Dice on a wafer are selected to be tested using a yield map. The yield map incorporates yield information of different products produced by the same fabrication process. A die placement for a product to be produced by the same process is determined based on the yield map. An expected yield for a die in the die placement is also determined based on the yield map. The expected yield for the die is then used to determine whether to test the die.

1. Field
The present application relates to semiconductor dice manufacturing, and more particularly to selecting dice to be test using a yield map.
2. Related Art
Semiconductor devices are typically manufactured by fabricating the devices on a semiconductor wafer. An individual device is formed as a die on the wafer using known semiconductor fabrication processes. Depending on the size of the die, a single wafer can contain hundreds of dice. The dice are generally arranged in a pattern (i.e., a die placement) on the wafer to maximize the number of dice on the wafer.
After the dice are fabricated on the wafer, the dice are electrically tested. Dice that pass the electrical testing are sorted from the dice that fail the electrical testing. The cost of testing can contribute to 30 percent and more of the overall cost of the devices. Semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly performing comprehensive testing of dice, meaning that each die is tested, while the dice are still on the wafer. This process enables the manufacturers to track the locations of the dice that fail or have low yield. However, performing comprehensive testing of dice increases the overall test time and cost.
In one approach to reducing the amount of time needed and cost associated with testing, areas on a wafer that are found to have high yields are no longer tested. For example, after testing dice on a number of wafers, if an area is found to have a high yield, such as greater than 90 percent, dice in that area are no longer tested in subsequent wafers. One shortcoming to this approach, however, is that the fabrication process can drift, which can decrease the yield of the dice in the area not being tested. However, for the very reason that dice in this area are not being tested, the change in the fabrication process and the yield of these dice may go undetected.

Selecting dice to test using a yield map


A method, system and apparatus for reducing dataflow disruption when increases in path maximum transmission unit (PMTU) are being detected are provided. Conventionally, when increases in PMTU are being detected, an increased-in-size data packet is sent by a transmitting host. If an intermediate link is unable to process the data packet through, it drops the data packet and sends an error message to the transmitting host. The transmitting host has to reduce the size of the data packet and resend it. The procedure outlines in this disclosure obviates the need to resend the data packet. It does so by transmitting an old data packet that has been increased in size. Hence, there is no need to resend the data packet if it is dropped.

1. Technical Field
The present invention is directed to communications networks. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of minimizing dataflow disruption in network data streams when detecting PMTU.
2. Description of Related Art
It is generally accepted that for efficient data transfer using an IP (Internet protocol) connection, the data packet size should be as large as possible. The larger the packets, the lesser the overhead associated with transferring the entire data. However, if a packet is larger than any intermediate link (e.g., a router) can process, the packet will be fragmented at that link. The maximum size packet that a router can process without fragmenting the packet is called an MTU (maximum transmission unit). The maximum size packet that can be transferred from a transmitting host to a receiving host without fragmentation is called PMTU (path maximum transmission unit). Consequently, the PMTU is a function of the maximum size packets that all intermediate routers in an IP connection can process without fragmenting the packets.
It is well known that the path between two hosts on the Internet may vary over time. Indeed, there have been path variations based on types of data being transferred between two hosts. Consequently, the PMTU may vary over time. If the PMTU decreases during transmission of a particular piece of data, the packets may have to be fragmented.
When a packet is fragmented, it is split into multiple parts, each part containing enough information to allow for reassembly at the receiving host. Thus, once fragmented a packet will not be reassembled until it reaches its destination. Fragmentation is undesirable for numerous reasons. For example, if any one fragment from a packet is dropped, the entire packet has to be retransmitted. Further, it imposes extra processing load on the routers that have to split the packets. Last but not least, some firewalls may block all fragments because they don't contain the header information for a higher layer protocol (e.g., TCP) needed for filtration.
Thus, to ascertain that the largest size packets are being transmitted over an IP connection without being fragmented, the transmitting host periodically tries to detect PMTU variations. RFC (Request for Comments) 1191 describes a procedure to detect increases in the PMTU. Specifically, RFC 1191 suggests that a transmitting host should periodically send a larger size packet with an instruction that the packet not be fragmented. If the PMTU has not changed, the larger size packet will be dropped and the router that drops the packet will send an error message back to the host. If the PMTU has increased enough to allow the packet to reach its destination, then no error message will be received by the host. The host then may continue sending packets of that increased size.
RFC is a series of notes about the Internet, started in 1969 (when the Internet was still ARPANET). An Internet document can be submitted to the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) by anyone, but the IETF decides if the document becomes an RFC. If the document gains enough interest, it may eventually evolve into an Internet standard. Each RFC is designated by an RFC number. Once published, an RFC never changes. Modifications to an original RFC are assigned a new RFC number.
In any case, the procedure suggested by RFC 1191 to detect PMTU increases may potentially slow down the data transfer. Particularly, the PMTU is not likely to change very often. Thus, each time the transmitting host tries to detect increases in the PMTU, the data packet used toward that end will most likely be dropped. When the data packet is dropped, the application program that is transferring the data has to detect such and retransmit the packet. Depending on the length of the data being transferred, the transfer rate may be affected quite considerably.
Thus, what is needed is a method and apparatus for detecting PMTU increases that will not affect transfer rate of data.

Apparatus and method of reducing dataflow distruption when detecting path maximum transmission unit (PMTU)

International Business Machines Corporation


An integrated imaging device supports front face illumination with one or more photosensitive regions formed in a substrate. A lower dielectric region is provided over the substrate, the lower dielectric region having an upper face. A metal optical filter having a metal pattern is provided on the upper face (or extending into the lower dielectric region from the upper face). An upper dielectric region is provided on top of the lower dielectric region and metal optical filter. The lower dielectric region is at least part of a pre-metal dielectric layer, and the upper dielectric region is at least part of a metallization layer.

Imaging devices with front face illumination generally comprise a set of pixels each having a photosensitive semiconductor region disposed under an integrated optical filter. Groups of pixels with red, green and blue filters may notably be used, in such a manner as to form Bayer patterns well known to those skilled in the art.
Optical filters designed to only let through a single color generally comprise an organic filter colored by pigments allowing infrared to pass. It is generally advisable to combine them with an additional infrared filter for imaging applications in the visible range.
Colored filters also have the drawback of not being sufficiently robust, and of not being able to be used for the infrared wavelengths.
Furthermore, a multicolor imager requires a number of photolithographic steps proportional to the number of types of colored filters to be formed. These filters also have the drawback of being degraded when they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200° C.
On the other hand, interference filters (known as multilayer filters) also allow image sensors to be formed without being limited to the visible wavelengths, and they can therefore be used for applications outside of the visible range (UV or infrared). Their multilayer structure however makes them expensive and more difficult to integrate owing to the large number of deposition steps needed for their fabrication and to the total thickness of the stack, which can be greater than one micron.
Alternatives to colored filters using pigments and to multilayer filters have therefore been provided.
Optical filters are known from the prior art comprising one or more metal layers in which patterns (holes or bumps) are formed having dimensions of the order of ten to a hundred nanometers. This type of structure is better known by the term plasmonic filter.
For this purpose, reference may be made to the document "Light in tiny holes" (C. Genet and T. W. Ebbesen, Nature 445, pages 39-46, 4 Jan. 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference) which describes the transmission of light by nanometer-sized holes.
Reference may also be made to the document "Structural Colors: From Plasmonic to Carbon Nanostructures" (Ting Xu et al, Small Volume 7, Issue 22, pages 3128-3136, Nov. 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference) which describes filters comprising nanometer-sized metal patterns for filtering various colors, notably with periodic patterns.
Finally, reference may be made to the document United States Patent Application Publication No 2003/0103150 (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference) which discloses metal filters of the type presented hereinbefore which are formed by the same fabrication steps as the tracks of the metallization levels of the integrated circuits comprising these filters. The filters described in this document therefore have the same thickness as the metallization levels, and they comprise the same metal material as the tracks of the metallization levels.
The metal filters obtained in the latter document may not be suitable for filtering the light in a satisfactory manner. Indeed, the metal tracks of metallization levels have a height which can be of the order of several hundreds of nanometers or of the order of a micrometer, and the formation of patterns is limited by the constraints of photolithography and of filling with metal (notably when methods known as "Damascene" are applied). Thus, the solution of the document US 2003/0103150 does not allow the dimensions of the patterns that will form filters to be precisely chosen.
Generally speaking, the metal elements of metallization levels are formed between layers of silicon nitride (SIN) or of silicon carbo-nitride (SICN). These layers of silicon nitride or of silicon carbo-nitride therefore end up, in the solution presented in the document US 2003/0103150, on either side of the metal filters, a fact which is detrimental to the optical properties of the metal filters.

Method for producing an integrated imaging device with front face illumination comprising at least one metal optical filter, and corresponding device

Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives


A robot mounting apparatus for a hip joint operation robot capable of firmly attaching a hip joint operation robot to a femur in order for operation robot to perform an accurate femoral canal cavity operation, and a hip joint operation robot system using the same. The robot mounting apparatus for a hip joint operation robot, comprising: a fixing means for fixing to a femur, including: a bar having a predetermined length and being arranged in perpendicular to a femur; and a seizing means having a predetermined shape for seizing the femur, the seizing means forms at an end of the bar; an installation unit having a predetermined shaped for installing the operation robot thereon, the installation unit is positioned near an end portion of the femur; and a link having a predetermined length for connecting the installation unit and the bar of the fixing means, the link is installed in parallel with respect to a longitudinal direction of the femur. The hip joint operation robot system employs the robot mounting apparatus and the robot firmly mounted on the robot mounting apparatus.

Generally, an artificial joint is formed of an acetabular portion and a femur portion. The above femur portion includes a ball engaged with the acetabular portion, a stem inserted into a human's femur and a neck for connecting the stem and the ball. Here, the acetabular portion is formed of an abrasion resistance material like a polyethylene. The femur portion is formed of a certain material like a metal or ceramic. However, the acetabular portion and the femur portion may be made of the same ceramic material.
In a joint operation, when an artificial joint which is formed of the above material and has the above structure is engaged with a human's femur having a cortical bone or a porous bone and a bone cavity therein, since the stem of the artificial joint must be properly engaged with the femur, the femur must have a longitudinal femoral canal cavity therein of which the diameter and length correspond to those of the engaged stem. The operation in which the stem of the artificial joint is engaged to the femur will be described in detail.
FIGS. 1A through 1F are views for describing a manual operation of the hip joint operation.
When a reamer 20 is stated to inserted into the femur 10 engaged with a hip joint, as shown in FIG. 1A, and is inserted by a certain depth in a longitudinal direction of the femur 10, as shown in FIG. 1B, and is removed from the femur 10, as shown in FIG. 1C, a reamer insertion femoral canal cavity 12 is formed in the femur 10.
Next, as shown in FIGS. 1D through 1E, when a broach 30 having the same shape as that of an artificial joint is inserted into the reamer insertion femoral canal cavity 12, the femur 10 is excavated or formed in the same shape as the broach 30. Here, in the drawing, reference numeral 14 represents a bone removing portion formed in the femur 10 by the broach 30.
At this time, it is impossible to accurately form a femoral canal cavity in the femur by a manual operation in order for the position and size of the same to be accurately matched with those of the artificial joint. Therefore, when the artificial joint operation is manually performed, the artificial joint may not be properly or accurately engaged with the femur.
In order to improve the above problems which occur due to the manual work in which the artificial joint is engaged to the femur, a femur is machined using an operation robot. The femur operating by the robot will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a prior art robot operation system which includes an operating table 100, an operation robot 120 fixedly installed in an operating room or operating table for thereby performing an operation of a patient 110, and a computer 130 connected with the operation robot 120 for controlling an operation performed by the operation robot 120. Here, in the drawings, dotted line 140 represents a work space in which the operation robot 120 works during the operation.
In the above robot operation system, since it is possible to accurately process the shape of the femoral canal cavity to match with the shape of the artificial joint compared to the operation in which the femoral canal cavity is processed by a manual method, it is possible to accurately engage the artificial joint to the femoral canal cavity.
However, since the prior art robot operation system has a big volume and is fixedly installed in a floor of the operating room or the operating table, it cannot be moved one place to another. In addition, as indicated by the dotted line of FIG. 2, the prior art operation system has a large workspace. Also, the prior art robot system needs an additional system for detecting a position of a corresponding bone before the operation and an apparatus for preventing the femur from being moved during the operation, thereby the prior art robot operation system is expensive and is not widely used.

Hip joint robot system and robot mounting apparatus

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


A composite sealed vessel is provided. The vessel includes a non-metallic, generally cylindrical inner containment piece, a non-metallic, generally cylindrical outer containment piece disposed around the inner containment piece. A pair of non-metallic flanges are disposed at ends of the inner and outer containment pieces to form a closed structure defining a cavity therein. The vessel also includes a metallic external lining disposed over the closed structure to form a leak-tight pressure boundary.

The invention relates generally to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to a composite structure for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system and a method of manufacturing the same.
The vacuum vessel of an MRI magnet is generally made of components that are welded together during assembly of the magnet to form a pressure boundary. Therefore, the function of the vacuum vessel of an MRI magnet is to provide a reliable pressure boundary for maintaining proper vacuum operation. Any leakage or gas permeation over time will increase the vacuum pressure and, consequently, increase the heat load of the magnet.
Vacuum vessels known in the art are usually made of metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum. Although, metal vacuum vessels are strong enough to resist vacuum forces, they generate eddy currents and unwanted field distortions in the imaging volume when exposed to an AC field.
Attempts have been made to construct non-metallic vacuum vessels. However, non-metallic vacuum vessels tend to be permeable to gasses and moisture, which hampers the normal vacuum operation.
Similarly, attempts have been made to use thin metallic foils over the non-metallic vacuum composite structures for providing vapor barrier. One major disadvantage with such composite structures is that the metallic foils may not seal properly at the flange joints of the vacuum composite structures.
Thus, there is a need for an impermeable vacuum composite structure that provides reduced field effects from eddy currents.

Thin metal layer vacuum vessels with composite structural support


Fresnel lens elements in a lens grouping and mounted in a fixed relationship to a detector, to define a 360.degree. field of view for use in a sensor for passive detection of infrared radiation. Lens elements of the lens grouping can be selected by masking other lens elements, to leave a lens array defining a particular pattern of detection for a desired application. By masking certain of the lenses of the lens grouping, wide angle three-dimensional or fan-like planar curtain patterns of detection are obtained for use of the sensor in either a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted installation, and vertical curtains of coverage can be obtained using ceiling-mounted installation. Lens elements of different sizes and focal lengths are arranged to gather ample radiation for detection of distant intruders in certain directions.

The present invention relates to intrusion detection devices, and more particularly to a Fresnel lens grouping for an infrared sensor for mounting either on a wall or a ceiling.
Infrared sensors incorporating multiple Fresnel lens elements are known for use in detecting the presence of intruders in protected spaces. Some previous attempts to provide 360.degree. coverage for infrared radiation detection have relied on combinations of mirrors and Fresnel lenses, but this approach is undesirably expensive.
Mousavi U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,783 discloses a system based on a combination of Fresnel lenses and Fresnel prisms that is designed to provide a 360.degree. pattern of coverage when mounted, typically, on a ceiling.
Guscott U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,034 discloses using a combination of mirrors to produce a curtain of infrared detection for protecting a space from unwanted intrusion.
Guscott U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,604 discloses a ceiling mountable system based on mirrors that provides a plurality of radially outwardly extending generally vertical first curtains, a horizontal second generally disc-shaped pattern of sensitivity, and a conical downwardly directed third zone of sensitivity.
Muller et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,783 also discloses use of mirrors to devise a curtain-like vertical zone of detection.
None of these infrared sensing devices, however, is capable of providing in a single reasonably inexpensive sensor device, at the option of the user, useful intrusion detection for a room either when mounted on a ceiling to provide 360.degree. coverage, or when mounted on a wall to provide wide-angle coverage or long-distance sensitivity.
What is still needed, then, is a single relatively inexpensive infrared sensing device for use in intrusion detection systems, mountable either on a wall or the ceiling, with the versatility for selectively providing horizontal fan-shaped zones of sensitivity, vertical curtains of sensitivity, all-around coverage, wide angle coverage, and long-range, narrow-field infrared detection coverage, all through the use of a single low-cost lens unit.

Lens arrangement for intrusion detection device


A new cultivar of Phormium plant named ‘JUBILEE’ which exhibits an upright clumping habit and appears to be bright red by virtue of the prominent red margins of the upper leaf surface and the redness of the entire lower leaf surface. In combination these traits set ‘JUBILEE’ apart from all other existing varieties of Phormium known to the inventor.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of New Zealand flax grown for use in the landscape, or for use as a container plant. The new cultivar is known botanically as Phormium tenax and will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name 'JUBILEE'.
'JUBILEE' is a naturally occurring and plant mutation that was discovered by the inventor at the inventor's nursery in Arroyo Grande, Calif. 'JUBILEE' arose as follows:
In 2000, the inventor purchased a Phormium plant labeled as Phormium 'Red Heart' (unpatented) from a commercial nursery in California. The inventor was attracted to 'Red Heart' by its foliage which was predominantly red on its upper surface with narrow green margins.
Phormiums may be propagated by division of the basal clump, and the divided elements may be described as fans. In 2000, the inventor decided to propagate the purchased plant and by 2003 had built up a stock of approximately 2,000 plants in one gallon containers. Meanwhile, the inventor made enquiries with other California nurseries that produce and known Phormiums. The inventor has concluded that 'Red Heart' was a local misnomer, and that the purchased plant was a plant of the Phormium variety named 'Jester' (unpatented) which had entered commerce around the time of the inventor's original purchase.
In 2003, the inventor observed that one section of the basal clump of one plant of 'Jester' appeared to carry the reverse variegation compared to its parent. Instead of bearing predominantly red foliage with a green margin (upper leaf surface), the observed section exhibited predominantly green foliage with a red margin. The inventor considers that this atypical growth arose as a spontaneously occurring mutation.
In 2003, the inventor excised this one section to make a single fan for establishing as a new plant growing on its own roots in Arroyo Grande, Calif. The fan grew successfully and the inventor has subsequently propagated repeatedly from the original, using the method of division. The inventor has determined that all plants subsequently propagated have remained true to the type of the original observed mutation. The inventor has named this new cultivar 'JUBILEE', the subject of the present specification.
In comparison with the parent variety, 'Jester', which is also the variety of Phormium which the inventor considers most closely resembles 'JUBILEE', 'JUBILEE' exhibits the following distinguishing characteristics: First, the variegation of the upper surface of the leaves is reversed as between 'Jester' and 'JUBILEE', as described herein. Second, whereas the lower leaf surface of 'Jester' is green, the color of the lower leaf surface of 'JUBILEE' is red with dark stripes. Third, when comparing plants of similar age, the width of the leaves of 'JUBILEE' is approximately half of the width of the leaves of 'Jester'. Fourth, 'JUBILEE' appears to be faster growing that 'Jester', with a denser and more tightly clumping habit achieved in the same growing period.
'JUBILEE' is a vigorous plant with an upright clumping habit. To the observer, 'JUBILEE' appears to be bright red by virtue of the prominent red margins of the upper leaf surface and the redness of the entire lower leaf surface.
Cultural requirements include full sun to part shade, occasional to regular water, and well-draining loam soil.
There is not resistance or susceptibility to any pests or disease known to the inventor.
'JUBILEE' has produced no flowers to date.


Various aspects of this patent document relate to liquid compositions comprising cannabidiol, which have either freezing points or glass-liquid transition temperatures less than the melting point of pure cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol exists in a crystalline form at room temperature, which has a melting point of 151 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius). Crystalline cannabidiol lacks robust bioavailability, for example, because the human body is incapable of melting it. The pharmaceutical EPIDIOLEX® contains cannabidiol dissolved in sesame seed oil to increase bioavailability.
Consumers also vaporize and inhale cannabidiol to increase bioavailability. Cannabidiol crystallization confounds vaporization in electronic cigarettes and vaporizers because crystallization inhibits the flow of cannabidiol toward a heating element. Prior art methods to inhibit the crystallization of cannabidiol for use in electronic cigarettes and vaporizers include the dissolution of cannabidiol in organic solvents such as propylene glycol, glycerol, and triglycerides. Organic solvents dilute the cannabidiol, however, and present unknown health risks. Improved cannabidiol formulations are therefore desirable.

Compositions comprising non-crystalline forms of cannabidiol


A signal recording/reproducing apparatus includes a first power source unit which generates necessary electric power signals from a commercial power source, a second power source unit which generates a necessary electric power signal from a battery, a recording signal processing unit, and a reproduced signal processing unit. The apparatus further includes time measuring instrument which is supplied with the electric power from the second power source unit, and a charging unit which charges the battery with the electric charges. Whenever the time measuring instrument measures a predetermined time, the generation of the electric power signals from the first power source unit is started, and the battery is charged with the electric charges by the charging unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a power source circuit (i.e. power supply circuit) for use in an apparatus for recording/reproducing signal, and more particularly to the technology of improving the power consumption while ensuring the convenienceness which is required in the standby state.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional apparatus for recording/reproducing data includes principally the following blocks. That is, the apparatus includes: a power source circuit block for generating a D.C. regulated power source voltage (i.e. power supply voltage) from an A.C. commercial power source; a block for carrying out the record and reproduction of data; and a system control block for controlling, in response to an instruction issued from a user, each of the circuit blocks.
Now, in a relatively old apparatus, in order to implement the instruction, to supply the electric power to the apparatus, which instruction has been issued from a user, a mechanical switch, a relay circuit having physical contacts, or the like is inserted into the power source circuit. For this reason, even when the power feed cord of the apparatus is connected to a mains socket of the commercial power source, if a user issues an instruction to stop the supply of the electric power from the power source circuit to the apparatus, the supply of the electric power to the apparatus is substantially interrupted and hence the state of the apparatus proceeds to the state in which no electric power is consumed therein.
On the other hand, in a recent apparatus, there is adopted the method wherein even when the apparatus is in the state in which an instruction to stop the supply of the electric power from the power supply to the apparatus has been issued from a user, an instruction to turn ON the power supply which has been issued from a user is received in the form of the instruction signal from a remote controller, or in order to reduce the cost of the power source switching circuit as described above, a small switch is provided in the position different from that of the power source circuit and the state of the switch is detected to control an electrical switch provided within the power source circuit.
In addition, in a signal recording/reproducing apparatus having a circuit for receiving the broadcasting signal which is provided either within a recording circuit or in a stage before the recording circuit, in order to carry out the reserved picture recording or the sound recording of the broadcasting signals, a clock circuit is provided either in a system controller or in the periphery thereof to automatically control the start and the end of the recording at the reserved time.
Therefore, in the recent data recording/reproducing apparatus, even when the apparatus is in the state in which an instruction to stop the supply of the electric power from the power supply to the apparatus has been issued from a user, the electric power needs to be supplied to at least the system control block. For this reason, in the state in which the power feed cord of the apparatus is connected to a mains socket of the commercial power source, even in the state in which the instruction to stop the supply of the electric power from the power supply to the apparatus has been issued from a user, the apparatus is placed in the state of consuming the electric power (hereinafter, this state is referred to as "the standby state" for short, when applicable).
Now, one might perhaps think that since in the standby state, the electric power does not need to be supplied to the data recording/reproducing block which requires the electric power the most, the load is reduced and hence the power consumption is less. However, since the power source circuit is designed to operate stably even in the case where the load is heaviest, in the case of the light load the efficiency thereof is reduced-so that the power consumption of the power source circuit itself is not decreased so much, or the power consumption of the current circuit itself may be increased in some cases. As a result, it is conventionally difficult to sufficiently reduce the power consumption of the apparatus in the standby state.
Then in order to improve this disadvantage, in a apparatus disclosed in JP-A-9-320142, there was devised the apparatus wherein in addition to the generation of the D.C. power source voltage from the commercial power source, an electric power supplying unit is provided in the form of a battery. This apparatus is designed such that a switch is provided in a power source circuit block, and upon closing of this switch, the electric power is supplied from the battery to a part of the system control block or a part of the peripheral circuits thereof. As a result, since the power consumption in the power source circuit is removed, the power consumption of the apparatus in the standby state is improved.

Signal recording/reproducing apparatus with improved power consumption

Hitachi Video & Information System, Inc.


A passenger control unit is provided that may include a push-button, power assembly, and control and communication circuitry. The push-button may be for control of a passenger service unit (PSU) onboard a passenger vehicle, and may also generate mechanical energy when pushed. The power assembly may convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy, and store the electrical energy, solely from which the control and communication circuitry may be powered. The control and communication circuitry may include a microprocessor and a communications interface. The microprocessor may receive an indication when the push-button is pushed, and generate an instruction to control the PSU in response thereto. And the communications interface wirelessly transmit the instruction to a control unit configured to effect control of the PSU based thereon.

As systems, such as the multimedia entertainment, communications and diagnostic systems utilized in the transportation industry become more complex, a need arises for additional devices to communicate with one another. Historically, these systems included dedicated wiring extending between the various devices in order to support their communication. As systems have become more integrated and communication requirements have increased, the required amount of dedicated wiring has quickly become excessively large, both in terms of the space required for the wiring and the cost of the wiring and the attendant installation.
The cabin-services system within an aircraft cabin includes passenger service units (PSUs) that provide a number of functions to passengers, such as reading lights and attendant call lights (for requesting an attendant). These PSUs are controlled by respective passenger control units (PCUs), and these PCUs are currently integrated with passenger in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems that provide the wiring to passenger seats for both the power and communication required by the PCUs.
The increasing proliferation of mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablet computers that provide effective display capabilities has prompted a thought that passengers in the future will bring their own devices for IFE viewing. Given this trend, a segment of airlines have proposed to either not provide any IFE system, or only provide wireless dissemination of IFE content and defer to the passengers to use their own mobile computing devices for viewing. This proposal has a compelling value proposition to aircraft manufacturers and airlines in that it may simplify seat installations/configurations by eliminating the need to provide electrical wiring to IFE systems for power and communication, and in that it may provide airlines with greater flexibility in managing IFE content and how it is delivered to passengers. But the elimination of this electrical wiring also gives rise to a challenge in powering PCUs and enabling them to communicate.
Therefore, it may be desirable to have an apparatus and method that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as possibly other issues.

Energy-harvesting-based control and communication for a cabin services system


A system for combining a plurality of laser beams into a combined output beam from at least two laser sources includes the removal of conventional perpendicularly oriented output windows from each of the laser sources. Reflecting mirrors are positioned perpendicular to the optical axis at the rear of the two laser sources. A fully reflecting mirror is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis of the first laser source to reflect coherent light received from the first laser source. A beam splitter is positioned between the first laser source and the fully reflecting mirror at the intersection of the optical axes of the first and second laser source. The beam splitter directs a portion of received coherent light into a combined output beam, with the remainder being directed back to the first and second laser sources.

This invention relates to a laser system incorporating a plurality of laser sources and having an output along a common optical axis to alternatively allow selection of increased coherent light intensity or increased repetition rate of laser pulses. The laser system is of particular utility for industrial laser applications.
Industrial laser applications such as welding and cutting metals typically require pulsed lasers that are operated to have a high average power. Traditional approaches for increasing average laser power of conventional industrial ND-YAG lasers have included provision of an oscillator with several amplifying rods in series, mirror or fiber optic systems that direct laser beams to a common focus, or mechanical mirror cutting systems that direct laser beams into a common beam path. However, amplifying laser rods or heads positioned in series may have reduced efficiency, and mirror or optic fiber systems degrade laser beam quality, laser beam diameter, and depth of focus. Further, mechanical mirror cutting systems using a rotating mirror system that periodically interrupts and redirects laser beams are prone to mechanical failure.


A route calculation method allowing an optimized route to be drawn up by means of a calculator between a point α and a point β, consisting in using digitized data from at least a first and a second source, and consisting of (i) determining a plurality of alpha nodes (Nα), referenced in both the first and the second sources, and determining a first optimization value for each of the nodes; (ii) determining a plurality of beta nodes (Nβ), referenced in both the third and the second sources, and determining a first optimization value for each of the nodes; (iii) determining, for all the pairs of nodes Nα and Nβ, a second optimization value for each of the pairs of nodes (Nα, Nβ); (iv) determining, for the set of alpha-beta route, the optimum nodes between the points alpha and beta. The invention also relates to a device allowing implementation of the present method.

The present invention concerns a route calculation method allowing optimisation of the drawing-up of routes and/or of the representation thereof in the form of instructions by using a plurality of reference sources.
These days, various route calculation methods are well known, as are several types of associated device. Two types of complementary technology have allowed these tools to become very widespread. Firstly, there are on-board devices, which allow a driver to direct his/her vehicle to a given location following the directions shown on the screen. Such devices are often associated with GPS equipment, thereby additionally allowing more or less precise location of the vehicle and completion of the route from this point. Some versions also exist for use on a personal computer.
On the other hand, centralised devices offer to a large number of potential users a frequently extensive and varied range of possibilities accessible for example through a network such as the Internet. Centralised devices exhibit the advantage of a minimal utilisation cost for each user, with the possibility of regular data updates (without additional cost to the user). In addition to route calculation, providers often also offer related services, such as traffic forecasts/recommendations, tourist information, etc.
Since these types of service have been in existence, the range has never stopped broadening, but most of the time the improvements relate to related aspects and not to the technology allowing route calculation as such. As the equipment has become steadily more powerful, so considerable progress has been made in optimising operating times, improving result presentation etc. Route calculation principles have, for their part, developed less and thus exhibit a certain number of limitations which are sometimes in danger of affecting the quality of the routes produced. For example, the methods and devices of the known type use a single source of geographical data to draw up a route. As a function of the density and quality of the information provided by said source and the frequency with which it is updated, routes may be more or less precisely drawn up, with a variable degree of reliability.
For example, a large proportion of the routes to be drawn up have a starting point in a given urban area and include an urban journey in said area, a route portion in an interurban area and a destination again in an urban area. If such a route is found on the basis of a single data source, a source of the "large scale" type will be used by default, in order to obtain the necessary precision in the urban area. If the route is provided in the form of a list of instructions, the urban journey portion may be highly detailed, stating for example at which moment to turn left or right, for what distance to continue on the same road etc.
Such precision is not required and indeed is not desirable for a route in an interurban area. In fact, when travelling along a fast road, such as a main road or a motorway for example, the driver is more able to respond to instructions taking the form of roads to take, directions to follow, etc. It is difficult, in fact, to respond at high speed, and/or on long journeys, to instructions of the type "turn left, continue straight on for 100 m and turn right". However, such instructions are typical of a source corresponding to a large scale map, which corresponds in general to an urban area, rich in all kinds of detail.
Likewise, if the route is indicated in the form of a line on a map, it is also difficult to work out where one is if too many irrelevant details are provided. Finally, the route plan provided tends to be long, making it difficult to use.
To remedy these disadvantages, route calculation methods are often used which comprise concatenating or simplifying steps, with the purpose of presenting the user with fewer superfluous details, so as to make the route more readily comprehensible. Such methods are still not entirely satisfactory, however.
Consequently, the present invention provides a method of route calculation which allows an optimised route between a point α and a second point β to be drawn up by means of a calculator as a function of at least one criterion CO, said method comprising the use of digitised, in particular geographical, data from at least a first and a second source stored on at least one storage medium and comprising a set of common nodes, the second source differing from the first by at least one characteristic K, and comprising the following steps:    a) determining, on the basis of the point alpha and said first source, a plurality of alpha nodes (Nα), substantially adjacent said point alpha, referenced in both the first and the second sources, and determining a first optimisation value for each of the nodes as a function of the data from the first source and a given criterion CO;    b) determining, on the basis of the point beta and a third source, a plurality of beta nodes (Nβ), substantially adjacent said point beta, referenced in both the third and the second sources, and determining a first optimisation value for each of the nodes as a function of the data from the third source and a given criterion CO;    c) determining, on the basis of the data from the second source and a given criterion CO, for all the pairs of nodes Nα and Nβ, a second optimisation value for each of the pairs of nodes (Nα, Nβ);    d) determining, for the set of alpha-beta route, the optimum nodes allowing optimisation of an overall route from the point alpha to the point beta.
The order in which these different steps are performed may vary depending on the embodiment.
The characteristic K which distinguishes the sources is preferably a function of the information contained in each of the sources (such as for example a scale different from the first source, a database of different format from the format of the first source, etc). Thus, for example, the first source may be of the urban type and/or the second source may be of the interurban type and/or the third source may be of the urban type.
Such a configuration allows both real optimisation of the drawing up of routes and clear, precise and logical presentation of the result. Thus, for example, in the case of a route including urban journey portions and interurban journey portions, the method according to the invention allows reference to be made to an optimum source for each of the journey portions. Thus, for example, reference may be made to a high density source, i.e. comprising a large number of details, for an urban journey portion. As soon as the type of environment changes, for example to an interurban journey portion, reference is made to another source, or a source complementary to the first. Reference is made, for example, to a source of the "small scale" type, typical for drawing up routes over long interurban journeys. Only the essential details appear. The instructions given to the user (often the driver of a vehicle) are simple and devoid of any details which might cause confusion. In the case of written or encoded instructions, it is easy to adapt the type of instruction to the type of journey. For example in a town the indications of the path to follow may be very detailed, such as "turn left, continue straight ahead for 320 m, then turn right, etc." On a motorway, or fast road, the indications may be of the type "take road # 260a, in the direction of ABC". The resultant route plan is thus substantially concise, in particular as far as the interurban journey portion is concerned.
On the other hand, use of sources of different origins and/or types may allow operations to be performed using the data from each source which are most appropriate to the individual case, for example the most precise data, the most up-to-date data, the most reliable data, the best quality data, etc.
It should, moreover, be noted that it becomes possible to process or maintain autonomously the different sources used, for example with the aim of ensuring that they complement one another. Thus, for example, it is possible to concentrate or maximise maintenance and updating efforts for a source which contains data on the main road network, attracting a major proportion of the traffic.
It is also more easily possible to provide complete routes, that is to say without leaving out one or more journey portions. If a source is available which contains data relating to urban centers, without links between these centers, it is possible, by means of the invention, to refer to a second source providing connections between the centers and thus to draw up a full route, from center to center.
Being able to use sources well suited to each different portion of a given route allows considerable simplification of the process. In contrast to certain current techniques with which complex routes are drawn up from single complex, dense sources, the result obtained being simplified at the end of the process so as to render it more practical and user-friendly, the method according to the invention allows simplification to be effected from the outset, that is to say as an integral part of the source used. This takes the form, for example, of avoiding reference being made needlessly to an excessively complex or excessively detailed source for a given journey portion.
In said method, steps c and d are, preferably, performed in succession once steps a and b have been completed.
Advantageously, the first source is of the urban type, the second source is of the interurban type and the third source is of the urban type. The first and second optimisation values of said nodes (Nα, Nβ) are preferably determined on the basis of an algorithm derived from DIJKSTRA.
According to one advantageous example of embodiment, the point α is for example the starting point of the route, and/or the point β may be for example the destination of the route. Advantageously, the third source corresponds substantially to the first source, or the third source corresponds substantially to a limited sector of the first source.
According to one advantageous embodiment, said set of common nodes results from a previous matching step, in which certain nodes identified in more than one source were linked together.
According to one advantageous example of embodiment, the alpha node corresponds to the point alpha. According to another advantageous example of embodiment, the beta node corresponds to the point beta.
According to various variants, the DIJKSTRA algorithm is refined or simplified or optimised by incorporating other technical elements such as those developed by GONDRAN and MINOUX.
The optimisation value CO of a node or a route is advantageously established as a function of at least one criterion CRI. The criteria CRI may be pre-established, or selected by the user from a pre-established list, or defined by the user. The data concerning the route as drawn up are advantageously presented to a user in the form of a list of coded, in particular written instructions. According to one variant embodiment, the data relating to the route as drawn up are presented to a user in the form of a geographical representation, in particular a road map, on which the route is highlighted.
The present invention also provides a device for implementing the method presented above, comprising:    at least one storage unit, allowing access to data from the first and second sources;    at least one calculating unit, allowing the generation of an optimised route;    at least one display means, allowing the optimised route to be presented to the user;    implementation instructions, allowing said method to be executed.
Advantageously, the storage unit is capable of cooperating with detachable storage means, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM etc.


A Golf Round Pace Regulator timing device is shown and described. The invention, with a custom course specific face decal, illustrates the time allocated to each hole on the golf course to help golfers maintain a steady pace of play to complete the course in the time allotted by the golf course management. The golfer(s) are responsible for maintaining the same pace on the course as the pace of the invention's moving clock hand across the easy to read face decal. The invention solves the problem of slow play and decreased course revenue due to slow play. The invention solves the expensive customization manufacturing problem since it may be mass produced, and after manufacturing the customized course decal may be created and applied. The Invention is easy to implement and use on any golf course.

Each golf course agent determines the amount of time golfers are given to complete the course. However, golf course agents do not provide golfers with the amount of time golfers are allocated for each hole on the course so golfers start playing the game slowly and never start a good pace to complete the course within the time allotment resulting in a bottleneck affect on the course termed "Slow Play". The purpose of the Golf Round Pace Regulator timing device is to enforce the course time allotment by providing a device capable of illustrating time allotted for each hole so golfers can easily monitor their pace of play by keeping the same pace of play as displayed on the Invention. This Invention will keep play at a steady pace to minimize congestion, delay and frustration on the course. By providing a device that golfers can use to maintain their pace of play, golf course management can now enforce the posted course time and restrict slow players from their golf course. Golf course management can stay on schedule to allow players to start play at their reserved tee times. Slow play results in reduced golfers on the course. With a regulated pace of play, golf course management can maximize players on the golf course, thereby improving golf revenues.
An earlier version of a timing system is disclosed in "System and Method of Timing Golfers on a Golf Course" by Wolfe, U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,243, issued Dec. 1, 1981. This system allows the users to determine whether or not they are playing according to a prescribed time limit for each hole, as well as comparing their playing pace to other groups on the course. The timers indicate whether the golfers played the preceding hole faster, slower, or equal to the predetermined playing time. Unfortunately, the device does not display the timing for a current hole, but rather the display is made on the succeeding tee box.
Another tracking method is the "System for Monitoring Play of a Golfer" of Mathews, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,086,390 and 5,097,416, issued Feb. 4, 1992, and Mar. 17, 1992 respectively. This system utilizes transmitters positioned at the tees of each of the holes of the course to activate receivers carried by the golfers. The system also includes a means of notifying the course management of slow players. This device needs to be installed on the golf course.
The "Golf Clock" of Bartos, U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,212, issued Aug. 2, 1994, is another example of a programmable clock device. This device includes a digital display and is intended to be mounted on the user's golf cart. This device does not easily illustrate the time allotted each hole in order to maintain a steady course pace. Also, the device is not portable, so it cannot be used on a pull cart or golf bag for those players walling the course.
Accordingly, there have been many efforts made in terms of prior art devices that track and/or notify golfers of the pace of their play One such device is the "Variable Time Segment Pace Timing Device" of Coleman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,487, issued Oct. 18, 1994. The device includes a plurality of timing elements that can be programmed for the amount of time that the player desires to be allotted for each hole of the course. The timing can be varied to allow for changing conditions including number of players in a group and daylight hours available. The device is to be carried by at least one of the golfers. This device needs to be programmed with each use therefore human error jeopardizes the accuracy of the device.
Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,990 discloses Still another timing device is the "Golf Course Timing Method and System" of Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,990, issued Feb. 7, 1995. This device includes provisions for specifying the time to be allotted for each hole, for tracking the time of play, and for communicating the information to course personnel. The device is a series of moveable blades to be adjusted by the golf attendant therefore human error jeopardizes the accuracy of the device.
Another device to time play is the "Golf Course Timer to Alleviate Slow Play" of Nixon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,985, issued Jun. 4, 1996. This device is worn like a wristwatch by the golfer, and includes means to set the desired time to complete the round. The hour indicators of a normal wristwatch are replaced with the numbers of the holes of the golf course. A wristwatch device is a physical distraction for some when playing golf and is adjustable by the player not course management.
"The Golf Play Pacing Method" of Rege, U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,055 issued February 2002, is to provide a golf play pacing method that utilizes a device that is mounted directly in the flag sticks of the golf course and provides a pacing means that is dependent on the real-time playing interval for each hole relative to the pace on the course. This device needs to be installed on the golf course.
The prior art devices and methods for pacing are subject to one or more of the following shortcomings: First, the prior art assumes a willingness of the players themselves to adjust and activate the devices. Without golf course management controlling the devices, the players may readjust the device during play as needed.
Another drawback to prior art devices and methods is that they are dependent on the golf management manually adjusting each timer and monitoring each timer to ensure 18 moveable parts have not slipped out of place. With over 100 devices on the course, this is too tedious and human error can result in incorrect time allocations.
Another drawback to prior art devices and methods is that they are not easy to read, user friendly and do not encourage use. Display boards or clocks posted at tee boxes may be unnoticed by the golfers.
Another drawback to prior art devices and methods is they are permanently installed on golf courses and must be monitored and maintained by golf management to ensure not damaged by weather, lawn care devices and/or animals.
Another drawback to prior art devices and methods is they are complicated devices that actually spoil the golf game, therefore will not be used by golfers.
The invention is an effective, accurate, durable, and a tamperproof device for encouraging steady play on golf courses that is easy for the golf course management to implement, easy for the course starter to activate, easy to manufacture, easy to customize for each golf course, and easy for players to monitor their pace of play. The invention does not require timers at every tee or flag pole, complex electronic communications equipment, or a timer with 18 moving parts that need to be manually adjusted to be correct.


A lading tie snugger system for railway box cars which uses lading ties comprising of flexible straps that interface with various hardware items such as strap end pins, anchor fittings, bar buckles, strap tensioning devices and cargo nets. The lading tie strap and cargo net being held in place by the appropriate anchor provision connected to the anchor being contained in a pocket in the wall or floor of railway box or flat car. An applicants tensioning device inherent to the specific hardware arrangement of the lading tie snugger system being used is operated to remove any remaining slack in the lading ties and then apply the desired tension thereon to secure the lading to the railway car.

Loads on railway cars need to be restrained from shifting under the various loads imposed by draft, buff, and rocking of the car. For particular types of loads, such as large rolls or coils of sheet material, or palletized loads, tensioning mechanisms using straps and anchors are advantageous.
The invention relates to an improved lading tie snugger system for railway cars. Prior art is specific to a particular type of strap, hook, pin or anchor fitting and is limited to its own inherent arrangement. The invention combines several distinct elements into an improved cargo lading tie snugger system so as to offer the user more versatility and ease in securing cargo with reusable hardware.
The hardware arrangement provides multiple provisions and is adapted to secure various different types of cargo. While specifically designed for rail cars, the invention could be adapted to other cargo transporters such as semi-trailers or intermodal shipping containers.
The invention provides a lading tie snugger system and method of using the same which use various lading tie straps, lading tie nets, fittings, buckles or strap end pins to form hardware to provide unique arrangements to secure various different types of cargo to railway cars.
The lading tie snugger system is mountable in fittings in a wall, deck or support of a vehicle so that the lading tie snugger system can be adapted to different load conditions including a different mix of lading.

Lading tie snugger system for securing cargo


Implementations are directed to determining, based on a submitted query that is a compound query, that a set of multiple sub-queries are collectively an appropriate interpretation of the compound query. Those implementations are further directed to providing, in response to such a determination, a corresponding command for each of the sub-queries of the determined set. Each of the commands is to a corresponding agent (of one or more agents), and causes the agent to generate and provide corresponding responsive content. Those implementations are further directed to causing content to be rendered in response to the submitted query, where the content is based on the corresponding responsive content received in response to the commands.

Computing systems may handle various queries from humans. For example, humans may engage in human-to-computer dialogs with interactive software applications referred to herein as "automated assistants" (also referred to as "chatbots," "interactive personal assistants," "intelligent personal assistants," "personal voice assistants," "conversational agents," etc.). For example, humans (which when they interact with computing systems may be referred to as "users") can provide commands, queries, and/or requests (collectively referred to herein as "queries") using free form natural language input which can be vocal utterances converted into text and then processed, and/or by typed free form natural language input.
Computing systems respond to queries with responsive content. For example, in response to a query of "What time is it in Paris, France" that is submitted to a search system, the search system can provide a response that reflects the current time in Paris, France. Also, for example, in response to an utterance of "Turn off the couch light" that is provided to an automated assistant, the automated assistant can cause the "couch light" to be turned off, and provide a response that acknowledges the couch light has been turned off. Although various computing systems can appropriately respond to many queries, many systems fail for compound queries. For example, many computing systems fail for a user utterance of "What time is it in Paris, France, what's the population, and what's the average high temperature in July". For instance, many computing systems fail by providing an erroneous response, not determining an appropriate response and instead providing a default error response, etc. As a result, users are often forced to split a compound query into multiple disparate queries, which can collectively require greater computer and/or network resources to process. Moreover, user interaction with the computing system is inhibited.

Determining responsive content for a compound query based on a set of generated sub-queries


The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Printed wiring boards (PWBs) consist of non-conducting substrates, such as fiberglass/epoxy or polyimide, on which conducting circuits are deposited and discrete passive elements may be mounted. Multichip modules (MCMs) are devices that consist of a collection of integrated circuit (IC) chips or die that are mounted on a high-density interconnect substrate, such as alumina, with a high utilization ratio of die area to substrate area (up to 90-95%). The advantages of MCM technology over conventional packaging schemes, such as printed wiring boards, include very high packaging densities, clock speeds in excess of 500 MHz, lower power due to reduced capacitance, higher reliability, and better thermal matching of the die to the substrate material. The current disadvantages include the high cost of substrates, limited availability of bare die, and difficulties in testing at high clock speeds.
An important requirement for virtually every PWB and MCM application today is extremely high reliability. A demanding series of accelerated life tests, including moisture resistance, salt atmosphere, thermal shock, thermal cycle, constant temperature bake, lead integrity, and fine and gross leak tests, are usually performed on assembled PWBs and MCMs. Since semiconductor die are the major building blocks of an MCM, the first focus of yield, testability, and diagnostic evaluation must be at the die level (KGC concept of a "known good die"). However, performance analysis must be done for each product level (die, MCM, and system) and for each test condition.
A substantial number of different approaches are used by various vendors in the field. For example, MCMs are often classified according to the substrate technology (e.g. MCM-L, -C, and -D) which determines the possible interconnect density. The complexity of MCM design is reflected in the accepted definitions of the types of modules being offered to electronics manufacturers.
The use of a wide variety of processes has resulted in a lack of standardization which complicates the selection of substrates, choice of interconnection, and passive element integration technology. Thus, passive components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors) are often attached discretely to the previous level of assembly. The insertion of low-profile passive components into PWBs and MCMs is costly, laborious and time consuming. Processes compatible with existing technologies which are able to incorporate the fabrication of passive elements into existing technologies are needed.
In hybrid and MCM technologies, passive components are produced by thin films (<5 .mu.m), thick films (>10 .mu.m) or may be discretely attached to the substrate, e.g. chip-resistors and chip-capacitors. Discrete passive components are less desirable because of laborious insertion of the components into the MCM circuit, and their use is limited to special conditions where very low or high values are needed.
Thin film technology is based on the deposition of passive elements by electron-beam, evaporation or sputtering. Thin film resistors may be nickel-chromium, tantalum nitride, or silicon carbide films; and dielectrics include silicon monoxide, silicon dioxide, and tantalum oxide. In thick film technology, inks or pastes are screen printed to the ceramic substrate. The resistive components of resistor pastes may comprise: ruthenium oxide, thallium oxide, indium oxide, mixtures of precious metals or tungsten-tungsten carbide. Dielectric materials are largely based on the ferroelectric ceramic barium titanate with various additives and glass-ceramic mixtures.
Electronically conducting polymers have often been categorized as non-processable and difficult to manage or manipulate, because of their insolubility in the conducting form. Only recently has it been shown that polymers such as polyaniline can be dissolved using functionalized sulfonic acids. For polypyrrole, this can be achieved by using its derivatives e.g., poly (3-octylpyrrole)! which are known to be soluble in different solvents, or by treatment in dilute aqueous sodium hypochlorite solutions, ammonia or mono-, di- or tri-substituted amine (co)solvents. Another method of solubilizing polypyrrole is the process of polypyrrole chain deprotonation in basic solutions, which causes a transformation of conducting polypyrrole into a non-conducting polymer of quinoid structure.
The lack of processability of conducting polymer materials, e.g., solution or melt processing, infusability and poor mechanical properties, e.g., ductility, have slowed down their emerging commercial applications. While electrochemical preparation of conducting polymers has been shown to be the most satisfactory process from the viewpoint of fundamental investigations, it is likely to be inappropriate for the large-scale industrial production of bulk quantities of these materials. This is particularly true where large molecular entities, e.g., copolymers or different additives, need to be incorporated into conducting polymer matrices in order to obtain tailored performance characteristics.
Consequently, there remains a need for improved methods of manufacturing passive electronic elements in both printed wiring boards and multichip modules. It would be desirable to have a conducting polymer that avoids polymer solubility problems, can easily incorporate additives to obtain desirable characteristics such as flexibility and photoinitiation, minimizes hazardous chemicals, requires fewer process steps to apply/deposit/coat a workpiece, facilitates increased conductor densities on a substrate surface, and allows for passive electronic elements to be formed directly on the substrate. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a method of manufacturing printed wiring boards and multichip modules having increased interconnect densities, improved manufacturability and improved product quality.

Method of manufacturing passive elements using conductive polypyrrole formulations


A microcontroller unit for controlling a three-level inverter including delayed fault protection is provided. The microcontroller unit includes an input port configured to receive a trip signal from a fault detection module, and a plurality of EPWM modules, each configured to control a power switch within the three-level inverter. The microcontroller unit includes an auxiliary EPWM module configured to receive the trip signal and produce a delayed trip signal, and processing circuitry coupled with the input port, the plurality of EPWM modules, and the auxiliary EPWM module. The processing circuitry is configured to, in response to activation of the trip signal, direct one of the plurality of EPWM modules to shut off its corresponding power switch upon activation of the trip signal, and to direct a different one of the plurality of EPWM modules to shut off its corresponding power switch upon activation of the delayed trip signal.

Three-level inverter topology has become increasingly popular in high power applications, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and solar inverters. By increasing the bus voltage within these devices to 1000V or 1500V DC, the current is reduced while maintaining the same power levels, which significantly reduces the power loss with less copper design. Also, three-level inverter topology makes it possible to use the same switching device to support much higher voltage stress than traditional two-level inverters. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical single-phase three-level I-type inverter, called a neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter. In many embodiments, three of these single-phase inverters are used to generate a three-phase alternating current (AC) output.
This example single-phase NPC inverter module 100 includes four power switches, Q1 111, Q2 112, Q3 113, and Q4 114, such as Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), in series. First switch Q1 111 and fourth switch Q4 114 are called outer switches, and second switch Q2 112 and third switch Q3 113 are called inner switches. Power switches Q1 111, Q2, 112, Q3 113, and Q4 114 are controlled by signals S1 151, S2 152, S3 153, and S4 154 respectively. The DC link is split in two symmetric halves connected in series.
Inverter module 100 also includes bus voltage supply 105 providing a voltage of VIN to the inverter. Protective diodes D1 121, D2 122, D3 123, and D4 124 are provided across power switches Q1-Q4 111-114 respectively. Neutral point input N is received at node 101, while output AC is provided at node 102. Inverter module 100 further includes capacitors C1 131 and C2 132, along with diodes D5 125 and D6 126, which provide filtering.
During normal operation Q1 111 switches opposite to Q3 113, while Q2 112 switches opposite to Q4 114. There is an interlock with deadtime between Q1 111 and Q3 113, as well as between Q2 112 and Q4 114, preventing a shoot-through condition. Q1 111 and Q4 114 are not allowed to be activated simultaneously.
During normal operation while providing AC power and coupled to a power grid, the switching states of the power switches Q1-Q4 111-114 are illustrated below in Table 1.
TABLE 1Switching statesQ1Q2Q3Q4Positive cycle AlternateRemainsAlternateRemainsof the ACswitchONswitchOFFNegative cycleRemainsAlternateRemainsAlternateof the ACOFFswitchONswitch
As illustrated in Table 1, during the positive portion of the AC cycle, Q1 111 and Q3 113 are alternatively switching, while Q2 112 remains on and Q4 114 remains off. During the negative portion of the AC cycle, Q2 112 and Q4 114 are alternatively switching, while Q1 111 remains off and Q3 113 remains on.
Compared to a traditional two-level inverter, three-level inverters require more complicated power conversion control (as illustrated by Table 1), and also require more complicated fault protection logic. Events such as over current, over voltage, short circuit, thermal overload, and the like, trigger rapid shut downs of the three-level inverter in order to protect the power switches and the system or grid itself.
In two-level inverters, during shut down, all of the power switches are switched off immediately and simultaneously. However, three-level inverters require a specific shut down and recovery sequence for protection of the power switches and other circuitry. In three-level inverters, during shut down, outer switches Q1 111 and Q4 114 must be shut off before inner switches Q2 112 and Q3 113, which are shut off after a specific delay. Typically, outer switches Q1 111 and Q4 114 are immediately shut off when a fault or trip event is detected. Then, after a specific delay, during a positive portion of the AC cycle Q2 112 is shut down, or during a negative portion of the AC cycle Q3 113 is shut down.
During the recovery process, inner switches Q2 112 and Q3 113 must be activated before outer switches Q1 111 and Q4 114 in order to prevent energy stored in inductor L1 141 from causing a large voltage overshoot and potentially damaging the power switches.
This delayed protection requirement of three-level inverters has been a challenge for designers of UPS and solar energy systems. Software methods include excessive delay and therefore are unable to provide real-time protection. Current hardware methods include the use of external hardware circuits, such as Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like to provide the required shut off and recovery sequences. An example prior art hardware method is illustrated in FIG. 2 and described in detail below. However, these designs increase system cost and development effort.

Control system with delayed protection for a three-level inverter


An integrated circuit transformer includes multiple metal layers in the structure of an integrated circuit in which are formed a first spiral inductor and a second spiral inductor. The first spiral inductor is aligned with and beneath the second spiral inductor such that the first spiral inductor acts to magnetically excite the second spiral inductor, while shielding it from resistance losses to the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention concerns an integrated circuit transformer including two or more inductors in which at least one inductor of the transformer is isolated from the integrated circuit substrate and driven by a second inductor of the transformer.
It is possible to design and build an integrated electronic circuit (IC) that includes reactive elements that are fully integrated, structurally and functionally, with other components of the IC. In this regard, the design and manufacture of IC capacitors are well established. However, the size and performance of fully integrated inductors are quite limited, and monolithic inductors typically exhibit significant values of resistance and loss. Consequently, integrated reactive circuits such as LC resonators exhibit low values of quality (Q), typically in the range of 1<Q<10. The low quality of integrated LC resonators is due to resistive losses in the inductor metal and to the silicon substrate that underlies the inductor. Reduction of resistive losses to the substrate should enable an increase in the Q of an integrated LC resonator.

Integrated circuit transformer with inductor-substrate isolation


A computer equipment comprises a trackball used to point to objects on a screen of the equipment. A method for driving the computer equipment is also provided. The trackball comprises a moving part and a body inside which the moving part can be displaced, the computer being configured to display at least one object and a pointer on the screen. The trackball comprises means making it possible to exert a tangential force on the moving part, means driven by the computer. The computer is configured to modulate the force according to the shape of the object displayed and the position of the pointer relative to the object.

A trackball should be understood to be an assembly comprising a fixed body and a moving part such as, for example, a sphere. The fixed part comprises sensors making it possible to deliver information representative of the position of the moving part relative to the fixed part. The information is associated with a position on the screen by means of a computer of the equipment. An operator displaces the moving part with the fingers to reach a desired position on the screen and thus point to an object displayed on the screen.
The invention is of particular use for a trackball belonging to equipment mounted on board an aircraft. The trackball can then be used to select flight parameters displayed on the screen of the system. More generally, the trackball makes it possible to point to objects displayed on the screen.
The aircraft may be subject to turbulences which risk disturbing the pointing of the objects. More specifically, the turbulences generate vibrations that can result in uncontrolled movements of the moving part of the trackball. Even in the absence of established turbulences, slight acceleration phenomena undergone by the equipment prevent the crewmembers from pointing to a graphic area beyond a certain precision.
A common solution to this problem consists in overdimensioning on the screen the objects that can be designated so as to take into account this limitation. Consequently, this reduces the number of objects that can be displayed on a given display surface.
Attempts have also been made to stabilize the hand of the operator by creating suitable bearing surfaces. One example is given in the patent application published under the number EP 1 552 376 where the fixed part of the trackball has an ergonomic shape intended to receive the palm of the operator, hence its name "palm rest". Nevertheless, such a palm rest does not make it possible to completely steady the fingers of the operator.
Attempts have also been made to generate an attraction of the pointer in its displacement on the screen. In other words, when the pointer enters into the immediate vicinity of an object to be selected, this attraction provokes a decoupling between the movement of the pointer and the movement of the hand, which has the effect of breaking the illusion of direct designation and fairly systematically leads to the rejection of such solutions on the part of the users.

Computer equipment comprising a trackball and method for driving the computer equipment


Method for momentarily identifying the composition of a gas or fluid flow, and device for carrying out the method.. The flow is conducted through an orifice in a conduit. Parallel to--and passing over--the orifice, there is a capillary conduit having a mass-flow meter therein. There is measured a combination of physical properties. By comparing said combination with values from a table, each of which is associated with a specific gas composition, the current composition may be determined.

The invention relates to a method for momentarily identifying a gas or a fluid, or a composition thereof, with the help of a sensing device such as mass-flow sensor.
Here, `the composition` is understood to refer to quality, but especially to quantity; in which concentration a specific component is present in a gas (mixture), statically, but also dynamically `in the time`. Concentrations may change, e.g., by altering additions of the substance in question. Thus, data are obtained on the course of the composition in question; the extent to which it changes: to wit: `on line`. Such data are of importance for various processes; e.g., in the semiconductor industry where, for certain processes, such as Chemical Vapour Deposition--CVD--, it is necessary to keep the concentration of the reaction-gas, which causes films of a material to precipitate onto a substrate, as constant as possible.
On-line measurements (i.e., measurements during the process) of the said type are not carried out as yet; data on, e.g., the concentration, are `calculated back` from the result and then fed back to the device by which said concentrations are controlled, such as in a CVD process where the `bubbler`, by means of which a reaction-gas is fed to a carrier-gas.

Method for momentarily identifying a gas or liquid flow, and device for carry out the method


A probe connector includes a pedestal shell having a pedestal platform and a barrel extending upward from the pedestal platform with a fastening body protruded outward at a top of the barrel, a positioning shell removably coupled to the fastening body and having a blocking plate covered on the top of the barrel and side plates abutting against outsides of the fastening body, a probe pin movably restrained in the barrel by the blocking plate and further projecting upward out of the blocking plate, and an elastic element assembled between the probe pin and the pedestal platform. Two windows are opened at two opposite parts of the fastening body. Two opposite side plates are provided with two contact arms extending downward and inclined towards each other to pass through the windows and always resist against the probe pin to clip the probe pin therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a probe connector.
2. The Related Art
A traditional probe connector includes a shell, an elastic element and a probe pin. The probe pin has a cylindrical base portion and a touching portion protruding upward from a middle of a top of the base portion. The shell is made of metal material, and has a hollow barrel looped from a metal plate and having a top end opened freely. In assembly, the elastic element is disposed in the barrel, and the base portion of the probe pin is inserted downward in the barrel, wherein two opposite ends of the elastic element abut against a bottom of the base portion and a bottom side of the barrel. Then an auxiliary jig is used to make a periphery edge of the top end of the barrel shrunk inward so as to block the base portion in the barrel. The touching portion projects out of the top end of the barrel for contacting a mating terminal.
However, after the base portion of the probe pin and the elastic element are assembled in the barrel, the periphery edge of the top end of the barrel needs be shrunk inward by the auxiliary jig. So the probe connector has a complicated assembly process, and accordingly, it is hard to disassemble the probe connector on account of the foregoing assembly manner. Furthermore, in the process of the touching portion being contacted with and pressed by the mating terminal, the base portion of the probe pin may sway randomly in the barrel so that is apt to cause a bad connection between the probe pin and the barrel.


A method for determining at least one parameter for a particular AAL2 channel identifier (AAL2-CID), according to which the behavior of the transmission of the user information stream is determined per application. Preferably, the present invention enables the QOS (quality of service) for the user application to be determined by setting a plurality of such parameters for a specific AAL2 CID. The present invention preferably encompasses the ability to determine any parameter that is usually set for the ATM channel to instead be set for the CID separately. These parameters may be dynamically adjusted according to the real-time state of the system, channel and the specific CID. Additionally the selection and usage of said parameters may also be influenced by the real time state of the system, channel and the specific CID.

ATM adaptation layer type 2 (AAL2) has been specified for the transmission of time-sensitive or delay-sensitive data through ATM networks (see for example ITU-T Recommendation I.363.2 which is hereby incorporated by reference; ITU-T is the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union). Examples of such data include, but are not limited to, voice data, video streams, and audio streams. Real-time voice data transmissions, as used for example in telephone conversations, are particularly delay-sensitive.
AAL2 also enables short length packets to be packed into one or more ATM cells, which are themselves of fixed length as known to those skilled in the art. AAL2 enables data from more than one user to be multiplexed into one protocol data unit (PDU), which in turn is contained in the payload portion of the ATM cell.
In the AAL2 model for ATM cells, the AAL2 layer sits over the ATM layer, and contains two sub layers, the Common Part Sublayer (CPS) and the Service Specific Convergence Sublayer (SSCS). The CPS sub layer provides information for identifying the users (data owners) and the data that each user owns. The SSCS sublayer connects the CPS sublayer to higher layer applications of the users.
The lowest layer is the ATM-cell itself, which is the unit of transmission. Each cell contains a header and the ATM-PDU (payload). The ATM-PDU portion in turn contains both the CPS-PDU (payload) and the start field, which is similar to a header. The CPS-PDU in turn contains one or more CPS packets, CPS-PP, and one or more CPS packet headers, CPS-PH. Each CPS packet may have a plurality of octets. Therefore, since each CPS packet may belong to a different user, each CPS-PDU may contain data from one or more users. The next sublayer is the SSCS, which features the SSCS-PDU (payload), and a header and trailer portion.
Voice data is particularly time sensitive. Therefore, data streams need to be multiplexed according to an assigned Quality of Service (QOS), in order to avoid excessive delays in the transmission of voice packets (or other units of voice data). According to the AAL2 standard, the QOS defines the maximum permissible delay, before the packet of voice data is sent.
The delay is timed according to the Timer_CU, which determines the maximum delay before a particular CPS-packet (which has at least one octet packed inside) is scheduled for transmission in a cell. Any cell that is not completely full in the payload portion, at the time that the packet is to be sent, has additional padding packed in order for the cells to maintain their fixed size. Therefore, the value for the Timer_CU needs to be set such that short latency is maintained, particularly for voice sensitive applications, while also maintaining high efficiency. If the value is too low, more partially full cells are likely to be sent, and efficiency suffers. On the other hand, if the value were too high, the quality of voice transmission would tend to degrade as the period of delay between transmission of packets increases.
Two methods for obtaining the desired value for the Timer_CU may be either to define this value according to the most time-sensitive application in the AAL2 virtual connection, or according to a compromise between conflicting demands of the various applications supported by the connection. The first method would cause all CPS packets associated with a particular AAL2 virtual connection or channel to be treated as the most sensitive application, even if the CPS packets in a particular CPS-PDU are data packets, which have low or no sensitivity to delays in transmission. Furthermore, if the value for the Timer_CU is less than the typical time required to deliver and pack a packet, each cell is more likely to contain only one CPS packet, with the rest of the space being filled with padding, assuming that the ATM layer rate is equal to or faster than the Timer_CU rate. Thus, the first method causes efficiency of bandwidth use to decrease, while increasing the overall amount of bandwidth required to transmit a given amount of data.
The second method provides more efficient use of bandwidth, since the timer value is now set to a compromise value for the delay for all packets in a given connection. However, typical data packets may still be transmitted less efficiently, since the transmission delay which can be tolerated by such packets is higher than average, while voice (and other time sensitive data) packets may be transmitted with unacceptably high latency.
Unfortunately, only these two extremes are possible in terms of a solution to the timing problem, since the Timer_CU is configured with a single value for all CIDs (channel identifier) for each AAL2 virtual connection or channel. Therefore, even if that connection or channel is used to transmit mixed types of data, the timer is set as though the data is of a homogeneous type.

Abstract: Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to, traffic type, priority, any type of QOS parameter, timing parameters, and so forth.


A method of refurbishing a lithium-containing energy storage and/or conversion device is disclosed, wherein the energy storage and/or conversion device includes electrodes and an electrolyte, and wherein the method includes substantially removing the electrolyte from the energy storage and/or conversion device, substantially removing waste products from surfaces of the electrodes, and adding a new quantity of electrolyte to the energy storage and/or conversion device.

Lithium batteries are important power sources for many consumer electronics devices and constitute a multibillion-dollar market. Part of the reason for continued market growth is that lithium battery technology is replacing Ni—Cd and metal hydride technology in portable consumer electronics. The low volumetric energy density for lithium allows for small volume, high capacity battery design in comparison to Ni—Cd and metal hydride batteries.
Typical lithium batteries may be classified as either primary or secondary lithium batteries. Both of these types, like all batteries, have an electrolyte, anode and cathode. Primary lithium batteries typically utilize a lithium metal anode and a metal oxide (for example, MnO2) cathode. The primary lithium battery operates via the following half-reactions:Anode reaction: Li→Li++e−  (1)Cathode reaction: Li++e−+MnO2→LiMnO2  (2)
This redox reaction is irreversible. Therefore, batteries constructed with these materials cannot be recharged.
Secondary lithium batteries typically utilize a LixC6 anode and a Li(1-x)CoO2 cathode. LixC6 is lithium-intercalated graphitic carbon, which hereinafter may be referred to as "reduced graphite." Its reactivity is similar to lithium metal. The secondary lithium battery operates via the following half-reactions:Anode reaction: LixC6→C6(bulk graphite)+xLi++xe−  (3)Cathode reaction: xLi++xe−+Li(1-x)CoO2→LiCoO2  (4)
This particular redox-couple produces 3.6 V. Furthermore, the reaction is reversible. Therefore, the application of −3.6V to the cell pushes the lithium-ions back into the carbon. Lithium cobalt oxide and graphitic carbon are utilized in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Ultimately, these devices have a common feature: both require the use of non-aqueous electrolytes to avoid unwanted side reactions in the device.
The vast majority of electrolyte used in "lithium-ion" batteries is composed of a lithium salt dissolved in an alkyl carbonate. One of the most common electrolytes includes the salt LiPF6 dissolved in ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate (1.2 M LiPF6 in 1:1 EC:DEC). Other formulations may substitute ethyl methyl carbonate for DEC or include a third solvent such as butyrolactone. Various additives may be included for performance enhancement. Furthermore, fluorinated esters or fluorinated alkyl phosphates may be added as a flame retardant to address flammability issues. A small number of "gel" or "polymer electrolyte" (lithium-polymer) systems exist in which a polymer supports a liquid electrolyte (of similar composition described above). These rechargeable systems use anodes made of graphitic carbon and cathodes composed of LixCoyO2, LiCoxNiyO2, LiCoxMnyNizO2 or MnO2. Finally, a unique rechargeable system departs from the use of graphitic carbon. The Li—S cell uses a lithium metal anode, polymer electrolyte and sulfur cathode.
Improvements in cycle life, safety and thermal stability of lithium battery technology has accelerated the use of these batteries as portable power sources. However, after approximately two years of regular use, these batteries may start to fail. Often the batteries are merely thrown away after failure. However, the batteries may contain toxic or otherwise dangerous component chemicals that make them unsuitable for disposal in a landfill. Furthermore, some of the constituent components may be relatively expensive to produce for use in new batteries. Other lithium-containing power storage devices, such as pseudocapacitors, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors and capacitors, may suffer similar problems.
Due at least in part to these problems, as well as the existence of a significant lithium waste stream, environmental laws, industrial standards and collection services have arisen to help promote lithium battery recycling. These activities help to reduce disposal, and also may help to provide valuable raw materials without compromising precious resources through alternative activities such as mining.
Various recycling schemes for lithium batteries are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,463 to McLaughlin et al. describes a recycling process in which water is used to react with lithium metal to allow the extraction of lithium carbonate from shredded lithium batteries. The process involves many separate steps. First, the batteries are cooled with liquid nitrogen. This may require many hours, and a large input of energy, if the battery mass is relatively large. Next, the batteries are shredded to expose their components, and then water is added to react with the lithium. Metallic lithium or reduced graphite reacts with protic solvents such as water or alcohol to produce H2 according to the following reaction.Li+H2O→LiOH+½H2  (5)Any H2 produced is burned during processing. Salts are captured through precipitation of saturated solutions, and purification of the solution is achieved across a Li+ exchange membrane. This may require the pH to be adjusted with LiOH and H2SO4 to avoid the production of H2S gas. The product recovered from the ion-exchange process is LiOH, which reacts with CO2 gas to produce high purity Li2CO3. Finally, water is thermally removed from the carbonate product.
The McLaughlin aqueous-based lithium recycling process may suffer various drawbacks. First, the use of cryogenic liquid nitrogen to cool the batteries may be expensive and time-consuming. Second, the hydrogen gas produced in the reaction of lithium with water may pose an explosion hazard. Third, poisonous H2S gas may be produced in the reaction mixture. Fourth, the thermal removal of water from the carbonate product may be energy intensive. Fifth, the process produces aqueous waste that may require disposal under expensive permits. Sixth, the water may compromise the functionality of the electrolytes, cathodes and anodes as recycled battery materials for use in new batteries.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,096 to Kawakami et al. teaches a process for decreasing the conductivity of the battery electrolyte before removal of the electrolyte and further mechanical processing of the battery. The Kawakami method decreases conductivity by lowering the temperature of the cells and extracting electrolyte using a pressurized gas. Further processing may involve the use of a high-pressure aqueous spray to destruct and wash the cell. However, the Kawakami process utilizes irreversible reactions to oxidize lithium, and an aqueous process step to recover battery components.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,564 to Miller describes an apparatus to discharge batteries using a circuit and light. The light is used to detect a desired level of discharge. Once the light is out, the battery is determined to be discharged and mechanical processing may commence.
Lithium-ion batteries may be protected from over-discharge to extend their useful life. Examples of over-discharge protection are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,856,738 and 5,847,538 to Yoshimatsu. The over-discharge protection has two implications. First, lithium-ion batteries protected against over-discharge will have a residual charge at their end-of-life. Second, they cannot be simply discharged further because internal battery circuitry will stop the process.

System and method for processing an end-of-life or reduced performance energy storage and/or conversion device using a supercritical fluid