An image sensing apparatus includes a photoelectric converter having a plurality of pixels covered by a color filter composed of a plurality of colors, a plurality of common readout units adapted to sequentially output signals from the plurality of pixels, a time division multiplex (TDM) unit for time division multiplexing signals from the plurality of common readout units, and a readout control unit for reading the signals from the plurality of pixels to the common readout units in such a way that signals from pixels covered by color filters of the same color are continuously multiplexed.

Recent technical advances in digital still cameras, digital video cameras and other such image input devices have tended to provide sensors with more and more picture elements (hereinafter pixels) in order to further improve the quality of the images formed, with the result that higher readout speeds are required as well. In order to meet such a need, a readout method has been developed by which the pixel signals have been divided into a plurality of readout channels. A description of this conventional method is now given with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of a conventional image sensing apparatus. FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the drive timing and output signals of a conventional image sensing apparatus.
The image sensing apparatus shown in FIG. 11 has a plurality of pixels 3101 arranged in two dimensions and consisting of optical black pixels arranged and shielded by a light-blocking film and effective pixels with no light-blocking film; readout channels 3071 and 3072 for reading out image signals from each of the plurality of pixels selected according to a control signal from a vertical scan circuit 3102; and an output terminal 3120 for outputting signals after increasing either the waveform or the drive force of the signals after the timing with which the signals are read out by the readout channels 3071, 3072 has been adjusted and the signals have been passed through a buffer circuit 3119. Note that only 5×4 pixels are shown in FIG. 11 for simple explanation.
In addition, the readout channels 3071, 3072 have readout circuits 3106, 3111, which in turn have line memories 3104, 3109 for storing pixel signals read from each of the plurality of pixels 3101 and horizontal scan circuits 3105, 3110 for forwarding the stored pixel signals in response to horizontal shift pulses input from input terminals 3122, 3123. In addition, the readout channels 3071, 3072 also have amplifiers 3107, 3112 for amplifying the signals that are read out and clamps 3124, 3125 for clamping the amplified signals at a particular electric potential.
A description is now given of the operation of the conventional fixed image sensing apparatus having the structure described above, with reference to FIG. 11.
First, when light strikes each of the plurality of pixels 3101, the pixels 3101 generate pixel signals of a level determined by the amount of incoming light. Next, pixel signals read out from odd-numbered columns in a row of pixels 3101 selected by the vertical scan circuit 102 are stored in the line memory circuit 3104, and at the same time pixel signals read from even-numbered columns in the same row are stored in the line memory circuit 3109.
Next, the horizontal scan circuit 3105 inputs a horizontal shift pulse from either outside or inside the chip from the input terminal 3122. Based on the input horizontal shift pulse, the pixel signals read out to the line memory circuit 3104 are then sequentially selected and output to the amplifier 3107. At the amplifier 3107, the input pixel signals are amplified and output to a processing circuit (not shown in the diagram) from an output terminal 3108.
Similarly, the horizontal scan circuit 3110, based on a horizontal shift pulse input from the input terminal 3123, sequentially selects pixel signals read out to the line memory circuit 3109 and outputs them to the amplifier 3112. At the amplifier 3112, the input pixel signals are amplified and output to a processing circuit (not shown in the diagram) from the output terminal 3113.
In addition, the dark level signals output from the optical black pixels within the plurality of-pixels 3101 are then clamped at a desired electric potential using clamps 3124, 3125. Further, at each of output terminals 3108 and 3113, switches 3116 and 3117 connected in parallel are switched ON/OFF in alternating sequence so as to output pixel signals from the odd-numbered columns of pixels and the even-numbered columns of pixels from the output terminal 3120 via the output buffer circuit 3119.
FIG. 12 shows horizontal shift pulses 1 and 2 input at input terminals 3122, 3123 of FIG. 11, a dark level signal and a pixel signal output from output terminals 3108 and 3113, a clamp pulse clamping, the ON/OFF action of the switches 3116 and 3117, and a dark level signal and a pixel signal output from output terminal 3120. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a pulse wave is input to input terminals 3122, 3123 in, for example, 6 clock parts each.
In FIG. 12, of the signals output from output terminal 3120, the pixel signals and dark level signals read out from pixels of a given row of columns 1-12 are assigned reference numerals (1)-(12), respectively. Also, pixel signals of output terminals 3108 and 3113 are given reference numerals corresponding to those of the signals at output terminal 3120. Reference numerals (1)-(6) correspond to dark level signals obtained from the optical black pixels and reference numerals (7)-(12) correspond to the pixel signals from the effective pixels.
According to FIG. 12, the dark level signals (1), (3) and (5) and the pixel signals (7), (9) and (11), synchronized to horizontal shift pulse 1, are sequentially output at the output terminal 3108. Similarly, dark level signals (2), (4) and (6) and pixel signals (8), (10) and (12), synchronized to horizontal shift pulse 2, are sequentially output at the output terminal 3113. By activating the clamps 3124, 3125 at the point at which the dark level signals (1) and (2) are output from the output terminals 3108, 3113, the dark level signals are clamped at a desired electric potential.
Next, by switching switches 3116 and 3117 ON/OFF in alternate succession, the dark level signals (1)-(6) and the pixel signals (7)-(12) are output at the output terminal 3120. By so doing, although the output terminals 3108 and 3113 operate at half-cycle with respect to the clock rate at output terminal 3120, the readout speed can be increased relatively easy.
Moreover, when reading out signals using multiple channels as described above, a structure that always reads out signals of the same color from the channels is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-46480, and a method for correcting offset error at each channel is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-245221.
Moreover, Patent Application Japanese Laid-Open No. 5-328224 discloses a structure using multiple channels to read a plurality of pixels in the horizontal direction and using a switch to perform time division multiplexing on the signals read by the multiple channels. According to such a structure, even if the readout speed at each of the channels is slow, the charge readout can be read at high speed and the number of terminals can be reduced by time division multiplexing of the read-out electric charge signals.
However, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 9-46480 and 2001-245221 have a disadvantage in that they increase the number of output pins because four or five output pins are required for each output terminal. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 5-328224 has the following problem, described with reference to FIG. 13.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of the structure of another conventional image sensing apparatus, illustrating the adaptation of the structure disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 5-328224 to a color readout. For the sake of simplicity, two horizontal scan circuits are used to read out a charge from two pixels at a time. In FIG. 13, a plurality of pixels 1 are covered by a Bayer arrangement filter, with the G-B pixel columns being read by the first horizontal scan circuit 3 and the R-G pixel columns-being read by the second horizontal scan circuit 4.
In a case in which, as depicted here, an Nth line is selected and read out by the vertical scan circuit 2, a G signal of every other pixel is continuously output from a first differential amplifier 5 and an R signal of every other pixel is continuously read out from a second differential amplifier 6. When time division multiplexed by a multiplexer 7, these G and R signals are output in alternating sequence from an output terminal (OUT).
However, by outputting signals of different colors from a single output terminal using such multiplexing as described above, there is a risk that the two colors will mix, and in any case such an arrangement complicates downstream signal processing circuit structures for operations such as signal separation outside semiconductor image sensing apparatuses.
The reason is as follows: Parasitic resistance R and parasitic capacitance C occurs in the wires inside the image sensing apparatus, and a change in electric potential in such wiring can be explained as a transient phenomenon. That is, the electric potential change in wiring with such parasitic elements is determined by the parasitic resistance R and the parasitic capacitance C, and with a time constant CR, a V(t) can be expressed by equation (1):V(t)=Voε−(1/RC)t  (1)where Vo is the electric potential in a steady state of the wiring and ε is a natural constant.
As can be understood from equation (1), V(t) changes exponentially with time and approaches Vo.
Thus, the waveform output from the output terminal 3120 of FIG. 11 (output terminal 3120 of FIG. 12) has a different output level at (7) and (8), so it takes time for the electric potential to fall from (7) to (8), as is the case with the output level in the transition from (6) to (7). One of the reasons for the large differences in the continuous output level at the output terminal 3120 is that the outputs from terminals 3113 and 3108 are outputs from pixels of color filters of different transmissivity.

Signal readout structure for an image sensing apparatus


A balanced momentum probe holder in an apparatus for characterizing a sample surface has first and second members each having extensible and retractable distal ends. The distal ends extend or retract substantially simultaneously in response to a signal from a detector thus balancing the momentums of the first and second members and reducing the net momentum of the probe holder to essentially zero. Balancing the momentum of the probe holder reduces parasitic oscillations in the apparatus thus enhancing performance.

The ongoing miniaturization of components of a variety of devices makes high-resolution characterization of critical surfaces increasingly important. In the field of metrology, for example, surface-characterization devices such as stylus profilers and scanning probe microscopes (SPM) are routinely used to measure topography and other characteristics of critical samples. Stylus profilers and scanning probe microscopes are in fact frequently used as inspection tools to measure the critical surfaces of industrial devices like semiconductor chips and data storage devices during and after the manufacturing process. To be economically feasible, these profilers and scanning probe microscopes must complete their measurements as quickly, accurately, repeatably and as reliably as possible. The accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and reliability of such metrology instruments are especially critical in view of the ongoing desire that such surface-characterization instruments be capable of quickly and accurately characterizing dimensions smaller than those of the products and devices being fabricated, to assure manufacturing quality, and to provide accurate diagnoses of manufacturing problems. Because critical features continue to shrink in the manufacturing process, it is necessary to improve the accuracy and the speed of scanning probe microscopes and stylus profilers to keep up with the measurement demand.
For the sake of convenience, the discussion that follows and throughout this patent specification will focus on Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). In this regard, it shall be understood that problems addressed and solutions presented by the present invention shall also be applicable to problems experienced by other measurement instruments including surface-modification instruments and micro-actuated devices.
The typical AFM includes a probe which includes a flexible cantilever and a stylus mounted on the free end of the cantilever. The probe is mounted on a scanning stage that is typically mounted on a common support structure with the sample. A typical scanning stage may include an XY actuator assembly and a Z actuator, wherein "X" and "Y" represent what is typically the horizontal XY plane, and "Z" represents the vertical direction. "X" and "Y" and "Z" are mutually orthogonal directions. The XY actuator assembly drives the probe to move in an X-Y plane for scanning. The typical Z actuator mounted on the XY actuator and providing support for the probe, thus drives the probe to move along a Z axis which is disposed orthogonally relative to the X-Y plane. (The definition of the XYZ axes is convenient and typical, but the choice of axis name and orientation is of course arbitrary.)
AFMs can be operated in different sample-characterization modes including contact-mode and Tapping™ mode. In contact-mode, the cantilever stylus is placed in contact with the sample surface, cantilever deflection is monitored as the stylus is scanned over the sample surface, and the resulting image is a topographical map of the surface of the sample. In Tapping™ mode (a trademark of Veeco Instruments, Inc.) sample characterization, the cantilever is oscillated mechanically at or near its resonant frequency so the stylus repeatedly taps the sample surface or otherwise interacts with the sample. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,266,801; 5,412,980; and 5,519,212 to Elings et al., which are illustrative.
In either sample-characterization mode, the interaction between the stylus and the sample surface induces a discernable effect on a probe-based operational parameter, such as the cantilever deflection oscillation amplitude, the phase or the frequency, all of which are detectable by a sensor. In this regard, the resultant sensor-generated signal is used as a feedback control signal for the Z actuator to maintain a designated probe operational parameter constant.
In contact-mode, the designated parameter may be cantilever deflection. In Tapping™ mode, the designated parameter may be oscillation amplitude, phase or frequency. The feedback signal also provides a measurement of the surface characteristic of interest. For example, in Tapping™ mode, the feedback signal may be used to maintain the amplitude of cantilever oscillation constant to measure the height of the sample surface or other sample characteristics.
In analyzing biological samples, polymers, photoresist, metals and insulators, thin films, silicon wafer surfaces, and other surfaces, the ability to accurately characterize a sample surface is often limited by the present ability of an AFM to move the stylus vertically relative to the surface at a rate sufficient to accurately measure the surface while scanning in either the X or Y direction. This ability is inadequate in present day devices for essentially two reasons.
In order to accurately measure the height of all features, both large and small, on a sample surface, the Z actuator must have the ability to displace the stylus connected thereto over a large range of heights, i.e., it must have large vertical travel. This necessitates that the Z actuator, whether it is a scanning tube such as is on this assignee's Dimension series AFM heads or is a flexure such as is on this assignee's Metrology series AFM heads, must be large enough to move the stylus up and down sufficiently to measure even the largest surface features.
Unfortunately, a necessary by-product of a larger Z actuator having greater range is associated greater mass which makes the actuator movement relatively slow. Slow actuators are not able to move the probe rapidly enough in Z while scanning in X or Y at anything more than modest speed without damaging the probe or sample or without sacrificing measurement accuracy. Because it is important while scanning to minimize the force of the stylus on the sample to prevent damage to the stylus and/or sample, the scan rate in X or Y must, of necessity, be reduced to a speed compatible with the Z actuator's ability to move the stylus up and over surface features without slamming into them, which is obviously undesirable. One present day technique to overcome this limitation and increase responsiveness of the Z-actuator is to increase the gain of its feedback loop. This works only to a limited degree because if the gain is increased more than a modest amount, the Z actuator begins to resonate and that resonance is passed into the AFM, creating parasitic oscillations, which in turn ruin image quality. In essence, a large mass, large displacement Z actuator cannot be made to overcome its inherent physical limitations.
In another approach, one does not attempt to wring more performance from the large Z actuator than it is inherently able to deliver. Instead, a separate "fast" Z actuator is used, with its own feedback loop, to move the stylus quickly over small surface variations that the large Z actuator is too slow to react to, which enables one to obtain relatively high quality imaging at even high scan speeds. The fast Z actuator is smaller than and hence of significantly smaller mass than the slow Z actuator. As a result, it is advantageously driven in its own (or shared) fast feedback loop at speeds exceeding that of the slow Z actuator.
Unfortunately, at high gain, the high speed of operation and momentum of the fast Z actuator can similarly cause parasitic oscillations which reduce image quality. A device and method which balances these inertial forces created by a fast Z actuator would be of great benefit and commercial interest.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A clamp device has a first clamp plate, a second clamp plate, and a connection portion. The connection portion has a first bevel plate, a second bevel plate, and an elastic main body. The first clamp plate has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second clamp plate has a second upper end and a second lower end. The first bevel plate has a first distal end and a first connection end. The first distal end is connected to the first upper end. The second bevel plate has a second distal end and a second connection end. The second distal end is connected to the second upper end. The elastic main body has a first arm connected to the first connection end, a second arm connected to the second connection end, and a lower opening.

The present invention relates to a clamp device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clamp device which can position a card stably without any adhesive.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional clamp device comprises a first clamp plate 2, a second clamp plate 4, a spring 6, and a pin 8. The first clamp plate 2 has a first upper end 22, a first lug 10, and a first lower end 26. The second clamp plate 4 has a second upper end 24, a second lug 12, and a second lower end 28. The spring 6 has a first end 18 contacting the first upper end 22 of the first clamp plate 2 and a second end 20 contacting the second upper end 24 of the second clamp plate 4. The pin 8 passes through a through hole 16 and the spring 6. The first lower end 26 of the first clamp plate 2 often contacts the second lower end 28 of the second clamp plate 4. When the user presses the first upper end 22 of the first clamp plate 2 and the second upper end 24 of the second clamp plate 4 inward, the first lower end 26 of the first clamp plate 2 and the second lower end 28 of the second clamp plate 4 will extend outward. A card (not shown in the figures) is adhered on the conventional clamp device. However, the card may be detached from the conventional clamp device if the adhesive becomes useless.


A conductive resin composition that is rendered both highly conductive and wear resistant, and accommodable to fine pattern forming is provided. The conductive resin composition contains carbon beads and carbon black as a conductive filler in phenolic resin served as a binder resin, wherein the conductive filler content is in the range from 34 to 60% by weight, both excellent conductivity and wear resistance can be obtained thereby. Furthermore, by partially replacing the binder resin with xylenic resin, fine pattern forming is realized while the excellent conductivity and wear resistance are maintained.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to conductive resin composition excellent in wear resistance and conductivity and an encoder switch that uses this conductive resin composition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional conductive resin composition used for encoder switches that is prepared by a method in which heat resisting resin such as phenol resin, phenol-aralkyl resin, or polyimide resin is dissolved in an organic solvent to prepare a resin solution, conductive filler such as graphite, carbon black, or carbon fiber is mixed and dispersed in the resin solution to prepare a conductive ink, and the conductive ink is coated on a substrate consisting of material such as Bakelite or alumina by means of screen printing has been used. Conductive carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black or furnace black is generally used as the conductive filler. If the product is required to be rendered more conductive, graphite is added, and if the product is required to be rendered more wear resistant, carbon fiber is added.
However, as the electronic parts have been required to be miniaturized and rendered long life recently, the material described hereinabove has been insufficient for these requirements. In detail, in the case of the material containing graphite, the product is easily shaved because of cleavage characteristic of graphite, and the service life of an encoder switch that employs a conductive resin composition containing graphite is as short as 10,0000 cycles or less because of poor wear resistance of the material. The conductive resin composition containing carbon fiber cannot be employed in applications that involve a fine pattern due to miniaturization of electronic parts because of dimensional problems including a diameter of several xcexcm and length of several ten xcexcm (though the sliding characteristic is good because of the hardness of the carbon fiber.) A trial in which graphite fibril or carbon nanotube, namely fine carbon fiber, is used has been made, but the sliding resistance is not improved because the entanglement of fine carbon fiber cannot be disentangled in a resin solution. Furthermore, expensive cost of fine carbon fiber is also the barrier for application.
It is the object of the present invention to provide conductive resin composition excellent in wear resistance and conductivity and accommodable for fine pattern.
Conductive resin composition of the present invention contains conductive filler such as carbon beads and carbon black in a binder resin consisting of phenol resin, and the content of the conductive filler ranges from 34 to 60% by weight.
The binder resin allows carbon beads or carbon black to disperse homogeneously therein and cure-shrinks to thereby increase the contact pressure between conductive filler particles, and to reduce the contact resistance between particles, and as the result the conductivity is improved. To obtain the effect described hereinabove, phenolic resin is preferably used as the binder resin. Phenol resin gives sufficient cure shrinkage, the cure shrinkage renders the contact pressure between conductive filler high and the contact resistance between particles low, and thus the conductivity of the conductive resin compound is improved.
Examples of the phenolic resin include, for example, resol-type phenol resin, novolak-type phenol resin, phenol aralkyl resin, xylene-modified phenol resin, cresol-modified phenol resin, furan-modified phenol resin, epoxy-phenol resin, and phenol-melamine resin.
Carbon beads render the conductive resin composition conductive and play a role as the structural material for improving the wear resistance of a slide brush consisting of the conductive resin composition that bears the weight of the slide brush.
If carbon beads only are used as the conductive filler of the conductive resin composition, the conductivity of the conductive resin composition is low because of not many contact points between particles due to spherical shape of the carbon beads and high resistance of the carbon beads itself.
Use of carbon beads and carbon black together as the conductive filler of the conductive resin composition allows carbon black to interpose between carbon beads to thereby increase the contact point between conductive fillers, and thus plays a role to improve the conductivity of the conductive resin composition.
When conductive resin composition containing carbon beads as the structural material is used for an encoder switch, projections of carbon beads and recesses of binder resin are formed on the conductive resin composition surface namely the sliding surface of the slide brush. When a slide brush rides on a projection, noise is generated in the output signal of the encoder switch. Furthermore, because carbon beads are too hard, the carbon brush wears due to sliding-contact with carbon beads to result in shortened service life of the encoder switch.
Use of carbon beads and carbon black together as the conductive filler of the conductive resin composition renders the recess conductive because carbon black interpose between carbon beads. Furthermore, because carbon black adheres on the carbon bead surface, the direct contact between the slide brush and carbon beads is avoided.
The content of the conductive filler, containing carbon black and carbon beads, of the conductive resin composition lower than 35% by weight results in the low conductivity and high specific resistance of the conductive resin composition due to insufficient quantity of the conductive filler.
If such conductive resin composition having high specific resistance is used for an encoder switch, a fixed resistor having high resistance must be used as the pull-up resistance used for obtaining the pulse waveform. Therefore, a current flows little when turned on, and the effect of the external noise becomes effective.
On the other hand, the content of the conductive filler, containing carbon black and carbon beads, of the conductive resin composition exceeding 60% by weight result in the insufficient increase of contact pressure between conductive filler particles due to cure shrinkage of binder resin and results in the high contact resistance between particles because of insufficient quantity of the binder resin, and thus results in the low conductivity. Furthermore, the insufficient quantity of the binder resin renders the conductive resin composition brittle. If such conductive resin composition is used for an encoder switch, the slide brush slides on the conductive resin composition to result in the breakdown of the conductive resin composition and results in shortened service life of the encoder switch.
The conductive filler content in the conductive resin composition of the present invention preferably ranges from 45 to 51% by weight. The conductive filler content in the range as described hereinabove brings about the low specific resistance and also long service life of an encoder switch for which the conductive resin composition is used.
In the conductive resin composition of the present invention, the ratio of the carbon beads to the carbon black is preferably 1 to 8 by weight. The ratio of carbon beads to carbon black as described hereinabove renders the conductive resin composition both conductive and wear resistant, and both the less noise output signal and the long service life of the encoder switch for which such conductive resin composition is used are realized.
In the conductive resin composition of the present invention, the carbon beads are spherical, and particle diameter of the carbon beads ranges preferably from 1 to 30 xcexcm. Because the carbon beads are spherical, the sliding surface of a slide brush is covered with an aggregation of spherical surface, and the slide brush wears little.
The carbon beads having the particle diameter smaller than 1 xcexcm cannot bear the weight of the slide brush, the wear resistance of the conductive resin composition is poor, on the other hand the carbon beads having the particle diameter larger than 30 xcexcm results in the projection of the carbon beads from the border of the conductive pattern formed of the conductive resin composition, and results in the poor pattern size accuracy.
In the present invention, the conductive resin composition contains the carbon beads that are formed by heating and carbonizing thermosetting resin powder, at that time the heat treatment temperature is in a range from 700 to 1200xc2x0 C. Such carbon beads are accurately spherical and conductive.
For example, phenol resin, benzo-guamine or the like may be used as the thermosetting resin. The heat treatment temperature for treating the thermosetting resin lower than 700xc2x0 C. results in the insufficient carbonization of the thermosetting resin and the high specific resistance of the resultant carbon beads, and thus results in the poor conductivity of the conductive resin composition. On the other hand, the heat treatment temperature higher than 1200xc2x0 C. results in the cleavage of the carbon beads due to strained rearrangement of molecules during carbonization like cracked pomegranate. Edges of the cleaved carbon beads projected on the surface of the conductive resin composition cause wear of a slide brush.
The conductive resin composition of the present invention contains carbon beads and carbon black in the carbon binder resin comprising xylenic resin and phenolic resin, and the ratio of the phenolic resin to the xylenic resin ranges preferably from 1 to 33 by weight.
Xylenic resin is served as not only as the binder resin but also as a functional resin for rendering the theological characteristic of the conductive ink that contains the conductive resin composition and organic solvent suitable for fine pattern forming by means of screen printing.
Generally in the dispersion that contains particles, the larger the particle diameter is and the more spherical the particles are, the higher the flow property is. Because generally the carbon bead is perfectly spherical in shape and has a particle diameter equal to or larger than 1 xcexcm, the fluidity of the conductive ink comprising the conductive resin composition containing the carbon beads and an organic solvent is high. Too high fluidity of the conductive ink results in the sagging and bleeding of the ink at the edge of the pattern when the ink is screen-printed to form a conductive pattern, and such conductive ink is not suitable for forming a fine pattern.
The ink containing xylenic resin behaves as described hereunder in screen printing process. The viscosity is low while the ink is being subjected to a load loaded by means of a squeegee against a screen so that the ink is suitable for printing, on the other hand the viscosity becomes high so that the ink does not sag after the ink is extruded through the screen mesh and the load is unloaded. As the result, because the conductive ink maintains the pattern shape continuously as screen printed, it is possible to form a fine pattern.
The ratio of phenolic resin to xylenic resin smaller than 1 by weight, that is, in the case where the proportion of phenolic resin is larger than the proportion of xylenic resin, results in the separation of xylenic resin from the phenolic resin and the bleeding of the xylenic resin on the conductive resin composition. On the other hand, the ratio of phenolic resin to xylenic resin larger than 33 by weight, that is, in the case where the proportion of phenolic resin is large and the proportion of xylenic resin is small, results in the delayed restoration time from extrusion of the conductive ink through the screen mesh to restoration of high viscosity, and could result in the sagging and bleeding of the pattern edge.
Because the conductive resin composition of the present invention as described hereinabove is used for an encoder switch of the present invention, in the case of the encoder switch of the present invention, the signal noise is little and the service life is long, and the small-sized encoder switch is realized because the fine conductive pattern can be formed.

Conductive resin composition and encoder switch using the same


A pipe joint coupling apparatus has first and second pipe joint members coupled to each other, a plate-shaped support member with an opening through which the first pipe joint member extends, and an elastic member accommodated in an annular groove formed in the outer surface of the first pipe joint member. The support member is clamped between a shoulder part formed on the outer surface of the first pipe member and a collar member disposed about the first pipe joint member such that the edge of the opening of the support member engages the elastic member. The width of the groove is greater than the width of the support member to allow the first pipe joint member to be radially displaced relative to the support member with the opening edge partially and radially entering into the annular groove while deforming the elastic member.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a pipe joint coupling apparatus having one pipe joint member (socket S) mounted on a support member (securing plate 22) of a device to be connected. The support member is supported by a flange 20 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one pipe joint member and a collar 23. In addition, an elastic member (O-ring 21) is disposed in an accommodating groove (circumferential groove 26) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one pipe joint member to elastically retain the one pipe joint member with respect to the support member.    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration Application Publication No. Hei 7-38881

Coupling apparatus with adjustably supported pipe joint member


Compositions made of laminate comprised of porous carbon nanotube (CNT) are disclosed. Uses of the Compositions, particularly for reducing a formation of a load of a microorganism or of a biofilm, are also disclosed.

Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants such as bacteria, suspended solids and gases from contaminated water. Most water is purified for human consumption (e.g., drinking water). In general, the methods used include physical processes such as filtration, sedimentation, and distillation, biological processes such as slow sand filters or biologically active carbon, chemical processes such as flocculation and chlorination and the use of electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet light.
Pressure driven-membrane separation processes are a key technology for water purification and production of new water sources. However, membranes are susceptible to fouling. Biofouling is the most complex and difficult to solve form of fouling and hinders the utilization of membrane technology in many applications. Biofouling is defined operationally and refers to the amount of biofilm development which interferes with technical or economic requirements.
Antimicrobial modification of surfaces for preventing the growth of detrimental microorganisms is a highly desired objective. Microbial infestation of surfaces is one of the leading causes of infections. This often leads to life threatening complications.
Bacterial attachment to surfaces leading to the formation of communities of bacterial cells is a major problem in many diverse settings. This sessile community of microorganisms, also termed "biofilm", is attached to an interface, or to each other, and embedded in an exopolymeric matrix.
Electrical current has been described to influence bacterial adhesion to conductive solid surfaces in many fields, including medical and industrial applications. Although high electrical potentials (in the range of kV/cm) is known to inactivate bacteria and yeasts and has been described for surface sanitation, there is a growing interest in the last decade in applying low electrical potentials (in the range of mV/cm) to control bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. Low electrical potential has been studied to influence bacterial adhesion to conductive solid surfaces, such as surgical stainless steel and gold, platinum and indium-tin oxide electrodes, especially for detachment of bacteria cells. Despite many studies on bacteria detachment on conductive surfaces, there is no report focused on the prevention of the initial attachment.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed for a number of potential applications, including electronic circuit applications such as field effect transistors, capacitors and/or ultra-capacitors, memory arrays, traces, and switches. Numerous other applications have been proposed as well, such as structural materials, heaters and heat transfer conduits, and numerous others.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,320 discloses a nanostructured material comprising defective carbon nanotubes. Also disclosed therein is a method of purifying fluids, such as liquids, including water, as well as gases.

TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LIMITED


Input devices having a thin profile and good comfort and feel are disclosed. In embodiments, an input device includes a sensor layer configured to effectuate a key press upon application of an activation force, and a collapsible layer coupled to the sensor layer. The collapsible layer may be configured to collapse in response to a collapsing force that is substantially equal to the activation force. When the collapsible layer collapses, the sensor layer may simultaneously effectuate the key press in response to application of the collapsing force.

Input devices for modern computer systems are typically used to convert analog inputs (e.g., touches, clicks, motions, gestures, button presses, etc.) into digital signals for computer processing. An input device can include any device used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer. Some non-limiting examples of input devices include keyboards, key pads, computer mice, remote controls, gaming controllers, joysticks, trackballs, and the like.
Input devices, such as keyboards, are typically designed to maximize comfort and feel when being used. A typical keyboard that is comfortable to use and has good feel is one that has keys that provide resistance when pressed until a certain point at which the keys compress to effectuate a key press. This force profile may be referred to as an S-curve force profile. Conventional keyboard designs that successfully achieve this force profile include mechanical keys such as scissor keys. However, keyboards that utilize mechanical keys are often bulky, heavy, and occupy a lot of space, which are not desirable for keyboards that are designed to be smaller and more compact. To decrease keyboard size and weight, such keyboards may sacrifice comfort and feel, thereby losing customer appeal. Improvements to such keyboards are desired.


The object is to provide a data output control apparatus which allows detailed information on a network to be readily obtained, which is advantageous with respect to cost, and which is suitable for specifically notifying the user of the service charge.

In recent years, information on the Internet is readily available anywhere using, for example, i-mode™ provided by NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc. (NTT DoCoMo).
However, although such a portable terminal allows information on the Internet to be readily obtained anywhere, because the construction of display means is simplified for purposes such as reducing the size of and saving energy for the portable terminal, the displayed information is rather simplified compared with a display on an ordinary personal computer, hardly achieving an information service which is fully satisfactory for the user.
Accordingly, in order to provide detailed information while continuing to reduce the size of and save energy for the portable terminal, an arrangement can be proposed in which, by a combination of a portable terminal and a printing apparatus, rough information is displayed on the portable terminal while detailed information is printed by the printing apparatus. However, the arrangement using the combination of portable terminal and printing apparatus faces several technical problems which must be solved.
For example, since the printing apparatus is large in size and is hard to be carried with the portable terminal, in order to print the detailed information, ordinarily, the printing apparatus will be used provided at home or at office. However, use of a fixed, particular printing apparatus would hardly allow information to be readily obtained anywhere. In order to achieve this, it is required that either the size of the printing apparatus be reduced to such an extent as to allow carrying it, or an arbitrary printing apparatus be allowed to be used. The former is not feasible because it is technically very hard to achieve at this stage. The latter is not feasible either because each printing apparatus requires a unique driver, thus requiring that the portable terminal be embedded with drivers for each of the printing apparatuses to be used.
Furthermore, for example, when such a print service is provided, the service provider needs to receive from the user the service charge as the price of the print service. In this case, when the user prints data using a printing apparatus and receives the printed material, for example, it may be such that the user pays the service charge in accordance with the number of prints. However, when the number of prints is large, manual counting would take energy and time, and also tend to cause miscounts. In case of a miscount, it is impossible to specifically notify the user of the service charge. Meanwhile, in an arrangement in which counters which count the number of prints is provided in printing apparatuses in order to count the number of prints, each of the printing apparatuses needs to be provided with a counter, incurring an increased cost. Furthermore, in accordance with such a payment method, in order to receive the printed materials, the user needs to carry enough money to pay the service charge; if the user does not carry enough money, the user is not allowed to receive the printed materials, hardly allowing information to be readily obtained anywhere.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the problems yet to be solved by the conventional art, and an object thereof is to provide a data output control apparatus which allows detailed information on a network to be readily obtained, which is advantageous with respect to cost, and which is suitable for specifically notifying the user of the service charge.

Abstract: A data output control terminal 300 is communicatively connected via the Internet 400 to a portable terminal 100 carried by a user, printing apparatuses PR1 to PRn provided at various locations, and WWW servers DS1 to DSm. The data output control terminal 300 obtains from a WWW server DS data associated with a data print request from the portable terminal 100, selects one of the plurality of printing apparatuses PR, and outputs the obtained data to the selected printing apparatus. Billing is executed in accordance with the result of use by the portable terminal 100 of the print service provided by the data output control terminal 300. The billing is executed by summing the service charge and the call charge of the portable terminal 100.


A play set includes a molded shell which includes at least two contoured panels and at least one hinge assembly is provided. The play set may optionally further include a figurine. The molded shell may be configured to have the appearance of a garment. Preferably, the molded shell provides a natural appearance of a garment when mounted onto the figurine.

Children report again and again that a frustrating aspect of fashion dolls is the time and difficulty in dressing and changing the clothing for their dolls. Attempts to overcome this have often resulted in clothing that lacks the realism and style of the best fabric garments.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,932 provides a doll dress up set in which garments include two separate halves that can be coupled together on either side of the doll. However, the use of two separate halves can be undesirable because one of the two halves may be easily lost or misplaced by a child.
US 2010/0041301 to Phillips attempts to resolve the problem of separate parts by providing an article of doll clothing having two sections joined by a clasp wherein the article can be clipped onto a doll by compressing protrusions extending from the clasp. However, the requirement of protruding members to operate the clasp is undesirable because the doll clothing does not approximate the appearance of real clothing due to these protrusions. While Phillips camouflages the protruding members in the clasp region as butterfly wings, the protrusions would be unsightly in doll clothing that does not have similar wing-like appendages.
Other attempts to provide doll clothing, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,634, have been more successful in providing suitable doll clothing. For example, this document discloses a hinged frame that can be attached to fabric garments and mounted onto a doll. However, there continues to be a need for additional devices and play sets that permit garments to be quickly mounted onto or removed from figurines such as dolls, without difficulty or unsightly protrusions.


A passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) system has an RFID reader that communicates with and provides power to an RFID tag. The RFID tag has an RFID integrated circuit chip that contains a memory device for storing information to be transmitted to the RFID reader, and energy storage device that stores energy for powering the integrated circuit chip. In the event that the RFID tag is activated during periods when the RFID integrated circuit chip is not receiving sufficient energy from the RFID reader, then either an energy storage device is provided to allow the activation event to be recorded at the RFID integrated circuit chip, or a memory device is provided that senses and records the activation event and communicates this activation event once power has been restored.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, and in particular relates to RFID-based systems and methods for detecting that a condition has occurred in an RFID tag even when the RFID tag is not powered, by storing and managing power in RFID tags.
2. Technical Background
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a remote recognition technique that utilizes RFID tags having information stored therein, usually in an integrated circuit (IC). The stored information is retrievable via RF communication between the RFID tag and an RFID tag reader. Certain RFID systems utilize hand-held RFID readers that when brought sufficiently close to an RFID tag are able to read an RFID tag signal either emitted by or backscattered from the tag. RFID systems are used for a variety of applications, including inventory management and product tracking in a number of different industries, as well as in libraries and hospitals.
RFID tags generally come in three varieties: passive, semi-passive, and active. Passive RFID tags have no energy or power source of their own and operate by harvesting energy from the RF signal (field) generated by the RFID-tag reader. Passive tags communicate back to the reader by modulating and back-scattering the RF signal from the RF reader. Semi-passive RFID tags communicate to the reader in the same way via modulation of the back-scattered reader RF signal, but they do not rely on harvesting energy from the reader field to power the RFID tag IC. Instead, semi-passive tags generally have their own power source, usually in the form of one or more batteries. Since the amount of power harvested by a passive tag usually limits its maximum distance from the reader antenna, semi-passive RFID tags usually have significantly greater read ranges than passive tags. Active tags also have a power source such as a battery that not only powers the RFID tag IC but that can also actively generate and transmits radiation to the RFID reader.
RFID tags can be designed to operate at different RF frequencies. At low frequencies (e.g., 100-130 KHz s) RFID tags often communicate via mutual inductance coupling between an RFID-reader coil antenna and an RFID-tag coil antenna. At these frequencies, the RFID reader's RF signal is not strongly absorbed by water. Since the user's hand is primarily composed of water, this means that at low RF frequencies the RF signal can penetrate the user's hand and enable two-way communication between the RFID tag and the RFID reader.
This low frequency inductance coupling approach is practical as long as the distance between the tag and the reader is a fraction of the wavelength of the RF signal. In typical low frequency RFID tag applications, the required separation between the RFID tag and the RFID reader (i.e., the "read distance") must be less than 1 m. This small separation is not suitable for many applications involving the RFID identification of hand-held items. In particular, the separation distance between RFID tags and RFID readers in typical item-identification applications within telecommunications data centers is expected to be 1 m to 3 m. Therefore, the low frequency RFID tag solution is not a practical approach for this and other such applications.
RFID tags designed to operate at higher frequencies (e.g., ultra-high frequencies of 900 MHz or greater) typically operate by the RFID tag capturing far-field radiation from the RFID reader antenna transmission using a local monopole, dipole or modified dipole antenna (e.g., a "squiggle antenna").
The electric signal formed by the RFID tag antenna is processed by a rectifier circuit in the RFID tag's IC chip, yielding energy that powers the rest of the IC chip and enables the IC chip to transmit a return signal to the RFID reader. As mentioned above, communication with the RFID reader is often via backscatter modulation of the RFID reader signal rather than by independent RF signal transmission from the RFID tag.
Ultra-high-frequency RFID tags can communicate with RFID readers at much greater read distances (e.g., 5 to 10 m) than low frequency RFID tags (1 m or less). Ultra-high-frequency RFID tags are thus better suited for applications involving the RFID identification of hand-held items.
A problem with using ultra-high frequency RFID tags for the identification of hand-held items arises due to the strong absorption of high-frequency RF signal power by water. When a user places their hand around an item with an RFID tag just prior to engaging, water in the user's hand attenuates the reader's RF signal when the hand blocks the RF communication path. Even in cases where the user's hand only partially blocks the RF communication path, it can still significantly reduce the RF signal strength. In this situation, the RFID tag may not receive sufficient energy to power its internal circuitry. Likewise, the RFID tag's response to the RFID reader may be impeded by the presence of the user's hand.
In the case where the RFID tag does not receive adequate power to operate, no signal is communicated to the RFID tag reader. When the user removes their hand from the item and disengages the switch, then the RFID tag once again receives RF power from the RFID reader and powers up. An approach is described that enables the RFID tag reader to detect when an event has occurs at the RFID tag during periods when the power to the RFID tag has been interrupted.


In a device that can execute multiple media applications, but only one at a time, a media server coordinates among applications, but neither the media server nor the individual applications maintain rules regarding all of the different applications. Each connection used by an application is assigned a priority and communicates that priority to the media server when the connection is established. When an application requests to begin playback, the request is granted if no other application is playing, or if another application is playing on a connection having a priority at most equal to that of the connection used by the requesting application, but is denied if the connection already in use has a higher priority. Resumption of an application that was interrupted by another application on a connection with higher priority is determined by the interrupted application after the interruption ends, based on information communicated by the media server.

This invention relates to mediating among media applications on a device, to determine which application should be playing.
In a device capable of a plurality of different media applications, it frequently is the case that only one media application can be played back to the user at any one time. A media application may be defined as any application that causes media to be played, even if only incidentally. Thus, in a multifunction device that may include, for example, at least a mobile telephone, an audio (e.g., music) player, a video player, a calendar application, and an Internet/World Wide Web browser (with, e.g., a wireless broadband connection), there may be several audio applications—e.g., the telephone ringtone generator, the music player, the alarm/reminder tone generator of the calendar application, and the browser (which may invoke its own audio playback session)—that can play audio, just as there may be more than one application—e.g., the video player and the browser (which may invoke its own video playback session)—that can play video. Typically, only one audio playback and/or one video playback can occur at any one time, particularly in a device with limited processing capability such as a handheld device. Therefore, a way is required to determine which application, among competing applications that all want to play, can play.
The problem may be further complicated when one application is already playing and another application wants to begin playing. This, in fact, is more likely the situation, as it is unlikely that multiple applications will both want to begin playing at precisely the same time. For example, in the multifunction device described above, the user may have initiated playback of a music file, and while the music is playing, an incoming telephone call necessitates playback of a ringtone. Whether and when, in fact, the second application can interrupt the first application may be decided based on predetermined priorities. In addition, when a first application is interrupted by a second application, a decision must be made regarding resumption, or not, of the first application upon termination of the second application. A predetermined set of rules may determine when an application is resumed and when it is not.
One known solution to this problem is for every application to "know" about the existence of every other application and when another application wants to play, and for the applications to decide among themselves, based on a predetermined matrix of (a) priorities and (b) rules for resumption, which application can interrupt another and whether the interrupted application will resume. However, such a solution requires complex programming of every application, as well as reprogramming of existing applications when a new application is added. In addition, it requires that each application be kept advised of the status of each other application.
It would be desirable to be able to mediate among various media applications in a device without each application having to be aware of, and having to take into account, each other application.

Method and apparatus for mediating among media applications


A method is disclosed for failover protection in an information storage and retrieval system comprising two clusters, two device adapters, and a plurality of data storage devices. The method provides a first device driver for a first device adapter and a second device driver for a second device adapter, and disposes those device drivers in both clusters. The method then places in operation the first device driver disposed in a first cluster, places in operation the second device driver disposed in a second cluster, and places in a standby mode the first device driver disposed in the second cluster. The method detects a failure of the first cluster, followed by a failure of the second device adapter. The method then makes operational the first device driver disposed in the second cluster, and continues to access information stored in the plurality of data storage devices using the first device adapter, and the first device driver disposed in the second cluster.

Data storage and retrieval systems are used to store information provided by one or more host computer systems. Such data storage and retrieval systems receive requests to write information to one or more secondary storage devices, and requests to retrieve information from those one or more secondary storage devices. Upon receipt of write request, the system stores information received from a host computer in a data cache. In certain implementations, a copy of that information is also stored in a nonvolatile storage device. Upon receipt of a read request, the system recalls information from the one or more secondary storage devices and moves that information to the data cache. Thus, the system is continuously moving information to and from storage devices, and to and from the data cache.
Many data processing applications require what is sometimes referred to as "24/7/365" operational capabilities, i.e. the data storage and retrieval systems are optimally continuously in operation. In order to provide such "24/7/365" operational capabilities, some information storage and retrieval systems comprise multiple clusters. What is needed is a method to provide failover protection in a multi-cluster information storage and retrieval system after the failure of one cluster and after the subsequent failure of a device adapter disposed in the operational cluster.

Apparatus and method to provide failover protection in an information storage and retrieval system

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to an improved retention sealing strip (10) that improves the ease of assembly, and reduces manufacturing costs. The sealing strip (10) includes a retention section (28) having an upper hub (50), a first retention leg (54) positioned forward of the upper hub (50), a second retention leg (62) rearward (e.g., positioned at an inner-side of a vehicle cabin) of the first retention leg (54), an upper recess (52) positioned rearward of the upper hub (50), and a lower recess (58) positioned between the first and second retention legs (54, 62 respectively). The sealing strip (10) also includes a sealing section (30) integrally formed with the retention section (28).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sealing strip having a retention section for coupling the sealing strip to a first frame member and a sealing section configured to sealingly contact a second frame member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous sealing strips are commonly used in the art as an environmental barrier. In the automotive industry, sealing strips are used in numerous locations including between the vehicle door and part of the vehicle body. Sealing strips of the type described herein must provide a sufficiently strong coupling of the retention section to one of the frame members and an effective seal. The retention strength of the sealing strip is generally improved by increasing the rigidity or density of the retention section material. However, rigid and dense material may adversely impact ease of installation as well as reduce the effectiveness of the seals. In an attempt to obtain a suitable balance of these factors, many manufacturers commonly use different materials for the sealing and retention sections. Other approaches include using reinforcement in the retention section to improve rigidity and retention integrity and/or providing hollow chambers in a rigid or dense retention section material to facilitate installation. While these approaches may be suitable for many applications, the art has not adequately addressed the need to further improve sealing strip retention characteristics without increasing the manufacturing complexity of the strip.

Sealing strip and vehicle frame assembly


An adjustable motor vehicle seat with an underframe (20), a seat carrier (28) carried by the underframe (20), a cushion shell (34), a first longitudinal guide (44) being disposed between the seat carrier (28) and the cushion shell (34), and a first drive being provided for adjusting the cushion shell (34) relative to said seat carrier (28). The seat includes a front transverse beam (65) associated with a front edge (72) of the seat. A second longitudinal guide (64) is interposed between the cushion shell (34) and the transverse beam (65). A second drive is responsible for adjusting the seat carrier (28) relative to the cushion shell (34).

Known motor vehicle seats are described in DE 1 962 838 1 A1. Known vehicle seats with adjustable seat depth are known from DE 698 27 303 T2 in which a front seat part is adjusted relative to a rear seat part by means of an electric motor. In a vehicle seat described in DE 199 13 503 A1, the seat part also includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front and rear portions can be spaced a different distance apart by means of a device for adjusting the seat depth. A similar vehicle seat is also shown in DE 199 55 296 C1.
In known vehicle seats, the cushion shell forms the front edge of the seat frame when viewed in the x direction (i.e., from the perspective of a user facing the seat). In other words, the cushion shell defines the front edge of the seat. In addition to seat depth adjustment, it is also desirable to provide height adjustment of the front edge of the seat (i.e., reclining adjustment).
A known problem with vehicle seats providing seat depth adjustment is that the seat padding body (or padding) must follow the adjustment. Stated differently, the padding must conform to the change in length of the seat to avoid stretching and bunching. It is desirable that the padding substantially retain its quality independent of the seat depth adjustment. Still further, it is desirable to minimize the number of pleats and gaps in the padding, regardless of whether the pleats and gaps are covered or uncovered.

Motor vehicle seat with seat depth adjustment


A container (10) for holding items such as cosmetics, jewelry and the like includes a base portion (12) and a cover portion (11) attached thereto. Within the container (10) is a removable tray (51) which includes a basket portion (52) carried by a surrounding support wall (58). The base (12) of the container (10) supports and holds the tray (51) on a plurality of ribs (77) disposed inwardly on the upturned arcuate side surfaces (33, 34) of the base (12). When the container (10) is open, the tray (51) may be removed and selectively positioned outside the container (10). In addition, the tray (51) may be selectively positioned on the cover (11) which includes similar ribs (80) to those found in the base (12). The tray (51) also includes a mirror assembly (67) which is hingedly attached thereto and may be used as a lid for the basket (52) of the tray ( 51).

Cases or containers for holding items such as cosmetics, jewelry and the like have long been known in the art. However, few, if any, such cases have trays which may be removed therefrom. Nevertheless, it is often desirable to include a tray in such a case for organizational purposes as well as for instances where heavier items may crush lighter items if they are not separated.
Furthermore, mirrors are often included in such cases or containers. However, the mirror is usually permanently attached to some part of the case or completely separated therefrom such that it is necessary for the user either hold the mirror or find some object to accommodate the mirror and hold it in an upright position during use. In addition, in instances where the mirror is attached to the case or container, such detracts from the possibility of using that space for other purposes, as may often be desired. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide the case with more than one means for holding the mirror such that the mirror can be selectively positioned where desired by the user. This same characteristic is often desired by the user for the tray as well.
Thus, the need exists for a case for holding cosmetics, jewelry, or the like which has a removable tray selectively positionable in the base or cover of the case or separately therefrom, as desired by the user, and which includes a pivotal mirror attached to the tray.

Case for cosmetics, jewelry, and the like


In an analog-to-digital converter, one-bit A/D conversion stages are connected in series to receive an analog signal. Each conversion stage includes a sample-and-hold circuit for sampling an analog signal from a preceding stage, a comparator for comparing it with a specified voltage level to produce a logic signal at one of two discrete levels depending on whether the signal received from the preceding stage is higher or lower than the specified level. The signal received from the preceding stage is summed with a prescribed reference voltage of one of opposite polarities depending on the level of the logic signal to produce an analog output signal. The successive conversion stages are driven so that the analog signal from each stage is transferred to the next, and the logic signals generated by the individual conversion stages are delayed so that they appear simultaneously at digital output terminals.

The present invention relates generally to analog-to-digital converters, and more particularly to an A/D converter comparable in speed to flash A/D converters.
Two approaches are available for analog-to-digital conversion. One is a serial method called successive approximation A/D algorithm which is basically a tree search through all possible quantization levels, where each conversion step selects the next branch to follow based on the result of the previous estimate. While it requires only one comparator, the A/D conversion process is several times slower than the sampling rate. The second approach is the parallel A/D conversion architecture, which is commonly referred to as flash A/D conversion, and provides the high speed approach to quantizing an analog signal. This architecture relies on a technique where all of the possible quantization levels are simultaneously compared to the analog input signal. To compare all the quantization levels of an N-bit A/D structure, 2.sup.N -1 comparators are required. As a result, shortcomings inherent in the conventional flash A/D converter are that a substantial amount of chip size is required for circuit integration and a substantial amount of energy is dissipated.

High-speed A/D conversion using a series of one-bit conversion stages


A retractable pet house includes an enclosure frame and an optional top frame. The enclosure frame includes a plurality of poles, foldable connection rod units and locking joints. The upper end and the lower end of each pole are connected to the locking joints. The upper ends and the lower ends of both sides of the foldable connection rod unit are respectively pivoted to the locking joints. The top frame includes a central joint and a plurality of top rods. Each top rod has one end pivoted to the central joint and another end penetrating through the locking joint at the upper end of each pole. One end of each top rod is provided with a threaded hole for receiving a bolt to hold against the central joint. The inclination between the top frame and the central joint is variable by rotating the bolts.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a retractable pet house, and more particularly, to an enclosure frame including multiple railings, or further incorporated with a top frame to be adapted with a tent in a variety of polygonal styles. The inclination of the top frame is adjustable.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Pet houses generally available in the market are roughly classified into two types, fixed and collapsible with the former generally used at home and the latter, outdoors. However, the construction of a collapsible pet house is limited to rectangular or semi-columnar one, which is not convenient for assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the style of either form of construction including the inclination of the top frame is impossible to have any significant change even provided with additional components.


A boom protection system prevents damage to an insulated boom section. The boom protection system has a static strain-detection assembly, a pressure-detection assembly, and an alarm. The static strain-detection assembly is configured to determine a load disposed from an implement at a distal end of said insulated boom section. The static strain-detection assembly includes a subject plate presenting a void therein, a traversing member spanning the void, and a strain gauge disposed adjacent to the traversing member. The pressure-detection assembly is configured to detect pressure within a hydraulic cylinder that is associated with the insulated boom section. The pressure detection assembly comprises a first pressure gauge at a distal end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second pressure gauge at a proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder. The alarm is configured to alert a user of potential structural damage to the insulated boom section.

1. Field
Embodiments of the invention relate to aerial devices and utility platforms. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to the protection of insulated boom sections.
2. Related Art
Utility workers utilize an aerial device to reach inaccessible locations. The aerial device generally includes a boom assembly with a utility platform connected to a distal end of the boom. One or more utility workers stand in the utility platform. Utility workers typically use an aerial device to access overhead electric power lines and electric power components for installation, repair, or maintenance. The utility workers may also lift repair parts and other objects utilizing a jib associated with the utility platform. The utility platform and at least one boom section are highly insulated so as to prevent the discharge of electricity through the utility truck, and especially through the utility worker. Because at least one boom section is formed of fiberglass, or another polymer, structural strength of the boom is a consideration.
Four-bar linkages have been utilized in the prior art to determine the amount of load on the boom. However, four-bar linkages provide several drawbacks. First, four-bar linkages have friction that introduces an error into the strain calculations. Second, four-bar linkages often cause a hysteresis. Hysteresis is the tendency to make measurements not repeatable, because future results are affected at least in part by past results. For example, if you start with a first reading on the gauge, add a certain weight to obtain a second reading on the gauge, and then remove the weight to obtain a third reading on the gauge, then hysteresis is the first reading being different from the third reading, even though the weight on the boom is the same in both situations. Third, four-bar linkages of the prior art have a difficult time isolating the measurement of adverse loadings (i.e., other than in a straight-downward direction). Four-bar linkages measure a total or average loading thereon, this can be disadvantageous because the vertical loading is the most likely to cause a structural failure. Some four-bar linkages may isolate vertical loadings, but these are prone to hysteresis and error when manufactured within easily achievable tolerance and materials.


An annealing apparatus, includes a substrate stage placing a semiconductor substrate; a light source facing the substrate stage, configured to irradiate a pulsed light at a pulse width of approximately 0.1 ms to 100 ms on a surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a mask configured to selectively reduce intensity of the light transmitting a peripheral region along an outer edge of the semiconductor substrate, so as to define an irradiation region by the peripheral region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods for annealing a semiconductor device, and particularly to an annealing apparatus used in high intensity light sources, annealing methods and manufacturing methods of semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is possible to realize improvements in semiconductor device performance-enhancing Large Scale Integration (LSI) and the like by increasing integration, or put more plainly, by miniaturization of the elements that build up a semiconductor device. Thus, LSI is becoming increasingly large-scale while miniaturization of elements such as metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors is being taken to a whole new level. Along with the miniaturization of composing elements, parasitic resistance and short channel effects on MOS transistors and the like, increase. Thus, there is increased importance placed on the formation of low resistance layers and shallow pn junctions.
For forming a shallow pn junction with a thickness of or below twenty nm, a thin impurity doped region is formed using an ion implantation in a semiconductor substrate with low acceleration energy. The impurities doped in the semiconductor substrate are activated by an annealing process, thus forming a shallow impurity diffusion region. In order to lower layer resistance of an impurity diffusion region it is necessary to perform activation annealing of the impurities at a high temperature.
However, the diffusion coefficients of p-type impurity such as boron (B), and n-type impurity such as phosphorus (P) or arsenic (As), in the crystal of the silicon substrate, are large. In the time needed to perform rapid thermal annealing (RTA) using current halogen lamps, impurities diffuse to both the interior and exterior of a semiconductor substrate. As a result, it is impossible to form a shallow impurity diffusion region having a high concentration of impurities on the semiconductor substrate. Also, it becomes impossible to activate a high concentration of impurities if the temperature of the RTA process is lowered in order to control the diffusion of the impurities. In this manner, it is difficult to form a shallow impurity diffusion region having low resistance and a high concentration of activated impurities.
Recently a pulse light annealing method by the use of a pulse light source such as a flash lamp and a YAG laser, which can instantly supply the energy essential to impurity activation, is being tested as a solution to the RTA problem. A xenon (Xe) flash lamp has a quartz glass tube filled with Xe gas, in which electrical charges stored in capacitors and the like, are instantaneously discharged. As a result, it becomes possible to emit a high intensity white light within a range of several hundred μs to several hundred ms for instance. It is possible to attain the heat energy required for impurity activation in the instantaneous heating of a semiconductor substrate absorbing flash lamp light. Therefore, it becomes possible to activate a high concentration of impurities while leaving the concentration profile of the impurities implanted into the semiconductor substrate virtually unchanged.
However, in using flash lamp annealing, irradiation energy above 20 J/cm2 is essential to ensure a sufficiently uniform activation of impurities at a high concentration, which would lead to a sudden temperature increase on the semiconductor substrate. As a result, there occurs a temperature difference in between a top surface and a bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate, which raises the amount of thermal stress in the interior of the semiconductor substrate. Thermal stress causes crystal defects such as slips and dislocations. The presence of crystal defects makes it easy for damage to occur on semiconductor substrate, leading to decreases in production yield. Thus, it is difficult to perform annealing with flash lamp annealing processes while suppressing the generation of crystal defects generated on semiconductor substrate.

Annealing apparatus, annealing method, and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device


In a support structure of a direct fuel injection valve capable of supporting a fuel injection valve stably for a long period of time, a valve housing is made of a metal and is provided with a first load bearing portion which is to be supported by an engine in an axial direction of the valve housing, a rear end portion of the fixed core is provided with a second load bearing portion which is to be supported by a resilient holding member in the axial direction, and the first and second load bearing portions are held between the engine and the resilient holding members with a forward set load applied to the resilient holding member by a fuel distribution pipe fitted to a fuel inlet tube and fixed to the engine.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement of a support structure of a direct fuel injection valve comprising: a valve housing including a valve seat at a front end thereof; a fixed core provided to be connected to a rear end of the valve housing; a fuel inlet tube continued from a rear end of the fixed core; a movable core opposed to an attraction surface of a front end of the fixed core; a coil provided around an outer periphery of the fixed core; a valve body housed in the valve housing and configured to operate in cooperation with the valve seat; a coil housing having a front end bonded to the valve housing, and housing the coil therein; and a cover layer made of a synthetic resin and formed by molding to extend from the coil housing to the fixed core, in which a fuel is directly injected to a combustion chamber of an engine when the valve body is opened with the coil energized to cause the fixed core to attract the movable core.
Description of the Related Art
As such a support structure of a direct fuel injection valve, there has been heretofore known a structure, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-99456, in which a valve housing is provided with a first load bearing portion supported by an engine in an axial direction of the valve housing, a rear end potion of a cover layer made of a synthetic resin is provided with a second load bearing portion supported by a resilient holding member in the axial direction, and the first and second load bearing portions are held between the engine and the resilient holding member with a forward set load applied to the resilient holding member by a fuel distribution pipe fitted to a fuel inlet tube and fixed to the engine.

Support structure of direct fuel injection valve


A system for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ in case of bleeding or a medical requirement includes an integrated electrostimulator and a subsystem.

Current products to decrease the internal organ bleeding include externally applied foams, clothes or devices that need surgical implantation. Further, the products are not organ specific, and further, the devices that are placed into or around the vessels with surgical applications or these devices use mechanical compressions, chemical reactions or local muscle contraction methods.

System for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ's artery with an electrical stimulation


A device for automated characterization of radioactive analytes that provides an integrated system with liquid handling and plate reading components. The device can be further configured to include a chromatographic subsystem. Also provided is a method of using such a device, providing addition of a radioactive sample and a sequence of operations involving the abovementioned components of the system. The system is configured with radiation shielding in such a way that manipulations of radioactive samples do not interfere with concurrent radioactive measurements.

The following description includes information that can be useful in understanding the inventive concept. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Utilization of radiopharmaceuticals (such as PET imaging agents) in clinical settings is limited by the short half-life of these reagents, which is typically measured in minutes or hours. Such short half-lives require on-site synthesis for any application of radiopharmaceuticals. However, clinical utilization further requires painstaking characterization of these reagents prior to administration to a patient. For example, each batch of radiopharmaceutical product has to be assessed for chemical identity, purity, radionuclide content, bacterial contamination, endotoxin content, and numerous other characteristics prior to administration.
In a typical radiopharmaceutical production facility, the tests used to characterize the radiopharmaceutical preparation are procedurally complex, requiring the use of highly trained personnel, and time consuming. In addition, safety precautions regarding the use of radioactive materials require the use of a workspace and equipment that is dedicated for this testing. Due to time constraints imposed by the short half-life of the radiopharmaceutical it is generally necessary to perform the necessary tests in a parallel fashion. A consequence of this is that a relatively large number of highly skilled personnel must be hired and trained, and significant laboratory space and equipment set aside, in order to support a radiopharmaceutical production. The expenses that this entails can be considerable.
Thus there remains a need for a system that simplifies, streamlines, and automates characterization of radiopharmaceuticals.

Systems and methods for characterizing radioactive analytes