A process for cleaning (e.g., desmutting) an aluminum surface, using compositions free of nitric acid and chromic acid and comprising, in one embodiment, an oxidant and at least one mineral acid salt. In another embodiment, the process uses a composition free of nitric acid and chromic acid and comprising an oxidant, at least one mineral acid salt, and a complexing agent which is a salt of an organic acid. Due at least in part to the absence of nitric and chromic acids, and in particular, strong mineral acids, the cleaning processes of the present invention remove smut residues from aluminum surfaces without significant etching of the aluminum.

It has long been recognized that aluminum and its alloys require specific surface preparation processes to ensure successful electroplating. The main reason for this requirement is the high affinity of aluminum for oxygen and, as a result, a freshly clean aluminum surface will re-oxidize instantly. This oxide layer has been shown to negatively affect adhesion of plated metal coatings on aluminum if it is not properly controlled.
Pretreatment of aluminum and its alloys prior to electro or electroless plating generally involves several steps including: (1) cleaning, (2) etching, (3) desmutting, and (4) zincating.
Cleaning is performed to remove the various oils, greases, grits, soils and dirts that are present from material handling, corrosion protection, or other surface preparation. Cleaning can involve an array of chemistries and processes including aqueous chemistries, solvent degreasing, vapor degreasing, ultrasonic cleaning etc. Aqueous cleaning by immersion is the most popular process.
After cleaning, aluminum is treated in an alkaline or acidic solution to etch or roughen the surface and remove the heavy oxide layer. Oxide removal makes the surface more electrochemically active. The type of etching employed depends on the aluminum alloy, processing conditions and condition of the surface. An examination of the aluminum surface after etching typically reveals the presence of a loosely adherent film or smut on the surface, which negatively impacts the adhesion of subsequent plating to the aluminum. The composition of this smut depends on the alloy constituents in the aluminum, and generally contains metallic constituents. Thus after etch treatment, the substrate is subjected to a process (desmutting) to remove the smut layer.
A zincating process generally follows desmutting, where the aluminum is immersed in an acid or alkaline zinc bath to deposit a thin zinc-containing layer. The zincate layer controls and minimizes oxidation of the aluminum surface. A typical process sequence after desmutting includes water rinsing, zincating, chemical stripping of zincate layer, zincating the surface again, followed by electrolytic or electroless strike to put permanent metal layer on aluminum.
Experience has shown that desmutting is one of the most critical steps in the aluminum pretreatment process. Historically, nitric acid solutions, with acid concentrations of 25% to 70%, have performed well to desmut etched aluminum alloys. Not all smut is easily removed with nitric acid alone, thus often additions of other components are made to improve the effectiveness of the desmut. For instance, for aluminum alloys containing high concentrations of silicon (e.g., 356 A and 380 series cast alloys), additions of fluoride-containing compounds such as ammonium bifluoride or sodium fluoride, have been added such that fluoride ions are available to dissolve and remove silicon from the surface. Alternatively, a solution of nitric acid, sulfuric acid and a fluoride-containing salt has gained popularity over the years, because of its ability to chemically attack and remove a wider variety of metallic smuts.
While nitric acid has been very effective for desmutting etched aluminum, there has been increased resistance to its use because of safety and health concerns. For instance, development of toxic NOx fumes in nitric acid-containing baths has been of particular concern. To obviate this concern, there has been significant effort to develop and use non-nitric acid containing desmuts. One such approach has employed the use of chromic acid as the oxidant, again combined with sulfuric acid and a fluoride containing salt. This approach was successful for desmutting and avoids NOx concerns. However, the use of chromic acid brings with it toxicity concerns of its own.
An object of the present invention is to provide a composition that is free of acids such as nitric acid and chromic acid, thus eliminating the health, safety, and environmental concerns associated with these acids, but which is capable of being highly effective in its desmutting ability.

Process for cleaning aluminum and aluminum alloy surfaces with nitric acid and chromic acid-free compositions


An attitude control device has a plurality of harmonic drive mechanisms of the hollow type, preferably first and second harmonic drive mechanisms. First and second rotational members are connected to the outputs of the first and second harmonic drive mechanisms. These rotational members have eccentric hollow portions which rotate eccentrically around the rotational axes of the harmonic drive mechanisms. A member to be driven is placed to extend through the eccentric hollow portions such that it is supportedly contacted with the inner surfaces of the eccentric hollow portions. In operation, the eccentric hollow portions are rotated relative to each other, whereby the member to be driven is controllably oriented to a desired direction.. The attitude control device can be employed as a drillingdirection control device wherein a rotational drill shaft is supported by inner surfaces of eccentric hollow portions of first and second rotational members. These rotational members are rotated by first and second harmonic drive mechanisms. By rotating the eccentric hollow portions, the rotational drilling shaft is changed in orientation from the vertical direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an attitude control device for controlling the attitude or direction of a member to be driven such as a rotational shaft, a probe or the like. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an attitude control device having a plurality of harmonic drive mechanisms of the hollow type. The present invention also relates to a drilling-direction control device for a drilling system for oil wells or the like, wherein a plurality of harmonic drive mechanisms of the hollow type are utilized to orient a rotational drill shaft to a desired direction, to thereby control the drilling direction of a drill bit mounted on the end of the rotational drill shaft.
2. Related Art Statement
In various technical fields, attitude or direction control of, for example, a rotational shaft or the like is regarded a highly important technique for enabling a desired motion or operation of a member to be driven. For example, in the machine tool field, the cutting bit or the workpiece have to be precisely brought to a desired position for accurate machining.
On the other hand, in oil well drilling, a controller is provided for varying the drilling direction of a drill bit so as to avoid rock beds. The drilling-direction controller serves also to adjust the drilling direction of the drill bit so that it is precisely oriented in the target direction. Examples of drilling-direction controllers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6/158948 filed on Jun. 12, 1980, U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,135 issued to Lloyd F. Benoit on Dec. 1, 1981, and Japanese Patent Public-Disclosure Nos. SHO 57-100290 disclosed on Jun. 22, 1982 and SHO 58-210300 disclosed on Dec. 7, 1983.

Attitude control device and drilling-direction control device


An exposure apparatus is equipped with a fine movement stage that can hold a liquid with a projection optical system when the stage is at a position facing an outgoing surface of the projection optical system, and a blade that comes into proximity within a predetermined distance of the fine movement stage when the fine movement stage is holding the liquid with the projection optical system, and moves along with the fine movement stage while maintaining the proximity state, and then holds the liquid with the projection optical system after the movement. Accordingly, a plurality of stages will not have to be placed right under the projection optical system interchangeably, which can suppress an increase in footprint of the exposure apparatus.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exposure apparatuses, exposure methods, and device manufacturing methods, and more particularly to an exposure apparatus and an exposure method which are used in a lithography process to produce electronic devices such as a semiconductor device and the like, and a device manufacturing method which uses the exposure apparatus or the exposure method.
Description of the Background Art
Conventionally, in a lithography process for manufacturing electron devices (microdevices) such as semiconductor devices (such as integrated circuits) and liquid crystal display devices, exposure apparatuses such as a projection exposure apparatus by a step-and-repeat method (a so-called stepper) and a projection exposure apparatus by a step-and-scan method (a so-called scanning stepper (which is also called a scanner) are mainly used.
Substrates such as a wafer, a glass plate or the like subject to exposure which are used in these types of exposure apparatuses are gradually (for example, in the case of a wafer, in every ten years) becoming larger. Although a 300-mm wafer which has a diameter of 300 mm is currently the mainstream, the coming of age of a 450 mm wafer which has a diameter of 450 mm looms near. When the transition to 450 mm wafers occurs, the number of dies (chips) output from a single wafer becomes double or more the number of chips from the current 300 mm wafer, which contributes to reducing the cost. In addition, it is expected that through efficient use of energy, water, and other resources, cost of all resource use will be reduced.
Semiconductor devices are gradually becoming finer, therefore, high resolution is required in exposure apparatuses. As means for improving the resolution, shortening a wavelength of an exposure light, as well as increasing (a higher NA) a numerical aperture of a projection optical system can be considered. To increase the substantial numerical aperture of the projection optical system as much as possible, various proposals are made of a liquid immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a wafer via a projection optical system and liquid (refer to, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0259234, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0088843).
However, in the local liquid immersion type exposure apparatuses disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0259234, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 200810088843 and the like, in the case of constantly maintaining a liquid immersion space formed under the projection optical system so as to maximize throughput, a plurality of stages (for example, two wafer stages, or a wafer stage and a measurement stage) has to be placed right under the projection optical system interchangeably.
However, when the size of the wafer becomes 450 mm, the wafer stage holding the wafer also becomes large. Therefore, in the case of placing a plurality of stages right under the projection optical system interchangeably for the purpose of constantly maintaining the liquid immersion space, the size of the footprint could increase considerably.
Accordingly, appearance of a new system is expected that can deal with the 450 mm wafer, while suppressing the footprint which will become larger when trying to achieve constantly maintaining the liquid immersion space as much as possible.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device manufacturing method


A method and apparatus for providing ESD event protection for a circuit using a source or bulk pump to increase the bulk and/or source potential level during an ESD event. The apparatus comprises a protection circuit that, in response to an ESD event, limits the voltage formed between two terminals of a transistor by adjusting a potential level on the second terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to circuits that provide electrostatic discharge protection, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for protecting a gate oxide using source/bulk pumping.
2. Description of the Background Art
The protection of an ultra-thin gate oxide against electrostatic discharge (ESD) stress is a critical factor in obtaining sufficiently high levels of ESD hardness in advanced CMOS technologies. When the voltage applied to a gate oxide becomes too high, the gate oxide will suffer from catastrophic damage, i.e., it will break down. Typically, SiO2 breaks down at electric field strengths of 6-9 MV/cm (DC). During ESD stress, the pulse duration is typically on the order of 100 ns, allowing significantly higher voltage across the oxide before damage occurs, i.e., the maximum field that causes breakdown may be about 20 MV/cm. Conventional ESD protection circuits, e.g., ESD clamps, work well at protecting standard, circuits.
When a gate oxide is about or thinner than 5 nm, an ESD event causes a quantum-mechanical tunneling effect and electrons will pass through the oxide creating a tunneling current. Such a tunneling current leads to excessive power dissipation. The gate oxide very quickly suffers overheating and is irreversibly damaged. Damage can occur in the following regions of the gate oxide: directly between the gate electrode and the substrate (bulk) and/or between the gate facing either the source or the drain region. In typical dual-well CMOS technologies (where the P-well is not isolated from the substrate), the gate-to-bulk oxide breakdown occurs at significantly higher voltage levels as compared to the gate-to-source/drain breakdown. For example, an ultra-thin gate oxide has been found to have a gate-to-source breakdown voltage, BVox(G-S), of approximately 5V. On the other hand, the gate-to-bulk breakdown voltage, BVox(G-B), for the same device, occurs at a higher voltage, e.g., greater than 10V. Consequently, to protect an ultra-thin gate oxide designers have predominantly focused on limiting the more critical gate-to-source ESD voltage.
FIG. 1 depicts a graph 100 of an example of a transient breakdown characteristic for a transistor with a gate oxide thickness of 2.2 nm. As depicted in plot 102 of gate current versus applied gate-to-source voltage, excessive tunneling current begins at around 6V and damage occurs at around 7V. Overlaid, to form a so-called "ESD Design Window", is a plot 104 of the I-V characteristic of a prior art ESD protection clamp (e.g., GGNMOS). A comparison of the I-V characteristic of the ESD protection device (plot 104) with the breakdown characteristic of the ultra-thin gate oxide (plot 102) demonstrates that the voltage across the clamp quickly exceeds the tunneling voltage and the breakdown voltage of the oxide. Thus, the capability of the protection device (i.e., to clamp the ESD voltage transient) is rather limited. Consequently, the use of a traditional ESD protection device with ultra-thin gate oxide devices has limited effectiveness in protecting the devices from gate damage from ESD events.
Technology downscaling forces the oxide thickness to decrease further and further, while the I-V characteristics for clamping devices do not scale down at the same pace because of certain physical limitations to scaling the protection circuits. As the continued reduction of oxide thickness further reduces the breakdown voltage to lower and lower values, the ESD protection device cannot effectively protect the oxide by clamping the voltage. As depicted in FIG. 1, the ineffectiveness becomes obvious in a reduced maximum ESD stress handling current Imax (in contrast to the actual limit of the clamp as determined by its second breakdown trigger current It2). As such, the value of using conventional ESD protection devices with ultra-thin gate oxide devices is limited.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for protecting ultra-thin gate oxides from damage during an ESD event.

Method and apparatus for protecting a gate oxide using source/bulk pumping


Boxing goggles include a unitary housing, having a resilient band mounted to side walls of the housing, with through-extending apertures directed through the housing extending from the rear wall through the front wall. The resilient housing structure is arranged to accommodate impact directed to the housing during a boxing procedure.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to sport goggle structure, and more particularly pertains to new and improved boxing goggles providing a resilient housing to accommodate impact.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Boxing goggles of various types are utilized throughout the prior art as indicated by the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,977,627; 4,556,995; and 3,533,686.
The instant invention attempts to overcome deficiencies of the prior art by providing for a continuous housing of resilient structure arranged to accommodate impact and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


Methods and structures are provided for increasing alignment margins when contacting pitch multiplied interconnect lines with other conductive features in memory devices. The portions of the lines at the periphery of the memory device are formed at an angle and are widened relative to the portions of the lines in the array region of the memory device. The widened lines allow for an increased margin of error when overlaying other features, such as landing pads, on the lines. The possibility of contacting and causing electrical shorts with adjacent lines is thus minimized. In addition, forming the portions of the lines in the periphery at an angle relative to the portions of the lines in the array regions allows the peripheral portions to be widened while also allowing multiple landing pads to be densely packed at the periphery.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to integrated circuit fabrication and, more particularly, to masking techniques.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a consequence of many factors, including demand for increased portability, computing power, memory capacity and energy efficiency in modern electronics, integrated circuits are continuously being reduced in size. To facilitate this size reduction, the sizes of the constituent features, such as electrical devices and interconnect line widths, that form the integrated circuits are also constantly being decreased.
The trend of decreasing feature size is evident, for example, in memory circuits or devices such as dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), ferroelectric (FE) memories, etc. To take one example, DRAM typically comprises millions of identical circuit elements, known as memory cells. In its most general form, a memory cell typically consists of two electrical devices: a storage capacitor and an access field effect transistor. Each memory cell is an addressable location that can store one bit (binary digit) of data. A bit can be written to a cell through the transistor and read by sensing charge on the storage electrode from the reference electrode side. By decreasing the sizes of constituent electrical devices and the conducting lines that access them, the sizes of the memory devices incorporating these features can be decreased. Additionally, storage capacities can be increased by fitting more memory cells into the memory devices.
The continual reduction in feature sizes places ever greater demands on techniques used to form the features. For example, photolithography is commonly used to pattern features, such as lines, on a substrate. The concept of pitch can be used to describe the size of these features. Pitch is defined as the distance between an identical point in two neighboring features. These features are typically defined by openings in, and spaced from each other by, a material, such as an insulator or conductor. As a result, pitch can be viewed as the sum of the width of a feature and of the width of the space separating that feature from a neighboring feature. The width of the line can also be referred to as the critical dimension or feature size (F) of the line. Because the width of the space adjacent that line is typically equal to the width of the line, the pitch of lines is typically two times the feature size (2F).
Due to factors such as optics and light or radiation wavelength, however, photolithography techniques each have a minimum pitch below which a particular photolithographic technique cannot reliably form features. Thus, the minimum pitch of a photolithographic technique can limit feature size reduction.
"Pitch doubling" is one method proposed for extending the capabilities of photolithographic techniques beyond their minimum pitch. Such a method is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,810, issued to Lowrey et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. With reference to FIG. 1A, photolithography is first used to form a pattern of lines 10 in a photoresist layer overlying a layer 20 of an expendable material and a substrate 30. As shown in FIG. 1B, the pattern is then transferred by an etch step (preferably anisotropic) to the layer 20, forming placeholders or mandrels 40. The photoresist lines 10 can be stripped and the mandrels 40 can be isotropically etched to increase the distance between neighboring mandrels 40, as shown in FIG. 1C. A layer 50 of spacer material is subsequently deposited over the mandrels 40, as shown in FIG. 1D. Spacers 60 are then formed on the sides of the mandrels 40 by preferentially etching the spacer material from the horizontal surfaces 70 and 80 in a directional spacer etch, as shown in FIG. 1E. The remaining mandrels 40 are then removed, leaving behind only the spacers 60, which together act as a mask for patterning, as shown in FIG. 1F. Thus, where a given pitch formerly included a pattern defining one feature and one space (each having a width equal to F, for a pitch equal to 2F), the same width now includes two features and two spaces defined by the spacers 60 (each of which have a width equal to ½ F). As a result, the smallest feature size possible with a photolithographic technique is effectively decreased.
It will be appreciated that while the pitch is actually halved in the example above, this reduction in pitch is conventionally referred to as pitch "doubling," or, more generally, pitch "multiplication." That is, conventionally "multiplication" of pitch by a certain factor actually involves reducing the pitch by that factor. The conventional terminology is retained herein. Note that by forming spacers upon spacers, the definable feature size can be further decreased. Thus, pitch multiplication refers to the process generally, regardless of the number of times the spacer formation process is employed.
Feature sizes of contacts to the pitch multiplied lines are typically larger than the lines themselves and, so, can be formed by conventional photolithographic techniques. Such contacts can include landing pads or regular line width, e.g., non-pitch multiplied, interconnects. The pitch multiplied lines, however, can have pitches below the minimum pitch for a given photolithographic technique. Consequently, the separation between the lines can be smaller than the precision of the photolithographic technique used to pattern the landing pads or regular line width interconnects. As a result, the landing pads or regular line width interconnects can inadvertently contact two or more different lines, or might not adequately contact their intended line at all. Thus, due to resolution limitations, reliably making connections to small pitch multiplied lines is beyond the capability of many photolithographic techniques.
Accordingly, there is a need for methods of making connections to small conducting lines, especially conducting lines formed by pitch multiplication.

Methods for increasing photo alignment margins


An automatic announcing device for an elevator which enables fine voice volume adjustment according to the environment of use in which a guidance announcement is made and which allows an easy and efficient voice volume adjustment operation. The automatic announcing device for an elevator includes: a voice volume adjustment setting unit for setting a predetermined condition for voice volume adjustment; a control unit for outputting a control code in accordance with the condition set by the voice volume adjustment setting unit to set an operation mode of the elevator to a voice volume adjustment operation until completion of the voice volume adjustment, and for outputting a voice volume code in accordance with the condition set by the voice volume adjustment setting unit; a voice volume change amount indicating unit for indicating an amount of voice volume change in accordance with the voice volume code output from the control unit; and a voice volume data storing unit for storing voice volume data in accordance with kind or timing of a message, the voice volume of a message changing based on the voice volume data, in accordance with the control code and the voice volume code from the control unit and stored in the voice volume data storing unit.

Conventionally, there is an automatic announcing device for an elevator with which the voice volume of an announcement is adjusted by adjusting the gain of an amplifier for amplifying the voice with an operation switch inside a car (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: JP 05-116853 A

Automatic announcing device for an elevator


An architecture for an integrated circuit with in-circuit programming, allows for dynamically altering the in-circuit programming instruction set itself; as well as other software stored on the chip. The architecture is based on a microcontroller on an integrated circuit having two or more banks of embedded non-volatile memory arrays which store instructions, including an in-circuit programming instruction set. Using a control program stored on the device, the device interactively establishes an in-circuit programming exchange with a remote partner, and updates data and software, including the in-circuit programming instruction set, when needed. The processor and ICP code are responsive to an in-circuit programming update command to write a copy of the in-circuit programming set from a first memory array to a second memory array, and to cause the in-circuit programming to execute the in-circuit programming set from the second memory array to program the non-volatile memory cells of the first memory array with data from the external port.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to integrated circuits having a non-volatile memory for storing sequences of instructions for execution by a processor on the integrated circuit; and more to particularly to techniques for accomplishing in-circuit programming to update and modify the stored sequences of instructions.
2. Description of Related Art
Integrated circuit microcontrollers have been developed which include arrays of non-volatile memory on the chip for storing sequences of instructions to be executed by the microcontroller. The sequences of instructions can be stored in read only memory (ROM) which must be programmed during manufacturing of the device, and cannot be updated. In an alternative approach, the instructions can be stored in an EPROM array. These types of devices require a special programming device to be used to program the EPROM array before the device is placed in the circuit. In yet other systems, EEPROM memory can be sued for storing the instructions. EEPROM can be programmed much more quickly than EPROM, and can be modified on the fly. Also, flash memory can be utilized, which allows for higher density and higher speed reprogramming of the non-volatile memory storing instructions. When the non-volatile memory is reprogrammable, such as EEPROM or flash memory, and it is combined with a microcontroller, the reprogramming of the device can be accomplished while the device is in the circuit, allowing in circuit programming based on interactive algorithms.
For example, in the Internet environment, the ability to interactively download instruction sets and data to a remote device can be very valuable. For example, a company can provide service to customers without requiring the customer to bring the product back to a service center. Rather, the company can execute diagnostic functions using the in-circuit programming capability of the customer""s device, across a communication channel, such as the Internet or telephone lines. Software fixes can be downloaded to the customer, and the product can be reenabled with corrected or updated code.
Example prior devices which include this capability include the AT89S8252 microcontroller, manufactured by Atmel of San Jose, Calif., and the P83CE558 single chip microcontroller, manufactured by Phillips Semiconductors of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. According to the architecture of the Philips P83CE558 microcontroller, mask ROM is utilized for the in-circuit programming ICP set of instructions, which are used for updating flash memory on the chip. Thus, the Philips microcontroller requires a dedicated mask ROM module to store fixed ICP code for each individual environment. In order to adapt the ICP code for a particular environment, the environment must be known before manufacturing is complete of the device so the mask ROM can be coded. Furthermore, the ICP communications channel is fixed to a serial RS232 port in the Philips microcontroller. The limitation to a serial port limits the application of the microcontroller to relatively narrow range of potential applications, and makes it difficult to utilize the ICP function in a dynamic communication environment where the serial port may not match well with the communication channel on which the updated software is provided.
According to the architecture of the Atmel AT89S8252 microcontroller, a dedicated Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port on the chip is used for the updating of flash memory storing dynamically alterable instructions. Program logic is associated with the SPI port, and therefore is inflexible. Furthermore, modification of the in-circuit programming technique cannot be done because of the hardware dedication to the SPI port. Further disadvantages of the Atmel chip include that complicated hardware used for handshaking with the ICP initiator and emulating the erase/program/verify waveform for the flash memory must be added to the chip; that the SPI bus limitation is not always the best choice in diverse system applications, and that extra system logic is required to modify original reset circuits, which are implicated by the in-circuit programming algorithm. Further, complex SPI driver and receiver logic is required outside the chip in the system using the Atmel microcontroller.
Accordingly in-circuit programming structures have been developed which rely on flash memory or other dynamically alterable non-volatile memory. However, prior art approaches have been inflexible in the in-circuit algorithms used. Thus, in dynamic networking environments where communication requirements can change, and applications of devices using the in-circuit programming can proliferate through a wide variety of circumstances, it""s desirable to provide more flexible in-circuit programming capability. Furthermore, the in-circuit programming capability must insure that no instructions are lost during the in-circuit programming process, even if the power is turned off during the process. The technique must allow for interactive communication with a remote partner to accomplish the in-circuit programming process. These techniques must be available over a wide variety of media, including the Intel/Microsoft/Digital standard Universal Serial Bus (USB), the Philips Electronics/Computer Access Technology standard Access Bus, the Apple Computer/IBM/ATandT standard Geoport, the Apple Computer/Texas Instruments/NCR standard 1349 Fire Wire, the Internet, a serial port (such as RS232), and other environments.
Thus, it is desirable to provide more flexible in-circuit programming structures for use with integrated circuits.
The present invention provides an architecture for an integrated circuit supporting in-circuit programming, which allows for dynamically altering the in-circuit programming instruction set itself, as well as other software stored on the chip. This greatly expands the usability of in-circuit programming devices to a wide variety of communication environments, supporting serial ports, parallel ports, telephone communications, Internet communications, and other communication protocols as suits the needs of a particular system. The invention is based on a microcontroller or other instruction executing processor on an integrated circuit having an embedded non-volatile memory array which stores instructions, including an in-circuit programming instruction set. Using a control program stored on the device, the device interactively establishes an in-circuit programming exchange with a remote partner, and updated data and software, including the in-circuit programming sequence, when needed. For example, a self-updating algorithm, according to the present invention, proceeds as follows:
1. The device receives an in-circuit programming request.
2. The initiator is identified.
3. The device returns an identifier back to the initiator of the request.
4. The information exchange proceeds when the parties have been successfully identified.
5. In order to begin the in-circuit programming, execution of the program jumps to an in-circuit programming routine in the non-volatile memory on the chip.
6. The in-circuit programming routine mirrors itself or at least an ICP kernel, to another bank of memory on the chip.
7. The in-circuit programming software disables itself and wakes up using the mirrored ICP sequence.
8. The mirrored ICP sequence downloads new in-circuit programming software to the original ICP location.
9. The mirrored ICP sequence disables itself, and wakes up with the new ICP software in the original flash array.
10. Normal program execution is then resumed.
New instructions and data for other parts of software stored in the flash memory device can be executed at numerous places in the sequences, relying on the original ICP code, the mirrored ICP code, or the new ICP code after it has been activated.
Accordingly, the present invention can be characterized as an apparatus for in=circuit programming of an integrated circuit having a processor which executes a program of instructions. The apparatus comprises a first memory array, comprising non-volatile memory cells, on the integrated circuit which stores instructions for execution by the processor, including in-circuit programming set of instructions. A second memory array also comprising non-volatile memory cells in preferred systems, is provided on the integrated circuit. One or more external ports is provided on the integrated circuit by which data is received from an external source. Control logic, including the processor and a kernel in the ICP code, is responsive to an in-circuit programming update command to write a copy of the in-circuit programming set from the first memory array to the second memory array, and to cause the processor to execute the in-circuit programming set from the second memory array to program the non-volatile memory cells of the first memory array with data from the external port.
According to one aspect of the invention, the first memory array comprises a plurality of separately erasable blocks of non-volatile memory cells and the in-circuit programming set is stored in a particular block, During execution of the in-circuit programming set, the particular block is modified to generate a new in-circuit programming set. Then the control logic causes the processor to execute the new in-circuit programming set from the first memory array.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the integrated circuit includes a plurality of ports to external data sources, such as one or more serial ports, one or more parallel ports, and potentially one or more specialized communication ports. The port in the plurality of ports, as used for the external port during execution of the in-circuit programming set, is determined by the instructions in the in-circuit programming set itself, and thus, can be dynamically altered in one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, the integrated circuit includes a data path for programming and verifying the first memory array and optionally, the second memory array, independent of the in-circuit programming set of instructions. Thus, using multiplexed I/O pins or the like, original software can be loaded onto the device during manufacture or prior to mounting the chip into the system. In order to modify the original code, the in-circuit programming process is utilized.
The present invention can also be characterized as a controller on an integrated circuit that includes a processor on the integrated circuit which executes instructions received at an instruction input to the processor module. First and second memory arrays of non-volatile memory cells are provided on the integrated circuit. The first memory array stores the in-circuit programming set of instructions in a particular block of non-volatile cells. An external port is provided on the integrated circuit by which data is received from an external source. Control logic, including the processor and a kernel in the ICP code, is responsive to an in-circuit programming update command to write a copy of the in-circuit programming set from the first memory array to the second memory array, and to cause the in-circuit programming set from the second memory to program the non-volatile memory cells of the first memory array with data received from external port. Data paths on the integrated circuit are provided for programming and verifying the first memory array, independent of the in-circuit programming set. The external port comprises in alternative embodiments, a serial port and a parallel port. In yet another embodiment, there are a plurality of external ports on the device, and the one selected for use during the in-circuit programming sequence is specified by the in-circuit programming software itself.
Accordingly, a method for in-circuit programming of an integrated circuit having a processor which executes a program of instructions is provided. The method includes:
1. providing on the integrated circuit a first erasable and programmable read only memory array and a second erasable and programmable read only memory array;
2. storing an in-circuit programming set of instructions in the first array;
3. receiving an in-circuit program command from an initiator external to the integrated circuit;
4. in response to the in-circuit program command, copying the in-circuit programming set from the first array to the second array, and executing with the processor the in-circuit programming set from the second array;
5. programming at least a selected portion of the first array with data from an external source under control of the in-circuit programming set; and
6. after programming the portion of the first array, executing with the processor the in-circuit programming set from the first array.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the method includes storing the in-circuit programming set in the selected portion of the first memory array. Alternatively, the method can include the step of determining from the initiator whether the in-circuit programming sequence, indicated by the in-circuit programming command, includes modifying the in-circuit programming set. If the sequence does include the modification, then the step of copying and executing is carried out. If not, then the step of copying and executing is skipped, and the algorithm proceeds directly to programming the instructions and data in other portions of the memory array.
In sum, the present invention provides an in-circuit programming technique which allows for dynamic alternation of the in-circuit programming sequences of instructions. This enables the use of the device in a wide variety of environments, and in dynamically changing environments. For example, if a communication protocol is updated, then the in-circuit programming sequence of instructions itself may need modification. According to the present invention, a microcontroller can be placed in the field and dynamically updated as communication protocols are improved or speeds are increased. Furthermore, the device can be adapted for a wide variety of communications ports, allowing more widespread application of the microcontroller with in-circuit programming capability.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention can be seen upon review of the figures, the detailed description, and the claims that follow.

Processor with embedded in-circuit programming structures


A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one fuel injection valve for introducing fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the valve being supplied with a specified current intensity in order to adjust a specified flow cross-section of a fuel fluidic connection in the combustion chamber. The maximum specified current intensity during normal operation is equal to a first current intensity and during a release operation is equal to a second, higher current intensity.

The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising at least one fuel injection valve for introducing fuel into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, which valve is supplied with a specific current intensity using pulse-width modulation, in order to set a specific throughflow cross section of a fuel flow connection into the combustion chamber, wherein the current intensity changes between a minimum value and a maximum value. The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine.
The internal combustion engine can be configured in principle for any desired field of use. For example, it can serve to drive a motor vehicle or a utility vehicle. In particular in the case of internal combustion engines having a large cubic capacity and a large number of cylinders, for example at least eight or twelve cylinders, in particular a use of the internal combustion engine for driving a construction machine, a construction device or the like can be provided. Alternatively, the internal combustion engine can serve to drive a watercraft. The internal combustion engine is preferably a reciprocating piston engine; but of course other designs can also readily be implemented.
Each cylinder of the internal combustion engine is assigned a combustion chamber in which fuel and air, in particular a fuel/air mixture, is introduced during the operation of the internal combustion engine. Combustion of the fuel or of the corresponding mixture takes place subsequently, as a result of which a force is applied to a piston which is movably arranged in the cylinder, and consequently a torque is made available at a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The introduction of the fuel into the combustion chamber is carried out by means of the fuel injection valve, which can also be referred to as an injection nozzle. For example, the internal combustion engine has a storage-type injection device, which can also be referred to as a common rail injection device. In this case, the fuel injection valve is assigned to this storage-type injection device, that is to say constitutes in this respect a common rail fuel injection valve or a common rail injector.
In order to open or disconnect the fuel flow connection using the fuel injection valve, that is to say therefore to set the specific throughflow cross section of the fuel flow connection, the fuel injection valve is correspondingly actuated, in particular supplied with the specific current intensity. The actuation can take place by using pulse-width modulation in which the current intensity of the electric current flowing through the fuel injection valve changes between two values, for example between a minimum value and a maximum value. While successive actuation time periods always have the same chronological duration, the throughflow cross section is influenced by the selection of a specific duty factor. The latter indicates the proportion of the actuation time period during which the fuel injection valve is to be supplied with the maximum value of the current intensity, while during the rest of the actuation time period only the minimum value of the current intensity is present at the fuel injection valve. The minimum value is preferably zero.
However, for reasons of design, the fuel injection valve has at least one constriction, in particular in the form of a narrow gap, in the fuel flow connection of the fuel injection valve. In this constriction, particles of dirt can be deposited and coatings can form. These can lead to a malfunction of the fuel injection valve. The cylinder to which the fuel injection valve is assigned does not have any fuel fed to it in this case, or has a smaller amount of fuel fed to it than is provided for. This brings about a drop in power of the internal combustion engine and/or uneven running of the engine. In this case, the fuel injection valve must generally be replaced.
Documents DE 10 2009 029 656 A1 and DE 103 05 178 A1 are known from the prior art. The former document relates to an internal combustion engine comprising at least a first injection valve and a second injection valve, wherein each of the first and second injection valves is configured to carry out a partial stroke or a full stroke, and a control unit which is configured to actuate the injection valves individually, with the result that the first injection valve can be switched over from the partial stroke to the full stroke, in order to carry out a full stroke at least once, wherein in this context the second injection valve remains in the partial stroke. The document mentioned last presents a method for operating an injection valve of an internal combustion engine.

Method for operating an internal combustion engine and corresponding internal combustion engine


A vacuum handling device comprises includes a vacuum source having a suction nozzle means (6) operating on the ejector principle and furthermore a suction gripper (3) which possesses a gripper part (26) connected with the suction side of the suction nozzle (6). The housing of the vacuum source (2) and of the suction gripper (3) constitute a housing unit (4), the gripper part (26) being adjustably mounted on the housing unit (4) for setting in the acting suction direction (44) thereof.

In the case of a vacuum handling device of this type described in the German patent publication (utility model) 20,011,839 an independent vacuum source is provided, which is fitted with a suction nozzle means able, on being supplied with a pressure medium, to produce a suction effect at a suction side. The suction side is connected by a fluid duct with a suction gripper, which comprises a gripper part constituted by a suction cup to be applied to the object to be handled. By the operation of the suction nozzle means air is sucked from the internal space in the gripper part so that the object to be handled is drawn against the gripper part.
The German patent publication (utility model) 9,215,404 discloses a suction gripper having a moving gripper part biased by spring means so that on application to an object to be handled a compensation of length of the suction gripper is possible. The suction gripper is kinematically coupled with a handling means and for producing the suction effect may be connected with a pressure medium storage means or a vacuum pump.
A comparable arrangement is disclosed in the German patent publication (utility model) 4,133,135 A1. Here a suction gripper provided with a moving gripper part is held on a robot arm, the gripper part being connected by way of a pipe with a vacuum suction system.

Vacuum handling device having a suction nozzle and a gripper part contained within a single housing


A voice signature transaction system for use in electronic commerce comprises user terminals, a server, and a data network. The server receives order data from a user, allocates an order ID to the order data, requests the user to enter, via voice, a plurality of signatures such as a name, ID, and so on, checks if the registered name and ID match the name and ID included in the voice data, and stores the voice data received from the user.

To prevent a user's (customer's) rejection of payment and non-recognition of an order, the technology for adding a user's digital signature to an order is used today in an electronic commerce on the Internet.
A private key stored, for example, in a smart card is used as a digital signature. However, using such a private key as a digital signature requires the user terminal to have a special unit such as a smart card reader.
Also, electronic commerce on the Internet is increasingly targeted not only at personal computers but also at cellular phones.

Voice signature transaction system and method


A method for determining the function of a test protein is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, this method comprises the steps of fusing a test protein to an RNA-binding protein and exposing the fusion protein to recombinant reporter mRNA molecule that comprises a binding site for the RNA-binding protein in the 3' untranslated region. One then observes the properties of reporter mRNA and correlates the reporter properties with test protein function.

The biological function of nucleic acid binding proteins is often separable from their sequence specificity. In some cases, as with many RNA and DNA polymerases, a protein possessing the enzymatic activity site is directed to the correct location through its interaction with a distinct polypeptide. In others, as with many transcription factors and regulators of mRNA metabolism, function and sequence specificity reside in distinct domains of the same polypeptide. Dissection of the two domains from one another facilitates their detailed analysis, liberating each from the constraints of the other.
Poly(A) is a virtually universal feature of mRNAs in eukaryotes, and exists in the cytoplasm as an RNA-protein complex with Poly(A) binding protein (Pab1p). Like the tail, Pab1p is highly conserved. The presence of a poly(A) tail typically stabilizes mRNAs and can enhance their translation both in vivo and in vitro. It is unclear whether these biological functions reside solely in the protein, or require the RNA-protein complex.
The role of the Pab1p in stability has been demonstrated in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevesiae. The yeast PAB1 gene is required for viability (Sachs, 1986). The lethality of a pab1 deletion can be suppressed by mutations within various genes associated with mRNA turnover, such as xrn1 and dcp1, indicating Pab1p likely has an essential function in mRNA decay (Hatfield, 1996). Degradation of most yeast mRNAs is initiated by shortening of the 3' poly(A) tail, followed by Dcp1p cleavage of the 5'm.sup.7 GpppG cap ("decapping"), which permits 5' to 3' exonucleolytic digestion by the XRN1 gene product (Decker, 1993; Muhlrad, 1994; Beelman, 1996). Decapping occurs only after the poly(A) tail has been shortened to 10-12 adenosine residues (Muhlrad, 1994), which corresponds provocatively with the minimal Pab1p binding site of 12 adenosines and suggests that eviction of the last Pab1p/poly(A) complex triggers turnover. Furthermore, in the absence of Pab1p, decapping becomes independent of poly(A) length (Caponigro, 1995).
The molecular link between poly(A) and the cap may be a tripartite protein bridge between the two ends of the mRNA. Pab1p, when bound to the poly(A) tail, interacts in vitro with two yeast proteins, TIF4631 and TIF4632, related to the translation initiation factor eIF-4G (Tarun, 1996). eIF-4G in turn interacts with eIF-4F, containing the cytoplasmic cap-binding protein, eIF-4E, an initiation factor itself. The in vitro association of Pab1p and eIF-4G is dependent on the poly(A) tail, and is consistent with earlier work demonstrating biochemical interactions between poly(A) and complexes containing eIF-4F in vitro (Gallie, 1994). The same tripartite bridge could explain poly(A)'s stimulation of translation in vitro and in vivo.
The interaction between Pab1p and eIF-4G, demonstrated in vitro, requires the presence of RNA, implying that the poly(A)/Pab1p complex likely is essential. Similarly, deadenylation in crude yeast extracts is dependent on the presence of Pab1p, implying that the yeast deadenylase may recognize not poly(A) alone, but the poly(A)/Pab1p complex (Lowell, 1992).

Tethered function assay for protein function

The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of the University of Arizona


A light-emitting diode driver includes a power switch, a logic unit and a pulse adjustment signal generator. The power switch is used to control a charging level of a light-emitting diode voltage terminal, and controlled to be turned on or off by a pulse-width modulation signal. The logic unit is coupled to a control terminal of the power switch, and used to generate a frequency control signal. The pulse adjustment signal generator is coupled to the logic unit, and used to generate an operational wave according to the frequency control signal and update the pulse-width modulation signal according to the operational wave. When the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal is smaller than a pulse-width modulation threshold, the operational wave has a first frequency. When the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal is larger than the pulse-width modulation threshold, the operational wave has a second frequency higher than the first frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode driver, and more particularly, a light-emitting diode driver having a logic unit for generating a frequency control signal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When adjusting backlight brightness of a liquid crystal display of the prior art, a user instruction, an image data and ambient light are analyzed to generate a brightness signal, and the brightness signal is sent to a light-emitting display (LED) driver for adjusting the backlight. Techniques such as Sunlight Readability Enhancement (SRE) may be used for analyzing ambient light to increase the display brightness when detecting brighter ambient light. Techniques such as Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) may be used for analyzing an image data for optimizing the display brightness and contrast according to the displayed image. Either a pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) technique or a pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique may be adopted for controlling the display brightness. When using the pulse-frequency modulation technique, a duty cycle of a control signal controlling a switch of the light-emitting display driver is fixed, and a frequency of the control signal is adjustable. When using the pulse-width modulation technique, the duty cycle of the control signal is adjustable, and the frequency of the control signal is fixed. The pulse-frequency modulation technique usually leads to lower efficiency when driving a heavy load, poor performance of noise reduction and median level of output ripples, and merely has an advantage of good efficiency when driving a light load. The pulse-width modulation technique usually leads to good efficiency for driving a heavy load, ideal performance of noise reduction and output ripples being small enough, but the pulse-width modulation technique has poor efficiency for driving a light load. Hence, a solution for a light-emitting display driver to have good performance of driving a heavy load and a light load, reduce noise greatly and output small ripples is required in the field.

Light emitting diode driver having a logic unit for generating a frequency control signal


The present invention provides an image-forming material which can be removed easily from image-receiving paper while maintaining the fixability to the image-receiving paper; a preparation process thereof, and the image-receiving medium. The image-forming material according to the present invention can be prepared by dispersing an oil phase, which contains an organic solvent, a binding resin, and a releasing agent composed of a hydrophobic resin and/or a wax, in an aqueous phase as oil droplets; removing the solvent from the dispersion; and incorporating the releasing agent by separating the residue from the aqueous phase. The image-forming material according to the present invention contains at least a binding resin and the above-described releasing agent and the releasing agent is contained in an amount of 30 to 90 wt % in solid content.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image-forming material used for an image-forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system or thermal transfer system, a process for preparation of the material, and an image-receiving medium formed by the material. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an image-forming material which permits the repetition of image formation and image removal by using an apparatus for removing the image-forming material maintained on a base material or an image-forming apparatus equipped with a removal apparatus; a preparation process thereof and an image-receiving medium formed by the material.
2. Description of the Related Art
The awareness of the importance of protecting forest resources has grown recently with recognition of global environmental problems and the reduced use of wood resources as the raw material for manufacturing paper. One of the measures being promoted to reduce the amount of wood sources used is the recycling of used paper rather than disposing of it as ordinary garbage. The recycling of waste paper is an important method for recovering resources, but it involves a number of problems in the process from waste paper to recycled. The collection of waste paper, for example, is accompanied by problems such as the unwanted leakage of information from confidential documents or data particularly at business enterprises, the labor involved in collecting or transporting waste paper classified by type, the site where collected waste paper is accumulated, and how to manage such a site. Moreover, in the recycling of waste paper, waste paper pulping shortens pulp fibers, thereby deteriorating the quality of the recycled paper or it becomes necessary to add an apparatus to deink image portions. Furthermore, paper manufacturing equipment itself is so large, complicated, and expensive that it is not possible to deal with the recycling of waste paper individually and it becomes inevitable to turn to specialized enterprises. If such collection classified by paper type, transport, accumulation, and the operation of huge equipment are not done efficiently, the recycling of waste paper consumes much energy (leading to an increase in the amount of CO.sub.2 emission), which may accelerate the greenhouse effects caused by increased amounts of CO.sub.2, which has become a global environmental problem.
In order to solve such problems, a process to erase images from paper after use, followed by recycling, is disclosed. There are generally two methods for erasing images. One is to reduce the adhesion between an image-forming material and a base material (paper) by using a releasing liquid in which water or a solvent and a surfactant have been mixed, and apply heat or pressure, thereby wet-releasing the image-forming material from the base material. The other method is to release the image-forming material by applying an external force such as heat, pressure, or mechanical force without using water or a solvent, or to dry-release the image-forming material from the base material by applying heat, pressure, or mechanical force after forming an image under reduced adhesion in advance. The conventional process will hereinafter be described using examples.
Examples of the process using a releasing liquid composed of water and a surfactant include those disclosed in Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open (JP-A) Nos. 6-250569, 6-208318, and 6-250570, wherein heat is applied to an image-receiving medium with an aqueous solution of a surfactant being retained on the medium, ink on the image-receiving medium is thermally fused, and ink is peeled away using a releasing means. In the above methods, however, the wettability between the image-retaining medium and the aqueous solution is important and the penetration of the aqueous solution into the boundary between the thermally fused ink and the image-retaining medium becomes necessary. When paper has solid-printed images on both sides, the aqueous solution does not penetrate into the boundary because it is repelled on the surface of the image-retaining medium, preventing the improving of releasability between the image-forming material and the image-retaining medium. The same can be applied to a case in which an image is released from an OHP transparency. When regeneration is repeated, toner which remains behind due to not having been removed accumulates on the image-retaining medium, which deteriorates the quality of the base material (paper). In addition, it takes many calories to dry paper wet by an aqueous solution. The above method is therefore accompanied by such problems as increased energy consumption, which increases operating costs. In a color image, as opposed to a monotone image, a larger amount of toner is used over the entire image-retaining medium, preventing the surfactant from penetrating the image-retaining medium. As a result, the surfactant, which fails to effect the release of toner and prevents the image-retaining medium from being recycled. When a color image is formed again on the image-retaining medium on which toner remains, it presumably appears as a change in the reproduction of shades.
Disclosed in JP-A Nos. 1-101576 and 1-101577 is a process in which an image-receiving medium is coated with or immersed in a soluble solvent to dissolve and remove toner resin. Disclosed in JP-A No. 4-300395 is a process in which a solvent is adhered to the image-receiving medium by immersion, spraying, or coating to dissolve the toner and the toner thus dissolved is removed by washing, suction, or adsorption, whereby the image-receiving medium is recycled. With this process, the image-forming material can be removed from the image-receiving medium but is accompanied by drawbacks such as the adverse influence of organic solvent use on the safety and environment, the requirement of much energy to dry the solvent, and the curling of paper after drying. In addition, the above process is accompanied by the problem that toner dissolved in a solvent adheres again to the image-receiving medium, preventing the image-retaining medium from maintaining sufficient quality after recycling. In any case, much energy is required to dry the releasing agent used for removing or erasing the image-forming material using a wet system. Furthermore, additives contained in the releasing agent such as surfactant are, when used repeatedly, accumulated in the image-retaining medium and may exert adverse effects on repeated image formation.
Proposed in JP-A Nos. 1-297294 and 4-67043 is a process which comprises applying a silicone sealing material or the like thinly to coat paper, drying the resulting paper to obtain paper (erasable paper) having a surface imparted with releasability, printing on the resulting paper, covering the printing with a hot-fusing material (cleaning material) under a hot-fusing condition for cleaning, cooling the paper, and then removing characters or images, printed together with the hot-fusing material, from the paper. This process is accompanied by drawbacks such as, due to insufficient adhesion between the image-forming material and the releasing agent, the releasing agent transfers from the image-receiving medium to another medium, such as a transfer roller, thereby adversely affecting subsequent image formation, or the transfer of the releasing agent changes the releasability of the image-receiving medium, thereby preventing repeated use. In general, although, with an image-receiving medium having a surface imparted with releasability, it is easy to remove the image-forming material from the base material, it involves the problem of releasing treatment deteriorating the fixability to the base material or transport property of the base material.
Disclosed in JP-A No. 6-219068 is a process in which thermal-transfer recording paper is coated or impregnated with a thermally modified material, for example, a fluorine containing acrylate material, which deteriorates in adhesion with an image-forming material when heated, whereby a recording medium which can be recycled is prepared. This process also involves drawbacks essentially similar to those of the above-described process in which the image-receiving medium has a surface imparted with releasability. In order to ensure the transport property of the recording medium, it is necessary to secure a release-treatment-free portion by sealing both edges of the receiving medium in advance.
In the above-described process for forming a releasable material on the image-receiving medium, the releasing material is formed on the medium by dissolving the releasable material in an organic solvent or the like, and then coating or impregnating the base material with the resulting solution. In other words, the releasable material is formed over the entire receiving medium, which brings about problems in the travel property or transport property of the receiving medium within the image-forming apparatus. Moreover, the above process involves problems in the quality of writing and correction because the releasable material is present even in the image-free portion. Furthermore, the releasing material is generally expensive. A method of coating or impregnating a base material with the releasable material requires a large amount of releasing material and, in addition, the releasing material has an uneconomical aspect which leads to a rise in cost.
In addition, a conventionally proposed process incorporates a releasing agent in an image-forming material in order to prevent offset in fixation by a heated roller. JP-A Nos. 58-215659 and 60-217366, for example, disclose a process in which a wax such as low-molecular-weight polyolefin is added as a releasing agent to an image-forming material. In the above official gazettes, the releasing agent is used to prevent offset, and the amount of releasing agent used is from 0.1 to 20 wt %. Generally, the amount of releasing agent is up to 5 wt % for the above purpose. If the amount exceeds the above range, marked deterioration can be expected to appear in the manufacturability of an image-forming material and powder fluidity because of the existence of the wax on the image-forming material, the image-forming material cannot be uniformly electrically charged and a defective image is formed. Moreover, such an amount may contaminate the carriers or photoreceptor.
A binding resin containing a releasable material is prepared, for example, by kneading, pulverization, and dispersion. During the pulverization step, pulverization occurs at the interface between the binding resin and the releasing agent which have been kneaded so that the image-forming forming material contains much of the releasing agent on its surface. Alternatively, there is a process comprising dispersion of an oil phase containing an image-forming material in an aqueous medium and then granulating the dispersion as, for example, the suspension polymerization process described in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 36-10231 and the process described in JP-B No. 61-28688. In the suspension polymerization process, an image-forming material having a desired particle size is obtained by dissolving or dispersing raw materials such as a polymerizable monomer, colorant, and releasing agent to prepare a monomer composition and, while carrying out polymerization, using a proper stirring material to disperse the monomer composition in an aqueous phase containing a dispersion stabilizer.
Disclosed in JP-B No. 61-28688 is a process in which an image-forming material is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent which is almost insoluble in water, the resulting oil phase is dispersed in an aqueous phase containing a dispersion stabilizer, and then image-forming particles are formed by removing the solvent from the dispersion. Alternatively, it is also possible to prepare an image-forming material by adding a new monomer to an oil phase, which has been subjected to dispersion stabilization, causing a polymerization reaction at the interface of the oil phase, and then encapsulating the polymer. The formation of image-forming particles through a polymerization process such as suspension polymerization requires a purification step to remove the monomer from the polymer composition by solvent extraction or the like, because the polymerization reaction cannot be allowed to proceed to completion, and a problem remains about the safety of such materials. Solvent extraction, however, is accompanied by the problem that the releasing agent and other additives necessary for the image-forming material are extracted together with the monomer.

Image-forming material, process for preparation thereof, and image-receiving medium


Provided is a vehicle inspection management system that can improve convenience for a person engaged in periodic vehicle inspection by reflecting, in an inspection management table, failure prediction results of vehicle components. This vehicle inspection management system is provided with: a management table output unit that outputs an inspection management table on which the expiry of periodic vehicle inspection is recorded for each vehicle so as to be displayed on a display unit in response to an input instruction; a prediction unit that acquires vehicle control information and predicts failure or degradation of vehicle components; and an additional recording unit that, when the failure or the degradation of the vehicle components is predicted by the prediction unit, additionally records a special inspection recommendation item to a field where the periodic inspection expiry has been recorded.

Conventionally, a system for improving operation management by transmitting operation data of a plurality of vehicles owned by a carrier or the like to a management terminal of the carrier and notifying of the operation status has been developed (see, for example, Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as "PTL") 1).
In addition, a management system related to a failure of a vehicle has also been developed, in which a management apparatus such as a server predicts the occurrence of a failure of a target vehicle for management and a customer is notified of the result of failure prediction (see, for example, PTL 2). According to such a management system for a vehicle, a business operator or the like (hereinafter referred to as a user) who owns a plurality of vehicles can receive a notification on a vehicle requiring maintenance based on an analysis result by the management apparatus, and can leave the vehicle with a dealer and an inspection and maintenance company (hereinafter referred to simply as "dealer").


A closed-heart method for treating ventricular tachycardia in a myocardial infarct patient afflicted with ventricular tachycardia is disclosed. The method comprises, first, defining a thin layer of spared myocardial tissue positioned between the myocardial infarct scar tissue and the inner surface of the myocardium (the endocardium) of the patient, and then ablating the thin layer of spared myocardial tissue by a closed-heart procedure with an ablation catheter. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed,. Also disclosed is a method for prognosing the likelihood of ventricular tachycardia occuring in a myocardial infarct patient not previously diagnosed as afflicted with ventricular tachycardia. The method comprises detecting a thin layer of spared myocardial tissue positioned between the myocardial infarct scar tissue and the inner surface of the myocardium (the endocardium) in the patient.

Ventricular tachycardia is a disease of the heart in which the heart's normal rhythmic contraction is altered, thus affecting heart function. The condition is often described as a heart beat which is too fast, although the disease is far more complex. Ventricular tachycardia occurs most often in patients following a myocardial infarction. A myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a loss of blood flow to a region of the heart causing the myocardial (muscle) tissue in that region to die and be replaced by an area of scar tissue known as a myocardial infarct. In most cases, this occurs in the left ventricle.
Ventricular tachycardia ("VT") may be initiated and sustained by a re-entrant mechanism, termed a "circus" movement. The mechanism of re-entry, as it is currently understood, is discussed in M. Josephson and H. Wellens, Tachycardias: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Chap. 14 (1984) (Lea & Febiger). Most cases of sudden cardiac death that have occurred during cardiac monitoring have begun as VT that degenerated into ventricular fibrillation.
While VT can be halted after it begins by pacing or cardioversion, it is preferable to prevent the arrhythmia from arising. Drug therapy has been used, but is successful in only 30 to 50 percent of patients and has undesirable side effects. Endocardial resection, a surgical procedure involving removing the tissue in the ventricle thought to be the source of the VT, has been reported to eradicate VT in up to 90 percent of patients, but it suffers from a 5 to 10 percent incidence of perioperative mortality. For a discussion of surgical procedures, see T. Ferguson and J. Cox, Surgical Therapy for Cardiac Arrhythmias, in Nonpharmacological Therapy of Tachyarrhythmias (G. Breithardt et al. eds. 1987).
As an alternative to surgery, the technique most often attempted is ablation. Typically, programmed premature pacing is performed from a catheter electrode in the right or left ventricular cavity. During programmed premature pacing, a stimulus, usually of twice diastolic threshold, is repeatedly given prematurely until either VT is induced or the tissue is too refractory to be excited. The ECG is examined during induced VT and compared to the ECG showing spontaneous bouts of VT. If the ECG is similar, it is assumed that the patient's clinical VT is being induced. A mapping catheter in the left ventricular cavity is used to record from numerous sites sequentially to determine the activation sequence along the left ventricular endocardium during the induced VT. The site from which activation appears to originate during the induced VT is identified and assumed to be a portion of the reentrant pathway. The techniques of pace mapping and entrainment may then be used in an attempt to confirm or refine the localization of the region rising to VT. The region is then ablated. Unfortunately, this technique is usually unsuccessful unless repeated many times. For example, it has been reported by Downar et al. that for a similar technique (the electrodes were located on an endocardial balloon instead of a catheter), anywhere from 10 to 42 shocks through different electrodes were required to prevent the reinduction of VT. It is assumed that failures occur because ablation is not performed at the correct site or does not create a lesion deep enough within the ventricular wall to reach the reentrant pathway.
It is extremely desireable to prognose the likelihood of a myocardial infarct patient being susceptible to ventricular tachycardia. U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,708 to M. Cain and B. Sobel suggests a method and apparatus for analyzing electrocardiogram signals to prognose ventricular tachycardia, but the early detection of myocardial infarct patients susceptible to ventricular tachycardia remains a problem.
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique which is effective in combatting VT, does not require the administration of drugs, and does not require open-heart surgery.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for prognosing the likelihood of ventricular tachycardia occuring in a myocardial infarct patient not previously diagnosed as having ventricular tachycardia.

Methods for the diagnosis and ablation treatment of ventricular tachycardia


An engine includes exhaust manifold integrally formed with a cylinder head. The engine may include an exhaust manifold having at least one single exhaust outlet for exhausting exhaust gas that is exhausted from at least two cylinders that are not adjacent with each other, wherein periods during which exhaust valves are open are not overlapped with each other between the at least two cylinders.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an engine that is equipped with an exhaust manifold being integrally formed with a cylinder head, and more particularly to an engine in which exhaust efficiency thereof is improved.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, an exhaust manifold is developed as a separate component and is assembled to an engine, but it can affect the overall performance and durability of the engine.
The exhaust manifold not only needs a gap from surrounding components so that it does not heat them excessively, but it also requires space to house it in the engine compartment.
Also, a catalytic converter that is disposed downstream of the exhaust manifold needs to be installed close to the engine so as to be activated by the heat. Accordingly, the exhaust manifold and the engine need to be compact.
As the number of cylinders increases, as an example, there is a problem in that the low speed torque that is an important characteristic of the engine is decreased by exhaust pulsation resistance in an in-line four cylinder engine.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram and a table showing a general four cylinder engine and an exhaust stroke thereof.
As shown in the left schematic diagram of FIG. 6, the engine includes a first cylinder #1, a second cylinder #2, a third cylinder #3, and a fourth cylinder #4. Also, an intake side and an exhaust side of respective cylinders are connected to a turbocharger 600 and 605.
As shown in the right table of FIG. 6, an expansion stroke is sequentially operated such as the first cylinder #1>the third cylinder #3>the fourth cylinder #4>the second cylinder #2. Accordingly, as shown in the table, one interval (EVO-EVC) in which an exhaust valve is open in the first cylinder #1 and another interval EVO-EVC in which an exhaust valve is open in the second cylinder #2 are overlapped.
Accordingly, the exhaust valve is open in the first cylinder #1 until the exhaust valve is closed in the second cylinder #2, and at this moment there is a problem in which remaining gas of the second cylinder #1 is not efficiently evacuated because of a high exhaust pressure of exhaust gas that is exhausted from the first cylinder #1.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Exhaust manifold being integrally formed with cylinder head

Abstract: The exhaust manifold is integrally formed with the cylinder head such that costs can be reduced. Also, the water jacket is formed between the exhaust passages of the exhaust manifold such that the durability of the turbocharger that is affected by a heat load can be improved.

Abstract: Also, the twin scroll turbocharger is directly connected to the exhaust outlet of the manifold such that the compression ratio of the intake air can be effectively improved. Further, the exhaust passages at which pulsation interference occurs with each other are separately disposed and the exhaust passages at which pulsation interference does not occur are combined together to form a single passage such that the torque is improved at low rpm and the remaining gas is effectively scavenged.


Disclosed are dielectric cavity arrays with cavities formed by pairs of dielectric tips, wherein the cavities have low mode volume (e.g., 7*10−5λ3, where X is the resonance wavelength of the cavity array), and large quality factor Q (e.g., 106 or more). Applications for such dielectric cavity arrays include, but are not limited to, Raman spectroscopy, second harmonic generation, optical signal detection, microwave-to-optical transduction, and as light emitting devices.

Optical nanocavities with small mode volume (Veff) and high quality factor (Q) can greatly increase light-matter interaction and have a wide range of applications. There is hence a continuous need to further decrease Veff and/or increase Q to open new possibilities for applications of optical nanocavities, including nanocavity lasers, cavity quantum electrodynamics, single-molecule spectroscopy, and nonlinear optics. Though there has been some progress, both theoretical and experimental, in optical cavity design and its applications, the Q and Veff of these optical cavities have not yet reached values that can outperform competing technologies. As an example, growing interest in quantum technology and ultrasensitive sensing down to single molecules can require even larger Q and/or smaller Veff than offered by conventional approaches if optical cavities are to be employed.

Nanocavities, and systems, devices, and methods of use


Relatively low levels of polysaccharides in combination with small, deformable, water-insoluble particles of a size in the range 0.05-5 microns are capable of giving benefits in a wash liquor in terms of reduced fabric abrasion.

Most people are aware that washing and wearing clothes is not good for them. Clothes suffer damage due to abrasion in the wash, particularly around seams and hems. On dark cellulosics (such as black or navy 'jeans', for example) this damage exposes fibrillated regions of the textile which scatter light differently than undamaged regions.
While the damaged regions may have lost relatively small quantities of dye, they are very easy to perceive and produce a strong visual impact. It has been suggested to reduce the incidence of such damage by using lubricating agents in wash liquors. However the skilled worker is faced with a problem when asked to choose the right lubricant. Prior proposals have included acrylic materials, dextrans, oily and waxy materials.
Hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC) is widely commercially available and is well known as a viscosity modifier in a range of surfactant-containing products as well as in paints and other coatings. It is generally produced by the treatment of cellulose with ethylene oxide to give materials with a specified degree of substitution of the hydroxyl groups of the glucose rings with hydroxy ethyl groups. Related materials are known which comprise other short alkyl chains (typically C2-4). Other known materials are hydroxy-alkyl derivatives of other beta 1-4 linked poly-saccharrides.
In order to bring about viscosity changes cellulose ethers are generally required to be present at levels of 1-2% wt on liquor, depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. It is known that bulk viscosity increases in a wash liquor can have beneficial effects on fabrics being laundered, as the increase in viscosity reduces certain fabric-fabric interactions which can cause degradation of the fabrics through such mechanisms as abrasion etc. However, viscosity increases have negative consequences as well. They can significantly reduce cleaning.
WO 99/61479 discloses the use of hydrophobically modified cellulose ether in, for example, detergents.
WO 00/65015 discloses the use of cellulose-ether as a finishing agent, which is replenished during washes.
WO 98/29528 discloses the use of 0.1-8% wt of modified cellulose ether, which 'associates with the fibres of the fabric being laundered'and 'reduces the tendency of the fabrics to deteriorate in appearance'.


A template tool that is adapted to quickly and easily define standard cabinet front edge position, whether for base or wall cabinet, and whether from stud or drywall wall.

It is not uncommon for the kitchen to be the functional center of a home, with children, family and friends regularly gathering therein, enjoying the warmth and aroma of the space. It is not surprising, then, that kitchen design is considered a critical element of any home. Cabinets are perhaps the most important feature in a kitchen, defining the ambiance while providing necessary storage space for cookware, servingware, glassware, and so many other daily necessities. Cabinet functionality is relied upon every day in most households, and if poor, can present daily challenges to the smallest tasks. It is well recognized that proper layout and placement of cabinets is critical to successful functionality.
Proper installation of cabinets thus necessarily begins with proper positioning. This is directly influenced from the very initial stages of kitchen design. That is, whether a new home or a remodel, the first step in layout design is space measurement. Typically, a designer or do-it-yourself homeowner measures, for example, by extending a measuring tape along the width of a window, the length from one window edge to a wall, and the length from the other window edge to an endpoint, such as a doorway or another wall. Such measurements, added together, typically then provide a starting point, with placement of the sink to be centered under the window, and cabinets and appliances extending outwardly therefrom. A similar measurement is developed for each wall to be part of the installation.
These measurements are relied upon in defining the available options for cabinet configurations that will fit into the space. Computer-aided design programs, for example, receive measurement input and offer suggested arrangements, fitting standard-sized cabinetry elements with standard-sized appliances into a functional flow, and predicting necessary "fill" spacers for seamless presentation of the finished room. It can be readily appreciated that an error in initial measurement can bring about devastating consequences. Costly cabinets are not readily suited for reconfiguration, and are not typically accepted for return.
At the time of installation, again, measurements are frequently gathered, again by measuring tape along a wall, with cabinet installation beginning at a selected, measured point, and continuing therefrom. Walls that are not plumb, as well as errors in measuring tape placement, reading, and calculating frequently result in unexpected situations, such as discovering a corner cabinet with a gap, or even worse, a corner cabinet that will not fit or an appliance opening that is too small to accommodate the appliance. Some solutions have been proposed as attempts to minimize or eliminate such issues, however none focus on the front edge of a cabinet and each is disadvantageous in view of the present disclosure.
Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a cabinet installation tool that enables accurate determination and marking of front edge dimensions, alleviating wall variation issues and providing consistent and error-free results, whether from drywall or studs.

Cabinet installation tool and system of use thereof


An antenna assembly (700) includes a set of conformal shells (704, 706) housing a set of orthogonal dipoles (102, 104, 108, 110) that produce a circularly polarized radiation pattern. The dipoles (102, 104, 108, 110) are fed by a quadrature hybrid (118) and impedance matching circuit (114). The assembly (700) also includes a set of baluns (126, 128) to reduce VSWR.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates in general to conformal antennas and more particularly, to a satellite-communication antenna that is integrated with a curved horizontal-driveshaft cover of a helicopter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless communication is accomplished through use of a radio connected to an antenna. An antenna is an impedance-matching device used to absorb or radiate electromagnetic waves into the atmosphere. The function of the antenna is to "match" the impedance of the propagating medium, which is usually air or free space, to the source of the radio waves, i.e., output of the radio.
Antennas are available in many different shapes and sizes. The particular shape and size of an antenna designed for a particular application depends on many factors, such as the operating frequency range, the expected environment the antenna will endure, size limitations, shape of the structure the antenna is to be installed upon, adjacent structures and materials, power efficiency, power limitations, impedance requirements, Voltage Standing Wave Ration (VSWR) requirements, application particulars, and many more.
One common use of antennas is on vehicles, either airborne or terrestrial. An antenna can be placed on various locations on the body of the vehicle, providing communication between the vehicle and other radio-wave-receiving entities, such as handhelds, base stations, other vehicles, and more. The communication links include ground to air, air to ground, air to air, and ground to ground.
All vehicles, whether airborne or terrestrial, have a finite amount of exterior surface area, often referred to as "real estate," in which antennas can be placed. Antennas that are installed on the exterior of these vehicles must withstand heavy torque from wind and debris, resist moisture, withstand extreme and rapid temperature changes, heavy vibrations, and other environmental hazards. Additionally, the shape of the body, especially in airborne vehicles, provides functionality. Therefore, it is advantageous for antennas mounted on airborne vehicles to not alter the shape of the body.
Helicopters are commonly-used non-fixed-wing aircraft that are able to take off and land vertically and travel at high speeds while airborne. A helicopter consists of a main body section that holds the pilot and other passengers, the engine and the main rotor. The main rotor is a blade that spins generally parallel to the ground and produces a spinning torque on the main body section opposite the direction of rotation of the rotor. To counter the torque produced by the rotor, helicopters have a tail section with a second rotor that is oriented generally perpendicular to the ground and perpendicular to the main rotor. The second rotor spins and produces a force that counteracts the spinning torque of the main rotor and prevents the main body from spinning out of control.
Connecting the engine to the second rotor is a drive shaft. The drive shaft travels above and along the length of the tail section to the second rotor. Because the driveshaft spins, it is advantageous to provide a cover over the shaft to prevent dirt, moisture, and debris from contacting the shaft. To serve this purpose, a driveshaft cover, which consists of one or more sections, is attached to the tail section on either side of the driveshaft so that it encloses the driveshaft. The driveshaft cover is generally made of fiberglass or other composite material and provides a relatively large amount of surface area or "real estate." However, until now, the space along the driveshaft cover has not been utilized other than for simply covering the driveshaft.
Communication with those on the ground is most easily accomplished with radiating elements commonly called "monopoles" or "dipoles." A dipole has two elements of equal size arranged in a shared axial alignment configuration with a small gap between the two elements. Each element of the dipole is fed with a charge 180 degrees out of phase from the other. In this manner, the elements will have opposite charges and common nulls. A monopole, in contrast, has only one element, but operates in conjunction with a ground plane, which mimics the missing second element. The physics of monopoles and dipoles are well known. Monopoles and dipoles, however, are efficient only for line-of-sight (LOS) communication. Obstructions such as mountains, or great distances, relative to the curve of the earth's surface, between the transmitter and receiver can prevent the reception of these signals. The relative positions of the transmitter and receiver, as well as the power output of the transmitter thus control whether the LOS signal will be received. Additionally, because of the radiation pattern of an LOS transmitter/receiver, communication between two positions that have a great variance in altitude, such as from the ground to the sky above, are not efficient with a monopole or dipole.
To overcome the effect of LOS obstacles, satellite communication (SATCOM) has been developed. Satellites are transceivers that orbit the Earth and can relay communications back and forth from any position near the earth, whether to terrestrial or airborne, or to other satellites, allowing communication virtually anywhere between the Earth's surface and the orbiting satellites.
One of the characteristics of antenna transmission is "polarization," which describes what physical plane the signal is being transmitted in. A dipole or monopole oriented in a vertical position (perpendicular to the earth's surface) radiates signals with a vertical polarization. For a second antenna to receive maximum signal strength, it too must have a vertical orientation. As the receiving antenna is rotated away from vertical, its maximum receive power diminishes to −3 dB (50%) at 45° and 135° and −∞ dB (0%) at horizontal orientation (perpendicular to the transmit antenna).
Because satellites orbit the earth and transmit to receivers in multiple directions and orientations, single plane transmission is not efficient. Therefore, satellites transmit signals in a "circular" polarization. In this manner, the signal is transmitted in a continuous right-hand rotating orientation.
A circularly polarized antenna transmits and receives signals in a circular polarization. The antenna has two dipoles arranged orthogonal to one another. The dipoles alternate "firing" with a positive charge rotating sequentially around the four individual elements and a negative charge on its axially oppositely aligned second element. When viewed on a three-dimensional time vs. polarization graph, the circularly polarized signal resembles a helix.
The transmission path of the circularly polarized signal radiated from the two linear dipoles is substantially perpendicular to the intersecting axis of the crossed dipoles. In other words, the beam width of the crossed dipoles is relatively narrow. As the receiving antenna moves away from this perpendicular alignment relative to the dipoles, i.e., the narrow radiation beam, its maximum receive power diminishes. Therefore, these types of antennas suffer from the shortcomings of having narrow-angle maximum communication efficiency ranges.
Accordingly, a need exists to overcome the shortcomings with the prior art and to provide a dual-band/dual-element antenna with a single connector that also provides adequate isolation between frequency bands.

Conformal driveshaft cover SATCOM antenna