A method for encapsulating nanoparticles with an encapsulating matrix that minimizes aggregation and maintains favorable properties of the nanoparticles. The matrix comprises silicon-based network-forming compounds such as ormosils and polysiloxanes. The nanoparticles are synthesized from precursors directly within the silicon-based matrix.

Inorganic nanoclusters dispersed in organic matrices are of importance to a number of emerging technologies. However, obtaining a set of desired properties with such organic-inorganic composites may require high concentrations of well-dispersed nanoclusters. Achieving high concentrations is possible when the chemistries of the particle surface and of the matrix are selected to produce a relatively low value of the interfacial free energy; an excess of interfacial free energy may cause phase separation and sometimes aggregation of nanoparticles. Thus, one type of system that achieves these energy characteristics is one in which the nanoclusters are stabilized by molecular species that are components of the encapsulating matrix or encapsulant. Since typical organic matrices are chosen as encapsulants for their bulk properties, they may not exhibit chemistries that provide low interfacial energies with nanoclusters. Also, the organic-inorganic interface can play a significant role in establishing and maintaining the desired nanocluster (and hence composite) properties, placing further constraints on desirable encapsulant/nanocluster combinations.
Ormosil is an acronym that stands for organically modified silicates. This term was initiated by Schmidt in the early 1980's to describe sol-gel materials comprised of an organoalkoxysilane, a Si—O inorganic backbone with pendant organic groups. A desirable feature of ormosils is their utility for creating organic-inorganic hybrid materials being standard sol-gel techniques. Ormosils can be formed from single monomeric precursors or mixtures of monomers. When ormosil compounds are derived from monomers (or mixtures of monomers) such that R′4-xSi(RO)x where x is, on average between 3 and 4, polymerization leads to a 3-dimensional Si—O—Si network. The reactive alkoxy (RO) groups crosslink to form a 3-dimensional network and the final solid material contains properties imparted by the organic R′ moiety. Thus, R′ may be chosen to enhance chemical compatibility between particular nanoclusters and the reactive polymer matrix without interfering with the network forming R-groups, which largely determine the optical quality of the matrix. Other advantages of this family of materials are high condensation efficiencies and resulting low porosity.
Seddon and Ou (A. B. Seddon and D. L. Ou, "CdSe Quantum Dot Doped Amine-Functionalized Ormosils," J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol. 13 (1998) p. 623-628) have isolated nanosized phenyl-capped CdSe particles (quantum dots) after preparation inside reversed micelles present in AOT/H2O/heptane and redispersed them in amine-functionalized ormosils derived from 3-aminopropyl(trimethoxy)silane.
Mulvaney and Liz-Marzan (P. C. Mulvaney and L. M. Liz-Marzan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,168) claim a method for preparing a coated particle comprising admixing a source of a particle, a source of coating, and a bifunctional ligand and allowing the bifunctional ligand and coating to deposit on the particle.
Silicones are macromolecules comprised of a polymer backbone of Si and O with organic side groups attached to the Si atoms. Silicones are also termed polysiloxanes. Selection of suitable organic side groups can enable cross-linking to form a polymer network.
Kambe and coworkers (Kambe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,490) report inorganic particle/polymer composites that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the compound. The inorganic particles are formed prior to their reaction with the polymer to form the composite. In a first aspect, the invention of Kambe et al. pertains to a composite composition comprising a polymer having side groups, chemically-bonded to inorganic particles. In another aspect, the invention pertains to a composite composition comprising inorganic particles chemically bonded to a polymer through a linkage comprising a plurality of functional groups, the polymer selected from a group including polysiloxanes. The polymers posses functional side groups and/or terminal sites that can be chemically bonded with the inorganic particles, which generally are functionalized by bonding with a linker compound. In a further aspect, the invention of Kambe et al. pertains to a composite composition comprising a polymer chemically bonded to inorganic particles, wherein the inorganic particles comprise a metal. In addition, the invention pertains to a collection of metal/metalloid oxide or metal/metalloid nitride particles that are chemically bonded through a chemical linkage comprising an amine group, an amide group, a sulfide group, a disulfide group, an alkoxy group, a ester group, an acid anhydride group. The linkage is chemically bonded with a polymer. In other aspects, the invention pertains to a method for forming chemically bonded polymer inorganic particle composites. The method comprises binding side chain functional groups of polymer units to functional groups of a linker compound bonded to the inorganic particles.
In some embodiments of Kambe et al., the polymer incorporates the inorganic particles into the polymer network. This can be performed by reacting a functional group of the linker compound with terminal groups of a polymer molecule. Alternatively, the inorganic particles can be present during the polymerization process such that the functionalized inorganic particles are directly incorporated into the polymer structure as it is formed. In other embodiments, the inorganic particles are grafted onto the polymer by reacting the linker functional groups with functional groups on polymer side groups. The inorganic particles generally include metal or metalloid elements in their elemental form or in compounds. Specifically, the inorganic particles can include, for example, elemental metal or elemental metalloid, i.e. un-ionized elements, metal/metalloid oxides, metal/metalloid nitrides, metal/metalloid carbides, metal/metalloid sulfides or combinations thereof. Metalloids are elements that exhibit chemical properties intermediate between or inclusive of metals and nonmetals. Metalloid elements include silicon, boron, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. Preferred particles have an average diameter of less than about 500 nanometers (nm). Suitable nanoparticles can be formed, for example, by flame synthesis, combustion, or sol gel approach. Preferred methods for synthesizing the particles include laser pyrolysis in which light from an intense focused source drives the reaction to form the particles. Laser pyrolysis is useful in the formation of particles that are highly uniform in composition, crystallinity and size. To form the desired composites, the inorganic particles are modified on their surface by chemical bonding to one or more linker molecules. The ratio of linker composition to inorganic particles preferably is at least one linker molecular per inorganic particle. The linker molecules surface modify the inorganic particles, i.e., functionalize the inorganic particles. While the linker molecules bond to the inorganic particles, they are not necessarily bonded to the inorganic particles prior to bonding to the polymers. They can be bonded first to the polymers and only then bonded to the particles. Alternatively, they can bond to the two species simultaneously.

In-situ formation of nanoparticles within a silicon-based matrix


A method of forming a transflective LCD panel is provided. The transflective LCD includes a substrate, a first polycrystalline silicon pattern disposed in a reflection region, a second polycrystalline silicon pattern disposed in a peripheral region, an insulating layer disposed on the first and second polycrystalline silicon pattern and the substrate, a gate electrode disposed in the reflection region, a common electrode disposed in the peripheral region, a first inter-layer dielectric disposed on the insulating layer, the gate electrode and the common electrode, a reflection electrode disposed on the first inter-layer dielectric, a second inter-layer dielectric disposed on the first inter-layer dielectric and the reflection electrode, and a transmission electrode disposed on the second inter-layer dielectric and electrically connected to the reflection electrode through an opening of the second inter-layer dielectric. The second polycrystalline silicon pattern, the common electrode, and the insulating layer disposed therebetween form a storage capacitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transflective liquid crystal display panel and method of making the same, and more particularly, to a transflective liquid crystal display panel with high aperture ratio, and a method of making the same with simplified process steps.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Liquid crystal display (LCD), based on different light sources, may be classified into three types including: transmission type, reflection type and transflective type. The transmission LCD requires a back light module, which is disposed behind the LCD panel and able to generate light beams passing the LCD panel so that the user can see images in front of the transmission LCD. The reflective LCD uses ambient light as its light source, and requires forming reflection electrodes in each pixel. The ambient light enters the reflective LCD from its front side (observation screen) and is reflected by the reflection electrodes so that the user can see images from the front side of the reflective LCD. The transflective LCD includes both transmission mode and reflection mode. Each pixel includes a transmission region which uses back light source, and a reflection region which uses ambient light as its light source.
Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional transflective LCD. As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional LCD includes a substrate 10 having reflection regions 12 and transmission regions 14 defined thereon. Each reflection region 12 includes a thin film transistor (TFT) formed therein. The TFT comprises a semiconductor layer including a channel 16, a source electrode 18, a drain electrode 20 and two lightly doped drains (LDDs) 21, a gate insulating layer 22, and a gate electrode 24. The source electrode 18 and the drain electrode 20 are disposed on two opposite side of the channel 16 respectively. One of the LDD 21 is disposed between the source electrode 18 and the channel 16, and the other LDD 21 is between the drain electrode 20 and the channel 16. The gate insulating layer 22 is disposed on the channel 16, the source electrode 18 and the drain electrode 20. The gate electrode 24 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 22 and corresponding to the channel 16.
The gate insulating layer 22 and the gate electrode 24 are covered with a first inter-layer dielectric layer 26. The first inter-layer dielectric layer 26 and the gate insulating layer 22 disposed beneath have two openings respective exposing the source electrode 18 and the drain electrode 20. A data line 28 and a drain pad 30 are disposed on the first inter-layer dielectric layer 26. The data line 28 fills into the opening over the source electrode 18 so as to electrically connect to the source electrode 18; the drain pad 30 fills into the opening over the drain electrode 20 so as to electrically connect to the drain electrode 20. In the reflection region 12, the first inter-layer dielectric layer 26, the data line 28 and the drain pad 30 are covered with a second inter-layer dielectric layer 32. The second inter-layer dielectric layer 32 has an opening exposing the drain pad 30. The second inter-layer dielectric layer 30 and the first inter-layer dielectric layer 26 are covered with a transmission electrode 34, where the transmission electrode 34 is electrically connected to the drain pad 30 and the drain electrode 20 via the opening of the second inter-layer dielectric layer 32. The transmission electrode 34 also extends to the transmission region 14. In addition, a reflection electrode 36 is disposed on the transmission electrode 34 in the reflection region 12, and the reflection electrode 36 is electrically connected to the drain electrode 20 through the transmission electrode 34 and the drain pad 30.
The conventional transflective LCD, however, suffers from the following drawbacks. First, the conventional transflective LCD has to be fabricated by at least eight photolithographic processes to define the semiconductor layer, the source electrode/drain electrode, the LDD, the gate electrode, the first inter-layer dielectric layer, the data line/drain pad, the second inter-layer dielectric layer, the transmission electrode/reflection electrode respectively, and the process step is therefore complicated. In addition, the second inter-layer dielectric layer is formed in the reflection region but not in the transmission region, which generates a height gap between the reflection region and the transmission region. This height gap increases the difficulty in rubbing the alignment patterns, controlling the cell gap, and arranging the spacers in successive liquid crystal process.

Method of forming transflective liquid crystal display panel


The present invention provides a zero pollution recovery system for safely producing anhydrous fluorine hydride, comprising: a compartment, a reactor for producing fluorine hydride, and a water pool; the reactor is disposed in the compartment; the water pool is disposed at the bottom of the compartment; absorption hoods are respectively disposed above both ends of the reactor for absorbing fluorine hydride gas; at least two absorption towers mutually connected in series via pipes are disposed above the compartment; water pipes connected with the water pool are respectively disposed at the top and bottom of the absorption tower; and a cooler and a receiver connected with the water pool is disposed on the pipes. The present invention has the advantages of being able to control the range over which fluorine hydride can diffuse.

Anhydrous fluorine hydride is an important industrial raw material, but is an extremely strong, toxic, and environment-harmful corrodent itself, the leakage of which will result in significant hazard to the populations and farm crops around the same. There is inevitable leakage of fluorine hydride during charging and discharging. Furthermore, in the case of inappropriate controlling of reaction temperature or speed, excessive pressure will be caused, resulting in automatic opening of relieve valve disposed at both ends of the reactor and releasing of fluorine hydrogen from both ends of the reactor, which causes environmental pollution and vast material wasting.
In view of the above reasons, how to find a way for safe and environment-friendly preparation and reuse of anhydrous fluorine hydride determines the prospect of the production industry of fluorine hydride and the protection of local environment and resources, as well as the carrying out and execution of the policies on clean production technologies and comprehensive resource utilization strongly advocated by our nation.

Zero pollution recovery system for safely producing anhydrous fluorine hydride

SHENZHEN SUNXING LIGHT ALLOYS MATERIALS CO., LTD.


An aqueous tire wheel cleaner composition useful for cleaning automobile tires are provided. The aqueous tire wheel cleaner composition contains an alkylene glycol, a salt of dialkyl sulfosuccinate, and as surfactants ethanol amine and an ethoxylate phosphate ester.

Tire wheels are mounted on tires of automobiles and hence a variety of grime can be deposited on the tire wheels in an amount increased with time. The condition of wheels has a major effect on the over all appearance of a car. However, in the course of driving wheels come across a variety of environmental conditions. They are constantly subjected to an array of aggressive contaminants including brake dust, salt, and traffic film.
In addition to heated particles from brake pads, discs, and brake lining, which bombard coated or uncoated wheel surfaces, there are also particles from air and dirt/soil from roads that easily adhere to the rough build up, which also incorporates a range of salts and acids. Composition of soil may vary with location and driving conditions. However, harm is always more pronounced in the presence of moisture, which reacts with soil, and break dust and coatings become destroyed followed by damage of the wheels.
In general, dirt found on wheels is from organic and inorganic origin. Organic dirt includes mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal fat and fine particles of carbon black and graphite, while dust, traffic dirt and metal particulates from break dust are considered inorganic. The composition of brake pads may vary by type of resin used as well as on the metal ratio. Thus due to the variability of road soil and brake dust, the material to be cleaned from each vehicle wheel varies every time it is cleaned.

Tire wheel cleaner comprising a dialkyl sulfosuccinate and ethoxylated phosphate ester surfactant mixture


A cooling apparatus for a circuit module having a substrate extending axially with an IC chip of a first type and IC chips of a second type mounted thereon, comprising: a first heat spreading element disposed to form a heat conduction path with the IC chip of the first type; and a second heat spreading element disposed to form a heat conduction path with the IC chips of the second type, wherein there is at least one IC chip of the second type mounted axially away from opposite sides of the IC chip of the first type, wherein the first type of IC chip is capable of generating a larger amount of heat than the second type of IC chips, and the first heat spreading element has a higher thermal conductivity than the second heat spreading element.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a cooling apparatus for memory modules, more particularly, to a cooling apparatus for a Fully Buffered Dual In-lined Memory Module (FBDIMM).
2. Discussion of Related Art
A memory module having a plurality of chips mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) may be classified as a single in-line memory module (SIMM) or a dual in-line memory module (DIMM). A SIMM is a memory module having memory chips mounted on a single side of a PCB and a DIMM is a memory module having memory chips mounted on both sides of the PCB. FBDIMMs are DIMMs which operate in accordance with a packet protocol, which usually operate at higher-speed and at higher capacity than non FBDIMMs.
The FBDIMM includes a plurality of memory chips and an advanced memory buffer (AMB) which handles received packets at high data rate and converts the packets into memory commands. The AMB interfaces with memory chips mounted on the DIMM and transfers data to and from the plurality of memory chips. Due to the high speed operation and large volume of data transfer, a large amount of heat is generated. The AMB is usually the chip that generates the most heat and thus operates at a higher temperature among all chips onboard the FBDIMM. It is not unusual to find the heat generated by the AMB being an order of magnitude higher than that of the memory circuit chips of the FBDIMM.
Conventionally, one or more heat sink or heat spreading device can be coupled to the AMB to spread the heat generated there-from. FIG. 10 shows a single heat spreader 310 coupled to the AMB 220. The heat spreader 310 dissipates heat from the AMB 220 but heat generated from the circuit chips 230 are not dissipated with any heat spreading medium other than the natural airflow. FIG. 11 shows a conventional monolithic heat spreading device 410 which is placed on the AMB 220 and on circuit chips 230 of the same line. In such configuration, with the AMB and the circuit chips operating at different temperatures, the heat spreader 410 may not dissipate heat effectively because the heat spreader 410 may act as a heat conduit to raise instead of lower the temperature at the circuit chips disposed adjacent to the AMB 220. Further, dissipation of heat at the hottest operating chip may be difficult when adjacent chips are also generating heat, aggregating instead of spreading heat generated from all the chips.
A need therefore exists for a monolithic cooling apparatus having a plurality of heat spreaders and having varying heat-dissipating characteristics to correspond to the different amount of heat generated from different chips on the package.
A need also exists for a cooling apparatus having multiple heat spreading portions, with a high heat spreading portion thermally coupled to an AMB and lesser heat spreading portions thermally coupled to memory modules of an FBDIMM.


Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of an oxyhydroxide compound that is capable of decomposing to form at least one product capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The oxyhydroxide compound and/or the product formed from the decomposition of the oxyhydroxide can be in the form of nanoparticles. Cut filler compositions are described which comprise tobacco and at least one such oxyhydroxide compound. Cigarettes are provided, which comprise a tobacco rod, containing a cut filler having at least one such oxyhydroxide compound. Methods for making a cigarette are provided, which involve (i) adding at least one such oxyhydroxide compound to a cut filler; (ii) providing the cut filler comprising the oxyhydroxide compound to a cigarette making machine to form a tobacco rod; and (iii) placing a paper wrapper around the tobacco rod to form the cigarette. Methods of smoking the cigarette, as described above, are also provided, which involve lighting the cigarette to form smoke and inhaling the smoke, wherein during the smoking of the cigarette, the oxyhydroxide compound decomposes during smoking to form a compound that acts as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Various methods for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking have been proposed. For example, British Patent No. 863,287 describes methods for treating tobacco prior to the manufacture of tobacco articles, such that incomplete combustion products are removed or modified during smoking of the tobacco article. In addition, cigarettes comprising absorbents, generally in a filter tip, have been suggested for physically absorbing some of the carbon monoxide. Cigarette filters and filtering materials are described, for example, in U.S. Reissue Pat. No. RE 31,700; U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,412; British Patent No. 973,854; British Patent No. 685,822; British Patent No. 1,104,993 and Swiss patent 609,217. However, such methods are usually not completely efficient.
Catalysts for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,317,460, 4,956,330; 5,258,330; 4,956,330; 5,050,621; and 5,258,340, as well as in British Patent No. 1,315,374. The disadvantages of incorporating a conventional catalyst into a cigarette include the large quantities of oxidant that need to be incorporated into the filter to achieve considerable reduction of carbon monoxide. Moreover, if the ineffectiveness of the heterogeneous reaction is taken into account, the amount of the oxidant required would be even larger.
Metal oxides, such as iron oxide have also been incorporated into cigarettes for various purposes. See, for example, International Publications WO 87/06104 and WO 00/40104, as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,807,416 and 3,720,214. Iron oxide has also been proposed for incorporation into tobacco articles, for a variety of other purposes. For example, iron oxide has been described as particulate inorganic filler (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,197,861; 4,195,645; and 3,931,824), as a coloring agent (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,104) and in powder form as a burn regulator (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,663). In addition, several patents describe treating filler materials with powdered iron oxide to improve taste, color and/or appearance (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,095,152; 5,598,868; 5,129,408; 5,105,836 and 5,101,839). However, the prior attempts to make cigarettes incorporating metal oxides, such as FeO or Fe2O3 have not led to the effective reduction of carbon monoxide in mainstream smoke.
Despite the developments to date, there remains a need for improved and more efficient methods and compositions for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking. Preferably, such methods and composition should not involve expensive or time consuming manufacturing and/or processing steps. More preferably, it should be possible to catalyze or oxidize carbon monoxide not only in the filter region of the cigarette, but also along the entire length of the cigarette during smoking.

Use of oxyhydroxide compounds for reducing carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette


The present disclosure provides a capsule comprising one or more solid oral care ingredients, said capsule being adapted for use in an apparatus that combines a solvent, for example water, and the oral care ingredients to provide a liquid, for example aqueous, oral care composition. The present disclosure also provides apparatus adapted to provide an aqueous oral care composition by directing water through the capsule; aqueous oral care compositions prepared by use of the capsule and/or apparatus, and methods for the use of the aqueous oral care compositions.

There are numerous oral case mouthwash products available for a variety of uses. These products are typically sold as ready-to-use solutions. However, in many instances, more effective formulations are not available because of potential interaction between ingredients when dissolved together and stored for the expected shelf-life of the product. In addition, the consumer has little choice regarding the specific ingredients of commercially available mouthwashes.
It would be desirable to have a system whereby more effective formulations could be provided to the consumer, and the consumer could also have more choice in the mouthwash ingredients.

Oral care compositions and dispensing system therefor


A torsional vibration damper for transferring torque between a first and a second rotatable element, having a rotatable pressure plate to transfer the torque from the first element, a rotatable output element to transfer the torque to the second element, and a vibration damper element to transfer the torque between the pressure plate and the output element, where the vibration damper element includes an energy-storing spring system. A driving element is formed in a single piece on the pressure plate to fit against the spring system.

A torsional vibration damper is utilized, for example, in a motor vehicle, so as to transfer torque between a drive motor and a gear unit or a drivetrain. In this case, the torsional vibration damper includes one or more elements for decoupling torsional vibrations between the drive motor and the gear unit. Torsional vibrations can be caused, for example, on the part of the drive motor, when the drive motor is a reciprocating engine whose torque output runs non-uniformly over an angle of rotation of the output shaft.
A customary arrangement of a torsional vibration damper includes a compression spring or bow spring, which is situated in the region of a circumference around an axis of rotation such that it is able to temporarily store and re-emit energy depending on the torque input into the torsional vibration damper. The torque of the drive motor is transferred through a friction-disk clutch to a saucer-shaped metal plate, which is connected by means of claw gearing to a second saucer-shaped metal plate, which is engaged with one end of the spring. The other end of the spring acts on an intermediate flange, which is connected to a hub through which the torque can be delivered to the transmission.
The claw gearing between the two saucer-shaped metal plates usually has free play, so that while idling, for example, when the torsional vibration damper is being moved but is transferring practically no torque, rattling noises can develop which may be perceived as unpleasant. Furthermore, imprecise centering of the second saucer-shaped metal plate can give rise to imbalance of the torsional vibration damper, which can likewise result in annoying noise. The object of the invention is therefore to specify a torsional vibration damper that overcomes the named disadvantages.


Provided is a gas sensor achieving improvement in detection accuracy for a specific gas component and responsiveness for detecting the specific gas component. A guide body is provided at a base end section of a first inner circulation hole in an inner cover of the gas sensor. The base end section is located between a base end position P1 2 mm away from a tip end of a sensor element in an axial direction L towards a base end side L1 and a tip end position P2 2 mm away from the tip end towards a tip end side L2. The tip end is on the base end side L1 relative to an imaginary line K passing through a base end and a tip end on a surface on the tip end side of the guide body.

Some gas sensors are used for detecting a specific gas component in measured gas which is exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust pipe of an engine. A sensor element which includes a solid electrolyte body and an electrode provided on the solid electrolyte body is held by a housing mounted on the exhaust pipe. A detection section which is provided at a tip end section of the sensor element in the exhaust pipe is covered and protected with an inner cover and an outer cover which covers the inner cover.
For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a gas sensor which includes a sensor element and an inner cover and an outer cover which cover a detection section of the sensor element and each have an opening through which measured gas circulates. In the gas sensor, the opening in a side wall section of the inner cover is located on a tip end side of the sensor element in an axial direction relative to the opening in a side wall section of the outer cover. The opening in the side wall section of the inner cover faces the axial direction of the sensor element. The opening in the side wall section of the outer cover and the opening in the side wall section of the inner cover are formed such that positions of the openings do not overlap each other and that directions of the openings are different from each other.


A MIM nonlinear device is provided having a large nonlinearity coefficient that represents the sharpness of the voltage-current characteristic. A liquid-crystal display panel may be manufactured using the device to exhibit high image-quality. A method for manufacturing such a MIM nonlinear device is also provided. A MIM nonlinear device may include a first conductive film, an insulating film and a second conductive film laminated on a substrate. The insulating film may contain water at a content gradient descending in the direction of the film thickness from the surface facing the second conductive film. The hydrogen spectrum that is derived from the water and obtained by a secondary ion-mass spectrography (SIMS) elemental analysis with the radiation of cesium primary ions exhibits a peak near a surface of the insulating film facing the second conductive film. Additionally, the thermal desorption spectroscopy of the insulating film has a peak derived from water in the insulating film within a range of 220.degree. C..+-.5.degree. C.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a two-terminal nonlinear device used as a switching device, a method for manufacturing the two-terminal nonlinear device, and a liquid-crystal display panel including the two-terminal nonlinear device.
2. Description of Related Art
An active matrix-type liquid-crystal display may include an active-matrix substrate in which a switching device is provided for each pixel area to form a matrix array. Liquid crystals may be packed between opposing substrates provided with color filters. In such a liquid-crystal display, alignment of the liquid crystal in each pixel area is controlled to display desired image information. In general, a three-terminal device such as a thin film transistor (TFT) or a two-terminal device such as a metal/insulating material/metal (MIM) nonlinear device is used as a switching device. A two-terminal device used as a switching device is more advantageous than a three-terminal device since two-terminal devices are free of cross-over shorting and can be manufactured by a simpler process.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-50081 discloses a technique for improving nonlinearity of a MIM nonlinear device. In this technique, a tantalum film is subjected to anodic oxidation and heat-treated at 400.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere to improve nonlinearity, especially sharpness of the voltage-current characteristic. However, sufficient nonlinearity has not yet been achieved even by this technique.

Two-terminal nonlinear device, method for manufacturing the same, and liquid-crystal display panel


Embodiments provide automated access policy enforcement, content rule enforcement, and data transformations in a binary large object (blob) storage service. Verified and unverified clients are allowed varying degrees of access to stored blobs. In response to a read request associated with a target blob of a particular blob type, criteria from the read request are used to execute one or more transformation functions defined by the blob type to create transformed data, and the transformed data is provided to the client. In response to a write request including a target blob of a particular blob type, a set of content rules associated with the blob type is executed against the target blob. The target blob is stored based on the content rules being successfully executed.

In some existing software systems, when an application such as a game accesses (e.g., reads and/or writes) data using a storage service, the application must supply all business logic related to validating, transforming, and securing that data. Further, existing binary large object (blob) storage systems treat blobs as opaque binary objects and do not enable an application to access individual data elements within a blob.


A tracking assistance device for assisting a monitoring person in tracking a moving object by displaying on a display device a monitoring screen in which display views for displaying in real time captured images taken by respective cameras are arranged on a map image representing a monitored area in accordance with an actual arrangement of the cameras, includes: a target-to-be-tracked setting unit that, in response to an input operation performed by the monitoring person on one of the display views to designate a moving object to be tracked, sets the designated moving object as a target to be tracked; a prediction unit that predicts a next display view in which the moving object set as the target to be tracked will appear next based on tracing information obtained by processing the captured images; and a display view indicating unit that indicates the next display view on the monitoring screen.

Some of the widely used monitoring systems include multiple cameras set up in a monitored area and a monitor adapted to display a monitoring screen in which multiple display sections are arranged to display in real time captured images taken by respective cameras so that a monitoring person can monitor the monitored area. In such a monitoring system, if the monitoring person finds a suspicious person in the monitoring screen, the monitoring person will keep track of the suspicious person while watching the multiple display sections in the monitoring screen to see how the person behaves thereafter.
In a case where the monitoring person keeps track of a person while watching the multiple display sections in the monitoring screen as mentioned above, the monitoring person is required to determine the display section in which the person will appear (or be displayed) next from the direction of movement of the person being monitored, but if it took much time to determine the next display section, the monitoring person may lose sight of the person to be monitored. Therefore, a configuration to reduce the burden of the monitoring person and allow tracking of a person to be carried out smoothly is demanded.
With regard to such a demand, a technology is conventionally known in which based on information such as a direction of movement of a person being monitored, the camera that will next capture the image of the person is predicted, and the display section displaying the captured image taken by this camera is displayed adjacent to the display section in which the person being monitored currently appears (refer to JP2005-012415A). A technology is also known in which a monitoring screen is displayed such that the monitoring screen includes a map image representing a monitored area, on which images representing cameras (camera marks) and display sections for displaying the captured images taken by the cameras are arranged (refer to JP2010-268186A).
In a case where the camera that will next capture the image of the person being monitored is predicted as in the technology disclosed in JP2005-012415A, if a failure occurs in detecting the direction of movement of the person being monitored or the like, a wrong camera may be predicted, and this may cause the monitoring person to lose sight of the person being monitored. Thus, a configuration which, upon occurrence of a failure in detecting the direction of movement of the like, makes an appropriate correction in accordance with a correction instruction input by the monitoring person is demanded.
With regard to such a demand, a technology is known in which a tracing device is configured to perform a tracing process using a point of interest set on a moving object and, if the tracing of the point of interest becomes difficult, change the point of interest in accordance with a correction instruction input by a user (monitoring person) to thereby continue the tracing process (refer to JP2007-272732A).

Tracking assistance device, tracking assistance system and tracking assistance method

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A jump enhancement system is provided for use while riding upon a water or snow planing apparatus towed behind a boat or snowmobile. The system includes an aerodynamic lift generator, such as a parachute, coupled to the user. Most preferably, a flotation or padded/insulated vest is provided which includes leg harnesses and which can be worn by the user with a cord collector coupled to the flotation vest and securing a cord to the flotation or padded/insulated vest which also extends to the parachute. The cord collector is biased to cause the cord to be collected adjacent the user when no drag forces are exerted upon the parachute. When any such drag forces are experienced, the cord is deployed out of the cord collector so that the parachute is deployed. The parachute is thus in position to enhance a height and duration of jumps off of the surface.

One of the desirable aspects of boating involves practicing various different activities while being towed behind the boat and planing on the surface of the water through some form of towable water planing apparatus. While such activity originally was restricted primarily to water skiing, numerous other activities have gained popularity which are practiced while being towed behind a boat. Such activities include knee boarding, where a user kneels upon a board and is towed behind the boat with a standard tow rope; tubing, where a user rides upon an air-filled inner tube or other inflatable structure which planes upon the surface of the water while being connected to the boat either directly or through hands of the user; and more recently, wakeboarding. With wakeboarding, the user typically has both feet secured to a relatively wide board (i.e. greater than one foot wide) and with the user towed by a boat at typically a slower speed than is involved with water skiing. One activity enjoyed by a wakeboarder is traversing the wake of the boat and becoming airborne.
Numerous apparatuses have been developed to enhance the height and duration of jumps enjoyed by a wakeboarder. Such devices include devices to enhance a size of the wake, so that a greater amount of lifting force can be generated by the user riding up over the wake. Other devices involve towers or poles to cause a tow rope to be suspended from a higher point so that towing forces from the boat have a substantial lifting component acting upon the user. With the utilization of such devices, an accomplished wakeboarder can perform numerous tricks including flips, spins, and other enjoyable activities.
Unfortunately, even with the best of wake size conditions and pole or tower arrangements, jumps experienced by wakeboard users are still relatively limited in height and duration. Thus, these desirable jumps are limited to only a small portion of the overall wakeboarding experience. Accordingly, a need exists for systems for further enhancing height and duration of jumps which can be experienced by a wakeboarder. Such systems could optionally be enjoyed not only by wakeboarders, but also by users of water skis, knee boards, inner tubes, or other water surface planing apparatuses, as well as users of snowboards or skiers on snow who jump over snow ramps, either with or without being towed by a vehicle.
One sport which provides an extreme level of elevation while being towed behind a boat is the sport of parasailing. With parasailing, a modified parachute, called a parasail, is deployed behind a boat with the parasail riding above and to the rear of the boat due to a combination of lift and drag forces exerted upon the parasail. A cord extending between the parasail and the boat has a midpoint thereon where a user or group of users are located. The user or group of users are either wearing a harness or supported within some form of platform which is coupled to this cord, or otherwise coupled to both the parasail and the boat so that the parasail and boat are always secured to each other.
Parasailing is unique from wakeboarding and other water sports enjoyed behind a motorboat in that the user does not plane upon the surface. Also, the user does not exercise any control, with all control being employed by the driver of the boat and any other personnel controlling a length of the cord extending from the boat to the parasail. Reducing the size of a parasail, or a speed of the boat so that a user would ride upon the surface is not a practical solution. If a user were to fall, the user would have no way of releasing from the boat, and would experience undesirable dragging through the water until the driver of the boat realized that the user had fallen. Hence, while parasail configurations provide an enjoyable activity of their own, such parasail devices are distinct from other boat towed activities which involve the user borne upon a water planing apparatus where the user exhibits a significant level of control over the activity.


Provided are a battery protection IC and a battery device, which are capable of ensuring safety even when a charger is connected in a reverse direction. The battery protection IC includes a first switch element provided between an overcurrent detection terminal and a VDD terminal so that, when the charger is connected with reverse polarity, the first switch element interrupts a current path between the overcurrent detection terminal and the VDD terminal. The battery protection IC further includes a second switch element provided between a charge control terminal and the VDD terminal so that, when the charger is connected with reverse polarity, the second switch element interrupts a current path between the charge control terminal and the VDD terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery protection IC and a battery device, and more particularly, to protection of an IC when a charger is connected to a battery device in a reverse direction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Nowadays, portable electronic devices have become widespread, and those devices are driven by a battery device. The battery device includes a secondary battery and a battery protection IC incorporating a protection circuit for controlling charge/discharge of the secondary battery. The battery protection IC has the function of controlling the charge/discharge of the secondary battery and also the function of protecting the secondary battery from an overcharge, an overdischarge, and an overcurrent. Further, the battery protection IC has another function of protecting the secondary battery and an IC even when a charger for charging the secondary battery is connected with reverse polarity to that in normal connection.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a battery protection IC 3 and a battery device 1.
The battery device 1 includes a secondary battery 2, the battery protection IC 3, a discharge control FET 4 and a charge control FET 5 serving as switches, a capacitor 6, an input resistor 7, a current limiting resistor 8, and external terminals 11 and 12 to be connected to a charger 13 or a load. The battery protection IC 3 includes an overdischarge detection circuit 31, an overcharge detection circuit 32, an overcurrent detection circuit 33, a control circuit 34, a VDD terminal 15, a VSS terminal 16, a CO terminal 17 for charge control, a DO terminal 18 for discharge control, and a VM terminal 19 for overcurrent detection.
The secondary battery 2 has a positive terminal connected to the VDD terminal 15 of the battery protection IC 3 via the input resistor 7, and a negative terminal connected to the VSS terminal 16 of the battery protection IC 3. The capacitor 6 is connected to the VDD terminal 15 and the VSS terminal 16 of the battery protection IC 3. The discharge control FET 4 and the charge control FET 5 are connected in series between the negative terminal of the secondary battery 2 and the external terminal 12 of the battery device 1. The discharge control FET 4 has a gate connected to the discharge control terminal DO of the battery protection IC 3. The charge control FET 5 has a gate connected to the charge control terminal CO of the battery protection IC 3. The discharge control FET 4 and the charge control FET 5 are each provided with a gate oxide film protection diode between its gate and source. The current limiting resistor 8 is connected between the VM terminal 19 of the battery protection IC 3 and the external terminal 12.
The overdischarge detection circuit 31 and the overcharge detection circuit 32 each have input terminals connected to the VDD terminal 15 and the VSS terminal 16, and an output terminal connected to the control circuit 34. The overcurrent detection circuit 33 has input terminals connected to the VM terminal 19 and the VSS terminal 16, and an output terminal connected to the control circuit 34 (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-177937).
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating parasitic diodes of the conventional battery protection IC 3.
The parasitic diodes of the battery protection IC 3 are typically parasitic capacitances of transistors in the circuit. For example, a parasitic diode D1 is present between the VM terminal 19 and the VDD terminal 15. Further, parasitic diodes D2, D3, and D4 are present between the CO terminal 17 and the VDD terminal 15. Still further, parasitic diodes D5 and D6 are present between the DO terminal 18 and the VDD terminal 15.
The charger 13 outputs a high voltage of about 30 V. The charger 13 is connected so that a high potential is connected to the external terminal 11 side of the battery device 1 and a low potential is connected to the external terminal 12 side of the battery device 1.
When the charger 13 is connected to the battery device 1 in the reverse direction, an abnormal current is generated in the battery device 1 in the following current paths.
First, the parasitic diode present between the VM terminal 19 and the VDD terminal 15 is connected in the forward direction, and a current flows in a path from the charger 13 to the current limiting resistor 8, the VM terminal 19, the parasitic diode D1 (D3 and D4), the input resistor 7, and the charger 13 in this order.
Next, a gate oxide film protection diode of the charge control FET 5 operates so as to clamp a potential difference between the gate and the source of the charge control FET 5. Accordingly, the parasitic diode connected to the CO terminal 17 of the battery protection IC 3 is connected in the forward direction, and a current flows in a path from the charger 13 to the gate oxide film protection diode of the charge control FET 5, the CO terminal 17, the parasitic diode D4, the input resistor 7, and the charger 13 in this order.
When those currents flow, a voltage is generated across the input resistor 7, and hence a voltage exceeding a rated voltage is applied between VDD and VSS of the battery protection IC 3.
In this case, the current limiting resistor 8 connected to the VM terminal 19 of the battery protection IC 3 suppresses a current when the charger 13 is connected in the reverse direction. Further, a resistor R1 provided in the path from the CO terminal 17 to the VDD terminal 15 also suppresses a current when the charger 13 is connected in the reverse direction. In this way, the current limiting resistors are provided in the internal current paths, to thereby suppress the current when the charger 13 is connected in the reverse direction.
However, the battery protection IC 3 and the battery device 1 described above need the current limiting resistor 8, and hence there is a problem that the number of external components of the battery protection IC 3 increases.
Further, the internal current limiting resistor has a tradeoff relationship to the influence on the normal operation of the battery protection IC 3, and hence there is a problem that the resistance value thereof cannot be increased unnecessarily.

Battery protection IC and battery device


A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.

Running boards or assist steps, are often mounted on vehicles for assisting the user to climb into and out of the vehicle. Such running boards also have decorative function and are often added as an accessory either as part of an original installation or as part of an aftermarket installation to add to the vehicle aesthetics.
One such running board is illustrated in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,309 (issued Sep. 13, 2011), the contents of which are incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,309 details a running board assembly for mounting to a vehicle such as a truck, the assembly including an extruded running board body and a cover member. The extruded running board body is made from an extrudable plastic and the cover member is made of a material having the desired exterior finish. The cover member may be metallic and have the appearance of a chrome or polished finish. The cover extends over the upper and outboard surface of the running board body to provide the desired appearance characteristics. As generally known in the art, running boards of this and other designs are affixed to the vehicle using one or more mounting brackets.


Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station. A bridge is mounted for movement along a track which is parallel to the path. The bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path. A swing frame assembly is mounted on the bridge for movement between the pick-up station and the path. The swing frame assembly has a pivoted arm which swings about a generally vertical axis. The arm is swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at the pick-up station to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the body and installed therein when the carriage moves along the bridge and the bridge moves in unison with the body. A second bridge spaced from the first bridge is in the direction of the vehicle body movement also moves along the track. A second swing frame assembly is movable along the second bridge and has a pivoted arm provided with a mounting unit on the swinging end of the arm to complete the attachment of the instrument panel assembly to the frame of the vehicle body.

A substantial amount of manual labor is still required in the assembly of automobiles. To the extent that mechanical and power equipment can be employed in these processes, less time and physical labor are required and fewer injuries incurred.
The apparatus of the present invention is especially adapted to transfer an instrument panel assembly to a moving vehicle body on an assembly line in an automobile assembly plant and install it in the body.
In the specific embodiment about to be described, a bridge is mounted for movement on a track that extends generally parallel to the assembly line along which the vehicle bodies move. The bridge extends between a pick-up station and the path of the vehicle bodies. A swing frame assembly is movable along the bridge. A pivoted arm on the swing frame assembly swings from a receiving position adjacent the pick-up station where it picks up an instrument panel assembly, to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the vehicle body when the swing frame assembly is moved along the bridge towards the assembly line. The instrument panel assembly is then secured to the body. Means are provided for moving the bridge in unison with the vehicle body to facilitate entry of the instrument panel assembly thereinto.
Farther along the assembly line, a second bridge is mounted for movement along the track and a second swing frame assembly is movable along the second bridge. The second swing frame assembly is maneuvered into the interior of the vehicle body and has means for completing the securement of the instrument panel assembly in the installed position. During this time the second bridge moves in unison with the vehicle body.
It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for installing instrument panel assemblies in vehicle bodies having the foregoing general capabilities.
Another object is to provide apparatus for transferring instrument panel assemblies to automotive vehicle bodies and installing them therein which is of relatively simple construction and operation.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as the following description proceeds, especially when considered with the accompanying drawings.

Apparatus for installing instrument panel assemblies in automotive vehicle bodies


There is provided a portable information apparatus including an EL display device which can reduce consumed electric power at the time when a still picture is displayed. In the EL display device included in the portable information apparatus, a plurality of memory circuits and a D/A converter are arranged in a pixel. When the EL display device displays the still picture, picture display functions other than the EL display device and control circuits for controlling the EL display device are stopped, so that the portable information apparatus capable of reducing the consumed electric power can be obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable information apparatus, and more particularly, to a portable information apparatus incorporating a display device using an organic EL (electroluminescence) element, such as a portable telephone, a PDA, a portable personal computer, a portable navigation system, and an electronic book.
Note that, in the present specification, the EL element indicates both an element using light emission (fluorescence) from a singlet exciton and an element using light emission (phosphorescence) from a triplet exciton.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a portable telephone has become popular by the development of a communication technique. In future, electrical transmission of moving pictures, and transmission of a larger amount of information are expected. On the other hand, a personal computer is also made lightweight, and a product for mobile use is produced. A number of information instruments called personal digital assistants (PDA) starting with electronic notebooks are also produced and are coming into wide use. Further, an EL display device and the like is developed, so that most of the portable information instruments are equipped with flat displays.
Further, in a recent technique, there is a tendency that an active matrix type display device is used as an EL display device employed for those.
In the active matrix type display device, a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as a TFT) is arranged for each pixel, and an image is controlled. As compared with a passive matrix type display device, such an active matrix type display device has merits in that high definition can be achieved, picture quality can be improved, moving pictures can be handled, and the like. Therefore, in future, it appears that the EL display device of a portable information apparatus is changed from the passive matrix type to the active matrix type.
Further, in the active matrix type display devices, in recent years, a display device using low temperature polysilicon has been realized as a product. In a low temperature polysilicon technique, in addition to pixel TFTs constituting pixels, a driving circuit can be formed at the peripheral portion of a pixel portion by using TFTs at the same time, which greatly contributes to miniaturization of a device and reduction in consumed electric power. Accordingly, the EL display device becomes an indispensable device for a display portion of a mobile instrument or the like the application field of which is remarkably expanded in recent years.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a conventional portable information terminal incorporating an EL display device.
The portable information terminal is required to extract information demanded by user as the need arises. The information is stored in a memory device (a DRAM 1509, a flash memory 1510, etc.) in the portable information terminal, is stored in a memory card 1503 inserted into the portable information terminal, or is obtained through connection to an external instrument via an external interface portion 1505. The information is processed by a CPU 1506 on the basis of instructions of the user inputted from a pen input tablet 1501, and an EL display device 1513 carries out a display.
Specifically, a signal inputted from the pen input tablet 1501 is detected by a detection circuit 1502, and is inputted to a tablet interface 1518. This input signal is processed by the tablet interface 1518, and is inputted to a picture signal processing circuit 1507 and the like. The CPU 1506 processes necessary data, converts it into image data on the basis of an image format stored in a VRAM 1511, and sends it to an EL controller 1512. Here, the EL controller 1512 generates a signal for driving the EL display device 1513 and inputs it to the display device 1513. In this way, the display device 1513 is driven to carry out a display.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a conventional portable telephone incorporating an EL display device. The portable telephone includes a transmit-receive circuit 1615, a voice processing circuit 1602 for voice processing a received signal, a speaker 1614, a mike 1608, a keyboard 1601 for inputting data, a keyboard interface 1618 for processing a signal inputted from the keyboard 1601, and the like.
On the basis of the instructions of the user inputted from the keyboard, the CPU 1606 processes information stored in the memory device (a DRAM 1609, a flash memory 1610, etc.), information stored in a memory card 1603 inserted in the portable information terminal, or information obtained through connection to an external instrument via an external interface port 1605, and an EL display device 1613 carries out a display.
Specifically, a signal inputted from the keyboard 1601 is processed by the keyboard interface 1618 and is inputted to a picture signal processing circuit 1607 and the like. A CPU 1606 processes necessary data, converts it into image data on the basis of an image format stored in a VRAM 1611, and sends it to an EL controller 1612. Here, the EL controller 1612 generates a signal for driving the EL display device 1613, and inputs it to the display device. In this way, the display device is driven to carry out a display.
An example of a structure of the transmit-receive circuit 1615 is shown in FIG. 26.
The transmit-receive circuit 1615 includes an antenna 2602, filters 2603, 2607, 2608, 2612, and 2616, a switch 2604, amplifiers 2605, 2606 and 2617, a first frequency changing circuit 2609, a second frequency changing circuit 2613, a frequency changing circuit 2611, oscillation circuits 2610 and 2614, a chopper 2615, a data demodulation circuit 2618, and a data modulation circuit 2619.
Here, as a display device incorporated in the portable information terminal or the portable telephone, a conventional digital system EL display device will be described. FIG. 13 is its schematic view. A pixel portion 1308 is arranged at the center. A source signal line driving circuit 1301 for controlling source signal lines is arranged at the upper side of a pixel portion. The source signal line driving circuit 1301 includes a shift register circuit 1303, a first latch circuit 1304, a second latch circuit 1305, a D/A converter (D/A conversion circuit) 1306, an analog switch 1307, and the like. Gate signal line driving circuits 1302 for controlling gate signal lines are arranged at both sides of the pixel portion. Note that, in FIG. 13, although the gate signal line driving circuits 1302 are arranged at both sides of the pixel portion, they may be arranged at one side. However, the arrangement at both sides is desirable in view of driving efficiency and driving reliability.
The source signal line driving circuit 1301 has a structure as shown in FIG. 14. The driving circuit shown as an example in FIG. 14 is a source signal line driving circuit corresponding to a horizontal resolution of 1024 pixels and a display of 3-bit digital gradation signal, and includes shift register circuits (SR) 1401, first latch circuits (LAT 1) 1402, second latch circuits (LAT 2) 1403, D/A converters (D/A) 1404, and the like. Note that, although not shown in FIG. 14, a buffer circuit, a level shifter circuit, and the like may be arranged as the need arises.
The operation of the display device will be described in brief with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. First, clock signals (S-CLK, S-CLKb) and a start pulse (S-SP) are inputted to the shift register circuit 1303 (expressed as SR in FIG. 14), and pulses (sampling pulses) are sequentially outputted. Subsequently, the pulses are inputted to the first latch circuit 1304 (expressed as LAT 1 in FIG. 14), and digital signals (Digital Data) inputted to the same first latch circuit 1304 are respectively held. Here, Dl is the most significant bit (MSB) and D3 is the least significant bit (LSB). In the first latch circuit 1304, when holding of the digital signals for one horizontal period is completed, the digital signals held in the first latch circuit 1304 are transferred in the retrace period to the second latch circuit 1305 (expressed as LAT 2 in FIG. 14) all at once in accordance with the input of a latch signal (Latch Pulse).
Thereafter, the shift register circuit 1303 is again operated, and holding of digital signals for a next horizontal period is started. At the same time, the digital signals held in the second latch circuit 1305 are converted into analog signals by the D/A converter 1306 (expressed as D/A in FIG. 14). The analog signals are inputted to the pixels through the source signal lines. This operation is repeated, so that an image is displayed.
Subsequently, driving of the pixel portion 1308 will be described. FIGS. 29A and 29B show a part of the pixel portion 1308 of FIG. 13. FIG. 29A shows a matrix of 3×3 pixels. A portion surrounded by a dotted line frame 1900 is one pixel, and FIG. 29B is an enlarged view thereof. In FIG. 29B, reference numeral 1901 designates a TFT (hereinafter referred to as a switching TFT) functioning as a switching element when a signal is written into the pixel. Any polarity of an N-channel type and a P-channel type may be used for the switching TFT 1901. Reference numeral 1902 designates a TFI (hereinafter referred to as an EL driving TFT) functioning as an element (current control element) for controlling an electric current supplied to an EL element 1903. In the case where the P-channel type is used for the EL driving TFT 1902, it is arranged between an anode 1909 of the EL element 1903 and a current supply line 1907. As another constitution method, the N-channel type is used for the EL driving TFT 1902, and it can also be arranged between a cathode 1910 of the EL element 1903 and a cathode electrode 1908. However, since the grounded source is excellent for the operation of a TFI, and in view of the restriction in the manufacture of the EL element 1903, a system is generally often adopted, in which the P-channel type is used for the EL driving TFT 1902 and as shown in FIG. 29B, the EL driving TFT 1902 is arranged between the anode 1909 of the EL element 1903 and the current supply line 1907. Reference numeral 1904 designates a storage capacitor for holding a signal (voltage) inputted from a source signal line 1906. Although one terminal of the storage capacitor 1904 in FIG. 29B is connected to the current supply line 1907, there is also a case where a dedicated wiring line is used. A gate electrode of the switching TFT 1901 is connected to a gate signal line 1905, one of a source region and a drain region is connected to the source signal line 1906, and the other is connected to a gate electrode of the EL driving TFT.
Next, the operation of a circuit of an active matrix type EL display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B. First, when the gate signal line 1905 is selected, a voltage is applied to the gate electrode of the switching TFT 1901, and the switching TFT 1901 comes to have a conductive state. Then, the signal (voltage) of the source signal line 1906 is inputted to the storage capacitor 1904. Since the voltage of the storage capacitor 1904 becomes a voltage VGS between the gate and source of the EL driving TFT 1902, a current corresponding to the voltage of the storage capacitor 1904 flows through the EL driving TFT 1902 and the EL element 1903. As a result, the EL element 1903 lights up.
The brightness of the EL element 1903, that is, the amount of current flowing through the EL element 1903 is controlled by the voltage VGS of the EL driving TFT 1902. The voltage VGS is the voltage of the storage capacitor 1904, and is the signal (voltage) inputted to the source signal line 1906. That is, by controlling the signal (voltage) inputted to the source signal line 1906, the brightness of the EL element 1903 is controlled. Finally, the gate signal line 1905 is made to have the non-selected state, the gate of the switching TFT 1901 is closed, and the switching TFT 1901 is made to have the non-conduction state. At that time, the electric charge stored in the storage capacitor 1904 is held. Thus, the voltage VGS of the EL driving TFT 1902 is held as it is, and the current corresponding to the voltage VGS continues flowing through the EL driving TFT 1902 to the EL element 1903.
The driving of the EL element etc. is reported in SID99 Digest: P372: "Current Status and future of Light-Emitting Polymer Display Driven by Poly-Si TFT", ASIA DISPLAY98: P217: "High Resolution Light Emitting Polymer Display Driven by Low Temperature Polysilicon Thin Film Transistor with Integrated Driver", Euro Display99 Late News: P27: "3.8 Green OLED with Low Temperature Poly-Si TFT", and the like.
In the conventional portable information apparatus as described above, in the case where the incorporated display device displays an image, even if the image is a still image, data of the same picture continues to be transmitted to the display device 60 times per second. That is, in FIG. 15, the portions (the picture signal processing circuit 1507 in the CPU 1506, the VRAM 1511, the EL controller 1512, the source signal line driving circuit and the gate signal line driving circuit of the EL display device 1513, the pen input tablet 1501, the detection circuit 1502, and the tablet interface 1518) surrounded by dotted lines continue the operation as long as the image is displayed. Further, in FIG. 16, the portions (the picture signal processing circuit 1607 in the CPU 1606, the VRAM 1611, the EL controller 1612, the source signal line driving circuit and the gate signal line driving circuit of the EL display device 1613, the keyboard 1601, and the keyboard interface 1618) surrounded by dotted lines continue the operation as long as the image is displayed.
Here, in some of the passive matrix type display devices having a small number of pixels, a driver IC of a display device or a controller has a built-in memory circuit, and a VRAM is stopped. However, in the display device using a large number of pixels, such as an active matrix type display device, to incorporate a memory circuit in a driver or a controller is impractical in view of the chip size. Thus, in the conventional portable information apparatus, even in the case where a still picture is displayed, many circuits must continue the operation, which prevents the reduction in consumed electric power.
Further, in a mobile instrument, reduction in consumed electric power is greatly desired. Further, in the mobile instrument, in spite of the fact that it is mostly used in a still picture mode (still picture is continuously displayed), since the driving circuit continues the operation even at the time of displaying the still picture as described above, this is an obstacle to the reduction in consumed electric power.

Portable information apparatus and method of driving the same

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


Provided is a dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for an aqueous ink having excellent stability and a sufficient drawn line intensity; an aqueous ink composition for a writing instrument such as felt-tip pens, marking pens, and ballpoint pens using the dispersion liquid of the colored resin fine particle as a colorant; and a writing instrument loaded with the composition. The dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for an aqueous ink includes colored resin fine particles dispersed in water, the colored resin fine particles composed of at least a cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and a basic dye or an oil-soluble dye, in which the content of the cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate monomer is 30% by mass or more, and the content of the basic dye or the oil-soluble dye is 15% by mass or more based on the total polymer component constituting the colored resin fine particles.

It has so far been known that resin emulsions having a specific polymer configuration colored with a dye are used as a colorant called a pseudo pigment.
Known are, for example, 1) an aqueous dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for an aqueous ink prepared by dissolving a water-soluble basic dye in a vinyl monomer having an acidic functional group in the presence of a polymerizable surfactant and emulsion-polymerizing the vinyl monomer (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and 2) an aqueous ink composition for a writing instrument prepared by using a dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for an aqueous ink in which colored resin fine particles including at least a vinyl monomer (A) containing an acidic functional group of a carboxyl group having solubility of 10% by mass or less in water, an ester monomer (B) of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with linear or cyclic alcohol having from 2 to 18 carbons, and a basic dye or an oil-soluble dye are dispersed in water (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
However, in the case of an aqueous ink for a writing instrument prepared by using the dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for an aqueous ink as a colorant disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above the amount of the dye that can be included inside the colored resin fine particles has been limited. As a result, the intensity of drawn lines has tended to be slightly insufficient. On the other hand, when the amount of the dye added during synthesis of the colored resin fine particles has increased, the polymerization might be inhibited and stable colored resin fine particles could not be obtained in some cases.

Dispersion liquid of colored resin fine particles for aqueous ink, and aqueous ink composition for writing instruments using same


A semiconductor device verification system capable of verifying operation with great accuracy. A pattern matching verification system outputs interference pattern information. A physical verification system compiles the interference pattern information and a design rule and extracts a design rule applied to the interference pattern information. The physical verification system then refers to the design rule to verify a compared cell list and the interference pattern information. As a result, the physical verification system can perform physical verification of layout data without skipping data regarding the compared cell list.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor device verification system and a semiconductor device fabrication method and, more particularly, to a semiconductor device verification system for verifying layout data generated by the layout design of a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device fabrication method.
(2) Description of the Related Art
For example, the number of transistors included in large-scale integration (LSI) was about a thousand at first. With the progress of semiconductor technology, however, ten million to several hundred million transistors can be formed in LSI at present.
In addition, LSI design was made mainly by hand at first. However, there is a limit to design made by hand because of such a rise in the integration level of LSI. As a result, automatic design made not by hand but by a computer is used. In recent years an automatic design development tool called an electronic design automatic (EDA) is used for LSI design by a computer (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-13264).
LSI design for which the EDA is used includes processes such as functional and logical design and layout design. LSI design for which the EDA is used will be described in brief.
First, in the functional and logical design a hardware description language (HDL) such as the Verilog-HDL is used for generating a logic circuit which meets the operation specifications of desired LSI. Whether the generated logic circuit is logically equal to the desired LSI described in the hardware description language is verified.
If no problem arises when the logic circuit generated by the functional and logical design is verified in this way, then layout design is performed on the logic circuit.
With LSI, transistors are formed by performing processes, such as epitaxial growth, ion implantation, ion diffusion, and etching, on a silicon wafer. When these transistors are formed, a mask corresponding to a treatment pattern is needed in each process. One mask is used in each process.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic views showing a hierarchy of data for a chip layout.
In the layout design, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a chip 100 is divided into small portions (cells) according to functional or logical unit instead of making a layout design for the entire chip 100. After each cell obtained by the division is located at an arbitrary position, cells are wired. By doing so, a layout is performed hierarchically. As a result, the layout of the chip 100 is performed and mask pattern data (layout data) used for fabricating the LSI is generated. The LSI is fabricated on the basis of the layout data.
After that, validity is checked from the viewpoint of fabrication. For example, whether the LSI is correctly fabricated on the basis of the layout data generated by the layout design and whether the LSI fabricated correctly functions are checked.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a conventional physical verification system.
As shown in FIG. 10, whether layout data 201 generated by the layout design satisfies a standard rule for general LSI (design rule 202) is verified by the use of a physical verification system 205.
For example, the following case may occur. A static random access memory (SRAM) can actually be fabricated, but data which does not follow the design rule 202 is included. In this case, such data is set in advance in an excluded cell list 203 as an excluded cell. When verification is performed, the physical verification system 205 skips data included in the excluded cell list 203 of the layout data 201. As a result, a process is simplified by the amount of the data which the physical verification system 205 skips and verification efficiency rises.
The layout data 201 generated by the layout design is verified by the above verification method. Error data which is a verification result is outputted as a summary file 206. The contents of the error data depend on the physical verification system 205 used.
The physical verification system 205 is a design rule check (DRC) which verifies whether the layout data 201 generated satisfies the design rule 202, a layout versus schematic (LVS) which verifies whether the result of the layout design matches the result of circuit design, or the like.
The integration level of LSI is rising. Such LSI can efficiently be designed not by hand but by the EDA.
However, the physical verification system which performs a process by skipping the data included in the excluded cell list of the layout data has the following problems.
A process is simplified by skipping the data included in the excluded cell list. This is based on the premise that the data set as an excluded cell is not changed. Even if the data set as an excluded cell is changed, a process is performed by skipping the data. Accordingly, a change of the cell is not detected.
One of solutions for this problem is a layout versus layout (LVL). With this verification method, pattern matching of layout data generated by layout design and layout data for general LSI is performed to check that there is no differential between them. Of the layout data generated, a tier including an excluded cell and tiers lower than the tier including the excluded cell are usually verified in the case of the LVL. Therefore, if interference such as a wiring from the outside exists at a tier higher than the excluded cell, the interference cannot be detected.
It is necessary to wire each cell of a layout and the outside. Accordingly, each cell of the layout always suffers interference of some kind. However, the excluded cell is skipped when a process is performed. As a result, whether the interference which the excluded cell suffers from the outside is necessary is not checked.
One of solutions for this problem is to set an interference prohibition area in the excluded cell or to set a new design rule for detecting interference, for the purpose of checking whether the interference which the excluded cell suffers is necessary. However, if an interference prohibition area is set, the area of the layout increases, complexity increases because of, for example, a need to consider the achievement of a balance between the interference prohibition area and an interference permissible area, and the possibility of an increase in processing time and a deterioration in verification accuracy increases.
Furthermore, in a circuit information extraction process in which the LVS is used as a physical verification system, a method for designating a tier at which the extraction of circuit information compared with circuit information for general LSI begins traditionally exists. However, interference may occur between data corresponding to a tier higher than a designated cell and data corresponding to a tier at which extraction begins. In this case, the above method does not show which tier data that causes the interference belongs to. As a result, a processing method is indefinite and a user's purpose may not be realized.
In addition, if an element has, for example, a complicated shape, it is difficult to extract circuit information by a physical verification system in accordance with a conventional design rule. Wiring layers of an inductor are located so as to form a spiral. For example, if the LVS is used as a physical verification system, it is very difficult to extract the number of turns from layout data. If up-to-date technologies are used, information regarding various portions is extracted as parameters in order to increase accuracy with which various parameters of a transistor are extracted. However, it is very difficult to describe these parameters as a design rule and extract a matching result. If the DRC is used as a physical verification system, a cell for which a layout shape itself must be specified exists. For example, an analog element must have a specific shape from the viewpoints of a manufacturing yield and a characteristic assurance. However, a design rule is represented mainly by the minimum or maximum value of a pattern itself or a correlation. That is to say, a design rule is not suitable for specifying a shape itself. Therefore, it is very difficult to specify a shape by a design rule.
If various kinds of cells are located on one chip, design rules on these cells may differ from one another. In such a case, criteria for these design rules may interfere with one another. Moreover, there may be need to permit deviation from a design rule in a specific cell. In these cases, the setting of an excluded cell and interference which the excluded cell suffers must additionally be verified. As stated above, however, many problems arise if verification is conducted with the excluded cell taken into consideration.

Semiconductor device verification system and semiconductor device fabrication method


A portable pack includes a bag having a chamber defined by an end wall, a first side wall extending from the end wall, and a second side wall extending from the end wall and spaced apart from the first side wall. A distance between the first side wall and the second side wall defines a width of the chamber. The portable pack also includes an inner wall having a central panel, a first end panel connected to a first end of the central panel by a first living hinge and connected to the first side wall by a second living hinge, and a second end panel connected to a second end of the central panel by a third living hinge and to the second side wall by a fourth living hinge.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Portable bags or packs are often used to store and transport various goods, such as athletic apparel and equipment. Traditionally, bags or packs are provided with a single chamber or a plurality of predefined chambers. Alternatively, bags or packs may be provided with partitions that can be added to and removed from the bag to modify the compartment. However, there remains a need in the art for bags and packs having interior chambers that can be quickly and easily modified without the need to add or remove components of the bag.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.


An object of the invention is to provide a slot array antenna in which unstable factors for contact of an adjustment portion comprising a slot waveguide and a waveguide holder are removed, a number of parts is decreased to save weight, and assembly is simplified. Accordingly, this invention is to constitute a radiation portion (1) unitedly formed of a slot waveguide (1a), a flare holder (1b), and a supporting portion (1d), if necessary, further adding a screen holder (1c) for a screen (4) for cross polarization suppression. Furthermore, this invention is to constitute a reinforcement feeder (2) unitedly formed of a feeder waveguide (2a), a reinforcement portion (2b) and a reinforcement connector (2c) in the case of an open type antenna.

This invention relates to a slot array antenna which is used mainly in a radar device.
In a radar device such as a radar for vessels, the slot array antenna comprising a waveguide in which the sharp horizontal surface directivity characteristic is gained relatively easily is employed abundantly.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the so-called open type slot array antenna housing only an antenna unit in a waterproof box (a radome) as one example of a prior slot array antenna.
A slot waveguide (11) shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of alternately inclined slits (not shown in figures) which constitute an array in an E surface of the waveguide with standard measurement.
A waveguide holder (12b) grasps and fixes the slot waveguide (11), and forms an adjustment portion (10) to adjust to a space of a flare (12a) and to stabilize a level polarization mode.
A screen (13) for cross polarization suppression is to remove vertical polarization component causing inclination slots which are remained slightly, and is a vertical lattice enough narrow to a wavelength (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the screen (13) is formed by bending a metal plate with a plurality of slits and secured on the waveguide holder (12b) by screws or rivets. Besides, the screen itself may be omitted, or installed inside a box radiation portion.
In this embodiment, the slot waveguide (11) is held on the above radiation portion by means of the waveguide holder (12b) processed by bending a sheet metal, and further constituting the adjustment portion (10) and forming flare (12a) to limit directivity in a vertical surface.
Several flare stays (18) are to support an upper portion of the flare (12a) mainly, and may be omitted when the flare (12a) is strong, for instance, the flare (12a) has enough thickness.
Generally, in an open type slot array antenna the full length of which is long and whose horizontal beam width is narrow, an electric power is supplied from one end of the slot waveguide (11), and another end of the slot waveguide (11) is terminated non-reflectively in an adjustment termination (not shown in figures).
Accordingly, a feeder (16) comprising a corner vent, a coaxial waveguide-to-connector adapter or a waveguide flange (not shown in figures) as a feeder opening of a different member is provided, and a feed waveguide (14) connected to the feeder (16) is employed in transmission to an end portion thereof.
FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the feeder employing the corner vent. In FIG. 10, the feeder (16) is attached on a reinforcement plate (15) and connected to the feed waveguide (14) by welding.
A standard measurement waveguide, which is employed as the feed waveguide (14), is supported by the reinforcement plate (15) from end to end, being connected to the slot waveguide (11) by bending an end portion of it or by using a vent for an end fold (not shown in figures).
The reinforcement plate (15) is arranged over approximately the whole length in a longitudinal direction of the antenna, and secured by screws to the radome (19) and a pedestal (6) for attaching to a scanner main body near a center thereof.
When a part other than a radiation surface (19a) of the waterproof box is made of metal, the reinforcement plate (15) may be omitted.
A lower portion of the flare (12a) is connected with the reinforcement plate (15) by screws or rivets, and the reinforcement plate (15) is connected with a fastened portion of the slot waveguide holder (12b) and the reinforcement plate by screws or rivets respectively to hold a weight in the antenna and to reinforce an inner portion of the box. Besides, in his example, when the radiation surface (19a) and the box (19b) are formed of resin as a united radome, the radome itself can not be used for reinforcement because of time deterioration by ultraviolet rays, etc., generally. Furthermore, in the case of the so-called dome type small radar which houses a short small antenna and a transmitter-receiver in the waterproof box (not shown in figures), simplification takes precedence because a horizontal beam width is wide, so that a direct feeding from a center in a longitudinal direction of the slot waveguide is carried out.
In this case, there are many things to omit the feed waveguide, the reinforcement plate, the pedestal, etc., generally, to attach a coaxial rotation shaft directly at a center of the waveguide holder (12b) or the slot waveguide (11), and to feed after carrying out coaxial waveguide convert inside the center of the slot waveguide are many.
However, in the slot array antenna constituted thus, a gap is created partially in a contact surface (20) between the slot waveguide (11) and the waveguide holder (12b), so that the adjustment portion (10) does not function, and as a result, there is a possibility of disorder to the directivity.
Though it is necessary to make a plate thickness of the waveguide holder (12b) thicker and to increase fixing points between the screen (13) for removing the cross polarization and the waveguide holder (12b) and to press the contact surface (20) evenly, they disturb saving weight and simplifying assembly.
Because some parts relative to the reinforcement can not be reduced any more, new ideas are required for weight saving and simplification.


An embodiment of an integrated circuit comprises active components in more than one active layer. A first conductor in one active layer is operative to produce a static electric field that controls a first active element in an adjacent active layer.

Integrated circuit (IC) devices typically contain a large number of active elements such as transistors forming a layer on a semiconductor die. The size and complexity of IC devices has increased over time, and the problems of efficient routing of signals from one element to another have increased accordingly.
Three-dimensional IC (3D-IC) devices have been proposed in which the active elements are arranged in more than one superimposed layer. 3D-IC devices are attractive because the third dimension allows greater freedom of design and can allow considerable reductions in signal path lengths. For certain applications, the more compact shape that can be achieved is desirable, and allows a robust device with a smaller, thinner, and lighter substrate than would be necessary for a comparable single-layer device.
Signals may be transferred from one layer to another layer in a 3D-IC by conductive vias extending through the layers. A via may consist of a hole through a silicon layer, lined with insulator and filled with metal. The 3D-IC device may then be fashioned by fabricating the layers separately, and stacking the layers so that exposed contacts on adjacent layers mate to establish electrical communication with the vias.
Forming vias passing vertically through the layers of silicon adds complexity to the fabrication process. The tolerances required for the etching process can limit the density of devices and other circuit components on the layers concerned. In addition, the electrical resistance of the vias, and their capacitive interaction with adjacent circuit components, can materially restrict the circuit design. In particular, RC time constants can restrict the speed of operation of circuits including such vias.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An improved bolt carrier for a firearm is provided that improves the overall reliability and performance of the firearm bolt assembly. The bolt carrier includes a bolt with a body having a number of lugs extending therefrom. The bolt includes an extractor recess sized and configured to avoid any undercut of the lugs adjacent the recess. The bolt also includes an extractor pivotably engaged in a recess formed in the bolt. The extractor has a pair nipples on flanges configured to engage a pair of integrally buffered springs disposed on a tapered spring well on either side of a firing pin bore extending through the bolt.

The M-16 automatic rifle has been a standard weapon of choice for the U.S. Military. The M-16 family of weapons includes semi-automatic counterparts which are popular with the civilian sector. The structure and mechanisms of these weapons, and improvements and variations thereto, have been the subject of many patents over the years. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,951,424 and 3,198,076 to Stoner provide early examples of the M-16 type of weapon. In recent years, many variations and modifications of the M-16 family have evolved.
Generally, the M-16 family of automatic and semi-automatic rifles is based on a gas-operated bolt carrier system. The bolt carrier system includes a multi-lug bolt that interlocks, within the receiver, with a barrel extension engaged to the rifle barrel for firing each round of ammunition. The bolt also includes a spring-loaded extractor configured to releasably engage a cartridge as it is placed in the firing chamber. When the rifle is fired, the interlocked bolt receives the recoil force that is transmitted from the face of the bolt to its lugs. The lugs in turn transmit the recoil force to corresponding lugs of the barrel extension. Once the round is fired, the bolt unlocks from the barrel extension and the bolt carrier recoils. As it recoils, the extractor pulls the expended cartridge from the firing chamber. The cartridge is then ejected, as is well known in the art, to allow chambering of another round by the bolt assembly. This process may then be repeated as often as desired by the shooter until the last cartridge is expended.
As used herein, "gun" or "firearm" refers to a completely assembled weapon including not only a receiver operable to fire rounds of ammunition, but also any other structure normally associated with the given weapon. Also as used herein, a "receiver" includes a barrel extension, barrel interface, or any other part or assembly of a gun or firearm that has one or more surfaces configured to engage lugs of a breech bolt.
The design of the bolt carrier and bolts used in such weapons has been the subject of previous patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,598 to Schuetz discloses a new type of bolt for an automatic weapon. A portion of some of the lugs on the front face of the bolt have been removed to allow easier chambering of short, low pressure pistol cartridges in an M-16 rifle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,389 to Lewis discloses a bolt with a body having a number of lugs extending therefrom, as well as an extractor pivotably engaged in a recess formed in the bolt, the extractor having a pair of flanges configured to engage a pair of springs disposed on either side of a firing pin bore extending through the bolt.
While the prior art has addressed some of the deficiencies in the design of bolts and bolt carriers of automatic and semi-automatic rifles, there still exists many problems in the use of such assemblies. It is well known that the bolts are subject to failure due to the extreme stresses and temperatures to which they are subjected from repeated firing of the gun. This problem is particularly focused with respect to the lugs projecting from the main body of the bolt. As described above, the lugs are used to transfer the force from the firing of the cartridge to the barrel of the rifle. This problem is exacerbated further by the fact that automatic and semi-automatic rifles typically employ an unsymmetrical locking system in order to accommodate the extractor. The lack of symmetry of the load bearing portion of the bolt results in an uneven stress distribution among the lugs. Thus, the lugs of bolts for rifles are subject to structural failure due to the repeated high stresses induced by firing the rifle.
One of the common structural failures occurs at the lugs adjacent to the recess formed in the body of the bolt to accommodate the extractor. In forming this recess , the adjacent lugs are typically undercut and weakened relative to the other lugs.
These failures limit the overall reliability of the weapon, sometimes represented as Mean-Time-Between-Failure (MTBF). By reducing the frequency of these failures, maintenance-actions for the gun are correspondingly reduced and overall reliability is improved.
Another problem known in the art involves the extractor that is typically coupled to a bolt of an automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The extractor is known to malfunction, thus causing a jamming of the rifle due to the spent cartridge remaining in the firing chamber. As previously described, the extractor is typically spring-loaded. In the prior art extractors, the spring has a relatively short length due to the small amount of space between the outer surface of the bolt and the firing pin bore defined by the bolt for receiving the firing pin. The short length of the spring makes it much more difficult to control and maintain the tension to ensure it remains at the proper setting.
While the prior art devices attempt to address some of the problems with bolts and bolt carriers for rifles, there are still problems existing in the art requiring a need for a bolt that effectively addresses those problems. The present invention is directed toward providing various improvements to bolt carriers and bolts for automatic and semi-automatic rifles, and addresses the problems and the shortcomings of the prior art in a novel and unobvious way.