A system for automating testing of a software product is provided including an automation test framework module configured to receive input from the framework to define and maintain test suite modules to test the software product including object requirements for tests based on user stories and/or requirements associated with the software product; build object instance navigation and automated test scripts based on the received input; and provide an object instance navigation map for the test suite modules, wherein the automation test framework module receives the input, builds the object instances and provides the object instance navigation map before or in parallel with coding analysis, design and coding of the software product. Thus, embodiments of the present inventive concept replace manual tests with an automated system. Related methods and computer program products are also provided.

Conventional test automation software does not generally include a script framework. In automated software testing, a "framework" is an abstraction in which the framework's software provides generic functionality can be selectively changed by additional user-written code or framework native utilities, thus providing application-specific automated software tests. A software test automation framework provides a standard way to build, deploy, and execute automated tests. Automated tests have large numbers of redundant test steps scattered throughout the test suite. Without a test automation framework, updates and fixes to the automation scripts become virtually impossible, causing abandonment of automated testing. Test automation frameworks help reduce redundancy, improving maintainability. However it fails to mitigate the impact on large automation suites caused by minor application changes. Such changes can instantly render obsolete twenty to fifty percent of all tests. This makes test maintenance inefficient, if not impossible, even with the elimination of redundancy. Even when the test software automation frameworks effectively manage redundancy and improve maintenance, automated test suites generally lag behind development and requires a larger number of patches and rework, which eventually becomes unworkable as fewer and fewer automated tests can be executed.
Conventional automated test scripts are generally created after the code is developed and compiled and passes manual functional tests which are used to test the various features of the compiled code. Thus thorough manual testing is needed to stabilize application software sufficiently to make automated testing possible.
Effective high coverage test design crates a high degree of redundant test steps throughout the test suite. When these manual tests are automated, the automated test suite lags behind the evolution of the application itself. Improved methods of test automation are desired that reduce cost, maintenance man hours as well as the amount of training required to execute these tests.

Methods, systems and computer program products for automated software testing


A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.

In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a tool useful for the purpose of, for example, disconnecting a flexible fuel line from a fuel filter such as used in many General Motors products. The tool is also useful for disconnecting lines other than fuel lines.
During automotive repair operations, it is often necessary to remove and replace the fuel filter from a fuel line. The mechanism for connecting a fuel line to a fuel filter is often a type wherein the connection mechanism is accessible through an annular space about the fuel line connected to the fuel filter. That is, retention elements are incorporated in the fuel line capable of fitting over and gripping a nozzle protruding from the fuel filter. Mechanisms of this type are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,359.
Various devices have been proposed for disconnecting such a fuel line from such a fuel filter. For example, a tool identified as a GM Fuel Line Tool manufactured by OTC as their product No. OTC6603 discloses the use of a tool which includes bifurcated arms with a disconnection element positioned at the ends of the bifurcated arms to effect fuel line disconnection. Tools of this general nature are depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,455,995 and 6,195,862 B1.
While such tools have been found to be useful, they often pose especially difficult problems when used in restricted spaces where placing such a tool in contact with a fuel line connection mechanism is difficult. Thus, there has developed a need to provide an improved mechanism or means for disconnecting a fuel filter from a fuel line as well as a tool that is useful for disconnection of other types of lines in accessible as well as inaccessible locations.


Embodiments described herein provide an object store that efficiently manages and services objects for use by clients of a distributed data processing system. Illustratively, the object store may be embodied as a quasi-shared storage system that interacts with nodes of the distributed data processing system to service the objects as blocks of data stored on a plurality of storage devices, such as disks, of the storage system. To that end, an architecture of the object store may include an on-disk layout, e.g., of the storage system, and an incore layout, e.g., of the nodes, that cooperate to illustratively convert the blocks to objects for access by the clients.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to object stores and, more specifically, to an architecture of an object store deployed in a distributed data processing system.
Background Information
In many current analytics frameworks, distributed data processing systems may be used to process and analyze large datasets. An example of such a framework is Hadoop, which provides data storage services to clients using a distributed file system and data processing services though a cluster of commodity computers or nodes. The distributed file system, e.g., the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), executes on the cluster of nodes to enable client access to the data in the form of logical constructs organized as blocks, e.g., HDFS blocks. Each node of the cluster typically has its own private (i.e., shared-nothing) storage and employs a native file system, such as ext3/4 or XFS. The native file system typically has a plurality of features directed to management of the data in the form of logical constructs organized as files. As a result, the distributed file system may be employed to access the data as blocks, while the native file systems executing on the cluster of nodes may be employed to store and process the blocks as one or more files.
Often it may be desirable to avoid the use of a native file system in certain deployments of distributed data processing systems because many of the features provided by the native file system may not be required. For example, a feature of a native file system is its compliance with the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) standard, which requires exposing file handles to clients to enable access, e.g., reading and writing, to files in accordance with a full set of operations. The distributed data processing system may not require POSIX compliance because there may only be a limited set of operations, such as open, read and verify checksum, needed by the distributed file system to access blocks. Thus, the overhead associated with the many features provided by a native file system may not be appropriate for the distributed data processing system deployment.
Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a storage solution to distributed data processing systems that eliminates the overhead associated with native file systems. In addition, it may be desirable to provide a generic storage solution that may be deployed in distributed data processing systems that employ data management systems, such as distributed file systems and distributed database management systems.

Object store architecture for distributed data processing system


A bushing for aircraft landing gear includes a cylindrical wall having an interior surface defining a bore extending between a first and second axial end thereof and a cylindrical recess extending into the interior surface. The bushing includes a cylindrical self-lubricating liner which is substantially flush with the interior surface is disposed in the recess. The cylindrical wall includes a flange that has an annular recess that receives an annular self-lubricating liner that has a planar axial bearing surface. The planar axial bearing surface is coplanar with an inboard axial surface of the flange. The bushing has an electrically conductive path that conducts electrical current and that extends around the cylindrical self-lubricating liner and the annular self-lubricating liner and through the cylindrical wall and the flange.

Generally, existing landing gear bushings for aerospace applications require periodic maintenance and/or re-greasing. Longer life bushings sacrifice electrical conductivity by containing additional permanent or semi-permanent lubrication. There is a need in the art for a bushing that maintains electrical conductibility without the need for periodic maintenance.
Aircraft must manage weight, structural strength, and electrical currents. These electrical currents are caused by electromagnetic effects (EME) such as lightning strikes to radio towers and static discharge and electrically conductive paths and/or electrical isolation are required. EME, such as lightning, may have large currents and high voltages capable of producing electrical arcing across exposed surfaces. In aircraft made with non-conductive composite materials, good electrical paths are required to dissipate EME energy, and good electrical isolation is required to protect sensitive equipment and fluids. Bonding and grounding requirements such as in wing ice protection systems must also be provided for aircraft electrical systems.
FIG. 3 depicts a prior art grease lubricated bushing 2. This simple bushing 2 has a flange 4 at a first end and a sleeve 6 extending from the flange 4 to a second end. Prior art grease lubricated bushings 2 provide the ability to pass electrical current because there is direct contact between the metal housing, metal bushing 2, and metal shaft. These prior art grease lubricated bushings 2 use an electrically conductive grease. Prior art bushings do not provide an adequate pathway for electric current while retaining a long service life without the need to re-lubricate the bushing.
One material of liner that is employed in existing landing gear is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is not electrically conductive. Therefore, known self-lubricating bushings such as PTFE bushings do not conduct electricity therethrough. As such, conduction of electrical current resulting from a lightning strike or static electricity through aircraft hardware may be impeded, causing damage to the bushing or other components.

Self-lubricated electrically conductive bushing


Color displays superpose a two color image component with a monochrome image component to yield full color images. Each image component may be generated by controlling an array of light sources. In some embodiments the monochrome image component is provided by a backlight and the two color component is provided by an array of sub-pixels of two types.

Color matrix display (CMD) devices, in which a discretely-addressable two-dimensional matrix of picture elements (pixels) is used to create a full-color image are rapidly becoming the dominant technology for both information display and television (TV) applications. Some color matrix displays, such as multi-color organic light emitting diode (OLED) matrix displays and matrix-addressed electroluminescent (EL) panels are self-luminous. Other color matrix displays, such as matrix-addressed liquid crystal displays (LCDs), are not self-luminous. A device, such as an LCD matrix, that is not self-luminous may be called a "light valve".
Synthesizing full-color images from a limited set of primary colors is a common problem for all CMDs. The trichromatic theory of color vision underlies color synthesis. This theory postulates that all colors are analyzed by the human visual system (HVS) through three different types of response, which correspond to the transformed spectral sensitivities of three different populations of photosensitive receptors in the human retina. Each receptor population is selectively sensitive to optical radiation within a finite spectral bandwidth that approximates separate long-(red), middle-(green) and short-(blue) wavelength response functions. These three response functions are neurally processed and combined in a complex manner to produce what we ultimately experience as color.
According to the trichromatic theory, because the outputs of only three distinct populations of wavelength-sensitive receptors are combined to produce our sensation of the entire spectrum of colors, the appearance of any color can be matched by mixing three appropriately-selected primary color stimuli.
Conceptually, the simplest form of additivity involves directly superimposing three differently-colored beams of light or colored images. Some full-color electronic displays combine light from primary-colored luminous sources. For example, some projection displays designed for group viewing superpose three projected primary-color images. The optical systems for such projection displays tend to be large and cumbersome. Precise alignment of the three projected images is often difficult to achieve. Moreover, most displays of this type tend to be low in luminance.
Direct-view displays that attempt to superimpose three primary-color images have the added problem that manufacturing yields and device reliability can be undesirably low in devices that require fabrication and alignment of three independently-addressable primary color pixel arrays. This raises manufacturing costs. Further, direct-view displays which utilize spatial superposition are prone to viewing parallax at off-axis observation angles. Viewing parallax results in the perceptible misregistration of the three primary color pixel arrays and becomes increasingly apparent as the pixel dimensions relative to the thickness of the individual color pixel arrays decreases (e.g. high-resolution color displays) and/or the off-axis observation angle is increased.
Some displays exploit the fact that the HVS is quite limited in both spatial and temporal resolution. Integration occurs beyond the spatial and temporal resolution limits of the HVS. Therefore, spatial or temporal patterns composed of three appropriately-selected primary colors are sufficient for producing a full range of colors when the spatial or temporal frequencies of the patterns exceed the respective resolution limits. This permits spatial-additive and temporal-additive color synthesis (see Wandell & Silverstein, Digital color reproduction in S. Shevell (ed.) The science of color, 2nd edition, Optical Society of America, Washington D.C. (2003) pp. 281-316 for coverage of both the basics of color vision and color synthesis in imaging systems).
The HVS can be modeled as having a channel structure in which luminance and chromatic channels are separable. FIG. 1 provides a schematic representation of the opponent-process visual channels from the retinal photoreceptors through the early neural processing stages. The low-level visual channels are organized into two opponent chromatic channels, a R-G channel and a yellow Y-B channel, and a luminance channel formed by the sum of R and G photoreceptor outputs. In this representation the short-wavelength or B photoreceptors do not contribute to the luminance channel. FIG. 2 shows the photopic luminous efficiency function of the HVS and further illustrates the very small contribution of short wavelengths to image luminance.
FIG. 3 shows results from psychophysical investigations of the resolution of the luminance (intensity) and chromatic visual channels (R-G and Y-B) of the HVS. It is clear from these data that the luminance or intensity channel is responsible for most of the spatial resolving capability of the HVS. The chromatic channels, and particularly the short-wavelength or B input, manifest dramatically reduced spatial resolution relative to the luminance or intensity channels.
The temporal resolution limits of the HVS manifest a similar separability of luminance and chromatic visual channels. FIG. 4 shows the results of Varner Temporal sensitivities related to color theory, Journal of the Optical Society of America A (1984) pp. 474-481 which examined the temporal contrast sensitivity functions for temporal modulations in luminance and chromaticity. Temporal resolution is much higher for time varying modulations of luminance than for chromaticity. Thus, it is clear that temporal sequences of different chromaticity or color imaged on the same region of the retina integrate to produce a mixture color. Such temporal integration takes place even at low to moderate temporal frequencies.
Patterns of spatially separate image points of different color, if small enough and viewed from a sufficient distance, cannot be individually resolved by the HVS and integrate spatially to produce a color which is equivalent to a mixture of the image points within a small projected region of the retina. The color produced by spatial synthesis is effectively the same as that produced by direct superposition.
X-Y spatial-additive color synthesis has by far been the most successful method for producing multi-color displays and is exemplified by the shadow-mask color CRT and the color liquid crystal display (LCD). A common feature of such devices is the X-Y spatial mosaic of color primary elements. Most color pixel mosaics consist of a repetitive geometric pattern of R, G and B sub-pixel elements, although some mosaics with an additional fourth color, such as white (W) or yellow (Y), exist for specific applications.
Self-luminous devices of this type require separate emitters which each produce light in one of the wavelength bands of the primary colors. These separate emitters are arranged to produce the color matrix pixel pattern. In non-self-luminous devices, such as matrix-addressed LCDs, a color filter array is imposed over the matrix of individual light valves and aligned such as to produce a mosaic of color pixels.
Many color pixel mosaics can be used. These include:                the RGB vertical stripe mosaic (see FIG. 5A),        the RGB diagonal stripe mosaic (see FIG. 5B),        the RGBG quad mosaic (also called the Bayer filter pattern) (see FIG. 5C),        the RGB delta-triad mosaic (see FIG. 5D),        the RGBW quad mosaic, and        the RGBY quad mosaic.
FIGS. 6A through 6C, and FIGS. 6D through 6F show the mosaic pattern, associated spatial Nyquist limits and associated fixed-pattern noise modulation spectra of the RGB vertical stripe and RGB delta-triad mosaics, respectively. The spatial Nyquist limits define a two-dimensional spatial frequency baseband which indicate the maximum spatial frequencies which can be rendered with a color pixel mosaic without aliasing artifacts. This is an effective descriptor of the resolution of the mosaic. The fixed-pattern noise modulation spectra indicate the residual luminance modulation as a function of spatial frequency which is produced by the mosaic when rendering a white flat-field image (i.e., all of the color sub-pixels are activated). Thus, this is an effective descriptor of visual noise contributed by the color pixel mosaic itself. A comparison of FIGS. 6B and 6E shows that the resolution of the RGB delta-triad mosaic is substantially higher than that for the RGB stripe mosaic as evidenced by the larger baseband; and the fixed-pattern noise contributed by the RGB delta-triad mosaic is much lower than that produced by the RGB stripe mosaic as evidenced by the higher spatial frequencies and lower modulation values for the RGB delta-triad mosaic.
The color pixel mosaic, the addressing algorithm which maps image content to the matrix of primary color sub-pixels, and HVS characteristics interact in a complex manner to determine overall CMD image quality. Although X-Y spatial-additive color synthesis has been an extremely successful approach for generating full-color images X-Y spatial additive color synthesis sacrifices display resolution. The use of an RGB pixel mosaic consumes three sub-pixels for each full-color image pixel. This reduces the spatial imaging potential of the display. While optimized pixel addressing algorithms and image processing methods can somewhat reduce the impact of this loss of spatial resolution on image quality, the trade-off between spatial resolution and color is a significant limiting factor.
Another limiting factor of X-Y spatial-additive color synthesis is the fixed-pattern noise produced by the mosaic of primary color sub-pixels. This modulation arises due to the differing luminous proportions of the primary color sub-pixels required to produce specified mixture colors such as a balanced white. In general the B sub-pixel is the largest contributor to the fixed-pattern noise of color pixel mosaics as short-wavelengths contribute little to luminance, and the luminance required of B sub-pixel elements is low compared to the surrounding R and G elements for most mixture colors. The level of fixed-pattern noise is dependent upon the particular geometry of the various color pixel mosaics and varies as a function of spatial frequency.
Temporal color synthesis, or field-sequential color can be used to generate full-color imagery without the loss of spatial resolution. Field-sequential color has been employed in projection display systems. There is also a long history of attempts to use the field-sequential color approach for synthesizing full-color images in TV and information displays. Despite these persistent attempts at commercialization, field-sequential color display technology met with only marginal success until advances in display electrical and optical components made it practical to make cost effective systems with sufficient temporal bandwidth and optical efficiency to be commercially successful.
Two limitations of temporal color synthesis are that: residual luminance differences between the time-varying color components can produce observable luminance flicker for temporal frequencies at or beyond those at which effective chromatic integration has taken place; and temporal synthesis assumes that the time-varying color components are imaged on the same region of the retina, an assumption which is often violated in the presence of head and eye movements. Eliminating flicker in a field-sequential color display utilizing R, G and B color fields generally requires a high field rate. This substantially increases the temporal bandwidth requirements of the display system.
Relative movement between the displayed image and the retina of the display observer is harder to correct for. This relative movement may arise either as a result of dynamic motion of the image or head and eye movements of the observer. In either case the result is that the time-varying color components are no longer imaged on the same region of the retina and the observer experiences "color break-up."
Silverstein et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,125 and Sprague et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,418, disclose color displays which combine a red-green image component with a blue image component to yield color images.
There is a need for improved color display technology.

3-D color synthesis displays and methods

Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation


A balance plate intelligent game apparatus, structured to include a lower tier balance plate having a circular arc-shaped bottom portion and a transparent upper tier ball disk combined with a transparent top cover. A ball is disposed interior of the game apparatus so that when a young child treads on the balance plate with both feet and swings his body left and right, the ball is caused to roll into a helical groove of the upper tier ball disk from a helical groove of the lower tier balance plate, the ball then falls into a hole located center of the helical groove of the ball disk and drops into the helical groove of the lower tier balance plate, thereby enabling the ball to continuously roll between the upper and lower tiers.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a balance plate intelligent game apparatus that enables both feet to tread on a balance plate, and left and right swinging of the body causes a ball to continuously roll within two tiered helical tracks.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
A ball disk of a conventional balance plate game apparatus is only provided with a single tier structure and a helical groove track within the ball disk only enables a ball to roll within the single tier track, and is thus only provided with a simple balance function that lacks any other purpose.

Balance plate intelligent game apparatus


A method, apparatus, and/or computer program product protects a managed runtime from stack corruption due to native code condition handling. A native condition handler, which is associated with a managed runtime, percolates a condition. A condition handler of the managed runtime receives notification of the condition in a native code portion, and the condition handler of the managed runtime marks a thread associated with the condition. Responsive to a determination by the native code handler to resume execution of the marked thread by either call back into or a return to the managed runtime, the managed runtime determines whether a request is associated with the marked thread. Responsive to a determination that the request is associated with the marked thread, the managed runtime performs diagnostics and the managed runtime is terminated.

This disclosure relates generally to exception handling in a data processing system and more specifically to a managed runtime percolation of a condition from a native environment in the data processing system.
Operating systems provide models and application programming interfaces to enable software applications to handle exceptional conditions. Such exceptional conditions may be asynchronous, for example, an interruption requested from an operator console, or synchronous, for example, an attempted execution of an illegal instruction by a portion of the software application or other code associated with the operation of the software application.
General models of condition handling supported by different operating systems include a POSIX® signal handling mechanism, whereby signal handlers are registered process-wide as used in a UNIX® operating system and a stack-based condition/exception handling, as provided in a Microsoft® Windows® and an IBM® z/OS® Language Environment® whereby handlers are registered for a specific stack frame on a stack associated with a particular thread and invoked in a LIFO order.
Managed runtimes, such as the Java® Virtual Machine, leverage host operating system condition handling mechanism as well as integrate with native code (e.g. C, C++ or assembly modules) that may also leverage the host operating system condition handling. When an operating system provides stack-based condition handling, upon notification of a condition, a condition handler may choose to terminate the process; continue execution from the point of interruption, as if the condition had not occurred; continue execution at an arbitrary location; or percolate the condition to allow other condition handlers in the stack a chance to respond to the condition.
Multi-threaded managed runtimes maintain runtime state information on a native stack and may evaluate managed code using a separate execution stack. For example, an implementation of a Java Virtual Machine maintains runtime state information in a single native stack frame per call-in to Java. The one or more Java stack frames are described on a separate native stack.
A crash typically occurs in computing in a computing environment when hardware or software in the form of a program (for example, an application, portion of an application or operating system), ceases to function correctly. The failing program that crashed often exits after encountering a severe error or may cease to function and exhibit a state that is described as a freeze or hang until a diagnostic reporting service documents details of the respective crash.
When a crash occurs in a native environment associated with a native stack frame, resulting in a condition in a native code portion, a most recently registered native handler will handle the condition. The condition handler in the managed runtime frame, a Java frame in the current example, is not aware of the condition and is not affected.
In another example, when the crash occurs in one native stack frame and is handled by a condition handler in a lower stack frame, the lower condition handler can resume execution in the original frame that experienced the crash. However in this scenario, it is not certain the handler will resume execution in the original frame or some other stack frame.
A first solution is to terminate the process when an unexpected native exception or condition is detected by the managed runtime (for example, a SEGFAULT in code that is not managed by the runtime). This solution, for example, is implemented by a Microsoft Common Language Runtime. A second alternative solution also terminates the managed runtime, but without terminating the native operating system process, and performs a cleanup and restart of the managed runtime.
A limitation of the described solutions is a localized problem in native code (for example, an unhandled divide-by-zero) results in a termination of the entire process rather than a single particular thread experiencing the exception. Similarly, a technique of another example results in a termination of the entire managed runtime rather than a single thread. In a multi-tenant environment, implementation of either described solution typically results in a sudden termination of many unrelated applications or processes.
When a failure occurs causing a condition in a native environment and the described solutions terminate the managed runtime, there is also a loss of all potential diagnostic information, as well as interruption of other concurrent processes in the previously running managed environment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Managed runtime enabling condition percolation

International Business Machines Corporation


A drive plate (E) for an automotive vehicle for transmitting a torque from a crankshaft (6) to a torque converter (7), while absorbing a thrust load applied from the torque converter to the crankshaft is formed with: a central mount portion (11) for mounting a crankshaft; an outer gear (20) formed in an outermost circumference of the drive plate; a plurality of weight reducing holes (30) formed between the central mount portion and the outer gear at regular angular intervals; and a plurality of the outer mount portions (12) for mounting a torque converter (7) formed near an outer circumference of the drive plate at regular angular intervals. In particular, the outer mount portions (12) are formed in such a way as to project radially inward from the outer gear (20) into the weight reducing holes (30), respectively. Since the virtual bending radius (deformation length L) of the drive plate can be increased, the bending angle (DA1) can be reduced when a thrust load is applied from the torque converter to the drive plate, so that it is possible to reduce a bending stress concentrated at the central mount portion (11) as small as possible, for prevention of the drive plate from being damaged.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a drive plate for an automotive vehicle, and more specifically to a drive plate for linking an engine crankshaft with a torque converter of an automatic transmission. Here, the drive plate implies a plate disposed midway in a transmission route from an engine to vehicle wheels in an automotive vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show an example of a prior art drive plate 1 for an automotive vehicle. The drive plate 1 is composed of a body portion 2 formed by pressing a metal plate and a ring gear 3 fixed integral with the outer circumference of the body portion 2 by welding. Further, the body portion 2 is formed with a central mount portion 4 fixed to a crankshaft 6 and an outer circumferential mount portion fixed to a torque converter 7, as depicted in FIG. 1B. Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality (e.g., eight) of crankshaft mounting holes 4a are formed in the central mount portion 4 at regular angular intervals along a concentric circle, and a plurality (e.g., four) of torque converter mounting holes 5 are also formed in the outer circumferential mount portion at regular angular intervals along another concentric circle. In addition, the central mount portion 4 and the outer circumferential mount portion are dislocated in an axial direction of the drive plate 1 by deforming an intermediate portion A (See FIG. 1A) between the two by a drawing processing. Further, in FIG. 1A, 2a denotes an innermost hole through which the crank shaft is passed, and 2b denotes additional holes formed to reduce the weight of the drive plate 1.
In assembly of the vehicle drive plate 1, an end portion 6a of the crankshaft 6 (See FIG. 1B) is fixed to the drive plate 1 with a plurality of mount bolts 6b fitted into the crank mount holes 4a; and a boss portion 7a of the torque converter 7 is fixed to the drive plate 1 with a plurality of mount bolts 7b fitted into the converter mount holes 5. After assembly, therefore, it is possible to transmit the torque of the crankshaft 6 to the torque converter 7 and further to absorb a thrust load of the torque converter 7.
In the above-mentioned prior art drive plate 1, however, whenever a thrust load is applied from the torque converter 7 to the drive plate 1, since being formed by a drawing press, the intermediate area A is easily bent. On the other hand, since being formed rigid, the outer area B (See FIG. 1A) is hardly deformed. Consequently, when a thrust load is applied to the drive plate 1, only the intermediate portion A is deformed, and the outer area B is not deformed, as shown by phantom lines shown in FIG. 1C. In other words, since the virtual bending radius (i.e., a deformation distance) L of the drive plate 1 is small, the intermediate area A is deformed at a relatively large deflection angle DA. Under these conditions, although the above-mentioned deformation can absorb the thrust load applied from the torque converter 7 to the drive plate 1, when this deflection angle DA increases beyond a predetermined limit, since a bending stress generated in the vicinity of the central mount portion 6 is concentrated excessively, there exists a problem in that the bending stress exceeds an allowable stress limit, with the result that the central mount portion 4 of the crankshaft 6 is damaged or broken.


A construction panel with edges adapted to be coupled together includes a horizontal flat plate and a first edge rib coupled to an edge of the flat plate and extending orthogonal thereto. The first edge rib has a male coupling member with a first cross-section and a first portion extending parallel to the flat plate. A second edge rib is coupled to another edge of the flat plate and extends orthogonal to the flat plate and parallel to the first edge rib. The second edge rib has a female coupling member with a second cross-section and a second portion extending parallel to the flat plate. The female coupling member is adapted to be coupled to the male coupling member of an adjacent construction panel so that the first and second portions are adjacent and parallel. Preferably, an intermediate rib is coupled to the flat plate and extends parallel with and between the first and second edge ribs. Preferably, the intermediate rib has a third portion extending parallel to and coplanar with the first and second portions.

Floors and ceilings of buildings are sometimes formed by joining together construction panels. Furthermore, concrete may be placed on the panels to form a combined floor. The present invention relates to a construction panel that is strong, relatively light, may be easily joined to other panels, and to which concrete can be firmly fixed.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,127,962 to James discloses a construction panel having edge ribs at both ends of a flat plate. The edge ribs have connecting members formed by folding the edges of the ribs located at both ends of the plate into the same shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,290,850 to Byrne Jr., et al. discloses a translucent plastic ceiling panel having edge ribs which are folded to form flat heads.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,511,011 to Straus discloses a construction panel having edge ribs which are folded to form connecting members of the same shape at both ends of a flat plate. The panels also have ridges on the flat plate for increasing the strength of the panel.
These known construction panels have ribs only at the ends of the flat plate. This lack of central support results in a general lack of strength in the panels. This means that the panels may bend and warp while being carried. Furthermore, the lack of a central rib to provide strength means that reinforcement between edge ribs is necessary when forming a combined floor.
Even if a central rib were provided for reinforcement to the known panels, it would not be sufficient to firmly fix concrete to the panels.
Additionally, the known panels do not provide a way to attach pipes and the like to the back faces of the panels when the panels are used to form a ceiling.

Construction panel with edges adapted to be coupled together


Systems and methods enable connection of, and are usable to connect, well servicing equipment to other well equipment, including wellheads, blowout preventers, and other well servicing equipment. The systems comprise connecting apparatus having a male connector and female connector. The male connector comprises an elongate body having an axial bore extending therethrough and a plurality of protrusions extending from the elongate body at an angle relative to the axial bore. The female connector can be adapted for connection with the male connector, wherein engagement between the male connector and female connector communicates the axial bore of the male connector with a bore of the female connector to define a flowpath for communicating a medium. The systems and methods enable the ability to connect or disconnect well equipment remotely without the need of a diver, an ROV, and without the need to bring the well equipment to the surface for disassembly.

Typically, connection of well equipment requires mating of corresponding flanges and bolting of the flanges. Conventional methods for connecting or disconnecting well servicing equipment require the use of an ROV or a diver to bolt or unbolt the flanges. This process is time consuming and expensive, especially when performed in a subsea environment. Remotely actuated connectors can be used to eliminate manual connection operations, such as those performed by divers and ROVs, when connecting well servicing equipment to and from a wellhead or other items of well equipment, resulting in a more efficient and less expensive process.
However, conventional remotely actuated connectors are complex and typically contain locking mechanisms embedded within the connector bodies and/or covered by framing. These locking mechanisms often require the interaction of many moving parts, such as cam rings, wedge rings, dogs, springs, bolts, etc. and are susceptible to contamination and frequent failure, especially when used within a subsea environment. Performing maintenance on subsea connectors is difficult, often requiring retrieval of entire equipment stacks to the surface. A need therefore exists for well equipment connectors that are not susceptible to contamination, are easy to maintain, and provide the ability to reliably, securely, and remotely form connections for extended periods of time, and to reliably and remotely disconnect from an object when desired.
Special considerations must be taken when a connector is used in association with a riser, due to the movement imparted to a riser by waves, currents, and other subsea conditions. This movement is transmitted to the wellhead and equipment adjacent and/or connected to the wellhead, and can cause connectors to loosen, allowing fluids to breach the seals. Conventional locking mechanisms, especially those involving numerous moving parts, have an increased tendency to loosen after a lengthy period of use, especially when repeatedly placed under large bending forces. Thus, a need also exists for well equipment connectors that can withstand strong bending forces caused by riser movement for extended periods of time.

Apparatus and methods usable for connecting well equipment


The invention relates to a manufacturing process for the production of a bouillon powder. In particularly the invention relates to a process for the production of a bouillon powder comprising a lipid-fiber powder. The invention also relates to the product obtained and the use thereof for preparing a food product.

Fats and oils are often added in foods to provide nutrition, taste/aroma, texture, specific processing role, and/or to drive consumers liking. Current trends are toward healthier fats; usually reflected in lower SFA, TFA, and minimally processed (e.g. non-hydrogenated, non-interesterified) fats or oils. Replacing hard fats e.g. with healthier oils is however not trivial. Issues in processing or consumer-related complains may arise. Practical examples in bouillon production, direct replacement of hard fat with oil is detrimental to powder flow-ability leading to manufacturing issues. Furthermore, one may expect severe oil staining that are detested by consumers.
A conventional way of manufacturing hard bouillon tablets comprises mixing powdered bouillon components with fat and no or only little amounts of oil, and pressing the mix into tablet form.
The most common used fat is palm fat as it provides good technical properties having a good flow-ability of the bouillon powder. In addition palm fat delivers good binding properties to a hard bouillon itself resulting in a good hardness of the tablet but still easy to crumble. Consumers are increasingly becoming sensitive to palm fat concerns. Many of them perceive palm fat as not healthy and many others perceive it as not environmentally sustainable as a lot of news mention that the rain forest is destroyed to grow palm trees. In addition nowadays there is a nutritional trend to avoid or at least reduce consumption of fats rich in trans-fatty acids and saturated fatty acids and to preferably consume healthy oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids such as sunflower, safflower, rapeseed and/or olive oil, for example.
Particular oil and fats are also relevant for product formulations from taste and aroma perspective. For example, chicken fats added in chicken bouillon recipes may eliminate the use of expensive and/or artificial flavors to deliver chicken taste/aroma. Challenges is that a small amount of chicken fat has been detrimental to flow-ability of bouillon powder.
An even dispersion of the lipid with the other ingredients is essential to achieve a homogenous product avoiding the formation of lumps, which can be cumbersome as lipid is introduced in liquid form. A good flow-ability of the bouillon powder or dehydrated soup is needed. The bouillon powder can be filled directly as a free flow-able powder into a packaging container or the bouillon powder can be pressed into tablet or cube form (hard bouillon tablet/cube). In addition the used lipid in a bouillon powder/hard bouillon tablet should not stain the packaging material.
Hence, it was the object of the present invention to provide the art with a manufacturing process for the production of a bouillon powder. This bouillon powder is suitable to use for the preparation of bouillon tablets/cubes.

Process for the production of a bouillon powder, a bouillon powder and its use


A pneumatic tire and a process to retread a tire is provided. The retreaded tire has a carcass and a crown region, wherein the crown region comprises a belt reinforcement structure located between the carcass and a tread. The retreaded tire further comprises a cementless cushion layer located radially outward of said belt reinforcement structure, and one or more reinforcement plies located radially outward of the cementless cushion layer. The one or more reinforcement plies is formed from a substantially continuous strip of reinforced elastomer which is wound from one side of the crown to the other side in a substantially continuous manner. The reinforcement ply may be formed from spirally winding the strip about the carcass, or one or more reinforcement plies may be formed from winding the strip about the carcass in a zigzag pattern.

Pneumatic tires for high speed applications experience a high degree of flexure in the crown area of the tire as the tire enters and leaves the contact patch. This problem is particularly exacerbated on aircraft tires wherein the tires can reach speed of over 200 mph at takeoff and landing. When a tire spins at very high speeds, the crown area tends to grow in dimension due to the high angular accelerations and velocity tending to pull the tread area radially outwardly. Counteracting these forces is the load of the vehicle, which is only supported in the small area of the tire known as the contact patch.
Aircraft tires typically exhibit excessive wear in the tread portion of the tire, while the carcass portion typically does not. Thus to save money, many aircraft companies choose to retread their aircraft tires in order to extend the service life of the tire. Retread tires tend to flex in the crown area.
It is known in the prior art how to retread tires. Typically, the tread is buffed or sanded down to the buff line, which is typically located in the cushion layer. Next, a precut layer of cushion gum which is sized to a particular tire is applied. Next, two or more layers of precut R/T plies are applied. Then a new tread layer is applied and then the tire is cured in a mold. One disadvantage to the prior art process is that you have to store all of the different components, because the dimensions of the components vary depending upon the tire type and size.
Thus it is desired to have a retread without the need for precut and custom tire components which must be premade and stored prior to assembly onto a tire. It is also desired to have an improved retreaded tire design that eliminates R/T cut ply endings.

Pneumatic tire and a process to retread a tire


The invention relates to a method and system of displaying stereoscopic images. The method comprises displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display device, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane images, and providing at least one input device indicator on the pair of two-dimensional plane images. The method also comprises moving the at least one input device indicator from a first location to a second location on the pair of two-dimensional plane images, and determining a location value indicative of the second location of the at least one input device indicator. The method comprises calculating center points for the two-dimensional plane images based on the determined location value, respectively, and moving the center points of the two-dimensional plane images to align with the calculated center points.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and system for generating and/or displaying a more realistic stereoscopic image. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for guiding a viewer's eye motion using a stereoscopic input device having at least one indicator that is displayed in each of a set of display devices.
2. Description of the Related Technology
In general, a human being can recognize an object by sensing the environment through eyes. Also, as the two eyes are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, the object perceived by the two eyes is initially sensed as two images, each image being formed by one of the left or right eyes. The object is recognized by the human brain as the two images are partially overlapped. Here, in the portion where the images perceived by a human being overlap, as the two different images transmitted from the left and right eyes are synthesized in the brain, there is a perception of 3-dimensions.
By using the above principle, various conventional 3-D image generating and reproducing systems using cameras and displays have been developed.
As one example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,017 discloses "Stereoscopic display method and apparatus therefor." With a relatively simple construction, the apparatus allows a viewer to view a stereoscopic image via the naked eye.
As another example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,143 discloses "Stereoscopic recording and display system." The patent discloses that the stereoscopically shown image content is easily controllable by the observer within the scene, which is recorded by the stereo camera.
As another example of the systems, U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,607 discloses "Stereoscopic computer graphics image generating apparatus and stereoscopic TV apparatus." This apparatus stereoscopically displays two-dimensional images generated from three-dimensional structural information.

Method and system of stereoscopic image display for guiding a viewer's eye motion using a three-dimensional mouse


This invention relates to a bolt having a tapered tip comprising of corresponding opposite flat and partially threaded portions that engage an oval nut having elongated internal adjacent sides, the ends of which are void of threads to enable bolt/nut alignment when initially inserted and tightened. Additionally, the tapered threaded bolt has an arcuate shaped or rounded first and/or second thread for providing self-alignment and preventing gouging or digging of internal threads when being inserted or screwed into any conventional nut or oval shaped nut. Moreover, inadvertent contact between the bolt and nut while in the process of initial insertion will not preclude uninhibited correct bolt insertion into the nut.

This invention relates to the field of threaded bolts, screws, and nuts. More particularly, the invention pertains to a bolt having a tapered end with partial threads that engages an oval shaped nut having internal elongated adjacent sides, thereby allowing for uninhibited insertions of the bolt into the nut to ensure threaded engagement that will preclude cross threading.
Generally, there is little or no difficulty in starting a threaded bolt into a nut when the two mating parts have their longitudinal axes aligned. However, when the bolt enters the threaded part of the nut which is misaligned angularly with respect to the axis of the threaded bolt, the threads may initially engage incorrectly. Thereafter, as the bolt is driven towards full engagement, the threads of the bolt and/or nut fail by shearing and often the bolt is severed. This condition is called cross threading.
If the axis of the bolt is excessively misaligned angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nut, The person engaging the bolt may readily perceive the misalignment because the threads failed to engage. Accordingly, corrective action is taken to align the bolt with the nut. However, when the misalignment is slight, the person driving the bolt forward may not be aware that the first bolt threads are in opposition to the first nut threads engagement in such a way that cross threading occurs. In cases such as these, the bolt is removed from the nut, and the nut threads are retapped or the nut is replaced, resulting in lost production, lost time incurred when making the necessary replacement, the cost of bolts and/or nuts, and in incidental repairs to related equipment.
Furthermore, cross threading occurs more frequently where power tools are used to drive a threaded bolt as is the case in production line assembly plants. To avoid this difficulty, a plant worker or craftsman may manually start the bolt threads into the nut to assure proper engagement of the first few bolt threads with those of the nut. Then, a power tool is attached to a socket that engages the bolt head or nut and the threading process is then completed. When conventional bolts are used and angular misalignment of the bolt is excessive, potential for cross threading is great unless the plant worker corrects the alignment problem before the power tool is applied to drive the bolt or nut to a fully engaged position. Cross threading can make it very difficult to disengage the bolt and nut resulting in considerable expense in the operation of large scale production line assemblies due to delays to replace damaged bolts and nuts, and even more critical where work is being performed upon equipment in the field or under adverse conditions.
Additionally, if cross threading is not corrected, the threads on both the bolt and the nut may seize together causing them to jam or produce a cold flow reaction. Once the bolt and nut combination have seized, it will not tighten further creating an insecure attachment which if undetected may result in unpredictable ways or forms of hazards with more or less disastrous consequences to life, limb and property.
The subject invention herein solves all of these problems in a new and unique manner which has not been part of the art previously. Some related patents are described below:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,288 issued to F. C. Peterson on Dec. 6, 1988
This patent discloses an anti-cross threading screw. The anti-cross threading screw comprises a head having a load bearing area, and a threaded cylindrical shank extending perpendicularly from the load bearing area. The tip of the shank is tapered in the offset. The screw prevents cross-threading because the non-threaded side of the screw slides over the internal threading of a nut when the screw tip is inserted into a nut, causing the partial threads to seat against the nut internal threading.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,073 issued to H. Kazino et al on Dec. 17, 1991
The patent is directed to a self-aligning bolt and a self-aligning nut. The bolt comprises a threaded shank extending from a head, and a pilot tip extending forwardly of the threaded shank. The pilot tip includes an intermediate portion for smoothly connecting to the threaded shank.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,209 issued to C. Essom et al on Nov. 27, 1990
This patent is directed to a screw for contaminated pretapped holes. The screw includes a full width non-tapered tubular shank section, a tapered tubular trunk and entry section extending from shank section, and a cylindrical tip.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,110 issued to Avooustis et al on Aug. 28, 1990
This patent discloses an anti-cross thread bolt. The bolt includes a head, a threaded shank projecting from the head, and a tip at the end of the shank opposing the head. The tip includes a non-threaded relatively smooth portion and a partially threaded portion. The smooth portion of the tip has an arcuate peripheral surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,406 issued to R. G. Weiss et al on Jan. 1, 1991
The patent is directed to a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener comprises a threaded shank extending from a head. The lower end of the shank has a tapered transition surface.


A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing sparse class representation with linear programming is provided. A first model is built using a positive data set. A second model is built using a negative data set. Linear programming is used to distinguishing the first model from the second model to determine a set of salient features for a filter for use as an image classifier.

Image classification is a classical computer vision problem with applications to semantic image annotation, querying, and indexing. There are numerous applications that require classifiers to recognize image content, the most prominent being labeling and retrieving images semantically. Traditional training and classification procedures, for the most part, rely on two components: feature extraction and matching. Focus on either component has merited large efforts. To ensure relevant and accurate features, research has been conducted into improving the training data fidelity and segmentation truth in Torralba's LABELME®, the now-retired GOOGLE® labels, and most face/object detection/recognition training sets. Meanwhile, traditional approaches in matching/classification assume the supervised "one-versus-all" semantic labeling framework, which includes individual object detectors.
Linear programming is a mathematical method for determining a way to achieve a best outcome (such as maximum profit or lowest cost) in a given mathematical model for some list of requirements represented as linear relationships. Linear programming is a specific case of mathematical programming (mathematical optimization). More formally, linear programming is a technique for the optimization of a linear objective function, subject to linear equality and linear inequality constraints.
Linear programming can be applied to various fields of study. It is used in business and economics, but can also be utilized for engineering problems. Industries that use linear programming models include transportation, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing. It has proved useful in modeling diverse types of problems in planning, routing, scheduling, assignment, and design.

Sparse class representation with linear programming


Protection against anti single event effects associated with strikes of energetic particles is provided in current-mode logic (CML) or similar integrated circuits (ICs) using a current-switching architecture.

Anti-SEE (single event effect) protection is vital for integrated circuits (ICs) such as those operating in outer space, and is becoming critical for ground-based circuits due to increasing miniaturization of their components. In integrated circuits (ICs) such as current-mode logic (CML) and similar ICs with a current-switching architecture, single-event effects (SEE) are associated with strikes of energetic particles. These strikes cause an electric charge to be generated in the IC's regions resulting in the appearance of short current pulses flowing into the heterojunction bipolar transistor's (HBT) collector node and out of its base, emitter, and substrate nodes.
FIG. 1 shows a model of a SEE in a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) derived from G. Niu, R. Krithivasan, J. Cressler et al., "A Comparison of SEU Tolerance in High-Speed SiGe HBT Digital Logic Designed with Multiple Circuit Architectures," IEEE Trans. On Nuclear Science, v. 49, No. 6, December 2002, pp. 3107-3114. The equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 1 describes three independent current sources iBp, iSp, and iEn, which represent SEE-induced transient current pulses through the base, substrate, and emitter nodes correspondingly. The SEE-induced collector current iCn is then given by iCn=−(iBp+iSp+iRn).
A computer simulation of these current pulses in a silicon germanium (SiGe) HBT with a 0.2×0.72 μm2 emitter area for a linear energy transfer (LET)=20 pC/μm is shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen, the collector and emitter currents run into the nodes, while the base and emitter currents are reversed. It is important to note that the collector current pulse is significantly higher than the base current pulse. Assuming a certain resistive termination at the collector, emitter, and base nodes, the described behavior results in a lower collector node voltage and a higher base node voltage. The changes in the emitter node voltage depend on the actual termination scheme.
There exist several techniques for anti-SEE protection including (i) triple majority voting described by R. Katz, R. Barto, P. McKerracher, B. Carkhuff, and R. Koga, in "SEU Hardening of Field Programmable Gate Arrays for Space Applications and Device Characterization" (unabridged version), IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, NS-41, pp. 2179-2186, July 1994, and by David Fulkerson, in "SEU Hard Majority Voter for Triple Redundancy", U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,520, Dec. 23, 2003, (ii) a dual interleave cell (DICE) architecture described by T. Calin, M. Nicolaidis, and R. Velazco, in "Upset hardened memory design for submicron CMOS technology," IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., vol. 43, pp. 2345-2352, December 1996, and by Jerry Dooley, in "SEU-Immune Latch for Gate Array, Standard Cell, and other ASIC Applications," U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,070, May 10, 1994, (iii) a temporal latch architecture described by D. G. Mavis and P. H. Eaton, in "Temporally Redundant Latch for Preventing Single Event Disruptions in Sequential Integrated Circuits," U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,864, October 2000., (iv) a current-sharing architecture described by M. P. LaMacchia and W. O. Mathes, in "SEU Hardening Approach for High Speed Logic," U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,260, and by Paul W. Marshall, Martin A. Carts, Arthur Campbell, Dale McMorrow, Steve Buchner, Ryan Stewart, Barbara Randall, Barry Gilbert, and Robert A. Reed, in "Single Event Effects in Circuit-Hardened SiGe HBT Logic at Gigabit per Second Data Rates," IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, vol. 47, No. 6, December 2000, pp. 2669-2674, and (v) a gated feedback latch architecture described by Ramkumar Krithivasan et al., in "Application of RHBD Techniques to SEU Hardening of Third-Generation SiGe HBT Logic Circuits," IEEE NSREC, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Jul. 17-21, 2006.
Only the last two architectures are really suitable for very high-speed applications based on HBTs. It has been shown by G. Niu, R. Krithivasan, J. Cressler et al. cited above that a current-sharing architecture cannot provide the required Anti-SEE protection (ASP) in CML latches. CML latches are the most commonly used cells in digital designs. Thus, a current-sharing architecture cannot be considered a universal approach to the protection of CML cells.
In some respects, the gated feedback latch architecture shown in FIG. 3 is arguably the closest approach to the techniques proposed herein. The latch comprises two pass cells 10 and 20, two storage cells 30 and 40, and two OR gates 50 and 60 implemented as emitter followers. The two pass cells 10 and 20 have two differential data inputs 11/12 and 21/22, respectively. The two storage cells 30 and 40 are provided with feedback through the OR gates 50 and 60.
The gated feedback latch architecture of FIG. 3 provides anti-SEE protection for the HBTs of the pass cells 10 and 20 in case of completely independent data inputs. However, the gated feedback latch architecture of FIG. 3 has several drawbacks. For example, a SEE in any of the storage cell HBTs results in unrecoverable distortion of the corresponding data output voltages 91/92 due to the base current pulse described above. Also, a SEE in any of the HBTs of the OR-gates 50 and 60 results in an erroneous change of state in the storage cells 30 and 40 when operating in the storage mode. Further, a SEE in any of the tail current sources 70 and 80 results in significant distortion of the output signals, as well as a disturbance of the reference voltage 90, which propagates to all cells connected to the same reference node. Additionally, the gated feedback latch architecture of FIG. 3 is actually an emitter-coupled logic (ECL) architecture that utilizes emitter followers for driving both top-level and bottom-level inputs. As a result, ECL gates require higher supply voltages and consume significantly higher power compared to similar CML gates.

Anti-SEE protection techniques for high-speed ICs with a current-switching architecture


Memory cells are divided into a plurality of series circuit units arranged in matrix fashion and comprising some memory cells connected in series. The memory cells each consist of non-volatile transistors provided with a control gate electrode, a floating gate electrode and an erase gate electrode. Bit lines to which one end of each of the series circuit units of the plurality of series circuit units arranged in one row are connected in common. Column lines are provided in common for the series circuit units that are arranged in one column and that are respectively connected to each control gate electrode of the memory cells constituting each of the series circuit unit. A voltage by which the selected non-volatile transistor works in a saturation state is applied to the control gate electrode of the selected transistor of a series circuit unit by a column line, thereby injecting hot electrons from the semiconductor substrate into the floating gate electrode. Another voltage by which the non-selected non-volatile transistor works in a non-saturation operation is applied to the gate electrodes of the remaining non-volatile transistors of the series circuit unit. By sequentially selecting memory cells in one series circuit unit, the sequential data writing operation is performed. The sequential data reading operation is performed in a similar manner.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a programmable semiconductor memory using non-volatile transistors as memory cells from which data can be electrically erased. It particularly relates to a non-volatile semiconductor memory in which data stored in a plurality of memory cells may be erased simultaneously, in units of a block, or in units of a column. Data may be written to the memory a cell (or bit) at a time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A non-volatile transistor memory which permits erasure of data is known as an EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). An EPROM from which data may be erased electrically is called an E.sup.2 PROM (Electrically Erasable PROM). E.sup.2 PROMs have been developed which permit the simultaneous erasure of data stored in a plurality of memory cells. Such an E.sup.2 PROM is disclosed in "A 128K Flash EEPROM Using Double Polysilicon Technology", pp. 76-77 of "1987 IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference, Digest of Technical Papers."
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram depicting a conventional E.sup.2 PROM memory cell array using the cells described in the above-mentioned document. In this Figure, memory cells 90 consist of non-volatile transistors having a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode. Data erasure may be effected electrically. Memory cells 90 are arranged in a row and column matrix. The drains of each memory cell 90 in a given row of memory cells (which are horizontal as seen in the drawing) are respectively coupled to the same one of bit lines 91. The sources of the memory cells 90 in a given row of memory cells are respectively coupled to the same one of ground lines 92. The control gate electrodes of the memory cells 90 in a given column of memory cells (which are vertical as seen in the drawing) are respectively coupled to the same one of column lines 93. In this memory, data may be read or written by the selective imposition of set voltages on a given bit line 91 and column line 93 to select a particular 1-bit cell. Block data erasure of all the bits can be effected by the simultaneous imposition of a set voltage on all the bit lines 91.
This memory permits large-scale integration of cells since each cell or bit consists of a single non-volatile transistor. However, data erasure may only be effected in the cells simultaneously or in units of a row. It is not possible to effect data erasure in units of a byte, the processing unit for parallel read/write memories.
The prior art does disclose an E.sup.2 PROM which permits data erasure in byte units. Reference is made, for example to "A Million-cycle CMOS 256K EEPROM", pp. 78-79 of "1987 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, Digest of Technical Papers." However, large-scale integration of cells is not possible with the memory disclosed therein, since each 1-bit memory cell comprises two or four transistors.


A reflective mask blank and a reflective mask each have, on a multilayer reflective film, a protective film that protects the multilayer reflective film from etching during pattern formation of an absorber layer or a buffer layer formed on the protective film. The protective film is formed by a ruthenium compound containing ruthenium (Ru) and at least one selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), zirconium (Zr), yttrium (Y), boron (B), titanium (Ti), and lanthanum (La). A reflection enhancement film of Ru may be further formed on the surface of the protective film.

This invention relates to an exposure reflective mask for use in manufacturing a semiconductor device or the like, a reflective mask blank from which the mask is obtained, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by the use of such a reflective mask.
In recent years, as semiconductor devices have been miniaturized more and more, extreme ultraviolet (abbreviated to EUV below) lithography has been considered as an exposure technique that uses EUV light and has been expected to be promising in the semiconductor industry. The EUV light may be defined as light in a wavelength band of the soft X-ray region or the vacuum ultraviolet ray region and, specifically, may be light that has a wavelength of about 0.2 to 100 nm. As a mask for use in the EUV lithography, there has been proposed an exposure reflective mask as described, for example, in Japanese Examined Patent Publication (JP-B) No. H07-27198 (namely, 27198/1995) (will be referred to as Document 1).
Such a reflective mask has a multilayer reflective film formed on a substrate to reflect exposure light and further has an absorber layer formed in a pattern on the multilayer reflective film to absorb the exposure light. The exposure light incident on the reflective mask disposed in an exposure apparatus (pattern transfer apparatus) is absorbed at a portion where the absorber layer is present, while, is reflected by the multilayer reflective film at a portion where the absorber layer is not present. As a result, a reflected optical image from the reflective mask is transferred onto a semiconductor substrate through a reflective optical system.
As the foregoing multilayer reflective film, a stacked film adapted to reflect EUV light of 13 to 14 nm is known which is formed by stacking Mo and Si films each having a thickness of several nm, as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the Mo and Si films are alternately laminated in set and stacked by about 40 to 60 sets. In order to increase the reflectance, it is desirable that the Mo film having a high refractive index be formed as an uppermost layer of the multilayer reflective film. However, Mo is quickly oxidized when exposed to the atmosphere and, as a result, the reflectance is lowered. In view of this, as a protective film for preventing oxidation, the Si film, for example, is arranged as the uppermost layer.
On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2002-122981 (will be referred to as Document D2) discloses a reflective mask which has a buffer layer of ruthenium (Ru) formed between an absorbent pattern and a multilayer reflective film composed of Mo films and Si films alternately laminated.
In the case where the Si film is disposed as the protective film at the uppermost portion of the multilayer reflective film as described above, the oxidation preventing effect cannot be sufficiently achieved if the thickness of the Si film is thin. Taking this into account, the Si film is normally deposited to a thickness enough to prevent oxidation. However, this structure brings about a problem that the reflectance is reduced as the thickness of the Si film increases, because the Si film slightly absorbs the EUV light.
Further, when the Ru film is arranged between the multilayer reflective film and the absorbent pattern as described in Document D2, the following problems take place.
(1) As described in Document D2, the Si film is usually arranged as the uppermost layer of the multilayer reflective film and, further, contacts with the Ru film deposited as the buffer layer. With this structure, the Ru film tends to be diffused into the Si film placed at the uppermost layer of the multilayer reflective film and forms a diffusion layer. Such diffusion is caused to occur during deposition of the Ru film and heat treatment or the like thereafter and such a diffused layer undesirably reduces the reflectance.
(2) In the case of the multilayer reflective film in the reflective mask, it is required to have resistance to environment during pattern formation of the absorber layer or environment of pattern formation of a buffer layer when the buffer layer is formed between the multilayer reflective film and the absorber layer. That is, it is also necessary to consider a condition that a material of a protective film formed on the multilayer reflective film should exhibit a large etching selectivity to the absorber layer and/or the buffer layer.
For example, when the absorber layer is made of a Ta-based material, there is a case where a buffer layer of a Cr-based material is formed to avoid etching damage to the multilayer reflective film during pattern formation of the absorber layer and, after the patterning of the absorber layer, the Cr-based buffer layer is also patterned. The Cr-based buffer layer is normally patterned by dry etching by the use of a chlorine-based gas containing oxygen. However, since the Ru film has a low etching resistance to the chlorine-based gas containing oxygen in an amount of 70% or more, the multilayer reflective film is damaged to thereby cause a reduction in reflectance.
(3) It is to be noted here that the protective layer is inevitably and physically reduced in thickness due to etching during the pattern formation of the absorber layer or the Cr-based buffer layer. In recent years, the etching conditions to the protective film tend to be strict in terms of reduction in processing size so that the protective film requires a thickness that can fully withstand the etching for a long time. However, the Ru film has a narrow optimal thickness range in which high reflectance can be achieved and in which the Ru film should have a comparatively thin thinckness. Moreover, even if the Ru film is formed with a thickness within such an optimal thickness range, it cannot withstand etching for a long time so that the multilayer reflective film is subjected to etching damage. As a result, a reduction in reflectance occurs. Further, the thickness reduction of the protective film due to the etching during the pattern formation of the absorber layer or the Cr-based buffer layer is not necessarily constant but varies. Therefore, when the optimal thickness range is narrow like the Ru film, it is quite difficult to set an initial thickness of the Ru protective film so that the Ru protective film fully withstands the long-time etching and further the thickness of the Ru protective film after the etching falls within the optimal thickness range. Consequently, the reflectance tends to be lowered due to the thickness of the Ru protective film after the etching.

Reflective mask blank, reflective mask, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device


An image processing apparatus of a facsimile includes an input unit such as an image reader which reads and inputs image data from originals, a memory unit which stores the input image data in a memory medium such as a magnetooptical disk, and an output unit which outputs a sheet for searching the image data stored in the memory medium. The output unit outputs a sheet on which information to specify the image data stored in the memory unit and a marking area to designate a destination are added when the image data is transmitted. The memory unit stores the image data of a plurality of pages as one file into the memory unit. The output unit also outputs a sheet to which are added information to specify the file and a marking area to designate the telephone number of the destination.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for processing image data and, more particularly, to an image processing apparatus for enabling image data stored in a memory medium to be easily searched.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, in an apparatus of such type, for example, a digital copying apparatus, an apparatus having a function for storing a read original image as a file into a memory medium is known. As mentioned above, the image stored in the memory medium is searched and read out by predetermined operations and recorded and outputted.
In this case, there is a case where a search sheet such as a mark sheet or the like is used for searching the image stored in the memory medium. As disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/061,743 filed on May 17, 1993, a mark sheet on which an index of files stored in the memory medium has been recorded is outputted by a predetermined operation, a marking is executed to select a desired file and, after that, the mark sheet is read out by a reader.
Thus, the desired file is searched from the plurality of files stored in the memory medium and is printed out.
In case of searching the image by using the mark sheet and outputting as mentioned above, however additional, work for outputting the mark sheet to which the index has been recorded and, further, marking to select the file are necessary each output time.
There is also a problem such that an output format of the file cannot be designated in this instance.


Certain embodiments provide a high-frequency semiconductor package including: a base which is made of metal and is a grounding portion; a multi-layer wiring resin substrate; a first internal conductor film; and a lid. The multi-layer wiring resin substrate is provided on a top surface of the base, and has a frame shape in which a first cavity from which the top surface of the base is exposed is formed. The first internal conductor film covers surfaces which form a top surface of the multi-layer wiring resin substrate and an inner wall surface of the first cavity, and is electrically connected with the base. The lid is attached onto the multi-layer wiring resin substrate, and seals and covers the first cavity.

A micro wave high-frequency semiconductor element which is formed with a compound semiconductor mainly made of, for example, GaAs or GaN and the like is usually accommodated in a high-frequency semiconductor package and is used. The high-frequency semiconductor package is requested to have an electromagnetic shield function which shields a high-frequency semiconductor element from an external high frequency and an airtight function which protects the high-frequency semiconductor element from, for example, moisture and the like. Further, the high-frequency semiconductor package of this type also is requested to have a heat radiation function of effectively radiating heat produced by the high-frequency semiconductor element.
Conventionally, for a general high-frequency semiconductor package, a package which adopts a structure obtained by combining metal and ceramic and a package made of ceramic are well known. Further, as introduced in, for example, JP 3606837 B1, a package obtained by resin-molding a semiconductor element is well known. Furthermore, as introduced in JP 2008-42063 A, a package which makes a device to increase heat radiation characteristics is invented.
However, a semiconductor package obtained by resin-molding a high-frequency semiconductor element as introduced in JP 3606837 B1 has many problems in terms of poor electromagnetic shield performance, or electric characteristics of resin or permeability with respect to, for example, moisture and the like, and therefore performance and reliability of the high-frequency semiconductor element are hardly guaranteed.
By contrast with this, a semiconductor package which adopts a structure obtained by combining metal and ceramic is made of ceramic, and therefore is expensive. Further, this semiconductor package is formed in many cases by way of secondary adhesion of a heat spreader which is made of a metal and is a radiator using, for example, silver solder, and therefore there is a problem with adhesion position precision of the heat spreader which is made of a metal and there is a problem that manufacturing cost becomes high due to this process.
Furthermore, to secure heat radiation characteristics in a semiconductor package made of ceramic or resin by letting heat out from a lower surface of a semiconductor element to an outside of the semiconductor package, it is necessary to provide through-holes or via holes highly densely in ceramic or resin. When desired heat radiation characteristics are not satisfied only by providing through-holes or via holes highly densely, it is necessary to make a device of, for example, adopting a structure in which a heat radiation electrode is attached to a top surface of a semiconductor element as introduced in JP 2008-42063 A to further improve the heat radiation characteristic. However, this device does not satisfy a sufficient heat radiation property. This semiconductor package made of ceramic or resin has a limited amount of heat generation of a semiconductor element which can be mounted.

High-frequency semiconductor package and high-frequency semiconductor device


An optical apparatus provided in an optical pickup includes first and second light sources, a light splitting element, a condensing lens, a mounting base, a light receiving element, and a protruding piece formed on the condensing lens. The condensing lens guides transmission light from the first light source or reflection light from the second light source that are split by the light splitting element to the light receiving element. By grasping the protruding piece to protrude in a direction perpendicular to a lens axis of the condensing lens, and adjusting a mounting position of the condensing lens on the mounting base, a sufficient amount of light for stable control of a light output is applied to the light receiving element for light output monitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus composed of a light source and an optical component, for example, an optical apparatus such as a light output monitor of a light source provided in an optical pickup installed in an optical recording and reproducing apparatus, and a method for adjusting the amount of light of the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some information recording and reproducing apparatuses using an optical recording method record on and reproduce from plural kinds of optical recording mediums based on various standards, such as a compact disk (abbreviated as CD) and a digital versatile disk (abbreviated as DVD). FIG. 10 is a view showing a structure of a major part of a conventional optical pickup apparatus 1. FIG. 10 shows the optical pickup apparatus 1 structured so as to have two light sources, that is, first and second light sources 2, 3 in order to record on and reproduce from two kinds of recording mediums (hereafter, sometimes referred to as optical disks) having different standards by using a single optical pickup.
In the optical pickup apparatus 1, a first light beam 4 emitted from the first light source 2 is mostly reflected by a beam splitter 5 and enters a collimator lens 6, is made to become a parallel ray by the collimator lens 6 and enters an objective lens 7, and is converged by the objective lens 7 and applied to an optical disk 8 as a light spot having a minute diameter. Moreover, a second light beam 9 emitted from the second light source 3 is mostly transmitted by the beam splitter 5 and enters the collimator lens 6, is made to become a parallel ray by the collimator lens 6 and enters the objective lens 7, and is converged by the objective lens 7 and applied to the optical disk 8 as a light spot having a minute diameter.
The optical pickup 1 is generally provided with a monitor light receiving element 10 so as to monitor the amount of light of the first light beam 4 emitted from the first light source 2 or the second light beam 9 emitted from the second light source 3, and APC (automatic power control) is executed so that the amount of emission light of the first light beam 4 emitted from the first light source 2 or the second light beam 9 emitted from the second light source 3 is controlled to a proper value on the basis of a signal detected by the monitor light receiving element 10.
FIG. 11 is a view showing a state where a light output of the first light source 2 is monitored, and FIG. 12 is a view showing a state where a light output of the second light source 3 is monitored. In light output monitor regarding the first light source 2, part of the first light beam 4 emitted from the first light source 2 is transmitted by the beam splitter 5 to become a first transmission light beam 11, and the first transmission light beam 11 is made enter the light receiving element 10. Moreover, in light output monitor regarding the second light source 3, part of the second light beam 9 emitted from the second light source 3 is reflected by the beam splitter 5 to become a second reflection light beam 12, and the second reflection light beam 12 is made enter the light receiving element 10.
However, in the related art, the amount of light made enter the collimator lens 6, that is, light used for recording and reproducing information is preferentially made larger, so that only approximately 1% to 5% at most of light emitted from the light source is guided to the monitor light receiving element 10.
Particularly, in recent years, increase of the amount of light reaching the surface of an optical disk as much as possible is required as an optical disk apparatus becomes capable of high-speed recording and reproducing, so that the actual situation is that it is impossible to decrease the amount of light used for recording and reproducing information in order to increase the amount of light for monitor. There is such a relation between the amount of light for monitor and the amount of light used for recording and reproducing information that one has to be decreased when the other is increased, and it is difficult to increase both of them at the same time.
Further, light applied to the light receiving element 10 is divergent light, and the area of the light applied to the light receiving element 10 is far larger than a light receiving portion 13 serving as a light detecting portion disposed to the light receiving element 10. In contrast, the light receiving portion 13 has been further miniaturized so as to increase the sensitivity thereof in recent years. Therefore, there is a problem such that the amount of light detected by the light receiving portion 13 is small, that is, the level of a detection signal is small.
Still further, the size of the light receiving portion 13 is approximately 0.7 mm in diameter in the present circumstances, whereas there are variations as large as approximately ±0.3 mm in the accuracy of installation of the light receiving portion 13 to the external dimension of the light receiving element 10. Therefore that there is a problem such that the level of a signal detected by the light receiving element 10 largely varies according to each optical pickup apparatus. Furthermore, in a case where an installation position of the light receiving portion 13 in the light receiving element 10 is not in and around the center of the light receiving element 10 but leans to a peripheral portion thereof, the light receiving portion 13 is disposed so as to lean to a side of the top surface or the bottom surface of the light pickup apparatus. When the position of the light receiving portion 13 leans in this manner, a periphery portion of the light spot with a weak strength is detected, so that the level of a detection signal becomes small, and there is a problem such that stable control of a light output is difficult.
In one of related arts to solve these problems, a best-suited condensing lens to an optical system of an optical apparatus in order to condense light to a light receiving portion is used and fixed in a predetermined position. Moreover, in another related art, a light receiving element unit such that a light receiving element is embedded in a block with a light entering surface formed on a focusing surface so as to face the entering surface is used (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 5-264338 (1993)).
However, these related arts have problems as described below. It is necessary to produce a condensing lens or a light receiving element unit with a lens surface dedicated for each optical apparatus. Moreover, since it is difficult to respond to variations of individual light receiving elements, there arises loss in the amount of light. Further, it is necessary in correction of the optical apparatus or the light receiving element, to process so as to newly form an attachment portion to a fixture surface, or to remake the light receiving element unit, which is a great disadvantage in the respect of the cost of manufacturing.

Optical apparatus and method for adjusting amount of light of the same


An engine features a decompression mechanism that extends through a bore formed in a camshaft. The mechanism has an actuator that is formed of multiple shafts. The shafts are joined in the region of a decompression pin. The actuator rotates relative to the camshaft and the rotation drives translation of decompression pins in a radial direction of the camshaft.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to engine decompressor arrangements that temporarily reduce compression pressure when an engine is started. More particularly, the present invention relates to such arrangements that facilitate generally synchronous decompression across multiple cylinders.
2. Description of the Related Art
Compression release mechanisms have been used in single and multiple cylinder engines to make the engines easier to start. For instance, European Published Patent Application No. EP 1 070 833 A2 describes one such mechanism. The mechanism disclosed in this publication uses a construction that opens an exhaust valve during a compression stroke.
The mechanism features a compression release shaft that extends in the axial direction of a valve system camshaft and one or more lift members that extend in the radial direction of the camshaft. The lift members selectively contact associated valve actuation devices such that the valves are lifted from the valve seats, which reduces the compression pressure developed within the combustion chamber.
The compression release shaft rotates within an axial bore formed in an end portion of the valve system camshaft. A driving unit, including a centrifugal weight and a return spring, is provided at one end of the compression release shaft and a cam for changing the position of each lift member is provided on the other end of the compression release shaft.
The centrifugal weight rotates radially outward under centrifugal force when the valve system camshaft rotates at a sufficiently high rotational speed. When the centrifugal weight swings outward, the compression release shaft, which is coupled for rotation with the centrifugal weight, rotates along its axis. The return spring of the driving unit urges the centrifugal weight inward (i.e., in a direction generally opposite to the movement caused by the centrifugal force). Thus, the return spring acts to return the centrifugal weight to its initial position and to rotate the compression release shaft in a direction opposite to that caused by the centrifugal movement of the centrifugal weight.
In other words, the compression release shaft is secured in a first position by the resilient force of the return spring until the valve system camshaft starts rotating. Once the valve system camshaft rotates at a sufficiently high speed, the centrifugal weight moves and rotates the compression release shaft to a second position.
The lift members are positioned within corresponding pin holes and can move in a radial direction of the camshaft. The pin holes are formed in such a way as to cross the through hole for the compression release shaft. A contact portion of the lift members protrudes from the camshaft at a location near the cam. The contact portion is designed to contact an exhaust valve and is formed on one end portion thereof with a weight being formed on the other end portion. The lift member extends more than halfway through the diameter of the camshaft. When the camshaft rotational speed increases, the centrifugal force applied to the weight end of the lift member increases, which ideally withdraws the lift member into the camshaft. Thus, as the rotational speed increases, the cam surface of the compression release shaft is moved to a position that no longer supports the lift members and the weighted end of the lift members reduces that degree to which the lift member protrudes from the camshaft.
In the following description, the position of the lift member where the exhaust valve is opened to reduce the compression pressure is referred to as a pressing position, and the position of the lift member where the engine is in the normal driving state is referred to as a non-pressing position. In the construction described directly above, the lift members are designed to move between positions solely by centrifugal force once the compression release shaft rotates into the position that no longer supports the lift members.


The present application discloses a method, device, and system for selecting a user plane functional entity supporting non-3GPP access ensure service continuity. When a user equipment (UE) performs access via a 3GPP network, subscription data of the UE are obtained by a CP functional entity. The subscription data include indication information that indicates whether the UE is allowed to connect to a non-3GPP network. If the indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to connect to the non-3GPP network, a target UP functional entity supporting the non-3GPP access is selected by the CP functional entity. The present application is applicable to the field of communications technologies.

To meet challenges of wireless broadband technologies and maintain the leading advantage of 3GPP networks, 3GPP specifications groups developed a next generation mobile communications system (next generation system) network architecture, referred to as a 5th generation (5G) network architecture, at the end of 2016. The architecture not only supports accessing a 5G core network by using wireless technologies defined by the 3GPP specifications groups, but also supports accessing the 5G core network by using non-3GPP access technologies. Core network functions of the 5G core network are classified into a UP function and a control plane (CP) function. A UP functional entity is mainly responsible for packet forwarding, quality of service (QoS) control, charging information statistics collection, and the like. A CP functional entity is mainly responsible for delivering, to the UP, a packet forwarding policy, a QoS control policy, and the like.
Typically, when user equipment (UE) performs access via a 3GPP network, a CP functional entity selects an appropriate UP functional entity for the UE, and then, the UP functional entity establishes a user plane connection to a wireless side and provides related services for the UE. The appropriate UP functional entity is a UP functional entity that currently has relatively low load and that can support a related access point name (APN).
However, when the UE moves from the 3GPP network to a non-3GPP network for access, the previously selected UP functional entity may no longer be suitable to continue serving the UE, and consequently service continuity cannot be ensured.

Method, device, and system for selecting user plane functional entity supporting non-3GPP access