A voltage controlled variable inductor provides a rapidly variable inducte for high power frequency dependent circuit applications. Continuously variable inductance values having a high Q factor are obtainable with the application of only a minimal amount of control power.

The present invention relates generally to variable inductors and particularly to voltage controlled variable inductors using a variable air gap to control inductance.
In certain power applications, it is desirable to vary the amount of inductance in a circuit. For example, in a circuit that has a time varying capacitive load or a varying frequency of operation, the circuit may be tuned by varying the inductance to minimize the reactive current required to be supplied by a power source. An example of a frequency dependent circuit is shown in FIG. 1. A load circuit R having an associated capacitance C is tuned by an inductor L to minimize the current supplied by a power source P. One method of changing the inductance of inductor L is by changing winding taps A, B, and C. This method is practical for applications where the frequency does not change very often, but is not effective for applications where the frequency changes rapidly such as frequency shift keyed VLF or LF transmitters.
Another example of a variable inductor 20 of the prior art is shown in FIG. 2. A control current passed through a control winding wound on a permeable core changes the inductance of an inductive winding over a range of inductance values determined by the hysteresis curve of the permeable core. A disadvantage of this method is that heavy cores may be required for high power applications, introducing corresponding energy losses.
A continuing need exists for a variable inductor having an inductance that may be varied easily and rapidly to accommodate rapid frequency changes while maintaining high energy efficiency.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


We describe a process for the monitoring of contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell, wherein at least two different samples taken during the purification process of the pharmaceutical product are incubated with at least one protein biochip array and contaminants in the samples bound to the protein biochip array are subsequently detected. Preferably samples are taken before the first purification step and after each subsequent purification step.

The invention relates to a process for the monitoring of contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell.
Monitoring the removal of contaminants during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell is necessary to acquire market approval of the pharmaceutical product. For market approval of the pharmaceutical product, it must be shown that the purification process is reproducible and that the pharmaceutical product is produced with a constant quality (i.e. purity). Therefore, there is a need for reliable methods for monitoring contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product.
Detection methods used for the monitoring of contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell are known in the art. The known methods make use of immunological methods, for example ELISA or Western blot mostly combined with other known methods not based on immunology, for example 1- and 2D-gelelectrophoresis or (reversed phase) HPLC.
A disadvantage of the known immunological methods is that the used antibodies are raised against certain proteins only. Typically, antibodies are only raised against immunogenic host cell proteins. Therefore, contaminants other than said immunogenic host cell proteins cannot be detected by immunological methods.
In immunological methods, polyclonal antibodies raised against (host cell) proteins in a host animal (e.g. rabbit, goat, mouse) are usually used. Therefore, immunological methods can only detect the (host cell) proteins that are capable of inducing an immunological response in the host animal. Typically, this accounts for the detection of only 20-30% of the total (host cell) proteins. As polyclonal antibodies are usually not raised in humans, the remaining non-detected host cell proteins may well cause an immunological reaction in humans. In addition, other contaminants besides (host cell) proteins are not detected either.
The disadvantage of both the immunological and the other known detection methods not based on immunological detection is that they do not have a high sensitivity combined with the ability to detect individual proteins; the known methods either detect individual proteins with a relatively low sensitivity (Western blot, HPLC, 1- and 2-D gelelectrophoresis) or detect a total protein signal with a higher sensitivity (e.g. ELISA).

Process for the monitoring of contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell


A tool called a spinner is interposed between a rotary driver and a flexible shaft that is being rotated and moved axially when a duct or chimney is being cleaned by a whip head at the end of the shaft. A tubular shape collar has a home position on the body of the spinner. Grasping and holding the collar at its home position, while the driver rotates, helps steady the driver as the body moves within the collar. To dampen oscillation of the shaft, the collar is moved lengthwise from the body, and along the shaft to a working position where it is held manually. The collar is retained on the body by frictional means. A user can overcome the retaining force and, without using a second tool, slide the collar off the body and along the shaft to the working position, while the spinner is rotating or stationary.

Tradesmen, also called artisans herein, who clean ducts, chimneys and other conduits often do so by pushing and pulling along the duct length a rotating round wire brush, or a whip head, mounted on the end of a long shaft. A typical whip head comprises a central body from which plastic or metal filaments extend radially. The shaft is typically rotated by a driver such as an electric hand drill. See Patent Publication U.S. 2019/0118230 A1 "Duct cleaning device and method." The publication describes a duct cleaning process, along with whip heads and shaft couplers that are shaped for better overcoming obstructions along the length of the duct.
A familiar type of rotatable shaft that is used with a whip head to clean chimneys, air carrying ducts, and the like comprises a multiplicity of semi-rigid shaft segments made of fiber-polymer composite material that are connected to each other by separable couplings. While the shaft is rotated by a driver at a chosen variable speed, which may be up to hundreds of revolutions per minute, the artisan moves the whip head by pushing and pulling on the shaft at a duct access opening.
There is often a tendency, particularly when the artisan is pushing on the rotating shaft to make the whip head move along the duct, for the shaft to rapidly oscillate laterally (or to "whip") in the free space that is between the rotary driver and the duct access opening. If uncontrolled, the oscillation can damage the shaft or the duct opening; and it generally inhibits lengthwise motion. Sometimes, an artisan may slow the rotational speed and/or put a gloved or bare hand around the shaft to steady it, either of which may be considered undesirable. The same kind of shaft oscillation problem arises in connection with the cleaning of plumbing drains.
Devices are known that appear to mitigate the shaft oscillation problem. In one approach, a hollow collar element such as a piece of tubing that has a loose fit around a rotating shaft may be slid along the shaft to the needed location and manually held there to guide the shaft and presumably suppress oscillation in wire-wound cable type shafts used by plumbers. See McLaughlin U.S. Pat. 4,837,887 and Kirk U.S. Pat. 3,283,553 for examples of such. When the collar is not needed, the user must either unhook the shaft from the driver and remove and stow the collar, or the user must leave the collar someplace along the shaft where its weight may contribute to oscillation or it otherwise may be a nuisance.
Devices for guiding flexible shafts have been used by plumbers comprise telescoping tubes attached to the apparatus which contains, reels-out, and rotates a flexible shaft. Bollinger U.S. Pat. No. 3,268,937, Meyer U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,693 and Waterbury U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,602 describe funnel shape shaft-holders that have telescoping tube structures at the end where the cable-shaft is discharged. Increasing the extension of a tube is only effective for oscillation that is close to the feeder/driver, increases weight of the feeder; and when there are a multiplicity of telescoped sections (to reduce the collapsed or storage length of the device) there may be jamming of the sections in dirty environments. And controlling shaft angling near the driver is constrained.
Power Grip Handle (Product PGH6, SnapLok Systems LLC, Bloomfield, Conn.) is a device intended to be used in place of a segment of a shaft that is comprised of multiple releasably-coupled-together semi-flexible shaft segments. The PGH6 device comprises a sleeve that is rotatable about an inner rigid shaft piece which has opposing half coupling ends. The user holds the exterior of the device while the shaft is rotating to suppress oscillation. A disadvantage is that the user has to estimate where oscillation will take place, or has to take apart and reassemble the shaft if his original estimate was wrong. And where the device is located, the shaft is not semi-flexible.
Thus, there is a need for further improvements that make easier the process of duct cleaning, and in particular make more convenient a means for dampening shaft oscillation.

Tool for dampening oscillation of a rotating shaft


A coil assembly has at least two coils which are arranged in a common plane, and partially overlap in crossover sections of the coils. The crossover sections have a reduced height, which results in a reduced total height of the coil assembly. This leads to a more compact coil assembly, and hence to better dynamic characteristics of a positioning device in which the coil assembly is applied.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus, a coil assembly, a positioning device including a coil assembly, and a device manufacturing method using a positioning device.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (IC's). In that circumstance, a patterning device, such as a mask, may be used to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC, and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e.g., including part of one, or several, dies) on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer) that has a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist). In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include so-called steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion at once, and so-called scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the "scanning"-direction) while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction.
In a scanner, portions of the substrate are scanned successively. In between a warming of a portion and a scanning of a next portion of the substrate, a movement is made to position the substrate and the patterned beam relative to each other such that scanning of The next portion of the substrate can start. The scanning movement can be performed by moving the substrate, or by moving a suitable pan of the illumination system and/or a suitable part of the projection system. Also, it is possible that each of these elements or any suitable combination thereof is moved thus achieving a desired scanning of the patterned beam relative to the substrate. The moving of the different elements with respect to one another is generally performed using positioning devices. Amongst others, use is made of linear and planar positioning devices.
Linear positioning devices may be applied for moving the substrate table relative to the lithographic apparatus, or moving the patterned beam relative to the lithographic apparatus. In other embodiments of lithographic apparatuses, planar positioning devices may be applied for positioning the substrate table in two directions, e.g. a plane. Other elements of the lithographic apparatus may also be moved by positioning devices.
In the field of manufacturing IC's, it is desirable to increase the speed of production of integrated circuits. One possibility of increasing the speed of production is to move the moveable parts of the lithographic device with respect to one another at a higher speed. This higher speed calls for an improvement of the dynamic behavior of the positioning systems with which the different elements of a lithographic device are moved.
If the maximum accelerations with which positioning devices can displace loads are increased, a movement from a first location to a second location can be conducted at a higher average speed. One possible way to improve the dynamic behavior of a positioning device is to construct the moving part thereof with less mass. If the mass of a positioning device is decreased, the accelerations that it can achieve while applying the same force will be greater, hence enabling movements to be performed at a higher speed. Alternatively, when the same accelerations are performed, the carrying load of the positioning device can be greater.
Linear and planar positioning devices generally include a first part and a second part which are moveable with respect to one another in at least one direction. The first part generally includes an array of fixed magnets arranged in a pattern, having an orientation of the magnetization field which is perpendicular to the direction of movement. Typically, a number of N and S magnets are arranged in an alternating manner, having a distance between each N-pole and S-pole which is indicated as the magnetic pole pitch.
The second part generally includes an assembly of coils, constructed in a common plane with respect to one another. The coils include current conductors in the form of one or more windings. When a current flows in a current conductor, the flux density of the magnetic field created by the magnets exerts a Lorentz force on the current conductors of the coils. The direction of the Lorentz force is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and perpendicular to the extension of the current conductor.
Known positioning devices generally include coil assemblies including two or three coils. The coils generally have substantially the shape of a closed loop, defining an open area within the coil. The coils do not have an iron core, thereby avoiding any magnetic forces between the coil assembly and the array of magnets when no currents are conducted through the coils. A coil generally includes two main current conductor sections, connected to one another by two other sections. In known devices, the coils are positioned in an overlapping configuration, wherein one main current conductor section of a first coil overlaps the open area of a second coil. In order to connect this main current conductor section of the first coil to the rest of the first coil, the first coil is required to cross the second coil in a crossover section thereof outside the main current conductor sections. In the known positioning devices, crossover sections of the first and second coil are stacked on top of one another, thereby increasing the height of a coil assembly at the crossover sections.
Generally, the coil assembly is enclosed in a second enclosing material which keeps the coils in a fixed position relative to one another. Epoxy resin is often used as his second enclosing material. Other materials are also used. If the total height of the coil assembly is large, a relatively large amount of second enclosing material is also necessary in order to enclose the entire coil assembly. This will increase the mass of the coil assembly, leading to a poorer performance in terms of dynamic behavior.

Lithographic apparatus, coil assembly, positioning device including a coil assembly, and device manufacturing method


An estimated tax reminder system generates and sends reminders to taxpayers of their estimated tax obligations. The system determines the estimated tax obligation for a taxpayer and receives filing status information for the taxpayer reflecting whether or not a payment has been made for the taxpayer. In an embodiment, a computer program product accepts payment instructions for fulfilling estimated tax obligations and carries out the instructions.

A significant number of small business owners, investors, and taxpayers with supplemental income are responsible for making quarterly estimated tax payments to federal and state taxing authorities. Under conventional methods, meeting this obligation requires a taxpayer to remember to make payments according to the schedule set by the taxing authorities as well keep track of the amounts due on a quarterly basis.
If the taxpayer uses a professional tax preparer or certified public accountant (CPA), typically the taxpayer will be provided a supply of pre-printed payment slips or vouchers to be submitted with a payment at appropriate times. Adjustments due to fluctuations in income or other factors must be calculated manually, typically by the taxpayer himself. Generally, the CPA does not keep track of whether and when payments are made by the taxpayer, the amount that was paid out, or details relevant to future payments. The lack of information makes it harder for professional tax preparers to follow up on delinquent taxpayers, and to prepare subsequent tax returns.
The IRS has introduced the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), a mechanism by which taxpayers can make tax payments through an electronic interface. This is only a payment mechanism, like many other online billing and payment services. Most significantly, it cannot and does not proactively prompt a user for payments nor does it provide historical or estimated tax values. Furthermore there are limited means by which a taxpayer's tax and payment history can be tracked.
What is needed, therefore, are ways to automate and improve the management of quarterly tax obligations.

Estimated tax reminder and payment facilitation service


A lens alignment system and method is disclosed. The disclosed system/method integrates one or more lens retaining members/tubes (LRM/LRT) and focal length spacers (FLS) each comprising a metallic material product (MMP) specifically manufactured to have a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) in a predetermined range via selection of the individual MMP materials and an associated MMP manufacturing process providing for controlled TEC. This controlled LRM/LRT TEC enables a plurality of optical lenses (POL) fixed along a common optical axis (COA) by the LRM/LRT to maintain precise interspatial alignment characteristics that ensure consistent and/or controlled series focal length (SFL) within the POL to generate a thermally neutral optical system (TNOS). Integration of the POL using this LRM/LRT/FLS lens alignment system reduces the overall TNOS implementation cost, reduces the overall TNOS mass, reduces TNOS parts component count, and increases the reliability of the overall optical system.

Traditional optical systems consist of one or more lenses that are each mounted within lens retaining members (LRM). The LRM are typically aligned longitudinally along a common optical axis (COA) wherein the spacing between each lens in the string is determined by fixing each LRM to one or more focal length spacers (FLS) mechanically attached to two or more of the LRM. The LRM/FLS are typically constructed of metal, but in some circumstances may be non-metallic materials such as plastic.
As temperature varies, the LRM and/or FLS vary in size due to mechanical temperature coefficients associated with each material used in the LRM/FLS. Additionally, each lens may vary slightly in size due to mechanical temperature coefficients associated with the lens material(s). Variations in LRM sizing due to non-zero temperature coefficient can produce compressive forces on the attached lens and vary the optical characteristics of the lens. Variations in FLS sizing due to non-zero temperature coefficient directly impact the inter-lens spacing as temperature varies. Variations in temperature may also impact the ideal focal length of each lens.
The combination of these three factors has lead optical engineers to design elaborate LRM/FLS configurations in order to compensate for these focal length changes due to temperature variations. These optical designs often utilize a variety of plates, spacers, and other materials having combinations of temperature coefficients in order to achieve a thermally neutral focal length for the overall optical system. The resulting optical system is generally complex having a number of tight-tolerance LRM/FLS components, relatively massive, is expensive to manufacture, and prone to failure due to the number of components required for construction.


An input/output cell for interconnecting an I/O pad with internal circuitry in a programmable logic device provides clocked and unclocked inputs through an internal bus to selected logic array blocks. The input/output cell further includes a fast input line in which the I/O pad is directly connected with a selected logic array block without travelling through the latch circuitry of the I/O cell and the internal bus of the programmable logic device.

This invention relates generally to programmable logic devices (PLDs), and more particularly the invention relates to a PLD having a versatile input cell providing latched, unlatched, and fast inputs.
Programmable logic devices combine the logistical advantages of standard fixed integrated circuits with the architectural flexibility of custom integrated circuits. The PLD allows engineers to electrically program standard off-the-shelf logic elements to meet specific needs of their applications. Thus, proprietary logic functions can be designed and fabricated in-house, eliminating the long engineering lead times, high tool and cost, and other problems associated with a custom application's specific integrated circuit devices, such as gate arrays and standard cells.
The PLD contains programmable AND gate arrays, fixed OR gate arrays, logic array blocks (LABs) including a plurality of macro cells and programmable registers, and programmable input/output (I/O) pins and feedback paths. Heretofore, the I/O pins have been connected through I/O cells which allow the pins to function either clocked or unclocked. The I/O cell then connects the I/O pin through a multiplexer and internal bus to a selected LAB.
The I/O cell introduces delay in the I/O function. Further, the internal bus has inherent resistance and capacitance which further introduces delay, especially in accessing LABs which are far removed from the I/O cell.

I/O cell for programmable logic device providing latched, unlatched, and fast inputs


A controlling method and an electronic device are described. The method is applied to an electronic device that includes determining whether the electronic device satisfies a preset condition in case of a deformable structure in the electronic device being in a first form; and obtaining a first control instruction, controlling the deformable structure to deform from the first form to a second form to drive at least a part of a body of the electronic device to be deformed in case of the electronic device satisfying the preset condition, and controlling the deformable structure to maintain in the second form before a second control instruction is received, wherein, the second control instruction controls the deformable structure to deform from the second form to a third form which is different from or the same as the first form.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronics, and especially relates to a method for controlling an electronic device and an electronic device.
With the development of technology, more and more electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, smart TVs, etc, come into people's lives, and these electronic devices bring a great convenience to people's life.
At present, the electronic device, such as tablet computers and smart phones, at least has a housing which is almost made of rigid materials, and can hardly make any deformation. Even though the electronic device uses a flexible screen, the flexible screen is deformed only when external force is applied to the flexible screen.

Method for controlling electronic device and electronic device


A method for constructing a tower having a length along a longitudinal axis defined by the tower includes assembling a first tower section including three first legs. Each first leg diverges from the longitudinal axis along a length of the first leg. A second tower section is assembled. The second tower section includes three second legs each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The three second legs at least partially define a passage through the second tower section. The second tower section is coupled to the first tower section.

This invention relates generally to wind turbine assemblies and, more particularly, to a tower for supporting wind turbine assemblies.
Recently, wind turbine generators have received increased attention as an environmentally safe and relatively inexpensive alternative energy source. With this growing interest, considerable efforts have been made to develop wind turbine generators that are reliable and efficient.
Generally, a wind turbine generator includes a rotor having multiple blades. The rotor is mounted on a housing or nacelle, which is positioned on top of a truss or tubular tower. Utility grade wind turbine generators (i.e., wind turbine generators designed to provide electrical power to a utility grid) can have large rotors (e.g., 30 or more meters in diameter). Blades on these rotors transform wind energy into a rotational torque or force that drives one or more generators rotationally coupled to the rotor.
Many conventional wind turbine assemblies include a tower formed of a single tubular construction, commonly referred to as a "monopole." Conventional monopoles have been used in the art to provide sufficient clearance for rotor blades to rotate freely without undesirable contact with the tower structure. Further, such monopoles are required to have a height sufficient to facilitate the harnessing of wind energy. Thus, conventional monopoles are custom fabricated of a heavy material, such as steel, having a sufficient thickness and/or a sufficient diameter to support heavy loads and/or forces associated with the wind turbine assembly. This custom fabrication requires many hours of fabrication and a large quantity of material. Further, monopoles are limited in diameter to about 14 feet or 168 inches (4300 mm) due to road transportation barriers, such as bridges that span a highway at a distance of about 14 feet above the road surface.


A continuous mode electronic ballast operates a lamp. A buck converter is configured to generate a direct current (DC) bus voltage at buck converter output. An inverter circuit is operationally coupled to the buck converter output, and configured to receive the DC voltage and convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage to drive the lamp. A short circuit protection circuit is operationally coupled to the buck converter output to sense the DC bus voltage, compare the sensed DC voltage to a predetermined threshold and, based on the comparison, shut down the inverter circuit.

The following relates to electronic ballasts. It finds particular application in conjunction with the high intensity discharge lamps (HID), and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the following is also amenable to other electronically ballasted lamps such as fluorescent lamps and the like.
A ballast is an electrical device which is used to provide power to a load, such as an electrical discharge lamp, and to regulate its current. The ballast provides high voltage to start a lamp, causing the gas to ionize which begins the process of arc formation. Once the arc is established, the ballast allows the lamp to continue to operate by providing proper controlled current flow to the lamp.
Typically, low frequency, square wave ballasts include a three stage power conversion process. Initially, at stage 1, the AC power line voltage is rectified and filtered. At the intermediate stage 2, the DC voltage is converted to the DC current by a buck converter. At stage 3, the DC current is converted to an AC current by an inverter which includes switches such as MOSFETs to drive the resonant circuit which excites the lamp.
When the lamp is cold, just after ignition, the lamp is characterized by a low impedance. In this condition, the lamp is practically in a short circuit, e.g. the voltage between the lamp terminals is about 20V. Typically, the inverter starts running before the lamp ignites, e.g. the output terminals of the inverter are open prior to ignition. When the lamp ignites, the lamp's impedance quickly drops to about 5% of its stead-state value. As the gas temperature increases in the full arc mode, the lamp voltage increases until it reaches a steady-state voltage. If the output of the inverter is shorted, for example, as the result of a faulty ballast installation process, the inverter MOSFET switches may overheat and also thermally stress the switch of the buck converter of the stage 2.
One approach to prevent the switches from overheating is to use a heatsink. However, such heatsinks are bulky and occupy too much of the ballast space. Other approach is to use one of the thermal management techniques. However, the thermal management techniques are complex and expensive.
The present application contemplates new methods and apparatuses that overcome above referenced problems and others.

Output short circuit protection for electronic ballasts


A content manipulation application provides a graphical interface for editing graphical content. The graphical interface includes first and second control elements for performing first and second manipulations of the graphical content. If the first control element is selected, the content management application switches the graphical interface to a trackpad mode. The trackpad mode disables the second control element and thereby prevents the second control element from performing the second manipulation. While the graphical interface is in the trackpad mode, the content management application receives an input in an input area that lacks the first control element and performs the first manipulation of the graphical content responsive to receiving the input. Subsequent to the first manipulation being performed, the graphical interface is switched out of the trackpad mode, thereby enabling the second control element to perform the second manipulation.

Content management applications are used to enhance or otherwise modify text, images, and other graphical content. Examples of content management applications include graphics-editing applications, text editors, image editors, etc. A content management application is often used to select certain graphical content and perform one or more manipulation of that graphical content. For instance, the content management application receives, via a graphical interface, an input selecting a certain shape and one or more additional inputs changing the position or size of that shape.
However, a size of the input received via a graphical interface negatively impacts the operations of the content management application. In one example, if a graphical interface is presented via a touch screen, then certain shapes or other graphical content could be inadvertently selected or manipulated. For instance, a content management application could be a typeface design application that is used to change how a font appears. A certain character from a font includes a collection of shapes (e.g., a bowl and a stem) that are manipulated by typeface design application. But if the bowl and the stem occupy an input area on the graphical interface that is smaller than a user's finger, a touch input that is intended to target only the stem could inadvertently select or manipulate the bowl (or vice versa).
Certain existing solutions for this issue present disadvantages. For instance, a user could magnify a certain portion of the graphical interface that includes the targeted graphical content (e.g., via a zoom command), then provide a touch input to the magnified portion of the graphical interface. But doing so may prevent a user from seeing the context of a resulting graphical manipulation. For instance, in the typeface-design example provided above, although a user could magnify the portion of the graphical interface that displays the stem of a character and then manipulate the stem in that magnified interface, this action could prevent the user from evaluating how manipulations to the stem would affect the overall appearance of the character (e.g., because other portions of the character are no longer displayed if the stem is magnified). For these and other reasons, existing graphical interfaces for content management applications present disadvantages.

Selectively enabling trackpad functionality in graphical interfaces


An electroplating apparatus includes a reactor vessel having a segmented anode array positioned therein for effecting electroplating of an associated workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode array includes a plurality of ring-like anode segments which are preferably positioned in concentric, coplanar relationship with each other. The anode segments can be independently operated to create varying electrical potentials with the associated workpiece to promote uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the surface of the workpiece.

Not Applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates generally to an electroplating apparatus for plating of semiconductor components, and more particularly to an electroplating apparatus, including a segmented anode array comprising a plurality of concentrically arranged anode segments which can be independently operated to facilitate uniform deposition of electroplated metal on an associated workpiece.
Production of semiconductive integrated circuits and other semiconductive devices from semiconductor wafers typically requires formation of multiple metal layers on the wafer to electrically interconnect the various devices of the integrated circuit. Electroplated metals typically include copper, nickel, gold and lead. Electroplating is effected by initial formation of a so-called seed layer on the wafer in the form of a very thin layer of metal, whereby the surface of the wafer is rendered electrically conductive. This electroconductivity permits subsequent formation of a so-called blanket layer of the desired metal by electroplating in a reactor vessel. Subsequent processing, such as chemical, mechanical planarization, removes unwanted portions of the metal blanket layer formed during electroplating, resulting in the desired patterned metal layer in a semiconductor integrated circuit or micro-mechanism being formed. Formation of a patterned metal layer can also be effected by electroplating.
Subsequent to electroplating, the typical semiconductor wafer or other workpiece is subdivided into a number of individual semiconductor components. In order to achieve the desired formation of circuitry within each component, while achieving the desired uniformity of plating from one component to the next, it is desirable to form each metal layer to a thickness which is as uniform as possible across the surface of the workpiece. However, because each workpiece is typically joined at the peripheral portion thereof in the circuit of the electroplating apparatus (with the workpiece typically functioning as the cathode), variations in current density across the surface of the workpiece are inevitable. In the past, efforts to promote uniformity of metal deposition have included flow-controlling devices, such as diffusers and the like, positioned within the electroplating reactor vessel in order to direct and control the flow of electroplating solution against the workpiece.
In a typical electroplating apparatus, an anode of the apparatus (either consumable or non-consumable) is immersed in the electroplating solution within the reactor vessel of the apparatus for creating the desired electrical potential at the surface of the workpiece for effecting metal deposition. Previously employed anodes have typically been generally disk-like in configuration, with electroplating solution directed about the periphery of the anode, and through a perforate diffuser plate positioned generally above, and in spaced relationship to, the anode. The electroplating solution flows through the diffuser plate, and against the associated workpiece held in position above the diffuser. Uniformity of metal deposition is promoted by rotatably driving the workpiece as metal is deposited on its surface.
The present invention is directed to an electroplating apparatus having a segmented anode array, including a plurality of anode segments which can be independently operated at different electrical potentials to promote uniformity of deposition of electroplated metal on a associated workpiece.
An electroplating apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention includes an electroplating reactor vessel which contains a segmented anode array immersed in electroplating solution held by the vessel. The anode array includes differently dimensioned anode segments, preferably comprising concentrically arranged ring-like elements, with the anode segments being independently operable at different electrical potentials. The flow of electroplating solution about the anode segments is controlled in conjunction with independent operation of the segments, with uniformity of electroplated metal deposition on the workpiece thus promoted.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the present electroplating apparatus includes an electroplating reactor including a cup-like reactor vessel for holding electroplating solution. A segmented anode array in accordance with the present invention is positioned in the reactor vessel for immersion in the plating solution. The electroplating apparatus includes an associated rotor assembly which can be positioned generally on top of the electroplating reactor, with the rotor assembly configured to receive and retain an associated workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer. The rotor assembly is operable to position the workpiece in generally confronting relationship with the anode array, with the surface of the workpiece in contact with the electroplating solution for effecting deposition of metal on the workpiece. The reactor vessel defines an axis, with the workpiece being positionable in generally transverse relationship to the axis.
The anode array comprises a plurality of anode segments having differing dimensions, with the array being operable to facilitate uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the workpiece. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the segmented anode array is positioned generally at the lower extent of the reactor vessel in generally perpendicular relationship to the axis defined by the vessel. The anode array comprises a plurality of ring-like, circular anode segments arranged in concentric relationship to each other about the axis. Thus, at least one of the anode segments having a relatively greater dimension is positioned further from the axis than another one of the anode segments having a relatively lesser dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the anode segments is configured to have an annular, ring-shape, with each being generally toroidal. It is presently preferred that the anode segments be generally coplanar, although it will be appreciated that the segments can be otherwise arranged.
The anode array includes a mounting base upon which the ring-like anode segments are mounted. The present invention contemplates various arrangements for directing and controlling flow of the associated electroplating solution. In particular, the mounting base can define at least one flow passage for directing flow of electroplating solution through the mounting base. In one form, a central-most one of the anode segments defines an opening aligned with the reactor vessel axis, with the flow passage defined by the mounting base being aligned with the opening in the central anode segment. In another embodiment, flow passages defined by the mounting base are positioned generally between adjacent ones of the anode segments for directing flow of electroplating solution therebetween. In this embodiment, a plurality of flow passages are provided which are arranged in a pattern of concentric circles to direct flow of electroplating solution between adjacent ones of the concentrically arranged anode segments.
In an alternate embodiment, the mounting base includes a plurality of depending, flow-modulating projections, defining flow channels therebetween, with the projections arranged generally about the periphery of the mounting base. In the preferred form, the present electroplating apparatus includes a control arrangement operatively connected to the segmented anode array for independently operating the plurality of anode segments. This permits the segments to be operated at different electrical potentials, and for differing periods of time, to facilitate uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the associated workpiece. The present invention contemplates that dielectric elements can also be positioned between at least two adjacent ones of the anode segments for further facilitating uniform deposition of electroplated metal on the workpiece.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Electroplating apparatus with segmented anode array


An exemplary computer-implemented media service system detects an input command provided by a user to initiate a viewing session by way of a display screen in communication with a media content processing device that operates in accordance with a media service, identifies a context within which the input command is provided by the user, selects, based on the identified context, a media program available by way of the media service and that is potentially of interest to the user, and directs the media content processing device to present the media program by way of the display screen when the viewing session begins in response to the input command. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

In order to view a media program available by way of a conventional media content processing device (e.g., a set-top box device), a user may provide an input command to turn on a display screen (e.g., a television) that is communicatively coupled to the media content processing device. In response, the media content processing device may begin presenting whatever media program is currently being carried by a content channel to which the media content processing device is tuned when the input command is provided. This may be problematic if the user does not desire to view and/or is not supposed to view the media program currently being carried by the content channel.
For example, a child may turn on a television that is connected to a set-top box device in the morning with a desire to watch cartoons. However, the night before, the child's parent may have left the set-top box device tuned to a content channel that carries adult programming. This may result in the child being exposed to the adult programming when the television turns on.

Context-based media program presentation methods and systems


An accessory attachment assembly for a vehicle interior includes a mounting bracket having a mounting aperture and first and second retention tabs pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket at the mounting aperture. A hook member includes a hook portion and an open frame portion. The open frame portion is releasably received in the mounting aperture of the mounting bracket in assembly. The first and second retention tabs are operably coupled to the open frame portion of the hook member as the open frame portion is received in the mounting aperture. A release aperture is disposed on one of either the first and second retention tabs and is configured to receive a tool for releasing the first and second retention tabs from the open frame portion of the hook member to release the hook member from the mounting bracket.

Coat hooks, or garment hangers, are often mounted directly into sheet metal or a sheet metal bracket using a screw and clip combination. Such coat hooks are not integrated into a grab handle assembly and have the tendency to rock or rotate as mounted to the sheet metal vehicle frame. The clip used to mount the coat hook typically rocks within the aperture in the sheet metal which leads to a perception of poor quality in the coat hook construction and mounting. Further, such a coat hook calling for a screw, a steel fastener clip and a plastic coat hook is a costly execution with regards to installation.
As such, a coat hook that is easily installed having anti-rotational features is desired.


An apparatus is adapted to form a plurality of apertures in a panel made from a meltable foamed plastic material. The apparatus has a movable panel support device for supporting said panel and a heating array. The heating array has a plurality of heating elements mounted to a support frame. The heating array is disposed opposite to the panel support device. Each of the heating elements is adapted to emit sufficient heat to melt the foamed plastic material when a panel is positioned proximate the heating elements. A driving mechanism is provided for moving the panel support device toward and away from said plurality of heating elements. The panel supporting device moves a panel supported thereon, towards and away from the plurality of heating elements and during them movement melts a plurality of apertures in the panel.

Concrete walls and other concrete structures, are typically made by building a form. Unhardened concrete is poured into the form space provided by the form. Once the concrete hardens, the form walls can be removed. In some cases the form walls can remain in place after the structure has been made, and can for example serve an additional purpose such as providing insulation.
It is known to make the form walls from a series of interconnected panels. It is also known to use foamed plastic materials, including foamed polystyrene, for such panels.
Typically, the panels are held in place to provide the form when the concrete is poured in the form space, by providing tie-rods that stretch between two spaced panels. Typically the rods pass from an inner surface of the panels and join with some kind of end connector.
With reference to United States patent application publication no. 2002/0092253 published Jul. 18, 2002, a method is described whereby an anchor member is embedded in a foam panel. During the formation of the foam panel, the panel is injection formed so as to surround the anchor member. This may create a relatively strong connection between the panel and the anchor member. Despite the obvious advantages of such a connection, manufacturing of such plastic panels requires special molding equipment, which allows panels to be formed with installed anchor members. Such equipment and associated methods are expensive and don't allow the use of a common foam panel produced by industry for wall and roof thermal insulation. In some foamed panel applications for formwork, it is not desirable that the anchor member be fixed relative into the panel during the forming process. In particular, in some applications, it is desirable that the anchor member or connector be free to rotate relative to the panel so it can be secured firmly to an end of a tie-rod.
The building of forms using such foam plastic panels is assisted by the availability of numerous apertures in order to receive corresponding tie-rods and/or connectors.
It should be noted that known methods of forming apertures, such as milling, are not effective for forming apertures in foam plastic due to its low strength. Additionally, apertures formed with mechanical impacting on foam plastic, is very complicated to control because of the coarse structure of foam plastic.
U.S. PTO application Ser. No. 10/253,843 filed on Sep. 24, 2002 by the same applicant, the contents of which, are hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a method and a design for apparatus for forming apertures in foamed plastic panels. The method and apparatus include a carriage mounted on tracks to travel on the frame. The carriage is adapted to hold the panels and there is a mechanism mounted above the panel to move the aperture forming instruments towards the panel. The aperture forming instruments consist of a longitudinal tubular probe heated by an electrical resistance coil with no contact with the panel and cause apertures to be formed there through. The coil is heated by electrical current, using transformers.
However, this apparatus has a relatively low production output if a large number of apertures are required for the panel that will be used in the form. The design of the instrument results in a relatively unheated ("cold") end. To heat the end portion of the instrument to generate a suitably hot thermal field under the instrument's end, the amount of beating of the main body of the instrument must be significantly increased. However, in heating the end for non-contact entering into a panel made of a foamed plastic material, the heat in the body is so high that it is difficult to form commensurable apertures with a diameter just a small amount larger than the diameter of the instrument. Additionally, this instrument doesn't allow forming the aperture with a complicated shape. Also, because the instrument is moving toward and through the panel, it becomes colder under the airflow movement and this causes a disruption to the thermal field around the heating instrument. This results in a decrease in temperature of the thermal field, which leads to a need to increase the consumed electrical power volume, to provide a given temperature and thermal field. In addition, use of the transformers as the electricity source for coils increases the cost of such a machine.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved method and apparatus for efficiently providing a plurality of apertures in foam plastic panels, particularly of the type that are used for construction.

Method and apparatus for forming apertures in foamed polystyrene and other foamed plastic panels


An asynchronous memory includes a memory array, a sense amplifier, an output latch, and a controller. In response to a clock signal from an external circuit requesting a read operation, the controller provides the clock signal to the memory array to read data, and controls the sense amplifier and the output latch to provide the functionality of a flip-flop master and slave so that the read operation delay through the output latch to the external circuit is removed from a first read cycle of two sequential read cycles.

When a circuit external to an asynchronous (self-timed) memory requests a read operation on the asynchronous memory, the asynchronous memory typically performs the read operation on the rising edge of a clock signal provided by the external circuit. A sense amplifier provides the retrieved data from the memory to an output latch. For high-performance, single-cycle memories, the retrieved data held by the output latch is then latched by flip-flops in the external circuit on a subsequent rising edge of the clock signal. It is desirable for this read path to fit within a cycle (or perhaps a little more if the subsequent rising edge of the clock signal is delayed) and is often a critical path in high-performance systems.

Pipelining an asynchronous memory reusing a sense amp and an output latch


The invention comprises a tubing assembly for use in testing an unconsolidated open-hole portion of a well bore located below a cased portion of the well bore and a method of using the assembly. The tubing assembly comprises an elongated tubing string extending from a well surface into the unconsolidated open-hole portion of the open hole, an open-hole packer mounted on the tubing string for use in sealingly engaging the unconsolidated open-hole portion of the well bore, a casing packer mounted on the tubing string between the open-hole packer and the well surface for sealingly engaging the cased portion of the well bore and a sand control device connected to the tubing string below the openhole packer. The assembly may further comprise additional open-hole packers and sand control devices mounted on the tubing string. Segments of the tubing string may be retrievable. The assembly may have one or more tubing disconnects mounted to the tubing string to disconnect segments of the tubing assembly. The tubing string may further comprise a selective flow device for selectively controlling the flow of well fluids from the well bore into the tubing string.

The present invention relates to fluid flow testing in subterranean hydrocarbon wells. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for flow testing in open-hole wells in unconsolidated formations.
Whether at sea or on land, during testing and completion of hydrocarbon wells, it is often necessary to test or evaluate the production capabilities of a well. This is typically done by isolating a subsurface formation, or a portion thereof, which is to be tested and subsequently flowing a sample of well fluid up through a tubing string to the surface. Various well data, such as pressure and temperature, in both static and flow conditions, may be monitored to evaluate the long-term production characteristics of the formation.
In a consolidated formation, where the formation materials provide well bore integrity such that the risk of collapse of the well bore is low, it may not be necessary to case the well bore prior to performing a drill stem test. Consolidated formations are often formed of hard rock, such as dolomite or limestone. In a consolidated well, open-hole packers are set directly against the well bore walls to isolate the zone of interest. Subsequently, the well is flow tested in the tubing string. A drill stem test tubing string carries packers, tester valves, circulating valves and the like to control the flow of fluids through the tubing string.
In an unconsolidated formation the risk of collapse of the well bore is high. Such a formation is typically formed of sand, or sand-and-shale, materials. Typically, where an unconsolidated well bore collapses onto the tubing string, it is not possible to obtain good test data. Consequently, one commonly used well testing procedure in unconsolidated wells is to first cement a casing into the well bore, perforate the casing, and then to perform the testing adjacent to the zone of interest in the formation. Subsequently the well fluid is flowed through perforations in the casing.
Although fluid flow testing of cased wells provides good test data, it has the disadvantage that the well must first be cased before the test can be conducted. Setting casing is costly and time-consuming. In xe2x80x9cthrow-awayxe2x80x9d wells, which are drilled primarily only for verification purposes, it is particularly desired to eliminate or lower total well costs. Also, better reservoir data can be obtained immediately after the well is drilled, prior to casing the well and before the well bore is damaged by drilling fluids and the like. This has led to a number of attempts at developing a successful open-hole test which can be used in an unconsolidated bore hole.
The invention comprises a tubing assembly for use in testing an unconsolidated open-hole portion of a well bore located below a cased portion of the well bore. The tubing assembly comprises an elongated tubing string extending from a well surface into the unconsolidated open-hole portion of the open hole, an open-hole packer mounted on the tubing string for use in sealingly engaging the unconsolidated open-hole portion of the well bore, a casing packer mounted on the tubing string between the open-hole packer and the well surface for sealingly engaging the cased portion of the well bore and a sand control device connected to the tubing string below the open-hole packer. The assembly may further comprise additional open-hole packers and sand control devices mounted on the tubing string. The tubing string may additionally have a data acquisition instrument mounted to the tubing string.
The open-hole packer and sand control device may be retrievable. The assembly may have one or more tubing disconnects mounted to the tubing string to disconnect segments of the tubing assembly. A tubing disconnect may be mounted to the tubing string between the open-hole packer and the sand control device or between the open-hole packer and the casing packer. The tubing string may further comprise a selective flow device for selectively controlling the flow of well fluids from the well bore into the tubing string. These devices may be controlled from the surface, activated by acoustic telemetry, or by surface intervention, by wireline or coil tubing.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a subterranean well having a well bore with a well surface, the subterranean well comprising a cased portion along at least a length of the well bore, an open-hole portion along at least a length of the well bore below the cased portion, and a tubing string assembly positioned in the well bore, the tubing assembly comprising: a length of tubing extending from the well surface to the open-hole portion of the well bore, a casing packer connected to the tubing for sealingly engaging the cased portion of the well bore, an open-hole packer connected to the tubing for sealingly engaging the open-hole portion of the well bore and a sand control device connected to the tubing.
The method of performing a flow test in a well bore in an unconsolidated subterranean formation, the well bore having a cased portion above an open-hole portion, comprises the steps of running a tubing assembly into the well bore, the tubing assembly comprising tubing, a casing packer mounted thereon, an open-hole packer mounted on the tubing downhole from the casing packer and a sand control device mounted on the tubing downhole from the open-hole packer; setting the casing packer in the cased portion of the well bore; setting the open-hole packer in the open-hole portion of the well bore; and selectively flowing fluids from the unconsolidated formation through the sand control device and into the tubing assembly to conduct the flow test.
The method may further comprise the steps of measuring well data, retrieving at least a segment of the tubing assembly, and disconnecting at least a segment of the tubing assembly. In the method, the tubing assembly may further comprise another open-hole packer mounted on the tubing downhole of the sand control device and another sand control device mounted to the tubing downhole of the another open-hole packer. The step of selectively flowing fluids may include selectively flowing fluids through the multiple sand control devices.

Open-hole test method and apparatus for subterranean wells


An interrupt apparatus for remotely controlling a potentiometer is comprised of an encoder for generating a pair of quadrature output signals whenever the encoder becomes rotated. The pair of signals are sent to a pair of D flip-flops for detecting a rising or falling edge of one of the signals. The pair of D flip-flops sends an interrupt signal to a microprocessor when the signals indicate that the encoder has been rotated. Either one of a pair of AND gates will output a high signal to set a third D flip-flop when motion is in the counter-clockwise direction. After being interrupted, the microprocessor reads the direction signal from the third flip-flop, resets the three flip-flops so that subsequent motion may be detected, updates the value of resistance stored in memory, and outputs the magnitude of the resistance in digital form. The digital signal is converted into an analog signal and received at a servo control circuit for causing the motorized potentiometer to become repositioned to the desired resistance.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a method of remote control and, more particularly, to an interrupt method of remotely controlling the setting of a device, such as a potentiometer in the feedback loop of a preamplifier in an audio mixer.
2. Description of Prior Art
An audio mixer is typically connected to a plurality of microphones and/or other input lines. The microphones and other input lines frequently have a pre-amplifier stage for amplifying the signals before they reach the mixing stages. The pre-amplifiers are generally configured with a potentiometer so that an operator may manually vary the amount of feedback in the pre-amplifier and thus vary the amount of amplification, as is well known in the art.
It is difficult, however, to easily and accurately set the value of the potentiometer to a desired setting, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,674 to Snyder, for example. Snyder discloses a system in which the setting of a fader potentiometer may be reset by the use of test signals and by manually adjusting the potentiometer until the previous setting is reached.
The use of a control system for remotely controlling the setting of a potentiometer is also known. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,075 issued to Liska et al. discloses a servo control circuit which has feedback to insure that the desired setting of the potentiometer equals the actual setting of the potentiometer. In this system, an amplifier receives the difference between the actual and desired settings. Depending upon whether this difference is positive or negative, the motor is driven either one or the other directions in order to reposition the potentiometer.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,051 issued to Giardina discloses an arrangement which can remotely control the setting of an electronic "potentiometer" having a variable resistance. The arrangement comprises an operator controlled switch which is toggled for causing a counter to either increase or decrease its count. A digital to analog converter receives the output of the counter and transmits an analog signal to a pair of complementary opto-isolators to simulate the effect of a potentiometer. This arrangement replaces the potentiometer with the pair of opto-isolators.
It is a problem in the prior art to remotely control the gain of a pre-amplifier for use with an audio mixer. It is also a problem in the prior art to repeatedly set the value of the potentiometer to a desired value. It is also a problem in the prior art to accurately set the value of a potentiometer.

Interrupt driven method of remote control


Techniques for splitting a time-range query into sub-queries for serial execution are provided. In one embodiment, a user query is received requesting items within a time range from a database. The time range is divided into a plurality of time periods within the time range. Sub-queries defining respective time periods of the plurality of time periods are generated from the user query, and a first sub-query is executed. The first sub-query defines a first time period of the plurality of time periods, where the first time period is a most-recent time period or a least-recent time period among the plurality of time periods. If it is determined that a number of items obtained from executing the first sub-query is greater than or equal to a predetermined result target, then the items obtained from executing the first sub-query are provided and subsequent sub-queries are not executed.

Modern distributed information systems are increasingly complex and can include thousands of host computing devices, virtual machines (VMs) and networking components, servicing an even larger number of clients. Components of these systems produce massive volumes of machine-generated log data (application logs, network traces, configuration files, messages, performance data, system state dumps, etc.). Log data provides valuable information to system administrators as they manage these complex systems. Log data can be useful in troubleshooting, discovering trends, detecting security problems, and measuring performance. However, individual logs are difficult for a user to interpret and analyze efficiently.
In practice, unstructured and structured log data is aggregated or ingested from multiple sources, stored, and studied within an analytic framework to provide true operational value. Typically, software agents running on or within various system components aggregate log data as it is generated, and a database platform periodically ingests that data for later search and retrieval.
In order to retrieve specific log data from the database platform for analysis, the database platform is queried, and the results of the query are returned by the database platform. In some cases, a query that involves searching and/or retrieving a large amount of log data can be slow to fulfill due to the amount of data being processed. As the size and complexity of information systems continue to grow, the increasing volume of log data exacerbates the need for more customizable and efficient techniques for searching and retrieving log data for analysis.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Splitting a time-range query into multiple sub-queries for serial execution


A non-volatile memory device includes lower and upper electrodes over a substrate, a conductive organic material layer between the lower and the upper electrodes, and a nanocrystal layer located within the conductive organic material layer, wherein the nanocrystal layer includes a plurality of nanocrystals surrounded by an amorphous barrier, wherein the device has a multi-level output current according to a voltage level of an input voltage coupled to the lower and the upper electrodes during a data read operation.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and, more particularly, to a non-volatile memory device having a structure where a conductive organic material layer is disposed between upper and lower electrodes and a method for fabricating the same.
A volatile dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device and a non-volatile flash memory device represent two types of memory devices. In the DRAM device, a length of a channel underneath a gate of a cell transistor is adjusted according to a voltage supplied to the gate and a cell capacitor is charged or discharged by electrons moving through the channel formed between source and drain terminals of the cell transistor, so that cell data is read by detecting the charged or discharged state of the cell capacitor. Since the DRAM device is a volatile memory device, when power is not supplied to the device, the cell data stored in the device may be lost due to a leakage current. Thus, the cell capacitor should be continuously charged to maintain the cell data, which increases power consumption.
On the other hand, in a non-volatile flash memory device such as a NAND type flash memory device, Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling is generated due to a voltage supplied to a control gate and a channel region. Then, by FN tunneling, a floating gate is charged with electrons or the electrons are discharged from the floating gate. A threshold voltage of the channel region changes according to the charged or discharged state of the floating gate and the flash memory device distinguishes 0 or 1 data by detecting a change of the threshold voltage. Since the flash memory device uses FN tunneling, the voltage used in the device becomes very high. Furthermore, since a data read/write operation is performed by charging/discharging the electrons in/from the floating gate formed with polysilicon through FN tunneling, a data processing speed becomes slow, i.e., μ-second level.
To fabricate the typical memory device, since at least several tens of processes need to be performed and a memory cell size is relatively great (e.g., 8 F2), it is difficult to highly integrate the device, reduce product cost, and maintain a high yield.
Accordingly, research institutes and enterprises conduct various studies to develop next generation memory devices that overcome limitations of the DRAM and the flash memory devices while keeping their advantages.
Research for the next generation memory devices are being conducted in various fields according to materials used in a unit cell of the devices. For instance, one of the devices applies current into a phase transfer material and detects 0 or 1 data by using resistance difference obtained according to whether the material is cooled to a solid state having less resistance or an amorphous state having greater resistance. Another one of the devices uses the bistable conductive characteristics having high resistance and low resistance in the same voltage when applying a voltage to a conductive organic material. Still another one of the devices uses ferroelectrics. Further still another one of the devices uses a ferromagnetic material having N and S poles to store data. Furthermore, there is study being conducted for a non-volatile memory device employing a planar floating gate using nanocrystals of metal, silicon or compound semiconductor instead of silicon of a flat structure.
However, study groups researching the next generation memory devices have a common problem of finding the optimized process conditions for applying the above materials to the highly integrated memory devices.
Particularly, a non-volatile memory device using a conductive organic material, e.g., a polymer (Po) RAM device, has not been applied to an actual fabrication process and it is not easy to find the precise fabrication conditions. That is, since it is difficult to repetitively form nanocrystals with regular size and distribution in the conductive organic material, a threshold voltage and a bistable conductive characteristic, i.e. Ion/Ioff, become irregular.

Conductive organic nonvolatile memory device having nanocrystals surrounded by amorphous barrier


A connector with a switch comprises a housing for defining a terminal accommodation chamber opened through a plug pin insertion hole. A fixed terminal and a switch terminal are held by the housing. The switch terminal comprises a U-shaped section opened toward the plug pin insertion hole in the terminal accommodation chamber. The U-shaped section is elastically deformable in a direction crossing the direction of plug pin insertion. The switch terminal is switched from a state in which it is brought into contact with the fixed terminal to a state in which the contact thereof with the fixed terminal is cut off as the U-shaped section is deformed in the direction crossing the direction of plug pin insertion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coaxial connector with a switch which is connected to a transmission/receiving circuit in a radio terminal such as a cellular phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a radio LAN (Local Area Network) module, or an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) module, and relates to the structure of a coaxial connector with a switch in which a connection of a switch terminal is switched from a fixed terminal to a plug pin by connection to a plug pin in a counterpart connector.
2. Description of Related Arts
Although a coaxial connector with a switch of this type generally connects a built-in transmission/receiving circuit and an attached antenna in a cellular phone, a PHS, or the like, for example, the connection between the built-in transmission/receiving circuit and the attached antenna is interrupted at the time of final examination before shipment to connect the built-in transmission/receiving circuit to an examination device.
Consequently, the coaxial connector of this type may be used for small-sized electronic apparatuses such as a cellular phone in many cases. In order to miniaturize the whole apparatus, it is desired that the coaxial connector is made as small and thin as possible (for example, the height of the connector is set to not more than 2.5 mm or not more than 2 mm).
Conventionally, a technique for providing a fixed terminal 94 extending in a direction 93 perpendicular to a direction of insertion 92 of a plug pin 91 and a switch terminal 95 for switching, which is elastically deformable in an S like shape, and bending the switch terminal 95 pressed by the plug pin 91 such that the S like shape thereof becomes flat to interrupt the connection between the switch terminal 95 and the fixed terminal 94 has been proposed, as shown in FIG. 12 (for example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 2889562 issued on May 10, 1999).
In the above-mentioned gazette, however, the S like shape switch terminal 95 is flattened and bent in the direction of insertion 92 of the plug pin 91. When the elastic range of the switch terminal 95 is considered, therefore, the height of the coaxial connector cannot be made so small. That is, the coaxial connector cannot be thinned.
Further, in a case where the plug pin 91 is too deeply pressed or a case where a foreign material such as a screw driver is inserted in place of the plug pin 91 so that the S like shape switch terminal 95 is excessively bent, the switch terminal 95 is plastically deformed, which may substantially result in a poor connection between the switch terminal 95 and the fixed terminal 94 after that.
Furthermore, a contact for a plug pin 96 in the S-shaped switch terminal 95 is opposed to a plug pin insertion hole 97 in the direction of insertion 92 of the plug pin 91. Accordingly, dust, plating residues, or the like entering from the plug pin insertion hole 97 may, in some cases, be attached to the contact for a plug pin 96. In the coaxial connector disclosed in the above-mentioned gazette, when the plug pin 91 is pressed thereinto, a contact area between the plug pin 91 and the contact for a plug pin 96 in the switch terminal 95 is not changed. When the dust is attached, as described above, therefore, the connection therebetween becomes poor. Consequently, the coaxial connector may not be satisfactorily examined.
An object of the present invention is to provide a thin coaxial connector with a switch which can be satisfactorily examined because it does not easily cause a poor connection between a switch terminal and a fixed terminal and is not easily affected by dust or the like.

Coaxial connector with a substantially S-shaped switch


A computer implemented system and method of proofreading text in a computer system includes receiving text from a user into a text editing module. At least a portion of the text is converted to an audio signal upon the detection of an indicator, the indicator defining a boundary in the text by either being embodied therein or comprising delays in receiving text. The audio signal is played through a speaker to the user to provide feedback.

The present invention relates to data processing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to proofreading text in a text editing system.
A text editing system or module, for example, a word processing application, is well known and allows easy manipulation of stored text. Many text editing modules also provide some level of proofreading. In many word processing applications, proofreading consists of a spelling checker for identifying spelling errors. In more advanced word processing applications, proofreading includes detecting grammatical and punctuation errors as well.
When performing spell checking, the word processing application scans the text stored in memory on the computer system and identifies spelling errors. To identify the errors, the word processing application compares each word of the text with a spelling dictionary. Spelling errors are detected when a word contained in the text does not exist in the spelling dictionary. After detection of each error, or after detection of all errors in the text, the individual errors are displayed to the user using a visual display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). The individual errors are visually identified to the user by highlighting or underlining the error in the surrounding text, and/or providing a suitable user interface that allows the user to see the error and select a suitable correction.
Although the word processing application is well suited for detecting textual errors such as spelling and grammar, current systems require the user to interact with the proofreading functions using the visual display device. This requires the user to remain in front of the visual display during the proofreading process.
Another text editing module in common use foremost Asian languages is a converter system that converts phonetic symbols to a selected language. Such a text editing module is often referred as IME (Input Method Editor) in xe2x80x9cWINDOWS-95xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cWINDOWS NTxe2x80x9d operating systems sold by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. The phonetic symbols can be provided to a computer using a standard keyboard. The computer includes a converter module that converts the phonetic symbols to the selected language. For example, it is common to form Japanese text in a computer system by entering phonetic characters from an English or Latin keyboard. Inputting Japanese phonetic characters using the letters of the Latin alphabet is called xe2x80x9cRomajixe2x80x9d. The computer system compares each of the Romaji characters with a stored dictionary and produces a xe2x80x9cKanaxe2x80x9d sequence (xe2x80x9cKanasxe2x80x9d). Kanas are Japanese syllabic symbols which represent the sound of Japanese. The IME converter then converts the Kana form into xe2x80x9cKanjixe2x80x9d form, which is a formal Japanese writing language, through sophisticated linguistic analysis. (The formal Japanese writing system actually consists of a mixture of Kanjis and Kanas, where the Kanjis represent most of the content information and bear no direct information about pronunciation.)
However, in a conventional text processing system used in a Japanese word processor, the appropriate Kanji equivalent for the Kana sequence often must be selected using a so-called candidate display-and-choice method. Specifically, a number of Kanji candidates are displayed for a sequence of Kana so that the user can choose the appropriate one. This display-and-choice method is necessary since the Japanese language includes a number of homonyms and no explicit word boundaries, which cause inevitable Kana to Kanji conversion errors. By displaying the Kanji candidates, the user can view the possible candidates and select the appropriate Kanji representation. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, detection of the incorrect Kanji representation is cumbersome and time-consuming. Since the user must constantly switch attention from the text that is being inputted to the Kanji candidates displayed on the screen, user fatigue is a problem and high typewriting speed cannot be achieved.
Similarly, the text editing module used in a Chinese word processor also requires IME conversions which converts either from phonetic symbols (Pinyin) or stroke symbols (Wu-Bi) to the written Hanzi representations. Pinyin IME is the most popular phonetic Chinese IME and operates similar to the Japanese Kana IME discussed above. Users type phonetic spelling of Chinese Hanzi characters and the IME will convert the phonetic Pinyin string to the corresponding Hanzi string through the use of Pinyin dictionary and language models. Wu-Bi IME is the most popular stroke-based Chinese IME which converts the input stroke sequence into the correspondent Hanzi sequence according to a special Chinese stroke dictionary. In addition to the user fatigue problem mentioned above, it is in general very difficult to spot errors because neither explicit word boundaries nor semantic separators (like Kana) are present in Chinese. Particularly, the lack of tone marks in Pinyin IME causes far more homonyms to occur than with Japanese Kana IME. Often the list of homonyms for some pinyin sequences can be too long to fit on the entire screen of the visual display.
Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to more effectively and efficiently proofread text in many types of data processing systems employing text editing modules.
In general an embodiment of the present invention is to use audio feedback to help users detect errors (typing, spelling, grammar, speech recognition, or IME conversion) when executing a text editing system. This type of audio feedback will not only enable a user to perform eyes-free (therefore less intrusive) proofreading, but also allow the user to detect errors much more effectively when compared with other proofreading tools, particularly for Asian languages.
Another aspect of the present invention is a computer implemented system and method of proofreading text in a computer system that includes receiving text from a user into a text editing module. At least a portion of the text is converted to an audio signal. The audio signal is played through a speaker to the user to provide feedback, so the user can detect errors (e.g. typing, spelling, grammar, speech recognition and IME conversion) without looking at the screen.
Another aspect of the present invention is a dictation system operable on a computer for processing text. The computer includes a microphone and a speaker. The dictation system includes a speech recognition module receiving an input signal from the microphone and converting the input signal to text, and a text-to-speech module receiving the text and converting the selected text to an output signal providable to the speaker. Through the audio feedback, the users can detect recognition errors without looking at the screen.
Another aspect of the present invention is a proofreading system operable on a computer for inputting text via IME""s. The computer includes an input device and a speaker. The proofreading system includes a text converter adapted to receive phonetic (or stroke) symbols from the input device and to convert the phonetic symbols to text. A text-to-speech module receives the text and converts the text to an output signal providable to the speaker, so users can easily detect conversion errors.

Proofreading with text to speech feedback


A method in a cellular telecommunications network having a first central base station unit connecting to each of a plurality of distributed base station units, including identifying a cluster of distributed base station units within the plurality of distributed base station units, wherein each member of the cluster has a neighboring relationship with another member of the cluster that satisfies a threshold; using a first functional split in which a first set of protocol functions are implemented in the first central base station unit and a second set of protocol functions are implemented by each member of the cluster of distributed base station units; identifying a change in the membership of the cluster of distributed base station units; and, in response, causing the first central base station unit and each member of the cluster of distributed base station units to implement a second functional split in which a third set of protocol functions are implemented in the first central base station unit and a fourth set of protocol functions are implemented by each member of the cluster of distributed base station units.

Modern cellular networks support Centralized Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architectures in which a base station may be split into a central unit and a distributed unit. The central unit interconnects a core cellular network with a plurality of distributed units, and the plurality of distributed units each communicate with a plurality of UEs. The various protocol layers of the cellular protocol in use are split between the central and distributed units such that the distributed units implement the lowermost layer (e.g. the radio frequency layer) and optionally one or more higher layers, and all other higher layers are implemented in the central unit. As more protocol layers are implemented in the central unit, then the central unit may improve coordination across multiple distributed units and thereby improve Quality of Service. However, such protocol splits require higher capacity links between the central unit and distributed units, so a balance must be struck when determining which protocol split to use.

Implementing functional split of protocol functions in a central base station unit

British Telecommunications Public Limited Company


Systems and methods for providing a media device capabilities determination mechanism in a networked computing environment are provided. Some of today's operating systems and applications deliver a set of remoting features to enable a networked ecosystem of remote media consumption devices. These devices connect to the host and display a remoted media experience via remoting protocols and technologies. In this regard, the device capabilities determination mechanism of the invention enables a remote device to specify a custom set of media capabilities that should be remoted from the host to the remote device.

Remote computing gives a computing system the capability to serve operating system-based applications to terminals and terminal emulators running on PC and non-PC desktops. Such an environment can be a thin-client architecture where application processing occurs mainly on a central server, but can be distributed as well. Because clients requesting access to such applications are available for many different desktop platforms (Macintosh, UNIX, and others), the server provides access to applications from virtually any desktop, and thereby provide enterprises and consumers alike with an extension to their computing environment with a lower total cost of ownership.
For instance, one type of remote computing, called multipoint computer application, enables sharing of applications among computers by allowing a view onto a computer application executing at one site to be advertised within a session to other sites. Such communication is achieved by way of a pre-defined protocol. Each site can, under specified conditions, take control of the shared computer application by sending remote input, such as remote keyboard and pointing device information. It thus enables remote viewing and control of a single application instance to provide the illusion that the application is running locally. Also, some types of "application sharing" remote computing provide for the synchronization, at multiple sites, of multiple instances of the same executing computer application. A session generally includes object(s) executing on one or more client entities which cooperate via a protocol to share one or more applications within the session. Such a protocol defines interactions among client entities and the session. Terminal Server and the Remote Desktop Protocol enable an exemplary remote computing environment.
FIG. 1A generally illustrates how remote computing, like the remote computing of Terminal Server, operates between a server and a client. Server S and client C communicate over any network connection NC, whether wired or wireless. Application A executes on the server S. A user interface, representing operations that can be performed in connection with Application A, is transmitted to the client C. The user interface is then rendered or displayed, e.g., Display D, on client C, and a user of client C can perform operations in connection with server S as if the application were running locally. Input to client C respecting Application A is transmitted back to server S via RDP or another protocol, received by the remote computing server software and the operation respecting Application A is performed on server S on behalf of client C.
Over the last decade, the media rendering functionality of host PCs has been evolving rapidly. Moreover, the number of formats of media, whether audio and/or video, that can be rendered by the host PC has been proliferating. Fortunately, storage has evolved alongside the media desktop to handle the increase in media, whether stored in connection with a streaming experience, or more permanently on disk. Consequently, it is desirable to port the media rendering capabilities of today's host PC desirable to remote devices.
Commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/413,846 (the '846 application), filed Apr. 15, 2003, entitled "Application Program Interfaces and Structures in a Resource Limited Operating System," describes various techniques for remoting a media experience. As discussed in the '846 application, exemplary cooperation among computing devices to transmit a media experience rapidly and in high quality to one or more remote endpoints is shown in FIG. 1B and described below.
FIG. 1B provides a high-level overview of an exemplary operating environment 200 suitable for transmitting media to a remote device. A local PC 201 depicts a computing experience 202, which includes a user-interface component 204 and a media component 206. To transmit the computing experience 202 in high quality, the user interface is communicated through a user-interface channel 210 and the media component(s) 206 are communicated through a media channel 208 via network 211. A remote component 212 receives the user-interface component 204 and the media component 206 through their respective channels. The media and user-interface component are composited to render the computing experience 202 on a remote endpoint 213.
Local PC 201 can be a conventional PC, such as computer 110, as well as a variety of other computing devices. Other exemplary computing devices include a notebook computer, a tablet PC, or a server. Local PC 201 can be any consumer-electronics device capable of rendering media component 206. As will be described in greater detail below, local PC 201 can be used in connection with components to remotely distribute media presentations. Moreover, a DRM scheme enabled by local PC 201 can be applied to the distributed media presentations.
Computing experience 202, in a preferred embodiment, is a media experience that would be observed locally at PC 201. But computing experience 202 should not be construed as limited to a single instantiation. Rather, the present invention contemplates multiple computing experiences 202 that can each be instantiated and received by respective endpoints. Computing experience 202 includes both a user-interface component 204 and a media component 206.
User-interface component 204 includes graphics and images that typically compose a user interface. User-interface component 204 includes icons, host audio, background images and applications such as word-processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and so forth. Virtually any components that are not media components are part of user-interface component 204. Media Players and associated operating system media components are examples of software utilized in connection with user-interface component 204.
Media component 206 includes media-rich or bandwidth-intensive elements that compose a media event. The following is a nonexhaustive list of exemplary media components: a streaming media presentation, including video and/or audio presentation(s), a television program, including a cable television (CATV), satellite, pay-per-view, or broadcast program, a digitally compressed media experience, a radio program, a recorded media event (sourced by a VCR, DVD player, CD player, Personal Video Recorder and the like), a real-time media event, a camera feed and so on.
Thus, a user with local PC 201 located in a home office could use that PC to watch a streaming video program from the Internet on a television (a first remote endpoint 213) in the family room. Moreover, using the same PC, a child could simultaneously watch on another television set (a second remote endpoint 213) a video stored on local PC 201.
It is noted that these scenarios can be extended to a myriad of circumstances. For instance, a third user could simultaneously observe a camera feed inputted into local PC 201 that is remoted to a third remote endpoint 213. A fourth user could use local PC 201 to remote a fourth instantiation of computing experience 202 to watch a remoted television program on a monitor that does not have a TV tuner.
User-interface channel 210 communicates user-interface component 204 to remote component 212. Terminal Server and Terminal Client Services, offered by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., provide an exemplary user-interface channel 210. Any remotable protocol can be used to transmit data through user-interface channel 210. Exemplary protocols include the T-120 series protocol and HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol).
Media channel 208 is separate from user-interface channel 210. Media channel 208 is used to transmit bandwidth-intensive experiences such as video and others listed above. Media component 206 provides a communications conduit for data to flow separate from user-interface component 204. Thus, the media component 206 is sent out of band with respect to the user-interface component, but synchronized. An exemplary protocol to transmit data through media component 206 includes, but is not limited to, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Network 211 can be any communications network, but is described in the context of a local area network (LAN). Today, LANs are offered in many varieties, including Ethernet, phone-wire networks, power-wire networks, and wireless networks. Wireless networks are not limited to radio and spread-spectrum networks and utilize protocols such as 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. An ordinary skilled artisan will readily appreciate these and other networks can also be used.
In each of the scenarios mentioned above, user-interface component 204 is presented on the respective remote endpoint 213 along with media component 206. This enables a remote user to remotely operate local PC 201. Typical actions that a remote user may desire to carry out include commands such as stop, fast forward, and rewind as well as conventional computer commands that enable actions such as resizing replay windows and adjusting volume and picture quality. In theory, it would work to have a standard set of input commands from which the user of a remote media device could choose, if remote media devices were standard, but as illustrated in FIG. 1C, both remote media devices and media types are diverse groups.
For exemplary purposes only, FIG. 1C illustrates that there are many kinds of media, such as music (MP3s, WMAs, etc.), streaming audio/video, photos (JPEGs, GIFs, etc.), movie files (MOVs, MPEGs, etc.), advertisements, broadcast media (radio, TV, cable, etc.), graphics data, etc. FIG. 1C also illustrates that there is a variety of devices that render media in some fashion, for some purpose. These devices include, but are not limited to, televisions, radios, tuners, DVD players, VCRs, MP3 players, Smart Display devices, laptops, gaming machines, remote control devices, cell phones, PDAs, digital picture frames, etc. The exemplary, non-limiting links between the media types and devices illustrate that each of the types of devices may or may not have the ability to render the type of media in question. Thus, the media rendering capabilities of the remote devices are diverse. Moreover, even if a device supports the ability to render a particular format, there is still a difference between the user interface capabilities presented at a host device versus the capabilities of a user interface presented at the remote device. It would be desirable to have a user interface abstraction layer for the translation of the user interface capabilities from the host device to the remote device.
For instance, an MP3 player may or may not be able to store or render video. A laptop may have significantly better storage, processing power and resolution than other devices. A universal remote device may have specialized touch screen capabilities. Thus, a user would benefit from automatic tailoring of the desktop media experience familiar to the user in a custom format that makes sense in view of the media capabilities of a select remote device. Today, no such ability exists, unless a developer hardwires unique server software and unique client software for achieving the objective with respect to a specific device.
It would thus be desirable to have a mechanism or framework for a remote device to declare its media rendering capabilities to a host device. It would be further desirable to have a mechanism or framework for a remote device to declare its user interface capabilities to a host device as they relate to the remote device's media experience. Accordingly, there is a great need in the art for a remote computing mechanism, enabling a remote device to declare capabilities as they relate to media in a computing system including at least one host device, and one or more remote devices.

Systems and methods for determining remote device media capabilities