A signal detecting apparatus is to obtain hysteresis characteristic at a constant ratio regardless of signal amplitude fluctuations by supplying the threshold level adjusting signal corresponding to the input signal amplitude to the comparison circuit. The threshold value setting signal and the hysteresis adjusting signal is supplied to a comparison circuit through an amplifier and a hysteresis adjusting means having the identical characteristic with the peak hold circuit to set a threshold value and a hysteresis range. Therefore even in the case where the operating characteristic of the amplifier and the peak hold circuit for detecting the peak level of signal amplitude fluctuate, the threshold value and the hysteresis range fluctuation corresponding to the fluctuation. As a result, there can not need the adjustment for resetting the operating characteristic, the threshold value and the hysteresis range in each circuit and thus the time and labor required for adjustment can be further saved.

Heretofore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the optical fiber transmission system 1 which is transmitted via optical fiber, the transmitting data is reproduced from receiving signals received via the optical fiber.
More specifically, when an optical input S1 transmitted via the optical fiber is received at a photodiode 2 for example, which converts it into an input signal S2 to be supplied to a current/voltage converting circuit 3.
An input voltage signal S3 converted into voltage by the current/voltage convertor is supplied to an optical input receiving unit 4, in-which the voltage signal S3 is amplified by a main amplifier 5 so as to reproduce the transmission data based on the received signal S4 obtained therefrom.
Thus, in the optical fiber transmission system 1, the transmission data is reproduced from the received signal S4 outputted from the main amplifier 5, but also the received signal S4 is supplied to an alarm signal generation circuit 6 to judge whether the optical input S1 to be inputted exists or not.
In the alarm signal generation circuit 6, the received signal S4 is inputted to a peak hold circuit 7 to detect the peak level and the detection result is supplied to a comparison circuit 8. Then the comparison circuit 8 judges whether the optical input S1 is inputted or not depending on the comparison result between the peak level detection signal S5 inputted from the peak hold circuit 7 and the reference voltage, and outputs an alarm signal S6.
For example, in the case where the signal level of the received signal S4 drops when the optical fiber is disconnected from the connector, the comparison circuit 8 judges that the optical input S1 is not inputted and then the peak level is lower than the reference voltage, so as to make the logical value of the alarm signal S6 rise to an "H" level which is outputted to the peripheral device.
Since there is a possibility that noises which are generated in the preprocessing circuits (i.e., photodiode 2, current/voltage converter 3, etc.) may be mixed in the peak level detection signal S5 that is inputted to a comparison circuit 8, the hysteresis characteristic is provided in the comparison circuit 8 and the hysteresis range is adjustable by the hysteresis adjusting signal S7.
Furthermore, since the dynamic range of the peak level detection signal S5 that is inputted to the comparison circuit 8 fluctuates approximately ten times depending on the type of the photodiode 2 (e.g., avalanche photodiode and pin photodiode) and the difference in gain of the current/voltage V.sub.ref as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B converter 3, the reference voltage can be also adjusted by changing the threshold level setting signal S8.
However, in the case of the optical fiber transmission system 1, whenever the input level of the receiving signal S4 fluctuates dye to the combination of circuit elements used in the preprocessing circuits and the variations in their operating characteristics and the operating temperature, the hysteresis range and the reference voltage must be adjusted by the hysteresis adjusting signal S7 which is inputted from the adjusting terminal and by the threshold level setting signal S8. Therefore, a great deal of labor is required for adjustment of the signals.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a conventional hysteresis variable type comparison circuit 8 generates a voltage in proportion to the hysteresis by providing comparison outputs V.sub.OUT1 and V.sub.OUT2 to be outputted from the differential input stage constituted by a pair of NPN-type transistors Q1 and Q2 through buffer transistors Q3 and Q4 to the base of transistors Q5 and Q6 so as to feedback the offset current corresponding to the comparison outputs VOUT1 and V.sub.OUT2 to load resistances R1 and R2 (in which the resistance values are both R).
More specifically, in the comparison circuit 8, the hysteresis range (R.times.I2) can be adjusted by adjusting a current I2 being carried through the current source 9 connected to the common emitter of the transistors Q5 and Q6 which constitute the latch circuit.
However, in this type of comparison circuit 8, since the current I2 decreases at a fixed ratio and the gain of the latch circuit also decreases as the input amplitude decreases if hysteresis changes at a constant ratio to the input amplitude at, in the case where the input amplitude is small and the signal level of the receiving signal S4 is near to the reference voltage there occurs problems that the transistors Q5 and Q6 do not perform their switching function, hysteresis does not function properly and the input dynamic range comes narrow.


An ITV camera picks up an image of an image pickup region including a moving object and a fixed object which serves as a reference to measure a distance. Images are fetched through the ITV camera at a first aperture which discriminates between a background and the fixed object and a second aperture which discriminates between the background and the moving object. The images thus fetched are added together and edges (outlines) of the fixed object and the moving object from the added image. A distance between the fixed object and the moving object is calculated from the extracted edges. The optimal aperture, enlargement ratio and focal lengths are automatically determined in a short period of time in accordance with the image pickup region and an optimal image is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a moving object image pickup apparatus for detecting the position of a moving object, such as an automobile, running in an image pickup region set on a road surface, and clearly picking up an image of the moving object.
2. Description of the Related Art
The following is a known example of a position detecting device of the aforementioned moving object image pickup apparatus. An ITV (industrial TV) camera, serving as image pickup means, continuously picks up a plurality of images in an image pickup region including a moving object and a fixed object. The images are stored in an image memory. The contents of the image memory are analyzed to calculate a position of the moving object, which is displayed on a screen of a monitor.
For example, FIG. 1 shows an example of an image picked up by an ITV camera. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the positional relationship between a fixed object 12 (e.g., a white line on a road surface 13, serving as a reference) and a moving object 11 (e.g., a tire of an aircraft or an automobile) is to be determined. FIG. 2 shows an example of a luminance distribution of the picked-up image. In FIG. 2, reference numerals 11a, 12a and 13a respectively denote luminance distributions of the tire 11, the white line 12 and the road surface 13.
In general, the luminance of the fixed object, i.e., the white line 12, of the picked-up image is greater than that of the road surface 13. Since a suitable threshold (threshold 2) can therefore be calculated from the luminance distribution shown in FIG. 2, the white line 12 can be extracted by converting the image shown in FIG. 1 to binary values using the threshold 2. The extracted image of the white line is projected to X and Y coordinates, and the position of the fixed object (white line 12) in the image shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained on the basis of the projected data.
The luminance of the moving object, the tire 11, is less than that of the other portions. Therefore, the image of the tire 11 can be extracted by converting the image shown in FIG. 1 to binary values using a suitable threshold (threshold 1) calculated from the luminance distribution shown in FIG. 2. The extracted image of the tire 11 is projected to X and Y coordinates, and the position of the moving object (tire 11) can be obtained on the basis of the projected data.
The positions obtained in the manner as described above can be geometrically converted to values on an actual road surface from a position and an angle of the ITV camera and an angle of field, thereby calculating the distance between the moving object and the fixed object.
The conventional moving object image pickup apparatus as described above has a following drawback. If the luminance of the image pickup environment increases, the difference in luminance between a relatively bright object and the other portion is reduced. As a result, the brighter object cannot easily be extracted. On the other hand, if the luminance of the image pickup environment decreases, the difference in luminance between a relatively dark object and the other portion is reduced. As a result, the darker object cannot easily be extracted.
The following is a known example of an apparatus, only for picking up a clear image of a moving object, of the moving object image pickup apparatus. An ITV camera picks up an image including a moving object (automobile) in an image pickup region set on a road surface. The image is stored in an image memory. The content of the image memory is analyzed to generate a lens control signal. The image pickup lens of the ITV camera is controlled by the lens control signal, so that an optimal image can be obtained. The control of the image pick-up lens means controls the enlargement ratio, the aperture, the focal length, etc.
For example, when the enlargement ratio is to be controlled, the picked-up image is analyzed and the enlargement ratio of the image pickup lens is controlled so that an image of the target object (automobile) can be picked up in a size (target value) preset by the operator. More specifically, the image of the moving object is cut off from the overall picked-up image, and if the size of the image of the moving object is greater than the preset size, the enlargement ratio is lowered and an image is picked up and analyzed again. On the other hand, if the size of the image of the moving object of the picked-up image is smaller than the preset size, the enlargement ratio is increased and an image is picked up and analyzed again. This operation is repeated until the size of the image is optimized.
When the aperture is to be controlled, the luminance histogram of the picked-up image is analyzed and the aperture of the image pickup lens is controlled so that the luminance distribution can be a preset optimal distribution (target value). More specifically, if a greater number of pixels are distributed in a high luminance portion of the luminance histogram, the image pickup lens is controlled so as to narrow the aperture, and an image is picked up and analyzed again. If a greater number of pixels are distributed in a low luminance portion of the luminance histogram, the image pickup lens is controlled so as to widen the aperture, and an image is picked up and analyzed again. This operation is repeated until the distribution is optimized.
When the focal length is to be controlled, the frequency distribution of the picked-up image is obtained, and the focal length of the image pickup lens is controlled so that the frequency distribution can be a preset optimal distribution (target value). More specifically, the frequency distribution of the picked-up image is analyzed, while the focal length of the image pickup lens is being changed. The operation is repeated until an image having a component of the highest frequency is obtained.
The above conventional image pickup apparatus as described above, however, is disadvantageous in that the target values such as the enlargement ratio, the aperture, and the focal length must be preset by the operator in accordance with the image region. In addition, when controlling the aperture, it takes a considerable time for the aperture to be changed to a preset value after an aperture control signal is generated. Particularly, in a case of feedback control, the control of the aperture cannot overtake the high-speed movement of the moving object, and an optimal image cannot be obtained.


A pupil filter can be designed for any combination of an illumination lens and for various types of lithographic features. The pupil filter can be placed at the pupil plane of a projection optics system. For any given illumination lens providing a pupil fill within a pupil lens, a lithographic mask can be designed for the purpose of printing a one-dimensional array of line and space features or for the purpose of printing a two-dimensional array of contact holes by blocking areas, for each pixel in the pupil fill, the corresponding pixel and diffraction order pixels in the pupil lens unless +1 or −1 diffraction order pixels fall within the area of the numerical aperture. For the purpose of frequency doubling, the pupil fill area is blocked.

The present disclosure relates to a method for designing a pattern for a lithographic pupil filter for use with a photomask and photoresist to optimize image resolution or to provide frequency doubling for any illumination lens, a lithographic system that employs a photolithographic mask designed by the same, and a method of operating a lithographic system that employs a photolithographic mask designed by the same.
A systematic method of designing a lithographic pupil filter for an arbitrary illumination condition is desired in order to optimize the resolution of a specific feature to be printed in the photoresist. Particularly, a systematic method of designing a lithographic pupil filter for an arbitrary illumination condition is designed for the purpose of printing a specific one-dimensional array of line and space features, for the purpose of printing a specific two-dimensional array of contact holes, for the purpose of frequency doubling for a specific one-dimensional array of line and spacer features, and for the purpose of frequency doubling for a specific two-dimensional array of contact holes. As used throughout the present disclosure, a "frequency doubling" refers to reducing the pitch by 50% so as to provide a higher frequency (double frequency) at a Fourier transformed space (spatial frequency space) derived from the physical space. With frequency doubling, the wafer pitch will be half that of the mask pitch for 1D linespace patterns in the third embodiment and will be that of the mask pitch multiplied by the square root of two for 2D contact arrays in the fourth embodiment.

Image optimization using pupil filters in projecting printing systems with fixed or restricted illumination angular distribution


A needle shield and syringe assembly are provided. The main components of the needle shield are a hollow sleeve, a needle shielding means, and a snap ring. Radially extending protrusions are provided on the hollow sleeve, which slide within longitudinally extending slots in the needle shielding means allowing extension and retraction of the needle shielding means. The snap ring is positioned within a groove in the hollow sleeve at retraction, and extends into a groove in the needle shielding means at extension. Extension of the snap ring into the groove in the needle shielding means locks the shield in the extended position over the syringe needle.

Syringes have long been used to inject medications and other fluids into the bloodstream of patients. Syringes are also used to aspirate or withdraw various fluids from patients. These fluids include blood, for example.
When a syringe is used, the contact of the syringe needle with the patient can lead to contamination of the syringe, including the needle, with various contagious micro-organisms. The contaminated syringe and needle then pose a risk to anyone handling the syringe if the person accidentally pricks or contacts themself or someone else with the contaminated needle.
The danger of infection from contaminated needles and syringes has become of increased concern with the discovery of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The danger also exists for other infectious diseases and infections, such as hepatitis, streptococcal sepsis, tetanus, tuberculosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and malaria.
The problem is especially relevant in the health care industry. Each year, 7% of hospital employees are involved in needle stick injuries, of which 60% are nurses. It is estimated that 57% of accidental needle sticks occur while attempting to recap the needle of a syringe or in disposal of the syringe. It is also estimated that in excess of $28.3 million is spent annually in the United States for the diagnosis and initial treatment of needle sticks.
Various strategies to deal with this problem have been attempted. One approach involves the use of some sort of cap to cover the syringe needle after use, to prevent contact with the needle. This cap can be as simple as the original plastic cap which is used to cover the needle prior to use. However, the motion required to replace the original needle cap allows for error resulting in needle contact. This is due to the relatively small diameter of the cap and the required movement of a hand toward the contaminated needle during cap replacement.
Other approaches provide for additional means for covering the needle, in the form of shields. Examples of shields are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,435; 4,871,355; 4,923,447; 4,998,920; and 5,098,403.
The goal of a shield is to provide a means for preventing pricks and contact with contaminated needles, without interfering with the normal usage of a syringe. The shield must also be easily manufactured in conjunction with a syringe or easily assembled onto an existing syringe if manufactured separately. Ways to make a shield in a cost-effective manner are also important.
Although various types of shields have been proposed, the severity of the AIDS epidemic and other infectious diseases/infections provides a continuous need for an apparatus for shielding a syringe needle which meets these requirements.

Apparatus for shielding a syringe needle


A saw device comprises input/output interdigital transducer (IDT) electrodes(11,12) provided on piezoelectric substrates (10), a first reflector electrode (13) following the input IDT electrode (11), and a second reflector electrode (14) preceding the output IDT electrode (12). The device satisfies the following inequality (1) to provide preferable characteristics in a pass band: 2(xcex8xe2x88x925)xe2x89xa6tanxe2x88x921(D/L)xe2x89xa62(xcex8+5) where xcex8: the inclination (in degree, except zero) of the first or second reflector electrode of the input and output IDT electrodes with respect to a plane perpendicular to the direction in which surface acoustic waves travel. D: the pitch (in micron) of the input and output IDT electrodes in the direction in which surface acoustic waves travel. L: the pitch (in micron) of the first and second reflector electrodes.

The present invention relates to a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device for use in radio frequency circuits and the like of a wireless communications device.
In an application where the pass band is relatively wide and the flatness of the phase characteristics within the pass band is important as in filters for use in the IF stage in CDMA devices which are drawing attention in recent years, a surface acoustic wave device is suitable as the amplitude characteristics and the phase characteristics can be independently designed. Also, with the progress of downsizing and weight reduction of mobile terminals, miniaturization of surface acoustic wave devices for IF stage is also being demanded. Accordingly, improved versions of transversal type surface acoustic wave devices are being developed.
In a conventional surface acoustic wave device, as shown in FIG. 14, input and output interdigital transducer electrodes (hereinafter IDT electrodes) 101 and 102 are provided in parallel on a piezoelectric substrate 100, first reflector electrodes 103 are provided between the end on the output side of the input IDT electrode and an end of the piezoelectric substrate 100, and second reflector electrodes 104 are provided between the end on the input side of the output IDT electrode 102 and an end of the piezoelectric substrate 100. Also, the first and second reflector electrodes 103, 104 are obliquely provided relative to the direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves.
When an electrical signal is inputted to the input terminal of this surface acoustic wave device, surface acoustic waves propagate through the input IDT electrode 101, reflect at the first reflector electrodes 103, propagate to the second reflector electrodes 104, reflect at the second reflector electrodes 104, propagate to the output IDT electrode 102, and are put out from the output terminal.
Accordingly, when compared with a transversal type surface acoustic wave device, the size can be made smaller by the amount of overlap of the input and output IDT electrodes 101, 102 in the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves.
In a surface acoustic wave device having this structure, the state of reflection of surface acoustic waves differs depending on the angle of inclination of the first and second reflector electrodes 103, 104 relative to the input and output IDT electrodes 101, 102, thus affecting the in-passband characteristics.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surface acoustic wave device that can efficiently transmit surface acoustic waves from the input IDT electrode to the output IDT electrode and hence has a superior in-passband characteristic.
In order to achieve the above object, a first surface acoustic wave device of the present invention comprises a piezoelectric substrate, input and output IDT electrodes provided on the piezoelectric substrate in a manner such that the directions of propagation of surface acoustic waves are in parallel, a first reflector electrode disposed on the side of output of the surface acoustic waves of the input IDT electrode, and a second reflector electrode provided on the side of input of the surface acoustic waves of the output IDT electrode, and satisfies Equation (1). As it can efficiently propagate surface acoustic waves, it provides a superior in-passband characteristic.
2(xcex8xe2x88x925)xe2x89xa6tanxe2x88x921(D/L)xe2x89xa62(xcex8+5)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
where
xcex8: angle of inclination (in degrees excluding zero degree) of the first or the second reflector electrode relative to a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves of the input and output IDT electrodes;
D: center-to-center distance in xcexcm of the widths of the input and output IDT electrodes in the direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves:
L: center-to-center distance in xcexcm of the first reflector electrode and the second reflector electrode.
In addition, by designing the value of xcex8 to be equal to or smaller than 25xc2x0, this device may be made further superior in its in-passband characteristics.
Furthermore, by designing the reflection coefficients of the first and second reflector electrodes to be approximately equal to unity, insertion loss of the device may be lowered.
Yet furthermore, by designing at least one of the input and output IDT electrodes to be a unidirectional electrode, insertion loss of the device may be lowered.
Yet furthermore, by electrically connecting as well as grounding the first and second reflector electrodes of the device with a connect electrode provided between the input and output IDT electrodes, the cable run electrode works as a shielding electrode and prevents electromagnetic coupling between the input and output IDT electrodes thereby increasing the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation.
Yet furthermore, by dividing the first and second reflector electrodes of the device into more than one unit, the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be further increased.
Yet furthermore, by making the cable run electrode broader than the bus bars of the input and output IDT electrodes of the device, shielding effect may be further enhanced.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing on at least one of the ends on the sides of the input and output IDT electrodes of the first or the second reflector electrodes an electrode finger having the same pitch, width, and angle of inclination as the electrode fingers of the above-mentioned reflector electrodes but shorter in length than the above-mentioned electrode fingers, a filter waveform close to a rectangle may be realized.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing at the end on the IDT electrode side of the reflector electrodes provided with a short electrode finger and in parallel with the electrode fingers of the IDT electrodes an electrode finger, having a width approximately equal to xe2x85x9 of the wavelength of surface acoustic waves, for connecting ends of electrode fingers, unwanted reflection may be prevented.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by making the reflection characteristics of the first reflector electrodes and the second reflector electrodes different, the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be increased.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by making the metalization ratios of the first and second reflector electrodes to be in the range 0.45 to 0.75, reflection efficiency per electrode finger of the reflector electrodes may be enhanced thus enabling size reduction of the reflector electrodes.
Yet furthermore, with this device, the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be increased by making the width of some of the electrode fingers of the reflector electrodes greater than the width of other electrode fingers.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing a third reflector electrode on the side opposite the side where the first reflector electrode of the input IDT electrode is provided at a predetermined distance from the input IDT electrode, and providing a fourth reflector electrode on the side opposite the side where the second reflector electrode of the output IDT electrode is provided at a predetermined distance from the output IDT electrode, bi-directional surface acoustic waves propagating through the input IDT electrode may be efficiently propagated to the output IDT electrode.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by configuring at least one of the input and output IDT electrodes with a split electrode having an electrode finger width approximately equal to xcex/8 (xcex: wavelength of surface acoustic waves), internal reflection within the input and output IDT electrodes may be prevented and a wide and flat pass band may be provided.
Yet furthermore, with this device, when the input and output terminals of the surface acoustic wave device are of unbalanced type, by grounding the input and output terminals on the side of opposing input and output IDT electrodes, electromagnetic coupling between the input and output IDT electrodes may be prevented and a large quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be obtained.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing an acoustic absorber between the first and second reflector electrodes and the end in the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves of the piezoelectric substrate, unwanted reflected waves at the end of the piezoelectric substrate may be absorbed and a flat pass band may be obtained.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing a sound-absorbing material also between the first and second reflector electrodes and the end parallel to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves of the piezoelectric substrate, unwanted reflected waves at the end of the piezoelectric substrate may be further absorbed and a flat pass band may be obtained.
A second surface acoustic wave device of the present invention comprises a piezoelectric substrate, input and output IDT electrodes provided in parallel on the piezoelectric substrate, first to fourth reflector electrodes provided on both sides of the input and output IDT electrodes, and a fifth reflector electrode provided between the input and output IDT electrodes, where the first to the fourth reflector electrodes are inclined by roughly the same angles relative to a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves, thus providing a surface acoustic wave device small in size and superior in the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation.
Additionally, with this device, by satisfying Equation (2), surface acoustic waves may be efficiently propagated.
2(xcex8xe2x88x925)xe2x89xa6tanxe2x88x921(D/L)xe2x89xa62(xcex8+5)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
where
xcex8: angle of inclination (in degrees excluding zero degree) of one or more of the first to the fourth reflector electrodes relative to a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves of the input and output IDT electrodes;
D: center-to-center distance in xcexcm of the widths of the input and output IDT electrodes in the direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves;
L: center-to-center distance in xcexcm of the first reflector electrode and the second reflector electrode.
In addition, by designing the value of xcex8 to be equal to or smaller than 25xc2x0, this device may be made further superior in its in-passband characteristics.
Furthermore, by designing the reflection coefficients of the first to fifth reflector electrodes to be approximately equal to unity, insertion loss of the device may be lowered.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by configuring at least one of the input and output IDT electrodes with a split electrode having an electrode finger width approximately equal to xcex/8 (xcex: wavelength of the surface acoustic wave), internal reflection inside the input and output IDT electrodes may be prevented and a wide and flat pass band may be provided.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by making the fifth reflector electrode work as a shielding electrode by grounding it, electromagnetic coupling between the input and output IDT electrodes may be prevented thus providing a device having a large quantity out-of-passband attenuation.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing on at least one of the ends on the side of the input and output IDT electrodes of the first to the fourth reflector electrodes an electrode finger having the same pitch, width, and angle of inclination as the electrode fingers of the reflector electrodes but shorter in length than the electrode fingers, a filter waveform close to a rectangle may be obtained.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing at the end on the IDT electrodes side of the reflector electrode provided with a short electrode finger and in parallel with the electrode fingers of the IDT electrodes an electrode finger having a width approximately equal to xe2x85x9 of the wavelength of surface acoustic waves for connecting ends of electrode fingers, unwanted reflection may be prevented.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by making the reflection characteristics of the first and second reflector electrodes different from those of the third and fourth reflector electrodes, the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be increased.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by making the metalization ratios of the first to the fifth reflector electrodes to be in the range 0.45 to 0.75, reflection efficiency per electrode finger may be enhanced thus enabling size reduction of the reflector electrodes.
Yet furthermore, with this device, the quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be increased by making the width of some of the electrode fingers of at least one of the first to the fifth reflector electrodes greater than the width of other electrode fingers.
Yet furthermore, with this device, when the input and output terminals of the surface acoustic wave device are of unbalanced type, by grounding the input and output terminals on the side of opposing input and output IDT electrodes, electromagnetic coupling between the input and output IDT electrodes may be prevented and a large quantity of out-of-passband attenuation may be obtained.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing a sound-absorbing material between the first to the firth reflector electrodes and the end of the piezoelectric substrate in the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves, unwanted reflected waves at the end of the piezoelectric substrate may be absorbed and a flat pass band may be obtained.
Yet furthermore, with this device, by providing a sound-absorbing material also between the first to the fourth reflector electrodes and the end of the piezoelectric substrate in the direction parallel to the direction of propagation of surface acoustic waves, unwanted reflected waves at the end of the piezoelectric substrate may be further absorbed and a flat pass band may be obtained.
A communications device in accordance with the present invention is one including a mixer, a surface acoustic wave device in accordance with the present invention of which the input side is connected to the output side of the mixer, and an amplifier of which the input side is connected to the output side of the surface acoustic wave device, and enabling reduction in the number of factors related to amplifier elements, or reduction in the amplifier power dissipation thus providing superior cost performance.

SAW device with inclined reflectors and communication device using SAW device

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An electrical connector for a portable communication device. The connector is intended to be surface mounted to a printed circuit board of the portable communication device. The connector has a housing and contacts to be soldered to the printed circuit board. The housing has snap-fit lugs and positioning dogs to locate the housing for pressing the contacts on the printed circuit board with coflatness of the contacts before soldering of the contacts to the printed circuit board.

The present invention relates to an input/output connector intended to be surface-mounted on a printed circuit board PCB comprising, among other things, an insulating housing on whose lateral parts are fixed two positioning dogs to be soldered to the PCB, contacts to be soldered to the PCB. It also relates to the process for mounting the said connector.
In a general and known manner, the input/output connector of a portable communication device, for example a mobile telephone, which is of very small dimensions, is surface-mounted on a printed circuit board PCB. For the sake of conciseness and simplification the printed circuit board will hereafter be referred to as PCB ("Printed Circuit Board"), the term commonly used by those skilled in the art. This connector thus makes it possible to connect and disconnect an exterior electronic device, equipped with a complementary connector, to the portable communication device so as to permit dialogue between the two devices, or the testing of the functions or components installed on the PCB. Given the very small size of the connector used for this type of application and the vital need for highly accurate positioning during the mounting thereof so that the bearing plane of the connector coincides or at least almost coincides with the plane of the PCB, specific means for positioning and fixing the connector as well as the contacts must be provided. Thus, when implementing the product, the surface-mounting of the component, and also throughout the lifetime of the portable device, sometimes under severe handling conditions, all the contacts of the complementary connectors should be able to engage with one another and ensure that the contact pressure is adequate for good electrical transmission. Thus, it has been observed that for this function to be effective, it is necessary for the bearing plane of the connector to coincide or at least almost coincide with the plane of the PCB. In fact, this coplanarity provides for an efficient answer to a requirement for so-called coflatness, necessary for the implementation of the surface-mounting process, which requirement implies that any contact must be located within a maximum tolerance interval, which is desired to be small (for example of the order of 0.1 mm), in relation to the plane of bearing of the connector on the PCB, which bearing plane defines the plane of reference for the said coflatness.
International application WO 96/07221 describes such a connector which uses metal soldering fixings intended for holding it and setting it in position on the PCB. However, the use of such fixings has a considerable drawback since it does not allow the abovementioned necessary accuracy and hence the coflatness requirement to be met sufficiently rigorously. This is because the fixings described rest on the PCB over the whole of the surface of their base whilst, moreover, the connector rests at the rear on the said PCB either on a mounting surface or on a set of contacts. Thus, three surfaces which are independent and consequently whose probability of being coplanar is extremely small, the two surfaces of the bases of the fixings and the surface via which the rear of the connector rests on the PCB, are in this case involved in determining the plane of bearing of the connector on the PCB. Moreover, the dimensional constraints of the product do not allow sufficiently accurate guiding of the contacts. All of the above implies that this bearing plane evidently cannot be determined in an accurate and reproducible manner and yet, as was stated earlier, this bearing plane defines the plane of reference for the coflatness of the contacts and thus a considerable scatter is created as regards the coflatness.

Input/output connector for portable communication device and process for mounting the said connector


A washing machine paddle includes a plurality of intake openings for collecting liquid at the bottom and rear of a drum of a front loading washing machine. Discharge openings are located on the paddle toward the front of the drum for discharging liquid therethrough. A baffle arrangement in the paddle directs the liquid collected from the intake openings to the discharge openings upon rotation of the drum to place the paddle into a top location. A drum arrangement and washing machine includes at least one such paddle mounted thereon.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention lies in the field of appliances. More specifically, the invention relates to a front-loading washing machine having a rotatable laundry drum with a casing, and with an axis of rotation in the operating position of the washing machine which deviates from the horizontal such that it slopes upward in the forward direction. The laundry drum has hollow, elongate paddles that are disposed on the inside of the casing. The paddles include liquid inlet openings located such that when located in a lower position as a result of drum rotation are proximate the rear region of the laundry drum. By such arrangement, upon rotation of the drum, the openings provide at the lowermost position admission of liquid into the paddle. A baffle arrangement redirects the liquid within the paddle to be discharged from the paddle through openings located toward the front of the drum when the paddle is in, or around, the upper most region of the drum during a rotation cycle.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Prior art washing machines have included arrangements where laundry that is to be washed is exposed to washing liquid and moved mechanically to remove soiling on wash items. With drum-type washing machines, that function is performed by a laundry drum that is arranged essential horizontally in a tub. The drum is arranged for receiving the laundry and rotated to move the laundry in its interior. In order to assist in moving the laundry, rib-like paddles are aligned transverse to the movement direction of the laundry-drum casing.
Other prior art drum-type washing machines exist that position the paddles obliquely to run along a helical line on the inside of the laundry-drum casing. The paddles are arranged obliquely for the purpose of influencing the movement of the laundry. This causes the laundry to be transported by the paddles within the drum as the drum rotates.
One prior art approach which tends to distribute water throughout the laundry drum and in contact with the wash items involves having paddles arranged to scoop water in the lowermost region of the tub to raise the water as the laundry drum rotates to spray the water from a raised position, through openings onto the laundry located beneath. However, this configuration is such that the scooped quantity of liquid is discharged before the paddles have reached the position in which they are located essentially above the laundry. Such an arrangement slows the wetting process to a considerable degree because the liquid discharge only runs down the inner wall of the drum.
In an attempt to avoid such an occurrence, U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,767 discloses a front-loading washing machine which includes a laundry drum rotatably mounted around a rotation axis. The rotation axis slopes upward in a direction defined from the rear region to the front region. Hollow elongate paddles are disposed on the interior of the casing of the laundry drum in an oblique arrangement with respect to a direction of rotation. Each of the paddles includes liquid inlets which pass through a rear lower region of the laundry drum as a result of rotation to collect liquid and discharge it through outlets when the paddles are in an upper position within the drum. The drum is cylindrical and includes a casing line. Paddles are fastened on the inner casing of the drum cylinder and the inlets project outside of the casing line, i.e., beyond the drum, for scooping water into the paddles.
All the prior art discussed fails to address the desirability of directing water collected from the bottom of a rotating drum which is inclined, and redistributing the liquid in a manner consistently wetting laundry items within the drum at a location forward relative to the rear of the drum, such that laundry items towards the front of the drum are also uniformly exposed to washing liquid within the washing machine.

Front-loading washing machine having liquid distributing paddles


A power supply system includes a first power module for outputting a first voltage and a second power module for outputting a second voltage. The first power module includes a first switch element, and a second switch element. The second power module includes a third switch element, and a fourth switch element. When the first power module is in a working state and the second power module is then plugged into the power supply system in a hot-swappable manner, only if a phase difference or a voltage difference between the first power source and the second power source is lower than a threshold value, the second switch element and the fourth switch element are controlled to be turned on. Subsequently, if the second voltage is higher than the first voltage, the third switch element is controlled to be turned on.

As known, a power factor correction (PFC) circuit is widely used in a power supply system of an electronic apparatus for filtering off the harmonic wave component contained in the received current, thereby increasing the power factor. Consequently, the power supply system comprises a power module with a power factor correction circuit. By the power factor correction circuit, the distribution of the AC input current provided by the utility power source is no longer too centralized, the magnitude of the harmonic wave is reduced, and the power loss of the power supply system is reduced.
As the demands on the power level and the backup function of the electronic apparatus are gradually increased, the power supply system is usually equipped with two or more power modules. Conventionally, each of the power modules comprises a power factor correction circuit and a DC-to-DC converter. The output sides of the DC-to-DC converters of these power modules are connected with each other in parallel and further electrically connected with a main circuit of the electronic apparatus. Moreover, for providing sufficient electric energy to the electronic apparatus, each power module may be removed from or plugged into the power supply system during the electronic apparatus is in the normal working state. In other words, the plural power modules of the power supply system are hot-swappable to be plugged into the power supply system.
However, when the plural power modules are plugged into the power supply system in a hot-swappable manner to be connected with each other in parallel, two problems may occur. For example, when plural power sources provide electric energy to the plural power modules, if the phases of different power sources are different or there is a voltage difference between the plural power modules, the output current from the working power module will flow into a specified power module which is being plugged into the power supply system in the hot-swappable manner. Under this circumstance, an unexpected returning current path is generated in the swapping power module. Due to the unexpected returning current path, the filtering efficacy of an EMI filter of the swapping power module is deteriorated, and the pre-charged voltage across an output capacitor of the swapping power module is too high.
Moreover, when a specified power module is plugged into the power supply system in the hot-swappable manner to be connected with the working power module in parallel, since the voltage across the output capacitor of the swapping power module is zero at the moment of plugging the swapping power module into the power supply system, the output voltage from the working power module of the power supply system will charge the output capacitor of the swapping power module. Under this circumstance, the output capacitor of the swapping power module is readily subjected to a large dv/dt change, and thus an inrush current is generated by the output capacitor. Due to the inrush current, the power module may be damaged.
For solving the above drawbacks, the power supply system may be equipped with an isolation transformer. The isolation transformer comprises plural primary windings and a secondary winding. The plural primary windings are electrically connected with the output sides of the corresponding power modules. The secondary winding is electrically connected with the main circuit of the electronic apparatus. By the isolation transformer, the plural power modules are isolated from each other. Consequently, when any power module is plugged into the power supply system in the hot-swappable manner, the possibility of generating the unexpected returning current path and the inrush current will be reduced. However, since the isolation transformer is bulky, the overall volume of the power supply system fails to be effectively reduced. Moreover, since the power supply system has the additional isolation transformer to transmit electric energy, the use of the isolation transformer may result in undesired power loss. Under this circumstance, the efficiency of the power supply system is impaired.
Therefore, there is a need of providing a power supply system and a control method thereof in order to eliminate the above drawbacks.

Power supply system and control method thereof


A data center includes a wind collecting structure that directs prevailing winds external to the data center into an interior of the wind collecting structure. The wind collecting structure includes vents around its perimeter configured to selectively open on a side of the wind collecting structure receiving prevailing wind, pressurizing the intake air. The pressurized air flows from the wind collecting structure through a compartment of the data center including computing assets. The air is directed across the computing assets to extract heat from the computing assets during operation.

This invention relates generally to data centers, and more particularly to efficient cooling of computing devices within a data center.
Heat removal is an important consideration in computer system and data center design. As the number of servers deployed in a data center increases, heat generated by electronic components in the servers during operation also increases. Because the reliability of servers used by the data center decreases if they operate at a high temperature over time, a portion of the data center's power is used for cooling electronics in the servers. However, as the number of servers included in a data center increases, a greater portion of the power consumed by the data center is used to cool electronics within the servers.
Conventionally, servers in a data center are individually equipped with cooling systems to dissipate heat produced during operation. Commonly, each server includes a fan for dissipating heat generated during operation. However, these internal fans generally consume about 10%-15% of the power used by the servers, and also produce heat during operation, limiting their effectiveness. Additionally, a room in the data center housing the servers may also be cooled using methods such as air conditioning, using additional power for cooling.

Cooling servers in a data center using prevailing winds


The terminal block of the present invention provides both a simple high strength mechanical connection with a circuit board as well as a good electrical connection. The terminal block has a snapfit with a side edge of the circuit board due to a cooperation between pins of the terminal block and holes through the circuit board. The terminal block simplifies assembly and improves the mechanical connection of the terminal block with the circuit board.

It is well known to have a terminal block connector secured to a circuit board which allows securement of wires to the circuit board via mechanical connectors of the block terminal. Such terminal blocks are typically soldered to the circuit board and various jigs are used to position the terminal block for the soldering step. Pins of the terminal block extend over the board and connect with soldering lands on the board.
These prior art arrangements require good dexterity in soldering of the pins to the circuit board without movement of the terminal block while achieving a good electrical connection. These operations require considerable time and care as it is imperative to the successful operation of the circuit board to have the proper connections. Even with proper connection an installer connecting the wires to the terminal block can break a connection of the terminal block to the circuit board rendering the unit unsatisfactory and resulting in its return.
The present invention overcomes a number of these shortcomings and provides a connecting arrangement which is strong and easier to install.


A semiconductor device is disclosed which comprises first and second local bit lines coupled to a plurality of memory cells arranged in first and second areas, respectively, a differential type local sense amplifier amplifying a voltage difference between the first and second local bit lines, a global bit line arranged in an extending direction of the first and second local bit lines, and first and second switches controlling electrical connections between the first and second local bit lines and the global bit line, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device comprising a memory cell array in which structures of bit lines and sense amplifiers are hierarchized.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, semiconductor devices such as DRAM have increased in capacity and decreased in size, and with this, memory cell arrays in which both structures of bit lines and sense amplifiers are hierarchized have been proposed. In such memory cell arrays, there are arranged local bit lines of a lower hierarchy and global bit lines of an upper hierarchy, and there are provided local sense amplifiers connected to the local bit lines and global sense amplifiers connected to the global bit lines. A configuration is known in which hierarchical bit lines of open bit line structure are used in a hierarchical memory cell array (for example, see Patent Reference 1). In this configuration, a differential type local sense amplifier needs to be connected to a pair of bit lines of the open bit line structure. Further, a configuration is known in which hierarchical bit lines of single-ended configuration are used in a hierarchical memory cell array (for example, see Patent Reference 2). In this configuration, a single-ended local sense amplifier needs to be connected to one single-ended bit line.    [Patent Reference 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-034614 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,248,834)    [Patent Reference 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-055729 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,068,369)
In the above hierarchical memory cell arrays, it is desirable to employ differential type sense amplifiers in order to obtain a sufficient sensing margin when amplifying a minute signal voltage read out from a memory cell. Meanwhile, in consideration of restriction of manufacturing process, the global bit lines formed in a wiring layer over the local bit lines are desired to have a single-ended configuration that is capable of widening a line pitch. However, a memory cell array in which the differential type local sense amplifier is connected to local bit lines of the open bit line structure and a single-ended global sense amplifier is connected to a global bit line of the single-ended configuration has not been proposed. In the memory cell array having such a configuration, a control method of hierarchical switches each of which controls an electrical connection between a pair of local bit lines of the open bit line structure and the single-ended global bit line has not been proposed. As descried above, in the conventional hierarchical memory cell arrays, it is difficult to achieve a configuration that has both advantages of using the differential type sense amplifier and the single-ended global bit line.

Semiconductor device having hierarchical bit line structure


Problems associated with excessive crowbar current due to input signal transitions at a buffered programmable interconnect point are solved by inserting a transistor switch between power and ground. The inserted switch is in series with the input buffer and is controlled by a memory cell which also controls the pass/no-pass state of the interconnect. An OFF inserted switch blocks current that flows during switching when the memory cell output causes a no-pass state of the interconnect.

A conventional buffered programmable interconnect point comprises an inverter feeding the source of an N-type field effect transistor, the gate of which is connected to a memory cell. The output of the memory cell determines whether the transistor is ON or OFF and thus whether or not the input to the inverter is passed through the transistor. The inverter comprises a complementary pair of CMOS transistors (i.e., N- and P-type having their respective gates connected to each other at the inverter input and also having their respective drains connected to each other at the inverter output). The P-transistor source is connected to a supply voltage and the N-transistor source is connected to ground. Normally, one or the other of the two transistors conducts depending on the voltage level of the input to the inverter. If the input voltage is high, corresponding to logic true, the N-transistor conducts, producing a logic low at the inverter output. If the input voltage is zero, corresponding to logic low, the P-transistor conducts, causing the output voltage to be raised to the supply voltage level, thereby producing a logic high at the inverter output.
However, a problem arises on both enabled and disabled programmable interconnect points while an input voltage is in transition. Specifically, during a voltage change at the input, both inverter transistors are momentarily in an ON state, thereby creating a current path from the supply voltage to ground (from the source of the P-transistor to the source of the N-transistor). This "crowbar current" problem is exacerbated when there are many buffered programmable interconnect point on one line such as on long signal paths or clock lines in an FPGA. If there is sufficient current flow through numerous such inverters the device consumes high power, and ground bounce can occur (i.e., ground is no longer truly zero volts). Ground bounce can cause inaccuracies and logic anomalies.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide buffered programmable interconnect points wherein a transition of the input signal does not enable a current path from the power line to the ground line.

Programmable interconnect point having reduced crowbar current


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for serving advertisements based on partial queries. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for advertisements that specifies a set of query suggestions. The query suggestions are ranked based, at least in part on a probability of each query suggestion being selected by a user that input the partial query. A proper subset of the query suggestions is selected and includes a highest ranked query suggestion based on the ranking and one or more query suggestions of the set of query suggestions that is at least one of a revision of the highest ranked query suggestion or refers to a same topic as the highest ranked query suggestion. One or more advertisements are identified for each query suggestion of the proper subset. Data specifying the identified advertisements are provided.

This specification relates to data processing and content distribution.
The Internet provides access to a wide variety of resources, such as image files, audio files, video files, and web pages. A search system can select one or more resources in response to receiving a search query. A search query is data that a user submits to a search system to obtain search results for resources in an effort to satisfy the user's informational needs. The search queries can be received in the form of text input, e.g., one or more query terms or in the form of image input, audio input, or other types of input. The search system can select and score resources based on their relevance to the search query and/or on their importance relative to other resources to provide search results that link to the selected resources. The search results are typically ordered according to the scores and presented according to their order.
In addition to search results, an advertising system (or another content distribution system) may provide advertisements (or other content items) that are responsive to the query. For example, the search query may be used to identify an advertisement using a keyword that matches the search query. In turn, the identified advertisement can be provided for presentation with the search results.
Search systems can provide query suggestions to users to help users obtain resources that satisfy their informational needs. As used herein, the term "query suggestion" is a suggested query that can be used to refine a search query that has been input by the user. Some search systems provide query suggestions for a partial query, which can be in the form of a list that can be populated prior to the query input being completed. To facilitate delivery of query suggestions for partial query, a client can send suggestion requests to a search system with each keystroke, and the search system can provide query suggestions having prefixes that match the entered characters. Once received, the client device displays these suggestions for user selection.

Serving advertisements based on partial queries


A water faucet includes a valve body, two conducting members, a valve seat, two control valves, two control handles, and two control plates. Thus, the water faucet is available for an upright water outlet pipe and a horizontal water outlet pipe, so that the water faucet has different water output ways, thereby enhancing the versatility of the water faucet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a water faucet, and more particularly to a water faucet having different output effects, thereby enhancing the versatility of the water faucet.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional water faucet mixes the cold water from the cold water pipe and the hot water from the hot water pipe, so that the mixed water flowing outward from the mixed water faucet has a proper temperature. However, the conventional water faucet is only available an upright water outlet pipe or a horizontal water outlet pipe, so that the conventional water faucet only has a single water output way, thereby limiting the versatility of the water faucet.

Water faucet having different output effects


A Switched Reluctance (SR) generator having improved efficiency at low and high speed is disclosed. The SR generator includes a step-up converter for controlling an excitation voltage of an excitation capacitor capable of providing a phase winding with an excitation current. Therefore, the SR generator can control the excitation current, and can provide a phase winding with a sufficient excitation current, thereby improving efficiency. The step-up converter is arranged between a battery capable of storing generated power and the excitation capacitor, boosts a voltage of the battery, and provides the excitation capacitor with the boosted voltage. Therefore, the SR generator does not include an additional power-supply unit for a boosting function, resulting in simplification of an overall structure and reduction of a production cost.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a Switched Reluctance (SR) generator, and a more particularly to an SR generator for improving generation performance at low and high speed.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, an SR generator has been widely used as an energy conversion device, such that it transmits electric energy from a voltage source to a winding having one or more phases via an electric switching operation during a predetermined rotor angle period, and takes more electric energy than that received in the winding from the winding during the remaining rotor angle periods. The above-mentioned additional energy is indicative of mechanical energy applied to a generator rotor when torque is rotationally applied to the SR generator. The SR generator has an output signal configured in the form of a current source, so that it can generate electricity.
Although conventional wind power stations have widely used an induction generator or a synchronous generator, the induction generator must maintain a predetermined speed when generating electricity whereas it has a simple structure and a low production cost, such that it requires an additional gearbox and has a limited range of wind velocity at which electricity is generated. The synchronous generator has disadvantages in that it has a complicated structure and is expensive. The synchronous generator outputs a low output voltage at a low wind velocity, such that it is unable to charge a battery with electricity.
Therefore, although induction or synchronous generators have been widely used to generate electricity in an area having a low wind velocity, many problems occur when generating electricity. The applicant of the present invention has recognized that the SR generator can be improved to be suitable for an application field in a process during which a generator capable of efficiently performing wind power generation has been developed.


An apparatus which estimates an inside of an object, includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains light path models and a first light intensity distribution, based on an assumption that a first object includes no second object, distribution; a second obtaining unit which obtains a second light intensity distribution which is an intensity distribution of observed light; a voting value calculating unit which calculates a voting value for each of positions on a predetermined plane, based on a result of comparison in light intensity between the first and second light intensity distributions; a voting unit which votes the voting value to voting regions on a light path model along which light reaches each position; and an estimating unit which estimates whether the second object exists in each voting region, based on a result of the voting.

A technique for estimating the inside of an object is important. Examples of the application of the technique include detecting a foreign object, such as a needle, contained in food, and estimating the shape of a foreign object, such as a needle, stuck in the skin. High-accuracy estimation of the inside of an object supports an increase in food safety and medical advancement.
As a method of estimating the inside of an object, a method is widely used which is based on X-ray computed tomography. In the method which uses X-ray computed tomography, the following procedure is basically performed. First, X-rays are emitted into an object which contains a foreign object and the amount of the X-rays exiting the object is observed. Subsequently, the distribution of absorptance of light (X-rays) in the object is estimated based on the ratio of the amount of outgoing X-rays to the amount of incident X-rays (that is, based on the amount of absorption of light). In practice, X-rays are directed to an object from 360-degree direction and the amount of attenuation of X-rays exiting the object is observed. Subsequently, the distribution of absorptance of the inside of the object is estimated using a method referred to as a back projection or a filtered back projection.
By emitting light beams from a light source, observing the outgoing amount of the light beams transmitted through the object, and analyzing the observation results in such a manner, it is possible to estimate the positions and the shapes of absorbing objects in the object.

Apparatus which estimates inside of object and method of estimating inside of object


Methods are provided for the creation of large diameter piles in all types of soils (cohesive, cohesionless or rocky), particularly for the construction of bulkheads made of juxtaposed or secant piles, while maintaining the deviation from the vertical well below the limit ≦2% required by European standard EN 1536. The invention reduces verticality errors, advantageously exploiting the accuracy provided by the directional drilling technology. Tools for implementing such methods are also provided.

When drilling in rock or concrete, the problem of performing pilot perforations is normally solved by using a drilling tool on which there is fixed a bit that follows a guiding borehole or pilot borehole. This method, however, cannot be implemented with cohesionless soil. In fact, if the excavation requires a reiteration of ascents and descents of the tool, there is a risk that the guiding borehole may become obstructed due to partial or total collapse of the walls of the borehole, or by the fall of debris not collected by the tool. In this case, the pilot borehole becomes filled with loose material, potentially causing the tip of the tool to exit from the guiding borehole. In addition, in soft soils, the soil surrounding the guiding borehole may not effectively counter lateral forces tending to move the tool from its defined trajectory.
US 2010/0108392 A1 describes a method for the construction of large vertical boreholes and underground cut-off walls made of piles. A drilling rig with double rotary heads drives a small diameter (between 50 mm and 400 mm) drill string, and a much larger diameter drill string, which is concentric with the smaller drill string and has an annular drill bit at a lower end thereof. A steerable "mud motor" drill is provided on a lower end of the smaller drill string to make a borehole as vertical as possible. The outer drill string is advanced, enlarging the borehole and using the inner drill string as a verticality guide. This method is known for small diameter drillings. In the case of larger diameters, however, problems arise due to the great sizes and weights, which make the procedure much more difficult to implement. Such methods, therefore, require considerable modifications of commercially available machines which are commonly used for making large diameter piles.
The construction of large diameter piles typically involves the use of a bucket rigidly connected to a telescopic rod (Kelly bar) that drives and rotates the bucket. The excavation is performed by means of the reiteration of an excavation step, during which the bucket is lowered into the hole and digs by filling with the excavated soil, and a step of emptying the bucket, during which the bucket is extracted from the borehole and emptied. The two steps are repeated until the prescribed depth of the borehole is reached.
Due to the clearance between the parts of the bucket-Kelly bar system, drilling of piles typically leads to deviations from the vertical up to 2%. This limit is set in European Standard EN 1536. For those cases where the piles are meant to withstand vertical loads, this deviation does not involve particular problems. However, in case the piles are used to create a waterproof underground cut-off wall or bulkhead, or where the piles must be set side to side, this limit can create significant problems, giving rise to defects in the overall geometry of the underground wall.

Tools and methods for constructing large diameter underground piles


In one aspect the invention relates to a frequency varying wave generator. The generator includes a gain element adapted to amplify a wave having a wavelength; a time varying tunable wavelength selective filter element in communication with the gain element, the tunable filter element adapted to selectively filter waves during a period T; and a feedback element in communication with the tunable filter element and the gain element, wherein the tunable wavelength selective filter element, the gain element and the feedback element define a circuit such that the roundtrip time for the wave to propagate through the circuit is substantially equal to a non-zero integer multiple of the period T.

In many industries and technical areas of research, various systems and devices are used to obtain precise measurements or imaging. In conjunction with the need for precision, there is also a demand for high speed data collection. To satisfy these two criteria, many wave-based technologies are used. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation, in general, often in the form of light, is used in different applications to obtain measurement data. Typical applications include optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other interferometric based approaches.
However, different measurement applications often require additional conditions for satisfactory results. The source of the electromagnetic radiation and the resultant output wave characteristics are often deficient with respect to a set of parameters. For example, some sources produce waves that are low power or only use a portion of the available spectral intensity. Linewidth limitations plague other wave sources. As a result, many industrial and technical applications are limited by the wave generating component of the system.
Accordingly, a need therefore exists for wave sources with improved power delivery and enhanced utilization of available spectra. Furthermore, a need exists for devices, systems, and methods that enable high speed profilometry, measurement, and imaging over long distances.


A form, fill and seal packaging machine is adapted to receive a carton blank, erect the carton blank into an open-top carton, fill and seal the open-top carton. The cartons have a predetermined cross-sectional shape and size. The packaging machine includes a frame, a plurality of stations carried by the frame including a carton erection station, a bottom flap sealing station, a filling station and a top flap sealing station, and a drive assembly. A conveying assembly is operably connected to the drive assembly for moving the cartons through the stations. A plurality of cavity bars are carried by the conveying assembly. Each of the cavity bars defines cavities formed therein that correspond generally to the cross-sectional size and shape of the cartons. Each of the cavities is defined by internal peripheral surfaces configured for receiving and securing the carton therein as the carton is conveyed between the stations of the machine.

This invention pertains to a form, fill and seal machine for packaging flowable product. More particularly, the invention relates to a form, fill and seal machine for packaging flowable product, such as liquid food, that utilizes a cavity in which the packages are supported and transported packages through the machine.
Paperboard-based containers are in widespread use for the packaging of, for example, liquid food products. Examples of liquid food products that can be packaged in paperboard containers include milk, juice and the like. Such containers are also used for packaging other flowable products, such as soups that can be in a powdered or liquid form with or without particulate matter.
In conventional form, fill and seal machines, a plurality of carton blanks are stored in a flat form in a magazine. The blanks are dispensed to a carton forming station where the cartons are erected, bottom sealed, filled and top sealed. In this process, the cartons can also be sterilized, for example, after bottom sealing, prior to filling. The cartons are conveyed in an indexed manner through the various stations and subsequently discharged from the machine at an off-loading station. Generally, the cartons are conveyed through the machine by a belt or like conveying device. The cartons are supported from their respective bottoms which rest on a low friction, stationary table top-like portion of the machine associated with the conveyor.
At the carton forming station, individual carton blanks are erected and subsequently placed on one of a plurality of mandrels that is positioned on a rotating, indexed hub. At a first station, the cartons are erected and placed on the mandrel. The mandrel hub or wheel is rotated to subsequent stations to pre-fold the bottom panels, heat the panels and the seal the panels to one another to form the sealed carton bottom. The cartons are then ejected from the mandrel onto the conveyor portion of the machine for subsequent sterilization, filling and top sealing. The hubs typically include from four to six mandrels.
The mandrels provide a form around which the carton is folded and sealed. As such, each mandrel includes an elongated body that is fully fitted within the interior of the erected or semi-erected carton. The mandrel is configured so that the carton side panels rest on the sides of the mandrel and the carton bottom panels are folded around a corresponding xe2x80x9cbottomxe2x80x9d portion of the mandrel which provides structure for carton formation. The mandrel is further configured to assure that the panels fold at the score lines. In this manner, the panels are properly folded along the score lines without inadvertent collapse of adjacent portions of carton panels, e.g., collapse of adjacent side panels.
Although such mandrel-type carton forming stations work well for their intended purpose or purposes, there may well be some drawbacks when used in certain arrangements. First, these mandrel-type arrangements can be quite costly to manufacture. To promote the standards necessary in such a highly sanitary environment, the mandrels are formed from stainless steel. Often, the material used to form the mandrel is an unconventional or even exotic steel material to minimize to the greatest extent possible and even eliminate the potential for corrosion of the machine parts and contamination of the product. In addition, these parts are necessarily highly machined components, again adding to the overall cost of the packaging machine.
Second, because of the nature of the mandrel arrangement, a particular operation can be carried out only one carton at a time. That is, only one carton can have its bottom flaps in-folded, while one different carton can have its bottom flaps heated, while still one other carton can have its bottom flaps sealed. The result is that only one carton can be operated on (e.g., erected, prefolded and/or folded, heated or sealed) at a given station at a given time. This can, of course, be increased through the use of multiple mandrels and higher machine operating speeds, however, at increased cost.
In addition, during carton formation, the mandrel is disposed within the interior of the carton as the carton moves along and through the various steps at the carton forming station. That is, the mandrel remains within the interior portion of the carton as the bottom flaps are in-folded and sealed to one another. As a result, the time duration that could otherwise be used for carrying out functions on the interior portion of the carton are subsumed by that period of time during which the mandrel is positioned within the carton interior. To this end, it would otherwise be desirable to reduce or eliminate the time during which the mandrel is disposed within the carton interior so that that time period can be used for, for example, additional carton sterilization.
In addition, it has been observed that in order to economically package these food and other products, a minimum machine xe2x80x9cthroughputxe2x80x9d must be maintained. That is, the machine must be operated at a speed necessary to assure that a minimum number of packages are processed or filled in any given average period of time. This minimum throughput has increased, necessitating increased machine operating speeds and efficiency, again adding to the overall cost of the form, fill and seal packaging machine.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a high speed form, fill and seal packaging machine that minimally contacts the inside surfaces of a carton formed, filled and sealed therein. Desirably, such a packaging machine permits forming, filling and sealing multiple cartons at a time, at a throughput at least as great as known machines, and most desirably, at a slower machine operating speed.
A form, fill and seal packaging machine is adapted to receive a carton blank, erect the carton blank into an open-top carton, fill and seal the open-top carton. The cartons each have a predetermined cross-sectional shape and size.
The machine includes a frame, a plurality of stations carried by the frame including a carton erection station, a bottom flap sealing station, a filling station and a top flap sealing station, and a drive assembly. A conveying assembly is operably connected to the drive assembly for moving the cartons through the stations.
A plurality of cavity bars are carried by the conveying assembly. Each of the cavity bars defines at least one cavity formed therein corresponding generally to the cross-sectional size and shape of the cartons. Each of the cavities is defined by internal peripheral surfaces. Preferably, each of the cavity surfaces has a plurality of vacuum openings formed therein. The cavity bars are adapted to engage a carton disposed in the cavity and can secure the carton to the internal peripheral walls. In a preferred embodiment the cartons are secured to the internal peripheral walls by application of a vacuum through the vacuum openings.
Preferably, the vacuum is applied to the cartons at at least one of the stations to secure the carton within the cavity. In a current embodiment, the machine includes a top flap pre-folding station and a bottom flap pre-folding -station, and the vacuum is applied at at least the top flap and bottom flap pre-folding stations.
Preferably, the cavity bar is formed having channels formed in upper and lower surfaces thereof, and the cavity bar includes upper and lower collar portions fitted within a respective each of the channels. The collar portions can define a vacuum channel for communicating the vacuum from a vacuum source to the carton. The vacuum channels can include peripheral portions and a plurality of vacuum legs extending from the peripheral portions to openings in the collar portions. The cavity bars can be configured having a body having the channels formed therein and openings or dimples in the body corresponding to the openings in the collar portion.
Most preferably, the upper collar portions each include a vacuum port formed therein for communicating the vacuum from the vacuum source to the upper collar vacuum openings. A bore in the cavity bar body provides for communicating the vacuum to the lower collar portion. In a most preferred embodiment, each of the cavities includes an open area formed in each of the corners, traversing through the upper collar, the cavity bar body and the lower collar. The open corners are configured to allow expansion or mild deformation of the cartons as the vacuum is applied to the cartons, and also facilitates ready initial insertion of the cartons into the cavities.
In a presently preferred embodiment, the form, fill and seal packaging machine conveying assembly has a predetermined path having an upper, generally horizontal path portion and a lower path portion, and wherein the lower path portion is spaced from the upper path portion. The conveying assembly is configured having a generally vertical path portion such that a partially-formed carton is urged into the cavity as the cavity bar traverses along the generally vertical path portion.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Form, fill and seal apparatus with cavity bar


A novel critical supplementary apparatus, when used in conjuction with U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673, collectively completes the sphere of practical operation of a convexo-concave bowling ball retrieving device that captures, guides, lifts and deposits in one smooth continuous flowing motion a bowling ball for subsequent discharge into a bowling ball return. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the inherent lack of friction problems found in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, models A and A2 but is unable to comply with a similar problematic lack of friction situation found in the remainder of Brunswick product line—models Factory A2 and the Jetback. The models Factory A2 and Jetback don't have adaquite clearance between the bowling ball retrieving device 1 that is mounted on the rotating ball return wheel 6 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673) and the 1 HP motor mount shaft 19. This critical adapter device 18 circumvents this clearance obstacle by allowing for an abrupt change in the linear profile of the 1 HP motor mount shaft 19.

The field of the invention is generally that of a bowling device and more specifically to an apparatus criticus, that is to say, a critical apparatus that completes the sphere of practical operation of a convexo—concave bowling ball retrieving device so fabricated as to capture, guide, lift and deposit in one smooth continuous flowing motion, a bowling ball for subsequent discharge into a bowling ball return. The present invention is an improvement in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673. The improvement consists of a device that allows for an abrupt change in linear profile of the 1 HP motor mount shaft used in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, model A2 and the Jetback thereby circumventing an obstacle.
In the bowling industry there are certain mechanical malfunctions directly associated with the operation of automatic bowling machinery, these problems are most commonly referred to as spinners, yo-yos and lane stoppages. These machinery malfunctions constitute a meaningful overhead cost to the industry, these unnecessary problems result in a loss of revenue due to equipment downtime, bowler inconvenience frustration, loss of customer satisfaction and the added cost for providing the added personnel whose time would be better spent for other maintenance. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses all the inherent lack of friction problems found in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, in particular models A and A2, which constitutes a major percent of the bowling market, however cannot address the problems found in the remaining Brunswick models Factory A2 and Jetbacks due to a physical clearance constraint between the bowling ball retrieving device mounted on the rotating ball wheel and the 1 HP motor mount shaft.
In reference to the Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, models A, A2, Factory A2 and jetbacks, the bowling ball automatically finds its way for deposit onto the ball return wheel. It is at this time that the malfunction called spinning and yo-yos occurs. When the large static mass of a round bowling ball, excess oil on the ball and a lack of friction meet a continuously moving ball return wheel, moving at approximately 36 R.P.M. the bowling ball will take the path of least resistance and just sit there and spin or yo-yo. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that to insure that a large mass bowling ball will be return routed, through automatic machinery without slippage or drag, requires a precise amount of applied friction. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the lack of friction problems found in models A and A2but cannot address the problematic lack of friction found in its remaining models Factory A2 and Jetbacks due to the clearance between the ball retrieving device mounted on the rotating ball return wheel and the 1 HP motor mount shaft, there is simply not enough room. The present invention allows for the necessary clearance by providing an abrupt change in linear profile of the 1 HP motor mount shaft.
It is an observation of this inventor that U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the lack of friction needs of the manufactures of automatic pinsetter bowling machines, in particular models A and A2. These particular models are the most numerous in the automatic bowling market. It is another observation of this inventor that the U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 cannot address the remaining Brunswick models Factory A2 and Jetbacks due to a physical clearance problem. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention, when used in conjunction with U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673, will allow those remaining Brunswick models Factory A2 and Jetback to operate as troublefree as the Brunswick models A and A2.


The present invention provides a test apparatus comprising: a threshold voltage setting unit for setting threshold voltages of a logic device component connected to the signal propagation path; a test signal supply unit for supplying a test signal to the test subject device so as to operate the logic device component provided to the signal propagation path in a state in which the threshold voltages have been set to first threshold voltages, and in a state in which the threshold voltages have been set to second threshold voltages, by the threshold voltage setting unit; a current measurement unit, for measuring a first operating current which is the current consumption of the test subject device in a case in which the logic device component operates in a state in which the first threshold voltages have been set, and for measuring a second operating current which is the current consumption of the test subject device in a case in which the logic device component operates in a state in which the second threshold voltages have been set; and an acceptability determination unit for determining whether or not the signal propagation path is acceptable, based upon the first operating current and the second operating current.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a test apparatus and test method. In particular, the present invention relates to a test apparatus and test method for detecting delay faults of a circuit.
2. Related Art
In recent years, improved fine processing technology for LSIs has promoted reduction in the size of logic device components included within LSIs. This leads to reduction in the driving performance of the logic device components, resulting in delay faults of the logic device components, which are the primary factor involved in faults of these logic device components.
Non-Patent Documents 1 through 4 listed below disclose scan methods in which high-speed switching of the test pattern, from that at a predetermined cycle to that at another cycle, is performed in order to perform a scan test regarding whether or not delay faults have occurred.
With the methods disclosed in Non-Patent Documents 1 through 4, the clock interval of adjacent clocks (double clocks) is controlled in order to test whether or not a circuit operates properly. This enables detection to be made regarding whether or not the circuit operates within a predetermined delay time.
(1) Non-Patent Document 1
J. P. Hurst, N. Kanopoulos, "Flip-Flop Sharing in Standard Scan Path to Enhance Delay Fault Testing of Sequential Circuits", Asian Test Symposium, Nov. 23, 1995, IEEE, pp. 346-352.
(2) Non-Patent Document 2
K. Hatayama, M. Ikeda, M. Takakura, S. Uchiyama, Y. Sakamoto, "Application of a Design for Delay Testability Approach to High Speed Logic LSIs", Asian Test Symposium, Nov. 17, 1997, IEEE, pp. 112-115.
(3) Non-Patent Document 3
N. A. Touba, E. J. McCluskey, "Applying Two-Pattern Tests Using Scan-Mapping", IEEE VLSI Test Symposium 1996, Apr. 28, 1996, IEEE, pp. 393-397.
(4) Non-Patent Document 4
Eric MacDonald, N. A. Touba, "Delay Testing of SOI Circuits: Challenges with the History Effect", International Test Conference 1999, Sep. 27, 1999, IEEE, pp. 269-275.
(5) Non-Patent Document 5
Hiroyuki Mizuno, "Increase of Leak Current Accompanying Low voltage and High-Speed of CMOS LSI and a Technique for Reducing the Leak Current", The Transactions of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Vol. J83-C, No. 10, October 2000, pp. 926-935.
With the above-described test using such a double clock, delay faults are detected by controlling the clock interval. However, there are limits to the precision with which the clock interval can be set. This leads to difficulty in fine detection of delay faults.
Also, with the above-described test which uses such a double clock, the absolute value of the delay time is measured for the circuit, and determination is made whether or not the LSI is acceptable based upon the absolute value thus measured.
Accordingly, such methods have the disadvantage that determination cannot be made whether the delay thus measured is due to irregularities in the operations of the logic device components or due to delay faults of a particular logic device component.


A tool and a process for removing particles from a reticle are described. The tool is disposed in front of a pellicle particle detector, including at least a gas spray member toward a surface of the reticle for removing particles and a supporting member supporting the gas spray member in front of the pellicle particle detector. The supporting member can further fix the tool onto the pellicle particle detector. In the particle removing process, when particles are detected on the reticle, the tool is turned on and the reticle is loaded into the pellicle particle detector through the gas spray member in order to remove the particles from the reticle before the pellicle particle detector detects the particles.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to equipment for lithography processes, and more particularly to a tool and a process for removing particles from a reticle.
2. Description of Related Art
In a lithography process, one of the key factors affecting the pattern quality is the quality of the reticle. To improve the quality of the reticle, some may improve the manufacturing process of the reticle, protect the pattern on the reticle from damage, or prevent particles from adhering to the reticle.
To protect the pattern on the reticle from damage, a pellicle is usually disposed on the reticle. Moreover, to prevent the exposure process from being affected by particles, when the reticle is entered into the loader of the mask aligner, a pellicle particle detector (PPD) is used to detect particles. If particles are detected on the reticle, the operator will unload the reticle and use a gas spray gun to remove the particles from the reticle. Then, the operator will reload the reticle into the PPD to check whether there are particles remaining on the reticle or not. This procedure would take a long time and increase the burden of the operator. Furthermore, the reticle may be damaged due to the operators negligence.

Tool for removing particles from reticle


A mattress is provided for use with a bed deck having a recess. The mattress includes a mattress section configured to define a patient rest surface and a mattress section support configured to support the mattress section.

The present invention relates to beds. More particularly, the present invention relates to beds having a deck and a mattress positioned on the bedframe to provide a patient rest surface.
It is known to provide a bed including a bedframe having a deck. Furthermore, it is known to provide such a bed with a mattress positioned on the deck to define a patient rest surface. Typically, such mattresses have a compliant mattress section providing a resilient surface on which to support a patient.
According to the present invention, a bed is provided having a frame, a mattress section configured to define a patient rest surface, and a mattress section support. The frame includes a deck support and a step deck positioned on the deck support. The step deck has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a side wall. The upper deck is spaced apart from the lower deck to define a recess of the deck. The mattress section support is positioned between the mattress section and the step deck to support the mattress section over the recess in a position with a substantial portion of the mattress section positioned outside of the recess of the step deck.
According to other preferred aspects of the present invention, the mattress section support is positioned on the deck to support the patient rest surface above the recess of the step deck. The mattress section has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The top surface of the mattress section provides the patient rest surface. The bottom surface of the mattress section is positioned over the upper deck. The mattress section support has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the mattress section support is positioned to support the mattress section over the recess. The mattress section support is also positioned above the lower deck to support the mattress section in a position substantially outside of the recess of the step deck in a position spaced apart from the lower deck of the step deck. According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, the mattress section support is either rigid or resilient.