A gate insulating layer, which is formed on a channel region of a semiconductor substrate and interposed between the semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode, consists of a first part and a second part adjoining each other. The first part includes an oxide lower layer and a nitride upper layer, and a second part includes a nitride lower layer and an oxide upper layer.

The present invention relates to a nonvolatile memory of a field effect transistor (FET).
FIG. 5 shows a conventional nonvolatile memory having a MNOS structure. An oxide layer 4 of SiO.sub.2 and a nitride layer 5 of SiN are sequentially formed on a channel between a source region 2 and a drain region 3 of a semiconductor substrate 1, and constitute an insulating layer interposed between the substrate 1 and a gate electrode 6. At the time of writing an electric charge, a high voltage E1 is applied between the substrate 1 and the gate electrode 6 to thereby allow electrons to tunnel through the oxide layer 4 from the substrate side into the nitrile layer 5, where they are trapped. At the time of reading out the electric charge, a low voltage E2 is applied to provide such a state that a current can flow between the source region 2 and the drain region 3 (the FET is turned on). Of course, if the high voltage El was not applied during the writing, there exist no electrons trapped in the nitride layer 5, providing such a state in the reading that no current can flow between the source region 2 and the drain region 3 (i.e., the FET is turned off).
In order to erase the above trapping state of electrons, a high voltage E3 of the opposite polarity is applied to have the electrons return to the substrate side.
As described above, in the conventional nonvolatile memory, an electric charge is injected into and removed from the nitride layer 5 through the oxide layer 4. Therefore, the oxide layer 4 deteriorates in quality. The deterioration of the layer quality makes it easier for the electric charge to flow therethrough (i.e., to escape from the nitride layer 5), which worsens the data storing performance of the memory. Further, while the oxide layer 4 must have a small thickness of 15-30 .ANG. to allow an electric charge to go through it, it is generally difficult to form such a thin oxide layer uniformly in a stable manner.
On the other hand, the thickness of the nitride layer 5 of SiN is determined in view of the trapping length of a hole, and it is known that if the thickness of the nitride layer 5 is 190 .ANG. or less, the memory performance is degraded. That is, the nitride layer 5 should have a thickness of more than 190 .ANG.. However, with such a thick nitride layer, a higher voltage develops across the nitride layer 5 during the writing and erasing. This causes a problem that the amount of energy consumed in the nitride layer 5 is greater than that required for the writing or erasing itself of data.

FET nonvolatile memory with composite gate insulating layer


A model rodent animal with a phenotype in which hair growing after birth is black, with the animal spontaneously developing white hair after aging. By way of example, the model rodent animal may have a genotype in which an activated RET gene is genetically inserted in a heterozygous form and the endothelin receptor B gene is deficient in a heterozygous form.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a model animal causing the white hair development, a method for establishing a model animal causing the white hair development, a method for successively growing a model animal causing the white hair development, a method for making research works about the white hair development, a screening method of means for controlling the white hair development, and a composition for controlling the white hair development.
More specifically, the invention relates to those described below:
(a) a model animal with a phenotype such that the color of the hair first growing after birth is black or almost black but the model animal causes the spontaneous onset of white hair development following aging;
(b) a method for establishing the model animal by a combination of a specific genetic manipulation procedure and a mating;
(c) a method for successively growing the model animal by mating together the resulting model animal to obtain a progeny of the model animal, which progeny has the same phenotype as that of the model animal;
(d) a method for making research works about the white hair development by utilizing such model animal;
(e) a method for screening for means for controlling the onset of white hair development (means for preventing/suppressing or promoting the white hair development), where the screening procedure is carried out as a part of such research works; and
(f) a composition for controlling the onset of white hair development, which composition contains a substance preventing/suppressing or promoting the white hair development as the component for controlling the white hair development, where the substance preventing/suppressing or promoting the white hair development is obtained by the screening.
2. Description of the Related Arts
In recent years, progresses have been made in the technique for preparing transgenic animals with extraneous functional genes introduced therein and in the genetic targeting technique utilizing homologous recombination of genes in ES cells and the like. Owing to these techniques, then, various model animals have been proposed, by which various human diseases and the like can be simulated for experiments and research works.
Generally, model animals for such purposes are preferably mammalian animals biologically close to humans. In particular, small mammalian animals typically including rodents such as mouse and rat are relatively readily available and usable, so these small mammalian animals are the most suitable in view of their rapid growth and their rapid alterations of generations.
[Literature 1] Official Gazette of JP-A-9-131146
[Literature 2] Official Gazette of JP-A-2001-231402
The Literature 1 and the Literature 2 disclose examples of such animals. Specifically, the Literature 1 discloses a transgenic rat with the impairment of sperm generation because of the introduction of the c-myc gene therein under the control of the metallothionein IIA promoter. The Literature 2 discloses a model rat causing the onset of prostate cancer, where a transgene prepared by conjugating the gene of the SV40 large T antigen to the downstream of the rat probacin gene promoter was introduced. As described above, the model animals proposed in the related art are overwhelmingly animals in relation with serious human diseases such as cancer and diabetes mellitus.
Alternatively, a field exists for aesthetic problems or problems about outward appearances in no relation with human health or death, but the fundamental causes or countermeasures of the problems have not yet been elucidated. Nonetheless, a large market of related products so as to overcome or avoid those problems is generated. A typical example thereof is the problem of white hair development following aging of humans with dark-colored hairs such as black hair and brown hair.
Specifically, a great number of people are bothered with the white hair development following aging in view of aesthetics and appearance. Therefore, hair dyes are now making a large market. However, hair dying is only a simple appearance modification so dying should be repeated when hair grows only at a low level. Because dying requires laborious works every time of hair growing, hair dying does not sufficiently satisfy users.
For example, pharmaceutical products expressing an effect of preventing white hair development or food products commonly considered effective for preventing white hair development are found in general. Since the mechanism of the white hair development has not yet been elucidated, however, the effects of these pharmaceutical products or food products lack scientific grounds. Furthermore, persons continuously incorporating these pharmaceutical products and food products have diverse genetic dispositions and have very diverse dietary life styles in so diverse environments. Thus, it is hard to observe any statistic or empirical reliability in the effects of these pharmaceutical products and food products.
An effective experimental means for making research works about the mechanism of the white hair development in humans when provided will make a dramatic progress in the research works and development of the white hair development and means for controlling the white hair development (means for preventing/suppressing or promoting the white hair development). Any model animal preferable from the standpoint of the white hair development following aging, of which the color of the hair first growing after birth is black or almost black, would potentially be the effective experimental means. However, such model animal has not yet been provided or proposed actually.

Model animal causing the white hair development and methods relating thereto


A technique for controlling a multiplicity of time-sorted queues with a single controller and supporting memory, which may be software-configured so as to allow the use of the controller in an implementation having a multiplicity and variety of output lines or channels. The technique includes receiving a plurality of packets from one or more packet flows at a respective time-based output port queue of the network switch, in which each packet has a timestamp associated therewith. Each output card memory can be divided into a plurality of queues, in which the number of queues corresponds to the number of flows received by the switch and the size of each queue is proportional to the fractional amount of the total bandwidth of the switch used by the corresponding packet flow.

The present invention relates generally to communications systems, and more specifically to a technique for managing a multiplicity of time-based queues at an output port of a node in a communications network.
A conventional communications system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by a plurality of data transmission paths to form at least one communications network. The plurality of nodes includes at least one node configurable as an ingress node for originating a data path and at least one node configurable as an egress node for terminating a data path through the network. Each node on the network typically comprises a network switch that can be used to interconnect two or more of the plurality of data paths. Each switch includes at least one input port and at least one output port coupled to respective data paths and is typically configured to allow each output port to receive digital data in the form of, e.g., packets from any input port. The switch determines the appropriate output port for a particular packet by accessing information contained in a header field of the packet.
In the conventional communications system, a Class of Services (CoS) contract is typically formed between an operator of the communications network and a user of the network that specifies the user's parameters for transmitting data over the network. For example, the CoS contract may specify the user's bandwidth for transmitting packets over the network. Further, because each output port of a network switch may receive packets from any input port of the switch, each output port typically includes one or more queues configured to buffer at least one user's packet flow for a particular class of service. The switch typically determines the required class of service for each packet in the flow by accessing information contained in the packet header field.
The network switch typically employs a scheduling algorithm for determining the order in which the packets are to be transmitted from the output port queue(s). For example, each output port may comprise a respective time-sorted queue for each packet flow. Further, the switch may employ a Weighted-Fair Queuing (WFQ) scheduling algorithm operative to determine the order in which the packets are to be transmitted from the time-sorted queues. The WFQ scheduling algorithm may compute a timestamp having a value corresponding to some virtual or actual time for the packet at the head of each queue. Next, the WFQ scheduling algorithm may determine which head-of-line packet has the timestamp with the lowest value, and then select the corresponding queue as the next queue from which to transmit a packet. The WFQ scheduling algorithm allows the switch to set parameters to guarantee the particular class of service for each packet flow.
The network switch may alternatively employ a scheduling algorithm based on a binary tree of comparators to determine the next packet to be transmitted from the output port queue(s). However, like the WFQ scheduling algorithm, the scheduling algorithm based on the binary tree of comparators can typically only be used to manage a limited number of packet flows. For example, a binary tree of N-1 comparators may have log2N levels, in which N is the number of queued flows. Such a tree can become very large and costly to implement as the number of packet flows increases. Further, the time required by such a binary tree of comparators is typically proportional to log2N or worse, which makes this approach unacceptable as N gets large.
Typically, each output port of the switch has a large aggregate "bandwidth" (i.e., the capacity to transfer data per unit of time) and each output line card implements encapsulating the packets into one or more of the various logical and physical data transmission types (e.g., SONET OC-48 POS, SONET OC-3 POS, DS-3, Gigabit Ethernet, SONET OC-48 ATM, etc.). Each output line card may be configured to have a multiplicity of outputs whose aggregate capacity is equal to the capacity of the switch output coming into the card. For example, if the capacity of the switch output is approximately 2.4×109 bits/sec (approximately that of SONET OC-48), then one configuration of an output line card may have four (4) ports of 600×106 bits/sec and another configuration may have sixteen (16) ports of 150×106 bits/sec. Both configurations would make good economic use of the switch output.
Because a number of types of output line cards may be designed, it would be desirable to have as much of the design as possible in common. Specifically, it would be desirable to have the implementation of the WFQ scheduling algorithm be software configurable to handle any combination of packet encapsulation and physical layer types. Further, the enqueuing and dequeuing of packets into the time-sorted queues should be done at a fast enough rate for transferring minimum size packets at full output line data rate capacity using current technology.

Operation of a multiplicity of time sorted queues with reduced memory


An optical device which provides a three dimensional view of a two dimensional image, such as a television picture. A plurality of mirrors is utilized to present to the two eyes images which are displaced from positions which would normally occur without the interposition of said optical device. As a part of this process, the two images are slightly rotated in opposite directions. When the mirrors are suitably adjusted, the two displaced images appear to merge and form a three dimensional image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements in stereoscopic viewing devices and, more particularly, to a device for producing a three dimensional effect utilizing a single two dimensional image.
2. Summary of the Related Art
The existing devices for three dimensional viewing typically are divided into two broad categories, devices for projection of stereoscopic images and stereoscopic devices for viewing two dimensional images. For projection of stereoscopic images, such as in movie presentations, special stereo-diaprojectors or stereo overhead projectors may be used. Separation of the images is generally achieved through polarization filters in front of the projector objectives and through polarization spectacles worn by the user.
The present invention is primarily concerned with the second category, stereoscopic devices for viewing two dimensional images. Depth perception cues are modified or suppressed to alter the viewer's stereoscopic judgment. A pair of stereoscopic images is formed with lenses or mirrors positioned close to the eyes. The stereoscopic devices for viewing two dimensional images have been limited primarily to photographic slides and X-ray applications. The devices are bulky, expensive, and not generally suited for alternative uses, such as watching television.
In several more recent patents, devices have been disclosed which modify depth perception cues at the image such that viewers do not require individual devices to achieve three dimensional viewing. Considerable efforts have been made to create a simple and inexpensive means for providing stereoscopic television.
Three dimensional viewing, in general, relies upon two fundamental classes of depth perception cues: (1) binocular cues; and (2) pictorial cues.
The most generally acknowledged binocular cues are retinal disparity, convergence and accommodation. Retinal disparity refers to the disparity between the retinal image of an object in one eye as compared to the image of the same object in the other eye. Such disparity generally decreases as the square of the distance of the object and is interpreted by the mind as a function of distance. The depth effect produced in the mind by retinal disparity is known as stereopsis.
Convergence refers to the angle formed by the two eyes as they focus upon an object. The two eyes would be parallel if an object could be viewed at an infinite distance. Increased convergence seems to cause the mind to diminish the estimated size of the object.
Accommodation refers to the ability of the ciliary muscles surrounding the lens of an eye to alter the thickness of the lens, thereby sharply focusing the light rays coming from an object. Both convergence and accommodation are dependent upon the actual distance of the object from the observer and, therefore, in principle, could be utilized to judge absolute distance. However, in practice, the mind utilizes them only in the case of short distances. Accommodation by itself is operative only for approximately two or three feet. Convergence utilized by itself is a rather unreliable judge of distance. Utilized together, convergence and accommodation are operative to a distance of about ten feet from the observer.
Pictorial cues are those which are available if a scene is viewed with only one eye. Some of the most common pictorial cues are as follows:
interposition (partial covering of one object by another), PA1 shadow, PA1 linear perspective (convergence of lines as they recede into the distance), PA1 size perspective (visual angle of an object is inversely proportional to the distance), PA1 foreshortening perspective (differences in the projection of distances in the third dimension, e.g., differences in the sizes of railroad ties as the track recedes into the distance), PA1 detail perspective (loss of detail with distance), PA1 aerial perspective (distant objects become tinged with a blue color due to impurities in the atmosphere), PA1 texture gradients (the texture within a scene becomes more finely grained with distance), PA1 familiar size, and PA1 motion parallax (the diminution of apparent motion (whether of the observer or of the observed) with distance).
Cues may interact with one another and produce mental depth perception effects which the cues would not produce if operating in isolation from one another. Our limited knowledge, at the present time, of the human visual system and the interpretation of these cues by the human brain does not permit exact descriptions of the interactions of the various cues.
A number of devices have been developed for providing a three dimensional view from a two dimensional image. As noted above, one group of devices includes auxiliary optical means positioned close to the eyes, such as the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,084,795; 2,088,041; 2,297,322; 2,337,139; and 4,027,947. Another group of devices achieves a three dimensional effect by modifying the cues using devices positioned in the vicinity of the two dimensional image, such as the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,526,439; 4,651,219; and 4,756,601.
Although the patents referenced above do not expressly discuss the applicable cues, the patents may be interpreted as referring to devices which manipulate binocular cues (mainly retinal disparity and convergence) and, in some cases, pictorial cues.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,084,795 utilizes cylindrical lenses in close proximity to and entirely covering a two dimensional image, or cylindrical mirrors onto which a two dimensional image is projected, or a combination of the two. The fundamental purpose of the use of such lenses and mirrors is to alter the original two dimensional image in such a manner that the image seen by one eye has a different angle of rotation from that seen by the other eye. The explanation disclosed in the patent for the resulting three dimensional effect is "that when the right and left eyes are slightly rotated on their optical axes ... the resultant strain on the eye muscles is registered on the brain as distance." These optical manipulations involve the cues of retinal disparity or convergence. The present invention accomplishes this purpose by a very different means; namely, by means of small, flat mirrors positioned in proximity to the eyes of the observer.
Although there is little explanation as to how three dimensional viewing is achieved in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,297,322; 2,337,139 and 4,027,947, the devices disclosed in the patents use a mirror to split a two dimensional image into two images: one of the images is a view of the two dimensional image from the left side and the other image is a view from the right side. Then the images are reversed so that the left eye views the right image and the right eye views the left image. Reversing the image alters the cues of retinal disparity or convergence.

Device for deriving three dimensional effects from a single two dimensional image


A ratchet tool uses a braking piece disposed in a receptacle area in the box head of a wrench for locking the ratchet wheel. The braking piece has two opposite components respectively extended from the top ends thereon and is coupled to a pushing mechanism consisting of a first and a second resilient parts. The resilient parts are attached on two lateral sides of a connecting piece, whereby the braking piece urged by a multi-step repositioning spring force in a process of backward reposition will produce louder noises for a better recognition of a user. The receptacle areas can be easily sealed by a cover plate for a fast assembly.

A ratchet tool of the prior art, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,072, uses a switch to drive the left and right shift of a driving piece, which in turn drives a resilient pushing device to push a braking piece to engage another driving piece, whereby the wrench box can attain a forward and backward rotation. Further, a longitudinal supporting device within the wrench main body can be engaged with a locking portion of the driving piece to achieve a retaining effect of a ratchet wheel.
However, the ratchet wrench of the prior art lacks a basic function of producing noises in backward reposition for facilitating operation in the night time when visual recognition is not allowed.
In a conventional ratchet wrench, the braking piece is driven by the pushing unit disposed in the half-moon shaped rear portion of the retaining box of a ratchet wrench, which pushing unit consists of a resilient piece and a pushing piece and provide the reposition of the braking piece with a necessary force. Thereby, the driving part and the switch unit can be engaged, and, since a locking portion of the switch unit restricts the motion of the switch unit, the driving part of the wrench is accordingly locked, leading to a small spacing between a projected portion and a groove of the driving part for the braking piece to move. Therefore, the noises produced in a process of backward reposition are not loud enough for people operating it at night time hard to recognize such a reposition.
Further, a ratchet wrench of the prior art has a complex assembly process that includes a step of locking a buckle body within boundary groove around a cover, in addition to an orderly placement of the driving part and the braking body.


The invention provides a pilot valve apparatus for use in an automatic fluid control system for maintaining pressure downstream from a main control valve between two setpoints irrespective of flow changes through the main control valve. The pilot valve has a flexible pilot diaphragm which moves with a moveable pilot valve member to cooperate with a fixed pilot valve member to control fluid flow through the pilot valve apparatus. The pilot valve controls control pressure acting on the main control valve. An actuator apparatus connected to a body of the pilot valve apparatus has a moveable actuator partition which is exposed to a pressure differential signal reflecting flow through the main control valve. A resilient connector cooperates with the actuator partition and the pilot diaphragm to permit limited relative movement therebetween, and to transfer resilient force to the pilot diaphragm resulting from movement of the actuator partition. This transfer varies location of the moveable pilot valve member with respect to the fixed pilot valve member to vary flow through the pilot valve apparatus, so as to vary control pressure, which in turn controls the main control valve. An adjustable actuator stop can cooperate with the actuator partition to limit movement of the actuator partition. An actuator resilient member can cooperate with the actuator partition to apply a force selectively to the actuator partition to resist displacement thereof.

The invention relates to an automatic valve commonly employed on municipal water utility systems, particularly to an automatic valve designed to control downstream pressure between selected set-points depending on the operation of the valve at a particular time.
Automatic pressure reducing valves are used in water distribution systems to reduce pressure to a pre-determined value or set-point that is adequate but does not expose normal components, such as household hot water tanks, to overpressure. The set-point is determined according to the use of the valve, and is a pressure downstream from the valve which the valve attempts to maintain constant for all flow conditions and is termed downstream pressure. Water distribution systems experience significant losses of drinking water due to leaks, and as volume lost through leakage is directly related to pressure in the system, the set-point is determined to provide minimum pressure that meets criteria of the water utility, particularly under maximum or "peak" demand conditions which can occur when fire is being fought. The pressure required for peak demand is usually significantly higher than that required for "off-peak" or typical night time conditions.
It is known to provide a valve which can vary the set-point and thus downstream pressure from the valve, so as to maintain the set-point relatively low for off-peak or night time operation, thus reducing losses in the pipe, and yet can raise the set-point during high flow demand for daily peak or special conditions such as occurring during fire fighting. To the inventor's knowledge, there are two main types of automatic flow control valves with variable set-points, namely, electronically controlled valves and "flow-driven" valves. The electronically controlled valves are relatively complex and require an electrical power source, such as batteries or access to utility power lines, and this increases installation costs and servicing costs and such valves are used in limited numbers. The flow-driven valves use fluid pressures to control actuation of the main valve, and thus are independent of external power sources and can be used in essentially any location.
One type of such valve is supplied by Bermad, a corporation of Evron, Israel. This valve has a flow sensor responsive to differential pressures which are applied on opposite sides of an actuator diaphragm. A rigid push rod transfers diaphragm movement to a controlling valve member of a pilot valve which in turn determines control pressure which actuates the main valve. The actuator diaphragm is immersed in fluid which severely limits movement thereof, and this restriction limits movement of the push rod and valve member thus reducing valve sensitivity. To the inventor's knowledge, such valves can be difficult to adjust, and are prone to instability resulting in wide pressure fluctuations. In addition, if the flow sensor is subjected to unusually high flow, the main valve can be opened excessively, resulting in excessively high downstream pressures which could cause damage to equipment and household appliances exposed to such pressure.

Automatic flow control valve with variable set-points


Example electrical power systems include an output for supplying a DC output voltage to a load, a first power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load, and a second power source connected with the output to supply DC power to the load. The electrical power system is configured to supply DC power to the load using only the first power source when a demand of the load is less than an output capacity of the first power source, and the second power source is configured to maintain an enabled on-state when only the first power source is supplying DC power to the load. Additional electrical power systems and methods are also disclosed.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Some power systems having multiple power sources implement priority load sharing by turning different power sources on and off as needed in a priority sequence (e.g., by using enable/disable commands, etc.). For example, a power source having a higher priority may supply power to a load when a demand of the load is low, and an additional power source having a lower priority can be enabled to supply additional power to the load when the demand of the load increases.
Other power systems implement priority load sharing by connecting and disconnecting different power sources from a load as needed in a priority sequence (e.g., by controlling switches that connect/disconnect a power source to/from an output bus, etc.).

Priority load sharing for electrical power systems having multiple power sources


A metal interconnect having a high conductivity and high resistance to metal migration failure is formed of two layers of metal or alloy (such as TI/CuAlSi) with a dielectric interposed therebetween and a connection made between the layers by a conductive material, preferably in the form of a plug or stud formed in an aperture of an inter-level dielectric, at ends of the interconnect. A high precision metal-to-metal capacitor can be formed from the same layers by forming separate connections to each of the layers. The topography of the interconnect (and capacitor) is of reduced severity and facilitates planarization of an overlying inter-level dielectric.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to Integrated circuit structures and fabrication and, more particularly, to formation of wiring having improved resistance to electromigration and stress migration failure and high precision capacitors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Increasing density of integrated circuits has been encouraged by both the economies to be derived from manufacture of more integrated circuits on each wafer and the performance benefits of decreased noise susceptibility and increased signal propagation speed. However, high integration density implies small feature size (e.g. interconnect line width) and decreased wiring pitch in order to interconnect increased numbers of electronic elements formed on each chip.
While methods of depositing interconnection materials on wafers have become highly developed and can be performed with high manufacturing yield, connections, referred to as interconnects, formed at small sizes may fail after being put into service due to processes which occur within grains and grain boundaries of interconnect materials. Specifically, metal migration phenomena, known as electromigration and stress migration are principal causes of such failures. (The term "metal migration" is used hereinafter as generic to both stress migration failure and electromigration.)
Electromigration is an incident of drift, motion, transport, migration, or displacement of metal atoms caused by passage of an electric current through an interconnect. Electromigration phenomena are affected by interconnect structure such as composition, grain size, layering and film orientation texture. For this reason, for example, large grain metal deposition is favored for resistance of a single metal to electromigration. Metal migration causes an accumulation of metal atoms and a complementary formation of voids in the crystal lattice which may eventually lead to opening of the interconnect. The transport and piling-up of metal atoms may also cause the formation of so-called hillocks or extrusions which are localized increases in cross-sectional dimensions of the conductor. Such an increase in dimensions may cause an electrical short circuit to a nearby conductor or breakage of adjacent structures such as cracking of insulators which constitute another but related failure mode of a chip.
Electromigration is enhanced at any point at which current density increases in a conductor such as at a notch, a void or a thinning of an interconnect. Electromigration thus tends to increase any irregularity in the formation of an interconnect and to accelerate over time. The principal mechanism of preventing electromigration has been to decrease current density in the electronic design of the integrated circuit which, of course, imposes a trade-off between circuit reliability and both performance (if current density is reduced by reduction of signal levels) and integration density (if current density is reduced by increased interconnect dimensions).
Stress migration failure is also an incident of diffusion of metal atoms and is principally due to thermally induced stress. Specifically, while increase of temperature may tend to reduce stress in a semiconductor device, subsequent cooling increases stress while the device remains at a relatively high temperature allowing some relief of stress through material movement. A net migration of metal atoms can eventually cause opening of a conductor in the same manner as electromigration. Further, even when integrated circuits are carefully designed with cautious observance of current density levels in design and close tolerances in manufacture, the effects of stress-induced void formation can exacerbate electromigration effects.
Different materials exhibit different levels of tendency toward electromigration and stress migration failure. Aluminum, although very desirable in regard to most of its other properties, particularly as to cost, exhibits both electromigration and stress migration failure under common use and processing conditions. Therefore, substantial efforts have been made to increase the reliability of conductors by choice and combination of materials, particularly in regard to interconnect structures including aluminum. Layered interconnects have been of particular interest for such a purpose and are often referred to as redundant wiring structures since non-aluminum conductors can reduce the current density in the aluminum but remain available should the aluminum layer open. Other layers can, however be broken by hillock or extrusion formation on the aluminum layer.
For example, a so-called hafnium sandwich structure is known and has shown particular promise by reducing electromigration and median time to failure, thereby increasing circuit reliability. In this structure, a thin layer of hafnium is deposited on an aluminum layer and a further aluminum layer deposited thereover. Then, the aluminum and hafnium are reacted to form hafnium tri-aluminide (HfAl.sub.3) at the interfaces. This structure provides a stable, dense barrier which prevents diffusion of aluminum between aluminum layers and the coincidence of voids or opens which might eventually develop. This structure does not prevent electromigration within each aluminum layer but an open or near-open which eventually develops in one aluminum layer would be able to heal before an open in the other aluminum alloy layer would be caused by an increase in current density at the same location in the other aluminum alloy layer.
However, the "hafnium sandwich" structure has additional unique problems and failure modes. Specifically, the formation of hafnium tri-aluminide is accompanied by a reduction of volume, causing void formation in the aluminum alloy. If the hafnium-aluminide is not completely formed prior to passivation, additional volume reduction may occur due to continuance of the reaction, further increasing stresses in surrounding structures and leading to defect formation. Formation of extrusions also occurs in the hafnium sandwich structure.
Other structures involving layers of metal and redundant conductors are also known and in use; some of which provide relative advantages as compared to others. Nevertheless, all known structures intended to reduce electromigration and/or stress migration failure have some failure modes.
As alluded to above, another failure mode of interconnections formed on integrated circuit chips is caused by severe topography over which a conductor is deposited. Further, severe topography can compromise the accuracy with which lithographic patterning can be carried out and may cause irregularity of conductor width and/or separation. Topography of sufficient severity to compromise conductor integrity may occur at any edge of any layer formed on the surface of the substrate or another layer such as a conductor crossing another conductor (and insulator) particularly if the layer is relatively thick or patterned in a manner to form a sharp angle with the surface of the substrate or other underlying layer, as may be required in many electronic elements.
Formation of capacitors in integrated circuits is generally well-known. Trench capacitor structures employed to save space in, for example, large dynamic memories, however, tend to exhibit variation in capacitance because of low carrier concentrations at interfaces of both capacitor plates. Another concern is the limited voltage which may be applied across the dielectric of a trench capacitor structure. While such a variation in capacitance and voltage limitation is generally tolerable in digital circuits, there are many types of analog circuits in which variation in capacitance with voltage is not tolerable and requires metal plates to increase carrier concentrations. The thickness of two metal plates and an intervening capacitor dielectric layer is generally sufficient to present severe topography and thus to compromise the integrity of conductors and other structures which may be formed thereover. Further, due to the difference in thickness of such a so-called metal-to-metal capacitor from the thickness of conductors and the presence of a capacitor dielectric required separate formation of capacitors and interconnect, particularly of the redundant conductor type, during the same processes or at the same level, compounding the complexities imposed by device topography (such as planarization for formation of subsequent overlying layers) and causing increased cost and reduction in manufacturing yield because of the required separate manufacturing processes. Moreover, when overlying structures are to be formed over a group of layers containing both interconnects and metal-to-metal capacitors, the number of layers involved in portions of the structure causes increased difficulty and expense in planarization of a passivation layer or inter-level dielectric structure.

Method of making flexible interconnections with dual-metal-dual-stud structure

International Business Machines Corporation


An impedance analysis device adapted to an object under test (OUT) includes a signal generator, a signal analysis unit and a processing unit. The signal generator outputs a pulse signal to the OUT. The signal analysis unit acquires a response signal which the OUT responds to the pulse signal, and analyzes the response signal to obtain an analysis parameter. The processing unit coupled to the signal analysis unit receives the analysis parameter, so as to obtain an impedance variation characteristic of the OUT.

The development of vehicle technology helps the interpersonal relationship and the living quality. Most vehicles use liquid fossil fuels such as gasoline, so it is not difficult to measure a quantity of the liquid fossil fuel used in such vehicles. But, people are becoming much more conscious and aware of the impact this has on the environment, so people are making more of an effort to reduce the dependence of petroleum. Thus, electric vehicles are much more advantaged because of their low environmental pollution, low noise, easy pollution control and various energy applications.
The electric vehicle is generally powered with a battery which is usually charged by a large current or discharges a large current, and it is not easy to accurately measure the remaining power capacity of battery. Thus, the management and analysis of battery is very important to the electric vehicle. Also, the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of battery can be known by the variation of internal impedance and be estimated by the internal impedance variation and current temperature of a battery, where the SOC is the equivalent of a fuel gauge for the battery, and the SOH is a figure of merit of the current state of the battery, compared to its ideal conditions. Therefore, users can through the SOC, know when to charge the battery and through the SOH, know when to replace the battery.
Such an internal impedance measurement is performed by using an impedance track technology which mainly utilizes a DC impedance and an open-loop voltage to calculate an electrochemical capacity, and then looks up the SOC and SOH of battery in a look-up table according to the electrochemical capacity. However, the open-loop voltage is measured when the battery has a light load or is under a rest state, rather than when the battery is under an on-line state. Thus, the accuracy of looking up the SOC and SOH of battery in the look-up table may be poor.
Moreover, the result of battery information measurement is only updated at a specific time and can not be obtained in real time. In order to obtain the internal parameters of battery for deducing the SOC and SOH of battery in real time, it is necessary to supply an AC frequency conversion signal to the battery. Nevertheless, the AC frequency conversion signal may be make the circuit design more complicated, which leads to higher costs of production.

Device and method for impedance analysis

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


A multi-frequency imaging radio frequency (RF) coil operational at three or more different frequencies, with a shifting frequency loop structure proximate the coil and switchably coupled to provide different frequencies when the loop structure is coupled to the coil. In one embodiment one of the frequencies is a proton frequency, one is a sodium frequency, and one of the frequencies is a carbon frequency. One example involves imaging examinations using hyperpolarized compounds.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) are medical imaging techniques used to visualize certain structural aspects and functionality of human and animal subjects. The imaging typically uses a magnetic field to align certain atoms in the body in the direction of the magnetic field. Changes to the alignment cause a rotating magnetic field that can be detected. Contrast agents can be used to enhance imaging by, e.g., providing additional types of atoms for imaging. Variants of magnetic imaging are known in the art.
In a standard imaging acquisition, there is a prescan process for determining the optimal parameters to be used for the scan process. Prescan has multiple steps, such as the determination of the exact scanner carrier frequency, receiver gains, and signal amplification (or transmit gain), all of which are used to insure maximum detected signal. The process of prescan is typically performed at the same frequency as the frequency of the imaging experiment.
The use of hyperpolarized molecules in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging has advanced magnetic resonance imaging into the realm of metabolic imaging. Typically, in an exam in which hyperpolarized compounds labeled with 13C atoms are injected in a subject, two coils are used, one tuned at the proton frequency and one at the carbon frequency. In some examples, a single, dual tuned coil is used.
One difficulty when performing imaging in the presence of 13C, hyperpolarized compounds is the calibration of the system such that optimal imaging is performed. Prior to the injection of the hyperpolarized compounds, there is typically insufficient naturally occurring 13C signal that can be used for flip angle calibration. The labeled compound is typically injected into the subject, and images of anatomical distribution of the injected hyperpolarized compound and its downstream products are obtained. The signal from the injected compound is time varying; it changes in time due to relaxation, flow, perfusion and metabolism. For minimal signal loss to occur, it is important that imaging takes place soon after the injection occurs without lengthy procedures for calibration.
Unless a lipid-rich area exists in the region to be imaged with enough natural abundance 13C, flip angle calibration is usually not performed in vivo. In some cases, the calibration is initially performed in a phantom designed to mimic the in vivo subjects. In these phantom calibrations, the value for the transmit gain is obtained and used for all the in vivo exams, ignoring the different loading provided by different subjects. Alternatively, a phantom containing carbon enriched material can be added in the imaging region, and flip angle (FA) calibration is performed using the signal from this phantom. However, since this phantom has to be inserted in the coil in the presence of the subject, it has to be small, leading to some inaccuracies in FA calibration due to limited signal availability from the small phantom sample. Moreover, such a phantom has to be inherently positioned near the coil, where the radio-frequency magnetic field (B1) tends to be inhomogeneous, and potentially significantly different than the B1 in the center of the coil, where the subject sits. Consequently, conventional approaches for FA calibration are not particularly accurate and can lead to undesired signal loss. Improved techniques for calibration would enhance the hyperpolarized imaging technology and make the systems more commercially attractive.


Devices with lateral flow elements and integral fluidics are disclosed. The integral fluidics consist of injector pumps comprised of fluidic elements under instrument control. The fluidic element of an injector pump is fluidically connected to lateral flow elements and can be used to control fluid entry into containment chambers referred to as micro-reactors. The lateral flow elements comprise conductor elements that can be used for sample application and transport of analyte contained in the sample to the micro-reactor. Fluidic transport through the fluidic element of the injector pump is under instrument-control. Both the lateral flow element and the fluidic element may contain chemical entities incorporated along their length. The chemical reactions that can be used for analyte detection using the devices are described. Also described are methods of manufacture of these devices.

Lateral flow diagnostic devices including a micro-porous element along which a sample fluid flows laterally and a capture region for binding an analyte of interest contained in the sample fluid are known in the art. A lateral flow diagnostic device of simple construction includes a rectangular micro-porous strip, which supports capillary fluid flow along its length. Generally, quantitative and sensitive detection using such devices is limited. More recently, devices that incorporate instrumentation that allow for quantitative determination of the amount of analyte in a sample have been disclosed.
The lateral flow diagnostic strip has become widely used in assay techniques. In its simplest form the prior-art lateral flow device comprises a microporous strip element, which supports capillary flow of a fluid along its length. The strip has one end for application of a sample containing an analyte to be measured, a first region along its length containing a mobile reporter conjugate (typically a visually observable reporter such as colloidal gold conjugated to a first antibody directed against the analyte) and a second region containing a capture reagent (typically a second antibody directed against the analyte), and an effluent end. Sample fluid applied to one end of the strip flows along the strip to the first region where a complex is formed between the analyte and the reporter conjugate. The sample, including the mobile reporter conjugate-analyte complex, flows to the second region where the reporter conjugate-analyte complex is captured, while uncomplexed mobile reporter conjugate flows beyond the capture region towards the effluent end of the strip. The amount of visually detectable signal at the capture region is a measure of the amount of analyte in the sample. Prior art lateral flow devices are used in the above described sandwich immunoassay format as well as in an inhibition or competitive binding format.
Because prior-art lateral flow devices are inexpensive, give rapid results and are easy to use, they have been used in non-laboratory applications in so-called field-able, on-site testing or point of care diagnostic applications. Devices of the prior art have been routinely used for non-instrumented, non-quantitative diagnostic applications at the point of care, the presence of an analyte at or above a threshold concentration being determined by observing the appearance of a visible signal at the capture region. However, devices of the prior art are not generally suitable for use in quantitative assays for two reasons. Firstly, they are usually formatted with visually observable reporters, which are suitable for threshold yes/no detection, but unsuitable for quantitative analysis. Secondly, both the concentration of the complex formed between the analyte and the reporter conjugate and the amount of binding at the capture site are flow rate dependent. The variability of device operation, particularly sample flow rate and sample evaporation, creates significant variability in the detected signal.
Recently workers in the field have disclosed quantitative lateral flow devices incorporating instrumentation to measure the amount of signal at the capture site when using a chromophore reporter, or to measure the light emitted upon laser excitation of the capture region when using a fluorescent reporter (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,753,517 and 6,497,842). U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,517 517 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,222 disclose instrumented quantitative lateral flow methods using internal controls incorporated into the flow path for internal calibration of variable factors, in particular variable flow rates. However, even quantitative prior-art lateral flow devices, have not matched the sensitivity of more complex laboratory based assays. There are three primary reasons for lower sensitivity. The first reason is the absence of rigorous wash steps, which may be required to fully remove unbound reporter conjugate from the capture region. The second reason is the absence of an amplification step. The third reason is the absence of a high sensitivity detection technique such as chemiluminescent detection. Because they are less sensitive, lateral flow devices are only used in routine analysis of higher abundance analytes. Low abundance analytes must still be measured on laboratory equipment, which incorporates rigorous wash steps, enzymatic signal amplification and extremely sensitive chemiluminescent detection techniques.
Lateral flow devices that account for some of these shortcomings are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,642 discloses a device with a primary lateral flow element for formation and capture of an enzyme-conjugate/analyte complex, and a supplementary lateral flow element containing a chromogenic substrate and a means of delaying the delivery of a chromogenic substrate to the capture region. U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,205 discloses a two-step lateral flow device with improved wash-out of unbound conjugate using a lateral flow element to which sample fluid is applied and an absorption pad separated by a removable barrier with a supplementary manual second step application of a wash fluid.
High sensitivity assays for detection of analytes using multi-step procedures in conventional laboratory equipment are well known in the art. "Luminescence Biotechnology" eds. K. Van Dyke, C. Van Dyke and K. Woodfork, CRC Press, 2002, contains numerous examples of highly sensitive luminescence based assays. Enzyme immuno-assay kits based on membrane capture in a flow-through configuration (as opposed to lateral flow) are also known in the art. These kit-based devices typically require multiple reagent additions and wash steps and consequently are not well adapted to point-of care applications where a simple one-step procedure is preferable.
Flow-through type membrane based immunoenzymatic devices with a one-step format are now being developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,401 discloses a device utilizing controlled transport membranes to provide the timed sequence of reaction steps in a multi-step enzyme immunoassay format.
Devices containing electro-osmotically pumped and pneumatically driven fluids in micro-channels (capillary dimensioned tubes, troughs and channels) are well known in the art. These devices are commonly referred to as 'lab-on-a-chip' devices (for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,908,112 and 5,180,480). Reactions, mixture separations or analyses can take place in such microstructures in liquids that are electrokinetically or pneumatically transported along conduits. However, generally in these prior art devices, reagents are stored off-chip and need to be introduced during use. Also, devices of these technologies have generally operated in a continuous flow format because valves have been difficult to construct.
Electro-osmotically pumped solid hydrophilic matrix transport paths have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2002/0179448. Self-contained devices with integral reagents featuring electro-osmotically pumped lateral flow injection into micro-reactors have been disclosed in co-pending U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 20030127333. U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2002/0123059 discloses a self-contained assay device with chemiluminescence detection based on pressure driven flow in micro-channels. Lateral flow immunochromatographic devices with electrochemical detection using integral electrodes have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,938.
In summary, one-step prior art lateral flow diagnostic devices lack the amplification, washing and high sensitivity detection steps needed for quantitative determination of analyte levels. Micro-channel devices in the prior art have not incorporated chemical entities in the channels and reagents storage within the device. The prior art does not teach a one-step assay device that is as easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture but which features the more advanced fluidic capability found in high sensitivity quantitative laboratory-based assay technologies and in which assay performance is largely independent of the fluidic components and reaction vessels in which the assay is performed. This invention addresses the need to adapt standard lateral flow elements to incorporate more advanced fluidic elements for use in conjugate label application, washing, amplification and enhanced sensitivity detection without sacrificing the speed, simplicity of use and low cost of standard lateral flow technologies.

Lateral flow diagnostic devices with instrument controlled fluidics


A temperature control system for use in a fiber extrusion process includes a number of metering pump assemblies including inlets to receive at least two molten polymer streams from a supply source that is connectable to the system. A pump block disposed proximate the metering pump assemblies includes a plurality of flow paths extending within the pump block, where the flow paths are aligned to receive molten polymer flowing from outlets of the metering pump assemblies and to deliver the molten polymer to a spinneret. The flow paths are arranged in flow path sets within the pump block, and each flow path set includes at least one flow path and is spaced a selected distance from the other flow path sets within the pump block so as to facilitate independent control of the temperature of a molten polymer flowing through each flow path set.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to equipment and corresponding methods for producing extruded fibers. In particular, the present invention relates to heat control equipment and corresponding methods to control the temperature of molten polymer being extruded to form synthetic fibers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Plural component fiber extrusion processes (e.g., conjugate filament, conjugate staple, conjugate spunbond, and conjugate monofilament) typically employ two or more polymers in combinations and fiber cross-section structure in the production of plural component fibers (e.g., bicomponent, tricomponent, etc.) with selected characteristics. The term "spunbond" refers to a process of forming a non-woven fabric or web from an array of thin, melt-spun polymeric fibers or filaments produced by extruding molten polymer from orifices (the orifices can be, for example, those of a long, generally rectangular spinneret or of a plurality of spinnerets). In a typical spunbond process, one or more molten polymer streams are metered to a heated spin beam that supports a pump block for controlling the flow of molten polymer and a spin pack. The term "spin pack" refers to an assembly for processing and routing the molten polymer to produce extruded polymer streams, including final polymer filtration, distribution systems and a spinneret for extruding molten polymer combinations into plural component fibers.
For certain polymer combinations and/or cross-sections of the fibers to be formed, it is very important to maintain precise temperature control of two or more different polymers so as to control viscosity and/or prevent thermal degradation of the molten polymers as they flow through the spin beam. An exemplary polymer combination that must be precisely temperature controlled, for substantially any fiber cross-section to be formed, is the combination of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET must be extruded above 285° C. while the EVOH will degrade if it is above 240° C. for more than one minute. Typically, the average time that each molecule of the molten polymer remains in a conventional spinning system is well in excess of one minute.
Another example involves the formation of segmented pie fiber cross-sections, where the viscosities of different molten polymers used to form the fiber must be substantially similar to achieve a sharp center point for the extruded fiber. Independent temperature control is often necessary to precisely adjust the viscosity of two or more different polymers to prevent thermal degradation of molten polymer in the spin beam as well as to achieve a desired fiber cross section.
Conventional spunbond and other fiber extrusion processes typically employ a vapor-heated spin beam with a single temperature zone, where the different polymers pass through pipes that are heated by this single zone. The polymers quickly reach the beam temperature due to the vapor heating the pipes. However, such a system does not allow for independent control of the polymer temperatures. As previously noted, this can negatively impact the formation of plural component fibers with different polymer components having different degradation temperatures and/or different viscosity characteristics.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a system that can effectively and independently control molten polymer streams at two or more distinct temperatures during a fiber extrusion process.

Temperature control system to independently maintain separate molten polymer streams at selected temperatures during fiber extrusion


There is provided a configuration in which rigid substrates are connected via flexible substrates, the connection configuration having a pair of rigid substrates each having a predetermined circuit pattern on a front and a reverse surface thereof, a first flexible substrate attached on the front surfaces of the pair of the rigid substrates so as to electrically connect the circuit patterns provided respectively on the front surfaces, a second flexible substrate attached on the reverse surfaces of the pair of the rigid substrates so as to electrically connect the circuit patterns provided respectively on the reverse surfaces. The first and the second substrate have a gap therebetween smaller than a thickness of the pair of the rigid substrates.

The present invention relates to a connection configuration for connecting a printed wiring boards, specifically to a connection configuration in which rigid substrates are connected via flexible substrates connected respectively to a front and a reverse surface of the rigid substrates, the flexible substrate serving as a flexible cable portion.

Connection configuration for rigid substrates


The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising a poorly soluble drug and at least one copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate as a surface stabilizer adsorbed to the surface of the drug. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate composition of the invention, methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

Nanoparticulate compositions, first described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,684 ("the '684 patent"), are particles consisting of a poorly soluble therapeutic or diagnostic agent having adsorbed onto the surface thereof a non-crosslinked surface stabilizer. The '684 patent describes the use of a variety of surface stabilizers for nanoparticulate compositions. The use of a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate as a surface stabilizer for nanoparticulate compositions, or any other component of such compositions, is not described by the '684 patent.
The '684 patent describes a method of screening drugs to identify useful surface stabilizers that enable the production of a nanoparticulate composition. Not all surface stabilizers will function to produce a stable, non-agglomerated nanoparticulate composition for all drugs. Moreover, known surface stabilizers may be unable to produce a stable, non-agglomerated nanoparticulate composition for certain drugs. Thus, there is a need in the art to identify new surface stabilizers useful in making nanoparticulate compositions. Additionally, such new surface stabilizers may have superior properties over prior known surface stabilizers.
There is a need in the art for new surface stabilizers for nanoparticulate compositions of poorly soluble drugs. In addition, there is a need in the art for surface stabilizers useful in preparing nanoparticulate compositions of drugs, in which prior known surface stabilizers are ineffective. The present invention satisfies these needs.

Methods of making nanoparticulate drug compositions comprising copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate as surface stabilizers


An apparatus for the support of a cardan shaft within a gimbal ball includes a pair of cardan support cranes that are adapted to pivot around an inner elevation axis in the ball and which each support one of a pair of vibration isolators. Each end of the cardan shaft is supported by one of the vibration isolators. An outer elevation drive motor is attached to the ball and drives against a bevel section of a combination bevel sector and spur gear that is attached to an outer support structure, that supports the ball. The motor drives the ball in elevation relative to the outer support structure. This causes the ball to rotate relative to the bevel sector and spur gear. A spur gear portion or the bevel sector and spur gear drives an idler gear which drives, in turn, a spur gear section of the cardan support crane, the cardan support crane having a true one to one gear ratio with respect to the spur gear portion of the bevel sector and spur gear thereby maintaining normal alignment of the cardan support crane with respect to the cardan shaft. A mirror image supports the opposite side of the cardan shaft. A second motor can be used or omitted on the opposite side. An alternative placement for a modified spring in the cardan shaft is also disclosed.

This application is related to another utility patent application by the same applicants, being filed concurrently, entitled xe2x80x9cOffset Cardan Gimbalxe2x80x9d.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention, in general relates to gimbals and, more particularly, to gimbals that have a cardan assembly that is used to support and to move sensors and instrumentation about a plurality of axes.
Gimbals are commonly used to hold sensors stable when mounted on a moving vehicle, be it a land based vehicle, a sea (i.e., a water based) vehicle such as a boat or ship, or an air based vehicle such as an airplane or a helicopter.
The ability to hold a sensor stable while the vehicle moves is useful for a great variety of purposes. These purposes include obtaining information useful for navigation. Another purpose relates in general to an ability to align and then to hold the sensors where desired. Whatever information is being provided by the sensors is more reliable if the sensors themselves are held steady.
In general, gimbals have a plurality of outer axes and a plurality of inner axes. Course adjustments are commonly accomplished by movements made along the outer axes. Finer adjustments are commonly made with the inner axes.
There are a number of discreet functions a gimbal must achieve. It must both properly orient, maintain position, and support the size and weight of the sensors. This can vary from application to application.
The sensors are placed inside of a gimbal ball along with numerous other component parts that are used to orient the gimbal ball as required.
Another problem with prior art designs is supporting the weight of the sensors, also referred to as a xe2x80x9cpayloadxe2x80x9d. It is desirable to increase the effective payload of a gimbal and to better support the weight of the payload.
Gimbals include a cardan assembly that is disposed within a ball. The cardan assembly supports the weight of the payload that is carried by the gimbal as well as allowing small angular rotation in the positioning of the payload within the ball.
These changes in position are accomplished by rotating the payload (within the gimbal ball) about three axes (typical), namely elevation, roll, and azimuth. Courser adjustments are accomplished by moving the gimbal ball itself typically in two axes, elevation and azimuth.
The cardan assembly includes a cardan shaft that traverses the inside diameter of the ball. The center of the cardan shaft is used to define an internal elevation axis.
The cardan assembly must support the weight of the payload as it moves. The cardan shaft is typically supported by vibration isolators that are disposed on both ends thereof. There is a desire that the vibration isolators be as soft as possible, to better dampen the payload from vehicle fluctuations. However, a very soft isolator is subject to compression from the loading (i.e., the weight) of the payload, as well as from the magnitude of changes in loading that occur as the gimbal translates in elevation.
Therefore, a way to effectively offset the weight of the payload is desirable.
Past attempts have relied upon a spring mounted to the outer axis structure to supply a counter force upon the cardan assembly. However, these outer axis springs cause the outer axis structure to be large. This leaves less room for the gimbal ball. The space within the gimbal ball is valuable and is preferably used to optimally contain the sensors.
Furthermore, as a result of additional improvements made to gimbals by the instant applicants (see xe2x80x9cRelated Applicationsxe2x80x9d) a gimbal may now utilize an offset type of a cardan having an offset between the inner elevation axis and the outer elevation axis. The offset cardan may experience an even greater range of physical movement within the gimbal ball than do prior art designs. Accordingly, the use of spring mounted to the outer axis with an offset type of a cardan becomes increasingly impractical to utilize because a spring that must function over an even greater range of travel becomes even larger, further reducing ball volume.
Accordingly, the present disclosure relies upon an offset cardan type of a gimbal to maximally show the benefits of the instant invention. Of course, these improvements apply to and can be used with other types of gimbals (i.e., with or without an offset cardan) as well.
An offset type of a cardan assembly (with respect to the elevation axis) also allows for a physically larger payload to be carried for any given gimbal ball diameter. This potentially increases the loading upon the cardan assembly and therefore, further increases the need to provide effective support for the cardan and its payload.
It is important to understand that the internal axes provide finer corrections than do the external axes and accordingly, a smaller range of motion is therefore acceptable for movement of the payload within the gimbal ball. Larger corrections are made by moving the entire gimbal ball relative to the vehicle upon which the gimbal itself is mounted.
Ideally, for any given size of a gimbal as large and as heavy a payload as can be had is preferred as is providing the optimum support for the cardan in all of the positions that it can possibly acquire (i.e., be moved to).
It is also important to note that the cardan assembly may be used to support multiple types of sensors simultaneously. For example, a zoom television camera can be used for general spotting purposes and to locate an object of interest as well as for general pointing (i.e., aiming) of the gimbal. Upon locating the object of interest, a larger focal length camera can be used to more carefully study it. Accordingly, both types of cameras can be simultaneously mounted as part of the overall payload that is supported by the cardan assembly.
The payload may also be active instead of passive. A passive payload merely observes the object of interest whereas an active payload is adapted to affect it. The payload may be used to support an active component that can, for example, illuminate the object. For example, a gimbal can contain a source of illumination, such as a spotlight or a laser, and be mounted on, for example, a helicopter. Accordingly, as the helicopter hovers and fluctuates in its position relative to the object, the gimbal can be used to compensate for any movement by the helicopter in order to hold the source of illumination constantly upon the object.
If the source of illumination is a spotlight, then a larger and heavier payload capacity allows for a larger and brighter spotlight to be used. The same benefits apply if any other type of an active (or passive) payload is utilized.
Another problem is that when larger changes occur in elevation, these changes are made about an external or outer elevation axis. It is difficult to keep the direction of support provided to a cardan shaft normal with respect to a deck of an air vehicle to which the gimbal is attached. It is the deck of the air vehicle that is the important plane of reference, but local apparent gravity is generally perpendicular to the deck of the vehicle as is known to those possessing ordinary skill in the design of gimbals.
Furthermore, for any given weight of a payload it is desirable that the vibration isolators be as soft as is possible. A very soft vibration isolator provides optimum isolation of the payload.
Accordingly, there exists today a need for a cardan support that affords relief regarding any of the aforementioned prior art limitations.
Clearly, such an apparatus would be useful and desirable.
2. Description of Prior Art
Gimbals are, in general, known. While the structural arrangements of the known types of devices, at first appearance, may have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that provides a gimbal having an improved ability to maintain (i.e., hold) sensors in proper alignment with their intended object of interest.
Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a cardan support that provides a gimbal having a greater payload capacity.
It is a first continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes a gimbal that has an offset between the outer elevation axis and the inner elevation axis that is useful in increasing payload weight
It is a second continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes a gimbal that has an offset between the outer elevation axis and the inner elevation axis that is useful in increasing payload volume.
It is a third continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that is adapted for use with either passive or active types of payloads.
It is a fourth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that more effectively supports the weight of a payload.
It is a fifth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that is adapted to support the weight of a payload by supplying a counter force that is normal to the deck of the vehicle to which the gimbal is attached.
It is a sixth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that is adapted to support the weight of a payload by supplying a counter force that is normal to the deck of the vehicle to which the gimbal is attached while the gimbal ball moves about an outer elevation axis.
It is a seventh continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that allows for the use of softer vibration isolators.
It is an eighth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that provides support to offset the local gravitational load of the sensors.
It is a ninth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that provides a method to maintain support for the gravitational load of the sensors in a normal attitude regardless of the orientation of the gimbal including that of the vehicle upon which it is mounted.
It is a tenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes passive vibration isolators.
It is an eleventh continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that improves the performance of a passive vibration isolator.
It is a twelfth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes a passive vibration isolator that supports the static weight of a payload.
It is a thirteenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes mounting a vibration isolator on a rotational bearing so that an isolator assembly is adapted to rotate.
It is a fourteenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes a support spring.
It is a fifteenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that includes a cardan crane support.
It is a sixteenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that allows selection for component parts thereof from the group of constant force springs, torsionally sprung spools, dual material rubber isolators, and non-symmetrical shapes to optimally support the weight of the payload.
It is a seventeenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that uses an active system to support and to align a counter balancing force with respect to a payload.
It is a eighteenth continuing object of the present invention to provide a cardan support that uses a passive system to support and align a counter balancing force with respect to a payload that includes either a gear, cam, or belt drive to control the orientation of the counter balancing force.
Briefly, A cardan support structure for a gimbal that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a cardan assembly that is used to support and move a payload. The cardan assembly includes a cardan shaft that extends across the inside of a gimbal ball, the center of which defines an inner elevation axis. The cardan assembly includes an inner azimuth axis, and an inner roll axis, about which the payload is adapted to rotate. Disposed on each end of the cardan shaft is a cardan support crane. A cardan support spring is connected at one end to each of the cardan support cranes and to each end of the cardan shaft at a remaining end. Each cardan support crane is driven by movement of the ball relative to an outer elevation axis. On one side of the cardan, an outer elevation drive motor moves the ball relative to an outer axis structure (i.e., a yoke) which in turn moves the cardan support crane on that side. Movement of the ball similarly moves the cardan support crane on the opposite side so that each of the cardan support cranes is held normal with respect to a deck of a vehicle upon which the gimbal is mounted. An alternative placement for the spring in the cardan shaft is disclosed.


A list storing unit stores a plurality of lists, each of which includes a plurality of data and represents a search result of a search in a database. At least a piece of the data in one of the lists is included in another one of the lists. A file name that includes information used for searching data from the database is added to each list. A feature extracting unit extracts features such as similarities and differences between the lists. A feature displaying unit displays extracted features on the screen of a terminal along with the file names. Thus, the features of the lists corresponding to the information are quickly grasped. For example, in a sequence database search, although a data amount included in the lists is huge, similarities among lists can be analyzed in a short time.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a list process system and a method for processing a plurality of lists, each of which is composed of a plurality of data, and for extracting features thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent advancements in biotechnologies strongly influence our society, day by day. In particular, genetic engineering that involves gene recombinations of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), of which genes are composed, and protein engineering that synthesizes new proteins from existing proteins, have advanced remarkably.
DNA is a high molecular compound made up of nucleotide repeating units composed of a base, sugar (deoxyribose), and phosphoric acid. The bases that compose DNA are categorized in four types, namely: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Between the nucleotides, the deoxyribose and phosphoric acid are linked in a double-stranded helix structure.
The bases are linked according to rules. Specifically, A and T are linked. In addition, C and G are linked. The sequence of these bases in DNA determines the type thereof (namely, the type of genes).
Since the sequence of bases of DNA records genetic information, in genetic engineering, a technique for exactly and quickly decoding a given complicated sequence of bases of DNA (gene sequences) is required.
A protein is a high molecular compound in which a lot of different amino acids are concatenated in a chain by peptide linkages. Polypeptide composed of only amino acids is called a simple protein. A compound of amino acids, nucleic acids, carbohydrate, phosphoric acid, and so forth is called a conjugated protein. A variety of functions of proteins depend on the sequence of amino acids that form polypeptide linkages, geometric disposition of the polypeptide chain, or the like. Thus, in protein engineering, a technique for exactly and quickly analyzing a sequence of amino acids of a given protein is required.
To determine the characteristics of a given gene and a given protein, the sequences are compared with all available sequences stored in databases. So the homologous sequences with the genetic sequence and so forth is obtained. In the methods for sequence databases search, similar regions are searched from the beginning of two sequences to be compared. In addition, the similarities of each region are calculated so as to evaluate the entire similarities of the sequence.
However, the method for the sequence database search has not been established. At the present time, various techniques are used in combination and the results are compared. In addition, there are many sequence databases that are used for the search. Thus, the results of the search for the same sequence data vary depending on the used method, database, parameters, and so forth.
Conventionally, the search is repeatedly performed with a combination of several methods, parameters, and so forth. By comparing the results, retrieved sequences are discarded or selected so that the most suitable searching method and parameters are obtained.
The results of the search are individually output in a list format and the similarities and differences thereof are manually determined.
In the conventional searching method, when the results of the search are few in number, they can be manually processed. However, as the number of results increases, the processing time becomes long and errors increase.
Devices that automatically read sequences of genes and amino acids have been widely used. In addition, as a result of big projects, such as the human genome project, that have been performed for decoding gene information, the amount of sequence data has increased remarkably. Thus, the amount of data of individually searching reaches the level that cannot be manually processed.

List process system for managing and processing lists of data


A method of controlling the polishing of a substrate includes polishing a substrate on a first platen using a first set of parameters, obtaining first and second sequences of measured spectra from first and second regions of the substrate with an in-situ optical monitoring system, generating first and second sequences of values from the first and second sequences of measured spectra, fitting first and second linear functions to the first and second sequences of values, determining a difference between the first linear function and the second linear function, adjusting at least one parameter of a second set of parameters based on the difference, and polishing the substrate on a second platen using the adjusted parameter.

1. Technical Field
This specification relates to the monitoring and control of a chemical mechanical polishing process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Sub-quarter micron multi-level metallization is one of the key technologies for the next generation of ultra large-scale integration (ULSI). The multilevel interconnects that lie at the heart of this technology require planarization of interconnect features formed in high aspect ratio apertures, including contacts, vias, trenches and other features. Reliable formation of these interconnect features is very important to the success of ULSI and to the continued effort to increase circuit density and quality on individual substrates and die.
In the fabrication of integrated circuits and other electronic devices, multiple layers of conducting, semiconducting, and dielectric materials are deposited on or removed from a surface of a substrate. Thin layers of conducting, semiconducting, and dielectric materials may be deposited by a number of deposition techniques. Common deposition techniques in modern processing include physical vapor deposition (PVD), also known as sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and electrochemical plating (ECP).
As layers of materials are sequentially deposited and removed, the uppermost surface of the substrate may become non-planar across its surface and require planarization. An example of a non-planar process is the deposition of copper films with an ECP process in which the copper topography simply follows the already existing non-planar topography of the wafer surface, especially for lines wider than 10 microns. Planarizing a surface, or "polishing" a surface, is a process where material is removed from the surface of the substrate to form a generally even, planar surface. Planarization is useful in removing undesired surface topography and surface defects, such as rough surfaces, agglomerated materials, crystal lattice damage, scratches, and contaminated layers or materials. Planarization is also useful in forming features on a substrate by removing excess deposited material used to fill the features and to provide an even surface for subsequent levels of metallization and processing.
Chemical Mechanical Planarization, or Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP), is a common technique used to planarize substrates. CMP utilizes a chemical composition, such as slurries or other fluid medium, for selective removal of materials from substrates. In conventional CMP techniques, a substrate carrier or polishing head is mounted on a carrier assembly and positioned in contact with a polishing pad in a CMP apparatus. The carrier assembly provides a controllable pressure to the substrate, thereby pressing the substrate against the polishing pad. The pad is moved relative to the substrate by an external driving force. The CMP apparatus affects polishing or rubbing movements between the surface of the substrate and the polishing pad while dispersing a polishing composition to affect chemical activities and/or mechanical activities and consequential removal of materials from the surface of the substrate.
An objective of CMP is to remove a predictable amount of material while achieving uniform surface topography both within each wafer and from wafer to wafer when performing a batch polishing process.
Therefore, there is a need for a polishing process which accurately and reliably removes a predictable amount of material while achieving uniform surface topography.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Using optical metrology for within wafer feed forward process control


A stable waste receptacle has in the preferred embodiment, at least two foot pedals mounted on opposite sides of the receptacle, at the receptacle's base. Recessed housings are formed in the base and sides to permit the foot pedals to be withdrawn from the housings to stabilize the receptacle during trash bag removal or to be pressed back into the respective housings for telescopically stacking multiple receptacles. Detents are provided to retain the foot pedals releasably in the extended and retracted positions.

This invention relates to improved waste receptacles and, more particularly, to receptacles with foot pedals for selective extension from the receptacle base to aid in flexible trash bag removal, and the like.
Waste receptacles that support flexible trash bags are popular and useful items for home and for commercial use. Ordinarily, a waste receptacle holds a flexible trash bag in an upright position with the unsealed end of the bag uppermost and open within the receptacle. Waste, trash and the like are deposited in the open bag. When it becomes necessary or desirable to remove the flexible bag for disposal, it is customary to grasp the waste receptacle with one hand and gather together with the other hand the open end of the flexible bag. The flexible bag, so held, is then withdrawn from the waste receptacle for disposal with its contents.
The foregoing is the ideal situation that all too frequently does not occur. Thus, when the flexible bag is too full, drawing the open end together with one hand often leads to immersing at least a part of the hand in the collected waste and spilling some of the waste from the flexible bag on the waste receptacle and surrounding surfaces. Given, moreover, the basic instability of the usual waste receptacle, held with one hand and, at the same time, grappling with the open end of the flexible bag with the other hand while bending over the receptacle at an awkward body angle frequently results in tipping the entire assembly waste and all-onto the floor.
To overcome these problems foot pads molded into the base of the receptacle have been proposed. These foot pads protrude out from the waste receptacle base in the expectation that by stepping on the pads, the waste receptacle is stabilized, freeing both hands to be used to gather the open top of the flexible bag and withdraw the bag from the receptacle.
This proposal, however, fails to satisfy practical commercial requirements. Illustratively, the fixed, protruding foot pads prevent these trash receptacles from being loaded or telescoped into stacks for efficient shipping, storage and shelving. Each one of these waste receptacles must be shipped, warehoused and displayed individually, which is a most unsatisfactory commercial situation.
Another proposal suggests mounting a spring biased pedal in a recess formed in a side of the waste receptacle and near the receptacle's base. A foot can press the pedal down against the supporting floor to enable both hands to withdraw the flexible bag from the waste receptacle. This proposal, apart from difficulty and expense in manufacture also exhibits an unsatisfactory characteristic. Thus, as the flexible bag is withdrawn from the waste receptacle, the essentially unrestrained waste receptacle, responding to the force of the biasing spring, may tip over toward the pedal, to result in spilled waste.
Consequently, there is a need for an inexpensive and stable waste receptacle that can free the user to apply both hands to withdraw the flexible bag from the receptacle when removing trash. The waste receptacle also must satisfy commercial needs with respect to economical shipping, warehousing and display.


An image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor that includes a conductive substrate and an organic layer which includes a photoreceptive layer; a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming unit; a developing unit; a transfer unit; and a cleaning member that performs cleaning on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein a contact area of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with the cleaning member in an axis direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is wider than a contact area thereof with the charging member, and d, d′, d″ and d″max, which each are values with respect to the total film thickness of the organic layer at the respective portions as defined in the present specification, satisfy expressions 0.97≦d′/d≦1.03, 0.97≦d″/d≦1.1 and 1.03≦d″max/d≦1.1 at each of both of the end portions in the axis direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.
2. Related Art
An electrophotographic type image forming apparatus generally includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor (which may be described as a "photoreceptor"), a charging unit, an electrostatic latent image forming unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a cleaning unit, a fixing unit, and the like.

Image forming apparatus and process cartridge


A method for dynamically modifying a characteristic for an electronic device. The method includes activating by a processor a first profile having a first characteristic setting and a first state for an input/output (IO) device. Once the first profile is activated, receiving an input by a sensor and communicating the input to the processor. The method then includes activating by the processor a second profile having a second characteristic setting and a second state for the IO device. The second profile modifies a component of the IO device to include a second characteristic setting and a second state.

Electronic devices such as digital music players, video players, smart phones, mobile gaming devices, laptops, and so on may include a variety of peripheral devices and/or input/output devices such as mice, track pads, displays, keyboards, and so on. These various devices may include a single power management profile that determines whether a particular device is in an active, inactive, sleep, or disconnected state. Based on the particular state, the power management profile may adjust particular settings or parameters for the device. For example, for a mouse, the sampling rate in the sleep state may be significantly less than a sampling rate during the active state. The power management profile for a particular device may typically be stored within firmware for the device. Thus, in many instances, the power management profile may be static for the device. However, often different users may have different usage characteristics, which may not be accommodated by the static profile of the device. For example, a user who uses his or her electronic device to browse the internet may prefer to conserve power in a mouse, as compared to a user who using his or her electronic device to play computer games, who may prefer increased responsiveness in the mouse as compared to power conservation.

Dynamic parameter profiles for electronic devices