The present invention provides a bidirectional communication optical waveguide which can adopt a configuration in which light sources having the same wavelengths are used and stray light is not inputted to either a light emitting device or a light receiving device, and the bidirectional communication optical waveguide realizes a bidirectional communication module. The bidirectional communication optical waveguide includes a main waveguide core and a sub-waveguide core. A main inclined plane is provided in a midway of an optical path in the main waveguide core.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bidirectional communication optical waveguide, which constitutes a transmitting and receiving module for bidirectionally transmitting a light signal using an optical fiber and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, as a module using one optical fiber to bidirectionally transmit and receive light signals, a technology is generally used in which up and down signals having different wavelengths are utilized and the up and down signals are separated from each other by inserting a reflection plate having frequency selectivity within a module. However, in this configuration, it is necessary that the reflection plate having the frequency selectivity be separately provided in addition to a focusing lens, which results in inevitable cost increase in the module. Further, a transmitting and receiving module is also required, and the transmitting and receiving module is equipped with a combination of a dedicated light receiving device and a dedicated light emitting device according to the wavelengths used in the up and down signals, which results in complication and cost increase.
In order to avoid such problems, it is thought that the same wavelength is used for the bidirectional signals. For such techniques, for example, there is proposed a configuration in which the light receiving device is placed on a concentric circle of a surface light emitting device to perform bidirectional communication (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 58-191543). However, in this technique, transmission light from the light emitting device cannot be prevented from being reflected by an end surface of the optical fiber to return to the adjacent light receiving device on the same module side. Therefore, there arise many problems in receiving sensitivity.
There is also disclosed a technology in which a waveguide is used to realize bidirectional communication utilizing the same wavelength (for example, see JP-A No. 11-271548). The problem that the transmitted light from the light emitting device turns to a light receiving device on the same module is not generated in this technology. However, an input light beam from the optical fiber is inputted as stray light to the light emitting device side to some extent. In this technology, although the sub-waveguide is formed thinner than the main waveguide in order to prevent the stray light input, some slight stray light input cannot be avoided. When such stray light exists, output becomes unstable when using a semiconductor laser as a light emitting device, which generates a problem that a light signal level is changed. This problem is generated not only in an edge emitting type laser but also in a VCSEL (surface emitting laser).
There is also disclosed a technology in which an isolation function is realized by coupling single-mode waveguides having different refractive indexes and core diameters (for example, see JP-A No. 04-293004). However, because core shape conditions differ from each other, the isolation function is realized only by directly coupling the main waveguide and sub-waveguide, where core diameters differ from each other and refractive indexes differ from each other. Therefore, there is the problem that constraints on production being increased.
There is also disclosed a technology in which a pseudo-isolation function is realized by separately arranging a curved multi-mode waveguide having a tapered shape (see Journal of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers C-1, Vol. J82-C-1, No. 6, pp. 349-358 (1999)). All the refractive indexes of the waveguide cores are equal to one another, and the shapes of the waveguide cores are not optimized, so that there is the problem that coupling loss becomes large.
Thus, the module which causes the input and output signals from and to the optical signal to propagate stably without loss is required in order to realize the simply configured transmission and reception module for performing the bidirectional communication with the light signals having the same wavelengths. However, the sufficient technology for forming the module is not obtained yet.

Bidirectional communication optical waveguide and manufacturing method thereof


There are provided a platen on which an original is mounted, a line sensor that performs photoelectric conversion on light from the original on the platen, a first carriage that moves along the platen and guides the light from the original to the line sensor, a first housing that stores and supports the first carriage to be movable along the platen, first driving means for moving the first carriage, a second carriage provided with a plurality of rod-shaped light-source lamps that applies light to the original, a second housing that stores and supports the second carriage to be movable along the platen and covers the platen, second driving means for moving the second carriage, and control means for controlling the first driving means, the second driving means and lighting of the plurality of light-source lamps.

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus which reads an original mounted on a platen with a line-shaped photoelectric conversion element that moves along the platen, and more particularly, to an image reading apparatus provided with a transmissive light source unit which applies light from a light source unit to a transparent or translucent transmissive original mounted on a platen and reads an amount of transmission light with a photoelectric conversion element.
In general, an image reading apparatus, which scans and electrically reads an original mounted on a transparent platen such as glass with a line sensor such as a CCD and C-MOS sensor, has widely been applied to a facsimile, scanner and the like. A light source that applies light to an original on the platen is integrally attached to a carriage provided with optical elements to form an image on the line sensor, and an image of the original is read while the carriage is moved.
However, such an apparatus cannot accurately read a transparent (translucent) original such as a photograph and OHP because light from the light source passes through the original, and therefore, an apparatus has recently been known in which a light source unit is provided above a platen that is different from a side (under the platen) where a sensor is arranged, and light passed through the original from above to under is read with a photoelectric sensor. It is known that such an apparatus that reads a translucent film such as film has a structure where a light source unit is mounted on a carriage on one side of a platen while a reading optical unit is mounted on another carriage on the other side, the carriages are arranged to allow them to reciprocate in the subscanning direction along the platen, and an image is read while both the carriages are moved at the same speed in synchronization with each other.
However, it has recently been required to switch emission amounts of the light source corresponding to types of originals so as to read different types of originals, for example, negative film and positive film, with high precision in the same apparatus. For switching a plurality of provided source lamps, a mechanism has conventionally been known that switches light-source lamps with different wavelengths such as an R (Red) lamp, G (Green) lamp and B (Blue) lamp for an original with a color image, and proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1 (JP2003-158611). The Document 1 discloses a mechanism where a plurality of light-source lamps is provided to be movable inside a light-source carriage that moves along the platen, and the light-source lamps are switched by moving a position of a lamp holder provided with the plurality of light-source lamps, irrespective of a moving (scanning) mechanism of the light-source carriage.
[Patent Document 1] JP2003-158611 (FIG. 3)
When one is selected to switch from a plurality of light-source lamps corresponding to the type of original in applying light to a translucent original such as film and reading the light passed through the original with a photoelectric sensor, applying the mechanism as described in Patent Document 1 causes following problems: In the mechanism of the Document, a light-source carriage moving along the platen is provided with driving means for supporting a plurality of light-source lamps to be movable and moving the light-source lamps. Accordingly, the apparatus needs to be provided with mechanisms for supporting respectively a carriage (reading carriage) mounted with a photoelectric sensor, a carriage (light-source carriage) mounted with a light source unit, and a lamp holder mounted with lamps inside the light-source carriage, and with respective driving mechanisms.
Therefore, in addition to increased complexity and size in the apparatus, there are risks that distortion and/or color shading may develop on a read image when displacement occurs on three moving mechanisms due to rattling and impact. Further, since an emission amount of the light-source lamp has a parabolic characteristic in the subscanning direction of the line sensor, when misalignment occurs in switching the lamps or the characteristic of the emission amount shifts due to exhaustion of the lamp during the use on each of convertible light-source lamps, it is not possible to compensate for such misalignment or shift, and there is a fear that the read image may deteriorate with time.
Then, the present invention aims to switch light-source lamps by controlling movements of a carriage mounted with the light-source lamps in reading a translucent original (transmissive original) by moving the light-source carriage and the reading carriage so as to enable switching of the light-source lamps corresponding to types of originals without using a specific lamp switching mechanism. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an original reading apparatus capable of reading an image with an amount of light corresponding to the type of original with a simplified structure. It is another object of the invention to provide an image reading apparatus, such as an image reading apparatus of a computer or the like, which is capable of executing at high speed a series of processing of selection of original type, light source setting, and image reading.


This invention provides a bonded structure and a method of forming the bonded structure for joining a lead array to the conducting bonding pads of an integrated circuit element. The invention uses an anisotropic conductive film with tape automated bonding to form the bonded structure. The invention also uses integrated circuit elements having composite bumps as input/output pads. The composite bumps comprise a polymer body covered by a conductive metal coating. The invention provides a low cost method of tape automated bonding which uses lower temperature and pressure in the bonding process and provides a bond which is automatically encapsulated after the bonding has been completed. The lower temperature and pressure improve the dimensional stability of the elements of the bonded structure and the automatic encapsulation provides improved reliability.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the use of an anisotropic conductive film, having conductive particles in an insulating adhesive, with tape automated bonding to form interconnections between a lead array and an integrated circuit element with composite bump input/output pads. The use of an anisotropic conductive film provides a bonding process with reduced temperature and pressure and a reliable encapsulated bonded structure. The use of the composite bump input/output pads on the integrated circuit element allows the interconnection to be made with reduced bonding force.
(2) Description of Related Art
In conventional tape automated bonding high temperatures are required to form the bond between the inner lead ends of a lead array and the bonding pads on an integrated circuit element. The difference in thermal expansion between the elements of the assembly can distort the lead array and make subsequent processing, such as bonding the outer lead ends, difficult. This invention provides a method to avoid this problem by using an anisotropic conductive film in combination with tape automated bonding and composite bump input/output pads on an integrated circuit element. The anisotropic conductive film comprises conductive particles in an insulating adhesive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,002 to Tagusa et al describes a connection construction using conductive particles and both conductive and insulating adhesives. Japanese Patent 3-62927 to Fujimoto describes a composite conductive particle, an adhesive layer, and flip chip bonding.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,542 to Tsukagoshi et al. describes a board made of glass, synthetic resin, metal ceramic or their composite materials. Tsukagoshi et al. use a combination of conducting particles, insulating particles, and an adhesive to form the electrical bond. The conducting particles are metal such as nickel, silver or gold. The Invention of this Patent Application uses an anisotropic conducting film having composite bumps in an insulating adhesive. The composite bumps have a polymer body covered by a conductive metal coating.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,657 to Tsukagoshi et al. describes the use of an anisotropic conductive film using an adhesive with conductive particles of multiple sizes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,731,282 to Tsukagoshi et al. describes insulating adhesives.

Composite bump tape automated bonded structure

Industrial Technology Research Institute


Indazole arthropodicides, compositions containing them and a method for controlling arthropods employing these indazoles as the active ingredient. The indazoles have the following general formula wherein Q, X, Y, R.sub.1 and m are as defined in the text: ##STR1##

U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,365 discloses insecticidal compounds of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, pyridyl or thienyl optionally substituted with halogen, alkyl or nitro, or a phenyl group optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl alkylthio, alkoxy, mono or dialkylamino, nitro, phenyl optionally substituted with halogen or cyano;
Y is halogen, NO.sub.2, alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy, dialkylamino, alkylsulfonyl, acyl, acylamino, cyano, or a phenyl optionally substituted with halogen; and X is O or S. PA1 B is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; PA1 U is O, S or NR; PA1 Y is alkyl, carbonyl or phenyl each of which may be optionally substituted; and PA1 Z is an organic radical other than hydrogen. PA1 B is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; PA1 U is O, S or NR; PA1 Y is alkyl, carbonyl or a phenyl group; and PA1 Z is cycloalkyl, or a phenyl group. PA1 B is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1 to 2 halogens or 1 to 2 CH.sub.3, C.sub.4 to C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 cyanoalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkoxycarbonylalkyl, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, C(O)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, C(S)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, C(S)R.sub.3, C(S)SR.sub.3, phenyl, phenyl substituted with (R.sub.5)p, benzyl, benzyl substituted with 1to 3 substituents independently selected from W, or OR.sub.7 when Q is Q.sub.1 to Q.sub.7 ; PA1 W is halogen, CN, NO.sub.2, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkylthio, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkylthio, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkylsulfonyl or C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkylsulfonyl; PA1 R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from R.sub.3, halogen, CN, N.sub.3, SCN, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.3, SR.sub.3, SOR.sub.3, SO.sub.2 R.sub.3, OC(O)R.sub.3, OSO.sub.2 R.sub.3, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, C(O)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, SO.sub.2 NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, NR.sub.4 C(O)R.sub.3, OC(O)NHR.sub.3, NR.sub.4 C(O)NHR.sub.3 and NR.sub.4 SO.sub.2 R.sub.3, or when m, n or p is 2, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 or R.sub.5 can be --OCH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--, or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--, each of which can be substituted with 1 to 4 halogen atoms or 1 to 2 methyl groups; PA1 R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 haloalkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 haloalkynyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkylthioalkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 nitroalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 cyanoalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkoxycarbonylalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 halocycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl, or phenyl or benzyl substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from W; PA1 R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can be taken together as (CH.sub.2).sub.4, (CH.sub.2).sub.5 or (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2); PA1 R.sub.6 is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 haloalkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkynyl, phenyl optionally substituted with W; PA1 R.sub.7 is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkynyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkylcarbonyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl; PA1 R.sub.a is independently selected from H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl and phenyl optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from W; PA1 x is O or S; PA1 n is 1 to 2; PA1 m is 1 to 3; PA1 p is 1 to 3; PA1 q is 0 to 2; PA1 Y is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxyalkyl, CHO, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkylcarbonyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkylthio, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkylthio, phenylthio, phenylthio substituted with 1 to 3substituents independently selected from W, or S-J; PA1 J is ##STR11## R.sub.8 and R.sub.12 are independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 cycloalkylalkyl, phenyl optionally substituted with 1 to 2 substituents independently selected from W, benzyl optionally substituted with 1 to 2 substituents independently selected from W, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 cyanoalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkoxycarbonylalkyl and C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 dialkylaminocarbonylalkyl, or R.sub.8 and R.sub.12 can be taken together as (CH.sub.2).sub.4, (CH.sub.2).sub.5 or (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 ; PA1 R.sub.9 is F, C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.22 alkoxy, C.sub.2 or C.sub.8 dialkylamino, piperidinyl, pyrollidinyl, morpholino, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 haloalkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy substituted with cyano, nitro, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 alkoxyalkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkylthio, C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 alkoxycarbonyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 dialkylaminocarbonyl or phenyl, or R.sub.9 is phenyl optionally substituted with 1 to 2 substituents independently selected from W, or phenoxy optionally substituted with 1 to 2 substituents independently selected from W; PA1 R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 are independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 haloalkyl and phenyl optionally substituted with 1 to 2 substituents independently selected from W, or R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 can be taken together as (CH.sub.2).sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.3 or CH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 ; PA1 t is 0 to 2; and PA1 Y.sub.1 is O or S. PA1 A is CR.sub.a R.sub.a, S, O or NR.sub.6 ; PA1 B is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkoxycarbonylalkyl, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, C(O)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, C(S)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, C(S)R.sub.3, C(S)SR.sub.3, phenyl or phenyl substituted by (R.sub.5)p; PA1 W is Cl, F, Br, Cn, CF.sub.3, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkoxy, OCF.sub.2 H, OCF.sub.3 or NO.sub.2 ; PA1 R.sub.2 is R.sub.3, halogen, CN, SCN, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.3 or SR.sub.3 ; PA1 R.sub.3 is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 haloalkenyl, propargyl, phenyl, benzyl, or phenyl or benzyl substituted with one of F, Cl, Br, CF.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2 H or NO.sub.2 ; PA1 p is 1 or 2; PA1 m is 1 or 2; PA1 X is O; PA1 Y is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, SCH.sub.3, SCCl.sub.3, SO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, SC.sub.6 H.sub.5, 2--NO.sub.2 --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 S, C(O)CH.sub.3, C(O)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, C(O)CF.sub.3 ; CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, or S-J; PA1 J is J.sub.1, J.sub.2, J.sub.3, J.sub.4 or J.sub.5 ; PA1 R.sub.8 and R.sub.12 and independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, C.sub.5 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.8 alkoxycarbonylalkyl, phenyl, benzyl and phenethyl, each phenyl, benzyl and phenethyl optionally substituted with W, or, R.sub.8 and R.sub.12 can be taken together as (CH.sub.2).sub.4, (CH.sub.2).sub.5 or (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 ; PA1 R.sub.10 and R.sub.11 are independently selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or phenyl; and PA1 t is 2. PA1 B is H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonylalkyl, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, phenyl or phenyl substituted with (R.sub.5)p; PA1 R.sub.1 is halogen, CN, SCN, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.3, SR.sub.3, SO.sub.2 R.sub.3, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3 or is R.sub.3 with one substituent in the 4-position; PA1 R.sub.5 is H, R.sub.3, halogen, CN, SCN, NO.sub.2, OR.sub.3, SR.sub.3, SO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, OSO.sub.2 R.sub.3, CO.sub.2 R.sub.3, C(O)R.sub.3, C(O)NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, SO.sub.2 NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 or NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 ; or, when m or p is 2; PA1 R.sub.1 and R.sub.5 can be --CH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 O--, OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--, OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O-- or --CH.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O--; PA1 R.sub.3 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 haloalkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 alkenyl or propargyl; PA1 R.sub.4 is H or CH.sub.3 ; PA1 R.sub.a is H, CH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CO.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; PA1 m and p are independently 1 or 2 and one substituent is in the para-position; PA1 Y is H, CH.sub.3, COCH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or S-J; PA1 J is J.sub.1 or J.sub.2 ; PA1 R.sub.8 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted with Cl or CH.sub.3 ; PA1 R.sub.9 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 haloalkyl, dimethylamino, phenyl optionally substituted with Cl or CH.sub.3, or, R.sub.9 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxy substituted with C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkoxy or 1 to 6 halogens; and PA1 G is S. PA1 R.sub.1 is Cl, F, Br, CF.sub.3, CN, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2 H, OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 H or SCF.sub.2 H; PA1 R.sub.2 and R.sub.5 are independently H, CL, F, Br, CN, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, OCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, OCF.sub.2 H, OCF.sub.3, SCH.sub.3, SCF.sub.2 H, NO.sub.2 or OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; PA1 B is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, phenyl or phenyl substituted with (R.sub.5)p; and PA1 R.sub.a is H or CH.sub.3. PA1 M) methyl 3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-2-[[[4-trifluoromethyl)pheny]-amino]carbonyl]-2H-pyraz olo[3,4-f]-quinoline-3a-carboxylate, a compound of Preferred E; PA1 N) methyl 3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-2-[[[4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-amino]carbonyl]-2H-pyra zolo[4,3-h]-quinoline-3a-carboxylate, a compound of Preferred H; PA1 O) methyl 7-chloro-3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-N-[[[4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]carbonyl] -2H-thieno [2,3-g]-indazole-3a-carboxylate, a compound of Preferred I; PA1 P) methyl 7-fluoro-3A,4-dihydro-2-[[[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]amino]carbonyl]-3H-p yrazolo[5,1-c]-[1,4]benzoxazine-3a-carboxylate, a compound of Preferred L; and PA1 Q) 7-chloro-3A-(4-fluorophenyl)-3A,4-dihydro-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3H -pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]-benzoxazine-2carboxamide, a compound of Preferred L.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,341 discloses insecticidal compounds of the formula ##STR3## wherein A is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl;
Vaughan, J. Org. Chem., 20 (1955), pages 1619 to 1626, discloses 1,5-diphenyl-2-pyrazoline-3-carboxamide. No utility is given for the disclosed compound which, in any event, does not suggest a compound of the instant invention.
Harhash et al., J. Heterocyclic Chem., 21 (1984), at page 1013, discloses the preparation of five pyrazoline compounds, none of which is disclosed in the instant application. No utility is given for any of said compounds: ##STR4## where R/Ar are C.sub.6 H.sub.5 /C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ; CO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 /C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ; C(O)NHC.sub.6 H.sub.5 /C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ; CH.dbd.CHC.sub.6 H.sub.5 /C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ; and CH.sub.3 /4--NO.sub.2 --C.sub.6 H.sub.4.
WO 88/900910 disclosed insecticidal pyrazolines such as compounds of the formula: ##STR5##
WO 88/302995 discloses insecticidal pyrazolines such as compounds of the formula; ##STR6## wherein, Q is (R.sub.2).sub.n ##STR7## A is 1, 2 or 3-atom bridge having 0 to 3 carbon atoms and 0 to 1 oxygen atom, NR.sub.6 group, or S(O)q group, wherein each carbon individually can be substituted with 1 to 2 substituents selected from 1 to 2 halogen, C.sub. to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 alkoxycarbonyl or phenyl optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from W and one of the carbon atoms can be C(O) or C(S).
EP-A-153,127 discloses insecticidal compounds of the formula ##STR8## wherein A is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl;
This application is a cognate of applications bearing U.S. Ser. Nos. 07/249,883 and 07/247,690.


A method for increasing bulkiness of reconstituted tobacco by adding tobacco stem particles includes (1) pulverizing a first portion of tobacco stems to obtain tobacco stem particles; (2) classifying the tobacco stem particles with mesh sieves and selecting the tobacco stem particles with a predetermined mesh size; (3) extracting a second portion of the tobacco stems with water and grinding to form a tobacco stem slurry that has a beating degree of 12-14° SR, and mixing the tobacco stem slurry with tobacco leaves in a weight ratio of 6:4 and grinding to obtaining a tobacco slurry that has a beating degree of 18-20° SR; (4) cutting plant fiber pulp boards and dispersing in water to form a plant fiber pulp; (5) preparing a filler solution that contains 10 wt % of a mineral filler; (6) mixing, rolling and drying to obtain the reconstituted tobacco.

Reconstituted tobacco, also known as tobacco flakes, is produced by using tobacco stems, broken leaves, tobacco dust and other leftovers produced during the production process of cigarettes. Its performance is similar to that of natural tobacco, and it is mixed and used with natural tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco is an important raw material in modern tobacco manufacturing. With the development of the tobacco industry, it is found that adding appropriate amounts of reconstituted tobacco to cigarettes can not only increase the utilization rate of tobacco raw materials and increase the economic benefits of the cigarette industry, but also improve the physical properties of cigarettes, such as filling value, burning speed, etc. Reconstituted tobacco can also reduce the harmful ingredients in tobacco, such as tar and nicotine, which is of great significance to improve the quality of cigarettes.
Bulkiness is one of the important technical indicators for evaluating the quality of reconstituted tobacco. It directly affects the liquid absorption of the reconstituted tobacco during dip coating and the release of harmful components from the reconstituted tobacco. A high bulkiness can improve the filling properties of reconstituted tobacco in cigarettes and the burning performance of cigarettes and can reduce the release of harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide.
Chinese patent application publication number CN 103211286 A discloses a method for increasing the bulkiness of reconstituted tobacco by using sodium bicarbonate as a pretreatment method. Chemical reagents, such as acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate, are added. During the drying process, with the decomposition of sodium bicarbonate, gas is generated to increase the bulkiness of the reconstituted tobacco. However, sodium bicarbonate will further aggravate the difficulties of sewage treatment and at the same time have a negative impact on the quality of cigarettes. Chinese patent application publication number CN106993820A discloses a method for optimizing fiber types and ratios to increase the thickness of the base bulk of reconstituted tobacco leaves, but this method limits the types and amounts of added plant fibers, which is not conducive to the adjustment of the actual production of the factory. In recent years, the price of bleached softwood and hardwood has risen sharply, and the profit margin of manufacturers has been continuously compressed. To reduce the cost of use and improve the bulkiness of the reconstituted tobacco is a key issue faced by reconstituted tobacco manufacturers.

Method for increasing bulkiness of reconstituted tobacco

SHAANXI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


A device, system and method for locating a specific patch cord connection port contained within a telecommunications closet having line tracing capabilities. An LED is provided at each of the connector ports present within the telecommunications closet that is positioned to illuminate the connector port or illuminate a shroud positioned in front of the connector port. The LEDs can be individually and selectively illuminated. Accordingly, individually identified connector ports can be selectively illuminated within the telecommunications closet. This greatly increases the ability of a technician to accurately locate the patch cord connector port within the telecommunications closet that has been targeted by the patch cord tracing system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the structure and method of operations of dedicated telecommunications patching systems where telecommunications lines are selectively coupled to one another in a telecommunications closet using patch cords. More particularly, the present invention relates to telecommunication patching systems that embody patch cord tracing capabilities that help a technician locate the opposite ends of a specific patch cord within the system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many businesses have dedicated telecommunication systems that enable computers, telephones, facsimile machines and the like to communicate with each other, through a private network, and with remote locations via a telecommunications service provider. In most buildings, the dedicated telecommunications system is hard wired using telecommunication cables that contain conductive wire. In such hard wired systems, dedicated wires are coupled to individual service ports throughout the building. The wires from the dedicated service ports extend through the walls of the building to a telecommunications closet or closets. The telecommunications lines from the interface hub of a main frame computer and the telecommunication lines from external telecommunication service providers are also terminated within the telecommunications closets.
A patching system is used to interconnect the various telecommunication lines within the telecommunications closet. In a telecommunications patching system, all of the telecommunication lines are terminated within the telecommunications closet in an organized manner. The organized terminations of the various lines are provided via the structure of the telecommunications closet. Within the telecommunications closet is typically located a mounting frame. On the mounting frame is connected a plurality of racks. The telecommunications lines terminate on the racks, as is explained below.
Referring to FIG. 1, a typical prior art rack 10 is shown. The rack 10 retains a plurality of patch panels 12 that are mounted to the rack 10. On each of the patch panels 12 are located port assemblies 14. The port assemblies 14 each contain six telecommunication connector ports 16 which can accommodate connectors such as the RJ-45.
Each of the different telecommunication connector ports 16 is hard wired to one of the system""s telecommunications lines. Accordingly, each telecommunications line is terminated on a patch panel 12 in an organized manner. In small patch systems, all telecommunications lines may terminate on the patch panels of the same rack. In larger patch systems, multiple racks are used, wherein different telecommunications lines terminate on different racks.
In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1, the interconnections between the various telecommunications lines are made using patch cords 20. Both ends of each patch cord 20 are terminated with connectors 22, such as an RJ-45 telecommunication connector or a RJ-11 telecommunications connector. One end of the patch cord 20 is connected to the connector port 16 of a first telecommunications line and the opposite end of the cord is connected to the connector port 16 of a second telecommunications line. By selectively connecting the external lines to the internal lines with the patch cords 20, any combination of telecommunications lines can be interconnected.
In many businesses, employees are assigned their own computer network access number exchange so that the employee can interface with the company""s main frame computer or computer network. When an employee moves offices, it is not desirable to provide that employee with newly addressed telecommunication connection ports. Rather, to preserve consistency in communications, it is preferred that the voice and data services being provided to connection ports in the employee""s old office be transferred to the telecommunications ports in the employee""s new office. To accomplish this task, the patch cords in the telecommunication closet are rearranged so that the employee""s old voice and data services are now received in his/her new office.
As employees, move, change positions, add lines and subtract lines, the patch cords in a typical telecommunications closet are rearranged quite often. The interconnections of the various patch cords in a telecommunications closet are often logged in either paper or computer based log. However, technicians often neglect to update the log each and every time a change is made. Inevitably, the log is less than 100% accurate and a technician has no way of reading where each of the patch cords begins and ends. Accordingly, each time a technician needs to change a patch cord, that technician manually traces that patch cord between an internal line and an external line. To preform a manual trace, the technician locates one end of a patch cord. The technician then manually follows the patch cord until he/she finds the opposite end of that patch cord. Once the two ends of the patch cord are located, the patch cord can be positively identified.
It takes a significant amount of time for a technician to manually trace a particular patch cord. Furthermore, manual tracing is not completely accurate and technicians often accidently go from one patch cord to another during a manual trace. Such errors result in misconnected telecommunication lines which must be later identified and corrected.
Additionally, when repositioning a patch cord, it is often difficult for a technician to find a specific connector port in the hundreds of connector ports available in a telecommunications closet. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for a technician to accidently select the wrong connector port and disrupt a patch cord connection that should not have been disrupted.
In an attempt to assist a technician in finding a specific connector port within a telecommunications closet, tracing systems have been developed that provide a visible indication as to the location of a targeted connector port. Such tracing systems are exemplified in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/247,614, entitled System and Method of Operation For a Telecommunication Patch System, which is incorporated into this disclosure by reference. In such systems, a light is lit next to the connector port being targeted. A technician can see the light and is immediately led to the targeted connector port. The light is an LED that is positioned near each of the connector ports. The LEDs are built into the structure of the racks that support the connector ports.
A problem associated with such tracing systems that use LEDs is that the LEDs are small and are densely packed together on the different racks in the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for a technician to experience parallax and associate a particular LED with the wrong connector port. This often results in the technician disrupting the wrong patch cord connection in the telecommunications closet.
A need therefore exists for an apparatus and method that better identifies a specific patch cord connector ports within the confines of a telecommunications closet.
The present invention is a device, system and method for locating a specific patch cord connection port contained within a telecommunications closet having line tracing capabilities. An LED is provided at each of the connector ports present within the telecommunications closet that is in position to illuminate the connector port or illuminate a shroud positioned in front of the connector port. The LEDs can be individually and selectively illuminated. Accordingly, individually identified connector ports can be selectively illuminated within the telecommunications closet. This greatly increases the ability of a technician to accurately locate the patch cord connector port within the telecommunications closet that has been targeted by the patch cord tracing system.

Illuminated patch cord connector ports for use in a telecommunications patch closet having patch cord tracing capabilities


A system for capturing a video image of the scene and for correlating data relative to the scene is disclosed. The system comprises a collection device which uses as inputs environmental stimuli and video and audio stimuli which correlates the various data such that statistical analysis can be performed.

The present invention related generally to apparatus and methods for correlating and analyzing data. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for correlating data with respect to video images such that analysis on the data can be performed and video images associated with data segments can be readily retrieved. Many industries use optical systems in conjunction with various sensors to monitor environmental conditions. Examples of such industries are market research, security, and quality control. Various collection tools are employed in collecting the data and subsequently organizing the data. A common thread among these commercially available systems is that the data must be manually correlated with video data from the optical systems. For example, in the field of market research being performed on an oral presentation may include video images of the person making the oral presentation as well as feedback from the sample group. The feedback is generally obtained using electronic equipment which gauges the audience members reaction to the oral presentation. Once the presentation is complete the data from each of the audience members must then be correlated to that of the video segments. That is, when strong positive or negative reactions are attained, the relevant segment of the video must be located and data and the audience must be correlated therewith in order for the audience feedback to be meaningful. Often, this is a tedious, time consuming manual task that delays feedback to the oral presenter from two (2) to six (6) weeks.
The common practice is then to provide a written report detailing the analysis of the individual events that the audience found interesting in either a positive or negative manner. The report further identifies key responses that correlated to those events. Occasionally, along with the report a market research firm would provide the video tape of the oral presentation for further analysis by the presenter.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a data correlation analysis tool that automatically correlates the video data to the audience feedback.
It is another object of the invention to provide statistical analysis of response data that the statistical analysis can be used for data processing.
It is still another object of the invention to create the correlated and analyzed video data substantially immediately.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a data analysis tool that is versatile and applicable across multiple industries.
These and other objects of the invention will be obvious and will appear hereinafter.


A digital video signal is transmitted via a communication system which can transmit digital data through an asynchronous communication line (ATM communication line) or the like and, at the same time, voice information for the working communication and information such as computer information are transmitted by using the communication system. The user of a first data transmitting apparatus sets up the character data etc. for communication on the terminal. The set character data is multiplexed in the predetermined transmission packet together with the audio and video data output from the VTR device and transmitted via an ATM communication line 2 to a second data transmitting apparatus. In the second data transmitting apparatus, the character data is demultiplexed from the transmission packet and displayed on for example the display device of the personal computer. In place of the character information, also voice information can be transmitted by a telephone set. In this way, the users of both data transmitting apparatuses transmit and receive the working communication information by using the communication line for transmitting the digital video signal.

Recently, the asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) system has been put into practical use as a high speed digital data transmitting system. Experiments have been made on transmitting a large amount of digital video signals by the ATM system with a good efficiency.
Note that, in the present description, a "video signal" means both of a video signal and a voice (or audio) signal in relation to this.
For example, when an ATM communication line is used to transmit a video signal reproduced from a VTR device (first VTR device) to another party using a transmitting apparatus (first transmitting apparatus) and to receive the transmitted video signal at an opposite (second) transmitting apparatus where editing work is carried out by using a VTR device (second VTR device) and an editing device, the communication for this is carried out by using a telephone in many cases. It can also be considered to perform the data communication by computers etc. in place of a telephone or in addition to a telephone.
In such a case, for the transmission of the video signal, the transmission is carried out by using the ATM communication line or the like and a telephone line is used for the call for the communication. Also in data communication by computers etc., the data communication is carried out by using the telephone line. Namely, different communication systems are necessary such as both of a communication system for transmitting a large amount of video signals and a telephone line for communication small in amount but taking a long time such as a voice call and data communication. In general, the editing work takes a long time in many cases. In addition, where the transmission of the video signal or telephone communication between distant places is carried out, the communication costs become high.
Not limited to the ATM system, in other cases as well where a digital video signal is transmitted by using another communication system, the data is reproduced on the reception side, telephone communication is performed while viewing that video, and transmission and reception of a new digital video signal is carried out, the same problem as above is encountered.


The invention concerns an electrically insulating body including at least two polymer materials and a method of making such a body. It is characterized in that its internal structure (61) is mainly formed by a first polymer material and that its surface structure (60, 62) is mainly formed by a second polymer material, said first polymer material having a higher molecular weight than said second polymer material. The proportion in the body of the first polymer material relative to the second polymer material reduces progressively from the internal structure (61) towards the surface structure (60, 62). The invention is applicable especially to insulating electric conductors (26) and enables insulators to be obtained having both a high dielectric strength and a good quality of shape.

The field of the invention is insulating bodies and more particularly bodies of high dielectric strength and methods for making such bodies.
As is known, the dielectric strength of a material corresponds to the energy necessary to break the internal bonds of the material. Thus, the greater the dielectric strength of a material, the greater the electric field required to break the internal bonds of the material.
In the case of a material which is to be subjected to an electric field, two parameters are determinative: the local electric field, which depends on the average applied field, the geometry of the material in the electric field and the possible presence of inhomogeneities (impurities, voids, etc.) increasing the field locally; the bond energy of the molecular bonds of the material. The weakest bonds may be broken by application of the electric field and degradation of the material then results.
In the case of materials based on polymers, the weakest bonds are the Van der Waals bonds between the molecules of the polymers. The energy of these bonds depends essentially on the distance between the molecules. The greater the distance, the less the energy.
In polyethylene for example, dielectric breakdowns occur mainly in the amorphous regions, i.e. those outside the crystalline structure, when the cohesion of the material is weakest, whereas the crystalline regions are better able to resist, thanks to their smaller inter-molecular distance.
Thus the dielectric strength of a polymer, that is to say the ability to withstand electric fields, increases with the organization of the polymer structure and with reduction in the distance between the molecules, these two factors being related.
Materials with high dielectric strength can thus be obtained when their manufacture is effected by drawing the materials. This explanation is to be found in particular in the technical journal IEEE Trans. EI No. 22 (5) p. 573, 1987.
The manufacture of polymers takes place either in the molten state or at a temperature above the glass transition temperature, at which molecular movement occurs. The characteristics of the end product depend on the method of manufacture, in particular on the strength of strains applied to the molten polymer. The stresses applied to the polymer organize the structure of the final product and can be of two types: shearing and extension. For each type of stress the resulting local strain is related to the ratio between the stress and the viscosity of the polymer: EQU GV=C/V (1)
where
GV is the velocity gradient between two points of the polymer. PA0 C is the applied stress. PA0 V is the viscosity of the polymer. PA0 mixing the polymer materials; PA0 heating the material resulting from the mixture of the polymer materials; PA0 applying a stress to the resultant material in such a manner as to organize it. PA0 making a synthetic material having at least two peaks of different molecular concentrations; PA0 heating the synthetic material; PA0 applying a stress to the synthetic material in such a manner as to organize it.
Thus, for a given applied stress, the organization of the polymer is inversely proportional to its viscosity. High dielectric strength of the material is thus obtained when its viscosity is low. Conversely, a high viscosity of the material leads to a low dielectric strength of the polymer.
However, in the case of manufacture of the material by extrusion, for example in making the insulation of an electric cable, the overall viscosity of the material at the temperature of manufacture should be high enough to avoid significant deformation of the insulator during the cooling phase of the cable. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, showing a cross-section of an electric cable emerging from an extrusion machine sheathing an electric conductor 10, also known as an extruder, the polymer 11 insulating the conductor 10 has a tendency to flow in the direction 12 by reason of gravitational force, when the polymer does not have high enough viscosity. The result is that the conductor 10 is eccentric relative to the insulator 11 and the quality of shape of the extruded object is no longer preserved.
It is therefore not known to make products with high dielectric strengths based on polymers by extrusion, since there is a contradiction between a high dielectric value of the object, requiring low viscosity, and a quality of shape of the extruded object, requiring a high viscosity.
The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a method of making such extruded products which reduces this problem.
More especially, it is an object of the invention to provide a method whereby polymer products can be made so as to exhibit both a good quality of shape and a high dielectric strength.
Another object of the invention is to provide such products which both exhibit good geometrical properties and a high dielectric strength.

Method of making an insulating body of high dielectric strength


The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging apparatus, a manufacturing method therefor, and an electronic apparatus by which fine pixel signals can be suitably generated.

Manufacturing processes for a semiconductor apparatus such as an image sensor include a process of bonding a semiconductor substrate on which imaging elements are formed to another semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate, or the like.
In general, the semiconductor apparatus such as the image sensor is constituted of a photodiode (PD) that photoelectrically converts incident light, a transistor (TG) that transfers electrons resulting from the photoelectric conversion to an FD (Floating Diffusion), a transistor (RST) that resets charges accumulated in the PD, a transistor (AMP) that amplifies a signal voltage corresponding to the electrons from the FD, a transistor (SEL) that transfers the signal voltage to the subsequent stage, and the like. The RST, AMP, and SEL transistors are also called pixel transistors.
For suppressing generation of noise and the like in fine pixel signals, it is desirable that the elements such as the FD and the pixel transistors be formed of a single-crystal semiconductor material.
That is because, if they are formed of a polycrystalline semiconductor material, they have an uneven particle size and many traps, which induces noise and the like when electrons corresponding to fine pixel signals pass through the inside of the elements.
Furthermore, the RST, AMP, and SEL transistors, which are called pixel transistors, are frequently turned ON/OFF for generation of pixel signals. Therefore, the pixel transistors are required to have a good I-V characteristic. If the pixel transistors can be configured as single-crystal elements, a better I-V characteristic can be obtained.
Using a lamination technique for a semiconductor layer an FD on a semiconductor substrate, an image sensor including a light-shielding section between a light-receiving surface and the FD has been proposed (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
Furthermore, for example, if light is mixed in the FD of the image sensor, it results in noise and the like when photo-electric conversion is performed on the FD region of the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, it is desirable that the FD be shielded from light.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-212668    Non-Patent Document 1: H. Yamamoto, H. Ishihara, S. Furukawa, J. Appl. Phys., 25, 667 (1986).    Non-Patent Document 2: T. J. Donahue and Rief: J. Electrochem. Soc., 133, 1961 (1986).    Non-Patent Document 3: T. Takagi, Jpn. J. Appl., 64, 3516 (1988).    Non-Patent Document 4: Y. Kunii, M. Tabe, and Y. Sakakibara, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 26, 1008 (1987).    Non-Patent Document 5: L. Csepregi, E. F. Kenedy, T. J. Gallagher, J. W. Mayerand, T. W. Sigmon, J. Appl. Phys., 49, 4234 (1977).    Non-Patent Document 6: H. Ishihara, A. Tamba, H. Yamamoto, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 24, 513 (1985).    Non-Patent Document 7: T. Dan, Appl. Phys. Lett., 53, 2626 (1988).    Non-Patent Document 8: H. Hirayama, Y. Tatsumi, and N. Aizaki, Appl. Phys. Lett., 52, 2242 (1988)    Non-Patent Document 9: T. Rung, Y. KennethO, and R. Reif, Appl. Phys. Lett., 52, 1797 (1988)    Non-Patent Document 10: K. Yoneda, J. Sano, M. Michimoro, Y. Morimoto, S. Nakanishi, and H. Ogata, in proc. 4th Int. on SOI technology and device, D. N. Schmidt, Editor, PV90-6, p. 421,    Non-Patent Document 11: The Electrochemical Society Proceeding Series, Pennington, N.J. (1990)    Non-Patent Document 12: M. Moniwa, K. Kusuwada, E. Murakami, T. Warabisako, and M. Miyao, Appl. Phys. Lett., 52, 1788 (1988)    Non-Patent Document 13: Ueno, K. Suzuki, K. Iemura, K Kawai, T. MOrisawa, and I. Ohdomari, in Proceeding of the Forth International Symposiumon Siliconon Insulator Technology and Devices, PV90-6, 427 (1990)    Non-Patent Document 14: Y. Morimoto, S. Nakanishi, N. Oda, T. Yami, H. Matuda, H. Ogata, and K. Yoneda, J. Electrochem. Soc., 141, 188 (1994)    Non-Patent Document 15: M. Miyao, M. Moniwa, K. kusukawa, and W. Sike, J. Appl. Phys., 64, 3018 (1988)

Solid-state imaging apparatus, manufacturing method therefor, and electronic apparatus

Abstract: A charge accumulation section that is formed on a first semiconductor substrate and accumulates photoelectrically converted charges, a charge-retaining section that is formed on a second semiconductor substrate and retains charges accumulated in the charge accumulation section, and a transfer transistor that is formed on the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate and transfers charges accumulated in the charge accumulation section to the charge-retaining section are provided. A bonding interface between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate is formed in a channel of the transfer transistor.

Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation


New polymorphic forms of pravastatin sodium are provided. Each of the new forms is selectively obtained by crystallization from different solvent systems, each solvent system having a protic component, and by controlling the rate of crystallization through temperature. The new polymorphic forms are suitable for use as active substances of pharmaceutical dosage forms for reduction of serum cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

Pravastatin is a member of the class of pharmaceutical compounds called statins. Statins currently are the most effective treatment for lowering serum cholesterol levels in patients with atherosclerosis and hypercholesteremia. Pravastatin is the common medicinal name of the chemical compound [1S-[1α(β*,δ*)2α,6α,8β(R*),8aα]]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-β,δ,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-1-naphthalene-heptanoic acid. (CAS Registry No. 81093-37-0) The molecular structure of pravastatin is represented by Formula (I). "Pravastatin sodium" is defined as the monosodium salt of pravastatin, whether hydrated or anhydrous, solvated or unsolvated.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,227, incorporated herein by reference, pravastatin is reported as having been first isolated as a metabolite of compactin by M. Tanaka et al. during a study of compactin metabolism. The '227 patent discloses the isolation of pravastatin in its lactone form, as the methyl ester of the free carboxylic acid and as the monosodium salt of the free carboxylic acid ("pravastatin sodium"). Pravastatin sodium was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared ("IR") spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography. Pravastatin sodium was analyzed in solid form by IR spectroscopy using the conventional technique of co-mixing with potassium bromide ("KBr") and then compressing to form a KBr window or pellet. The IR spectrum of the pravastatin sodium obtained by absorption bands at 3400, 2900, 1725, 1580 cm−1. All other spectral measurements are repeated on pravastatin sodium in solution.
The present invention relates to new crystal forms of pravastatin sodium and compositions containing them. Polymorphism is the property of some molecules and molecular complexes to assume more than one crystalline form in the solid state. A single molecule may give rise to a variety of crystal forms (also called "polymorphs") having distinct physical properties. The existence of more than one crystal form can be determined in a laboratory by comparison of the angles at which X-ray radiation reflected from the forms undergoes constructive interference and by comparing the absorptions of incident infrared radiation at different wavelengths. The former technique is known as X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and the angles at which constructive interference occurs are known as reflections.
The differences in the physical properties of polymorphs result from the orientation and intermolecular interactions of adjacent molecules (complexes) in the bulk solid. Accordingly, polymorphs are distinct solids sharing the same molecular formula yet having distinct advantageous and/or disadvantageous physical properties compared to other forms in the polymorph family.
One of the most important physical properties of a polymorphic pharmaceutical compound is the solubility of each of its forms in aqueous solution, particularly the solubility in gastric juices of a patient. Other important properties relate to the ease of processing the form into pharmaceutical dosages, such as the tendency of a powdered or granulated form to flow and the surface properties that determine whether crystals of the form will adhere to each other when compacted into a tablet.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Teva Gyogyszergyar Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag


A process for purifying propylene oxide, which comprises washing propylene oxide containing aldehydes and subsequently contacting an aqueous phase obtained with an extractant.

As a producing process of propylene oxide, there is known a process in which an organic peroxide with propylene is reacted in the presence of an epoxidation catalyst.
In a liquid reaction mixture obtained by the reaction, water, hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing compounds such as methanol, formaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone and methyl formate, as impurities, are contained in addition to propylene oxide as a target product. Therefore, multi-stage purification steps become necessary to separate and recover propylene oxide of high purity from the liquid reaction mixture.
In purification of propylene oxide, it is publicly known to subject to extractive distillation using a hydrocarbon as an extractant. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,488 discloses that an alkane such as octane is effective for removing hydrocarbon impurities having 6 carbon atoms. Further, JP 50-007571 B discloses that an alkane such as octane is effective for removal of water. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,839 discloses that a hydrocarbon such as octane is effective for removal of impurities such as methanol, propionaldehyde and acetone.
However, according to studies of the present inventors, in the above-described method, effective separation of aldehydes contained in propylene oxide was difficult.


In an embodiment, a nutritional supplement composition is provided. The nutritional supplement composition is provided including a combination of 45 mg of flaxseed extract from the Linum usitatissimum strain, 25 mg of garlic extract Allium sativum strain and 40 mg shitake extract from the Lentinus edodes strain. The nutritional supplement is in the form of a compound known as SUCRALEZ™.

In the past, we commonly used all parts of natural foods when we consumed a meal. Human eating patterns naturally accessed nutrients available from what was eaten and very little nutrients were wasted as a result. For example, when eating fish, the muscular parts of the fish were consumed along with other parts such as connective tissue. When eating plants, the edible portion of the plant was consumed in its entirety. Our bodies would then filter out what was not consumable, such as the outer shell of a kernel of corn for example. As this occurred, our bodies would extract what nutrients could be found in the food to sustain and grow the human form. This allowed use of local foods to provide nutrients which were available, but was somewhat limited in that foods not available locally could not be used in most cases. Over time, we learned to travel and to ship food from where it was produced to where it could be consumed. Additionally, we learned to prepare foods, removing portions of the food which were either inedible, or undesirable. Removing the inedible parts typically provided some benefit, while parts that were simply undesirable sometimes held valuable ingredients.
Flax (Linum usitatissimum), also known as common flax or linseed, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop cultivated in cooler regions of the world.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Garlic is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran, and has long been a common seasoning worldwide, with a history of several thousand years of human consumption and use. China produces some 80% of the world supply of garlic, and it is produced in a variety of areas worldwide at this time.
The shiitake, Lentinula edodes, is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries. It is considered a medicinal mushroom in some forms of traditional medicine Shiitake's native land is Asia with a great presence in China. It has been held with great importance in Japan too. Its name, Shiitake, is Japanese, where 'Shii' is the name of the tree that usually hosts the mushroom. The tree belongs to the Birch family. 'Take' means the mushroom fruit. Despite its preferences above, Shiitake is very adaptable and can grow anywhere. In the US, for instance, people grow them in simple greenhouses, converted chicken houses, under tree shades outside, and virtually anywhere.


A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an SOI substrate in which a silicon substrate layer, a first insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer are layered in this order; a first transistor provided on the semiconductor layer; a second transistor provided on the silicon substrate layer and withstanding a higher voltage than the first transistor; and an element separation film provided between the first transistor and the second transistor, in which the element separation film includes a second insulating layer embedded in an opening that penetrates the semiconductor layer and the first insulating layer and reaches an inside of the silicon substrate layer, and a portion of the second insulating layer constitutes a gate insulating film of the second transistor.

In recent years, image sensors having various functions have been developed with the aim of being used in medical applications, three-dimensional imaging, and the like. Such image sensors include transistors having different withstand voltages. For example, a distance-measuring image sensor using a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) uses an advanced transistor (for example, a fully depleted (FD)-SOI transistor) that operates at a voltage of, for example, about 1 V or less, and a transistor (high-voltage transistor) that is able to receive a high voltage of, for example, several tens of volts or higher. The former transistor is used, for example, in a logic circuit, and the latter is used in a photon counting sensor. These transistors having different withstand voltages are typically formed on different substrates.
Meanwhile, for example, PTLs 1 and 2 each disclose a semiconductor device in which transistors having different withstand voltages are disposed on the same substrate. In the semiconductor device described in PTL 1, high-voltage transistors are disposed on a semiconductor layer of an SOI substrate. In the semiconductor device described in PTL 2, high-voltage transistors are disposed on a silicon substrate layer of an SOI substrate, and an embedded oxide film is used as a gate insulating film.

Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and electronic apparatus

SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION


Disclosed herein are a method and a device of real-time image processing. The method comprises capturing three images, enhancing a resolution of the images to obtain for each image a high-resolution image (HRI), obtaining two displacement vectors using the HRIs, obtaining a superimposed HRI based on the HRIs and the displacement vectors, obtaining a compensatory vector based on the displacement vectors, and generating a super-resolution image based on the superimposed HRI and the compensatory vector.

Recent advances in image processing techniques are primarily focused on improving a general user's visual experience, which is to a large extent affected by image resolution. As for handheld cameras or optical-zoom-capable surveillance cameras, shake, sway, or vibration of the camera body also contributes negatively to the visual experience.
To make an image high-resolution and clear, a digital still camera (DSC) or video camera typically employs optical zoom and digital zoom. Digital zoom takes over from optical zoom when the user demands a magnifying ratio larger than that supported by optical zoom. The camera's built-in processor performs digital zoom to simulate magnification, where some of the pixels are artificially generated and thus deteriorate the image. Magnifying the image without increasing the visual clarity often results in a blurry magnified image. The problem intensifies as the magnifying ratio becomes larger.
Furthermore, the general user is most likely not a professional photographer and is prone to shake the DSC or video camera while using it. Mechanical stabilizers installed on the lens have been developed to cope with this. The side effect, however, is added cost and weight to the camera, in conflict with the user's demand for lightness. In addition, mechanical stabilization does not address the demand for resolution enhancement.
In short, solutions exist for various aspects of image processing, though they are by no means perfect. Digital zoom is limited when it comes to obtain images of high visual clarity, and mechanical stabilization complicates camera design, adding weight and cost despite alleviating shake-induced image blurring.

Real-time image processing method and device enhancing the resolution of successive images


The invention provides a transmission apparatus, a recording apparatus, a transmission and reception apparatus, a transmission method, a recording method and a transmission and reception method by which data can be communicated between different apparatus over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication method wherein data can be transmitted and/or received periodically and a second communication method wherein data can be transmitted and/or received asynchronously.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a transmission apparatus, a recording apparatus, a transmission and reception apparatus, a transmission method, a recording method and a transmission and reception method by which data are transmitted and received through a data interface in accordance with a predetermined data communication format.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a recording apparatus and/or a reproduction apparatus which can record and/or reproduce music and so forth, a recording apparatus and/or a reproduction apparatus are known on which a magneto-optical disc, a magnetic tape or the like on which an audio signal is recorded as a digital signal is used as a recording medium. A mini disc (Trade Mark) is known as such a magneto-optical disc as mentioned above. In a recording and reproduction system in which the magneto-optical disc is used, a user can not only record and reproduce an audio signal of tunes and so forth as programs, but also record a title unique to the recording medium, that is, a disc name, and titles, that is, track names, of the programs such as tunes recorded on the recording medium as character information on the recording medium. For example, upon reproduction, the disc title, the titles of the tunes, the names of artists and so forth can be displayed on a display section of a reproduction apparatus.
It is to be noted that, in the present specification, the term xe2x80x9cprogramxe2x80x9d is used to signify a unit of audio data or the like such as a tune as main data recorded on a disc. For Example, audio data for one tune make one program. Also the term xe2x80x9ctrackxe2x80x9d is used in the same significance as the xe2x80x9cprogramxe2x80x9d.
A mini disc system in which a mini disc is used as a recording medium has been proposed by the Assignee of the present invention wherein a recording area. into which sub data incidental to audio data as main data can be recorded is provided separately from a recording area into which the main data are recorded on a mini disc such that still picture data and character data can be recorded as the sub data. It is to be noted that the character data in the present specification include also data of symbols, marks and so forth.
For example, also a conventional mini disc system different from the mini disc system described above can record character information such as a disc name and a track name. Such character information is recorded in a corresponding relationship to each program in the U-TOC (User Table Of Contents) of a mini disc. However, since the U-TOC itself does not have a very large capacity, it merely allows recording of characters of titles and so forth as described above.
In contrast, where an area exclusively used to record sub data therein is provided on a mini disc, it can be realized readily to record not only character information but also video data which do not require a very large capacity such as, for example, a still picture.
In recent years, digital direct broadcasting has spread progressively. The digital direct broadcasting is tough against noise and fading, for example, when compared with existing analog broadcasting, and allows transmission of a signal of a high quality. Further, the digital direct broadcasting exhibits an augmented frequency utilization efficiency and allows utilization of multiple channels. In particular, the digital direct broadcasting allows assurance of several hundreds channels with one satellite. In such digital direct broadcasting, a large number of exclusive channels for sports, motion pictures, music, news and so forth are prepared, and programs for respectively exclusive contents are broadcast in the exclusive channels.
It has been proposed to make use of such a digital direct broadcasting system as described above so that a user can download audio data of a tune or the like or can, for example, make a purchase contract regarding some commodity while observing a broadcasting screen. In short, the digital direct broadcasting system involves data service broadcasting together with broadcasting of ordinary broadcasting contents.
As an example, in downloading of music data, the broadcasting side multiplexes tune data and video data of an album jacket or the like and text data of liner notes, that is, sentences regarding tunes, artists and so forth, incidental to the tune data and broadcasts the multiplexed data in parallel to a broadcasting program. Upon downloading of such tune data and incidental information, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen, which is an operation screen for downloading, is displayed so that a user can perform interactive operations. Also data for such GUI screen outputting are broadcast in a multiplexed condition.
On the user side who owns a reception apparatus, while a desired channel is selected, a predetermined operation is performed for the reception apparatus so that a GUI screen for downloading tune data is displayed or outputted. Then, the user performs an operation for the operation screen displayed in this manner so that, for example, the data are supplied to and recorded by a digital audio apparatus connected to the reception apparatus.
Further, in recent years, a data transmission system has been proposed wherein various electronic apparatus such as digital AV (Audio Visual) apparatus and a personal computer apparatus are connected to each other, for example, by an IEEE (Institute of Electrical Engineers) 1394 bus so that data may be communicated between them.
From the technical background described above, it is a possible idea to provide a system wherein audio data as main data and video data and text data as sub data incidental to the audio data which can be handled by the mini disc system described above are broadcast as download data, for example, by digital direct broadcasting such that the user side can receive the download data by means of a digital direct broadcasting reception apparatus and record the received download data onto a mini disc by means of a mini disc player over an IEEE 1394 bus.
Further, if a personal computer apparatus or some other AV apparatus is connected to a mini disc player of such a system as just described over an IEEE 1394 bus, then also it is possible, for example, to fetch data reproduced by the AV apparatus into the personal computer apparatus and perform editing processing and so forth for the data using the personal computer or to cause the personal computer to perform operation control for some other AV apparatus.
Where the AV system whose components are connected to each other by the IEEE 1394 bus as described above transmits audio data as main data and video data or text data as sub data which are handled by the mini disc system described above, it is preferable to establish a transmission form which exhibits an efficiency as high as possible taking, for example, a burden to hardware, software and so forth into consideration while the IEEE 1394 standard is observed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission apparatus, a recording apparatus, a transmission and reception apparatus, a transmission method, a recording method and a transmission and reception method by which data can be communicated between different apparatus over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication method wherein data can be transmitted and/or received periodically and a second communication method wherein data can be transmitted and/or received asynchronously.
In order to attain the object described above, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmission apparatus which can communicate data with another apparatus over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be transmitted periodically and a second communication system wherein data can be transmitted asynchronously, including discrimination means for discriminating whether data to be transmitted are main data to be outputted successively in time or sub data relating to the main data and transmission means for transmitting, when the discrimination means discriminates that the data to be transmitted are main data to be outputted successively in time, the data in accordance with the first communication system but transmitting, when the discrimination means discriminates that the data are sub data relating to the main data, the data in accordance with the second communication system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus which communicates data over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be received periodically and a second communication system wherein data can be received asynchronously and records the received data onto a recording medium, including discrimination means for discriminating whether data received are main data transmitted thereto in accordance with the first communication system and to be outputted successively in time or sub data transmitted in accordance with the second communication system and relating to the main data and recording means for recording, when the discrimination means discriminates that the received data are main data to be outputted successively in time, the received main data into a first area of the recording medium but recording, when the discrimination means discriminates that the received data are sub data relating to the main data, the received sub data into a second area of the recording medium.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission and reception system, including first reception means for receiving main data to be outputted successively in time and sub data relating to the main data, transmission means for transmitting the main data received by the first reception means and to be outputted successively in time in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be transmitted periodically and transmitting the sub data relating to the main data in accordance with a second communication system wherein data can be transmitted asynchronously, second reception means for receiving the main data and the sub data transmitted from the transmission means over a single cable, and separation means for separating the main data transmitted in accordance with the first communication system and received by the second reception means and the sub data transmitted in accordance with the second communication system and received by the second reception means from each other.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmission method by which data can be communicated between different apparatus over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be transmitted periodically and a second communication system wherein data can be transmitted asynchronously, including the steps of discriminating whether data to be transmitted are main data to be outputted successively in time or sub data relating to the main data, and transmitting, when it is discriminated by the discriminating step that the data to be transmitted are main data to be outputted successively in time, the data in accordance with the first communication system but transmitting, when it is discriminated by the discriminating step that the data are sub data relating to the main data, the data in accordance with the second communication system.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording method by which data are communicated over a single data bus in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be received periodically and a second communication system wherein data can be received asynchronously and the received data are recorded onto a recording medium, including the steps of discriminating whether data received are main data transmitted thereto in accordance with the first communication system and to be outputted successively in time or sub data transmitted in accordance with the second communication system and relating to the main data, and recording, when it is discriminated by the discriminating step that the received data are main data to be outputted successively in time, the received main data into a first area of the recording medium but recording, when it is discriminated by the discriminating step that the received data are sub data relating to the main data, the received sub data into a second area of the recording medium.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission and reception method, including a first receiving step of receiving main data to be outputted successively in time and sub data relating to the main data, a transmitting step of transmitting the received main data to be outputted successively in time in accordance with a first communication system wherein data can be transmitted periodically and transmitting the sub data relating to the main data in accordance with a second communication system wherein data can be transmitted asynchronously, a second receiving step of receiving the main data and the sub data transmitted in the transmitting step over a single cable, and a separating step of separating the received main data transmitted in accordance with the first communication system and the received sub data transmitted in accordance with the second communication system from each other.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts or elements denoted by like reference symbols.

Transmission apparatus, recording apparatus, transmission and reception apparatus, transmission method, recording method and transmission and reception method


The present invention discloses a standoff control method and an apparatus for a plasma cutting machine capable of quickly correcting a deviation of the standoff with respect to a set value, keeping constant the standoff even if the cutting speed changes, preventing deterioration of the working efficiency even if a double-arc is generated, and properly detecting the use limit of the electrode. Standoff correction computing device (28) includes a reference voltage computation setter (36) for outputting a reference voltage between a workpiece to be cut and an electrode or a nozzle with respect to a predetermined standoff, an error computing device (37) for calculating the deviation of said detected voltage with respect to the reference voltage, and a correction quantity computing device (38) for outputting a vertical repositioning speed signal for the torch in accordance with the degree of the deviation. An electrode consumption/standoff detector (34) can be provided which outputs, to the error computing device (37) a standoff signal which is obtained by correcting for the degree of rise of the voltage which has taken place due to the consumption of the electrode (12).

A plasma cutting machine has a nozzle disposed to surround an electrode thereof so as to form a fluid passage for an operation gas and throttle a plasma generated in front of the leading portion of the electrode between the electrode and the workpiece to be cut so that the temperature of the plasma is raised and the size of the plasma arc is made to be uniform for the purpose of obtaining an excellent cut surface. However, if the distance between the torch composed of the electrode and the nozzle and the workpiece to be cut is changed, the plasma arc cannot be maintained or an excellent cut shape cannot be obtained because the size of the plasma arc is changed. Hence, the plasma cutting machine has been arranged in such a manner that the distance (hereinafter called a "standoff") between the torch and the workpiece to be cut is kept constant so that the cutting work is performed satisfactorily.
In a case where the standoff is controlled, it has been known that the arc voltage between the workpiece to be cut and the electrode or the nozzle has a proportional relationship with the standoff. The relationship can be utilized to detect the arc voltage, and the detected arc voltage is maintained at a constant value (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-195582 for example).
However, the aforesaid conventional method is arranged in such a manner that the quantity of the displacement of the torch is simply changed in accordance with the level of the deviation between the detected arc voltage and a reference voltage. Therefore, if the deviation is excessively large, it takes excessive time to realize a predetermined standoff, causing a delay of response to take place. As a result, a satisfactory cutting accuracy cannot be obtained. The aforesaid method is arranged in such a manner that, if the deviation has become excessively large, an abnormal voltage detection circuit disposed individually from a circuit for controlling the standoff detects it so as to turn off the arc voltage. Therefore, the efficiency of the cutting operation deteriorates. What is worse, if the deviation becomes excessively toward negative values, the torch is moved downwardly and the arc is turned off by the abnormal voltage detection circuit so that the deviation is converted into positive values. Hence, the continuation of the downward movement of the torch will cause the torch to collide with the workpiece to be cut, and therefore there is a risk that the torch or the workpiece to be cut is damaged.
Furthermore, consideration has not been taken against the change in the arc voltage with respect to a rise in the arc voltage or a change in the cutting speed due to the consumption of the electrode. As a result, the quantity of the standoff is changed due to the consumption of the electrode or a change in the cutting speed. Therefore, an excellent cutting operation cannot be performed.
In another case in which rebounds of molten metal adhere to a portion adjacent to the nozzle after the torch has approached the workpiece to be cut, or in another case in which the gas flow is disordered due to deformation of the nozzle, a double-arc takes place, for example, between the workpiece to be cut and the nozzle. Hence, the nozzle can be damaged, causing the cutting work to be interrupted. Therefore, an apparatus has been suggested (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-43831) which is arranged in such a manner that attention has been paid to the fact that the output voltage from the power source for generating the plasma arc is reduced when the torch comes closer to the workpiece to be cut than a predetermined distance and when the impedance has been reduced, and the output from the power source is shut off if the aforesaid output voltage becomes lower than a reference voltage, so that the torch is protected. However, the cutting operation is temporarily stopped and the working efficiency deteriorates because a command signal, to cause the output from the power source for generating the plasma arc to be zero, is outputted at the time of the generation of the double-arc.
Another method and apparatus has been known (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-24864) which detects the use limit of the electrode in accordance with the change of the arc electric current, which is generated between the electrode and the workpiece to be cut, and the voltage. However, since the use limit is detected in accordance with the changes of the waveforms of the electric current and the voltage at the time of the use limit of the electrode, it can be detected after the electrode has been damaged. Therefore, the workpiece to be cut is wasted and the nozzle is damaged. Furthermore, the aforesaid method arranged to detect the use limit in accordance with the voltage cannot easily be put into practical use because the voltage value changes when the cutting conditions are changed.
In order to overcome the aforesaid problems experienced with the conventional technology, an object of the present invention is to provide a standoff control method and an apparatus for a plasma cutting machine capable of quickly correcting deviation of standoff from a set value, capable of keeping constant standoff even if the cutting speed changes, capable of preventing the drop of working efficiency even at the time of occurrence of double-arc and capable of accurately detecting the use limit of an electrode even if the cutting conditions change.

Standoff control method and apparatus for plasma cutting machine


In one embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed including executing one or more commands of a work script to perform work on a portion of a netlist of an integrated circuit design; receiving an indication of a program fault in a first integrated circuit (IC) design program performing work on the portion of the netlist in response to the one or more commands of the work script; and generating a debug work script associated with the work script in response to the program fault, the debug work script including an identification of the portion of the netlist of the integrated circuit design upon which work was being performed during the program fault.

Despite all of the verification and testing of software during development, every program fault, error, or bug may not be eliminated. Oftentimes when application software is released for sales to customers/users, additional bugs may be found due to the manner in which a customer or user is using the application software or the infinite number of user input variables that may be used. Sometimes, but not often, user input data may be in error and cause a program fault or crash. Occasionally, a user's computer system hardware has a problem that causes a program fault or crash.
Previously when software faulted or crashed, a core dump of memory at the time of the fault or crash was available. However, the core dump only provided a snap shot of the state of the computer memory at the time of the crash. Little prior information leading up to the software fault or crash was available to assist in debug.
Additionally in the design of integrated circuits (ICs), the fault or crash may occur hours after initial execution of the software program. The software developers/programmers often have to wait for the software program to execute for hours before reaching the problem that caused the fault or crash.
Moreover, extensive information regarding the design of an integrated circuit (IC) is often required from a user to debug a fault or crash that occurs during execution of the integrated circuit design software. The complete netlist of the entire integrated circuit design and cell library are often required to debug the program. The top level netlist files of an entire integrated circuit are typically unwieldy due to their large file sizes. Additionally, users are often reluctant to give out such extensive information to the software developer because of its importance and any trade secret information that may be contained therein.
Thus, it is desirable to simplify the software debug process for integrated circuit design software.

Systems and methods for reduced test case generation


The invention relates to a method for producing an electrochemical cell comprising at least one porous electrode (2′), the method comprising at least the following method steps: (a) providing an electrode composition in the form of a homogeneous mixture comprising (i) at least one particulate active material (3); (ii) at least one particulate binder (5); (iii) at least one particulate pore-forming agent (4); and (iv) optionally at least one conducting additive (6); (b) forming a mouldable mass from the electrode composition; (c) applying the electrode composition to at least one surface of a substrate (1) to obtain a compact electrode (2); (d) producing an electrochemical cell comprising at least one compact electrode (2) which comprises the electrode composition according to method step (a); and (e) heating the at least one compact electrode (2) to liquefy the at least one particulate pore-forming agent (4); and/or (f) bringing the compact electrode (2) into contact with at least one liquid electrolyte composition or at least one liquid constituent of an electrolyte composition for an electrochemical cell which is capable of at least partially dissolving the at least one particulate pore-forming agent (4) to obtain a porous electrode (2), wherein method steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are carried out substantially without solvents.

The invention relates to a process for producing a porous electrode for an electrode. The invention also relates to an electrode and the use of an electrode in an electrochemical cell.
Electrodes for electrochemical cells, for example electrodes for lithium-containing battery cells or electrodes for fuel cells, generally comprise at least one particulate material (e.g. particulate active materials and/or conductive additives) which is bonded by means of at least one binder to give an agglomerated electrode composition. A very homogeneous distribution of all constituents of the electrode composition, i.e. both all particulate materials and all binders, is critical for the quality of the electrodes. Two fundamentally different processes have been described for this purpose in the prior art. The electrodes obtained by means of these processes differ first and foremost in terms of their porosity. A high porosity is advantageous in the electrode to bring about rapid diffusion of the charge carriers (e.g. lithium ions).
In the slurry process, an active material slip in which the particulate materials are dispersed in a solution composed of a polymeric binder and a suitable solvent is produced. The slip is subsequently applied to a current collector in a coating process. The solvent is then removed by drying so as to give a porous layer of the particulate materials and the binder on the surface of the current collector.
US 2015/0357626 A1 and US 2010/0015327 A1 describe processes of this type in which a pore former is additionally added to the active material slip and is dissolved out of the electrode in a later step. The porosity of the electrode is increased further in this way. As preferred pore former, mention is made of ethylene carbonate.
As an alternative, a process for the solvent-free production of an electrode composition which can be applied to the surface of a current collector or be processed to form free-standing electrode sheets has been described in, for example, US 2015/303481. In this process, an electrode composition is provided in the form of a shapeable composition comprising at least one electrode active material and at least one polymeric binder and optionally at least one conductive additive. Fibrils are formed from the binder particles by introduction of shear forces (e.g. by use of mechanical mills such as jet mills or ball mills), and these fibrils bring about agglomeration of the electrode composition. The shapeable composition can, for example, be shaped by means of an extruder and/or calender to give a stable, free-standing electrode sheet and applied to a current collector. Alternatively, the shapeable composition can be applied directly to a current collector. The electrode obtained displays a comparatively low porosity which is reduced by compression processes during extrusion or calendering. This has the consequence that the active material is less accessible to the charge carriers. In addition, the otherwise homogeneous distribution of the active material particles and the binder is impaired by the calendering processes at elevated temperatures which are frequently employed. This frequently leads to agglomeration of polymer constituents of the binder on the surface of the electrode, as a result of which the accessibility for the charge carriers decreases further.

Method for producing porous electrodes for electrochemical cells