A method is provided for determining whether to transfer an audio, video, or text data file, requested to be transferred through a mobile station, based on a specified transfer condition and/or file size, and transferring the data file to a destined mobile terminal connected through a mobile communication network. The method stores a data file and transfer conditioning information thereof, which contains information on file size and/or transfer blocking time zone and a destination terminal, received from a calling mobile terminal connected through the mobile communication network, selects a data file to transfer and determines whether to transfer the selected data file based on the transfer conditioning information, and transmits the selected data file to a called mobile terminal specified as destination by the transfer conditioning information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of providing a file transfer service through a mobile communication network, and more particularly, to a method of determining whether to transfer a data file including audio, moving-picture, or text contents, requested to be transferred through a mobile station, based on a specified transfer condition and/or file size, and transferring a data file to a destination mobile terminal connected through a mobile communication network.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a telephone is a very popular communication tool, which enables voice communication between two speaking parties, and it is classified into two types, one is a wired telephone for a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the other is a mobile station for a wireless communication network. A mobile station provides a person with mobility which ensures data/voice communication anywhere.
Lately, a next-generation mobile communication network is being introduced according to a remarkable development of mobile communication technology. The next-generation mobile communication network such as IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunication for the 2000s) or FPLMTS (Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunication System) is expected to be commercialized sooner or later. The next-generation mobile communication network adopts a packet switched method for sending/receiving audio, moving-picture, or data file at high speed, and it also uses a high frequency band, e.g., 1,885 MHz˜2,110 MHz or 2,110 MHz˜2,200 MHz to ensure higher data transmission rate.
Therefore, the next-generation mobile communication network can provide a high-quality communication service, namely, high-speed data transmission and highly-reliable data delivery for video or text data file as well as conventional voice conversation, furthermore, it can provide various supplementary services.
However, a mobile station has too small a storage capacity to store a large-sized data file when it receives or sends, and a service charge of wireless data communication is relatively higher than that of wired communication as well, so that a service use cost would be increased greatly if a lot of data are transferred through a mobile communication network.

Method of providing a file transfer service through a mobile communication network


A dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member protects an opposing undersea hydraulic coupling member when the hydraulic lines are not operating. The dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member has a water displacement expansion chamber with a piston in the chamber that allows trapped water and/or air to move from the receiving chamber into the water displacement expansion chamber during connection of the dummy coupling member to the opposing coupling member. The piston has both a primary seal and a secondary, hydrostatic seal for preventing seawater from entering the portion of the water displacement expansion chamber that is contacted by the primary seal.

1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates in general to hydraulic couplings, and specifically to hydraulic couplings used in undersea oil well drilling and production applications. More particularly, this invention involves a dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member that may be used for protecting an opposing coupling member that is stationed subsea.
2. Description of the Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
A variety of subsea hydraulic couplings are known in the art. The couplings generally consist of a male member and a female member with sealed fluid passageways connecting therebetween. The female member generally is a cylindrical body with a relatively large diameter longitudinal bore at one end and relatively small diameter longitudinal bore at the other. The small bore facilitates connections to hydraulic lines, while the large bore seals and slidingly engages the male member of the coupling. The male member includes a cylindrical portion at one having an outer diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the large bore in the female member of the coupling. The male member also includes a connection at its other end to facilitate connection to hydraulic lines. When the cylindrical portion of the male member is inserted into the large bore of the female member, according to various embodiments of the device, fluid flow is established between the male and female members. Several couplings of this type are disclosed in patents owned by National Coupling Company, Inc. of Stafford, Tex.
In undersea drilling and production applications, the male member of the coupling may be connected to a manifold plate or other securement at a subsea location at the inside or outside of a well bore. In many cases, the male members are positioned so that the end or leading face of each member points vertically up from the sea floor. The female members, which also may be secured to a manifold plate, are moved into position over the male members and then lowered onto the male members by a diver or subsea vehicle, such as an ROV (remotely operated vehicle). When the female members are positioned on the male members, hydraulic fluid flow is typically from the female member to the male member of each coupling. Typically, one or both of the coupling members have poppet valves.
Each poppet valve typically includes a conical valve face which seats, in the closed position, against a valve seat in the coupling member. The poppet valve opens to allow fluid flow, and closes against the valve seat within the bore to arrest the flow. Generally, the poppet valve is spring-biased to the closed position. The valve may include a valve actuator which may be a nose or stem extending from the apex of the valve face along the longitudinal axis of the poppet valve.
When the male and female coupling members are disconnected, the male coupling members typically remain subsea, and the female coupling members are retrieved. Frequently, well bores in which the couplings are positioned contain debris. The male member, which remains subsea when the coupling is disconnected, is subject to debris accumulating in exposed flow passages when it is disconnected from the female member. The debris may contaminate the hydraulic fluid or cause wear to the seals and sealing surfaces in the hydraulic couplings and hydraulic system. Additionally, the coupling members that remain subsea are subject to marine growth, sand, silt, and other mechanical impacts unless there is some form of protection.
To reduce or prevent damage to the coupling member remaining subsea, dummy coupling members have been used. A dummy coupling member mates with the opposing coupling member, but the dummy is not connected to hydraulic lines and therefore does not function to conduct hydraulic fluid through the system. Instead, the dummy coupling member protects the opposing coupling member when the hydraulic line through that coupling is not in use. One particular dummy hydraulic coupling member of the prior art is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,734.
Typically, dummy undersea coupling members are the female coupling member because the male coupling member remains subsea. Dummy female coupling members may have one or more seals in a receiving chamber, and these seals engage the male member when the male member enters the receiving chamber. Dummy female coupling members also may have a bore and/or a vent passage extending between the receiving chamber and an outer surface of the dummy coupling member body. This allows trapped seawater and/or trapped air in the receiving chamber to escape out of the receiving chamber of the dummy coupling member when it engages the opposing coupling member. However, the bore or vent passage also may be subject to ingress of silt, debris, etc., with less effective protection of the opposing coupling member.
Unless the trapped seawater or air is allowed to escape from the receiving chamber, it may be very difficult or impossible to fully mate the dummy coupling to the opposing coupling member. Another undesirable consequence that may occur if trapped seawater or trapped air is not allowed to escape, is due to increased pressure that may force the poppet valve of the opposing coupling member open and allow the trapped seawater or trapped air to enter the hydraulic lines. Disconnecting the dummy coupling member from the opposing member also may be difficult due to hydraulic lock.
Thus, a dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member is needed to prevent debris and marine growth and other objects from damaging the coupling member remaining subsea, and which allows the dummy coupling member to be engaged and disengaged from the opposing member without resistance due to trapped seawater and/or trapped air.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,538 to Robert E. Smith III, assigned to National Coupling Company, Inc., does not show a dummy coupling member, but shows an undersea hydraulic coupling member having angled flow passages in the body of the male member to help prevent ingress of debris. When the female member is attached to the male member, hydraulic pressure through the angled flow ports and against the face of the poppet valve urges the poppet valve of the male member open to allow fluid to flow between the coupling members. The poppet valve in combination with the angled flow ports in the male member body help prevent ingress of debris, while allowing trapped hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed off when the coupling members are disconnected.

Dummy undersea hydraulic coupling member


A photodetection system that analyzes a luminous flux (15) received on a line (10). The photodetection system includes an opaque mask (4) provided with at least one aperture (6), placed in the vicinity of the line, driver (7) designed to rotate the mask, detector (8, 9) of an angular position of reference of the mask, a field lens (12) concentrating the luminous flux (16) crossing the line onto a photodetector (1), and a processing unit (3) connected to the photodetector, for analyzing the luminous flux to yield values for several points on the line.

The present invention concerns a photodetection system that analyzes a luminous flux received on a line, and a process for analyzing such luminous flux.
Multipath or multichannel detectors comprising several photo-detectors mounted side by side are fitted to take simultaneous measurements of a luminous flux in several adjacent zones. They can be used equally well for taking measurements in a single dimension and in two dimensions, the photo-detectors being mounted either in strip or matrix configuration respectively.
A multichannel photodetection system usually comprises the photo-detectors mounted side by side, amplifiers connected to the photo-detectors and a processing unit connected to the amplifiers, the latter including at least one analog-digital converter. The processing unit also includes means for multichannel processing connected to the analog-digital converter. This type of multichannel photodetection system comprising a strip of photo-detectors is capable of analyzing a luminous flux received on a line, each photo-detector receiving a portion of the luminous flux coming from one zone of the line, the various zones being adjacent.
A drawback of this type of multichannel photodetection system is its cost. Moreover, any change in the properties of the photo-detectors, for example in their sensitivity, can only be remedied by replacing the entire strip of photo-detectors.

System of photodetection and associated process for analyzing a luminous flux


A vehicle airbag assembly includes an attachment bracket, an elongated support member and an airbag. The attachment bracket attaches to a vehicle body member and includes a hinge portion. The elongated support member is pivotally connected to the attachment bracket for pivoting movement about a pivot axis defined by the hinge portion of the attachment bracket. The airbag is attached to the support member and defines a lengthwise direction. The pivot axis is non-parallel to the lengthwise direction. The airbag and the support member are movable together about the pivot axis. The hinge portion is configured to direct movement of the airbag and the support member from a stowed orientation to a deployed orientation upon inflation of the airbag.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a vehicle airbag assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to an airbag assembly that is attached to the vehicle above a first area and is configured to pivot upon deployment covering a second area that is spaced apart from the first area.
2. Background Information
Airbag assemblies have become a standard feature in virtually all passenger vehicles. Several airbag assemblies are usually installed in a single vehicle. A curtain type airbag assembly is typically installed above an area over a window such that upon deployment of the airbag, the airbag covers the window.


A lid operating device for switching a lid between a closed position and an open position relative to a main body includes a first urging device for urging the lid from the closed position to a mid position before reaching the open position, and a second urging device for urging the lid from the open position to the mid position. A striker is disposed on the lid or main body, and a latching device is disposed on the main body or lid for engaging the striker to hold the lid at the closed position. The lid is automatically rotated from the closed position to the mid position by the first urging device, and manually rotated from the mid position to the open position against the urging force of the second urging device.

The present invention relates to a lid operating device for switching a lid position between an open position and a closed position relative to a corresponding surface of a main body (an operation panel), and a storage device using the same.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a storage device 1 disposed in a console of a vehicle. In the storage device 1, a main body 2 has recesses 3 and 4 for storage at right and left sides, and corresponding lids 5 and 6 open and close the recesses 3 and 4. The recess 3 has a storage space larger than that of the recess 4. The recess 4 has a receptacle 7 with an opening at a bottom side thereof, and a socket 8, as shown in FIG. 1(b), is installed at the receptacle 7. The socket 8 is utilized as a power source connector for various types of equipments, which is accessible to an occupant as needed when the lid 6 is opened. The lid 6 is closed in no use state to prevent dust or the like from entering and ensure safety.
In such a lid operating device used in the storage device 1, the lid is usually urged in the opening direction with urging means. The lid is rotationally switched from the open position to the closed position against the urging force of the urging means. At the closed position, latching means provided on either the main body or the lid engages and secures a striker provided on the other of the two to maintain the closed condition. By releasing the engagement, the lid is automatically switched from the closed position to the open position by the urging means.
As the latching means, a push-push mechanism utilizing a heart-shaped cam, as disclosed in Patent Reference 1, is employed for ease of use. An operation thereof is characterized by an engaging mechanism for engaging the striker with a push operation of the lid in a closing direction and releasing the engagement with another push operation in the same direction.
Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2001-151023.
In the storage device 1, the lid 6 is held in the locked condition with a push operation in the closing direction and rotationally switched to the open position by releasing the engagement with another push operation, thereby causing the following problems. With the structure described above, the recess 4 is fully open when the lid 6 is at the open position, so that dust, small objects, or the like enter and short the socket 8, or a small child may insert a hand or finger and short the socket 8. As a countermeasure, the lid 6 may be always urged toward the closed position with the urging force of the urging means. In this case, it is necessary to provide a finger hooking member on an upper surface or a front end of the lid to rotate the lid 6 in the opening direction against the urging force, thereby deteriorating appearance. When the lid 6 is always urged in the closing direction, a part of a cord connected to the socket 8 entering the recess 4 is pinched between the main body 2 and the lid 6, thereby causing wear.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems in a simple manner and eliminate dust or inadvertent insertion of a hand or finger into the main body, thereby improving safety and reliability of a device while maintaining appearance and ease of use.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

Lid operating device and storage device using the same


A modified classical Viterbi decoder which can take extrinsic information and output hard decisions. A modified Viterbi decoder is provided comprising a branch metric unit, the unit having a calculator; and a processor adapted to compute a revised branch metric by combining the initial branch metric and an additional weight parameter. The modified classical Viterbi decoder computes a branch metric by summing an initial branch metric and the additional weight parameter.

1. Technical Field
The embodiments herein generally relate to communication systems, and, more particularly, to layer coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Concatenated coding schemes have been widely used in many OFDM communication systems. A concatenated coding scheme used in Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting—Terrestrial (ISDB-T), Digital Video Broadcasting—Terrestrial/Handheld (DVB-T/H), and Terrestrial—Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (T-DMB) has the convolutional code as the inner code and Reed-Solomon code as the outer code. Another concatenated decoding scheme uses the classic Viterbi decoder to decode the convolutional code. The Viterbi decoder outputs hard decisions, and the hard decisions are de-interleaved and passed on to a classic hard-decision RS decoder.
Turbo decoding for concatenated coding schemes involves iterative decoding and information exchanging between the inner decoder and the outer decoder. In turbo coding, a soft decision RS decoder and soft output convolutional code decoder is needed. The soft output convolutional code decoder can be a soft-output Viterbi decoder (SOVA) or a Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv (BCJR) algorithm based MAP decoder. Both types of decoders are generally very complicated compared to the classical hard decision Viterbi decoder. A classical Viterbi decoder typically cannot take extrinsic information, and hence typically cannot be used in the iterative or turbo decoding schemes. Compared with the classic hard decision RS decoder, the soft decision RS decoder is also very complicated. In addition, the de-interleaver and interleaver may have to store soft decisions from the soft output convolutional code decoder and the soft decision RS decoder, and the memory to store the de-interleaved and interleaved soft decisions could be substantial.

Iterative decoding for layer coded OFDM communication systems


Insulating ribs are formed into one or more portions of a housing that encloses circuitry of an electrical device. Components mounted on a board are separated according to whether they are related to a primary side of a power transformer or a secondary side. Primary related components are typically mounted on the primary side of an isolation slot formed into a circuit board and components related to the secondary are mounted on the other side. The insulating ribs are strategically placed to protrude through the slots when circuit board is mounted to the housing portion. Thus, when the housing portion is joined to another housing portion, which also may include insulating ribs strategically placed, the ribs increase the breakdown voltage of the boundary.

AC/DC converters typically require isolation between primary and secondary circuits. Only very specific components are allowed to bridge this boundary. Examples of such components are optocouplers, transformers, and high voltage Y-capacitors. AC port surge requirements place a large surge voltage across this boundary. One way to improve surge immunity is to place a physical slot in the circuit board at the boundary between leads or traces that are at greatest risk for arcing. Typically these slots are added between the leads of components bridging the isolation boundary.
The PC boards define slots between primary and secondary components to reduce, or prevent, arcing. As soon as an arc occurs the air ionizes and approaches a short circuit. For a typical 10 kV, 2 Ohm test, current on the order of 5000 Amps can flow during arcing. Arcing typically occurs between any primary side component, or trace, and any secondary side component, or trace. The closer the points, the more likely they are to arc. Geometry also has an impact. Arcing occurs more likely between two sharp points than two smooth points with the same spacing between them. In the field, arcing can occur as a result of a common mode AC power surge, or lightning.
A slot between primary and secondary helps because without the slot, contaminants, such as, for example, specs of solder, dust, moisture, etc., may accumulate between primary and secondary components. Since these materials change the dielectric characteristics between primary and secondary components with respect to air, the contaminants effectively reduce the gap between the components, thus facilitating arcing there between.
When hi-potential testing a board having a slot between the primary and secondary components, an arc will typically run along the surface of the board around the slot if the arc endpoints are near the edge of the slot. Extending the slot to increase the distance around it is one solution to force an arc to have to travel farther between endpoints, thus reducing the likelihood of arcing occurring. However, this may not be an option with PC boards where space is limited.
While the air-gap formed by the slots in the circuit board provides an increased breakdown voltage, electric equipment manufacturers and users are always looking for improved performance, reduced cost, ease of manufacturing and reliability of the devices. Thus, there is a need in the art for improved withstand voltage boundary performance, for example increased arc resistance, in electric devices. Further, there is a need for improving withstand voltage boundary performance without increasing manufacturing costs or complexity of the electric device.

System for increasing isolation boundary withstand voltage


An electric cooking appliance is provided. The electric cooking appliance includes a plurality of surface heating elements and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an operational status of a corresponding surface heating element. The electric cooking appliance also includes a first cooking unit, a second cooking unit and an electronic control to facilitate sharing power between the first cooking unit and the second cooking unit based on the operational status of the plurality of surface heating elements.

This invention relates generally to electric appliances and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for facilitating power sharing within an electric appliance.
At least some known appliances incorporate numerous electrical devices that may be operated simultaneously. For example, at least some known ranges include at least four surface heating elements and dual ovens. Typically, ranges have a limited available power supply due to building codes and preset limits within the electrical wiring of the building. As a result, use of a range may be limited by the available power supply.
Some known household ranges control distribution of the power available to the various devices within the range. For example, some known dual ranges incorporate feedback loops and controls that facilitate operating the ranges at a lower power when both ranges are in use. As such, the available power within the range is distributed such that both ranges may remain operational. Such known ranges utilize feedback loops from the ovens and distribute power as though all of the surface heating elements are in use. Therefore, power is limited any time both ovens are simultaneously utilized. However, the use of both ovens does not always warrant power distribution, for example, when none of the surface heating elements are being utilized. As such, known household ranges often unnecessarily limit power to the ovens and/or limit power to or prevent use of the surface heating elements when both ovens are simultaneously utilized.

Apparatus and methods for operating an electric appliance


This application discloses a delay reduction method and apparatus, applied to a random access process. The method includes: sending, by a terminal device, a message 1 to a network device, where the message 1 is a random access preamble; receiving, by the terminal device, a message 2 sent by the network device; and sending, by the terminal device, a message 3 to the network device, where a time gap between receiving the message 2 and sending the message 3 is set by the terminal based on a timing advance (TA) value. In an embodiment, the TA value is related to a message 1 format of the terminal device and a cell radius or subcarrier spacing supported by the message 1. In this solution, a TA value is reduced, and random access efficiency is improved.

In a random access process, a terminal sends a random access preamble (e.g., message 1, Msg1) to a base station. The base station sends a message 2 (e.g., Msg2) to the terminal in response to the random access preamble. After receiving the message 2, the terminal waits for a period of time and then sends a message 3 (e.g., Msg3) to the base station. A problem that currently needs to be resolved relates to identifying how to reduce a time gap between the second and third message (e.g., Msg2 and Msg3) to improve random access efficiency.


A device includes an upper portion including a pit placement portion, a lower portion including a flat bottom portion, and a retaining strap connected to the upper portion at a first connector and removably connected to a second connector. The upper portion is adapted to removably connect with a half of an avocado.

1. Field
This invention relates to avocado protection, and more particularly to an avocado preservation and freshness saver.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many people consume avocados daily and weekly. Many of these people only use a portion of an avocado, which can usually be half of an avocado. In order to keep the remaining half of the avocado fresh, people either place the avocado in a refrigerator, which can be by itself, in a plastic bag, wrapped in plastic or in aluminum foil. These ways of preserving an avocado half has its drawbacks. Mainly, air is allowed to interact with most of the unprotected surface of the avocado allowing oxidation. This escalates the deterioration of the avocado half.
Further, the saved half of the avocado can be damaged by other items bumping into the avocado half, rolling over, etc., which also escalates deterioration by bruising and can also alter the shape of the avocado half.


A device for receiving a digital broadcasting satellite (DBS) signal, includes a controller for generating a first signal for selecting a program guide signal included in the DBS signal and a second signal for selecting one of a plurality of programs which are included in the program guide signal, in response to input of certain key signals; a decoder for decoding the program guide signal in response to the first signal; a storing unit for separating and storing the decoded program guide signal as position data, channel data and video data; a signal compressing unit for compressing the video data corresponding to the second signal; a mixer for mixing the decoded program guide signal as a main screen signal with the compressed video data as a sub-screen signal; and a display unit for displaying the signals mixed by the mixer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for receiving a broadcasting satellite signal and method thereof. More particularly, it relates to a program guide signal receiver for receiving and processing a program guide signal included in a digital broadcasting satellite (DBS) signal.
Korean Patent Application No. 7525/1995 is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
2. Description of the Related Art
A broadcasting satellite signal receiver is a telecommunication apparatus for receiving a video image of a moving or stationary object transmitted at a remote distance without a significant time delay, transmitted either via an electromagnetic wave or an electrical signal. A television set generally receives and processes a television signal (hereinafter "TV signal") , and it can also receive a digital broadcasting signal (hereinafter "DBS signal") transmitted via a satellite, if a DBS signal receiver is installed in the television set.
The DBS signal includes a DBS video signal and a program guide signal. The program guide signal is a signal for a broadcasting service in which information about program content to be broadcast by a broadcast station is displayed using characters on a screen according to the channel on which the program will be broadcast and the time that it will be broadcast so that a user can freely watch a desired program by using a remote controller, etc. A digital broadcasting signal receiver (DRD 203RW) commercially sold in June 1994 by the RCA company, U.S.A. is known to be a product which includes a program guide service function.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating construction of a conventional satellite broadcasting signal receiver.
The conventional satellite broadcasting signal receiver includes a key inputting unit 2 which has a plurality of keys associated with a TV signal receiving mode, a DBS signal receiving mode and a program guide signal receiving mode. When a user depresses one of the keys, a key signal corresponding to the depressed key is input to a controller 6. A remote controller is a representative example of key inputting unit 2.
In the case where the DBS signal receiving mode is set by controller 6, a first tuner 4 receives the DBS signal, and a DBS decoder 10 decodes the received DBS signal. In the case where the TV signal receiving mode is set by controller 6, a second tuner 8 receives the TV signal, and a TV signal processing unit 14 converts the received TV signal into a signal which can be displayed. A storing unit 12 extracts the program guide signal included in the DBS signal, which is decoded by DBS decoder 10 under the control of controller 6, and stores the program guide signal as position data, channel data and graphic data.
The position data indicates the position on the display in which information about a program is displayed. Position data is determined by controller 6 according to the order in which the programs are displayed. The position data function is an interface between controller 6 and a user when the program guide is displayed. For example, if the user, using a remote controller (not shown), causes the cursor to move from program A to program B on a main screen, the position data corresponding to the position of information about program B on the display can be recognized and acknowledged by controller 6. Accordingly, controller 6 can acknowledge a status of the cursor positioned on program B. As a result, the DBS decoder 10 can tune to a channel corresponding to program B, or display channel information on a sub-screen as shown in FIG. 2B. The graphic data corresponds to a video picture of the program. That is, it corresponds to data related to a font, a color and a brightness of the program information to be displayed, as shown in FIG. 2A.
A video displaying unit 16 responds to the DBS signal decoded by DBS decoder 10 or to the TV signal processed by the TV signal processing unit 14. Video displaying unit 16 drives a cathode ray tube 18 (hereinafter "CRT") so that the decoded DBS signal or the TV signal is displayed on the CRT 18.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating displays of the program guide signal displayed on the CRT 18 after being processed by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is a drawing illustrating the program guide signal displayed in response to the user's selection of the program guide signal receiving mode, and FIG. 2B is a drawing illustrating the content of a program displayed in response to the user selecting from the displayed program guide signal, a desired broadcasting program.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, operations for displaying the received DBS and TV signals on the CRT 18 are described below.
If the TV signal receiving mode is selected, the TV signal received by the second tuner 8 is processed to generate a signal adapted for display by the TV signal processing unit 14, and that signal is then displayed on the CRT 18 via the video displaying unit 16.
On the other hand, if the DBS signal receiving mode is selected, the DBS signal received by the first tuner 4 is decoded by DBS decoder 10, and the decoded signal is then displayed on the CRT 18 via the video displaying unit 16. At this time, if the user selects the program guide signal receiving mode by means of the key inputting unit 2, the controller 6 separates the program guide signal from the DBS signal decoded by the DBS decoder 10 and stores the separated data as position data, channel data and graphic data in a storing unit 12. Also, after the controller 6 reads the position data, channel data and graphic data which represent the program guide signal stored in the storing unit 12, the position data, channel data and graphic data read from storing unit 12 are output to the video displaying unit 16 via the DBS decoder 10. Then, the video displaying unit 16 drives the CRT 18 to display the program guide signal on the CRT 18, which may be displayed in the form of an initial screen, as shown in FIG. 2A. However it may be represented somewhat differently according to the content of the transmission from the broadcast station.
If the user selects a program corresponding to a particular channel and time from the program guide signal displayed on the CRT 18, as shown in FIG. 2A, with key inputting unit 2, the screen associated with the content of the selected program is displayed on the CRT 18. This process is known as confirming the contents of the selected program. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, if channel 2 and a time of 8 o'clock are selected, the initial screen shown in FIG. 2A is erased and then the screen associated with the content of a "program D" is displayed. The program selected by the user can be the program which is being broadcast at the time the user makes the selection or it can be a program that will be broadcast in the future. In the case of a selected program which is being broadcast at the time of selection, the controller 6 controls the first the tuner 4 to tune to the channel so that the selected program is displayed on the screen. On the other hand, in the case where a program to be broadcast in the future has been selected, after the controller 6 reads the video data corresponding to a particular time which is stored in the storing unit 12, the video data is displayed on the CRT 18. The video data is included in the DBS signal together with the program guide signal.
If confirmation of the content of one program is completed through the above-described procedure, the user can confirm the content of other programs by utilizing the key inputting unit 2. However, the user can not select the desired program until the program content screen reverts to the initial screen for confirming program content, as shown in FIG. 2A, in order to confirm the contents of other programs. Accordingly, in the case of confirming the contents of a plurality of programs, there has been a problem in which the initial screen and the program content screen should be alternately displayed, thereby making it inconvenient for a user to use the apparatus.

Program guide signal receiver and method thereof


A system which discourages corruption of data within a network of computers. A refresh computer monitors the information within a hosting computer and periodically refreshes the information. The hosting computer provides the information to remote computers via the network. The refreshing action occurs either periodically or when a corruption of the information is detected. In some embodiments of the invention the hosting computer and the refresh computer are contained within the same housing; in other embodiments, the hosting computer and the refreshing computer communicate via the primary network or a secondary network.

This invention relates generally to computer systems and more particularly to computer systems used on as a distributed network of computers.
Whenever a computer is connected to a network (such as the Internet or any other publicly accessible system), corruption of the data/information on the computer increases significantly. While there is a slight risk that increased use of the computer's data/information will cause the data/information to generate "bugs", the biggest risk comes from the intentional interference with the data/information by third parties.
Commonly called "hacking", a significant number of users find joy in the challenge of going into another's computer and either leaving a "tag" (changing the image or verbiage) or withdrawing proprietary information.
In the case of information used for national security, a large number of "firewalls" and other techniques are used to assure that only authorized personnel have access to the information. These techniques and firewalls require a great deal of maintenance and expertise to keep them from failing as there is always pressure from hackers trying to improperly enter the sites.
In the case of commercial sites, everyone is "authorized" and everyone represents a potential customer; but, all too often a hacker will enter the site and alter the site's verbiage or graphics to present an image other than that sought by the owner of the site.
As example, a commercial site that supplies automobile parts for a particular brand of vehicles, would not like a hacker placing denigrating comments about that brand of vehicle on the site.
In some cases, these "hackings" are obvious and the owner of the site is able to review the material periodically; but, when the commercial site grows to include hundreds or even a thousand pages, a simple review is never enough.
Another pronounce problem that commercial sites have encountered is the protection of sensitive information. With the expanding use of credit cards for purchases, the site's data base of submitted credit cards can be just too tempting, thereby encouraging a hacker to obtain the credit card information for criminal activities.
It is clear from the forgoing that there is a need to preserve the integrity of material which is placed on a distributed system of computers such as the Internet.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


In a method for operating a cooling and heating circuit of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine, a first cooling medium path is provided through a bypass conduit, a second cooling medium path is provided through a main cooler of the internal combustion engine, a third cooling medium is provided through a heating heat exchanger, and a fourth cooling medium path is provided through a heat accumulator. The cooling medium flows through the paths are subdivided by an electrically operated valves, and the cooling medium flows are generated by at least one pump. The valves are controlled by a control unit based on operational and environmental parameters as well as nominal values, and a third control valve which is controlled by the control unit is arranged in the fourth cooling medium path. The circuit is operated so that the third control valve is closed completely or partially when a reference temperature of a remaining cooling and heating circuit exceeds a nominal value provided in the control unit, and the third control valve is opened when the reference temperature is below the nominal value.

The present invention relates to a method of operating a cooling and heating circuit of a motor vehicle.
Known cooling and heating devices of motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine include as a rule a cooling and heating circuit with several cooling medium paths, for distribution and withdrawal when needed of heat which is generated in the internal combustion engine, and additional aggregates, for example turbochargers, transmissions, and generators, in the sense of a thermal management. Operational and environmental parameters, such as for example the temperatures and/or the pressure conditions of the media, the rotary speed, the load and the temperature of the internal combustion engine, the components and aggregates, as well as the temperature of the surrounding air and the passenger space, are detected in an electronic control unit as input signals and processed to provide output signals. The output signals are used for controlling of the majority of the electrically operated feeding and adjusting devices.
Such a cooling device is disclosed for example in the European patent document EP 0 499 071 A1. It includes a cooling medium circuit for cooling the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the machine oil and the load air are cooled with air by additional oil cooler and charge air cooler with air. A control device which has as least one microprocessor determines, depending on a plurality of measured status variables, the cooling power demand or heat demand of each individual aggregate or component of the cooling system and regulates the cooling medium flows individually, but with consideration of the requirements of the total system.
For controlling the material and heat flows, electrically controlled pumps and valves are provided. Furthermore, additional regulatable heating devices are connected to the cooling device, for example for warming up of the vehicle space or the wiping water of windshield wiper device, so that excessive heat energy can be used for heating when needed.
The cooling medium circuit for cooling of the internal combustion engine shown in FIG. 6 of the European patent document EP 0 499 071 A1 has a first cooling medium path through a bypass conduit, a second cooling medium path through a main cooler of the internal combustion engine, a third cooling medium path through a heating heat exchanger and a fourth cooling medium path through a heat accumulator.
During a cold start the cooling medium flows so as to bypass the main cooler and through the bypass conduit both to the internal combustion engine back, and supplies it in a lower region, namely in the region of the cylinder block. This small circuit provides low cooling power, so that the internal combustion engine can reach fast its operational temperature and the fuel consumption is advantageously reduce. When the cooling medium temperature increases, a valve opens the second cooling medium path to the main cooler, which when needed cooperates with a shutter and a blower and draws the excessive heat of the cooling medium. In a third cooling medium path a heating heat exchanger is arranged, through which a part of the cooling medium flow is supplied when needed, to heat the passenger space.
When the cooling power of the heating heat exchanger is sufficient, the cooling medium path with the main cooler can be completely blocked. The excessive heat is supplied in this operational condition exclusively in the passenger space, which at low outside temperatures improves the comfort. During the warming up phase of the internal combustion engine as a rule the heat produced during combustion is used for reaching the operational temperature of the internal combustion engine fast, to lower the fuel consumption and to reduce the emission of damaging substances. The cooling medium which flows through the heating heat exchanger is significantly reduced or completely blocked, so that during this period costs of the comfort involve only a small or no energy for heating of the passenger space.
The heat accumulator which can be formed as a latent heat accumulator can store waste heat generated by the fuel combustion in a normal operation, and gives out the stored heat when necessary for warming up the internal combustion engine, in particular with low environmental temperatures for fast warming up and can also heat the passenger space. It is provided with valve means and controlled by the control unit so that it can be operated in series with the heating heat exchanger or parallel to it and can supply the heat when needed to the cooling medium or withdraw the excessive heat.
A cooling and heating circuit with a latten heat accumulator is also disclosed in the German patent document DE 196 01 319 A1. The cooling medium flow through the heat accumulator is also regulated by a control unit which evaluates signals of temperature sensors arranged on the internal combustion engine and on the heat accumulator and detects the temperature of the cooling medium as well as of special components. In addition to the desired heat introduction in the starting phase of the internal combustion engine, the heat accumulator improves the efficiency of the internal combustion engine in a partial load region, when the temperature of the cooling medium increases above the mainly used value 95° to a value 105° C. For avoiding an overheating of the internal combustion engine, the temperature of the cooling medium can be however lowered again in full load operation. Known heat accumulators due to their thermal inertia, significantly slow this process, which can lead to damages of components of the internal combustion engine. In order to achieve a fast change of the cooling temperature, special devices are needed in the cooling circuit.
German patent document DE 37 38 412 A1 further discloses a device and a method for regulation of the temperature of an internal combustion engine. The cooling medium circulates in a cooling circuit which is composed of several cooling medium paths. A first cooling medium path leads to a bypass conduit, a second cooling medium path leads to a main cooler of the internal combustion engine, and a third cooling medium path leads to a heating heat exchanger which serves for climatization of a passenger space. The cooling medium distribution is performed by electrically actuated valves at the branches of the cooling medium path. In addition, a mechanically or electrically driven pump is arranged in the cooling circuit. For controlling the valves and the electrical pump, a control unit is provided which supplies operational and environmental parameters of the internal combustion engine as input signals, such as for example the rotary speed and the temperature of the internal combustion engine, the pressure and the temperature of the cooling medium, and also the temperature of the environmental air and the passenger space. The control unit processes these informations to provide output signals which form adjusting variables for the control valves and the electric pump.

Method of operating a cooling and heating circuit of a motor vehicle


The invention relates to a yarn processing system comprising a textile machine and at least one yarn feeding device, which are assigned to the peripheral auxiliary devices wherein the yarn feeding device has a computerised control device that is connected by signal transmission to the auxiliary device. At least certain auxiliary devices have at least one component configured in such a way that they generate and/or receive signals. The yarn feeding device has at least one local, autonomous communication bus system for the transmission of serial data at least from and/or to the auxiliary devices, said bus system being connected to the control device.

Yarn processing systems, e.g. including a weaving machine and yarn feeding devices, contain accessory devices along the yarn path from the yarn supply up to, in some cases, the exit side of the weaving shed. The accessory devices serve to control, treat, monitor, scan, convey, etc. the yarn. At least some accessory devices have a signal transmitting connection to the control device of the yarn feeding device in order to transmit return messages or commands or to carry out adjustments of functional parameters. This needs considerable cabling equipment, representing acute error sources, and requires a sophisticated equipment and adaptation of the communicating components. Furthermore, yarn processing systems are known (weaving machine including yarn feeding devices and accessory devices), which are equipped with a rapid communication main bus system for serial data transmission via which e.g. a superimposed control device or the control device of the weaving machine, respectively, communicates with the yarn feeding devices and, in some cases, with the accessory devices. Even information of the speed or the rotational angle of the textile machine and/or of the drive of the yarn feeding device may be transmitted in some cases via the main bus system. Since during operation of the yarn processing system a plurality of data of frequently differing priorities is to be transmitted, and since modern yarn processing systems are extremely complex, the integration also of accessory devices may overwhelm the capability of the main bus system, or the communication with the accessory device may suffer from the dominance of higher ranking communications. The intelligence of the main bus system useable for the accessory devices is limited, e.g. if the main bus system has to interlink a plurality of yarn feeding devices and accessory devices and a jacquard weaving machine. The communication via the main bus system needs a sophisticated and costly equipment of the accessory devices. The volume of data which is to be transmitted may be too large for the main bus system in some cases.
It is the object of the invention to provide a yarn processing system of the kind as disclosed at the beginning as well as a yarn feeding device for such a yarn processing system, with which the above-mentioned drawbacks are avoided and for which unintentionally customised intelligence is useable for the communication with accessory devices.
In the local bus system only accessory devices will communicate at least with the control device of the yarn feeding device which accessory devices are connected to the local bus system. Superimposed or higher ranking communications do not interfere with or limit the accessory device data exchange. The local bus system is adapted with reduced efforts for the functions which are to be carried out by the accessory devices and is designed with an intelligence intentionally coping with the accessory devices and allowing an optimum yarn control, yarn monitoring or yarn treatment, respectively. A serial data transmission within the local bus systems allows to achieve sufficient quickness and reliability. The autonomic design of the local bus system makes the bus system independent from in some cases superimposed communications of the yarn feeding device within a main bus system. In some cases the yarn feeding device may operate independent from the textile machine even only depending on the yarn consumption to which the yarn feeding device with the accessory devices within the local bus system is reacting itself by monitoring and controlling actions.
Expediently, the local bus system is customised for the communication with the accessory devices and may, e.g., for that reason be simpler in terms of the cabling equipment, even if the accessory devices may have a fair cost equipment which would not be directly compatible with a main bus system. This allows to save costs. Furthermore, at any time accessory devices may be added or removed, since the local bus system is very flexible.
The yarn feeding device with its local bus system for the accessory devices is capable to optimally adapt to the operation conditions and to communicate with the accessory devices on a high level of operational safety. The control device of the yarn feeding device is informed about the actions in and at the accessory devices, is apt to precisely control, adjust, activate or de-active the accessory devices. Thanks to a serial data transmission even complex data may be transmitted rapidly and reliably. The local bus system may be designed in a flexible fashion such that an unlimited number of accessory devices of different kinds may be connected to or removed without interference with superimposed data transmission processes in a main bus system which may be provided in some cases. Normally, two conductors suffice for the local bus system, in some cases even a connection having only one conductor. Respective interface processors or simple microcontrollers or PC-boards allow a simple equipment of the accessory devices and within the local bus system.
In a premium communication system each feeding device of the yarn processing system is a node of a rapid communication main bus system via which the yarn feeding devices communicate with each other or with a superimposed control device and/or a control device of the textile machine, via which they receive commands or information or supply return messages. Another kind of data transmission may take place in the main bus system than in the local bus system. It is, however, possible to choose at least similar data transmission kinds in the main bus system and in the local bus system in order to e.g. selectively carry out also an indirect communication from the main bus system to a local bus system, or vice versa. The local bus system of the yarn feeding device provided for the connected accessory devices may be a complementary sub-system for the main bus system.
As the requirements in terms of operation, monitoring or adjustment of accessory devices normally are lower than for the communication between the textile machine and the yarn feeding devices a local bus system may be expedient which is slower in comparison to a rapid main bus system, because then the cabling equipment and the costs for the electronic equipment may be reduced. Such a rapid main bus system e.g. may be a CAN-bus system operating with a bit transmission rate larger than 20 kbps while the slower local bus system only needs to be designed for a bit transmission rate of less than 20 kbps (kilobytes per second). Expediently, the local bus system is a single conductor sub-system being complementary with the rapid main bus system. The sub-system may be based on a UART-standard-equipment of the control of the yarn feeding device (universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter). The reason is that UART-connections are by far the simplest prerequisite for implementing a serial communication. Such UART-connections already are present in the form of on-chip-periphery equipment in virtually all modern microcontrollers. Within the UART-standard messages are transferred in the form of bytes-level-characters. By completion with some external, simple driving circuitries and by interlinking two UART-connections a simple single conductor connection may be achieved (in connection with a logic ground connector). The single conductor connection is connected in wired-or-configuration and allows a bi-directional half duplex-communication. Messages are emitted by the bus master in the form of frames. The specification of the frame defines a simple identifier by which e.g. 60 differently defined messages may be formed. Fair costs low-end microcontrollers may be connected to the single conductor connection on the UART-standard base, i.e., the requirements for the hardware are only low such that totally a fair cost but function safe local bus system can be achieved.
The local bus system based on the UART-standard only needs a single conductor connection of two UART-connections to at least one microcontroller of the accessory device, or via an accessory device-PC board, which in some cases may be completed by an external driving circuit.
In case that such a simple local bus system is used for a relatively slow transmissions of adjustment values, target values, on/off commands, filter adjustments, schemes of modulation, and the like, the local bus system expediently may be completed by at least one separate SYNC-line for the real-time transmission of information representing either the textile machine rotational angle or the textile machine position or the rotational angle or the position of the drive of the yarn feeding device or the respective speeds, respectively. By the common consideration of the communication within the local bus system and of the information given in the separate SYNC-line the accessory devices are apt in a flexible fashion to operate very precisely. Such a local bus system then is upgraded to be substantially of equal value as to a rapid main bus system extending to the accessory devices, which however is by far more costly.
Expediently, accessory devices located at the entrance side of the yarn feeding device, are connected to a SYNC-line which transmits as an information for the operation of the accessory device the speed or the rotational angle or the position of the drive of the yarn feeding device, while accessory devices located at the exit side of the yarn feeding device are connected to a SYNC-line reporting the speed or the rotational angle or the position of the textile machine, respectively. Also in this case the combination of a simple local bus system and of the SYNC-lines results in relatively high intelligence useful for the operation of the accessory devices. A pulse chain which is proportional to the speed, e.g. may be transmitted on the SYNC-line. The accessory device may then combine that information with the content of the communication within the local bus system without using e.g. the control device of the textile machine or the main bus system, respectively.
Alternatively, the sensor and/or the drive motor and/or parameter adjustment assemblies and/or yarn control assemblies of the feeding device itself may be connected additionally to the local bus system.
In case of demand local bus systems of several yarn feeding devices may be interconnected at least selectively for a lateral communication. Then data may be transmitted from one local bus system into another local bus system, expediently under surveillance by the control device of a yarn feeding device which control device then is functioning as a master. It is possible to allow a direct intercommunication between accessory devices, e.g. for transmitting or recalling functional parameters which are valid for several equal accessory device within the yarn processing system. Basically, it may be expedient to separate the local bus systems from the rapid main bus system e.g. by the control device of the respective yarn feeding device.
In an alternative solution a selectively activated interface may be provided between the main bus system and at least one local bus system, e.g. in or at the control device of the respective yarn feeding device.
It is not necessary to base the local bus system on the UART-standard. Alternatively, the local bus system may be a CAN-bus system or a daisy chain bus system for serial data transmissions. In such cases, however, the high costs for each node in a local CAN-bus are only justified if accessory devices are connected which have extremely valuable equipment and functionality.
Each accessory device, expediently, is connected via at least one interface processor or a accessory PC board, respectively, to the yarn feeding device control device, or is connected to a yarn feeding device main PC board of the yarn feeding device control device. These designs simplify to exchange, remove or add accessory devices.
The node of a yarn feeding device in the main bus system expediently ought to comprise a cluster which connected to the main bus system via a general power supply.
Accessory devices connected to a local bus system of a yarn feeding device may be different natures. An accessory device at the entrance side of the yarn feeding device e.g. could be an electronic yarn run sensor and/or yarn breakage sensor, and/or yarn speed sensor, and/or yarn quality sensor which not only delivers signals into the local bus system but also may be adjusted in terms of its functional parameters. The accessory device receives the required information on the speed or the rotary angle e.g. via the SYNC-line incorporated into the local bus system. An accessory device at the entrance side of the yarn feeding device may be a yarn oiler or a yarn waxer treating the yarn with an impregnation agent such that the application of the impregnation agent is variable via the local bus system, that the function is monitored and in some cases information is exchanged on the filling level or the amount of the stored impregnating agent. Another accessory device at the entrance side could be a slip conveyor operating in dependence from the speed of the drive of the yarn feeding device and which needs to be adjusted to the speed. An accessory device at the exit side of the yarn feeding device may be a controlled yarn brake the braking effect of which needs to be varied, activated or de-activated during the yarns runs with the help of information transmitted in the local bus system. In this case also the speed or rotational angle information from the textile machine may be used in some cases by means of the SYNC-line. In the local bus system also a function monitoring or the like can be carried out. A further accessory device located at the exit side of the yarn feeding device may be a tensiometer for scanning or reporting the yarn tension. If needed, in such a case the tensiometer may be supplied with speed information via the SYNC-line, while measured values and functional parameters are transmitted in the local bus system. The measured values, e.g. may be used for controlling a yarn brake, e.g. by means of the local bus system. The operation or sensitivity of the tensiometer may be monitored or adjusted. The tensiometer may in some cases be integrated into or interlinked with a controlled yarn brake. A further accessory device at the exit side of the yarn feeding device is a weft yarn detector reporting in dependency from the speed or the rotational angle of the textile machine the yarn running motion or the yarn stop, and which emits in case of a disturbance a disturbance signal and which may be adjusted e.g. in terms of its sensitivity or may be calibrated, respectively, via the local bus system. An accessory device at the exit side of the yarn feeding device and in the local bus system even may be a variable slip conveyor. Furthermore, a pneumatic threading device or a pneumatic yarn removing device, which e.g. is activated or de-activated by means of solenoid valves and is surveyed in view to the operation, could be provided as an accessory device, or even a pneumatic yarn stretcher. Functional parameters for these accessory devices are transmitted in the local bus system, while the speed and rotation angle information is provide via at least one SYNC-line.

Yarn processing system and yarn feeding device


A plasma processing apparatus for converting a processing gas into a plasma by a high frequency power in a processing chamber and performing a plasma processing on a substrate mounted on a mounting table includes a ring portion disposed to surround the substrate on the mounting table, and a temperature control unit for establishing a temperature difference between the ring portion and the substrate, such that the ring portion is at least 50° C. higher than the substrate. Further, the processing gas generates chlorine radicals, and the temperature control unit is at least one of a heating unit for heating the ring portion and a cooling unit for cooling the mounting table.

In manufacturing semiconductor devices, in order to separate capacitors or elements, or otherwise to form contact holes, dry etching or film forming process using plasma has been performed on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, referred to as a "wafer"). As one of the apparatuses capable of performing such processes, a single wafer parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus is used, wherein a high frequency voltage is applied between an upper electrode and a lower electrode to generate plasma.
FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the above-mentioned plasma apparatus. To describe it briefly, in an sealed chamber 1 which is a vacuum chamber, an upper electrode 11 (also serving as a gas shower head) and a lower electrode 12 (also serving as a substrate mounting table) are, respectively, disposed at an upper side and lower side thereof. A focus ring 13 made of, e.g., quartz is disposed to surround a wafer 100 on the lower electrode 12 (mounting table). An electrostatic chuck 14 which electrostatically attracts and holds the wafer 100 thereon has a foil-shaped electrode 15 therein to which a chuck voltage is applied from a power supply (not shown). Further, a specified processing gas selected according to a process type is discharged onto the wafer 100 from the gas shower head 11 (upper electrode) while simultaneously vacuum pumping the sealed chamber 1 via a vacuum pump 16 to maintain predetermined pressure therein. In the meantime, a high frequency voltage is applied between the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 from a high frequency power supply 17, whereby the processing gas is converted to plasma so that a specified process such as etching is carried out on the wafer 100.
At this time, after the processing gas discharged from the gas shower head 11 (upper electrode) reaches the vicinity of the surface of the wafer 100, the processing gas is exhausted past and below the periphery of the wafer 100 toward the bottom of the sealed chamber 1. Therefore, a gas flow of the processing gas near the peripheral portion (around the periphery) of the wafer 100 is different from that near the central portion of the wafer 100, thereby resulting in a discrepancy of a predetermined composition ratio in the processing gas between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the wafer 100. Further, parameters like impedance and conductance components between the plasma and the lower electrode 12 of the area where the wafer 100 is disposed are different from those of the outside the area. To elaborate, the dissociation degree of the processing gas is higher in the peripheral portion of the wafer 100 near an exhaust port compared to the central portion of the wafer 100. Since the plasma density is also higher in the peripheral portion of the wafer 100, the etching rate tends to be higher there compared to the central portion.
In response to the strong demands for forming devices even in areas near the periphery of wafer 100, to maximize the utilization of the wafer 100, superior in-surface uniformity of etching rate over the entire wafer surface needs to be achieved. Accordingly, a focus ring 13 formed of a conductor, a semiconductor or a dielectric material etc. is disposed to surround the wafer 100, thereby adjusting the plasma density of the regions above the peripheral portion of the wafer 100. Specifically, a material and an optimum shape of the focus ring 13 are selected according to the type of processing gas, the material type of etched film etc., when selecting a focus ring 13 suitable for the process.
Further, a method has been known for stabilizing plasma processing conditions between wafers such that a protection plate corresponding to the focus ring 13 is coated with a heating element (heater) and provided with a temperature sensor, and a temperature rise caused by the heating element is controlled according to the protection plate's temperature increase due to ion impact, thereby maintaining the protection plate at constant temperature (see, e.g., Reference 1).
[Reference 1] Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. H7-310187 (the end of paragraph 0010 and FIG. 5)
However, selection of a processing gas depends upon a film to be etched, and superior in-surface uniformity of a process performed on the entire surface of the wafer 100 is required in response to the recent trend of pattern miniaturization. Due to the uniformity requirement, it is becoming more difficult to choose the optimal material and shape of the focus ring 13 for controlling the plasma density near the peripheral portion of the wafer 100. Therefore, further effort is required to prevent the plasma density near the peripheral portion of the wafer 100 from becoming higher than that over the inner surface thereof.


A method of fabricating a RRAM includes preparing a substrate and forming a bottom electrode ori the substrate. A PCMO layer is deposited on the bottom electrode using MOCVD or liquid MOCVD, followed by a post-annealing process. The deposited PCMO thin film has a crystallized PCMO structure or a nano-size and amorphous PCMO structure. A top electrode is formed on the PCMO layer.

Materials having bipolar and unipolar switching properties can be used for resistive random access memory devices (RRAM). The specific identity of such materials and the kinds of device structures, microstructures and phases which will exhibit such bipolar or unipolar switching properties is not yet fully known. In this invention, bipolar or unipolar switching properties are obtained by controlling microstructures of PCMO thin films using MOCVD and post-annealing processes.

Resistance random access memory devices and method of fabrication


Meat products are chilled to the extent that water present therein is frozen in order to facilitate slicing, subsequent processing, packaging or other handling of the meat products. The chilling is carried out in sequential steps. The first chilling step contacts the product with a brine of sodium chloride at a temperature below the freezing point of water. The resulting prechilled food product is subjected to a second chilling step with a calcium chloride brine which is at a lower temperature than the sodium chloride brine and which further reduces the core temperature of the food product to well below the freezing point of water.

This invention generally relates to improved chilling of food products in preparation for slicing, packaging or further processing. More particularly, the invention is directed to a process for chilling or freezing food products, especially meat products, and to the products produced by subjecting the food products to sequential chilling operations including the use of calcium chloride brine. The food products are chilled more rapidly than previous approaches and without causing off-flavor development which can be experienced by chilling operations incorporating calcium chloride brines.
Various food processes incorporate a procedure for freezing the food in order to achieve a particular objective. As an example, large sausages are often subjected to freezing conditions prior to slicing and packaging the slices. In some circles, it is believed that this chilling or freezing of the meat facilitates slicing, stacking and packaging when such activities are carried out on a large, commercial scale. Other food processing or handling situations which are believed to benefit from a freezing operation include chilling or freezing smaller meat products such as wieners or hot dogs. Even if these smaller food products are not sliced in the food processing plant, chilling or freezing can be beneficial for packaging procedures because enhanced rigidity caused by chilling or freezing can simplify handling such as when the sausages are being inserted into packaging.
Heretofore, it has been known to use a brine component as a freezing medium. Such a freezing medium is applied to the outside surface of the meat product, such as by spraying, dipping in a brine vat, or the like, as a result of which the temperature of the food product is reduced in order to cause chilling or freezing of the food product or of water domains within the product. At times, additional components can be added to a brine composition in order to modify or improve its ability to act as a freezing medium.
It is also generally known that calcium chloride solutions exhibit freezing point depression properties which allow for chilling temperatures that are lower than that permitted by other solutions, such as sodium chloride brine. Examples of prior patents in this regard include Rose U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,821 and 4,343,822. One difficulty which has been observed concerning the use of a calcium chloride brine for chilling or freezing meat products is the development of undesirable flavor attributes which can be associated with calcium chloride. Accordingly, calcium chloride brines heretofore have not been favored, especially for meat products.


A method for forming a carbon-containing silicon nitride layer with superior uniformity by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) using disilane, ammonia and at least one carbon-source precursor as reactant gases is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method of forming a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for forming a carbon-containing silicon nitride layer.
2. Description of Related Art
The metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) field effect transistor is the most important device applied for ultra-large-integrated-circuits, such as microprocessors and semiconductor memories. The MOSFET transistor generally includes a conductive gate structure and a source/drain region disposed on both sides of the gate structure. To increase the number of components per IC chip, the device dimensions must be scaled down. As the device dimension shrinks, the channels become shorter, thus inducing undesirable short channel effects. In the prior art, the source/drain region is coupled with a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure for preventing short channel effect and hot carrier effects.
During the fabrication of the MOSFET, after forming the gate electrode, the offset spacer and/or the spacer, made of silicon oxide or silicon nitride, will be formed on the two sidewalls of the gate electrode in the subsequent processes. Afterwards, ion implantation will be performed to form the LDD structure or the source and drain regions at the two sides of the gate electrode, through the offset spacer or the spacer. For example, a composite silicon oxide/silicon nitride spacer may be formed on the sidewalls of the gate by forming an offset oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer covering the substrate and the gate electrode in sequence and then performing etching to remove a portion of the silicon nitride layer until the offset oxide layer is exposed. During the ion implantation process, the uniformity of the oxide or nitride layer of the offset spacer or the spacer has great impact on the dopant profile or junction profile of the formed LDD structure or even the source/drain region.
However, when the size of the device and the line-width shrink, the thickness of each layer and the process margin in each layer also become smaller. Especially if the offset spacer or spacer is made from a non-uniform silicon nitride layer, not only the junction depth of the subsequent doped regions region may be diverse, the effective channel length of the gate electrode may also be changed, which significantly affects the reliability and uniformity of the semiconductor devices on the wafer.

Method of forming carbon-containing silicon nitride layer