An active matrix OED array with an improved device cathode includes a plurality of control transistors formed on a semiconductor substrate with insulating material positioned over the control transistors to form a planar surface. A plurality of contact pads are formed on the planar surface and electrically coupled to the control transistors. A thin (5 .ANG. to 20 .ANG.) electron injecting layer of either alkaline metal oxide or alkaline metal fluoride is positioned on each contact pad and organic material is deposited on the electron injecting layer so as to define an organic light emitting device on each contact pad and electrical and light conducting material is positioned over the organic material to define a second terminal for the OEDs.

Displays utilizing two dimensional arrays, or matrices, of pixels each containing one or more light emitting devices are very popular in the electronic field and especially in portable electronic and communication devices, because large amounts of data and pictures can be transmitted very rapidly and to virtually any location.
Light emitting diode (LED) arrays are becoming more popular as an image source in both direct view and virtual image displays. One reason for this is the fact that LEDs are capable of generating relatively high amounts of light (high luminance), which means that displays incorporating LED arrays can be used in a greater variety of ambient conditions. For example, reflective LCDs can only be used in high ambient light conditions because they derive their light from the ambient light, i.e. the ambient light is reflected by the LCDs. Some transflective LCDs are designed to operate in a transmissive mode and incorporate a backlighting arrangement for use when ambient light is insufficient. In addition, transflective displays have a certain visual aspect and some users prefer a bright emissive display. However, these types of displays are generally too large for practical use in very small devices.
Also, organic light emitting diodes or organic electroluminescent devices (OLED or OED, hereinafter OED) and arrays thereof are emerging as a potentially viable design choice for use in small products, especially small portable electronic devices, such as pagers, cellular and portable telephones, two-way radios, data banks, etc. OED arrays are capable of generating sufficient light for use in displays under a variety of ambient light conditions (from little or no ambient light to bright ambient light). Further, OEDs can be fabricated relatively cheaply and in a variety of sizes from very small (less than a tenth millimeter in diameter) to relatively large (greater than an inch) so that OED arrays can be fabricated in a variety of sizes. Also, OEDs have the added advantage that their emissive operation provides a very wide viewing angle.
One problem complicating the fabrication of OED arrays is the fact that the various layers of each OED must be deposited on a planar surface, thus, complicating the integration of an active network into the array. If an active circuit for each pixel of the array is positioned adjacent and to one side of each pixel, for example, the fill factor (the ratio of luminescent area to non-luminescent area) for the array will be so poor it will produce unsatisfactory images.
Generally, OEDs include a first electrically conductive layer (or first contact), an electron transporting and emission layer, a hole transporting layer and a second electrically conductive layer (or second contact). Generally, the various layers must be positioned on a planar surface at least defining the extent of the OED. The light can be transmitted either way but must exit through one of the conductive layers. OEDs generally utilize a layer of low work function metal in the cathode to ensure efficient electron injecting electrodes and low operating voltages. However, the low work function metals are reactive and susceptible to oxygen and moisture, and oxidation of the metal limits the lifetime of the devices. A hermetic seal is normally required to achieve long term stability and longevity. Several types of hermetic seals are utilized, the most common of which are inorganic materials, such as metals and the like which add greatly to the size, weight, and complexity of the OEDs.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide an active OED array and driving apparatus which overcomes these problems.
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved active OED array and driving apparatus with improved electron injection which does not require hermetic sealing.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved active OED array and driving apparatus with higher efficiency and reliability.
It is still another purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved active OED array and driving apparatus which is easier and less expensive to fabricate and use.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved active OED array and driving apparatus in which the OED, active circuits and drivers are integrated onto a single substrate.
It is a still further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved active OED array and driving apparatus in which the OED, active circuits and drivers are integrated onto a single substrate and passivation is not required.

Active matrix OED array with improved OED cathode


A shower device includes: a driving unit including a housing and a core allowed to reciprocate by water which is introduced into the housing; a shower part allowed to swing; a water guide channel introducing water which is introduced into the housing to the shower part; and a power transmission part transmitting a motion of the core to the shower part. The shower part sprinkles water while swinging when water is introduced into the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a shower device for use in a bathroom or a shower booth, capable of automatic reciprocating action for repetitively changing the water sprinkle direction of the shower, and a shower booth.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are growing needs for shower devices intended for relaxation, beauty/health enhancement and the like. In an approach for this application, for example, swirling flow or the like is used to modulate water flow at a relatively fast rate of several tens of hertz or more for enhancing massage effect and the like. On the other hand, the water sprinkle position and water sprinkle direction of a shower nozzle or the like can be repetitively changed at a relatively slow rate of several hertz or less, for example, to uniformly spray water onto a prescribed area of a human body for enhancing relaxation effect and the like.
Electrically-operated means such as a motor or solenoid can also be used for reciprocating action. However, for installing such means into a system for discharging water in a bathroom or the like, it is necessary to ensure power supply and to take measures against electric shock and leakage and the like. There are also many problems to be solved with regard to cost and reliability.
In this respect, if reciprocating action can be achieved hydraulically, the need for electricity, lubricating oil and the like is eliminated, and improvement can be expected in many aspects such as initial cost, running cost, reliability, and maintainability.
A shower device capable of vertical reciprocating action is disclosed (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. HO 2-134119A), where a piston is combined with a four-way valve. In this shower device, a piston provided in a cylinder is moved vertically by hydraulic pressure, and a shower head is moved vertically through a wire. The vertical motion of the piston is switched by switching the water supply channel to the cylinder using the four-way valve.
It can be said that a driving device using water pressure from combination of a cylinder like this and a piston can attain directly driving force with a low speed and a high power as motion of the piston, compared with a driving device obtaining driving force by rotating a water mill with a high speed, and is suitable for use as the shower device which needs a stable motion as naked humans touches directly. That is, if considering about a usage pattern, as the device is set so as to be directly touchable for a user, rigidity is needed for the shower head itself not so as to break when the user collides with the shower head accidentally, and high driving force is needed for move the shower head. Furthermore, the low speed is preferred to get a comfortable feeling of use of the shower. The water pressure driving device from combination of the cylinder and the piston can transmit the high driving force to the shower head and can easily drive the shower head with the low speed, compared with the water pressure driving device using the water mill.
However, in the case of this shower device, as the shower head is moved vertically, a long distance for moving the shower head is necessary to discharge water in a broad area. As a result, an area being possible for the shower head to exist broadens and there is a problem of resulting in a design impairment when setting the shower device in the limited space such as a bathroom and a shower booth.
This invention has been made in consideration of these problems. An object of the invention is to provide a shower device and a shower booth having a compact and simple structure, a reduced area being possible for the shower head to exist in spite of keeping capability of discharging water in the broad area, and improved design.


An apparatus relating generally to a transmitter-side of a transceiver or a transmitter used to provide a clock signal is disclosed. In this apparatus, a first signal source is to provide a first periodic signal. A second signal source is to provide a second periodic signal. A first multiplexer is coupled to receive the first periodic signal and the second periodic signal to provide a selected one thereof as a first selected output. A phase interpolator is coupled to the first multiplexer to receive the first selected output. The phase interpolator includes a second multiplexer. The second multiplexer is coupled to receive the first selected output and a phase-interpolated version of the first selected output to output a selected one thereof as a second selected output. A divider is coupled to the second multiplexer to receive the second selected output to provide the clock signal.

Demand for bandwidth has increased. Accordingly, ICs have increasingly more transceivers to meet such increasing demand for bandwidth. Such transceivers may have associated therewith one or more phase-locked loops ("PLLs"). Furthermore, such ICs may include one or more clock modules, and such clock modules may each include a PLL. Conventionally, such clock modules have been used to provide a system clock signal separate from clocking of such transceivers. In the past, transceiver PLLs were not used to provide system clock signals for any of several reasons. For example, because a transceiver may be interrupted during a reset thereof, a transceiver clock signal could not be used as a system clock signal for lack of continuity or stability. Furthermore, for a programmable logic device, an array of programmable resources ("programmable fabric") had to have a same data width as a transceiver data width as only one frequency could be produced for such transceiver clock signal. Lastly, in applications where a transceiver buffer between a Physical Coding Sublayer block ("PCS") and a Physical Medium Attachment Sublayer block ("PMA") is bypassed, a transmitter phase interpolator ("PI") may rotate preventing use of a clock output from such PI from being used as a system clock signal.
Hence, it would be desirable to provide an IC that overcomes one or more of the above limitations in order to provide a more robust ability to use a transceiver PLL to provide a system clock signal to reduce the number of clock modules on such an IC.

Transceiver for providing a clock signal


Systems and methods are disclosed for providing media, including advertisements and other messages, to mobile devices based upon their location relative to a defined geofence.

Social networking through the internet has exploded of late due to the internet's inherent ability to permit communication among users. Various standard protocols have allowed for information and resource exchange through email, bulletin boards, chat rooms, and the like, for many years, however, more recent advances in mobile technology now permit people to exchange information via their mobile phones and tablets that heretofore could take place only while sitting at a desktop, laptop, or notebook computer.
Web-based networking now exists in the form of such sites as MySpace®, Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Twitter®, Pinterest®, Instagram®, and many others. In such networking sites, users generally join, provide such details as contact information, and optionally include information related to a variety of interests. The sites maintain all information of all users in central servers operably connected to databases, such that users can find each other, establish links to each other, and establish communities of users.
Some social networking sites provide the ability to search for friends, i.e., other users which may already be known to a particular user, or other users who share some commonality in education, employment, or other fields of interest. Users may interact with such friends by posting information to each other's pages maintained on the site, by joining in community interactions such as those provided by applications on sites such as Facebook®. or through direct message services and email clients such as those offered by both Facebook and Twitter.
Some online services offer forums for communication between communities of users or in a one to many broadcast format. These services include message boards, email lists, chat rooms, personal home pages, web logs or blogs and tweets. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,366,962 and 6,363,427. These services provide a forum where profiles or messages are viewed by a specific individual, the general public, or the entire membership of a specific defined group.
These types of forums allow visibility to multiple members of a group; however, they typically are not based on events or social networks, but rather on broader interests, such as a particular hobby or sport.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,629 discloses, among other things, a system designed to distribute, initiate and allow interaction and communication within like-minded communities of users.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,593 discloses a system designed to "match" users using their mobile phones, which may use location and other information to determine such matching.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,202 discloses, among other things, a method and apparatus for users to search networks, both their own network and their peers' networks, all under the umbrella of what the inventors therein call a "multiple level access" security system.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,308 discloses, among other things, a networking system wherein descriptive data and relationship data are integrated and processed to reveal a series of social relationships connecting any two users within a social network.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,233 discloses, among other things, a system wherein images are uploaded to a central server, which system permits printing and delivery of such images.
US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065741 discloses, among other things, a system wherein images selected by a user may be uploaded, and cards with selected images may be distributed to selected recipients.
In the general field of sports, for example, there are many websites of general interest, such as news organizations, and there are those dedicated to the field, which provide a variety of information, such as scores, text descriptions, video clips, photos of games, etc. There are also sites which provide users with games, such as fantasy football, hosted by the site and existing only in cyberspace. Information on local events may be found on the websites for local municipalities, news organizations, sports leagues, etc.
Notwithstanding the myriad sites available for accessing information, none to date provide the ability for users to share media obtained at a sporting event, in real time, such that all users participating in a live event, and those who only take interest at some later time, have access to the combined media from all participants in a customizable manner. The advent of mobile devices capable of reaching the internet, GPS, and audiovisual recording has made it possible to record information at an event and have it be uploaded to a server in essentially real-time. The newest mobile devices, such as the iPhone®, Android®, and Blackberry®, are particularly suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure because they are capable of having applications installed which directly interface with the website servers contemplated by the present disclosure.
No existing methods take advantage of this ability to provide all similarly situated users a shared, continuously updated community view of an event. Nor do they provide the ability to create hard-copy records and images of such events including images originally captured by other users, obtainable merely by ordering same, whether during the event, immediately thereafter, or any time after the event has completed. Nor do they provide an ability to offer or suggest products or advertising to these same users which is relevant and related to a particular event. The art is in need of such systems and event-based networking tools.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for geofence-based solutions for targeted advertising and messaging


The improved ion source of the present invention includes upper and lower spaced apart but coaxially arranged magnetic pole rings having differing inner diameters. Because of the non-symmetry of the pole pieces or rings, the magnetic flux field created therebetween is non-symmetrical from top to bottom. This, and the arrangement and configuration of the anode ring located between the pole pieces, create an increased plasma region and higher plasma density resulting in increased thermal management, improved stoichiometry and increased density of the thin film devices being fabricated.

Ion beam sources are used in a variety of applications including ion assisted deposition, co-deposition of materials, ion sputtering and the like. The present invention can be and is advantageously useful in all of the above-mentioned applications. However, the present device has particular utility in connection with the fabrication of a thin film device through ion assisted deposition.
As is well known in the art, if ion beams are employed in an ion assisted deposition during the preparation of thin film devices, the resulting thin films are characterized by many desirable properties which are otherwise not present. The use of ion beam sources is known to improve stoichiometry and to improve adhesion. The technique of using ion beams as part of a thin film deposition activity has also been used to modify stress and density in the deposited film, consequently reduce water vapor absorption. In particular with regard to optical thin film coatings, the refracted index is increased and the optical thin film stacks possess greater (long term) stability.
As is explained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,283, it is believed that ion bombardment, of both the substrate and the material being deposited, removes atoms that are not firmly entrenched in the substrate while at the same time other atoms of the material are driven more completely into the substrate. In addition, greater surface mobility for condensing atoms is provided. It is believed that when an ion beam is employed during thin film deposition, a film characterized by denser packing and better adhesion results.
As is also explained in prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,283, in a number of ion involved applications, an ion source capable of producing ions over a broad area, in response to applied low energy and low current is required. It had been the practice to employ a hot cathode along with a magnetic multipole source in order to obtain large area beams of ions having sufficient current density and beam energy. Hot cathode sources are very versatile and can be designed to produce beams of different sized areas and different current and energy intensities. However, since the hot cathode devices employ hot filaments within the ionization discharge chamber to thermally supply electrons, these arrangements have relatively short lifetimes. The lifetime of a filament can be increased by increasing the thickness thereof. However, thicker filaments require higher heating currents, thereby requiring larger power sources. In addition, hot filaments have been found to require large ionization discharge chambers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,283 describes a cold cathode system which provides substantially all of the desirable features of a hot filament, magnetic multipole source, while not requiring a large ionization discharge chamber and not being characterized by a short filament lifetime. As can be seen from this prior patent, the preferred embodiment of that device includes a permanent magnet that is formed in a circle or ring shape having a cross section in the shape of the letter "C" with the opening of the "C" facing inwardly. The top side of the magnetic ring is formed as a north pole and the bottom as a south pole (or vice versa) so that magnetic flux passes out of the top of the magnetic ring into the bottom. As a result, there is an enclosure formed by the heavy magnetic flux passing between the upper and lower ends of the C-shaped section of the magnetic ring. An annularly shaped anode is located within this enclosure and is shielded by the magnetic flux. Located below the magnet is a cathode element and at the top of the magnet is an aperture that may be open or covered by a screen. The cathode also includes a port which permits an ionizable gas to be inserted into the region within the magnetic ring so that when an electrostatic field is produced between the anode and cathode, the ionizable gas is transformed into a dense plasma and ions become available to pass through the aperture in the form of an ion beam.
Similar ion beam sources are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,652,795and 4,716,340. The disclosures of each of the foregoing patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Ion source with pole rings having differing inner diameters


Embodiments of a combined overspeed and fuel stream selector system are provided. In an embodiment, the assembly includes a conduit network, a Discharge Select Valve (DSV), and a shutoff valve. The DSV is fluidly coupled to a primary fuel inlet, a secondary fuel inlet, and a primary fuel outlet included in the conduit network. The shutoff valve is fluidly coupled between the primary fuel inlet and the primary fuel outlet. In a standard operation mode, the shutoff valve is maintained in an open position, while fuel received at the primary fuel inlet is directed through the shutoff valve, through the DSV, and to the primary fuel inlet. Conversely, in a backup operation mode, the shutoff valve is closed to block fuel flow from the primary fuel inlet to the primary fuel outlet, while the DSV directs fuel flow received at the secondary fuel inlet to the primary fuel outlet.

By common design, a Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) includes a combustion section, which is positioned upstream of a turbine section and which contains a main combustor. In certain instances, the GTE may also include an afterburner system that, when activated, generates additional thrust by injecting burn fuel into the core gas flow path downstream of the turbine section. During normal operation, the main combustor and the afterburner system receive separate burn fuel streams from primary and secondary burn fuel supply paths, respectively. However, in the event of a failure within the primary burn fuel supply path, burn fuel flow may be rerouted from the secondary burn fuel supply path to the main combustor to avert a potential inflight shutdown of the GTE. In conjunction with this rerouting functionality, flow of the primary burn fuel stream may be quickly shutoff to prevent the core rotational speeds of the GTE from surpassing critical speed thresholds (hereafter, an "engine overspeed condition"). Additional actions may also be taken to prevent deadheading and to limit any pressure spikes across the main fuel pump located in the primary burn fuel supply path.
In conventional metered fuel control assemblies, the above-described functions are performed by multiple independent systems. These systems may include separate fuel stream selector and overspeed systems, which are jointly controlled by an engine controller. When detecting a fault within the primary burn fuel supply path, the engine controller may command the fuel stream selector system to perform the above-described rerouting function (that is, reroute the secondary metered burn fuel stream to the main combustor), while further commanding the overspeed system to provide the above-described overspeed-protection function (that is, rapidly shutoff flow of the primary burn fuel stream to prevent an engine overspeed condition). As independent systems, the fuel stream selector system and the overspeed system are controlled through separate electronic interfaces and various associated components (e.g., servo valves and/or solenoids), which can add considerable complexity, part count, cost, and weight to the metered fuel control assembly. Additional complexity is also introduced from a control scheme or logic standpoint as the engine controller may be required to precisely coordinate an orderly transfer in fuel metering authority from a metering valve located in the primary burn fuel supply path to a separate metering valve located in the secondary burn fuel supply path.

Combined overspeed and fuel stream selector systems


In a method of monitoring a group of credential processing devices, credential substrates are processed using the credential processing devices of the group. Next, event outputs are received. Each event output relates to an occurrence of a process event during the processing of the substrate by one of the devices. Finally, a relative condition score is calculated for a subject device of the group based on the event outputs corresponding to the subject device and the event outputs corresponding to the other devices in the group. The relative condition score of the subject device is a measure of a condition of the subject device relative to the conditions of the other devices in the group. Also disclosed is a system configured to perform the above-described method.

Credentials include identification cards, driver's licenses, passports, and other documents. Such credentials are formed from credential substrates including paper substrates, plastic substrates, cards and other materials. Such credentials generally include printed information, such as a photo, account numbers, identification numbers, and other personal information. A secure overlaminate may also be laminated to the surfaces of the credential substrate to protect the surfaces from damage and, in some instances, provide a security feature (e.g., hologram). Additionally, credentials can include data that is encoded in a smartcard chip, a magnetic stripe, or a barcode, for example.
Credential production systems utilize one or more credential processing devices, each of which processes a credential substrate to perform at least one step in forming the final credential product. Such credential processing devices include, for example, printing devices for printing images to the credential substrate, laminating devices for laminating an overlaminate to the credential substrate, flipping devices for rotating the credential substrate, and encoding devices for encoding data to the substrate.
Credential processing devices are complex electromechanical devices that use multiple continuous and discrete processes for completing the desired processing of the credential substrate. For example, identification card printers and laminators utilize multiple processes for the feeding, transport, encoding, thermal printing, lamination and stacking of card substrates.
The electromechanical components that perform the processes in the credential processing devices are prone to failure. The failure of a single component can render the credential processing device inoperable.
Diagnostics can be performed on the components and processes of the credential processing device in an effort to detect problems including potentially failing components of the device before the device is rendered inoperable. In general, process events are detected that are indicative of a problem with the credential processing device. Notice of a need to service the device can be provided to an operator of the device in response to the detection of a process event.
While the detection of process events may provide desired notice of a need to service of the device, it is not generally indicative of whether the credential processing device is operating normally since the components of the device will degrade with use. It is only through an analysis or comparison of the performance of one credential processing device to another that an assessment of whether the credential processing device is operating within a range of normalcy can be made.
There exists a continuing need for improved credential processing device monitoring including methods and systems that are capable of evaluating individual credential processing device performance relative to other credential processing devices.

Credential processing device event management


A uniaxial drive system or microactuator capable of operating in an ultra-high vacuum environment. The mechanism includes a flexible coupling having a bore therethrough, and two clamp/pusher assemblies mounted in axial ends of the coupling. The clamp/pusher assemblies are energized by voltage-operated piezoelectrics therewithin to operatively engage the shaft and coupling causing the shaft to move along its rotational axis through the bore. The microactuator is capable of repeatably positioning to sub-manometer accuracy while affording a scan range in excess of 5 centimeters. Moreover, the microactuator generates smooth, constant velocity motion profiles while producing a drive thrust of greater than 10 pounds. The system is remotely controlled and piezoelectrically driven, hence minimal thermal loading, vibrational excitation, or outgassing is introduced to the operating environment.

The uniaxial constant velocity microactuator (UCVM) was developed to fulfill the positioning requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Molecular Measuring Machine. The Molecular Measuring Machine is a scanning tunneling microscope based, high resolution, coordinate measuring machine. Requirements for the positioning system of the Molecular Measuring Machine are: 1) ultra-high vacuum pressure compatibility to 1.times.10.sup.-8 Torr or less, 2) super-smooth motion profile with less than 1 nanometer of ripple, 3) very low heat generation of 1 milliwatt or less, 4) pushing force greater than 10 lbs, 5) positioning resolution less than 1 micrometer, and 6) positioning range greater than 5 centimeters. These requirements could not be fulfilled by any single commercially available microactuator, hence development work which resulted in the UCVM began at NIST and has culminated at ORNL with the demonstration of a positioning system which meets or exceeds all of the design requirements.

Unitaxial constant velocity microactuator


Provided are a system and method for providing a wireless network service to a user terminal free of charge, by providing a doorway page for exposing an advertisement on the user terminal provided with the wireless network service through an access point. Accordingly, the user terminal may be provided with the wireless network service free of charge, other than the cost of viewing the advertisement exposed on the doorway page. An advertiser and a proprietor may expose the advertisement at the cost of providing the free wireless network service.

1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for providing an advertisement to a user connecting to a wireless network.
2. Discussion of the Background
Recently, as terminals capable of connecting to a wireless network (Wi-Fi) are more widely distributed, users of wireless networks are increasing. Correspondingly, business proprietors who adopt an access point for connection to wireless networks are increasing.
In order to use the wireless network, the users need to connect to an access point by subscribing for a dedicated service. However, since the dedicated service demands an additional cost, the users prefer not to use the access point. Accordingly, efficient distribution of the wireless network service becomes difficult.
Additionally, the business proprietor adopting the access point demands an effective method to publicize their places of business. Moreover, in a case that the business proprietor adopting the access point is a public organization or a well-known company, advertisers located around the access point also need a method for exposing their respective advertisements.

System and method for providing advertisement to wireless network service user


User Equipment (UE) determines a location of a resource of at least one control channel for transmission repetition, and the at least one control channel is located in a control region. The UE detects, according to the location of the resource, control signaling transmitted by a base station using the at least one control channel.

In a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system, a downlink system resource may include a control region and a data region. A control region may be adapted to transmitting control signaling of UE via a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). A PDCCH may include a Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), a Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH), an Enhanced Physical Downlink Shared Channel (EPDCCH), etc. A data region may be adapted to transmitting user data of UE via a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

Control signaling transmission method, and terminal and base station

Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.


A side sill beam having a shape of an arch concave outwards in a vehicle-width direction is placed in a side sill, and includes first and second ends welded to joining areas with front and rear floor cross members, respectively. A first impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed near the joining areas of the side sill and the front or rear floor cross member, and a second impact detection element that detects an impact from the outside in the vehicle-width direction is disposed offset from the first impact detection element in a vehicle front-rear direction as viewed in the vehicle-width direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicle impact detection system, and more specifically, to a system for transmitting an impact to the side of a vehicle body.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vehicle occupant protection devices that have been used include a curtain airbag and a side airbag that detect an impact in the event of a side impact crash and then deploy between an occupant and the vehicle body.
The curtain airbag, the side airbag and the like are actuated in response to a command from an airbag ECU after load (deceleration) caused in the event of a side impact crash was detected by two impact sensors located in the side part of the vehicle body and in the center in the vehicle-width direction, and the impact was sensed by the airbag ECU.
Concerning an occupant protection device like the one mentioned above, however, the curtain and side airbags and the like might fail to be actuated even if the load is inputted from the outside in the vehicle-width direction in the event of a side impact crash (especially a collision with a pole). This is because an impact area is locally deformed due to small contact area between the impacted object (pole) and the vehicle body, and this local deformation of the impact area consumes impact energy, resulting in a failure to accurately transmit impact load to the impact sensors.
Given the above facts, a technology has been developed, in which a load-transmitting member is installed in an air dam (rocker molding), and the load inputted from the outside in the vehicle-width direction into the air dam in the even of a side impact crash is transmitted to impact sensors (Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-254702).
According to the publication, the load-transmitting member is fixed with a foam material in the air dam, and the load produced in the event of a side impact crash is transmitted from the load-transmitting member through a side sill to the impact sensor located in the side part of the vehicle body.
However, the transmission of the impact load to the impact sensor located in the center in the vehicle-width direction fails to be carried out as impact energy is consumed because of deformation in the side sill or the like. There is a possibility that an impact is not detected with proper timing by the impact sensor located in the center, and then that airbag deployment is delayed. This is an unfavorable situation.

Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha


Self cleaning air filtration machine and a method for using same comprising; a filter with a motor driven belt or disk or counter rotating disks that are perforated, a spray bar, a recirculation pump and supply line, a wet tank, a ultrasonic transducer, ultraviolet submersible bulbs, a water fill port, a liquid level sensor, a liquid and sediment drain port, and a power source. A preferred embodiment includes a subsonic transducer on the wet tank. A preferred embodiment includes a air diffuser, a toxic and noxious gas detection and recognition and radiation detection with automatic safety shut down and audible and visual alarm, a ultraviolet saturation chamber. A preferred embodiment includes a secondary wet filter, a secondary air diffuser, a secondary ultraviolet saturation chamber. A preferred embodiment includes a inline dryer assembly.

This invention relates generally to the field of treating air and more specifically to self cleaning air filtration machine and a method for using same.
The invention relates generally to the field of treating air and more specifically to a machine for air filtration that is self cleaning and a method for filtering air with same as well as multiple steps for entrapment and neutralization of bacteria germs and particulate for detection and recognition of toxic and noxious gases and radiation detection with automatic safety shut down which will cause a safety charcoal filter to drop into place and will trigger an audible and visual alarm.
Prior to 911 I had developed a system of filtering air for use in the heating ventilation air conditioning discipline using knowledge acquired in the field of practical design and application. It became apparent that there is no system or process of systems available in field application or patents granted, for the self contained removal and disposal of health threatening disease. Subsequent to the horrific 911 incident it became clear that steps to design a system and a method using that system to either front end a existing heating ventilation air conditioning system or a total stand alone system or part of a new heating ventilation conditioning system installation. I believe this process is the solution to the removal of all life threatening forms of airborne diseases known at the time of this writing and application.
In our search for air handling systems that would have the capability to cover a variety of individuals unique needs, as well as the practicability to operate in a very full household. What we found was a multitude of variations of hepa, of which are allergen, micro, with activated charcoal, with electrostatic charge. Then there seems to be a sub category, hepa prefilters containing one of the following carbon or zeolite and potassium permanganate. Both the hepa and the hepa prefilters are used to remove varying sizes of particulate from the air being drawn through the filter. The claims vary depending on the specific filter or combination of filters. The claims are for removal of pollen, dust, lint, pet dander, mold, bacteria, smoke, and smog particles, some even claim to catch particles that can carry viruses.
Our search did not end with hepa's, we also checked into activated charcoal filters, filter with carbon or drum, which basically is a round filter again with carbon. The primary function we found is to absorb gaseous pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds, odors and large particulate.
Also we found the use of ultraviolet lights in air handling systems. Placement varies but was mostly near where water or moisture may collect. The objective is to break down almost all organic contaminants such as bacteria, micro viral organisms, mold, infectous diseases. The ultraviolet lights also have the added side affect, emitting negative ions, which freshen the air and can make people feel uplifted and lively. Although it is not used very much we did find an air filtration unit with dryer assembly which was used to decrease humidity in the air stream.
With gas detection and recognition systems (Berry) being fairly new technology for the public, we did not find any air filtration systems on the market with the gas detection and recognition option, athe same with the radiation detection (Berry) which is readily avaliable for the nuclear industry, but not available to the public at large as of yet. A recirculation pump circulates liquid through a given system and is used in many different mediums.
Ultrasonic transducer, is used to agitate liquid with the usre of sound waves at frequency of 20 kilohertz or higher. The ultrasonic transducer is able to induce particulate release from surfaces in liquid. Subsonic transducer, agitates with sound using low frequency for particulate suspension.
Audible and visual alarms are widely avaliable and found in a large variety of products (Berry). As well as air diffusers which are used to prevent laminar air flow, these are widely avaliable and in innumerable configurations. Automatic safety shut off will shut down an operating system in case of a harmful situation, yet again a system that is used in innumerable products (Berry).
We located in our search for an air filtration system many four and five step systems. These systems combine usage of four or five of the following: ultrviolet, hepa, carbon drum, carbon post filter, filter with carbon, prefilter, ionizer, collector plates, activated charcoal, negative ion, and ozonation. Each multiple step system was designed to satisfy the multiple causes of pollution in specific work and home environments to offer better air quality.
There seem to be several areas were the currently avaliable air filter systems could use improvement. The multiple step units are almost exclusively stand alone and do not have an option to be installed into a current or new air handling system. As well as the exdorbant cost of replacement filters, which many said units have more than one some as many as three. The added inconvienance of different schedules for filter changes, varying from one month to four years time span. With the systems containing the two or three filters with different clean or change schedules, the question is if the schedule is not adhered to precisely are they still effective?
All systems lack an ease of maintenance. Hasama has a belt filter with cleaning tank the filter is metal, this is not a practical application for everyday use for odvious reasons rust, corrosion, pitting from cleaning solutions, lack of flexibility. Coughlin, Young and Hasama have belted filtration methods Young employs the use of a metal filter matrix that gets coated with fibers. The fibers are the filter medium which then get washed off and returned to the tank with the contaminates the presumption is that the fibers and contaminates will seperate, with the contaminates settling to the bottom of the tank. Although the tank has an impellor in the tank to keep the fibers from settling this is not realistic. Coughlins belted filter uses water as means to clean impure gases from the air this system has a spray bar and a tank the tank is used as a return for the spray. This system is dependent on someone to change the water, and the water removing all impurities in the air. Hasama's belt filter is used for removal of exhaust directly related to cooking, as such the system is used to remove oils and grease contained in the air. This system is more efficient and easier to clean than current systems but is not clear on removal of cleaning liquid or build up of contaminates in cleaning liquid the transducer aids in releasing the contaminants from the filter. How long till saturation of liquid?
Fleisher's air filtration machine contains multiple discs stacked and motor driven, a wash tank, a drain port, a water fill port and liquid level float. This system has some very serious problems, settling of sediment making it difficult to maintain or drain, the drain at the bottom could easily become clogged with settled sediment. Contamination of disks from wash tank due to lack of disinfection medium. And because Fleisher choose metal as the filter medium we again have the problem of rust and corrosion.
Hasama, Himes, Fleisher, Alliger and Hirose all have a variation of wet filters these filters are incomplete they do not contain all needed elements. Hasama and Fleisher are restricted by the material choosen for the filter, the choosen medium is metal when working with liquid this can create problems such as rust, corrosion, pitting from cleaning solutions and limited porosity. In Hirose, Alliger and Himes case, Himes and Alliger's filter has a wash that runs through and to the other side. Neither are clear where the dirty or contaminated wash is supposed to go. The choosen medium is not the issue with Himes, the problem here is particulate. This is a filter for gas and will not function if the particulate will not wash through the filter. Hirose's filter is designed to remove noxious material and dust, and is also lacking although the filter is dipped into a tank there is no element to aid in the release of the particulate that has impinged onto the filter surface. This again will eventually cause the filter to clog and become ineffiecent.
Ellner, Diebert and Gadgil all implement ultraviolet bulbs Gadgil and Ellner use them in a liquid Gadgil's use is for water disinfection, drinking water, in use with ceramic filters and are not located in the water. Ellner applies the ultraviolet lights with the ultrasonic transducer as a cleaning apparatus the transducer is used to keep the ultraviolet lights free of debris so they will maintain efficiency. This is not a air or water filter it is used strictly to keep the ultraviolets at optimum. Diebert uses a four step process to filter air, specifically we would like to compare the use of an ultraviolet chamber to remove bacteria from the air flow. This is good in theory, but due to laminar air flow and rate of air flow this ultraviolet chamber is not used effectively.
Alliger has a treated surface, the screen is metal, the coating is to prevent corrosion and does nothing to increase particulate impingement on the screen. Petersen involves the use of a air diffuser, placement is of utmost importance. Petersen's air diffuser is in front of his filter we feel that our placement after the filter is in this situation the best place for the diffuser.
Said systems are targeted at very specific problems such as allergies, odors, gases or particulate. These systems function very well in that arena but are competely lacking in all other areas. Most air filter systems do not offer the option to decrease humidity levels or automatic safety shut down, none of the systems offer both no system offers toxic and noxious gas and radiation detection and recognition with automatic safety shut down and a audible and visual alarm. We are offering all of this in our process as well as a system that will self clean and dispose of any particulate, bacteria or germs without the need to be handled.

Self cleaning air filtration machine and a method for using the same


The otoscope comprises a head portion (11) including a through-hole (24) extending continuously from a proximal end to a distal end along a viewing path and a speculum receptacle (14) tapering towards the distal end and surrounding the through-hole (24), wherein a speculum (50) is attachable to the speculum receptacle (14). Lens means (26) including at least one lens (36) is configured to be movable from a viewing position, in which the lens (36) is arranged in the viewing path, to a clearance position, in which the lens (36) is arranged outside the viewing path. In the viewing position of the lens means (26) the lens (36) is arranged inside the through-hole (24) far enough for the distance between the lens (36) and the distal end (52) of an attached speculum (50) to be smaller than the focal length (F) of the lens (36).

The present invention relates to an otoscope.
DE 2 029 892 A discloses an otoscope having a head portion and a speculum portion adjoining the head portion with a through-hole extending through the head and speculum portions. At the proximal end of the head portion, i.e. at the end which during an ear examination faces towards the person performing the examination, the through-hole is closed by a lens arranged in a lens frame guided horizontally and perpendicularly to the central axis of the through-hole by means of a dovetail guide at the proximal end of the head portion. If it is necessary to introduce an instrument through the through-hole into a patient's ear, the lens frame with the lens is removed from the guide by a lateral sliding movement in order to enable introduction of an instrument through the through-hole from the proximal side into the distally located ear.
A different solution is disclosed in DE 2 203 357 A. In the otoscope known from this citation, the lens is supported in a lens frame arranged at the proximal end side of head portion and being pivotable about an axis which is parallel to the central axis of the through-hole. The lens frame may be pivoted from a viewing position, in which the lens is aligned with the through-hole, into a clearance position, in which the proximal end of the through-hole is cleared to enable an instrument to be introduced through the through-hole into the ear.
Thus the two known otoscopes described above have in common that the lens is arranged such that it closes the proximal end of the through-hole, which means that it is not arranged inside the through-hole.
DE 20 2008 005 144 U1 discloses an otoscope comprising a speculum receptacle surrounding the through-hole at the distal end of the head portion, wherein a speculum made of plastic material may be attached to the speculum receptacle for being introduced into a patient's ear during an examination. After the examination the plastic speculum is ejected and replaced by a new one in order to avoid cross contamination.
In known otoscopes with the above-mentioned configuration, i.e. having a lens which closes the proximal end of the through-hole, the magnification is normally not higher than three-fold. The magnification of magnifying glass lenses is defined by the reference seeing distance (the least distance of distinct vision) and the focal length of the magnifying glass lens. The highest magnification is located at the focal point of the magnifying glass lens. For otoscopes a reference seeing distance of about 250 mm is considered to be a value that enables a comfortable viewing experience. After attachment of a plastic speculum the overall installation length of an otoscope is normally about 65 mm. Together with a distance of 15 mm between the plane of examination and the speculum tip, the distance between the magnifying glass lens and the object being examined is about 80 mm. Use of a magnifying glass lens having a focal length of 85 mm in these geometries will result in a magnification of about 2.95 times. Thus the magnification of an otoscope is limited by the installation length of the device and the resulting possible focal length of the lens. If a higher magnification is to be realized (i.e. a lens with shorter focal length is to be used), the range of sharp focus will be located nearer to the lens. Merely using a different lens in a given otoscope design would move the range of sharp focus into the attached speculum, which would render a sharp representation of the object to be examined impossible.
The object underlying the invention is to create an otoscope by means of simple design which enables to view the area to be examined in a patient's ear with high magnifications and excellent sharpness.


Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include an alcohol and a peracid. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of no more than about 5. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against bacterial and fungal spores, including Clostridium difficile spores. The compositions and methods are also useful against conformationally altered prions, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Different types of organisms vary in their response to antiseptics and disinfectants. The microbial susceptibility to antiseptics and disinfectants of various organisms has been summarized as shown in the following schematic. McDonnell, Gerald et al., "Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Activity, Action, and Resistance," Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Vol. 12, pp. 147-179 (January 1999). Organisms are listed in descending order of resistance.                Prions (CJD, BSE)                Coccidia (Cryptosporidium)                Spores (Bacillus, C. difficile)                Mycobacteria (M. tuberculosis, M. avium)                Cysts (Giardia)                Small non-enveloped viruses (Polio virus)                Trophozoites (Acanthamoeba)                Gram-negative bacteria (non-sporulating) (Pseudomonas, Providencia)                Fungi (Candida, Aspergillus)                Large non-enveloped viruses (Enteroviruses, Adenovirus)                Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, Enterococcus)                Lipid enveloped viruses (HIV, HBV)
Bacterial spores of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium have been widely studied and are considered to be the most resistant of all types of bacteria to antiseptics and disinfectants.
Clostridium species are significant pathogens. Infections among patients in healthcare facilities caused by the bacteria Clostridum difficile (C. difficile), are at historically high levels. C. difficile is a spore-forming, Gram-positive anaerobic bacillus of the human intestine and is thought to be present in 2-5% of the adult population. Pathogenic C. difficile strains produce multiple toxins, the most well-characterized of which are enterotoxin (Clostridium difficile toxin A) and cytotoxin (C. difficile toxin B), both of which can produce diarrhea and inflammation in infected patients. The emergence of a new, highly toxic strain of C. difficile, resistant to flouroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin have also been reported. C. difficile infection causes diarrhea and other intestinal problems and is linked to 14,000 deaths in the United States each year.
Control of C. difficile outbreaks present significant challenges to health care facilities. C. difficile spores survive routine environmental cleaning with detergents and hand hygiene with alcohol-based gels. The spores can survive on surfaces for long periods of time. As a result, the bacteria can be cultured from almost any surface. Once spores are ingested, their acid-resistance allows them to pass through the stomach unscathed. They germinate and multiply into vegetative cells in the colon upon exposure to bile acids.
A variety of strategies have been proposed to kill C. difficile spores on various surfaces, with limited success. Bleach-based compositions have been employed for hard surfaces, and have been shown to reduce the environmental burden of C. difficile but can be corrosive. Hydrogen peroxide-based compositions have also been proposed, including combinations of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and silver cation dry-mist system, and the so-called Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP). Peracids generally have poor stability, odor and corrosive properties. Hydrogen peroxide is also prone to decomposition, and concentrated solutions can be highly corrosive. Alcohol-based sanitizers have not generally been effective. In fact, ethanol is sometimes used to store C. difficile spores.
A need remains for more stable, less corrosive compositions having good efficiency against C. difficile spores, as well as against other pathogenic infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, fungal and bacterial spores, and conformationally altered prions, some of which can be particularly resistant to current sanitizers and cleansers.
Somewhat relatedly, there is growing concern about the use of biological toxins and infectious agents such as conformationally altered prions, bacteria, viruses, and fungal and bacterial spores, as biological and chemical warfare agents. Chemical and biological warfare agents can be fast-acting and pervasive. There is a continuing need for effective, easy to use products that will be safe for humans and the environment, that can be used to decontaminate skin, and particularly wounds, following chemical and/or biological warfare agent exposure. Furthermore, there is a need for effective products that can be used to decontaminate homes, building materials, and furniture that can decontaminate surfaces to eliminate these infectious agents, and that can reduce the transmission of the infectious pathogens.

Compositions and methods having improved efficacy against spores and other organisms


A method of fabricating a bottle trench and a bottle trench capacitor. The method including: providing a substrate; forming a trench in the substrate, the trench having sidewalls and a bottom, the trench having an upper region adjacent to a top surface of the substrate and a lower region adjacent to the bottom of the trench; forming an oxidized layer of the substrate in the bottom region of the trench; and removing the oxidized layer of the substrate from the bottom region of the trench, a cross-sectional area of the lower region of the trench greater than a cross-sectional area of the upper region of the trench.

One use for trench capacitors is for the storage node of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cells. As DRAM cell design rules become ever smaller, the required cell capacitance does not become smaller proportionally but remains relatively fixed. The use of bottle trench capacitors is one way of increasing the capacitance trench capacitors as the dimensions of DRAM cells decrease. However, present schemes for forming bottle trench capacitors suffer from etch related defects during formation of the bottle portion of the capacitor. These defects can cause shorting of the capacitor to the P-well of the DRAM cell and/or uneven capacitor dielectric formation. Further, poor bottle diameter size control due to non-uniform wet etch processes can lead to irregular bottle diameter, often resulting in merging of the bottles of adjacent DRAM cells. Merging of adjacent the bottles of adjacent trench capacitors can cause single bit fails in DRAM cell arrays. Defects and merged trenches can reduce DRAM processing yield, reliability and performance. Therefore, there is a need for a bottle trench capacitor process with reduced susceptibility to process defects and merging of adjacent trenches during formation of the bottle portion of the capacitor.

Method of fabricating a bottle trench and a bottle trench capacitor

International Business Machines Corporation

Infineon Technologies North America Corp.


The invention relates to a device used in conjunction with a swimming pool, especially an aboveground pool for skimming debris floating on the surface of the water, catching the debris in a pocket formed in a net made of a mesh material, and then removing the debris from the pool. A pole is detachably mounted to the side of the pool, and extends inwardly toward the center of the pool. The mesh net is disposed over the pole and depends downwardly below the surface of the water. The end of the net distant from the pole receives a rod which weighs the net down and keeps it below the water level. The lower portion of the net is then folded upward to some distance below the water level and the two vertical edges of the net are then sealed together thereby forming a pocket for catching the debris.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally involves the field of technology pertaining to a device for skimming debris from the surface of the water in a swimming pool; especially an above ground, backyard swimming pool, employing the use of a pump and filter for circulating and cleaning the water.
In general, the device comprises a net made of a suitable mesh material which is disposed, at one end, around a pole which is detachably mounted to the side of a pool and which extends inwardly toward the center of the pool when it is mounted on the pool wall. The net extends downwardly from the pole and into the water. The lower end of the net, distant from the pole, has a rod attached to it for weighing the net downward below the water surface. The lower end of the net is then folded upward some distance below the water surface and the two edges of the net are then sealed together by any suitable means thereby forming a pocket in the net for catching the debris as it impacts on the net. The water in the pool is circulated by means of a standard pump and filter system.
The net can be easily cleaned by removing it from the pool and hosing it down or in any other manner.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A search of the prior art has uncovered the Heinlien U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,327; Burkhart U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,001; Newcombe-Bond U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,622; LaChance U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,364; and Canadian Patent 590,252.
There is a substantial structural difference between the screening 24 in the LaChance patent and the net with a pocket disclosed in the instant invention.
The Heinlein U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,327 teaches a skimmer bar, projecting generally obliquely toward the direction from which normal circulation of water in the pool takes place, defining with the adjacent pool side a pocket for receiving and directing debris. Thus, the debris is not caught in a net.
In the Newcombe-Bond U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,622, a mesh bag is slipped over floats to hang behind them and to catch and retain floating debris which enters the float. This is substantially different from the net with a pocket of the instant invention.
The Burkhart U S. Pat. No. 4,557,001, depends upon movement of the ends of a skirt member relative to each other to form a loop which traps the debris. The skirt, now in the form of a loop, is then removed from the water.
Canadian Patent 590,252 has a water filtering means in the form of a bag secured around a casing wherein a turbine driven propeller is provided to circulate the water which discharges into the bag.


A negative pattern is formed to be transparent in the far ultraviolet region including the wavelength 193 nm of an ArF excimer laser and, despite its chemical structure having high dry etching, does not swell and has excellent resolution. An acid-catalyzed reaction is utilized wherein a xcex3-hydroxy or xcex4-hydroxy carboxylic acid structure is partially or entirely converted to a xcex3-lactone or xcex4-lactone structure. The negative pattern is developed with an aqueous alkali solution without swelling.

The present invention relates to a microlithographic process using a photosensitive composition, a micromachining technique for preparing a semiconductor device, or the like, and a process for preparing the semiconductor device, or the like, including the microlithographic process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for forming a negative pattern suitable for a photolithographic process using a far ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of not more than 220 nm, such as an ArF excimer laser, which is a radiation source for wavelengths shorter than those in currently used UV sources including high pressure mercury lamps and KrF excimer lasers.
A photolithographic technique for fabricating micro-order or submicron-order fine patterns within an electronic device, such as a semiconductor, has been at the core of micromachining techniques for mass production. A demand for an increase in integration and an increase in density of semiconductor devices in recent years has led to many improvements in micromachining techniques. In particular, as the minimum possible machining dimension approaches the exposure wavelength, photolithographic techniques using light sources for shorter wavelengths ranging from g-line (436 nm) and i-line (365 nm) in a high pressure mercury lamp to a KrF excimer laser (248 nm), have been developed. A change in exposure wavelength has led to the development of photoresists made from materials suitable for the wavelength being used. In any of the photoresists suitable for the above wavelengths, aqueous alkali development utilizing the solubility of resins having a phenol structure or polymeric materials in an aqueous alkali has been adopted on a commercial scale, although they are different from each other in photoactive compound and photoactivating mechanism. These resins and polymeric materials necessarily contain many aromatic rings which are also chemical structural elements for enhancing the etching resistance in the step of dry etching after the formation of the resist pattern.
Negative resists prepared from resins having the above-mentioned phenol structure are classified into ones of a crosslinking type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 164045/1987 and ones of a dissolution inhibition type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 165359/1992. In any type, submicron-order fine patterns can be formed without causing swelling.
Photolithography using an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) as a light source has become more and more commonplace for photolithography which can provide a minimum possible machining dimension of less than 0.25 xcexcm. This wavelength corresponds to the absorption maximum of an aromatic ring. Therefore, in the photoresist material composed mainly of a phenol structure, which has been used on a commercial scale, the formation of a latent image in response to the exposure is limited to a portion which is very near the surface of the photoresist film, making it difficult to form a fine resist pattern by aqueous alkali development.
On the other hand, various resist materials have been proposed which have high transmittances in the above-mentioned wavelength region while possessing high dry-etching resistance. Utilization of an adamantane structure (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 39665/1992 and 265212/1993) and utilization of a norbornane structure (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 80515/1993 and 257284/1993) have been proposed as chemical structures which are transparent in the far ultraviolet region including the wavelength 193 nm of the ArF excimer laser and, instead of the aromatic ring, can impart dry-etching resistance to the resist material. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 28237/1995 and 259626/1996 disclose that, in addition to these structures, general alicyclic structures, such as a tricyclodecanyl group, are also useful.
Regarding resist materials which have been rendered developable with an aqueous alkali by using a polymer having a chemical structure transparent in the far ultraviolet region including the wavelength 193 nm of the ArF excimer laser and, utilization of the carboxylic acid structure of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, has been attempted in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 39665/1992, 184345/1992, 226461/1992, and 80515/1993. In these publications, the aqueous alkali solubility of a portion dissolved in a developing solution in the aqueous alkali development depends upon the carboxylic acid structure of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-259626 discloses a polymeric compound in which a carboxylic acid group has been provided in an alicyclic structure introduced into the side chain of a methacrylic acid ester.
The phenol structure which has so far been used as an alkali-soluble group has a pKa of 10.0 (phenol), whereas the above carboxylic acid structure has a pKa of as low as 4.8 (acetic acid), indicating that its acidity is high. Therefore, when they are used as the alkali-soluble group of the base resin, the results is that with the same molar fraction the resin having a carboxylic acid structure has a higher dissolution rate in an aqueous alkali and in addition can be dissolved in an alkali developing solution having such a low concentration that it will not dissolve the resin having a phenol structure.
Use of the resin having a carboxylic acid structure in combination with a cross-linking agent as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 164045/1987 is disadvantageous because it causes the carboxylic acid having high acidity to remain in the crosslinked portion and an alkali developing solution infiltrates into this portion and swells, which makes it impossible to form a fine pattern. On the other hand, when use is made of a material described in Japanese Patent-Laid Open No. 165359/1992, wherein the acid formed upon exposure produces a compound having a dissolution inhibitory activity, no contrast in dissolution is created if the resin has a carboxylic acid structure, thereby making it impossible to provide a negative resist disadvantageously.
The fact that an acid-catalyzed reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in a solution results in conversion of the carboxylic acid to a carboxylic acid ester is generally known in the art, and this reaction is one useful method for synthesizing a carboxylic acid ester. Since, however, this reaction is an equilibrium reaction, it is necessary for the reaction to proceed toward the ester side. Thus, alcohol should be used in large excess and, in addition, water as a by-product should be discharged outside the system. When the application of this reaction to a radiation-sensitive composition is contemplated, the alcohol cannot be added in large excess while maintaining the solubility of the coating in an alkali. Further, in this case, it is difficult to discharge water produced in the reaction outside the system. For this reason, in general, the esterification proceeds to an extent of only several percent. A reduction in the amount of the carboxylic acid to this extent is unsatisfactory for creating contrast of dissolution high enough to form a pattern.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a method for negative pattern formation which enables development using an aqueous alkali developing solution without causing swelling of a fine pattern, utilizes esterification of a resin having a carboxylic acid structure, and provides a fine pattern with excellent resolution.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a semiconductor device using the method for pattern formation according to the first object of the present invention.
The first object of the present invention can be attained by a method for pattern formation, including the following steps: forming a coating having a photosensitive composition containing at least a carboxylic acid structure on a predetermined substrate; irradiating the coating with an actinic radiation in a predetermined pattern form to form a desired latent image pattern in the coating; heating the exposed coating to allow the reaction to proceed; and then developing the heated coating with an aqueous alkali developing solution to form a desired pattern in the coating, wherein the carboxylic acid structure in the areas irradiated with the actinic radiation is partially or entirely converted to a xcex3-lactone structure or a xcex4-lactone structure which is a carboxylic acid ester structure. xcex3-lactone structures and xcex4-lactone structures are easier to form and five and six member links yield better results.
Since the xcex3-lactone or xcex4-lactone structure, is formed when the alcohol group to be esterified with the carboxylic acid group is one located at the xcex3-position or the xcex4-position of the carboxylic acid group in the molecule, the esterification by the acid-catalyzed reaction occurs more easily than that in the conventional method. Also, the ester thus prepared is not hydrolyzed by an aqueous tetraalkylammonium hydroxide solution commonly used in the art and remains stable during development.
The structure for creating the xcex3-lactone or xcex4-lactone structure is preferably a xcex3-hydroxy carboxylic acid structure or a xcex4-hydroxy carboxylic acid structure. In this structure, intramolecular esterification by the acid-catalyzed reaction results in the formation of a five or six-membered ring. Thus, the esterification can easily occur.
The carboxylic acid structure used in the method for pattern formation according to the present invention is preferably a chemical structure represented by the following chemical formulas (1) or (2);
In these formulas, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, provided that a plurality of alkyl groups as the substituent may be linked with each other to from a cyclic alkyl group.
Furthermore, preferably, at least the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2) is contained in the polymeric compound constituting the photosensitive composition.
Specifically, resins each containing at least a repeating structure selected from among the following general chemical formulas (5) to (12) are preferred because they have the above structures and, further, have small absorption in the far ultraviolet region and dry-etching resistance.
In above formulas (5)-(12), n is an integer
The resin having at least the repeating structure represented by the formulas (5) or (6) may be prepared by the free-radical copolymerization of a compound containing an alicyclic hydrocarbon-structure, such as 5-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, with maleic anhydride, reducing the maleic anhydride moiety to form a lactone, and conducting hydrolysis to modify the lactone.
The resin having at least a repeating structure represented by formulas (7) or (8) may be prepared by the free-radical copolymerization of a compound containing an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, such as cycloocta-1,5-diene, with maleic anhydride, reducing the maleic anhydride moiety to form a lactone, and conducting hydrolysis for modification.
The resin having at least a repeating structure represented by formulas (9) or (10) may be prepared by the free-radical copolymerization of a compound containing an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, such as 5-ethylenebicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, with maleic anhydride, reducing the maleic anhydride moiety to form a lactone, and conducting hydrolysis for modification.
The resin having at least a repeating structure represented by formulas (11) or (12) may be prepared by the free-radical copolymerization of a compound containing an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, such as 5-vinylbicyclo[2.2.]hept-2-ene, with maleic anhydride, reducing the maleic anhydride moiety to form a lactone, and conducting hydrolysis to modify the lactone.
The weight average molecular weight of these resins is preferably 1,000 to 300,000. Among the above polymeric compounds, those having repeating units of an alicyclic structure having on its side chain the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2) are more advantageous over those containing directly in the backbone thereof the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2) because the lactonization in the acid-catalyzed reaction occurs more easily and higher sensitivity is achieved.
Specifically, a resin having repeating units of an alicyclic structure having on its side chain the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2), such as an alicyclic structure represented by the chemical formulas (5), (6), (9), (10), (11), or (12) is more advantageous than a resin containing directly in its backbone the carboxylic acid structure represented by the formula (7) or (8) because the pattern formation can be carried out with higher sensitivity.
When the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2) is contained directly in the backbone, the carboxylic acid moiety and the hydroxyl group moiety in chemical formulas (1) or (2), in some cases, become sterically distant from each other, making it difficult to lactonize the carboxylic acid structure. On the other hand, when the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (1) or (2) is contained in the side chain, the carboxylic acid moiety and the hydroxyl group moiety are less likely to become sterically distant from each other. As a result, in such a case, the carboxylic acid structure can be easily lactonized, thereby possibly contributing to pattern formation of higher sensitivity.
A resin having the above-mentioned structures is used in combination with 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, based on the resin, of a compound capable of producing an acid upon irradiation with an actinic radiation to prepare a pattern forming material. The compounds capable of producing an acid upon irradiation with an actinic radiation include onium salts, such as triphenylsulfonium triflate, sulfonyloxyimides, such as trifluoromethanesulfonyloxynaphthylimide, and sulfonic acid esters. However, some other compound may be used if they can produce an acid upon irradiation with an actinic radiation, such as by an ArF excimer laser, for example.
The carboxylic acid structure used in the method for pattern formation according to the present invention may be also a chemical structure represented by the following chemical formulas (3) or (4):
In these formulas, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, provided that a plurality of alkyl groups as the substituent may be linked with each other to from a cyclic alkyl group; and X represents an acetal or ketal, such as a 1-ethoxyethyl or tetrahydropyranyl group. In this case, since the hydroxyl group is protected by X, the thermal stability is improved.
Further, preferably, at least the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (3) or (4) is contained in the polymeric compound constituting the photosensitive composition.
Among the above-mentioned polymeric compounds, those having repeating units of an alicyclic structure having on its side chain the carboxylic acid structure represented by the chemical formulas (3) or (4) are more advantageous than those containing directly in the backbone the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (3) or (4) because the lactonization in the acid-catalyzed reaction can occur more easily, which possibly contributes to higher sensitivity.
When the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (3) or (4) is contained directly in the backbone, the carboxylic acid moiety and the protected hydroxyl group in chemical formulas (3) or (4), in some cases, become sterically distant from each other, thereby making it difficult to lactonize the carboxylic acid structure. On the other hand, when the carboxylic acid structure represented by chemical formulas (3) or (4) is contained in the side chain, the carboxylic acid moiety and the protected hydroxyl group moiety are less likely to become sterically distant from each other. As a result, in such a case, the carboxylic acid structure can be easily lactonized, thereby possibly contributing to pattern formation of higher sensitivity.
The photosensitive composition containing a carboxylic acid structure used in the method for pattern formation according to the present invention may further contain an alicyclic structure for enhancing the dry-etching resistance. The alicyclic structures include adamantyl, norbornane, tricyclodecane, and androstane structures. These structures are transparent in the far ultraviolet region and possesses dry-etching resistance.
The types of actinic radiation used in the present invention include a far ultraviolet light having a wavelength of not more than 250 nm and a vacuum ultraviolet light, such as ArF excimer laser. Additionally, electron beam, EUV, and X-radiation may also be used. The aqueous alkali developing solution used in the present invention is preferably an aqueous solution of a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
The second object of the present invention can be attained according to a process for preparing a semiconductor device, including the following steps: forming a resist pattern on a semiconductor substrate by any one of the methods for pattern formation described above; and, based on the resist pattern, either etching the semiconductor substrate or implanting ions into the semiconductor substrate. The etching methods usable in the process for preparing a semiconductor device include dry etching methods, such as plasma etching, reactive ion etching, and reactive ion beam etching, and wet etching.
Substrates treatable in the process for preparing a semiconductor device according to the present invention include silicon dioxide films formed by CVD or thermal oxidation, oxide films such as coatable glass films, and nitride films, such as silicon nitride film. Additional examples of substrates usable in the process of the present invention include films of various metals, such as aluminum and alloys thereof and tungsten, and polycrystalline silicon.
According to the present invention, utilization of a highly reactive lactonization method among methods of esterification of carboxylic acids enables the carboxylic acid to be efficiently converted to a carboxylic acid ester through a reaction catalyzed by an acid produced upon exposure. Since this reaction is an intramolecular esterification, intermolecular cross-linking and the like do not occur, thereby permitting the content of the carboxylic acid in the exposed areas to be simply rendered different from that in the unexposed areas. When the carboxylic acid and the alcohol are separate molecules, only several % of the carboxylic acid in the coating can be esterified by the acid-catalyzed reaction under practically applicable conditions. By contrast, in xcex3-lactonization or xcex4-lactonization used in the method for pattern formation according to the present invention, not less than 30% of the carboxylic acid is esterified in the exposed areas. Preferably, at least 50% is esterified and, even more preferably, at least 70% is esterified. This results in significantly changed dissolution rate in the exposed areas and, in addition, no cross-linking reaction occurs. As a result, the prior art problem of swelling can be avoided, and a fine pattern can be formed.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

Method for pattern formation and process for preparing semiconductor device


Two-tiered dimples 8 of a golf ball have a first recessed part X and a second recessed part Y. The first recessed part X substantially forms a part of a spherical shape. The first recessed part X includes a first opening 14, a side wall curved face 16 and a flat face 18. The second recessed part Y is substantially a regular quadrangular pyramid. This second recessed part Y includes a second opening 20, a slope 22 and a bottom face 24. The second opening 20 is a regular tetragon. The first recessed part X improves aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball. The second recessed part Y improves a dimple effect. Proportion of the number of the two-tiered dimples 8 to total number of the dimples is equal to or greater than 70%.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to golf balls. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements of dimples of golf balls.
2. Description of the Related Art
Golf balls have numerous dimples on the surface thereof. The dimples disrupt the air flow around the golf ball during flight to cause turbulent flow separation. By causing the turbulent flow separation, separating points of the air from the golf ball shift backwards leading to the reduction of drag. The turbulent flow separation promotes the differentia between the separating point on the upper side and the separating point on the lower side of the golf ball, which results from the backspin, thereby enhancing the lift force that acts upon the golf ball. Such a role of the dimples is referred to as a "dimple effect". Excellent dimples disturb the air flow more efficiently.
Polygonal dimples disturb the air flow more efficiently. According to golf balls having polygonal dimples, a great flight distance can be attained. U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,039 discloses a golf ball having dimples with a polygonal plane shape, and with a cross-sectional shape showing a double slope. JP-A-2003-290392 discloses a golf ball having polygonal first dimples and second dimples formed on the bottom face of the first dimple. United States Patent Publication No. 2004/0152541 discloses a golf ball having polygonal dimples arranged thereon using a quasi-regular polyhedron.
Polygonal dimples are inferior in geometrical symmetry compared to circular dimples, therefore, golf balls having the polygonal dimple will be disadvantageous in terms of insufficient aerodynamic symmetry. According to the golf balls that are inferior in aerodynamic symmetry, trajectory may vary depending on the impact point. Golf players can not select the impact point of a golf ball apart from tee shots. Golf balls that are inferior in aerodynamic symmetry yield variation in the flight distance.
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that can attain a great flight distance and is excellent in aerodynamic symmetry.


A storage medium stores an address-information display program including a set of program instructions executable on an information processing device configured to communicate with a communication counterpart through a communication device having at least one communication function. The information processing device stores address information of the communication counterpart. The set of program instructions includes: an address-information determining process of determining, out of the address information, usable address information that is usable with the at least one communication function of the communication device; and a displaying process of displaying the usable address information on a display of the information processing device in a distinguishable manner.

Technology for transmitting data to communication devices by using telephone directory data stored in terminal devices has been conventionally known. For example, a communication device is known that determines the type of data received from a terminal device, and, when the received data includes both telephone directory data and data other than the telephone directory data, transmits the data other than the telephone directory data, out of the received data, to a destination of the telephone directory data.

Storage medium storing address-information display program and communication controlling device


A high temperature filter and a self-cleaning filtering system for filtering media, such as biomass materials, are provided. The filter and filtering system is particularly useful in the filtration of syngas in a plasma arc gasification process to remove char and other particles of down to a submicron size from the syngas. The filter is formed from a pleated metal mesh material including end caps secured by a high-temperature metallic paste or adhesive, such that the filter is capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 2000° F. The system includes a backflush unit for injecting cleaning media therein to remove trapped char and other debris from the filter. At least two filtering systems can be placed in parallel so that one system can be cleaned while the other is operating. A method for filtering media is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a filter and filtering system for filtering media and, more particularly, to a high temperature filter and a self-cleaning filtering system for filtering synthetic gas (syngas) in a gasification process.
2. Description of Related Art
In the synthetic gas (syngas) industry, it is known that any debris in a syngas system made from biomass will harm the catalyst used in the reaction process. Therefore, it is necessary to filter the syngas to remove this char and other particles typically found therein. Due to high temperature processing conditions, current gasification systems use filters formed from ceramic materials or tri-sintered metal. The use of these types of filters is often unsatisfactory, as ceramic filters can crack and sintered metal filters cannot be easily cleaned to remove the filtered particles therefrom. Additionally, ceramic material cannot be easily recycled. Therefore, the filters are often discarded after a particular period of time or after a particular number of filtering cycles. This discarding of the filters results in increased industrial waste and causes processing downtime during replacement.
Different methods and systems for filtering biomass or syngas materials are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,300,481; 7,056,487; 6,077,490 and 4,865,627.
There is a need in the art for a high temperature filter and self-cleaning filtering system that can sufficiently remove char and other particles from a media, such as biomass material, with a minimum amount of processing downtime that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.


A portable dock plate which includes a planar ramp that has opposing side members, the ramp also has a top end and a bottom end, the top end includes a lip portion. The dock plate has a first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly. The first wheel assembly includes a wheel, wheel lock linkage, a first locking pin with corresponding first locking pin holes, a lip-lowering apparatus and a lip-raising apparatus. The second wheel assembly has a wheel and a second locking pin with corresponding second locking pin holes. The dock plate also includes opposing handrails which are connected to the opposing side members, each handrail includes a moveable lever-handle for movement and placement of the dock plate.

A variety of dock plates have been devised to adjust to the height of different trailers or vehicles to properly match the deck of the trailer or other vehicle to the ground surface. By aligning one end of the dock plate to the height of the trailer, and the other end to the ground surface, the loading and unloading of cargo is facilitated.
One such device is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,087,876 to Fillman, et al. which discloses a dock plate that is portable and includes wheels and a handle with sleeve. In operation the dock plate is moved to a truck trailer and goods are loaded and unloaded using the dock plate while it is adjacent to the trailer.
A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,468 to Sherrod which also discloses a portable dock plate. In addition to the disclosure of Fillman, the device includes the ability to move between operative and inoperative positions by moving the handles.
Some dock plates of the prior art include handles which assist in movement of the device to and from various locations, however, none of these dock plates include a pair of hinged handles which can be stowed and an easy to use latching and unlatching system. It is to this need that this invention is drawn.
This device overcomes certain problems and shortcomings in the prior art, including those mentioned above and others, and provides advantages for a portable dock plate which includes hinged handles as well as a latching system for easy maneuverability and use of the dock plate as not previously provided.