An apparatus for forming alignment layer includes a printing stage for supporting a substrate thereon, at least one inkjet head having at least one spray hole above the printing stage, the spray hole spraying an alignment material onto the substrate, a head support supporting the inkjet head, a pitch measuring unit adjacent to the inkjet head, and a display unit displaying measured results provided by the pitch measuring unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly, to an apparatus for forming an alignment layer and an auto-calibration method thereof for a liquid crystal display device.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In general, a liquid crystal display device uses optical anisotropy and polarization properties of liquid crystal molecules to produce an image. For instance, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned in a specific direction controlled by an applied electric field. As the applied electric field changes, so does the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Due to the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal, the refraction of incident light on the liquid crystal molecules also changes depending on the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus, by properly controlling an electric field applied to a group of liquid crystal molecules in respective pixels of a liquid crystal display device, a desired image can be produced by diffracting light.
The liquid crystal display device generally includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates. A spacer is also interposed between the first and substrates to maintain a predetermined space between the substrates, and a sealant is used to bond the substrates to each other at the edges of the substrates.
In general, a method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes coating an alignment layer on a substrate, rubbing the alignment layer and then forming a spacer on the substrate. Further, a sealant is printed at edges of the substrate with an opening as a liquid crystal injection opening. After aligning the substrate with a second substrate, the substrates are sealed by the sealant with a predetermined space therebetween. Then, liquid crystal is injected into the predetermined space between the substrates through the opening, thereby forming a liquid crystal cell.
Typical methods of coating an alignment layer include screen-printing method, photolithography method, and inkjet-printing method. Although the screen-printing method is a relatively simple and low-cost method, it is not suitable for making a high-density model, because alignment layer formed by the screen-printing method has poor uniformity of depth and width. In comparison, the photolithography method produces alignment layers with good uniformity, but the photolithography method is a more complicated method using expensive apparatus and suffers frequent damages, thereby increasing material cost. Further in comparison, the inkjet-printing method has been the subject of recent research and development because of its wide applications and low-cost.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an inkjet type apparatus for coating an alignment layer according to the related art. In FIG. 1, a tilt controllable inkjet head 3 supported by a head support 4 is placed above the horizontal printing stage 2 on which a substrate 1 is disposed. The substrate 1 on the printing stage 2 can be fixed or movable and the number of the inkjet head 3 can be determined based on size of the printing stage 2. The inkjet head 3 sprays an alignment material onto the substrate 1 via a spray hole (not shown), while the head support 4 and the printing stage 2 are moved by a loading means, such as a rail. For example, the head support 4 and the printing stage 2 are moved in a manner such that rows of the alignment material are sprayed sequentially onto the substrate 1 via the spray hole, thereby forming an alignment layer on the substrate 1.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for measuring a pitch between ink according to the related art. In FIG. 2, after an alignment material is formed on a substrate, the substrate is moved into an apparatus 20 for measuring a pitch between the alignment material. Because such a pitch determines the quality of the alignment layer and the substrate, a substrate having a unsatisfactory pitch can be detected and discarded as a test substrate. In particular, the measuring apparatus 20 includes a microscope 21 for measuring a distance D between the rows of the alignment material formed on the substrate, thereby detecting any abnormal pitch of the alignment material based on the measured distance. However, such a measurement by another apparatus increases production time, reduces efficiency and requires larger work space, even though the pitch of the inkjet head 3 shown in FIG. 1 and its spray hole affect the pitch of the alignment material.

Apparatus for forming alignment layer and auto-calibration method thereof


The disclosed improved GaAs majority carrier rectifying barrier diodes comprise a p.sup.+ region between semiconductor regions that comprise n-doped material. Exemplary structures are n.sup.+ -i-p.sup.+ -i-n.sup.+ and n.sup.+ -n-p.sup.+ -n-n.sup.+. The improvement comprises use of carbon as the p-dopant and results in readily manufacturable reliable devices.

Majority carrier rectifying barrier diodes are known. Among them are the so-called planar doped barrier (PDB) diodes. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,902, which discloses a semiconductor diode comprising a n.sup.+ -i-p.sup.+ -i-n.sup.+ layer structure, with the p.sup.+ layer being very thin. Modifications of the structure of the '902 patent are also known. See, for instance, British patent application GB 2,221,091A, which discloses a semiconductor diode having a n.sup.+ -n-i-p.sup.+ -i-n-n.sup.+ layer structure, with the two n-layers differing in their dopant concentration and, optionally, in their thickness. The '091A application also discloses that the i-layers can be lightly n-doped in order to reduce device resistance, and that either, but not both, of the i-layers could be omitted. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,709, which discloses a diode having n-p-i-n layer structure, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,174, which discloses a diode having a n.sup.+ -p-n layer structure. In all these exemplary diodes the thickness of the acceptor-doped region is selected such that the region is substantially depleted of holes.
PDB diodes (including all modifications of the diode of the '902 patent; we will refer to these devices collectively as "PDB" diodes) generally have advantageous characteristics that make them attractive for microwave applications, e.g., microwave mixers or detectors. These diodes typically comprise III-V semiconductor material (typically GaAs), with Be being the acceptor dopant species. See, for instance, M. J. Kearney et al, GEC Journal of Research, Vol. 8(1), p. 1, 1990.
Although prior art PDB diodes have many advantageous features, it has to date proven difficult to manufacture these devices with high yield, and we are unaware of any suggestions in the prior art regarding the source of, or a solution to, this problem. In view of the commercial potential of PDB diodes, it would be highly desirable to have available a design that can more readily and reliably be manufactured to meet typical design specifications. This application discloses such a design.
The p-dopant in n-p-n AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunctive bipolar transistors (HBTs) has conventionally been Be. Recently, it has been disclosed that carbon is a promising p-dopant for these HBTs, due at least in part to the relatively small diffusion coefficient of carbon in GaAs. See, for instance, T. Makimoto et al., Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 54(1), p. 39. However, T. Nozu et al., Proceedings of the GaAs IC Symposium, Miami Beach, Fla., Oct. 5-7, 1992, p. 157, discloses that no serious Be diffusion occurs in AlGaAs/GaAs HBTs with Be-doped base, provided the growth temperature is below 620.degree. C. All the above cited references are incorporated herein by reference.
Carbon-doped GaAs has been produced by a variety of growth techniques, including chemical beam epitaxy (see, for instance, T. H. Chiu et al., Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 57(2), p. 171), metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy (e.g., C. R. Abernathy et al., Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 57(3), p. 294) and molecular beam epitaxy (e.g., R. J. Malik et al., Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 53(26), p. 2661. The latter paper discloses an advantageous doping technique, namely, carbon sublimation from a heated graphite filament. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,766.


A semiconductor light emitting diode of the present invention includes a semiconductor layer including a light emitting portion, and a pad electrode located on the semiconductor layer, the semiconductor light emitting diode further including, between the semiconductor layer and the pad electrode, a reflective portion including a light transmitting insulating layer serving as a current blocking layer located on the semiconductor layer, and a reflective layer located on the light transmitting insulating layer; a contact portion formed from an ohmic electrode in contact with the reflective portion, located on the semiconductor layer; and a conductive hard film between the reflective layer and the pad electrode, the conductive hard film having HV×t>630, where the Vickers hardness is HV (Hv) and the thickness is t (μm).

In recent years, as uses of light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become diverse, for example, as they come to be applied to headlamps and brake lamps of automobiles, traffic lights, or the like; there has been a demand for improved light output of LEDs.
LEDs are generally semiconductor light emitting diodes having a structure including a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer between a top surface electrode and a rear surface electrode, and a light emitting layer provided between the semiconductor layers. The ratio of light emitted from an LED to the total light produced in the light emitting layer is referred to as light extraction efficiency. An Electrode blocks light produced in a light emitting layer, which reduces light extraction efficiency to have been an obstacle to the improvement in the power output of LEDs.
Known techniques for reducing light blocked by an electrode to improve light extraction efficiency include the following. First, PTL 1 discloses a technique of providing a current blocking layer between an electrode layer and an ohmic contact layer, right under a bonding pad, and flowing a current at a portion other than a portion right under the pad, thereby reducing light blocked by the pad. In PTL 1, a semiconductor having an opposite conductivity to an ohmic contact layer is used as the current blocking layer instead of SiO2 or the like.
Further, PTL 2 discloses a technique of providing a light reflective layer made of Au or the like and a light transmitting layer having high thermal conductivity, made of AlN or the like, between a support substrate and a lower clad (semiconductor layer), thereby effectively reflecting light toward the rear surface, while improving dissipation of heat from a light emitting layer.
The structure disclosed by PTL 2 is favorable in terms of improving light extraction efficiency, since AlN which also serves as a light transmitting insulating film is located between the semiconductor layer and the light reflective layer, which suppresses diffusion of impurities into the light reflective layer from the semiconductor layer, and thus a highly reflective interface can be obtained.

Semiconductor light emitting diode having a contact portion and a reflective portion


This disclosure relates to a buttocks support garment that cannot be seen through clothing and that provides a natural-looking, lifted buttocks, and methods related thereto. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Obsession with visual appearance has become commonplace in modern society and has resulted in an upswing in cosmetic procedures. Buttocks augmentation surgery uses implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both to increase the fullness, roundness, and projection of the buttocks. Unfortunately, this procedure is costly, generally costing upwards of $4,000, and thus unavailable to a large percentage of consumers. Additionally, the recovery process for buttocks augmentation typically lasts three to four weeks, including a time period of up to three weeks in which the patient may be told to refrain from sitting on his or her buttocks.
The traditional approach to improving the appearance of one's backside (buttocks area) is diet and exercise. It is well established that workout regimes including squats, lunges, step-ups, and hip extensions, together with a healthy eating routine can improve the strength and shape of the buttocks. However, these techniques require that an individual consistently maintain these activities for months, and even years, in order to see any results. The rate and quality of the results achieved also vary significantly with age (older longer than younger), gender (female longer than male), and body type. Moreover, fat cells that have been deposited around the hips and thighs are known to be less responsive than in other parts of the body, making improvements to the buttocks area even more trying.
In order to overcome these challenges, a variety of undergarments have been developed (e.g., Spanx®, buttocks pads, and padded underwear). Unfortunately, these garments are often uncomfortable, produce an unnatural look and/or feel, and can be seen through the clothes. Accordingly, there remains a need for a cost efficient undergarment that provides a natural-looking, lifted buttocks. These needs and others are met by the present disclosure.

Buttocks support device and methods related thereto


The present invention relates to a deflector for responding a vehicle speed including a deflector body installed at a door frame to rotate diagonally toward the rear of the vehicle, wherein one end of the deflector body in the front of the vehicle is connected via a hinge and the other end thereof in the rear of the vehicle is configured in a form of a free end; a solenoid connected to the deflector body and pushing up or down the deflector body; a piezoelectric element installed in a division channel and sensing the intensity of wind being in contact with the same; and an ECU adjusting a projection height of the deflector body in multiple levels by applying control current corresponding to three levels to the solenoid on the basis of the vehicle speed, a status of a rear door glass, and a sensing signal of the piezoelectric element.

In the related art, when one door glass in a back seat is completely or partially opened at the time of driving a vehicle, a part of an air flow climbing over a center pillar is in contact with a rear pillar or a division channel, thereby generating a drone noise of a rear door glass. The drone noise gives a passenger a severe unpleasant feeling to trigger a headache by pressing a passenger's ear rather than a noise to be harsh to the car.
In order to reduce the above-mentioned drone noise of the rear door glass, there was proposed a method of preventing the air flow from being in direct contact with the rear pillar or the division channel by allowing the air flow to be raised upwards by a deflector at the time of driving the vehicle by fixedly installing the deflector in a rear door frame to be inclined upward to the rear of the vehicle at a predetermined angle, in prior art. However, in this method, there was a disadvantage in that the deflector is installed in the rear door frame to protrude to the outside of the vehicle, thereby degrading an exterior of the vehicle and a wind noise is rather generated by the deflector at the time of driving a vehicle at a high speed with the rear door glass closed.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art that is already known to a person skilled in the art.


A shear force actuator is described, including: two substantially parallel first structural components disposed along a first axis; a plurality of substantially parallel second structural components disposed between and bridging the two first structural components; a plurality of joint sections each joining the second structural component with the first structural components at an oblique angle of between 0 and 90 degrees to define a plurality of cells, each capable of being connected with a fluid inflation or deflation source; an elastic surface covering the remaining surfaces of the cells in a fluid-tight manner, wherein at least one of the joint section, the first structural components, and the second structural components is elastic so that cell collapses upon removal of fluid from the cell to generate a linear force along the first axis.

Actuators have come a long way since the invention of rotary motors, which set the foundation for robotics and marked the dawn of the age of automation and industrialization. The drastic improvement in performance of hard actuators nowadays is only matched by the large number of emerging soft actuators, which demonstrate functionalities tantamount to or more expansive than that of their hard counterparts.
"Muscle" is the almost universal actuator in animals. In efforts to mimic aspects of the mechanics of (if not the mechanism of action of) biological muscle, a large range of synthetic structures has been explored, but none has successfully replicated the essential features of muscle. Muscle has three features that have remained difficult to replicate: muscle i) maintains roughly a constant volume upon contraction; ii) shows a useful compromise between speed of actuation and force applied during actuation; iii) has mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and density) that are compatible with the requirements of animals.
McKibben actuators, developed in the 1950s, were examples of muscle-mimetic structures. These actuators comprise a rubber balloon, constrained in volume by an inelastic mesh. On pressurization, the balloon inflates anisotropically (with a motion that reflects the structure and mechanics of the surrounding mesh), and this expansion results in useful motion. The properties of the fiber reinforcement (i.e., the density of the weave, and the strength of the fibers) dictate the strain (typically 25%) and load (typically 800˜1300 kPa) the actuator can produce for a given pressure. McKibben actuators have many practical applications, but suffer from three disadvantages: i) their inherent dry friction, and the non-elastic deformation of the mesh balloon, causes hysteresis; this hysteresis renders precise positional control difficult; ii) they often cannot be actuated if the applied pressure is below a certain "threshold pressure"; this threshold may prevent the generation of low force; and iii) the application of a pressure that is too high (typically ˜500 kPa) can make the balloon bulge through the mesh, and perhaps burst.
Soft actuators are important for their ability to contact delicate, soft, and irregularly-shaped objects (i.e., humans and animals, fruit, produce), because they distribute forces across the surface of the objects, and because they are fabricated of compliant rather than unyielding materials and structures. They also offer an attractive approach to simplifying controls, since they make it possible—in some circumstances—to substitute the properties (and especially non-linearities such as "snap-through") of materials and structures for some of the control loops, sensors, and actuators of hard robots.
Pneumatically-actuated soft machines are being actively developed, but as a clan, they have two characteristics that can limit their use in some applications: i) they can burst when over-pressurized, and therefore may be dangerous or unreliable when used outside their specified operational ranges; and ii) most increase in volume when pressurized, and thus cannot be used in applications in confined spaces. Thus, there remains a need for new and more effective actuators.
Soft, linear actuators (those that generate motions in a straight line—for example, the muscles of animals) have emerged from evolution as the best solution for moving limbed organisms such as vertebrates and arthropods (as well as many organisms without limbs, such as mollusks, annelids, and jellyfish) in an unstructured environment. Their compliance enables adaptive interactions with the environment, and non-damaging (if required) contact with one another. At the same time, this compliance reduces the cost to the organism of precise controls and feedback loops. Linear actuation is also particularly compatible with a limbed body-plan in its geometric adaptability since this body-plan is often based on rigid or semi-rigid structural elements (the skeleton), which move relative to one another by linear contraction of muscles around fulcra (e.g., joints). Hard, human-engineered machines now often use the rotary motion of electric motors, although pneumatic and hydraulic pistons (based on force generated by expansion of hot gas, pressurized air, vacuum, or pressurized liquid), other actuators (e.g., magnetic solenoids), and transducers of biomechanical forces (e.g., screwdrivers) are also important. A key characteristic of soft machines is that they can be made collaborative (e.g., intrinsically safe in close proximity to humans).
Devices or systems that generate a mechanical advantage—levers, gears, chain drives, block and tackles, and others—are useful in amplifying either force or displacement in hard machines. Humans and other vertebrates also use hard levers—system of bones, articulated joints, and tendons—to amplify the displacement that muscles generate (albeit at the cost of reduced force). A device that generates a mechanical advantage in a soft system would expand the capabilities of soft robots and machines. The compliance of pneumatic soft actuators allows them to distribute their stress over large areas, but it also means the pressure output of these systems is often limited by their pressure input, and thus also by the mechanical characteristics—especially the Young's Modulus—of the material of which they are made. A soft pneumatic actuator designed to generate a mechanical advantage would help to overcome this limitation. Making artificial, soft, linear actuators that mimic the structure and rival the performance of natural muscles has, however, proven a challenging task.
The use of vacuum, and the reversible buckling of soft elastomeric beams, as the basis for actuators is described in PCT/US15/40896, filed Jul. 17, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. These actuators include pneumatic chambers with arrangements of soft elastomeric beams inside. When a vacuum is applied to the pneumatic chamber, the arrangement of beams allows the structure to collapse asymmetrically along one axis; the difference in pressure between the atmosphere and the partial vacuum inside the chamber is converted to an output stress in the direction of motion. A limitation of these actuators is that the differential pressure applied to its chambers limits the stress it can produce.

President and Fellows of Harvard College


A multilayer thin-film structure comprises at least one layered structure formed by depositing a nonmagnetic layer, a first ferromagnetic layer of a ferromagnetic metal or alloy having a positive saturation magnetostriction constant, a nonmagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer of a ferromagnetic metal or alloy having a negative saturation magnetostriction constant in that order, and a uniaxial stress is induced in the multilayer thin-film structure. The multilayer thin-film structure for magnetoresistive devices, comprises the magnetic layers which could not have been used for forming the prior art structures and having similar compositions which could not have been used for forming the prior art structure, has an MR ratio in the range of 10 to 20%, does not need the use of antiferromagnetic materials unsatisfactory in corrosion resistance and environment resistance, does not require the turning of a magnetic field when forming the thin films and does not require expensive manufacturing systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multilayer thin-film structure for a magnetoresistive device employed in magnetic heads, position sensors, rotation sensors and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
An NiFe alloy (Permalloy) is a known magnetoresistive (MR) material which has been used for forming multilayer thin-film structures for MR devices. Generally, the percentage change in resistance of a Permalloy thin film is in the range of 2 to 3%. Accordingly, magnetoresistive thin films having magnetoresistive ratios (MR ratios) greater than that of Permalloy have been desired to cope with increase in linear density and track density in magnetic recording or increase in the resolving power of magnetic sensors.
Recently, a phenomenon called giant magnetoresistive effect has been found in a multilayer thin-film structure, such as a multilayer thin-film structure consisting of alternate layers of Fe thin films and Cr thin films or alternate layers of Co thin films and Cu thin films. In such a multilayer thin-film structure, the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers of Fe or Co interact magnetically through the nonmagnetic layers of Cr or Cu and the magnetizations of the stacked ferromagnetic layers are coupled to maintain an antiparallel alignment; that is, in this multilayer thin-film structure, the direction of magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers spaced alternately with the nonmagnetic layers are opposite to each other. When an appropriate external magnetic field is applied to such a structure, the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are aligned in a direction.
In this multilayer thin-film structure, it is known that the state where the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers are in an antiparallel alignment and the state where the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers are in a parallel alignment differ from each other in the scattering mode of conduction electrons in the interface between the ferromagnetic Fe layers and the nonmagnetic Cr layers or between the ferromagnetic Co layers and the nonmagnetic Cu layers. Consequently, the electric resistance is high when the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are in an antiparallel alignment, the electric resistance is low when the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are in a parallel alignment, which produces the so-called giant magnetoresistive effect causing a resistance change at a high percentage ratio greater than that of resistance change in a Permalloy film. Thus, these multilayer thin-film structures have an MR producing mechanism basically different from that of the conventional single NiFe film.
However, since the magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic layers of those multilayer thin-film structures that acts in an effort to set the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers in an antiparallel alignment is excessively strong, a very intense external magnetic field must be applied to those multilayer thin-film structures to set the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers in a parallel alignment. Therefore, a large resistance change cannot be expected unless a very intense magnetic field is applied to the multilayer thin-film structures, and hence magnetic heads that detect an applied magnetic field of a very low intensity created by a magnetic recording medium are unable to function with satisfactorily high sensitivity when such a multilayer thin-film structure is incorporated into those magnetic heads.
It may be effective, for solving such problems, to determine the thickness of the nonmagnetic layers of Cr or Cu so that the magnetic interaction between the ferromagnetic layers are not excessively strong and to control the relative magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers by another means other than the magnetic interaction.
A technique proposed to control the relative magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers employs an antiferromagnetic layer, such as an FeMn layer, to fix the magnetization direction of one of the ferromagnetic layers so that the magnetization direction of the same ferromagnetic layer may not be changed by an external magnetic field, and to allow the magnetization direction of the other ferromagnetic layer to change to enable the multilayer thin-film structure to be operated by an applied magnetic field of a very low intensity.
Referring to FIG. 17 showing an MR sensor A disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,513 employing the foregoing technique, the MR sensor A is formed by depositing a first magnetic layer 2, a nonmagnetic layer 3, a second magnetic layer 4 and an antiferromagnetic layer 5 on a nonmagnetic substrate 1. The magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 4 is fixed by the magnetic exchange coupling effect of the antiferromagnetic layer 5, the magnetization direction C of the first magnetic layer 2 is kept perpendicular to the magnetization direction B of the second magnetic layer 4 in the absence of an applied magnetic field. Since the magnetization direction C of the first magnetic layer 2 is not fixed, the magnetization direction C can be rotated by an applied external magnetic field. When a magnetic field h is applied to the MR sensor of FIG. 17, the magnetization direction C of the first magnetic layer 2 rotates as indicated by the arrows according to the direction of the applied magnetic field h and, consequently, the first magnetic layer 2 and the second magnetic layer 4 become different from each other in magnetization rotation causing resistance change that enable the detection of the applied magnetic field.
Another MR sensor B shown in FIG. 18 has one magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction and one magnetic layer having a free magnetization direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the MR sensor B is formed by sequentially depositing an antiferromagnetic layer 7 of NiO, a magnetic layer 8 of an NiFe alloy, a nonmagnetic layer 9 of Cu, a magnetic layer 10 of an NiFe, a nonmagnetic layer 11 of Cu, a magnetic layer 12 of an NiFe alloy and an antiferromagnetic layer 13 of an FeMn alloy in that order on a substrate 6. The antiferromagnetic layers 7 and 13 fix the magnetization directions of the adjacent ferromagnetic layers 8 and 12, and the magnetization direction of the ferromagnetic layer 10 sandwiched between the nonmagnetic layers 9 and 11 and disposed between the ferromagnetic layers 8 and 12 rotates according to the direction of an applied external magnetic field.
In the MR sensor of FIG. 17 (FIG. 18), the resistance of the first magnetic layer 2 (the magnetic layer 10) varies linearly in a satisfactory linearity with the variation of the applied magnetic field of a very low intensity and hence the MR sensor is able to measure the applied magnetic field of intensity varying in a wide range. When the first magnetic layer 2 is formed of a soft magnetic material, such as an NiFe alloy, the highly permeable axis of hard direction of magnetization of the soft magnetic material can be used as the magnetization direction and the degree of hysteresis is small.
However, since the MR sensor of FIG. 17 or the MR sensor of FIG. 18 fix the magnetization direction of the second magnetic layer 4 adjacent to the antiferromagnetic layer 5 of FeMn or the magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers 8 and 12 by the antiferromagnetic layer 7 of NiO underlying the ferromagnetic layer 8 and the antiferromagnetic layer 13 of an NiFe alloy overlying the ferromagnetic layer 12 and keeps the magnetization direction of the intermediate magnetic layer 10 free, the number of the interfaces between the NiFe alloy layer (magnetic layer) and the Cu layer (nonmagnetic layer), which contributes to giant magnetoresistive effect, cannot be increased, which is a significant restriction on the magnitude of the MR ratio. Accordingly, the MR sensors of the structures shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 are utterly unable to achieve MR ratios on the order of 10 to 20%. The material forming the antiferromagnetic layers 5 and 7, i.e., FeMn, is not advantageous in corrosion resistance and environment resistance.
Furthermore, when forming the layers respectively having spontaneous magnetization directions, i.e., the directions of axes of easy magnetization of magnetic anisotropy, oriented at an angle of 90.degree. with respect to each other in a vacuum chamber in fabricating the MR sensor shown in FIG. 17 or 18, the applied magnetic field must be turned for each layer, which requires a film forming apparatus of a complex construction capable of turning the applied magnetic field and hence increases equipment costs.
Another previously proposed structure capable of controlling relative magnetization direction is formed by alternately depositing a plurality of ferromagnetic layers in which the reversion of magnetization by an external magnetic field is difficult, such as Co layers, and a plurality of ferromagnetic layers having a small coercive force and a soft magnetism, such as an NiFe alloy layers, with nonmagnetic layers, such as Cu layers, interposed therebetween.
FIG. 19 shows an MR device D developed by the application of such a technique, mentioned in Journal of the Magnetics Society of Japan, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 431-436 (1991). This MR device D is formed by stacking, on a substrate 15, a plurality of layered structures each formed by sequentially depositing a nonmagnetic layer 16 of Cu, a magnetic layer 17 of an NiFe alloy having a low coercive force, a nonmagnetic layer 18 of Cu, a magnetic layer 19 of Co having a high coercive force, a nonmagnetic layer 20 of Cu, a magnetic layer 21 of an NiFe alloy of a low coercive force, a nonmagnetic layer 22 of Cu and a magnetic layer 23 of Co of a high coercive force.
In the MR device of FIG. 19, since the magnetization directions of the magnetic layers 19 and 23 having a high coercive force are difficult to change by an external magnetic field, and the magnetization directions of the magnetic layers 17 and 21 having a low coercive force are easy to reverse, it is possible to change over from one of an antiferromagnetic state, i.e., a state of antiparallel magnetization where the resistivity is large, and a ferromagnetic state, i.e., a state of parallel magnetization where the resistivity is small, to the other by an applied magnetic field of a low intensity. Therefore, the number of the magnetic layers can be increased and layers of materials having problems in environment resistance, such as FeMn, need not be used. However, the MR device of FIG. 19 has the following problems.
An NiFe alloy forming the magnetic layers of a low coercive force and Co forming the magnetic layers of a high coercive force are utterly dissimilar substances, conduction electrons receive different potentials from those magnetic layers and spin-dependent electron scattering that contribute to giant magnetoresistive effect increases in the interfaces. Therefore the MR ratio cannot be increased very much.
Since the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Co forming the high-permeability magnetic layers is large, it is difficult to control induced magnetic anisotropy when forming the Co magnetic layers in a magnetic field and to form the Co magnetic layers in uniform uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, and the complete design of a layered structure having layers having axes of spontaneous magnetization oriented at an angle of 90.degree. with respect to each other like the structure shown in FIG. 17 or 18; that is, it is difficult to magnetize the layers having magnetization directions oriented at an angle of 90.degree. with respect to each other by the control of magnetization using the difference in coercive force between the magnetic layer of a high coercive force and the magnetic layer of a low coercive force. Accordingly, the upper limit of the MR ratio of the MR device of FIG. 19 is on the order of 10%.

Multilayer thin-film for magnetoresistive device


Systems, methods, apparatuses and program products configured to provide a topology-service tool are described. A presence-federation solution asset is leveraged to address topology-federation problems. A network topology tool takes as input network endpoints, for example caller and callee telephone numbers, determines a network service flow used to connect the network endpoints, and develops a network topology view of the service flow along with associated network device related information.

The subject matter described herein generally relates to network topology service flow tools, and more particularly to network topology service tools for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks.
Communication networks are widely used for a variety of applications. Consider for example VoIP applications. VoIP is a technology that enables voice calls to be communicated over an Internet connection instead of an analog phone line. VoIP services convert the voice of the caller into digital signal packets that travels over the Internet to the destination (callee's device). Some VoIP services allow calls to any destination ending in a telephone number, for example local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers.
Regardless of the particular type of VoIP service used, it is common that telecommunications providers use VoIP telephony over public IP networks to connect to switching stations and to interconnect with other network providers. Such connections determine the path of the call and can be characterized as the service flow. For example, in a telecommunications network, a portion of the network comprises the intermediate links between the core network (backbone) and small sub-nets at the edge of the network. Devices communicating with an initial link constitute a sub-net, and the connection between the initial link and a worldwide network is enabled via intermediate link(s) to the core of the telephone company's network.
Whatever the particular network links utilized, an understanding of the network topology can facilitate detecting and avoiding problems with service flow (such as a dropped call) in a communications network. This understanding of the network topology can include the distinct path that a particular call took from origination point to its destination point, and the devices through which the call packets were routed. Conventionally, determining the service flow of a particular call includes manual intervention in order to piece together the links of the call from a multitude of disparate sources throughout the network.

Systems and methods for service assurance using virtualized federated presence infrastructure

International Business Machines Corporation


A system for supporting electronic positioning in apparatuses. Apparatuses may receive various wireless signals over time. The strength of the received wireless signals may be determined by the apparatuses, and based on this determination an occurrence for each received wireless signal may be accumulated in a histogram in the apparatus. Information based on the histogram may then be transmitted to a mapping database. The mapping database may then utilize this information to, for example, create signal-based maps for use in apparatus positioning.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to electronic positioning, and in particular, to collecting and normalizing electronic signal information for use in signal-based mapping.
2. Background
The integration of wireless communication functionality into both existing and emerging applications continues to expand. Strong demand has spurred developers to not only create more powerful communication devices, but also to introduce other helpful applications that rely upon wireless communication for support. In this manner, wireless communication has moved beyond the mere conveyance of voice data, and has evolved to make possible various applications for personal productivity, business, entertainment, etc.
At least one popular communication-based application that has emerged is electronic positioning. Electronic positioning may provide current location information for apparatuses in terms of coordinates, in relation to visual presentation (e.g., map), etc. However, the means for obtaining information upon which a position is determined may vary. For example, apparatuses may include Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for obtaining the electronic positioning information from satellites. Long-range wireless communication systems (e.g., cellular) may also provide positioning information through methods such as cell-based triangulation, while short-range wireless systems may be able to provide information through determination of proximity to wireless access points, etc.
These wireless communication systems may serve as adequate sources of information for supporting positioning systems in the out-of-doors because, in addition to position information being readily available for providing quick position resolution, maps for most populated regions are available and frequently updated. However, these same advantages do not exist when attempting to implement electronic positioning inside of a structure (e.g., buildings). Accurate map information (or any map information) is often not available, and the electronic positioning signals relied upon for outside positioning may not be as dependable based on the prevalent sources of interference that are found inside of structures. As a result, electronic position resolution within a structure may be very slow, if even available, and may be lack the accuracy required to be effective.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A magnetic random access memory device may include a first electrode on a substrate, a magnetic tunneling junction element electrically connected to the electrode, and a second electrode electrically connected to the first electrode through the magnetic tunneling junction element. In addition, a heat generating layer may be electrically connected in series between the first and second electrodes, and the heat generating layer may provide a relatively high resistance with respect to electrical current flow. Related methods are also discussed.

A magnetic random access memory (MRAMs) may provide non-volatile memory that can operate at relatively low voltage and at relatively high speed. In a magnetic random access memory cell, data is stored in a magnetic resistor including a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) element having first and second ferromagnetic layers and a tunneling insulating layer therebetween. More particularly, a magnetic polarization of the first ferromagnetic layer (also referred to as a free layer) may be changed using a magnetic field that crosses the MTJ element. The magnetic field may be induced by an electric current passing adjacent to the MTJ element.
Accordingly, the magnetic polarization of the free layer can be parallel or anti-parallel to a magnetic polarization of the second ferromagnetic layer (also referred to as a pinned layer). As a result of spintronics based on quantum mechanics, an electrical resistance of a current path through the MTJ element when the magnetic polarization of the free layer is parallel to the magnetic polarization of the pinned layer is different than an electrical resistance of the current path through the MTJ element when the magnetic polarization of the free layer is anti-parallel to the magnetic polarization of the pinned layer. A memory cell including an MTJ element can thus be programmed by setting the magnetic polarization of the free layer according to a value of the data to be programmed, and data can be read from the memory cell by measuring an electrical resistance through the MTJ element.
A magnetic tunneling junction element may include a pinning layer 11, a pinned magnetic layer 13, a tunneling insulating layer 15, and a free magnetic layer 17, as shown in FIGS. 1A–B. The pinning layer 11 may be a layer of an anti-ferromagnetic material such as FeMn (iron-manganese). The pinned and free magnetic layers 13 and 17 may be layers of the same or different ferromagnetic materials such as CoFe (cobalt-iron) and/or NiFe (nickel-iron). The tunneling insulating layer 15 may be a layer of an insulating material such as Al2O3 (aluminum oxide).
A ferromagnetic material has a macroscopic magnetization without an external magnetic field, and electron spins can be lined up in the same direction at a relatively low temperature. Magnetic regions of a ferromagnetic material may be aligned using an external magnetic field, and the alignment of the magnetic regions of the ferromagnetic material may be maintained after removing the external magnetic field. In an anti-ferromagnetic material, spins of atoms may be in an alternate anti-parallel arrangement. An anti-ferromagnetic material may thus have microscopic magnetic properties but not macroscopic magnetic properties.
The pinned magnetic layer 13 may be fixed by heating the pinned magnetic layer 13 to 300° C. (degrees C.) while applying an external magnetic field. After the heat treatment, the fixed magnetic spins in the pinned magnetic layer 13 may not rotate. Because the pinning layer 11 is in contact with the pinned layer 13, magnetic spins of the pinned layer 13 may be permanently fixed. Magnetic spins of the free layer 17, however, may rotate in the presence of an external magnetic field because the free layer 17 is separated from the pinning layer 11.
When the magnetic polarization of the free magnetic layer 17 is set parallel to the magnetic polarization of the pinned magnetic layer 13, an electrical resistance with respect to a current i through the magnetic tunneling junction element may be relatively low representing a "0" state of a bit of data programmed in the memory cell including the MTJ element. When the magnetic polarization of the free magnetic layer 17 is set anti-parallel to the magnetic polarization of the pinned magnetic layer 13, an electrical resistance with respect to a current i through the magnetic tunneling junction element may be relatively high representing a "1" state of a bit of data programmed in the memory cell including the MTJ element. By applying a same voltage across the MTJ element, a resulting current i may thus be relatively high or low due to a resistance of the MTJ element to indicate a state ("0" or "1") of a bit of data programmed in the MTJ element.
Thermally assisted magnetic random access memories are discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,082, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In the '082 patent, a storage cell is disposed at an intersection of a bit line and a word line, and a cell can be selected using a brief pulse of tunneling current between the intersecting bit and word lines to provide sufficient Joule heating to facilitate a change in the magnetization state of its reversible magnetic layer.
In addition, thermally assisted switching of magnetic memory elements is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,678, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In the '678 patent, a magnetic memory element is written to by heating the memory element and applying at least one magnetic field to the memory element.

Magnetic random access memory devices including heat generating layers and related methods


A unique tool, i.e., “VeriWeb”, is employed to automatically discover and systematically explore Web-site execution paths that can be followed by a user in a Web application. Unlike traditional spiders (or crawlers) that are limited to the exploration of static links, VeriWeb can navigate automatically through dynamic components of Web sites, including form submissions and execution of client-side scripts. Whenever examining a new Web page, the system determines all possible actions a user might perform—be it a link, via a button with a JavaScript handler, or via form submission—and can execute them in a systematic way. In order to systematically test different paths in a Web site, VeriWeb addresses two critical problems: systematic Web site exploration and automatically filling out forms.

As more and more services and information are made available over the Internet and intranets, Web sites have become extraordinarily complex, while their correctness is often crucial to the success of businesses and organizations. Although traditional software testing is already a notoriously hard, time-consuming and expensive process, Web-site testing presents even greater challenges. Indeed, unlike traditional GUIs (graphical user interfaces), Web interfaces are very dynamic. Web pages are modified frequently: adding links, making user-specific customizations (some pages change every time they are requested), adding new features, or changing a site look-and-feel. Moreover, the environment of Web applications is more complex than that of typical monolithic or client-server applications—Web applications interact with many components, such as CGI (common gateway interface) scripts, browsers, backend databases, proxy servers, etc., which may increase the risk of interoperability issues. Furthermore, many Web applications have a large number of users with no training on how to use the application—they are likely to exercise it in unpredictable ways. Therefore, Web sites that are critical to business operations of an organization should be tested thoroughly and frequently.
Static components of Web sites can be automatically tested by existing spider-like programs (or Web crawlers), which recursively follow all possible static links from a Web page in search of errors such as broken links, misspellings, and HTML (hypertext markup language)—conformance violations. For automatically testing dynamic components, which include execution of so-called client-side scripts and form interactions, the only class of tools currently available are "capture-replay" tools that record specific user-defined testing scenarios, and then generate scripts (sequences of browsers actions) that can be run on browsers in order to automatically replay the recorded scenarios for regression testing. Because Web sites are increasingly complex, manually recording a sample set of testing scenarios with a capture-replay tool can be very time-consuming. Due to the impossibility of recording more than a few possible paths, site coverage using capture-replay tools ends up being typically limited to a small portion of the Web-site functionality. Moreover, although state-of-the-art capture-replay tools do provide some level of abstraction when recording user actions and increased portability of test scenarios (for instance, by recording general browser actions instead of mouse actions on specific screen coordinates), changes in the structure of a Web site may prevent previously recorded test scenarios from being replayed and, hence, may require re-generating and re-recording a new set of test scenarios from scratch.

Automatic exploration and testing of dynamic Web sites


One-to-many comparisons of callers' words and/or voice prints with known words and/or voice prints to identify any substantial matches between them. When a customer communicates with a particular entity, such as a customer service center, the system makes a recording of the real-time call including both the customer's and agent's voices. The system segments the recording to extract different words, such as words of anger. The system may also segment at least a portion of the customer's voice to create a tone profile, and it formats the segmented words and tone profiles for network transmission to a server. The server compares the customer's words and/or tone profiles with multiple known words and/or tone profiles stored on a database to determine any substantial matches. The identification of any matches may be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing representative feedback or customer follow-up.

With the influx of consumer call centers, many companies desire ways to gauge customer satisfaction with phone calls. Many call centers have some type of quality monitoring is in place which is used to ensure compliance adherence and to evaluate representative performance. However, limitations exist as a minimal number of customer calls are monitored, and the process is not used to gauge customer satisfaction/experience.
For example, conventional methods of call monitoring require manual listening/observing of the call to appropriate assess representative call handling as well as customer acceptance/dissatisfaction. Other call monitoring techniques focus primarily on tone profiles associated with a call and do not adequately assess the words or other call characteristics.
There is also a need for verification and evaluation of customer/satisfaction assessment systems. That is, there is a need to actively poll customers about their satisfaction with various phone calls, and there is a further need to use this poll information to better assess future customer calls.


An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is formed from a variety of material elements (e.g., textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. The lacing system also permits the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying dimensions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear.
The sole structure is located adjacent to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, the sole structure conventionally incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole is a thin compressible member located within the void and adjacent to a lower surface of the void to enhance footwear comfort. The midsole, which may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and extends downward from the upper, forms a middle layer of the sole structure. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., providing cushioning for the foot), the midsole may limit foot motions or impart stability, for example. The outsole, which may be secured to a lower surface of the midsole, forms the ground-contacting portion of the footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant material that includes texturing to improve traction.
The conventional midsole is primarily formed from a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate, that extends throughout a length and width of the footwear. In some articles of footwear, the midsole may include a variety of additional footwear elements that enhance the comfort or performance of the footwear, including plates, moderators, fluid-filled chambers, lasting elements, or motion control members. In some configurations, any of these additional footwear elements may be located between the midsole and either of the upper and outsole, embedded within the midsole, or encapsulated by the foamed polymer material of the midsole, for example. Although many conventional midsoles are primarily formed from a foamed polymer material, fluid-filled chambers or other non-foam structures may form a majority of some midsole configurations.


A clamp assembly for use in connection with an operating table rail is disclosed. The clamp assembly includes a top clamp member, a base clamp member and an operating lever to move the top clamp member relative to the base clamp member. The base clamp member and the top clamp member include complimentary V-shaped channels that allow the clamp assembly of the present invention to be installed on the sterile side of the surgical field. The base clamp member is provided with dual guide pins and an actuator pin, extending upwards from the base clamp member and through the top clamp member. The actuator pin is affixed with a fastening means to engage the top of the actuator pin and the base clamp member together. Further, the base clamp member includes apertures for receiving various surgical support fixtures.

The present invention relates to a device for use in positively securing accessory devices used during surgical and other medical procedures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clamp assembly that securely affixes to a standard surgical table to facilitate the accurate and positive positioning of accessory devices used during surgical and other medical procedures.
Orthopedic surgery on the human body generally includes procedures ranging from hand, elbow, wrist, foot and ankle surgery to fracture repair. These procedures require that the joint or limb be precisely and predictably positioned during the surgical procedure. In order to achieve the most optimum positioning, the surgeon requires a large range of positive positioning adjustments that must be easily available so that the limb or joint to be treated is initially positioned and thereafter maintained in the desired position. Not only must such a selected position be maintainable but it is also very important and often necessary that the limb be released and repositioned on demand during the course of the procedure to ensure optimum access to all areas of the joint or limb in question.
To facilitate the precise positioning required, conventional surgical tables generally include a flat patient support and a lower base for holding the patient support at a predetermined distance from the floor. The base of conventional surgical tables commonly includes a control apparatus for tilting the flat patient support through a range of orientations to facilitate performance of certain surgical procedures. Typically such flat patient supports are made of surgical stainless steel and in most cases include a set of metal side rails supported along the edges of the table for holding surgical accessories, instrumentation, and the like. Further, the side rails conform to an industry standard that dictates the cross sectional size and configuration of the rails so that surgical accessories from any vendor source can be directly connected to surgical tables built by another vendor without modification of the attachment interface.
The difficulty with most of these prior art devices is that they have numerous moving parts and components therein that make sterilization of the device virtually impossible. Since these devices cannot be sterilized, they are typically mounted directly to the metal side rails on the non-sterile side of the surgical drapes. Further, those clamps that can be sterilized and placed on the sterile side of the surgical drape generally include U-shaped or square clamping jaws that prevent them from firmly engaging the metal accessory rails when a surgical drape is positioned there between. In addition, these prior art clamps cannot engage the rail when different thicknesses or additional plies of surgical drapes are utilized. Finally, many of the prior art devices rely on a threaded rod to create the clamping tension of the device thereby transferring and bearing all of the clamping forces of the device to the small surface area of the threaded engagement. Often this ends up being the weak point in the assembly.
There is therefore a need for providing a sterile clamp to hold the various fixtures and devices, that can be installed in firm engagement with the rails on a surgical table while surgical drapes are installed there between. Further, there is a need for a sterile clamp assembly that can more firmly and reliably engage surgical table rails and reliably support a plurality of medical accessories during surgical or medical procedures.


A method, apparatus and computer program product for producing and processing template access control lists (ACLs) is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product obtain a first ACL having a first rule set, the first rule set including a peer Internet Protocol (IP) address. The first rule set is copied into the template ACL. The occurrences of a peer's IP address within the rule set of the template ACL are determined and are replaced with an indicator indicating that the peer's IP address is used in place of the indicator when the ACL is evaluated.

An Access Control List (ACL) is a sequential collection of permit/deny conditions (also referred to as a rule set) that apply to IP addresses and associated actions. ACLs are generally used to provide security filtering, though they may also be used to provide a generic packet classification facility. ACLs filter network traffic by controlling whether routed packets are forwarded or blocked at the router's interfaces. When a packet arrives on a router interface, software tests the packet against the conditions in the ACL to determine if there is a match between the IP header contents and the ACL entries. If there is a match, the actions associated with the first match will be applied. An ACL can be attached to packets received on an interface, and to packets outgoing on an interface. One important attribute of ACLs is that they are searched sequentially, so the rule that is applied is the first matching rule, not the rule that provides the best match.
Packet filtering using ACLs controls packet transmission throughout the network. This control can allow the network administrator to secure the network by limiting unnecessary or unwanted network traffic, and by restricting network use by certain users or devices. Security ACLs are used to permit or deny specified packets from crossing specified interfaces. They can be used to control the transmission of packets on an interface, to control virtual terminal line access, or to restrict the contents of routing updates. ACLs can also be used as a means of classifying packets for various route-maps, and for performing Quality of Service (QoS) checks.
There are different types of ACLs. One type of ACL is known as "TurboACL" in which a collection of ACLs is processed into a data structure. TurboACL has two basic parts. The first part is a process that takes the internal access control lists and builds a set of data tables. The second part is a run time operation that uses the packet header values and the data tables determined in the first part to lookup which entries in the ACL match this packet. The run time operation for TurboACL is very fast and is deterministic in that regardless of how many ACL entries there are, the same amount of processing power is consumed. This permits for improved processing time of ACLs in certain scenarios.
Another type of ACL is known as "MiniACL" in which an individual ACL is processed into a data structure. The MiniACL process takes the internal access control lists and builds a set of data tables. A run time operation uses the packet header values and the data tables to lookup which entries in the ACL match this packet. The run time operation is very fast and is deterministic in that no matter how many ACL entries there are, the same amount of processing power is consumed. This also permits for improved processing time of ACLs in certain environments. MiniACLs require less memory than TurboACLs, but can only support a limited number of rules per ACL.


An adhesive sheet set including a pair of adhesive sheets respectively including an adhesive layer capable of being cured and adhered by being in contact with each other, and a method for producing a product using the same. An adhesive sheet set including a first adhesive sheet and a second adhesive sheet, wherein the first adhesive sheet includes a first separator and a first adhesive layer provided on one surface of the first separator, the second adhesive sheet includes a second separator and a second adhesive layer provided on one surface of the second separator, and the first adhesive sheet and the second adhesive sheet are configured to be cured and adhered by the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer being in contact with each other.

In a producing step of a product, in order to adhere each member included in the product, a coating adhesion method using an adhesive is used. There are various adhesives varying according to their triggers that cause curing such as heat and light, among these adhesives, when the curing by heating or ultraviolet irradiation, for example, is difficult for reasons such as the kind of a member and the production environment of a product, a liquid adhesive capable of being cured at normal temperature is preferably used.
Examples of such liquid adhesive may include one-component type adhesive whose reaction is initiated by oxygen or moisture in air (Patent Document 1), and two-component type adhesive that is separated into a main agent and a curing agent.
Examples of the two-component type adhesive may include two-component mixing type adhesive whose reaction is initiated by mixing the main agent and the curing agent, and two-component separate-coating type adhesive whose reaction is initiated by separately coating a liquid chemical including the main agent and a liquid chemical including the curing agent respectively and then bringing into contact to each other (Patent Documents 2 to 5). The two-component separate-coating type adhesive is generally called, for example, honeymoon type adhesive or two-component curing type adhesive of a non-mixing type.
Also, double-sided tape is also used for adhering the members, instead of the liquid adhesive (Patent Document 6). Since tacky agent is usually used for the double-sided tape so that the curing is not necessary, the members may be adhered regardless of, for example, the kind of the member and the production environment of the product.

Adhesive sheet set and method for producing product


A driving assistance system for vehicle, which provides a vehicle with assistance information to pass an intersection, includes: a traffic light information acquisition unit for acquiring turn-on time information of a traffic light arranged at the intersection, a running lane information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic lane configuration and traffic lane-use specification at the intersection, a direction indicator operation detection unit detecting an operation of the direction indicator, and a traffic light passage assistance control unit outputting assistance information including information on possibility to pass through the intersection is obtained based on the turn-on time information of the traffic light corresponding to the traffic lane-use specification of the expected running lane for the vehicle, the expected running lane which is determined based on the traffic lane configuration acquired by the running lane information acquisition unit and on a direction indication of detected by the direction indicator operation detection unit.

Recently, a vehicle or an on-board device called Traffic Signal Prediction Systems (TSPS), which are equipped with a function outputting driving assistance information to a driver of the vehicle, are becoming popular. In particular, when the vehicle passes an intersection provided with a traffic light, the TSPS receives externally a traffic light information including the current light color, turn-on times of light colors of a traffic light located at a traffic intersection, a remaining time until a transition to a next light color occurs (remaining time, waiting time), calculates an arrival time of the vehicle to the intersection, based on the received traffic light information and on the position and the speed of the vehicle, and provides a service of messaging an assistance information, such as a suggestion of deceleration-at-red-signal-light before or passage of the intersection for the vehicle to smoothly pass through the intersection.
Japanese open-laid patent application JP2017228117A discloses a technology related to the TSPS, in which the assistance information is displayed separately regarding the vehicle position and the traffic light position, in order to clearly judge, to which traffic light belongs the obtained information, when there exist multiple traffic lights in the sight of the driver.


Process to cool and pelletize molten strands, which issue from nozzles and are first stretched in the region following the nozzles and then are cooled for the pelletizing operation. The strands are gently cooled up to a kneadable state while stretching and compacting along a tempering region, which is designed as a fluidized bed driven with gas, in particular air, and subsequently conveyed into an intensive cooling region, where the strands are chilled with cooling water and are substantially hardened, while feeding so as to cause stretching, for the subsequently pelletizing operation.

The invention relates to a process to cool and pelletize molten strands, which issue from nozzles and are first stretched in the region following the nozzles and then are cooled for the pelletizing operation.
Devices to cool and pelletize thermoplastic strands are known in various embodiments. Thus, the DE-PS 25 03 455 shows a device with a discharge channel, over which a current of cooling water is guided into which the strands issuing from the nozzles flow. Furthermore, a device is known from the DE-OS 2 230 187, wherein the strands are guided by means of two opposing, adjacent revolving belts in which the strands and the cooling water are introduced. These devices are based on the principle of rapidly subjecting the strands, guided through a short stretch of air in which they virtually do not cool themselves, to the chilling effect of the cooling water and transporting the strands, enveloped by cooling water to the feed rollers of a pelletizer. In so doing, the strands arrive in a state in the pelletizer in which at least their surface is solidified. The devices can also be designed or operated in such a manner that a continuous solidification of the strands upon entry into the pelletizer is achieved.
Furthermore, it is known from the DE-PS 39 00 250 to divide a discharge channel of a device to cool and pelletize strands that is fed with cooling water into several zones, and in particular in such a manner that first, as in the case of the device according to the DE-PS 25 03 455, a discharge channel fed with cooling water is provided that is following by a dewatering region, in which the water flowing from the discharge channel is largely drawn off. The dewatering region is followed by a drying region, in which a current of gas is led on the strands and by means of which the residual water still adhering to the strands is almost completely removed. These three zones are in succession in the frame of the discharge channel, which brings about a distinct cooling effect only in its first region, guiding the cooling liquid.
It is also known from the DE-AS 21 61 067 to first stretch plastic strands after they have issued in the molten state from the nozzles, whereby for the purpose of preventing the strands from adhering their surface is cooled first by a flood of cooling water immediately behind the nozzles. Thereafter the strands are guided unimpeded through the air to a feed roller, which causes the strands to be stretched. Then the strands are cooled for the subsequent pelletizing. Preventing the strands from adhering with the flood of cooling water and then freely guiding the strands through the air leads to a purely superficial hardening of the strands, so that the result is a highly nonuniform degree of hardening over the cross section of the strands, a feature that is undesired for stretching.
Furthermore, it is known from the DE-OS 36 23 157 to convey molten strands issuing from the nozzles by a conveyor belt without cooling, wherein the strands are supposed to adhere to the conveyor belt, so that the conveyor belt can exert a pulling action on the strands.
The invention is based on the problem of providing a process to cool and pelletize molten strands issuing from nozzles, with which plastics can be processed that exhibit a relatively high thermal conductivity and include in particular plastics reinforced with fibers. Fiber reinforced plastics are extruded like unreinforced plastics in the molten state out of nozzles and subsequently pelletized.
The problem is solved according to the invention in that the strands are gently cooled up to a kneadable state while stretching and compacting along a tempering region, which is designed as a fluidized bed driven with gas, in particular air, and subsequently conveyed into an intensive cooling region, where the strands are chilled with cooling water and are substantially hardened, while feeding so as to cause stretching, for the subsequently pelletizing.
A fundamentally different method than the previously customary cooling process is proposed with the invention, namely while avoiding an immediate rapid cooling, a first subsequent gentle cooling, which causes the plastic to contact radially in the sense of compacting while stretching, so that the plastic material is conveyed in a state in which it hardly deforms any more when being subsequently chilled in the intensive cooling region. In so doing, a gas driven fluidized bed is used in the tempering region; on the one hand, said bed prevents the plastic strands from adhering by causing them to be conveyed without impediment and, on the other hand, it induces a gentle cooling.
The intensive cooling region is designed advantageously as a strand guide filled with cooling water, for which in particular the aforementioned discharge channel and the strand guide with two revolving belts are suitable.

Process to cool and pelletize molten strands issuing from nozzles

Reiter Automatik Apparate-Maschinebau GmbH


The invention relates to a process for collecting dispersed plant material particles during the formation of a reconstituted plant material, such as a reconstituted tobacco material. The process involves extracting components from a plant material using a solvent having an aqueous character. As such, an aqueous plant material extract and a water insoluble tobacco portion are provided. At least a portion of the aqueous extract is separated from the insoluble portion. The insoluble portion is formed into a desired shape (e.g., a sheet-like shape). Excess solvent is removed from the formed insoluble plant portion. The removed solvent has plant material particles dispersed therein and is collected. A portion of the excess solvent is removed from the dispersed plant material particles. The dispersed plant material particles are then collected.

The present invention relates to the processing of plant materials, and in particular to a process for providing a reconstituted plant material such as a reconstituted tobacco material.
Cigarettes are popular smoking articles which have a substantially cylindrical rod shaped structure and include a charge of tobacco material surrounded by a wrapper, such as paper, thereby forming a so-called "tobacco rod." It has become desirable to manufacture a cigarette having a cylindrical filter aligned in an end-to-end relationship with the tobacco rod.
Typically, a filter includes cellulose acetate circumscribed by plug wrap, and is attached to the tobacco rod using a circumscribing tipping material. See, Baker, Prog. Ener. Combust. Sci., Vol. 7 pp. 135-153 (1981).
Typical cigarettes include blends of various tobaccos, such as the flue-cured, Burley, Maryland and Oriental tobaccos. Cigarette blends also can include certain amounts of processed and reconstituted tobacco materials. Reconstituted tobacco materials often are manufactured from tobacco stems, dust and scrap using papermaking processes. See, Tobacco Encyclopedia, edit. by Voges, pp. 389-390, TJI (1984); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,421,126 to Gellatly, 4,962,774 to Thomasson et al., 4,987,906 to Young et al., 5,056,537 to Brown et al., 5,099,864 to Young et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,097 to Sohn et al. and 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al.; EPO patent application No. 535,834; and commonly assigned, copending U.S. Ser. Nos. 07/931,248 and 07/931,249 both filed Aug. 17, 1992.
When providing reconstituted tobacco materials, it is desirable to make efficient use of tobacco material (i.e., the stems, dust, scrap and other materials used to provide a commercially useable material). As such it is desirable to maximize the amount of tobacco material used and to avoid waste. It would be desirable to provide an efficient and effective process for utilizing a substantial portion of plant material during a process for providing a reconstituted plant material from such plant material. Moreover, it would be desirable to increase the amount of tobacco material used and to reduce the amount of waste plant material which must be disposed.


A displacement sensor utilizes a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, but has an extended range compared to conventional Hall effect displacement sensors. Relative movement between the sensor and the magnet is defined such that the path of movement is not parallel to an axis between the north and south poles of the magnet. Thus, the total path of movement is greater than in the prior art. One particularly preferred application for this sensor is in a disc brake, and as part of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the disc brake pistons. The displacement sensor is relatively small, and thus can be accommodated in the crowded environment of the disc brake adjustment mechanism. On the other hand, with the inventive large range displacement sensor, the simple and compact sensor can provide adequate measurement of the displacement of the piston.

This application relates to a displacement sensor utilizing a Hall effect sensor and a magnet, wherein the travel of the Hall effect sensor is non-parallel to an axis between the poles of the magnet, extending the range of the displacement sensor.
One known type of displacement sensor includes a Hall effect sensor placed adjacent to a magnet. The Hall effect sensor and the magnet are attached to different objects. The two objects move relative to each other, and the Hall effect sensor, by sensing the relative position of the magnet, can determine the amount of relative movement of the objects.
Such displacement sensors have had limited application in that there is typically a limited distance range which can be measured. As an example, typical production Hall effect displacement sensors are able to measure approximately 0.25″ of movement.
For many applications, the Hall effect sensor and its 0.25″ range would be insufficient. One example is a displacement sensor for sensing the amount of movement of a piston in a disc brake due to friction surface wear. As known, a brake actuator drives a pair of pistons in a disc brake, and the pistons force a brake pad against a rotating component, slowing rotation of the rotating component. There is normal wear on the brake pad, and typically a disc brake piston is provided with an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism has historically included a mechanical linkage that senses the total movement, and adjusts the piston relative to a tappet gear to take up clearance. Typically, there is a desired amount of piston movement, and with wear on the brake pad, the piston needs to move an amount beyond this desired amount. Thus, the adjustment mechanism changes a rest, or starting position of the piston such that it only needs to move the desired amount, even with wear on the brake pad.
More recently, electric motors have been developed for replacing the mechanical linkage in the adjustment mechanism. An electric motor typically drives a gear, that in turn will drive the tappet gears to adjust the pistons.
Such an electric motor adjustment mechanism would benefit from feedback of the amount of necessary adjustment. Thus, some sensor for sensing the amount of movement of the pistons is desirable. The limited range provided by the current Hall effect displacement sensors is inadequate for this application. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the disc brake and its pistons, there is limited available space. For this reason, the relatively small Hall effect sensor would be quite desirable.

Extended range hall effect displacement sensor


A vector controller of an induction motor capable of correcting the set value of mutual inductance so as to match it to an actual value by additional processing on software without adding any special device. The vector controller (1) of an induction motor comprises a section (3) for determining the correction value of mutual inductance of an induction motor (15) based on the error between a torque operation value calculated using a measurement of the primary current of the induction motor (15) and a torque command value for the induction motor (15) generated at a torque command generating section, and a vector control section (2) for controlling the induction motor such that the generation torque of the induction motor (15) matches the torque command value by using the circuit constants of the induction motor (15) including the correction value of mutual inductance.

In general, according to vector control, it is possible to control a magnetic flux current component and a torque current component independently from each other by separating the current of an AC electric motor into a magnetic field (magnetic flux) direction component and a torque direction component perpendicular to the magnetic field, thereby to control the generated torque instantaneously, as in the case of a DC electric motor (see, for example, a First Non-patent Document).
In a known vector control apparatus for an induction motor, the amplitude, frequency and phase of a voltage supplied to the induction motor are calculated by using a circuit constant of the induction motor. In this case, when there exists an error between a circuit constant set in the vector control apparatus for an induction motor and an actual circuit constant of the induction motor, it becomes impossible for the vector control apparatus to maintain its vector control state, so an actual torque generated by the induction motor does not coincide with a torque command value from a system side. In addition, when the torque command value changes transitionally, the torque generated by the induction motor might cause overshoot or the like so the reaction or operation of the induction motor becomes vibratory, thus resulting in the deterioration of the torque control performance.
A secondary resistance set value among circuit constants of the induction motor can be said as follows. That is, a secondary circuit (rotor) is generally made of a copper alloy, so the actual resistance value thereof changes in accordance with the operating condition of the induction motor and a temperature change in the ambient atmosphere. Thus, there will be caused an error between the secondary resistance set value set in the vector control apparatus of the induction motor and the actual resistance value, thereby influencing the torque control performance. Accordingly, a construction or arrangement to correct such an error between the set value and the actual value is employed in many cases (see, for example, a First Patent Document).
Moreover, a mutual inductance as one of induction motor constants changes to a limited extent due to a temperature change, but an error or difference between the set value and the actual value thereof provides an influence on the steady-state torque characteristic of the induction motor.
In cases where the set value contains an error in a sense larger than the actual value, the torque generated by the induction motor becomes smaller than the torque command value, whereas in case where the set value contains an error in a sense smaller than the actual value, the torque generated by the induction motor becomes larger than the torque command value.
For example, with a vector control apparatus for an electric railway vehicle, if there is such a torque error, a problem will arise that the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle can not be controlled in a manner as intended by an operator. Since the torque control performance is influenced in this manner, it is necessary to make the set value and the actual value coincide with each other as much as possible.
Accordingly, when the mutual inductance can be measured from a primary current of the induction motor by running the induction motor under no load, the measured value can be used as the set value.
However, actual measurements are difficult in inductance motors of built-in use in which a no-load condition can not be created, or in large-scale induction motors for installation on vehicles. Thus, in such cases, a design calculation value is adopted as the set value of the mutual inductance, so there will be an error or difference between the set value and the actual value of the mutual inductance. As a result of such a difference, the torque output of such an inductance motor does not coincide with the torque command value thereof, generating an error therebetween.
Further, much consideration is not given to the correction of the set value of the mutual inductance.
[First Non-Patent Document] "Vector Control of AC Motor" by Yoshitaka Nakano, published by Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun Co., on Mar. 29, 1996
[First Patent Document] Japanese Patent Application Raid-Open No. H06-38574