A part of the output light from a semiconductor laser (1), which has a wavelength controllably variable with an injection current, is split at a beam splitter (3) and introduced into a interference optical system (5). In order to vary an optical path length difference between two light beams in the interference optical system (5) to modulate interference fringes to be obtained, AOMs (55, 56) are arranged on the two split optical paths and an EOM (56) on one of them. The interference fringes obtained from the interference optical system (5) are received at a photoreceptive device (7), and from the received signal, the phase is detected by a phase detector (8) and the phase amplitude is detected by an amplitude extractor (9). In order to stabilize the wavelength, a controller (10) feedback controls the injection current to the semiconductor laser (1) so that the phase amplitude matches to a predetermined setting.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coherent light source apparatus such as a variable wavelength semiconductor laser for use in a lightwave interferometer that obtains various mechanical measures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a light source apparatus having a wavelength-stabilized output light.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor laser is a coherent light source, which varies its oscillation wavelength in accordance with a temperature and an injection current. This wavelength variability of the semiconductor laser shows many possibilities in the field of the lightwave interferometry. For example, when plural light sources with slightly different wavelengths are required, a plurality of lasers must be employed if they are stabilized lasers of fixed oscillation wavelength type, while only a single semiconductor laser of variable wavelength type can respond to this case by switching its output wavelength.
Known wavelength stabilization technologies for the semiconductor laser include a temperature control method, an injection current control method, an elementary-ray absorption method and a method that employs an external resonator together. The temperature control method, however, needs much time for switching of temperatures and can not perform fast switching of output wavelengths. The temperature control and injection current control methods can not ensure the oscillation wavelength to be set accurately to a desired value even if a temperature or injection current is controlled to a predetermined setting. The elementary-ray absorption method, even though it can achieve wavelength stabilization, is not adaptive to a variable wavelength light source in a measurement system that requires an arbitrary switching of wavelengths. In the method that employs the external resonator, its light source structure becomes complicated.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above and accordingly has an object to provide a wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus capable of performing fast wavelength stabilizing control with a designation of an arbitrary wavelength.
First, the present invention is provided with a wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, which comprises a coherent light source of which wavelength is variably controlled by a driver; a beam splitter for splitting the output light from the coherent light source to obtain a part thereof as a control light; a interference optical system for further splitting the control light is two, then giving a predetermined optical path length difference to the resultant two control lights and synthesizing them to generate interference fringes; a modulator for giving a variation to the optical path length difference in the interference optical system to modulate the interference fringes to be obtained; a photoreceptive device for receiving the interference fringes obtained from the interference optical system; a demodulator for detecting a degree of modulation of a received signal obtained from the photoreceptive device; and a controller for feedback controlling a driving condition for the driver so that the output from the demodulator matches to a predetermined setting.
According to the first wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, a part of the output light from the coherent light source is extracted as the control light, which enters the interference optical system to modulate the optical path length difference, resulting in the interference fringes. Using the dependency of the degree of modulation of the received signal on the wavelength, the wavelength stabilization is performed by feedback controlling the driver so that the demodulated output matches to the setting. Thus, by designation of an arbitrary wavelength from the external, the output wavelength of the coherent light source can be stabilized at a high speed with a high precision.
In the first wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, the modulators are arranged, for example, respectively on the optical paths for the two control lights in the interference optical system. The modulators includes two acoustic optical modulators (AOM) driven with different angular frequencies to generate an interfered beat with a difference between the angular frequencies, xcfx89c; and an electrical optical modulator (EOM) arranged on the optical path for one of the two control lights in the interference optical system to phase-modulate the output light in the from of a sinusoidal wave with an angular frequency of xcfx89. The demodulator includes a phase detector for FM-demodulating the received signal using a carrier signal with an angular frequency of xcfx89c to obtain the phase term of the received signal. The controller feedback controls a driving condition for the coherent light source so that the amplitude of the phase term extracted by the phase extractor matches to a predetermined setting.
Second, the present invention is provided with a wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, which comprises a reference light source for emitting a coherent reference light with a constant wavelength; a coherent light source of which wavelength is variably controlled by a driver; a beam splitter for splitting the output light from the coherent light source to obtain a part thereof as a control light; a interference optical system for receiving the control light split by the beam splitter and the reference light from the reference light source via different optical paths, splitting the control and reference lights respectively in two, then giving a predetermined optical path length difference respectively to the resultant two control and reference lights and synthesizing them to generate two interference fringes; a modulator for giving the same variation respectively to the optical path length differences of the reference and control lights in the interference optical system to modulate the two interference fringes obtained with respect to the reference and control lights; a pair of photoreceptive devices for receiving the two interference fringes with respect to the reference and control lights output from the interference optical system; a pair of demodulators for detecting degrees of modulations of received signals obtained with respect to the reference and control lights from the pair of photoreceptive devices; and a controller for feedback controlling a driving condition for the driver so that a ratio between the outputs from the pair of demodulators matches to a predetermined setting.
In the second wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, in combinations with the reference light source, the control light or a part of the output light from the coherent light source and the reference light are introduced into the interference optical system to modulate respective optical path length differences, resulting in the two interference fringes. Using the dependency of the degrees of modulations of the received signals with respect to the reference and control lights on their wavelengths, the wavelength stabilization is performed by feedback controlling the driver so that the ratio between the demodulated outputs matches to a predetermined setting. Thus, by the designation from the external, on the basis of the relation between the wavelength of the reference light and the output wavelength of the coherent light source, the latter can be stabilized at a high speed with a high precision.
In the second wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus, there are several modes to modulate the received signals by giving a variation to the optical path length differences for the control and reference lights as follows:
(a) In a first mode, the variation given to the optical path length differences for the control and reference lights is an additional or reductive displacement at a constant velocity to amplitude-modulate the two interference fringes obtained with respect to the reference and control lights in according with wavelengths thereof, respectively.
In this case, the demodulators detect frequencies, f1 and f2, of intensity variations of the amplitude-modulated received signals obtained with respect to the reference and control lights. The controller feedback control the driver for the light source so that a ratio between the frequencies f1 and f2 matches to a predetermined setting.
(b) In a second mode, the variation given to the optical path length differences for the control and reference lights is a vibration in the form of a sinusoidal wave with a predetermined amplitude of d and an angular frequency to phase-modulate the received lights obtained with respect to the reference and control lights in accordance with wavelengths thereof, respectively.
In this case, the demodulators PM-demodulate the phase-modulated received signals with respect to the reference and control lights to detect the phase terms, "psgr"1=(2xcfx80d/xcex1)+xcfx861 and "psgr"2=(2xcfx80d/xcex2)+xcfx862 (where xcex1, xcex2 denote wavelengths of the reference and control lights, and xcfx861, xcfx862 initial phase magnitudes), and extract the amplitudes of the phase terms. The controller feedback controls the driver for the light source so that a ratio, xcex2/xcex1, between the phase terms matches to a predetermined setting.
(c) In a third mode, imparting a vibration in the form of a sinusoidal wave with a predetermined amplitude of d and an angular frequency of xcfx89 both on the optical path length differences of the reference and control lights; and simultaneously from acoustic optical modulators interposed in the optical paths, superimposing an interfered beat signal with an angular frequency of xcfx89c both on the received signals of the reference and control lights to frequency-modulate the received signals obtained with respect to the reference and control lights in accordance with wavelengths thereof.
In this case, the demodulators FM-demodulate the frequency-modulated received signals obtained with respect to the reference and control lights using a carrier angular frequency of xcfx89c to detect the phase terms, "psgr"1=(2xcfx80d/xcex1)+xcfx861 and 1042=(2xcfx80d/xcex2)+xcfx862 (where xcex1, xcex2 denote wavelengths of the reference and control lights, and xcfx861, xcfx862 initial phase magnitudes), and extract amplitudes of these phase terms. The controller feedback controls the driver for the light source so that a ratio xcex2/xcex1, between the phase terms matches to a predetermined setting.
The method of imparting the sinusoidal wave vibration both on the optical path length differences of the reference and control lights may include a method of mechanically imparting a signal on a mirror and the like in the interference optical system using a piezoelectric device and the like. It may also include a method of electrical modulation using an electric optical modulator.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

Wavelength-stabilized light source apparatus


A linear compressor includes one spring assembly including a plurality of spring parts fixed to both side surfaces of a supporter and a rear cover and configured to support a load generated in the compressor. In addition, both side portions of the spring part are provided with fixing brackets coupled to the supporter and the rear cover, and the fixing bracket is provided with an insertion member or a bracket coupling member so that the coupling force of the spring part can be increased.

The present invention relates to a linear compressor.
In a reciprocating type compressor, a compression space for compressing working gas is formed between a piston and a cylinder, and the piston linearly reciprocates within the cylinder to compress refrigerant flowing into the compression space.
In recent years, among the reciprocating type compressors, in particular, the piston is directly connected to a driving motor which reciprocates linearly, so that the compression efficiency can be improved without mechanical loss occurring when the rotational motion of a motor is converted into linear motion, many linear compressors having simple structure are developed.
Generally, a linear compressor is configured to suction and compress refrigerant, and then discharge the refrigerant, while a piston is linearly reciprocated within a cylinder by a linear motor in a closed shell.
Related Art Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2016-0011009 (Jan. 29, 2016) discloses a linear compressor. Such a linear compressor of the related art has the following problems.
First, since the spring is provided in the space between a supporter and a stator cover and in the space between the supporter and a back cover, a plurality of springs have to be installed and thus there is a problem that the volume of the compressor due to the plurality of springs is increased.
Second, since both end portions of the plurality of springs have to be installed on the supporter, the stator cover, and the back cover, the fixing portions for fixing the plurality of springs are increased and complicated. Therefore, there is a problem that the possibility that the fixed portion of the spring of the compressor between the driving is broken or separated becomes higher.


The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for microbial based production of pravastatin. The compositions of the invention include novel strains of microorganisms that are capable of efficiently hydroxylating compactin (ML-236 B) resulting in production of pravastatin. In particular, the microorganisms of the invention are genetically engineered to express both cytochrome P-450 and the fdxshe or fdxshe-like protein. The invention further relates to the use of such microorganisms in processes designed for production of pravastatin for use in treatment of disease such as hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia.

Pravastatin is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase), a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. This enzyme significantly reduces plasma cholesterol and lipid levels and is thereby of great pharmacological importance in the therapy of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. [Serizawa et al., J. Antibiot., 36: 887-891 (1983); Serizawa et al., J. Antibiot., 36: 918-920 (1983); Serizawa et al., J. Antibiot., 36: 604-607 (1983); Tsujita et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 877: 50-60 (1986); Arai et al., Ann. Rep. Sankyo Res. Lab., 40:1-38 (1988); and Koga et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1045: 115-120 (1990).]
Pravastatin is obtained by microbial hydroxylation of sodium ML-236B (compactin), a substance produced by a filamentous fungus, Penicillium citrinum. This hydroxylation can be effected to differing degrees by many different genera of fungi, such as Mucor Rhizopus, Syncephalastrum, Cunninghamella, Mortierella and bacteria such as Nocardia, Actinomadura and Streptomyces as described in various patents. [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,179,013; 4,448,979; 4,346,227; 4,537,859; 6,566,120; 6,750,366; Canadian patent Nos. 1,150,170; 1,186,647; Japanese Patent No. 58-10572; and European Patent No. 0605230]
The hydroxylation takes place at the 6-position of ML-236B, catalyzed by a Cytochrome P-450sca monooxygenase system, found in Streptomyces carbophilus. [Matsuoka et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 184: 707-713 (1989); and Serizawa, et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1084: 35-40 (1991).] Cytochrome P-450sca was characterized as occurring in three forms: P-450sca-1, P-450sca-2, and P-450sca-3, which according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,013, are suitable for use in hydroxylation processes.
Serizawa et al. cloned the DNA encoding P-450sca-2 from Streptomyces carbophilus. [Japanese Patent Kokai No. 6-70780; and Watanabe et al., Gene, 163: 81-85 (1995).] The gene has an open reading frame of 1233 bp, encoding a 410 amino acid protein. [Watanabe et al., Gene, 163: 81-85 (1995).] A 2.8 kb DNA insert, along with a 1 kbp portion of the 5′-noncoding region of the P-450sca-2 gene, was cloned into a multicopy plasmid, pIJ702, and used to transform Streptomyces lividans TK21. The transformed Streptomyces lividans TK21 converted ML-236B to pravastatin even faster than S. carbophilus. See, Watanabe, I. et al., Gene 163:81-85 (1995).
Watanabe et al. disclosed that the expression of P-450sca is subject to substrate induction of transcription, that is, ML-236B and phenobarbital were found to enhance the expression of P-450 by as much as 30-fold. This was established by Northern blotting, which found no transcription in the absence of ML-236B, but which found three transcripts when ML-236B was present. The levels of transcription increased over a period of six hours to a maximum rate when substrate was present. The DNA sequence of the 5′ region was published, which coded a regulator like protein and the promoter sequence. [Watanabe et al., Gene 210, 109-116 (1998).]
A 1 kbp length of the 5′-noncoding region of the gene encoding cytochrome P-450sca-2 in the Streptomyces carbophilus has transcription promoter activity, which is substrate inducible. When the 1 kbp region was shortened, the transcription promoter allowed significant expression of the protein in a suitable expression system without having to be induced. [U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,695.]
Serizawa and Matsuoka purified a NADH-cytochrome-P-450-reductase from S. carbophilus. They used purified P-450sca protein to demonstrate in vitro hydroxylation activity in the presence of the purified flavoprotein (NADH-cytochrome-P-450-reductase), NADH and O2. They disclosed that P-450sca and NADH-cytochrome-P-450 reductase reconstituted the hydroxylation activity in vitro and did not obtain any evidence for existence of iron-sulfur protein in S. carbophilus. Based on these findings, Serizawa and Matsuoka classified the P-450sca cytochrome system as a two component system similar to those found in microsomal cytochrome systems of eukaryotes, which do not require iron-sulfur proteins. [Serizawa and Matsuoka, Biochem et Biophysica Acta, 1084: 35-40 (1991).]
The present invention is based on the discovery that the gene encoding fdxshe or a fdxshe-like protein is located downstream from the cytochrome P-450 gene and is necessary for the function of the P-450sca cytochrome. Thus, the P-450sca cytochrome system is a three component system, in contradistinction to the proposed two component system proposed by Serizawa and Matsuoka, as described in FIG. 4.

Process for constructing strain having compactin hydroxylation ability

Teva Gyogyszergyar Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag


Provided is a replaceable machining head wherein: fractures on the tool attaching portion do not occur; the production cost is minimized; the tool life of the working tool will be lengthened; and the head body is free from a risk of falling off during replacement. In the replaceable machining head, a cutting edge section is formed on the front side of a head body; a tool attaching portion to which a working tool is to be attached, is formed on the rear end side of the cutting edge section; tool attaching faces are formed in the tool attaching portion; the surface of the head body 1 is coated with a coating film; and the number of droplets or macro particles having convex shapes with a size of 0.3 μm to 5.0 μm, is 200 or less, per area of 40 μm×60 μm on the surface of the coating film over the tool attaching faces.

As a machining tool with such a replaceable machining head mounted on the tool body, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a machining head replaceable rotating tool. In this tool, a male screw for fastening and a female screw for fastening are provided coaxially on one and the other of a machining head (replaceable machining head) and a holder (tool body) to screw them together; and then the machining head is attachably and detachably mounted coaxially on the front end of the holder.
Here, in the machining head replaceable rotating tool described in Patent Document 1, the machining head and the holder each have an abutting face where they abut each other in a fastened state so that the male screw for fastening and the female screw for fastening are screwed together. The machining head performs predetermined machining by rotating the machining head mounted on the holder as one unit in a rotational direction in which the male screw for fastening and the female screw for fastening are screwed into each other by a rotational machining load. Further, both abutting surfaces on which they abut prevent the male screw for fastening and the female screw for fastening from being screwed too tightly by the rotational machining load.
Patent Document 1 also describes that the body of the replaceable machining head has a tool locking portion (attaching portion) in which a working tool such as a wrench is to be locked, for screwing the male screw for fastening and the female screw for fastening together. The tool locking portion has a pair of parallel flat tool locking faces (attaching faces) shaped as two chamfer parts, which are symmetrical with respect to the axis. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that, according to the kind of tool used, the head body includes such components as cutting edges, and is made of a designated tool material, for example, cemented carbide or high-speed steel. Also, as the need arises, the head body can be coated with a coating film such as a compound film coating, for example TiN, TiCN, TiAlN, CrN, etc., or a hard film coating, for example DLC film, diamond coating, etc.


An oil maintenance indicator for recording one or more parameters indicative of when an engine oil filter has been changed. The maintenance indicator includes a sensor that measures oil pressure of an engine at start up. A comparator compares an output provided by the sensor to known parameters to determine whether the oil filter has been changed. A recorder coupled to the comparator records one or several parameters indicative of when the oil filter has been changed.

The present invention relates to engine oil change and maintenance monitors. More particularly, the invention relates to a vehicle engine oil change monitor for monitoring oil pressure at start-up to detect an oil filter change and for recording one or more parameters indicative of when the filter and oil was changed.
As is well known, internal combustion engine oil tends to degrade gradually with the passage of time and operation of a vehicle. The ability of an oil filter to remove contaminants from the engine oil deteriorates as the vehicle is operated. It is necessary to change the engine oil when the oil degrades to a certain unsuitable consistency and the functionality of the filters is impaired. Typically, the oil filter or filters are changed when the engine oil is changed.
Oil is typically changed on a periodic basis as needed. For example, oil may be changed at given intervals of time, given distances traveled by the vehicle, given duty cycles or given periods of time that the vehicle engine has run. If the oil and filter are not regularly changed, the resale value of the vehicle and durability of the engine are drastically reduced. The perception being that poor maintenance will result in reduced durability. Lessors of vehicles and owners of fleets of vehicles want to keep track of the date and mileage when the engine oil and filters are changed on their vehicles. In addition, lessors and fleet owners desire to make certain that the lessee or operator of the vehicle has the oil and filter changed at the required intervals. In the past there was no way of assuring oil and filters have been changed at required intervals, particularly when the vehicles or engines are out of the business""s full control.
Prior art oil change interval monitors have monitored the oil level in an oil pan to determine when oil has been changed. Oil level type monitors could determine that oil has been changed, but do not detect an oil filter change. A fleet owner using an oil level monitor could not be sure that the oil filters were changed when the oil was changed.
Oil filters can be changed without changing the engine oil. However, some oil in the head of the engine will typically leak out if the oil filters are changed without first draining the oil from the engine. For this reason, it is unlikely that oil filters will be changed without changing the oil as well.
Accordingly, there is a need for a passive engine oil change monitor which detects oil filter changes and records one or more parameters that indicate when the oil filter was changed. The oil change monitor of the present invention measures oil pressure at start up to determine whether an oil filter has been changed.
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for enabling the determination of when an oil filter of a vehicle has been changed. The apparatus includes a sensor, a timer or counter, a comparator, and a recorder. The sensor monitors the oil pressure of an engine. The sensor includes an output for providing a pressure signal representative of the engine oil pressure. The timer or counter is in communication with the sensor. When a timer is used, it measures a time required to achieve a known oil pressure and provides a signal that represents the measured time. When a counter is used, it counts the number of engine revolutions or pulses that are required to achieve a known oil pressure and provides a counter signal that represents the number of counted revolutions or pulses. A comparator is coupled to the timer or counter. The comparator compares the measured time or counted number of revolutions required to achieve the known engine oil pressure to a known time or number of revolutions required to achieve the known pressure. The comparator has a comparator output that provides a comparator signal after an oil filter has been changed. A recorder is coupled to the comparator output. The recorder records data that indicates when the oil filter has been changed. Examples of recorded data include the odometer reading, or number of engine hours and the amount/quantity of fuel used (between filter changes).
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes both a timer and a counter. In this embodiment, a first comparator compares the measured time provided by the timer to a known time. The second comparator compares the number of revolutions counted by the counter to a known number of revolutions. In this embodiment, the recorder is coupled to the first and second comparators. The recorder records an odometer reading, quantity of fuel used, mileage or engine run time when both comparators or one of the comparators indicate that an oil filter has been changed. In one embodiment, the recorded parameters are communicated for service information.
The method of enabling the determination of when an oil filter of an engine has been changed comprises measuring a period of time or number of engine revolutions required to achieve a known engine oil pressure when the engine is started. The measured period of time or number of revolutions is compared to a known period of time or number of revolutions for achieving a known oil pressure. This comparison allows a determination to be made as to whether the oil has filter been changed since a previous start-up. When it is determined that the filter has been changed that event is recorded.
In one embodiment, the known period of time or known number of revolutions is the normal period of time or number of revolutions required to achieve a given oil pressure when the oil filter is full of oil when the engine is started. In a second embodiment, the known period of time or number of revolutions is the period of time or number of revolutions required to achieve a given oil pressure when the oil filter is initially empty when the engine is started. The odometer value, date, engine hours, fuel used, or global position are examples of parameters that may be recorded when it is determined that the oil filter has been changed. In one embodiment, an engine oil change is recorded when it is determined that the measured period of time or counted number of revolutions exceeds the known normal period of time or known number of revolutions.
An oil maintenance indicator constructed in accordance with the present invention detects an oil filter change without requiring the service person to perform any additional tasks when the oil and filter are changed. Not only does this type of maintenance indicator prevent oil and filter changes from going unrecorded, it also inhibits false records of oil maintenance from being created.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent and a fuller understanding obtained by reading the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.


An information processing apparatus for searching, from a plurality of photo book templates, for a photo book template to lay out a plurality of images therein, comprises: a unit configured to compare position information defined for each of a plurality of image frames included in the photo book templates with position information of each of the plurality of images, and to lay out, in an image frame among the plurality of image frames, an image among the plurality of images that matches the position information defined for the image frame; and a unit configured to search for a photo book template to lay out the plurality of images therein based on the number of images laid out by the layout unit and a layout of the thus laid-out images.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that creates and searches tor photo book data, a control method therefor, and a computer-readable medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
As digital cameras are now widely used and computer and network technologies have developed, photo books are more frequently created on personal computers to which digital data is submitted. In many cases photo books are created with dedicated editors, and devices for saving time and effort for creation have been made.
For example, as a device for creating a photo book with images taken when visiting sightseeing places, preparing in advance templates for shooting scenes is conceivable (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-246822). In a sightseeing place there are frequently visited shooting spots, where many people take images in a similar manner. Therefore, time and efforts for creating a photo book can be reduced by making templates for shooting scenes at those spots. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-246822, a user selects a captured image, and then data of only templates relevant to the location where the image was taken is displayed. If a user selects the template data, only images corresponding to that template data are displayed.
However, in the conventional technique, a user has to take extra effort for editing, such as figuring out compositions or selecting shooting scenes every time he/she creates a new photo book. If templates can be made from the whole photo books and images can be automatically inserted, time and effort could be reduced. However, to reuse photo books as templates, a system for sharing such photo book templates is needed. In the case of simple sharing, it may be possible to share templates via a network once photo books are published on the Web.
However, even if templates are shared via a network, a user still has to take some time and effort to search for a desired one from a number of templates. Moreover, it is difficult for a user to determine just at a glance whether or not a template is one with which several images taken by the user can be inserted.

Information processing apparatus, control method for the same and computer-readable medium


A precursor for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire according to the present invention includes a mono-element wire including a Sn or Sn-based alloy core disposed at the, a Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix and a plurality of Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments surrounding the Sn or Sn-based alloy core, and a diffusion barrier layer and a stabilizing copper layer surrounding the Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix. In a final shape after a reduction process, the average diameter of the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments is set to 5 μm to 30 μm, and the average distance between the Sn or Sn-based alloy core and the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments nearest the Sn or Sn-based alloy core is set to 100 μm or less.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a Nb3Sn superconducting wire manufactured by an internal Sn process, and to a precursor for manufacturing such a Nb3Sn superconducting wire. Specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire useful as a material of a superconducting magnet for generating a high magnetic field.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field in which superconducting wires are put into practical use, with respect to superconducting magnets used for high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, nuclear fusion devices, and accelerators, the resolution increases as the generated magnetic field increases. Thus, there has recently been the tendency that magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets increase more and more.
As a superconducting wire used for superconducting magnets generating a high magnetic field, a Nb3Sn wire has been put into practical use, and a bronze process is mainly utilized for manufacturing such a Nb3Sn superconducting wire.
In the bronze process, a plurality of core materials composed of Nb or a Nb-based alloy is embedded in a Cu—Sn-based alloy (bronze) matrix to form a composite wire. The composite wire undergoes a reduction process such as extrusion or wire drawing, so that the core materials are thinned down to form filaments (hereinafter referred to as "Nb-based filaments"). Next, a plurality of the composite wires each including the Nb-based filaments and the bronze matrix are bundled to form a wire group and then coated with copper for stabilization (stabilizing copper), after which the wire group further undergoes the reduction process. After the reduction process, the above wire group undergoes a heat treatment (diffusion heat treatment) at 600° C. to 800° C., so that a Nb3Sn compound layer is produced at a boundary between the Nb-based filaments and the bronze matrix.
However, the bronze process is disadvantageous in that the solid solubility of Sn in bronze has a limit (15.8% by mass or less), so that the Nb3Sn compound layer has a relatively small thickness, and crystallinity deteriorates to degrade high magnetic properties.
As a method of manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire other than the bronze process, an internal Sn process is known. Unlike the bronze process, the internal Sn process (also called as an "internal diffusion process") has no limit in terms of Sn concentration due to a solid solubility limit. Therefore, the Sn concentration can be set as high a value as possible, which enables the production of a Nb3Sn layer of high quality, thereby obtaining a high critical current density Jc at a high magnetic field.
In the internal diffusion process, as shown in FIG. 1 (a schematic view of a precursor for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire), a core composed of Sn or a Sn-based alloy (hereinafter may be referred to as a "Sn-based metal core") 3 is embedded in the center of a Cu or Cu-based alloy (hereinafter may be referred to as a "Cu matrix") 4. In the Cu matrix 4 surrounding the Sn-based metal core 3, a plurality of core materials composed of Nb or a Nb-based alloy (i.e., "Nb-based filaments") 2 is arranged so as to be spaced from each other, thereby preparing a precursor (a precursor for manufacturing a superconducting wire) 1. The precursor undergoes a wire drawing process and then a heat treatment (diffusion heat treatment), so that Sn in the Sn-based metal core 3 is diffused and reacts with the Nb-based filaments 2, thereby producing Nb3Sn (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 49-114389).
As shown in FIG. 2, such a precursor 1 generally includes a portion (hereinafter may be referred to as a "superconducting matrix portion") where the Nb-based filaments 2 and the Sn-based metal core 3 are disposed, a stabilizing copper layer 4a provided outside the superconducting matrix portion, and a diffusion barrier layer 6. The diffusion barrier layer 6 is disposed between the matrix portion and the stabilizing copper layer 4a. The diffusion barrier layer 6 is, for example, a Nb layer, a Ta layer, or a double layer including a Nb layer and a Ta layer, and serves to prevent the Sn (Sn-based metal core 3) in the superconducting matrix from diffusing outside during the diffusion heat treatment, thereby enhancing the purity of Sn in the superconducting matrix.
The above-described precursor for manufacturing a superconducting wire is manufactured by following steps: First, Nb-based filaments are inserted into a Cu matrix tube, and the reduction process such as extrusion or wire drawing is performed to form a complex (generally having a hexagonal section) which is then cut into a proper length. Next, a plurality of the complexes is filled into a billet which includes a Cu outer cylinder and is provided with or without the diffusion barrier layer 6. Subsequently, a Cu matrix (Cu solid billet) is disposed in the center of the billet and extrusion is performed. Finally, the Cu matrix in the center is mechanically perforated to prepare a pipe-like complex. Alternatively, a hollow billet which includes a Cu outer cylinder and a Cu inner cylinder and is provided with or without the diffusion barrier layer 6 is filled with a plurality of the above complexes (between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder). Subsequently, hollow extrusion is performed to prepare a pipe-like complex.
In the gap formed in the center of the pipe-like complex prepared by the above-described process, a Sn-based metal core is inserted and subjected to the reduction process, thereby manufacturing a precursor shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the precursor may be referred to as a "mono-element wire".
A plurality of the precursors (mono-element wire) prepared as described above is filled into a Cu matrix tube provided with or without the diffusion barrier layer 6, and then a reduction process is performed to form a precursor for manufacturing a multi-core superconducting wire (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "multi-element wire").
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate examples of the multi-element wire. FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-element wire 11 in which a plurality of the precursors 1 (mono-element wire) shown in FIG. 1 are embedded in a Cu matrix 5 provided with a diffusion barrier layer 6a. FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-element wire 11a in which a plurality of the precursors (mono-element wire) shown in FIG. 2 are embedded in a Cu matrix 5 provided without a diffusion barrier layer.
In manufacturing a superconducting wire by the internal diffusion process using the above-described precursors, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3273953 is known, for example, as a technique for improving properties (above-described critical current density Jc) of the resulting superconducting wire.
In this technique, for facilitating diffusion of Sn (diffusion from a Sn metal core) into Nb-based filaments, a wire has been proposed, in which in a final cross-sectional shape (sectional shape after the reduction process and before the diffusion heat treatment), the diameter of the Nb-bases filaments is within the range of about 1 to 3 μm, or the average cross-sectional area of the mono-element wire (specifically, superconducting matrix portion) is in the range of 0.0314 mm2 to 0.0019625 mm2. However, the superconducting wire manufactured using such a precursor has the problem of decreasing an n value as one of the superconducting properties.


An integrated network for connecting both telephones and personal computers within an organization, using a single wiring connection is disclosed. Telephones and personal computers within the organization are connected to the same local area network (LAN) which is in turn connected to a telephony-computer interface (TCI). The TCI is also connected to telephone lines. The TCI forms an interface between telephone line communications and data packets for real time communications. In this way, only one wiring connection, the local area network, need be installed to interconnect both telephones and personal computers, for both local and off-site communications.

Within an organization, such as a research facility, governmental agency or any general office setting, a local area network (LAN) is provided for connecting personal computers located throughout the organization to enable data sharing between the personal computers. Such local area networks are well known and require a dedicated set of wiring connections to interconnect each personal computer to the LAN.
Within such an organization, it is also common to connect a plurality of telephones together into a local public branch exchange (PBX) telephone network, so that it is not necessary to provide each person in the organization with their own private phone line, which would be quite expensive. Such local PBX telephone networks also require a dedicated set of wiring connections to interconnect each telephone to the local PBX telephone network.
The need for two separate sets of wirings, one for connecting only personal computers and the other for connecting only telephones can be quite costly in terms of installation fees, maintenance fees and equipment costs.
Further, new multimedia personal computers now contain integrated equipment, such as microphones and loudspeakers, for performing standard telephone functions, such as allowing the user to speak into the microphone for voice communication with a remote party. If such a multimedia personal computer is connected to the LANs discussed above, it would still be necessary to have a separate telephone. That is, the local PBX telephone network requires a special telephone to be connected thereto so these multimedia personal computers cannot be connected to the local PBX telephone network. Therefore, these new multimedia personal computers cannot be used for voice communication purposes with the present state of networking technology.
The prior art EtherPhone.RTM. network of Xerox.RTM. Corporation enables local telephone voice communication (i.e., calls originating from and destined to a location within the organization) to take place over a dedicated LAN by using packet-switching technology. However, any calls originating from or destined to a location outside of the organization must take place over a local PBX telephone network with its separate wiring network as discussed above. Further, data communications require a third set of wiring (another LAN). Thus, the EtherPhone network involves three sets of wirings and suffers from the above problems associated with such added complexity.

Single-wiring network for integrated voice and data communications


Automated inspection assemblies for scanning pipes of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting subassembly and a scanning subassembly. The mounting subassembly includes a clamp configured to be mounted to selected pipes in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and the scanning subassembly is movably coupled to the mounting subassembly. The scanning assembly includes a scanning head configured to scan at least a portion of the circumference of the pipe to be inspected, and the scanning head includes a substantially "U" shaped transducer support assembly sized to receive the pipe. Transducer elements are coupled to the transducer support assembly legs, and the transducer support assembly is configured to rotate about the pipe to inspect the pipe.

Nuclear reactors have many piping systems, and such piping systems are utilized, for example, to deliver feedwater to the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and to deliver steam from the RPV to a power generator. Numerous pipes also typically are located within the RPV and sometimes are located in crowded spaces with many other pipes and other reactor equipment.
Over the life of the reactor, the piping systems are inspected to verify their integrity. For example, in accordance with NCR I&E Bulletin No. 70-13, issued May 12, 1980, core spray spargers and associated piping is visually inspected at every refueling outage. Based on such inspections, the piping systems may be modified, upgraded, repaired or replaced.
To inspect pipes within the RPV, ropes and poles typically are utilized for manual manipulation of simple tools or manual delivery of dedicated automated tools. More specifically, and during reactor shut down, an operator typically stands on a bridge positioned over the open RPV and using ropes and poles, which may extend more than thirty (30) feet below the bridge into the RPV, the operator positions cameras used to visually inspect the RPV piping. After visually inspecting the RPV piping, the operator conducts a supplemental ultrasonic examination (UT) to more thoroughly examine the piping and to verify the extent of any cracks identified visually. Both the ability to perform and the quality of such inspections greatly depends on the dexterity of the operator.
Due to the amount of piping to be inspected during reactor shut down, performing visual inspection and UT can be time consuming. It is desirable, of course, to limit the time required to perform repairs and inspections in the RPV since the reactor must be shut down to perform such tasks. Reducing the amount of time required to perform such inspections and repairs also would facilitate reducing the operator radiation exposure per task.
Performing visual inspection and UT also typically require extensive use of the bridge, which inhibits the ability to perform other inspections and repairs of RPV components. Particularly, many RPV inspections and repairs require an operator to manipulate tools from the bridge, and the amount of activity on the bridge generally is limited. Therefore, while the piping inspections are being conducted, other repairs and inspections cannot be performed.
It would be desirable to provided an automated piping inspection assembly particularly suitable for use in nuclear reactor applications which is easy to install and controllable for performing high quality piping inspections. It also would be desirable to provide such an inspection assembly which may be operated from a remote location other than the bridge to facilitate reducing reactor shut-down time.

Assemblies and methods for inspecting piping of a nuclear reactor


Provided is a nucleotide sequence of a promoter from a gene encoding a 55 kDa maize prolamin family protein. Also provided are methods that utilize the 55 kDa maize prolamin family gene promoter to express heterologous sequences in plants, expression cassettes that include the 55 kDa maize prolamin family gene promoter, and plants transformed with expression cassettes that include the 55 kDa maize prolamin family gene promoter.

An objective of crop trait functional genomics is to identify crop trait genes of interest, for example, genes capable of conferring useful agronomic traits in crop plants. Such agronomic traits include, but are not limited to, enhanced yield, whether in quantity or quality; enhanced nutrient acquisition and metabolic efficiency; enhanced or altered nutrient composition of plant tissues used for food, feed, fiber, or processing; enhanced utility for agricultural or industrial processing; enhanced resistance to plant diseases; enhanced tolerance of adverse environmental conditions including, but not limited to, drought, excessive cold, excessive heat, or excessive soil salinity or extreme acidity or alkalinity; and alterations in plant architecture or development, including changes in developmental timing. The deployment of such identified trait genes by either transgenic or non-transgenic approaches can materially improve crop plants for the benefit of agriculture.
Cereals are the most important crop plants on the planet in terms of both human and animal consumption. Genomic synteny (conservation of gene order within large chromosomal segments) is observed in rice, maize, wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other agriculturally important monocots including sorghum (see e.g., Kellogg, 1998; Song et al., 2001, and references therein), which facilitates the mapping and isolation of orthologous genes from diverse cereal species based on the sequence of a single cereal gene. Rice has the smallest (about 420 Mb) genome among the cereal grains, and has recently been a major focus of public and private genomic and EST sequencing efforts. See Goff et al., 2002.
The identification of genes that are important for crop development is an ongoing effort in the agricultural community. Additional information can also be derived from the analysis of the genomes of various important plants. For example, the identification of regulatory elements that control the expression of genes can also lead to the ability to manipulate the plant genome to express polypeptides of interest in specific tissues. In particular, certain plants are becoming the organisms of choice for large-scale production of commercially important proteins such as enzymes. This strategy takes advantage of the fact that during seed development, endosperm cells synthesize large amounts of storage proteins of the zein family, which are deposited in structures known as protein bodies derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. These protein bodies cofractionate with the gluten fraction produced in corn wet milling. The potential therefore exists to generate large quantities of recombinant enzymes in a form associated with gluten or in a more pure form following release of the recombinant enzyme activity from the gluten-associated or immobilized state.
What are needed, then, are new methods and reagents for expressing heterologous nucleotide sequences in plant cells. To meet these needs, the presently disclosed subject matter provides in some embodiments a promoter sequence for directing expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in plant cells. Also provided are methods for expressing heterologous nucleotide sequences in plant cells using the disclosed promoter.
The presently disclosed subject matter addresses these problems associated with the expression of nucleotide sequences in transgenic plants, as well as other problems.

Promoter from maize prolamin seed storage protein and uses thereof


A computer is provided which is a so-called arithmetic expression storing type computer and in which a constant calculation mode can be set without additionally installing a key and the function of the constant calculation mode has an enhanced ability. When a rightward cursor is operated under a state that a cursor is positioned at the digit rightward subsequent to an entered expression and a binary operator is entered at the last digit of the expression, an expression which has been entered before the operator is calculated, and the calculated result is scored as a constant. When the rightward cursor is operated again under a state that the constant calculation mode is set, the constant which has been set as a first operand is reset to a second operand. An expression set in the constant calculation mode is displayed on a display screen.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer which is preferably useful as a portable or desk top computer or the like, which is relatively small in size, and which performs various scientific calculations including the four operations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Computers such as portable or desk top computers which are relatively small in size and perform various scientific calculations including the four operations are widely used. These computers are classified into several types such as a sequential calculation type, and an arithmetic expression storing type. In a sequential calculation type computer, when a number is entered and an operation key or scientific calculations key is operated, the corresponding calculation is immediately carried out. For example, immediately after a number "30" is entered and a scientific calculations, "sin" key is operated thereafter, the calculation of sin 30.degree. (sine of 30.degree.) is done and "0.5" is displayed on a display screen.
In an arithmetic expression storing type computer, when an expression to be calculated is entered and thereafter a predetermined key such as an "=" (equal) key is operated, the calculation of the entered expression is carried out. For example, by operating the "sin" key, entering a number "30" and finally operating the "=" key, the calculation of sin 30.degree. is conducted and "0.5" is displayed on a display screen.
Such a sequential calculation type computer is provided with a constant calculation function. The constant calculation is conducted as follows: an arbitrary number and an arbitrary operator are entered; the entered number is stored as a constant and the operator as an operator for the constant calculation; the constant is set (regarded) as one of a first operand and a second operand: a number entered thereafter is set (regarded) as the other of a first operand and a second operand; and the calculation corresponding the operator for the constant calculation is repeatedly carried out every time a number is entered. An example of the operations in the constant calculation in a sequential calculation type computer is shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Key Operation Constant Display ______________________________________ 2 + Not set 2 3 = 2 + 5 4 = 2 + 6 ______________________________________
At first, "2" and "+" are entered, and "2" is displayed on a display screen. Then, when "3" and "=" are entered, "2" is set as a first operand, "+" is set as the operator for the constant calculation, and newly entered "3" is set as a second operand; the calculation between the first operand and the second operand (in this example, the addition) is carried out; and "5" is displayed on the display screen.
When "4" and "=" are entered thereafter. "2" is set as the first operand in the same manner as described above, and entered "4" is set as the second operand. The calculation between the first operand and the second operand (in this example, the addition) is carried out, and "6" is displayed on the display screen.
Generally, an arithmetic expression storing type computer is not provided with such a constant calculation function.
Recently, arithmetic expression storing type computers such as so-called pocket computers having a calculation function enhanced to be higher than that of an arithmetic expression storing type computer are popularly used. In such a pocket computer, a program (calculation procedure) which corresponds to a program language such as BASIC and FORTRAN for a usual computer can be input and executed.
In order to set the constant calculation function, such a pocket computer is provided with a special key called "CONST" key. An example of the operations in the constant calculation in a pocket computer is shown in Table 2 below.
TABLE 2 ______________________________________ Key Operation Constant Display Indication Sign ______________________________________ 2 + Not set 2+- CONST 2 + > CONST 3 2 + 3- CONST ENTER 2 + 5 CONST 4 ENTER 2 + 6 CONST ______________________________________
Firstly, "2" and "+" are entered, and "2+" is displayed on a display screen, further a cursor which indicate an input position is displayed in the digit subsequent to that of "+". When the "CONST" key is operated under this state, the constant calculation mode is set, and a prompt sign, ">" is displayed on the display screen to request the user to conduct a further key entry. At this time, "2" is set as a first operand, and "+" as the operator for the constant calculation. On the display screen, "CONST" is displayed as an indication sign. In this pocket computer, an indication sign denotes the current operation mode of the pocket computer and is kept displayed till the operation mode is canceled. Namely, the indication sign "CONST" is kept displayed till the constant calculation mode is canceled.
When "3" is entered in sequence, "3" is displayed on the display screen and a cursor is displayed in the digit subsequent to that of "3". When an "ENTER" key is then operated to indicate the completion of the entry of a numeric and the initiation of the calculation, "3" is set as a second operand, and the calculation of "2+3" is carried out and the calculation result of "5" is displayed.
When "4" is entered and the "ENTER" key is then operated, "4" is set as a second operand, and the calculation of "2+4" is carried out and the calculation result of "6" is displayed.
In the pocket computer, for example, when ".div." and "2" are entered and the "CONST" key is operated, the constant calculation mode in which "2" is set as a second operand and ".div." as the operator for the constant calculation is set.
The constant calculation function of the sequential calculation type computer is restricted to a calculation in which the initially entered number is treated as an first operand, and cannot perform a constant calculation of another kind in which the initially entered number is set as a second operand and a number entered in later as an first operand.
As described above, an arithmetic expression storing type computer is not provided with a constant calculation function.
In order to execute a constant calculation function, such a pocket computer must be provided with the "CONST" key. This causes a problem in that the number of keys is increased. Moreover, it is required to display "CONST" as an indication sign, the display screen must include a display area for displaying the indication sign "CONST".

Calculator with easily enterable constant calculation mode


A pneumomassage device, and method of using the device, which includes a sleeve sized to cover a first and a second adjacent body parts and an anatomical joint therebetween; and a securing assembly for securing the first and the second adjacent body parts in a fixed position relative to one another, to allow sleeve adjustment to the lengths of the adjacent body part.

Lymph is a clear fluid which circulates in tissue spaces of the vertebrates and by way of a tubular network passes into the venous system. Lymph is derived from the liquid plasma of the blood but without the red corpuscles. Lymphedema is a disorder that often follows a surgical procedure such as a lymphnode dissection of the groin in the treatment of cancer. It results in an excessive accumulation of lymph in the body tissues which if not reduced may have serious consequences.
To reduce lymphedema or other abnormality giving rise to excess fluid in an afflicted body part, such as an upper or lower limb, it is known to provide a device to compress successively portions of the afflicted part to produce a sequential or peristaltic action pumping excess fluid toward the heart. This device can also be used to improve blood circulation.
In order to massage both the foot and lower leg of a patient afflicted with edema, one option known in the art is to use a device in a boot format having a series of compartments which conform to the contours of a human foot and leg. However, the boot can only be used with those patients whose foot and leg fit into the boot.
Alternatively it is known to fit a conical or tubular sleeve on the leg and to fit a separate sleeve on the foot. The advantage of this arrangement is that the patient, as he is being treated, is free to maintain his foot in a natural position and to flex it. This freedom of foot movement promotes the comfort of the patient and is desirable when the treatment is to be carried out for a prolonged period. However, the need for separate foot and leg sleeves and to sequentially inflate the cells in the sleeves introduces unwanted complications.
There is thus a need for sleeves which fit and conform to broad ranges of foot and lower leg dimensions.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.


A linear lighting device includes a body, a light source holder, and a light source. The body has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a rear portion. The light source holder has a holding member and an attachment member. The attachment member of the light source holder is secured to the rear portion of the body. Further, the light source is disposed on the holding member of the light source holder. A lighting device also includes a cover. The cover has a first end and a second end, and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first end of the cover is pivotably secured to the bottom portion of the body and the second end of the cover is adapted to be fixedly secured to the top portion of the body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related generally to a lighting device, and more particularly a wallwash lighting device.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
A lighting device is generally used to illuminate a space such as a room or a surface such as a wall, a ceiling, architectural element, signage, artwork, and the like. A typical lighting device includes a fixture, one or more light sources disposed in the fixture, and driver electronics to control the light sources. Traditionally, lighting devices have used fluorescent or incandescent light sources. Some lighting devices use solid-state light emitters including organic, inorganic, and polymer light emitting diodes (LEDs) as an energy-efficient alternative to the traditional fluorescent or incandescent light sources.
The LEDs used in lighting devices are typically high-powered solid-state emitters to provide a desired level of brightness. Because the lifetime of an LED is inversely related to the operating junction temperature thereof, thermal management of the junction temperature is an important design consideration of a lighting device that includes LEDs. Such a lighting device typically incorporates structures to transport heat from the LED junction and the driver electronics to the environment outside the lighting device.
A lighting device typically encloses the light source, driver electronics to control the light source, and cabling between the driver electronics and the light source within a housing of the light fixture. Such a lighting device typically includes a moveable cover that allows access to the components inside the light fixture for repair and/or periodic maintenance.


A semiconductor device is provided by forming an insulating film on a supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer on the insulating film, forming an MOS semiconductor component having a source, a drain and a gate on the semiconductor layer, forming at least one of the source region of the semiconductor layer provided with the source and the drain region thereof provided with the drain to have greater thickness than a channel region of the semiconductor layer provided with a gate oxide film and a gate on the gate oxide film, and forming at least one of the source and the drain to be separated from the insulating film by the semiconductor layer of opposite conductivity type therefrom. A bulk layer of the same conductivity type as the semiconductor layer is provided in a thick region of the semiconductor layer. An MNOS or MONOS semiconductor non-volatile memory cell can be formed by replacing the gate oxide film with a memory gate insulating film consisting of a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor device formed with an MOS semiconductor component or an MNOS or MONOS semiconductor non-volatile memory cell or the like formed on a semiconductor substrate including a supporting substrate, an insulating film (BOX: Buried Oxide) on the supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer on the insulating film, and to a method of fabricating the semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among known types of semiconductor devices are those that use a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, i.e., a substrate formed of a supporting substrate, an insulating film on the supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer on the insulating film.
Since the semiconductor device using an SOI substrate can achieve total insulation and isolation between the component parts, it can suppress latch-up (malfunction between adjacent transistors) and radiation-induced soft errors.
Moreover, if the semiconductor layer formed on the insulating film in such a semiconductor device is reduced to a thin film, the depletion layer charge comes to be governed mainly by the gate potential. This provides such effects as suppression of the short-channel effect and improvement in the current drive performance.
An example of a prior-art semiconductor device using an SOI substrate will be explained with reference to the sectional view of FIG. 38.
The SOI substrate consists of a supporting substrate 1, an insulating film 2 and a semiconductor layer 3. The periphery and undersurface of the semiconductor layer 3 are completely insulated and isolated by a field oxide film 31 and the insulating film 2.
An MOS semiconductor component is constituted by forming a gate oxide film 14 on a channel region 7 of the semiconductor layer 3, a gate (electrode) 8 on the gate oxide film 14, and a source 6 and a drain 5 consisting of high-concentration impurity layers at the regions (source region and drain region) on opposite sides of the gate 8. The source 6 and the drain 5 are both in contact with the insulating film 2.
Reference numeral 32 designates an interlevel insulator film formed with contact holes 33 at which interconnecting electrodes 34, 35 are provided in connection with the source 6 and the drain 5. An interconnecting electrode is also provided in connection with the gate 8 at a different sectional position from that shown in FIG. 38.
The problematic parasitic capacitance that arises in a semiconductor device using a bulk silicon substrate and no insulating film 2, namely, the parasitic capacitance of the PN junction formed between the bulk silicon substrate and the high-concentration impurity layers of the source and drain, also arises in this semiconductor device using the SOI substrate consisting of the supporting substrate 1, the insulating film 2 and the semiconductor layer 3.
As shown in the configuration of FIG. 38, therefore, the semiconductor layer 3 is formed as a thin film of a thickness of 100 nm or less and the high-concentration impurity layers of the source 6 and the drain 5 are formed to contact the insulating film 2, in order to limit the PN junction formed between the high-concentration impurity layers and the semiconductor layer 3 to the channel region 7 immediately under the gate 8 of the semiconductor layer 3.
The MOS semiconductor component of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 38 thus has a thin semiconductor layer 3 that is no more than 100 nm thick. The impurity of the high-concentration impurity layers of the source 6 and the drain 5 consequently reach as far as the insulating film 2.
Since the channel region 7 of the semiconductor layer 3 is therefore completely surrounded by the source 6, the drain 5 and the field oxide film 31, the semiconductor layer 3 of the channel region 7 floats electrically.
When an MOS semiconductor component, e.g., an N-channel MOS semiconductor component, having this electrically floating configuration is driven, the holes created in the depletion layer near the drain 5 accumulate in the semiconductor layer 3 to raise the overall potential, amplify injection of electrons from the source 6 and alter the current characteristic.
The change in the current characteristic becomes more pronounced with increasing source voltage since the electric field near the drain region increases with increasing source voltage.
Circuit regions constituted of this semiconductor component which are subject to high drive voltages, e.g. input/output protection circuits, step-down circuits, step-up circuits and the like, are therefore degraded in reliability.
Since the high-concentration impurity layers of the source 6 and the drain 5 extend to the interface with the insulating film 2, moreover, leak current occurs owing to the interface state density present at the interface between the semiconductor layer 3 and the insulating film 2. This leak current becomes pronounced under exposure to radiation.
A semiconductor device formed with a semiconductor non-volatile memory cell and having a configuration like the MOS semiconductor component just explained will now be explained with reference to the sectional view of FIG. 39.
Portions in FIG. 39 corresponding to those in FIG. 38 are assigned the same reference symbols as those in FIG. 38 and are not explained again here.
In this semiconductor device, a memory gate insulating film consisting of a tunnel oxide film 11, a silicon nitride film 12 and a top oxide film 13 is formed on the channel region 7 of the semiconductor layer 3 and the gate 8 is formed on the memory gate insulating film, thereby configuring an MONOS semiconductor non-volatile memory cell. The high-concentration impurity layers of the source 6 and the drain 5 formed by self-alignment on opposite sides of the gate 8 contact the insulating film 2. In other respects the configuration is the same as that of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 38.
In the semiconductor layer shown in FIG. 39, parasitic capacitance is also suppressed by forming the semiconductor layer 3 as a thin film of a thickness of 100 nm or less and forming the high-concentration impurity layers of the source 6 and the drain 5 to contact the insulating film 2, thereby limiting the PN junction formed between the high-concentration impurity layers and the semiconductor layer 3 to the channel region 7 immediately under the gate 8 of the semiconductor layer 3.
This MONOS non-volatile memory cell becomes an MNOS non-volatile memory cell if the memory gate insulating film is formed of only the tunnel oxide film 11 and the silicon nitride film 12 and the top oxide film 13 is omitted.
In this MONOS or MNOS non-volatile memory cell, as in the MOS semiconductor component shown in FIG. 38, the semiconductor layer 3 of the channel region 7 floats electrically.
When data are written to or erased from the MONOS or MNOS non-volatile memory cell, therefore, the electric potential at the channel region 7 is unstable. This may cause operational errors.
This invention was accomplished to overcome the problems explained in the foregoing. The specific object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same which enable the circuit regions of an MOS semiconductor component where the source voltage is high to operate with improved reliability and ensure that the writing and erasure of data to or from an MONOS or MNOS non-volatile memory cell are effected reliably.

SOI device having a channel with variable thickness


The present invention is directed toward a melt level detection system for detecting the level of the melt surface in crystal growing systems that utilize a crucible containing a pool of melt from which a seed is withdrawn to grow the crystal. The detection system utilizes a light source for directing a light beam at the melt, and a light detection apparatus positioned on the other side of the melt for receiving the beam of light that is reflected off of the melt. The detection system utilizes a single element linear detector that provides output signals relating to whether the light beam is illuminating the detector, and where on the detector the illumination occurs. A computer system is utilized to implement an algorithm that processes the output signals from the detector which are continually sampled over time. The algorithm disregards the location data sent from the detector if it determines that the light beam was not incident on the detector for a given sample. By analyzing location data only for samples generated when the light beam was incident on the detector, the algorithm determines an average location of the melt level for a predetermined number of samples and assumes that this average is representative of the location of the actual melt level.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to crystal growing systems utilizing a melt within a crucible and a crystal seed that is withdrawn therefrom. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the level of the melt within the crucible.
2. Background Discussion
Several techniques are known in the art for growing crystals. The Czochralski process is the most widely used of these processes and is generally summarized below. A heated crucible is provided for holding a melted form of a charge material from which the crystal is to be grown. The melt is maintained at a temperature slightly above that at which the charge material crystallizes, A seed is placed at the end of a cable or rod that enables the seed to be lowered into the melt material and then raised back out of the melt material. The seed can be either a sample of the desired crystal material, or any other compatible material that has a higher melting temperature and the same crystalline structure and parameters. When the seed is lowered into the melt material, it causes a local decrease in melt temperature, as is known to those skilled in the art, which results in a portion of the melt material crystallizing around and below the seed. Thereafter, the seed is slowly withdrawn from the melt. As the seed is withdrawn, the portion of the newly formed crystal that remains within the melt essentially acts as an extension of the seed and causes melt material to crystallize around and below it. This process continues as the crystal is withdrawn from the melt, resulting in crystal growth as the seed is continually raised.
A primary goal of crystal growing systems is to grow crystals that have uniform properties over their entire length. In order to achieve this goal, it is desirable to ensure that the growing conditions for the crystal remain constant throughout the growth process. A number of factors can influence the growing conditions of the crystal. In a system utilizing the Czochralski process, the crucible is located within a furnace that heats the crucible only around its exterior surface. During crystal growth, the melt level in the crucible changes. These changes of the melt level within the crucible result in changes in the thermogradients at the melt/crystal interface. Any change in the thermogradients during the growth of a crystal is undesirable because it changes the growing conditions for the crystal, thereby resulting in a non-uniform crystal. Two types of systems have been utilized that attempt to maintain uniform growing conditions in different ways. First, one type of system raises the crucible along with the crystal. These systems attempt to match the rate at which the crucible is raised to the rate at which the melt volume decreases so as to maintain the melt level at a constant vertical position relative to the furnace. In this manner, changes in the thermogradients due to decreased melt volume are reduced. Second, another type of system replenishes the melt as the crystal is withdrawn in an attempt to maintain a constant melt volume.
In each of the above-described systems, it is important to accurately determine the location of the melt level within the crucible so that either: (1) the crucible is raised by the appropriate amount; or (2) the amount of any decrease in melt volume can be detected in order to determine the appropriate amount of replenishing material to be added to the melt to restore it to its proper volume. Several prior art systems have been utilized for detecting the melt level. First, some systems have determined the melt level indirectly by determining the rate at which the crystal is withdrawn from the melt. These systems assume that the melt volume will decrease at a rate that is equal to the growth rate of the crystal. Therefore, they utilize the rate at which the seed is withdrawn from the melt order to estimate the growth rate of the crystal. However, this type of system allows only a crude and inexact determination of the melt level because it does not monitor the melt level directly. As previously stated, it is desirable to determine the melt level as precisely as possible in order to provide uniform growing conditions for the crystal.
Second, another type of prior art system utilized to detect the melt level is best described by making reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. A light source 1 is provided outside of the crucible and located to one side thereof. The light source provides a beam of light that is directed toward the melt. The beam of light reflects off of the melt and then upward toward a light detection system 3 that is located outside of the crucible and on the other side thereof. By analyzing the location of the reflected light beam, the light detection system 3 determines the position of the melt level.
For reasons that are more fully described below, the detection of the melt level in this second type of system is complicated by the fact that the melt surface is constantly interrupted by waves traveling across it. These waves are caused by a number of factors, some of which can be effectively minimized, and others that cannot. Some of the wave activity is due to mechanical movements that can be somewhat minimized through proper system design. For example, crystal growing systems generally rotate the crucible in order to ensure uniform heating of the melt. Furthermore, most systems either: (1) raise the crucible as the crystal is withdrawn from the melt material; or (2) add charge material to the crucible in order to replenish the melt as the crystal is withdrawn. Each of the above-described mechanical causes contributes to waves being formed across the surface of the melt.
Although some of the above-described mechanical effects can be minimized, there is another factor that contributes to the disruption of the melt surface that cannot be effectively minimized. In systems used to grow silicon crystals, an important consideration is preventing the introduction of contaminating material into the melt because it can lead to non-uniformities in the crystal, or change its properties thereby rendering it useless. There are a limited number of materials that are non-contaminating with respect to a melt of silicon material. Of these materials, the one that is generally used to line the interior of the crucible is SiO.sub.2. Because this material is a chemical compound of silicon, the materials have an affinity for one another when they come into physical contact. As a result, waves are generated due to constant wetting and dewetting of the crucible. Although these processes are well-known to those skilled in the art, they are briefly summarized below.
Because the silicon melt material has such a strong affinity for the SiO.sub.2 material along the interior of the crucible, it undergoes a constant wetting process where the silicon material attaches itself to the side of the crucible. During this process, the silicon material can even rise upward against the force of gravity and attach to the walls of the crucible. As a result, the melt level is briefly reduced. However, the surface forces responsible for this phenomenon are strongly influenced by the temperature and melt composition. Thin layers of melt are much more susceptible to temperature and composition changes. Such changes can perturb the balance of surface tension forces and cause a shift from wetting to a process of dewetting where the silicon that is attached to the sides of the crucible disengages from the sides of the crucible and reenters the melt. This perpetual wetting and dewetting causes fluctuations in the melt volume and causes waves to be formed across the surface of the melt. This effect cannot be practically prevented. Therefore, even if all the mechanical sources of waves are essentially eliminated, the melt surface will nevertheless be constantly interrupted due to waves formed due to the wetting and dewetting processes.
As previously stated, the fact that the melt surface is constantly interrupted by waves moving across it creates complications for melt detection systems utilizing a beam of light that is reflected off of the melt surface. The angle at which the light beam contacts the melt surface will vary depending upon what, if any, portion of a wave the beam contacts. Because waves are constantly moving across the melt surface, the angle at which the light beam contacts the melt surface will vary over time in a somewhat random manner. As the angle of contact between the light beam and the melt surface varies, the path of the light beam reflected off of the melt surface similarly varies, as shown in FIG. 1. Consequently, over a given time period, the reflected light beam moves about within a given area where its position can be detected as is shown in FIG. 2. The light pattern 5 represents the time elapsed position of the reflected light beam over a period of time and is essentially a random pattern that falls within an area 7. The light detection system must therefore be able to account for the fact that the light beam may be incident anywhere within the area 7 and that the area 7 may be rather large.
Prior art light detection systems have utilized detectors made from a number of discrete sensors as shown in FIG. 3. These prior art systems have utilized the discrete sensors in two basic configurations, i.e. as two-dimensional (2-D) area detectors such as the one shown in FIG. 3a, or as one-dimensional (1-D) array line detectors where a single line of sensors is utilized such as the one shown in FIG. 3b. The use of discrete sensors to form such detectors has a number of disadvantages. First, each sensor can be somewhat expensive. In this regard, the larger the area over which the reflected light beam may be incident, the more sensors that are necessary to cover that area, thereby increasing the cost of the detector system. Some prior art systems have utilized an optical lens positioned between the melt and the detector for the purpose of focusing the reflected light into a smaller area. However, even in such systems, a significant number of discrete sensors are required. Additionally, the use of an optical lens to reduce the detection area does not resolve any of the other disadvantages associated with the use of multiple discrete sensors that are described below.
Second, an array of small sensors is fragile in that each sensor is susceptible to becoming inoperative. In this regard, if any one of the sensors fails to operate properly, the sensor array necessarily functions improperly and cannot accurately detect the melt level. The larger the area over which the reflected light beam may be incident, the larger the sensor array must be and, correspondingly, the larger the number of sensors that must be utilized, thereby increasing the probability of a sensor becoming inoperative.
Third, the use of detectors made from discrete sensors creates some imprecision in the system, the degree of which is dependent upon the size of the individual elements which determine the resolution of the detector. Each sensor that is illuminated by the reflected light beam sends a notification signal to a control circuit. However, there is no way to determine precisely where, on such a sensor, the light beam is incident. Therefore, if large sensors are utilized, the melt level determination is imprecise because the precision with which the melt level can be detected is limited by the size of the sensors. As previously stated, it is desirable to determine the melt level as precisely as possible so as to minimize changes in the growing conditions, thereby enabling the growth of uniform crystals.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for determining the melt level within a crucible utilized in a crystal growing system.

Method and apparatus for melt level detection in czochralski crystal growth systems


The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

The present invention relates generally to an electronic image pickup system, particularly to an image pickup system comprising a zoom lens and an image pickup device such as a CCD, and more particularly to a digital camera capable of obtaining electronic images. The present invention is also directed to a video camera or digital camera, the depth dimension of which is reduced by contriving an optical system portion thereof, e.g., a zoom lens. A part of the zoom lens is designed to operate in a rear-focusing mode.
In recent years, digital cameras (electronic cameras) have received attention as cameras of the next generation, an alternative to silver-salt 35 mm-film (usually called Leica format) cameras. Currently available digital cameras are broken down into some categories in a wide range from the high-end type for commercial use to the portable low-end type.
In view of the category of the portable low-end type in particular, the primary object of the present invention is to provide the technology for implementing video or digital cameras whose depth dimension is reduced while ensuring high image quality.
The gravest bottleneck in making the depth dimension of cameras thin is the thickness of an optical system, especially a zoom lens from the surface located nearest to its object side to an image pickup plane. To make use of a collapsible lens mount that allows the optical system to be taken out of a camera body for phototaking and received therein for carrying now becomes mainstream.
However, the thickness of an optical system received in a collapsible lens mount varies largely with the lens type or filter used. Especially in the case of a so-called+precedent type zoom lens wherein a lens group having positive refracting power is positioned nearest to its object side, the thickness of each lens element and dead space are too large to set such requirements as zoom ratios and F-numbers at high values; in other words, the optical system does not become thin as expected, even upon received in the lens mount (JP-A 11-258507).
A-precedent type zoom lens, especially of two or three-group construction is advantageous in this regard. However, this type zoom lens, too, does not become slim upon received in a collapsible lens mount, even when the lens positioned nearest to the object side is formed of a positive lens (JP-A 11-52246), because the lens groups are composed of an increased number of lens elements, and the thickness of lens elements is large.
Among zoom lenses known so far in the art, those set forth typically in JP-A's 11-194274, 11-287953 and 2000-9997 are suitable for use with electronic image pickup systems with improved image-formation capabilities including zoom ratios, field angles and F-numbers, and may possibly be reduced in thickness upon received in collapsible lens mounts.
To make the first lens group thin, it is preferable to make the entrance pupil position shallow; however, the magnification of the second lens group must be increased to this end. For this reason, some considerable load is applied on the second lens group. Thus, it is not only difficult to make the second lens group itself thin but it is also difficult to make correction for aberrations. In addition, the influence of production errors grows. Thickness and size reductions may be achieved by making the size of an image pickup device small. To ensure the same number of pixels, however, the pixel pitch must be diminished and insufficient sensitivity must be covered by the optical system. The same goes true for the influence of diffraction. To obtain a camera body whose depth dimension is reduced, a rear focusing mode wherein the rear lens group is moved for focusing is effective in view of the layout of a driving system. It is then required to single out an optical system less susceptible to aberration fluctuations upon rear focusing.
Referring here to a conventional image pickup system using a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device, a so-called variable stop with variable aperture diameters has been used primarily for adjusting the quantity of light passing through the zoom lens.
With a view to image quality improvements, on the other hand, image pickup devices of today are required to have ever higher pixel densities. The more the pixels of an image pickup device, the hither the optical performance demanded for an optical system becomes.
A problem with use of a conventional variable stop is, however, that when it is intended to decrease the diameter of the stop thereby adjusting the quantity of light, resolution drops under the influence of diffraction. In other words, it is still difficult to reconcile light quantity adjustment with high image quality. Even when it is intended to shorten the overall length of the zoom lens, the thickness of mechanical construction for the variable stop often puts limitation on the reduction in the whole length of the zoom lens.


A computer-implemented method of providing targeted content to a user includes generating a query index from a data corpus, the query index including a plurality of market segment-based queries, wherein each market segment-based query of the plurality of queries is configured to provide targeted content on a browser user interface of a user determined to be within a corresponding market segment. The method further includes constructing the browser-executable library including the query index, where the browser-executable library is configured to execute within a local machine browser of the user, and transmitting the browser-executable library to the local machine browser of the user, wherein the browser-executable library is configured to determine that a query of the plurality of market segment-based queries matches user-specific data only stored in the local machine browser of the user, where the query matching the user-specific data stored in the local machine browser of the user is configured to cause the local machine browser to request the targeted content corresponding to the user-specific data.

With the advent of privacy restrictions, traditional methods of on-line user data collection and corresponding user-personalized content production are dramatically changing. The traditional way involves gathering data about users, their behavior via cookies, i.e., first party (1P) cookies, (cookies created by the domain a web user is visiting), and third party (3P) cookies, (cookies created by domains other than the one the user is visiting at the time, and are mainly used for tracking and online-advertising purposes), segmenting the audience and then targeting the channels. Web browser providers are embarking on initiatives to stop user data leaking into the backend. This started off with identifying 3P cookies but will soon expand to stopping 1P tracking cookies as well.
Generally, cookies are small text files placed on user devices after they visit a website. The information cookies contain is then accessed by servers on the visited site. The data cookies carry makes it possible to identify and recognize users later. The only threat cookies may pose relates to user privacy, if the cookies are employed for illicit purposes.
Typically, cookies are used for many different reasons, for example: session management for logins, shopping carts, game scores; user privacy controls & settings; user profiling, segmentation, optimization; analytics, attribution, verification; mapping users across platforms; ads frequency capping; and targeting & retargeting. The use of cookies has a large effect on user experience by making web browsing more convenient and personalized.
1P cookies are issued by a website that a user navigates to and views directly. When a user loads a website in a browser, for example, foo.com, then this site creates a cookie which is then saved in the browser data of the user's computer. Third-party ("3P") cookies are not created by the website being visited, but rather by another entity. For example, if a user accesses a page at foo.com, and the page includes a video hosted at video-hosting site example.com, the video hosting site example.com may set a cookie which is then saved in the browser data of the user's computer.
In such a situation the website owner, foo.com, may embed a piece of code and a video provided by example.com on the relevant foo.com page. When the video hosting site code is executed in the user's browser, or the video is loaded, example.com may track the video player and put data in cookies stored on the user's browser data. The cookie is therefore classified as a third-party cookie being created by a domain other than foo.com.
3P cookies may be used heavily in online advertising where advertisers or web service advertising entities that service retail clients add their 3P tags to a page that may display ads, as well as track users and user devices across different sites users visit.
However, the advent of data privacy features in browsers such as Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) have incorporated methods to assess which privately controlled domains may track users across different websites. ITP utilizes a machine-learning model, (known as the Machine Learning Classifier), which is fed statistics collected by a users' Safari browser, and when the Machine Learning Classifier identifies that a particular 1P cookie could potentially be used for tracking, the 1P cookie will be blocked. These actions impact the advertiser's ability to provide reporting, affiliate marketing and attribution techniques such that websites may no longer leave cookies in the user's browser for later retargeting and attribution purposes. This impacts companies that access their 1P cookies in a third-party context, and as a result, compromises reporting capability and accuracy.

Cookieless delivery of personalized content


Provided is a vehicle control apparatus including an image obtaining part that obtains an image of outside of a vehicle; a face recognizing part that finds and tracks a face of a person from an image obtained by the image obtaining part based on feature elements human faces and extracts feature information regarding a face of a person; a face authenticating part that compares the feature information extracted by the face recognizing part to feature information regarding faces of persons registered in advance and, if a difference therebetween is less than or equal to a critical value, authenticates that the recognized face as a registered face; the motion recognizing part that, when authentication is completed by the face authenticating part, recognizes a motion; and a control part that recognizes a motion of a face-recognized and face-authenticated person and performs a set function.

Recently, various types of cameras are being installed on vehicles, and various techniques utilizing the cameras are being researched. Principally, techniques related to driving safety of a vehicle are being researched.
Particularly, in the field of utilizing face recognition, there are many techniques for providing driving conveniences, e.g., a technique for detecting drowsiness or abnormalities of a driver, a technique for confirming a particular driver and adjusting position of a driver's seat in correspondence to the driver.
The Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2011-0040562 (Personalized Service and Apparatus and Method for Using Car) discloses a camera, which is installed on a door next to a driver's seat of a vehicle and captures images of objects outside the vehicle, and a processor, which determines whether an object is a driver registered to the vehicle based on a captured image and, if the object is a driver registered to the vehicle, provides a personalized services to the registered driver by setting up the vehicle according to set values corresponding to the registered driver. Therefore, if a driver is registered to the vehicle in advance, the vehicle may be set up according to set values corresponding to the registered driver, thereby providing a personalized service to the registered driver.
According to the above-stated patent, a time period elapsed for providing a personalized service by determining whether a driver is a registered driver by using an image of the driver captured before the driver enters a vehicle may be reduced. However, services that may be provided according to the above-stated patent include simple re-adjustments of set values according to drivers, such as adjustment of position of a driver's seat. Furthermore, since a high performance system is required therefor, it is difficult to apply the technical configuration to vehicles in the low-price range.

Method and apparatus for controlling vehicle using motion recognition with face recognition