type with the expander module supplying motive power to the second modular part.

In recent years, the entire domain of energy supply and use, globally, has entered a critical phase, meaning both a period of increasingly acute energy related crises and one when very substantial opportunities for new technology developments present themselves in response to this evolving situation.
Although many individual aspects of the above have been widely publicised over the last decade, few people are aware, and understand the nature and magnitude of the rapidly mounting challenges that humankind now must face and even less regarding how and why these challenges critically impinge on crucial choices concerning energy technology developments. Few understand that these challenges require a radical reengineering of all energy, transport and communications infrastructures and that this reengineering does require the development of an entirely new class of networked energy technologies.
Instead, until recently attempts at addressing the infrastructure issues resulting from global energy and ecological challenges have remained piecemeal, focusing essentially on attempts to marginally adapt existing systems. People knowledgeable in the art will be aware that such adaptations include, for example, improving existing power grids using so-called "smart meters" or improving marginally the efficiency of energy use at the end user level but that such improvements do not tackle the overall energy losses within the bulk of energy infrastructures that result in a total inefficiency of about 88% at the global level. Another typical example concerns developing hybrid or electric vehicles without tackling the resulting consequences at power supply and distribution levels and without considering that fleet replacement can no longer take place within the required time frame imposed by the rapidly declining net energy per barrel, net energy that is essentially supplied by the oil industry in the form of transport fuels and that is now trending towards nil within 15 years at most on the one hand and on the other hand by the ecological, notably climate change matters resulting from the huge surge of fossil fuels since 1900. Similarly the development of new technologies such as photovoltaic or wind turbine technologies is essentially taking place in a piecemeal fashion within existing frameworks, that is, essentially within a centralised model dispatching energy from a central point of production and command, such as a central power station or an oil refinery. The resulting effect is that overall energy efficiencies remain far too low and that this, in itself, prevents achieving sustainable ways of life for humankind.
While it is now becoming recognised that shifting to highly distributed forms of power generation integrated in so-called intelligent networks is necessary to achieve sustainability, there is also a slow realisation that current approaches are unlikely to deliver what is required as exemplified, for example, in current debates concerning intelligent or smart grids.
In fact, until now few have recognised to which extent the emerging challenges require a zero-based approach, that is a reconsideration of infrastructure matters without relying on what is taken for granted, habit, preconceptions or beliefs, and instead beginning from the most fundamental expressions of the challenges that have to be faced and from first principles concerning the technologies able to meet those challenges.
Most of the solutions for converting energy use additive pieces of several technologies in order to convert a first kind of energy into electricity for example. The main problem of these additive solutions is the cumulative losses of energy incurred at each step of the systems leading to a very low overall efficiency.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a solution to solve at least part of these various problems.


Provided is an alkaline fuel cell, including: a membrane electrode assembly including an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode stacked on a first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode stacked on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane; a first separator stacked on the anode electrode, at least including a fuel receiving portion for receiving a fuel; a second separator stacked on the cathode electrode, at least including an oxidant receiving portion for receiving an oxidant; and an alkaline aqueous solution supply portion for bringing an alkaline aqueous solution into contact with only the anion conductive electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an alkaline fuel cell using an anion conductive electrolyte membrane (anion exchange membrane) as an electrolyte membrane, and an alkaline fuel cell system which can adjust a temperature of an alkaline fuel cell using a heat medium.
2. Description of the Background Art
Fuel cells have a possibility of achieving reduction in size and weight and high output density, and development of their application to a new power source for mobile electronic devices, to household cogeneration systems, and the like is aggressively promoted. A fuel cell includes, as a main portion for power generation, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. Depending on the type of the electrolyte membrane, fuel cells are classified into a solid polymer fuel cell (including a direct fuel cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell, a molten carbonate fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell, an alkaline fuel cell, and the like.
An alkaline fuel cell is a fuel cell which uses an anion conductive electrolyte membrane (anion exchange membrane) as an electrolyte membrane and in which a hydroxide ion (OW) serves as a charge carrier. In the alkaline fuel cell, when an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are electrically connected, a current flows between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode by an electrochemical reaction described below, and thus electric energy can be obtained. Specifically, when an oxidant (for example, oxygen, air, or the like) and water are supplied to the cathode electrode, OH− is generated by a catalytic reaction represented by the following formula (1):cathode electrode: 1/2O2+H2O+2e−→2OH−  (1).This OH− is transferred to the anode electrode through the electrolyte membrane, in a state hydrated with a water molecule. On the other hand, at the anode electrode, a supplied fuel (reductant), for example, H2 gas, and OH− transferred from the cathode electrode cause a catalytic reaction represented by the following formula (2) to generate water and electrons:anode electrode: H2+2OH−→2H2O+2e−  (2).
Since an anion conductive electrolyte is used as the electrolyte membrane and an electrolyte of a catalyst layer in the alkaline fuel cell, the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) in an atmosphere during suspension of operation, and OH− in the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer is substituted by CO32− and/or HCO3− (hereinafter may be referred to as a "CO2-derived anion") by a reaction represented by the following formulas (3) and (4):CO2+2OH−→CO32−+H2O  (3)CO2+OH−→HCO3−  (4).An increase in the concentration of such CO2-derived anions (a decrease in OH− ion concentration) decreases anion conductivity of the electrolyte and significantly increases cell resistance.
It is known that the above problem of the increase in cell resistance can be improved by a phenomenon called self purge caused by operating the fuel cell. The self purge refers to a phenomenon in which, due to operation of the fuel cell, CO2-derived anions contained in the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and serving as a factor of the decrease in anion conductivity move to the anode electrode, are reduced by the fuel, and emitted as CO2 gas from the anode electrode. The self purge can be specifically represented by the following formulas (5) and (6):H2+CO32−→CO2+H2O+2e−  (5)H2+2HCO3−→2CO2+2H2O+2e−  (6).
However, as described in ECS Transactions, 25(13), 105-110 (2010) by Yu Matsui, Morihiro Saito, Akimasa Tasaka, and Minoru Inaba [Non-Patent Literature 1], although the self purge can suppress an increase in cell resistance because many CO2-derived anions are resubstituted by OH−, CO2-derived anions remaining in a certain amount are localized by the self purge at the anode electrode and accumulated therein, which causes a problem that reaction overpotential at the anode electrode is increased and power generation efficiency is decreased.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 3-295175 [Patent Literature 1] describes removing carbon dioxide in a fuel supplied to an anode electrode by bringing the fuel into contact with an alkaline aqueous solution. Further, "Development of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells" by Yotaro Yamazaki, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Science Research Grant "New Development in Highly Efficient Energy Conversion with Low Environmental Load by DMFC" (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Area B) Research Report, pp. 71-74, June 2006 [Non-Patent Literature 2] describes improving output characteristics by adding alkali beforehand to a fuel to be supplied to an anode electrode.
As indicated in the above formula (1), in the alkaline fuel cell, it is necessary to supply water to the cathode electrode for the catalytic reaction. In addition, it is also necessary to supply water to the electrolyte membrane to prevent drying of the electrolyte membrane and resultant increase in an anion conduction resistance. Conventionally, such water supply is generally performed by using a humidified fuel and/or oxidant as a fuel to be supplied to the anode electrode and/or an oxidant to be supplied to the cathode electrode. However, this method requires auxiliary equipment such as a humidifier, and results in a larger fuel cell.
International Publication No. 2009/149195 [Patent Literature 2] describes directly supplying liquid water (i.e., water in the form of a liquid) to a surface of an electrolyte membrane on a side facing a cathode electrode, as another water supply method (see, for example, page 28, line 18 to page 31, line 18, FIGS. 11 and 12). More specifically, in this method, an outer edge portion of a cathode-side electrode portion in a gasket is provided with a slot directly connected to the surface of the electrolyte membrane on the side facing the cathode electrode, and liquid water is directly supplied from the slot to the surface of the electrolyte membrane on the side facing the cathode electrode (page 31, lines 4 to 18, FIG. 11).
Meanwhile, fuel cells such as an alkaline fuel cell are generally adjusted in an appropriate temperature range during power generation, considering increase in the efficiency of the above catalytic reaction (electrochemical reaction) and prevention of thermal deterioration of fuel cell components such as an electrolyte membrane. One of conventional examples of a temperature adjustment method is to place a heater in a fuel cell. However, since temperature adjustment by the heater cannot perform cooling, it is inevitable that the fuel cell has a high temperature, particularly when the fuel cell generates a large amount of heat, such as when a large current is drawn from the fuel cell.
"Technology for Fuel Cells: Problems and Countermeasures of Solid Polymer Type" written by Hisao Nishikawa, Tokyo Denki University Press, 2010, pp. 45-46 [Non-Patent Literature 3] describes passing cooling water through a flow channel provided inside a separator, as a method for cooling a fuel cell (page 46, FIG. 3.22). It is noted that the wording "provided inside a separator" used herein means that the flow channel is not open to a membrane electrode assembly, and is provided inside the separator in a state separated from the membrane electrode assembly.

Alkaline fuel cell and alkaline fuel cell system


Method for selectively treating wells using a low viscosity epoxy resin-forming composition containing a single curing agent. The composition comprises a liquid bisphenol A-based epoxy material and a polyamide hardener for ambient temperature curing of the liquid epoxy material. The epoxy material has a very low viscosity at well surface temperatures and is immiscible with well fluids. The polyamide curing agent used is an amber-colored mobile liquid having a low viscosity at ambient temperature and is further characterized as having long pot life and low exotherm. The method is applicable to plugging permeable zones in a gravel-packed well and may be used to repair leaks in well casing or production tubing and in cementing to prevent communication between subterranean regions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an improved method for selectively treating wells using a low viscosity epoxy resin-forming composition. More particularly, the invention pertains to the use of a low viscosity epoxy resin-forming composition containing a single curing agent which polymerizes to an impermeable solid after a latent period under ambient conditions for downhole applications.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various processes have been proposed in the patent literature for treating wells with epoxy resin-forming solutions in order to consolidate, isolate or strengthen permeable subterranean earth formations in or around the boreholes of wells. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,204 to Knapp describes a well treating process in which a permeable region is plugged by injecting into the region an aqueous emulsion containing an epoxy polymer, an acrylic polymer and a material for controlling the rate of interaction of the two polymers. Another such procedure for utilizing a polymeric material within a permeable structure is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,031 to Knapp, which discloses a method for plugging subterranean formations with aqueous epoxy emulsions containing fine solid particles. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,760 to Copeland et al. describes an aqueous based slurry containing an epoxy resin, a curing agent, a solvent, a particulate material, a coupling agent and a surfactant for forming consolidated gravel packs. However, these aqueous polymeric emulsions are not sufficiently stable to be stored or transported without agglomeration and can not be easily prepared or handled in the field by the average well technician. Also, such aqueous systems suffer from the inability to form strong packs under a wide range of well conditions.
More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,047 to Summers et al. teaches compositions for use in sealing permeable subterranean formations which comprises a liquid epoxy material and two hardeners. It is stated that each of the hardeners has a different activation temperature and the hardening time of the epoxy material is of short duration under subsurface conditions of generally elevated temperature and pressure. However, the use of such epoxy formulations in certain well bore applications have inherent disadvantages. For instance, in shallow low temperature wells having a relatively reduced thermal gradient, the epoxy resin-forming compositions taught in the cited prior art may not be able to form a coherent structure of relatively high compressive strengths due to under-cured epoxy material at subsurface temperatures substantially below 170.degree. F., for example. A further disadvantage of such epoxy systems is that they become considerably more viscous at lower surface temperatures, e.g. below 75.degree. F., making them difficult to handle prior to and during placement of the epoxy material. To aid in mixing and handling these epoxy materials under such adverse conditions, the Summers patent suggests the need to preheat the epoxy systems above ambient temperatures. However, this preheating step can effect the fluidity of the epoxy material during placement and may result in uncontrollable set times. Also, operators at the well site are reluctant to use epoxy materials which require the selection of multiple thermally activated hardeners because of the safety risks involved in mishandling large quantities of these highly reactive materials. The energy released from exothermic epoxy reactions using inappropriate types or amounts of hardeners can produce extremely high temperatures which can damage underground equipment or adversely effect the physical properties of the resin product.

Method for selectively treating wells with a low viscosity epoxy resin-forming composition


A full address reading apparatus includes a Japanese full address reader, an English full address reader, and a selector. The Japanese full address reader reads a full address under an assumption that a postal code and address are written on a mail item as a read target in a format using Japanese language. The English full address reader reads a full address under an assumption that a postal code and address are written on a mail item as a read target in a format using English Language. The selector determines reliability levels of read results for the same read target from the Japanese and English full address readers and selects and outputs a read result having a higher reliability level from the read results from the Japanese and English full address readers.

The present invention relates to a full address reading apparatus for reading a postal code and address which are written/printed on a mail item and, more particularly, to a full address reading apparatus capable of reading full addresses with a high recognition rate even if a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using a first language is mixed with a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using a second language.
Various conventional full address reading apparatuses for reading full addresses (postal codes and addresses) written/printed on mail items are available.
For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-205686 discloses a Japanese full address reading apparatus for storing mail items on the basis of specific numbers (e.g., telephone numbers) for specifying addresses written/printed on the mail items when the addresses cannot be read in sorting the mail items by reading the addresses and postal codes written/printed on the mail items in the Japanese format. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-181287 discloses an English full address reading apparatus for reading a character string constituting an address, recognizing a plurality of wards, attributes of the wards, and positions of the wards from the read character string, and recognizing the address in accordance with the recognition result when the postal code and address written/printed on the mail item in the English format. Various other conventional full address reading apparatuses are known. In any case, each conventional full address reading apparatus has as a read target only a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in the Japanese format or a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in the English format. That is, only a mail item on which the postal code and address written/printed using a specific language serves as a read target.
In any conventional full address reading apparatus, the first problem is posed by a low recognition rate when a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using Japanese (first language) is mixed with a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using English (second language) due to the following reason. Any conventional full address reading apparatus has as a read target only a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed using a given specific language and can read only the mail item on which the postal or postal code and address are written/printed using either Japanese or English.
The second problem is posed by a high recognition error rate when a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using Japanese is mixed with a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in a format using English due to the following reason. In the full address reading apparatus having as a read target a mail item on which the postal code and address are written/printed in the English format, a code number, a block number, or the like marked by a direct mail agent on a mail item having the Japanese format is often erroneously read as a postal code. In the full address reading apparatus having as a read target a mail item on which the postal code and address are written in the Japanese format, a code number, block number, or the like written/printed on a mail having the English format is often erroneously read as a postal code.


An improved process for dehydrogenation of detergent range normal paraffins contained in a hydrocarbon mixture to produce monoolefins is described. Improvements are obtained by operating over an entire catalyst operating cycle at an average added hydrogen to detergent range hydrocarbon ratio of from about 0.5 to about 1.9. The improved process is operated in a substantially adiabatic, plug flow reactor at a suitable catalyst bed inlet temperature not greater than about 450.degree. C. The process provides improved tolerance for initial excess catalyst bed activity, allowing desirable catalyst operating cycle lengths to be obtained with more favorable operating conditions.

The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of linear monoolefins by the catalytic dehydrogenation of the corresponding normal paraffins. More specifically, the invention relates to an improved process for the production of linear monoolefins containing from about 9 to about 15 carbon atoms per molecule. Such monoolefins, referred to herein as detergent range olefins, are particularly useful as reactive intermediates in the production of biodegradable detergents. This invention relates to specific combinations of reaction conditions different from those suggested by the prior art which have surprisingly been discovered to be quite advantageous for use with platinum catalysts in the production of detergent range olefins.
It is known that dehydrogenation processes employing noble metal catalysts are effective for the production of detergent range olefins, with catalysts comprising platinum being particularly effective. Rather broad ranges of reaction conditions which can be used in such processes are also known in the art. However, the production efficiency can vary widely depending upon the properties of the catalyst and the particular combination of reaction conditions selected.
It is known that in the catalytic dehydrogenation of normal paraffins, the percentage conversion to monoolefins in a single pass is subject to a severe equilibrium limitation. While the limiting conversion can vary considerably with the reaction conditions, the actual percentage of monoolefin in the products is typically not greater than about twenty weight percent of the total hydrocarbons present. It is also well known that the formation of monoolefins in such processes is accompanied by the formation of various less desirable byproducts including diolefins, aromatics, and hydrocarbons with carbon numbers below the detergent range which are formed by cracking reactions. As used herein, the term "conversion" means the percentage of the normal paraffins in the feed which are converted in a single pass to species other than normal paraffins within the same carbon number range, and the term "selectivity" means the percentage of the converted normal paraffins which are converted to monoolefins within the same carbon number range. In cases in which the feed contains species other than normal paraffins within the desired carbon number range, these species are ignored in the calculation of conversion and selectivity. In general, higher conversion and higher selectivity are advantageous, but an increase in conversion tends to lower selectivity.
Another well known problem encountered in the production of detergent range olefins by catalytic dehydrogenation of normal paraffins is the loss of catalyst activity during its use. The catalyst can lose activity as a result of strong catalyst poisons such as sulfur in the feed, and such activity loss is generally controlled by controlling feed purity. But even when the feed contains extremely low levels of such poisons, the catalyst tends to deactivate at a significant rate due to the formation of coke on the catalyst surfaces. The rate of coke formation can vary widely depending upon the combination of reaction conditions selected. In general, a lower rate of coke formation is advantageous since this reduces various costs associated with catalyst regeneration or replacement and facilitates the maintenance of both conversion and reaction conditions within optimum ranges for extended periods of operation.
One method used in prior art paraffin dehydrogenation processes to reduce catalyst deactivation due to coke formation is to mix varying amounts of hydrogen with the vaporized paraffin feed prior to its introduction into the catalytic reaction zone. It is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,724 for example that such hydrogen serves a "dual-function" in both diluting the paraffin and "suppressing the formation of hydrogen deficient, carbonaceous deposits on the catalyst composite." In many cases, the amount of hydrogen used in patent examples has been extremely large, for example 4-8 moles of hydrogen per mole of hydrocarbon. Severe disadvantages accompany such large additions of hydrogen, including an adverse effect upon the equilibrium for monoolefin formation, increased size of most portions of the processing equipment for a given production rate, and increased energy and maintenance costs associated with the recovery, recompression, and recycle of hydrogen. Thus, it is greatly advantageous to reduce the hydrogen to hydrocarbon mole ratio (H2:HC) used in the process. However, the prior art suggests that a H2:HC ratio of at least about 2.0 is required to obtain favorable results.
Prior art teaching related to H2:HC ratios and reaction temperatures for use in platinum catalyzed dehydrogenation of detergent range normal paraffins is illustrated in Table I. Unless otherwise noted, the H2:HC ratios apply to the reactor feed mixture, and the temperatures are reactor inlet temperatures for use with a substantially adiabatic reactor. The broad ranges generally apply to a carbon number range wider than C.sub.9 -C.sub.15. Preferred ranges may also apply to a wider carbon number range, but if more than one preferred range was mentioned, that most applicable to detergent range feedstocks, about C.sub.9 to about C.sub.15, was used in the table. All examples applicable to detergent range feedstocks were included under the heading of examples.
In Table I, the lowest H2:HC ratio given in any example of an operable process is 2.0. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,274,287 there were a few examples with no added hydrogen, but these were included to illustrate the failure of the process under such conditions. Since the examples in any given patent should generally include the best known mode of operation, such teaching leads one to expect that the H2:HC ratio must be at least 2.0 to obtain satisfactory results. Similarly, these teachings lead one to expect that the inlet temperature for a single stage adiabatic reactor would best be selected from a range of about 427.degree. C. to about 575.degree. C.
TABLE I __________________________________________________________________________ Prior Art Choices of H2:HC Ratio and Temperature H2:HC Ratio Ranges Temperature Ranges, .degree.C. U.S. Pat. No. Broadest Preferred Examples Broadest Preferred Examples __________________________________________________________________________ 4,827,072 0.1-20 1-10 4 200-1000 525-700 495 4,677,237 0.1-40 1-10 4 400-900 -- 495 4,608,360 0.1-40 1-10 4 400-900 -- 495 4,595,673 0.1-40 1-10 4 400-900 -- 495 4,551,575 1-40 1.5-10 6 400-900 -- 485 4,486,547 1-40 1.5-10 6 400-900 -- 485 4,396,540 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-704 427-510 443-454 4,343,724 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-704 427-510 443-454 4,341,664 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-704 427-510 443-454 4,312,792 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-704 427-510 443-454 4,268,706 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-649 427- 510 443-454 4,227,026 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-649 427-510 443-454 4,216,346 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-649 427-510 443-454 4,177,218 1-20 1.5-10 8 375-650 375-550 465 4,172,853 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-649 427-510 443-460 4,136,127 1-20 1.5-10 5 371-649 427-510 449-460 4,133,842 <15 -- 7.5 399-566 427-510 460 4,125,565 1-20 1.5-10 4-5 371-649 427-510 443-454 4,070,413 1-20 -- -- 400-700 450-550 -- 4,048,245 1-20 1.5-10 5 371-649 427-510 438-454 3,998,900 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-677 427-510 449-466 3,920,615 0.1-50 1-5 2-8 400-650 420-520* 430-450* 3,907,921 -- -- -- 430-540 460-485 -- 3,825,612 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-649 427-510 449-466 3,767,594 1-10 -- 8 399-704 -- 460-475 3,761,531 1-20 5-15 8 371-649 427-510 443-475 3,662,018 -- -- 8 427-510 -- 454-460 3,649,566 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-677 427-510 449-466 3,647,719 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-677 427-510 449-466 3,632,662 -- -- 2 -- -- 452* 3,585,253 0.1-50 1-5 2 400-650 420-520* 450* 3,576,766 1-20 1.5-10 8 371-677 427-510 449-466 3,527,836 0.1-30 2-10 4.1 400-650 -- 440 3,458,592 0.5-15 -- 5.5-7.8 427-510 454-488* 454-460* 3,448,165 <15:1 <10:1 2-8 400-700 430-530 427-575 3,315,008 0.1-5 1-3 2 400-650 520-520* 435-440* 3,315,007 0.1-5 1-3 2 400-650 520-520* 440* 3,293,319 1-10 -- 4-8.8 400-700 -- 430-460 3,274,287 0.5.5 1-3 2.sup.+ 400-500 420-480* 420-440* __________________________________________________________________________ *Cited studies used an isothermal reactor .sup.+ Also includes examples of nonoperability at H2:HC = 0.


In a method for producing a magnetic head slider 20, wherein, after a sacrificial layer 31 is formed on a substrate 30, a protective film layer 21, an adhesion layer 22, a head element layer 23 and an air bearing surface layer 28 are sequentially formed thereon, and finally a slider body 29 is formed by a plating, and then the magnetic head slider 20 is separated from the substrate 30 by the removal of the sacrificial layer 31. In order to prevent the air bearing surface layer from breaking or cracking due to the generation of bubbles during a process for removing the sacrificial layer by etching or the like and separating a magnetic head slider from a substrate, after the head element layer 23 has been formed but before the air bearing surface layer 28 is formed, a first hard film layer 24 consisting of a hard material is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic head slider used for a magnetic disk device or the like and a method for producing the same, more specifically to a magnetic head slider having an air bearing surface opposed to a recording medium and arranged generally in parallel to a head element layer, and a method for producing the same, wherein the magnetic head slider is formed on a substrate in such a manner that, after forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate, a protective film layer, an adhesion layer, a head element layer and an air bearing surface layer are sequentially formed thereon, and finally a slider body is formed by a plating; the magnetic head slider being separated from the substrate by the removal of the sacrificial layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, it has been desired to further miniaturize a head element and a magnetic head slider in accordance with a recent demand for high density magnetic recording. To meet such a demand, a method for producing a miniaturized magnetic head slider which needs little machining and is easily assembled, has been required.
For the above reason, a method for producing a magnetic head slider which needs little machining has been proposed in the prior art (for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 8-235527. "Thin Film Magnetic Head Slider and Method for Producing the Same").
The method disclosed in the specification of the above document is as follows:
A sacrificial layer is formed on a substrate by an Al film or the like, and a head element layer and an air bearing surface layer are sequentially formed. Then, a slider body is formed by means of a plating via a plating base, resulting in a magnetic head slider on the substrate. Next, the sacrificial layer is removed by means of an etching or the like to separate the magnetic head slider from the substrate. In this regard, if the sacrificial layer is made of Al, it is removable by an aqueous solution of KOH. Thereafter, the magnetic head slider is mounted to a suspension.
During the production of the magnetic head slider mainly by means of a film formation technology while excluding the machining process, as described above, bubbles (hydrogen H.sub.2) are liable to be generated in a process for removing the sacrificial layer (such as Al film) by an etching (using an aqueous solution of KOH or the like) and thus separating the magnetic head slider from the substrate, due to the chemical reaction of the sacrificial layer with the etching liquid. Such bubbles push the periphery of the slider body upward to cause a force for forcibly releasing the air bearing surface layer (for example, made of SiO.sub.2) which has not yet been separated from the substrate. If the air bearing surface layer is not durable to such a force, there might be a risk in that the air bearing surface layer breaks or cracks.
When the magnetic head slider comes into contact with or impinges on the recording medium while flying above the recording medium in the magnetic disc device, the slider receives an impact. If the slider is not durable to the impact, there might be a risk that the air bearing surface layer breaks or cracks, or the slider body (plated, for example, with nickel) might be dented and become inoperative.

Magnetic head slider provided with a hard material layer for improved impact resistance and for avoiding cracking of an air bearing surface during production of the magnetic head slider