A silicon-on-insulator (SOD integrated circuit and a method of fabricating the SOI integrated circuit are provided. At least one isolated transistor active region and a body line are formed on an SOI substrate. The transistor active region and the body line are surrounded by an isolation layer which is in contact with a buried insulating layer of the SOI substrate. A portion of the sidewall of the transistor active region is extended to the body line. Thus, the transistor active region is electrically connected to the body line through a body extension. The body extension is covered with a body insulating layer. An insulated gate pattern is formed over the transistor active region, and one end of the gate pattern is overlapped with the body insulating layer.

The present invention generally relates to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, and more particularly to an SOI semiconductor integrated circuit for eliminating floating body effects in SOI MOSFETs and a method of fabricating the same.
In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, there has been a great deal of attention paid to reducing parasitic capacitance and resistance to increase the operating speed of semiconductor integrated circuits. SOI MOSFETs have been demonstrated to be superior to bulk silicon MOSFETs in terms of low power, high speed very large scale integration (VLSI) applications because of their inherent merits such as less junction capacitance and better device isolation. In addition, there are many advantages in SOI devices such as better immunity to soft errors, reduction in dynamic power, improvement in latch-up resistance even with increased packing density. Despite the above outstanding features of SOI devices, SOI integrated circuits have suffered some lack of commercial success due to technical problems in material processing and device design.
FIG. 1 depicts a typical structure of an SOI MOSFET according to the prior art. The SOI MOSFET includes a gate electrode 20, a gate dielectric 21, a source 23 and drain 24 on insulating layer 15. A backside surface of the insulating layer 15 is in contact with a supporting substrate 10.
Since the body region 30 of the SOI MOSFET is isolated by the insulating layer 15, it is electrically isolated and therefore its voltage varies with the voltage applied to either source region 23, drain region 24, or gate electrode 20.
The voltage fluctuation of the body region 30 in SOI MOSFET, commonly referred to as the floating body effect (FBE), causes detrimental effects for the proper operation of SOI devices. The most common of these detrimental effects are the kink effect and the bipolar effect. With the channel region of the device partially depleted and a high drain voltage applied, the electric field created in the device causes impact ionization near the drain region 24.
Accordingly, in the event that the SOI MOSFET is an SOI N-MOSFET, the generated holes are injected into the body thereby creating a positively charged body. The first consequence of this positive charge accumulated in the body 30 is the increase of the body potential resulting in a decrease of the threshold voltage (VT) of the SOI MOSFET. Since the decrease of the threshold voltage raises the drain current, the variation of threshold voltage shows up as kinks in the output characteristics of the SOI MOSFETs.
Another consequence of the voltage increase is the eventual turn-on of the lateral bipolar structure since the MOSFET includes a lateral bipolar transistor, i.e., the n-p-n construction 23, 30, and 24. As the body 30 of the MOSFET becomes positively biased, the source-body (23-30) junction, corresponding to emitter-base junction of the lateral n-p-n construction, becomes forward biased, and electrons are injected from the source 23 into the body region 30. The injected electrons reaching the drain depletion region add to the drain current. Consequently, the drain current is dominantly controlled by the parasitic bipolar transistor rather than by the channel current under the gate electrode control. This effect is referred to as the parasitic xe2x80x9cbipolarxe2x80x9d effect. The parasitic bipolar action of the SO MOSFET induces a xe2x80x9cdynamic leakage currentxe2x80x9d (DLC) especially in a switching circuit.
In a MUX (multiplexer) circuit as depicted in FIG.2A, if the applied voltages at nodes A and B are high, then the output node C will be high. If the gate voltage of the node A is switched to a low voltage, then the output node C should be kept to a high voltage. However, in a state that the nodes A and C keep a low voltage and a high voltage, respectively, if the voltage at node B is switched to a low voltage for some reason, the output voltage at node C drops instantaneously by the dynamic leakage mechanism due to the parasitic bipolar effect. FIG.2B illustrates the instantaneous drop of the output voltage at node C in the multiplexer circuit according to the prior art. Here, the x-axis represents time (t) and the y-axis represents voltage of the node C.
In order to remedy those detrimental effects due to the floating body effect observed in SOI MOSFETs, several technical approaches have been proposed. For instance, F. Assaderaghi et al. proposed a technique for reducing the floating body effect in their technical paper entitled, xe2x80x9cA dynamic threshold voltage MOSFET (DTMOS) for very low voltage operation,xe2x80x9d published in IEEE Electron Device Lett., pp.510-512, Vol.15, No.12, 1994. F. Assaderaghi et al. tried to eliminate the floating body effect by tying the floating body to the gate of the SOI MOSFET. However, since the dynamic leakage current cannot be avoided between source and drain when the gate voltage is high while keeping source and drain low, they pointed out that their approach is only applicable to the low voltage operation.
As another approach to resolve the floating body problem in SOI devices, J.W. Sleight et al. proposed a Schottky body contact technology in a technical paper entitled, xe2x80x9cDC and transient characterization of a compact Schottky body contact technology for SOI transistors,xe2x80x9d published in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, pp.1451-1456, Vol.46, No.7, Jul. 1999. This technical paper provides a self-aligned Schottky diode method for body contacting partially depleted SOI transistors. In their paper, Schottky diodes are placed at source/drain terminals, allowing the floating body to be tied to the source/drain region.
FIGS.3A and 3B are schematic layout diagrams for implementing body contact tied to source/drain and gate, respectively, according to the prior art. Referring to FIG.3A, n+ source 23 is tied to the body 30 through p+ regions 31. Referring to FIG.3B illustrating the gate-body contact in accordance with the first prior art paper mentioned above, the body 30 is electrically connected to the gate electrode 20 through electrical contact 33.
However, it should be noted that the body contacting schemes either to source or gate disclosed in the prior art have fundamental limitations in their application to commercial SOI integrated circuits. Namely, since only the weak parts vulnerable to the dynamic leakage current out of the whole circuit are manually cured by contacting the floating body according to the prior art, it is difficult to resolve the inherent floating body problem in SOI integrated circuits.
For instance, only 50 to 100 thousand transistors are usually body-contacted to remedy the floating body effect out of 1.5 million transistors comprising the 64-bit microprocessor fabricated on SOI substrate.
In view of these problems, there is need for a method and structure for fundamentally eliminating the floating body effect in SOI semiconductor integrated circuits, which is not subject to these limitations.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique to eliminate the floating body effect in SOI integrated circuits. It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique to resolve the kink effect in SOI integrated circuits.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique to eliminate the parasitic bipolar effect and consequently the dynamic leakage current in SOI integrated circuits.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique to eliminate the floating body effect, which is applicable to commercial SOI products.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a complete solution to eliminate the floating body effect while keeping the conventional layout compatibility.
Accordingly, the invention is directed to a SOI semiconductor integrated circuit and a method of making the same. The SOI integrated circuit of the invention is formed on an SOI substrate including a supporting substrate, a buried insulating layer on the supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type on the buried insulating layer. The SOI integrated circuit of the invention includes at least one isolated transistor active region including a predetermined region of the semiconductor layer. A body line of the first conductivity type is disposed at one side of the transistor active region, the body line including a portion of the semiconductor layer. An isolation layer surrounds sidewalls of the transistor active region and the body line, the isolation layer being in contact with the buried insulating layer. A body extension of the first conductivity type extends from a predetermined sidewall of the transistor active region and is connected to the body line, the body extension being thinner than the transistor active region. A body insulating layer is formed on the body extension. An insulated gate pattern crosses over the transistor active region, the insulated gate pattern overlapping with the body insulating layer.
In accordance with the present invention, provided are SOI semiconductor integrated circuits having a body extension which connects a body region of an SOI MOSFET to a body line tied to the power line or the ground line and methods of fabricating the SOI semiconductor integrated circuits.
An SOI integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one isolated SOI MOSFET surrounded by insulator, a body line disposed at one side of the SOI MOSFET and a body extension which electrically connects a sidewall of a body region of the SOI MOSFET to the body line. Therefore, a plurality of SOI MOSFETs may be disposed at one side of the body line. In addition, the plurality of SOI MOSFETs may be disposed at both sides of the body line.
In one embodiment, the first conductivity type is P type. In an alternative embodiment, the first conductivity type is N type. In one embodiment, the SOI integrated circuit includes a metal silicide layer formed on the body line.
In one embodiment, a gate insulating layer is interposed between the insulated gate pattern and the transistor active region and one end of the insulated gate pattern is overlapped with the body insulating layer. The body insulating layer is thicker than the gate insulating layer. Thus, it can prevent an inversion channel from being formed at the body extension regardless of go the voltage applied to the insulated gate pattern. As a result, it becomes possible to implement an improved SOI MOSFET without floating bodies in the whole SOI integrated circuits.
The invention is also directed to a method of making a SOI semiconductor integrated circuit on an SOI substrate including a supporting substrate, a buried insulating layer on the supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type on the buried insulating layer. In accordance with the method, a predetermined region of the semiconductor layer is etched to form a trench region defining at least one isolated transistor active region and a body line active region at one side of the transistor active region and concurrently leaving a semiconductor residue layer, which is thinner than the semiconductor layer at a bottom of the trench region. The semiconductor residue layer is selectively etched until the buried insulating layer is exposed, thereby forming an isolation region and concurrently leaving a body extension of the first conductivity type connecting the transistor active region to the body line active region. A body insulating layer and an isolation layer are formed on the body extension and the exposed buried insulating layer, respectively. An insulated gate pattern is formed crossing over the transistor active region and overlapping with the body insulating layer. The body line active region is doped with impurities of the first conductivity type to form a body line.
A method of fabricating the SOI integrated circuit in accordance with the invention includes forming at least one SOI MOSFET at an SOI substrate, forming a body line disposed at one side of the SOI MOSFET and forming a body extension that electrically connects a body region of the SOI MOSFET to the body line. Here, the SOI substrate includes a supporting substrate, a buried insulating layer formed on the supporting substrate and a semiconductor layer formed on the buried insulating layer. Thus, a plurality of SOI MOSFETs may be formed at one side of the body line or at both sides of the bit line.
The method of forming the SOI MOSFET, the body line and the body extension comprises etching a predetermined region of the semiconductor layer to form a trench region defining at least one isolated transistor active region and a body line active region at one side of the transistor active region. The depth of the trench region is smaller than the thickness of the semiconductor layer. Thus, a semiconductor residue layer, which is thinner than the semiconductor layer, exists at the bottom of the trench region. A predetermined region of the semiconductor residue layer is then selectively etched until the buried insulating layer is exposed, thereby leaving a body extension that connects the transistor active region to the body line. Accordingly, an isolation region exposing the buried insulating layer is formed. As a result, the isolation region is deeper than the trench region exposing the body extension.
Subsequently, a body insulating layer and an isolation layer are formed in the trench region exposing the body extension and in the isolation region exposing the buried insulating layer, respectively. An insulated gate pattern crossing over the transistor active region is formed. The gate pattern is formed so that one end of the gate pattern is overlapped with the body insulating layer. Here, a gate insulating layer is formed between the gate pattern and the transistor active region. The body insulating layer is thicker than the gate insulating layer. Thus, even though a predetermined voltage in the range of operating voltage is applied to the gate pattern, it can prevent an inversion channel from being formed at the body extension under the body insulating layer. Impurity ions having the same conductivity type as the semiconductor layer, i.e., a body region of the SOI MOSFET are implanted into the body line active region to form a body line having a low resistivity.

SOI semiconductor integrated circuit for eliminating floating body effects in SOI MOSFETs and method of fabricating the same


An information processing apparatus includes a display acquisition unit including a display screen which displays information to a user, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire an input pattern written by the user, a storage unit which prestores, as a registered pattern, a pattern corresponding to the input pattern, a comparison unit configured to compare a shape and orientation of the input pattern with a shape and orientation of the registered pattern, a computation unit configured to compute a degree of difference between the orientation of the input pattern and the orientation of the registered pattern, and a selection unit configured to select a display orientation of a display target corresponding to the input pattern, displayed on the display screen, from a plurality of display orientations determined by a shape of the information processing apparatus, based on the computed degree of difference.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for controlling image display utilizing pattern comparison. More particularly, it relates to an information processing apparatus, such as a tablet computer, mobile information terminal or word processor, in which an input operation is performed using a coordinate input unit, such as a touch panel or tablet, formed integrally with its display screen. It also relates to an information processing method and program for use in the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, information processing apparatuses can be used in an arbitrary orientation since a direct coordinate input operation can be performed using an input device formed integrally with the display screen. However, image display by the information processing apparatuses is controlled, assuming that it is performed in a certain orientation. Accordingly, the orientation of image display may be different from the orientation of use, which is inconvenient for users.
In the prior art, the orientation of image display is controlled, for example, as follows:
1. The orientation of display set before the apparatus is turned off is recorded, and when the apparatus is again turned on, the orientation of display is set as recorded.
2. If the orientation of display differs from that of use, a screen rotation utility program is used to adjust the display orientation to the user's desired one.
In the case of item 2, it is necessary for the user to use the screen rotation utility program to switch the display orientation each time the orientation of use is changed.
When, in particular, the apparatus is turned on, the orientation of use is likely to differ from that of display. For instance, in the case of a tablet PC, when personal verification is performed for log in by inputting a signature upon turn-on of the PC, the orientation of use is likely to differ from that of display (see, for example, "A study on the English Signature Verification Using Tree Matching", IEICE Transactions D-II, Vol. J75-D-II, No. 1, pp. 31-38, January, 1992 (Signature Verification)).
If the orientation of use differs from that of display, users must rotate the apparatus to adjust the former to the latter.
Even if the orientation of display can be changed using the screen rotation utility program, they must designate the orientation of use.

Information processing apparatus, method and program


A system and method that includes flowing brine containing a metal ion through a reactor that includes porous particles having metal ion imprinted polymer having selective binding sites. The system and method further include discharging the brine from the reactor, contacting the porous particles with water, and pressurizing the reactor with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide reacts with the adsorbed metal ions to form a metal carbonate solution, where the metal carbonate solution can then be continuously purified with ion exchange. The method can include recycling eluent from the ion exchange back into the system for re-use. The method further includes depressurizing the reactor to precipitate metal carbonate from the metal carbonate solution and discharging the metal carbonate solution from the reactor.

Brines used for metal extraction are typically found in underground reservoirs ("salar brines") and contain high concentrations of dissolved salts. For example, extraction of lithium from salar brines is a common method of lithium production because of its favorable cost of extraction. Salar brine in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia may contain up to 1500 ppm of lithium and high-grade lithium compounds can be processed at relatively low operation costs. However, lithium separation from salar brines is based on solar evaporation in ponds and requires multiple purification steps. To extract the metals from the brine, the brine is pumped to the surface and exposed to the atmosphere. As water evaporates, the concentration of metals salts in the brine increases. The concentrated brine may be treated with other chemicals to precipitate metal salts from the concentrated brine. This process of metal extraction takes a significant amount of time, is dependent on a relatively dry and stable atmosphere, and amplifies environmental degradation due to large amounts of salt left on the ground.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Concentrating lithium carbonate after regeneration of lithium sorbent


The present invention relates to an X-ray system and method for generating 3D image data. The X-ray system comprises a radiation detector, a movable X-ray tube assembly and a control unit, wherein in a working state of the system the radiation detector is detachably positioned in a spatially fixed manner and the X-ray tube assembly can be moved into relative positions relative to the radiation detector. Projection images recorded in the relative positions can be processed together with the coordinates of the relative positions using an iterative reconstruction technique or other image processing methods so as to obtain 3D X-ray images. The X-ray tube assembly is attached to a motor-driven movable stand arm and can be displaced using a control unit. The stand base of the movable stand can be positioned in a spatially fixed manner, so that it has a defined fixed position relative to the radiation detector.

In the medical field, X-ray systems are used to examine patients by means of X-rays, wherein such systems comprise an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. In materials science, objects to be analyzed are likewise radiographed so as to obtain information about the inner structure in a non-destructive manner. The X-rays generated by the X-ray source penetrate the tissue or material to be represented and are weakened to varying degrees, depending on the tissue type or material type. A projection image of the transilluminated object, in which spatial information is displayed in a superimposed manner, is created on the X-ray image detector of an X-ray device. However, it is only a three-dimensional exact representation of the interior of the body that allows, for example, exact repositioning of bone fractures on joints or exact positioning of implants relative to critical anatomic structures.
So as to generate three-dimensional image data, several two-dimensional projection images of an object are recorded from various spatial directions by means of an X-ray device and then the scanned volume is reconstructed using an algorithm. In addition to the 2D projection images, the algorithm requires positional information for the X-ray tube assembly and radiation detector, and additionally it must be taken into consideration that the object to be reconstructed is always represented in the projection images.
Several methods and devices for generating three-dimensional X-ray images are already known from the prior art. Often times what are known as "C-arms" are employed for this purpose, as described in WO 2010/012441 A1, for example. While these C-arms allow the scanned region to be reliably reconstructed, and the image quality is sufficient for intraoperative purposes, a surgeon has no direct access to the patient's entire body with these devices due to the shape thereof.
Computer tomographs make an excellent image quality possible, but are not suitable for intraoperative use, because the device blocks the access to the patient. Such devices additionally require a lot of space, generate high radiation exposure, are complex to operate and cause high costs.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.


A charging apparatus for charging a battery of an electrically operable vehicle includes a plug element, a base element, and adjusting facility. The plug element is connectable to a corresponding, vehicle-side plug element of the motor vehicle and via which electrical energy is transferrable to the motor vehicle so as to charge the battery. The base element is connected to a current source and provides electrical energy from the current source for the plug element. Via the adjusting facility the plug element is movable relative to the base element in order to connect the plug element to the vehicle-side plug element, and via which an electrical connection is provided between the base element and the plug element. The adjusting facility has an overload protection via which the base element is electrically separated from the plug element in the event of a predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded.

This disclosure relates to a charging apparatus for charging a battery of an electrically operable motor vehicle in accordance with the preamble of the independent claim.
There is a charging apparatus for a vehicle, wherein a contacting plate that can be attached to a vehicle is configured with a multiplicity of positioning elements and at least one connecting element is provided for transferring current. During the procedure of bringing together the connecting element and the contacting plate, the connecting element latches in one of the positioning elements irrespective of the position and in a flexible manner. The connecting element can be part of a lifting device that can be arranged on a ground surface of a private parking place or on the ground of a public area so as to charge vehicles. In particular, the lifting device is configured as a robotic arm. By virtue of such an arrangement of the contacting plate on the vehicle on the one hand and the arrangement of the connecting element or the lifting device on the other hand, it is possible in a simple and automated manner to connect the connecting element to the contacting plate or to a positioning element that is arranged on the contacting plate.
One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a charging apparatus for charging a battery of an electrically operable motor vehicle and the charging apparatus is to be particularly well protected against being damaged.
This and other objects are achieved in accordance with this disclosure by means of a charging apparatus for charging a battery of an electrically operable motor vehicle.
This disclosure relates to a charging apparatus for charging a battery of an electrically operable motor vehicle and the charging apparatus has a plug element that can be connected to a corresponding, vehicle-side plug element of the motor vehicle and by means of which electrical energy can be transferred to the motor vehicle so as to charge the battery. For this purpose, the plug element can have for example a plug-in connector that can be brought into engagement with a socket of the corresponding, vehicle-side plug element in order to transfer electrical energy from the plug-in connector to the socket. Furthermore, the charging apparatus comprises a base element that is connected to a current source and provides electrical energy from the current source for the plug element. The current source can be for example a power supply that supplies the base element with electrical energy. In addition, the charging apparatus comprises an adjusting facility by means of which the plug element can be moved relative to the base element in order to connect the plug element to the vehicle-side plug element. Furthermore, the adjusting facility represents an electrical connection between the base element and the plug element. This means that it is possible by means of the adjusting facility to move the plug element relative to the base element in a three dimensional manner in order to move the plug element toward the vehicle-side plug element and to connect it thereto. In particular, the adjusting facility is a robotic facility that is attached at one end to the base element and at the other end is attached to the plug element. Furthermore, the adjusting facility provides the electrical connection between the base element and the plug element, wherein electrical energy is transferred from the base element to the plug element by way of the electrical connection.
In order to realize a particularly good protection against being damaged, it is provided in accordance with this disclosure that the adjusting facility has an overload protection by means of which the base element is to be electrically separated from the plug element if a predetermined mechanical maximal load of the adjusting facility is exceeded. The overloading of the adjusting facility can occur for example in the form of mechanical stresses, in particular if the motor vehicle is moved relative to the base element. In this case, it is possible for example for the plug element of the charging apparatus that is connected to the vehicle-side plug element to be moved simultaneously with the motor vehicle, wherein the base element is rigidly connected to the underbody of the vehicle. As a consequence, mechanical loads can occur in the adjusting facility which can lead to the adjusting facility becoming damaged. In order to avoid that as a result of such damage the electrical connection becomes damaged with the result that voltage-carrying elements of the adjusting facility are exposed, the plug element is electrically separated from the base element as soon as the predetermined mechanical maximal load is exceeded. Where appropriate, it is also possible in the form of an overload protection to mechanically separate the base element from the plug element in order to avoid an uncontrolled breakaway of the adjusting facility. The controlled electrical separation of the plug element from the base element in the event of the adjusting facility being mechanically overloaded renders it possible that exposed current-carrying elements as a result of damage have been avoided.
In this context, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the adjusting facility has a lifting arm for moving the plug element relative to the base element, wherein at least one desired separation site is provided as the overload protection on the lifting arm. The lifting arm can be mechanically separated at the desired separation site in order to separate the plug element from the base element in the event of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded. The lifting arm can be a robotic arm by means of which the plug element can be moved in a three dimensional manner relative to the base element. This lifting arm has at least one desired separation site at which the lever arm is separated in a controlled manner in the case of a mechanical overload in order to mechanically separate the plug element from the base element. The at least one desired separation site can be for example a desired breakaway site at which the lever arm breaks away in the case of the mechanical overload and consequently in the event of the mechanical maximal load being exceeded. By virtue of breaking away, the lifting arm can be divided into at least two parts, wherein one of the parts is connected to the plug element and the other part is connected to the base element. Alternatively, the lifting arm can have the at least one desired separation site where it is connected to the plug element and/or where it is connected to the base element, as a result of which the lifting arm is separated from the plug element and/or from the base element by means of breaking away in the case of a mechanical overload. The at least one desired separation site can have alternatively or in addition a magnetic facility, the magnetic force of which corresponds to the predetermined mechanical maximal load. If a mechanical load of the lifting arm exceeds the predetermined mechanical maximal load, then the magnetic force of the magnetic facility is overcome and the lifting arm divided into parts and/or separated from the plug element and/or from the base element. The procedure of separating the adjusting facility by means of the magnetic facility has in particular the advantage that the adjusting facility is mechanically separated without incurring any damage and can be subsequently mechanically reconnected without the adjusting facility being damaged. The connection between the plug element and the base element can consequently be reversibly separated, with the result that the adjusting facility can be advantageously reused on numerous occasions even after being mechanically overloaded.
It has shown to be further advantageous if the adjusting facility has a charging cable for transferring electrical energy from the base element to the plug element, wherein the charging cable comprises as the overload protection a plug-in connection that in the event of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded divides the charging cable into parts and/or separates the charging cable from the plug element and/or from the base element. This means that the charging cable has the plug-in connection which in the event of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded is separated in order to electrically separate the plug element from the base element. In this case, the plug element ensures that, in the case of a mechanical separation of the base element from the plug element, current-carrying elements of the charging cable are not exposed, in that in the separated state the plug-in connection prevents the charging cable from carrying current. As a consequence, the charging cable can be particularly reliably and safely electrically divided into parts in the case of a mechanical overload. In particular, the plug-in connection is configured in such a manner that the charging cable only then carries electrical energy if the plug-in connection is closed. In particular, the plug-in connection can comprise at least one mechanical safety facility that in the unplugged state of the plug-in connection prevents a current-carrying element of the charging cable becoming exposed, in that in the case of an unplugged plug-in connection the safety element for example electrically shields the respective current-carrying element of the charging cable in the region of the plug-in connection.
In this context, it has proven to be advantageous if the plug-in connection comprises a first connecting face of the plug element and a second connecting face of the adjusting facility, which in order to attach the plug element to the adjusting facility can be connected to one another at their respective faces and are held against one another by way of a magnetic force. This means that in the form of a plug-in connection the adjusting facility and the plug element are held against one another by way of their respective connecting faces by means of magnetic force. The connecting faces render it possible to transfer current or voltage between the adjusting facility and the plug element. For example, at least one of the connecting faces can be magnetic. It is hereby possible to provide a non-positive connection between the plug element and the adjusting facility. If as a result of the mechanical overload of the adjusting facility, the magnetic force is overcome, then the plug element is separated from the adjusting facility. The surface contact between the plug element and the adjusting facility prevents directional sensitivity of the plug-in connection with respect to a directional effect of the mechanical load.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the disclosure, it is provided that the plug element is attached to the adjusting facility by means of a magnetic attachment, wherein the magnetic attachment separates the plug element from the adjusting facility in the event of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded. In this case, the plug element is mechanically and/or electrically separated from the adjusting facility by means of the magnetic attachment in the event of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being exceeded. In this case, the mechanical attachment can be integrated in a holding facility by means of which the plug element is attached to the adjusting facility and in particular to the lifting arm. As a consequence, it is rendered possible that in the event of a mechanical overload the plug element can be separated from the adjusting facility in a particularly simple and particularly rapid manner.
In a further embodiment of the disclosure, it has proven to be advantageous if the predetermined mechanical maximal load is below a breakaway load of the adjusting facility that leads to the breakaway. This means that the plug element is separated from the base element before the breakaway load of the adjusting facility is achieved with the result that it is possible to avoid at least essentially an uncontrolled breakaway of the adjusting facility. As a consequence, it can be ensured that the plug element is mechanically and/or electrically separated in a controlled manner from the base element in the event of a mechanical overload. An uncontrolled breakaway of the adjusting facility could for example lead to the vehicle that is to be charged by means of the charging apparatus becoming damaged, which can be avoided by virtue of the fact that the adjusting facility separates the plug element from the base element prior to the breakaway load being achieved, in particular in the case of the predetermined mechanical maximal load being achieved. The charging apparatus in accordance with this disclosure consequently renders it possible to charge the vehicle in a particularly safe and reliable manner, whereby it is possible by means of the overload protection in accordance with this disclosure to prevent uncontrolled damage to the adjusting facility.
Further features of the disclosure are disclosed in the claims, the figures and the description of the FIGURES. The feature combinations and features that are mentioned above in the description and also the feature combinations and features that are mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or are illustrated alone in the single FIGURE cannot only be used in the respective disclosed combination but can also be used in other combinations or stand-alone.
The embodiments of the invention are now further explained the aid of a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing, in which:

Charging device for charging a battery of an electrically operated motor vehicle

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


An arc detection method includes classifying whether an arc fault is present in the power system by, for each of a plurality of bins of a current frame of a signal, marking the bin as a candidate bin if a magnitude spectrum of the bin meets first criteria; determining a number of candidate bins in the current frame; marking the number of candidate bins as candidate cluster bins if the number of candidate bins exceeds a minimum cluster size; for each of the candidate cluster bins, determining whether the candidate cluster bin is also a candidate cluster bin of a previous frame of the first signal and if so, identifying the current frame as a candidate frame and incrementing a candidate frame count; and if the candidate frame count exceeds a candidate frame count threshold, determining that an arc fault is present in the power system.

Power systems are ubiquitous. Examples of power systems include industrial power plants, solar farms, wind farms, residential solar power systems, and electric automobiles. Typically, power systems supply, transmit, and consume electric power. Power is usually delivered over cables; in some situations, cables may be disconnected, leaving a small air gap between conductors. Depending on the environment surrounding the air gap, an electric arc may form between the two conductors, which may be dangerous if the faulty part of the power system is not shut down in time. Especially when high voltage power is involved, the risk of electric shock or fire is high. For this reason, many power systems are equipped with arc detectors for detecting arc faults, which may be used to trigger arc fault circuit interrupters that may mechanically disconnect the power source. It is not surprising that the solar industry, for example, has developed a PV arc-fault circuit protection standard.

DC arc detection and photovoltaic plant profiling system

ANALOG DEVICES INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANY


A magnetoresistive write element has a plurality of coils disposed between a first and second pole. A first coil having inner and outer contacts is provided on top of a layer of insulation on top of the first pole. A write gap material above the first coil separates the poles at a yoke tip region to form a write gap therebetween. Second and third coils wound in the form of a single bifilar coil are provided on top of the write gap material, each having an inner and an outer contact portion. Electrical connection between the inner contact of the first coil and the inner contact of the second coil is provided through a via in the write gap material. An insulation layer above the second and third coils provides separation from a fourth coil provided thereabove. The fourth coil also has inner and outer contact portions. The outer contact of the fourth coil electrically connects with the outer contact of the second coil through one of the vias in the second insulation layer separating the second and third coil from the fourth coil. Similarly, the inner contact of the fourth coil connects electrically with the inner contact of the third coil. An insulation layer is deposited on top of the fourth coil and the second pole is formed on top thereof such that the first and second poles make electrical connection with one another at back gap portion.

This invention relates generally to magnetic disk data storage systems, and more particularly to magnetic write transducers and methods for making same.
Magnetic disk drives are used to store an retrieve data for digital electronic apparatus such as computers. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, a magnetic disk data storage system 10 of the prior art is illustrated which includes a sealed enclosure 12, a disk drive motor 14, a magnetic disk 16, supported for rotation by a drive spindle S1 of motor 14, an actuator 18 and an arm 20 attached to an actuator spindle S2 of actuator 18. A suspension 22 is coupled at one end to the arm 20 and at its other end to a read/write head or transducer 24. The transducer 24 (which will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2A) typically includes an inductive write element with a sensor read element As the motor 14 rotates the magnetic disk 16, is indicated by the arrow R, an air bearing is formed under the transducer 24 causing it to lift slightly off the surface of the magnetic disk 16, or, as it is termed in the art, to xe2x80x9cflyxe2x80x9d above the magnetic disk 16. Alternatively, see transducers, known as xe2x80x9ccontact heads,xe2x80x9d ride on the disk surface. Various magnetic xe2x80x9ctracksxe2x80x9d of information can be written to and/or read from the magnetic disk 16 as the actuator 18 causes the transducer 24 to pivot in a short arc as indicated by the arrows P. The design and manufacture of magnetic disk data storage systems is well known to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 2A depicts a magnetic read/write head 24 including a substrate 25 above which a read element 26 and a write element 28 are disposed. Edges of the read element 26 and write element 28 also define an air bearing surface ABS, in a plane 29, which can be aligned to face the surface of a magnetic disk 16 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The read element 26 includes a first shield 30, an intermediate layer 32, which functions as a second shield, and a read sensor 34 that is located within a dielectric medium 35 between the first shield 30 and the second shield 32. The most common type of read sensor 34 used in the read/write head 24 is the magnetoresistive (AMR or GMR) sensor which is used to detect magnetic field signals from the magnetic medium through changing resistance in the read sensor.
The write element 28 is typically an inductive write element which includes the intermediate layer 32, which functions as a first pole, and a second pole 38 disposed above the first pole 32. The first pole 32 and the second pole 38 are attached to each other by a back-gap portion 40, with these three elements collectively forming a yoke 41. The combination of a first pole tip portion 43 and a second pole tip portion 45 near the ADS are sometimes referred to as the yoke tip portion 46. A write gap 36 is formed between the first and second poles 32, 38 in the yoke tip portion 46. The write gap 36 is filled with a non-magnetic electrically insulating material that forms a write gap material layer 37. This non-magnetic material can be either integral with (as is shown here) or separate from a first insulation layer 47 that lies below the second pole 38 and extends from the yoke tip portion 46 to the back-gap portion 40.
Also included in write element 28 is a conductive coil 48, formed of multiple winds 49 which each have a wind height Hw. The coil 48 can be characterized by a dimension sometimes referred to as the wind pitch P, which is the distance from one coil wind front edge to the next coil wind front edge, as shown in FIG. 2A. As is shown, the wind pitch P is defined by the sum of the wind thickness Tw and the separation between adjacent winds Sw. The conductive coil 48 is positioned within a coil insulation layer 50 that lies above the first insulation layer 47. The first insulation layer 47 thereby electrically insulates the coil layer from the first pole 32, while the coil insulation layer 50 electrically insulates the winds 49 from each other and from the second pole 38.
The configuration of the conductive coil 48 can be better understood with reference to a plan view of the read/write head 24 shown in FIG. 2B taken along line 2Bxe2x80x942B of FIG. 2A. Because the conductive coil extends beyond the first and second poles, insulation may be needed beneath, as well as above, the conductive coil to electrically insulate the conductive coil from other structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, a view taken along line 2Cxe2x80x942C of FIG. 2A, a buildup insulation layer 52 can be formed adjacent to the first pole, and under the conductive coil layer 48. As is well known to those skilled in the art, these elements operate to magnetically write data on a magnetic medium such as a magnetic disk 16 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B).
More specifically, an inductive write head such as that shown in FIGS. 2A-2C operates by passing a writing current through the conductive coil layer 48. Because of the magnetic properties of the yoke 41, a magnetic flux is induced in the first and second poles 32, 38 by write currents passed through the coil layer 48. The write gap 36 allows the magnetic flux to fringe out from the yoke 41 (thus forming a fringing gap field) and to cross a magnetic recording medium that is placed near the ABS. A critical parameter of a magnetic write element is the flux rise time. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a reduction of flux rise time allows for increased recording speed. It has been found that a reduced flux rise time can be achieved by shortening the yoke length YL as referred to in FIG. 2D. Thus, to obtain faster recording speeds, and therefore higher data transfer rates, it may be desirable to have a shorter yoke length YL. This relationship can be seen in the graph of yoke length YL versus flux rise time shown in FIG. 2D.
Another parameter of the write element is the number of winds 49 in the coil layer 48, which determines magnetic motive for (MMF) of a write element. With increasing number of winds 49 between the fly and second poles 32, 38, the fringing field is stronger and, thus, the write performance increases. However the number of winds is limited by the yoke length YL, shown in FIG. 2A, and the pitch P between adjacent winds 49. Therefore, to maximize the number of coil winds while maintaining fast write speeds, it is desirable to minimize the pitch P in design of write elements. The minimum pitch is, however, limited by practical considerations such as manufacturing, and cost.
One method which has been used to increase the number of winds while maintaining a small yoke length has been to use multiple coils stacked one on top of another. However, prior art multiple coil write heads have required the use of a center tap to interconnect the coils, leading to increased manufacturing cost and increased stack height. Thus there remains a need for a write head which can provide a relatively large number of windings in a yoke having a short yoke length and without use of a center tap. Such a device would preferably be relatively inexpensive to construct and have a small stack height.
The present invention provides a magnetic write element and method for making the same that delivers a high magnetic motive force while also providing a short flux rise time. The invention accomplishes this by using multiple coils stacked one on top of the other including the use of a bifilar coil. The multiple coils are interconnected without using a center tap by connecting the coils through vias which traverse no more than one layer of insulation at a time. In other words each coil is connected only to a coil which is adjacent to it. Thus, saving significant manufacturing cost as well as minimizing the stack height of the write head.
The write head is constructed as a combination read/write head built upon a ceramic substrate. The write element of the read/write head includes a first pole constructed of a magnetic material. A first insulating material is deposited on the first pole and a first coil having inner and outer contacts is plated onto the first insulating layer. A write gap material is provided on top of the first coil including a via through which electrical contact can be made with the first coil. A second and third coil are then formed on top of the write gap material each having an inner and an outer contact, and formed as a single bifilar coil. The inner contact of the second coil makes electrical connection with the inner contact of the first coil through the via in the write gap material.
A second insulation layer is provided on top of the second and third coils and, like the first insulation layer is provided with vias through which electrical contact can be made. A fourth coil having an inner and an outer contact is provided on top of the second insulation layer. The outer contact of the fourth coil makes electrical connection with the outer contact of the second coil through one of the vias formed in the second insulation layer, and the inner contact of the fourth coil makes electrical connection with the inner connection of the third coil.
A third insulation layer is then provided on top of the fourth coil over which is formed a second pole. The second pole connects magnetically with the first pole at a back gap portion. An electrical signal can be supplied to the coil assembly through the outer contact of the first coil and the outer contact of the third coil. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the described write element provides a multiple coil assembly without the need for a center tap and while only connecting coils which are adjacent with one another, thereby providing a write element having a short yoke length, high magnetic motive force and relatively short stack height. Furthermore, these improvements are realized in a device which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following descriptions of the invention and a study of the several figures of the drawings.

High density multi-coil magnetic write head having a reduced yoke length and short flux rise time


A needle holder assembly having a sleeve that slidably receives a needle holder having a needle assembly attached thereto. After the need holder assembly has been used to collect a sample of body fluid, the needle holder is slid from its initial retracted position to a permanently locked extended position. In the extended position the used needle is contained within the sleeve of the assembly and can be disposed of. The assembly of the present invention includes a mechanism for smoothly releasing the needle holder from the retracted position, an improved mechanism for permanently and securely locking the needle holder in the extended position, and a body fluid collection channel around the distal end of the sleeve that prevents body fluid from splattering from the distal end of the assembly, when the sleeve is locked in the needle holder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved needle holder assembly and, more particularly, a needle holder assembly having a release mechanism for smoothly releasing the needle holder from a retracted position to permit the needle holder to slide within a sleeve to an extended position at which the holder is permanently locked for disposal by an improved locking mechanism.
2. Background Description
A needle holder assembly is commonly used in hospitals and doctors offices to aid in drawing body fluid, e.g., blood, from a patient for diagnostic testing and other procedures. Needle holder assemblies primarily consist of a hollow cylinder inner tube body or needle holder that holds a standard double-ended hollow needle at its distal end with one end of the needle extending into the tube and the other end extending out of the tube for piercing the patient's skin extending. The tube body is shaped to receive an evacuated collection tube having a piercable closure so that the closure is pierced by the internal end of the needle and body fluid is drawn by the vacuum from the patient into the collection tube. An example of a piercable closure that is currently being used to seal evacuated tubes is the HEMOGARD.TM. Closure for use on the VACUTAINER Brand tube from Becton, Dickinson and Company. The HEMOGARD.TM. Closure is basically a rubber stopper covered by a plastic shield, however, a more detailed description of the closure is contained in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,741,446 (Miller) and 4,991,104 (Miller), both of which are assigned to Becton, Dickinson and Company and incorporated herein by reference.
Needle holder assemblies have also been made having an outer safety shield or sleeve that slidably receives the hollow cylinder inner tube, described above, the sleeve being slightly larger in diameter than the inner tube which permits the inner tube to slide within the sleeve from a retracted position to an extended position. When the inner tube is in the retracted position, the needle extends out of an opening in the distal end of the sleeve and when the inner tube is in the extended position, the needle is contained within and surrounded by the sleeve so that the needle holder assembly can be disposed of. Such needle holder assemblies are very useful and valuable since they minimize the chance of accidental needle sticks occurring after the assembly has been disposed of by surrounding the sharp point of the used needle.
A needle holder assembly of the type described above is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,445 (Ryan). The Ryan assembly includes a hollow cylindrical inner tube body with a needle at its forward end and an outer shield arranged to slidably receive the inner tube body. The inner tube slides from a retracted position to an extended position and includes a locking mechanism to lock the shield in the extended position. The locking mechanism, however, does not permanently and securely lock the inner tube and sleeve together, since it merely retains the inner tube in the retracted position by using solid protrusions on the wall of the shield to engage a groove on the inner tube. However, the protrusions can easily be disengaged from the groove using moderate force and some wiggle. Therefore, the Ryan assembly does not provide the secure permanent locking action that is required to safely dispose of a used holder, since the holder could be pushed easily towards the retracted position and expose the needle beyond the shield. Another disadvantage of the Ryan assembly is that it is difficult to disengage from the retracted position, since rotation of the inner tube is prevented by a ratchet mechanism that locks the inner tube and shield together when the assembly is in the retracted position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,863 (Haber et al.) and Re. 33,585 (Haber et al.) also describe collection tube holders like those discussed above. The Haber et al. holders also include a shock absorbing system with deceleration stations that absorb and dampen vibrations that are generated by the jarring impact forces when the outer sleeve is advanced and locked in the extended position. However, the Haber et al. holders do not address the need for permanently and securely locking the inner tube to the sleeve at the extended position or providing a release mechanism for smoothly releasing the inner tube from the retracted position.


The Peak-to-Average Power Ratio in an OFDM transmission system is reduced based on a complementary parity coding in which the coding rules are derived from an appropriate auto-correlation property of transmitted symbol sequences.

Described below is a method for reducing Peak-to-Average Power Ratio in an OFDM transmission system.
One of the promising technologies for mobile communications systems beyond 3G (B3G) is multi-carrier modulation based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM). Among other expected features like interactive multimedia services, high capacity, etc., the most crucial seems to be the capability of reaching much higher date rates than it is achievable with current 2G and 3G mobile communications systems. Currently, a considerable number of studies on B3G systems are based on an objective to achieve data rate up to 100 Mbit/s. Assuming typical phenomena of mobile channels like reflections, diffractions and scattering of a propagated radio signal, makes the goal of higher data rates even harder. For single carrier systems data rate of 100 Mbits/s means drastic reduction of symbol duration. If the channel delay spread exceeds the symbol duration then such a system is subject to inter-symbol interference (ISI) caused by a frequency selective fading, and without advanced equalization it is practically unusable.
The basic idea of OFDM is to divide the transmitted bit stream into many different sub-streams and send these over many different sub-channels (sub-carriers). The data rate on each of the sub-channels is much less than the total data rate, and the corresponding sub-channel bandwidth is much less than the total system bandwidth. The number of sub-streams is chosen in a way ensuring that each sub-channel has a bandwidth less than the coherence bandwidth of the channel. Hence, the sub-channels experience relatively flat fading and channel induced ISI on each sub-channel is small.
On the other hand, OFDM can be considered as a technique that transmits data in parallel on a number of equally spaced sinusoidal waveforms which means that the data to be transmitted determine the relative phases of the sinusoids. This results in the main drawback. If the amplitudes of the sinusoids occur at the same time, they add up most constructively producing high peak in resulted signal, greatly exceeding the average level. Since the peak in the signal level defines the peak in the power of the signal, a power amplifier (PA) has to track these peaks in order not to produce distortion. This leads to uneven demands on PA, e.g. it operates most of the time at levels much below its capacity which degrades energy efficiency.
In order to quantify the power peak, the use of the so called Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR), which is defined in dB as the power peak value relative to the average power of the signal, is made. Such a definition is widely accepted and reasonable also in other systems dealing with high signal peak values.
There is a wide range of methods developed to combat the problem of high PAPR. The most promising methods are based on coding.
The idea of these techniques is to avoid the transmission of symbols that exhibit high PAPR by a properly chosen coding, as described in S. H. Han, J. H. Lee, "An overview of Peak-To-Average Power Ratio Reduction Techniques for Multicarrier Transmission", IEEE Wireless Communications, April 2005, pp. 56-65. A common example was originally presented in A. E. Jones, T. A. Wilkinson and S. K. Barton, "Block Coding Scheme for Reduction of Peak to Mean Envelope Power Ratio of Multicarrier Transmission Schemes", Elect Letters, Vol. 30, No. 25, December 1994, pp. 2098-2099. It is shown that for the case of BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) modulation and 4 sub-carriers, PAPR in the worst case is 6.02 dB. They noticed that by proper coding (one redundant bit out of four) they would be able to avoid data sequences which exploit high PAPR, resulting in the 3.54 dB PAPR gain. Unfortunately, for a number of sub-carriers greater than 4, they were unable to guarantee the same PAPR gain using simple coding, but were forced to perform an exhaustive search to find the best sequences and make use of look-up tables thereafter. However, such a solution proves infeasible for practical purposes, since length of the look-up table grows rapidly as the number of sub-carriers increases.
Slightly improved approach is to use code words drawn from offsets of a linear code. The code is chosen for its error correction capabilities, whereas the offset to reduce the PAPR of the resulting signals. Algorithm is easy to implement, but requires extensive calculations to find good codes and offsets, as described in A. E. Jones and T. A. Wilkinson, "Combined Coding for Error Control and Increased Robustness to System Non-linearities in OFDM", Proc. IEEE VTC '96, Atlanta, Ga., April-May 1996, pp. 904-908. Even though a computationally efficient geometrical approach to offset selection was proposed in V. Tarokh and H. Jafarkhani, "On the Computation and Reduction of the Peak-to-Average Power Ratio in Multicarrier Communications", IEEE Trans. Commun., Vol. 48, No. 1, January 2000, pp. 37-44, this does not guarantee the PAPR reduction.
Another attractive way is to employ Golay complementary sequences, which provide ideal value of PAPR (no greater than 2 dB), as code words. It has been shown in J. A. Davis and J. Jedwab, "Peak-To-Mean Power Control and Error Correction for OFDM Transmission Using Golay Sequences and Reed-Muller Codes", Elect. Letters, Vol. 33, No. 4. February 1997, pp. 267-268; and J. A. Davis and J. Jedwab, "Peak-To-Mean Power Control in OFDM, Golay Complementary Sequences, and Reed-Muller Codes, "IEEE Trans. Info. Theory", Vol. 45, No. 7, November 1999, pp. 2397-2417 that large set of binary length 2m; m ε N Golay complementary pairs can be obtained from the second-order Reed-Muller code. Consequently, it seems possible to combine Reed-Muller block coding (including error control capabilities) along with Golay complementary sequences providing good PAPR. Anyway, this can only be done for the case of MPSK modulation and is again infeasible for large number of sub-carriers due to computations complexity. Moreover, the code rate also decreases with the number of sub-carriers.
Recently, a new method called complement block coding has been proposed in T. Jiang and G. Zhu, "Complement Block Coding for reduction in Peak-to-Average power Ratio of OFDM Signals", IEEE Comm. Mag., September 2005, pp. S17-S22. It uses simple bit inversions of certain bits on predefined positions. It is claimed to obtain interesting PAPR reduction of at most 3.5 dB. In this method, the code rate can be kept constant. Advantageous simplicity of the encoding operation does not, however, guarantee the PAPR gain for any number of sub-carriers. What is more, error correction capabilities of the code are limited to correcting only those bits that had been complemented.
To sum up, all the methods mentioned above do reduce PAPR for the cost of sacrificing other parameters. They introduce a lot of overhead (Reed-Muller code) or do not guarantee PAPR low enough at all. The main disadvantage, however, is that they are impractical for large numbers of sub-carriers due to either high complexity or small PAPR gain.

Method for reducing peak-to-average power ratio in an OFDM transmission system


A display apparatus includes a first insulating substrate including a front surface that provides an image and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, a low reflection layer provided on the rear surface, a gate wiring part provided on the low reflection layer, a data wiring part provided on the rear surface, the data wiring part that is insulated from the gate wiring part; and a pixel which is connected to the data wiring part and displays the image, where the low reflection layer includes a polymer resin having a black color.

1. Field
The invention relates to a display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a display device having improved display quality and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A display apparatus including a display panel not inherently emitting light such as a liquid crystal display apparatus, for example, includes a backlight assembly as a constituting element, and the display panel displays an image by using light generated from the backlight assembly.
The display panel includes a lower substrate on which a plurality of thin film transistors is disposed, an upper substrate provided on the lower substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. The backlight assembly is provided under the lower substrate.

Display apparatus having low reflection polymer layer


A method for monitoring a malicious attribute of a webpage is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: acquiring webpage query requests submitted by a plurality of clients; crawling a webpage based on the webpage query requests and acquiring crawled webpage contents; counting up a referenced value of a URL based on the webpage contents; calling a predetermined detection program to detect a malicious attribute of the URL based on the a referenced value of the URL. The accuracy of detection can be improved by using the method for monitoring a malicious attribute of a webpage provided in the present disclosure. Furthermore, a system for monitoring a malicious attribute of a webpage is further disclosed.

With the development of the Internet technology, there are more and more pornographic websites, fraud phishing websites and equestrian websites, which greatly threaten the security of information accessed by users on the Internet. Therefore, it needs to detect whether a malicious attribute exits in a webpage before page contents have been acquired and parsed in a browser, if the webpage has a malicious attribute, the user is prompted that the webpage current accessing is malicious webpage, so as to safeguard the Internet surfing of the user.
Traditional methods for detecting malicious attribute of a webpage includes signature-based detecting, behavior based detecting, sandbox filtering technique and honeypot. Among them, the principle of signature-based detecting likes this: signatures are stored in a signatures library by extracting samples of malicious codes and analysing the signatured instruction sequence of the samples; scanned documents are compared with the signatures library when detect a malicious attribute of a webpage; if there is a document fragment that match signatures, the detected webpage has a malicious attribute. The behavior based detecting distinguishes by detecting a behavior of a program, such as add a item to registry startup entries, modify content under system folder and call special or rarely-seen API functions in abnormal frequency, if such behaviors are detected, the detected webpage has a malicious attribute.
Because most of malicious codes in malicious webpages are written by JavaScript, these malicious JavaScript codes are obfuscated encrypted to evade detecting. In the face of obfuscated encrypted JavaScript odes, the most effective approach is sandbox filtering technique, i.e., parse and execute JavaScript codes in webpages in a virtual environment by built-in HTML and JavaScript parsing engine, and keep track of the behavior of JavaScript codes in parsing process, such as creating Active controls and concentrating large amount of alloc, the detected webpage has a malicious attribute.
Honeypot technique, including client honeypots, means that monitor abnormality or not by actively opening client software to access server, aiming at client software's possible security weakness, so as to further achieve the goal of research study and providing security. Client honeypots combine honeypot technique with spider technique predominantly for Web browser and E-mail client, and it can seek potential malicious software that executes by client software by spiders crawling network-based URL.
However, as the technique of malicious codes written by hackers improves, malicious codes are becoming more and more subtle, while traditional methods for monitoring a malicious attribute of a webpage are fairly simple that makes it hard to detect new malicious codes in the present in time, and the malicious webpage can cause certain harms before found features therein, thus traditional methods for monitoring a malicious attribute of a webpage have low accuracy.

Method and system for monitoring webpage malicious attributes

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED


A tansdermal delivery device for effectively treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticariain in humans is disclosed and methods thereof.

It is the intent of all sustained-release pharmaceutical preparations to provide a longer period of pharmacologic effect after the administration of a drug than is ordinarily experienced after the administration of immediate release preparations of the same drug. Such longer periods of efficacy can provide many inherent therapeutic benefits that are not achieved with corresponding immediate release preparations. The benefits of prolonged treatment of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria afforded by sustained release oral preparations have become universally recognized and oral sustained-release preparations are commercially available.
Another approach to sustained delivery of a therapeutically active agent is transdermal delivery systems, such as transdermal patches. Generally, transdermal patches contain a therapeutically active agent, a reservoir or matrix containing the active ingredient(s) and an adhesive which allows the transdermal device to adhere to the skin, allowing for the passage of the active agent from the device through the skin of the patient. Once the active agent has penetrated the skin layer, the drug is absorbed into the blood stream where it can exert a desired pharmacotherapeutic effect.
In spite of the known art related to transdermal therapy, there exists a need for the transdermal delivery of a beneficial agent for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Loratadine, commercially available as Claritin® in the U.S. from Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, N.J. 07033, U.S.A.), is a long-acting tricyclic antihistamine with selective peripheral histamine H1-receptor antagonistic activity, with the chemical name, ethyl 4-(8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo cyclohepta pyridin-11-ylidene)-1-piperidinecarboxylate, and it is used mainly for treating nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but may also be used in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria, a common skin disorder . It is in the form of a white to off white powder, not soluble in water, but very soluble in organic solvents. Loratadine inhibits the activity of the substance, histamine, thus reducing the allergic effects caused by this substance such as itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Loratadine is preferable to other antihistamines because it is nonsedating and does not cause cardiac arrhythmias brought on by use of some other antihistamines. The recommended oral dosage of loratadine for adults and children 12 years old or older is 10 mg once daily. In patients with liver or renal problems, the initial oral dosage of loratadine should be 10 mg every other day.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is a term used to describe the symptoms caused seasonally by an allergic reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose, and throat in response to airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Other possible allergens include dust mites, molds, and animal dander. The allergens produce an allergic response by misleading the immune into thinking that the allergen is a harmful substance, thereby causing the immune system to produce antibodies to this specific allergen. When that allergen enters the immune system again, a reaction occurs between the allergen and IgE antibodies triggering the release of substances such as histamine from mast cells and other cells, producing symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching.
Chronic urticaria is an allergic skin disorder characterized by hives, e.g. red welts or small bumps, on the skin which are very itchy. Patients with chronic urticaria have hives that last longer than six months. This skin disorder is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction in which histamine and other substances such as acetyl choline are released from mast cells and other cells causing symptoms such as swelling, itching, pain, and rash. There are also cases in which there are no known causes for the hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria). As with chronic urticaria, antihistamines are used for treating chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria are improved by treatment with nonsedating antihistamines. Nonsedating antihistamines such as loratadine (The Merck Index, 11th Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J. U.S.A. 1989, hereby incorporated by reference) act as an antagonist to the peripheral histamine H1 receptor by selectively binding to this receptor, thereby blocking histamine from being released from the immune system and thus preventing histamines unwanted effects. (Goodman and Gillmans, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Edition, hereby incorporated by reference).
Following oral administration, loratadine is rapidly absorbed, fast acting, and undergoes extensive first pass metabolism to the active metabolite descarboethoxyloratadine. Food delays absorption, so loratadine should be taken on an empty stomach. Pharmacokinetic studies have revealed that the onset of antihistamine activity occurs within 1-3 hours following administration of loratadine, reaching a maximum at 8-12 hours and lasting in excess of 24 hours. There was no evidence of tolerance to this effect after 28 days of dosing with loratadine. After 10 days of dosing, a mean peak plasma concentration of 1.3 hours and 2.3 hours (Tmax) was observed in loratadine and the active metabolite, respectively. The mean elimination half-life observed in normal adults was 8.4 hours for loratadine and 28 hours for active metabolite. In patients with chronic liver disease, a mean half-life for loratadine and descarboethoxyloratadine of 24 hours and 37 hours were observed, respectively. Within 10 days of dosing, approximately 80% of the total loratadine administered were found in equal proportions between the urine and feces in the form of metabolic products. Finally, loratadine is 97% plasma-protein bound.
The most common adverse side effects of loratadine therapy include headache, somnolence, fatigue, and dry mouth. Less common or rare side effects may include altered lacrimination, altered salivation, flushing, hypoesthesia, impotence, increased sweating, thirst, angioneurotic edema, asthenia, back pain, blurred vision, chest pain, earache, eye pain, fever, leg cramps, malaise, rigors, tinnitus, viral infection, weight gain, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, superventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, tachycardia, blepharospasm, dizziness, dysphonia, hypertonia, migraine, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo, altered taste, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, hiccup, increased appetite, nausea, stomatitis, toothache, vomiting, arthraglia, myalgia, agitation, amnesia, anxiety, confusion, decreased libido, depression, impaired concentration, insomnia, irritability, paroniria, breast pain, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, vaginitis, bronchitis, bronchospasm, coughing, dyspnea, epistaxis, hemoptysis, laryngitis, nasal dryness, pharyngitis, sinusitis, sneezing, dermatitis, dry hair, dry skin, photosensitivity reaction, pruritis, purpura, rash, urticaria, altered micturition, urinary discoloration, urinary incontinence, urinary retention. Further, the following spontaneous adverse effects were rarely reported for loratadine: abnormal hepatic function, including jaundice, hepatitis, and hepatic necrosis, alopecia, anaphylaxis, breast enlargement, erythema multiforme, peripheral edema, and seizures. (Physicians' Desk Reference, 53rd Edition, 1999, hereby incorporated by reference).
Despite advances in the art, there remains a need for methods of treating patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria with an agent that provides effective levels of loratadine for prolonged periods of time, preferably while eliminating or minimizing the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or chronic idiopathic urticaria, and/or any of the other above mentioned side effects, thus providing a safe and effective method of management of such allergic reactions and skin disorders.

Loratadine transdermal device and methods


In an electronic cash implementing method using a trustee, a user registers his identification information ID.sub.U and anonymous public key N with the trustee and receives a license (B,I). The user processes the license (B,I) by a public key corresponding to the amount to be issued and sends the processed information to a bank to have it attach a blind signature to the information so that the user obtain electronic cash C from the blind signature. The user transmits to a shop the information B,I,C,N and a digital signature that assures the divisional use of the electronic cash. The shop verifies the validity of the information B and C and accepts it as cash and sends a history H of communication with the user to the bank and receives a payment therefrom. The bank places all received communication histories under its supervision and makes a check to see if the amount x spent by the electronic cash C is in excess of its face value X, and if so, informs the trustee of the information N contained in the communication history. The trustee uses the information ID.sub.U thus received to specify the corresponding user identification information ID.sub.U.

The present invention relates to a method for implementing electronic cash by exchanging digital information through utilization of an electronic cash system or smart cards and, more particularly, relates to an electronic cash implementing method which utilizes a trustee.
In the near future electronic cash will come into wider use and it is expected that people will use smart cards as electronic wallets storing electronic cash and make payments for their purchases by inserting the cards into computers of shops, or forward remittances via Internet or the like from home computers storing electronic cash just like bank accounts.
At any rate, it is desirable that electronic cash does not depend on any physical media or conditions so that information itself serves as electronic cash. With a method which guarantees electronic cash by physical means, the precondition for its security will greatly change with progress in fabrication techniques. Further, if always implemented in combination with a physical medium (a magnetic card or the like), electronic cash cannot be transferred over communication lines. The simplest way to transfer electronic cash as information is an electronic credit settlement (electronic credit or electronic check) system which utilizes an electronic signature scheme (described latter on). This method permits full electronification (computerization) of the entire system by using an electronic signature in place of a handwritten signature and enables information for settlements to be transferred through communication networks. However, this system cannot ensure user privacy; the same is true of prevailing credit card and check systems. That is, institutions which issue credit cards and handle users' settlement of accounts have easy access to their purchase histories, and shops can also easily get users' credit numbers and signatures.
A conventional system which permits transferring of electronic cash as information and protects user privacy is one that utilizes a blind signature scheme (described later on). This system is divided into two: (1) a system in which when receiving payment, the shop immediately transmits electronic cash to a bank for an on-line check, and (2) a system in which the shop makes a provisional check and afterward transmits electronic cash to the bank for normal checking. The check herein mentioned means that the shop inquires of the control center (a bank) if the customer's presented electronic cash has no monetary value because of double-spending and/or illicit use. In the system (1), since every shop needs to access the control center upon each receipt of payment, this system is not practical from the viewpoints of processing time or turnaround time (i.e. user's waiting time), communication costs, on-line processing costs at the control center and database maintenance costs, and so forth. Accordingly, the system (2) which permits off-line processing is preferable as an electronic cash system.
The following are conventional electronic cash systems which attach importance to user privacy and enable off-line processing.
(a) D. Chaum, A. Fiat and M. Naor, "Untraceable Electronic Cash," Advances in Cryptology-Crypto '88, Lecture Notes in Computer Science 403, pp.319-327, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1988)
(b) T. Okamoto et al., "Disposable Zero-Knowledge Authentications and Their Applications to Untraceable electronic Cash," Advances in Cryptology-Crypto '89, Lecture Notes in Computer science 435, pp. 481-496, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1989)
(c) T. Okamoto et al., "Universal electronic Cash," Advances in Cryptology-Crypto '91, Lecture Notes in Computer Science 576, pp. 324-337, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1991)
(d) T. Okamoto, "An Efficient Divisible Electronic Cash Scheme," Advances in Cryptology-Crypto '95, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1995)
The electronic cash systems, typified by references (a) to (d), above have common problems left unsolved as listed below.
1. Without violation of the rules for using electronic cash (the rules for system operation), it would be utterly impossible to trace back the route or flow of electronic cash. This incurs the possibility of crimes like money-laundering becoming rampant.
2. In the event that secrets of the electronic cash issuing institution leak out, no effective measures can be taken to dispel social unrest. For example, if a kidnapper should wrest the secrets of the electronic cash issuing institution, this could mean major trouble, coupled with the above-mentioned untraceability of electronic cash.
3. The amount of information of electronic cash is too large to store on smart cards or the like.

Electronic cash implementing method using a trustee


The present invention relates to a shoe sole including a cushioning element. The shoe sole can include a heel cup or heel rim having a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of heel of a foot. Further, the heel part can include a plurality of side walls arranged below the heel cup or rim and at least one tension element that interconnects at least one side wall to another side wall or to the heel cup or rim. The heel cup or rim, the plurality of side walls, and the at least one tension element can be integrally formed as a single piece.

In the design of shoes, in particular sports shoes, there are a number of contradicting design goals to be realized. On the one hand, a sports shoe should cushion the loads arising on the body and be capable of permanently resisting the arising forces. On the other hand, a sports shoe should be lightweight in order to hinder, as little as possible, the course of movement of the athlete.
Known sports shoes typically use foamed materials in the sole area to meet the above described requirements. For example, foams made out of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) have deformation properties that are well suited for cushioning ground reaction forces. Using different densities and modifying other parameters, the dynamic properties of such foams can be varied over wide ranges to take into account the different loads in different types of sports shoes, or in different parts of a single sports shoe, or both.
Shoe soles with foamed elements, however, have a number of disadvantages. For example, the cushioning properties of an EVA foam depend significantly on the surrounding temperature. Further, the lifetime of a foamed cushioning element is limited. Due to the repeated compressions, the cell structure of the foam degrades over time, such that the sole element loses its original dynamic properties. In the case of running shoes, this effect can occur after approximately 250 km. In addition, manufacturing a shoe with foamed sole elements having different densities is so costly that shoes are often produced only with a continuous midsole made from a homogeneous EVA-foam. The comparatively high weight is a further disadvantage, in particular with hard foams having greater densities. Further, sole elements of foamed materials are difficult to adapt to different shoe sizes since larger designs can result in undesired changes of the dynamic properties.
It has, therefore, been tried for many years to replace known foamed materials with other sole constructions that provide similar or better cushioning properties at a lower weight, where the sole constructions are unaffected by temperature, can be cost-efficiently produced, and have a long lifetime. For example, German Patent Application Nos. DE 41 14 551 A1, DE 40 35 416 A1, DE 102 34 913 A1, and DE 38 10 930 A1, German Utility Model No. DE 210 113 U, and European Patent No. EP 0 741 529 B1, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, disclose constructions of this type. The foam-free sole designs of the prior art, however, have until now not gained acceptance. One reason is that the excellent cushioning properties of EVA foams have not been sufficiently achieved in these foam-free designs. This applies in particular for the heel area where the ground reaction forces acting on the sole reach their maximum values, which can exceed several times the weight of an athlete.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a shoe sole that can be cost-efficiently manufactured and provide good cushioning properties in a heel area without using foamed materials so that, if desired, the use of a foamed material is no longer necessary.


This invention provides methods and apparatus for web switching without connection termination while providing content routing functionality. Content-aware web switches terminate incoming TCP connections and inspect the HTTP header to recognize the URL (content) being requested from a web server farm. This invention maps application layer information (URLs) to MPLS labels. This allows a standard MPLS switch to provide web switching functionality without terminating TCP connections. In addition to content routing, this method is applied for client session affinity, server load balancing and service differentiation. This invention also relates to using TCP port numbers instead of MPLS labels to achieve web-switching functionality through the use of a TCP router that translates IP address and port numbers.

Current high-volume, high-availability, content distribution networks use clusters of Web servers to achieve scalability and reliability. To serve a large and diverse client population, content can be replicated across servers, or partitioned with a dedicated server for particular content or clients. In such environments a front-end dispatcher (usually called a "web switch" or a "reverse proxy" based on its functional usage) directs incoming client requests to one of the server machines. The request-routing decision can be based on a number of criteria, including requested content, server load, client request, or client identity.
Dispatchers are typically required to perform several functions related to the routing decision. These include:                distribute incoming requests as to balance the load across servers;        examine client requests to determine which server is appropriate to handle the request (i.e., content-based routing);        identify the client to maintain affinity with a particular server for e-business applications or to provide service differentiation.
Dispatchers may be broadly categorized into two types: layer-4 dispatchers which base decisions on TCP and IP headers alone, and layer-7 dispatchers which use application layer information (e.g., HTTP headers) to direct clients. The use of layer-4 or layer-7 dispatchers depends on the request-routing goal. Load-balancing across replicated content servers, for example, typically does not require knowledge of the client request or identity, and thus is well-suited to a layer-4 approach. Content-based routing requires the dispatcher to terminate the incoming connection, examine the higher-layer headers, and either create a new connection with the appropriate server (using connection splicing), or transfer the connection to the appropriate server (using connection handoff). Layer-7 dispatchers, while more sophisticated, suffer from limitations on scalability and performance since they must perform connection termination and management for a large number of clients.
High-speed switching hardware is also commonplace in core ISP networks with a growing migration to Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). MPLS provides a circuit-switching service in a hop-by-hop routed network and is presently used for flexible routing, traffic engineering and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It achieves this by grouping related packets by assigning them a common, fixed-size label. Packets sharing a label belong to the same forwarding equivalence class (FEC) and can be routed and treated the same way in the network. Standard usage of MPLS involves establishment of arbitrary label-switched paths (LSPs) for forwarding particular classes of traffic. LSPs may also be nested by stacking MPLS labels where an outer label might be used to assign traffic to a common network-wide path, while an inner label could be used to demultiplex traffic among classes of traffic on that path. An MPLS-enabled network includes of label-switched routers(LSRs) that implement the MPLS protocols.
MPLS labels do not have built-in semantics, i.e. labels are used only to map a packet from an LSR input port to an LSR output port. It would be advantageous to make use of this flexibility by mapping application-layer information onto labels to enable high-performance Web switching, rather than using labels to express routing and forwarding policies (as is customary).

Method and apparatus for content-aware web switching

International Business Machines Corporation


Eyewear which preferentially transmits light from a liquid crystal display screen using spectral filtering, polarization filtering and/or spatial filtering. The eyewear transmits the relatively narrow red, green, and blue bands of light emitted by the display's fluorescent backlight lamp, while blocking ambient light falling outside of those relatively narrow bands of light. The eyewear can further include polarized lenses oriented at either + or −45 degrees, matching the polarization of the liquid crystal display emission, and thus blocking ambient light not matching that polarization orientation. The glasses can also be tinted except for a central portion matching the shape of the rectangular liquid crystal display screen, and thus preferentially blocking light not originating from the liquid crystal display screen.

Liquid crystal displays (LCD's) are well known and typically used as the visual display screen for laptop (notebook) computers. LCD's are often (but not necessarily) backlit devices that utilize a plurality of pixels, each of which selectively allows light (either monochrome or selective colors) to pass therethrough to form images on the LCD screen. To simplify the following discussion, the present invention will be discussed in terms of outdoor viewing of laptop LCD screens; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion that the present invention may be applied to viewing other types of liquid crystal displays such as those in cell phones, camcorders, DVD players, electronic game devices, or navigation screens, and in other high brightness environments, such as in a car, plane, boat, or an office with windows.
Laptop displays, when viewed indoors, seem bright, since the light they emit is comparable or greater than typical indoor ambient light. The pupil enlarges in the low ambient indoor light levels, allowing more of the light from the laptop display to hit the retina. The enlarged pupil makes the white level of the LCD appear brighter. In addition, the reflection of indoor ambient light off the screen, often referred to as screen glare, is low compared to the brightness of the screen. This low glare allows the black level of the screen to be darker, and thus leads to a high contrast visual display.
When viewed outdoors in the daylight, however, the ambient light (even in the shade) can be brighter than a typical laptop display, making the images on the display difficult to see. The pupil shrinks in high level outdoor ambient light, preventing much of the light from the laptop display from hitting the retina, so the white level of the LCD appears darker. In addition, the glare off the screen from the bright ambient light is stronger, preventing the black levels from being dark. This combination leads to a low contrast visual display, and can be so low as to render the display unusable in that ambient light environment. Therefore, state of the art laptop screens are mostly used indoors or outside only when the ambient light levels are relatively low.
There are some prior art displays designed to be viewed outdoors, which use reflective or transflective elements that reflect ambient light through the pixels. These displays actually use the ambient light as the source of light for operation instead of or in addition to the backlight. As ambient light increases, so does the brightness of the display. However, these displays work well only at certain angles to the ambient light source, and have reduced brightness indoors. Thus, these types of displays are not typically used in laptop displays.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system and method to enable laptops and other devices with liquid crystal displays to be used outdoors by increasing the ratio of laptop display brightness to ambient light and reducing screen glare from bright ambient light.
It is further desirable that the system be simple, inexpensive, stylish, small and lightweight, use no power, work with any laptop, and not modify the laptop in any way.

Eyewear for viewing liquid crystal displays


An adjustable grate is described herein that may be easily adjusted to fit within variously sized grills. The adjustable grate includes a main plate having a plurality of fingers extending from a front side and a rear side. A front slide plate has a plurality of fingers that slidably engage with the fingers on the front side of the main plate. A rear slide plate has a plurality of fingers that slidably engage with the fingers on the rear side of the main plate. The front slide plate, the rear slide plate and the main plate define a cooking surface. The front slide plate and the rear slide plate may be slidably adjusted with respect to the main plate to expand or contract the cooking surface.

Gas-fired barbecue grills have experienced a tremendous growth in popularity since their introduction. Most gas-fired barbeque grills have a rectangular box-like structure with a hinged lid and a burner mounted in the bottom of the grill casting. The burner is connected to a gas supply line and is used to supply convective heat for cooking food as well as to heat lava rock, metal plates of various configuration, or wood product briquettes to supply some radiant heat and provide hot surfaces for grease vaporization. A grate is located above the rock or briquettes to provide a surface to support the food while it is being cooked.
The grill castings are normally made of aluminum or steel and are quite durable. The grate, however, may have a much shorter service life than the casting itself. In order for such replacement grates to fit diverse types and models of grills, a replacement model must be adjustable to fit properly within a selected grill.

Adjustable cooking grate for barbeque grills