A method for programming a nonvolatile memory element includes: decreasing a resistance value of a variable resistance element in an initial state, by applying an initialization voltage pulse to a series circuit in which a load resistor having a first resistance value is connected in series with the variable resistance element and a MSM diode; applying, after the decreasing, a write voltage pulse to the series circuit after the resistance value of the variable resistance element is changed to a second resistance value lower than the first resistance value; and applying, after the decreasing, an erase voltage pulse to the series circuit after the resistance value of the variable resistance element is changed to a third resistance value lower than the first resistance value.

In recent years, with the advancement of digital technology, portable digital apparatuses such as small and flat digital AV players and digital cameras have been developed to provide higher functionality. A demand for large-capacity and high-speed nonvolatile memory devices used as memory devices in these apparatuses is increasing more and more. To meet such a demand, nonvolatile memory devices using a variable resistance element or a ferroelectric capacitor, a type of nonvolatile memory element, have attracted attention.
Variable resistance elements are classified into a write-once type and a rewritable type. The rewritable variable resistance elements are further classified into two types. One of the two types is variable resistance elements having characteristics of changing from a high resistance state to a low resistance state and vice versa with two driving voltages having the same polarity. These variable resistance elements are generally referred to as unipolar (or monopolar) variable resistance elements. The other of the two types is variable resistance elements having characteristics of changing from a high resistance state to a low resistance state and vice versa with two programming voltages having different polarities. These variable resistance elements are generally referred to as bipolar variable resistance element.
In a nonvolatile memory device having variable resistance elements arranged in an array, current steering elements such as transistors and rectifying devices are generally connected in series with the variable resistance elements. With this, write disturb caused by bypass current in the array, cross talk between memory cells adjacent to each other, and so on are prevented, and more reliable memory operation is performed.
The unipolar variable resistance elements are capable of controlling a resistance change operation with two different programming voltages having the same polarity. For this reason, a unidirectional diode which uses only the nonlinear voltage-current characteristics in one of polarities of a voltage can be used for a diode as a current steering element. Thus, there is a possibility of simplifying a structure of a memory cell including a variable resistance element and a current steering element. However, because a reset operation to change the variable resistance element to a high resistance state requires an electric pulse having a wide pulse width, the unipolar variable resistance elements operate slowly.
In contrast, the bipolar variable resistance elements are capable for controlling resistance change with two programming voltages having different polarities. For this reason, a bidirectional diode which uses nonlinear voltage-current characteristics in the both polarities of the voltages is required for a diode as a current steering element. However, because both the reset operation to change a variable resistance element to a high resistance state and a set operation to change the variable resistance element to a low resistance state can be performed using an electric pulse having a narrow pulse width, the bipolar variable resistance elements are capable of operating fast.
The cross point nonvolatile memory devices as described in Patent Literatures (PTLs) 1 and 2 have been proposed so far.
The nonvolatile memory device described in PTL 1 includes memory cells in each of which a unidirectional diode is connected as a current steering element in series with a variable resistance element. Here, the unidirectional diode is a PN junction diode or a Schottky diode, for instance.
The nonvolatile memory device described in PTL 2 includes memory cells in each of which a bidirectional diode is connected as a current steering element in series with a variable resistance element.
For example, a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diode, a metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) diode, and a varistor as described in PTL 2 are known as the bidirectional diode.
FIG. 27 is a graph showing voltage-current characteristics of a commonly-known bidirectional diode. Such voltage-current characteristics are observed in the bidirectional diode such as the MIM diode, the MSM diode, and the varistor.
In these bidirectional diodes, by optimizing electrode materials and materials interposed between electrodes, it is possible to make the voltage-current characteristics substantially symmetrical with respect to a polarity of an applied voltage. In other words, it is possible to achieve characteristics that a change of current relative to a positive applied voltage and a change of current relative to a negative applied voltage are made substantially symmetrical about the origin 0.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 27, electrical resistance of the bidirectional diode is very high when the applied voltage is less than or equal to the first critical voltage Vth1 and more than or equal to the second critical voltage Vth2 (range C in FIG. 27), and the electrical resistance of the same rapidly decreases when the applied voltage exceeds the first critical voltage Vth1 or falls below the second critical voltage Vth2 (ranges A and B in FIG. 27).
By combining bidirectional diodes having such voltage-current characteristics and bipolar memory elements, that is, using the bidirectional diodes as the current steering elements, it is possible to achieve a cross point nonvolatile memory device using bipolar variable resistance elements.

Method for programming nonvolatile memory element, method for initializing nonvolatile memory element, and nonvolatile memory device

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A composite having a substrate and a plurality of core-shell nanoparticles. The substrate has microporosity, nanoporosity, or free volume and is a polymer matrix, a metal-organic framework, a micro-porous structure, or a nano-porous structure. The plurality of core-shell nanoparticles each has a core and at least one shell layer. The core is made from a decomposed product of a first precursor disposed in the microporosity, nanoporosity, or free volume of the substrate. The at least one shell layer is made from a decomposed product of a second precursor and is disposed on the core.

The present disclosure relates to composite materials having a substrate and a plurality of core-shell nanoparticles disposed therein.
Current methods for producing inorganic metal or metal-oxide nanoparticles encounter difficulties. These challenges include nanoparticle agglomeration, uneven nanoparticle dispersion, nanoparticle size limitations, complicated multi-step processes to form nanoparticles, complicated multi-step processes to form nanocomposites, free nanoparticle safety hazards, inability to scale-up production, and an inability to form complex multi-domain, multi-material nanoparticles.

Polymer composite comprising metal based nanoparticles in a polymer matrix


A large number of analog signals (Aa, Ba . . . Na) are time-division-multiplexed by an analog switch (12) into a single analog signal (c). The multiplexed analog signal (c) is converted by an A/D conversion circuit (8) into a digital signal (d). The digital signal (d) is separated by a signal separation circuit (14) into a large number of digital signals (e) respectively corresponding to the analog signals (Aa, Ba . . . Na). Each digital signal (e) is compared by a comparison circuit (9) with a digital reference value (f) having a predetermined value. A current source control circuit (10) generates a digital control signal (g) according to the amount of shift in the digital signal (e) with respect to the digital reference value (f), and the current source (11) is controlled by the control signal (g). Therefore, the clamp level of an analog signal is adjusted to a predetermined level with a high precision, thereby effectively suppressing the level shift thereof.

The present invention relates to a device for clamping multiple signals, and more particularly a digital clamping device, which suppresses a direct-current shift in a video signal, or the like.
A configuration a conventional analog clamping device is illustrated in a circuit diagram of FIG. 6. The configuration of the analog clamping device of FIG. 6 will be described. The base of a PNP transistor Tr2 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cTr2xe2x80x9d) and the collector of an NPN transistor Tr1 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cTr1xe2x80x9d) are connected to an input terminal 1 via a condenser C1. The base of Tr1 is connected to a clamp pulse supply terminal 2 via a resistor R1, and is connected to the emitter of Tr1 via a resistor R2. The emitter of Tr1 is connected to a reference voltage supply terminal 3 from a reference resistor of an A/D conversion section (not shown), and is grounded via a condenser C2. The emitter of Tr2 is connected to an output terminal 4, and is connected to a Vcc voltage application terminal 5 via a resistor R3, and the collector of Tr2 is grounded.
Next, the outline of the operation will be described using waveform diagrams illustrated in FIG. 7 for the respective sections in FIG. 6. That is, a reference voltage is supplied to the emitter of Tr1 from the reference voltage supply terminal 3, and a clamp pulse which is as illustrated in FIG. 7(b) with respect to one line of video signal is supplied to the base of Tr1 from the clamp pulse supply terminal 2. Tr1 operates only when the clamp pulse is at an xe2x80x9cHxe2x80x9dlevel and, during the operation, the collector voltage of Tr1 is applied to the base of Tr2, thereby performing a clamping operation at a pedestal level PL of a video signal as illustrated in FIG. 7(a) which is supplied to the input terminal 1. Note that in FIG. 7(a), HD denotes a horizontal synchronization signal.
However, the conventional configuration as described above has a problem that when the power supply voltage Vcc shifts, the clamp voltage itself also shifts following the power supply voltage. Moreover, there is also a problem that due to a variation error in the reference resistance in the A/D conversion section which is not shown, the reference voltage supplied to the reference voltage supply terminal 3 shifts, whereby the pedestal level PL of the video signal shifts.
Moreover, the conventional configuration as described above also has a problem that it is difficult to finely adjust the clamp level because only one type of bias adjustment is performed.
Moreover, the conventional configuration as described above also has a problem that it uses one A-D conversion circuit for one input terminal 1, so that for multiple analog signal inputs, it requires the same number of A-D conversion circuits as the number of input signals, thereby increasing the circuit scale accordingly.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and has an object to provide a device for clamping multiple signals in which the precision in controlling the clamp level is increased and which is capable of finely adjusting the amount of shift with respect to a digital reference value. Moreover, the present invention also has an object to reduce the circuit scale by using a single A/D conversion circuit in a shared manner when clamping a large number of analog signals individually.
In order to achieve the objects described above, a device for clamping multiple signals according to the present invention includes: input means to which an analog signal is input and which cuts off a direct-current component of the analog signal by a capacitor; A-D conversion means for converting the analog signal, whose direct-current component has been cut off by the capacitor, into a digital signal; comparison means for comparing the digital signal, which has been obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means, with a digital reference value having g a predetermined value; a current source for adjusting a clamp level of the analog signal; and control means for controlling the current source based on a digital signal which is obtained as a result of the comparison by the comparison means.
Moreover, in accordance with the present invention the comparison means outputs a digital shift amount signal, which is an amount of shift in the digital signal obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means with respect to the digital reference value; and the current source includes a plurality of transistors having different output levels, and the plurality of transistors are controlled by the digital shift amount signal which is output from the comparison means.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention includes: input means to which a plurality of analog signals are input and which cuts off direct-current components of the plurality of analog signals by a plurality of capacitors; time division multiplexing means for time-division-multiplexing the plurality of analog signals, whose direct-current components have been cut off by the plurality of capacitors, by using an analog switch; one A-D conversion means for converting an analog signal, which has been obtained through time division multiplexing by the time division multiplexing means, into a digital signal; signal separation means for separating the digital signal, which has been obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means, so as to respectively correspond to the plurality of analog signals input to the input means; switching control means for controlling the analog switch and the signal separation means; comparison means for comparing a plurality of digital signals, which have been obtained through separation by the signal separation means, with a plurality of digital reference values each having a predetermined value; a current source for individually adjusting clamp levels of the plurality of analog signals input to the input means; and control means for controlling the current source based on a digital signal obtained as a result of the comparison by the comparison means.
In addition, in one embodiment, the present invention includes: input means to which a plurality of analog signals are input and which cuts off direct-current components of the plurality of analog signals by a plurality of capacitors; time division multiplexing means for time-division-multiplexing the plurality of analog signals, whose direct-current components have been cut off by the plurality of capacitors, by using an analog switch; one A-D conversion means for converting an analog signal, which has been obtained through time division multiplexing by the time division multiplexing means, into a digital signal; signal separation means for separating the digital signal, which has been obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means, so as to respectively correspond to the plurality of analog signals input to the input means;
switching control means for controlling the analog switch and the signal separation means; comparison means for comparing a plurality of digital signals, which have been obtained through separation by the signal separation means, with a plurality of digital reference values each having a predetermined value; a current source for individually adjusting clamp levels of the plurality of analog signals input to the input means; and control means for controlling the current source based on a digital signal obtained as a result of the comparison by the comparison means.
Moreover, in one embodiment, the control means generates a control signal which turns ON a transistor having a high output level, or a large number of transistors, among those included in the current source if the digital shift amount signal output from the comparison means is high; generates a control signal which turns ON a transistor having a low output level, or a small number of transistors, if the digital shift amount signal is low; and turns OFF all of the transistors included in the current source if the digital shift amount signal is zero.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, MOS transistors, analog transistors or diodes are used as the plurality of transistors having different output levels included in the current source.
With the above-described configuration, according to the present invention, an input analog signal is converted by A-D conversion means into a digital signal, and a current source is controlled by using a digital signal which is obtained as a result of the comparison between the digital signal and a digital reference value, so as to adjust the clamp level of the analog signal, whereby it is possible to adjust the clamp level of an analog signal with a high precision with substantially no influence of noise.
Moreover, in one embodiment, a plurality of transistors having different output levels which are provided in the current source are turned ON/OFF based on the amount of shift in the A-D-converted digital signal with respect to a digital reference value having a predetermined value, whereby the clamp level of an analog signal is finely adjusted.
Furthermore, in a case where a large number of analog signals are input, these analog signals are time-division-multiplexed by time division multiplexing means, and a single analog signal obtained through time division multiplexing is converted by single A-D conversion means into a single digital signal, whereby only one A-D conversion circuit is required. Moreover, after the digital signal obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means is separated by signal separation means so as to respectively correspond to the input analog signals, the plurality of digital signals obtained through separation are respectively compared with corresponding digital reference values each having a predetermined value, so as to control current sources based on the comparison results, thereby adjusting the respective clamp levels of the large number of input analog signals.
In addition, in one embodiment, the current sources are provided respectively for the plurality of input analog signals, and digital shift amount signals are output from the comparison means respectively for the plurality of input analog signals, so that the digital shift amount signals are used to respectively control the corresponding current sources, thereby adjusting the respective clamp levels of the plurality of input analog signals.
Moreover, according to the present invention, the output level of the transistor, or the number of transistors, to be turned ON varies depending upon the magnitude of the digital shift amount signal, whereby the clamp level of an input analog signal is quickly and finely controlled.
Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, MOS transistors, analog transistors, and the like, are used as the plurality of transistors included in the current source.
With the above-described configuration, according to the invention of claim 1, an input analog signal is converted by A-D conversion means into a digital signal, and a current source is controlled by using a digital signal which is obtained as a result of the comparison between the digital signal and a digital reference value, so as to adjust the clamp level of the analog signal, whereby it is possible to adjust the clamp level of an analog signal with a high precision with substantially no influence of noise.
Moreover, according to the invention of claim 2, a plurality of transistors having different output levels which are provided in the current source are turned ON/OFF based on the amount of shift in the A-D-converted digital signal with respect to a digital reference value having a predetermined value, whereby the clamp level of an analog signal is finely adjusted.
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 3, in a case where a large number of analog signals are input, these analog signals are time-division-multiplexed by time division multiplexing means, and a single analog signal obtained through time division multiplexing is converted by single A-D conversion means into a single digital signal, whereby only one A-D conversion circuit is required. Moreover, after the digital signal obtained through conversion by the A-D conversion means is separated by signal separation means so as to respectively correspond to the input analog signals, the plurality of digital signals obtained through separation are respectively compared with corresponding digital reference values each having a predetermined value, so as to control current sources based on the comparison results, thereby adjusting the respective clamp levels of the large number of input analog signals.
In addition, according to the invention of claim 4, the current sources are provided respectively for the plurality of input analog signals, and digital shift amount signals are output from the comparison means respectively for the plurality of input analog signals, so that the digital shift amount signals are used to respectively control the corresponding current sources, thereby adjusting the respective clamp levels of the plurality of input analog signals.
Moreover, according to the invention of claim 5, the output level of the transistor, or the number of transistors, to be turned ON varies depending upon the magnitude of the digital shift amount signal, whereby the clamp level of an input analog signal is quickly and finely controlled.
Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 6, MOS transistors, analog transistors, and the like, are used as the plurality of transistors included in the current source, and therefore these transistors can be provided in a semiconductor device, or the like.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A managed print service (MPS) system is used to analyze the costs associated with creating hardcopies on document output devices in end user customer environments, develop proposals to optimize the placement and use of document output devices based on the end user customer's desired workflow, and manage the resulting optimized document output device fleet in the replenishment of supplies. MPS providers can also use the system to manage break/fix services to maintain the uptime, or availability, of the fleet of document output devices. The system provides a predictive supplies replenishment module that accounts for variations in user behaviors when determining whether a replacement supply is needed and identifies replacement supplies according to multiple trigger thresholds that are based on calculations of the remaining days of the supplies in the devices. The system also provides device-specific routing labels for different supply parts that are sent to the same shipping address.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a supply management system for a network of document output devices requiring replenishment supply parts for replacing consumable materials, and more particularly a managed print services (MPS) system for analyzing, optimizing and managing the network of document output devices.
Related Art
Inventory tracking systems for monitoring consumable supplies for document output devices have been known for decades, such as the monitoring and ordering system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,199. Over the years, improvements continue to be made to the ordering and replenishment of consumable supplies. Centralized tracking systems now monitor supply part inventories that are consumed throughout fleets of machines based on usage data that the systems receive from the networked document output devices. Automatic or semi-automatic ordering is provided via interactive communication systems. Order confirmation, projected shipment dates and shipment confirmations can be provided from the reorder sites. These systems can also provide inventory monitoring customized to local networks. Systems provide assistance in the ordering of supplies and also generate pricing data for an entire fleet of devices, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,043,523 and 7,127,433, respectively.
Most supplies replenishment processes require the end user to identify a supply needs to be replenished, determine the appropriate replacement supply part number, determine how to place the order, then manage a manual process of tracking the replenishment. Often, this means the consumable supply item is depleted before a replacement supply is ordered and arrives, usually resulting in the machine operators maintaining a significant amount of safety stock which is subject to shrinkage. Other times, the machine operators reorder the incorrect supply which increases supply chain costs significantly.
For resellers and MPS providers who offer to "manage" the end user's supplies replenishment remotely, they only have rudimentary supplies percentage information, which may be limited to only some brands and models and which is not an accurate way to determine when the supply is requiring replenishment. Those resellers and MPS providers who merely rely on a supply items' "percent remaining" readings taken from document output devices have no automated way to determine whether a supply truly needs to be replaced. For example, a supply can fall below a threshold percent remaining value which triggers an order and shipment of the replacement supply by a current MPS provider's system. After the replacement supply is shipped, the system may then receive an increased supply reading over the trigger threshold which causes the system to reset for the next time the supplies drop below the trigger threshold. However, this reset may actually be caused by user behavior (i.e., removing the supply, rocking it, and replacing it), which would have produced a false-positive indication that the replacement supply had been placed in the machine. Before the replacement supply arrives, the low supply could again drip below the trigger threshold which could result in double shipments of the replacement supply.
Additionally, apart from the system provided by the present invention, MPS providers do not have any automated way to check for other supplies that could be close to their replacement trigger threshold. One supply item could reach its replacement trigger threshold in the beginning of a week and another three supply items could reach their replacement trigger thresholds by the end of the week or in the next week. Without a predictive supply replenishment system that is based on the days remaining of the supply items, current MPS systems do not provide an optimized solution for efficiently resupplying the document output devices.
Another problem with current managed print services is that there is no robust, automated system which allows MPS providers to manage their entire MPS process with a consistent set of data. To best plan for and execute an MPS solution, MPS providers need consistent datasets from the evaluation stage for a potential new customer, into the creation of a deal with MPS solution proposals that can be automatically generated and revised based on these datasets, and through to the services provided for a selected MPS solution that is designed for the particular customer and which assists the MPS provider with automatic notices based on dataset updates.

Managed print service automated and integrated system


A computer system comprises a processor that comprises a hardware branch predictor and software instructions executed by the processor. The software instructions comprise conditional branch instructions and separate static branch prediction instructions. The static branch prediction instructions comprise a plurality of groups of static branch prediction bits, each group being configurable to provide prediction information for a separate conditional branch instruction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a pipelined, superscalar microprocessor. More particularly, the invention relates to branch prediction in a pipelined microprocessor. Still more particularly, the invention relates to combining static and dynamic branch prediction techniques.
2. Background of the Invention
A microprocessor comprises the logic, typically a semiconductor device, which executes software. Microprocessors thus fetch software instructions from memory and executes them. Each instruction generally undergoes several stages of processing. For example, the instruction must be fetched and decoded to determine the type of instruction (add, multiply, memory write, etc.). Then, the instruction is scheduled, executed and finally retired. Each stage of processing may take multiple clock cycles. It has been recognized that the next instruction to be executed by a processor can be fetched and entered into the processor's pipeline before the previous instruction is retired. For example, while one instruction is being scheduled, the next instruction can be fetched and decoded. Moreover, as the pipeline increases in length, the processor can have more instructions at various stages of processing.
The instructions that a computer programmer writes to implement a particular software program includes a variety of different types of instructions. One type of instruction is generically referred to as a "conditional branch" instruction. This instruction includes a condition that is checked and can either be true or false. For example, the condition might be to check whether a certain error condition exists. The error condition either exists or not. If the error condition currently exists, the condition is true, otherwise the condition is false (i.e., the condition does not exist). Consequently, one set of instructions is executed if the condition is true, and another set of instructions is executed if the condition is false.
Each instruction is stored at a unique address in memory. Typically, if a conditional branch instruction checks a condition that turns out to be false, then program execution follows to the next instruction following the conditional branch instruction. If the condition is true, however, program execution generally jumps to a different instruction and the processor continues executing from that instruction. Thus, the branch is either "taken" or "not taken" depending on whether the condition is true or not. If the condition is true, the branch is taken and the processor's instruction pointer is reloaded with a different address from the branch instruction to continue execution. If the condition is false, the branch is not taken and the instruction pointer is simply incremented so that the processor continues execution with the instruction immediately following the conditional branch instruction.
In a pipelined architecture, instructions may be fetched to enter the pipeline before a previously fetched conditional branch instruction is actually executed. Accordingly, pipelined processors include branch prediction logic that predicts the outcome of branch instructions before the branch instructions are actually executed. The branch predictor logic thus predicts whether the branch is likely to be taken or not, and thus which instructions are to be fetched following the fetching of a conditional branch instruction. The branch predictor merely predicts the future outcome of the conditional branch instruction; the true outcome will not be accurately known until the branch instruction is actually executed. If the branch predictor turns out to have made the correct prediction, then instructions that must be executed are already in the pipeline. If the prediction turns out to have been inaccurate, then the incorrect instructions that had been fetched must be thrown out and the correct instructions fetched. Performance suffers on mispredictions and increases on correct predictions. Choosing a branch prediction scheme that results in correct predictions much more often than mispredictions will result in the performance increase gained from correct predictions outweighing the performance hit on mispredictions.
Many processors use "dynamic" branch prediction techniques which means that the predictions is made in real-time by the processor's branch predictor. Most dynamic branch predictors predict the future behavior of branches using their past behavior (i.e., whether the branches had previously been actually taken or not). Simple branch prediction schemes use either the past behavior of the branch being predicted or the behavior of neighboring branches or combination of the two techniques.
Most simple branch predictors include a table of counters. The table typically includes multiple entries and each entry includes a prediction as to whether a conditional branch instruction will be taken or not. Once a conditional branch instruction is fetched, that instruction is used to point to ("index") one of the entries in the table. Various branch prediction schemes differ in the way this table is indexed. On encountering a conditional branch instruction in program flow, the table of counters is indexed for the given branch. The most significant bit of the counter at the indexed entry is used as the prediction for the branch. The counter is updated ("trained") once the outcome of the branch is known. Multi-level branch predictors have multiple tables where the final prediction is determined after a series of lookups with each lookup using the outcome of the previous lookup as the index. Hybrid branch predictors combine two or more simple branch predictors. A "meta-predictor" or "chooser" is used to select among the predictions from the component predictors. The training of a hybrid predictor may involve updating all of the component predictors or only a subset of the component predictors. Further, the training may depend on whether the prediction was correct or incorrect.
Depending on the indexing scheme and the size of the table of counters in a simple branch predictor, multiple branches in a program may share the same entry in the table of counters. This phenomenon is commonly known as "aliasing" and various branches are said to "collide" with one another. If two colliding branches behave the same way, the collision may in fact be "constructive" as the two branches drive the shared counter value in the same direction resulting in correct predictions for both colliding branches. On the other hand, if the two colliding branches behave differently, they will try to push the shared counter in different directions causing an increased number of mispredictions. Unfortunately, it has been shown that collisions in dynamic branch predictors are more likely to be destructive than constructive. The preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously reduces the likelihood of destructive collisions between branches.
There are several approaches, however, to reducing the destructive aliasing problem noted above. First, the number of entries in the predictor table can be increased possibly causing branches that would have collided to index to different entries in the table. Second, an indexing scheme can be chosen that best distributes the available counters among different combinations of branch address and history. Third, conditional branch instructions can be separated into different classes with each class using a different prediction scheme. As such, branches in two different classes cannot interfere with one another.
One approach that has been suggested with regard to the third approach is to use a static prediction technique for some conditional branches and a dynamic prediction technique for other branches. Static branch prediction uses the results of pre-run-time analysis of the software. Static prediction uses the knowledge of program structure or profiles from previous runs of a program to accurately predict the run-time outcome of branches. Certain types of conditional branch instructions fairly consistently have the same outcome (take the branch or do not take the branch). For example, conditional branches that check for error conditions generally result in the take or do not take outcome associated with there not being an error. By contrast, dynamic branch prediction is performed during run-time while the program is executing and is performed each time the branch instruction is fetched.
One variation on the idea of combining static and dynamic branch prediction schemes was suggested in a Ph.D. dissertation entitled "Static Methods in Branch Prediction" by Donald Lindsay, Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado, 1998. Lindsay proposed modifying conditional branch instructions to include information as to whether the processor should use its own dynamic prediction logic or use static prediction. If static prediction was dictated by the instruction, then the prediction itself was encoded into the branch instruction.
While theoretically adequate, Lindsay's approach may not be possible to implement in an existing processor architecture in which the conditional branch instructions have no extra bits in which to encode the dynamic or static prediction choice and, for static prediction, the prediction itself. Thus, an improvement to Lindsay's proposed combination of static and dynamic branch prediction is needed.

Branch prediction combining static and dynamic prediction techniques

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The laser beam emitted from a laser diode is applied to a sample, thereby measuring the height of the sample in accordance with the principle of trigonometrical measurement. A line-sensor camera acquires a dark-field image of the sample by using a ring-shaped illumination device, and a bright-field image of the sample by using a light source. The luminance-image data items representing the dark-field image and the bright-field image, respectively, are input to a controller. The position of the sample and the defects in the sample can thereby be detected. The position can be detected and the height can be measured, with high accuracy. This greatly relieves inspectors.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 10-339333, filed Nov. 30, 1998; and No. 10-339334, filed Nov. 30, 1998, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the height, position and the like of an object.
In recent years, the integration densities and scales of semiconductor components are ever increasing. Among the semiconductor components are electrical-part packages, such as BGA packages each having electrical components such as bare chips. One type of a BGA package includes bare chips with bumps formed by FC bonding. It is demanded that the position, height and the like of each element incorporated in such a BGA package be measured more accurately than before.
Hitherto, inspectors examine electrical components each having bumps. More precisely, they examine the components one by one, by using microscopes, for the positions and heights of the components.
It takes them much time to examine the outer appearance of each electrical component, however. The efficiency of the examination is inevitably low. Additionally, the examination is cumbersome, which annoy the inspectors greatly.
To acquire high-quality images of samples, it is necessary to adjust the light from the laser diode (i.e., light source) to an optimal intensity.
Some methods have been employed to control the intensity of the laser beam emitted from the laser diode. One method is to change the power-supply voltage applied to the laser diode, thereby to control the intensity of the laser beam. Another method is to arrange in front of the laser diode an ND filter whose transmittance gradually varies and move the ND filter, thereby to control the intensity of the laser beam.
If the power-supply voltage of the laser diode is changed, however, the laser beam will have an unstable wavelength. It will be then difficult to acquire high-quality images. If an ND filter is used, the laser beam cannot have uniform intensity after it has passed through the ND filter. This is because points on a specified cross section of the laser beam that has passed through the ND filter tend to exhibit different intensities.
Another method may be available to control the intensity of a laser beam is available. A polarizing plate is arranged in the path of the laser beam and rotated, thereby to change the intensity of the beam as the beam passes through the plate. However, optimal brightness varies in accordance with the position and condition of measuring the sample. Consequently, it is difficult to acquire a high-quality image at all times.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring apparatus that can perform various measuring processes at high accuracy and within a short time, thereby much relieving inspectors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a measuring apparatus that can always acquire an image of a sample, which has optimal brightness, even if the position and condition of measuring the sample change.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a measuring apparatus comprising: first measuring means including a measuring light source for emitting a measuring light, an objective lens, provided to oppose a sample, for focusing the measuring light on the sample, scanning means for two-dimensionally scanning a surface of the sample with the measuring light passing through the objective lens, an optical system for guiding a light beam reflected by the sample to a plane on which a pupil of the objective lens is projected and focusing part of the guided light beam, the part of the guided light beam to be focused having an optical axis positioned apart for a distance from that of the guided light beam, optical position detecting means, provided on a plane where the part of the guided light beam is focused by the optical system, for detecting a shift amount of a beam-spot that shifts in accordance with a height of the sample, and height-calculating means for calculating the height of the sample from the shift amount detected by the optical position-detecting means; and second measuring means for receiving through the objective lens a light reflected from or scattered by the sample to which an illumination light is applied from an illumination light source, and thereby acquiring two-dimensional data, wherein the objective lens is provided on a position where an optical axis related to the first measuring means and an optical axis related to the second measuring means overlap each other.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.


A thermoplastic carrier sheet is die-cut to have a size and shape matching that of a PEM bipolar plate. A plurality of holes are punched in the carrier sheet in the pattern of gasket beading to be formed subsequently. In a mold, liquid gasket resin fills the mold on both sides of the carrier sheet to form the gasket, flowing through the holes in the sheet and thereby causing the gasket to become mechanically attached to the sheet. A carrier element having a flange portion substantially identical with the outer profile of the bipolar plates is laminated to the sheet edge. During assembly of a fuel cell, the carrier element automatically positions the gasket correctly on the plate and prevents the gasket from twisting or shifting. In a currently preferred embodiment, a membrane electrode assembly is attached within an appropriate opening in the carrier sheet.

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are well known. In a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen atoms are ionized in an anode, migrate through a specialized membrane as hydrogen cations (protons), and combine with oxygen anions at a cathode to form water. Electrons from the hydrogen flow from the anode through an external circuit to the cathode, performing work in between. The membrane, typically with a catalyst coating sandwiched between layers of gas diffusion media (GDL), is know in the art as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). A bipolar plate assembly is constructed by joining an individual anode and cathode plate.
Fuel cell assemblies comprise a plurality of individual bipolar plate assemblies stacked together and connected in electrical series. When the MEA is captured between the anode and cathode they form an individual cell whereby the electrochemical reaction can take place. Such bipolar plates, when stacked together with the MEAs in between, form a fuel cell assembly. Openings through the bipolar plates near the edges form headers for inlet and exhaust of fuel and combustion gases as well as coolant. Other openings may be provided for alignment during assembly or for other specialized purposes.
Bipolar plates typically are formed of a metals (such as titanium or stainless steel) or composites (such as a thermoset graphite-loaded vinyl ester polymer) and are easily damaged by twisting or other application of uneven stresses. The plates require a non-conductive seal or gasket along all outer edges and around all openings to prevent leaking of reactant gases and coolant and to electrically insulate the bipolar plates from each other. It is known to use separate die-cut or molded elastomeric gaskets, installed between the plates during assembly of a fuel cell stack.
A problem exists in locating the gaskets properly with respect to the openings to be sealed. Further, individual gaskets are thin, very pliable, and thus are easily twisted and deformed. A misaligned or twisted gasket can cause leaks, broken bipolar plates, and stack failure.
What is needed is a reliable method of forming and installing resilient gaskets in assembly of a fuel cell stack.
It is a principal object of the present invention to improve the reliability of assembly of a fuel cell stack.
It is a further object of the invention to reduce waste and cost in fuel cell manufacture.
It is a still further object of the invention to improve ease of assembly of a fuel cell stack.

Method of forming a gasket assembly for a PEM fuel cell assembly


A plasma display device may include a plasma display panel, a driving circuit portion for driving the plasma display panel, a connecter for electrically connecting electrodes of the plasma display panel with the driving circuit portion, and an interconnecter for electrically connecting the connecter with the plasma display panel. The interconnecter may include an adhesive layer, a plurality of conductive pellets, and a plurality of non-conductive pellets dispersed in the adhesive layer. The conductive pellets may be positioned substantially within a first region where the wiring of the connecter overlaps the electrodes of the plasma display panel. The non-conductive pellets may be positioned substantially at least at a second region other than the first region in the adhesive layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plasma display device, and more particularly to a structure for electrically connecting a plasma display panel with a driving circuit portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrodes (for example, address electrodes) on the rear surface of a plasma display panel (PDP) electrically can connect with a driving circuit portion through a connecter (for example, a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)). The connecter can have a driver integrated circuit (IC) for applying an address voltage to the electrodes of the PDP in response to a control signal generated from a driving circuit portion. This address voltage may be applied to selectively form a wall voltage in each pixel.
The structures that are currently often used for applying a voltage for the PDP are classified as a chip on film (COF) that is directly installed on a connecter composed of an FPC, and a tape carrier package (TCP) that has an inexpensive and compact structure relative to the COF.
In a conventional plasma display device with the above structure, an FPC is provided with connecting terminal portions for respectively connecting the electrodes of the PDP with the driving circuit. The connecting terminal portions of the FPC electrically connect with the electrodes of the PDP by means of anisotropic conductive films (ACF). The connecting terminal portions of the FPC are constructed so as to electrically connect with the driving circuit portion by means of fitting male and female connectors together. Each of the connecting terminal portions of the FPC are provided with at least one connecting wiring set for connecting electrodes of the PDP with the driving circuit portion.
In more detail, the ACF is constructed to be interposed between the connecting terminal portions of the FPC and the electrodes of the PDP, with ball-type conductive particles dispersed in epoxy resin therein. Thus, when the connecting terminals are pressed together, the ball-type conductive particles are capable of contacting with opposing connecting terminal portions and electrodes to form electrical interconnections.
However, in the conventional ACF, since the ball-type conductive particles are dispersed not only in one region where the connecting terminal portions of the FPC face the electrodes of the PDP, but also randomly in other regions thereof, the ball-type conductive particles can conglomerate with each other in the other regions to bring about a short circuit among the neighboring connecting terminal portions of the FPC and the electrodes of the PDP.

Interconnector, method for manufacturing a plasma display device using the same, and a plasma display device with the same


System for producing a system clock signal comprising a local oscillator configured to generate a first clock signal; a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature change above a critical value in an area including the local oscillator; an obtaining module configured to obtain a second clock signal; a clock generator configured to generate the system clock signal in a first manner, using the first clock signal, in a normal mode when the temperature detector does not detect a temperature change above the critical value, and in a second manner different from the first manner, using the second clock signal, in a reverse hold-over mode when the temperature detector has detected a temperature change above the critical value.

Time synchronization or clock distribution in a timing dependent system or network, e.g. a telecommunications network, is usually subject to very strict specifications for frequency stability, e.g. as specified in ITU-T recommendations G.803, G.812, G.813, G.823, G.824, G.8262 and/or many others. The nodes in a (telecommunication) network often receive timing information from an external, network wide reference. This can be a dedicated clock signal with very stable frequency, or it can be a data clock extracted from the incoming data communication links. This clock information is compared with the output clock signal from a local reference oscillator to determine the error-offset of this local reference oscillator. The local reference clock signal, corrected by the determined error-offset, is then used to generate the desired frequencies required by the transmitted communication links, and to maintain a system clock signal during periods of failure of the external reference clock signal (hold-over). This mechanism implies that the frequency stability of the system clock is tightly locked to the frequency stability of its local oscillator, even in the presence of an external reference clock signal. However, the output frequency of a typically used local oscillator is typically sensitive to temperature variations, which threaten the required stability. Although there exist oscillators such as Rubidium or atomic clocks which are more or less insensitive to temperature variations, those clocks are generally too expensive and/or too big in size to be used e.g. in nodes of communication networks.

System for producing a system clock and temperature gradient detection system


A reclining chair including a seat, a back and a base. The forward portion of the seat is pivotally coupled to the base such that the seat pivotally moves substantially about a knee of a person seated in the reclining chair. Also, the seat and back are coupled together such that the back portion pivotally moves substantially about a hip of the person seated in the reclining chair as the chair is reclined.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to chairs and more particularly to reclining chairs.
2. Prior Art
In the prior art there exists several different types of reclining chairs. All of these reclining chairs essentially perform the same basic function, that is the function of reclining; however, these prior art reclining chairs all have certain deficiencies.
In particular, when the chairs recline, the feet of the person seated in the chair generally rises off of the floor as the front portion of the chair rises. Such a condition is particularly undesirable in reclining chairs utilized in offices. Next, when the chair is reclined or returned to the upright position, the backrest may move up or down relative to the seat of the chair. Such a motion has the undesirable side effect of pulling out one's shirt or blouse or scrunching up one's clothes. In either event, the feeling is unpleasant and results in a disheveled appearance for the person seated in the chair when he returns to the unreclined position. In addition, the reclining mechanism is usually provided with a spring which can be adjusted to provide a preloaded biasing force against the reclining motion of the chair so that the chair does not just fall backwards; however, the spring merely provides this preload and does not compensate for the increased forces caused by the change in leverage as the chair reclines and the differences in weights of individuals seated in the chair. As a result, chairs which are designed for people who are heavy, cannot be utilized by people who are light in weight and vice versa.
Examples of prior art reclining chairs which possess one or more of the above disadvantages and which may have attempted to solve some of the above described disadvantages are described in the issued United States patents as follows:
______________________________________ 910,357 2,479,175 2,611,420 2,925,122 3,856,346 4,372,608 4,386,805 4,402,546 4,529,247 ______________________________________


A power generation and distribution arrangement that includes at least three switchgear sections. Each switchgear includes at least one or more power generators and an internal busbar in which the one or more power generators are electrically connected to the internal busbar. The internal busbar of each switchgear has one connecting end that is electrically connected to a common conductive node of the arrangement. The common conductive node includes an external interconnecting busbar between the switchgear sections.

In prior art power generation and distribution installations on floating units or marine installations, switchgears of the power generation and distribution arrangement are typically connected in series via a switch. Such switchgear is a combination of electrical switches, and circuit breakers that is arranged to control a connection between a power source (a power generator) and consuming devices or electric power consumers. The switchgear comprises an internal busbar and is electrically connected to at least one or more power generators and user electrical equipment, wherein the one or more power generators and the electric power consumers are electrically connected to the internal busbar. Typically, prior art electrical installations use a voltage up to 15 kV, due to classification requirements for electrical equipment for marine applications.
As more electrical equipment is installed on marine installations and their power demand is growing, the power output of such electrical installations on board of large oil and gas production installations is now reaching and even surpassing limits.
As a result, there is a need to increase the power generation of such installations. An increase could be achieved by various options, such as to select a higher voltage or to install the switchgears/generators in two or more independent "islands" or to daisy chain the power generators or the switchgears. In all these options the generated power is increased.
To increase the output voltage of the power generators to levels above the classification voltage, would require installation of step-up transformers to an high voltage which allows switching of currents suitable for the commercially available equipment and step-down transformers to produce operating voltage for the installed electric power consumers. Also, the transformers would occupy additional space on board the marine installation and add significant weight to the overall electrical installation.
Installing the switchgears/generators in two or more independent islands would require that spare power generators are available in each "island".
To daisy chain the power generators or to daisy chain the switchgears has a disadvantage in that the switchgears and power generators are limited in their short circuit levels and current carrying capacity. A short circuit in one of the daisy-chained switchgears causes high currents also in the other switchgears in the series connection. This may even cause that a properly functioning switchgear is overloaded by the high current flowing through to the short-circuited switchgear, exceeding its short-circuit rating, and becomes inoperative.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a power generation and distribution arrangement that overcomes or mitigates the above detrimental effects.

Power generation and distribution arrangement and floating unit comprising such an arrangement


An adjustable visor extension that provides increased window coverage for blocking out sunlight, headlights, and ultraviolet rays when attached to a visor, wherein the visor extension comprises a visor wrap having opposing flaps which overlap to secure the visor wrap to a visor, a vertically adjustable shade extending from the visor wrap, a shield attached to the lower end of the shade for folding the shield into the shade and a plurality of hook-and-loop patches used for holding the shade and shield in various folded positions.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to universal extenders for visors in all types of vehicles, and more particularly to an adjustable visor extension that provides increased window coverage for blocking out sunlight, headlights, and ultraviolet rays.
2. Description of Related Art
Existing visors in vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, do not always adequately shade the driver and/or passenger from direct sunlight, damaging ultraviolet light, and headlights from oncoming traffic. It is known that sunlight can cause skin cancer and can obstruct a driver's vision. At times, sunlight and headlights enter the side window or windshield at angles which are impossible for conventional visors to intercept. In addition, the angle at which light enters a vehicle constantly changes. Existing visors only provide minimal coverage. They cannot block light which penetrates between the visor and rear view mirror, through the windshield below the visor, and around the visor through the side/door windows. This not only causes the driver and passenger discomfort, but can obstruct a driver's vision. Currently, drivers use towels, sheets, maps, and other crude methods for shading themselves from the sun and ultraviolet light. Accordingly, there exists a need for an adjustable extension that extends the protection of visors to provide better protection to drivers and passengers.
Several devices are contemplated in the background art for extending the protection of visors. However, none of these references solve the above-noted problems. The visor attachments known are not adequately adjustable, and only provide minimal levels of protection. That is, known extensions are not adjustable in length and width. In addition, known visor adapters do not adequately block light entering from the side windows. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,678,880, 5,040,840, 4,352,519, and 2,458,125 comprise rigid shield attachments which only provide one extra level of protection and do not adjust vertically or horizontally. The noted references require complicated hinge structure for folding the extension behind the visor or down from the visor. These references also clip to the visor, which can cause damage and interfere with the attachment of other devices, such as garage door openers. Roll-up shades are also known in the art. However, they are not attachable to visors and do not address the particular problems noted herein.
As the above-noted background art fails to solve and address the problems noted herein, there exists a need for a visor extension that may be conveniently adjusted in length and sideways. The present invention solves these problems by providing an adjustable visor extension that can be adjusted for several levels of protection, can shield the entire length of the side window, and can be conveniently slid sideways for adjusting to the angle of the light. The instant invention also incorporates structure for holding articles, such as garage door openers, security gate cards, and pens. While the invention is described in detail below with respect to automobiles, it may also be used in trucks, airplanes, and other vehicles able to support and accommodate the instant invention.


The present invention relates to new fabric designed for improved utility in swimwear applications, as well as the method for producing such fabric as well as garments made from such fabrics. The fabric can be characterized in terms elongation, instantaneous fabric growth at 15% strain and dimensional stability. The fabric comprises an elastic crosslinked polyolefin elastic yarn and a second yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and polypropylene.

Swimwear is a segment of the garment industry which is known to have special needs and requirements. Swimwear is typically constructed from knit fabrics as knit fabrics can more easily conform to the body by compressing or elongating the individual knit stitches that form the knit fabric. However, the ability of the stitches to conform or elongate also leads to deformations such as bagging, particularly in areas where the garment is subjected to more stretching, unless the fabric has the ability to return the knit stitches to their original dimensions. These deformation tend to become exaggerated in an aqueous environment such as encountered in swimming. Bagging is not only unsightly, but also increases the drag as the swimmer moves through the water. Accordingly, it is desired to produce a knit fabric having elastomeric properties such that swimwear or other garments made from the fabric will be more dimensionally stable.
Fabrics containing elastic fiber are well known. It is now common to co-knit a relatively small amount of an elastic fiber such as spandex with a companion hard yarn. Due to the nature of most elastic fibers, a heat setting step is usually required to maintain dimensional stability. Without such heat-setting, the elastic fiber will retract to compress the fabric stitches, thereby reducing the overall dimensions. Heat setting is known to have several disadvantages including cost, and undesired reactions of the elastic and/or companion yarns to the heat. To combat the reaction to the heat, elastic fibers that can be heat-set at somewhat lower temperatures have been identified (see, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,948,875 or 6,472,494). Another approach was reported in US2006/0021387 A1, which discloses circular knit elastic fabrics which include a bare elastomeric material such as spandex plated with spun or continuous filament hard yarns. The fabric is subjected to an aqueous setting procedure referred to as "hydro-setting", under particular temperature and pressure conditions. It is desired to have a dimensionally stable fabric which does not require traditional high temperature heat-setting or hydro setting.
US2005/0164577 A1 discloses circular knit stretch fabrics made from crosslinked olefinic elastic fiber. These fabrics show improved growth characteristics but still lack the desired dimensional stability. Accordingly it is desired to have a fabric with even greater dimensional stability, particularly under conditions such as those encountered by competitive swimmers. It is also desirable to have improved dimensional stability to allow for greater flexibility in final garment treatments such as printing.
It has been discovered that improved fabrics comprising elastic fiber together with hard companion yarns can be obtained by using knitting conditions such as feed rates and fine gauge needles to produce a fine tight loop. Moreover, it has also been discovered that dimensional stability can be improved by selecting hard yarns that exhibit an inherent elastic response, either as a result of chemical nature of the fiber or which has been introduced during the fiber production process, such as a texturization process.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is an elastic fabric characterized in that it has an Elongation greater than 90%, an instantaneous fabric growth at 15% strain of 7% or less, a Dimensional Stability for each of the length and the width of ±7%, wherein the fabric comprises from 6% to 50% by weight of a first fiber which is a crosslinked polyolefin fiber of from 11 to 99 dtex, and from 50% to 94% by weight of a second fiber which is a fiber of from 22 to 176 dtex selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and polypropylene.
Another aspect of the present invention is a garment, particularly swimwear, made from the preferred fabric of the invention.
Still another aspect of the present invention is a method for making a dimensionally stable elastic fabric comprising combining a first fiber which is a crosslinked polyolefin fiber of from 11 to 99 dtex, and a second fiber selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, and polypropylene which second fiber is a fiber of from 22 to 176 dtex under knitting conditions suitable to produce a fine tight loop (e.g. 1000 to 1600 mm/rack for the hard yarn with 200 to 1000 mm/rack for the elastic yarn).

Stretchable fabric suitable for swimwear applications


A power lead for electrically connecting a superconducting coil with a power supply, comprising thermoelectric cooling means, said means including at least an N-type thermoelectric member and a P-type thermoelectric member, being electrically connected to a positive side and a negative side of said power supply, respectively.

The structure of a conventional power lead (also referred to as a current lead) used for providing an excitation current to a superconducting coil for magnetization is described below, with reference to FIG. 7 which illustrates schematically the structure of a conventional power lead cooled by a refrigerant gas.
Referring to FIG. 7, a superconducting coil is accommodated in a low temperature region (space) (a very low temperature chamber) such as a liquid helium (4.2.degree. K) while a power supply is placed in a room temperature environment. A power lead is provided between the superconducting coil and the power supply wherein one end of each power lead is connected to an associated end of the superconducting coil and the other end is connected to an associated electrode of the power supply.
The power lead is made up of a normal conductor such as oxygen free copper (OFCu), having a high electric conductivity. However, since the normal conductor has also high thermal conductivity, heat flows easily into the low temperature from the room temperature environment through the power lead.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, cooling of the power lead by a refrigerant gas such as a helium gas is needed in a superconducting coil device.
A refrigerant gas (helium gas) flowing through the transition region from the low temperature region to the room temperature environment performing such functionalities as (1) reducing an electric resistance of the power lead as a result of which causing a reduction in a joule heat, and (2) exchanging heat flowing in from the room temperature environment to exhaust the heat to an outside.
In order to enhance a heat exchange effectiveness the power lead is usually made to have a structure having a largest possible surface area, such as a mesh or a spiral tubing. FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a power lead with a mesh (shown as dotted lines).
A heater heats up the liquid helium and forcefully produce helium gas as a refrigerant gas. The liquid helium is supplied through a helium inlet.
Referring to FIG. 16, a conventional power lead cooled by a refrigerant gas is described in detail below. FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of a superconducting device comprising a superconducting coil. Since a liquid helium, which is essential to operating the superconducting coil, is expensive, it is preferable to allow the liquid helium to evaporate as little as possible and to prevent heat from coming into a superconducting coil through the current lead (also referred to as a power lead).
Referring to FIG. 16, a superconducting coil 2 is housed inside a cryostat 1, a peripheral wall of which is surrounded by a liquid nitrogen shield 13 made up of double cylinders in order to block any heat (radiation heat) coming in from a radially outside periphery. The liquid nitrogen shield 13, in turn, is accommodated within a vacuum container 15 to form a vacuum heat insulation layer. The liquid nitrogen shield 13 contains a liquid nitrogen 31 and a low temperature nitrogen gas 32 evaporated from the liquid nitrogen 31. The nitrogen gas 32 is emitted into an atmosphere through a nitrogen gas outlet 14 provided on a top of the liquid nitrogen shield 13.
The superconducting coil 2 is connected via a leader line 20 to one end of a lead conductor 3a, a component of current lead 3, while other end of a lead conductor 3a is connected to a terminal 3b located in the room temperature environment. In order to eliminate a joule heat generated in the lead conductor 3a and to prevent a heat from penetrating from a room temperature region into a very low temperature region caused by heat conduction through the lead conductor 3a, a cold helium gas 23 produced by an evaporation of a liquid helium 22 is leaded into a lead tube 3c surrounding the lead 3a to flow the helium gas 23 through a gap 3d between the lead conductor 3a and an inside of the lead tube 3c to cool the lead conductor 3a. After cooling the lead conductor 3a, the helium gas 23, branching from a top of the lead tube 3c, flows into gas tubes 5, and 6, which are connected via an electrically insulating tube joint 4 to be emitted from an external tube 7 which is connected to the gas tube 6. The vacuum container 15 and cryostat 1 are electrically insulated from the lead tube 3c by means of electrical insulator 8.
Referring to FIG. 8, a power lead made up of a high temperature superconducting material is described in the below.
The power lead, shown in FIG. 8, comprises a high temperature superconducting member made up of such as a Bi series 2223 sintered material or YCBO etc. The low temperature region is cooled with a liquid helium (4.2.degree. K), while a transition region (between the low temperature and room temperature regions) in which the high temperature superconducting member is accommodated, is cooled with both the liquid helium and a liquid nitrogen.
The transition region is separated from the room temperature region by a thermal anchor to be held at a temperature at which the high temperature superconducting member is set to a superconducting status. The thermal anchor is made of a material having a high thermal capacity such as Cu.
The high temperature superconducting member of the power lead shown in FIG. 8, when being cooled below 100.degree. K, does not generate a joule heat even when an electric current flows through the power lead to reduce an amount of heat flux penetrating into the low temperature region.
This structure shown in FIG. 8 has a meritorious effect that the entire high temperature superconducting member may be kept cooled below its critical temperature Tc by an electric conduction instead of by employing a refrigerant gas. A current lead (power lead) comprising an oxide high temperature superconducting material, which does not need a gas cooling system, has been proposed to reduce an amount of a heat flux penetrating into a low temperature region. (For example, see Yokoyama, et al; "Conduction Cooling for a Crystron; Development of a Superconducting Magnet; Design and Test of Oxide Superconductor Current Leads", Proceedings for the Fifty-Second Joint Meeting of Low Temperature Engineering and Superconductor Physics, Autumn 1993, page 235.)

Power lead for electrically connecting a superconducting coil to a power supply

c/o Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. 1-1, Tanabeshinden


An irradiating device for irradiating a machining field with a machining beam, in particular with a laser beam, for carrying out a welding process, is provided. The irradiating device includes a beam scanner for aligning the machining beam to a machining position in the machining field. The irradiating device has an imaging device for imaging a part-region of the machining field on a pyrometer which has at least two pyrometer segments. The imaging device images thermal radiation which emanates from the machining position in the machining field on a first pyrometer segment, and images thermal radiation which emanates from a position in the machining field being situated ahead of or behind the machining position along an advancing direction of the machining beam in the machining field on at least one second pyrometer segment. A machine tool having such an irradiating device is also provided.

For quality monitoring and closed-loop controlling a process for producing three-dimensional components by irradiating (metallic) powder layers which are fused layer-by-layer with a machining beam, for example with a laser beam (laser metal fusion—LMF), it is necessary for the melting process, or the welding process, respectively, in particular the melt pool which is formed in the LMF process, to be monitored. The most important key indicators to this end are the temperatures and the temperature gradients when melting and solidifying the melt, since said temperatures and temperature gradients determine the substantial properties of the components. No differentiation is made in the present application between a welding process and a sintering process; rather, a welding process is also to be understood to be a sintering process.
These key indicators can only be insufficiently detected using conventional sensors in the form of pyrometers or in the form of cameras for monitoring temperatures. Pyrometers are optical temperature measurement apparatuses which capture thermal radiation by means of which the temperature can be determined. To this end, the thermal radiation from an observation plane, in the present case the machining plane, is imaged by way of an optical imaging on a sensor element, more specifically on a sensor surface of the pyrometer. Diodes which detect only one measurement point, or only one position in the machining plane, respectively, and which have a high sensitivity, measuring dynamic, and measuring rate are usually used as sensor elements, or as pyrometers, respectively. For example, in the case of pyrometers of this type, part of the machining plane, or a measurement spot having a diameter of 1 mm, respectively, can be imaged on a diode, wherein the spatial resolution, or the measurement spot, respectively, in this case is significantly larger than the focal spot (50 to 100 μm). Cameras which typically form a Cartesian sensor array are used for planar detection. Said cameras have a high spatial resolution but only a low measuring rate, measuring dynamic, and sensitivity.
For process monitoring of an LMF process, measuring rates in the range of 100 kHz are required on account of the high advancing speeds in the range of several m/s. The measuring dynamic required is derived from the difference between the temperature of the component (˜200° C.) and the temperature of the liquid melt (˜2000° C.). Low temperatures, on account of the low intensity of the thermal radiation, are more difficult to detect with the aid of pyrometrics than high temperatures. The entire temperature profile of the welding process around the machining position can therefore not or only insufficiently be detected by means of a camera. Therefore, existing methods are concentrated on the melt pool temperature and the melt pool geometry which, by virtue of the high temperatures, are easier to detect than regions outside the melt pool, this however typically not being sufficient for any meaningful closed-loop control of the process. Camera-based sensors, which however cannot be applied to the high measuring rates for the LMF process, are known for processes having low advancing speeds (for example, laser welding).
A method and a device for selectively combining particular material in which radiation is used for sintering a part-region of a layered material and for in this way generating a three-dimensional body are known from WO 2013/021173 A1. In one exemplary embodiment, a sensor is used for determining the temperature of the sintered part-region. The sensor can be an infrared camera, a single pyrometer, or an array of pyrometers. A plurality of radiation sources can serve for providing the radiation. A filter, or a plurality of filters, can also be provided so as to filter the radiation that is generated by at least some of the plurality of radiation sources.
A pyrometric detection device for use in a device for producing three-dimensional workpieces, wherein the detection device is configured for capturing thermal radiation, is known from EP 3 023 757 A1. The pyrometric detection device can have a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, wherein the first and the second optical sensor are configured for emitting an electrical signal which depends on an intensity of the thermal radiation in a specific wavelength range. Optical filters and/or wavelength-dependent beam splitters can be used for directing the incident thermal radiation in the desired wavelength range to a respective detector. A value indicating the temperature at the location of emission can be calculated in that a ratio between the electrical signal of the first optical sensor and the electrical signal of the second optical sensor is taken into account.


In a Group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device which outputs lights from a semiconductor plane, about 1.5 μm in height of a Group III nitride compound semiconductor projection part 150, which is made of Mg-doped p-type GaN having Mg doping concentration of 8×1019/cm3 and is formed through selective growth, is formed on a p-type contact layer (second p-layer) 108. And a light-transparency electrode 110 is formed thereon through metal deposition. The Group III nitride compound semiconductor projection part 150 makes a rugged surface for outputting lights and actual critical angle is widened, which enables to improve luminous outputting efficiency. And because etching is not employed to form the ruggedness, driving voltage does not increase.

In recent years, a Group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device is widely used in a field of a light-emitting diode (LED) which emits any one of green, blue, and ultra-violet lights and has advantages in reduction in size and weight and longer operating life. Demands on a LED having higher luminous intensity and more excellent efficiency are also increasing. In order to improve luminous intensity and efficiency of a LED, outputting efficiency of the lights which is emitted from the emission layer, or external quantum efficiency, needs to be improved along with increasing internal quantum efficiency. With respect to improving external quantum efficiency, there are known Patent application laid-open No. 2000-196152 and Patent application laid-open No. H5-167101.

Group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device and method for producing the same


A method for operating a valve actuated by way of an actuator, in particular a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which a first delay time is identified, which time characterizes a time difference between a point in time of a first change in an energization signal for the actuator and a point in time of a first change in the operating state of the valve corresponding to the first change in the energization signal. According to the present invention, from the first delay time at least one second delay time of the valve is inferred, which latter time characterizes a time difference between a point in time of a second change, different from the first change, in the energization signal and a point in time of a second change in the operating state of the valve corresponding to the second change in the energization signal.

Delay times in real valves are usually non-infinitesimal, because of the fact that between the energization variables of the actuator driving the valve and a component (for example, a valve needle) characterizing the operating state of the valve, there exists a causal chain, made up of electromagnetic, mechanical, and/or hydraulic components, which requires a time that depends on their respective configuration and on operating parameters of the valve (fuel pressure, temperature) in order to transfer energization variables of the actuator to the valve needle.

Method and control tool for operating a valve


An apparatus for improving the service life of a submersible probe residing in a tank includes a liquid level detector adapted to detect when a liquid in the tank rises to a first level. The first level is above the probe. A controller is coupled to the liquid level detector. The controller is configured to increase at least one of a voltage and a current applied to the probe responsive to the liquid being detected at the first level. The controller is configured to reduce an electrical potential field produced by the probe responsive to the liquid falling below a second level, thereby extending the service life of the probe by reducing the accumulation of foreign matter on the probe when the pump is not activated.

The present invention relates to submersible pumps, and more particularly, to a controller for submersible pumps that can reduce the fouling of a probe coupled to the controller.
Various industrial applications require submersible pumps. For example, electric utilities commonly use water submersible pumps in transformer vaults for dewatering the vaults. If water accumulates in a transformer vault, it may short a power line causing substantial problems delivering electricity to a consumer. Accordingly, water submersible pumps are commonly placed in the transformer vault to pump out accumulated rainwater, and the like, which may seep into the vault.
Electrical transformers are normally filled with an oily fluid for lubricating and cooling the various components of the transformer. This oily fluid has a tendency to leak from the transformer housing into the vault. There is a danger to the environment if the oily fluid is pumped with the water into a waste disposal tank or sewer, as such oily fluids usually contain compounds that are harmful to the environment. Further, if the oil admixes with the water and both are pumped to a treatment disposal facility, suitable separation equipment must be provided to separate the oil from the water so that water can readily be disposed of and the oil recycled, or at least stored in a toxic safe facility. Such separation equipment is an item of considerable expense to a utility.
Hydraulic elevators are another application with similar concerns. In particular, the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic shaft tends to leak into the underground vault that houses the elevator piston. This vault may also fill with water during heavy rains due to underground seepage. It is necessary to pump the water out of the vault without pumping the hydraulic oil.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,715,785 and 4,752,188 disclose oil detection apparatus for use in controlling submersible pumps. In the systems described in these patents, a probe is mounted on a water submersible pump. The probe extends into any water that accumulates in the bottom of a transformer vault, enabling a conductive path to be established that is used to activate the pump. As the water level falls during pumping, oily fluids, which are immiscible in the water and rise to a level above the water, will come into contact with the probe. Since the oil is not electrically conductive, it breaks the conductive path, thereby stopping the pump. It is also known in the prior art to use a sensing circuit including a capacitance device that detects the presence of a conductive object, such as a liquid, as is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,086.
The liquids that accumulate in the vault can contain materials that contaminate the probe. The materials, such as iron, can form as deposits on the probe outer surface due to the electrical potential field on the probe. The metal ion exchange stimulated by the electrical potential field on the probe forms a fouling build-up of material. The probe is adversely effected by the fouling.
It would be advantageous to provide a method and an apparatus to ensure that only water is pumped from an industrial vault, without pumping potentially harmful substances, such as oil. It would be further advantageous to provide such a method and an apparatus in which fouling of the probe is reduced to extend the service life of the probe. The present invention provides the aforementioned and other advantages.
What is needed in the art is an apparatus in which fouling of the probe is reduced to extend the service life of the probe.