A vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine may be used on land, or on a watercraft (e.g. a multihull such as a catamaran). The turbine may include a substantially vertical shaft; at least two vane supports mounted by the shaft; and at least two vertically collapsible material vanes supported by the vane supports, so that the vanes are movable from a first operative position in which the vane material is substantially taut, to a second inoperative position in which the vane material collapses. The vane supports are positioned, and the vanes are constructed, so that the wind turbine preferably has a Savonius or an open helix configuration. When used on multihull watercraft a propulsion mechanism is mounted between two of the hulls, and there is an operative connection between the wind turbine shaft and the propulsion mechanism. The operative connection may be a flexible shaft having at least about a 70 (e.g. about 90) degree bend therein. The propulsion mechanism may be a horizontal large diameter propeller mounted so that during normal loading of the watercraft roughly half of the propeller is in water and roughly half is out of water. Optionally, at least some portions of the hulls which normally engage water are made of marine grade polyethylene, which has low friction.

There have been proposals for wind turbine and autogiro boats for more than a century. Wind turbine boats typically use a horizontal or vertical axis wind turbine to drive a propeller, which in turn powers the boat, while autogiro boats use thrust forces on rotating vanes directly to power a boat. The promise has always been that one need not know how to sail to operate a wind turbine boat, and can move directly into the wind, and directly downwind faster than the wind speed. While there have been many proposals, instances of practical use of these technologies are few and far between. In fact, the Amateur Yacht Research Society publication AYRS 120-1 (pages 48-64) actually suggests that a horizontal axis wind turbine multihull boat is impractical, and cannot go directly into the wind.
The failure of practical application of wind turbine technology to watercraft may be due to a failure to properly meld existing components into an optimum combination. The failure may also be due to the failure to produce enough effective power for moving the boat due to power transmission losses, incorrect selection of the wind turbine configuration, what to do with the wind turbine when docked, or a combination of these and other factors. In any event, according to one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine watercraft is constructed that will be operational and can power directly into the wind, and overcomes all of the difficulties mentioned above. However the invention is not limited to a wind turbine watercraft alone, but rather includes as separate and distinct concepts: a collapsible vertical axis wind turbine in general (for use on land as well as with a watercraft); a suitable material and shape for catamaran (or other multihull) hulls of a watercraft; and a power transmitting mechanism with little or no power transmission loss.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a substantially vertical shaft; at least two vane supports mounted by the shaft; and at least two vertically collapsible material vanes supported by the vane supports, so that the vanes are movable from a first operative position in which the vane material is substantially taut, to a second inoperative position in which the vane material collapses. The vane supports may be positioned, and the vanes are constructed, so that the wind turbine has an open helix configuration, or a Savonius configuration, or other conventional vertical axis wind turbine configurations.
Preferably the at least one of the vane supports comprises a first vane support mounted to the shaft by a locking device, the locking device removable to allow movement of the first vane support with respect to other vane supports along the shaft. The first vane support may comprise the top vane support. There may be at least three vane supports vertically spaced from each other on the shaft, including a second vane support mounted to the shaft by a removable locking device. The locking device may comprise a locking pin extendable through aligned substantially horizontal openings in the shaft and first (and second) vane support(s).
Each vane support may comprise a hub having a central substantially vertical bore, and a plurality of curved spokes extending generally radially outwardly from the hub and operatively connected to a vane. Preferably, the hub central bore and the shaft have at least one radially extending projection and vertically elongated groove which cooperate to key the vane support to the shaft (for example the at least one radial projection is in the hub central bore and the at least one vertically elongated groove is in the shaft). Each vane support may have four spokes space substantially uniformly around the hub. The spokes of the lowest vane support on the shaft may have a significantly smaller radial dimension than the spokes of a vane support above them, so that the vane is tapered radially inwardly from the above vane support to the lowest vane support.
The vanes may be made of kite or high performance sail material. At least one vane optionally includes at least one substantially vertical or substantially diagonal batten therein.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a multihull watercraft comprising: a plurality of hulls; a propulsion mechanism mounted between two of the hulls; a vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine operatively fore mounted to at least one hull, the wind turbine having a shaft; and an operative connection between the wind turbine shaft and the propulsion mechanism. The vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine may comprise a Savonius wind turbine or an open helix wind turbine, and may have the details of construction described above. That is the wind turbine may comprise at least two vane supports mounted by the shaft; and at least two vertically collapsible material vanes supported by the vane supports, so that the vanes are movable from a first operative position in which the vane material is substantially taut, to a second inoperative position in which the vane material collapses. The propulsion mechanism may comprise a horizontal propeller and the operative connection between the wind turbine shaft and propeller may comprise a flexible shaft having at least about a 70 degree (e.g. about 90 degree) bend therein. The propeller may have a diameter of between about 10-14 inches, and may be mounted so that during normal loading of the watercraft roughly half of the propeller is in water and roughly half is out of water. Also, at least portions of the hulls which normally engage water may be made of low friction marine grade polyethylene (Roplene®).
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a watercraft comprising: a watercraft body (e.g., but not necessarily, a multihull); a vertical axis wind turbine having a substantially vertical shaft mounted with respect to the body for rotation with respect to the body; a horizontal propeller mounted to the body for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, and a flexible shaft having at least about a 70 degree (e.g. about 90 degree) bend therein operatively connecting the wind turbine shaft to the horizontal propeller. A clutch may be provided between the wind turbine shaft and the flexible shaft, the clutch positioned above the flexible shaft bend.
The invention, and its various aspects, will be described more fully—but in a non-limiting manner—with respect to the included drawings.

Watercraft with vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine and propeller flexible drive shaft


Supporting multiple users concurrent login and providing each user to be able to perform multiple concurrent tasks in his/her computer work environment are very critical to modem computer user working environment, which is running on top of modem operating system, due to it greatly improved machine efficiency and user's productivities. Therefore, supporting multiple users concurrent login CCDSVM through each user's web-browser and providing each user to be able to perform multiple concurrent tasks in his/her single login web-browser over resources of CCDSVM will qualify the conventional web-browser to be a new means of a computer user working environment at the Internet era.

A typical computer system provides a computer user work environment to end users, wherein the computer user work environment runs on top of a generic computer operating system. With this work environment, an end user can login to the system and setup various computer resource access controls for each individual preference based on his or her permitted role. The users, for example, can configure computer resources such as disks, networks, file folder/directory systems, and others. Various computer tasks & operations can be executed by the computer application, and the computer operating system of the system provides the results of tasks to the end user. Specially, with a generic computer operating system, this work environment allows multiple concurrent users and each of them to run multiple concurrent tasks or operations simultaneously. The computer user work environment has evolved from paper tape & punch card environment, command line environment on a native system to window & mouse click environment on a native system in the past. This invention provides users a web-based computer user work (operating) environment on top of generic operating system for a single or multiple computers and to allow user work on one or multiple computer systems through a conventional web-browser.

Concurrent web based multi-task support for control management system

Abstract: To support one or multiple users to perform multiple concurrent tasks within a single web-browser for system like CCDSVM, the software modules on systems of CCDSVM require to work and communicate together to collect resource information of CCDSVM, and to display them in each user's web-browser, and further to allow each user selecting the resource, initiating and submitting the tasks from said single web- browser; the software of CCDSVM needs to store each received task information into a user space task list and further to distribute each task to the target system for executing. In addition, software of CCDSVM needs to obtain associated conventional or non- conventional locks for each task and properly release these acquired locks one at a time in the order during each tasks executing up to the point when the tasks are finished.


Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for identifying vulnerabilities associated with a premises and generating and/or presenting augmented reality display data to aid in selecting security components to protect the vulnerabilities identified. A processor can execute a security vulnerability assistant service. A request from a user device can be received. The request can comprise image data of a premises. An object captured by the image data can be identified, and a determination can be made whether the object is associated with a vulnerability. In response to determining that the object is associated with a vulnerability, augmented reality display data can be generated. The augmented reality display data can include a virtual object for overlaying on an image of the object presented by the user device.

Traditionally, users have had to trust professional security system companies to select and install security systems to protect their homes and businesses. More and more, though, users are opting not to involve professional security system companies for their security needs and are instead selecting self-installation security options. However, with self-installation security options, users must rely on intuition and/or recommendations from the company selling the self-installation security systems to determine which security system components to purchase and where to install them, which can introduce user and advertiser biases without necessarily prioritizing achieving the most secure solution with only the security components needed. For example, the company selling the self-installation security systems may recommend more security components than are actually needed to provide a secure solution for a user's home. These excess security components create unnecessary load on a user's wireless local area network, which can interfere with communications from necessary security components and cause missed security alerts. Visually and conceptually understanding the vulnerabilities that exist within a premises, like a home or business, may allow a user to select more accurately and install the security components needed for optimal protection while also reducing the burden on a user's wireless local area network.

Augmented reality security vulnerability assistant


A method for controlling a robot (1) for handling a part to be handled (14), the handling robot (1) being linked to a control interface comprising a glove (40) comprising a first finger (41) provided with a first contact sensor (42) and a second finger (43) provided with a second contact sensor (44), the method comprising the following steps; a) associating, in a signal library (25), a first and a second recorded combination of signals (26, 21); b) acquiring a combination of signals originating from the sensors (26, 27) of the glove (40); c) comparing the acquired combination of signals with the recorded combinations (27, 28, 29) in the library (25); d) controlling the handling robot (1) in such a way as to perform a movement according to the velocity vector associated with the acquired combination of signals. A handling glove (40) and handling device implementing the method.

Comanipulation robots allow an operator to manipulate a part directly with the aid of the robot: that is to say, the operator and the robot act jointly on the part.
There are comanipulation robots in which the point of attachment to the robot is equipped with sensors for measuring the forces applied by an operator to the part to be manipulated. Such robots are generally slaved in terms of force in order to displace the part to be manipulated so as to reduce to the point of negation the forces which are applied by the operator to the part to be manipulated. The transmission of the operator's intention is then carried out through the part to be manipulated, the flexibility and geometrical characteristics of which interfere with the acquisition of the operator's intention by the robot. When manipulating a large part, for instance, it is difficult to discriminate a translational movement applied by the operator to the part to be manipulated from a rotational movement. This is the case whether the robot is reversible or equipped with force measuring means. The inertia of the object is also a factor which interferes with the acquisition of the desired movement by the robot (it is necessary to displace the part slightly in order for the sensor to be able to measure anything at all).
There are also robots for which the force measurement is carried out by articular force sensors. The control system is substantially the same, and the difficulties are the same as those described above. These same difficulties are also encountered when the robot is mechanically reversible and when it is then not essential to provide a force measurement a priori.
There are also comanipulation robots whose control comprises a manipulation interface which is located where the operator holds the part to be manipulated and which comprises force and movement sensors. This type of control suffers from instability when the intention is to create a feedback loop, because the transmission of the displacement is carried out through the part to be manipulated. The ambiguity between rotation and translation remains. Lastly, it is necessary to know the distance separating the manipulation interface from the robot, except when being restricted to very simple movements.
The measurement of forces is most often carried out by measuring the deformation of a test object by means of strain gauges, optical sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors or piezoresistive materials.
Comanipulation systems equipped with these sensors exist in some laboratories or in industry, and the controls mentioned above are applied on the basis of measurements obtained from these sensors, either by means of a force loop alone, or by means of position and/or velocity loops in parallel or in series with the force loop (internal or external force control).
In all the control solutions mentioned above, besides the problems of manipulation ambiguity and instability, the precision of the measurement of forces in amplitude and in direction has a direct effect on the quality of the control of the robot (the robot must evade the force in the correct direction and with the correct amplitude), which constrains the selection of measurement solutions, and above all of test objects.

Method for controlling a manipulation robot and device implementing such a method

COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES


A double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure and an edge structure, a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts and a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts provided between the two structures, each set of first diagonal struts being arranged alternately with one set of second diagonal struts. Or a plurality of sets of diagonal struts are provided between the two structures, each of which including a plurality of first diagonal struts and second diagonal struts joined together node to node, each first diagonal strut being arranged alternately with one second diagonal strut The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered, or may be constituted by a plurality of structural units, which is adapted for spanning large areas devised for a wide range of building shapes.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a cable-strut roof system, and more particularly to a double-layer cable-strut roof system which comprises a plurality of tension members and compression members arranged in a new manner, and is adapted for exhibition venue, stadium, theater, airport terminal, railway station and other large-span space structure buildings.
2. Description of Related Arts
In recent decades, various types of large-span roof systems are widely used, such as reticulated shell structure constructed of rigid structural members. Reticulated shell structures, however, exhibit high ratio of rise to span, in order to obtain necessary stiffness and good work performance. The structure is heavyweight and more expensive to build with increasing in span.
Lightweight roof structures have gradually been applied with the development of new materials and new technology, such as application of prestressed flexible structures like cable network structures, tensioned membrane structures, and so on. The prestressed system has no stiffness and uncertain shape prior to prestressing. Here flexible system means each internal node thereof receives only flexible tension members such as cables or membranes without rigid compression members. As regards the way forces are transmitted through the system, the internal system is in continuous tension. This structure has the advantages of large-span and beautiful shape, while the internal system must rely on an external supporting system. Only when boundary nodes of the internal system are anchored to an external boundary and a lower supporting system, with their strong support and by prestressing flexible elements, the internal system could be a structure undertaking external loading. The boundary and lower supporting system can only be designed firmly for equilibrating internal tension forces, leading to high cost and a complicated prestressed structure. Another disadvantage of flexible structures involves too large structural deformation under loading.
A self-stressed structure, called a tensegrity structure, has been presented to optimize internal forces distribution, which is a system in a self-stress state and in a stable self-equilibrated state comprising a continuous set of tension members and a discontinuous or continuous set of compression members. Here the self-stress state means that tension members and compression members are connected together with predefined topological relations. During the assembling process, the interaction between members, and the interaction between members and nodes lead to the tension of the tension members and the compression of the compression members. The internal forces of the system do not result from external effect and do not rely on an external supporting system, so that the internal forces are self-stresses. This also indicates that the tensegrity system is an independent system and is essentially different from prestressed system. The stability and self-equilibrium indicate the initial mechanical state of the system, before any loading, even gravitational. The self-equilibrium of the system is in a self-stress state. The stability means that the system is capable of re-establishing its equilibrium position after a perturbation. The stability of the system is closely related to rational topological relations between the two sets of tension members and compression members of the system. Tensegrity structure is also essentially different from traditional structures (such as grid structure, reticulated shell structure, etc.) in members' arrangement and the way forces are distributed within it. It is a system in continuous tension and discontinuous or continuous compression. This mechanical mechanism is a very rational form pursued by engineers in engineering field. But, so far, with the exception of some tensegrity sculpture having the characteristics of art, tensegrity structure hasn't been used in buildings of large-span roof system in the field of construction.
A circular cable truss dome is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,553 to Geiger who has been inspired by the tensegrity principle. This cable truss dome is constructed of a plurality of upper tensioned members, diagonal tensioned members and vertical rigid struts in compression. The upper tensioned members and diagonal tensioned members are radially oriented and attached to an inner tension ring or to the vertical rigid struts, or to an outer compression ring. Several tensioned hoops are affixed to the lower end of the compression members. A flexible membrane is placed on top of the vertical rigid struts to form a roof for the delineated area. This structure is different from cable network structure and prestressed flexible membrane structure as it is constructed of flexible elements such as cables with stiff elements such as compression struts. Combination of stiff elements and flexible elements increase in the stiffness of the structure and overcome a disadvantage of a flexible structure resulting in large deformation under loading. The cable dome structure comprising a plurality of discontinuous compression members is also different from traditional structures such as reticulated shell structure in which compression necessitates the continuity of forces transmission, which efficiently use the tensile strength of cable, tremendously reducing the overall steel consumption and being lightweight. However, this structure does not use triangulated construction, so the structure lacks a degree of lateral stability at the top radial chord of the dome. Furthermore, due to the radial arrangement of the vertical strut, this structure is only appropriate for use in circular plane.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,259,158, 5,355,641 and 5,440,840 to Levy utilize a triangulated arrangement of tension members and compression members to construct a roof structure, which are based on the cable dome designed by Geiger. As a result the structure is more appropriate for an oval roof structure. The triangulated roof structure designed by Levy also includes a central truss positioned along the major axis of the oval. Furthermore, the structure can also be designed as triangulated cable dome with annular roof or retractable roof.
Compared with the Geiger system, the Levy system has higher stiffness and structural stability. Both the Geiger system and the Levy system are adapted for spanning large areas for supporting a roof such as arena or stadium for Olympic game. The two systems improved the traditional way that forces are transmitted, which are applicable to span large areas with attractive design. For example, the average steel weight of the Georgia Dome roof designed according to the Levy patent is about 30 kg/m2. The forces transmitted through the two systems are similar, both from the inside such as the innermost tension hoop (or center truss), the vertical struts and cables (including upper cables, tension hoops and diagonal cables) to the outside such as outer upper cables and diagonal cables and finally to the outer compression ring. The outer compression ring receives tension forces resulting from the inner cables of the inner system affixed to it in all directions. The system is built by assembling all components and anchoring the outermost upper cables and diagonal cables to the outer compression ring. Generally, compared with the inner components, the compression ring made of reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete has a huge size. Moreover the compression ring has been a part of the whole building, it is very difficult to identify cable dome structure as an independent structure. As the Geiger system and the Levy system rely on a robust supporting system around and down below, they are still in the scope of prestressed structures and will inevitably have disadvantages of prestressed structure. Furthermore, such domes are costly to build due to node fabrication, construction and installation.
Because of the drawbacks highlighted above of the rigid reticulated shell structure, prestressed flexible structure and cable dome structure, it is necessary to develop a new type of large-span lightweight space structure, which can be simple to construct and have considerable economic benefits, also have innovative features with unique visual effects.


A resistive memory device includes: a resistive layer which includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a tunnel insulating layer interposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and is switched between different resistance states; and a strained film formed over a sidewall of the resistive layer and applying a strain to the resistive layer, wherein the strained film includes a semiconductor material containing ions implanted therein

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a resistive memory device, and more particularly, to a resistive memory device including a resistive layer having a resistance change characteristic for a memory layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
A nonvolatile memory device may include a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), a phase-change random access memory (PCRAM), a resistance random access memory (ReRAM) and the like. Here, the ReRAM (i.e., a resistive memory device) stores data corresponding to '1' or '0', using a resistance change characteristic. When a voltage equal to or more than a set voltage is applied to a resistance change material, the resistance of the resistance change material decreases. This state may be referred to as an ON state. Furthermore, when a voltage equal to or more than a reset voltage is applied to the resistance change material, the resistance of the resistance change material increases. This state may be referred to as an OFF state.
Thus, a resistive memory device has a characteristic of switching to the low-resistance state or the high-resistance state. Here, a method for improving the switching characteristic is useful.


Integrated circuit device packages including optical elements are provided. The integrated circuit device package may include an integrated circuit device and a conductive pad on a first surface of the integrated circuit device. The conductive pad may be electrically connected to the integrated circuit device and may be configured to transmit an electrical signal. The integrated circuit device package may also include an optical element in the integrated circuit device and the optical element may be configured to transmit an optical signal through a second surface of the integrated circuit device that is opposite the first surface of the integrated circuit device.

Integrated circuit device packages may input and output an electrical signal and an optical signal. Thus, the integrated circuit device packages may include a pad for inputting and outputting the electrical signal and an optical element for inputting and outputting the optical signal. An additional interposer, for example an optical substrate, may be included in the integrated circuit device packages to increase speed of inputting and outputting of the optical signal.


The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating layer laminated on the semiconductor substrate, a first metal wiring pattern embedded in a wire-forming region of the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer laminated on the first insulating layer, a second metal wiring pattern embedded in a wire-forming region of the second insulating layer and first dummy metal patterns embedded each in a wire-opposed region opposing to the wire-forming region of the second insulating layer and in a non-wire-opposed region opposing to a non-wire-forming region other than the wire-forming region of the second insulating layer, the wire-opposed region and the non-wire-opposed region each in a non-wire-forming region other than the wire-forming region of the first insulating layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more specifically, it relates to a semiconductor device having damascene wires.
2. Description of Related Art
With the recent integration of a semiconductor device, refinement of wires is required. In order to satisfy this requirement, employment of copper (Cu) wires or the like having small electrical resistance in place of conventional aluminum (Al) wires or the like is studied.
The damascene process is known as a method of forming fine copper wires.
In the damascene process, a first insulating layer is first laminated on a semiconductor substrate. Then, a first wiring trench is formed in a prescribed wire-forming region of the first insulating layer. Then, a copper film filling up the first wiring trench is formed on the first insulating layer. Then, the copper film is polished by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for removing excess copper not embedded in the first wiring trench, thereby forming a first copper wire embedded in the first wiring trench. Thereafter a second insulating is laminated on the first insulating layer, and a via hole reaching the first copper wire is formed in the second insulating layer. Further, a third insulating layer is laminated on the second insulating layer formed with the via hole. Then, a second wiring trench communicating with the via hole is formed in a prescribed wire-forming region of the third insulating layer. A copper film is formed on the third insulating layer, embedded in the second wiring trench and polished by CMP, thereby forming a second copper wire electrically connected with the first copper wire through the via hole.
In the polishing by CMP (hereinafter simply referred to as "CMP treatment"), however, the polishing rates for the copper films and the insulating layers are different from each other. When the insulating layers are dispersed in wiring density, therefore, the surfaces of the copper wires and the insulating layers are partially not planarized, but easily indented by the so-called dishing. Particularly when a multilevel interconnection structure is formed by laminating a plurality of insulating layers, such dishing is caused in the respective insulating layers, leading to remarkable indentations on the surfaces of copper wires and the insulating layers in upper layers. This may result in various inconveniences such as dispersion in wiring resistance, defective resolution in photolithography and a short circuit between the respective wires. Such inconveniences cause reduction of the yield in the manufacturing steps and reduction of the reliability in quality of the semiconductor device.
Therefore, a technique has been proposed to embed dummy wires not electrically connected with the copper wires in the respective insulating layers on non-wire-forming regions other than the wire-forming regions formed with the copper wires (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-153015, for example). Thus, apparent wiring density in the respective insulating layers can be made uniform, and dishing can be suppressed in the CMP treatment.
In the structure according to the above-mentioned proposal, however, the non-wire-forming regions of the respective layers are set to completely coincide with one another in plan view. Even if any of the wire-forming regions includes a portion provided with no wire, no dummy wire is formed on this portion. Therefore, a layer still dispersed in wiring density may remain to be dished out by the CMP treatment.
In general, a bonding pad made of a metal is laminated on the surface of a semiconductor device for electrically connecting the semiconductor device with an external device. A plurality of wiring layers having wiring patterns are laminated under the bonding pad. The wiring patterns of the respective wiring layers are electrically connected with one another through connecting vias. The wiring pattern of the uppermost wiring layer is electrically connected with the bonding pad through the corresponding connecting via. The wiring pattern of the uppermost wiring layer is further electrically connected with an element built on a semiconductor substrate for the semiconductor device. The bonding pad and a lead electrode (external electrode) of a lead frame are connected with each other by a bonding wire formed by a gold thin wire, thereby attaining electrical connection between the semiconductor device (element built on the semiconductor substrate) and the lead frame.
According to another method employing the damascene process, a first via hole reaching a semiconductor substrate is first formed in a first insulating layer made of silicon oxide (SiO2) formed on the semiconductor substrate. Then, a first wiring trench is formed in the first insulating layer formed with the first via hole. Thereafter, a copper film is formed on the first insulating layer to fill up the first via hole and the first wiring trench. Then, the copper film is polished by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for removing excess copper not embedded in the first wiring trench, thereby forming a first copper wire embedded in the first wiring trench.
Then, a second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer, and a second via hole reaching the first copper wire is formed in the second insulating layer. A second wiring trench corresponding to the pattern of a bonding pad is formed in the second insulating layer formed with the second via hole, and copper is embedded in the second via hole and the second wiring trench, thereby forming a second copper wire electrically connected with the first copper wire.
Further, a third insulating layer is formed on the second insulating layer, and a third via hole reaching the second copper wire is formed in the third insulating layer. A pad trench for embedding the bonding pad is formed in the third insulating layer, and copper is embedded in the third via hole and the pad trench by a method similar to that in the cases of the first and second copper wires, thereby forming the bonding pad electrically connected with the second copper wire.
However, the bonding pad is generally in the form of a rectangle (100 μm square, for example) having a relatively large area. If each pattern of the copper wires includes a pattern of the same shape opposite to the bonding pad, therefore, this pattern also has a relatively large area, similarly to the bonding pad. When copper films not embedded in the respective wiring trenches are polished by the CMP treatment, therefore, the surfaces of the copper wires are not planarized but easily indented by dishing. Particularly when a multilevel interconnection structure is formed by laminating a plurality of wiring layers, such dishing is caused in each of the wiring layers, leading to a remarkable indentation in the upper layer. This may result in various inconveniences such as defective resolution in photolithography and a short circuit between the respective wiring layers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A regional aircraft boarding module can be provided at an airport concourse in place of or in addition to a conventional large aircraft boarding bridge. The regional aircraft boarding module includes regional aircraft rotunda between a number of secondary passenger bridges that are coupled to the regional aircraft rotunda. A method of using the regional aircraft boarding module includes an activity selected from docking a regional aircraft thereto, interfacing a large aircraft boarding bridge thereto, and combinations thereof.

Air travel has becoming increasing popular over the past decade and has evolved to handle an ever growing passenger volume. An important aspect of this evolution is the structure of flight routes through a "hub" airport. Today, hub routing has become an essential part of the efficient operation of an airline.
This trend has been aided by the advent of regional aircraft. As used herein, the term "regional aircraft" refers to jet or propeller aircraft that are smaller than typical large commercial airline passenger jets. Regional aircraft will typically be identified as having about 110 seats or less. Aircraft with more than 110 seats and which are used to travel traditional airline routes between major airports are considered "large aircraft" or "large jets" herein. The advent of regional aircraft has created a new market for air travel in which air passengers can span relatively large distances quickly on a regional aircraft.
Manufacturers of regional aircraft, particularly craft with 75 or fewer seats, include Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer SA, Canada's Bombardier and Fairchild Aerospace of the United States. The popularity of regional aircraft produced by these manufacturers has exceeded expectations. For example, Bombardier forecast initial sales of 400 aircraft when it launched its regional jet model in the early 1990s. Bombardier instead received orders and options for 1,066 of its CRJ-200 50-seater and larger CRJ-700 derivative. Similarly, Embraer booked dozens more orders than expected for its ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 aircraft at a recent Paris airshow.
Capitalizing on this strong commercial interest, Bombardier has launched the CRJ-700, a 70-seat aircraft, and plans an even larger BRJ-X model with 90 or 110 seats. Fairchild has recently launched the 70-seat 728JET and also offers a longer version with around 100 seats. Embraer has also booked orders for its new ERJ-170 and ERJ-190, with about 70 and 100 seats, respectively.
Following the terrorist attacks on the United States by use of four large aircraft on Sep. 11, 2001, the use of large aircraft has decreased, and regional aircraft have taken several of the routes in the stead of the large aircraft. This decrease in large jet usage has placed a greater demand on airport space and a decreased ratio has occurred between existing apron space, and the number of passenger seats that are available at large aircraft gates.
One problem with regional aircraft travel is that the regional aircraft terminal is often located at a site remote from the main terminal. Consequently, a passenger on a regional aircraft, whether transferring to or from a large aircraft, needs to traverse the length of the airport and/or travel between terminals to make the transfer. As air travel becomes increasingly popular and important to the economy, the regional aircraft passenger represents an increasing share of the air travel market. Consequently, a significant problem is presented by the remote location of the regional aircraft terminal that prevents quick and seamless plane transfers for the regional aircraft passenger. Additionally, the remote location of the regional aircraft terminal also affects airline scheduling for large aircraft because passengers must be allowed time to traverse the often large distances between a regional aircraft boarding gate and the boarding gate for the large aircraft.
Another problem with regional aircraft travel is that the passenger is frequently required to walk outside on the tarmac and climb stairs to board the regional aircraft. If the weather is inclement, boarding and deplaning from a regional aircraft is made more difficult than boarding and deplaning from large aircraft entirely within the closed and conditioned space of conventional airports that have been developed for large aircraft.
Where a passenger is unable to walk, boarding a regional aircraft from the tarmac in a wheelchair can present additional problems. In the past, these problems have been addressed by building some kind of wheelchair lift. However, such boarding is often time consuming and can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for the wheelchair passenger. The combination of a wheelchair lift and inclement weather may make the prospect of regional aircraft travel even less acceptable for disabled passengers.
One challenge with integrating regional aircraft at a concourse with large aircraft is interfacing enough regional aircraft to the concourse without significantly diminishing the number of passenger seats with respect to the useable apron space. Another challenge is the cost of retrofitting a conventional concourse to accommodate a regional aircraft.
Consequently, there is a need in the art to make regional aircraft travel more convenient and efficient.

Regional aircraft boarding modules, and methods of using same

Gatelink Aircraft Boarding Systems, Inc.


A battery pack is provided. In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery units each including at least one battery cell, a charge switch unit for connecting the plurality of battery units in parallel to form a charge path, a discharge switch unit for connecting the plurality of battery units in series to form a discharge path, and a battery management unit for controlling switching of the charge switch unit and the discharge switch unit according to a standby mode, a charge mode, a and discharge mode of the battery pack. The switching is controlled with a delay time associated with each of combinations of mode conversion between the modes.

1. Field
Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery pack.
2. Description of the Related Art
A secondary battery may be used as a power source of a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone, a notebook computer, a camcorder, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). A second battery may even be used as a power source of a home vacuum cleaner. A motor of a general home vacuum cleaner is driven using an AC power source for home use. However, when the AC power source is unavailable, a separate power source can power the home vacuum cleaner. The secondary battery used as the portable power source may require a high-output power of 100V or higher according to the design specification.


Electronic access control systems and methods address one or more weaknesses of conventional electronic access control systems. In some cases, an electronic access control system includes a secure communication channel for transmitting information to the access control system computer (ACC). In some cases, a method secures the communication channel between user access credentials (UACs) and the ACC.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a conventional electronic access control system 100. A user at an access point (for example, a doorway) requests access to a secure area 102 of a facility (for example, the interior of a building) by presenting a wireless user access credential (UAC) 104 to a credential communication device (CCD) 106 (for example, by positioning the UAC in the vicinity of the CCD). The UAC 104 may be, for example, a secure smart card or a smart mobile phone. The CCD 106 communicates with the UAC 104 to obtain an access control identification number (ACIN) and transmits the ACIN to an access control system computer (ACC) 108. If the UAC 104 is authorized to enter the secure area 102, the ACC 108 grants access to the UAC 104, for example, by temporarily opening a lock 110 at the access point (for example, a door lock), for example, via a lock control channel 112.
In the case where the UAC 104 is a secure smart card, the ACIN can be securely stored in the secure memory of the smart card 104. A cryptographic process, such as a mutual authentication and data signing and encrypting, is performed between the smart card 104 and the CCD 106, creating an enciphered channel 114. The CCD 106 contains the cryptographic algorithm and cryptographic key for obtaining the ACIN. Once the ACIN is obtained, it is transmitted by the CCD 106 to the ACC 108 using a conventional communication channel 116. Typically, the channel 116 between the CCD 106 and the ACC 108 is a one-way channel, such as a Wiegand channel, that cannot be cryptographically protected, and/or the ACC 108 does not have the capability to perform cryptographic algorithms. This conventional system configuration may be disadvantageous due to inherent security weaknesses.
For example, one potential weakness of these conventional systems is the fact that the cryptographic keys are stored in the CCD 106, which is mounted in an unsecure area of a facility (for example, the exterior of a building). Therefore, the CCD 106 can be removed and reverse engineered to access the cryptographic keys. Another potential weakness relates to the one-way, unsecured channel 116 between the CCD 106 and the ACC 108. Because this channel 116 is unsecured and unencrypted, the information transmitted via the channel 116 (that is, ACINs) can often easily be recorded and played back, leaving ACINs vulnerable to simple attacks, such as repeat attacks.
FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a conventional CCD 106 for a conventional access control system 100. The CCD 106 communicates wirelessly with a UAC 104. The CCD 106 includes a controller 118 that contains cryptographic keys within a non-volatile memory 120 that is accessed by a processor 122. Optionally, the cryptographic keys can be contained in an additional device 124, such as a secure element. The secure element 124 can be accessed by the processor 122 and, in some cases, can optionally perform the cryptographic algorithms. In either case, however, the cryptographic keys are contained in the CCD 106, and the CCD 106 is mounted in an unsecure area, creating a weakness in the system. As shown in FIG. 1B, the CCD 106 typically also includes an RF front end 126 coupled to an antenna 128. The RF front end 126 and antenna 128 enable wireless (for example, RF) communication 130 between the CCD 106 and the UAC 104. Additionally, any number of data transfer lines 132 may be coupled to the controller 118. The CCD is typically powered using power and ground lines 134.
Control lines 136 control the device LEDs and/or sounder 138 to give the user useful feedback. Typically, the access point lock control line is connected to the green LED control line of the device. In this case, the user can see that the access point is unlocked when the green LED is illuminated. However, the lock control line often is easily accessed, and grounding the control line may unlock the access point. As such, the accessibility of the lock control lines creates another potential weakness in the system.

Electronic access control systems including pass-through credential communication devices and methods for modifying electronic access control systems to include pass-through credential communication devices


The invention relates to torque transmission device which is manually controlled in response to a differential in rotational velocity between a shaft and an actuating plate mounted on the shaft. The device acts as a deadman brake, clutch and/or as a power assist for various mechanically driven manually controlled devices. The device comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis, forward and rearward ends. An input plate journalled to rotate, under motive force, about the axis at a position longitudinally fixed and forward relative to the shaft. A forward clutch plate is mounted for rotation with the shaft and reciprocating longitudinal motion on the shaft rearward of the input plate. An actuating plate is mounted on the shaft rearward of the forward clutch plate. The shaft and actuating plate interact with threads to move the actuating plate longitudinally relative to the shaft in response to a differential in rotational velocity between the shaft and actuating plate. As a result forward and rearward motion of the actuating plate respectively urges the forward clutch plate forwardly to engage the input plate and rearwardly to disengage the input plate.

Various types of machinery are extremely dangerous to operate unless closely monitored and controlled by a human operator If the operator's attention is diverted momentarily, or if the operator is injured, it is an essential feature of many types of machinery that a "deadman" switch immediately discontinues operation of the machinery.
For example forging machinery, cranes, metal stamping presses, bulldozers, etc. are recognized as being extremely dangerous unless closely monitored by an attentive operator. Often a deadman switch is a simple spring loaded throttle or hydraulic lever which when released immediately returns to a neutral or brake position. Electric switches are often used as well. For example in punch presses where the operator's two hands must be positioned away from dangerous machinery on two operating buttons simultaneously or the operation of the punch press will immediately be arrested by electric switching means.
Safe design of motorized childrens toy vehicles also include deadman switches. Battery operated vehicles in which children are seated often include a spring loaded imitation throttle which returns to a brake position when released.
A distinct disadvantage of a spring loaded lever type deadman switch is experienced if an operator falls or leans upon the switch. Such a condition may occur during a heart attack for example or, in the case of childrens vehicles, a confused and frightened child may not appreciate that they are leaning against the throttle or that it should be released. Spring loaded deadman switch levers also depend entirely upon springs and other mechanical means to ensure the safety of operation. Such switches may be damaged or tampered with thereby posing significant risk to the operator and those in the immediate vicinity.
Use of electrically operated deadman switches suffer from the disadvantages of all electrical devices in that they are often delicate, must be protected from water and explosion hazards, and control wires are often exposed to damage or corrosion in various applications. In respect of childrens toys often run by batteries, electric switches and controls are notorious for their propensity to be easily rendered inoperable by the simple playful activities and curiosity of innocent children. In industrial applications the expense of constructing a robust waterproof and damage resistant electrical components may be justifiable, however the extremely competitive childrens toy market often results in electrical components having a disappointing short service life.
In many mechanical applications torque transmission devices include clutches, fly wheels, brakes and control means as separate components resulting in a complex assembly. In mass produced items such as childrens toys for example the labour component in assembling such complex transmissions becomes significant.
The ultimate purchaser is often required to keep a stock of spare parts for maintenance and must have a relatively sophisticated capability to maintain such equipment. The complexity of transmission devices is especially disadvantageous when applied to low cost mechanical equipment or toys, or where such equipment will be used in remote areas.
Simplicity of design and ease of maintenance are essential in certain circumstances when the operator is required to maintain the equipment in locations where access to spare parts is limited or costs are prohibitive. It is therefore desirable to construct a transmission device having a deadman switch capability and being relatively simple to maintain and construct.
In many applications in addition to having a deadman capability it may be desirable to design control means such that the operator perceives a direct connection between their movement and the movement of the machinery. For example in a pedal powered childrens toy it may be desirable to include power assist means. The child intuitively appreciates the control function of the pedals in proceeding forward, rearward and stopping.
Motorized wheelchairs and other vehicles for use by the handicapped often do not recognize the psychological benefits of the perception by the operator that a motorized device is operated in a manner substantially the same as a manually driven wheelchair, for example, without the requirement for a high level of physical exertion. In the case of wheelchairs for example, a handicapped person is currently forced to choose between a conventional manually powered wheelchair and a completely motor driven version. If a handicapped person does not possess the required upper body strength to manipulate a manual wheelchair the psychological effect of forcing reliance on a motorized means of transport may be significant.
The operators of industrial and construction machinery may fail to maintain an adequately safe level of attentiveness due to the repetitive nature of their work. It is desirable therefore that means be provided to ensure that operators pay attention to their activities at all times and that machinery controls include a deadman capability.


Polyaspartic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 5000 is produced by hydrolysis of anhydropolyaspartic acid that has been produced by condensation polymerization of L-aspartic acid. Conversion in excess of 80 percent is achievable utilizing "temperature vs. time" profiles.

Polyaspartic acids have utility as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate inhibitors. Their biodegradability makes them particularly valuable from the point of view of environmental acceptability and waste disposal.
Anhydropolyaspartic acids (i.e., polysuccinimides) are the anhydrous forms of polyaspartic acids.
Thermal condensation of aspartic acid to produce polyaspartic acid is taught by Etsuo Kokufuta, et al., "Temperature Effect on the Molecular Weight and the Optical Purity of Anhydropolyaspartic Acid Prepared by Thermal Polycondensation," Bulletin of the Chemical Society Of Japan 51(5):1555-1556 (1978). Kokufuta et al. teach that the molecular weight of the polyaspartic acid produced by this method increases with increased reaction temperature. Moreover, the suggested maximum percent conversion of the aspartic acid to anhydropolyaspartic acid is no more than 68% using oil bath temperatures of between 325.degree. F. and 425.degree. F.
A more recent work by Brenda J. Little et al., "Corrosion Inhibition By Thermal Polyaspartate" Surface Reactive Peptides and Polymers, pp 263-279, American Chemistry Society Symposium Series 444(1990), cites Kokufuta et al. Oil bath temperatures of 374.degree. F. were reportedly used to produce anhydropolyaspartic acid from powdered aspartic acid over a period of 24 to 96 hours. The reported results were no better than those reported by Kokufuta et al., however.


When a location of a wearable system changes, the wearable system can ensure that a gesture working region always remains in a field of view of the wearable system. Therefore, the wearable system can still collect and recognize a gesture image and implement gesture control. The solution provided in this application is as follows: The wearable system creates a gesture working region and a region of interest, where the region of interest is within a shooting area of a first camera, and the first camera is included in a wearable device; obtains a location parameter of the wearable system; adjusts the region of interest according to the location parameter, so that the region of interest covers the gesture working region; collects a gesture image within the gesture working region; recognizes the gesture image to obtain a gesture instruction; and performs a corresponding operation according to the gesture instruction.

With popularity of wearable systems, control methods of the wearable systems are also changed from traditional keyboard-based and touchscreen-based control methods to a gesture control method. Compared with the keyboard-based and touchscreen-based control methods, the gesture control method has advantages such as a simple apparatus, easy control, and rich instructions, so that device design can be greatly simplified. At present, the gesture control method has become one of the most popular control methods for wearable systems, and has been gradually applied to various devices.
The current wearable system may determine a gesture image by using a camera to collect reflected infrared light or by using a camera to perform stereoscopic imaging on a gesture in natural light, so as to implement gesture control. However, the current wearable system is provided with a camera that is fixed relative to the wearable system. As a result, a shooting area of the camera is fixed.
Therefore, a field of view of the wearable system is fixed. When a location of the wearable system changes, the field of view of the wearable system also changes. Consequently, a gesture working region is beyond the field of view, and the wearable system cannot collect or recognize a gesture image for gesture control.

Gesture control method for wearable system and wearable system


An apparatus (10) for shearing off reinforced concrete piles and metal piles, casing and conductor pipes, and crushing reinforced concrete piles has a frame (11) with first and second ends and a cutter blade (41) movably mounted on the frame driven by hydraulic rams (21) between a retracted position adjacent to the first end and an extended position toward the second end. An abutment gate (30) pivotally mounted and latched at the frame second end has vertically spaced first and second abutment surfaces (52A, 52B) and first and second horizontal shearing surfaces (53A, 53B) disposed in parallel vertically spaced relation defining an opening (51) therebetween through which the cutting edge (41B, 41C) of the blade passes. Removable crushing attachments (60A, 60B) allow crushing of concrete piles, and removable arcuate abutment attachments (54) accommodate cylindrical piles, casing and conductor pipes.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to pile cutting and crushing apparatus and methods, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for shearing reinforced concrete piles, metal piles, casing and conductor pipe arrangements, and crushing reinforced concrete piles to expose reinforcing steel within the piling without damaging the structural integrity of the imbedded steel.
2. Background Art
As used herein, the term "columnar" is defined as resembling or having the form of a column. The term "pile" or "piling", as used herein, means a long columnar member driven or installed into the earth or seabed to carry a vertical load or serve as a support or protection. The present invention has utility in the construction industry for shearing and crushing reinforced concrete piles or pilings, and in the offshore oil and gas well drilling industry for shearing metal piles that are used to anchor and support offshore platforms, and the associated well casing and conductor pipe arrangements, including conductor arrangements having concentric sleeved pipes with grout or cementation in the annulus between adjacent pipes, when decommissioning or demolishing offshore platforms.
In the construction industry, reinforced concrete piles, prefabricated pre-stressed concrete piles, auger bore piles, as well as drill shaft piles are used as vertical supporting members for supporting highway overpasses, bridges, docks and piers. During a demolition or construction contract, the removal of existing piles or pilings or the cutting and/or crushing of newly installed piling to a desired elevation may become necessary to complete a project.
Several common methods for removal of existing pilings of the type used in supporting highway overpasses, bridges, docks and piers include the use of hydraulic vibrators, mechanical crushing jaws, concrete saws, jackhammers and cutting torches and mechanical cutters. These procedures are time consuming and costly.
One method commonly employed involves the contractor saw cutting the perimeter of the pile at a specific elevation, to a depth just beyond the depth of the steel strands imbedded within the pile, usually 2 to 3 inches below the pile surface, and then, breaking the pile off at this point. This method is slow and labor intensive when multiple piles are involved. When the exposure of the steel reinforcing strands or bars (rebar) within the piles is specified, the task of exposing the rebar is typically accomplished by jack hammering and chiseling, which requires extensive man-hours, with potential danger to the operator, depending on the location of the piles, and damage to the steel reinforcing by the jackhammer or chipping tool.
Reinforced concrete piles are also conventionally cut off or demolished using explosives, however, the use of explosives, particularly in demolishing bridge, pier and dock supporting piles, can have serious negative environmental effects encompassing the water environment and the marine life that typically congregate near piles and utilize the structures as a natural habitat.
Several mechanical cutting devices have been designed and patented in the past twenty-five years that employ the use of hydraulic rams to cause the leading edge of a cutting blade to penetrate and sever various materials. Dating as far back as the 1950's, this method was utilized to cut trees for removal as well as severing the tree into usable lengths.
More recently, this basic design has been employed for the purpose of cutting concrete piles. For example Trudeau, U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,006, discloses a hydraulic pile cutter apparatus and method. In a single blade embodiment, the apparatus is leveled about the pile to be cut, and the blade is pushed through the reinforced concrete pile until it nearly reaches an opposed stationary plate to sever the top of the pile, including the reinforcements. In a double blade embodiment having a fixed blade opposed to a coplanar movable blade, both blades have cutting edges formed to fit around the pile, and the double blades shear the concrete of the pile leaving the reinforcement intact. Projecting vertical angle iron attachments for shattering the concrete above the common plane and recessed attachments for pile guiding are also disclosed.
Trudeau, U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,982, discloses a hydraulic concrete pile cutter apparatus and method which utilizes a single blade with a beveled cutting edge which confronts a stationary anvil plate having a substantially flat abutment face supporting a concrete pile on the side opposite the blade. The blade has a substantially straight cutting edge and is driven through the pile to crack the concrete matrix of the pile and into edge-to-face engagement with the abutment face of the anvil throughout the length of the cutting edge to sever the reinforcement strands. The blade may be provided with a wedge-shaped cutting edge wherein driving the blade into the concrete matrix of the pile wedges the matrix apart at the selected position. An alternative anvil may be mounted on the anvil gate, which includes a back plate with an abutment face for supporting the pile at the cut-off location and against which the blade engages when fully extended. The alternative anvil also includes two supports above and below the abutment face, each consisting of two wedge-shaped elements projecting from the face of the plate to form angular support surfaces that match and support three adjacent faces of a hexagonal pile, such that of the six corners on the hexagonal pile, four are supported by the anvil and the other two are at edges of the pile that is first engaged with the cutting blade.
Trudeau, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,086, discloses a method and apparatus for preparing an end of a reinforced concrete pile which utilizes a shear blade having a straight cutting edge to sever the top of a pile supported on the flat abutment surface of a stationary anvil plate opposite the blade. Once the top of the pile has been cut off, the shear blade and anvil are replaced with a pair of coplanar blades each having a cutting edge that matches the profile of one-half of the pile for removing the concrete matrix from the reinforcement strands down to a certain level below the cutoff position. The coplanar blades engage the surface of the pile and penetrate the surface while wedging the upper part of the pile up away from the main body of the pile to crack the concrete through at the desired position. At the same time, upright angle iron concrete breaker attachments mounted on the blades engage the concrete pile above the blades to fracture the concrete from the reinforcing steel.
The above noted patents employ a "blade and anvil method" for severing the pile and reinforcement strands which utilizes a straight cutting blade having a beveled cutting edge to sever the piling by forcing the straight cutting edge of the cutting blade through the pile until it is in full "edge-to-face" contact with the opposing flat anvil surface, thus severing the piling and the structural steel reinforcing therein between the blade edge and the face of the abutment/anvil surface. The above noted patents also teach replacing the shearing blade and anvil with a pair of coplanar blades each having a cutting edge that matches the profile of one-half of the pile that engage the surface of polygonal piles and penetrate the surface while wedging the upper part of the pile up away from the main body of the pile to crack the concrete through at the desired position, and fracture the concrete from the reinforcing steel with concrete breakers mounted on the blades.
The prior art blade and anvil "edge-to-face" cutting method and pile crushing method, such as described in the above patents, have several drawbacks. The blade and anvil "edge-to-face" method requires that the straight cutting blade edge make full and complete contact with the face of the anvil surface to complete the cut. As the straight beveled edge of the cutting blade becomes worn, it prevents the leading edge of the blade from making complete contact with the anvil face, thus potentially preventing the leading edge of the blade from completely severing all the steel strands and/or rebar. One of the problems with the prior art pile crushing method, such as taught by these patents, is that it requires the removal of the shearing blade and the anvil abutment plate and the installation of a pair of opposed coplanar blades each having a cutting edge that matches the profile of one-half of the pile; thus, different sizes of coplanar blades would be required for crushing various different sizes and shapes of piles to achieve the desired result.
In the offshore oil and gas well drilling industry, offshore marine structures or platforms are supported on and anchored to the ocean floor by "piles" which are hollow casings or pipes driven into the sea bed. These offshore structures typically include "casing" or "conductor" arrangements that extend from deep into the sea floor up to the production deck of the offshore structure which are used in drilling and as conduits to carry petroleum and gas from a reservoir deep within the earth to a gathering and process location on the offshore structure above the sea floor and also above the surface of the sea. These casing or conductor arrangements are typically composed of several concentric sleeved pipes of increasing diameters with the space between the side walls of the pipes being filled with grout or reinforcing cementation.
When the wells serviced by the platform run dry, the offshore platforms must be "decommissioned" or removed and appropriately disposed of. Current regulations require that when removing an offshore platform, all structural elements of the platform and all well conductors (both the piles and conductors) must be removed down to a depth of at least 15 feet below the mud line so that no projections are left which could pose a navigational hazard or present an obstacle to mariners, unless a special exception is granted. The principal basis for an exception is using the platform in a rigs-to-reefs program administered by the state of Louisiana or Texas, whereby some platforms are deposited at designated sites to provide a habitat for reef fish that are valued by recreational and commercial fishermen.
Current methods for decommissioning or removing offshore platforms include the use of mechanical cutters, such as saws and water jet cutters driven from the surface, and explosives. However, conventional mechanical cutting procedures are time consuming and expensive. If there is concrete or grout between the casing and conductor or in the annulus between the pipes, the cutting is slowed down and the cutter may not work efficiently.
In a typical conventional mechanical cutting operation, a cutting tool is placed inside of the casing and/or conductor and is rotated to make the cut from inside the casing. When the first inside casing is removed, another cutter with a greater diameter is placed inside of the conductor and it is cut in the same manner as the casing. If there is concrete or grout between the casing and conductor or in the annuals formed by the two pipes, the cutter may not function properly. If the casing cannot be cut from the inside, it must be cut from the outside. When cutting the casing and conductor or pile to a depth of at least fifteen-feet below the sea floor, a hole must be excavated around the casing and conductor or pile to allow a diver to enter into the excavation with sufficient room to cut the casing and conductor or pile off. The conventional mechanical cutting operations and use of divers is time consuming, expensive, and dangerous to the divers.
The use of explosives is often used for the removal of grouted well conductors or grouted piles, however, this technique can have serious deleterious environmental effects encompassing the marine environment and the living marine resources, such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and fish, that typically congregate near the platform and utilize the platform as a natural habitat.
European Patent EP 0243981 discloses a method and a cutting tool for cutting-off an elongate marine platform pile made up of steel cylinders filled with concrete and located one inside the other. The apparatus has a frame and a cutting blade slidably mounted thereon which is moved by hydraulic cylinders toward a counterpiece which may be fixed to the frame in opposed relation to the blade in a plane below the plane of the cutter blade, or may be pivotally mounted on the frame. As viewed from the top, the blade has a wide V-shaped leading edge. As seen from the side, the upper face of the blade consists of two inclined planes that intersect at the edge of the blade, and the bottom surface of the blade is horizontal. The cutting blade is pressed against the pile, which is supported against the counterpiece. A cutting force is directed at the pile by means of the cutting edge of the blade, which has a larger blade angle (larger than 45°, preferably 65° to 75° with respect to a horizontal plane), and a bending force is directed at the pile by means of a wedge effect of the smaller inclination angle (smaller than 45°, preferably about 30° to 40° with respect to a horizontal plane). A crack is formed in the pile in front of the blade edge, and the pile is broken by the bending moment. The wide V-shaped edge causes a shearing effect to be directed at the pile first at two points, and as cutting continues, the sides of the pile are cut before the middle part of the pile. In this device the blade tends to move upwards when the cutting is started and, to prevent breaking the frame, the face of the counterpiece is mounted at a small angle (about 1° to 5° with respect to a vertical plane) such that the counterpiece can turn downwards while the blade is rising.
The present invention overcomes the several disadvantages, drawbacks or deficiencies of the prior art reinforced concrete pile cutting and crushing apparatus and methods in that it provides an apparatus and method that employs a "shearing method" to cut concrete piles containing reinforcement steel, wherein the leading edge of the movable cutting blade does not make contact with the anvil face or surface, as opposed to the blunt edge-to-face "blade and anvil" cutting method of the prior art. The present invention also employs a concrete pile crushing method that does not require the removal of the primary cutting blade, as required in prior art methods, but instead, utilizes the same cutting blade that was used in the shearing operation for the crushing operation with the addition of a set of crushing attachments. Any size piling that can be cut by the shearing operation can be crushed with the addition of the crushing attachments Thus, the present pile cutting and crushing apparatus and method requires less servicing time when converting from the cutting operation to the crushing operation, and eliminates the need for several sizes of crushing jaws. The present crushing apparatus and method also crushes concrete material surrounding the reinforcing steel in the piling to expose the steel reinforcing within, without damaging the integrity of the structural steel within the pile.
The present invention also overcomes the several disadvantages, drawbacks or deficiencies of the prior art devices that cut metal pipe and piles used to support offshore platforms, and the associated casing and concentric conductor pipe arrangements, in that it provides an apparatus and method that employs a balanced shearing action to cut the metal members wherein one side of the metal pile is supported against a pair of vertically spaced stationary abutment surfaces and shearing surfaces in a plane above and below the plane of the leading edge the cutter blade and the leading edge of the cutting blade passes horizontally through the metal pile and continues through the vertically spaced abutment surfaces and shearing surfaces, thereby significantly reducing ovate distortion of the pile, the tendency of the blade to rise or move upwards or downwards during cutting and the resultant offset stress forces on the frame and blade.
Removable crushing attachments allow the same frame and blade apparatus used for the shearing operation to be used for crushing reinforced concrete piles, and removable concave abutment attachments adapt the apparatus to accommodate cylindrical piles, casing, tubing and conductor pipes, and significantly reduces ovate deformation during the shearing operation.

Apparatus and method for shearing reinforced concrete piles and metal piles and crushing reinforced concrete piles


A method of preparing optically pure (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine is disclosed. The present invention provides a method of economically and industrially preparing optically and chemically pure (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine, through a process comprising introducing an amine protecting group by using optically pure 4-amino-(S)-2-hydroxybutylic acid as a starting material, reducing a carboxylic acid group into a primary alcohol, removing the amine protecting group to form an amine salt, halogenating the primary alcohol, and amine cyclization; and through a simple purification process, i.e., distillation under reduced pressure. As another method, the present invention provides a method of preparing optically and chemically pure (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine, through a process comprising esterifying optically pure 4-amino-(S)-2-hydroxybutylic acid as a starting material, lactam cyclization, and reduction.

(S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine represented by the following Formula 1 is a very important compound in preparing pharmaceutical products, which has been widely used as a major chiral intermediate for pharmaceutical products commercially available on the market and new pharmaceutical products under clinical tests, and thus, there have been many studies thereon.

Examples in which (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine represented by Formula 1 are actually used in preparing pharmaceutical products are as follows: a major intermediate raw material of a calcium antagonist (Barnidipine) (European Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 160,451; J. Med. Chem. 1986, 29, 2504˜2511; Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. (Sho) 61-267577; Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. (Sho) 61-63652); carbapenem antibiotics (Heterocycles, vol 24, No 5, 1986; Tetrahedron Lett., 25, 2793, 1984; International Publication No. WO88/08845; J. Org. Chem. 1992, 57, 4352˜4361); quinolone-based antibiotics (U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,141; European Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 391,169; European Patent laid-Open Publication No. 304,087), analgesics (κ-receptor agonists) (European Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 398,720 and 366,327; J. Med. Chem., 1994, 37, 2138˜2144), and a major intermediate raw material of a neurotransmitter (International Publication No. WO01/19817). That is, (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine is used as a major substance for preparation of various chiral pharmaceutical products in a wide range of application fields.
Conventional techniques related to preparation of optically pure (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine, which is useful as a major intermediate for preparation of chiral compounds described above, will be described below.
For example, a method of preparing 3-(R)-hydroxypyrrolidine in a single step reaction involving decarboxylation using (R)-3-hydroxy-L-proline as a starting material is disclosed (JP2001220372; WO97/43256; JP05255204; Synlett, 1995, 55-57; Syn. Comm. 1994, 24, 1381˜1387; Korean J. of Med. Chem. 1993, 3, 72˜80; Syn. Comm. 1993, 23, 2691˜2699; J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1. 1993, 1421˜1424; Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2, 827). However, in case of 3-(R)-hydroxypyrrolidine, the starting material, (R)-3-hydroxy-L-proline, is very expensive and thus is difficult to be applied to mass production.
A method of obtaining (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine through several steps using D-malic acid as a raw material is known (Syn. Commun. 15, 587˜598, 1985; J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 2138˜2144). However, this technique has a disadvantage of multiple steps being involved and also has problems in that LiAlH4 or B2H6 used as a reduction agent is expensive and difficult to industrially handle. Further, since D-malic acid is expensive and is not mass-produced, this method is not an economical preparation method.
Recently, a new synthetic method that comprises an epoxy ring-opening reaction by way of amine of 3,4-epoxy-1-butanol followed by 5-cyclization (WO2003/097594) has been reported. However, this method has a disadvantage in that raw materials are expensive. Further, synthesis of (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine and derivatives thereof through activation of a hydroxyl group followed by double substitution of amine, by using 1,2,4-trihydroxybutane, which is a derivative of 3,4-epoxy-1-butanol, as a starting material has been reported (WO2000/015610). However, this method also suffers from a problem that raw materials are expensive.
As for similar methods, there has been known a synthetic method using a derivative of a 3,4-dihydroxy-1-butanol (JP60104061); a synthetic method using 3,4-dihydroxy-1-butylamine (JP57056457); and a synthetic method comprising cyan group substitution and cyan group reduction followed by cyclization, using 3-chloro-1,2-propandiol and derivatives thereof (EP431,521 and EP347,818). However, these preparation methods also have a problem in that it is difficult to industrially supply raw materials.
Therefore, there is a need for development of a method of preparing (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine using an inexpensive, optically active raw material as a starting material so that it can be industrially mass-produced.

Synthetic method of optically pure (S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine


Disclosed herein is an oven that is capable of discharging hot air generated when cooling a door and heat generated in a cooking chamber through the lower end of the door. The oven includes a door having at least two separated air channels. The air channels comprise at least one first air channel to discharge hot air generated when cooling the door through the lower end of the door, and at least one second air channel to introduce air through the lower end of the door such that the door is cooled. In the housing is mounted a circulating fan. Between the circulating fan and the air channels is connected a channel connecting unit. As the circulating fan is rotated, air flows along the second air channel to cool the door. Hot air generated when cooling the door is introduced into the first air channel through the channel connecting unit, and is then discharged out of the oven through the lower end of the door.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an oven and, more particularly, to an oven that is capable of discharging hot air generated when cooling a door and heat generated in a cooking chamber through the lower end of the door.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, an oven is a kitchen appliance that heats food, which is placed in an enclosed cooking space, to cook the food. Based on heat sources, ovens are classified into an electric oven, a gas oven, and a microwave oven. The electric oven uses an electric heater as the heat source, the gas oven uses gas heat as the heat source, and the microwave oven uses frictional heat of water molecules due to microwaves as the heat source.
When food is cooked by such an oven, the interior temperature of a cooking chamber is increased up to approximately 300° C. As a result, heat generated in the cooking chamber is transmitted to a door, and therefore, the door is heated. For this reason, the oven has a door cooling apparatus to prevent a user from being burned by the heated door. Examples of an oven having such a door cooling apparatus are disclosed in Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 132999 and Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-35776.
In the conventional oven, however, hot air generated when cooling the door is discharged in front of the oven through the upper end of the door. As a result, the hot air is directed to the face of a user, when the user observes the state of food being cooked, and therefore, the user feels unpleasantness.
Furthermore, if heat generated in the cooking chamber is discharged together with the hot air generated when cooling the door, the temperature of the discharged air is increased, and vaporized oil is also discharged in front of the oven. Consequently, the user's unpleasantness is increased.


An adapter and its connection structure having a plurality of tubes bundled together as one that can be connected to be made shorter in the diameter direction to transport fluid to and from artificial organs and connect electric wires to the artificial organs without changing design of the artificial organs. The adapter and connecting structure connect multi-lumen and single tubes so their passages communicate with each other. The first attachment member, attached to the multi-lumen tube, includes first ports having an outer diameter substantially the same a lumen opening diameter at the end portion of the multi-lumen tube to fit into the lumen openings, and a first cutout corresponding to one of the lumen openings. The second attachment member, attached to the single tube, includes second ports that fit into the lumen of the single tube. The number of the first and second ports is the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a multi-lumen tube, consisting of one tube having a plurality of lumens, with a single tube including a single passage. The present invention further relates to a connection structure through which electric wires, inserted into the lumens of the multi-lumen tube to be connected to the adapter, are led out to a product to be electrically connected.
2. Background Information
Concerning medical devices, artificial organs used as replacement of human organs, such as artificial kidneys, artificial hearts, and etc., have been known. The artificial hearts include stationary artificial hearts, implantable artificial hearts to be implanted into human bodies, and auxiliary artificial hearts, for example. In the implantable artificial hearts, a plurality of tubes lead into the human bodies from the outside, such as electric wires for delivering electricity for driving the artificial hearts and cylindrical tubes for transporting fluid to/from the implanted artificial hearts.
When the plurality of tubes are inserted into the human body, the human body shall have a plurality of inserting openings, which puts the patient under strain. In order to decrease the strain, as described in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-325469, a tube unit has been proposed, which includes one outer tube into which the power cables and the plural tubes are built.


A card game program has a routine for displaying areas of a player and an opponent, each being comprised of a plurality of hexes, a routine for displaying selective disposition of card on the hex, a routine for removing for displaying remove of a card between the hexes, a routine for dealing with battle for seizing damage between the cards of a player and the opponent and displaying the result, and a routine for computing point for computing victory point from a form of location of a card. A player can fight against the opponent, seizing damage between the player and the opponent by removing the card between the respective areas. Therefore, an element like strategic simulation game of attacking the respective areas can be added in addition to the interest as a card game.

This invention relates to card game program and card game machine in which victory or defeat is judged in such a way that predetermined sheets of cards displayed on a display are used, the form of displaying these cards is changed according to an operation of a player, point is computed according to a predetermined rule on the basis of the resultant various kinds of combinations of cards, the resultant forms of using card and the resultant forms of disposing card.
In most of such conventional card games, victory or defeat is determined in such a way that two players or a player and a computer playing the opponent's player respectively dispose a card on a place (on a display in this case) on the basis of the power or the attribute given to the card itself, and the card disposed on the place is judged according to a predetermined rule.
The basic rule of such a conventional card game is simple, that is, "both respectively dispose a card and victory or defeat is determined by superiority or inferiority of the card disposed". Therefore, various complex rules for determining victory or defeat have been conceived and various kinds of cards to be used have been designed in order to improve the interest.
But, such rule or such card is accepted by only a part of maniac since the rule of the game is too complex. So, the generality as a game program lacks and such rule is being made difficult type to approach.
Then, developments of a card game program and a card game machine, by which the interest can be improved in comparison with a conventional one without making the rule of the game complex, through which more people can enjoy the card game, are still awaited.


An optical device for stabilizing an image of an objective lens against an unexpected vibration is disclosed. A pair of transparent parallel-plane plates are supported by a support member, an optically transparent material is held in a space defined by the pair of parallel-plane plates by a deformable connecting member, a reinforcement member made of a harder material than that of the support material is provided at a portion of the support member, and a drive force is applied to the pair of parallel-plane plates through the reinforcement member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical device for varying an optical performance of a passing light beam by varying a relative angle of a pair of transparent parallel-plane plate having an optically transparent material filled therein, and that is suitable for use in an image stabilizing optical device, which is arranged in an imaging system of a photographic camera or a video camera to compensate for a vibration of an image due to a vibration of the imaging system.
2. Related Background Art
An optical device in which an optically transparent material, such as a liquid or a silicon rubber, is filled between a pair of transparent parallel-plane plates to form a variable apex angle prism, where an angle (parallelism) between the pair of parallel-plane plates is varied by an external drive force to vary an optical performance of a passing light beam has been proposed in the art.
FIG. 5 shows a known optical device.
The optical device shown in FIG. 5 has two transparent parallel-plane plates 201 arranged to face each other.
The pair of parallel-plane plates 201 are supported by a ring-shaped support member 204 having an L-shaped cross-section. Peripheries of the parallel-plane plates 201 are held by a flexible ring-shaped connecting member 202 which is thermal-bonded to the support member 204, and a transparent material 203 such as silicon rubber or liquid is filled therein.
The optical device forms a variable apex angle prism whose apex angle is variable by varying the angle between the two parallel-plane plates 201 by the drive force from the external drive means 205, to deflect an incident light beam h by a desired angle.
In the prior art optical device, a material which is easily thermal-bonded to the connecting member such as a relatively soft material is selected as the support member, and the drive force is applied to the support member to vary the apex angle of the prism formed by the two parallel-plane plates.
As a result, a response of inclination of the parallel-plane plates when the drive force is applied to the support member by the drive means is slow, and it is difficult to quickly vary the apex angle of the variable apex angle prism formed by the pair of parallel-plane prism. Accordingly, the tracking ability to stabilize the image against the vibration of the camera is poor.

Optical device including a transparent material between two relatively adjustable transparent members


A trap-based mechanism is provided for gaining greater visibility into the memory usage of a process. To detect and record the memory accesses of a process, a virtual address range (or a plurality of address ranges) of the process is set to a protected status. This address range represents the range of virtual addresses that are to be monitored for access. By setting the address range to a protected status, whenever a memory access (in one implementation, whenever a memory write) is made to a virtual address within that address range, a trap arises. When the trap arises, a trap handler is invoked. When invoked, the trap handler records the virtual address that was accessed. In this manner, the access of the virtual address is detected and recorded without having to add extensive instrumentation code to the process.

In a typical Java implementation, whenever a Java application is executed, an instance of a Java virtual machine (JVM) is also started to support the execution of the Java application. If x Java applications are run concurrently, there would be x JVM instances. Typically, each JVM instance is an independent instance that is unaware of the other JVM's; thus, each JVM creates its own data structures and manages its own memory usage. There are many common data structures that are used by all JVM's. Because the various JVM instances are independent, they do not share these common data structures; rather, these data structures are duplicated by each JVM. The common data structures are usually stored in physical memory. That being the case, the physical memory will contain multiple copies of the common data structures (one copy per JVM), which is an inefficient use of the physical memory. In some implementations (e.g. personal digital assistants, cellular phones, etc.), physical memory is quite limited. In such implementations, this duplication of common data structures is highly undesirable.
The amount of common data structure duplication between multiple JVM instances can be significantly reduced by making "clones" of a master JVM. To do so, a master JVM is first instantiated. The master JVM is then initialized with all of the common data structures that will be shared by all of the JVM instances. These common data structures are stored in physical memory pages. Then, one or more "clones" of the master JVM are made (this may be done, for example, by using a "fork" instruction in Unix). Created in this way, each clone is still an independent JVM instance, but all of the clones will share the common data structures and reference the same physical memory pages. This is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the master JVM and the n number of JVM clones all reference and share the physical memory pages in which the common data structures are stored. Thus, the JVM clones do not maintain their own copies of the common data structures but rather share a common copy.
The sharing of the memory pages continues as long as none of the JVM's writes to one of the shared pages. If a JVM does write to one of the shared pages, then that JVM will no longer share that page with the other JVM's. For example, suppose that JVM clone n writes to and updates memory page m (see FIG. 2). When that happens, a copy of that page is made and the update is written into that page (updated page m) only. The original page m is not changed. Thereafter, JVM clone n will reference the updated page m, while the other JVM's will still reference the old page m. Notice that this update to page m does not affect the other pages. JVM clone n will still reference and share the other pages with the other JVM instances. Thus, a JVM instance will share a page with the other JVM instances unless and until it makes an update to that page.
In such a cloning implementation, it is desirable to share the memory pages as much as possible. This in turn means that the JVM clones should write to the shared pages as little as possible. The fewer the number of writes to the shared pages, the fewer the number of new pages that will be created and the more page sharing there will be. To maximize page sharing, it is desirable to be able to determine for each JVM clone how many new pages are created as a result of that JVM clone writing to the shared pages. This will reveal how much marginal memory is being consumed by the JVM clone (where marginal memory is the memory consumed by a JVM clone not including the shared memory pages). It is also desirable to be able to determine which portions of the JVM code are causing the writes to the shared pages. Given this information, it may be possible to change the code of the JVM to minimize and perhaps even eliminate writes to the shared pages. Currently, to obtain such information, many lines of instrumentation code would have to be added to the JVM code to detect and to record the writes to the shared pages. This instrumentation code would require a significant amount of effort to implement, and would significantly slow down the execution of the JVM. Thus, even though this approach is theoretically possible, it is not practically viable in many situations.

Trap-based mechanism for tracking accesses of logical components


The present disclosure provides a method and a device for positioning, an apparatus and a computer readable storage medium. The method includes acquiring a visual feature map of a geographic area located by a movable object. The visual feature map includes a first set of visual features. The method further includes acquiring at least one image captured by a camera coupled to the movable object during a motion of the movable object within the geographic area. The method further includes extracting a second set of visual features corresponding to the first set of visual features from the at least one image. In addition, the method further includes determining at least one pose of the movable object during the motion at least based on the visual feature map and the second set of visual features.

High-precision positioning technology is an important part of autonomous vehicle technology and is a basis of path planning, control decision and perception via the autonomous vehicle. There exist several conventional positioning methods, such as, GPS (Global Position System)/IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)-based positioning method, radar-based positioning method, and camera-based positioning method.

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