To grasp a removable particle contamination and appropriately removing a particle contamination exposing from a surface of a semiconductor layer, this production method of the semiconductor optical device includes a surface treatment step in which particle contaminations removed from a surface of a cap layer 5 by etching are limited to particle contaminations A1, C2 higher than the thickness of a resist layer 22 formed on the surface of the cap layer 5. Therefore, the heights of removable particle contaminations can be preliminarily grasped based on the thickness of the resist layer 22 formed, whereby the particle contaminations exposing from the surface of the cap layer 5 can be appropriately removed by etching just enough. By repeating steps S11-S17 while changing the thickness of the resist layer 22, it is feasible to prevent unnecessary etching of a wafer and to remove the particle contaminations more completely.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for producing a semiconductor optical device.
2. Related Background Art
Crystal growth like the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is widely used for forming each of semiconductor layers constituting a semiconductor optical device. In this crystal growth, there are cases where undesirable particle contaminations (flakes) originating from products or the like adhering to an inner wall or the like of a growth furnace appear on surfaces of the semiconductor layers. If semiconductor layers are further deposited on such flakes, particle contaminations might abnormally grow with the flakes as nuclei.
If the production process is advanced with the particle contaminations being left as they are, they could cause such inconvenience that the After removing the insulating layer 6 and the cap layer 5, the third epitaxial growth step is done particle contaminations hit a mask used in photolithography to crack a wafer, or that broken particle contaminations scatter to contaminate the surfaces of the semiconductor layers. For avoiding it, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a production method of a semiconductor optical device in which the surface of the wafer is treated with nitric acid after the first epitaxial crystal growth by MOCVD, to remove the particle contaminations from the surface of the semiconductor layer. It also describes that etching of the wafer itself is prevented by providing a dummy layer on the surface of the semiconductor layer prior to the nitric acid treatment (cf. FIG. 5 in Patent Document 1).    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-51143

Method for producing semiconductor optical device


A robot arm supporting a workpiece, a support mechanism in a form of a coordinate measuring machine supporting a detector head, and a fixation portion in a form of a contact block fixing the detector head to the workpiece are used to bring the contact block fixed to a table and the workpiece into contact to each other. The detector head measures the workpiece while a relative position of the detector head and the workpiece is fixed.

A measuring machine configured to contact with a workpiece (i.e., a measurement target) is typically used to measure a size, a profile and the like of the workpiece. For instance, a coordinate measuring machine employs a portal-shaped transfer mechanism, which includes columns and a cross bar, to move a detector head (i.e., a probe) relative to a workpiece placed on a table and to bring a contact tip of the detector head into contact with the workpiece (in case of a contact probe) or close to the workpiece (in case of a non-contact probe).
Recently, a measurement station configured to move the detector head or the workpiece using a robot arm has been used.
For instance, the detector head is attached to a multijoint robot arm and the like and is moved to be in contact with or close to the workpiece (see Patent Literature 1: JP 2015-208791 A).
In a measurement station of Patent Literature 1, a position reference member is provided to the robot arm, and a contact detector is provided to a table supporting the workpiece. Before the measurement, the position reference member is brought into contact with or close to the contact detector, thereby calibrating coordinates to get a highly accurate detection position by the detector head.
On the other hand, the robot arm is frequently used for delivering the workpiece. When the workpiece is measured in a course of a production line, the workpiece supported by the robot arm is introduced into a predetermined measuring machine for measurement (see Patent Literature 2: JP 11-330204 A).
Moreover, in order to improve a position accuracy for the robot arm to deliver the workpiece, a posture of the workpiece during the delivery by the robot arm is detected as an image and a delivery position is adjusted (see Patent Literature 3: JP 2004-249391 A).
As disclosed in Patent Literature 2, when the measuring machine measures the workpiece supported by the robot arm, the robot arm introduces the workpiece into the measuring machine and places the workpiece at a measurement position. Then, the robot arm is moved away from the measuring machine while the workpiece remains alone, and the workpiece is measured. After the measurement, the robot arm is returned to the measurement position. While the robot arm holds the measured workpiece, the robot arm removes the workpiece from the measuring machine and transfers the workpiece to a next step.
However, when such operations are conducted, it requires an operation time for holding and releasing the workpiece, so that a tact time cannot be shortened and a working efficiency cannot be improved.
In contrast, as disclosed in Patent Literature 3, it is conceivable that the operations of holding and releasing the workpiece are omitted and the measuring machine measures the workpiece while the robot arm keeps holding the workpiece.
However, a relative position of the workpiece supported by the robot arm to the measuring machine is not stable, which makes it difficult to measure the workpiece at a high accuracy.
On the other hand, when the detector head supported by the robot arm detects a position of the workpiece as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, it is found that vibration of a driving motor of the robot arm and vibration in a form of external disturbance are transmitted to the detector head and detected as a minute noise with respect to the relative position of the detector head to the workpiece, thereby influencing the position accuracy.
It has been known that noises caused by vibration in the same manner as the above are detected also when the workpiece supported by the robot arm is introduced into the measuring machine.
In order to remedy this deficiency, an improvement in the position accuracy has been attempted, for instance, by increasing rigidity of the robot arm. However, even when the rigidity is increased, it is difficult to avoid the transmission of the vibration. Accordingly, a further modification has been demanded.

Measurement station and measurement method


A currency note picking and feeding apparatus (10) includes feed belts (28) for feeding notes from the bottom of a stack of notes (20) to the nip of a rotating suction drum (22) and separating belts (64) of frictional material which engage with the periphery of the drum (22). The suction drum (22) grips and feeds the lowermost note to a further conveyor means (76,82,84), with the separating belts (64) holding back any notes superposed on the lowermost note. If a feeding failure of the drum (22) occurs, as recognized by photodetector (90) associated with the further conveyor (76,82,84) failing to sense the passage of a note within a predetermined time interval, then pivotably mounted pressure rolls (92) are caused to be moved temporarily into cooperative association with the suction drum (22) so as to press the notes present at the nip of the drum (22) and the separating belts (64) against the drum (22), thereby increasing the grip of the drum (22) on the lowermost note.

This invention relates to a sheet handling apparatus.
An apparatus in accordance with the invention could be used, for example, as part of an apparatus for loading currency notes into a currency cassette.
Currency cassettes are used in automated teller machines (ATMs) of the kind wherein a user inserts a customer identifying card into the machine and then enters certain data (such as a personal identification number, quantity of currency required or to be paid in, type of transaction, etc.) upon one or more keyboards associated with the machine. The machine will then process the transaction, update the user's account to reflect the current transaction, dispense cash, when requested, extracted from one or more currency cassettes mounted in the machine, and return the card to the user as part of a routine operation. It is common for an ATM to dispense currency notes of at least two different denominations, in which case the ATM will normally include a separate currency cassette for notes of each particular denomination.
The manual loading of currency notes into a cassette can be tedious and time-consuming. Accordingly, the need exists for a means for facilitating or automating the loading of currency cassettes. From British Patent Application No. GB-A-2198122 there is known an apparatus for automatically loading notes into a currency cassette. One embodiment of such apparatus includes a carriage which is reciprocally movable between a stacking position remote from the cassette and a loading position adjacent an open end of the cassette. In operation, a stack of notes is formed on the carriage at the stacking position and carried by the carriage to the loading position. During a return movement of the carriage to the stacking position this stack is laid down into the open end of the cassette.
It is important for the correct operation of the cash dispensing mechanism of an ATM that the currency notes contained in the or each currency cassette mounted in the ATM are of a suitable condition for handling by the cash dispensing mechanism. For example, if currency notes contained in a currency cassette are torn or have foreign matter such as adhesive tape or staples attached to them, then there is a risk that such notes may become jammed in the associated cash dispensing mechanism. Thus, care must be taken when loading currency cassettes that unsuitable notes should be excluded. If notes are to be loaded into a currency cassette from a stack of unscreened notes, it is important that, prior to loading, the notes pass through a separating mechanism from which the notes are fed singly through an appropriate screening system. The aforementioned document GB-A-2198122 does not disclose any mechanism for separating notes from a stack so as to bring about feeding of the notes in single manner.
From U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,405, there is known a sheet separating mechanism including a rotating feed drum having suction openings associated with friction rings which together serve to pull the lowermost sheet of a stack of sheets to a position where the lowermost sheet is engaged by sheet transport means. The mechanism also includes a keeping back roller associated with, and rotating in an opposed manner with respect to, the feed drum for ensuring that only one sheet at a time is fed to the transport means. A problem experienced with sheet separating mechanisms of this kind in which keeping back or feed restraining means are associated with sheet feeding means is that from time to time the feed restraining means may overcome the feeding action of the feeding means and thereby cause an interruption in the feeding of sheets to subsequent sheet transport means.

Sheet handling apparatus having controlled pressure rolls to ensure feeding of a single sheet


An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure with a ground ring and a plurality of pads are provided, wherein the ground ring has a ring inner area used for disposing an integrated circuit (IC) and the pads are disposed around the outer periphery of the ground ring. The ground ring has a plurality of sawtooth structures, wherein each of the sawtooth structures has a sharp end which is adjacent to the corresponding pad.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure, and more particularly, to an ESD protection structure used on a printed circuit board (PCB).
2. Description of Related Art
No matter in the manufacturing process of an integrated circuit (IC or chip) or after the completion of the manufacture of the chip, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event is often the main cause of the integrated circuit being damaged. Particularly, in the assembly process of a printed circuit board, any contacts between a human/machine and the printed circuit board may cause the ESD event, thus damaging the chip or elements on the printed circuit board. Therefore, the integrated circuit usually requires an ESD protection function to prevent damages to the integrated circuit caused by an ESD current.
The printed circuit board (PCB) is mainly used to integrate electronic components, circuits, and the integrated circuit for forming an electronic device. In the manufacture process or the assembly process of the printed circuit board, the ESD event easily occurs and damages the integrated circuit of the printed circuit board because the hands of the workers, other printed circuit boards, relevant assembling machines, or testing apparatus may contact the printed circuit board.
The pad and the integrated circuit on the printed circuit board are connected through a metal wire (the metal wire is made of gold, aluminum, or a combination thereof), and therefore, when the ESD event occurs, the ESD current often flows to the inside of the integrated circuit through the pad or a pin on the printed circuit board, thus damaging the integrated circuit. Although the inside of the integrated circuit usually has the ESD protection feature, there are no ESD protection structures/designs disposed between the pad and the integrated circuit to reduce the possible damage to the integrated circuit caused by the ESD event.

Electrostatic discharge protection structure


A stream of tuples to be processed by processing elements that operate on one or more compute nodes of a stream application is monitored. Each processing element has one or more stream operators. A program request to execute a set of program code instructions is received. A stream application target of the set of program code instructions is identified based on the program request. A portion of the stream application is encapsulated with a generic program execution structure during operation of the stream application. The structure is configured to receive and execute program code instructions outside of a preconfigured operation of the stream application. The set of program code instructions is executed by the structure during operation of the stream application, at a time period of execution of the portion, in response to the program request, and based on the stream application target.

The present disclosure relates to stream computing, and more specifically, to affecting the operation of a stream application based on aspect program code.
Stream computing may be utilized to provide real-time analytic processing to large quantities of data. Stream computing may be based on a precompiled fixed set of processing elements or stream operators.

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided is a navigation system that can realize preferable navigation. A server unit (400) recognizes current position information and destination information sent from a terminal unit (300) over a network (200) and searches for a travel route utilizing matching data in map information. The server unit (400) sends matching mesh information and a travel route to the terminal unit (300), the matching mesh information including nodes and links that represent a road corresponding to the travel route. The terminal unit (300) navigates a vehicle on the basis of the current position information, the matching mesh information, and information on the travel route. When the current position is off the travel route, the terminal unit (300) performs rerouting on the basis of the matching mesh information that has been acquired. If the terminal unit (300) can not perform rerouting, the server unit (400) performs rerouting. Thus, prompt and smooth navigation based on a new travel route can be achieved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a navigation system that distributes map information for informing progress of a movable body over a network, a system thereof, a method thereof, a program thereof, and a recording medium storing the program.
2. Description of Related Art
Communication-based navigation systems conventionally known are that acquire map information stored in sever units via communication by using mobile communication terminals such as an on-board or portable navigation apparatus, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and a portable personal computer so as to search for information on a current position and routes to a destination location, and to retrieve information on nearby shops. In such communication-based navigation system, since the management of map information with enormous data volume is centralized at a server unit, a mobile terminal need not to have a storage section for storing the map information. Thus, simplification of the configuration and reduction in size and weight are easily realized while most-updated map information is readily provided. For the purpose of smooth operation and management of the data, the map information is constituted by a plurality of digitalized map files that are divided into a plurality of areas.
Typically, when displaying a map on a display section, the display section uses display-oriented data having element data relating to elements that constitutes the map. In other words, the map is smoothly displayed with the use of data dedicated to display functions. In a navigation system, when overlaying a current position of a vehicle onto a displayed map, map matching processing is performed in order to display the current position in a manner such that the vehicle travels on a road in the map. It is known that the map matching processing is also performed, with the use of matching data where a road is represented by point information and segment information that connects the point information, in order to appropriately correct the current position on the basis of the matching data and the current position of the vehicle separately measured and overlay the corrected current position onto the map displayed by the display-oriented data.
By the way, when traveling according to a travel route, the travel route acquired from the server unit often needs to be changed because of constructions, traffic accidents or traffic jams. With an arrangement where the server unit re-searches for a travel route each time the travel route is changed, since it takes time to acquire the re-searched route, prompt and smooth navigation might not be provided. There is a well-know arrangement to overcome this disadvantage in which a server unit distributes an optimum travel route as well as other travel routes in advance considering every points that might cause route changes to eliminate the needs for rerouting at the server unit upon each route change. (See Patent Document 1).
The server unit according to the Patent Document 1 acquires information on a current position and a destination from a terminal unit and searches for the optimum travel route. Then, the server unit recognizes intersections on which route changes might be occurred and searches for travel routes from the intersections to the destination. The server unit sends to a terminal unit the optimum travel route and other travel routes which can be used when the vehicle deviates from the optimum travel route. The terminal unit travels according to the optimum travel route. When the terminal unit deviates form the travel route, the navigation is continued on the basis of the other routes acquired in advance.
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Translation of a PCT Application 2001-519029 (Pages 6 to 28)
However, the server unit according to the Patent Document 1 distributes the optimum travel route and the plurality of travel routes, which may not be in actual use, to be used when the terminal unit deviates from the travel route. Thus, a communication load as well as communication time are increased while the terminal unit is required to have an ability to receive and process enormous volume of information. These facts result in disadvantages such as limitation of available types of the terminal unit.

Navigation system, method thereof, program thereof and recording medium storing the program


Disclosed are compounds produced by a process comprising the step of reacting an amine reactant with an epoxide reactant to form a hydrolytically stable carbon-nitrogen bond therebetween, wherein at least one of the amine or epoxide reactants comprises a terminal alkoxysiyl group. Also disclosed are curable compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and the cured products derived therefrom.

High abrasion-resistant coating compositions find use in a wide variety of coatings applications. Because such compositions form coatings which tend to increase the hardness and abrasion resistance of substrates, they are desirable for use in protecting the surfaces of said substrates. For example, high abrasion resistant coating compositions are used in the manufacture of transparent articles, including building windows, aircraft windows, eyeglasses, and lenses, to prevent dulling, pitting and scratching of the surfaces thereon. Additionally, high abrasion resistant coating compositions are used to help metal substrates, such as those made from aluminum, maintain physical and structural qualities.
A useful class of such high abrasion resistant coating compositions are those derived via sol-gel procedures. Traditionally, such coating compositions have been produced by reacting one or more inorganic alkoxysilane compounds to form a curable composition comprising a network of siloxane bonded (—Si—O—Si—) moieties.
More recently, alkoxysilated amine compounds have been used in conjunction with inorganic compounds to form high abrasion resistant coating compositions via sol-gel procedures. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,316,855 and 5,371,261, issued to Wilkes et al., disclose the use of alkoxysilylated organic compounds containing urea (—NH—C(O)—NH—) and/or urethane (—NH—C(O)—O—) bonds in the preparation of sol-gel derived curable compositions. Such organic compositions are reacted with metal alkoxide or semi-metal alkoxide compounds to form curable compositions.
The present inventors have discovered that the use of organic compounds containing urea (—NH—C(O)—NH—) and/or urethane (—NH—C(O)—O—) bonds in curable compositions is disadvantageous for several reasons. For example, one disadvantage is that organic compounds containing urea and urethane moieties are susceptible to hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of such compounds in the water-alcohol borne sol-gel compositions leads to "dangling" side groups, which lowers the abrasion resistance of the resulting coatings. In addition, the hydrolysis raises the pH of such compositions which, in turn, shortens gelling time and reduces the shelf life of the compositions.
Recognizing these and other drawbacks of the prior art, the present inventors have perceived a need for new, stable alkoxysilated organic compounds for use in a variety of applications, especially sol-gel coatings applications. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention as described below.

Amine compounds and curable compositions derived therefrom

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.


Methods, articles, signals, and systems are provided for adaptively shrinking software. The software includes one or more adaptive features. A tracking facility tracks use of the adaptive features, and when it is determined that a given feature is unwanted or unnecessary in the software configuration preferred by a given user, a separation facility separates the feature from the rest of the software. The feature is then archived or deleted. In this manner, resources such as disk space are conserved, program load time and memory requirements are reduced, and user interfaces and supporting code are tailored to meet the needs of particular users.

Under the direction of experienced and knowledgeable people, software can help doctors identify the source of an ailment, help banks handle millions of transactions accurately, help students search digital libraries, help artists tell stories and engineers build safer structures, and do a thousand other things to entertain, protect, and assist us. Despite the shortcomings of computer technology, automation and other uses of software have generally made the world a better place by facilitating advances in medical research, civil engineering, telecommunications, and other areas that touch our lives daily in a thousand ways we often take for granted. Nonetheless, software is far from perfect.
For an average consumer, one of the most frustrating trends in software development and commercialization has been the tendency for software programs to include more and more features over time. This tendency is sometimes called "feature creep" and examples are sometimes referred to as "bloatware."
Bloatware requires ever larger amounts of hard disk and RAM storage, and ever faster processors. Even worse, it burdens program users with a growing tangle of commands and options and preferences and other features, often symbolized by blocks of buttons, icons, tabs, menu items, and other visual paraphernalia. Some of the new features in word processors, spreadsheets, communications software, and other widely used applications may be useful to many people. But more often than not, people use only a small fraction of the features available in a given program. The rest of the features are just inconvenient noise in one's mental map of the software and wasted space on one's disk or in system memory.
Several approaches have been tried to reduce the problems caused by continually adding new features to programs. One approach replaces arcane commands and command line options, such as those used in UNIX or DOS operating system command interpreters, with graphical user interfaces of menus, folders, and other metaphors, like those used in the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows environments. This makes it easier to identify commands and other features, since one can look them up by flipping through menus instead of committing them to memory. But a program's menu hierarchy can still become quite large and confusing as additional features and corresponding menu commands or state variables (sometimes called "options" or "preferences") are added to the program.
More generally, many studies have been done to determine the desirability of different user interface designs. For instance, mouse-driven designs have been compared with keyboard-driven designs and with designs that use a combination of keyboard and mouse input. Different color combinations have also been tested. Some of these design attempts have included user models, logs, or other means for recording the behavior of an individual user for subsequent analysis by the interface designers.
Some user interface designs would replace mouse-driven menus with a voice-driven interface, whereby the user enters commands and data by speaking it instead of using a mouse, light pen, keyboard, touch-screen, or similar input device. This could require users to once again begin memorizing the commands they wish to use, or else make it necessary to look up commands with some help facility. Alternatively, a voice-driven interface could require sophisticated speech recognition and natural language interpretation capabilities. Neither approach directly addresses the problem of "wasted" features, namely, program capabilities which are not needed by a given user and thus consume storage space, processor cycles, and other resources without benefiting that user.
Another approach simply provides users with smaller programs containing fewer features. In some cases, such a minimalist program is accompanied by a promise that the vendor's efforts will be put into making the existing features faster, more accurate, more efficient, more reliable, more readily available, and so forth, instead of putting limited development resources to work on new features. An unspoken (or sometimes spoken!) assumption is that other vendors add features simply to justify a new release to generate additional revenue.
Providing users with a small but carefully selected feature set is a worthwhile approach to reducing bloatware. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees on which features belong in a minimalist program's reduced feature set. Feature creep seems almost inevitable, either by continual expansion of the minimalist program or by abandonment of it altogether in favor of a larger program that has one or more desired features which are not found in the minimalist program.
Yet another approach focuses on making the interface itself adaptable or customizable by users. For instance, users may be allowed to change color palettes, modify menus, create macros, and/or to hide or reposition toolbars. Some of these customizations could be used to reduce interface complexity.
But customizing an interface does not necessarily reduce interface complexity, much less reduce program size. For instance, macros may be additional features rather than substitute features, so that they actually increase the feature set presented to the user. Toolbar and menu visibility control is only helpful if the interface features are grouped such that a user wants to see all of them or none at them at a given time. The process of hiding features or making them visible must also be easy and convenient.
Moreover, even when customized interfaces hide features from immediate view, the underlying code to implement those features is still part of the program. The program itself is not any smaller. It simply appears at first glance to have fewer features.
An approach to feature selection which is used by many software vendors involves gradual classification of program features through feedback provided by the program's users. This feature selection process begins with the design, implementation, and debugging of the first version of the program. The program is released to users, and sooner or later the vendor receives and reviews comments from the users. In response, the source code is modified, the executable is rebuilt and debugged, and the new version is released. Comments on the new version are received and reviewed, the source is modified again, and the cycle of revisions and new versions continues. Initially the program's users are the program designers and the programmers themselves. Later, the users include alpha and beta testers, and finally, they include people who paid for the right to use the software. Over the course of several (sometimes many) versions, the vendor learns which features are the most popular, and modifies the program accordingly.
However, selecting features based on user comments in this manner has several major drawbacks. First, it can take months or even years. Second, because the process takes so long and is subject to influence from so many sources, the feature set may never stabilize. Third, a user who frequently uses a feature which is not popular with other users may lose access to that feature in a new version. This is particularly frustrating if the new version contains improvements not found in the current version, forcing the user to choose between the improvements in the new version and the frequently used feature in the old version. Finally, for a variety of reasons, many vendors have historically chosen to add features far more often than they chose to remove them, leading to the present bloatware problem.
Extensive efforts have been directed toward making it easier to add code to an existing program. Patching and other dynamic reconfiguration techniques; software components ranging from COM and OLE and OpenDoc components to *.DLL files to Java components to Ada and Modula-2 packages and modules; better networking in general and electronic software distribution in particular; enlarged hard drives and falling hardware prices; and improved software development environments and tools all make it continually easier to add code and features to software. Although the ability to add features and the ability to fix bugs with little or no intervention by users can be beneficial, these abilities do not address the problem of dealing with features that are unwanted or unneeded by a given user.
Software is used in various contexts to gain information about various types of user preferences. For instance, the usage of an entire program or a software component such as a Java applet may be monitored to permit metered licensing based on the number of concurrent users of the program or component and/or the length of time during which copies of the program or component are loaded for execution. Such monitoring provides a general indication about the popularity of the program or component as a whole, but it does not say much about a given user's thoughts concerning individual features.
In another context, software agents, cookies, demographic databases, and other means are used to track user preferences on books, music, discussion topics, and other things. Sometimes the information is merely used for targeted marketing; sometimes it is used to make guesses about which products a user might like. Regardless, however, this approach does not track individual software features to determine which ones are wasted from a given user's point of view.
In yet another context, programmers use tools such as debuggers and profilers to identify sections of source code that consume large amounts of processor time or other resources, so that opportunities for improved efficiency are more readily identified. However, any resulting changes are made in a master copy of the program which is eventually distributed to many users, so individual user preferences are not addressed.
In short, it would be an advancement to provide a new approach to software design which promptly and conveniently provides software users with the functional features they desire, without burdening their computers and their minds with unwanted features. Such an approach is disclosed and claimed herein.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A packaging system is particularly figured for storing candy canes in a side-by-side presentation while providing support and protection to resist breaking of the candy canes. The system includes a rectangular box with an insert. The insert loads through the top of an open box and includes cross pieces for maintaining the long portion of the candy canes away from the front of the box. The inserts also include an extended bottom that extends outward beyond the front of the insert with the front edge of the bottom engaging the inner wall of the front of the box to space the insert and the long portion of the candy canes away from the front of the box.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a storage and packaging system for candy canes and a method for making, storing and packaging candy canes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many types of packaging have been developed for holding fragile articles during shipment and for displaying the articles for sale. It can be appreciated that certain articles may require added support and positioning within the packaging during storage and shipment. Moreover, such packaging should be lightweight, recyclable and made from readily available materials while being inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The packaging should also provide for displaying the articles in a manner that increases the attraction of the product for potential purchasers.
Certain types of articles such as candy canes are among those that are difficult to display and ship. Moreover, candy canes have a large demand around the winter holidays but may need to be produced all year due to costs and production capacities. Therefore, storing the fragile candy canes prior to shipment to retailers provides additional challenges. Although the candy canes may be produced many months prior to shipping, the packaging may need to be updated from year to year and may not be ready when the candy canes are made. Therefore, placing the candy canes in the packaging prior to placement may cause storage issues and production shortfalls.
Prior packaging and display devices configured especially for candy canes are known. U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,608 assigned to Ferrara Candy Company, the Assignee of the present invention, provides a box and tray that supports multiple candy canes within the box while maintaining the candy canes in position space away from the outer walls of the box. Although this system is very useful for shipping, the inner tray may not be optimal for storing the candy canes if they need to be manufactured and then stored for an extended period of time prior to insertion into boxes and then shipping.
It can be appreciated that a new and improved candy cane storage system is needed. Such a system should provide for inexpensive and simple manufacture as well as for storage in a safe manner and then simple direct loading into a box the top of a box. Moreover, such a system should retain the candy canes so that the candy canes and the insert can be loaded into the box at a time subsequent to manufacture. Such a system should also provide for easily loading boxes into larger cartons for shipment, storage and/or sale and provide for displaying the candy canes in a pleasing manner. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with production, storing, packaging and displaying candy canes.


Microfluidic devices and methods that use electrical admittance as the basis for measuring flow rate of fluids and/or for distinguishing (e.g., characterizing, sorting, separation, etc.) different particles, chemical compositions or biospecies (e.g., different cells, cells containing different substances, different particles, different chemical compositions, etc.).

Micrototal analysis systems of the prior art have typically required integrated sensors to be positioned in the fluidic circuit for the control and analysis of cells. Most of those prior art sensors use optical detection in the form of fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, surface enhanced raman scattering, radiological detection or impedance measurements. Sensors based on impedance measurements can, in at least some applications, be advantageous because they are relatively simple and can be miniaturized for easy integration into a catheter, implantable device, etc. However, impedance measurements of biomaterials traditionally have very broad spectral responses that cannot be used for distinguishing different biospecies.
When electrolytic fluids flow in a microchannel under laminar flow conditions, a parabolic velocity profile exists such that ions in the middle of the microchannel travel faster than ions near the walls of the microchannel. Thus ions become redistributed in an electric double layer (EDL) within the microchannel. Delivery of ac voltage across the microchannel channel electrodes causes the ions to move back and forth across the electrodes. Electrokinetic effects develop as a result of the ionic redistribution and such electrokinetic effects contribute to changes in electric admittance. Thus the flow of fluid is very sensitive to the admittance across microelectrodes and in the microchannel. Thus, measuring the increase in electrical admittance can precisely account for the flow rate of the electrolytic fluid.
The electrical admittance of a liquid and particles suspended in a liquid increases when they are passed across channel electrodes. This increase of admittance shows spectral behavior with the stimulating electrical signal. The flow induced spectral response shows a characteristic signature for different cells or particles. Interaction between the electrical and viscous stress on the fluid is the main cause that gives rise to spectroscopic behavior. A critical frequency is defined as:
      f    c    =      σ          2            πɛ      where σ and ε are the electrical properties of conductivity and permittivity of the buffer solution, respectively. For f<fc, the electrical field functions in a resistive manner, while the double layer functions in a capacitive manner.
Thus, there exists a potential for development of devices and methods which utilize electrical admittance as the basis for measuring fluid flowrates and/or for distinguishing biospecies (e.g., cell characterization, cell sorting, distinguishing different biochemicals, etc.).

Microfluidic devices and methods based on measurements of electrical admittance

The Regents of the University of California


Recesses are provided in portions of a head cover and a crankcase which are opposed to outer peripheries of a timing chain and a balancer-driving chain driven by a crankshaft of a vertical engine, whereby vertical walls and horizontal walls are formed to oppose to outer peripheral surfaces and lower surfaces of the timing chain and the balancer-driving chain. An oil scattered from the timing chain and the balancer-driving chain by a centrifugal force is caught on the vertical walls, and the oil flowing down along the vertical walls by gravitation is retained on the underlying horizontal walls, whereby the oil can be brought into contact with the chains without waste to effectively lubricate the chains.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vertical engine in which a chain circulated in a generally horizontal plane is wound around sprockets mounted on first and second shafts each disposed in a generally horizontal direction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-41909 discloses a vertical engine in which a timing chain for transmitting a driving force from a crankshaft to a camshaft is accommodated within a chain cover covering upper surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of the engine.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-98951 discloses a vertical engine for an outboard engine system in which a timing chain for transmitting a driving force from a crankshaft to a camshaft is disposed between lower surfaces of a cylinder block and a cylinder head of the engine and an upper surface of an engine holder supporting the engine.
In general, in a vertical engine including a timing chain disposed in a horizontal plane, the plane of disposition of the timing chain is perpendicular to a direction in which an oil returned to an oil pan is dropped by gravitation. For this reason, frequency of contact of the oil with the timing chain is decreased, so that it is difficult to lubricate the timing chain.
Especially, in the vertical engine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-41909, the timing chain is disposed at an upper portion of the engine, however, it is not that a special lubricating device for the timing chain is mounted, and rather only an amount of the oil as much as comparable to mist is supplied to a breather chamber. Thus, there is a fear that the lubrication of the timing chain is insufficient, resulting in a reduction in durability. On the other hand, in the vertical engine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-98951, the timing chain is disposed at a lower portion of the engine and hence, the timing chain can be lubricated by the oil which has lubricated various portions of the engine and dropped into the oil pan. However, the oil cannot be entrained on the timing chain disposed in the horizontal plane as described above, and it is difficult to bring the oil into sufficient contact with the timing chain.


A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor integrated circuit chip, a IC package enclosing the semiconductor integrated circuit chip, lead terminals, and dummy terminals. The lead terminals are partly embedded in the IC package side by side along its opposed sides, and the dummy terminals are partly embedded in the IC package at both ends of a line of the lead terminals. These terminals are electrically connected with the circuit formed in the chip. One end of each terminal protrudes from either of the opposed sides of the IC package and has a connection to be connected with terminal electrodes of a packaging substrate. The dummy terminals are made wider and/or longer than the lead terminals so as to make their connections larger than those of the lead terminals, thereby enhancing their reliability in point of machine-resistance and heat-resistance.

1. (Field of the Invention)
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit device of a surface-mount type which is mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.
2. (Description of the Prior Art)
In the field of semiconductor integrated circuit devices for use in portable terminal equipment such as portable computers and portable phones, there has been a growing demand for miniaturization. To meet this demand, semiconductor integrated circuit devices make use of a flat package for surface mounting, having narrow lead terminals spaced at a small pitch. Since this design causes the connection between the lead terminals and the electrodes on a substrate such as, for example, a printed circuit board, to be small, the soldering tends to be defective. On the contrary, it has become necessary to further improve the reliability of the connection in point of machine-resistance and heat-resistance because portable terminal equipment is often used outdoors under severe conditions.
Generally, a semiconductor integrated circuit device is composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit chip, a resin-molded package or a ceramic package in which the chip is sealed, and a circuit formed in the chip and adapted to be electrically connected with the lead terminals which are partly embedded in the package. The lead terminals are usually placed side by side along two sides or four sides of the package, thereby connecting the circuit formed in the chip and an external circuit. Those packages where lead terminals are disposed along two sides thereof are called SOP (Small Out-line Package) and those where lead terminals are disposed along four sides thereof are called QFP.(Quad Flat package).
FIG. 15 is a plane view of a conventional SOP type semiconductor integrated circuit device. This device includes a package 2, a semiconductor integrated circuit chip (not shown) completely enclosed in the package 2, and lead terminals 3. The lead terminals 3 are uniform in width and protrude an equal distance from each of the two opposed sides of the package 2.
However, this conventional semiconductor integrated circuit device has a drawback in that the strength of the solder connection between the lead terminals 3 and the electrodes of the packaging substrate is insufficient and lacks reliability. For example, when a reliability test was conducted by mounting the conventional semiconductor integrated circuit device on the printed circuit board, and applying mechanical and thermal stress to the apparatus, the solder connection cracked to become defective. The incidence of the defective tends to increase as the lead terminals are made narrower, which has been a problem in downsizing semiconductor integrated circuit devices.

Terminal configuration in semiconductor IC device


In order to protect Magnetic Energy Recovery Switch (MERS) against an overvoltage and an overcurrent a voltage detection unit is provided for detecting the capacitor voltage of the MERS and control means is provided to control so as to turn ON the switch of the discharge circuit connected in parallel with the capacitor to make the capacitor discharge the electric charge thereof when the output of the voltage detection unit exceeds a predetermined value. Moreover, a current detection unit is interposed between the AC power supply and the load for detecting the current flowing to the load, and the current limiting is carried out by making the duty ratio of the ON/OFF of the pulse of the gate control signals of the MERS switches smaller than 0.5, when the output of the current detection unit exceeds a predetermined value.

Nowadays electric power energy systems are critically important social infrastructure which cannot be stopped even for a moment. However, in an abnormality or a trouble of a load that causes an overcurrent, a measure taken thereagainst is a high-speed breaking of the load, as is exercised by a fuse or a high-speed mechanical switch. Nevertheless, there has been a demand for a highly functional switch, so called a controller or a current limiter, which is capable of limiting only the overcurrent and allowing a continued operation without the complete stop of the load, as well as a system recovery to a full operation after the return to its normality.
Electric power system must be designed to withstand a short-time overcurrent that can be caused due to such as a rush current of an incandescent lamp being lit, a start-up rush of an induction motor or an initial excitation inrush of a transformer. It is important to distribute yield capacity of each machine appropriately. A semiconductor-type inverter power supply in recent years, such as a fuel cell inverter, for example, cannot withstand, in many cases, a peak current which is almost ten times the excitation inrush current of a transformer. Inverter power supplies, therefore, have various soft-start functions, which work if there is one load for one inverter power supply but may not work for late-started ones of a plurality of loads connected to one inverter power supply.
Electric power systems are designed in consideration of protective coordination, the current and the duration thereof to withstand an accidental, short-time overcurrent. However, such systems merely perform a protective coordination aimed at a prevention of the influence over the upstream by selectively breaking the accident current by a switch. It is a recent social demand to achieve a continuous operation as far as possible without power breaking if the accident has taken place in the downstream of a system.
As for a current limiter which limits an accident current with series elements, an application based on a transient phenomenon between superconductive mode and normal conductive mode is developed. This is for size and cost reduction of the breaker, whose required capacity is extremely large when the accident current is excessively large: such size and cost reduction can be attained if only the accident current is reduced into the half or so by the current limiter.
In the case of a three-phase transformer, an exciting rush current due to iron core saturation is expected. Therefore, it is necessary that such transformers be constructed to possess an overcurrent withstand capacity against electromagnetic force of the electric wire.

Magnetic energy recovery switch having protective circuit


The exchange device groups PON branches into PON branch groups based on the amount of communication data traffic that has arrived via a communication network with a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) respectively belonging to one of a plurality of PON branches as a transmission destination, multiplexes the communication data for each PON group, and transmits the multiplexed data. The exchange device has an unit configured to transmit each piece of communication data from the ONUs to one output port selected from among a plurality of output ports based on the transmission wavelength of the communication data. The exchange device groups a plurality of PON branches into PON branch groups based on the required bandwidth of each of the ONUs, and designates the transmission wavelength for each of the ONUs so that each piece of the communication data from one PON branch group is transmitted to one port.

The present disclosure relates to an exchange device controlling one or more optical network units (ONU) for a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/time division multiplexing (TDM)-passive optical network (PON).
Generally, in a WDM/TDM-PON, PON branches from a plurality of communication areas are taken as one PON branch based on WDM technology to improve the efficiency of bandwidth allocation for the entire communication area. For example, if an ONU requiring a large bandwidth is present, that ONU is allocated a large bandwidth by dedicating one wavelength to the PON branch that the ONU belongs to. This allocation is carried out by controlling the PON branch in one of the transmission devices that is included in an exchange device. Conversely, if a plurality of PON branches that do not require a large bandwidth are present, the plurality of PON branches are controlled together in one of the transmission devices included in the exchange device. Thus, by collectively controlling PON branches that have a small required bandwidth, the total number of operations in a transmission device is decreased, which allows power consumption to be reduced (e.g., JP 2011-82908A (US2011/085795) and JP 2011-135280A).
One method for realizing such an operation is wavelength routing, which uses a tunable transmission device and an AWG (arrayed waveguide grating). When using such devices, the routing destination of the data can be changed by changing the wavelength setting to the transmission device. Consequently, data can be allocated to the respective PON branches and transmitted with one transmission device by changing the wavelength setting to the transmission device for each piece of data. Namely, a plurality of PON branches can be controlled by one transmission device, thereby enabling lower power consumption.


See-through, packaging structures for liquid or semi-liquid fruit or vegetable products, which have a polyamide food contact-layer of at least 0.4 mil. thickness, extends the color-life of the contained food product. The polyamide layer removes certain degradation products of polyphenolic compounds which otherwise would cause browning during storage. The packaging structures allow the contents and their color to be clearly seen by using a transparent film or sheet structural material having a polyamide surface-layer, the structural material being formed into a packaging structure. The packaging structure may be one such as a film pouch or a plastic bottle, the surface layer of the film or sheet forming the inner-surface food contact-layer of the packaging structure. Alternatively, a polyamide inner contact-layer in the lidding of a see-through package structure can be used, in which case the see-through package container portion itself need not have a polyamide inner contact-layer.

1. Field of the invention
This invention is related to see-through packaging structures, for liquid or semi-liquid fruit or vegetable products. The structures have a polyamide food contact-layer, which extends the color-life of the contents. The polyamide layer removes many brown polyphenolic degradation products of various compounds present in fruits and vegetables which otherwise would lead to browning of the contents during storage. More particularly, the invention comprises any see-through packaging structure through which the liquid contents and their color can be clearly seen such as a film pouch or plastic bottle, which is formed from a transparent polymeric film or sheet having a polyamide surface-layer, the polyamide layer becoming an inner contact-layer of the packaging structure.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Fruit and vegetable juices discolor on aging for several reasons. One of these is formation of certain brownish polyphenolic materials via a non-enzymatic reaction. These polyphenolic compounds include certain `degradation` products of anthocyanins, and of flavonoids, proanthocyanins and tannins, which themselves are polyphenolic compounds present in foods. The `degradation` products may in many cases form from polycondensation reactions. Anthocyanins and related compounds, for instance, may be the desirable color giving substances in some foods, but with time can form undesirable brown polyphenolics. Proanthocyanidines are colorless, but their degradation products are colored. Browning is an especial problem in light-colored fruit and vegetable products such as strawberry, apricot, and orange juices, jams or jellies.
Polyamides have long been used as absorbents and filters ("clarifying agents") in the processing of beer, wine, fruit juice, and vegetable juices to remove certain undesirable polyphenolic compounds present in the fresh food product. For example, Japanese patent J82053134-B (assigned to Asahi Chemical and Ink) discloses an absorptive sheet containing polyamides and inorganic adsorbent for use in processing, but not in the storage or packaging of vegetable juices.
The mechanism by which polyamides remove these undesirable polyphenolic compounds is believed to be adsorption due to hydrogen bonding between phenolic hydroxyl groups and amide bonds in the protein `polyamides`. Clarifying agents are used after the juice is produced (and fermented, in the case of beer and wine) but before it is packaged (ref.: Food Chemistry, Owen R. Fennema, ed., 1985, p 661-663).
Polyamides have also been used as the food contact-layer in food packaging to prevent `scalping` (adsorption or absorption of essences which are taste components) by the package, but these are typically used in opaque or near opaque structures which also prevent or reduce light ingress, and where the color of the food is not readily seen by the consumer. Opaque packaging is frequently deliberately used because light can induce the formation of certain other types of degradation reactions. As an example of this type of packaging, unpasteurized, not-from-concentrate orange juice has been packaged in coextruded structures of nylon and HDPE as disclosed in `Packaging Strategies` (11 (14), 2 (1993)). Nylon is used as the contact-layer because it does not scalp flavor. The HDPE is not transparent and the polyamide may not be depending on its type and thickness in the package. In this instance, the polyamide acts as a barrier to prevent adsorption or absorption of desirable compounds, (the flavor components), by the other layer or layers. By contrast, the purpose of the present invention is just the opposite; specifically to adsorb or absorb undesirable compounds, namely the brown degradation products.
Polyamides are also often used as an oxygen barrier-layer in packaging structures. However, because the oxygen barrier properties of polyamides are moisture sensitive, they are incorporated as an inner-layer of a multilayer structure when packaging liquid or semi-liquid foods with high moisture content. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 75-010196B describes a specific polyamide containing m-xylylenediamine which can be used in an oriented structure for packaging water-containing substances to prevent discoloration and spoilage, but the polyamide does not contact the product. In these structures, since the polyamide does not contact the product, it cannot remove polyphenolic compounds but it can act as an oxygen barrier.
Since some of the causes of browning are enzymatic, packaging these products in a structure with excellent oxygen barrier or gas flushing to remove oxygen will minimize other color changes. For example, a study of orange juice aged in various containers and analyzed over time for changes in browning, based on the level of hydroxymethyl furfural (ascorbic acid degradation product), showed that removal of oxygen and use of packaging with high oxygen barrier improved quality over time (J. Japan. Soc. Food Sci Tech 30 (8), 467 (1983)).
Similarly, studies on manufacture and packaging of candied fruits show that exclusion of oxygen (by using film with low oxygen permeability and/or vacuum packaging) reduces mold growth and browning of fruits (Taiwan Food Science 13 (3/4), 117 (1986)).
A study of multilayer films evaluated as packaging materials for hot-filled fruit products, comparing EVOH, PVDC, or nylon as the food contact-layer and applesauce as the fruit product showed that nylon performed worst (J Food Sci. 57 (3), 671 (1992)). Since apple sauce browns mainly by enzymatic (oxidative) browning, this result may be related to the effectiveness of the film as an oxygen barrier.
There is a need and desire for see-through packaging structures which are colorless, allowing the contents and color of liquid and semi-liquid food materials contained therein to be readily seen, yet which also strongly reduce non-enzymatic discoloration of those foods due to certain non-enzymatically formed polyphenolic degradation compounds.

Method for removing compounds causing discoloration in fruit/vegetables stored in see-through packaging structures


A method is provided for assessing whether to terminate a computer-implemented simulation of a physical experiment. Computations associated with the computer-implemented simulation that model the physical experiment are executed and to determine if a desired outcome associated with the physical experiment will occur. The results of the computations are evaluated to determine if the results indicate that the desired outcome has occurred. If the desired outcome has not occurred, periodically the results of the computations are evaluated with respect to at least one negative indication that the desired outcome is not possible and thus not likely going to occur. If the at least one negative indication is present, the computations associated with the computer-implemented simulation is terminated.

Computer simulations for experiments involving the impact of one object with another object have widespread applications. For example, automobile manufacturers use such simulations in designing safer vehicles. In a totally different technology field, scientist uses such simulations to study the effectiveness of a missile destroying a moving or stationary target. Regardless of the particular application, it is an overall goal to design a computer simulation that can accurately produce data concerning possible outcomes of the physical phenomena of interest pertaining to two or more objects. However, there is a tradeoff between accuracy and simulation run time. Generally, the more complex a simulation is in order to achieve better accuracy, the longer it takes for that simulation to run to completion. In fact, very complex computer simulations, such as so-called "hydrocodes" can take several days or longer to execute on highly sophisticated models of certain physical events.
In many cases, it could be known that that the desired outcome of the computer simulation will not be possible by monitoring the results of the computations for certain indications. Consequently, the computer simulation can be stopped much sooner and save researchers a significant amount of time.

Termination assessment of a computer simulation


A three dimensional polysilicon resistor and a method by which the three dimensional polysilicon resistor is manufactured. A semiconductor substrate has formed upon its surface an insulating layer. The insulating layer has a minimum of one aperture formed at least partially through the insulating layer. A polysilicon layer is formed upon the insulating layer and formed conformally into the aperture(s) within the insulating layer. The polysilicon layer is then patterned to form a resistor which includes the portion of the polysilicon layer which resides within the aperture(s).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to resistors formed within and upon semiconductor integrated circuit substrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to a three dimensional polysilicon resistor for use within advanced semiconductor integrated circuit device cells of limited dimension.
2. Description of Related Art
In addition to the use of transistors and diodes as switching elements and current rectifying devices in semiconductor integrated circuits, it is also quite common in the art that those circuits will have resistors incorporated into their designs and fabrications. Commonly, a resistor structure within an integrated circuit will provide an electrical load which assures proper operation of the circuit under the electrical current and voltage parameters to which the circuit was designed.
There are several methods and materials through which resistors may be designed and fabricated into semiconductor integrated circuits. A common traditional method is to fabricate resistors within the silicon semiconductor substrate of an integrated circuit device. Resistors of varying resistance can easily be fabricated within such semiconductor substrates by means of doping the semiconductor substrate through an ion implantation process similar to the ion implantation process used in forming other active semiconductor regions within the same semiconductor substrate. The practice of forming resistors through implanting dopant ions into semiconductor substrates is a viable technique unless resistors are required whose resistance exceeds the resistance of the semiconductor substrate within which the resistor is desired to be fabricated.
An alternate method which provides resistors of greater or equal resistance to resistors formed within semiconductor substrates is to form resistors from discrete portions of a high resistivity material which is deposited upon the surface of the lower resistivity semiconductor substrate. A common high resistivity material which is useful in forming these higher resistance resistors is undoped or lightly doped polysilicon. While it is known in the art that highly doped polysilicon is an excellent conductor from which conductive structures within integrated circuit devices may be fabricated, it is also well known that undoped or lightly doped polysilicon is a highly resistive material.
When formed from a high resistivity material such as undoped or lightly doped polysilicon, the resistance of a resistor may be determined from straightforward considerations. Specifically, the resistance of the polysilicon resistor is nominally directly related to the length of the polysilicon layer from which the resistor is formed and nominally inversely related to the cross-sectional area of the polysilicon layer from which the resistor is formed. For polysilicon resistors formed via planar thin film polysilicon processes within integrated circuits, the resistance of the polysilicon resistor is in nominally inversely related to the thickness and the width of the polysilicon layer from which the resistor is formed.
A cross-sectional diagram of a typical polysilicon resistor formed within an integrated circuit is shown in FIG. 1. Within FIG. 1, there is shown a semiconductor substrate 10 upon which there is formed an insulating layer 12. Upon the insulating layer 12 is formed a polysilicon layer which is comprised of polysilicon layers 14a, 14b and 14c. The polysilicon layer 14b which resides beneath a patterned photoresist layer 16 forms a polysilicon resistor. The polysilicon layers 14a and 14c are typically subsequently heavily doped through the process of ion implantation to form conductive doped polysilicon ends to the polysilicon resistor which is formed from the polysilicon layer 14b.
As semiconductor technology has advanced, conflicting trends have evolved which require resistors of increased resistance while simultaneously providing diminished semiconductor substrate surface area upon which those resistors may be fabricated. In addition, the thickness of undoped or lightly doped polysilicon layers from which are formed high resistance resistors in integrated circuit devices is nearing the limits with which current semiconductor equipment may efficiently and reproducibly deposit those layers.
Thus, the problem to which the present invention is directed is defining a more efficient high resistance undoped or lightly doped polysilicon resistor structure and its method of fabrication within semiconductor integrated circuits. The desired high resistance polysilicon resistor structure will provide a resistor of sufficiently limited surface area to efficiently use substrate surface area available to the resistor.
The desired method by which the high resistance polysilicon resistor is formed will not unduly challenge established semiconductor manufacturing processes and process limitations.
Not disclosed within the art are methods by which polysilicon resistors may be fabricated within semiconductor integrated circuits, which resistors have substantially increased resistance in comparison with equivalent resistors of the same dimension. Nor is there disclosed in the art a method by which the resistance of a polysilicon resistor of limited thickness and surface area may be increased without increasing the length of the resistor or decreasing the thickness of the resistor.

Three dimensional polysilicon resistor for integrated circuits

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


An oscillator having two oscillation circuits with widely different frequencies with a common passive switched output circuit. Each oscillator circuit includes a transmission line inductive impedance between the oscillator output and ground. The inductive impedances are selected to be open at the operating frequency of the associated oscillator circuit and a short or a low impedance at the frequency of the other oscillator circuit. Each inductive impedance forms a portion of an impedance matching pad for the other oscillator circuit.

There are a great variety of wireless communication systems being used in the world today, such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (DAMPS), Personal Handy System (PHS), Personal Communication Services (PCS), Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Special Mobile Radio (SMR) and two way paging to name a few. The consumer would like their phone or pager to reliably work anywhere in the world, with any system architecture without costing them a small fortune. This desire has led mobile equipment manufacturers to offer dual mode and dual band models. Dual mode/band capabilities can accommodate the different modulation and data formatting protocols, as well as accommodate different frequencies required in various parts of the world. These features could allow the consumer to use a single phone in Europe (GSM) and the United States (PCS), a desirable situation in an increasingly smaller world.
Typically, the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) generates the Local Oscillator (LO) signal for transmit and receive functions in mobile radio RF circuitry. In dual band radios, a single VCO is desired to operate at two different frequencies to meet the requirements of two bands.
Prior art dual band devices have been implemented in the following ways: a single oscillator followed by a multiplier circuit, two separate oscillators with a switching network after the devices to select the appropriate oscillator, extremely wide band oscillators that operate over the entire frequency range, single oscillators that have a switched resonator in the tank circuit of the oscillator, a dual band oscillator with commonly connected emitters in which the bias is changed to turn on a first oscillator at a frequency then to transition to a second frequency as the second desired oscillation frequency, or two completely separate Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) that are matched then combined using a combiner network such as a Wilkinson Power Divider. U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,763 to Reeser et al. discloses a dual band oscillator with commonly connected emitters in which the bias is changed to turn on a first oscillator at a frequency then to transition to a second frequency as the second desired oscillation frequency.
The disadvantage of using a single oscillator with a multiplier circuit following the oscillator is the multiplier circuit requires current to function and the current drain may decrease the battery life of the device when used in a portable application. There are also harmonics of the fundamental frequency generated in addition to the desired frequency and these unwanted spurious signals may be a problem in the system and require extra filtering circuitry which will add cost and complexity.
The disadvantage of using two oscillators with an output switching network is each oscillator must be matched to the reference impedance of the system, typically 50 ohms for RF circuits in this frequency range, then the switching circuit must be implemented again adding complexity and parts to the device.
The disadvantage of using an extremely wide band oscillator is that to accomplish the wide tuning range a large capacitance change is required in the tank circuit. This large capacitance change requires a large voltage change applied to the variable capacitor (a varactor diode) which is unavailable in many applications and the circuit Q is degraded which increases the noise in the circuit rendering the oscillator unable to meet the phase noise requirements of the application.
The disadvantage of the switched resonator implementation is the resonator switch is typically implemented with a pin diode which requires significant current be applied to the device to achieve low "on" resistance. This degrades battery life in portable devices and the phase noise performance of the circuit is usually degraded due to the lower circuit Q achieved by implementing the pin diode in the tank circuit.
The disadvantage of using the dual band oscillator with the common coupled emitters is the output is typically taken from a common point between the two collectors or emitters which are coupled. This requires a matching network be synthesized to match the transistor output to the reference impedance of the system, again typically 50 ohms at these frequencies. This network may be complex since the network will pass the lower frequency and the higher frequency. Since the higher frequency is approximately twice the first frequency, a wide band output network should be used, and the second harmonic of the lower frequency oscillator will be within the passband and may be passed to the output creating unwanted spurious signal.
The disadvantage of using two different oscillators with a Wilkinson combiner is each individual oscillator must be matched to the reference impedance of the system, again typically 50 ohms in RF circuits, then the Wilkinson combiner is implemented. The Wilkinson combiner will be unbalanced when either oscillator is shut off providing unequal loads on the input of the combiner. This will alter the amplitude response of the combiner. One solution to this dilemma is to provide an amplifier to the output of the oscillator before the combiner. This results in extra current and circuitry requirements.

First and second oscillator circuits selectively coupled through passive output circuit to a load


A method for allowing access to data frames on an elevator communications bus includes (a) disconnecting a remote station 117 from the communication bus 24; (b) connecting the elevator communications bus 24 to the elevator communications bus analyzer 100; (c) providing the power, return, clock, and data signals on lines 46a, 46b, 48a, 48b from the elevator communications bus analyzer 100 to the remote station 117 previously disconnected; (d) connecting receive or transmit trigger lines 120, 122 from the elevator communications bus analyzer 100 to an oscilloscope 24; (e) selecting an address of a remote station; (f) connecting clock and data signals on lines 46a, 46b to the oscilloscope 124; and (g) switching the oscilloscope 124 to its differential mode to provide on an oscilloscope screen the difference between the clock and data signals (the signal on line 46b minus the signal on line 46a) for the address so that an elevator mechanic may see the data bits on the elevator communications bus.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,551 discloses a communications bus, including an industrial communications unit (ICU) and a master and one or more remote stations. An ICU is located in the master station and in each remote station. Each ICU reads and writes data subject to clock pulses in data frames. The ICU located in the master station transmits data to the ICUs in the remote stations and receives data communicated by the remote stations. The ICUs located in the remote stations transmit and receive data to and from the master. The data communicated between the master and remote stations includes various types of inputs and output into and out of the master and remote stations. For example, when a passenger activates a hall call button, a bit within a data frame is input to a remote station associated with that hall call button and that remote station outputs a bit to the master station. In response, the elevator system sends an elevator to the passenger, and an activation signal from the master station to a remote station associated with a bell activates that bell at the floor landing to announce the arrival of the elevator. Presently, if the elevator arrives but no bell is heard, there is no way to determine whether or not the activation signal was sent or the bell is broken, and the elevator system software is therefore defective.
If an elevator mechanic could display the data frames sent or received by a master or remote station, he could do a better job at troubleshooting the elevator system. That is, if at the landing he saw that the activation signal bit was sent to the remote station, he could immediately replace the bell and avoid having to investigate the software in the machine room and the bell. Presently, there is no way to display the data frames communicated on the communication bus.


A pressure sensor for use in measuring the pressure within fluids. The sensor comprises a medium whose material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The pressure can be measured by observing how signals pass through the medium at some unknown pressure and then comparing the observations to how the signals pass through the medium at a known pressure. The signals can be acoustic waves or light waves.

1. Field of the Invention
The disclosure relates generally to the field of sensors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pressure sensor. Yet more specifically, the present disclosure concerns a pressure sensor within a wellbore and a method of using the pressure sensor.
2. Description of Related Art
Pressure gauges or sensors typically measure fluid pressure by communicating with the fluid whose pressure is being measured and transferring the pressure of the fluid being measured to a medium associated with the gauge. The medium generally reacts to the applied pressure, wherein a subsequent gauging of how the medium reacts can be correlated to provide a value for the measured pressure. An example of one such medium includes a fluid column, where the fluid density is known so that any corresponding change in elevation of the fluid column can easily be converted to a pressure reading. Other mediums include Bourdon tubes, springs, diaphragms, piezoelectric devices, piezorestrictive devices, and capacitive manometers.
Currently, some pressure sensors used in subterranean wellbores include a quartz resonator whose resonant frequency changes with pressure. However, a quartz resonator's resonant frequency also changes with temperature. Cutting the quartz crystal along different crystal axis can minimize its temperature sensitivity and maximize its pressure sensitivity. However, temperature compensation is still necessary and is generally accomplished using a second quartz resonator that is in thermal contact with the pressure-sensing resonator but which is not exposed to the high pressure of the downhole fluid. Sometimes a third, reference resonator is also used as a time base. For pressure sensing, the orientations include AT- or BT-cut. For temperature sensing, the orientations include AC- or BC-cut. For a time-base or frequency reference (which is not exposed to pressure) the orientation is generally SC-cut. Other pressure sensors used in downhole applications involve exposing an optical medium to fluid pressure, passing a light signal through the medium, and monitoring the behavior of the light passing through the medium. Examples of such optical mediums include a Fiber Bragg grating and a Fabry-Perot interferometer.
These pressure-sensing devices are subject to high ambient temperatures as well as to sudden but small variations in ambient temperature during sudden pressure changes, which are inherently adiabatic. As the temperature of the pressure sensor changes, the corresponding pressure reading changes too and a correction is necessary. However, when trying to monitor a pressure pulse as a function of time, as is often done, a complete temperature correction may not be possible because the local change in temperature of the pressure sensor cannot be corrected using the temperature sensor's reading because there is insufficient time for the temperature sensor to have reached thermal equilibrium with the pressure sensor.
Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) can be used as optical sensors for pressure and temperature and are typically made by inscribing a repeated pattern of refractive index variations into an optical fiber. These FBG production means are generally well known in the art such as by using the interference pattern of two intense UV laser beams. Changes in strain, stress, or temperature experienced by the fiber affect the light reflected from the FBG. The changes in light reflection are then correlated to changes in ambient conditions experienced by the FBG.
One example of a Fabry-Perot interferometer 54 is shown in FIG. 1. These devices typically comprise an optical fiber 56 having one end secured within a housing 64. The housing 64 also retains a diaphragm 60 shown opposite from the terminal end of the optical fiber 56. The housing 64 is configured to have a cavity 58 therein, although the optical fiber 56 extends a distance into the cavity 58, a gap 66 still exists between the terminal end of the optical fiber 56 and the diaphragm 60. The inner surface 62 of the diaphragm 60 is proximate to the fiber 56 and the outer surface 61 is subjected to pressure ambient to the interferometer 54. Light rays (R1 and R2) are emitted to the terminal end of the fiber 56 wherein at least a portion of these rays reach the inner surface 62 of the diaphragm 60. When light is passed through the fiber 56, a portion of the light reflects (R2) at the tip back into the fiber 56, and a portion (R1) passes through the tip to the diaphragm and reflects from the diaphragm back into the fiber 56. As R1 and R2 propagate back through the fiber 56, the gap in reflection distance between R1 and R2 results in measurable light interference between the two signals. Changes in pressure on the outer surface 61 of the diaphragm 60 affects the gap length 66 that in turn alters the measured light interference. The amount of interference can be correlated into the pressure exerted onto the outer surface 61 based on the change in gap width due to pressure changes.
The responsiveness of these devices can be affected by temperature. While temperature compensation means can be implemented for use with these devices, there exists a need for a pressure sensor whose readings are not in error and do not overshoot during pressure pulses and which have high resolution, high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and which can be operated at high downhole pressures and temperatures.

Pressure sensor utilizing a low thermal expansion material


Sliding block traceback decoding of block codes. Block by block basis decoding is performed in which a single block, and its corresponding overlap portion, are processed during a given time. The traceback saves a record of decision (e.g., among possible trellis branches between various trellis stages) and constructs only the surviving paths through each individual block. Since only one block (by also employing its corresponding overlap portion) is decoded per time, the traceback through the coded block signal is short. One block of the coded block signal is decoded at a time, and certain resulting information (e.g., bit estimates and/or states) of a first decoded block can be leveraged when decoding a second/adjacent block.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to decoding of signals within communication systems; and, more particularly, it relates to trellis decoding of signals that involve performing traceback of at least one surviving path within a block.
2. Description of Related Art
Data communication systems have been under continual development for many years. One such type of communication system that has been of significant interest lately is a communication system that employs iterative error correction codes. Communications systems with iterative codes are often able to achieve lower bit error rates (BER) than alternative codes for a given signal to noise ratio (SNR).
A continual and primary directive in this area of development has been to try continually to lower the SNR required to achieve a given BER within a communication system. The ideal goal has been to try to reach Shannon's limit in a communication channel. Shannon's limit may be viewed as being the data rate to be used in a communication channel, having a particular SNR, that achieves error free transmission through the communication channel. In other words, the Shannon limit is the theoretical bound for channel capacity for a given modulation and code rate.
As is known, many varieties of memory storage devices (e.g. hard disk drives (HDDs)), such as magnetic disk drives are used to provide data storage for a host device, either directly, or through a network such as a storage area network (SAN) or network attached storage (NAS). Such a memory storage system (e.g., a HDD) can itself be viewed as a communication system in which information is encoded and provided via a communication channel to a storage media; the reverse direction of communication is also performed in a HDD in which data is read from the media and passed through the communication channel (e.g., sometimes referred to as a read channel in the HDD context) at which point it is decoded to makes estimates of the information that is read.
Typical host devices include stand alone computer systems such as a desktop or laptop computer, enterprise storage devices such as servers, storage arrays such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) arrays, storage routers, storage switches and storage directors, and other consumer devices such as video game systems and digital video recorders. These devices provide high storage capacity in a cost effective manner.
Of the many types of communication systems that have received interest in recent years, many of them undesirably introduce some degree of ISI (Inter-Symbol Interference) to signal transmitted therein. The read (and write) channel of a hard disk drive (HDD) (which can itself be viewed as being a communication channel within a communication system) is one such communication channel that oftentimes introduces ISI. One solution to address and combat the undesirable effects of ISI is to employ some form of error correction code (ECC) to encode information being passed through such a communication channel that may undesirably suffer from ISI.
For example, such encoding (e.g., in accordance with an ECC) may be performed in many steps and such encoding steps may vary from device to device. The encoding steps include, but are not limited to, addition of a preamble (bits pre-pended to the data unit (e.g., a data sector) to facilitate determination of the phase of the analog data signal from the disc), a sync mark (bits placed between the preamble and encoded user data to identify the start of the encoded user data), modulation coding (any scheme that makes the user data easier to read by the reading mechanism of the device; this type of encoding "transforms" the bit sequence, often making it substantially different in appearance from the original user data), and error correction coding (bits appended to the encoded user data that allows correction of some limited number of errors that may have occurred during retrieval). The main point is that several common (but variable) procedures are invoked to improve the robustness and readability of the data stored in the device.
Within such hard disk drives (HDDs), disk drive controllers control the various processes associated with the read/write of data to the physical media. As the amount of data stored to the physical media increases, the ability accurately to read data from the physical media is adversely effected. Again, one factor affecting the ability to accurately read this data is ISI (Inter-Symbol Interference). Although discussed here as a problem associated with HDDs, this problem may be present within any communication channel (as also stated above).
To allow higher storage within physical media such as that of a hard disk drive (HDD), one solution in telecommunications and data storage has been to intentionally write symbols close together and utilize the Viterbi algorithm (or any other sequence detector) and knowledge of how the symbols interact to recover the bit sequence from a noisy analog signal. When applying this solution, the data interferes in a controlled manner and additionally becomes distorted by noise and/or other interfering signals. This noise and interfering signals must be overcome in order to properly read back the pattern of "1's" and "0's" correctly. The Viterbi algorithm is an efficient dynamic programming algorithm that finds the most likely sequence of bits received by comparing a received sequence of points sampled from the analog read back waveform to every possible sequence of bits transmitted. This best sequence is referred to as the "best path through the trellis." The trellis tracks all possible paths and consists of states, which help track the bit decisions associated with the path through them. Other techniques design symbols that are more robust against ISI. Decreasing the symbol rate (e.g., the "baud rate"), and keeping the data bit rate constant (by coding more bits per symbol), reduces ISI.
A sizable market has developed for these data storage devices and the price per unit of storage has steadily dropped. A similar market has developed for high capacity communication channels. As increased capacity within communication channels and data storage devices are provided, the need to retrieve data from these communication channels and data storage devices with greater accuracy continues to grow.


Techniques are provided for detecting and identifying host devices in a network. At a switch device, a packet is received from a server that is interfaced with a switch device and is configured to host a virtual machine that is a source of the packet. A Media Access Control (MAC) address or an Internet Protocol (IP) address is identified. The MAC address and IP address are associated with the virtual machine. In response to identifying the MAC or IP addresses, the switch device determines whether a binding between the IP and MAC addresses of the virtual machine is present in a database of addresses accessible by the switch device. If the association is not present, based on the fields obtained from the packet header, a request message is sent to the virtual machine to resolve the association between the IP address and the MAC address of the virtual machine.

Physical servers in a network may be located in a rack unit that houses a plurality of servers. The physical servers within a rack unit may be managed by a top of rack (ToR) switch that routes communications between the servers and to other external network elements. Additionally, the physical servers may be configured to host one or more virtual machines that may be arranged in one or more virtual networks or subnets. Upon joining the network, the virtual machines are assigned context identifiers, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address, Media Access Control (MAC) address and subnet assignment. These context identifiers are used for communications between virtual machines.

Host detection by top of rack switch devices in data center environments


A process for preparing (S)-(−)-N-[4-[4-[ethyl(6-fluoro-6-methylheptyl)amino]-1-hydroxy]phenyl]methanesulfonamide hemifumarate salt, which comprises reacting N-[4-[(2S)-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-2-furanyl]phenyl]methanesulfonamide(IIa) with fluoroamine (III) in the presence of triacetoxyborohydride and ethyl acetate to provide [4-[-4-[ethyl(6-fluoro-6-methylheptyl)amino]-1-hydroxylphenyl]methanesulfonamide (I) and then converting I into the hemifumarate salt Ia. A process for preparing IIa is also claimed as well as intermediates IIa-IId.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process and compounds useful for the preparation of methanesulfonamides. In particular, it relates to a process and compounds useful for the preparation of (S)-(−)-N[-4[ethyl(6-fluoro-6-methyl-heptyl) amino]-1-hydroxybutyl]phenyl] methanesulfonamide hemifumarate salt. This saltis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,997 as a Class III antiarrhythmic compound which selectively prolongs the action potential duration and concomitantly increases the refractory period of heart cells without significant effects on cardiac condition. The essential parts of U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,997 are herein incorporated by reference.
2. Prior Art
The process described for preparing (S)-(−)-N-[4-[4-ethyl(6-flouro-6-methyl-heptyl) amino-1-hydroxybutyl]phenyl]methanesulfonamide hemifumarate salt in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,997 involved introduction of the fluoroamine moiety early in the synthesis. This results in the formation of a commercially unacceptable number of impurities.
The use of sodium triacetoxy borohydride for reductive amination of utilizing 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile as solvents is described in Abdel-Magid, A.F. et al, J. Org. Chem. 1996, 61, 3849-3862.
The direct conversion of a hydroxy ester to a lactone employing basic conditions with no loss in chiral purity was reported by Corey. E.J. et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1987, 109, 7926-7927. However, when subjected to the same basic conditions, hydroxy ester IIc of this invention resulted in a lactone that was racemic.
The use of the enzyme porcine pancreatic lipase to convert hydroxy ester to lactones is also known, Gutman, A. L. et al, J. Org. Chem., 1990, 55, 3546-3552. The conversion of hydroxy acids to lactones under acidic conditions is described by Thompson, A. L. et al, Tetrahedron Lett. 1990, 31, 6953-6956. When the hydroxy ester of this invention is subjected to the ester hydrolysis of Thompson et al, a complex mixture is obtained.
Lactonization of hydroxy esters under acidic conditions has also been reported by Sibi, M. et al, Tetrahedron Let 1992, 5681-5684. Williams et al, Tetrahedron Let, 1989, 1331-1334 and Mohr, P. et al, Helv. Chim. Acta 1987, 142-152.
The complex interaction of physical properties that define the capacity of a compound for upgrading (resolution) was described by Jacques, J. et al, "Enantiomers Racemates and Resolutions", John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981.

Compounds and methods for preparing methanesulfonamides