A belt type variable speed-change mechanism transmitting a rotational power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft in a continuously variable manner and a constant-speed power-transmitting mechanism transmitting a rotational power at a constant-speed from the driving shaft to a constant-speed driven-side rotational body supported by the driven shaft in a relatively rotatable manner with respect thereto are accommodated in a casing. A planetary gear mechanism including a first element receiving a variable-speed rotational power through the driven shaft, a second element receiving a constant-speed rotational power through the constant-speed driven-side rotational body and a third element outputting a combined rotational power is supported by the driven shaft in the casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission including a belt type variable speed-change mechanism capable of continuously changing a speed of a rotational power from a driving power source, an endless member type power-transmitting mechanism that transmits the rotational power from the driving power source at a constant speed, and a planetary gear mechanism that combines a variable-speed rotational power transmitted from the belt type variable speed-change mechanism and a constant-speed rotational power transmitted from the endless member type power-transmitting mechanism and then output the combined rotational power, and a working vehicle including the continuously variable transmission.
2. Related Art
There have been previously proposed a continuously variable transmission (see, for example, Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. S62-028554 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,067, which are hereinafter referred to as prior art documents 1 and 2, respectively) that includes a belt type variable speed-change mechanism, an endless member type power-transmitting mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism, wherein a variable-speed rotational power, which is transmitted through the belt type variable speed-change mechanism from a driving power source, is input into a first element of the planetary gear mechanism, a constant-speed rotational power, which is transmitted through the endless member type power-transmitting mechanism from the driving power source, is input into a second element of the planetary gear mechanism, and a combined rotational power is output from a third element of the planetary gear mechanism.
This type continuously variable transmission is useful in that continuously variable-speed rotational power in both normal and reverse directions can be output from the third element by operating the belt type variable speed-change mechanism.
However, there is room for improvement in the conventional continuously variable transmission in view of miniaturization and formation of an overall power transmitting path.
The conventional continuously variable transmission disclosed in the prior art documents 1 and 2 is configured so that the continuously variable-speed rotational power is transmitted from a driving shaft operatively connected to the driving power source to a variable-speed driven shaft disposed parallel to the driving shaft through the belt type variable speed-change mechanism, while the constant-speed rotational power is transmitted from the driving shaft to a constant-speed driven shaft that is disposed parallel to the driving shaft and that is separate from the variable-speed driven shaft through the endless member type power-transmitting mechanism.
In the configuration, the planetary gear mechanism is supported by the constant-speed driven shaft.
More specifically, the first element is supported on the constant-speed driven shaft in a relatively rotatable manner with respect thereto in a state where the first element is operatively connected to a variable-speed gear supported by the variable-speed driven shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner with respect thereto, the second element is supported by the constant-speed driven shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner, and the third element is supported by the constant-speed driven shaft in a relatively rotatable manner with respect thereto.
In the thus configured conventional continuously variable transmission, the rotational power to be transmitted to the first element is first transmitted from the driving shaft to the variable-speed driven shaft that is separate from the constant-speed driven shaft, and is then transmitted to the first element through the variable-speed gear, while the rotational power to be transmitted to the second element is transmitted from the driving shaft through the constant-speed driven shaft.
That is, in the conventional continuously variable transmission, a variable-speed power transmitting path and a constant-speed power transmitting path are totally separate from each other, resulting in a problem of enlargement of the overall power transmitting path and a problem of deterioration of workability in forming the power transmitting path.

Continuously variable transmission and working vehicle


This invention presents preparation, characterization and evaluation of an efficient heterogeneous Fe (III)-HY catalyst for photo-assisted Fenton reaction. Fe (III) ions are immobilized on HY zeolite using different loadings by impregnation, calcination and the activity of the catalyst is evaluated by the degradation of phenol. The effect of Fe loadings, H2O2 concentration, pH and quenching on photo-Fenton reaction are studied. The results obtained clearly show that Fe (III)-HY is efficient in the degradation of phenol and it is compared with that of a homogeneous photo-Fenton reaction. The increased rate of reaction on Fe (III)-HY highlights the synergistic role of zeolite. Heterogeneous Fe (III)-HY in photo-Fenton reaction allows a wide range of pH for reaction against the narrow pH range in homogeneous system. The system is further subjected to evaluate its stability in solid state. The stability of the catalyst is further established by recycling studies.

Homogeneous photo-Fenton system is widely studied and reported to be a promising method for wastewater treatment [R. G. Zepp, B. C. Faust, J. Hoigné, Environ. Sci. Technol. 26 (1992) 313-319; K. H. Chan, W. Chu, Chemosphere 51(2003) 305-311; (c) Y. Sun, Joseph J. Pignatello, Environ. Sci. Technol. 27 (1993) 304-310.]. The major disadvantage of such a system is, reactions are to be studied at acidic pH <3 and it is difficult to remove the sludge containing Fe ions after the treatment. The latter step is expensive and not economical. In literature photochemical studies on immobilized Fe ions involved different supports.
Fenton reactions need technically simple equipment and it creates sludge and subsequent disposal problems constitutes the mainly limitations of the process. The pollutants due to metallic salts can be in principle avoided. A good alternative to homogeneous photo-Fenton system can be heterogeneous photocatalysis. The efficacy of the system is compared by measuring the phenol degradation at different experimental conditions to evaluate the dependence of the degree of mineralization. Search engines like Lycos [www.lycos.co.uk], Yahoo [yahoo.co.uk] and Googles [google.com] allow most of the systems to identify photo-Fenton supported areas.
Photochemical studies on immobilized Fe ions involved different supports like silica, nafion membranes, carbon fabric, Clay etc. The immobilization of Fe (III) ions on the cationic exchange resins (Amberlite IRA200) as a photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants also being reported [J. Feng, X Hu, Po. L. Yue, Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (2004) 269-275; A. Bozzi, T. Yuranova, E. Mielczarski, J. Mielczarski, P. A. Buffat, P. Lais, J. Kiwi, Appl. Catal. B 42 (2003) 289-303.; T. Yuranova, O. Enea, E. Mielczarski, J. Mielczarski, P. Albers, J. Kiwi, Appl. Catal. B 49 (2004) 39-50; J. Li, W. Ma, Y. Huang, X. Jao, J. Zhao, Y. Xu, Appl. Catal. B 48 (2004) 17-24]. Thus, a support can be chosen for the immobilization of Fe ions that should resist the oxidative attack during Fenton process without loss in catalytic performance. The present investigation was undertaken to provide practical assessment of photocatalytic treatment of immobilized Fe (III) over HY zeolite to have an eco-friendly photo-Fenton catalyst.

Eco-friendly photo-fenton catalyst-immobilized Fe(III) over HY-zeolite

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research


A storage system includes a plurality of control devices each including an interface unit and an arithmetic processing unit. The arithmetic processing unit stores, when requested to execute saving processing for saving dump data of a specific interface unit in which an error has occurred, the dump data collected from the specific interface unit into a storage unit. The arithmetic processing unit calculates an execution time of the saving processing. The arithmetic processing unit compresses, when the execution time exceeds a time limit and before a remaining time is reached, part of the dump data stored in the storage unit and save the compressed dump data into a saving unit. The arithmetic processing unit saves, when the execution time exceeds the time limit and after the remaining time has been reached, rest of the dump data stored in the storage unit into the saving unit without compression.

In a storage system, a controller module (hereinafter, referred to as a CM) performs data control for a plurality of disk devices. For example, the CM receives an input/output (I/O) command to a disk device from a host computer via a channel adapter (hereinafter, referred to as a CA), which is an interface to the host computer. Then, the CM controls output and input of data to and from the disk device on the basis of the received I/O command.
Some CAs have a dump function of recording an internal file and the memory contents as dump data (fault information). When an error occurs in a CA having a dump function, a central processing unit (CPU) in a CM collects dump data from the CA in which the error has occurred and saves the collected dump data into a storage device called a bootup and utility device (BUD) in a system. The time from collection of dump data from the CA to completion of saving of the dump data into the BUD by the CPU is referred to as a "siphoning execution time". The processing for collecting dump data from the CA and then saving the collected dump data into the BUD is referred to as "siphoning processing".
For siphoning processing, a specified time is set. Accordingly, a storage system may estimate the "siphoning execution time" before siphoning processing starts and may determine whether or not the processing is terminated within the specified time. Here, in the case where the estimated "siphoning execution time" is within the specified time, the storage system determines that dump data collected from the CA may be recorded into the BUD with certainty. The "siphoning execution time" is calculated on the basis of the time for transferring dump data, the time for compressing the dump data, the time for saving the dump data, the size of the dump data, the usage rate of the CPU, and the like.
After the dump data is collected and saved as described above, the CA in which the error has occurred is isolated from the CM. The dump data saved in the BUD includes fault information and is used for analysis of the error in the CA and recovery from the error.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2001-34508, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-334668, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-293224, and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2003-271435 disclose related techniques.
In the related arts described above, recording of dump data may not be ensured. For example, in the case where the usage rate of the CPU is high, the "siphoning execution time" may exceed the specified time. In this case, the CPU does not complete the processing for saving dump data collected from the CA into the BUD within the specified time. As a result, the storage system does not save part of the dump data collected from the CA into the BUD.

Storage system and method for controlling storage system


A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material including a body, a pressurized air source mounted on the body, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a texture delivery nozzle for selectively spraying texture material from the hopper onto a surface to be coated by propelling the texture material using pressurized air from the pressurized air source wherein each of the air source and the hopper can be disconnected from the body without the use of tools.

This invention relates to the field of texture sprayers used to apply a texture coating to ceilings and the like. In the past, texture sprayers were in the form of either a hand-held pressurized can of material (for patching existing ceilings) or a relatively large floor-based pump with a hand held spray gun connected to the pump via one or more hoses, with a material hopper either on the pump or the gun. Typically floor-based units had a source of pressurized air remote from the gun, while the pressurized cans contained both the texture material and a pressurized gas to deliver it. As is readily apparent, the floor-based units were large and expensive, and while suitable for commercial use, such units were not attractive to consumers for those reasons. The pressurized cans were not suitable for anything other than patching existing textured surfaces, since such pressurize cans have very limited capacity, e.g. with time to total discharge measured in seconds and thus such units were not attractive to consumers desiring to apply texture to a substantial area.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A new cultivar of Phlox, ‘Jordan Schuster’, characterized by its fragrant, bright pink flowers with diffused dark pink eyes that radiate outwardly especially on the top side of the petals, its pointed, triangular shaped terminal panicles, its very uniform lateral branching with lower lateral branches forming more typical rounded cymes that emerge while the terminal panicles are still in color to form a large mass of flowers and the lateral cymes continue to bloom throughout the summer, its medium green foliage that has good resistance to powdery mildew, and its compact growth habit.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Phlox paniculata and will be referred to hereafter by its cultivar name, 'Jordan Schuster'. 'Jordan Schuster' represents a new herbaceous perennial grown for landscape use.
The Inventor discovered the new cultivar in July 2007 as a naturally occurring branch mutation of Phlox 'Bright Eyes' (not patented) in a container in a production block at his nursery in Dahlonega, Ga.
Asexual propagation of the new cultivar was first accomplished by stem cuttings by the Inventor in 2009 in Dahlonega, Ga., USA. Asexual propagation by stem cuttings and root cuttings has determined that the characteristics of the new cultivar are stable and are reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A test plug for sealing a waste pipe includes a generally cylindrical piston having an inwardly tapered lower end with a maximum outer diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of a waste pipe. A threaded rod has a segment that extends through the unthreaded central bore of a cylindrical holder and has a lower end connected to the piston. A knob is screwed over the upper end of the rod. An elastomeric O-ring surrounds the tapered lower end of the piston and is deformable in a radially outward direction into sealing engagement with an inner wall of the waste pipe by expanding the O-ring over the tapered lower end of the piston. The knob is turned to pull the rod upwardly through the holder. This causes the lower end of the holder to push the O-ring downwardly over the tapered lower end of the piston, thereby expanding the O-ring against the inner wall of the pipe. A plurality of gripping teeth are pivotally mounted in slots formed at circumferentially spaced locations about the cylindrical holder. Cams on the inner ends of the teeth engage a complementary shaped receptacle in an outer wall of the piston for pivoting the teeth to engage the inner wall of the waste pipe. The knob is mounted over a radial retaining flange of the cylindrical holder to substantially prevent unrestricted upward movement of the piston as a result of high pressure fluid in the pipe acting on the circular face of the piston.

The present invention relates to tools used by plumbers in residential and commercial building construction, and more particularly, to a device which may be inserted into a waste pipe in order to seal the pipe for pressure testing.
Drain/waste/vent (DWV) pipe and fittings made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (Trademark) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic are extensively utilized in the construction of sewer systems in both residential and commercial construction. In some locations, cast iron pipe, copper pipe or clay pipe are used in constructing drain, waste or vent pipes in commercial and residential structures. Most municipalities have a plumbing code, such as the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) , which requires that the sewer system in a residence or commercial building be capable of withstanding a predetermined internal pressure, typically between about five pounds per square inch and fifteen pounds per square inch, without any apparent leaks. In order to accomplish such a pressure test, it is necessary for each waste pipe to be sealed.
There have been several approaches for sealing waste pipes in order to accomplish a pressure test. One approach requires the insertion of an elastomeric plug into the waste pipe which is inflated against the walls of the pipe to effect a seal. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,206 of Mathison et al. These inflatable plugs are expensive and the inflation thereof is both time consuming and dangerous. Over-inflation can lead to explosions, which can injure the plumber.
An alternate approach is to glue a seal over the end of the waste pipe. The seal must later be broken out or a segment of the pipe cut off. This approach is expensive and time consuming. Frequently the broken out seal lodges in the waste pipe, causing plugging.
Yet another approach to sealing a waste pipe is to utilize a type of mechanical plug called a "dollar plug". See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,344 of Mathison et al. This plug has a large wing nut which is turned by the plumber in order to squeeze an elastomeric O-ring member between plate members. The O-ring member is expanded against the internal walls of the waste pipe. These dollar plugs provide an unreliable seal, and are time consuming to install and remove. Also, repeated use of dollar plugs is sometimes impaired because they rust and become encrusted with grout and other debris.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,671 of Mathison et al. discloses a high pressure mechanical plug that uses a combination of an expanded elastomeric O-ring and circumferential gripping pins to seal a pipe. An open-ended hollow cylindrical body encloses a piston structure having a lower end wall and frustoconical ram. A draw bolt extends axially from the piston structure through an unthreaded hole in a top end plate connected to the cylindrical body. A nut threaded on this bolt is tightened to pull the piston structure upwardly into the cylindrical body, thereby squeezing the O-ring between the piston structure and a tapered lower end of the cylindrical body. The O-ring is expanded radially outwardly against the inner wall of the pipe to provide a fluid-impervious seal. At the same time, circumferentially spaced locking pins are engaged by the sloping wall of the frustoconical ram and pushed radially outward into gripping engagement with the inner wall of the pipe. This plug is specifically designed so that even after the nut is tightened, high pressure gas or water inside the pipe pushes against the lower end of the piston structure to further move the same upwardly. This further squeezes the O-ring and further moves the pins radially outwardly in order to "further secure" the plug in the pipe.
The plug of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,671 of Mathison et al. has several disadvantages. The mechanical structure of this plug has many complex metal parts which are expensive to fabricate and assemble. These metal parts are subject to corrosion. Furthermore, when testing a large diameter plastic or clay pipe, e.g. a pipe having a diameter of six inches or more, the pins can push radially outwardly with enough force to fracture the pipe. This is because the piston structure is capable of unrestricted free upward movement toward the cylindrical body. After the nut is tightened, high fluid pressures within the pipe can urge the piston structure upwardly with sufficient axial force such that the resulting radial force on the pins exceeds the strength of the pipe.


A heated wiper system including at least one frameless, heated wiper assembly is provided. Each wiper assembly includes a flexible squeegee blade and a pair of spaced flexible backing members. The assembly includes a pair of flexible heaters disposed between the blade and their respective backing member to convert electrical energy from a source of electrical energy (i.e., a battery) into heat. Each heater includes a heating element sufficiently dimensioned to sinuously travel back and forth between the sides of the assembly substantially the entire length of its respective backing member. Wiring connects the battery to the heaters by extending through a sealed center support apparatus which connects the blade, the heaters and elongated resilient spines together between the backing members.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to frameless, heated wiper assemblies and systems utilizing such assemblies.
2. Background Art
Referring to FIG. 4, wintery driving conditions cause snow and ice to build up on windshields and wiper assemblies. This buildup of snow and ice deteriorates the performance of the wiper system to properly clear the windshield. As a result, the operator's visibility is reduced. In an attempt to clear the windshield the operator typically activates the vehicle's defroster system in conjunction with the wiper system. As the snow and ice begin to melt, some of the resulting liquid contacts and refreezes to the wiper assembly and sides of the windshield. Wind combined with the relative motion of the vehicle increases this refreezing effect. As this cycle continues, more and more ice buildup occurs on the wiper assembly and windshield resulting in further reduced wiper system performance and operator visibility. This condition continues to worsen to such a point that the wiper system is rendered useless, thereby creating an extremely dangerous driving situation due to greatly reduced operator visibility.
Currently, the only way to solve this problem is for the operator to manually remove the snow and ice from the wiper blade assembly. This is accomplished after the operator pulls off the road or stops at a stop light. Once stopped, the operator can roll down the window, reach his or her arm around the windshield, and snap the wiper against the windshield in an attempt to clear the snow and ice from the wiper blade assembly. However, once the vehicle is back in motion the icing condition quickly returns, making this is a very ineffective and potentially hazardous solution.
There are a few heated wiper blade assemblies that have been patented and claim to prevent ice and snow from accumulating on the wiper assembly and/or the windshield. Examples of such assemblies are disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,058 discloses a heated wiper assembly including exterior heating elements on blade holders and interior elements embedded in the wiper blades;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,965 discloses an electrically heated wiper blade utilizing a spiral coiled resistor wire;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,083 discloses the use of resistance heating wires disposed along the length of wiper arms, blades and blade carriers;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,160 discloses a windshield wiper blade assembly;
U.S. Pat. No. 2,627,011 discloses a heated wiper/squeegee and frame;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,754,933 discloses radiating heat to a wiper arm structure;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,443 discloses heater elements in the blade back and flexible blade body of a wiper;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,019 discloses a heated windshield wiper assembly;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,856 discloses a heated wiper frame;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,792 discloses heater elements in a wiper blade back and blade body;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,752 discloses a heat conducting apparatus for wiper blades;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,177 discloses a heated wiper blade cover;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,808 discloses a heating unit of a windshield wiper;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,561 discloses a heated wiper blade assembly in which the wiper linkage, as well as the blade and blade retainer, are heated;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,344 discloses an electrically heated wiper blade utilizing a fibrous carbon heating element;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,345 discloses a heated wiper blade and blade holder;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,437 discloses a heated wiper blade assembly;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,290 discloses a heater that extends along a wiper blade and its support;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,261 discloses a heated wiper arrangement; and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,222 discloses a windshield wiper heating device removably attached to a windshield wiper.
These heated wipers come in many different forms and designs. They heat the wiper frame, arm, and blade or combination of these elements by means of heating an element or some other type of added assembly. These types of wipers are somewhat effective in their own way, but are inconvenient to the manufacturer and end user. They are either very costly to manufacture, thereby resulting in a high cost product that is passed through to the consumer, or they are very complex to install, thereby eliminating many of the "do-it-yourself" consumers. They also fail to mention that wipers should work with the windshield defrosting system and act as one. Without the windshield defroster system, the windshield will only freeze up with the accumulating snow and ice, creating a hazardous situation.
In summary, some of the major disadvantages of the prior art, heated wiper assemblies include cost and the complexity for the everyday "do-it-yourself" consumer. Many do not list the operating range of the wiper, or the heat it will produce. It cannot be assumed that they operate at 12 volts or higher. Most, if not all, vehicles have an operating electrical system of 13.5 to 14.5 volts when in operation. Also, vehicle speed is an important fact to the operation of these wipers.

Frameless, heated wiper assembly and system utilizing same


A sputtering apparatus includes a target that is sputtered to deposit a material layer on a substrate. A filtering member is disposed intermediate the substrate and target to prevent target material particles travelling perpendicular to the substrate from contacting the substrate. This filtering reduces the rate of deposition occurring on the surface of the substrate with respect to that occurring on the walls of any holes therein, and thereby increases the deposition layer forming on the wall of the hole with respect to that forming on the surface of the substrate and base of the hole.

The present invention relates to the deposition of useful material layers on substrates, including semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of depositing useful layers on substrates and filling holes in the uppermost material layers previously formed on the substrate to create interconnects, plugs, or other structures within the multiple material layers ultimately formed on the substrate.
The formation of microelectronic circuitry on semiconductor substrates depends, in part, on the preparation of interconnects, plugs, or other such devices through, or between, the various layers formed on the substrate surface. These structures are typically created by depositing a film of conductive material over the uppermost dielectric material layer or layers on the substrate, such that a portion of the conductive deposition layer fills any holes in the dielectric material layer or layers previously formed on the substrate. One typical method of providing this conductive material layer is by sputtering a target to supply particles of target material that may deposit on the substrate.
Where sputtering is used to form a material layer on the base and walls of a hole, the thickness of the layer formed on the walls of the hole, known as the step coverage, is typically only a percentage of the thickness of the material layer that forms on the upper surface of the substrate. This occurs because the geometric configuration of a hole prevents a portion of the target material particles travelling in the direction of the wall of the hole from reaching the wall of the hole, whereas the generally flat upper surface of the substrate has no such limiting geometric configuration. Where the aspect ratio of the hole is high, i.e., the hole depth is large with respect to the hole width, the percentage of available target material particles that deposit on the wall of the hole varies with the depth of the hole. Typically, the step coverage is thicker at the upper regions of the hole as compared to the step coverage at the lower regions of the hole. Therefore, where the hole has a high aspect ratio, the base of the hole may have inadequate step coverage, or areas of no coverage, ultimately creating a defect in the device at that location on the substrate.

Sputtering apparatus for improved step coverage


It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique of preventing electric-field concentration in a first P-type semiconductor layer during recovery operation. A semiconductor device includes a drift layer, an N-type semiconductor layer, a first P-type semiconductor layer, a second P-type semiconductor layer, an electrode, and an insulating layer. The N-type semiconductor layer and the first P-type semiconductor layer are disposed below the drift layer while being adjacent to each other in a lateral direction. The insulating layer is disposed above the first P-type semiconductor layer while being in contact with the second P-type semiconductor layer and the electrode.

A conventional semiconductor device, such as a diode, has a back-surface structure provided with an N-type semiconductor layer of high concentration on the cathode side of the device (hereinafter referred to as an "N-type cathode layer") in order to establish ohmic contact between an electrode and a drift layer or a buffer layer. In such a structure, a sudden rise in voltage can damage the device at the final stage of device's recovery operation. To solve this problem, Patent Document 1, for instance, proposes a configuration in which a P-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the cathode side (hereinafter referred to as a "P-type cathode layer"). In such a configuration, carriers are injected from the cathode side. This relieves electric-field fluctuations, thereby preventing the sudden rise in voltage.

Semiconductor device including adjacent semiconductor layers


Provided are a method and device for processing data by coupling data with a power line, in which the data was processed through a plurality of lines in a wireless mobile terminal. The data processing device includes a data transmitter for converting parallel data into serial data, RF modulating the serial data, and coupling the RF modulated serial data with an electrical power line to which electricity is applied; a data output unit for separating the electricity and the RF modulated serial data, RF demodulating the separated RF modulated serial data, converting the RF demodulated data into converted parallel data, and outputting the converted parallel data; and a controller for controlling the data transmitter and the data output unit, and for controlling the data transmission between the data transmitter and the data output unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless mobile terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and device for processing data using a single electrical power line, instead of a plurality of electrical power lines.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wireless mobile terminal is now a ubiquitous communications tool. As wireless mobile terminals have evolved two trends have emerged. The trends include an increase in the number of functions for a wireless mobile terminal and a reduction in the size of a wireless mobile terminal. However, an increase in the functions embodied in a wireless mobile terminal results in an increase in the number of data transmission lines needed to process data. As a result, the plurality of data transmission lines may hamper the ability to reduce the size of the wireless mobile terminal. Further, the additional data transmission lines reduce the reliability of the wireless mobile terminal.
Accordingly, there is a need to be able to process data using a reduced number of data transmission lines. A reduction in the number of data transmission lines would allow for a further reduction in the size of the wireless mobile terminal, would increase the reliability of the wireless mobile terminal and would result in a reduction in the manufacturing cost of wireless mobile terminal by simplifying the manufacturing process.

Method and device for data processing in a wireless mobile terminal


An electric motorcycle in which the disposition space of a motor is downsized, the number of components is reduced, and the power transmission efficiency is improved. In an electric motorcycle, a swing arm is swingably supported by a vehicle body frame and supports a power generating motor. A driving shaft of the power generating motor and a rear wheel axle of a rear wheel are coupled together. A driving force of the power generating motor is transmitted to the rear wheel. In the electric motorcycle, the driving shaft of the power generating motor is disposed generally in parallel to the rear wheel axle of the rear wheel. A driving gear is provided on the driving shaft. A driving gear is in meshing engagement with a reduction gear provided on the rear wheel axle. The driving gear has a smaller diameter than that of the reduction gear. A driving force of the power generating motor is transmitted to the rear wheel axle through a reduction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric motorcycle driven by a power generating motor.
2. Description of Background Art
In the past, an electric motorcycle carrying a battery, which supplies a power source to drive a power generating motor for traveling, is known. In such an electric motorcycle, a pulley provided to a motor shaft of a power generating motor and a pulley provided to a rear wheel axle are coupled by a drive belt. The driving force of the power generating motor is transmitted to the rear wheel axle via the drive belt (for example, see JP-A No. H4-257783).


A gas generator includes, a housing provided with a gas discharge port, an ignition chamber, accommodating an igniter and a transfer charge, provided on an end portion of the housing, a combustion chamber disposed within the housing and accommodating a gas generating agent, a rupturable closing member partitioning the combustion chamber from the ignition chamber and including a rupturable portion ruptured upon an actuation of the gas generator, and an inner tube extending from the closing member toward the gas discharge port inside the combustion chamber. The inner tube defines outside thereof a space containing the gas generating agent, and defines inside a hollow space. The inner tube is provided with a plurality of through holes. The inner tube includes one end communicating the hollow space with the ignition chamber to transfer the transfer charge in a burning state toward an opposite end when the rupturable portion is ruptured.

In side-impact airbag devices for automobiles, an elongated gas generator is used due to the constraints on a mounting portion therefor. Such an elongated gas generator is generally configured to ignite at one end thereof and discharge gas from the other end. In such a gas discharge form, it is important that the combustion of the gas generating agent and the gas discharge smoothly occur.
JP H05-92747A discloses an airbag inflator in which an igniter 7 is disposed at one end and a gas outflow port (gas discharge port) 2 is formed in a peripheral wall of a container (housing) 1.
Inside the housing 1 (combustion chamber 3), a plurality of gas generating agent formed bodies 5 are arranged in the axial direction, and the gas generating agent formed bodies 5 each have a shape including a through hole extending through the center portion thereof. Therefore, when the plurality of gas generating agent formed bodies 5 are aligned in the axial direction, a through hole extending from one end to the other end of the housing is formed. There is a section filled with combustion material pellets 6 and positioned in parallel to the combustion chamber 3, and this section and the combustion chamber 3 are partitioned by a seal 14. A cylindrical member is formed between the combustion chamber 3 and an outer filter 10, and gas outlets 4 are formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member.
JP 2003-002153A discloses an igniter 23 provided at one end side of a cylindrical housing 1 having closed ends, and gas discharge holes 8 formed in the peripheral wall on the other end side.
Upon actuation, an igniter 23 is actuated to burn a first transfer charge 22, and further burn a second transfer charge 18 in a fire transfer means 3. As a result, flames and the like are discharged from a fire transfer nozzle 28 into a hollow space 17. The flames and the like discharged into the hollow space 17 enter the interior of an inner cylinder 5 through gas passage holes 15 of the inner cylinder 5, and ignite and burn a gas generating agent 4, resulting in generation of high-temperature gas. The high-temperature gas enters the hollow space 17 through the gas passage holes 15 and breaks a burst plate 14. Then, the high-temperature gas enters a filter chamber 12, passes through a filter member 10, and then is discharged from the gas discharge holes 8.


A method for producing a component is provided, in particular a deformation sensor, having a sensor element which includes at least one region that is sensitive with respect to expansion or compression, as well as electrical structures which are in connection therewith. To this end, a sacrificial layer is produced on or within a substrate and an activatable layer on top of the sacrificial layer, the sensitive region and at least a portion of the electrical structures being positioned on top or within an activatable layer, and a circumferential trench is produced around the region of the sensor element to be produced and having the sensitive region and the portion of the electrical structures, the trench being interrupted by at least one connecting point, which connects the region of the sensor element to the portion of the activatable layer lying outside the circumferential trench. This is followed by a removal of the sacrificial layer underneath the region of the sensor element, a fixation of the region of the sensor element with the aid of a holding device, rupturing of the connecting points and a transfer of the sensor element, fixated by the holding device, and connecting a carrier to the component as well as joining with a carrier to the component.

German Published Patent Application No. 101 56 406 describes a method for separating and assembling strain gauge strips on a deformable membrane as they are used in high-pressure sensory systems, for instance for diesel common rail applications or in direct gasoline injection. The method described in the cited publication primarily focuses on the mass production of deformation sensors that are sensitive to force or pressure, for instance. A separation of the strain gauge strips, which are produced in a batch operation on a wafer, is accomplished with the aid of a setpoint rupture joint, which initially is produced in the form of a horizontal setpoint rupture joint by depositing a layer of porous silicon on a wafer. The actual strain gauge strips are then produced subsequently. To this end monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon is grown on the porous layer and then regionally doped, so that the strain gauge strips are produced in the doped regions. Using the rupture joint, they may then be detached from the wafer with the grown layer. The separation of the strain gauge strips is finally implemented by sawing before they are installed on a membrane. German Published Patent Application No. 101 56 406 also describes the assembly procedure used for that purpose.

SOI component comprising margins for separation


An acoustic seal system (100). The system (100) includes a flexible sealing element (110) having a ridge (134) for engaging a cover (118) with a sealing interference fit, a plate (112) in which the flexible sealing element (110) is secured to the plate (112) and a mesh (114) for controlling particle contamination. The mesh (114) is secured to the plate (112), and the plate (112) and at least a portion of the flexible sealing element (110) are secured to a portion of an inner housing (116). The portion of the flexible sealing element (110) engages the portion of the inner housing (116) with a sealing interference fit. When the cover (118) engages the inner housing (116), the flexible sealing element (110) provides an acoustic seal between the cover (118) and the inner housing (116).

1. Technical Field
This invention relates in general to audio systems and more particularly, to acoustic seals for such systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are several factors that may contribute to the degradation of the performance of an audio system. For example, when sound waves are being broadcast from a speaker, such sound may be dampened due to audio leakage, or the decibel loss of sound waves emitted from the speaker. In cases where audio leakage is high, it may become harder for a user to hear the audio that is being broadcast. Moreover, higher power levels may be required to boost an audio signal to overcome these losses. In addition to the audio leakage problem, dust or other airborne particulates may gather on the cone of a speaker in an audio system. This collection of particulates on the speaker cone may interfere with the cone's ability to vibrate, resulting in decreased audio performance.
In particular, many mobile communications units are susceptible to these performance-degrading factors. Specifically, mobile communications units are frequently exposed to the outside environment, where they often come into contact with a wide variety of airborne particulates. Moreover, speakers for mobile units are typically disposed within an internal housing in which a cover or bezel is placed over the housing. The space between the internal housing and the cover, however, may present several pathways where audio leakage can occur.


The present invention relates to the field of insert bits (10) for use with powered screwdrivers. The formed bits (10) may be treated to have a desired microstructure by either an austempering process or by the three step heating, quenching, tempering process. The bits (10) may also be electro-polished. Austempering provides for improved function and increased fatigue life and electro-polishing provides for improved function and increased fatigue life and torque capacity. The bits (10) and may have reduced diameter midportions (30), particularly for use with impact drivers.

Conventional powered screwdrivers and impact drivers are known. These drivers receive an insert bit having the desired tip and are used to insert or remove screws. The conventional powered screwdrivers are similar in operation to an electric drill, in that they exert a continuous rotational force onto the bit inserted therein. Typically, the impact drivers function similarly at low torque, but above a predefined torque, instead of a continuous torque, the impact driver assert a series of impacts onto the insert bit. For example, known impact drivers can assert as many as 2800 impacts per minute onto the insert bit being used. In situations requiring high torque, such as inserting a screw into a hard lumber without having drilled a guide hole, impact drivers are able to insert or remove a screw better than conventional powered screwdrivers. Known impact drivers can set a screw so that it takes a torque of, for example, from 30 to 300 Newton-meters ("Nm") to move the screw from the set position.
It is known to austemper insert bits of tool steel to improve resistance to fatigue. Austempering produces bits having a microstructure of bainite. The insert bits are heated to a temperature above 723.degree. C. so that the steel is first austenitized. Then, the steel is cooled to a temperature above the martensite start temperature, for example, around 300.degree. C., and held at that temperature for a desired time to permit the transformation to bainite. No tempering is required. Austempering helps to reduce distortion or cracking during cooling and produces a tool having improved toughness, when compared to tempered martensite at the same Rockwell C hardness ("HRC").
Electro-polishing is a known process wherein a chemicals and electrical current are used to remove surface imperfections. Known uses are in the medical, automotive, food service, and electronics industries. However, electro-polishing of tools, such as impact bits of the present invention is not known to the inventors.
European Patent Office Granted Specification No. 89 104 239 (EPO Application No. 0 336 136) teaches in claim 1 a screwdriver bit with terminal drive region for insertion in a machine chuck, an intermediate section and a power region having a screwdriver tip (7) which has driving ribs (8) arranged uniformly over the periphery for engagement in cross-slotted screws, the apices (8') of which driving ribs (8) project radially beyond the cross-section of the intermediate section (10), characterized in that the intermediate section has a twistable zone, the ratio of diameter to length of the intermediate section (10) having constant cross-section is less than 0.5 and greater than 0.2 and the torsion modulus of the twistable zone T is such that the restoring angle resulting from the resilient recovery power of the intermediate section (10) to reach the torque leading to plastic deformation/break is 3.5 to 8 degrees.

Insert bit for use with a powered screwdriver


A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes a silicon carbide layer, a body region, a source region, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, a source electrode, a first impurity region, and a second impurity region. The second impurity region is disposed within the silicon carbide layer so as to connect the body region and the first impurity region to each other, and has a second conductivity type. An impurity concentration in the second impurity region is equal to or higher than an impurity concentration in the silicon carbide layer and equal to or lower than a lower limit of an impurity concentration in the body region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to silicon carbide semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Background Art
Conventionally, silicon has been widely used as a material for a semiconductor device. In recent years, silicon carbide has been increasingly employed as a material for a semiconductor device. Silicon carbide is a wide band gap semiconductor having a band gap wider than that of silicon. By employing silicon carbide as a material for a semiconductor device, a higher breakdown voltage and loss reduction of the semiconductor device can be achieved, and the semiconductor device can be used in a high-temperature environment.
In order to attain a higher breakdown voltage of a semiconductor device, the structure of a semiconductor device has been studied in addition to the material of a semiconductor device. As an example, a silicon carbide semiconductor device having an outer peripheral structure surrounding an outer periphery of a transistor cell region has been proposed.
For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2013-38308 discloses a silicon carbide semiconductor device including a transistor cell region and an outer voltage-breakdown-resistant structure that surrounds an outer periphery of the transistor cell region. The outer voltage-breakdown-resistant structure includes a P type RESURF (Reduced Surface Field) layer. The P type RESURF layer includes a first P type region formed at the bottom of a first recess, a second P type region formed at the bottom of a second recess, and a P+ type layer connecting the first P type region and the second P type region to each other. The first recess is formed deeper than the second recess. The first P type region is provided on the P+ type layer forming a gate region of a transistor cell.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-225615 discloses a silicon carbide semiconductor device having a mesa structure portion formed in an outer peripheral region. The mesa structure portion includes a recess. A P type RESURF layer is formed at the bottom of the recess. The P type RESURF layer is connected to a P+ type contact layer. The P+ type contact layer is provided in a P type region forming a base region of a transistor.


An LED lamp having a support with a metal substrate and a center portion with projecting wings. An electrically insulating, thermally conductive circuit is affixed to the substrate; and at least one LED is positioned on each wing with electrically conductive traces connected thereto. The center portion is planar. The wings are bent at multiple angles forming legs, a first angle being greater than 90 degrees, a second angle being normal to the planar center portion. The preferred center portion is pentagonal. The bulb cooperates with a socket that comprises a base; a hollow pedestal extending from the base, the pedestal having a polygonal interior; a thermally conductive, core having an exterior matching the interior; a gap between interior walls of the interior and exterior walls; and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the gap for contacting the traces when the bulb is inserted in the socket.

LEDs have been in use for some time in automotive applications, particularly in the center high mount stop lights (CHMSL). The LEDs are rugged and have extremely long life. The LEDs in use for CHMSLs have been hard-wired into position and generally, are not easily replaceable. Recently, the use of LEDs for stoplights and taillights has increased but, again, a simple, replaceable unit with adequate light output has not been forthcoming. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0063476 A1, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses a replaceable LED lamp capsule having LED chips arranged about the periphery of a shaft; however, heat dissipation can be a problem with such a construction. Part of the latter problem arises because, at the power requirements necessary to supply the requisite light output for automotive use, a substantial amount of heat is generated which must be removed or the lifetime of the LEDs is severely limited.


The present invention relates to a method for preventing system invalidation including the microcontroller transferring the specific packet to the primary electronic device which operates according to the operation commands sent from the upstream device to provide the specific service, the primary electronic device returning the return packet, the microcontroller receiving the return packet, the microcontroller determining if the return packet is returned within a preset rang, if yes, repeating the above steps, if not, activating the spare electronic device to take over the primary electronic device to provide the specific service, and shutting down power supply of the primary electronic device. Therefore, the present invention ensures the spare electronic device smoothly takes over the task of the primary electronic device which accidentally fails, thereby preventing the whole system from being invalidated and improving the stability and reliability of the system operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method for preventing system invalidation, and more specifically to a method for preventing system invalidation by activating one of the spare electronic devices to take over the operation performed by the primary electronic device which accidentally fails, so as to prevent the whole system from being invalidated or crashing.
2. The Prior Arts
Many high-end electronic devices require very stable and reliable operational efficiency, like 24-hour running for a considerable long term. In general, some typical examples are the high-end business server providing electronic business service for banks and network transactions, the real time surveillance apparatus closely monitoring important and crucial sites such as airports and nuclear electric power plant, the supervision system providing special long-term security and door guarding, the control management system managing traffic signs, electric power transmission lines and military weapons, or the confidential intra-network system interconnecting government departments.
To meet the requirement of high stability and reliability for the above-mentioned devices or systems, the manufacturers usually have to employ specific, costly electric components with excellent stability of operation, or dramatically increase the safety factor of the design. However, each component inherently has some risk of invalidation, and any design with high tolerance may also suffer accidental invalidation due to the actual engineering variation in processing and manufacturing. Thus, certain discrete components accidentally failing may invalidate the whole system to crash or even result in permanent damage or serious loss, such as lives or properties.
To overcome the problem, the commonly used solution in the prior arts is to utilize one additional backup device with the same function as the current working device. As a result, the backup device can take over the original task performed by the working device which fails to normally operate so as to keep the normal service and operation of the whole system. Take the network system for electronic business as an example, the user at the client terminal can use the PC to connect to the remote server site through wire or wireless internet. The remote server site is usually provided with the first and second servers. The first server is the primary control device and the second server is used as the backup device. Meanwhile, the first and second servers are communicated with each other via network, particular mechanism or specific interface. In other words, the first server is configured to provide network transaction service, and the second device is preset in the standby state. Therefore, when the first device is out of function and invalidated, the second server may take over the first server to continue the task performed by the first server such that the electronic business transaction will not be terminated and the user can continue the ongoing operation without sensing any abnormal happening.
However, one of the shortcomings in the prior arts is that the second device is a standalone device, and each of the first and second devices generally has different preset and/or dynamic settings in the respective BIOS (Basic Input Output System), MAC (Media Access Control) address for network controller and the display interface due to actual application such that the software configured in the second device may not immediately be used to take over the task of the first device. Thus, the second device often has to perform the synchronization process for a period of time to backup all the data temporarily processed by the first device for subsequent processes. As a result, it needs to install several packages of software, leading the cost for software license fee to dramatically increase, and even perform additional power-on/power-off procedure to guarantee the correctness of the data during the processes of transferring, copying and updating.
Therefore, it needs to provide a method for preventing system invalidation without installing more than one package of software to implement smoothly switching to the spare electronic device from the primary electronic device accidentally failing in functional operation so as to prevent the whole system from crashing or being invalidated due to some abnormal discrete devices, thereby overcoming the above problems in the prior arts.

Method for preventing system invalidation


Aspects of the present disclosure provide for the pairing of an inter-band carrier with a time division duplex (TDD) carrier. If the paired band is a frequency division duplex (FDD) band, then base stations and mobile devices may transmit and receive additional thin control channels on FDD carriers to enable full duplex operations. If the paired band is a TDD band, then a conjugate or inverse carrier may be used such that full duplex, or a close approximation thereto, is achieved. With the introduction of a paired channel and fast control channels, rapid uplink/downlink switching may be achieved for TDD carriers efficiently and effectively. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, and so on. Such networks, which are usually multiple access networks, support communications for multiple users by sharing the available network resources.
Within such wireless networks a variety of data services may be provided, including voice, video, and emails. More recently, wireless communication networks are being utilized for an even broader range of services, including mission critical applications and remote control applications such as tele-surgery, where real-time feedback is necessary. In such applications, very low latency is critical to enable a suitably high quality of service. That is, the time for information to be transmitted from a communication device, and a response received back at the communication device, may need to be extremely rapid, on the order of milliseconds.
As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, research and development continue to advance wireless communication technologies not only to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but to advance and enhance the user experience.

Apparatus and method for inter-band pairing of carriers for time division duplex transmit- and receive-switching and its application to multiplexing of different transmission time intervals


A reproducible process for preparing a substantially single enantiomer (R or S) of 4-cyano-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, or an analogue thereof, thereby providing single enantiomer acid for the first time, proceeds by means of a classical salt resolution employing a resolving agent selected from an enantiomer (R or S) of a 1-arylalkylamine and (-)-quinine, and provides novel salts that are readily convertible to verapamil.

Verapamil (1, below) is presently in clinical use as the racemate and is used extensively for the treatment of hypertension. The (S)-enantiomer (levoverapamil) has the majority of the calcium channel antagonist activity (see DE-A-2059923), whilst the (R)-enantiomer (dextroverapamil) differs in having sodium channel and other cell-pump actions in addition to higher bioavailability, with slower clearance rate. Therefore, single isomer products may have clinical utility. For example, the (R)-enantiomer may be of benefit for the treatment of multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy (see Eliason, Int. J. Cancer (1990) 46: 113). ##STR1##
There is, therefore, a requirement for efficient processes to manufacture enantiomerically-enriched forms of verapamil and its analogues. This is a challenging endeavour since construction of the quaternary chiral centre with high asymmetric induction is difficult. Several synthetic routes have been published, but for a variety of reasons these are not suitable for operation on a large scale.
For example, Theodore and Nelson, J. Org. Chem. (1987) 52:1309, describe a synthesis of (S)-verapamil commencing from (S)-1,2-propanediol which entails eleven steps, only three of which are used to create permanent skeletal bonds. Of the shorter routes proceeding via classical resolution, a process reported in WO-A-9509150, involving resolution of the secondary amine intermediate and subsequent conversion to single enantiomer verapamil, is advantageous over resolution or verapamil itself, which is described in DE-A-3723684 and WO-A-9316035, due to better atom utilisation and lower waste levels.
Alternatively, resolution of a racemic acid precursor would appear to provide an attractive route. Indeed, resolution of 4-cyano-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid (verapamilic acid 2, below) has already been reported in DE-A-2059923 using brucine, together with elaboration to enantiomerically-enriched verapamil. However, there is doubt as to whether this resolution process is reproducible. In addition, brucine is highly toxic, and thus unsuitable for a large-scale manufacturing process. ##STR2##


An input means adapted for an interactive device is disclosed, which comprises: an inertial sensing module, for detecting a gesture movement of a user and thus generating a gesture signal accordingly; a multifunctional keypad, having at least a key to be selected and pressed for generating a selecting signal accordingly; a control unit, for fetching the selecting signal and the gesture signal and thus generating a control signal corresponding thereto; a signal processing unit, for receiving and processing the control signal so as to generate an interactive signal and then sending the interactive signal to the control unit; and a wireless transmission module, being used to transmit the interactive signal of the control unit to the interactive device.

The concept of interactive TV has been brought out as early as the establishment of cable TV. However, back then, the technology is not sophisticated enough to support the interactive TV to be commercialized. Following the advance of technology, the infrastructure for interactive TV distribution is complete that enables the broadcasting industry to experiment interactive TV in many major cities of the world. Traditional television is a one-to-many broadcast medium with passive viewers that is going to be overturned by the interactive TV which allows the viewer to interact with the television set in ways other than simply controlling the channel and the volume and handling videotapes.
The differences between the interactive TV and traditional television are listed as following:                (1) viewer participation: the interactive TV enables a viewer to comment a program while watching it and seeing the comment to be broadcasted in real time. For instance, a viewer of a ball game can vote to predict "which team is going to score next" and acknowledge to voting result instantly on the TV screen.        (2) personalized programming: the interactive TV provides a service of Video-on-demand enabling a viewer to watch any movie or program at any time convenient to him/her, by which the viewer can request a video and have it sent specifically to him/her, with VCR-like capabilities to pause, stop, rewind and fast-forward at any time, and furthermore, the viewer can save the selected videos on a central video server and play them at leisure by the playing order preferred thereby.        (3) information retrieval: a viewer can get information on everything he/she wants using interactive TV, for instance, a viewer can inquire local weather at any time, and further, the service allows quick tracking of stocks and sports teams that are of interest to the viewer, by providing customized details on stocks and teams of choosing.        (4) distance learning: interactive TV makes it possible for the whole family to educate themselves on all sorts of topics, in their own living room, at their own pace and in private. For instance, children can learn to read, see what Saturn looks like, and they will be able to see all the other students and the teacher at any moment in time in live transmissions but can learn whenever they preferred, and much more.        (5) home shopping: merchandises cataloged in an interactive TV system enable a viewer to order articles—ranging from supermarket items to clothes, and schedule to have them developed the following day, ordering it by pushing a single button on one's remote control, while sitting in your chair watching TV.
By now it is realized that interactive TV is similar to PCs in certain aspects—both offer interactive services. It is uncertain if PCs can offer hundreds of entertainment channels like interactive TV, but PCs have processors which are more advanced than those in interactive TV, allowing it to create and run programs such as word processors, databases, spreadsheets and other application programs. Therefore, the combination of computers and digital TVs should be the trend of future development. However, the combination of computers and digital TVs also requires a combination of the two different kinds of user interface used on these two kinds of machines. Computers use keyboards and mice as input devices, but TVs use remote controls as input devices. An interactive TV requires an input device which is good both for a computer and for a TV. Thus, a good input device for interactive TV is a compact, artistic, and easy-to-use input device integrating remote control capability and the capability of manipulating a cursor position.
There are already some prior-art devices capable of being used as the input device of interactive TV. One of which is a multi-functional remote control disclosed in TW Appl. No. 81211827. The referring patent provides a easy-to-use and good-looking multi-functional remote control integrating the remote control capabilities of most common household electronic appliances, such as television, video recorder, air conditioner, fan, etc., that can be used for replacing the plural remote controls of such appliances.
Another prior-art input device is disclosed in TW Pat. No. 00538640, which is a handheld device with integrated functions of remote control and information accessing. In a preferred embodiment of the referring patent, the patented device is embedded in a handheld apparatus, such as cellular phone, PDA, and e-book, etc., for enabling the same to function as an interactive TV.
Moreover, a method for moving a displayed object on an interactive computer graphic display in response to one of pitch and yaw rotations of an input device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,421, entitled "GYROSCOPIC POINTER AND METHOD", which utilizes a gyroscope to detect rotations of hands holding the input device while converting the detected angular velocity into cursor movements. However, the competitiveness of the referring device is impaired by the expensive gyroscope, and thus limited the popularity of interactive TV.
In addition, one more such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,168, entitled "REMOTE POINTERS FOR INTERACTIVE TELEVISIONS", which can remotely direct a cursor to move in a way similar to that of a light-gun. However, the movements of the cursor controlled by a light-gun appear to be an intermittent movement of single dot jumping around a television screen, that the intermittent movement is not applicable to most common applications, but only to shooting games. Therefore, the referring device has poor marketing potential, and thus limits the interactive TV to a specific small user group.
All the above mentioned input devices can perform the basic functions of an interactive TV, such as moving a cursor and clicking on an icon or manual. However, all these devices have one common disadvantage: the cursor position can not be controlled intuitively, comfortably or conveniently by the standard of average home users. It is therefore imperative to invent a new and better input device that provide the comfort and convenience.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


Plural data lines read normal data stored in a first area in the memory cell array when the data lines are connected to a selected bit line. Plural parity data lines read parity data from a second area in the memory cell array different from the first area, the parity data being used for an error correction of the normal data stored in the memory cell. A first determination circuit compares the normal data read from the data lines and their expectation value, respectively, and determines whether the data and the expectation value coincide, respectively. A second determination circuit compares the parity data read from the parity data lines and their expectation value, respectively, and determines whether the data and the expectation value coincide, respectively. The second determination circuit includes a selection circuit that selectively outputs a determination result on a part of the parity data lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor storage device, and more particularly, to a semiconductor storage device that may perform a die sort test for a memory cell.
2. Description of the Related Art
The semiconductor manufacturing process generally has a die sort test for a semiconductor chip when the chip is still a bare chip before packaging, the test being to check the chip's various properties and functions and the like. The die sort test is performed on the chips after they are diced, and also on the chips before they are diced, i.e., when they are on the semiconductor wafer.
It is required to reduce the test time of the die sort test on the chips on the semiconductor wafer. This is done by, for example, a group of chips formed on the wafer being probed collectively (see, for example, JP 2002-33360 (paragraphs [0002] to [0007] and the like)).
In the collective probing, fewer pins of each chip allow more chips to be tested at the same time, thus reducing the test time. Accordingly, compressing the input and output data from a plurality of data lines in each chip is performed to use fewer input/output pads than the data lines to input/output the test data (data compression).
It is difficult, however, to apply the data compression to a semiconductor storage device that may store parity data for error correction. Specifically, when the data compression is applied to the memory area for the parity data and the memory area for the normal data in the same way, the normal data and the parity data for error correction of the normal data cannot be read as being related to each other. Thus, it is difficult to decide whether redundancy rescue should be conducted or not.


Method for the regeneration of active carbon and polymeric adsorbents having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step and a decomposition step. Desorption is accomplished in one embodiment by flowing an aqueous stream at a preselected pH through the adsorbent material. Generally, decomposition is accomplished by contacting an aqueous stream containing an organic pollutant with hydroxyl radicals. Sequential or simultaneous desorption and decomposition can also take place during electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. During decomposition the active carbon can be made a carbon bed electrode of the cell. Electrolysis to produce peroxide can take place in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.

The use of activated carbon for the purification of drinking water, the tertiary treatment of sewage water, and, generally, the industrial use of activated carbon to remove impurities from process streams is well known. Industrial wastes, particularly, those containing organic materials that are not easily biodegraded are usefully removed from process streams by adsorption on activated carbon. However, to be economically feasible for use on a large scale, the activated carbon after it has become saturated with organic material must be capable of regeneration in order to allow its reuse. By the methods of the prior art the activated carbon can be regenerated either thermally or by solvent extraction or discarded, for instance, in a landfill. Activated carbons contain a high surface area and are available in various forms including powder and granular activated carbons, carbon felts, and two dimensional activated carbon cloth.
The prior art method of thermal regeneration of activated carbon which has become saturated with organic pollutants requires that the material be shipped to a specialized facility where the material is heated to about 900.degree. C. in an atmosphere of reduced oxygen. The organic compound pollutants are destroyed by incineration and the carbon is reactivated thereby. However, about 10 to about 15 percent by weight of the carbon is lost by oxidization during the thermal regeneration process. Steam thermal regeneration is also practiced in a specialized facility utilizing lower temperatures and, hence, less carbon is lost by oxidation during processing. During the steam thermal regeneration method, the organic pollutant is separated from the carbon but is not destroyed. Solvent extraction methods for regeneration of activated carbon also remove the organic contaminant from the carbon but in this process about 10 to about 15 percent of the pores of the active carbon are blocked by the extraction solvent which remains behind subsequent to the solvent extraction process.
Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of regenerating activated carbon and polymeric adsorbents subsequent to saturation to allow reuse without any substantial loss of activity. Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of enhancing the adsorption capacity of activated carbon utilizing an apparatus which is also effective in regenerating the activated carbon.
A method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,484 to Connolly for renewing the adsorptive capacity of a bed of active carbon. In this process, a bed of activated carbon saturated with an hydroxyaromatic compound is made the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell. A positive potential is applied to the carbon in order to transform the adsorbed organic compound into a species which has either a high affinity for the carbon or a low affinity for the conducting solution of the electrolytic cell. Thereafter, the applied potential is withdrawn and an effluent containing hydroxyaromatic compounds is introduced to the bed of activated carbon. Additional compounds can now be removed from the effluent. Connolly cites various patents directed to the electrochemical treatment of effluents or activated carbon, namely U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,864 to TarJanyi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,885 to Makrides et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,526 to Moeglich. Each of these cited patents relate to the electrochemical treatment of an organic material either as an aqueous solution or adsorbed on a mass of active carbon.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,191 to Doniat et al., a process is disclosed for regenerating activated carbon particles contaminated by oxidizable impurities by suspension of such particles of activated carbon in an aqueous solution of an electrolyte which is loaded into an electrolytic cell in which a voltage is applied to the electrodes of said cell so as to liberate atomic oxygen at the surface of an anode. As the suspension of particles of activated carbon is passed through the anode compartment of the cell, the particles contact the anode electrode and the atomic oxygen generated thereon. The oxidizable impurities are destroyed and the activated carbon is regenerated.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,204 to Hosono et al., activated carbon having an organochlorine compound adsorbed thereon is reactivated by treatment with ionizing radiation which results in decomposition of the organochlorine compound previously adsorbed on the activated carbon. The carbon can be further used after subsequent treatment to activate the carbon.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,484 to Pignatello, a method is disclosed for degrading an organic pesticide present in an acidic, aqueous solution in the presence of light by reaction with an hydroxyl radical produced by the reaction of a ferric ion and a peroxide, preferably, hydrogen peroxide.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,852 to Wabner, a process is disclosed for the oxidation of organic substances in an aqueous medium by exposure to an hydroxyl radical (Fenton's reagent) formed by the reaction of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and iron (II) salts. In the process of Wabner, hydrogen peroxide is continuously added to an electrolytic cell which is supplied with direct current to achieve a current density of about 0.4 to about 50 milliamps per square centimeter. The process of the invention converts difficultly degradable or toxic substances in an aqueous medium into biologically degradable or degraded substances. The cathode material of the electrolytic cell of Wabner can be titanium, nickel, graphite, synthetic carbon or valve materials such as titanium, zirconium, and tantalum which have been coated wholly or partially with a platinum metal. The anodes can be graphitic or dimensionally stable valve metal anodes. The pH of the electrolyte of the cell of Wabner can be 0 to about 14, although, generally, the oxidation reaction takes place more quickly at pH values of less than 8. Instead of oxidation with Fenton's reagent, Wabner also suggests the use of a direct current in the electrolytic cell to activate the hydrogen peroxide so as to cause oxidation of the degradable or toxic substances. Fenton's reagent is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,636 to Gnann et al. as useful in a process for chemically oxidizing waste water.
In The Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 23 (1993) Hsiao et al. disclose the use of Fenton's reagent, produced by the reaction of ferric salts, with electrolytically generated hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxyl radicals which are used to oxidize chlorobenzene and phenol. Reaction with electrogenerated Fenton's reagent in an electrolytic cell reduces the concentrations of chlorobenzene and phenol in the electrolyte. The electrolytic cell used for the reaction contains a reticulated, vitreous carbon cathode and a platinum anode. Electrolysis is conducted at a current density of 0.7 milliamps per square centimeter. The three hydroxylated reaction products obtained are identified as catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone with catechol being the dominant product. Further work illustrating the versatility of the hydroxyl radical in oxidation reactions with organic compounds is described in Accounts of Chemical Research, 8, 125, 1975, "Fenton's Reagent Revisited", Walling, C.
It is known that other transition metals besides iron can be used to produce hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution. Examples of these agents include selected aqueous ions of the following metals: titanium, chromium, copper, and tin. Other transition metals which exhibit variable ionic oxidation states in aqueous solution may also be useable.
Other methods of producing hydroxyl radicals are described in Chemical Engineering, September 1994, pages 16-20 under the terms Advanced Oxidation Processes, incorporated herein by reference. In addition to using a Fenton's reagent system to generate hydroxyl radicals, the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ultraviolet light or ozone is known to produce hydroxyl radicals. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,407 a combination of ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide is used to oxidize organic compounds in an aqueous system.

Regeneration of active carbon and polymeric adsorbents


Embodiments herein comprise registrations module(s) positioned between image output terminal(s), feeder module(s), and/or finisher module(s). Each registration module comprises a casing having first mounting points that correspond to second mounting points on an adjacent module. The first mounting points and the second mounting points allow the registration module to be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from an adjacent module. Each registration module also includes sensors within the casing, a controller operatively connected to the sensors, and sheet feeders. The sensors determine alignment characteristics of media passing through the module and the controller is adapted to correct the alignment characteristics of the media through unequal rotation of the sheet feeders, if the alignment characteristics deviate from a predetermined standard.

Embodiments herein generally relate to toner image production machines, and more particularly, concerns modular toner image production machines. The apparatus includes image output terminal(s), feeder module(s), finisher module(s), and one or more registration module(s).
U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0109699, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses that in a typical toner image production machine, such as an electrostatographic reproduction machine, a photoconductive member is charged to a substantially uniform potential so as to sensitize the surface thereof. The charged portion of the photoconductive member is exposed to a light image of an original document being reproduced. Exposure of the charged photoconductive member selectively dissipates the charge thereon in the irradiated areas. This process records an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive member corresponding to the informational areas contained within the original document. After the electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductive member, the latent image is developed by bringing a developer material into contact therewith.
Generally, the developer material is made from toner particles adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules. The toner particles are attracted from the carrier granules to the latent image forming a toner powder image on the photoconductive or image bearing member. The toner powder image is then transferred at an image transfer station, from the photoconductive member, to a copy substrate such as a copy sheet of paper.
Thereafter, heat or some other treatment is applied to the toner particles at a fusing station to permanently fuse and affix the toner powder image to the copy sheet or substrate. The copy sheet or substrate typically is fed automatically from a stack supply thereof, along a sheet transport path that includes a sheet registration subassembly, to the image transfer station where the toner image is transferred from the image bearing member onto a first side of the copy sheet. As discussed above, after such toner image transfer, the copy sheet is moved along the sheet path to the fusing station of the machine where the toner image is fused and affixed to the copy sheet. In machines with duplex copying capability, the sheet path usually includes a sheet inverter, and the copy sheet after leaving the fusing station, is inverted at the inverter and re-fed to the transfer station in proper orientation for receiving a second toner image on a second side of the copy sheet. In either case, the copy sheet with the fused toner image or images on it is then forwarded to an output tray or finishing station. High quality output copies typically require proper and high quality registration of the toner image or images on the copy sheet.
To achieve such registration, the copy sheet must be transported in a timed and registered manner to the sheet registration subassembly and to the transfer station each time, and sheet drive mechanisms along the sheet path have to function without slippage. Presence and proximity sensors can be used for assisting the achievement of such proper and timed registration of each copy sheet.

Modular media registration systems and methods for printing or image-forming apparatus


A cotton picker unit lift structure having a first frame, a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame about a pivot axis, and at least one sliding joint coupling the first frame to the second frame. Wherein, the sliding joint is not positioned at the pivot axis.

Cotton harvesters often have a header with a number of picking units coupled to a lift frame for harvesting cotton. Each picking unit includes at least one drum, and on some units there may be a front drum and a rear drum. In any event, on each drum there is a number of picker bars and on each picker bar there are a plurality of spindles. Each spindle can be tapered and have a barbed surface for removing the cotton from the cotton plant. Each row unit includes a doffer column having a plurality of doffers for removing picked cotton from the spindles. A doffer is a disc that may be coated in rubber or urethane and rotatably driven at a velocity much greater than that of the spindles. In a conventional cotton harvester row unit, the spindles move underneath the bottom face of the doffers so that the cotton is unwrapped and stripped from the spindles.
Conventional 4, 5, and 6 row cotton harvesters typically use a lift frame that raises and lowers the right and left sides individually. This allows 2 or 3 row units to go up and down together to follow contours in the field independent of the other side. Each side is cantilevered out from a center mounting point, requiring a significant lift structure to support the corresponding row units.
Conventional headers require substantial modification to be separated from the cotton harvester. Many cotton harvesters require individually removing each row unit by uncoupling several mechanical, hydraulic, water, and/or electrical connections per row unit. Accordingly, conventional cotton harvesters are designed to be transportable on public roads without requiring the removal of the header and row units. Consequently, the number of row units on a conventional cotton harvester is limited because of the difficulty in removing the header and transport width limitations.


A microstrip band elimination filter is disclosed, that comprises a microstrip main line 1 that is bend in a rectangular shape, and 1/4.lambda. stubs 2, 3, and 4 that are vertically connected to the microstrip main line 1 at intervals of 1/4.lambda., the edge of each of the 1/4.lambda. stubs 2, 3, and 4 being bent.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a band elimination filter used in a microwave band, in particular, to a band elimination filter composed of a microstrip line.
2. Description of the Related Art
An example of a conventional microstrip band elimination filter is shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, 1/4.lambda. stubs are vertically disposed on a microstrip main line at intervals of 1/4.lambda.. In other words, in FIG. 4, three 1/4.lambda. open stubs 11, 12, and 13 are connected to a microstrip main line 10 at intervals of 1/4.lambda. so as to form a three-staged microstrip band elimination filter. This microstrip band elimination filter is disclosed in for example Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 57-10507. In addition, another microstrip band elimination filter is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 63-212201 as a second related art reference of the present invention. In the second related art reference, a 1/4.lambda. resonator is field-coupled with a microstrip main line so as to form a band elimination filter.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the conventional microstrip band elimination filter, 1/4.lambda. stabs are vertically disposed on a microstrip main line. The 1/4.lambda. stubs and the microstrip main line are formed on a dielectric substrate. In this structure, the area of the portion other than the pattern of the band elimination filter is large. Thus, although the drawback of the structure of the three-staged band elimination filter shown in FIG. 4 is not remarkable, as the number of stages increases, the area of the band elimination filter becomes large.
Consequently, the size and weight of the band elimination filter cannot be reduced.


File difference is managed. Group data and difference detection data tables are stored. A previous difference detection file, which is an original file of a difference management object file, is searched, and a difference between the previous difference detection file and the difference management object file is detected. Difference detection data is used to detect the difference, and is recorded on the difference detection data table. A group to which the difference management object file belongs is selected based on a group condition registered in the group data table. The difference is detected based on comparing extracted difference detection data and file data of the difference management object file. A set of the file data and the group is recorded as a new difference detection data on the difference detection data table, when the difference is detected.

In a computer, it is possible to recover a file that is lost by a human error, a physical failure, or infection of a computer virus through a backup. Files are backed up periodically or non-periodically. Also, a backup system is known in which a generation management is performed such that not only a file previous to the backup but also a file previous to the previous file are saved.
In the file generation management, all the files over several generations are saved. Thus, when the number of generations increases, a storage capacity for backup becomes increased. Therefore, a difference management method has become spread, in which a difference between a previous backed-up file and a current backed-up file is detected, and the difference is recorded as a previous file data, in order to reduce the storage capacity for backup.
A data backup apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-P2006-178645A). The data backup apparatus compares a previously backed-up file data and a currently backed-up file data under a same file name, determining a difference between these file data, and stores the difference as old generation backup data. Meanwhile, the currently backed-up file is stored as latest generation backup data. In this way, it is possible to suppress an increase in the storage capacity required for the backup, even if the number of generations of a file to be backed up becomes increased.
However, in a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-P2006-178645A), the file difference management is performed to the files with a same file name. If a file has a different file name, the file is treated as a different file. Therefore, it is not possible to take out only the data that is simply added as a difference, in case of a file whose name is changed by using an event as a trigger, as in a system log of Linux, for example.
Further, the difference can be taken out only by comparing files, even if the file names are the same. Therefore, when comparing the files, it is necessary to keep all the file data in the previous difference detection (when backed up).
Further, in case of a file management method in which data are deleted in order from an oldest one so that the stored data does not exceed a specific size (e.g., a case of a file management method which utilizes timestamps to sort and take out data that having the timestamps from a database), positions of the same data on the files become shifted. Thus, when the contents thereof are simply compared, already taken out data may be detected as newly added data.

Apparatus and method for file difference management


A composition for enhancing hyaluronic acid productivity particularly in epidermic cell or tissue composed of the cell, which contains an extract of a plant belonging to the family Labiatae as an active ingredient, and a process for preparation thereof. Particularly, there is provided a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition which can be safely and directly applied to human skin to maintain the normal skin function of a juvenile.

This invention relates to cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical arts. More specifically, the invention relates to a composition containing as an active ingredient an extract of a plant belonging to the family Labiatae, for enhancing hyaluronic acid productivity in a mammal, particularly tissue or cell of a human. The invention also relates to a composition for topical application to mammalian skin containing as an active ingredient an extract which is an extract of a plant belonging to the family Labiatae and first used for such a composition.
As substances having an activity to accelerate the synthesis or production of hyaluronic acid in certain cell culture tests on mammals, there have been known an extract of Ulva pertusa, a marine plant generally classified as a lower plant (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 9422/1994), extracts of other marine plants; for example, plants belonging to the family Ulvaceae, Gracilaria or Gelidium (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 101871/1995). Further, it is suggested that, due to the hyaluronic acid synthesis acceleration activity, these extracts bring about the activation of dermal cells, etc.
The existence of some relation between such hyaluronic acid synthesis acceleration ability and the activation of dermal cells may be accepted from the following actual situation or findings. Namely, hyaluronic acid is widely distributed in living bodies, e.g. in skin, articular liquid, corpus vitreum, ligamenta, etc., and, for example in skin, plays important roles such as the adhesion of the cells, the protection of the cells, the formation of dermal tissues, the retention of histionic water and the maintenance of flexibility. Further, in degenerative joint disease and rheumatism, hyaluronic acid generally lessens their effect and there fore injections containing hyaluronic acid itself as an active ingredient are used, and in operations of cataracta, hyaluronic acid is used as an auxiliary for the retention of aqueous chambers.
On the other hand, as symptoms of dermal aging, there can be mentioned "lowering of wetness" and "lowering of tenseness", and occurrence of "wrinkles", "flabbiness" and the like following them. Causes of these phenomena have not yet been solved completely, but as reported in Biochemica Biophysica Acta, 279: 265 (1972); Japanese Journal of Society for Cosmetic Chemists, 15: 77 (1981); Cell Structure and Function, 9: 357 (1984); Carbohydrate Research, 159: 127 (1987), etc., it is considered that dermal functions are influenced by the lowering of water content of the skin partly due to the decrease of hyaluronic acid production by dermal cells in proportion to aging.
When such actual situation or findings are taken into consideration, even if application to skin is a main object, it is desired to provide substances which are high in safety, and act directly on dermal cells and accelerate the production of hyaluronic acid in the dermal tissue more strongly. Thus, the object of the invention lies in providing substances which are superior to usual plant extracts in activity to enhance hyaluronic acid productivity in tisse or cells including human skin, and use thereof.

Composition for enhancing hyaluronic acid productivity and method for preparing same

Institute For Advanced Skin Research, Inc.


Provided is a buffer system for adjusting first-in first-out, more particularly, a buffer system that temporarily stores a plurality of substrates and is capable of adjusting first-in first-out. The buffer system includes one or more buffer layers having shafts and rollers fitted and fixed to the shafts so as to temporarily store or transfer substrates, a vertically moving unit moving the buffer layers up or down such that a buffer layer having thereon a substrate to be transferred is connected to a driving unit, and the driving unit rotating the shafts of the buffer layer having thereon the substrate to be transferred to transfer the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a buffer system for adjusting first-in first-out, and more particularly, to a buffer system that temporarily stores a plurality of substrates and is capable of adjusting first-in first-out.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a buffer apparatus refers to an apparatus that temporarily stores substrates during a series of processes in a semiconductor process or a process of manufacturing flat panel displays. When time varies depending on a process to be performed in a series of processes or any one of the processes temporarily stops, the buffer apparatus may provide a space where substrates in other processes can temporarily stay. For example, the buffer apparatus may be used between a cleaning process and a thin film deposition process, or between the cleaning process and an inspection process, which are performed at different operating speeds to adjust operation time of the entire manufacturing process.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a buffer apparatus according to the related art.
The known buffer apparatus has therein a vertically movable transfer unit to store substrates that are transferred to the buffer apparatus, and moves the substrates to an upper portion thereof. As a result, the substrate transferred first is positioned at the upper portion of the buffer apparatus. Therefore, in order to transfer the substrates stored in the buffer apparatus to a process apparatus of the next process, the lowermost substrate is transferred first. This is because a device for transferring a substrate is driven by the rotation of rollers that are mounted to the lowest shafts.
As a result, since the substrate entered first is transferred last, the substrate entered first stays relatively longer in the buffer apparatus. As the substrate stays longer in the buffer apparatus, dust or a foreign substance may be adhered to the substrate. Further, although though the substrate needs to undergo the next process after the previous process before a predetermined time, the next process is performed even after the predetermined time, which results in low yield.
In addition, a system for individually transferring substrates by a robot to adjust first-in first-out needs an expensive robot, which increases the manufacturing cost.

Buffer system for adjusting first-in first-out