A projective optical metrology system including a first optical unit, which includes: an optical input that receives a first light signal; a number of optical paths; and a separator, which is optically interposed between the optical input and the optical paths and separates a number of components of the first light signal received by the optical input and couples each of the separate components to a corresponding optical path. The first optical unit also includes a light target, which emits a second light signal and is formed by a number of light elements, each light element being optically coupled to a corresponding optical path, so as to be illuminated, in use, by the component of the first light signal coupled to the corresponding optical path. The metrology system also includes a second optical unit, which generates the first light signal and receives the second light signal.

As is known, numerous metrology systems are available today, which among other fields, also find application in the aerospace field.
In particular, metrology systems are known that enable determining the attitude and/or position of a satellite. Even more particularly, metrology systems are known that, given a pair of satellites, enable determining the mutual position and the mutual attitude between the two satellites.
Determination of the attitudes and positions of satellites is of particular importance in the case of satellite systems in which the satellites are in formation, i.e. in cases where control of the attitude and/or position of each satellite as a function of the attitude/position of the other satellites is envisaged.
In practice, given two satellites, determining the mutual attitude and the mutual position requires determining six degrees of freedom. In particular, assuming a first and a second reference system, respectively integral with a first and a second satellite and each formed by a respective set of three perpendicular axes, the mutual attitude and the mutual position between the first and the second reference system, and therefore between the first and the second satellite, can be expressed in terms of (linear) displacements and rotations (angles). Even more particularly, the mutual position of the second satellite with respect to the first satellite can be expressed by a set of three displacements; similarly, the mutual attitude of the second satellite with respect to the first satellite can be expressed by a set of three angles.
That having been said, projective optical metrology systems are such that, given two satellites, one of them is equipped with a target formed by a number N of light sources, and the other satellite is equipped with an optical unit, which includes an optoelectronic sensor capable of acquiring an image of the target, on the basis of which, by means of post-processing, the optical unit determines one or more of the above-mentioned degrees of freedom.
By way of example, patent application EP1986018 discloses a system for determining the position and orientation of a system with six degrees of freedom, where the number N of light sources of the target is equal to one. However, to enable the determination of all six degrees of freedom, the system disclosed in EP1986018 requires that the sole light source is formed by a source of coherent light, for example, a laser, and also requires that the optical unit, in addition to processing the images of the target, is capable of taking measurements of the power effectively received by the optoelectronic sensor and a rotation angular measurement of polarization of the light beam emitted by the coherent light source. The system disclosed in EP1986018 therefore requires that both satellites have suitable optoelectronic circuits and a respective power supply.
On the other hand, metrology systems are known that do not contemplate determination of the power measurement, i.e. metrology systems of a purely projective type. An example of these metrology systems is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,561,262, where the light sources are formed by reflectors designed to be arranged on the second satellite, and which are illuminated by radiation emitted by the first satellite. In particular, referring to the transceiving unit and to the reflecting unit to indicate the portions of the metrology system described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,561,262 and arranged on the first and on the second satellite, respectively, this metrology system makes use of a passive-type reflecting unit. Therefore, the second satellite does not need any optoelectronic circuit, or a corresponding power supply, with a consequent reduction in energy consumption.
Although the metrology system described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,561,262 is therefore characterized by a relative constructional simplicity and reduced consumption, it contemplates that the transceiving unit, which equips the first satellite, emits an optical beam having a spatial distribution such as to effectively impinge on all the reflectors that equip the second satellite. Therefore, the optical beam is characterized by a cross-section of significant dimensions; consequently, the transceiving unit requires a significant amount of electric power in order to generate the optical beam.
Patent application US2003/071996 describes an optical metrology system that subdivides wideband radiation into a multiplicity of narrow-band subbands; each subband is associated with a subband optical system able to optimize performance regarding the range of wavelengths covered by the subband. In addition, the radiation of each subband is directed onto a detector, which generates corresponding electrical signals that can be processed by a processing unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,951 describes an integrated optical demultiplexer that is able to separate a plurality of monochromatic components forming a light beam that propagates in an input optical fibre; in addition, the demultiplexer is able to convey the thus-separated components to a plurality of output optical fibres.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,633 describes an apparatus able to generate, given an optical beam at input, three optical beams at output, having different colours. The apparatus comprises a pair of dichroic mirrors, a high-reflectivity wideband mirror and a gaseous material, which is interposed between the wideband mirror and the second dichroic mirror.

Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. Con Unico Socio


Symbols are prepared for transmission by representing each bit of the symbols by a cluster of consecutive bits, identical to the bit, in a transmission bit sequence. The transmission bit sequence is transmitted at a particular bit rate. A reception bit sequence of received bits is received at the particular bit rate, and the reception bit sequence is identical to the transmission bit sequence in the absence of errors. The symbols are reconstructed from the reception bit sequence of received bits by identifying boundaries of clusters of received bits in the reception bit sequence and selecting an inner bit of each of the clusters of received bits as a bit of a reconstructed symbol. The boundary identification involves comparing neighboring received bits. The transmission of the transmission bit sequence and reception of the reception bit sequence may conform to the Peripheral Components Interconnect (PCI) Express Specifications.

Electrical signals, whether carried by a wired or a wireless medium, may interact and may deform one another. Such deformations of a signal may cause a temporary faulty condition or misinterpretation of information in a system using that signal. Specifically, electrical signals that are carried by a wired medium and are related to high bit rate communication between integrated circuits may interfere with the reception and/or the transmission of electrical signals that are carried by a wireless medium and are related to wireless communication.
For example, wired communications that conform to, for example, the Peripheral Components Interconnect (PCI) Express specifications Revision 1.0a published Mar. 31, 2003 by the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG), and working at a bit rate of 2.5 GHz, may interfere with wireless communication working at a carrier frequency substantially equal to 2.4 GHz.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.

Methods and apparatus for multiple bit rate serial communication


An aircraft with a control system having joint control for a throttle and a propeller of an aircraft may be modified to decouple the joint control of a throttle and a propeller. Control of the throttle and propeller may be independent of the other. Exemplary modification of a control system may use new structures, existing structures, repurpose existing structures, or use a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, modification of a control system may provide controls with tactile distinction to a user.

Aircraft may be propelled by various methods including the use of propellers. A pilot may control the propulsion system of an aircraft through various control interfaces. A pilot's interaction with the control interfaces are normally governed and constrained by the type, style, and distribution of the control interfaces as set by the aircraft manufacturer.


A vehicle rear wheel lift tendency judgment device: includes a first deceleration obtaining device for obtaining a first deceleration along a first straight line, being a component in a first direction of an acceleration on a center of gravity, and a second deceleration obtaining device for obtaining a second deceleration along a second straight line, being a component in a second direction of the acceleration; judges that a rear wheel tends to be lifted, when the first deceleration is greater in the first direction than a first threshold, or when the second deceleration is greater in the second direction than a second threshold; and performs at least one of setting for shifting the first threshold in a direction opposite to the first direction and setting for shifting the second threshold in a direction opposite to the second direction, when a second-deceleration change rate being a change amount in the second deceleration per unit time becomes greater in the second direction than a change-rate threshold, enabling a quick judgment of a rear wheel lift tendency.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle rear wheel lift tendency judgment device.
Description of the Related Art
While a vehicle is traveling, sudden braking sometimes causes a so-called rear wheel lift phenomenon (hereinafter referred to as a rear wheel lift) in which a shift of load to a front wheel lifts a rear wheel.
There has been a conventionally-known technique for judging whether or not the rear wheel becomes more likely to be lifted. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-241770 discloses a technique for judging the rear wheel becomes more likely to be lifted on the basis of criteria that: a vehicle's deceleration exceeds a predetermined deceleration; and an amount of change in a difference in speed between the front and rear wheels exceeds a predetermined amount for a length of time longer than a predetermined length.
A problem with such a technique, however, is that a judgment on tendency of the rear wheel lift cannot be made more quickly beyond some limit because the detection of the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels has to be waited for until the difference in speed occurs between the front and rear wheels.

Vehicle rear wheel lift tendency judgment device


A carpet kicker includes a housing with a containing space, a front end and a rear end; a handle above the housing; a motive power device in the containing space, a motor supplying electric power and controlled by a switch and coupled to a reducer, a first gear at an output axle of the reducer, and a second gear driven by the first gear to rotate a second gear; a gear rack engaged with and driven by the second gear, and the front section of the gear rack being extended out from a front end of the housing; and a kicking unit coupled to a front end of the gear rack and linked by the gear rack, and a bottom surface of the kicking unit having a plurality of protruding pins for hooking a free end of the carpet to move it forward and spread the carpet.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to a carpet kicker, and more particularly to a carpet kicker that can push a free end a carpet forward for the laying a carpet, such that the carpet can be pulled, spread and fixed smoothly on the floor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Carpets are commonly laid on the floor of our home or office and give us an indoor warm and comfortable feeling. However, carpets must be laid evenly and smoothly on the floor, or else the carpets will be uneven, not only affecting its appearance, but also creating a problem of stumbling people easily.
If a large carpet is laid, a user usually cannot pull and spread the thick and heavy carpet smoothly by hands, and thus a carpet kicker is needed for the job.
Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art carpet kicker 70 is used to hold a free end of a carpet 62 to push it towards a pin board 60 at a wall, and the carpet kicker 70 includes a rectangular main body 71, a kicking unit 72 installed at a front end of the main body 71, a plurality of protruding pins 73 disposed at the bottom surface of the kicking unit 72 for hooking and pulling the carpet 62. The height of the protruding pin 73 can be controlled by a knob 74. The main body 11 includes a cushion 75 disposed at an end of the main body 11, and carpet kickers of this sort are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,023.
When the carpet kicker 70 is in use, a user presses the main body 71 by hands, and pushes the cushion 75 in the arrowed direction by knees, such that the kicking unit 72 holds and moves the carpet 62 gradually towards a pin board 60 on a wall, and finally hooks an edge of the carpet 62 to a hook pin 61 of the pin board 60 to spread and fix the carpet 62. However, such method is time-consuming and laborious, and using knees to push the cushion 75 for a long time will become an issue of professional safety.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 for another prior art carpet kicker 80, the carpet kicker 80 comprises an air pressure input end 81 connected to an air compressor 90 for providing air pressure to a housing 83 through a handle 82. The housing 83 includes a piston (not shown in the figure) for controlling a piston rod 85 to move forward and backward axially, and an external end of the piston rod 85 is connected to a hooking rod 86, and the bottom of the hooking rod 86 includes a hook 861. Further, a kicking unit 84 is installed at the bottom of a front end of the housing 83. Although the carpet kicker 80 intends to pull the carpet 62 pneumatically, its application still has the following problems:
1. Since the piston is driven pneumatically to move the piston rod 85, therefore an external air compressor 90 is needed to supply air pressure which is inconvenient to users. In other words, users have to carry a heavy and expensive air compressor 90 for the use of the carpet kicker 80, and it thus makes the application impractical.
2. Since the interval D between a pin board 60 for fixing the carpet 62 and a skirting board 64 at the wall is only 5 mm˜10 mm, and the design does not allow the hook 861 to be installed within the interval D, and it often makes the carpet kicker 80 useless. If the interval D of the pin board 60 is increased to allow the installation of the hook 861, the carpet will produce creases easily and affect the appearance of the carpet adversely.
3. More importantly, the carpet kicker 80 uses the hooking rod 86 to hook a fixed end of the pin board 60, and then the piston board 85 is moved back and forth to pull components such as the housing 83, handle 82 and kicking unit 84 indicated by dotted lines in the figure to move towards the wall synchronously. Furthermore, the method of using the protruding pin 841 to drive and pull the carpet 62 towards the pin board 60 is not too practical, because all of the actions for hooking and pulling the carpet 62 are centralized at the hook 861, and the pin board 60 is lifted by the hook 861 when the carpet 62 has not been pulled evenly yet. Therefore, such method of pulling the carpet still has its inevitable drawbacks and requires further improvements.


Method and system for receiving an advance decision from a wireless communication device user to terminate a video sequence captured by the user at a limit length of a target use for the video sequence and enforcing the advance decision upon reaching the limit length. The method and system relieve the user of the burden to continuously monitor the length of video sequences and terminate video sequences at just the right time.

This invention relates to recording video sequences on mobile electronic devices and, more particularly, a method and system for facilitating a user's ability to conform the length of a video sequence recorded on a wireless communication device to a target use for the video sequence.
Wireless communication devices, such as mobile phones, pocket PCs and personal data assistants, often have a video capture system with capability to record short video sequences. These captured video sequences can be stored, transported and played-back in many different ways. For example, they can be stored on a local memory of the device and played-back on the device. They can be stored on a removable memory card inserted in the device and played-back on the device or transported and played-back on another device that receives the removable memory card. They can be stored on a local memory of the device and transported via a wired connection to another local device for playback. Or they can be stored on a local memory of the device and transported via a wireless connection to a remote device for playback.
Each of these target uses may have a different limit length for video sequences. Limit lengths may be inherent in or imposed upon the recording device, the playback device and the mode through which a video sequence is transported between such devices. For example, a local memory of a device may have a first limit length for a stored video sequence, a removable memory card may have a second limit length for a stored video sequence, and a transportation mode between devices may have a third limit length for a transported video sequence. With regard to the latter type of limit, one popular service for transporting a video sequence over a cellular telephone network is Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Operators of cellular networks that support MMS commonly impose a limit, such as 100 kilobytes, on the size of the MMS message that is used to carry a video sequence.
Despite these limit lengths, most conventional wireless communication devices are not known to notify a user of how long a video sequence can be without exceeding a limit length associated with a target use, with the result that captured video sequences often violate limit lengths unbeknownst to the user. Such over-limit video sequences may be cropped such that the end of the video sequence is not viewable upon playback, and in some cases may be unable to be played-back at all. Moreover, cropping may impose extensive processing and memory requirements.
Helvick U.S. application Ser. No. 11/583,230, assigned to the assignee hereof ("Helvick I"), proposes a method and system for informing a user of a wireless communication device about conformance of a video sequence captured by the user with a target use for the video sequence. In Helvick I, a video sequence is rendered on a display while information on conformance of the video sequence with at least one target use for the video sequence is rendered simultaneously on the display. The conformance information may comprise representations of a current length and a limit length of the target use of the video sequence in a progress bar format. A first notification is rendered on the display upon approaching the limit length and a second notification is rendered on the display upon exceeding the limit length.
While the target use length limit notifications provided in Helvick I are useful, the user has the burden to continuously monitor progress and terminate video capture at just the right time. Attentive and cautious users may terminate video capture before the limit length of the target use is reached, resulting in less than full exploitation of limit length allowed by the target use and suboptimal video sequences. Inattentive or insufficiently cautious users may terminate video capture after the limit length of the target use is exceeded, resulting in over-limit video sequences with the attendant problems discussed above.

Target use video limit enforcement on wireless communication device


A CMOS-TFT array substrate and a method for fabricating the same is disclosed, by a low-mask technology to decrease the usage count of masks, which includes a substrate comprising an active area having a plurality of pixel regions and a driving circuit area for driving the active area, each pixel region having a transmitting part and a reflective part; a first semiconductor layer having first source/drain regions formed in the pixel region; a second semiconductor layer having second source/drain regions formed in the driving circuit area; a gate insulating layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the first and second semiconductor layers; first and second gate electrodes on the gate insulating layer above the first and second semiconductor layers; a storage electrode in the pixel region; an insulating interlayer on the entire surface of the substrate; a transmitting electrode on the insulating interlayer of the transmitting part; a passivation layer on the entire surface of the substrate including the transmitting electrode; a reflective electrode on the passivation layer of the reflective part; first and second source/drain electrodes being in contact with the first and second source/drain regions; and a liquid crystal layer between the substrate and another facing substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and more particularly, to a method for fabricating a CMOS-TFT array substrate by a low-mask technology.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Recently, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are widely used for flat displays because of their high contrast ratio, great gray scale and image display, and low power consumption.
In operation, the LCD device includes various patterns such as driving devices or lines on a substrate, which may be formed by photolithography. For example, a photoresist sensitive ultraviolet rays is coated on the substrate and a pattern formed using an optical mask is exposed and developed on the photoresist. Then, various material layers are etched using the patterned photoresist as a mask, and the photoresist is stripped. Accordingly, research for reducing the number of masks required has been actively pursued to improve productivity by decreasing the number of photolithography process.
Typically, the LCD device includes a TFT array substrate, a color filter substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a driving circuit. At this time, the TFT array substrate includes a thin film transistor TFT for selectively applying signals to pixel electrodes, and a storage capacitor for maintaining a charging state until a unit pixel region is addressed to the next charging state. Also, the color filter substrate has a color filter layer for obtaining various colors. Also, the liquid crystal layer is formed between the two substrates, and the driving circuit causes images to be displayed according to external signals by driving the TFT array substrate.
In case of a transflective type LCD device, the unit pixel region is divided into a transmitting part and a reflective part. At this time, a transmitting electrode is formed in the transmitting part, and a reflective electrode is formed in the reflective part, whereby a constant voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer.
The transmitting part displays the images by providing the light emitted from a backlight and incident on a lower substrate to the liquid crystal layer. Meanwhile, the reflective part displays the images by reflecting the ambient light incident on an upper substrate. Then, the driving circuit is provided on an additional PCB substrate, and is connected with the TFT array substrate by TCP. However, a method of forming the TFT array substrate without forming the driving circuit on the additional PCB substrate has been proposed recently.
Also, the thin film transistor is categorized into a thin film transistor for a pixel to drive the pixel regions in an active area, and a thin film transistor for a driving circuit to apply signals to gate and data lines in a pad area by operating the thin film transistor for a pixel. Typically, the thin film transistor for a pixel is formed of an n-type TFT of a high speed operation, and the thin film transistor for a driving circuit is formed of a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) thin film transistor, wherein the CMOS thin film transistor is comprised of the n-type TFT and a p-type TFT having a low power consumption.
Hereinafter, a method for fabricating a related art transflective type LCD device having a CMOS-TFT will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, a buffer layer 52 is formed on an insulating substrate 11, and a polysilicon layer is formed on the buffer layer 52. Then, a first photoresist (not shown) is deposited on the polysilicon layer, and first, second, and third semiconductor layers 54a, 54b, and 54c are formed by photolithography using a first mask.
There are at least two methods for forming the polysilicon layer: a first method of directly depositing a polysilicon layer and a second method of depositing an amorphous silicon layer and crystallizing the deposited amorphous silicon layer to a polysilicon layer.
The first method includes an LPCVD (low pressure chemical vapor deposition) method, and a PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) method. In the LPCVD method, the polysilicon layer is deposited at a high temperature above 550° C. In case of the PECVD method, the polysilicon layer is deposited at a temperature below 400° C. by using a mixing gas of SiF4/SiH4/H2.
The second method includes an SPC (solid phase crystallization) method of performing a heat treatment at a high temperature for a long time, an ELA (eximer laser annealing) method of irradiating an eximer laser at a temperature of 250° C., and an MIC (metal induced crystallization) method of inducing crystallization by depositing a metal layer on the amorphous silicon layer.
The semiconductor layers 54a, 54b, and 54c are patterned in an island shape. At this time, n-type TFT and p-type TFT regions are respectively formed in the first and third semiconductor layers 54a and 54c, and a storage capacitor is formed in the second semiconductor layer 54b.
Next, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a second photoresist 31 is coated on an entire surface of the insulating substrate 11, and an exposure and developing process is performed thereon, so that the second photoresist 31 is patterned to cover the first semiconductor layer 54a of the n-type TFT region, and the third semiconductor layer 54c of the p-type TFT region. After that, by performing a storage doping process to the entire surface of the substrate, a storage doping layer is formed in the second semiconductor layer 54b of a storage region.
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, after removing the second photoresist 31, an inorganic insulating layer of silicon oxide SiOx or silicon nitride SiNx is deposited on the entire surface of the insulating substrate 11, by PECVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition), thereby forming a gate insulating layer 13. Thereafter, a low-resistance metal layer, for example, copper Cu, aluminum Al, aluminum molybdenum AlNd, molybdenum Mo, chrome Cr, titanium Ti, tantalum Ta, or molybdenum-tungsten MoW, is deposited on the gate insulating layer 13. Then, after a third photoresist (not shown) is deposited on the low-resistance metal layer, first and second gate electrodes 12 and 22 and a storage electrode 19 are formed in the respective semiconductor layers 54a, 54b, and 54c by photolithography using a third mask. In this state, the first and second gate electrodes 12 and 22 are partially overlapped with first and second channel layers 14 and 24 of the n-type TFT region and the p-type TFT region, and the storage electrode 19 is overlapped with the second semiconductor layer 54b of the storage region.
Next, n-type impurity ions are lightly doped on the semiconductor layers 54a and 54c by using the first and second gate electrodes 12 and 22 as a mask, thereby forming LDD (lightly doped drain) doping layers 88 in the semiconductor layer 54a and 54c at both sides of the first and second gate electrodes 12 and 22. At this time, the remaining portions of the first and second semiconductor layers 54a and 54c, on which the n-type impurity ions are not doped, serve as the first and second channel layers 14 and 24.
As described above, the LDD doping layer is formed by lightly doping the predetermined portions of the semiconductor layer with the impurity ions, whereby it is possible to decrease a turning-off current by decreasing an electric field of a contact region by resistance, and to minimize the decrease of a turning-on current.
After that, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, a fourth photoresist 33 is coated on the entire surface of the substrate including the first gate electrode 12, and then an exposure and developing process using a fourth mask is performed thereon, whereby the fourth photoresist 33 is patterned to expose some of the first semiconductor layer 54 corresponding to the n-type TFT region at both sides of the first gate electrode 12. Accordingly, the p-type TFT region and the storage region are blocked, so that it is possible to prevent the ions from being implanted to the p-type TFT region and the storage region.
Then, the entire surface of the insulating substrate 11 is highly doped with the n-type impurity ions of phosphorous P, thereby forming first source and drain regions 15a and 15b in the n-type TFT region. After that, the first source and drain regions 15a and 15b are activated. After stripping the fourth photoresist 33, as illustrated in FIG. 1E, a fifth photoresist 35 is coated on the entire surface of the substrate including the first and second gate electrodes 12 and 22, and then patterned to expose the p-type TFT region by an exposure and developing process using a fifth mask. As a result, the n-type TFT region and the storage region are blocked, whereby the ions are not implanted thereto.
Subsequently, the p-type impurity ions, such as-boron B, are highly doped on the entire surface of the insulating substrate 11, thereby forming second source and drain regions 25a and 25b in the p-type TFT region. Then, the second source and drain regions 25a and 25b are activated. After stripping the fifth photoresist 35, as illustrated in FIG. 1F, an insulating material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate including the first gate electrode 12, by PECVD, thereby forming an insulating interlayer 23.
Thereafter, a sixth photoresist (not shown) is coated, and the gate insulating layer 13 and the insulating interlayer 23 are selectively removed to expose predetermined portions of the first and second source/drain regions 15a, 15b, 25a, and 25b by photolithography using a sixth mask, thereby forming a first contact hole 71.
By stripping the sixth photoresist, as illustrated in FIG. 1G, first and second source/drain electrodes 15c, 15d, 25c, and 25d are connected with the first and second source/drain regions 15a, 15b, 25a, and 25b through the first contact hole 71, thereby completing the CMOS-TFT having the n-type TFT and the p-type TFT.
That is, a low-resistance metal layer such as copper Cu, aluminum Al, aluminum neodymium AlNd, molybdenum Mo, chrome Cr, titanium Ti, tantalum Ta, or molybdenum-tungsten MoW, and a seventh photoresist (not shown) are sequentially coated on the entire surface of the substrate including the insulating interlayer 23, to bury the first contact hole 71. Then, the coated low-resistance metal layer is patterned in an exposure and developing process using a seventh mask, thereby forming the first and second source/drain electrodes 15c, 15d, 25c, and 25d.
Accordingly, the n-type TFT is formed in each pixel region to drive the pixel region, wherein the n-type TFT is comprised of the first gate electrode 12, the first source/drain electrodes 15c and 15d, and the first channel layer 14. Also, the p-type TFT is formed in the driving circuit, to apply the signals to the gate and data lines, wherein the p-type TFT is comprised of the second gate electrode 22, the second source/drain electrodes 25c and 25d, and the second channel layer 24. Also, the storage including the second semiconductor layer 54b, the gate insulating layer 13, and the storage electrode 19 is formed in each pixel region.
As illustrated in FIG. 1H, after stripping the seventh photoresist, a photoacryl resin is coated on the entire surface of the substrate including the first source/drain electrodes 15c and 15d, and then an exposure and developing process using an eighth mask is performed thereon, thereby forming a plurality of photoacryl resin patterns at fixed intervals. Then, by reflowing the plurality of photoacryl resin patterns, it is possible to form a plurality of first projection patterns 90. Thus, the plurality of first projection patterns 90 are formed at fixed intervals, wherein each first projection pattern is formed in a spherical shape.
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 1I, an inorganic insulating layer of silicon oxide SiOx or silicon nitride SiNx is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate including the first projection patterns 90, or an organic insulating layer of BCB (BenzoCycloButene) or acrylic material is coated on the entire surface of the substrate, thereby forming a passivation layer 16. At this time, the passivation layer 16 is formed along the first projection patterns 90, whereby the passivation layer 16 has a plurality of second projection patterns 92.
Referring to FIG. 1J, the passivation layer 16 and the insulating interlayer 23 are etched to expose the first drain electrode 15d and the storage electrode 19 by photolithography using a ninth mask, thereby forming a second contact hole 81.
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 1K, a metal layer having high reflexibility, for example, aluminum-Al, aluminum neodymium AlNd, or titanium Ti, is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate including the passivation layer 16, and patterned by photolithography using a tenth mask, thereby forming a reflective electrode 17a. The reflective electrode 17a is formed along the second projection patterns 92, whereby the reflective electrode 17a has reflective projections. If the ambient light is used as the light source, the reflective projections partially changes reflection angle of the ambient light, thereby obtaining a great amount of reflective light.
As illustrated in FIG. 1L, ITO (indium-tin-oxide) or IZO (indium-zinc-oxide) is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate including the reflective electrode 17a, and then patterned by photolithography using an eleventh mask, thereby forming a transmitting electrode 17b. At this time, the reflective electrode 17a is formed in the reflective part of the pixel region, and the transmitting electrode 17b is formed in the transmitting part of the pixel region. However, the transmitting electrode 17b is in contact with the predetermined portion of the reflective electrode 17a, to receive the voltage.
Accordingly, the related art fabrication process of the TFT array substrate totally uses a mask eleven times.
Although not shown, the CMOS-TFT array substrate having the n-type TFT and the p-type TFT is maintained at a predetermined interval from a facing substrate having a color filter layer by spacers, and then the two substrates are bonded to each other by sealant. Then, a liquid crystal layer is formed by injecting liquid crystal between the two substrates, and an inlet for injection of liquid crystal is sealed, thereby completing the LCD device.

Transflective type liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same


An individual air conditioning system with an absorption chiller heater having a controllable capacity, with thermal input to a burner of a high temperature regenerator being controlled by on-off control or the like even if the load is low. The temperature of cooling water is controlled in accordance with a concentration of refrigerant in an absorber, so that the refrigerating capacity of the absorption chiller heater can be freely varied from 0% to 100% without the refrigerant being frozen.

The present invention relates to a control method of an absorption chiller heater and, more particularly, to a control method of an absorption chiller heater which is suitable for an air conditioning system in which demand for individual operations is large.
In the present air conditioning for buildings, there has been an increasing demand for individually operating indoor units for increased comfort, a number of rental rooms for tenants, flextime working and so forth. One method for answering such individual demands is disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Nos. 1-203839 and 1-212869. In these systems, a plurality of compressors are provided in a refrigerator, and the entire apparatus is operated in such a manner that the capacity of the compressors balances with a capacity required for air conditioning. This is because that in the refrigerator of a coolant compression type, it is difficult to perform control of decreasing the capacity and, if the capacity is decreased, the operational efficiency will be reduced. Consequently, such drawbacks are dealt with by on-off operation of the plurality of compressors in the above described manner. In another method, a small-capacity air conditioning outdoor unit is provided for each of indoor air conditioners. On the other hand, in a large-size air conditioner of a centralized control type with an absorption chiller heater or the like, operation of the main refrigerator itself is stopped after a certain time without meeting the demand for individual air conditioning.
When a plurality of compressors are provided or when a refrigerator is reduced in size and divided into dispersed units in order to satisfy the demand for individual air conditioning, not only the probability of troubles is increased but also the maintenance space is enlarged. Moreover, a large-size refrigerator of the centralized control type does not answer the demand for individual air conditioning.

Control method and apparatus of absorption chiller heater


Systems and methods are described for controlled alignment of catalyticaly grown nanostructures in a large-scale synthesis process. An apparatus includes an electrode including: a protruding section defining an edge; and a nonprotruding section coupled to the protruding section, where the edge is adapted to deflect an electric field generated with the electrode and at least one section selected from the group consisting of the protruding section and the nonprotruding section is adapted to support a substrate for the growth of elongated nanostructures.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of nanotechnology. More particularly, the invention relates to nanostructures that are elongated, methods of making elongated nanostructures and machinery for making such nanostructures.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The fabrication of commercially valuable devices based upon nanoscale components requires large-scale processes that allow massive production of these components. As a practical matter, such large scale processes need to i) mass produce nanoscale components with well specified properties, (e.g., shape, structure, chemical composition, etc.), ii) enable secure placement of these components in an appropriate orientation that may be dictated by end product functionality, and iii) facilitate attachment of robust input and output (IO) connections.
Elongated nanostructures are exemplified by carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are a material with superior electronic and mechanical properties. Several research groups have recently demonstrated fabrication of nanoscale devices based upon carbon nanotubes (Collins and Arnold, 2001; Rueckes et al., 2000; Choi et al., 1999; Stevens et al., 2000). Despite vast advances in this field, there remain unsolved problems such as the requirements to (a) synthesize large quantities of CNTs with predetermined properties, (b) place them in a required configuration and (c) create IO connections, all in the context of a fast mass production fabrication process.
The suitability of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) for nanoscale device fabrication has been previously demonstrated (Guillom et al., 2001). VACNFs have been deterministically synthesized at predetermined locations using large-scale fabrication processes such as lithography and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The deterministic VACNF growth that has been achieved includes the control of the location, length, diameter, and shape of VACNFs (Merkulov et al., 2001; Merkulov et al., 2000). The control of the VACNF orientation has generally been limited to the direction perpendicular (normal) to the substrate. What is needed is a mass production technology that can (i) fabricate large quantities of elongated nanostructures with predetermined properties, (ii) place them in a required configuration and (iii) facilitate the creation of IO connections.
Heretofore, the requirements of synthesizing large quantities of elongated nanostructures with well defined properties, arranging them in a desired configuration, and facilitating the creation of input/output connections have not been fully met. What is needed is a solution that simultaneously addresses all of these requirements.

Apparatus for controlled alignment of catalytically grown nanostructures


Tires are measured for a parameter correlated to a tendency to contribute to steering pull when used on a vehicle. A group of the measured tires is then ranked into a successive series by ordering the parameter measurements of the tires in the group non-decreasingly or non-increasingly. A set of at least two tires of substantially consecutive rank are then selected for mounting on the same vehicle in order to reduce steering pull.

Structural nonuniformities in vehicle tires can give rise to an undesirable phenomenon known as "steering pull". Steering pull refers to the tendency of a vehicle traveling forward to veer to the right or left in the absence of a corresponding steering input from its driver. Steering pull can be quantified by measuring the magnitude and direction of force which the driver must apply at the perimeter of the steering wheel in one direction or the other in order to keep the vehicle traveling straight ahead.
The steering pull exhibited by a vehicle due to its tires is attributable almost entirely to behavior of the tires mounted on the steering axle. The tendency of a tire on one end of the axle to cause steering pull algebraically adds to or subtracts from the corresponding tendency of the tire on the other end of the axle. In order to illustrate this, it is useful to first note that tires have a pair of opposed sides which are commonly referred to as the "in-side" (or D.O.T. marking side) and the "out-side" (sometimes referred to as the "curb side" or "whitewall side"). Assume for illustration purposes that the tire mounted on the left side of the front axle of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, tends to veer toward its out-side to such a degree that in order to keep the vehicle traveling straight, a 5 ounce clockwise steering pull force must be applied by the driver to the perimeter of the steering wheel of the car. Further assume that the tire on the opposite end of the same axle tends to pull in the opposite direction, i.e., toward the in-side, with a steering pull of the same magnitude. Since the tires are mounted at opposite ends of the axle, each would tend to cause the car to tend to veer leftwardly and, in order to keep the vehicle traveling straight, the driver would have to exert a distinctly noticeable total steering pull of 10 ounces on the steering wheel in the clockwise direction. However, if only one of these tires was replaced with a tire exhibiting the same degree of steering pull but in the opposite direction of its predecessor, i.e., in the same direction as the tire on the opposite end of the steering axle, the driver would not have to exert any force on the steering wheel to keep the vehicle traveling straight ahead. No annoying steering pull would then be apparent to the driver notwithstanding the tendency of each individual tire to cause steering pull.
One technique for reducing steering pull known in the prior art is to use a tire uniformity machine to measure in tires a parameter, such as conicity, known to be correlated to the tendency of an individual tire to contribute to steering pull and to reject any tire whose conicity exceeds a predetermined maximum limit. However, this technique, when practiced alone, is only effective to limit the maximum contribution to steering pull which can be made by a given tire. Moreover, attempts to reduce such maximum contribution by lowering the reject limit on conicity are gained only at the expense of increased numbers of rejected tires thereby decreasing productivity and raising production costs.
As its name implies, "conicity" indicates the tendency of a tire to roll in an arc as would a section of a cone rather than straight ahead as a true cylinder would tend to roll. Conicity can be measured substantially simultaneously with other non-uniformity indicating parameters on a conventional tire uniformity machine and is commonly expressed as an algebraically signed (+ or-) number in units of pounds or Newtons. Conventionally, positive conicity values indicate a tendency to pull toward the out-side of the tire while negative conicity values indicate a tendency to pull to the in-side.
While it is conventional practice to use conicity as an index for steering pull, conicity is not the only parameter known to be correlated to the tendency of a tire to cause steering pull. Some research suggests that steering pull is caused primarily by the aligning moment of the tire (the moment around the radial axis). Papers such as SAE 870423, "Tread Design and Belt Angle Effect on Residual Aligning Torque", by Frank E. Matyja, have shown that there is a correlation between conicity and residual aligning torque which is the aligning torque existing when the tire rolls so as to generate zero lateral force.
Another known technique for reducing steering pull, which can be practiced alone or in combination with the limiting technique just described, is to mark tires with the algebraic sign of their conicities and select only tires of the same algebraic sign for mounting on opposite ends of the steering axle of a given vehicle. As a consequence, the tendency of each tire to cause steering pull detectable at the steering wheel of the vehicle tends to be at least partially cancelled or offset by the opposing action of the tire on the opposite end of the axle. While beneficial, the degree of cancellation achieved using such a system is uncontrolled and substantial variations in steering pull from one set of tires so selected to another can occur.
In view of the foregoing, it is an objective of the invention to provide a process and apparatus for selecting a set of at least two tires for mounting on the same vehicle such that the tires in a given set tend to contribute to steering pull not only in the same direction with respect to each tire, but also with comparable magnitudes so as to achieve significant cancellation of the steering pull sensed by the driver at the steering wheel with greater consistency than has been possible heretofore.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a selection process which, in addition to meeting the foregoing objectives, can be carried out as a continuous process wherein tires or tire/wheel assemblies are continuously taken up to be measured and properly selected sets of same are continuously delivered.
Another objective is to provide such a continuous process and apparatus which can be economically implemented on a production scale and which do not require facilities for physically storing excessive numbers of tires or tire/wheel assemblies in the interval between measuring their individual tendencies to contribute to steering pull and selecting sets thereof.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a set of tires or tire/wheel assemblies so selected so as to fulfill the foregoing objectives as well as an additional objective.
That additional objective of the present invention is to provide a selection process and apparatus which can be combined with the invention of the parent Ser. No. 07/556,951 application so as to concurrently achieve the advantages thereof in a single, integrated process and apparatus.
Parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/556,951 is directed to a process and apparatus for pairing tires from a given population of tires with wheels from a given population of wheels so as to optimally reduce radial force variation in the resulting population of tire/wheel assemblies. According to that invention, tires and wheels are inspected as individual components by measuring in each a parameter correlated to its tendency to generate vibration in a given direction. Each tire and wheel in respective groups of N tires and N wheels so inspected are then assigned rank designations such as an ordinal number in the range of 1 through N. The rank designations are assigned in order of the values of the parameters measured and thus indicate relative tendency of each given tire and wheel to generate such vibration as compared to the remaining N-1 members of its respective group. Tires and wheels of corresponding rank designation are paired for mounting as a tire/wheel assembly. In the tire/wheel assembly, the tire and wheel are oriented with respect to one another so as to minimize the aforementioned vibration. That system however does not address the problem of steering pull.

Process and apparatus for selecting tires to reduce steering pull and tire set selected using same


An apparatus and method of distributing media content from a hardware input device to a hardware output device, located remotely from each other, in a home network, is disclosed. A control unit receives a user input and converts it to a control signal. An encoder device is coupled to the input device and a decoder device is coupled to the output device. The encoder device and the decoder device each receive the control signal. The encoder device digitally encodes an analog signal from the input device and transmits the encoded signal over the network to the decoder device. The decoder device translates the encoded signal into a decoded signal suitable for the output device.

Modem homes contain multiple consumer electronic devices that can benefit from interconnection to other electronic devices in the home, for example, displaying the output of a DVD player located in a living room on a television located in a bedroom separated by one or more walls. As the number of interoperable electronic devices in the home environment increases, the need arises for a way to distribute media content from an existing source device to an existing destination device located remotely in the home and to allow the devices to interact remotely.
Most prior art schemes that distribute media content within a home network are relegated to simply downloading digital content off the Internet and displaying it on a personal computer. This scheme restricts access to other media content sources located in the home or to devices that connect the home to external access networks, including TVs, VCRs, set-top boxes, video game consoles and other audio/video devices.
A problem encountered when attempting to distribute analog signals from legacy hardware input sources, such as a DVD player, to remotely located legacy hardware output sources, such as a TV located in a different room, is that the hardware input sources need to be directly connected to the hardware output sources. This configuration limits utilization of input sources and requires additional wiring and components. Legacy hardware switch devices, such as receivers and tuners, can provide switching of media signals. However, these devices work only in an analog domain and are generally limited to devices in close geographic proximity to the switch. Thus these switches do not offer a way to distribute the media content to all areas of the home.
What is needed is a system for and method of distributing media content from a hardware input device to a hardware output device, located remotely, within a home network.


Some embodiments include transistor-containing constructions having gate material within an opening in a semiconductor material and spaced from the semiconductor material by gate dielectric material. The opening has a wide lower region beneath a narrow upper region. A saddle region of the gate dielectric material extends outwardly from a bottom of the opening and is along the semiconductor material beneath the opening. A saddle region of the gate material extends outwardly from the bottom of the opening and is along the gate dielectric material beneath the opening. Source/drain regions are within the semiconductor material along sides of the gate material. Some embodiments include memory arrays.

Transistors are commonly utilized in integrated circuits, and may have many applications throughout memory, logic, etc. For instance, transistors may be utilized in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) arrays. A DRAM unit cell may comprise a transistor in combination with a capacitor.
A continuing goal of integrated circuit fabrication is to create higher levels of integration, and accordingly to reduce size and spacing of existing components. It becomes increasingly more difficult to reduce the size of transistors due to short channel effects, higher contact resistance, and other complications.
Transistor performance may be characterized by numerous metrics, including, for example, current flow through the on state (Ion) of the transistor, and current flow through the off state (Ioff) of the transistor. It is desired to have high Ion with low Ioff so that current is controlled and relatively unimpeded when the transistor is in the on state, and so that there is low current flow, if any, in the off state. However, there may be some level of leakage through transistors, especially as the transistors become increasingly smaller. An example leakage mechanism is drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), which can be particularly problematic in transistors having short channels.

Transistor-containing constructions and memory arrays


A water operated rotatable scrubbing brush device which generates considerable scrubbing torque, without the use of gearing or diverting the majority of the water driving the device away from the brush and out of the device. The device has a two-way water flow valve that permits the operator to select between a rotatable scrubbing brush mode, wherein liquid cleaning solution will also be dispensed to the scrubbing brush, and a rinse mode, wherein clean rinse water, without cleaning solution, will be dispensed without driving the scrubbing brush, to rinse off the item being scrubbed.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of water operated rotating scrubbing brush devices, and more particularly to a device which generates a high amount of torque, without the use of any gearing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are a number of different styles of water operated rotating brush cleaning devices. However, all of these devices have drawbacks, as will be discussed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,640 to Sekula, et al. discloses a device with a rotating brush and a built-in liquid washing agent feeder. The Sekula, et al. device comprises a sealed chamber containing a disk with vanes located around its perimeter. The disk is connected to the rotating brush via a hollow shaft. A single nozzle positioned at the perimeter of the sealed chamber directs water at the vanes, thereby turning the disk and brush. After turning the disk, the water drains out of the sealed chamber through a channel in the hollow shaft to the brush below. The Sekula, et al. device, due to its single nozzle for turning the rotatable disk and the attached brush, would not be expected to develop sufficient torque with which to rotate the brush when the brush is brought into contract with the item being washed, such as a vehicle. This problem would likely be compounded by the limited rate at which water would be expected to drain from the device, and the accompanying back-pressure in the device which might result. Moreover, the Sekula, et al. device just has a single, water driven brushing mode, during which soap will be dispensed, but no other mode where just clean water can be dispensed directly from the brush.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,771 to Gonzalvo discloses a water-driven brush device for washing dishes that is connected to a sink faucet. The full force of the inlet water drives a turbine. The turbine drives a brush through gears to thereby increase the available torque. After turning the turbine, the majority of the water is directed through an outlet hose away from the brush, with only a minority of water being directed to the brush. The Gonzalvo device does not include a means to distribute cleaning solution to the item being washed and also lacks any means to choose between a scrubbing mode and a rinse mode. Moreover, while gearing may increases the available torque, the rotation speed of the brush is thereby lowered, and the overall design becomes more complex.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,911 to Haines describes a water operated rotary cleaning brush device similar to the Gonzalvo device, in that once the inlet water finishes turning a turbine, the majority of the water is directed out of the device, away from the brush, and is not available for washing the item being scrubbed. The Haines device has a single, scrubbing mode of operation, but no rinse mode of operation, and soap distribution system.

Hand held domestic utensil cleaning device


A computer based lottery which allows entries to be sold over the telephone, by ATM or POS machines, by email, or via kiosks, in which participants are invited to choose at least one unique number from a defined range of numbers, e.g. between one and one million which hopefully no-one else has or will select before the end of the competition. The participant can register their selection with an entry-logging engine (which can be an automated call answering system allowing the user to key in the number chosen by using the telephone keypad). This records the identity or contact details of the participant (for example telephone number or email address), the number selected by the participant, and the date and time of the entry, the entry-logging engine giving the participant an optional receipt number.

Lotteries are used in gambling systems where participants pay to enter or promotional systems where eligibility to enter is associated with the purchase of goods or services.
Most games of chance involving large numbers of participants are lotteries based on (a) sweepstakes, in which customers purchase lottery tickets, or (b) variants of LOTTO or KENO, in which customers either purchase a pre-allocated set of numbers, or purchase a group of numbers chosen by them in each case purchasing a ticket at a retail outlet. In some cases such purchases are conducted by mail. In all cases the organiser of the lottery will then select the winning numbers, in some form of random draw, which is often televised.
One disadvantage of these systems is that customers need to go to the retail out let to purchase the entrance ticket. Another disadvantage is that customers are required to retain their tickets, in order to redeem prizes if they believe they have won. LOTTO allows customers to select different numbers but suffers from the disadvantage that the prize pool may be shared between a number of participants—it is the nature of LOTTO that it cannot guarantee a single division one winner. Another disadvantage is the need to ensure that the selection of the winning tickets/numbers is truly random and is not subject to interference or fraud by any party.


Disclosed is a computer implemented method and apparatus for queuing I/O requests to a pending queue. The I/O device driver sets a maximum ordered queue length for an I/O device driver coupled to a storage device then receives an I/O request from an application. The I/O device driver determines whether the pending queue is sorted and responds to a determination that the pending queue is sorted, determining if queued I/O requests exceed the maximum ordered queue length. Responding to a determination that the pending queue exceeds the maximum ordered queue length, the I/O device driver adds the I/O request based on a high pointer, and points the high pointer to the I/O request.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for ordering accesses to blocks of data on a block storage device. More specifically, the present invention relates to selectively using an elevator sorting algorithm to reduce a central processing unit (CPU) processing load in some instances.
2. Description of the Related Art
Use of the elevator sorting algorithm can cause unwanted loads on a processor when sorting and inserting input/output (I/O) requests in a pending queue of a data processing system.

Transitions between ordered and ad hoc I/O request queueing

International Business Machines Corporation


A chuck useful for supporting a wafer during an edge bevel removal (EBR) process comprises a rotatable center hub having a plurality of support arms extending outwardly from the rotatable center hub, support pins on ends of the support arms, gas passages extending through upper surfaces of the support pins, and gas conduits in the support arms. The gas conduits supply gas to the gas passages or apply a vacuum to the gas passages. The support arms can include alignment cams which are rotatable from an outer non-alignment position away from a periphery of the wafer to an inner alignment position at which the wafer is centered. During centering, the wafer is floated on a gas cushion which reduces wear of the support pins.

In a typical copper Damascene process, the formation of the desired conductive routes generally begins with a thin physical vapor deposition (PVD) of the metal, followed by a thicker electrofill layer (which is formed by electroplating). The PVD process is typically sputtering. In order to maximize the size of the wafer's useable area (sometimes referred to herein as the "active surface region") and, thereby, maximize the number of integrated circuits produced per wafer), the electrofilled metal must be deposited to very near the edge of the semiconductor wafer. Thus, it is necessary to allow physical vapor deposition of the metal over the entire front side of the wafer. As a byproduct of this process step, PVD metal typically coats the front edge area outside the active circuit region, as well as the side edge, and to some degree, the backside.
Electrofill of the metal is much easier to control, since the electroplating apparatus can be designed to exclude the electroplating solution from undesired areas such as the edge and backside of the wafer. One example of plating apparatus that constrains electroplating solution to the wafer active surface is the SABRE™ clamshell electroplating apparatus available from Novellus Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,167 "Clamshell Apparatus For Electrochemically Treating Semiconductor Wafers," by E. Patton et al., and filed Nov. 13, 1997, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The PVD metal remaining on the wafer edge after electrofill is undesirable for various reasons. For example, the PVD metal on the wafer edge is not suitable for subsequent depositions and tends to flake off generating undesirable particles. By contrast the PVD metal on the active interior region of the wafer is simply covered with thick and even electrofill metal and planarized by CMP down to the dielectric. This flat surface, which is mostly dielectric, is covered with a barrier layer, such as silicon nitride or silicon carbide, that both adheres well to the dielectric and aids in the adhesion of subsequent layers. Unfortunately, the barrier layer, which like the residual PVD metal layers deposits over the wafer edge area, is often thin and uneven and therefore may allow migration of the metal into the dielectric. This problem is especially important when the metal is copper.
To address these problems, semiconductor equipment may have to allow etching of the unwanted residual metal layers. Various difficulties will be encountered in designing a suitable etching system. For example, one of the main constraints of edge bevel removal (EBR) is a relatively long processing time. Smaller node technology allows significant reduction of plating time for thin films. In order to realize the throughput gain, it is highly desirable to reduce duration of all non-plating processes, such as EBR. Additional problems include controlling the etching area during the EBR process. It is desirable to minimize losses of electro-filled metal in the active area of the wafer while completely removing the surrounding bevel (i.e. to reduce "taper width" of the deposited metal). Overall, improved edge bevel removal methods and apparatuses are desired. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,964 "Apparatus And Method For Edge Bevel Removal Of Copper From Silicon Wafers," by K. Ganesan et al., and filed Aug. 27, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses an apparatus for performing EBR wherein a wafer is supported on a rotatable chuck having support pins and alignment pins. A suitable chuck is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,416 "Wafer Chuck For Use In Edge Bevel Removal Of Copper From Silicon Wafers," by S. Mayer et al., and filed Apr. 25, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference. During wafer centering, a wafer slides on rubber support pins which can lead to wear and particle problems. It would be desirable to extend the wear of the support pins and reduce particle generation during wafer centering.

Chuck for edge bevel removal and method for centering a wafer prior to edge bevel removal


For use with a grounded power plant, capable of powering a load, having a power supply and a power distribution system, a protective circuit, including a voltage clamping device, coupled between a return conductor of the power distribution system and the ground, that attenuates voltage transients present in the return conductor of the power distribution system thereby preventing the voltage transients from damaging the load.

Users have become increasingly reliant upon electronic systems to perform critical functions. Some electronic systems must be operative at all times. Telecommunication switches, for instance, route tens of thousands of calls per second. The failure of such systems, due to either equipment breakdown or loss of power, is unacceptable since it would result in the loss of millions of telephone calls and the severe disruption of commerce.
A number of factors may affect operational availability of a particular electronic system. Electronic systems are inherently susceptible to damage from voltage transients. A single-point ground system, commonly used in the United States, connects all equipment frames and a point in the return of the current carrying path in a particular electronic system to a single ground window. By providing a path directly to ground, the single-point ground protects the electronic system from transient voltages.
In addition to grounding protection, critical electronic systems typically rely on battery plants or other types of power plants to maintain a high level of operational availability. Battery plants use backup batteries to provide power, allowing the electronic systems to function even when commercial power is unavailable. Batteries in a battery plant may store a substantial amount of energy. Although necessary to allow the electronic systems to operate during a commercial power outage that may last for many hours, the substantial energy stored may become a liability under certain fault conditions. A fault occurring either in the electronic system, the power plant or a power distribution system may release some of the stored energy in the form of voltage or current transients. The transients may then travel through the single-point ground, causing considerable damage to other parts of the electronic system.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an apparatus and method for suppressing transient voltages caused by, for instance, faults in the electronic system or in the power distribution system.

Protective circuit for a grounded power plant


A microfluidic device includes a processing layer and a temperature control layer. The processing layer applies a predetermined process to a subject fluid. The temperature control layer is disposed adjacent to the processing layer to give a predetermined temperature environment to the processing layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microfluidic device produced by a layer manufacturing technology and particularly relates to a microfluidic device, which can be produced easily and can give an optimum processing environment to a process such as reaction of subject fluid.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of parts manufacture, a layer manufacturing technology has been recently spread rapidly as a method for forming a computer-designed complex three-dimensional object in a short time. In most cases, the layer manufacturing technology has been applied to relatively large parts with a size not smaller than the order of cm. In recent years, this method has been also applied to microstructures formed by high-precision processing, such as micro-gears, micro-optical parts, microfluidic devices, etc.
Microfluidic device is a generic terms of "microreactor", "lab-on a chip" or "micro total analytical systems (μ-TAS)". A microfluidic device can be integrated with another microfluidic device having another function such as synthesis, physicochemical treatment, detection to construct a microchemical system. Because the microfluidic devices are excellent in uniformity of reaction solution temperature and good in temperature response, it is possible to shorten reaction time and save the amount of a sample and the amount of a solvent used. Accordingly, because resources and energy required for production of a device can be saved, the microfluidic devices have merits in energy conservation in operation, reduction in the amount of waste, etc. There is expectation that the microfluidic devices will contribute to many industries in the future.
A microreactor provided as a kind of microfluidic device is a device having a micro reaction field smaller by several orders than that of an conventional reactor. In most cases, the microreactor uses a channel having a diameter of from 1 mm to the order of micros as the reaction field. Accordingly, the microreactor is also referred to as "micro channel reactor". It is conceived that temperature control can be performed accurately on the basis of reduction in heat capacity because the device surface area per unit volume of such a microreactor is large. Researches into the microreactor have been advanced in various countries because the microreactor is a device particularly having an appeal for catalytic reaction sensitive to temperature and having a reaction rate dependent on the contact area (e.g. see US2005/106078 A).
FIG. 17 shows a microreactor described in US 2005/106078 A. This microreactor 100 is a microstructure provided as a laminate of a first pattern layer 110 serving as a top surface, a plurality of second pattern layers 120 each having a reaction portion 123 in which two source fluids L1 and L2 meet (merge into) and react with each other, and a third pattern layer 130 serving as a bottom portion.
The first pattern layer 110 has: first and second inlets 111a and 111b for inletting the two source fluids L1 and L2 in respectively; and an outlet 120 from which a reaction liquid M obtained as a product of reaction of the source fluids L1 and L2 is drained.
Each of the second pattern layers 120 defines: through-holes 121a, 121b and 121d defined so as to correspond to the inlets 111a and 111b and the outlet 112; a junction 122 in which the two source fluids L1 and L2 led in meet with (merge into) each other; and a reaction portion 123 in which the two source fluids L1 and L2 react with each other.
The microreactor 100 is produced in such a manner that the first to third pattern layers 110 to 130 formed from a glass substrate are pressurized and laminated by thermal fusion. When a plurality of pattern layers each having the same structure as the second pattern layer 120 are laminated, a plurality of reactions can be performed by parallel processing.


The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a communication system able to share content on the basis of metadata. A storage unit 105 retains content. A registration processor 106 generates metadata related to the content and registers the generated metadata in a database. An uploader 104 requests another communication apparatus via a network for content retained by the other communication apparatus on the basis of metadata generated by the other communication apparatus. A downloader 103 supplies content retained by the storage unit 105 via the network to the other communication apparatus requesting on the basis of metadata generated by the registration processor 106. The present invention can be applied to a recording and playback apparatus able to record or play back content, for example.

Conventionally, there exists for example a sharing system wherein (data expressing) owned content is uploaded to a given server and the uploaded content is shared by a plurality of user terminals (see PTL 1, for example).
According to a conventional sharing system, sharing is possible by for example a user terminal selecting given content on the basis of metadata such as the title or genre of the content, and downloading the selected content from a given server.
Herein, metadata is for example generated on the basis of generative information such as electronic program guide (EPG) data corresponding to content obtained from received broadcast waves.

Apparatus, method and system for generating metadata for content to be shared


A vulcanization-adhered laminate is constituted by a structure where a fluororubber layer and a synthetic rubber-containing layer are tightly adhered by vulcanization by vulcanization, and the synthetic rubber layer prior to the vulcanization-adhesion includes organic peroxide, silica, organic phosphonium salt, maleic anhydride-modified polybutadiene, and magnesium oxide.

Fluororubber is drawing the attention as a material for fuel hoses, etc., due to its excellent heat resistance, oil resistance, ozone resistance, chemical resistance, and the like, but the high cost of fluororubber presents a problem.
For this reason, a double-layer structure comprising an innermost layer made of fluororubber to maintain oil resistance as well as flexibility of the hose, and an outer layer made of synthetic rubber, is considered optimal. Among various double-layer structures, one using NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), rubber that offers relatively favorable oil resistance and is also affordable, is considered the best. However, in general, adhering fluororubber and synthetic rubber directly by means of vulcanization has been difficult.
Accordingly, Patent Literature 1, for example, proposes a rubber laminate of fluororubber and NBR characterized in that 0.3 to 5 parts by weight of at least one chemical compound selected from a group that includes 1,8-diazabicyclo (5,4,0) undecene-7 (DBU), 1,5-diazabicyclo (4,3,0) nonene-5 (DBN) and salts thereof, 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of at least one alkali substance selected from a group that includes calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium meta-silicic acid and calcium oxide, 1 to 7 parts by weight of organic sulfur donor, and 0 to 0.5 parts by weight of sulfur, are contained per 100 parts by weight of NBR. Because DBU, DBN, DBU salt or DBN salt is used, however, scorching tends to occur when the synthetic rubber blend is kneaded, stored and formed into a laminate even when anti-scorching agent, etc., is added with the aim of preventing scorching. For this reason, any fundamental scorching prevention measure requires that DBU, DBN, etc., not be used. Nevertheless, vulcanization adhesion becomes difficult if DBU, DBN, etc., is not used.
Additionally, Patent Literature 2 present vulcanization adhesion of fluororubber and NBR/PVC, while Patent Literature 3 presents vulcanization adhesion of fluororubber and NBR/EPDM, where, in both cases, vulcanization adhesion involves fluororubber and a rubber composition consisting of not only NBR, but also with PVC or EPDM blended and DBU salt compounded further.
Patent Literature 4 describes that by using a fluororubber layer which contains specific fluororubber and specific acrylic rubber and comprises a layer constituted by a composition which permits peroxide co-crosslinking, a laminate offering excellent adhesion with a layer constituted by other rubber can be obtained.
Under vulcanization adhesion described in any one of Patent Literatures 1 to 3 above, however, use of DBU, DBN, etc., makes it necessary to still implement scorching prevention means. Otherwise, the only way to improve adhesion is to make the fluororubber layer from a composition combining limited ingredients in order to improve adhesion property, as described in Patent Literature 4.
There have been calls for specifically ascertaining a vulcanization adhesion formula of fluororubber and synthetic rubber, to provide a vulcanization-adhered laminate that takes advantage of this formula to firmly adhere fluororubber and synthetic rubber by means of vulcanization without adopting any anti-scorching means necessitated by use of DBU, DBN, etc.

Vulcanization-adhered laminate of fluororubber and synthetic rubber


A data processing system comprises a local probe storage array having a plurality of sensors for reading data from a storage surface. A plurality of data processing elements are mounted on the storage array. Each data processing element is connected to different sensor of the array for processing data read by the connected sensor. The data processing elements may be logic gates for performing simple comparisons with input data. Alternatively, each data processing element may comprise more complex logic circuitry for performing more complex functions based on data read by the storage array. Such function may involve a combination of data read by the storage array and data input to the data processing system from an another source. Each data processing element may comprise a complete microprocessor system responsive to data read from the storage array. It will be appreciated that data processing elements may thought of as collectively constituting a form of CPU capable of acting upon data read from the storage array in a parallel and therefor high speed fashion.

A data processing system typically comprises a memory for storing computer program code instructions and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing the computer program instructions. In operation, the memory also stores input data to be operated upon by the computer program code and output data produced by execution of the computer program code. In general, the computer program code can be divided into operating system code and application program code. The operating system code configures the CPU for executing the application program code. Conventionally, the memory is implemented by a combination of solid state memory such as random access memory and rotating disc mass data storage such as magnetic or optical disc storage.
A recent addition to the field of data storage technology is generally referred to as a local probe storage technology. As described in Vettiger et al. "The Millipede"—More than one thousand tips for future AFM data storage, P. Vettiger et al, IBM Journal of Research and Development. Vol.44 No.3, May 2000, a local probe storage array typically comprises a storage surface having a locally deformable film disposed thereon and an array of micro mechanical probe sensors each having a probe tip of atomic dimensions facing the coating. In operation, during a data write operation, the tips are brought into proximity to the storage surface. Energy is selectively applied to each tip, typically in the form of heating. The energy applied to the tips is transferred to the storage surface. The energy transfer produces a local deformation in the storage surface in the vicinity of each energized tip. The array of tips is moved relative to the storage surface between successive write operations in preparation for writing to new locations on the storage surface. During a read operation, the arrays tips are urged against the storage surface. Simultaneously, the tips are scanned relative to the storage surface. Local deformations of the storage surface produced during the aforementioned write operation produce deflections in the tips as they are scanned over the surface. Such deflections can be detected thermally or optically. The presence or absence of a local deformation in the storage surface by a tip can be detected as a stored "1" or stored "0".


To determine spatial orientation of a vehicle, a set of illuminators is mechanically coupled to the vehicle so as to emit light toward a roadway. A set of sensors is mechanically coupled to the vehicle to receive the emitted light as reflected from the roadway. A timer determines times of flight between emission of the light by the set of illuminators and reception of the reflected light by the set of sensors. A processor determines the spatial orientation of the vehicle from a difference in the times of flight.

Modern headlamps are designed to project a particular distribution of light to optimize the reach of the headlamp while protecting other drivers from dazzle, a temporary blinding effect caused by light shining in a driver's eyes. Such headlamps may project light across multiple lanes of travel with the farthest reach being directly in line with the vehicle's trajectory and less reach and, in some cases, less light in the direction of oncoming traffic. Typically, headlamps are statically aligned while the vehicle is stationary and level to have a specific lighting profile that translates to a corresponding distribution of light on a roadway. However, a vehicle does not remain level with respect to the roadway while the vehicle is in motion. Consequently, the desired distribution of light on the roadway, that expected when the vehicle is level with respect to the roadway, is not maintained.
There are multiple reasons why a vehicle in motion does not remain level with respect to the roadway. Acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle causes a tipping of the vehicle from front to back and vice versa. Even under constant speed, the vehicle may ride at an angle with respect to the roadway and such angle may be dependent on the speed of the vehicle. Moreover, the vehicle may be carrying a load, such as in the trunk, that changes the weight distribution over the vehicle and hence the angle thereof relative to the roadway.
In addition to static alignment, certain headlamps can be aimed dynamically while the vehicle is in motion. Such dynamic aiming may be used to compensate for out-of-level conditions so as to maintain a consistent light distribution over the roadway. However, to do so, one must first determine how far out of level the vehicle is at any given moment. The search for efficient and accurate techniques by which this can be achieved is ongoing.


A fishing rod includes one or more signal devices in a portion thereof and a power system that is connected to and activates the one or more signal devices when the fishing rod is flexed by a fish. The connection between the one or more signal devices and a power source includes a control switch and an activation switch that includes an electrically conductive pin mounted on the fishing rod and an electrically conductive coil spring surrounding the electrically conductive pin. The circuit between the one or more signal devices and the power is completed when the control switch is in the “on” condition and the electrically conductive pin and the electrically conductive coil of the activation switch are in electrical contact with each other. A kit may be used to retrofit an existing fishing rod.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the general art of fishing, and to the particular field of fishing rods.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Fishing is one of the most popular sports and pastimes in the United States, as well as in other countries. As such, the fishing art includes a multitude of devices and systems that are intended to make fishing more enjoyable, and more efficient. However, due to the popularity of the activity, there is always room for further improvements.
Fishing is often most efficient when conducted in low light conditions, such as at dawn or at dusk. Often, fishing occurs at night when there may be no light available to the fisherman other than moonlight. Furthermore, some fisherman may be visually impaired making it difficult if not impossible to see the tip of the rod even during high visibility conditions, and which may make it nearly impossible to see the tip of the rod with sufficient clarity to determine when a fish has taken the hook during low visibility conditions. In addition, many individuals who are unable to do so with available fishing gear because of various physical impairments.
As is well known, there is a most fortuitous time to move a rod in order to secure a hook in a fish. If the rod is moved too early or too late, the hook may not be properly set or the fish may actually be able to swim away. Many fisherman can tell by the feel of the rod when the proper time to set the hook occurs. However, due to environmental conditions, it may not always be possible to set a hook according to feel.
Therefore, there is a need for a fishing rod that provides a signal to a fisherman when a fishing rod should be moved to set a hook in a fish.
The fishing art contains many systems and devices for signaling a fisherman when a fish has taken the hook. However, the devices and systems known to the inventor are difficult to fit into a fishing rod and may require factory work for proper operation. This makes it difficult or expensive for a fisherman to adapt a fishing rod he or she already owns to have a fish-bite signalling capability. In fact, it may require that a fisherman purchase an entire rod just for night fishing.
Therefore, there is a need for a signal system that can be used with a fishing rod and which is simple to install on the fishing rod.

Fishing rod with signal devices activated by fish-bite flexing of the fishing rod


In conjunction with a registration mode of operation, a first cryptographic device in one embodiment sends challenges to a second cryptographic device comprising a symmetric-key cryptographic module or other key-based cryptographic module that utilizes one or more secret keys. The first cryptographic device receives from the second cryptographic device responses to respective ones of the challenges, and stores information characterizing the responses. In conjunction with an authentication mode of operation, the first cryptographic device sends a selected one of the challenges to the second cryptographic device, receives from the second cryptographic device a response to the selected challenge, and authenticates the second cryptographic device utilizing the response to the selected challenge and the stored information. The first cryptographic device generates the challenges and authenticates the second cryptographic device without having knowledge of the one or more secret keys of the key-based cryptographic module of the second cryptographic device.

Cryptographic devices include, by way of example, one-time passcode (OTP) devices such as authentication tokens. Authentication tokens are typically implemented as small, hand-held devices that display a series of passcodes over time. A user equipped with such an authentication token reads the currently displayed passcode and enters it into a computer or other element of an authentication system as part of an authentication operation. This type of dynamic passcode arrangement offers a significant security improvement over authentication based on a static password.
Conventional authentication tokens include both time-synchronous and event-synchronous tokens.
In a typical time-synchronous token, the displayed passcodes are based on a secret value and the time of day. A verifier with access to the secret value and a time of day clock can verify that a given presented passcode is valid.
One particular example of a time-synchronous authentication token is the RSA SecurID® user authentication token, commercially available from RSA, The Security Division of EMC Corporation, of Bedford, Mass., U.S.A.
Event-synchronous tokens generate passcodes in response to a designated event, such as a user pressing a button on the token. Each time the button is pressed, a new passcode is generated based on a secret value and an event counter. A verifier with access to the secret value and the current event count can verify that a given presented passcode is valid.
Other known types of authentication tokens include hybrid time-synchronous and event-synchronous tokens.
Passcodes can be communicated directly from the authentication token to a computer or other element of an authentication system, instead of being displayed to the user. For example, a wired connection such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface may be used for this purpose. Wireless authentication tokens are also known. In authentication tokens of this type, the passcodes are wirelessly communicated to a computer or other element of an authentication system. These wired or wireless arrangements, also referred to herein as connected tokens, save the user the trouble of reading the passcode from the display and manually entering it into the computer.
The above arrangements may be viewed as examples of what are more generally referred to herein as hardware authentication tokens. However, authentication tokens can also be implemented in the form of software installed on a computer, mobile phone or other processing device. Like hardware authentication tokens, software authentication tokens can be implemented as time-synchronous, event-synchronous, or hybrid time-synchronous and event-synchronous tokens.
Cryptographic devices such as the above-noted computers, mobile phones or other processing devices may comprise key-based cryptographic modules. Examples of such modules include trusted platform modules (TPMs) and may be based on symmetric keys or public key cryptography. Conventional techniques for authenticating cryptographic devices that include TPMs or other key-based cryptographic modules can be problematic. For example, some techniques involving symmetric-key cryptographic modules require that a verifying cryptographic device have full knowledge of the symmetric keys in order to authenticate the device containing the module.

Challenge-response authentication of a cryptographic device


A sample vessel (80) made of material with magnetic susceptibility χ2, for containing a sample substance (87) with magnetic susceptibility χ3≠χ2 to be analyzed in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, has an inner interface G2 toward the sample substance and an outer interface G1 toward the environment (85) that exhibits magnetic susceptibility χ1. The shape of the interface toward the sample substance and the interface toward the environment are coordinated to match the discontinuities in susceptibility at the interfaces in such a way that on introduction of the sample tube filled with sample substance into the previously homogeneous magnetic field of an NMR spectrometer, the magnetic field inside the sample substance remains largely homogeneous.

The invention relates to a sample vessel for NMR measurements, comprising a vessel material of magnetic susceptibility χ2,
with an outer interface that delimits the sample vessel with respect to the environment,
and with an inner interface that delimits the sample vessel with respect to the sample volume, wherein the outer interface comprises
                an outer cylindrical surface that is a cylinder envelope whose axis of symmetry is aligned parallel with a z-direction,        and an outer closing surface that closes the bottom of the sample vessel and is joined to the outer cylindrical surface,wherein the inner interface comprises        an inner cylindrical surface that is a cylinder envelope whose axis of symmetry is aligned parallel with the z-direction,        and an inner closing surface that closes the sample volume at the lower end and is joined to the inner cylindrical surface.
Such a sample vessel has become known through SCHOTT Duran Laboratory Glassware Catalog 2005/2006, p. 62.
NMR spectroscopy is a method of instrumental analysis with which a measurement sample is exposed to a strong static magnetic field. The measurement sample is then exposed to electromagnetic pulses and the reaction of the atomic nuclei in the measurement sample is measured and analyzed.
One prerequisite for high-quality measurement results is good homogeneity of the static magnetic field in the measurement sample. The measurement sample (usually a substance dissolved in a solvent such as acetone or water, that is, a liquid sample) is held in a sample vessel. Inside, the sample vessel generally distorts the magnetic field that is homogeneous and static outside, potentially resulting in measurement results of poorer quality.
In the case of standard sample vessels, such as are familiar from the SCHOTT Duran Glassware Catalog, the sample vessel has a section shaped as a cylinder envelope and a bowl-shaped section closing the end; the wall thickness is essentially constant throughout. Whereas the section having the shape of a cylinder envelope causes only minor distortions, the closing section can produce strong field distortions. Distortion of the magnetic field is avoided by using only a small portion of the sample volume as the measured volume (sample volume=region of the sample vessel filled with measurement sample) and at a sufficient distance from the closing section. Thus, only a small part of the available mass of the sample is actually measured, which results in a poorer signal-to-noise ratio. This is particularly significant if only a small quantity of the sample substance is available and it has to be diluted to fill the entire sample volume.
Further, sample vessels are already known, wherein the space between the lower end of the sample vessel and the measured region is solid, avoiding the need to fill this space with the substance to be measured. However, in this case, the inner interface between the sample vessel and the measurement sample (usually a liquid sample) can cause magnetic field distortions in the sample volume. From [2], it is known that the magnetic susceptibility of the material of the sample vessel may be chosen in accordance with the magnetic susceptibility of the liquid sample in order to reduce distortions [2]. However, it is difficult and expensive to adjust the susceptibility of the material of the sample vessel. It is also known that the inner interface of the sample vessel may be shaped as a spheroid, for example, by having a spherical shape [4] or by insertion of shaping inserts [5], which also reduces distortions.
In all these sample vessels, the lower end of the sample vessel must be far from the measured region, such as the interior of an RF resonator system, to avoid distortions of the static magnetic field in the measured region. Consequently, it is necessary to leave enough space in the measurement probe below the measured region for the lower end of the sample vessel.
By contrast, the objective of this invention is to present a sample vessel in whose sample volume a high homogeneity of the static magnetic field can be achieved essentially everywhere, permitting a more compact measurement probe.

Sample holder for NMR measurements with field homogenization in the sample volume by means of the bordering surfaces of the sample holder