A system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow-closing assembly having a closing disc. A controller of the system may be configured to determine when a penetration depth of the closing disc falls outside a predetermined depth range based on data received from a depth sensor. The controller may also be configured to control the operation of an actuator to adjust a down pressure applied to the closing disc to return the monitored penetration depth to within the predetermined depth range. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an operational adjustment to be made to an additional tool of the seed-planting implement based on the adjustment made to the down pressure applied to the closing disc. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the additional tool to execute the operational adjustment.

Modern farming practices strive to increase yields of agricultural fields. In this respect, seed-planting implements are towed behind a tractor or other work vehicle to disperse seed throughout a field. For example, seed-planting implements typically include one or more furrow-forming tools or openers that excavate a furrow or trench in the soil. One or more dispensing devices of the seed-planting implements may, in turn, deposit the seeds into the furrow(s). After deposition of the seeds, a furrow-closing assembly may close the furrow in the soil, such as by pushing the excavated soil into the furrow. Given the intended function of the furrow-closing assembly, one or more additional or other tools of the seed-planting implement, such as a gauge wheel and/or a residue removal device, may engage the soil prior to the furrow-closing assembly. In this regard, the operation of such tool(s) may affect the operation of the furrow-closing assembly.
Accordingly, an improved system and method for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement would be welcomed in the technology. More specifically, a system and method for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement based on the operation of its furrow-closing assembly would be welcomed in the technology.

System and method for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement based on the operation of its furrow-closing assembly


A device, and method for manufacturing the same, including a PFET having an embedded SiGe layer where a shallow portion of the SiGe layer is closer to the PFET channel and a deep portion of the SiGe layer is further from the PFET channel. Thus, the SiGe layer has a boundary on the side facing toward the channel that is tapered. Such a configuration may allow the PFET channel to be compressively stressed by a large amount without necessarily substantially degrading extension junction characteristics. The tapered SiGe boundary may be configured as a plurality of discrete steps. For example, two, three, or more discrete steps may be formed.

As has been previously recognized, embedded silicon germanium (SiGe) technology has become a promising technology for producing silicon high-performance p-type field-effect transistors (PFETs). In particular, it has been shown that embedding SiGe in a silicon substrate next to a PFET channel causes compressive stress on the channel, thereby increasing hole mobility and increasing the performance of the PFET. This compressive stress property is discussed, for example, in an article entitled "35% Drive Current Improvement From Recessed-SiGe Drain Extensions on 37 nm Gate Length PMOS," by P. R. Chidambaram, et al., 2004 Symposium on VLSI Technology, Digest of Technical Papers, pp. 48-49.
Referring to FIG. 23, which has been substantially reproduced from the above-mentioned reference article, it can be seen that, in general, channel stress is related to the relative distance of the SiGe layer from the channel. More particularly, part (a) of FIG. 23 shows a 30 nm deep layer of SiGe extending toward the channel only as far as the source/drain (SD) region. Part (c) shows the same 30 nm deep layer of SiGe extending toward the channel, but this time extending further (and thus closer to the channel) into the drain extension (DE) region. As can be seen in the graph of part (b), the stress at the center of the channel (distance=0) is approximately 250 MPa for the part (a) configuration, whereas the stress at the center of the channel is approximately 900 MPa for the part (c) configuration. Therefore, it can be seen that channel stress is increased by forming the SiGe layer closer to the channel.
Since compressive channel stress in a PFET is good in that it increases hole mobility in the channel, it would be desirable to be able to increase the channel stress even more. However, attempting to do so most likely results in substantial complications to be overcome, as will be discussed later. Accordingly, new techniques need to be developed to increase channel stress without substantially degrading extension junction characteristics.

Step-embedded SiGe structure for PFET mobility enhancement

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.


A sample analysis system comprises a laser unit and a spectrometer unit. The laser unit emits a first laser pulse and a second laser pulse towards the sample with a pulse separation time of between about 1 microsecond to 20 microseconds. The laser unit includes an oscillator unit which is configured to generate the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse. A pre-amplifier unit is configured to receive the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse and increase the energy levels of each pulse prior to the pulses being emitted from the laser unit. The spectrometer unit captures emissions generated by the sample after the sample is stuck by the first and second laser pulses and identifies the elemental constituents of the sample using the emissions.

1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments disclosed in this application generally relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for generating multiple laser pulses in short succession for use in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy systems to characterize materials via spectrochemical analysis.
2. Background of the Invention
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical method that uses a laser to ablate and ionize a sample, forming a plasma from which light emitted from the plasma can be analyzed to identify the elemental constituents of the sample. LIBS techniques are well suited for field analysis since only the laser beam must reach the sample. This is especially advantageous for remote sample monitoring of hazardous materials or materials located in difficult to reach locations. Lasers systems suitable for use in LIBS systems typically have good spatial beam quality and a high enough pulse energy to adequately ionize the material being analyzed, which is particularly important when the sample being analyzed has a relatively large standoff distance from the LIBS system.
LIBS systems using conventional laser systems have resulted in issues with high detection limits (typically >1 ppm), reproducibility of results, and interference due to matrix effects (that is low signal to noise ratios that interfere with the analysis). Many of these issues can be traced back to the variations in the laser spark and resultant plasma process due to shortcomings with the laser systems used. In short, existing laser systems used in LIBS systems and methods for spectrochemical analysis fail to provide the optimal detection limit, reproducibility, and signal to noise ratio parameters required for achieving optimal real time spectrochemical hazard analysis in the field.

Multipulse agile laser source for real time spark spectrochemical hazard analysis


A wheeled reclining chair is provided which includes an improved swing link assembly for permitting the seat back assembly to recline approximately 180.degree. relative to the seat assembly to provide a substantially flat occupant-supporting surface such that the seat back provides a rearwardly extending cantilevered surface and the leg rest assembly provides a forwardly extending cantilevered surface from the chair frame assembly. The swing linkage assembly includes a pair of front slide assemblies and a pair of rear swing linkage mechanisms which suspend and operably couple the seat assembly to the chair frame for providing the desired reclining motion. A mobile base assembly having front and rear wheels which can be removed from the base assembly is also provided. The wheeled reclining chair includes a tilt linkage mechanism for tilting the chair frame relative to the mobile base assembly. The mobile base assembly optionally includes brakes which can be actuated either by the seat occupant, or by a care giver for preventing movement of the wheeled health care chair.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a wheeled health care chair and, more specifically, to a reclining chair supported by a mobile base assembly for use in a health care environment which includes various features which serve to enhance the comfort of the seat occupant.
2. Description of Related Art
Wheeled chairs are widely used in a variety of both residential and commercial health care applications, and as such, are adapted to mobilize the seat occupant under a wide range of conditions. The prior art discloses various wheeled chairs which include features such as tilting foot rest assemblies, extendable leg rest assemblies, and reclining mechanisms which are movable between an upright position, a reclined position, or even a substantially flat gurney position. Traditionally, these wheeled chairs include large rear wheels so that the chair can be propelled more easily by the occupant. These larger wheels also provide added mobility over rough or uneven surfaces. However, the prior art discloses conventional wheel chairs which are geared more toward mobility of the seat occupant, and less toward the functionality and comfort of the seat occupant.
The frames of conventional wheel chairs are typically designed to be lightweight, which limits the number of comfort features which can be supported by or secured to the chair frame. Many of these frames tend to be hinged structures which also allow the wheel chair to be folded up into a more compact form. Accordingly, the ability to fold-up these chair frames, in addition to providing a chair frame which is convertible between a chair and a gurney, traditionally limits the amount of padding which can be included with the upholstering of the seat cushion and seat back. Thus, the prior art wheeled chairs tend to be lightweight and highly mobile, yet can be exceedingly uncomfortable to the chair occupant, especially to an occupant who spends significant amounts of time in a seated or reclined position. Further, these prior art wheeled chairs disclose seat backs which, although recline, do not provide any rearward tipping within the chair frame for properly supporting the weight of the occupant in a comfortable and orthopedically correct seated position.
Additionally, the prior art wheeled chairs are typically designed for specialized or limited purposes. More specifically, a wheeled chair with a reclining feature may not include an adjustable foot rest feature. A particular wheeled chair may be designed for only indoor use, and not for outdoor use. Additionally, a wheeled chair which is convertible into a gurney, will likely have inadequate contoured lumbar and head rest support for an occupant seated in the upright position. Thus, a wheeled health care chair which provides a wide range of functionality to the seat occupant appears to be conspicuously absent from the prior art.
Furthermore, there is a growing trend of providing for the health care needs of elderly and physically challenged individuals outside of a medical center environment. Many of these health care services are even provided within the individuals' homes. As such, it is desirable to provide a wheeled health care chair which is mobile, in that a care giver can easily push and control the direction of the chair, and the seat occupant can also self propel the chair. It is also desirable to provide a wheeled chair having outside dimensions which allow the chair to be easily maneuvered through residential doorways. Optionally, such a chair could allow interchangeable wheels so that an occupant could more easily self propel the chair using a larger set of wheels. In addition, it is desirable to provide a mobile chair which places significant emphasis upon the comfort features so that an individual spending longer periods of time within the chair is comfortable. It is also desirable to provide a wheeled chair which is convertible between a seating unit and a gurney style bed so that the occupant can be easily transferred from the wheeled chair in its gurney position to a bed. This feature could be enhanced with arm rests in which the vertical position of each arm rest can be selectively adjusted. It is also desirable to provide an assembly for supporting an oxygen bottle to assist in the care of the occupant during transportation. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a wheeled chair which can simultaneously meet all of these specialized needs, while providing a comfortable and functional environment for the occupant.


A balloon catheter for performing angioplasty procedures includes a catheter shaft, a balloon attached to the catheter shaft near the distal end and a channel either attached to or integrally formed on the distal end of the catheter shaft distally of the balloons. The relatively short channel is threaded over a wire guide for advancing the balloon catheter into the vascular system of the patient over the wire guide. The relatively short channel allows the balloon catheter to be advanced along the wire guide with less friction interaction between the balloon catheter and wire guide than in conventional balloon catheters in which the wire guide lumen extends the full length of the catheter.

This invention relates generally to balloon catheters and methods of using the same. In particular, this invention relates to balloon catheters for use in angioplasty procedures.
Balloon catheters generally include two lumens. One of the lumens, an inflation lumen, generally runs the length of the catheter and is in fluid communication with the balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. This permits the balloon to readily be inflated and deflated by the application of fluid pressure at the proximal end of the catheter through the inflation lumen. A second guide wire lumen is usually provided which permits the balloon catheter to be advanced along a previously implanted wire guide to reach remote locations within the vascular system of the patient. In most balloon catheters, the guide wire lumen extends the full length of the catheter, through the interior of the balloon and out the distal end of the catheter. In order to both insert and remove the catheter while leaving the wire guide in place, is necessary that the wire guide have a length equal to at least twice that of the catheter body. Furthermore, the friction interaction of the inner surface of the catheter wire guide lumen with the wire guide tends to inhibit the performance of such catheters and often makes it more difficult for the balloon catheter to be advanced into hard-to-reach remote locations within the vascular system of the patient.
It is desirable that a balloon catheter be provided that does not require an extremely long wire guide and does not have substantial frictional interaction with the wire guide.

Balloon catheter having an integrally formed guide wire channel


Implementations of lighting control systems and methods are described and claimed herein. An exemplary remote control system comprises a wireless interface configured to receive instructions from a wireless station in a building automation network. A ballast table identifying ballast control points is stored in computer-readable memory. A processor operatively associated with the wireless interface and the ballast table uses the ballast table to generate electronic control signals identifying ballast control points corresponding to the instructions received at the wireless interface.

Artificial lighting in industrial countries currently consumes 27% to 40% of the electricity budget for both commercial and residential users. As a result new ways are being sought to reduce energy consumption associated with artificial lighting. One way of reducing energy consumption is to control the lighting based on time of day, usage patterns, by agreement with the utility company, etc. Controlling artificial lighting for other reasons (e.g., architectural emphasis, security, emergency situations, visual acuity, or scene illumination) is also becoming more commonplace and may be controlled based on one or more parameters (e.g., time, user preference).
Inexpensive dimmer switches are available which may be directly connected to one or more lights for controlling the luminance level or lighting intensity output by the lights. However, these switches are typically manually operable and therefore are not effective for scene control, energy savings, or more sophisticated uses (e.g., periodic or demand-based changes) on a regular basis.
More sophisticated systems are available, but require extensive wiring. Such systems are expensive to install and maintain. In addition, these systems typically cannot be operated using remote or wireless controls.


There is disclosed a private branch exchange in which an SIP terminal is capable of receiving great variety of services provided by the private branch exchange without upgrading version of software of the SIP terminal itself. A standard SIP protocol control module 16, an expanded SIP protocol a control module 17, and an expanded SIP protocol b control module 18 are disposed for SIP system protocol corresponding terminals, convert signals (requests) from the SIP system protocol corresponding terminals into signals of a protocol inside an IP-PBX 1 to transmit the signals to a PBX basic connection process providing module 12, and convert a signal (responses to the request, or a request to the SIP system protocol corresponding terminal) from the PBX basic connection process providing module 12 into a signal of an SIP system protocol to transmit the signal to the SIP system protocol corresponding terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a network, a private branch exchange, and a multi protocol communication terminal control method for use in the private branch exchange, particularly to a terminal connected to the network including an Internet protocol-private branch exchange (IP-PBX).
2. Related Background Art
This type of network has heretofore been constituted by connection of a private branch exchange to a fixed phone terminal, a radio terminal such as a personal handy-phone system (PHS), a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) terminal or the like via a local area network (LAN).
As the VoIP terminal, in addition to an IP phone terminal and an Internet phone terminal, there is a session initiation protocol terminal. The SIP is a communication protocol for use in starting or ending multimedia communication such as sound communication (fixed phone, cellular phone, etc.), video communication such as television phone, chat (conversation by characters) and the like in an environment of an IP network using data having a form referred to as an IP packet.
In the IP network, in general, connection-less type communication is performed without confirming connection to a target as in electronic mails. On the other hand, in the fixed phone, in general, connection type communication is performed while confirming the connection with the target. The SIP realizes the connection type communication in the IP network.
The SIP basically comprises methods (operations) such as INVITE (session between users is established), ACK (acknowledgment), CANCEL (INVITE is ended during the establishment of the session), and BYE (the end of the session). The respective methods are exchanged as requests and responses to the requests between clients and servers to thereby establish or end the session.
Moreover, the SIP has characteristics that applications can be comparatively easily prepared. For example, when a new service is added to H.323 of ITU-T for use in the IP phone, an H.450.x protocol which defines the H.323 additional service is added, and all H.323 end points on the network and software of a gate keeper need to be updated. However, in the SIP, an SIP application server which provides the new service is added, and the corresponding application is added. Then, the new service is usable.
However, in the communication between the SIP terminals, there is a problem that only services (e.g., transfer service, service for calling among three, call waiting service, etc.) defined by Internet engineering task force (IETF) can be provided.
That is, even when the SIP terminals are connected to the above-described network in the communication between the SIP terminals, there is a problem that various services (e.g., callback service, extension interruption service, third party control service, etc.) provided by the private branch exchange cannot be received.
Moreover, there is a problem that version of software of the SIP terminal (the above-described client) itself needs to be upgraded to thereby add the service in a case where the new service is added to the communication between the SIP terminals.

Network, private branch exchange, and multi protocol communication terminal control method for use in the exchange


Electrical medical leads having active fixation electrodes, particularly helix electrodes intended to be screwed into body tissue, e.g., the heart, are disclosed having selectively applied insulation to optimize exposed electrode surface area and dispose the exposed electrode surface area toward tissue that is less traumatized by injury caused by screwing in the fixation helix. In a preferred fabrication method, an outer helical surface is masked by contact with a masking tube while a dielectric coating is applied to the inner helical surface of the coil turns of the helix, and the masking tube is removed when the dielectric coating has set. In one variation, at least one aperture is formed through the masking tube sidewall exposing an area of the outer helical surface thereby interrupting the uninsulated outer helical electrode.

Implantable medical electrical stimulation and/or sensing leads (electrical medical leads) are well known in the fields of tissue stimulation and monitoring, including cardiac pacing and cardioversion/defibrillation, and in other fields of electrical stimulation or monitoring of electrical signals or other physiologic parameters. In the field of cardiac stimulation and monitoring, the electrodes of epicardial or endocardial cardiac leads are affixed against the epicardium or endocardium, respectively, or inserted therethrough into the underlying myocardium of the heart wall.
Epicardial or myocardial cardiac leads, or simply epicardial leads, are implanted by exposure of the epicardium of the heart typically through a limited thorocotomy or a more extensive surgical exposure made to perform other corrective procedures. Endocardial cardiac leads, or simply endocardial leads, are implanted through a transvenous route to locate one or more sensing and/or stimulation electrode along or at the distal end of the lead in a desired implantation site in a chamber of the heart or a blood vessel of the heart. It is necessary to accurately position the electrode surface against the endocardium or within the myocardium or coronary vessel at the implantation site.
A passive or active fixation mechanism is typically incorporated into the distal end of permanent cardiac leads and is deployed at the implantation site to maintain the distal end electrode in contact with the endocardium or within the myocardium. Considerable effort has been undertaken to develop passive and active fixation mechanisms that are simple to use and are reliable in maintaining the distal electrodes in position.
Active fixation mechanisms are designed to penetrate the epicardial or endocardial surface and lodge in the myocardium without perforating all the way through the myocardium. The most widely used active fixation mechanism employs a helix, which typically also constitutes a pace/sense electrode. Typically, a mechanism is used to shield the sharpened tip of the helix during the transvenous advancement into the desired heart chamber or coronary vessel or to the epicardial surface. In one approach, a retraction mechanism that retracts the helix into a distal cavity of the lead body as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,006 and 6,298,272, for example, is employed. In another approach, a shroud, e.g., a plug of dissolvable biocompatible material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,783, for example, is applied over and between the coil turns of the helix. In still another approach, the lead is introduced through the sheath of a guide catheter, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,214, for example, that is advanced to the implantation site. The helix is advanced from the sheath or out of the lead body or the plug dissolves when the desired implantation site is reached. In one manner or another, the helix is adapted to be rotated by some means from the proximal end of the lead body outside the patient's body in order to screw the turns of the helix into the myocardium and permanently fix the pace/sense electrode.
Over the last 30 years, it has become possible to reduce endocardial lead body diameters from 10 to 12 French (3.3 to 4.0 mm) down to 2 French (0.66 mm) presently through a variety of improvements in conductor and insulator materials and manufacturing techniques. The lead bodies of such small diameter, 2 French, endocardial leads are formed without a lumen that accommodates use of a stiffening stylet to assist in implantation.
Such a small diameter endocardial lead is formed with an active fixation helix that extends distally and axially in alignment with the lead body to a sharpened distal tip and that has a helix diameter substantially equal to the lead body diameter. The fixation helix does not necessarily increase the overall diameter of the endocardial lead, and fixation is relatively robust once the helix is screwed into the myocardium. Typically, but not necessarily, the fixation helix is electrically connected to a lead conductor and functions as a pace/sense electrode. In some cases, the lead body encloses one or more helical coiled or stranded wire conductor and lacks a lumen.
When the fixation helix is used as a pace/sense electrode, the surface area of the fixation helix must be controlled within a range that historically has been between 6-10 mm2, typically 8 mm2. The fixation helix outer diameter approximates the lead body diameter, and the fixation helix typically has more than one coil turn. More recent, small diameter fixation helices have surface areas in the range of 2.0 mm2 to 5.0 mm2 typically 4.0 mm2. The number of turns and length of the fixation helix is selected to avoid perforation through the heart wall. The exposed electrode surface must be within the myocardium rather than exposed outside the heart or inside a heart chamber.
Consequently, it is conventional to coat a part or parts of the fixation helix with electrical insulation to control the exposed surface area and to ensure that the exposed portion of the helix remains within the myocardium when the helix is properly screwed in. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,000,745, 4,010,758, 5,143,090, and 6,501,994 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0060868 and 2003/0163184. Electrically insulating coatings are also applied to portions of barbed electrodes of epicardial leads as shown, for example in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,448. Electrical insulation of a fixation helix that is not employed as a pace/sense electrode is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,382. Various forms of selective electrical insulation of other shapes of pace/sense electrodes are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,026,303 and 6,526,321 and in EP Publication No. 0 042 551.
The dielectric, biocompatible, insulating coatings of choice have included silicone rubber and non-thrombogenic compounds such as Parylene C™ parylene, and various polyurethanes, polyacrylates (including polymethacrylates), polyesters, polyamides, polyethers, polysiloxanes, polyepoxide resins and the like. Cross-linked polymers within these classes may be preferred for their resistance to breakdown and their physical durability. Parylene coatings on the surfaces of implantable medical devices have been widely accepted, and the deposition of a parylene coating on a pace/sense electrode can be readily effected using a parylene vacuum deposition system that delivers poly-paraxylylene into a vacuum chamber containing the targeted electrode. The portions of the deposited parylene coating can be etched away as disclosed in the above-referenced '321 patent to expose the pace/sense electrode surface.
The ideal electrode impedance for chronic pacing across the electrode-tissue interface is in the range of 800 to 1,000 ohms. For example, the impedances reported in the above-referenced '994 patent are about 800 ohms measured during chronic implantation. The perforation of the myocardium by the fixation helix causes inflammation and cell death, particularly of myocardial cells between the turns of the helix and within the helix lumen, and impedance rises for a time following implantation to about 1200 ohms, for example, before falling to the chronic impedance level. Cell death and substitution of scar tissue for excitable myocardial cells is responsible for the observed impedance changes. Steroid eluting coatings and devices are commonly incorporated into the distal end of the lead body to counter post-implantation impedance rise as described in the above-referenced '994 patent and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,325, for example.
Pace/sense electrodes are typically formed of platinum or platinum iridium alloys that are bio-compatible and bio-stable during chronic implantation and delivery of pacing pulses. Consequently, fixation helices used as pace/sense electrodes are formed of platinum or platinum iridium wire wound into the helical shape to have one or more coil turn terminating in a sharpened tip. It is also common practice to surface treat or etch the electrode surface area of helical screw-in electrodes or to coat the electrode surface area with platinum black or a platinum metal oxide to create a surface texture that enhances the characteristics of the tissue-electrode interface to decrease post pulse delivery polarization and stabilizes impedance changes, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,136, for example.
It is not convenient to surface treat the fixation helix, coat the surface treated helix with a dielectric insulating layer, and then selectively etch away the insulating layer to expose the pace/sense electrode surface as suggested in the above-referenced '321 patent, since the etching may damage an electrode coating or surface treatment.
Moreover, the selective insulation techniques and resulting electrode surface areas on pace/sense screw-in electrodes disclosed in the prior art fail to address the injury and cell death occurring within the lumen of the fixation helix.

High impedance active fixation electrode of an electrical medical lead


The disclosure relates to a zipper for a reclosable bag wherein the zipper is designed to make additional sound during operation, and further provide an increased tactile response. The zipper profile is manufactured by forming cuts in the profile, and then the profile is stretched so that the cuts become gaps. These gaps cause additional sound during operation of the zipper.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to a zipper structure for a reclosable package wherein at least one of the zipper profiles, typically including the female profile, is partially cut or excised, and then stretched, typically in order to obtain audible clicking sounds and a tactile feel during subsequent consumer operation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it is known to deform zipper profiles. Examples of such deformed zipper profiles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,809 entitled "Fastener Device and Method of Manufacturing", issued on Feb. 26, 1980 to Sotos and U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,593 entitled "Method of Making a Fastener", issued on Nov. 1, 1977 to de Navas Albareda. Additional prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,353, entitled "Zipper for Reclosable Container with Apertures Passing Through Female Profile, issued to Piechocki on Oct. 9, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,040 entitled "Apparatus for Making a Zipper for a Reclosable Thermoplastic Bag", issued on Oct. 5, 1999 to Dais et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,100 entitled "Closure Member for a Reclosable Thermoplastic Bag" issued on Jul. 15, 1997 to Porchia et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,228, entitled "Apparatus for Making a Zipper for a Reclosable Thermoplastic Bag", issued on Dec. 26, 1995 to Dais et al, and U.S. Patent Publication 2010/135600, entitled "Automatic Gripping Device with Extremely Flexible Hooks", published on Jun. 3, 2010.
However, further improvements are sought with respect to the quality of the audible clicking sound and tactile feel when the zipper is opened and closed.
Additionally, further improvements are sought with regard to maintaining the strength of the closure of the resulting zipper (i.e., the balloon effect), particularly with respect to the seepage through the closed zipper when the zipper bag is filled with air. Similarly, further improvements are sought with regard to the production rates and manufacturing costs.

Zipper profile manufactured by cut and stretch methods


An optical recording medium having at least a recording film and a protection film disposed on a substrate is disclosed. The optical recording medium includes a plurality of recording tracks being disposed, along a predetermined direction, on a signal recording surface to which a laser beam is incident, the recording tracks having tapered protruding portions, wherein the protruding portions are formed of an optical near field generation film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an optical recording medium, a memory apparatus, and a recording/reproduction method, more particularly, a high density optical recording medium, a memory apparatus, and a recording/reproduction method that use optical near field.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional optical head for an optical disk, light is condensed by using a lens. In this case, the amount of information that can be recorded onto the optical disk depends on the diameter of the condensed beam. The diameter of such condensed beam is confined to the wavelength of the laser beam for recording and/or reproducing information to/from the optical disk, and by the numerical aperture (NA) of the optical lens system. In order to obtain a high density optical disk, it is required to shorten the wavelength of the laser beam and to increase the numerical aperture of the optical lens. Nevertheless, due to limits in diffraction, there are limits in obtaining such high density optical disks with such methods.
In order to increase the numerical aperture of the optical lens system, a method for recording information onto an optical disk medium is proposed, in which a numerical aperture (NA) of 1 or more is obtained by employing a SIL (Solid Immersion Lens) and utilizing the evanescent light leaking from the bottom of the SIL. Nevertheless, recording information onto the optical disk medium by utilizing the evanescent light requires the distance between the SIL and the recording surface of the optical disk to be maintained at no more than 1/10 of the wavelength. Therefore, precise control is required for maintaining a constant distance between the optical disk and the SIL. There is also a problem where dust may adhere to the optical disk to cause contact with the SIL. The problem of dust causes difficulty in attaining removability, which is one of the benefits of the optical disk. Furthermore, there are limits in obtaining a high density optical disk by employing the SIL since the numerical aperture (NA) is increased based on the refractive index of the SIL.
Meanwhile, a method for recording and/or reproducing information to/from an optical disk is proposed, in which an optical near field is used for increasing capacity of an optical disk by intensifying the density of the optical disk.
As for a widely used optical near field probe serving to generate the optical near field, there is an optical fiber (optical fiber probe) having a sharpened tip with a fine opening of a size no more than the wavelength of the laser beam used for recording and/or recording. The optical fiber probe is manufactured by applying metal coating to portions other than its tip portion after heating and stretching an end of an optical fiber or after tapering an optical fiber with a chemical etching method. Accordingly, by directing an incident laser beam on the optical fiber probe, an optical near field can be generated at the proximity of the fine opening formed at the tip portion.
Nevertheless, the optical fiber probe has a drawback of inefficient utilization of light. For example, in a case where the aperture diameter is 100 nm, the ratio of the optical strength of the incident laser beam on the optical fiber probe to the laser beam emitted from the tip portion of the optical fiber probe becomes 0.001% or less, thereby resulting to an emitted laser beam with considerably low optical strength. In order to solve this problem, the below-given optical near field probes are proposed.
The first probe is a multi-level taper optical fiber probe. This optical fiber probe is described in "Applied Physics Letters" (Vol.68, No. 19, p. 2612-2614) issued in 1996, and "Applied Physics Letters" (Vol. 73, No. 15, p. 2090-2092) issued in 1998. This optical fiber probe has its pointed tip formed in two or three varying levels from its root portion to its tip portion.
The next probe is a metal needle probe. This probe is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 6-137847, in which light is irradiated to a tip of a needle for generating an optical near field in proximity to the tip portion.
The next probe is a fine aperture fiber probe with a fine metal sphere. This fiber probe is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-101809, in which a fine metal sphere is formed at a center of a fine aperture of a tip portion of the fiber probe. In this fiber probe, an optical near field is generated by irradiating light from the fine aperture and thereby exciting plasmon in the fine metal sphere.
The next probe is a probe with a metal coated glass segment. This probe is described in "Physical Review B" (Vol. 55, No. 12, p. 7977-7984) issued in 1997. This probe has a metal film with a thickness of approximately 50 nm formed on a triangularly cut-out glass segment, in which surface plasmon is excited on the metal film. Accordingly, since the excited surface plasmon is propagated toward the tip of the probe, a strong optical near field is generated in proximity to the tip.
The next probe is a glass substrate probe with a metal scatterer. This probe is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-250460. This is a probe having a metal scatterer attached to a bottom portion of a glass substrate. By attaching the metal scatterer, a strong optical near field is generated in proximity to the metal scatterer.
In near field optics, it is necessary to maintain a space of approximately a few nanometers (nm) to several tens of nanometers between an optical near field generating member and the recording surface. Accordingly, in the above-described probes formed with the optical fiber or the glass segment, a particular control system is necessary for precisely controlling the space between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface. This control system, in general, measures the space between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface by measuring the atomic force between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface, and servo controls the position of the probe so that the measured value is constant. Nevertheless, since there is a certain limit to the servo control area, the relative scanning speed of the probe with respect to a recording medium is to be no more than a prescribed speed with an error no more than a prescribed value. Particularly, in an optical disk memory device required to provide high speed data transfer, it is necessary to increase the speed at which the probe can scan the optical disk. Nevertheless, in a case where a disk having tilt or skew is rotated at high speed, the servo control system may be unable to provide sufficient control since the probe is required to trace large disturbances with high frequency amplitude. In order to solve the problem, the below described probe is proposed.
The first probe is a flat aperture optic fiber probe. This optical fiber probe is described in "Electronics and Communications in Japan" (Part 2, Vol. 81, No. 8, p. 41-48) issued in 1998 (translated from "Journal of The Institute of Electronics, Information, and Communication Engineers Vol. J81-C-I, No. 3, p. 119-126). This probe has an aperture formed by applying an anisotropic etching technique to a silicon substrate. Since the portion surrounding the aperture is flat, the distance between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface can be maintained constant when the probe approaches the recording medium.
The next probe is a pad aperture probe. This probe is described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-265520. This probe has a quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusion with a fine aperture formed at a tip portion thereof, and also has a pad formed at a surrounding portion of the protrusion. The pad serves to maintain the distance between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface constant.
The next probe is a plane illumination laser probe with a fine metal chip. This probe is described in "Applied Physics" (Vol. 68, No. 12, p. 1380-1383) issued in 1999. This probe has a fine metal protrusion with a fine aperture formed at an end face of the plane illumination laser port. Since the probe has a flat structure, the distance between the tip portion of the probe and the recording surface can be maintained constant when the probe approaches the recording medium.
The next probe is described in "Optics Communications" (Vol. 69, Nos. 3 and 4, p. 219-224) issued in 1989. This probe is designed to efficiently generate a slight optical near field. This probe efficiently generates the optical near field by applying light to a patch antenna and a coaxial cable.
Another probe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,372 issued on Dec. 9, 1997 (Grober et al.). This probe is also aimed at efficiently generating a slight optical near field. This probe employs a fine dipole antenna formed with a bow-tie shaped metal segment for generating a slight optical near field.
With a system for recording and/or reproducing information by using an optical near field, the three below given factors are required to be satisfied. First, it is required to precisely control the distance between the optical near field probe or the like serving to generate the optical near field and the recording medium to be a constant distance shorter than the wavelength of the laser beam used for recording/reproducing information. Second, the beam spot of the generated optical near field is required to be of a fine size. Third, the generated optical near field is required to be of high light use efficiency.
The above-described multi-stage pointed optical fiber probe has a light use efficiency which is approximately 10 to 100 times higher than that of a typically used fiber probe, but is still insufficient to be applied for optical recording/reproduction, which requires a high light use efficiency of 10% or more. In addition, it is mechanically fragile, and is especially vulnerable in high speed scanning since optical fiber is used.
All of the metal needle probe, the fine aperture fiber probe with a fine metal sphere, the probe with a metal coated glass segment, and the glass substrate probe with a metal scatterer are able to attain high light use efficiency by utilizing their metal property. All of them, however, are formed with a mechanically fragile tip, and are, therefore, particularly vulnerable in high speed scanning. Particularly, the metal pin probe and the glass substrate probe with a metal scatterer have a problem in that a large amount of background light is detected therefrom since the light that is irradiated neither to the tip of the needle nor the scatterer becomes incident on the recording medium.
Furthermore, as described above, some other probes capable of providing high speed scanning are also proposed. Although the flat aperture probe and the pad aperture probe can be used in high speed scanning, their light use efficiency is low.
The plane illumination laser probe with a fine metal chip is expected to provide high speed scanning performance, high light use efficiency, and little background light. In generating a strong optical near field by using the metal fine protrusion of the probe, the form of the metal is to be optimized. Nevertheless, neither the form nor the method of manufacture is disclosed.
With the probe for efficiently generating an optical near field by applying light to a patch antenna and a coaxial cable, or with the probe employing a fine dipole antenna formed with a bow-tie shaped metal segment for generating a slight optical near field, there still is a problem with dust on the recording medium, and a problem in precisely controlling the distance between the optical near field generating member and the recording medium to a constant minute distance that is shorter than the wavelength of the laser beam used for recording/reproduction (head/disk interface problem). It is, therefore, difficult to attain removability, which is one of the advantages of an optical disk.
Meanwhile, a method where a lens-like substrate is disposed in an optical disk medium for improving recording density is disclosed in "Optical Data Storage 2001 Technical Digest of 2001, April 22-25, (p. 277-279, Guerra et al.). This method is aimed at solving the dust problem and the head/disk interface problem. However, this method does not use an optical near field, but uses light condensed by a micro-lens installed in a recording medium for recording/reproducing with the recording medium. This enables recording density to be increased by increasing the refractive index of the material of the lens. Nevertheless, as described in the document, the track pitch can merely be reduced to approximately one half when using a typical optical system since there are limits to the refractive index. As a result, its recording density can only be enhanced to approximately two times. Furthermore, manufacture of the recording medium is difficult since the recording medium requires a spherical lens-shaped substrate to be uniform at its periphery. Furthermore, the track pitch can only be narrowed to a small degree, and recording density cannot be largely increased since it is possible that the beam may diffuse to an adjacent track and cause problems such as cross-talk, cross-erase, and cross-write. In addition, the lens uses, for example, TiO2 as its material since a refractive index of 2.7 is required. With such material, however, light cannot pass through in a case of employing a blue-violet laser diode (LD) with a wavelength of 410 nm. Accordingly, the method cannot be applied to a short wavelength laser diode, and cannot attain high recording density.

Optical recording medium, memory apparatus, and recording/reproduction method


A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head. In one embodiment, a lower magnetic pole and a magnetic film are formed on a substrate that is covered by an insulating film. A mask is then formed on the lower magnetic pole. The mask and the lower magnetic pole are then ion milled to the same width. A protective film is then formed to sufficiently cover then lower magnetic pole and the mask. The protective film is then polished to expose the mask. An exposed surface of the mask and the protective film are then planarized and the remaining make is then removed by wet etching. A concavity is formed at a position in the lower magnetic pole in the protective film. An upper magnetic pole is then formed by electroplating on the concavity. The mask is formed by electroplating Cu or permalloy, or by patterning photoresist.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a thin film magnetic head that is used in, for example, magnetic disk devices and recording/playback devices in computers and wordprocessors, in particular, to a manufacturing method for a thin film magnetic head that uses photolithographic technology to form the upper and lower magnetic poles by electroplating.
2. Background Information
Recently, because recording densities increase as the capacity of the magnetic disk recording devices increase, thin film magnetic heads have been widely applied. They are fabricated by using deposition technologies, such as electroplating and sputtering, and fine processing technologies based on photolithography. As shown in FIG. 3A, a conventional thin film magnetic head deposits an insulating film 2 on a substrate 1 of a ceramic material, forms the lower magnetic film 3 and the magnetic gap film 4 on top, and after depositing the conducting film 7 between the organic insulating films 5, 6, and the upper magnetic film 8 is formed and covered by a protective film 9. As shown in FIG. 3B, the front ends of the upper and lower magnetic films form the opposing upper and lower magnetic poles that have an intervening magnetic gap film 4, but the width of the upper magnetic pole 11 is narrower than that of the lower magnetic pole 10. Therefore, although the track width of the magnetic head widens based on the width of the lower magnetic pole 10, since the readout output decreases because it is set by the width of the upper magnetic pole, the problems were the difficulty in producing narrower tracks, and not adequately improving the performance and providing higher recording density in the thin film magnetic heads. Also, the projection of the lower magnetic pole has a skin that generates crosstalk that reaches the information recorded on neighboring tracks. Furthermore, since the upper magnetic film is formed using a photoresist on a higher level difference formed by the insulating layer and the conductive coil deposited on the lower magnetic film, it is difficult to control with high precision the track width of the upper magnetic pole.
Japanese patent number 63-55711 proposes a thin film magnetic head in which the upper and lower magnetic pole widths are matched by removing the projection of the lower magnetic pole by ion milling and using the upper magnetic pole or the resist layer formed on it as the mask, and narrower tracks are obtained without lowering the playback output. Similarly, the publication of unexamined Japanese patent application number 5-334621 and the publication of examined Japanese patent application number 6-101098 describe thin film magnetic head tracks where ion milling uses the upper magnetic pole as the mask to form an inclined surface from the magnetic gap side at the corners of the projection of the lower magnetic pole, and the track width only on the inclined surface is narrowed to match the widths of the upper and lower magnetic poles.
Furthermore, the manufacturing method for a thin film head disclosed in the publication of examined Japanese patent application number 5-74127 forms the protective film with a small milling rate on the lower magnetic pole, polishes the protective film to expose the lower magnetic pole, simultaneously ion mills to form the tapered concavity on the lower magnetic pole, and forms the upper magnetic pole on the gap layer in the concavity. Therefore, the track width is narrowed only in the inclined part of the upper magnetic pole to match the widths of the upper and lower magnetic poles.
However, the conventional thin film magnetic head described in Japanese patent number 63-55711 could solve the problems caused by the difference in track widths between the upper and lower magnetic poles and the crosstalk. However, the effect of the large level difference that is formed on the lower magnetic film could not be adequately eliminated by track width control. The ion milling speed is not uniform depending on the position, for example, it becomes slow near the side walls of the upper magnetic pole. In addition, since the lower magnetic pole material removed by ion milling is deposited again on the upper magnetic pole side, the problem is the difficulty in controlling the track width with high precision.
To realize a higher recording density, in addition to a narrower track, the film thicknesses, that is, the pole lengths, of the magnetic poles must be thinner. Since the conventional technology disclosed in the publication of examined Japanese patent application number 5-74127 generally has the problems of controlling with high precision the amount of polishing of the protective film and lower magnetic pole, the film thickness of the lower magnetic pole is hard to adequately control by only ion milling after polishing; this creates large fluctuations. Therefore, the problem is the inability to ensure sufficient reliability.
The manufacturing method for a thin film magnetic head of the present invention considered the conventional problems described above. The objective is to propose a manufacturing method for a thin film magnetic head that has high reliability and improved performance for a thin film magnetic head that has a pair of opposing magnetic poles with an intervening magnetic gap on the substrate that can match the track widths of both magnetic poles, precisely control the widths, and precisely control the film thicknesses of the magnetic poles to produce narrower tracks and a higher recording density.

Manufacturing method for a thin film magnetic head


This method for producing a potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate includes an electrochemical fluorination step in which an alkanesulfonyl halide compound is subjected to electrochemical fluorination in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, thereby to generate a production gas containing perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride as the main component. In addition, for example, the methods may include a gas absorption step in which the production gas is reacted with an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, thereby to generate a gas absorbed solution containing potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate, a purification step in which impurities such as potassium fluoride, potassium hydroxide, and potassium sulfate, are removed, and a concentration and collection step in which the aqueous solution from which the impurities are removed is concentrated and dried. In the electrochemical fluorination, for example, it is possible that the proton concentration in the reaction solution is maintained in the range of 150 to 1,500 ppm to suppress the formation of byproducts.

As a method for producing a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1SO3H, in which n is an integer of 1 to 3, the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,398 (Patent Document 1) is known. In short, a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid is produced by a process by which an alkanesulfonyl halide having 1 to 3 carbons is used as the starting material and is subjected to an electrochemical fluorination reaction in hydrogen fluoride, thereby substituting the hydrogens of the alkyl moiety of the alkanesulfonyl halide with fluorine (electrochemical fluorination) to yield a perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride, and the perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride is then reacted with an alkaline solution to convert the perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride into its alkali metal salt, and further the alkali metal salt is subjected to acid decomposition reaction with sulfuric acid.
In the above-mentioned process, however, it is necessary to collect, at low temperatures, the gas of the perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride generated in the electrochemical fluorination step. Furthermore, it is necessary to react the resulting perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride with the alkali at high temperatures and at high pressures. For these reasons, this process has difficulties, for example, in continuous production and is problematic in industrial implementation.
As an improved production method of the process described above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. S64-61452 (Patent Document 2) describes a process by which the production gas resulting from electrochemical fluorination is absorbed while converting into a potassium salt, by enhancing the contact between the production gas and an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide to react the production gas with the aqueous solution at ordinary pressure. This process is characterized in that a potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate is crystallized from the gas absorbed solution by concentrating the gas absorbed solution or by adding an alkali to the gas absorbed solution, and then is subjected to filtration and the filtrate is recycled in the gas absorption step.
In this process, however, the crystallization of potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate is carried out under conditions where potassium hydroxide and potassium fluoride, which is yielded as a byproduct in the reaction, are present in their dissolved state in the gas absorbed solution. As a result, potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate crystals tend to have the potassium hydroxide and potassium fluoride included therein, which are difficult to remove by washing with water after filtration, since they are incorporated into the inside of the crystals. Therefore, it is not easy to reduce the contents of these impurities to a sufficient degree.
For example, in the case where the potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate contains potassium fluoride in high amounts, hydrogen fluoride is yielded as a byproduct when a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid is produced by subjecting the potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate to an acid decomposition reaction, and results in corrosion of reactor materials, such as glass linings, leading to serious industrial problems.
Also, in the case where the potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate contains potassium hydroxide in high amounts, water is yielded as a byproduct when a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid is produced by subjecting the potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate to an acid decomposition reaction by the addition thereto of concentrated sulfuric acid or the like, and results in the formation of a hydrate or hydrates having a high melting point from the water and the perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid, leading to the problem of clogging pipes during the distillation of the perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid under reduced pressure.
Moreover, process steps become complicated, since the filtrate after the filtration of potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate in this process has large amounts of potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate which is the target and unreacted potassium hydroxide remaining therein and is required to be recycled and reused in the gas absorption step.
In addition to the above-described methods, there is an alternative method, Japanese Patent No. 3,294,323 (Patent Document 3) which describes a process by which a methanesulfonyl halide is used as the starting material and is subjected to electrochemical fluorination in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride so as to generate trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride, and the trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride is then washed with water to remove acidic gases, and is reacted with an aqueous solution or slurry of lithium hydroxide to remove lithium fluoride yielded as a byproduct, thereby to produce lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate. The lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate can be subjected to acid decomposition reaction so as to produce a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid. In this process, however, an aqueous solution of lithium hydroxide is used as an alkaline absorption solution and lithium fluoride which is sparingly soluble in water is formed as a byproduct, resulting in the problem of depositing within and clogging pipes.
In addition, in any of the methods described above, it has been difficult until now in the electrochemical fluorination step to avoid yielding as byproducts fluoroalkanes and sulfonyl difluoride due to decomposition in the electrochemical fluorination reaction. Global warming recently poses problems, and fluoroalkanes yielded by a decomposition reaction, which is a side reaction in the electrochemical fluorination, are a class of greenhouse gases which are key components of global warming and a group of compounds which have highest coefficients among the presently known greenhouse gases, with their warming coefficients being several thousand times that of carbon dioxide. These fluoroalkanes are not absorbed in acidic or alkaline aqueous solutions, making their posttreatments difficult, and therefore reduction of their incidence is required. The previous production technologies described above do not take into account the suppression of the generation of fluoroalkanes as byproducts.
Also, the sulfonyl difluoride yielded as a byproduct in the decomposition reaction forms potassium sulfate when absorbed in an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, which has a relatively low solubility in water and thus tends to precipitate within the apparatus in the gas absorption step, leading to the problem of clogging pipes. Furthermore, as the decomposition reaction is enhanced, the content of potassium sulfate in the resulting potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate crystal is increased. In the case where such potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate is used as the starting material to carry out acid decomposition reaction for synthesizing a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid, a reaction residue after the distillation of the perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid under reduced pressure solidifies and makes processing difficult.
Patent Document 1 U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,398
Patent Document 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. S64-61452
Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent No. 3,294,323

Potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate and method for producing the same

Mitsubishi Materials Electronic Chemicals Co., Ltd.


For measuring a medium, the medium flows through at least one inline measuring device measuring tube joined into the course of a pipeline, especially a measuring tube which vibrates, at least at times. Using an inline measuring device sensor arrangement arranged on the measuring tube and/or in its vicinity and reacting, at least mediately, to changes of the at least one physical parameter of the medium, at least one measurement signal is produced, which is influenced by at least one physical parameter of the medium in the measuring tube. Additionally, pressures effective in the medium are registered, in order to determine repeatedly a pressure difference existing in the flowing medium at least in part along the at least one measuring tube. Taking into consideration a pressure difference currently determined for the flowing medium, as well as applying a transfer function, measured values of a first kind are produced, which represent, following in time one after the other, the at least one flow parameter to be measured for the medium. The transfer function determines, in such case, at least how the measured values of the first kind are generated under application of the pressure difference currently determined for the flowing medium. Taking into consideration the at least one measurement signal produced by means of the sensor arrangement of the inline measuring device, the transfer function is repeatedly adapted to the medium to be measured. The method serves especially for the measuring of media, which are, at least at times, present as two, or more, phases, of which at least one is a fluid phase.

In process measurements and automation technology, for the highly accurate measurement of physical parameters, such as e.g. mass flow, density and/or viscosity, of a medium flowing in a pipeline, for example a gas and/or a liquid, often such inline measuring devices are used, which, by means of a measurement pickup, or transducer, of vibration-type, through which the medium is flowing, and a measurement and operating circuit connected thereto, effect reaction forces in the medium, forces such as e.g. Coriolis forces corresponding with mass flow, inertial forces corresponding with density, or frictional forces corresponding with viscosity, etc., and produce, derived from these, a measurement signal representing, for the medium, mass flow, viscosity and/or density, as the case may be. Such inline measuring devices with a measurement pickup of vibration-type, as well as their manner of operation, are known per se to those skilled in the art and are described comprehensively and in detail e.g. in WO-A 03/095950, WO-A 03/095949, WO-A 02/37063, WO-A 01/33174, WO-A 00/57141, WO-A 99/39164, WO-A 98/07009, WO-A 95/16897, WO-A 88/03261, US 2003/0208325, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,880,410, 6,691,583, 6,651,513, 6,513,393, 6,505,519, 6,006,609, 5,869,770, 5,861,561, 5,7 96,011, 5,616,868, 5,602,346, 5,602,345, 5,531,126, 5,359,881, 5,301,557, 5,253,533, 5,218,873, 5,069,074, 4,876,898, 4,733,569, 4,660,421, 4,524,610, 4,491,025, 4,187,721, EP-A 1 291 639, EP-A 1 281 938, EP-A 1 001 254 or EP-A 553 939.
For the conveying of the flowing medium, the measurement pickups include, in each case, at least one measuring tube with a bent and/or straight tube segment, which is caused, during operation, to vibrate, driven by an electromechanical exciter mechanism, for producing the above-mentioned, reaction forces. The measuring tube is held in a support frame most often embodied as a closed, pickup housing. For registering vibrations, especially inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations, of the tube segment, the measurement pickups further include, in each case, a sensor arrangement reacting to movements of the tube segment.
In the case of Coriolis mass flow measuring devices, measurement of the mass flow of a medium flowing in a pipeline rests, as is known, on the allowing of the medium to flow through the measuring tube inserted into the pipeline and oscillating during operation, at least in part, laterally to a measuring tube axis, whereby Coriolis forces are induced in the medium. These forces, in turn, effect, that inlet end and outlet end regions of the measuring tube oscillate shifted in phase relative to one another. The size of these phase shifts serves, in such case, as a measure for the mass flow rate. The oscillations of the measuring tube are, therefore, registered by means of two oscillation sensors of the aforementioned sensor arrangement spaced from one another along the measuring tube and transformed into oscillation measurement signals, from whose phase shift with respect to one another the mass flow is derived. Already the initially referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,721 mentions, additionally, that also the instantaneous density of the flowing medium is measurable by means of such inline measuring devices, and, indeed, on the basis of a frequency of at least one of the oscillation measurement signals delivered by the sensor arrangement. Moreover, most often, also a temperature of the medium is directly measured in suitable manner, for example by means of a temperature sensor arranged on the measuring tube. Additionally, straight measuring tubes can, when excited to torsional oscillations about a torsional oscillation axis essentially extending parallel to, or coinciding with, the pertinent measuring tube longitudinal axis, effect that radial shear forces are produced in the medium conveyed therethrough, whereby, in turn, significant oscillatory energy is withdrawn to the torsional oscillations and dissipated in the medium. As a result thereof, a considerable damping of the torsional oscillations of the oscillating measuring tube occurs, so that, to maintain the torsional oscillations, additional electrical exciting power must be supplied to the measuring tube. Derived from a correspondingly required electrical exciting power for the maintaining of the torsional oscillations of the measuring tube, it is possible, in manner known to those skilled in the art, so also to determine, at least approximately, a viscosity of the medium; compare, in this connection, especially also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,524,610, 5,253,533, 6,006,609 or 6,651,513. It is possible, therefore, to assume, without more, in the following that, even when not expressly described, modern inline measuring devices with measurement pickups of vibration-type, especially Coriolis mass flow measuring devices, can be used, in any case, also to measure density, viscosity and/or temperature of the medium, especially since these variables are often drawn upon, in the case of mass flow measurement, in any event, for the compensating of measurement errors arising due to fluctuating medium density and/or viscosity; compare, in this connection, especially the already mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,393, 6,006,609, 5,602,346, WO-A 02/37063, WO-A 99/39164 or also WO-A 00/36379.
Besides such measurement pickups, or transducers, of vibration type, frequently also inline measuring devices with magneto-inductive pickups, or transducers, or measurement pickups, or transducers, evaluating the travel time of ultrasonic waves emitted in the stream direction, especially also those working on the basis of the Doppler principle, are used in process measurements and automation technology for inline measurements. Since the principles of construction and manner of functioning of such magnetic-inductive measurement pickups are described adequately e.g. in EP-A 1 039 269, U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,740, 5,540,103, 5,351,554, 4,563,904, etc., and the principles of construction and manner of functioning of such ultrasonic measurement pickups are described adequately e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,397,683, 6,330,831, 6,293,156, 6,189,389, 5,531,124, 5,463,905, 5,131,279, 4,787,252 etc., and, moreover, are likewise sufficiently known to those skilled in the art, a detailed explanation of these principles of measurement can be omitted here.
In the use of such inline measuring devices comprising at least one measuring tube joined into the course of the pipeline conveying the medium, it has, however, been found, that, in the case of inhomogeneous media, especially two, or more, phase media, the measurement signals produced therewith can be subject, to a considerable degree, to non-reproducible fluctuations, even though the medium parameters significantly influencing the measurement signals, especially the mass flow rate, are held essentially constant; compare, in this connection, also the initially mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,366, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,410, U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,519, U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,136 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,657. As a result, these measurement signals in the case of multiphase streams of medium are practically unusable for a highly accurate measurement of the physical flow parameter of interest. Such inhomogeneous media can be, for example, liquids, in which, as e.g. practically unavoidable in metering or bottling processes, a gas present in the pipeline, particularly air, is entrained, or from which a dissolved medium, e.g. carbon dioxide, outgasses and leads to foam formation. As further examples of such inhomogeneous media, also emulsions, wet, or saturated, steam, as well as fluids carrying solid particles can be mentioned.
Especially in the case of inline measuring devices comprising a measurement pickup of vibration-type, such as, for example, also discussed in JP-A 10-281846, EP-A 1 291 639, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,410, 6,505,519, it has been found that the oscillation measurement signals derived from the oscillations of the measurement tube, especially also the mentioned phase shift, are, in the case of two, or more, phase media, and in spite of keeping the mass flow rate, as well as also viscosity and density in the separate phases of a medium, practically constant and/or appropriately taking such into consideration, subject to fluctuations to a significant degree and, therefore, in given instances, can be completely unusable for measuring the physical flow parameter of interest, unless remedial measures are undertaken. Mentionable as reasons for the measurement errors accompanying the measurement of inhomogeneous media by means of measurement pickups of vibration-type include, for example, the unilateral clinging or depositing of liquid-entrained, gas bubbles or solid particles on the measuring tube wall, and the so-called "bubble-effect", in the case of which gas bubbles entrained in the liquid act as flow bodies for liquid volume elements accelerated transversely to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube.
For lessening the measurement errors accompanying two, or more, phase media, U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,410, for example, proposes a flow, or medium, conditioning to precede the actual flow measurement. As another possibility for escaping the problems of such measurement pickups in connection with inhomogeneous media, for example, both in JP-A 10-281846, as well as also in U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,519, a correction of the flow measurement, especially of the mass flow measurement, determined from the oscillation measurement signals, is made. The correction is based especially on the evaluation of deficits between a highly accurately measured, actual density of the medium and an apparent density of the medium determined during operation using Coriolis mass flow measuring devices. Further methods for avoiding and/or correction of measurement errors associated with two, or more, phase media, beyond those mentioned above, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2005/0081643, U.S. Pat. No. 2005/0022611, WO-A 2005/057137 or WO-A 2005/057131.
Alternatively or in supplementation thereof, additionally, also measurement systems, especially diversely operating measurement systems, formed by means of a plurality of inline measuring devices and disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,400,657, 5,259,250, 2005/0016292 or WO-A 03/062759, WO-A 03/073047, WO-A 03/087735, or WO-A 04/046660, can be applied for measuring two, or more, phase media. However, a significant disadvantage of such, actually quite precisely measuring, measurement systems can reside in their increased complexity and the accompanying high installation costs, on the one hand, and the high servicing and maintenance costs, on the other hand. Moreover, such measurement systems possess, most often, a relatively high requirement for space.

Method for measuring a medium flowing in a pipeline and measurement system therefor


A fully automated, microprocessor controlled, fiber baling apparatus for converting loose, discontinuous fibers into compressed, high-density fiber bales is disclosed. The fiber baling apparatus produces fiber bales having preselected and substantially identical masses with weight tolerances below one percent of the total bale weight. The fiber baling apparatus includes a conveyor located downstream of a fiber-forming chain, a baler having a first hopper, a second hopper mounted on a scale and a compression assembly, a bagger/strapper assembly, a bag sealer, and a bale lifting system. The fiber baling apparatus separates the fibers into separate mat portions rather than operating to form bales from a continuous stream of fibers. The separate mat portions of fiber are transported by conveyor to the baler and the fiber mat portions are weighed, precompressed, and fully compressed into fiber bales.

It is generally known to deposit loose fiber material in containers, compress the fibers into bales, and package the fiber bales by bagging and/or strapping the bales. Some systems employ on-line weighing apparatus to approximate the mass value the resulting fiber bale. Such systems form bales from a continuous mat or stream of fibers. The total mass value of the fibers to be compressed into a single bale is assessed as the stream of fibers is continuously delivered to a scale. As a consequence, known fiber baling systems provide only a rough assessment of the fiber bale mass value. Hence, known systems provide fiber bales along with imprecise mass values. Additionally, the fiber bale masses vary significantly from bale to bale.
Many processes utilizing such fiber materials require the materials be introduced in precise mass quantities. Consequently, the fiber material must be weighed prior to introduction to such processes. Fiber bales having precise and substantially identical, preselected masses (i.e., bales of close weight tolerances) would allow such processes to bypass the often expensive and time consuming weighing procedures. Thus, there is a need for fiber baling apparatus and methods that ensure formation of fiber bales, having precise and substantially identical preselected masses of fiber material.
Systems that bale loose fiber materials in an automated (i.e., timed), sequential manner are also known. Such conventional systems run each subassembly of the baling apparatus in timed sequence. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,603 discloses a baling apparatus wherein a continuous stream of fibrous material is caused to fall into a shaft in which a pressing operation takes place. A sequence of pre-compression and compression by movement of various compression forks and hopper gates takes place in a timed manner. The timing is based solely on the initial falling speed of the fiber as the material flows down the first shaft. As a result of the timed sequence, timing of subassemblies of the system may not be changed (e.g., hurried, slowed or stopped) irrespective of the timing of other subassemblies.
The fiber baling apparatus of the present invention is a fully automated, microprocessor controlled system for converting loose, discontinuous fibers into compressed, high-density fiber bales. The fiber baling apparatus can be adjusted to produce fiber bales having preselected masses and dimensions, with weight tolerances below one percent of the total bale weight.
The fiber baling apparatus of the present invention comprises a conveyor located downstream of a fiber-forming chain, a baler having a first hopper, a second hopper mounted on a scale and a compression assembly, a bagger/strapper, a bag sealer, and a bale lifting system. The fiber baling apparatus separates the fibers into separate mat portions that are formed into bales, rather than operating to form bales from a continuous stream of fibers. The separate mat portions of fiber are transported by conveyor to the baler. An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a third conveyor positioned downstream of the bag sealer, and a bale lifting system for placing bagged, strapped, and sealed fiber bales on a pallet for shipping and/or storage.
In a preferred method of the present invention, the baler cyclically weighs incoming mat portions of fiber until a preselected, partial mass value is reached. The mat portions are then delivered to the compression assembly and precompressed. The delivery, weighing, and precompression cycle continues until fiber delivered to the second hopper, and then precompressed in the compression assembly, equals a preselected total mass value. The fiber is then fully compressed, bagged, and strapped. The bagged and strapped fiber bale is then moved on a third conveyor to a bag sealer. After the bag is sealed, the bale is lifted by an automatic lifting system and placed on a pallet to await shipment. Fugitive-dust emanating from various locations in the baling apparatus is removed by a dust-collection system and transported back to be recycled into the next fibers produced.
The method and apparatus of the present invention is fully automated and is controlled by a process controller or microprocessor. Accordingly, operation of any subassembly of the system may be changed (e.g., hurried, slowed or stopped) irrespective of operation speed of the other subassemblies, to produce fiber bales having precise and substantially identical mass values. Additionally, the preselected partial mass value or the preselected total mass value may be changed at any point during operation.
The method and apparatus of the present invention reduces the amount of physical effort required of an operator, reduces the operator's risk of injury, reduces risk of fiber contamination, reduces bale-weight tolerances, reduces the amount of fugitive-dust in the environment, and increases production speed.


A toner is provided including large particle-diameter external additives with sweep to the concaves of a toner particle suppressed, so that the large particle-diameter external additives function as spacer particles for a long period. The toner includes toner particles which contain a binder resin and magnetic material, and organic-inorganic composite fine particles having a structure including inorganic fine particles embedded in a vinyl resin particle. The presence state of the magnetic material on the toner particle surface satisfies specific conditions and the presence state of the organic-inorganic composite fine particles on the toner surface satisfies specific conditions.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a toner for use in an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, a magnetic recording method and the like.
Description of the Related Art
At present, one component development method using a magnetic toner is widely employed in a copying machine and a laser beam printer, due to cost advantage and simple configuration of devices.
The magnetic toner is usually manufactured by a pulverization method, having an average circularity of 0.960 or less and a toner surface with irregularities in many cases.
At present, various investigations on both of the toner and the main unit are under way for further prolonged life of a copying machine and a printer which use the magnetic toner.
Examples of the effects of expected prolonged life in an electrophotographic system configuration on a toner include a prolonged agitation time for the toner in a toner container due to prolonged life. Accordingly, the physical load on the toner increases.
The increase in physical load on a toner in a process accelerates the embedding of small particle-diameter external additives existing on the toner surface into the toner surface, resulting in the occurrence of phenomena such as reduction in the flowability of toner, degradation in charging characteristics, and increase in physical adhesion. Eventually, image defects, density reduction and the like may be caused in some cases.
Conventional small particle-diameter external additives have not sufficiently solved the problems. The reason is that the governing factor of embedding of external additives into the toner surface is the particle diameter of the additives. As a logical sequence, the smaller the particle diameter is, the more easily the additives are embedded.
Accordingly, many attempts to use larger particle-diameter external additives as spacer particles have been conventionally made in dealing with the prolonged life.
Since large particle-diameter external additives have a large contact area with the toner surface, the impulse to the toner per unit surface area can be reduced. Consequently, embedding into the toner surface can be suppressed compared to small particle-diameter external additives.
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-3726, large particle-diameter silica particles are added as external additives with expectation of suppression of embedding and prolongation of the life to a certain extent. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-202131, composite particles of small particle-diameter silica and large particle-diameter melamine resin particles are used as external additives.
However, the addition of large particle-diameter external additives to toner particles having a surface with irregularities may cause the large particle-diameter external additives to be swept to the concaves on the surface of a toner particle, resulting in an uneven distribution as shown in FIG. 1A.
The uneven distribution of the large particle-diameter external additives swept to the concaves on the surface of a toner particle may cause difficulty in achieving a prolonged life in some cases, though added for prolongation of life, since they cannot perform their inherent function as the large particle-diameter external additives as spacer particles. The reduction in adhesion to the toner surface due to the enlargement of particle diameter easily allows for detachment from the toner, causing a further problem that components are markedly contaminated therewith during long-term use.
In dealing with the problems, for example, International Publication No. WO 2013/063291 discloses an example of using an organic-inorganic composite fine particle as a spacer particle including inorganic fine particles fixed to the surface of an organic fine particle.
Since the organic-inorganic composite fine particle has convexes derived from the inorganic fine particles on the surface, the convexes as wedge is driven into the toner surface. Consequently, the organic-inorganic composite fine particles are hardly swept to the concaves on the surface of a toner particle to form an uneven distribution as shown in FIG. 1B, as compared to conventional spherical large particle-diameter external additives.
As a result of investigation by the present inventor, however, the effectiveness in not necessarily achieved, depending on the type of magnetic material of toner particles. In some cases, the organic-inorganic composite fine particles are swept to the concaves on the surface of a toner particle to form an uneven distribution as similar to conventional large particle-diameter external additives.
As described above, although the addition of large particle-diameter external additives is effective for achieving a prolonged life, there exist many negative effects which require further countermeasures.


A carbon membrane for fluid separation, i.e., a fiber-form carbon membrane for fluid separation, has protrusions having a height difference of at least 1 μm formed on the fiber surface. In the carbon membrane for fluid separation, adhesion between membranes is inhibited and clogging tends not to occur when a gas mixture containing water vapor is separated. A carbon membrane module for fluid separation that includes the fibrous carbon membrane for fluid separation is also disclosed.

A membrane separation method has been known as a fluid separation method for selectively separating and purifying a specified fluid component from a fluid mixture. The membrane separation method attracts attention because it works in an energy-saving manner as compared with other fluid separation methods.
As a raw material of a separation membrane for use in fluid separation, particularly gas separation, organic membranes, such as a polyimide membrane, have been proposed, but such organic membranes have a problem in that these membranes are poor in heat resistance or chemical resistance (for example Patent Document 1).
Meanwhile, it has been reported to use a zeolite, which has excellent heat resistance, in a separation membrane. However, zeolite membranes have poor acid resistance. In addition, since it is difficult to form the zeolite used alone into a desired shape, it has been necessary to form a membrane thereof on a porous support. Moreover, there has also been a problem in that the steps for producing the membrane are complicated and costly (for example, Patent Document 2).
In order to solve such problems, membrane separation using a carbon membrane for fluid separation is attracting attention. The carbon membranes for fluid separation show excellent gas-separating performance and are usable even in environments where heat resistance and chemical resistance are required, and are hence expected to be put to practical use.
As the carbon membrane for fluid separation, for example, a carbon membrane obtained by applying a resin such as a phenolic resin or polyimide to the surface of a hollow porous ceramic body and carbonizing the resin in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, has been reported (for example, Patent Document 3 or 4). However, the steps for producing such a carbon membrane are complicated, and the carbon membrane has been expensive.
A report has been made also on a hollow fiber carbon membrane as a self-supporting carbon membrane for fluid separation (for example, Patent Document 5). Hollow fiber carbon membranes can be produced at low cost by relatively simple production steps and can be made to have a large membrane area per unit volume. Therefore, these hollow fiber carbon membranes have an advantage in that a compact separation membrane module can be fabricated therefrom as compared with flat membranes.
Common problems in membrane separation using various raw materials include a problem that the flow of fluid is hampered due to adherence of membranes, resulting in deterioration of the separation performance. In order to solve the problem, it is reported that irregularities are given to the surfaces of separation membranes to make the surfaces with modified cross-sections so that the adherence of the membranes can be improved (for example, Patent Document 6 or 7). However, carbon membranes for fluid separation often have defects in projections due to their brittleness when they are formed into a module. It has been therefore known that it is difficult to provide the carbon membranes for fluid separation with modified sections.
By the way, it has been studied that a membrane separation process is applied to a separation technique of carbon dioxide as impurity in nitrogen discharged from a power plant or a separation technique of carbon dioxide in order to improve purity of methane gas or prevent a pipeline from corroding in a natural gas refining plant. For example, Patent Document 8 reports that carbon dioxide can be separated highly efficiently even in presence of water vapor by a separation membrane in which a water-repellent coating layer is provided on a surface of zeolite.

Carbon membrane for fluid separation and carbon membrane module for fluid separation


An optical device includes a base of ring shape, and a light emitting/receiving element and a transparent plate both attached to the base. A side face of the opening of the base is formed to have a taper serving as a draft for a molding resin. A side surface of the transparent plate is formed to have a taper widened upwardly and corresponding to the draft. These side face and surface engage each other with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween. A hologram may be mounted instead of the transparent plate.

(a) Fields of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical devices which have light emitting/receiving elements mounted thereon and which are used for cameras such as camcorders, digital cameras, or digital still cameras and optical pickup systems for CDs, DVDs, or MDs, and to methods for fabricating such a device.
(b) Description of Related Art
In recent years, optical devices have been incorporated in cameras such as camcorders, digital cameras, or digital still cameras and optical pickup systems for CDs, DVDs, or MDs. The optical devices are each provided in a package form produced in the following manner. A light emitting/receiving element is mounted on a base of an insulating material and then packaging is made so that a transparent plate covers a light emitting/receiving area of the mounted element.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of a solid-state image sensing device which is a type of conventional optical device (see Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-43554)). Referring to FIG. 6, the solid-state image sensing device includes, as main components, a base 131, a solid-state image sensing element 135, a transparent plate 136, and an adhesive layer 140. The base 131 of frame shape is made of thermosetting resin and has an opening 132 in its center portion. The solid-state image sensing element 135 is formed of, for example, a CCD and attached to the lower surface of the base 131. The transparent plate 136 is made of glass and attached to the upper surface of the base 131 so that the plate faces the solid-state image sensing element 135 with the opening 132 interposed therebetween. The adhesive layer 140 mechanically connects the transparent plate 136 to the base 131.
The lower surface of the base 131 is provided with wires 134 which are made of a gold plated layer and are embedded in the resin. The solid-state image sensing element 135 is attached to the lower surface of the base 131 and disposed so that a light receiving area 135a thereof is exposed in the opening 132.
The solid-state image sensing element 135 is provided with electrode pads (not shown) for sending and receiving signals between the solid-state image sensing element 135 and external equipment. At an end of each wire 134 adjacent to the opening 132, an internal terminal portion is exposed from the resin. The internal terminal portion of each wire 134 and the corresponding electrode pad of the solid-state image sensing element are electrically connected to each other with a bump (protruding electrode) 138 interposed therebetween. In addition, a solder ball 141 is annexed onto an external terminal portion of each wire 134. On the lower surface of the base 131, the solid-state image sensing element 135, the wires 134, and the bumps 138 are hermetically sealed with a sealing resin 137 provided around the solid-state image sensing element 135.
The solid-state image sensing device thus constructed is mounted on a circuit board so that the transparent plate 136 is directed upward as shown in FIG. 6. A lens barrel with an optical imaging system incorporated therein is fixed onto the base 131 as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 6. The positional relation between the lens barrel and the base 131 has a defined accuracy required to fall within a predetermined error.
As mentioned above, the light receiving area 135a of the solid-state image sensing element 135 is disposed in the opening 132 when viewed from above. Through the optical imaging system incorporated in the lens barrel, light from an imaged object is condensed on the light receiving area 135a of the solid-state image sensing element 135. The condensed light is converted into electricity by the solid-state image sensing element 135.
Also, another example of the solid-state image sensing device has been known which uses a base having, unlike the base 131 shown in FIG. 6, a recess formed in its surface on which a solid-state image sensing element is mounted thereon (for example, see Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-58805)).
Note that if a light receiving element and a light emitting element are disposed in the optical device, the light emitting element with a relatively small dimension is generally mounted above the light receiving element.
In recent years, optical devices with light receiving and light emitting elements disposed therein have also been put into practical use. In such devices, instead of the transparent plate 136, a hologram is attached onto the base 131 (to form a hologram unit).

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


One or more operations are defined to be used against a repository of one or more items. One or more associations between each of the one or more items are also defined. A classification is associated with the one or more operations for an execution environment within a transformation graph, wherein the classification defines whether the operation can be executed in parallel or not in parallel with other operations. The operations are processed based on the classification.

The disclosure relates to information management.
Since the increase of microprocessor clock rates is slowing down, microprocessor manufacturers now also increase the number of processor cores in order to increase processing power. However, the potential of the additional cores can only be used for business applications if these applications are parallelizable, i.e., can be "divided" into parts that can be executed in parallel. Today, an application needs to be written in a specific way in order to take advantage of parallel processing threads. Writing an application for parallel execution is much more effort and requires special training.

Representation of data transformation processes for parallelization