A novel method for preventing the formation of voids in metal interconnects fabricated on a wafer, particularly during a thermal anneal process, is disclosed. The method includes fabricating metal interconnects between metal lines on a wafer. During a thermal anneal process carried out to reduce electrical resistance of the interconnects, the wafer is positioned in spaced-apart relationship to a wafer heater. This spacing configuration facilitates enhanced stabilility and uniformity in heating of the wafer by reducing the presence of particles on and providing a uniform flow of heated air or gas against and the wafer backside. This eliminates or at least substantially reduces the formation of voids in the interconnects during the anneal process.

The fabrication of various solid state devices requires the use of planar substrates, or semiconductor wafers, on which integrated circuits are fabricated. The final number, or yield, of functional integrated circuits on a wafer at the end of the IC fabrication process is of utmost importance to semiconductor manufacturers, and increasing the yield of circuits on the wafer is the main goal of semiconductor fabrication. After packaging, the circuits on the wafers are tested, wherein non-functional dies are marked using an inking process and the functional dies on the wafer are separated and sold. IC fabricators increase the yield of dies on a wafer by exploiting economies of scale. Over 1000 dies may be formed on a single wafer which measures from six to twelve inches in diameter.
Various processing steps are used to fabricate integrated circuits on a semiconductor wafer. These steps include deposition of a conducting layer on the silicon wafer substrate; formation of a photoresist or other mask such as titanium oxide or silicon oxide, in the form of the desired metal interconnection pattern, using standard lithographic or photolithographic techniques; subjecting the wafer substrate to a dry etching process to remove the conducting layer from the areas not covered by the mask, thereby etching the conducting layer in the form of the masked pattern on the substrate; removing or stripping the mask layer from the substrate typically using reactive plasma and chlorine gas, thereby exposing the top surface of the conductive interconnect layer; and cooling and drying the wafer substrate by applying water and nitrogen gas to the wafer substrate.
The numerous processing steps outlined above are used to cumulatively apply multiple electrically conductive and insulating layers on the wafer and pattern the layers to form the circuits. The final yield of functional circuits on the wafer depends on proper application of each layer during the process steps. Proper application of those layers depends, in turn, on coating the material in a uniform spread over the surface of the wafer in an economical and efficient manner. The various layers define circuit components or devices such as transistors.
After the individual devices have been fabricated on the substrate, they must be connected together to perform the desired circuit functions. This interconnection process is generally known as "metallization" and is performed using a number of different photolithographic, deposition, and removal techniques. In a common interconnection process, two interconnect channels of conductor materials are separated by interlayer dielectric layers in vertically separated planes perpendicular to each other and interconnected by a vertical connection, or "via", at their closest point.
A conventional device structure 65 is shown in FIG. 1. In fabrication of the device structure 65, via openings 74 are typically formed by initial deposition of a silicon dioxide intermetal dielectric (IMD) layer 68 of desired thickness which corresponds to the thickness for the via openings 74 to be etched in the IMD layer 68. The IMD layer 68 covers metal lines 67 fabricated in or on a wafer 66. Photolithography and dry etching are used to pattern and etch the via openings 74 in the IMD layer 68.
Next, a barrier layer 70 of Ta or TaN is deposited on the sidewalls and bottoms of the via openings 74. A uniform copper seed layer 71 is then deposited on the barrier layer 74 using CVD. After the trenches and vias are filled with a copper via plug 69 in a single copper inlay step, the copper overburden extending from the via openings 74 is removed and the upper surfaces of the metal lines planarized using CMP. An additional metal line 73 is formed on the IMD layer 68, in electrical contact with each via plug 69.
After formation of the via plugs 69, the device structure 65 is typically subjected to a thermal anneal step which is carried out in an RTP (rapid thermal processing) chamber (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, in the RTP chamber the wafer 66 is placed on a wafer heater 75, with the heating surface of the wafer heater 75 disposed in direct physical and thermal contact with the backside of the wafer 66. The anneal step reduces the electrical resistance of the via plugs 69 in the device structure 65.
In the thermal anneal step, the wafer 66 is directly heated by the wafer heater 75. After initial placement of the wafer 66 on the wafer heater 75, the wafer heater 75 is gradually heated to a target temperature. Frequently, however, the actual processing temperature overshoots the target temperature for the wafer 66. Furthermore, the presence of particles (not shown) which remain on the wafer heater 75 upon placement of the wafer 66 thereon adversely affect the heating performance of the wafer heater 75. Moreover, the wafer-heating characteristics vary among different RTP chambers in a processing sequence, resulting in different results among multiple wafers in a lot or between lots.
As further shown in FIG. 1, voids 72 are a common structural anomaly which occurs in the via plug 69 as a result of imprecise or unstable heating of the wafer 66 during the thermal anneal process. These voids 72 partially or completely break electrical communication between the lower-level metal lines 67 and upper-level metal lines 73 in the device structure 65. Accordingly, a method is needed for preventing the formation of voids in via plugs, particularly during a thermal anneal process carried out to reduce the electrical resistance of the via plugs in a device structure.
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for preventing the formation of voids in via plugs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for preventing the formation of voids in via plugs by providing uniform and stable heating of a wafer during a thermal anneal process.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel void formation prevention method in which uniform and stable heating of a wafer during a thermal anneal process is carried out by providing a wafer heater and spacing the wafer from the wafer heater.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel void formation prevention method in which a wafer is spaced from a wafer heater to facilitate uniform and stable heating of the wafer during a thermal anneal process by providing multiple spacer pins on the wafer heater and supporting the wafer on the spacer pins, above the heater during the thermal anneal process.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel void formation prevention method in which a wafer is spaced from a wafer heater to facilitate uniform and stable heating of the wafer during a thermal anneal process by providing at least one gripper block, causing engagement of the gripper block with the wafer and supporting the wafer above the wafer heater during the thermal anneal process.

Method for preventing voids in metal interconnects

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


The present invention is directed to a system and method for use in a computing environment to provide object counts by utilizing object images. Objects are detected and images are captured using a programmable array of light sources and photo detectors. The images are compared against known images to ascertain the identity of the objects and subsequently count the objects.

1. Background Art
The present invention relates generally to the field of object detection, evaluation and counting. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for detecting the presence of a passing object, providing an image of the object and utilizing the image to identifiably include the object in an overall count.
It is known in the art to utilize light emitting sources and photo detectors to detect the presence of a passing object. For example, in the manufacture of pharmaceutical pills, a dispensing machine known as a slat filler is utilized for filling pill bottles. In order to determine how many pills are fed into a bottle, a number of inspection apparatus have been coupled to or around the slat machine.
Inspection apparatus have typically been optical counters. Some of the optical counters have required a feed system that ensures that the objects, which are to be counted, are presented across a photo detection device in a single file. Further still, such systems have required that the objects are spaced a sufficient distance apart to allow discrete passing of objects between a light source and a sensor. Such system interfere with the packaging process by placing constraints on the feed rates of the pills and requiring mechanical adaptations to the bottle filler. The accuracy of such systems is also an issue with respect to miscounts caused by shadows and other interference. In an attempt to overcome some of these limitations other counting systems were implemented.
For example, in some prior art systems an array of light sensitive elements have been provided to measure by triangulation, individual distances to successively scanned points on the surface of a passing object. Thereby obtaining position data for the scanned points. The position data is then used in relation to a reference plane to provide a profile of the passing object along the scanned points. While the triangulation method improved accuracy and proper detection of an actual object, the problems relating to the bunching of pills and the location of such detection relative to the opening of the bottle remain unresolved.
Other prior art systems have incorporated a bank of at least two linear arrays, which extend in the direction of the reflected light beam. The arrays are positioned such that a light beam from the scanned points can straddle over the linear arrays. By utilizing a scheme of creating definite subdivisions of light receiving elements, the prior art system produces a coded signal that can be readily interpreted by relatively simple circuitry. None the less such systems have required the addition of supplementary hardware to the slat filler machine in the form of pin purge bars. Further still, this and other counting systems have not provided counting of the objects and rather have focused on merely just detection. Even further, these prior art systems have not utilized image captures to identify and count objects.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method and system to provide object counts in manufacturing process, wherein the system is easily configured to suit the dimensions of intended articles of manufacture as well as the manufacturing equipment. Further, there is a need for a system that is able to accurately identify objects that are to be counted and to count the objects.

Method and apparatus for programmable zoned array counter


An electrical receptacle includes an exterior component and an interior component received inside the exterior component. Main electrical connectors have exterior end portions aligned with main connector openings of the interior component and have interior end portions disposed in alignment with main terminal channels of the exterior component. First and/or second central connectors each having substantially circular portions extend from an end plate of the exterior component and have exterior portions extending to a central connector opening of the interior component. Also featured is a method for electrically connecting the electrical receptacle to a controller device.

Lighting fixtures can be automatically switched on at dusk and off at dawn using twist-lock photoelectric controllers. The lighting fixtures may be used to light roads, parking lots and other areas outdoors. The photoelectric controller senses the intensity of the ambient light and switches the lighting fixtures on and off as appropriate. The photoelectric controllers are typically oriented so that the photocell faces North, away from direct sunlight in the Northern hemisphere (and in a southerly direction in the Southern hemisphere). It is also desired to be able to easily adjust the receptacle that receives the photoelectric controller to achieve the desired orientation.
Lighting fixtures for street lights typically include an electrical receptacle that receives the photoelectric controller that is mounted to a housing on the top of the lighting fixture. The electrical receptacle is wired to the power supply of the lighting fixture. The photoelectric controller has three main terminals that are inserted into the electrical receptacle and twisted to lock the photoelectric controller to the receptacle.
The orientation of the photoelectric controller in the Northern direction is accomplished by the use of a metal snap ring having fingers that engage the electrical receptacle and urge it toward the housing of the lighting fixture using a spring force. This is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,143. The electrical receptacle may be lifted up against the spring force and turned to orient the receptacle North. Circumferential holes located in an upper circular end plate of the electrical receptacle receive pins formed around an opening in the housing for securing the electrical receptacle to the housing. In another approach in which no snap ring is used, the electrical receptacle is oriented by loosening a screw in the top of the receptacle, rotating the receptacle until indicia on the receptacle points to the desired position and then re-tightening the screw.

Receptacle connector between controller and lighting fixture


Aspects according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a quantum dot sheet, and a light unit and a liquid crystal display including the same, having desirable features of being capable of increasing light efficiency. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to increase light efficiency by forming a quantum dot sheet including quantum dots in a pattern in which multiple layers having different refractive indexes are repeatedly stacked.

1. Field
The present invention relates to a quantum dot sheet, and a light unit and a liquid crystal display including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Unlike emissive displays such as plasma display panels (PDPs), field emission displays (FEDs), etc., liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are non-emissive displays that are incapable of emitting light by themselves, and thus incident light from the outside is required to display an image. Thus, a backlight unit (BLU) for emitting light is positioned at a rear side of an LCD.
A cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) has been utilized as a light source for the BLU for the LCD. However, as sizes of the LCDs become larger, when the CCFL is utilized as the light source, there is a problem that luminance uniformity is not guaranteed and color purity deteriorates.
Recently, a BLU utilizing three color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has been developed, and the BLU utilizing these three color LEDs as a light source can implement high color purity, thereby being applicable to high quality display devices. However, the LED BLU has a drawback that its cost is very high compared with that of the BLU utilizing the CCFL as the light source. In order to overcome such a drawback, a white LED is being developed in which light emitted out of a single color LED chip is converted into white light.
However, while the white LED is economically feasible, it has a problem that color purity and color reproducibility are low, and thus efforts for utilizing a semiconductor nanocrystal as the BLU have recently been made to improve the color reproducibility and the color purity, and to ensure price competitiveness.
However, such a semiconductor nanocrystal also has a problem in that it emits light in all directions, and thus the light directed in a front direction is no more than about 50% at maximum.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Quantum dot sheet and light unit and liquid crystal display including the same


A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications.

Fluid is commonly pumped though tubing inserted into a well to drill or to provide intervention services, such as stimulation or milling of obstructions. Means for pulsing this flow of fluid have been developed for a variety of applications, including mud pulse telemetry, well stimulation, enhanced drilling, and to extend the lateral range of drilling motors or other well intervention tools. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,701 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,219 disclose hydraulic impulse generators incorporating self-piloted poppet valves designed to periodically at least partially interrupt the flow of fluid at the bottom end of the tubing. At least partially interrupting the flow of fluid in this manner leads to an increase in pressure upstream of the valve and a decrease in pressure downstream of the valve.
Pressure pulsations in the tubing upstream of the bottomhole assembly (BHA) have a variety of beneficial effects. The pulsations can improve the performance of rotary drilling by applying a cyclical mechanical load on the bit and cyclic pressure load on the material being cut. In combination, these loads can enhance cutting. In addition, the pulsating vibrations induced by these tools in the tubing can reduce the friction required to feed the tubing into long deviated wells.
The valve also generates pressure fluctuations or pulses in the wellbore near the tool. These pressure pulses can enhance chemical placement in the formation and enhance the production of formation fluids such as oil or gas. In addition, these pulses can be employed to generate a signal that can be used for seismic processing.
The valve designs disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,237,701 and 7,139,219 generate a relatively short pressure pulse, which limits both pulse energy and the effectiveness of the pressure pulse. Commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/957,049 describes an improved apparatus that limits the pressure differential causing the valve to shift from the open to the closed position and incorporates flow restrictions that further limit the shift rate of the valve between the open and closed positions. The apparatus incorporates a spool valve with clearance seals between sliding valve parts. These clearance seals are wear areas, so that the clearance area at the seals may vary during the time that the valve is in service. When the valve is closed, a critical clearance seal area is subject to high differential pressure. Leakage across this clearance seal gap increases the shift speed and reduces the time that the valve stays closed. Close control of this timing is critical for effective operation of the valve. The clearance tolerance range required for acceptable operation is small, and there can be substantial variations in valve performance if the tolerance range is not met. Increased clearance causing increased fluid leakage through the seals is associated with reduced pulse amplitude and duration. Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a seal that limits leakage in this area of the valve and provides longer pulses, resulting in more uniform pressure profiles.
Further, it would be desirable to increase the amplitude and duration of pulses produced by a hydraulic pulse valve. It would also be desirable to reduce the variability in the pulse profile caused by clearance variations and wear and to provide a reliable, debris-resistant means for adjusting the timing of the valve, i.e., the time required for the valve to move between the open and closed states.

Split ring shift control for hydraulic pulse valve


In a method for transmitting data over a fieldbus of process automation technology with a field device in which a first application program for a first fieldbus protocol runs, the data of a second application program for a second transmission protocol are mapped onto the first fieldbus protocol and transmitted as fieldbus telegrams.

The invention relates to a method for transferring data via a fieldbus of process automation technology, as such method is defined in the preamble of claim 1.
In process automation technology, field devices are frequently used, in order to control the flow of an industrial process.
To this end, process variables are registered with the help of sensors, and controlled variables are controlled with the help of actuators.
Field devices for determining flow rate, fill level, pressure difference, temperature, etc. are generally known. They serve for registering the corresponding process variables flow rate, fill level, pressure, temperature, etc., and are most often arranged in the immediate vicinity of the process components of concern.
Examples of actuators are controllable valves, which control the flow rate of a liquid or gas in a section of pipeline.
The field devices are frequently connected via a fieldbus with a control unit, which controls the total process flow. In the control units, the measured values of the individual sensors are evaluated and the appropriate actuators are actuated.
Often, fieldbusses are also connected with superordinated communication networks, which serve for data communication with control systems and with company and/or office equipment. In this way, an integrated communication is possible within a company, from the field level into the various company levels. Besides a bounded communication in the local networks LAN, with appropriate connection, also a worldwide communication via the Internet WAN is possible.
In the control systems, process flow is monitored and visualized. Error reports are recorded there. From the control system, direct access to the individual field devices is also possible. This enables querying and modification of parameter values and configuration data. Additionally, diagnosis functions can also be called-up from the control system.
Recently, in process automation technology, systems have also become know, in the case of which the fieldbus is dispensed with, and the field devices are connected directly with a superordinated communication network. The most wide spread network is Ethernet with TCP/IP. Via this, a compatibility within various company levels and, beyond this, also outside of the company, is possible with the Internet.
Via the company network, emails and process data can, in this way, be transmitted simultaneously.
The superordinated company networks based on Ethernet work according to the client/server principle. Fieldbusses, in contrast, work according to the publisher/subscriber principle. The protocols are correspondingly designed.
The strengths of Ethernet with TCP/IP lie in the monitoring/parametering of plants, or plant parts, as the case may be. For control with distributed intelligence, fieldbusses are, in contrast, better suited.
At present, in the case of fieldbusses, no method for data transmission is known, which is capable of meeting both requirements.

Method for transferring data via a fieldbus of the process automation technology


A method is disclosed for automatically determining the position and orientation of the left ventricle and/or adjacent regions in 3D image data records of the heart that have been recorded with the aid of an imaging, tomographic method after injection of contrast agent. In the method, the left ventricle is firstly coarsely segmented, and the long main axis is determined from the segmented image data. Starting from this long main axis, end points of a boundary line of the septum are determined in a plane by using search beams. The segmented image data, the long main axis and the end points fix the position and orientation of the left ventricle in the image data record.

In addition to the visualization, already previously carried out, of coronary heart diseases, modern techniques of computed tomography, in particular multi-slice computed tomography, also enable a visualisation of the heart for a functional analysis. Here, the recording of the 3D image data of the heart is performed after a contrast agent injection, in order to be able to distinguish regions supplied with blood and therefore enriched with contrast agent, clearly from structures not supplied with blood.
An essential precondition for the functional cardio analysis with the aid of 3D image data of a tomographic modality is a suitable visualization of the image data, in which the viewer can at any time detect and/or interrogate the precise position of an arbitrary point in the heart that he has marked in the image. Above all, this requires a correct delimitation between the left ventricle, the right ventricle and the myocardium.
Such a delimitation requires a segmentation of the 3D image data into the individual regions of the heart. Recently, use has increasingly been made for this purpose of model based methods, for example those based on the so called "Active Shape Model" (ASM) or the so-called "Point Distribution Model" (PDM). Details on these models, which are built on the basis of training data and adapted to the existing 3D image data, are to be found, for example, in T. Cootes et al., "Statistical Models of Appearance for Computer Vision", University of Manchester, Dec. 5, 2000, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
However, a segmentation of the left ventricle and of structures of the myocardium in 3D image data of the heart has so far been possible with the aid of such a model only through time consuming manual interaction with the user. Assigning the individual regions of the heart in accordance with a segment model such as the 17 segment model of the American Heart Association (AHA segment model) has also so far required manual interaction with the user. During this manual interaction, the user has had to mark in the images displayed boundary points of the septum on the basis of which it has been possible to assign the segment model in conjunction with the already segmented image data. Such a segment model divides the heart into basal, mid-ventricular and apically defined regions to which reference is respectively made by specialists when describing the heart.

Method for automatically determining the position and orientation of the left ventricle in 3D image data records of the heart


Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for dynamically inserting secondary content into a live stream or a video on demand (VOD). The secondary content can include, for example, a public service announcement or warning, censoring content, live or prerecorded commentary, an advertisement, or any other type of content to be integrated with or inserted into the main content. Example methods may include receiving a content stream including a first fragment having a first duration and a second fragment having the first duration. Certain methods may include determining an increased quality of service associated with encoding the content stream into fragments having a second duration. Certain methods may include generating, based at least in part on the increased quality of service, a third fragment having the second duration, and sending the content stream having the third fragment to a user device.

The increased availability of media content over data communications networks such as the Internet has mirrored the increased bandwidth for these networks. The delivery of media over these networks can be accomplished in many ways, including through on-demand video distribution (sometimes referred to as video on demand (VOD) or on demand viewing) and media streaming (sometimes referred to as live streaming, pseudo-live streaming, or streaming). Video on demand is a media distribution system that allows users to select and consume media content whenever they choose, rather than at a scheduled broadcast time. For example, a user can watch or listen to video or audio content, such as movies and TV shows, at any desired time, regardless of the time of the original broadcast. Media streaming systems allow users to consume media that is simultaneously (or near simultaneously) recorded and broadcast in real-time. For example, a user could watch a live stream of a social media influencer or a celebrity pursuing an activity of interest, such as a famous chef cooking a meal in real-time. Because media has recently taken a more prominent role in data communications, the distribution of media and the data associated with such distribution through video on demand or media streaming platforms has become increasingly important to media content distributors, Internet providers, local and federal governments, and advertisers.


A programmable logic device includes a configuration memory, a checker, and a redundant-logic detector. An array of programmable logic and interconnect resources is configurable to implement a selected user design. The configuration memory stores configuration data that configures the array of programmable logic and interconnect resources to implement the specified user design. A checker calculates a sequence of checksums from the configuration data that is stored in the configuration memory. A redundant-logic detector indicates corruption of the configuration data stored in the configuration memory in response to at least two consecutive checksums in the sequence not matching a reference value.

A programmable logic device (PLD) may implement a user design by programming a configuration memory of the PLD with configuration data that is generated from a specification of a user design. If the configuration data in the configuration memory is unintentionally modified, then the PLD may no longer implement the user design. For example, cosmic radiation may inject a stream of charged particles into the PLD and an electrical node in the PLD may collect enough charge from the stream of charged particles to cause a temporary change in the value of the electrical node. If the electrical node is on a feedback loop, such as a storage node of a SRAM memory cell, the temporary change in the value of the electrical node may cause corruption of data, such as changing the value stored in the SRAM memory cell. Thus, cosmic radiation may corrupt the configuration data stored in the configuration memory of a PLD and consequently corrupt the user design that is implemented in the PLD by the configuration data.
A checker can monitor the configuration data in the configuration memory of the PLD and issue an error upon detection of the corruption of the configuration data. However, cosmic radiation and noise sources may affect the checker such that an error is issued even though the configuration data is not corrupted. For example, a signal for reading configuration data from the configuration memory may be changed by charge injected into the signal from cosmic radiation, such that the checker falsely indicates corruption of the configuration data. Addressing false indications of corruption of the configuration data may be time consuming and expensive.
The present invention may address one or more of the above issues.

Detecting corruption of configuration data of a programmable logic device


Disclosed is an adaptive connection admission control method by traffic measurement and estimation, which includes the steps of determining whether a connection is to be accepted or not by using the peak cell rate among the user-declared traffic parameters and the estimation value of the average cell rate of individual connections under service as inputs when a connection set-up request signal is inputted into the system, the step of reducing the number of connections when a connection release request signal is inputted, and the step of calculating the measured value of the average cell rate of all the connections passing through an output link and the estimated value of the average cell rate of individual connections when the measuring interval has ended, to thereby accomplish accurate and smooth connection controls.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a an adaptive connection admission control method using measurement and estimation of traffic in active service.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a conventional Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network, congestion of the network may occur due to an unexpected traffic change of broad-band traffic, and thus a powerful and reliable traffic control mechanism for overcoming such problems is needed in an ATM system. A connection admission control system is used as a traffic control mechanism and determines whether a user's connection demand is accepted or not. A new connection is made only when a sufficient bandwidth is provided to such an extent that a quality of service (QoS) of the new connection can be guaranteed without lowering the QoS of existing services.
Conventional connection admission control methods are classified into two types. One is a method based upon a traffic parameter defined by a user, and the other is grounded on a measurement.
Generally speaking, as traffic parameters, representing a characteristic of a broad-band traffic, a peak cell rate and an average cell transmitting rate are used. The peak cell rate is readily defined as the reciprocal of the minimum interval between cells, but it is difficult to get an accurate average cell rate in advance because of its statistical characteristics.
Accordingly, the connection admission control method based upon a traffic parameter defined by a user is not accurate, and the efficiency of utilization of the bandwidth is conspicuously reduced if the traffic parameter is set inappropriately. Furthermore, in the case of the connection admission control method by a measurement, the traffic changes statistically and it is very difficult to set the measuring period of the measuring mechanism and the associated hardware, and therefore the measurement is hard to make accurately.

Adaptive connection admission control method using traffic measurement and estimation

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A substrate support assembly includes a ground shield and a heater that is surrounded by the ground shield. The ground shield includes a plate. In one embodiment, the ground shield is composed of a ceramic body and includes an electrically conductive layer, a first protective layer on the upper surface of the plate. In another embodiment, the ground shield is composed of an electrically conductive body and a first protective layer on the upper surface of the plate.

In the semiconductor industry, heaters are used to support substrates and to heat those substrates during processing, such as during deposition processes and/or etch processes that use plasma. A radio frequency (RF) field may be introduced to a substrate processing apparatus to facilitate oscillation between the heater and other components of the processing unit, which aids in the use of plasma. Ground shields may be used to help ground the heater to allow for greater uniformity of a plasma during this processing. Current ground shields are made of aluminum or stainless steel materials, and are coated with a protective coating that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is very different from a CTE of the aluminum or stainless steel. Because of the significantly different CTE values between aluminum or stainless steel materials and traditional protective coatings on the ground shield, the protective coating frequently cracks, exposing the aluminum or stainless steel material to a corrosive environment and/or to plasma. This prevents existing ground shields from being used in biased, high temperature applications.

Corrosion resistant ground shield of processing chamber


A method for performing piercing preferentially on a laser beam machine by taking advantage of a capability to change laser machining tools automatically. A laser beam machine is equipped with a device for changing a torch and nozzle automatically. The laser beam machine is equipped with a means of selecting preferential treatment of piercing after nesting data is prepared by a CAM or NC system and performs piercing alone in favor of cutting by changing to a special-purpose piercing tool.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a piercing method which makes it possible to enable unskilled operators to operate a laser beam machine, maximize machining quality and productivity for each material and workpiece thickness, accomplish long, unattended operation, and perform piecing preferentially with a special-purpose piecing torch.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to conventional machining methods, machining programs are created by adding machining conditions such as laser intensity, feed rates, piecing conditions to predetermined machining geometries and then machining is performed by specifying one or more created machining programs for material.
When machining predetermined geometries from the middle of material rather than end of the material, holes are pierced at machining start points in the material in order for a laser beam and assist gas to pass the material (hereinafter this process is referred to as "piercing") before starting machining, and then the predetermined machining operations are performed according to the machining programs (hereinafter this process is referred to as "cutting").
When laying out multiple machining geometries with the best yield rate (hereinafter this process is referred to as "nesting") and machining individual geometries, piercing and cutting are performed alternately. Besides, if workpiece thickness is large, piercing takes a long time, building up heat and resulting in machining defects.
Also, when small machining geometries are involved, heat builds up during piercing and cutting, resulting in machining defects.
On the other hand, a method is known in which piercing and cutting are performed by adjusting focal distance according to machining programs (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-223084 or Patent Document 1).
Generally, optimum machining conditions for piercing and cutting do not coincide. If piercing is optimized, cutting is not optimized. If cutting is optimized, piercing is not optimized. Since a compromise is sought between piercing and cutting, it is impossible to perform both piercing and cutting using optimum values and thus it is impossible to optimize machining quality and productivity.
Also, if piercing is not optimized, piercing takes a long time. This not only reduces productivity, but also causes heat build-up in the workpiece, which in turn will cause machining defects such as degradation of machining quality or even disable machining.


A portable hoist lifting frame kit has a cross beam 12 that can support an electrically, mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated hoist. The cross beam is secured to or supported by cantilever arms 9 which in turn locate into extension arms 4. The cross beam can move laterally along the length of the cantilever arms. The extension arms locate into protrusion blocks which in turn locate into a wall mounted bracket support system designed to support the load to be raised. The bracket support system is of the mild steel channel type with return lip such as “unistrut”. The portable hoist lifting frame kit can be assembled in various configurations i.e. it can be used with or without the protrusion blocks and extension arms.

Portable hoists are well known for lifting heavy items and normally comprise of some form of wheeled platform onto which is fabricated a set of movable forks or beam that have the ability to move a load vertically up or down by means of electrically or mechanically driven gearing.
Such hoists may be used within the Air Conditioning Industry to enable the outdoor unit of a "split system" herein known as the load to be raised (i.e. an air conditioning system comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit linked via pipe work and cabling) to be mounted onto suitable wall mounted brackets above head height. The brackets usually fabricated from mild steel channel with return lip (unistrut being just one example) consist of 2 off uprights secured to the wall by use of expandable fixings and 2 off horizontally extending arms secured to the uprights using channel nuts.
Portable hoists however, can be awkward to handle particularly on soft or uneven ground, or in places where access is difficult. They need firm level ground to operate from. Often the load is unsecured as the hoist was not designed specifically for any one particular task. In addition they are relatively expensive to purchase or alternatively involve the inconvenience and cost of having to be hired.


An article of manufacture may include a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for controlling deployment of aircraft escape and ejection seat subsystems. The instructions, in response to execution by a sequencer, cause the sequencer to perform operations, which may comprise receiving, by the sequencer, a power input; sending, by the sequencer, a first deploy signal to a first aircraft escape subsystem; and sending, by the sequencer, a second deploy signal to a first ejection seat subsystem.

Ejection systems are designed to expel ejection seats and their occupants from an aircraft. Typical ejection systems include an aircraft escape sequencing system and an ejection seat sequencer system. The aircraft escape sequencing system generally controls and deploys the canopy removal system and the seat catapult. The ejection seat sequencer system generally controls the timing sequence and deployment of the ejection seat subsystems (e.g., the drogue parachute deployment, the main parachute deployment, the aircrew restraint release, etc.). Using two separate sequencing systems tends to increase weight, part count, and costs.

Aircraft escape system and ejection seat sequencer for ejection systems


A wireless telecommunication device, a method of frequency calibrating a wireless telecommunication device, and a computer program are provided. The method comprises: receiving a reference radio signal of the wireless telecommunications system; frequency synchronizing the wireless telecommunication device with the reference radio signal by adjusting a control parameter controlling a reference frequency generated by a reference frequency generator; measuring a temperature parameter characterizing the temperature of the reference frequency generator; and generating calibration information for calibrating the wireless telecommunication device on the basis of the control parameter and the temperature parameter.

With today's increasingly crowded communications spectrum, the need for high performance frequency references of wireless communication devices is increasing. Thermal effects in wireless telecommunication devices give rise to instability in frequency reference and the communication radio frequencies generated from the frequency reference, thus reducing the overall performance of the wireless telecommunications system.
Wireless telecommunication devices are typically calibrated at a manufacturing stage of a reference frequency generator providing the frequency reference. However, due to the strict frequency requirements of the telecommunication radio interface and a required simplicity of the frequency control system, it is useful to consider advanced techniques for frequency calibrating a wireless telecommunication device.

Frequency calibration of wireless telecommunication device


A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a DC electric motor receives a periodic commutation signal having a fixed duration on cycle and an off cycle. The commutation signal then is modified to form a periodic modified commutation signal having substantially the same period duration as the commutation signal. The modified commutation signal has a single on cycle per period. The method and apparatus then determine a desired speed of the motor, and vary the duration of the on cycle of the commutation signal to form the on cycle of the modified commutation signal. The on cycle of the modified commutation signal has a duration that is less than the fixed duration. By varying in this manner, the rotor rotates at substantially the desired speed.

Electric motors typically have a stationary portion ("stator") that energizes a rotational portion ("rotor") by means of a prescribed signal. For example, DC electric motors typically generate a signal ("commutation signal") that causes the stator to produce an alternating magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with permanent magnets in the rotor to cause the rotor to rotate in a controlled manner.
To that end, the commutation signal typically is a periodic signal having a single "on" portion (i.e., the signal is non-zero) and a single "off" portion (i.e., the signal is zero) for every period of the signal. To vary the speed of the rotor, many motors pulse width modulate the on portion of the commutation signal. For example, to reduce the speed by twenty percent from a maximum speed, a prior art motor may pulse width modulate the on portion of the commutation signal so that the average of the on portion is about twenty percent less than that of the on portion of the original commutation signal.
Commutation signals typically are pulse width modulated at frequencies that are much greater than that of the basic commutation signal. For example, the commutation signal may have a frequency of about 200 hertz, while the modulation frequency may be about 20 kilohertz. Undesirably, this can create electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is known to 1) interfere with other electronic devices, and 2) increase the temperature of power devices. To mitigate this interference, many prior art motors using such modulation techniques often have electronic filtering devices. Such additional devices, however, generally increase the cost and power consumption of the motors.

Method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a DC motor


A GMR element part is formed of a laminated structure which comprises at least one pair of ferromagnetic layers and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer interposed between the pair of ferromagnetic layers. Signal magnetic field detecting ferromagnetic layers will be optionally disposed one each outside the pair of ferromagnetic layers. The GMR element part consists of a laminated structure which is provided with one pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers opposed to each other across a nonmagnetic intermediate layer or a laminated structure which is provided with one pair of GMR ferromagnetic layer opposed to each other across a nonmagnetic intermediate layer and at least one low-permeability ferromagnetic layer disposed there between through the medium of a nonmagnetic intermediate layer. The GMR element part functions as a read head for sensing the resistance which is varied when signal magnetic fields of mutual opposite directions are applied to the pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers and displaying a differential detection type output response. A granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer will be used as the GMR element part.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a magnetoresistance head for use in magnetic recording devices, VTR""s, etc. The invention relates more particularly to a differential detection type magnetoresistance head.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the trend of recording tracks toward a decreasing width and that of recording wavelengths toward an increasing frequency have been urging magnetic recording devices such as, for example, hard disc devices to use a further improved recording density. When the width of the recording track is decreased, the sensitivity of the read head is required to be further enhanced because the decrease of the track width entails a decrease in the amount of signal magnetic flux from the magnetic recording medium. As read heads endowed with such high sensitivity, the magnetoresistance heads (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cMR headxe2x80x9d) have been attracting attention.
In the MR heads, the MR heads (GMR heads) of the type using the so-called giant magnetoresistance (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cGMRxe2x80x9d) and having a large rate of change in resistance as compared with the MR heads of the type using the anisotropic magnetoresistance (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cAMRxe2x80x9d) are expected to find recognition as magnetic heads promising high read sensitivity in the future.
For the purpose of improving the linear record resolving power with the shield type MR head which currently prevails in the existing MR heads, the interval or gap between the shield layer possessed of high permeability and the MR element must be decreased. In this case, it is extremely difficult to decrease this interval to or even below 0.1 xcexcm, with maintaining good electric insulation between the shield layer and the MR element. Thus, the shield type MR head has its limit to the improvement of the linear record dissolving power.
As a breakthrough, the so-called dual element type MR head which has two MR elements superposed through the medium of a nonmagnetic intermediate layer has been proposed. This dual element type MR head generates a so-called differential detection type output response by virtue of the phenomenon that it produces a change in the resistance only when the magnetic recording medium applies signal magnetic fields of opposite directions to the two MR elements, whereas it produces no change in the resistance when this medium applies signal magnetic fields of one same direction thereto. The differential detection type MR head has the read resolving power thereof governed by the thickness of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer and, unlike the shield type MR head, requires the two MR elements thereof to be insulated from each other magnetically and not electrically. The differential detection type MR head, therefore, allows the thickness of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer to be notably decreased, for example, to or even below 10 nm. As a result, it is capable of reading an unusually high linear recording density.
Among the conventional differential detection type MR heads is counted the MR head which uses two AMR elements possessing substantially identical magnetoresistance characteristics (MR characteristics). When the AMR elements are used, such operating point bias magnetic fields as rotate their magnetization in opposite directions like about +45xc2x0 and xe2x88x9245xc2x0 from the direction of width of the track are applied. The differential detection type MR head can be realized as a result.
It is suspected, however, that the sensitivity obtainable with the conventional differential detection type MR head using AMR elements will prove insufficient in the near future because the inflow of a signal magnetic field (medium magnetic field) to the upper part of the MR element is not attained when the thickness of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is decreased. Further, since this MR head necessitates application of the operating point bias magnetic field of the nature mentioned above, it has the problem of encountering difficulty in the impartation and the adjustment of the magnetic field.
The differential detection type MR head using AMR elements is generally constructed by superposing two AMR layers through the medium of a nonmagnetic intermediate layer and forming a pair of electrodes for the supply of a sense current on the upper AMR layer. For the AMR elements in this construction, the angles between the currents and the magnetization constitute themselves an important factor. In order to equalize substantially the MR characteristics of the two AMR elements in the differential detection type MR head, therefore, it is necessary that the characteristics of the two AMR layers themselves be rendered uniform and no angle be formed in the directions of sense currents supplied between the two AMR layers. In the case of the construction in which the electrodes are formed as superposed on one of the AMR layers as described above, the upper and the lower AMR layer produce a difference in the current distribution (as in direction) and the directions of sense currents between these two AMR layers are liable to form an angle. Even when magnetic fields of identical directions are applied to the two AMR layers, therefore, the possibility ensues that the resistance will be varied and this variation will be emitted in the form of a signal. The accidental detection of this erroneous signal possibly results in generation of noise.
Since the conventional differential detection type MR head uses two AMR elements as described above, it entails the problem of readily degrading the sensitivity thereof owing to the fact that the depth of permeation of a signal magnetic field decreases and the fact that the directions of currents between the two AMR layers are inclined toward each other and also the problem of complicating the impartation and the adjustment of the operating point bias magnetic field.
An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a differential detection type magnetoresistance head which not only possesses improved line resolving power (read resolving power) but also realizes high sensitivity and high S/N ratio under high reliability.
The magnetoresistance head of the present invention is a differential detection type magnetoresistance head which comprises a magnetoresistance element having a laminated structure comprising at least one pair of ferromagnetic layers and an intermediate layer interposed between the pair of ferromagnetic layers and formed of either a nonmagnetic intermediate layer or a granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer separated into a magnetic region and a nonmagnetic region, the magnetoresistance element part permitting the resistance thereof substantially varied when signal magnetic fields of mutually opposite directions are applied to the pair of ferromagnetic layers, characterized in that the signal magnetic fields are detected by utilizing the variation of resistance based on the giant magnetoresistance due to the spin-dependent scattering in the magnetoresistance element part.
The nonmagnetic intermediate layer as used in the present invention excludes that which is formed of an antiferromagnetic material as well as that which is formed of a ferromagnetic material.
The differential detection type MR head of this invention can be broadly divided into the following three forms. The first form is such that a laminated structure comprising a pair of ferromagnetic layers excelling in the spin-dependent scatting ability (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cGMR ferromagnetic layerxe2x80x9d) and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer interposed between the pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers and possessed of low resistance fit for spin-dependent scattering (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cGMR nonmagnetic intermediate layerxe2x80x9d) is caused to function as a magnetoresistance element part exhibiting a giant magnetoresistance due to the spindependent scattering (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cGMR element partxe2x80x9d).
The second form is such that a laminated structure comprising at least three ferromagnetic layers and nonmagnetic intermediate layers each interposed between the adjacent pairs of the ferromagnetic layers and having the ferromagnetic layers each formed of at least two GMR ferromagnetic layers and at least one low-permeability ferromagnetic layer having the magnetization thereof not substantially varied by a signal magnetic field is caused to function as a GMR element part.
The third form is such that a granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer separated into a magnetic region and a nonmagnetic region is caused to function as a GMR element part. In this form, the pair of ferromagnetic layers which are opposed to each other across the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer are used as ferromagnetic layers for the detection of a signal magnetic field.
The first form of this invention is desired to generate a ferromagnetic coupling force between the pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers and cause the magnetizations of the two GMR ferromagnetic layers to be arranged in substantially identical directions with a signal magnetic field in a state of zero. The ferromagnetic coupling force between the two GMR ferromagnetic layers can be adjusted to a required magnitude by controlling the thickness of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer. The parallel arrangement of the directions of magnetizations may be attained by application of a bias magnetic field. The impartation of the bias magnetic field can be effected by causing a hard ferromagnetic film such as of CoPt or an antiferromagnetic film such as of FeMn or NiO to be disposed closely to or superposed on the GMR element part.
Incidentally, in the standard conventional GMR multilayered film which has ferromagnetic layers and nonmagnetic intermediate layers superposed alternately and utilizes the antiferromagnetic coupling between the ferromagnetic layers, the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers are antiferromagnetically arranged with a signal magnetic field in a state of zero. This GMR head cannot be expected to detect a differential detection type signal magnetic field because the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers are rotated toward ferromagnetic arrangements and the resistance is consequently varied when signal magnetic fields of equal directions are applied to all the ferromagnetic layers.
The GMR ferromagnetic layers in the differential detection type MR head of the first form may concurrently serve as ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields. The MR head nevertheless is desired to have a structure such that, apart from the GMR ferromagnetic layers, ferromagnetic layers exclusively used for the detection of signal magnetic fields are severally disposed outside the GMR ferromagnetic layers. Specifically, a laminated structure of GMR ferromagnetic layer/nonmagnetic intermediate layer/GMR ferromagnetic layer is used as the GMR element part and ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are severally disposed outside the GMR element part. In this case, the GMR ferromagnetic layers and the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are desired to be exchange coupled.
The ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields mentioned above are desired to be made of a ferromagnetic material possessing higher permeability than the GMR ferromagnetic layers. Desirably, a pair of ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields be formed protrudingly on the opposed medium surfaces and the GMR element part be made to recede from the opposed surface of the medium. Owing to this arrangement, the GMR element part having the aforementioned laminated structure can be made to function as a substantial gap. In the case of this arrangement, the thickness of the GMR element part is set with due respect to the fact that the GMR element part functions as a substantial gap. In order to accomplish a high recording density of the order of 4 to 10 Gb/in2, for example, it is desired to give the GMR element part a thickness which is in the approximate range of from 10 to 100 nm.
Then, the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are desired to be made of a material which has higher resistance than the GMR ferromagnetic layers, namely a material having resistivity exceeding 100 xcexcxcexa9cm. Owing to the use of this material, the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are enabled to acquire exalted sensitivity because the material is capable of repressing the partial sense current flow into the layers. Further, it is advantageous that the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields be formed of ferromagnetic layers which have a larger thickness than the GMR ferromagnetic layers. In this case, the detection of signal magnetic fields is facilitated because such adverse magnetic effects as the degradation of permeability due to the exchange coupling with the GMR ferromagnetic layers can be diminished.
The differential detection type MR head of the first form mentioned above, unlike the conventional GMR multilayered film, enables the magnetizations of the pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers to assume substantially equal directions with the signal magnetic fields in a state of zero as by exerting a ferromagnetic coupling force between the GMR ferromagnetic layers. In the case of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, for example, since signal magnetic fields of equal directions are applied to the two GMR ferromagnetic layers when the differential detection type MR head departs from the magnetization transition region of the magnetic recording medium, the angle formed by these magnetizations is not varied and substantially no variation occurs in the resistance. When at least the GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layers directly overlie the magnetization transition region of the magnetic recording medium, signal magnetic fields of mutually opposite directions are applied to the two GMR ferromagnetic layers and the magnetizations corresponding thereto are rotated in different directions. As a result, the angle formed by the magnetizations of the two GMR ferromagnetic layers is varied and the resistance is varied largely. Thus, the detection of recorded information can be attained exclusively with the magnetization transition region of the magnetic recording medium. Particularly, the perpendicular magnetic recording medium of the type which produces an abrupt signal magnetic field transition in the magnetization transition region thereof is enabled to attain read back signals with markedly high resolving power and enjoy generous improvement of linear recording density.
Thus, the differential detection type MR head of the first form, unlike the conventional differential detection type MR head using an AMR element operated by virtue of the resistance which varies proportionately to the angle formed by the current and the magnetization, produces a differential detection by utilizing the resistance variable proportionately to the angle formed by the magnetizations of one pair of GMR ferromagnetic layers instead of relying on the directions of currents. It, therefore, can realize the high read sensitivity which has never been attained by the conventional AMR element. As a result, the noise which originates in the mutual inclination of the directions of currents occurring between the two AMR layers and which has posed a problem to the differential detection type MR head using the conventional AMR element no longer occurs in the differential detection type MR head of the first form. Then, this high read sensitivity can be realized with an extremely simple head structure.
Further, in the differential detection type MR head of the first form, when ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are severally disposed outside the GMR element part formed of a laminated structure of GMR ferromagnetic layer/nonmagnetic intermediate layer/GMR ferromagnetic layer, the GMR element part can be made to function as a substantial gap and the gap length, therefore, can be enlarged. As a result, the adaptation of the gap length for the length of the magnetization transition region of the magnetic recording medium and the high read sensitivity can be both fulfilled without contradiction. When the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is made to function by itself to function as a gap, the ratio of variation of the resistance in the GMR element part formed of a laminated structure of GMR ferromagnetic layer/nonmagnetic intermediate layer/GMR ferromagnetic layer will be degraded if the thickness of the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is increased to or even over 5 nm, for example. The result possibly may be that the adaptation of the gap length (of the order of from 10 to 100 nm) for the length of the magnetization transition region of the magnetic recording medium and the high read sensitivity will be simultaneously fulfilled with difficulty.
When the resistance of the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields is higher than that of the GMR ferromagnetic layers, the partial sense current flow to the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields can be repressed and the sensitivity of the ferromagnetic layers can be enhanced. The direct rotation of magnetizations by the signal magnetic fields of the GMR ferromagnetic layers can be repressed either by forming the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields with a ferromagnetic material having higher permeability than the GMR ferromagnetic layers or by causing the GMR element part to recede from the opposed surface of the medium. As a result, the gap length can be more precisely regulated by the thickness of the GMR element part because the rotation of magnetizations of the GMR ferromagnetic layers is predominantly governed as by the exchange coupling bias magnetic fields with the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields.
As more specific structures of the GMR element part in the differential detection type MR head of the second form, (1) a structure having a GMR ferromagnetic layer, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a low-permeability ferromagnetic layer having the magnetization not substantially varied by a signal magnetic field (hereinafter referred to simply as xe2x80x9clow-permeability ferromagnetic layerxe2x80x9d, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a GMR ferromagnetic layer sequentially superposed in the order mentioned, (2) a structure having a GMR ferromagnetic layer, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer capable of weakening ferromagnetic coupling between adjacent ferromagnetic layers (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cseparating nonmagnetic intermediate layerxe2x80x9d), a low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a GMR ferromagnetic layer sequentially superposed in the order mentioned, and (3) a structure having a low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a GMR ferromagnetic layer, a separating nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, a GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a GMR ferromagnetic layer sequentially superposed in the order mentioned may be cited.
In the structure of (1) mentioned above, the magnetization of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, for example, is effected in the direction of track width and the magnetizations of the two GMR ferromagnetic layers are inclined by angles of about +45xc2x0 and xe2x88x9245xc2x0, for example, from the direction of track width as by means of a sense current magnetic field with the signal magnetic field in a state of zero. As a result, the detection of signals with high linear response region, low distortion, and high S/N ratio can be carried out. In the structures of (2) and (3), the two low-permeability ferromagnetic layers are desired to be magnetized in directions substantially perpendicular to the medium surface and differing mutually by 180xc2x0. Owing to the magnetization so effected, the magnetization stability of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers to resist the signal magnetic fields is improved because the low-permeability ferromagnetic layer which is magnetized in the direction opposite to the direction in which the signal magnetic field is applied is exposed to the leak magnetic field emanating from the other low-permeability ferromagnetic layer in the direction tending to cancel the signal magnetic field. These structures are further at an advantage in acquiring a linear magnetic field-resistance characteristics in a wide range of magnetic fields without necessarily causing the magnetizations of the GMR ferromagnetic fields to be inclined in the directions of xc2x145xc2x0.
For the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers mentioned above, a ferromagnetic material having permeability of not more than {fraction (1/10)} of the permeability of the GMR ferromagnetic layer is used. Specifically, hard ferromagnetic materials and semi-hard ferromagnetic materials are concrete examples of the material answering the description. The low-permeability ferromagnetic layers are desired to have permeability of not more than about 100. For the formation of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers, it is particularly desirable to use a ferromagnetic material which excels in the spin-dependent scattering ability and allows impartation of high coercive force and large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. The use of this material for the layers is not indispensable when any of the following structures is adopted for the layers.
For the purpose of preventing the magnetizations of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers from being affected by signal magnetic fields while keeping their large resistance variations intact, such structures as are enumerated below may be adopted, for example. Namely, (a) a structure in which at least the part of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers is made to recede from the opposed surface of the medium, (b) a structure in which the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers are each formed of an alternate superposition of a ferromagnetic film and a nonmagnetic film and the thicknesses of the nonmagnetic films are optimized and, as a result, a large antiferromagnetic coupling desirably of a coupling magnetic field of not less than about 80000 A/m, a magnitude larger than the signal magnetic field, is enabled by dint of the so-called Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida (RKKY) exchange interaction to occur between the adjacent ferromagnetic films, (c) a structure in which low-permeability ferromagnetic layers capable of imparting high coercive force and large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and ferromagnetic films excelling in the spin-dependent scattering ability are superposed, and (d) a structure in which a film adapted for impartation of high coercive force and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy to either of the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers of the construction of (3) is interposed between this low-permeability ferromagnetic layer and a substrate and, at the same time, a film adapted for impartation of high coercive force and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy to the other low-permeability ferromagnetic layer is used for a separating nonmagnetic intermediate layer destined to form the foundation for this other low-permeability ferromagnetic layer may be cited.
In the differential detection type MR head of the second form described above, when the magnetizations of the two GMR ferromagnetic films are rotated in the same direction in conformity to the signal magnetic fields generated in the same direction, the angles formed by the magnetizations relative to the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers opposed to each other across the GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer increase on the one GMR ferromagnetic layer side and decrease on the other GMR ferromagnetic layer side. As a result, the signal magnetic fields are not detected because the resistance is not varied substantially. When the signal magnetic fields are applied in opposite directions on the two GMR ferromagnetic layers, the angles formed by the magnetizations of the two GMR ferromagnetic layers respectively with the low-permeability ferromagnetic layers opposed to each other across the GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer are simultaneously increased or decreased. As a result, notably large resistance variations are caused by the spin-dependent scattering. In other words, a differential detection type signal detection system of high sensitivity using GMR elements can be realized. Likewise, in the differential detection type MR head of this second form, the current distribution within the laminated structure avoids exerting an effect on sensitivity or other factors because the differential detection is generated by fundamentally utilizing the resistance which varies with the angles formed by the two magnetizations.
Further, the gap length can be regulated by the interval between the two GMR ferromagnetic layers because the part of GMR nonmagnetic intermediate layer, low-permeability ferromagnetic layer, and separating nonmagnetic intermediate layer which intervenes between the two GMR ferromagnetic layers has notably small permeability with respect to the signal magnetic fields. A proper gap length of the order of from 10 to 100 nm can be fixed proportionately to the linear recording density as by adjusting the thickness of the separating nonmagnetic intermediate layer. All the factors mentioned above boil down to a conclusion that a differential detection type MR head of high sensitivity and high S/N ratio can be realized and the linear recording density can be improved as well.
In the differential detection type MR head of the third form, a granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer which is divided into a magnetic region formed mainly of Co, Ni, Fe, etc., for example, and a nonmagnetic region formed of Cu, Au, Ag, and alloys thereof, for example, is used. As ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields which are opposed to each other across this granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer, those which are used in the structure of the first form are used.
In the differential detection type MR head of the third form, since the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer serving as a GMR element part is equivalent to a substantial gap, the thickness of the GMR element part is to be set in consideration of this equivalency. To attain a high recording density falling in the approximate range of from 4 to 10 Gb/in2, for example, the thickness of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer is desired to be selected in the approximate range of from 10 to 100 nm. The granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer and the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are desired to be exchange coupled across the interfaces thereof. In the same manner as in the structure of the first form, the GMR element part or the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer is desired to be withdrawn from the opposed surface of the medium.
The magnetizations within the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer are desired to assume substantially equal directions with the signal magnetic fields in a state of zero. The desire is satisfied as by inducing a ferromagnetic coupling force between the pair of ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields or applying a bias magnetic field thereto. The ferromagnetic coupling force between the pair of ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields can be adjusted to a necessary magnitude by regulating the state of dispersion of a magnetic region in a nonmagnetic region within the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer, specifically by controlling the interval between the adjacent magnetic regions. The bias magnetic field can be imparted as required by causing a hard ferromagnetic film formed of CoPt to be disposed closely to or superposed on or an antiferromagnetic film formed of FeMn or NiO to be disposed closely to the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer.
In the differential detection type MR head of the third form, owing to the exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields and the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer, the magnetization of the magnetic region of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer gains in susceptibility to the force exerted in the same direction as the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields in proportion as the proximity thereof to the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields grows. When the magnetizations of the two ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields fall in substantially equal directions (as when signal magnetic fields are substantially in a state of zero), the magnetizations of the magnetic region of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer assume uniform directions. When signal magnetic fields of equal directions are applied to the two ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields, therefore, the magnetizations of the magnetic region of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer are rotated as kept in equal directions because the magnetizations of the two ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields are rotated as kept in equal directions. As a result, the resistance is not varied. When signal magnetic fields of opposite directions are applied instead to the two ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields, the magnetizations of the magnetic region of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer are rotated in directions differing mutually by 180xc2x0 near the interfaces with the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields proportionately to the rotation of the magnetizations of the ferromagnetic layers for the detection of signal magnetic fields. Since the parts of the magnetizations of the magnetic region which deviate from the equal directions increase, the resistance of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer increases. As a result, the differential detection type MR head can be realized because the detection of signals is attained only when signal magnetic fields of opposite directions are applied.
Further, since the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer has small permeability, it is allowed to function as a substantial gap. The reading of signal magnetic fields with high sensitivity and high resolution, therefore, is accomplished by adjusting the thickness of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer to a proper magnitude fit for linear recording density. Further by causing the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer to recede from the opposed surface of the medium, the signal magnetic fields which are directly sensed by the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer (GMR element part) grow weak and the gap length can be regulated more precisely by the thickness of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer. In the differential detection type MR head of the third form likewise, the current distribution within the laminated structure exerts no adverse effect on sensitivity and other factors because the differential detection is principally implemented by utilizing the resistance which varies with the angles to be formed by the magnetizations of the magnetic region of the granular type ferromagnetic intermediate layer.

Differential detection magnetoresistance head with laminated structure


A system that includes a wearable device, and a method of using the system, including: receiving, at a first transceiver element of a wearable device, a target beam from a ride-share vehicle, the element having a first axis of reception; and when the first axis is oriented toward the beam, providing an indication, via the device, to a user thereof.

When hailing a taxi, a user may raise his or her hand to flag the attention of a taxi-driver. When the driver sees the user, the driver may pull his/her vehicle over and let the user into the vehicle, and thereafter, drive the user to his/her destination. In other instances, regardless of whether the driver sees the user, the driver may pass by the user—e.g., for a number of reasons, including that the driver is not available to taxi the user to his/her destination.
More recently, users can provide location information to a taxi driver via a handheld mobile device. Using that information, the taxi-driver may come to that location, wherein, once the vehicle arrives, the user may attempt to verify that the vehicle is in fact the requested taxi vehicle.

Identifying a vehicle using a wearable device


In an example, a load stop may comprise a stop paddle, a paddle link, a swingarm engaged with a motive element, and a cam gear to engage the swingarm with the paddle link. The paddle link may move the stop paddle from a locked position, to a gathering position, and to a stowed position. The swingarm may transfer the motion of the motive element to the cam gear such that the cam gear is to move in a first direction, the cam gear to drive the paddle link to move the stop paddle from the locked position, to the gathering position, and to the stowed position when the motive element moves in a first drive direction, and the swingarm moves the cam gear in the first direction.

Imaging systems may print, scan, copy, or perform other actions with media. The imaging systems may scan the media for markings or patterns, deposit printing fluid, such as ink, or another printing substance, such as three-dimensional printing powder, on the media, or on a target for the media, and/or may produce duplicates of the media, including markings or patterns thereon, in addition to other functions. Further, imaging systems may include feeding or picking systems to load the media and deliver or drive the media through the imaging system for performing operations on or with the media. Prior to being picked by the picking system, media may be loaded into an input area or tray of the imaging device, for use within the imaging device.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A welding gun tip has an axial passage therethrough for the accommodation of a welding wire which extends through and projects beyond the free end of the welding tip. At the free end of the welding tip is an annular guide through which the welding wire extends. The guide is formed of material which is sufficiently harder than that from which the welding wire is formed to prevent the formation of a groove or channel in the guide as a result of movement of the welding wire relative to the welding tip. The guide is formed of dielectric material so as to avoid arcing between the welding wire and the welding tip.

Welding guns of the type having a replaceable tip and an axial passage through which a welding wire extends are in wide usage, particularly in automatic or robotic welding machines. The welding wire typically is fed through the welding gun and the tip from a coil of such wire. Although that portion of the wire which extends through the tip is substantially straight during its passage through the tip, that portion of the wire which projects beyond the tip tends to retain some residual curvature as a result of its being withdrawn from a coil. The residual curvature of the wire causes it to bear against the edge of the tip defining the wire-accommodating passage. Since the welding wire usually is formed of metal which is harder than that forming the tip, movement of the wire through the tip soon causes the wearing of a groove in the tip adjacent its free end. Such groove causes that portion of the welding wire which extends from the free end of the tip to occupy a position to one side of the longitudinal axis of the tip. Consequently, movement of the tip toward an article to be welded causes the free end of the welding wire to engage the workpiece at a position to one side of the intended point of engagement. This results in inaccurate welding and, in some instances, improper welding of the workpiece.
Another problem encountered with conventional welding tips of the kind referred to is that repeated welding operations using a welding wire that is not accurately located with respect to the workpiece can result in arcing between the welding wire and the tip and electrical discharge machining of the tip adjacent the passage through which the welding wire extends. Such machining is undesirable inasmuch as it further deforms the wire-accommodating passage in the welding tip, thereby introducing further errors in the positioning of the free end of the welding wire with respect to the workpiece that is to be welded.
The problems associated with conventional welding tips are well known. However, there does not appear to have been any real solution proposed to the problems other than that of periodically replacing a worn welding tip with a new one so as to overcome for a limited time the disadvantages flowing from a laterally displaced welding wire. In some factories welding tips are replaced at the beginning of each shift by the person or persons responsible for the welding operations. Although conventional welding tips are not expensive, the time required to replace the tips, coupled with the consequent unproductive time of the welding machine during tip replacement, represents significant costs.
The object of the present invention is to provide a welding tip which overcomes the disadvantages described above, thereby greatly extending the useful life of such a welding tip.


A foldable frame includes a table frame, one or more bench frames, and first and second leg assemblies to support the table and bench frames. Each of the first and second leg assemblies include one or more table legs and one or more bench legs generally shorter than the one or more table legs. The foldable frame also includes a plurality of linking assemblies to connect the bench legs to the one or more bench frames so that each of the first and second leg assemblies can be rotated as a single unit. When unfolded, the table and bench frames are placed at different heights. When folded, the table and bench frames are placed at a common plane with the first and second leg assemblies folded onto the common plane. The foldable frame is easy to use and convenient for transportation and storage.

Picnic tables have been used for a long time. A picnic table generally includes a tabletop, one or more benchtops, and leg assemblies to support the tabletop and benchtops. In order to provide both a table and seating to people, the leg assemblies usually include table and bench legs having different lengths for supporting the tabletop and benchtops at different heights. Because of this difference in length and height, many existing picnic tables are not foldable and are difficult to carry around. As such, they are often placed outdoors at certain permanent locations. Consequently, the lifetime of the picnic tables are shortened significantly due to the long time exposure to the outdoor environment. Some existing picnic tables are foldable. However, because of the difference in length and height, a leg assembly often cannot be folded or unfolded as one unit and, in some cases, the table and bench legs of a leg assembly have to be folded or unfolded separately. As a result, folding and unfolding of the picnic tables is not simple or easy, and accordingly the picnic tables are inconvenient to use.
Given the current state of the art, there remains a need for foldable frames and tables that address the abovementioned issues.
The information disclosed in this Background section is provided for an understanding of the general background of the invention and is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this information forms part of the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Linking assembly, foldable frame and picnic table having same


A computer implemented method and system for correcting error produced by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) of text contained in an image encoded document. An error model representing frequency and type of errors produced by Optical Character Recognition Engine is generated. An OCR character string generated by OCR is retrieved. A user-defined pattern of a plurality of character strings is retrieved, where each character string represents a possible correct representation of characters in the OCR character string. The OCR character string is compared to each of the above generated character strings and a ‘likelihood score’ is calculated based on the information from the error model. The character string with the highest ‘likelihood score’ is presumed to be the corrected version of the OCR character string.

Computerized Optical Character Recognition (OCR, also optical character reader) is the electronic conversion of images of typed, handwritten or printed text into machine-encoded text, such as from a scanned document or a photo of a document. OCR is widely used as a form of information entry from printed paper data records to permit electronic editing, searching, storage, and for use in machine processes such as cognitive computing, machine translation, (extracted) text-to-speech, key data and text mining. All OCR systems produce some characteristic or systematic error. This is similar to in principle to spelling errors people make as they type. Spelling/typing errors may come from several factors including phonetic characteristics of letter sequences, the physical proximity of keys on a keyboard, or confusion with homophonic words. While the accuracy of OCR systems has improved over time, there continues to be a need for OCR systems with lower error rates. This is particularly important in automated business processes where the accuracy of OCR is of increased importance.
In the business context, some business documents are exchanged in an electronic format that permits automatic, or semi-automatic importation of required information into a computer program for processing. A large volume of business documents however are exchanged in an image format, such as paper, or an electronic representation of an image format, such in Portable Document Format (PDF), or other image formats (TIFF, JPEG, etc.). Often it is necessary to employ OCR to convert data encoded in image form into machine-encoded text. A common example is conversion from a known image format, such as PDF, TIFF or JPEG, among others, into a text encoded format. OCR operates to provide a form of information entry to allow printed paper data records to be converted to a format that can be electronically edited, searched, stored more compactly, displayed on-line, and used in various machine processes. As computerization of business processes has increased, the accuracy of OCR has become increasingly important. Unfortunately, as noted above, known OCR programs tend to produce characteristic or systematic error. There is accordingly a need for an improved OCR system that provides a level of accuracy required for demanding applications such as business processes.

Auto-correction of pattern defined strings


The present invention resides in a sealant composition for pressurized articles, and in the articles comprising the sealant. The present invention is particularly useful as a sealant for high pressure tires, adapted for pressures higher than 50 psig. The sealant of the present invention comprises a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight liquid elastomer, and a cross-linking agent. The low molecular weight liquid elastomer is substantially free of iron.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to sealant formulations useful for sealing punctures in pressurized items. The present invention is particularly useful for sealant formulations for relatively high pressure tubeless tires. The present invention also resides in a tubeless tire, especially a high pressure tubeless tire, comprising the sealant of the present invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,342 discloses a puncture sealing composition for a pneumatic tubeless tire. The composition comprises a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight liquid elastomer, and a cross-linking agent to partially crosslink the elastomers. The low molecular weight liquid elastomer used in the examples is a heat depolymerized natural rubber marketed by Hardman Company under the trademark DPR-400. Samples of DPR-400 were analyzed, for purposes of comparison in the present invention, and were found to contain relatively large amounts of iron, some samples ranging by way of example from 25 to 2,500 parts per million (ppm) iron. The patent also mentions that other low molecular weight liquid elastomers can be used, such as cis-polyisoprene polymerized to a low molecular weight, liquid polybutadiene, liquid polybutene, liquid EPDM, and liquid butyl rubber. However, no trademarked examples are given of these other low molecular weight liquid elastomers, or of their use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,922 also discloses a puncture sealing composition for a pneumatic tubeless tire. The composition comprises a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight liquid elastomer, and a cross-linking agent to partially crosslink the elastomers. The low molecular weight liquid elastomer used in mos of the Examples is the same heat depolymerized natural rubber marketed by Hardman Company under the trademark DPR-400. A preferred cross-linking agent is a titanate ester. The patent also contains Examples in which the low molecular weight liquid elastomer is Butyl LM 430 marketed by Enjay. This is a liquid polyisobutylene having an average molecular weight of 32,000. The composition has low unsaturation (about 4 mole percent).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,209 discloses a puncture sealing composition for a pneumatic tubeless tire. The composition comprises a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight liquid elastomer, and a cross-linking agent to partially crosslink the elastomers. The low molecular weight liquid elastomer disclosed in the examples is the depolymerized natural rubber marketed by Hardman Company under the trademark DPR-400. The sealant is a laminate sealant in that it is applied to a web for a tire, prior to curing, and then is cured with the tire in the tire curing process. A preferred cross-linking agent is a quinoid curing system, such as p-quinone dioxime, or an organic peroxide or hydroperoxide, such as dicumylperoxide.


A multiple dispensing assembly provides a plurality of containers that contain and dispense a composition, such as a cosmetic gel. Each container contains a unique composition that dispenses separately from the other containers. The containers are arranged in a geometric configuration enabling adjacent attachment to form a unitary, uniform conglomeration. The containers are joined through a rail portion, comprising a male and female rail. The rail portion enables the containers to join in a substantially unitary and uniform conglomeration through a geometric configuration of the containers. The rail portion further enables each container to be independently interchanged through a sliding motion. An internal vacuum pump portion, having a floating floor, displaces the composition from a lower region to an upper region of the container. A dispensing portion includes a spout that moves between a recessed position and an operational position.

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that cosmetics are care and cleaning compositions that are generally used to enhance the appearance or odor of body parts. The composition can include mixtures of chemical compounds that are derived from natural sources or synthetic chemicals.
Typically, a pump can be used to dispense cosmetics, soaps, and compositions. The pump is configured to displace the composition by mechanical action that creates a vacuum. A cosmetic dispenser may be at type of pump that, when manipulated or triggered appropriately, yields the composition in the connected container. It can be manually operated by means of a pump-action spout.
Often, multiple different cosmetic compositions must be used simultaneously to achieve a desired result. This requires accessing multiple containers and pump mechanisms to access the desired cosmetic compositions.
In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.