An improved write precompensation circuit for a read/write channel circuit and system is provided. Multiple data input signals are provided, each being clocked by a different clock. The data input signals are then multiplexed. Two, three or more data clock delays may be utilized to provide two, three or more data delays to achieve the write precompensation. Only one edge of a signal need pass through a multiplexer before the multiplexer may change state. The amount of delay may be user programmable.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to read/write channel circuits for magnetic disk drive systems, and more particularly to write precompensation circuits utilized when writing data to the magnetic disk drive.
2. Description of Related Art
In magnetic disk storage systems for computers, such as hard disk drives, digital data serves to modulate the current in a read/write head coil so that a sequence of corresponding magnetic flux transitions are written in bit cells of a magnetic medium in concentric tracks. To write data to the disk, digital data is presented to a read/write amplifier which in turn provides positive or negative current to a head coil. Digital "1"s in the data stream cause transitions in the write current from one polarity to the other. Thus, data is written to the disk as abrupt transitions in the write signal polarity. To read this recorded data, the read/write head passes over the magnetic medium and transduces the recorded magnetic transitions into pulses and an analog signal that alternates in polarity. These pulses are then decoded by read/write channel circuitry to reproduce the digital data.
When writing the abrupt transitions to the disk, non-linear effects in the writing process may occur. For example, if two consecutive polarity transitions (a "11" pattern) are to be written to the disk, significant non-linear bit shift in the second transition and non-linear amplitude degradation in both transitions may occur. One method for compensating for the non-linear bit shift effects is to shift the location of the transition away from the nominal bit cell boundaries. This compensation technique is called write precompensation (WPC). The WPC circuitry delays the writing of certain "1"s to counter the non-linear bit shift effects. For example, when a "11" pattern is to be written, the WPC circuitry delays the writing of the second "1". In some cases it may be necessary to shift the transitions a significant fraction of the bit cell; therefore, a circuit which allows for a wide WPC range is desirable.
One prior art circuit for accomplishing write precompensation is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a write precompensation circuit 1 receives data to be written on a disk on a data input (line 10) and outputs data on the data output (line 30). The data is timed through a D Flip-Flop 20 which latches the data according to a timing signal 40. When desired, the timing signal 40 provides an appropriate timing delay to accomplish the necessary write precompensation. The timing signal 40 is generated by use of a zero delay clock 50 (C0 clock signal) and a delayed clock 60 (C1 clock signal). The C0 and C1 clock signals are provided to a clock multiplexer 70 which selects one of the clocks for timing the data signal in response to the select signal 80.
The clock signals C0 and C1 may be narrow pulse signals to allow the entire pulse to pass through the clock multiplexer 70 and to allow some delay in C0 vs. C1 without violating the setup and hold times of the multiplexer. A sample timing diagram for the write precompensation circuit 1 is shown in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1A, the pulse width of the clock signals is PW and the write precompensation (the delay between C0 and C1) is WPC. For an ideal multiplexer with zero setup and hold times, the maximum amount of WPC is: WPC.sub.max =T-PW. At high frequencies, PW is limited by the rise and fall times of the clocks since the entire pulse passes through the multiplexer before the state of the multiplexer may change. Because the rise and fall times may consume a significant percentage of select signal time T, the maximum amount of WPC may be undesirably limited. Thus, it would be desirable to utilize a write precompensation circuit that provides an improved WPC range.

Read/write channel write precompensation system and method using one or more delay clocks


A mineral fiber mat is formed from a slurry of a known fiber material and a binder in a vacuum mold. The mold includes a porous screen through which a vacuum is drawn to remove water from the slurry while leaving the mat on top of the screen. A cover is pressed down on the mat under the vacuum. The fiber mat or layer is formed to include a simulated surface, such as tree bark, or a brick wall. To form a hollow log the uncured layer is placed over a core to provide a partial enclosure around the core that is of a sufficient size to permit a gas burner to be placed in the enclosure and hidden from view. Panels that are to be used flat are cured while held flat.

A hollow artificial log is formed by creating a mat or blanket of a mineral fiber and a binder is formed with a desired surface appearance. The mat or blanket may be used as formed or to make a log, further processed by forming the mat around a core so that it is at least a partial tube open at both ends, and it is then oven cured. A gas burner tube may be placed within the partial enclosure formed by the partial tubular log wall to simulate a real log burning.
In the prior art, various compositions and methods for making artificial logs for gas fireplace have been advanced, including vacuum forming of logs. However, the logs are generally solid and become quite heavy. An additional problem with the use of artificial logs has been that the gas burners used are difficult to hide and this results in the gas fireplace not having a true "natural" look.
In my copending application Ser. No. 08/569,483, filed Dec. 5, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,875, a method of forming solid logs is disclosed. The materials used are the same that are used with the present invention. Fiber logs such as that shown in my copending application are light weight. They also glow when flames impinge on the surface, and they look very realistic. The solid logs formed use a high volume of slurry containing water and thus require substantial drying time, and extra material. The production costs are increased because of the drying requirements.
Artificial logs were first made with refractory cement. The forming process was simple, and the logs looked reasonably natural, but they were very heavy, approximately ten times the weight of the present mineral fiber logs. Refractory cement logs would also become coated with carbon where the flame impinged on the log surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,229 shows a ceramic log that defines an open interior space. The ceramic log in patent '229 has a bottom support wall and a side wall which curves up and over the bottom support wall to simulate a log surface. The log is provided with end walls that define a cavity. The outer wall is formed in layers.


A device and method for post event data retrieval uses an electronic communications system, wherein the method and system can utilize a detection device for detecting the event and facilitating the post event data retrieval. The system and method include detecting an event using a detection device. The detection device includes a location tool configured to determine a position of the detection device. The detection device defines a specified vicinity with respect to itself. A location is determined of the detection device using the location tool, after the event has occurred. Data including an identification (ID) is automatically requested of a communications device in the specified vicinity, using the detection device. A reply is received by the detection device which includes the ID from the communications device for identifying the communications device.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for post event data retrieval using an electronic communications system, and more particularly, the method and system can utilize a detection device for detecting the event and facilitating the post event data retrieval.
2. Background of the Disclosure
Systems and devices for detecting events, such as a vehicle detecting a traffic accident, can detect an event, and transmit a signal. For example, a vehicle event detection system can detect that the vehicle has been in an accident, and automatically contact emergency personnel, or send an emergency message. Such techniques and devices may include sounding an alarm or signaling people in the proximity of the event. A detection device may include one or more sensors for detecting an event, such as a traffic accident, and provide a signal as discussed above.

System and method for participants data retrieval post accident or event

INTERNTAIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


This invention specifies analyzers to be run in conjunction with computer estimation systems, which may be applied to performance monitoring (APM) services. A semi-automated analyzer may be used by a human analyst to periodically evaluate available historical data for establishing a desired set of input measurements, model parameters, and reporting criteria, collectively called configuration parameters, to be used by an estimation system. In addition, a fully automated analyzer may periodically and automatically reevaluate such configuration parameters and automatically reconfigure the estimation system accordingly. For both types of analyzer, the active set of input measurements for the computerized estimation system can be initially established or periodically updated to perform any variety of configuration tuning operations, including the following: removing linearly redundant variables; removing inputs showing no variation; removing unnecessary or non-estimable inputs; tuning estimation system operating parameters that govern learning rates and the use of recent trends; occasional model accuracy assessment; and tuning monitoring alarm thresholds.

A variety of sophisticated systems have been developed for monitoring and forecasting performance in various fields. These monitoring and forecasting systems may be referred to, collectively or individually, as "estimation systems." For example, conventional statistics systems, artificial neural network systems, or concurrent learning and information processing (CLIP) systems capable of monitoring and forecasting a large number of variables have been developed for use in a variety of fields including computer performance monitoring and forecasting, visual image processing, electricity demand forecasting, and commodity price forecasting. These estimation systems typically use a number of measured input values to impute (i.e., estimate for a current time trial) current values for monitoring, and they may also predict (i.e., estimate for future time trials) future input values. In particular, these systems may compare imputed input values with actual input values to identify abnormal input values when they occur, and they may also predict or forecast the likelihood that future input values will become abnormal.
The mathematical core technology of these monitoring and forecasting systems may involve the computation of a matrix of estimation parameters, also called learned parameters. This matrix typically contains observed relationships, such as the covariances, between input and output variables. Estimation systems may also utilize the inverse of the covariance matrix, which is sometimes referred to as a "connection weight matrix." In particular, the elements of the covariance matrix are typically estimated through the application of statistical analysis to a historical database of input and output values. Once the covariance matrix has been computed, it may be inverted to obtain the connection weight matrix, which can be used to directly compute estimates for the output values from a given set of input values through standard matrix computations.
Moreover, once the covariance and connection weight matrices have been initially determined, they may be used to perform monitoring and forecasting on a CLIP basis. That is, a new set of computed output values may be computed for each time trial of measured input values, and for each time trial either the covariance matrix, the connection weight matrix, or both may be updated to achieve learning while the system performs its monitoring and prediction functions. See in particular U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,902.
With these systems, certain estimation problems may exist initially, while others may develop over time. For example, some input variables may not be predictive of output variables initially, while others that are predictive initially may not be predictive later. In addition, some input variables may be linearly redundant initially while others may become linearly redundant later.
Some of these problems may be solved in order to improve estimation efficiency while others should be solved in order to prevent numerical errors. For example, if many useless inputs are included in an estimation system, estimation accuracy degrades significantly. As a second example, if linearly redundant inputs exist initially or develop over time, computer processors may attempt to divide by zero, which may cause computer operations to break down. To avoid these problems, historical data may be continually reevaluated to ensure that the most effective input values and estimation algorithms are in use. This process is known as model refinement.
Traditionally, model refinement operations have been conducted by expert analysts, using representative data in a historical sample. Such operations typically take considerable effort and time, which may be acceptable in settings where representative datasets are easy to obtain and estimation conditions do not change rapidly. However, such operations may be impractical or impossible in settings where information is arriving quickly and conditions are changing rapidly. One such setting is application performance monitoring (APM) services, where computer monitoring variables, such as computer usage and input-output rates, fluctuate systematically on a daily basis or even on a sub-hourly basis. A continuing need therefore exists for effective and efficient model refinement systems, and in particular for systems that simplify and automate the model refinement process.
In addition to the model refinement need, a second need exists to refine the sensitivity of monitoring systems. The information produced by an estimation system can be used to identify detected or predicted problems only when the information produced by the estimation system is effectively communicated to system administrators. Typically, a system of alerts and alarms may be used to notify the system administrators when the estimation system detects a problem. However, the sensitivity of the monitored system to the measured input values can change over time. Unless the alert and alarm levels are adjusted to reflect these underlying system changes, they can become inappropriate, for example by producing too many false alarms or by producing too few valid alarms. To avoid these problems, reporting indicators such as alert and alarm levels may be continually reevaluated to ensure that the most effective alert and alarm thresholds are in use. This process is known as reporting refinement. A continuing need exists for effective and efficient reporting refinement systems, and in particular for systems-that simplify and automate the reporting refinement process.
Therefore, a continuing need exists for more effective, useful, automated, and understandable systems for configuring and monitoring estimation systems generally, and computer performance estimation systems in particular. In addition, a continuing need exists for more effective model refinement and reporting refinement systems.

Automated analyzers for estimation systems


A method for forming a fine contact hole of a semiconductor device comprises performing two-step etching processes using a first exposure mask including a plurality of rectangular light transmitting regions each having a given pitch and a second exposure mask including a plurality of rectangular light transmitting regions arranged a shielding region of the first exposure mask with a ‘cross (+)’ shape in the center of rectangular light transmitting regions of the second exposure mask. Each of four corner regions of the light transmitting regions of the first exposure mask is overlapped with four corner regions of rectangular light transmitting regions of the second exposure mask. As a result, the fine contact hole pattern obtained by the method has a uniform size.

The invention relates to a method for forming a fine contact hole pattern of a semiconductor device.
As a manufacturing technology of semiconductor devices is developed and an application field of memory devices is enlarged, a technology of manufacturing a memory device of high capacity has been required with improved integration and un-degraded electric characteristics.
As a result, multilateral research has been made to improve photolithography processes, cell structures, and physical property limits of materials which form wires and insulating films.
It is difficult to form a contact hole pattern of less than 50 nm using a single ArF exposure process that has a numerical aperture (NA) of less than 1.0 even though an immersion lithography process is performed. In order to improve the resolution in the lithography process and enlarge a process margin, a resist flow process (RFP) or a method using a Resolution Enhancement Lithography Assisted by Chemical Shrink (RELACS) material ("0.1 μm Level Contact Hole Pattern Formation with KrF lithography by Resolution Enhancement Lithography Assisted by Chemical Shrink", IEEE, pp. 12.5.1-12.5.4, 1998 Advanced Technology R&D Ctr., Mitsubishi Electric Corp.) has been developed.
The resist flow process that has been generally used includes patterning a resist and then flowing a photoresist material at high temperature to reduce a contact hole pattern size. However, in the case of the resist flow process, even when the same thermal energy is transmitted to the whole photoresist surface, the flow of photoresist is different in an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion of a contact hole. Also, since the amount of flowing photoresist is different depending on pattern density, it is difficult to obtain a fine pattern reduced with a uniform size.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1a, a lithography process is performed on a photoresist film 1 of an underlying layer to form a contact hole pattern 2. When a resist flow process is performed, as shown in FIG. 1b, a contact hole pattern 2-1 that has a smaller size than that of a desired contact hole is formed in a region having a low pattern density due to a large amount of flowing photoresist. Moreover, a contact hole pattern 2-2 is formed to be asymmetrical in left and right sides. In other words, it is difficult to obtain a contact hole pattern reduced with a uniform size over a wafer. As a result, it is impossible to obtain a stable process margin for a subsequent process, thereby degrading yield and reliability of the device.

Method for forming fine contact hole pattern of semiconductor device


An improved fastening clip of the U- or C-shaped type has a thread engaging hole in the axially opposed clip wall with a novel hole form. The perimeter surface of the hole includes a cooperating conical rim and pair of strengthening corrugations that work together to lead the fastener tip into the hole, as well as to strengthen and stiffen the surface. The corrugations also provide thread engaging bight portions close to the plane of the axially opposed clip wall, providing added fastening security with a relatively short fastener.

Fastening clips of the type referred to above, which are sometimes called U-shaped or C-shaped, may be small, separable clips attached to a larger structure, or an integral part of a larger structure that is fastened to something else. I either case, each type has a pair of axially opposed walls joined by a generally perpendicular wall, hence the C- or U-shape. The threaded fastener has a head and tip, with threads, and often a predetermined length that can't be exceeded in the particular application. The fastener passes freely through a first wall, which is ultimately abutted, directly or indirectly, with the fastener head, and the tip passes through a hole in the opposed second wall, the edge of which is engaged by the side threads. This action tends to pinch or bias the walls toward one another as the fastener is tightened. The security or strength of the fastening achieved depends on how well and how securely the side threads of the fastener engage the hole in the second wall.
Prior art clips of the type referred to above often alter the perimeter area around the hole in the second wall to try to improve the fastener operation. Specifically, the perimeter is often formed into a dimpled or conical shape so as to funnel the fastener tip toward the hole edge. This also has the effect of moving the hole edge away from and out of the plane of the second wall, however. If there is a limitation on how long the fastener can be, then the edge of the hole may end up engaging fewer threads, the ones nearer the tip which may be smaller and less effective. Another common technique is to lance or split the thread engaging edge of the hole, which is displaced in opposite axial directions, creating separate edge portions to contact more threads of the fastener. This has two less than desirable effects. 20 The edge is weakened by being split in two, and an asymmetry is created at the split which causes the threaded fastener to pull in unevenly as it is tightened.

C-shaped fastening clip with improved strength


A method for increasing a working speed in a synchronous digital system, which includes a plurality of separate system parts, and for permitting communication between at least two of the system parts. A common reference signal having a reference frequency is distributed to all system parts. An internal signal clock oscillator of each system part is phase locked to the reference signal. Data is communicated between the at least two system parts by relating the reference signal with the internal clock signal of each of the two system parts by adjusting a phase position of the internal clock signal of a second of the two system parts dependent upon a time delay of the data communicated from the first system part to the second system part so that the phase positions of the internal clock signals correspond.

Large synchronous electrical systems, such as e.g. computers, are traditionally constructed so that each desired function is successively broken down into smaller and smaller partial functions or operations. In the end there is a collection of operations which each can be executed within one clock period. The transmission of the results to a subsequent operation should timewise be included in the same clock period. Alternatively, the transmission can take place in the subsequent clock period. However, in this case the performance of the system is reduced. In order to insure that all the parts of the system work synchronously, a common reference signal or clock is distributed for the whole system. This traditional construction means that an upper limiting frequency for the system is obtained which is inversely proportional to the area of the system.
Currently, the ambition is to have faster and faster systems with higher and higher clock frequencies, preferably in the order of several GHz in order to be able to increase the performance of the system. The clocks in this case can work within a certain propagation area where the propagation time for the clock signal is relatively short in relation to the cycle time.
It is easy to estimate the limiting frequency for a digital system with a physical size of 30 cm.times.30 cm. An example of such a system is a portable Personal Computer (PC). However, the present invention is not to be limited to computers but applies to any digital system whatsoever. With the assumption that the system is built upon a circuit board with a dielectric constant .di-elect cons.=5, the propagation speed v=c/.sqroot..di-elect cons., where c=the speed of light in a vacuum. The transport time from one circuit block in one corner to a circuit block in a diametrically opposite corner can in this case be T.sub.d =2L/v, where L is the length of the sides of the system, if the conductors run along the sides. In this case T.sub.d will be approximately 4.5 ns. It is assumed that for every block the input signal is stable before the beginning of the current clock period, and that the operation is performed and transported to the subsequent block within the clock period. Just taking account of the propagation speed of the signal means that the clock period is limited down to about 9 ns. This gives a maximal theoretical clock frequency of approximately 100 MHz for the system. The time for the performance of the operations, the limited drive capacity of the components, RC-delays etc often reduce the maximal clock frequency to 10-40 MHz.
The constituent components can often work at considerably higher frequencies, in the order of several GHz. It is obvious that the traditional way of construction and traditional assumptions result in the performance for the system which, by a long way, does not correspond to the performance of the constituent components.
This problem has been noticed earlier and a solution is suggested in German Patent document DE-A1-44 12 419. This document shows a system which can be divided into partial circuits. In each partial circuit there is at least one signal buffer. The partial circuit receives a reference clock signal as an input signal. The partial circuit also has a sequential connection that is driven as a reaction to a clock signal which is synchronized with the reference clock signal. An output signal from the sequential connections is fed back to the input. With a phase-locked connection, the timing signal is synchronized with the reference clock signal to the sequential connection through the clock signal being phase-controlled. This means that it is the reference clock signal source which directly gives the clock signal for the partial circuit and that it is the incoming clock signal which is phase-shifted.
A circuit, e.g. comprising internal registers, which is equipped with its own clock signal generator with a phase-locked loop is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,555. The clock signal generator is not phase-adjustable. It receives a reference clock signal from the surroundings and converts the reference clock signal frequency to a higher or lower frequency. The object of this arrangement is to be able to make, for example, internal registers work faster than the surrounding circuits. No phase-shifting is necessary in such a connection.

Clock signal distribution and synchronization in a digital system


A magnet plate used for a rotor core of a motor, includes a magnetic pole portion being set between an outer peripheral edge of a body portion and a magnet slot and having a radial width being smaller than a radial sectional width of the permanent magnet, and a higher hardness portion being formed into a hook shape along an end corner of the magnet slot and have a smaller width than the radial sectional width of the permanent magnet.

In recent years, in accordance with advances in new technology for a wide variety of electrical equipment, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, robots and the like, performance required for motors or electric generators used liar them becomes highly developed. For example, in industrial motors, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or the like, there is a need for high torque, high output, space-saving and the like.
Accordingly, there is a conventional rotor of a motor disclosed in Patent document 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the rotor and FIG. 21 is a conceptual view illustrating magnetic flux distribution.
The rotor 101 includes a rotor core 105 in which a plurality of magnetic plates 103 having a circular shape as an annular shape are stacked one on another and permanent magnets 109 (hatched parts in both drawings correspond to cross-sections of the magnets extending in a magnetic-plate-stacking direction) held in openings 107 of the rotor core. The rotor 101 is inserted into a stator (not illustrated) that forms a rotation magnetic field so that the rotation magnetic field in the stator according to supplied power interlinks with magnetic flux generated on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor core according to the permanent magnets 109 to rotate the rotor 101 according to repulsion and attraction.
In the rotor 101, if radial widths of magnetic pole portions 103b formed between the permanent magnets 109 and an outer peripheral edge 103a of the magnetic plate 103 are minimized, magnetic resistance with respect to the stator interlinking with the magnetic flux is reduced to increase a magnetic field that is effective in torque. This allows the torque to become higher or the rotor to be downsized if the torque is constant. That is, it is advantageous for increase in torque per motor volume (hereinafter referred to as torque density).
However, the reduction in the radial width of the magnetic pole portion 103b is likely to cause plastic deformation at end corner portions etc. of the opening 107 due to stress concentration based on centrifugal force of the permanent magnet 109 etc, at the time of the rotation, reduces so-called centrifugal strength, and lowers the maximum number of rotation capable of resisting the centrifugal force. As a result, there is a limit on improvement of output per motor volume (hereinafter referred to as output density) and on downsizing.
Further, in the vicinity of the end portion 109a of the permanent magnet 109, there is a problem of inefficient formation of magnetic flux 110 that is formed so as to make a short circuit in the rotor, not to interlink with the stator, and not to contribute to the rotation torque of the rotor.
Further, in the rotor incorporating the permanent magnet 109 having a rectangular cross-section, the magnetic flux distribution caused on the outer peripheral surface becomes a rectangular wave shape including many higher harmonic waves and there is also a problem of increase in higher harmonic iron loss.
Contrary to this, a rotor 111 disclosed in Patent document 2 is proposed as illustrated in FIG. 22.
In the rotor 111, magnetic-flux-controlling portions 119a and 119b are provided at end corners of an opening 117 of a magnetic plate 115 holding a permanent magnet 113 and in a magnetic pole portion 115b so as to thin a thickness of the magnetic plate.
With this, magnetic flux distribution on a surface of the rotor 111 is converted into a sine wave to prevent a torque pulsatory motion.
However, if the magnetic-flux-controlling portions 119a and 119b are formed by etching, no strength is improved and improve in centrifugal strength is not expected.
On the other hand, the magnetic-flux-controlling portions 119a at the end corners of the opening 117 may be formed by hardening portions like Patent document 3.
However, the shape of the magnetic-flux-controlling portions 119a of Patent document 2 is not preferred for higher torque density, higher output density and downsizing and there is a limit on downsizing due to the reduction of the width of the magnetic pole portion 115b.     PATENT DOCUMENT 1: JP2003-304670A    PATENT DOCUMENT 2: JP2012-105410A    PATENT DOCUMENT 3: JP2004-7943A

Magnetic plate used for rotor core of motor and method for manufacturing magnetic plate


To make a substantial mounting area smaller. A piezoelectric resonator has a piezoelectric resonator element accommodated in a package. The piezoelectric resonator element includes a pair of connection electrodes which are connected to excitation electrodes. The respective connection electrodes are joined to mount electrodes formed in the package. The piezoelectric resonator includes four external electrodes at the outer surface of the bottom of the package. The external electrodes disposed along the shorter latus of the package on one side in the lengthwise direction thereof are electrically connected with the mount electrodes to which the respective connection electrodes of the piezoelectric resonator element are connected.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a piezoelectric resonator. More particularly, it relates to a piezoelectric resonator in which four external electrodes are disposed on the outer bottom surface of a package, and a piezoelectric oscillator which utilizes the piezoelectric resonator.
2. Description of Related Art
Piezoelectric resonators are extensively employed in various electronic equipment including a communication apparatus, an electronic computer, etc. Typically, the piezoelectric resonator has a structure in which a piezoelectric resonator element made of a piezoelectric material, such as quartz, is accommodated in a package. The piezoelectric resonator has been made smaller and thinner in correspondence with the smaller and thinner construction of electronic equipment. The surface mount type of piezoelectric resonator has come into wide use in recent years. The piezoelectric resonator of the surface mount type includes external electrodes which are joined to patterns disposed on the base plate of the electronic equipment, on the outer bottom surface of the insulating package which is made of ceramics or the like.
Heretofore, a piezoelectric resonator of surface mount type (hereinbelow, "piezoelectric resonator") has been such that a pair of connection electrodes to be disposed for a piezoelectric resonator element are formed on one side of the piezoelectric resonator element in the lengthwise direction thereof and that the piezoelectric resonator element is mounted in a package in the shape of a cantilever. The piezoelectric resonator has been such that external electrodes are formed at both the end parts of the package in the lengthwise direction thereof so as to prevent any electrical directivity ascribable to mounting, when it is mounted on a substrate. Also, the connection electrodes of the piezoelectric resonator element are electrically connected to the external electrodes. See JP-A-7-74581.
There has also been a related-art piezoelectric resonator wherein external electrodes are formed at the four corners of the outer surface of the bottom of a package, respectively, and the connection electrodes of a piezoelectric resonator element are electrically connected to one pair of external electrodes lying on the diagonal line of the outer bottom surface, respectively. See JP-A-11-214950. The four external electrodes are joined to patterns disposed on the substrate, thereby to enhance the mounting intensity of the piezoelectric resonator element on the substrate. In a case where the cover member of the package is made of a metal, the other pair of external electrodes to which the piezoelectric resonator element is not connected are connected to the ground of the substrate and are electrically connected to the cover member, thereby to electromagnetically shield the interior of the package.
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a related-art piezoelectric resonator provided with four external electrodes, wherein A is a schematic of the piezoelectric resonator with a cover member omitted therefrom, B is a sectional schematic taken along plane B—B in A, in a state where the piezoelectric resonator includes the cover member and C is a bottom view.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the piezoelectric resonator 10 has a piezoelectric resonator element 14 accommodated in a package 12. The piezoelectric resonator element 14 is made of a piezoelectric material, for example, an AT-cut quartz plate and is provided with excitation electrodes 16a, 16b (the excitation electrode 16b is not shown) at the middle parts of upper and lower surfaces. The piezoelectric resonator element 14 has a pair of connection electrodes 18 (18a, 18b) on one side in the lengthwise direction thereof. The respective connection electrodes 18 are formed in continuation to the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric resonator element 14 and are electrically connected to the corresponding excitation electrodes 16 (16a, 16b), and the electrodes of the upper and lower surfaces are formed in symmetry.
Inside the package 12, a pair of mount electrodes 20 (20a, 20b) are disposed in correspondence with the connection electrodes 18. As shown in FIG. 10B, the corresponding connection electrodes 18 are secured to the mount electrodes 20 by a conductive adhesive 22. The piezoelectric resonator 10 has external electrodes 24 (24a–24d) at the four corner parts of the outer surface of the bottom of the package 12, respectively. One mount electrode 20a in the package 12 is electrically connected to the external electrode 24a through a through-hole not shown. The other mount electrode 20b is electrically connected to the external electrode 24c through a connection wiring portion 26 shown in FIG. 10A (refer to FIG. 10C). That is, the pair of electrodes of the piezoelectric resonator element 14 are electrically connected to one pair of external electrodes 24a, 24c lying on the diagonal line of the package 12. The other pair of external electrodes 24b, 24d are connected to the ground of a substrate and are electrically connected to a cover member 28 so as to electromagnetically shield the interior of the package 12. The piezoelectric resonator 10 has the upper end of the package 12 sealed by the cover member 28 as shown in FIG. 10B.


An apparatus is provided comprising a compound parabolic concentrating (CPC) trough, a target, a plurality of sunlight diverters, and a tracker. The CPC trough is for concentrating sunlight and is symmetric about an imaginary plane of symmetry. The target is for absorbing sunlight concentrated by the trough. The plurality of sunlight diverters is to increase the sunlight received by the trough. The tracker is to orient the trough so that the sun is positioned on the plane of symmetry.

Conventional photovoltaic cells are more efficient at higher sun magnifications, if the cells can be kept cool. Cooling becomes very problematic at magnifications of over, say, 20 suns, so a device which provides sun multiplications in the range of, say, 7 to 20 suns, holds promise as a way to hold down cell costs and provide improved efficiency over conventional solar panels operating at 1 sun intensity.
Compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) are well known and are the subject of numerous patents to Roland Winston. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,246 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,638, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. In one form, the collectors comprise a long reflectively lined trough having an interior surface designed to accept incoming sunlight over a range of incoming angles and concentrate it to a receiver positioned in the bottom of the trough. Typically, the troughs provide sunlight to the bottom of the trough at 2 to 6 suns intensity.
One of the drawbacks to the use of a CPC which operates to concentrate the sun to, say, 6×, which would provide greater cell efficiency, and savings in cell costs, is their size. A 6×CPC trough having a 6 inch outlet and a 36 inch inlet would have a height of about 8 feet. In order to provide, say, 2000 watts of peak power, the trough would need a length of about 60 feet. A more compact device would be desirable. A device having a reduced sail area would be desirable. A device capable of practical operations at higher magnification would also be desirable.


A cable connector assembly (1′) including an insulative housing (10′) defining a forwardly extending mating port with a pair of opposite side portions, with at least one first retention cavity defined therein; a plurality of contacts (20′) disposed in the housing; a cover (5) being partially configured to be of an L-shape, said cover including a front and a rear covers (5a, 5b) assembled to the housing along the front-to-back direction and defining a pair of opposite side sections, with at least one downwardly extending second retention cavity defined therein; wherein the first retention cavity aligned with the corresponding second retention cavity in an up-to-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction; at least one locking member (60′) being configured to be of an L-shape and arranged aside corresponding L-shaped section of the cover, said locking member comprising a cover retention section received in the second retention cavity of the cover, and a housing retention section extending into the first retention cavity of the housing; and at least one cable (40′) connected to a rear portion of the housing and being partially enclosed by the cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cable connector assembly, and more particularly to a cable connector assembly having a cover for adjusting a cable outlet.
2. Description of Related Art
There exists in the art a cable connector assembly known as a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) connector which is generally used for disk drives and storage peripherals. Especially, the Serial ATA connectors according to the Serial ATA standard are featured in fewer counts of electrical contacts than other conventional electrical connectors and are relatively tiny in configuration. With the development of the Serial ATA standard, the next-generation serial storage interface effort expands the base Serial ATA 1.0 capabilities to address additional markets segments, including the server and networked storage markets. A cable connector assembly based on Serial ATA II standard is designed to connect with more devices and cables.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/787,661 discloses a kind of horizontal type cable connector assembly which has an insulated housing with a forward mating portion and a number of cables coupled to the rear section of the insulated housing and rearward extending therefrom. Thus, a cable outlet orientation and a mating direction are disposed in opposite directions.
Obviously, other type of cable connector assembly with a different configuration of a cable outlet orientation and a mating direction is desirable.

Cable connector assembly with especially arranged cable outlet


A computed tomography (CT) image apparatus includes a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCD); and processing circuitry configured to obtain a photon count of a PCD of the plurality of PCDs, compare the obtained photon count to a predetermined photon-count threshold, and apply an external light source to the PCD when the obtained photon count is larger than the predetermined photon-count threshold.

CT systems and methods are widely used, particularly for medical imaging and diagnosis. CT systems generally create images of one or more sectional slices through a subject's body. A radiation source, such as an X-ray tube, irradiates the body from one side thereof. A collimator, generally adjacent to the X-ray source, limits the angular extent of the X-ray beam, so that radiation impinging on the body is substantially confined to a planar region defining a cross-sectional slice of the body. At least one detector (and generally many more than one detector) on the opposite side of the body receives radiation transmitted through the body substantially in the plane of the slice. The attenuation of the radiation that has passed through the body is measured by processing electrical signals received from the detector.
Photon-counting detectors (PCDs) are configured to acquire the spectral nature of the X-ray source, rather than the energy integration nature acquired by conventional CT detectors. To obtain the spectral nature acquired by the conventional CT detector, the photon-counting detectors split the X-ray beam into its component energies or spectrum bins, and count a number of photons in each of the bins. The use of the spectral nature of the X-ray source in CT is often referred to as "spectral CT." Since spectral CT involves the detection of transmitted X-rays at two or more energy levels, spectral CT generally includes dual-energy CT by definition.
Semiconductor-based photon-counting detectors used in spectral CT can detect incident photons and measure photon energy for each event. However, due to the interaction depth and the ballistic deficit, the measured photon energy cannot be related to incident photon energy uniquely. Moreover, a high flux can cause pileup and polarization, which ultimately causes the photon-counting detector to saturate. When charges are trapping inside the material in polarization, the internal electronic field of the material is changed and the recovery time of the PCD is extended. Therefore, currently available photon-counting detectors still require solutions to resolve issues related to polarization, in order to increase the accuracy of measuring the photon energy.

Method and apparatus for reducing the recovery time due to polarization within an imaging device


A body structure of a motor vehicle, having a side part, having a vehicle roof, having a fastening device which acts on an underside of the vehicle roof, and having a roof rail which is mounted on an upper side of the vehicle roof via a plurality of mounting elements, a plurality of hollow rivets extending through the fastening device, which is configured as a reinforcing element for the vehicle roof, and the vehicle roof, and the roof rail being fastened to the upper side of the vehicle roof via the mounting elements in such a way that a threaded section of each mounting element extends through in each case one of the hollow rivets and protrudes out of the respective hollow rivet, a nut acting on that threaded section of the respective mounting element which protrudes out of the hollow rivet.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a body structure having a roof rail.
2. Description of the Related Art
EP 1 712 419 B1 discloses a body structure having a roof rail. According to the prior art, the body structure comprises an assembled side part having an outer side part, a central side part, an inner side part, and a vehicle roof adjoining the assembled side part. A fastening device acts on an underside of the vehicle roof, whereas the roof rail is fastened to the upper side of the vehicle roof via a plurality of mounting elements which are configured as mounting screws extending through a flange of the fastening device.
It is an object of the invention to provide a body structure having a roof rail, wherein the body structure can be used both on a permanently closed vehicle roof and on a vehicle with a sliding roof or panoramic roof and wherein mounting the roof rail is simplified.

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft


As optical elements for bending a light beam when it passes through an element face constituting one plane, a plurality of unit optical elements for reflecting light on one or more mirror surfaces arranged perpendicularly or at an angle nearly perpendicular to the element face are disposed to constitute an optical imaging element. Light emitted from projection object disposed on one side of the element face is reflected on the mirror surface when it passes through the element face so that a real image is formed in a space on the other side of the element face where a physical entity does not exist, thus constituting a display equipped with the optical imaging element. An aerial picture projection system not existing heretofore is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical imaging element, including an optical element that uses a specular reflection by a micromirror, for forming a real image of an object in air on an opposite side of the element; and a display device including such an optical imaging element.
2. Description of the Related Art
Known conventional optical elements for forming an image of a three dimensional or two dimensional actual object, displayed image, or the like as a real image at a position transferred spatially include aspects that use, for example, convex lenses or concave mirrors. However, in order to respond to demands to ensure an appropriate viewing angle, optical elements must have large width dimensions; and on the other hand, it is difficult to use an optical element having a short focal distance due to aberrations and other problems, resulting in a larger depth dimension of the optical system. These considerations unfortunately greatly increase the size of a device that uses the optical element and also result in a larger display device itself. Moreover, it is difficult to completely eliminate aberrations even in the case where the device is enlarged; the spatial position of the real image unfortunately changes when the viewpoint is changed; and the image of the three dimensional actual object distorts.
Recently, to resolve such problems, display devices for floating images using microlens arrays have been developed (for example, see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2005-234240). This technology uses an erect image forming system with unit magnification for a two dimensional image, wherein an optical device, having a size similar to a display surface that displays the two dimensional image, enables a parallel translation of a two dimensional image without distortion. Such technology enables an optical device that is smaller and thinner than a normal lens, which contributes to the compactness of the display device as well. However, a real image of a three dimensional actual object cannot be obtained with this technology.
Therefore, optical elements have been proposed in which each individual optical system included in the erect optical imaging element with unit magnification used by the system recited above is an afocal optical system having an infinite focal distance (for example, see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2005-010755). Such an optical element enables the formation, as a real image, of a specular image of an object, and uses the refracting ability of light by a lens as its basic principle; and therefore this optical element is referred to hereinafter as "refractive real specular image forming element." Forming a real specular image means that the real image of the three dimensional actual object can be formed without distortion. The refractive real specular image forming element is an optical component including an afocal optical system, having a first lens component and a second lens component arranged on the same optical axis and separated by their respective focal distances, wherein the entrance lens surface and the exit lens surface of the afocal optical system are arranged in an array on the same plane. Combinations have been proposed for the first lens component and the second lens component, including configurations having two convex lenses, one or more optical fiber lenses, etc.

Imaging element and display with micro mirror array

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology


A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a cam actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

The concept of collapsible containers held in rigid containers has been practiced for many years. These concepts can range from the relatively simple such as, a cardboard coffee tote with a flexible plastic bladder, to more complex systems for handling hazardous or highly pure chemicals in specialized double-wall sealed containers. Regardless of design, the general principle involves a flexible container in the shape of a pouch or bag that collapses as the contents of the bag or pouch are extracted or dispensed. The flexible container is contained in a rigid outer container such as a box, drum, or bottle used to support and protect the flexible pouch or bag and to provide containment for a pressurization fluid used to collapse the bag or pouch.
A variety of improved collapsible container designs have been suggested and patented. Examples of collapsible bag-in-container designs include U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,289 to Bouet, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,876 to Smernoff, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,227 to Takezawa et al., each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein except for explicit definitions contained therein. A variety of bag-in-bottle designs have also been contemplated in the design of chemical containers. Representative examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,491 to Wolf et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,010 to Osgar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,085 to Rauworth et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,853 to Olsen et al., each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein except for explicit definitions contained therein.
Additionally, a variety of alternative designs utilizing one or more methods of extracting the contents of the flexible bag from the container assembly have been utilized. Examples of these designs include U.S. Pat. No. 3,467,283 to Kinnavy, U.S. Pat. No. 3,767,078 to Gortz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,539 to Credle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,138 to Rawlins, U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,240 to Osgar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,739 to Mekata, U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,619 to Wertenberger, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,123 to Wertenberger, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein except for explicit definitions contained therein. These configurations have not provided optimal performance and cleanliness particularly for dispensing highly pure fluids in the semiconductor processing industry, for example, photoresist. Typically, the pressurization fluid is provided to the space between an inner dispense bag and a rigid outer container. In such an arrangement, the inner bag may collapse non-uniformly causing an excess amount of the fluid to remain in the inner bag, preventing the complete dispensing of the fluid. The wasted fluid also exacerbates recycling and disposal issues associated with the inner bag.
Bag-in-bottle dispensers are used extensively in the photolithography industry for dispensing photoresist. It has been discovered that where the pressurization fluid is a gas (e.g., nitrogen), the gas can permeate the walls of the flexible containers comprised of materials (e.g. fluoropolymers) that are compatible with dispense photoresist. Accordingly, in systems where the pressurization fluid is in direct contact with the flexible container holding the dispense liquid, the pressurization gas can diffuse into the flexible container, thereby causing micro-bubbles to form within the contained dispense fluid and contaminating the dispense fluid.
Fluoropolymer-based materials are difficult to bond with materials that are highly gas impermeable (e.g., polyethylene), due in part to substantially different melt temperatures of the respective materials. Recent efforts addressing the gas diffusion issue have included abandonment of fluoropolymer-based materials and providing a single flexible bag with a dual wall, wherein the inner wall is a clean polyethylene and the outer wall is a polyethylene/nylon laminate that resists gas permeation. The polyethylene-based materials were chosen for compatibility in the bonding process of the inner wall to the outer wall. It was found, however, that the resistance of the inner wall to photoresist was inadequate.
There remains a need to identify improved designs that have a minimum of cost and contamination while maximizing device integrity, flexibility of use, and ease of predictably extracting the contents of the container.

Pressurized system for dispensing fluids


A tread rubber composition for tires, including a sublimation dye that is activated by heat generated by frictional contact with a road surface to generate smoke having various colors at a wavelength of about 39-76×10−6 cm (390 nm to 760 nm) in a frequency range of about 39.5˜77×1013 vps (39.5×1013 Hz to 77×1013 Hz. In addition, a tire including the tread rubber composition and a method of manufacturing the tread rubber composition are also provided. According to the current invention, the tread rubber composition included in the tire can generate smoke having a single color or mixed colors selected from among various colors, therefore obtaining smoke that gives optimal enjoyment and satisfies requirements of drivers at motor sports events, such as drifting.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to tires for motor vehicles, and more particularly, to a tread rubber composition for tires useful in generating colored smoke when the tires are used in motor sporting events and the like to provide a visual effect, and to methods for making such tires.
2. Description of Related Art
"Drifting" is becoming a popular addition to the motor sport field. This sport originated in Japan and has become increasingly popular in America. In "drifting", the motor cars are controlled via skilled drivers as the cars slide sideways in a sliding or skidding pattern down the course.
Unlike other motor sports, the goal in "drifting" is not to maintain traction. Instead, the cars skid and slide in analogous fashion to racing on an icy or snow filled course. Drivers are not judged on speed but rather on style and form. Typically, "drifting" participants utilize rear wheel drive cars for the event, and the tires are made to screech and billow smoke as the drivers proceed down the course.
Although conventional smoke-generating techniques have been attempted at drifting events to exhibit visual effects, the color of smoke generated is simply white, which does not attract much interest. It would be desirable to develop tread rubber compositions for tires that would cause the tires to emit various colors of smoke in order to increase the enjoyment of drivers and spectators.

Tread rubber composition for color smoke tires, tire comprising the same, and method of manufacturing the same


A photoelectric converter has light receiving elements, amplifier circuits connected to respective outputs of the light receiving elements, reset circuits connected to respective outputs of some of the light receiving elements, and connection circuits connected between respective outputs of adjacent ones of the light receiving elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photoelectric converter for converting a received optical signal to an electric signal, an image sensor provided with the photoelectric converter and used in an image reader, and a signal reading circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of an image sensor used in a conventional image reader. FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of a shift register and light receiving elements for the image sensor. FIG. 11 is an equivalent circuit of the light receiving elements. FIG. 12 is an operation timing chart of the image sensor.
As shown in FIG. 10, the image sensor changes resolutions by switching connections of the shift register based on a MODE signal. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, at a low resolution mode, the image sensor simultaneously reads plural pixel signals into a common signal line. When the resolution is 1/2 for example, the image sensor simultaneously reads two pixel signals into the common signal line (see JP 11-234473 A: pages 7 to 11 and FIGS. 1 to 4).
However, such a conventional image reader requires many elements to form a switching circuit for switching data signals and has a problem of increase in chip area. In particular, when three or more kinds of resolutions are switched, still more elements are needed for switching data signals. Also, when signals of plural light receiving elements are simultaneously read into the common signal line, offsets of amplifiers for amplifying an output of each light receiving element differ from each other, so levels of signals to be read vary depending on resolutions. Thus, a problem occurs in that a circuit for correcting the variation is necessary.

Photoelectric converter, image sensor, and signal reading circuit


Toner includes, as toner particles, first particles and second particles. The first particles each include a first core and a first shell layer covering a surface of the first core. The first core contains a first binder resin and is free from metal stearates. The second particles each include a second core and a second shell layer covering a surface of the second core. The second core contains a metal stearate. The first shell layer and the second shell layer are formed of resins of the same type, respectively. The content of the metal stearate in the second core is 50% by mass or more with respect to the mass of the second core as a whole. The number ratio of the second particles is 5% or more but 25% or less of the total number of the first particles and the second particles.

The present disclosure relates to toner.
In an electrophotographic method, first, the surface of an electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter also referred to as "photoreceptor") serving as an image carrier is charged. Thereafter, the surface of the photoreceptor is exposed to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor. Next, the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a recording medium. Then, the toner image on the recording medium is fixed to the recording medium by a fixing device, and an image is formed on the recording medium.
When an image forming process by an electrophotographic method is performed, an ionic substance (for example, a discharge product generated when the photoreceptor is charged) may adhere to the surface of the photoreceptor. In that case, when an image is formed in a high humidity environment, the latent image charge on the photoreceptor is disturbed due to the decrease in electrical resistance of the surface of the photoreceptor caused by the ionic substance. As a result, image deletion (more specifically, a phenomenon in which an image is blurred as if the image were rubbed) may occur.
In order to suppress the occurrence of image deletion, it has been proposed, for instance, to use toner that includes toner particles and metal stearate particles. To the metal stearate particles, the ionic substance on the surface of the photoreceptor is likely to adhere. This is presumably because the affinity between the ester structure in the metal stearate particles and the ionic substance is high. On the other hand, owing to the lubricating ability of the metal stearate, the facility of removal of the metal stearate particles from the surface of the photoreceptor is high. Therefore, the metal stearate particles, to which the ionic substance has been adhered, are quickly removed from the surface of the photoreceptor by a cleaning member (e.g., a cleaning blade) of the image forming apparatus. Thus, according to the proposed technique, the ionic substance on the surface of the photoreceptor can be removed together with the metal stearate particles, so that generation of the image deletion is suppressed.


A pivot bearing unit (18), having a pneumatic braking device (21) with a first and second bearing part (22, 23), which are embodied as rotatable relative to one another, wherein the braking device (21) is activatable by means of compressed air (36) via a compressed air supply line (10). The braking device (21) is provided with a brake hose (1), embedded in a bearing plate (14), in the first bearing part (22), and the brake hose (1) expands as a result of subjection to compressed air (36) with a motion (8) in the direction of a free end (16) and, via an axially movable switching ring (2), exerts a force (17) on at least one brake block (6) of the second bearing part (23), for transmitting a braking moment (15) between the first and second bearing parts (22, 23).

The invention relates to a pivot bearing unit, having a pneumatic braking device (21) and a first and second bearing part (22, 23), which are rotatable relative to one another, wherein the braking device (21) is activatable by means of compressed air (36) via a compressed air supply line (10).
Axial pivot bearing units with a braking device for a stabilizing mounting serve the purpose for instance of horizontal pivoting motion of ceiling supply units in medical units in medical technology that are known for instance from German Patent DE 43 06 805 C1. The medical ceiling supply unit is used for moving medical equipment both horizontally and vertically in a room.

Pivot bearing unit comprising a braking device


A cleaning device for floors or walls, in which water or similar cleaning fluid is continuously applied to the work surface as the device moves along that surface. A power-driven rotary brush is located to exert a scrubbing action on the applied water film so as to assimilate dirt particles into the water film. The dirt-laden water is removed from the work surface by two power-driven rotary sponges located directly behind the rotary brush. A sponge compression structure is engaged with an upper surface of each sponge to continuously water absorbed by the sponges.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning floors or walls, said device including means for applying a film of water or other cleaning fluid to the work surface of a rotary brush for scrubbing the cleaning fluid on the work surface, and at least one rotary sponge for removing the dirt-laden fluid from the work surface.
2. Prior Developments
It is known that dirt can be removed from floors by pouring water onto the floor surface, scrubbing the water to transfer dirt into the water film, and removing the dirt-laden water with a sponge.

Cleaning device having at least one rotating cylindrical sponge


A method and system for generating test pulses to test electronic elements are disclosed. After determining a transmission clock, which is smaller than a test clock, and a serial of predetermined pulses, the serial of data bits corresponding to the serial of predetermined pulses can be generated. Then the serial of data bits can be transformed into a serial data stream for transmission. By transmitting the serial data stream according to the transmission clock, the serial of predetermined pulses corresponding to the test clock can be generated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and system for generating test pulses, and more particularly to a method and system for programmable generating test pulses.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is known, tests on electronic element such as IC (integrated circuit) could be categorized into the following three types, direct current parametric test, dynamic functional test, and alternating current test. Among these three types, dynamic functional test is more complicated and important than other tests. In order to perform dynamic functional test of an electronic element, it is required to have a driver for generating test pulses to drive the electronic element, a comparator for examining the output pulses of the electronic element, and a power supply for generating stable currency. Test pulses generated by the driver are sent into an electronic element to be tested. The electronic element to be tested is driven by these test pulses and produces correspondent output pulses, which would be received and examined by the comparator. At the end, the comparator would compare the received output pulses with a serial of predetermined pulses to determine the functional test result of the tested electronic element.
In this regard, test pulses are different for adapting to the different electronic element to be tested. It means that the driver for generating test pulses is also required to change for varied electronic elements. Since the test pulses for an electronic element are usually quite complicated and the differences of test pulses for different electronic elements are quite significant, the driver is needed to be customized for each electronic element. Therefore most of customized drivers are made of ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit) that consumes lots of costs and time to design before test. Besides, the customized drivers are not reusable for other test cases.
Generally speaking, the input and output signals of an electronic element are called pulses, which have three measurable elements, time duration, voltage, and represented logical data, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1A, signal 10 is a serial of continuous pulses, which could be interpreted as a combination of a logical data 1 and a logical data 0. Logical data 1 and 0 may be represented by a correspondent higher voltage, VH, and a correspondent lower voltage, VL, respectively. Logical data may be represented in other alternative ways. For example logical data 1 could be represented by a signal bounce from VL to VH. The entire duration of the logical data 1 is T1; the voltage is raised from VL to VH after duration T2 from the beginning; and then the voltage is further returned to VL after duration T3.
Signals, which are produced by a typical clock generator (TG), have fixed periods. A main clock (MC) with a period T1 is designated as the basis of the logical data 1. A first clock (C1) has the same period of MC is delayed for a duration of T2. Similarly, a second clock (C2) also has the same period as MC is delayed fro a duration of T2+T3. Both of C1 and C2 are produced by applying different delay lines on signals of MC. In order to generate a pulse such as logical data 1, it is required to combine a pattern signal (P), MC, C1, and C2. The pattern signal (P) is used to provide a combination of VH and VL.
In the consequence, as shown in FIG. 1B, a typical driver comprises a clock generator (TG), a pattern generator (PG), a programmable data selector (PDS), a format controller (FC), and a voltage input (VI). Timing clock sequences such as above-mentioned MC, C1, and C2 are generated by the clock generator. Varied patterns could be generated by the pattern generator and be further directed to designated paths by the programmable data selector. At last, pulses are modulated by the format controller and are amplified in an appropriate range of voltage by the voltage input.
To summarize, the generation of test pulses is to combine the timing clock sequences from the TG with the patterns from the PG by the format controller. And the delay lines are also required to produce varied timing clock sequences. Moreover, the working clock of the electronic element goes higher, and the delayed duration of delay line goes shorter in contrary. However, for the test on high frequency electronic elements such as radio frequency (RF) communication chips, the delay duration of digital delay line may not be short enough to fulfill the requirement of test. Instead, it requires analog delay lines to produce qualified short delay duration. Most drivers are made of ASIC that could provide merely some certain fixed timing clock sequences. Because different test electronic elements are generated from different patterns, these patterns should be generated from varied timing clock sequences that ASIC drivers could not provide. For current test apparatus on high frequency electronic elements, the shortcomings include high costs, lack of reusability, and the need of excess analog logics. It is desired to have a new method and system for solving these mentioned shortcomings to reduce costs and increase test performance.

Method and system for generating test pulses to test electronic elements


A mine transport vehicle is disclosed having two main bodies, one a power and control section and the other a payload section, the two sections being connected by an articulating joint. The power and control section has seating for an operator and a passenger. The payload section has seating for four passengers as well as capacity for at least approximately 2000 pounds of equipment. The weight distribution of each section is such that the stress on the frame and articulating joint is minimized thus providing improved life of the joint.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to vehicles and, in particular, to a vehicle specifically designed for reliable transportation of personnel and equipment for the mining industry.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Operation of vehicles for the transportation of personnel and equipment in deep shaft mines poses problems unlike most other mining operations. The environment of operation includes rough and irregular terrain, poor visibility and clearances, typically rough treatment of equipment, long and often continuous hours of operation from shift to shift, poor availability of repair resources and skills while in the mine, and a rust/corrosion accelerated environment due in part to deep pools of salt and silted water in the mine road paths. Mechanical joints and rotating drive equipment are prone to failure due to these adverse conditions. Additionally, such mechanical joints and connections typically require routine lubrication that inherently attracts the very substances that promote failures. Other designs have attempted to overcome these obstacles but have either failed to do so or have created another failure point in the attempt.
There remains a need for a robust mine transportation vehicle designed for operation with simple, minimal controls that are easily located for operation and servicing. There also remains a need for a vehicle with an articulating joint, such that the front and rear vehicle sections are balanced so as to not transmit unnecessary additional stress on the articulating joint.


A nitride semiconductor device includes an n-type semiconductor layer, p-type semiconductor layer and an active layer of a quantum well structure that is sandwiched between said p-type and n-type nitride semiconductor layer, wherein the active layer has a first barrier layer, a second barrier layer and a third barrier layer. The first barrier layer is nearest to the p-type nitride semiconductor layer among the first, second and third barrier layers. The second barrier layer is nearest to the n-type nitride semiconductor layer among the first, second and third barrier layers. The third barrier layer is between the first and second barrier layers, and includes an upper barrier layer that contacts with a p-side surface of the well layer and a lower barrier layer that contacts with an n-side surface of said well layer. The upper and lower barrier layers having different composition or impurity concentrations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nitride semiconductor device which uses a nitride semiconductor (InXAlYGa1−X−YN, 0≦X, 0≦Y, X+Y≦1) used in light emitting devices such as light emitting diode device (LED) and laser diode device (LD), light receiving devices such as solar cell and optical sensor or electronic devices such as transistor and power devices, and particularly to a nitride semiconductor device comprising a nitride semiconductor layer which includes In.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recently semiconductor laser devices which use nitride semiconductors have been receiving increasing demands for applications in optical disk systems such as DVD systems which are capable of recording and reproducing a large amount of information with a high density. Accordingly, vigorous research efforts are being made in the field of semiconductor laser devices which use nitride semiconductors. Because of the capability to oscillate and emit visible light over a broad spectrum ranging from ultraviolet to red, the nitride semiconductor laser device is expected to have wide applications, such as light sources for laser printers and optical networks, as well as light sources for optical disk systems. The applicant of the present invention reported a laser which successfully underwent over ten thousand hours of operation under the conditions of continuous oscillation at a wavelength of 405 nm with output power of 5 mW at room temperature.
Light emitting devices and light receiving devices which use nitride semiconductors, have a nitride semiconductor structure which includes In for the active layer and, accordingly, it is important to form a better active region in the active layer in order to improve device characteristics.
In the prior art, n-type nitride semiconductors doped with n-type impurities have been used for the active layer of the nitride semiconductor device. Particularly in the case of a quantum well structure device, n-type nitride semiconductors doped with n-type impurities have been used in the well layer and the barrier layer.
In order for light emitting devices which employ nitride semiconductors to have wide applications they must be further improved with respect to device characteristics, particularly in device lifetime.
It is essential to have a longer lifetime and a higher output power for the laser devices which use nitride semiconductors as light sources for reading or writing information in high-density optical disk systems, described above, and further applications. Other classes of nitride semiconductor devices are also required to have longer lifetimes and higher output power, and light emitting devices are required to have a higher output power of light emission.
Weak reverse withstanding voltage of the devices using nitride semiconductors been a problem in the prior art, in that such devices have a high probability of destruction during handling in the manufacturing process and mounting on an end product.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems described above, and aims at obtaining a nitride semiconductor device which has excellent device characteristics including the threshold current density and has longer device lifetime and high output power.


A manufacturing method for a power transmission mechanism including: first and second shafts having first and second double helical gears; first and second rolling bearings rotatably supporting the shafts with respect to a case and restrict movement of the shafts in an axial direction thereof, includes an assembling step of assembling an outer ring of the first rolling bearing and an outer ring of the second rolling bearing to the case in a state where the outer rings are movable in the respective axial directions; and a positioning step of determining axial positions of the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing while rotating the first shaft and the second shaft in a state where the first double helical gear and the second double helical gear are meshed with each other, after the assembling step.

The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method for a power transmission mechanism.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-56888 A discloses a power transmission mechanism, to be mounted on a vehicle, which includes a final gear pair, using a gear pair of double helical gears meshing with each other, the final gear pair including a final driving gear and a final driven gear (a differential ring gear) which mesh with each other, and the final gear pair includes.
In the gear pair of double helical gears meshing with each other, when there is an error component (meshing error) in a double helical gear, the double helical gears cause single tooth contact and an axial force is generated, at a meshing portion. Since a double helical gear moves in the axial direction by this axial force, an aligning action is generated so that the double helical gears exhibit double tooth contact at the meshing portion. Thus, it is possible to reduce vibrations or noises between the double helical gears compared with those between the spur gears.
Meanwhile, a bearing to support a rotation shaft having a double helical gear is supported in a state in which the rotation shaft is movable in the axial direction so that the aligning action can work at the meshing portion. The axial displacement of the bearing is allowed but alternatively a power transmission efficiency is lowered. Therefore, a structure for supporting a double helical gear by using a highly efficient bearing is conceivable. This highly efficient bearing has a high-power transmission efficiency, but axial displacement of the rotation shaft is not permitted, and, as a result, the axial direction positions of the double helical gears are fixed. For this reason, in order to prevent single tooth contact at the meshing portion and to prevent vibration and noise from occurring, it is necessary to accurately determine an axial position of each double helical gear when assembled. For example, it is conceivable to provide a shim between the bearing and the case to adjust the axial position of the double helical gear in accordance with the thickness of the shim. The shim serves as a member for adjusting the axial position of the double helical gear. However, in this manufacturing method, it is necessary to select a shim of desired thickness from a plurality of shims of different thicknesses prepared in advance to attach the selected shim to the case, so it is not easy to determine an accurate axial position, and the manufacturing process also becomes complicated.

Manufacturing method for power transmission mechanism


A process time is shortened while a face detection precision is maintained high. A face detection unit for extracting a face area of a photographic subject from an image taken with a digital camera or the like includes a unit for acquiring focussing area information in an image area from image data and accessory information of image data regarding photographic conditions and the like, a unit for determining a face detection area in the image area in accordance with the focussing area information, and a unit for executing a face detection process not for a whole image area but partially for a face.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a means for extracting a photographic subject from still image data, and more particularly to a face detecting apparatus and method.
2. Related Background Art
Digital still cameras and digital video cameras are prevailing rapidly nowadays. Along with this, there are increasing demands for tools such as a tool for processing images photographed with these photographing apparatuses to provide a high image quality.
In the high image quality process, for example, a face detection process is executed for an image, and if there is a human face, a correction amount is determined basing upon the detected face. This method is widely known.
Most of the process time required for the high image quality process is occupied by the face detection process time. This process time has been long desired to be shortened.
Several means for improving a face detection efficiency have been proposed.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163827 (no corresponding U.S. application) proposes an approach by which a photographing apparatus executes a pixel thinning process for a whole image in accordance with a photographing mode and a photographic subject magnification factor, and changes the number of divided blocks to be subjected to the face detection process. With this approach, a face detection precision is changed for each photographed image to improve the process efficiency.
According to the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163827, the face detection process is executed for the whole area of an image. There arises therefore the problem that an area subjected to the face detection process increases greatly as the image data amount increases, and the process time prolongs. Another problem resides in that the detection precision is degraded if the number of thinned pixels is increased in order to shorten the process time.


Titanium dioxide added to oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine in a resin binder forming a charge generation layer having significantly improved dark decay and sensitivity. Added sensitivity is obtained when the X-form is precipitated from a dichloromethane/trifluoroacetic acid/oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine mixture by adding a water/methanol mixture containing titanium dioxide.

This invention employs the thorough mixture of X-form and/or Y-form oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine and titanium dioxide as the photosensitive material of a photoconductive element. This mixture provides improved dark decay and control of sensitivity. Both oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine and titanium dioxide are known photoconductors, but are not known to provide exceptional functioning when combined. As it is well known, the X-form and Y-form material differ from each other by their crystalline structure, as well as from other crystalline forms of oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine as evidenced by their different X-ray diffraction patterns. They are often referred to as "pigments" even when used as photoconductors.
The addition of alumina to metal-free phthalocyanine and vanadyl phthalocyanine to enhance photoconductivity is reported by Saito et al. in an article entitled "Photocarrier Generation Process of Phthalocyanine Particles Dispersed in a Polymer: Effects of Pigment Particle Size, Polymer Matrix and Addition of Fine .gamma.-Alumina Particles," in Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 30. No. 7A, July, 1991, pp. L 1182-L 1185.
Phthalocyanine green and phthalocyanine blue (neither of which are X-form or Y-form oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine) are employed together with titanium dioxide in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,069,992 to Leyrer et al.; 4,268,597 to Klavan et al.; and 4,202,620 to Klavan et al. Phthalocyanine and titanium are employed in separate migration layers in U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,939 to Bean. U.S. Pat. No. 3,899,329 to Bean et al. discloses photosensitive members which have a mixture of photoconductive materials, but not a unique, previously unutilized combination of known photoconductive materials such as X-form or Y-form oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine and titanium dioxide, to achieve improved photoconductive characteristics.

Enhanced photoconductive oxo-titanyl phthalocyanine


Techniques for determining the popularity of a business entity are provided. A communication is received at a computing system. The computing system searches the received communication for a business entity name. The computing system also searches the received communication for information related to an opinion about the business entity. Based on the information related to the opinion, the computing system determines a customer satisfaction rating of the business entity.

Accessing on-line reviews of a business entity has become increasing popular for potential customers of the business entity. The on-line reviews allow the potential customers to learn information about the business entity such as the level of service and the quality of products offered by the business entity. This information may in turn help the potential customers determine if they desire to purchase the services and the products of the business entity.
On-line reviews, however, have some drawbacks that limit their effectiveness to the potential customers. For example, an on-line review of a particular business entity may be non-existent or may be incomplete. Further, in some cases existing on-line reviews may have been written by the owners or employees of the business entity and may thus include information that does not truly reflect the level of service and the quality of products offered by the business entity and does not reflect the opinion of actual customers of the business entity.

Analyzing communications to determine business entity popularity


Methods of forming earth-boring tools may involve positioning a blade frame segment in a mold, the blade frame segment comprising cutting-element-attachment locations distributed over a face of the blade frame segment, the mold comprising a longitudinal axis. A first cutting element may be secured to the blade frame segment at a first cutting-element-attachment location of the cutting-element-attachment locations. A second cutting element may be secured to the blade frame segment at a second, different cutting-element-attachment location of the cutting-element-attachment locations. The blade frame segment may be integrated into a blade of a plurality of radially extending blades of an earth-boring tool by forming a body of the earth-boring tool, including the blade, around the blade frame segment.

Earth-boring tools for forming wellbores in subterranean earth formations may include a plurality of cutting elements secured to a body. For example, fixed-cutter earth-boring rotary drill bits (also referred to as "drag bits") include a plurality of cutting elements that are fixedly attached to a bit body of the drill bit, conventionally in pockets formed in blades and other exterior portions of the bit body. Rolling cone earth-boring drill bits include a plurality of cutters attached to bearing pins on legs depending from a bit body. The cutters may include cutting elements (sometimes called "teeth") milled or otherwise formed on the cutters, which may include hardfacing on the outer surfaces of the cutting elements, or the cutters may include cutting elements (sometimes called "inserts") attached to the cutters, conventionally in pockets formed in the cutters. Other bits might include impregnated bits that typically comprise a body having a face comprising a superabrasive impregnated material, conventionally a natural or synthetic diamond grit or thermally stable diamond elements dispersed in a matrix of surrounding body material or segments of matrix material brazed to the bit body.
The cutting elements used in such earth-boring tools often include polycrystalline diamond cutters (PDCs), which are cutting elements that include a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) material. Such polycrystalline diamond cutting elements are formed by sintering and bonding together relatively small diamond grains or crystals under conditions of high temperature and high pressure in the presence of a catalyst (such as, for example, cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys and mixtures thereof) to form a layer of polycrystalline diamond material on a cutting element substrate. These processes are often referred to as high temperature/high pressure (or HTHP) processes. The cutting element substrate may comprise a cermet material (i.e., a ceramic-metal composite material) comprising a plurality of particles of hard material in a metal matrix, such as, for example, cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide. In such instances, catalyst material in the cutting element substrate may be drawn into the diamond grains or crystals during sintering and catalyze formation of a diamond table from the diamond grains or crystals. In other methods, powdered catalyst material may be mixed with the diamond grains or crystals prior to sintering the grains or crystals together in an HTHP process.
Exposed portions of cutting elements, such as, for example, diamond tables, portions of substrates, hardfacing disposed on the outer surfaces of cutting elements, and exposed surfaces of the earth-boring tool, such as, for example, blade surfaces, fluid course surfaces, and junk slot surfaces of a fixed-cutter drill bit or the cutters of a rolling cone drill bit, may be subject to failure modes, such as, for example, erosion, fracture, spalling, and diamond table delamination, due to abrasive wear, impact forces, and vibration during drilling operations from contact with the formation being drilled. Some portions of the earth-boring tool may be more susceptible to such failure modes, and localized wear and localized impact damage may cause the earth-boring tool to fail prematurely while leaving other portions of the earth-boring tool in a usable condition. For example, cutting elements and the blades to which they are attached may be more susceptible to failure at the shoulder region of a face of the bit body as compared to the cone and nose regions of the face of the bit body or the gage region of the bit body. In instances of cutting element failure or blade structure failure leading to cutting elements loss at a particular radial location from the bit centerline, an annular groove may wear into the face of the bit body at the shoulder region, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "ring out." Further, cutting elements and the blades to which they are attached may be susceptible to failure within a central, core region of a drill bit located within the cone or nose regions of the face thereof, resulting in "core out." Other earth-boring tools may similarly exhibit localized wear in certain portions of the earth-boring tools.
To address such concerns, so-called "self-sharpening" tools have been proposed, for example, in U.S. Application Publication No. 2010/0089649 A1 published Apr. 15, 2010 to Welch et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. Briefly, portions of an earth-boring tool, such as, for example, portions of the blades of a fixed-cutter bit, may wear away during drilling and expose embedded or partially embedded cutting elements at the same radial locations to begin engaging the formation as cutting elements that were originally exposed at those radial locations to engage the formation fail and become detached from the earth-boring tool. Due to the complexity and difficulty of positioning and embedding or partially embedding the cutting elements within the earth-boring tools, however, such self-sharpening tools have been difficult and costly to manufacture.

Methods of forming earth-boring tools including blade frame segments


One embodiment of a toy (22) having a plurality of balls (12) inside a container (26). Demonstrating ball interactions without the balls (12) making physical contact with one another can be accomplished with a flat, surface (20). To operate the toy (22) the user moves it and therefore its operation does not require the use of an auxiliary object with specific properties. Electrical charge migration in the toy (22) can cause the balls (12) to form patterns that can be used to play games. When the toy (22) is flipped upside down, the balls (12) can roll on the flat surface (18) located above them, which appear to the user as if the balls (22) are defying gravity. Other embodiments are described and shown.

1. Field
This application relates to toys, specifically to toys that demonstrate interactions between balls.
2. Background Prior Art
It is common to see balls exchange kinetic energy, change their direction of motion, and oscillate as a result of physical contact occurring between them. A toy that demonstrates these ball interactions without the balls making physical contact with one another is amusing and educational.
Two organizations have demonstrated the movement of balls using, electric charges. Steve Spangler Science sells a toy made of a long plastic tube partially filled with polystyrene foam balls. If a user rubs their band on the outside of the tube, the balls become electrically charged and stick to the inner wall of the tube. Further touching of the tube can cause the balls to move because of the electric force that exists between the electric charge on the balls and the electric charge on the user's hand. The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network provides instructions for the same demonstration but its balls are made of polyoxy-methylene and, instead of a bare hand, fleece is used to rub the tube which is DOW made of glass.
Although these toys demonstrate the movement of balls using electric charges. the observed ball interactions are limited for three reasons.
First, these toys have DO flat surface which results in obscured ball interactions for the user. A flat and level surface has minimal effect on a ball's kinetic energy and no effect on its direction of motion. In contrast, a curved surface obscures the interactions between balls because it adds another variable to these interactions. A curved surface can change a ball's kinetic energy and direction el motion. So a user observing ball interactions occurring on a curved surface will have difficulty distinguishing between changes in ball motions caused by other bails from those caused by the curved surface. Furthermore, a curved surface causes balls to bunch together at the lowest point of the curve which further obscures ball interactions due to limited or no space between them So because these toys do not have a flat surface, ball interactions are obscured for the user.
Second, excessive friction limits the user's observation time of ball interactions. After these toys are abruptly moved to set the ball's in motion, the ball's quickly come to a stop. This excessive friction is caused by a strong electric force between the balls and the tube wall if the user continuously moves the toy to keep the balls in motion then ball motion is obscured because a moving surface adds another variable to these ball interactions. A moving surface can change a ball's kinetic energy and direction of motion. So an observer watching ball interactions occurring on a moving surface will have difficulty distinguishing between changes in ball motions caused by other balls from those caused by the moving surface.
Third, the operation of these toys requires the use of an auxiliary object with specific properties. For the balls to become electrically charged, rubbing the outside surface of the tube is required. If the user's hand does the rubbing, its effectiveness depends on the amount of moisture or sweat on the hand since water conducts electricity and thereby reduces static. electricity. If another object is used to do the rubbing, only certain materials will work, such as fleece, which incurs additional cost to the user. Furthermore, charging the balls using any auxiliary object becomes less effective as the air humidity increases.
In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no toy formerly developed demonstrates ball interactions without the balls making physical contact with one another, while the toy's operation does not require the use of an auxiliary object with specific properties.