A method of laser-depositing at least one type of organic material, characterized in that a duty ratio of a laser that evaporates the organic material is adjusted, which addresses the problem of providing an organic material deposition method and deposition apparatus that solve the issues in the conventional art, such as the organic material vaporizing and contaminating the other raw materials to be deposited, and the film formation rate running out of control, and whereby the film formation rate and the evaporation rate can be stably adjusted and controlled. Additionally, the invention is characterized in that the duty ratio is adjusted based on the evaporation rate of the organic substance or the vapor pressure inside the vacuum chamber used for deposition.

Due to rapid improvements in the efficiency of solar cells using organolead perovskites (APbX3), organolead perovskites have been the focus of much attention and many diverse production methods have been reported. Among these, Non-patent Document 1 describes that an organolead perovskite was produced by heater-heated codeposition, and that a high solar cell efficiency was obtained by the resulting organolead perovskite. Additionally, Patent Document 1 and Non-patent Document 2 describe that an organic-inorganic composite perovskite containing an organolead perovskite was formed by codeposition.
In order to form organolead perovskite by codeposition, an organic material (AX) and a lead halide (PbX2) must be simultaneously or alternately evaporated.
However, many of the organic materials (AX) that are used in such codeposition are materials having high vapor pressures, so there are problems in that the organic materials can vaporize in the vacuum chamber and greatly degrade the vacuum level, the vaporized material may spread and contaminate the other raw materials that are to be deposited and the like, and the film deposition rate may run out of control. These problems have a significant impact, not only on the film formation process, but also on the film quality of the formed thin-film.
For this reason, the precedent literature, such as Non-patent Document 1, describes that the film formation of an organolead perovskite having a certain level of film quality was possible, but it can be assumed that there were considerable difficulties in finding stable codeposition conditions and that long-term stable codeposition was mostly impossible, and it can also be assumed that there is much room for improvement in the film quality of the formed thin films.

Method for laser deposition of organic material film or organic-inorganic composite material film, and laser deposition apparatus

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


The present invention relates to a phase-locked loop including a comparator and a charge pump. The comparator compares the phases of an input pulse signal and of a reference pulse signal and generates charge and discharge control signals, the charge pump being capable of charging or discharging the capacitive filter according to the charge and discharge control signals. The filter is charged or discharged when these signals are in a first state and insulated from the charge pump when they are in a second state. The loop includes a device for limiting the charge and discharge current of the capacitive filter, this device including windowing circuits for limiting the time during which the charge and discharge control signals are in the first state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a phase-locked loop including a device for limiting the charge pump current. It applies, for example, to the field of processing of synchronization signals relative to display on screens.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
To control the display of data and images on a monitor or a television screen and, more specifically, to control the scanning of an electron beam on a screen, synchronization signals are used. These synchronization signals add to the effective signal, that is, to the signal representative of the data or images to be displayed. They contain time information that enables spotting the beginning of lines (horizontal synchronization) and the beginning of frames (vertical synchronization). According to these signals, deflectors which direct the electron beam scanning the screen are controlled.
In practice, the synchronization signals are logic pulse signals mainly defined by the polarity, positive or negative, of their pulses, their pulse recurrence frequency and duration.
Taking into account of the signals is generally performed on the one hand by means of automatic gain control loops, for vertical synchronization, and on the other hand, by means of phase-locked loops, for horizontal synchronization.
FIG. 1 illustrates a phase-locked loop 2 of known type, implementing a phase/frequency type comparator. Such a loop is for example implemented in circuits TDA 9103 and TDA 9105 produced by SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics, to process horizontal synchronization signals. It includes a comparator 4 of phase/frequency type, a charge pump 6, a capacitive filter 8, a voltage-controlled oscillator 10 (VCO), and a phase adjustment device 12.
Comparator 4 is used to compare an input pulse signal SIN received on an input 14, with a reference pulse signal SREF supplied by phase adjustment device 12.
Depending on the comparison, comparator 4 controls charge pump 6. This pump will charge or discharge filter 8, so that the voltage VREF produced by the filter will be representative of the result of the comparison between SIN and SREF.
Oscillator 10 generates, based on voltage VREF, a triangular output signal SOUT, the frequency of which is proportional to voltage VREF. Signal SOUT is provided, on the one hand, on an output 16 and, on the other hand, to device 12.
Device 12 generates a reference signal SREF based on signal SOUT and on a phase adjustment control signal ADJ. Signal ADJ is received on an input 18 and is used to position the fronts in signal SREF, the frequency of the pulses in signal SREF being identical to the recurrence frequency of signal SOUT.
Once signals SIN and SREF are in phase and at the same frequency, voltage VREF settles. Loop 2 has been "locked".
Finally, it should be noted that signal SIN is supplied by an input interface 20 which enables, typically, from a received synchronization signal HSYNC, generation of a signal SIN of fixed polarity. Signal HSYNC can be a horizontal synchronization signal with any polarity, or even a composite type signal, in which case signal SIN is obtained by extracting the horizontal synchronization pulses.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of comparator 4, of phase/frequency type. The comparator could be a simple phase comparator. The use of a comparator of phase/frequency type enables avoiding a locking of the loop on a frequency which is a multiple of the frequency of input signal SIN. A problem is that this type of comparator is very sensitive to the absence of pulses and to the presence of additional pulses (such as equalizing pulses).
The comparator includes an input 22 for receiving signal SIN, an input 24 for receiving signal SREF, an output 26 for supplying a charge control signal HIGH and an output 28 for supplying a discharge control signal LOW. A two-input NOR-type logic gate 30 receives signals SIN and HIGH on its inputs. It provides a logic signal G1. A two-input NOR-type logic gate 32 receives on its inputs signal SREF and a logic signal G6, which is the inverse of signal LOW. It generates a logic signal G2.
An RS-type flip-flop 34 receives signal G1 on its set input S. It receives a RESET signal on its reset input R. It provides a logic signal G3 on its output Q. An RS-type flip-flop 36 receives signal G2 on its set input. Its receives signal RESET on its reset input. It provides a logic signal G4.
A four-input NOR-type logic gate 38 receives signals G1, G2, G3, and G4 on its inputs and provides a logic signal G5. Signal G5 is supplied to a delay circuit 39. Circuit 39 generates signal RESET, this signal being identical to signal G5, with a delay.
A three-input NOR-type gate 40 receives signals G1, G3 and RESET on its inputs and provides signal HIGH. Finally, a three-input NOR-type logic gate 42 receives signals G2, G4, and RESET on its inputs and provides signal G6. Signal G6 is supplied to an inverter 43 which provides signal LOW.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example of charge pump 6.
It includes an input 44 for receiving control signal HIGH, an input 46 for receiving control signal LOW, an output 48 connected to filter 8, a supply input 50 for receiving a positive supply potential VCC and a supply input 52 for receiving a ground potential GND.
Pump 6 includes two current mirrors 54 and 56.
A first mirror 54 is formed by two transistors 58 and 60, for example of PNP type. Their emitters are connected to input 50. Their bases are interconnected and connected to the collector of transistor 58. A switch 62, controlled by signal HIGH, enables connection of these bases to input 50.
A second mirror 56 is formed by two transistors 64 and 66, for example of NPN type. Their emitters are connected to input 52. Their bases are interconnected and connected to the collector of transistor 64. A switch 68, controlled by signal LOW, enables connection of these bases to input 52.
The collectors of transistors 58 and 64 arc interconnected by means of a resistor 70. The collectors of transistors 60 and 66 are connected to output 48.
The current i running through transistors 58 or 64 is equal to (VCC-Vbe)/R1, R1 being the value of resistor 70 and Vbe the base/emitter voltage of these transistors. When switch 62 is open, this current is copied in transistor 60. Filter 8 is then charged with a charge current Ich=i. When switch 68 is open, current i is copied in transistor 66. The filter is then discharged with a discharge current Idch=i.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of filter 8. It is a C-R-C-type capacitive filter which includes a first input 72, connected to output 48 of the charge pump and to an input of oscillator 10, and a second input 74 receiving the ground potential. Voltage VREF provided by the filter is the potential difference between inputs 72 and 74.
The filter includes a first capacitor 76, mounted between inputs 72 and 74. It also includes a resistor 78 and a second capacitor 80 mounted in series between these same inputs. Capacitor 80, of high value (for example, 4.7 microfarads or more) is used to maintain voltage VREF. It avoids having a fall (to potential GND) and a rise (to potential VCC) of voltage VREF that is too rapid when the edges in signals SIN and SREF are distant. Capacitor 76, of low value (for example, around 10 nanofarads), enables a quick adaptation of voltage VREF to the result of the comparison between signals SIN and SREF, when the edges in these signals are close.
In practice, the filter is implemented in discrete components, the other elements being currently implemented most of the time in the form of an integrated circuit.
Referring to FIGS. 5a to 5d, the operation of a portion of the loop will now be briefly described, and more specifically, the production of voltage VREF (illustrated in FIG. 5d) as a function of signals SIN and SREF (illustrated in FIG. 5a and 5b). FIG. 5c illustrates the current output of pump 6. It is assumed that signals SIN and SREF are positively biased. The loop is locked when the rising edges of signals SREF and SIN correspond in time. It is further assumed that the frequency of signal SOUT increases when voltage VREF increases, and conversely.
Assume that the loop is locked. The output of pump 6 is in high impedance. Signals HIGH and LOW are in a state such that the switches 62 and 68 are closed, that is, conductive. Here, it is assumed that switches 62 and 68 are closed when signals HIGH and LOW are respectively in the low state and in the high state, and that they are open otherwise. To implement switches 62 and 68, P-channel and N-channel MOS-type transistors, respectively, will for example be used. Voltage VREF is stabilized at a value between potentials VCC and GND. Signals G1, G2, G3, and G4 are in the high state.
If the frequency of the pulses in signal SIN increases, the rising edges in this signal will be ahead of the fronts in signal SREF as long as the loop is not locked on the new frequency.
If a rising edge appears in signal SIN, signal G1 switches to the low state. Accordingly, signal G3 switches to the low state and signal HIGH switches to the high state. Switch 62 is then opened, which causes a charging of the capacitive filter. At the following rising edge in signal SREF, signal G2 switches to the low state. This causes the switching to the low state of signal G4. Accordingly, signal LOW switches to the low state and signal G5 simultaneously switches to the high state. Subsequently, signal RESET switches to the high state. Signals G3 and G4 thus switch to the high state and switches 62 and 68 are closed. The pump output thus switches to high impedance until the following rising edge in signal SIN. Switch 62 is thus open on the rising edges of signal SIN and it is closed on the subsequent rising edges of signal SREF.
If the pulse frequency in signal SIN decreases, the rising edges in this signal will be delayed with respect to the fronts in signal SREF as long as the loop is not locked on the new frequency.
If a rising edge occurs in signal SREF, signal G2 switches to the low state. Accordingly, signal G4 switches to the low state and signal LOW switches to the low state. Switch 68 is then opened, which causes a discharge of the capacitive filter. At the following rising edge in signal SIN, signal G1 switches to the low state. This causes the switching to the low state of signal G3. Accordingly, signal HIGH switches to the high state and, simultaneously, signal G5 switches to the high state. Subsequently, signal RESET switches to the high state. Signals G3 and G4 thus switch to the high state and switches 62 and 68 are closed. The pump output thus switches to high impedance until the following rising edge of signal SREF. Switch 68 is thus open on the rising edges of signal SREF and it will be closed on the subsequent rising edges of signal SIN.
As it can be seen, voltage VREF is only stable if the loop is locked. Signal RESET is delayed, in order to generate pulses in control signals LOW and HIGH, even when the loop is locked. The duration of these pulses will be very short and will thus not considerably modify voltage VREF. This enables limitation of jitter phenomena in the phase-locked loop.
When there is a decrease, or even a cancellation, of the pulse frequency in signal SIN (for example, after a changing of display standard in the signal supplied to a monitor, or if the synchronization is lost), comparator 4 controls switch 68 so that the capacitive filter is discharged. This case is illustrated in FIG. 6 which represents voltage VREF. The value of resistor 78 is called R, the value of capacitor 80 is called C1, and the value of capacitor 76 is called C2. To begin with, capacitor 76 discharges rapidly according to a 1/R.C2 slope. Voltage VREF then decreases rapidly. Once capacitor 76 is discharged, capacitor 80 discharges more slowly, according to a .DELTA.V/.DELTA.t=Idch/C1 slope. To begin with, there will thus be a significant variation of the frequency in signal SOUT.
A problem arises since, typically, signal SOUT is used to control the horizontal deflectors (equivalent to inductances), by means of a power transistor. Typically, the voltage on the collector of this transistor is proportional to a variable supply voltage (called E hereafter), to the period of the horizontal synchronization signal and to the inverse of the square root of the equivalent inductance of the deflectors. In the field of monitors, for example, the horizontal frequency ranges between 15 and 150 kilohertz, voltage E is around a hundred volts and the equivalent inductance is around one millihenry. The peak voltage on the transistor collector thus is around one kilovolt.
In practice, the higher the frequency, the higher voltage E, which enables quicker control of the scanning. A problem is that the regulation of supply E is low, which may induce a transient peak voltage of several kilovolts on the power transistor collector, when the horizontal synchronization frequency varies. If the variations are too abrupt, the transistor may be destroyed, which makes the display inoperative.
A solution is to modify the filter in such a way that its response curve is less abrupt when the frequency varies, for example by increasing the value of capacitor 76. The reaction time of the pump is thus increased, which induces a risk of jitter between the input and reference signals. The charge and discharge current of the filter can also be decreased. A problem is that the stability of the loop is thus decreased and that the reaction time of the pump is increased.

Phase-locked loop with a charge pump current limiting device


A supporting beam line for supporting, afloat in a cavity on a semiconductor substrate, an infrared detection pixel comprising an infrared absorption portion for absorbing an incident infrared ray and converting it into heat and a thermoelectric conversion portion for converting a temperature change caused by the heat generated in the infrared absorption portion into an electric signal is formed by a damascene metal on the same layer as the gate of a damascene metal gate MOS transistor to be used in a peripheral circuit. The supporting beam line comprises a conductor line with U-shaped cross section inside which a metal is filled.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an infrared sensor and a manufacturing method thereof and, in particular, to a pixel construction of an uncooled infrared sensor and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Related Art
Infrared image sensing is characterized in its ability to pick up images at night as well as during the daytime and its higher transmittance to smoke and fog than visible radiation. Being capable of acquiring temperature information of an object to be sensed, infrared image sensors are adaptable to a variety of applications, such as a monitor camera and a fire detection camera, besides the field of defense.
In recent years, extensive studies have been made on "uncooled infrared solid-state imaging elements" which eliminate the need for the cooling mechanism to allow for a low-temperature operation, which is the most critical shortcoming of a quantum type infrared solid-state imaging element or a leading conventional type. In such an uncooled infrared solid-state imaging device, an incident infrared ray having a wavelength of 10 μm or so is converted into heat by an absorber and then the temperature change caused by this small amount of heat at a heat sensing portion is converted into an electric signal by thermoelectric conversion means of any kind, before reading out the electric signal to obtain infrared image information.
There are three ways of improving the sensitivity of such an uncooled infrared sensor, generally classified as follows:
The first method is to improve the ratio of an infrared power incident to an infrared detection portion, dP, to a temperature change of an object, dTs, namely dP/dTs. This method achieves improvement mainly by optical systems, which corresponds to enlargement of an infrared lens aperture, application of an antireflective coating, use of a lens material of low optical absorption, increase of an infrared absorptivity at an infrared detection portion or increase of an infrared absorption area. In accordance with the recent multiplication of pixels for an uncooled infrared sensor, the size of a unit pixel has mainly come to as small as 40 μm×40 μm and, among the items mentioned above, the increase of an infrared absorption area at an infrared detection portion has remained a relatively critical problem to be solved. However, a report has been published that an infrared absorption area can be increased up to 90% of a pixel area by stacking an infrared absorption layer on top of the pixel (Tomohiro Ishikawa, et al., Proc. SPIE Vol. 3698, p. 556, 1999) and it is difficult to obtain a further considerable amount of improvement in sensitivity by any optical means.
The second method is to improve the ratio of a temperature change at an infrared detection portion, dTd, to an incident infrared power, dP, namely dTd/dP. Whereas the aforementioned method is an optical one, this can be said to be thermal. Generally speaking, in an uncooled infrared sensor to be packed in a vacuum package, transportation of heat from an infrared detection portion to a supporting substrate is predominantly accomplished by heat conduction by a supporting structure which supports the infrared detection portion in a cavity within the supporting substrate. Thus, attempts have been made to lay a leg-like supporting structure made of a material of low thermal conductivity as narrowly and longways as possible within the constraint of the design. See Tomohiro Ishikawa, et al., Proc. SPIE Vol. 3698, p. 556, 1999, for example. As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14B, a construction has been made such that a pair of narrow, spiral slits 201 is formed around a pixel 200 to form a cavity 204 at the bottom of the element. These spiral channels 202 are used as a supporting structure to support the pixel 200 afloat and wirings 203 are provided to connect to a peripheral circuit. When a pixel is being miniaturized to as small as 40 μm×40 μm or so, however, since fine processing has already been made at the silicon LSI processing level, a considerable degree of further improvement in sensitivity may hardly be realized through refinement of the layout of the supporting structure. Similarly, it is difficult to further reduce the thermal conductivity which is a material characteristic of the supporting structure. In particular, with regard to the wiring for outputting electric signals from the infrared detection portion, it is difficult to realize a considerable amount of improvement in sensitivity in terms of material since there is a requirement contradictory between the electric conduction and heat conduction whose mechanisms are similar.
The third method is to improve the ratio of an electric signal change caused by thermoelectric conversion means, dS, to a temperature change at an infrared detection portion, dTd, namely dS/dTd and is, therefore, electrical in nature. This method is, unlike the other two, is directed to sheer sensitization, that is, improvement of dS/dTd; however, it is quite important to reduce various electric noises generated. Thus, various kinds of thermoelectric conversion means have so far been investigated. Reported are, for example, a thermopile for converting a temperature change into a potential change by means of Seebeck effect (Toshio Kanno, et al., Proc. SPIE Vol. 2269, pp. 450–459, 1994), a bolometer for converting a temperature change into a resistance change by means of the temperature change of a resistor (A. Wood, Proc. IEDM, pp. 175–177, 1993), a pyroelectric element for converting a temperature change into an electric charge by pyroelectric effect (Charles Hanson, et al., Proc. SPIE Vol. 2020, pp. 330–339, 1993), a silicon pn junction for converting a temperature change into a voltage change by certain forward currents (Tomohiro Ishikawa, et al., Proc. SPIE Vol. 3698, p. 556, 1999), etc.
If a comparison is made among those methods, however, no one method is then decisively superior to the others in comprehensive view of their thermoelectric conversion characteristics, noise characteristics and manufacturing methods. For instance, the bolometer is superior in terms of temperature resolution while the silicon pn junction, which can be manufactured by the silicon LSI processing alone, is superior in terms of manufacturing method.
As described above, one of the methods for sensitizing an uncooled infrared sensor is a secondly mentioned thermal one, which improves the ratio of a temperature change at an infrared detection portion, dTd, to an incident infrared power, dP, namely dTd/dP. Generally speaking, transportation of heat from an infrared detection portion to a supporting substrate is predominantly accomplished by heat conduction through a supporting structure which supports the infrared detection portion in a cavity within the supporting substrate. Thus, attempts have been made to lay a leg-like supporting structure made of a material of low thermal conductivity as narrowly and longways as possible within the constraint of the design. When a pixel is being miniaturized to as small as 40 μm×40 μm or so, however, since fine processing has already been made at the silicon LSI processing level, a considerable degree of further improvement in sensitivity may hardly be realized through refinement of the layout of the supporting structure.
Furthermore, with a trend of miniaturizing pixels and supporting structures involved in the development of fine processing technology in silicon LSI processing, the influence of the heat transportation by emission from the bottom of a pixel and supporting structure will predictably be appreciable and the sensitization only through the reduction of heat conduction by the miniaturization of a supporting structure will predictably be restricted by a limit in sensitivity contributable to such emission.
In addition, in order to read signals out from an infrared detection portion, a supporting beam line to be formed within a supporting structure must be provided with a unique wiring layer made of a low thermal conductivity material. For example, a supporting beam line structure using titanium material is known to be effective.
Except for the case where titanium itself is used as a thermoelectric conversion material, however, in addition to the wiring process at an element peripheral circuit, another process will be required for forming a supporting beam line structure alone.

Infrared sensor device and manufacturing method thereof


The invention relates to a vibration damper (5) that can be provided between an electronic housing (1) and the fixed structure of an aircraft nacelle (3). It comprises a block of an elastic material (10), a screw (7) for securing the block (10) to said fixed structure (3), and means (11, 29a, 29b) for securing said housing (1) onto said block (10). It is characterized in that it comprises means (13, 15) for limiting the travel of said attachment means (11, 29a, 29b) relative to said securing screw (7) in at least two directions of the space, wherein the limitation means (13, 15) are sized so as to prevent any strain on the screw (7) that could lead to the fatigue and/or breakage thereof.

A vibration damper is known from the prior art that is capable of being interposed between an electronic module and a fixed structure of an aircraft nacelle, comprising a block made of elastic material, a screw for fastening this block to said fixed structure, and means for fastening said module to said module to said block.
The electronic module typically may be a module for controlling various functions of the nacelle, such as the function for opening a portion of the nacelle for maintenance operations.
The vibration dampers make it possible to protect the electronic components of this module from the vibrations generated by the turbojet situated inside the nacelle.
When a blade of the turbojet breaks accidentally (a situation known to those skilled in the art under the abbreviation FBO, for "Fan Blade Out"), the vibrations generated by the turbojet reach very high amplitudes that may in particular lead to the destruction of the dampers and to the resulting separation of the electronic module from the fixed structure of the nacelle.
Such a separation is unacceptable because then the electronic module is likely to damage other members of the nacelle and of the engine.
In order to prevent such a separation, conventionally a safety yoke, which is fastened by its two ends to the fixed structure of the nacelle is placed over the damper.
Such a yoke makes it possible to keep the damper in place when it is destroyed under the effect of high-amplitude vibrations and thus to prevent the electronic module from being completely detached from the fixed structure of the nacelle.
Such a yoke and the fastenings associated therewith have a certain weight which runs counter to the constant search for weight reduction specific to the aviation field.
Moreover, such a yoke and its fastenings constitute additional parts which the maintenance technicians might forget to reinstall during replacement and/or maintenance operations.


In one embodiment, an address of a system call table is determined by invoking a first system call from a user-level program running in user space. When the first system call executes, the first system call retrieves the address of the system call table from kernel stack, which that has been populated by the kernel with various data including the address of the system call table. Using the retrieved address to locate the system call table, the system call table is modified to allow interception of calls made to one or more system calls included in the system call table. This allows a scan module to scan data for computer viruses before a system call is allowed to execute and operate on the data, for example.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to data processing, and more particularly but not exclusively to system calls and antivirus.
2. Description of the Background Art
Computer operating systems are well known. Generally speaking, an operating system is a program that manages computer resources and other programs, which are referred to as "application programs." A kernel is the core of the operating system and provides basic services for all other components of the operating system and application programs. Application programs and the kernel employ different and distinct regions of computer memory. Application programs are user-level programs and accordingly run in user space of the memory. On the other hand, the kernel runs in kernel space of the memory, which is generally restricted to kernel operations.
Generally speaking, a system call provides an interface to a kernel service, which may involve a low-level operation typically reserved for the kernel. Application programs may invoke a system call using the C programming language library, for example. References to system calls may be stored in a system call table, which may be thought of as an array containing the addresses of all available system calls. In UNIX-like operating systems, the address of the system call table is typically included in the so-called "system.map," which is a text file generated after the kernel is compiled and linked. Application programs that need access to system calls may thus examine system.map to determine the address of the system call table. Unfortunately, some operating systems no longer include the address of the system call table in system.map, thereby preventing these application programs from operating properly.

Determining the address of a system call table to perform antivirus tasks in a computer


The disclosure proceeds from a system, in particular from a portable power tool system, having at least one mobile functional module which has at least one communications unit for communicating electronic data, having at least one building infrastructure device which has at least one communications unit for communicating with the functional module, and having at least one control and/or regulation unit which is at least intended to use an evaluation of a communication between the functional module and the building infrastructure device to at least infer a position of the functional module. It is proposed that the functional module is at least intended to sense at least one article-specific parameter, a user-specific parameter and/or an environment-specific parameter and/or to transmit said parameter(s) at least to the building infrastructure device.

US 2013/0234893 A1 has already disclosed a system comprising a mobile functional module which has a communication unit for communicating electronic data. The system also has a building infrastructure apparatus which is in the form of a fire and/or smoke detector, for example, and has a communication unit for communicating with the functional module. The system also comprises a control and/or regulation unit which is intended to infer at least a position of the functional module on the basis of an evaluation of communication between the functional module and the building infrastructure apparatus.

System, in particular portable power tool system


An inside case made of rubber is mounted in an outside case, a substrate integrally provided with an engine stop switch circuit and a switch electrode of an engine stop switch unit is assembled in the inside case, and its lower side is filled with curable insulating base material to be sealed. Further, a switch contact opposed to the switch electrode is formed of pressure sensitive conductive rubber, and a reversal spring is further interposed on the pressure sensitive conductive rubber. As a result, wirings are eliminated, a decrease in the size of the entire apparatus and simplification can be realized, and a metal contact is eliminated to improve durability.

This invention relates to a stop switch apparatus for an engine in which an engine stop switch unit is integrated with an engine stop switch circuit. More particularly, the invention concerns a stop switch apparatus for an engine in which a source circuit from a magneto is earthed to forcibly stop the engine.
Heretofore, regarding a stop switch apparatus for an engine of this type, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 18668/1991 or Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 30381/1982, in most stop switch apparatuses, when a stop switch for the engine is closed, a thyristor for stopping the engine of an engine stop switch circuit is turned on to charge a holding capacitor. Then, a turn-on voltage is applied to a gate of the thyristor for stopping the engine by a discharge voltage from the holding capacitor at a certain time constant. Even if the engine stop switch is returned to an off state, a cut-off of a primary side of an ignition coil is disabled by turning on the thyristor for stopping the engine, thereby to misfire the engine to stop the engine.
A normally open switch having a metal contact is frequently used as the engine stop switch.
In the above-described prior art, structures of the engine stop circuit and the engine stop switch are not clearly disclosed, but it is general to separately provide the engine stop circuit and the engine stop switch.
Accordingly, the engine stop switch apparatus is relatively increased in shape, and assembling is complicated due to necessity of wiring the engine stop circuit to the engine stop switch. In addition, the number of components is increased, and hence there is a problem in reliability of a product.
Since the metal contact is used in the switch, a contact defect easily occurs due to generation of rust, and there is a problem in durability in the case of use outside of a housing for a long period of time.
Heretofore, regarding a general-purpose engine having a magneto as a power supply, when an engine is stopped, a source circuit voltage applied to a primary side of an ignition coil is short-circuited by a thyristor circuit to eliminate induction of an insulating breakdown voltage at a secondary side of the ignition coil, thereby forcibly stopping the engine.
In general, a thyristor in the thyristor circuit is turned on by a signal from an engine stop switch or a control circuit for outputting an engine stop detection signal if an oil level becomes lower than a reference level, and a short-circuiting current of a magneto power supply is supplied to the thyristor through a short-circuiting resistor connected in series with the thyristor. For example, prior art is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 18668/1991 filed by the same assignee as this patent application. However, when the thyristor is turned on to short-circuit the magneto power supply, a relatively large peak voltage generated at both ends of the short-circuiting resistor is amplified by the ignition coil due to an irregularity in a voltage across the short-circuiting resistor caused by an irregularity in the magnetos and further superposition of high frequency components in the case of the short-circuit on the voltage at both ends of the short-circuiting resistor, and applied to the ignition plug. Then, there is a fear of occurrence of an inductive discharge due to application of the irregularity in an ignition system as well.
Therefore, even if the thyristor is turned on to short-circuit the magneto power supply, the engine is not easily stopped, and afterburn occurs in the engine, thereby decreasing durability of the engine.


An aircraft wireless data communication system includes an aircraft computer/server in communication with a plurality of aircraft systems. Access to the aircraft systems via the computer/server is available in real-time via wireless communication with a ground-based computer system. The ground-based computer system includes a computer that can be accessed from one or more networks of computers. Each authorized computer user on an airline, manufacturer, or supplier network has remote real-time access to the aircraft computer/server. Properly authorized remote users can: perform comparisons between the aircraft actual configuration identity and an aircraft authorized configuration identity; perform system diagnostic testing; view system status and parameters; collaborate with users from local and remote organizations using real-time aircraft data; and upload and download software and data to and from aircraft systems.

Modern mobile platforms have an increasing volume of electronic and software driven systems controlled or partially operated by computers and computer software. Most mobile platforms have no capability for remotely managing and maintaining system configuration. Further, the collection and communication of a mobile platform's system(s) data for use in remotely managing and maintaining the mobile platform during the manufacturing process is beyond the capability of today's mobile platform systems. Some mobile platforms now have the onboard capability of collecting system data for monitoring. This data can be removed to a ground-based facility for later after-the-fact health assessment (e.g. diagnostics and trend analysis). Some mobile platforms have the capability to transmit a limited amount of this data to ground-based facilities while in motion. The capability to troubleshoot problems from remote locations is very limited.
The present invention can apply to any mobile platform with computer systems. In the description below, an aircraft is used as an example of a mobile platform. The aircraft industry processes, organizations, and regulatory requirements are used to explain the invention. Very similar processes and implementations can be applicable to other mobile platforms
Commercial airlines are required to retain and maintain an authorized configuration of each aircraft. An aircraft's configuration is herein defined as the identity of each software and hardware part used on the aircraft. An authorized configuration of each aircraft is required in order for the aircraft to be flight approved by regulatory bodies. The configuration identities of the aircraft; both that which is captured on engineering renderings, herein defined as the authorized configuration identity; and a current parts listing of the physical aircraft, herein defined as the actual configuration identity; are in a constant state of flux due to maintenance and engineering activities. Reconciliation of these two configuration identities is presently difficult. Most of the information providing the authorized configuration identity of each aircraft is now rendered in hard copy form, i.e., as a document set, which is revised and maintained by the airline operating the individual aircraft. An initial version of the authorized configuration identity for each aircraft is provided by the aircraft manufacturer, and is thereafter updated by the airline as changes to the aircraft authorized configuration identity are made.
The disadvantage of the present system of managing each aircraft's configuration is that the authorized and actual configuration data is not available to all personnel requiring the information. The latency, manual nature and the logistics of the update process is error prone. The required aircraft authorized configuration identity information is therefore difficult to maintain and use. A total electronic version of the aircraft authorized and actual configuration identities are not presently available. Further, where the electronic version of the actual configuration identity does exist, it does not contain many of the parts actually existing on the aircraft. Reconciliation of these two identities is manpower intensive and logistically difficult.
Another disadvantage of the present system of managing an aircraft's configuration is the logistics problems associated with the location, number, and type of software parts that must be available. Some aircraft have software parts stored on one or more mass storage devices. Software parts are also retained in one or more ground-based locations. Aircraft software is also stored on diskettes and other media onboard the aircraft in binders. The variety of types and locations of these software and media parts compound the problem of maintaining up-to-date inventories of aircraft software on and off the aircraft.
Software changes are commonly made on an aircraft by first loading new software parts onto a physical media, e.g., a CD ROM, or a diskette. The physical media must then be transported to the location of the aircraft for the software to be loaded on the individual aircraft. The disadvantage of this system is that changes to the aircraft's software cannot be made any faster than the process that delivers the physical media between the supplier and ultimately to the individual aircraft
A further disadvantage of the present infrastructure both on and off aircraft is that airline operators, suppliers, and manufacturers have little or no access to the systems and the data on each individual aircraft. A person or persons must physically go to the aircraft, wherever the aircraft is located in the world, and gather data to resolve problems. Typically, these parties must contact either an airline maintenance group or an engineer working for the aircraft manufacturer or designer in order to obtain other data. Often, the manufacturer's and supplier's personnel must travel to the aircraft to obtain data to solve the problem. The problem solution may require making either hardware or software changes to the physical aircraft. The new actual configuration identity must then be verified and a quality control step conducted to confirm that the changes made are proper. Each of these activities adds to the cost of maintaining an aircraft and increases the delay time in updating the physical aircraft or correcting problems.
A need therefore exists for a system which provides electronic transfer of information to and from each individual aircraft which also provides real-time access to a greater number of people in the information stream. A need also exists for a paperless, totally electronic system to simplify configuration assessment and modifications, to accomplish systems monitoring, maintenance, management, and manufacturing.

Remote aircraft manufacturing, monitoring, maintenance and management system


A sampled data servo positioning system employs an actuator to move a member between a current and a target position. Incremental position feedback is provided only at sampling times. The system employs a model responsive to a velocity related input signal to produce a continually available model incremental position signal. Phase comparing means indicates phase differences between the model and sampled position signals at the sampling times.. The system has two operational configurations in the first of which a source of saturation control signals is connected to the actuator to cause maximum acceleration or deceleration thereof. In this first configuration, the model is forced to track the actuator motion by means of feedforward plus feedback control. The feedforward signal represents actuator performance while the feedback signal is the position signal phase difference. In the second operational configuration, a velocity profile signal is applied to the model and the actuator is forced to track the model by means of feedforward plus feedback control. The feedback signal is again the position signal phase difference but the feedforward signal is a predetermined signal representing the desired actuator current to execute the velocity profile. The sampled data servo positioning system may be the access motion control system of a sector servo disk file.

A typical positioning application to which the present invention can be applied is the movement of a magnetic head (transducer) between information bearing concentric tracks in a magnetic disk file of the so called "sector-servo" type. In such a file, servo position reference information is recorded in a plurality of spaced sectors interleaved between larger sectors on which the data is recorded. An advantage of such a system is that the servo information is contiguous with the recorded data so that the data tracks of interest can be followed with greater accuracy and thus packed closer together. The servo sectors must be sampled at times defined by clock signals to enable a position error to be generated for track following purposes.
Such a type of disk file is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,972 (Sippel) which fully describes the track following operation. Although the Sippel patent refers to a coarse positioning system for moving the head between tracks, it does not describe this coarse positioning system in detail.
The time taken to move a head between tracks in a disk file is known as the "access" time and is one of the most important performance characteristics of a file. To minimize the access time for a file of given mechanical configuration and actuator performance requires an access motion control system which will control the velocity of the head in time optimal fashion and which will bring the head accurately to rest on the desired track.
The access motion is, therefore, necessarily of wide bandwidth and the access control system is subject to the stability and error constraints of such systems. Conventionally, these wide band requirements have necessitated the use of a continuous position reference source such as a separate servo disk. In such a system, near time-optimal access motion has been accomplished by means of a derived continuous distance-to-go signal acting on a reference velocity curve generator which, via a high gain closed loop, forces the actual velocity of the head to follow a timeoptimal reference velocity profile from the curve generator.
This conventional approach is not available with a sector servo system since direct head position and velocity information is only available at servo sector sampling times. It is thus difficult to reconcile the use of servo sectors in a disk file with low access times.
Various access control schemes for sector servo files have been proposed in the prior art. One of these, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,314 "Motion Control System" (inventor W. J. P. Case), and assigned to the same assignee as the present applications, is an access control system in which the actuator is energized to cause the head to follow a constant velocity portion of a desired velocity profile. The constant velocity is such that the passage of the head over track centers is synchronized with the timing of the servo sectors. The normal servo sector position error signal, as also generated during track following, may thus be used during the access motion to keep the velocity constant. During brief initial acceleration and final deceleration stages of the motion the full power supply voltage is applied to the actuator under open loop conditions. The motion of the head during an access does not approach time optimal motion since it is at constant velocity over all but a few tracks. The constant velocity is low as the head only traverses one track per two sector periods and must be synchronized with the sector frequency. Furthermore, only in a low velocity system is it possible to effect the final deceleration under open loop conditions without significant final position error.
Another access control system for a sector servo file is described in U.K. Pat. No. 1,527,950, Cardot et al. This patent employs the so-called "bang-bang" technique of controlling head motion in which the maximum available power is used for both acceleration and deceleration. The system is switched between full forward and full reverse power at a point which is calculated from the initial and target track addresses. The servo sectors are coded with track address information which is read by the head during the access motion and used to determine when the power is to be reversed. Although allowing the highest possible speeds to be attained during access motion, the described system does not employ any form of closed loop control during acceleration and deceleration. The position of the head when it comes to rest is thus unknown until a comparison can be made of the actual address of the track over which the head is most nearly situated with the target address. There is provision for a further shift of the head if the two addresses are not equal. Such shifts would add to the average access time.
More recently in the prior art a pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 811,350 ("Positioning System employing Feedforward and Feedback Control"; Inventor: R. K. Oswald), assigned to the same assignee as the present application, has described an access control system for a disk file which is relevant to the sector servo problem.
The Oswald application is basically concerned with access control systems for use with files having continuous servo position information. It proposes that a combination of feedforward and feedback control can enable high performance accesses even with low bandwidth fed back position information. A feedforward signal, which is a prediction of required drive current in a nominal system, is applied to the head actuator to cause it to execute approximately a high performance (high bandwidth) access. At the same time, low bandwidth head position or velocity information is fed back and compared with a stored velocity profile to correct small deviations between the nominal and actual systems. In one embodiment, transducer incremental position signals are employed as the fed back quantity. These are compared in phase with a "model" incremental position signal derived from a stored acceleration velocity profile and a stored deceleration velocity profile which the system is effectively forced to follow. The Oswald application suggests that this technique is applicable to the problem of sector servo access control.
To complete the discussion of the prior art, reference is made to another U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,011 ("Sampled Data Positioning System Employing a Model of the Physical System for Time Optimal Control"; Inventor: F. Kurzweil Jr.), assigned to the same assignee as the present application. This application describes a sampled data positioning system, specifically the access control system of a sector servo disk file, which employs a model of the physical system to overcome the low bandwidth constraints of fed back position and velocity samples. The model system is an approximate analog of the entire physical system and provides continuous (i.e. high bandwidth) pseudo position and velocity signals. These are applied to an access controller which generates an error signal between a desired reference velocity profile and the pseudo velocity signal exactly in the manner of the conventional system with continuous dedicated servo reference information. The error signal is fed back to the model system but is also applied to control the physical system. The model velocity and position outputs are reset at sampling times to the values of the sampled velocity and position in the physical system. The servo sectors described in the Kurzweil application include track addresses as well as track following position information and the model and physical position signals are absolute (relative to the target address) rather than incremental (relative to the nearest track center).

International Business Machines Corporation


A freight brake control valve device for a railway vehicle having a service piston slide valve arranged with a detent to latch the service piston in preliminary quick service position until such time as the application pressure differential acting on the piston exceeds a predetermined value.

The present invention relates to pneumatic brake control systems for railway vehicles and particularly to the quick service function provided by such brake control systems.
Conventional ABD type brake control valve devices, as are typically employed on railroad freight cars, incorporate a quick service feature in which compressed air in the train brake pipe is vented locally at each car of the train when a brake application is initiated, in order to propagate the brake application signal through the train. A service piston of the control valve device is operable between brake release and service application positions in accordance with the predominance of brake pipe pressure on one side of the piston and auxiliary reservoir pressure on the opposite side. The service piston carries a graduating valve that is fixed with the piston for direct movement therewith and a slide valve that moves with the piston through a lost-motion connection. Accordingly, relative motion exists between the slide valve and graduating valve during initial piston movement in both the application and release directions.
There is less frictional resistance to movement of the graduated valve than the slide valve. The initial movement of the service piston toward application position in response to a reduction of brake pipe pressure therefore moves the graduating valve relative to the slide valve to establish a flow path via which brake pipe pressure is connected to a vented quick service bulb. This local venting of brake pipe pressure supplements the trainline reduction of brake pipe pressure to promote the further movement of the service piston and slide valve to service position, and also to accelerate the brake application signal through the train for faster brake response. In the ABD type valve, this is commonly referred to as "preliminary quick service."
A bias force in the form of a leaf spring acts laterally on the slide valve to provide face-to-face sealing pressure at the interface of the slide valve and its seat in the slide valve bushing. The slide valve is also pressed to its seat by air pressure. This combined spring load and air load on the slide valve causes frictional resistance that the service piston encounters upon engagement with the slide valve following the initial piston movement to preliminary quick service position. The resistance imparted by the slide valve, combined with the compressive force of the piston stabilizing spring, thus determines the application differential between brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressure that is required to move the service piston beyond quick service position to service application position.
It will be appreciated that the duration the service piston remains in quick service position, prior to moving the slide valve, has a direct influence on the degree of quick service activity, and, conversely, the effectiveness of quick service in locally reducing brake pipe pressure influences the time required to develop sufficient differential to move to service position and terminate quick service. Because of this self-regulating feature, quick service is automatically effective for different individual car lengths or volumes of brake pipe.
Because of manufacturing tolerances and other variables which influence the resistance to slide valve movement, the actual application differential and thus the duration the service piston remains in quick service position varies somewhat from car to car. Consequently, the optimum propagation rate of the brake application signal is not always realized.
Whenever the application differential increases sufficiently to overcome the piston resistance, the slide valve and graduating valve move in unison with the service piston to sequentially cut off the quick service flow path and to establish an application flow path between the auxiliary reservoir and brake cylinder. However, because of the close proximity of the porting in the piston slide valve, manufacturing tolerances can also cause a port overlap condition to arise in which the application flow path cracks open before the quick service flow path is fully cut off, thereby causing the piston to stall, particularly when the application differential acting on the service piston is relatively low. Such a condition further degrades the propagation rate of the brake application signal.
When it is desired to release the brake, the release differential required between brake pipe and auxiliary reservoir pressures is governed principally by the same frictional resistance to move the slide valve back.

Freight brake control valve having improved quick service function


An antenna device is provided. The device includes a first antenna unit having a plurality of resonant frequency bands, a second antenna unit configured to shift a resonant frequency of a part of the plurality of resonant frequency bands of the first antenna unit, and a feeding unit configured to connect the first and second antenna units and to supply current thereto.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to antenna devices and electronic devices including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic devices for wireless communication have become important for everyday life. Electronic devices for wireless communication may be provided with antenna devices for performing wireless communication. Early antennas that protruded from electronic devices have been improved to built-in antennas in order to prevent damage to antennas and improve portability of electronic devices.
Furthermore, with the development of multifunctional electronic devices, built-in antennas are required to operate at various frequency bands.
As electronic devices become smaller, meander-structured antennas are being widely installed to satisfy specific resonant frequency bands in limited spaces. Such meander-structured antennas may have a small size, but may be degraded in performance.
In addition, various frequency bands are used for wireless communication in different nations/regions. If structures of antennas are modified to satisfy such various frequency bands, all resonant frequency bands may be affected by the modification.

Antenna device and electronic device including the same


This application discloses various audio play control methods and apparatuses, and various electronic devices. One of the audio play control method comprises: determining play control information of a first audio that is being played or to be played by an electronic device, in response to that an acoustic part of the electronic device is blocked; and sending the play control information to play, according to the play control information, a corresponding audio through an acoustic part of at least another electronic device. This application can compensate for or replace an audio play sound effect of the electronic device through the at least another electronic device, thereby improving convenience when a user uses.

At present, electronic devices such as a mobile phone and a tablet are usually configured with a speaker. A user can play multimedia content through the speaker to improve user experience of multimedia content consumption for the user.
However, during actual applications, an acoustic part of the electronic device may be blocked, so that there is a relatively big difference between a sound effect the user hears and a desired sound effect of audio play, or the user may not hear the sound. Therefore, it is inconvenient for the user.

Audio play control methods and apparatuses, and electronic devices


Methods are provided for estimating motion between images associated with a common region of interest, the method comprising:                providing frames including a reference frame and a target frame;        determining a global motion vector based on a comparison of the reference and target frames;        for a plurality of local blocks, determining local motion vectors between the reference and target frames based on the global motion vector to form globally adjusted local motion vectors;        considering the globally adjusted local motion vectors as motion estimator.

Ultrasound systems exist today that utilize a variety of techniques for processing ultrasound signals to generate information of interest.
The different techniques have been developed for enhancing the quality of the image information which can be made available for diagnosis.
One of the problems to be solved in diagnostic imaging and also in ultrasound imaging relates to increasing image resolution, eliminating artifacts, shadows, increasing edge detail and suppressing speckle.
One known technique that allows to achieve these results is the so called compound imaging.
Spatial compounding is an imaging technique in which a number of ultrasound images of a given target that have been obtained from multiple vantage points or angles are combined into a single compounded image by combining the data received from each point in the compound image target which has been received from each angle. Examples of spatial compounding may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,649,927; 4,319,489; and 4,159,462. Real time spatial compound imaging is performed by rapidly acquiring a series of partially overlapping component images or frames from substantially independent spatial directions, utilizing an array transducer to implement electronic beam steering and/or electronic translation of the component frames. The component frames are combined into a compound image by summation, averaging, peak detection, or other combinational means. The acquisition sequence and formation of compound images are repeated continuously at a rate limited by the acquisition frame rate, that is, the time required to acquire the full complement of scanlines over the selected width and depth of imaging.
The compounded image typically shows lower speckle and better specular reflector delineation than conventional ultrasound images from a single viewpoint. Speckle is reduced (i.e. speckle signal to noise ratio is improved) by the square root of N in a compound image with N component frames, provided that the component frames used to create the compound image are substantially independent and are averaged.
Conventional approaches to implementing spatial compounding such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,927 typically use a large FIFO memory buffer to temporarily store the component frames that will be compounded (typically by summing and normalization) to form the final compounded image.
Standard ultrasound images compounding is generally provided using images acquired with different steering angles. Each image leads on a fixed line of sight (LOS) angle step. Resulting composed image shows double side discontinuities due to incomplete areas overlapping. To avoid this it is necessary to reduce the field of view of the output Image or heavily filter it.
As compound images are essentially based on the combination of frames taken at different times, when the object under investigation moves, the resulting compounded image contains artifacts. To reduce such artifacts motion compensation techniques can be used.
Motion estimation in ultrasound imaging is a hard problem due to the characteristics of ultrasound images that suffer from poor signal to noise ratio and to possible presence of large flat regions especially in the deep regions. In addition, the local difference between subsequent frames is normally very high, making the motion estimation even more difficult.
Several yes of motion compensation techniques are available in the prior art. One example is the classic block matching estimation. Classical approaches to motion estimation, however, do not prove to be satisfactory in ultrasound compound imaging when motion between frames (e.g., due to moving targets or to the movement of the probe) exist.

Method and system for estimating motion between images, particularly in ultrasound spatial compounding

Abstract: A corresponding system is also disclosed.


An automatic method for optimizing coil/gap centering in the manufacture of an electro-magnetic actuator or transducer such as a loudspeaker or microphone eliminates the use of shims. Capacitance measurements between the coil and adjacent magnet poles are utilized to evaluate and optimize concentricity of the coil and its bobbin in the magnetic gap prior to finally affixing the flexible suspension member(s) such as the spider and/or surround to the actuator mainframe, typically by adhesive bonding around the outer edge of the suspension member(s). Optimal concentricity corresponds with the minimum capacitance reading found from a series of capacitance measurements at different locations of the coil assembly within the constraints of interference between the coil with its bobbin and the pole pieces. This principle may be utilized in a work station that constrains the mainframe portion while automatically moving the coil assembly laterally in a search pattern to acquire the concentric location corresponding to minimum capacitance so that the suspension can be affixed to a portion of the mainframe, typically by adhesive bonding, with the coil concentricity thus optimized. Capacitance measurement can further serve as a valuable quality control test: requiring the minimized capacitance to fall below a statistically based limit provides assurance that the coil is correctly shaped and oriented and is optimally centered.

Typically the final operation in the production of electromagnetic actuators involves inter-positioning and affixing together two main portions: a stationary mainframe portion and a vibratable coil assembly. The mainframe portion includes a magnetic system having a magnet, yoke and polepieces defining a gap, all rigidly incorporated with the mainframe as a common mass. The gap is typically formed in an annular shape between a cylindrical pole piece and a surrounding polepiece that defines a circular opening. The coil assembly includes a tubular coil, known in a loudspeaker as the voice coil, typically wound on an insulating bobbin and located in the magnetic gap, and also includes suspension means for providing lateral constraint to keep the coil concentric in the gap while leaving it free to vibrate axially. Typically a suspension member known as a spider, attached around the coil form, provides a peripheral attachment region that is designed to be adhesively bonded to a corresponding portion of the mainframe in the final assembly process. In a typical loudspeaker there is also a second suspension member known as a surround, attached around the outer edge of the conical diaphragm; the surround has a peripheral attachment region that is designed to be adhesively bonded to a surrounding region of the mainframe in the final assembly process.
In manufacturing the actuator, the coil assembly is initially positioned to place the coil and its bobbin in the magnetic gap: it is then positioned as accurately as possible for concentricity, then held in this optimal location during the curing cycle of the adhesive bonding agent applied between the attachment regions of the suspension member(s) and the mainframe attachment region(s). The accuracy of this final positioning operation is critical for the performance and reliability of the actuator since the concentricity becomes fixed upon bonding, with no way of subsequent readjustment. Sufficient clearance margin must be provided in this positioning operation to tolerate some degree of dimensional or shape change over time that could allow unacceptable contact between the coil or bobbin and a metal pole surface.
A common manufacturing practice has been to manually insert a set of shims of selected thickness between the bobbin and the cylindrical pole piece, leaving them in place until the bonding agent sets. Then, after the shims are removed, a cover member may be adhesively fixed in place over the central region of the diaphragm as a dust seal. Once this is done there is normally no satisfactory way of directly inspecting the finished unit in the factory or later in the field to verify the concentricity or the margin of reserve clearance available: functional testing may reveal instances where there is actual contact but fails to provide any quantitative evaluation of the margin of clearance.
When the bobbin is improperly shaped (out-of-round) or tilted due to improper attachment to the coil assembly, shimming temporarily forces the coil into proper shape and orientation, however when the shims are removed after suspension attachment, the bobbin reverts to its misshape or tilted orientation with the result that the clearance may be reduced to the point of incipient failure even though the actuator may appear to function normally.
There is an unfulfilled need for an automatic method of locating the coil assembly, in preparation for final affixing, without the use of shims so that the coil can rest free in its inherent orientation while it is being optimally centered. This implies the requirement for not only a new method of sensing and optimizing the concentricity during final assembly, but also for a new method of quantitatively evaluating the concentricity that can detect physical anomalies such as out-of-round or tilted coils.

Apparatus for centering an actuator coil


A UV transilluminator having three sets of tubes selectively providing ultraviolet light in the short, mid and long ranges. The sets of tubes are arranged in two rows with the upper row including alternating tubes of the first and second set. One of the first and second sets of tubes is transparent to UV radiation. The third set of tubes is arranged in the second row directly behind the transparent tubes of the other set. A filter overlies the sets of tubes with the transparent tubes located between the third set of tubes and the filter.

The field of the present invention is lighting apparatus providing selectively varying wavelengths of light.
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation in the region of the spectrum located between X-rays and visible light. It is divided into three principal ranges: (1) UV-A, or longwave, (2) UV-B, or mid-range, and (3) UV-C, or shortwave. For each of these UV ranges, specific applications have been developed for its use and new applications are continuously being developed.
To obtain a desired ultraviolet wavelength, the fluorescent tube is most commonly used. The fluorescent tube is an electric discharge device that uses a low pressure mercury vapor arc to generate ultraviolet energy. The ultraviolet energy released in typical, commercially available fluorescent tubes is primarily at the wavelength of about 294 nanometers. In general, this ultraviolet energy is converted into other ultraviolet wavelengths by the use of phosphors which have the ability to absorb the ultraviolet energy and re-radiate it in other wavelengths. For example, longwave ultraviolet of about 365 nanometers and mid-range ultraviolet of about 300 nanometers are created by coating the inside of the fluorescent tubes with the proper phosphor(s) which converts the shortwave ultraviolet. The envelope of the tube is also typically made of a glass that inhibits the passage of the shortwave ultraviolet. To obtain a shortwave ultraviolet tube, a special glass which transmits about 254 nanometers is generally used, and no phosphor is required.
A common tool of those engaged in DNA research is the ultraviolet transilluminator. These devices provide up to three ultraviolet light sources to irradiate and/or visualize DNA patterns contained in gel matrices. Most commonly, transilluminators comprise a single set of ultraviolet lamps emitting one selected wavelength. In most such research, three separate wavelengths are used. Thus, it is common to use multiple such units in this work. At times, it may also be of value to employ a white light or other spectral selections such as, for example, the 420 nm and the 480 nm regions.
A conventional transilluminator having a single UV wavelength is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,655, incorporated herein by reference. An ultraviolet light apparatus having multiple wavelengths accomplished by rotation of a tube mounting mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,437, incorporated herein by reference.


A semiconductor device includes a memory unit and a control unit which controls the memory unit. The memory unit a memory which is configured with a non-volatile memory device, and stores setting information necessary for rewriting, a first control circuit which has a first register and a rewrite end flag, and a power source circuit which generates a rewrite voltage. The control unit includes a second control circuit which has a rewrite start flag, a counter which measures a rewrite voltage application time based on the rewrite start flag and the rewrite end flag, and a second register which stores a next rewrite voltage based on the rewrite voltage application time. When a command for rewriting the memory is received, the control unit reads the setting information necessary for rewriting from the memory, and writes it back to the first register.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and is applicable to a semiconductor device incorporating an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory.
Recently, flash memories are widely used as devices which store programs or data. The flash memories are electrically rewritable non-volatile memory units. The flash memories are memory units which can erase/write the storage contents many times, by increasing a voltage to be applied at the time of rewriting higher than a voltage at the time of reading. That is, rewriting is performed by applying a pulse-like voltage to the memory unit, and by controlling a current to flow through a gate insulating film to inject electrons to the memory unit and draw out the electrons.
In this manner, deterioration of the flash memory cannot be avoided in nature, because it is necessary to cause a current to flow through the gate insulating film every time the rewriting is performed. As a result, the flash memory cannot be rewritten as the deterioration of the deterioration of the memory unit progresses. One feature thereof is that there is a limit of the number of rewriting. Thus, it is important to provide a technique for applying an appropriate pulse voltage with an appropriate pulse with, to the memory unit at the time of rewriting.
WO2014/033851 discloses that "in a semiconductor device, when erasing data by using a band-to-band tunneling method, the supply of a boosted voltage to a memory cell to be erased is terminated if, in addition to the condition that the output voltage of a charge pump circuit has recovered to a predetermined criterion voltage, another condition is satisfied that a predetermined criterion time has elapsed from the start of supply of the boosted voltage to the memory cell to be erased."


An image processing apparatus comprising: an input unit for inputting an image of an initial original; a support table on which the initial original is to be set, the support table being movably mounted along the input unit; a reflection-type focusing plate on which an OHP (overhead projector). original is to be set, the focusing plate being disposed along side the input unit; an image forming unit disposed under the focusing plate for forming on a sheet an image inputted from the input unit to provide an OHP original; and a projecting unit disposed above the focusing plate for projecting an image of the OHP original set on focusing plate.

1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of projecting an image of an original on a screen, like an overhead projector, and a function of forming an image of the original on a paper or a transparent sheet, like a copying machine.
2. Description of the Related Art:
Conventional overhead projectors (hereinafter called "OHP") can be divided into two groups: transparence-type; and reflection-type.
In the transparence-type OHP, an original placed on a transparent support table is illuminated from the underside of the support table, and an image of the original is projected on a screen via a projector lens and a reflector mirror, both disposed above the support table.
In the reflection-type OHP, an original on a fresnel lens is illuminated from the upperside of the fresnel lens and a reflected image of the original is projected on the screen via a projector lens and a reflector mirror, both disposed above the fresnel lens.
Apart from a simple original that can be formed by manually drawing or writing a figure or a character directly on a transparent sheet with a pen, an ordinary original to be used in the OHP is formed by copying an image on a transparent sheet by using an electrophotographic copying machine, for example.
When giving a lecture, a presentation or a briefing by using an OHP at a school, a presentation site or a meeting room, it is necessary to prepare an OHP original in advance. Therefore, if there is no original, an unschedued material readily be projected on the screen, though an original may be prepared by copying
To this end, a solution has been proposed in which an OHP is combined with a copying machine, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 of the accompanying drawings, so that an original to be projected can be readily prepared by the copying machine. The prior art apparatus of FIG. 16 is a reflection type which comprises an original cover 203 openably mounted on an apparatus body 201, a reflection-type focusing plate 205, such as a fresnel lens, disposed on an upper surface of the original cover 203, and a projecting unit 207 disposed above the focusing plate 205. The prior art apparatus of FIG. 17 is a transparence type which comprises a support table 202 movably mounted on an apparatus body 201; when projecting, the support table 202 is moved away from a focusing plate 205 disposed on the top of the body 201, and the original on the focusing plate 205 is illuminated to a projecting unit 207 by a lamp 209 disposed below the focusing plate 205.
A problem with the reflection-type apparatus is that since the focusing plate 205 is disposed on the upper surface of the original cover 203, proper projection can not be made if the positional relationship of the lamp, the focusing plate, the projecting lens and the reflector mirror is not proper. The above relationship is regarded as one of the most significant factors in the reflection-type optical system. In this optical system, if the support cover 203 is shifted out of parallel relationship to the focusing plate 205, the center line of reflected and focused rays of light changes due to the shifted focusing plate is, thus causing a distorted image on the screen. Since this conventional apparatus requires additional means and space in order to eliminate the prior problem, it is impossible to make the apparatus light in weight and compact in size.
A problem with the transparence-type apparatus is that since the lamp is disposed within the body, the interior of the body would be heated by the lamp to a high temperature, which is very influential on various peripheral parts. Further, it is impossible to accomodate a roll of heat-sensitive paper in the interior of the body.
Another problem with the conventional apparatus is that since the support table is moved with the projecting unit and is supported over the focusing plate, the projecting unit would be a substantial obstacle while the original is being set on the support table or is being replaced with a new one. Yet if the projecting unit is merely folded over the body, then the support table cannot be moved without difficulties.
Further, since an OHF original is formed on an OHP sheet on a size equal to the size of the initial original, a setting surface of the reflection-type focusing plate requires a size substantially equal to that of the OHP original. Consequently it is impossible to reduce the apparatus to an adequately compact size.
Yet if the distance between the projecting unit 207 and the focusing plate 205 is reduced in order to provide a compact apparatus, the distance between the focusing lens 205 and the projecting lens 210 also necessarily varies, as shown in FIG. 22, thus requiring a wide-angle projecting lens. With such wide-angle projecting lens, a projected image would be irregular in darkness with marginal portions darker than the central portion.
A further problem with the conventional apparatus is that since in order to perform the copying operation when the lamp is on, the power source must be the sum of the consumed electric power of the lamp and the consumed electric power for copying, it is expensive to operate the apparatus.
If two separate power sources are used for the lamp and the copying, respectively, it is impossible to reduce the entire apparatus in weight, size and cost.
When the lamp is on, the lens surface of the focusing plate is high in temperature. Therefore it is very risky to perform copying operation while the lamp is on. This also gives an adverse influence on the temperature control of the thermal head.
With the conventional apparatus in which the support table is moved by a motor, since the power source is off and the support table is not locked while the apparatus is being carried, the support table tends to move due to the swinging motion of the apparatus being carried. As a result, the support table tends to contact the peripheral parts.

Image processing apparatus having an overhead projector


A battery operated portable thawing device for frozen locks has an electrically heated thawing stick sized for insertion into the key hole of a frozen lock. The stick is thinner than the lock key and comprises a hollow metal body inside which is located a thin resistance heating wire. The resistance wire is located between the middle and the end of the stick inserted into the keyhole in a relatively short length (20-30%) of the thawing stick. For use, the stick is slidable out of a protective housing adapted to be gripped in the hand. The housing carries a battery for energizing the stick and a light bulb for illuminating the keyhole. The metal body of the stick serves as one terminal for supplying current to the resistance wire. The circuit between the battery and resistance wire made automatically made when the stick is moved out of the housing for use and broken when the stick is returned into the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a thawing means for frozen locks with an electrically heated thawing stick for insertion into the lock. The invention is specifically intended for thawing motor car locks in order to open or close them when moisture or water that has entered the lock has frozen so as to impede insertion of the key.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of different methods for opening frozen locks are known. At present, ice thawing and/or deicing agents sprayed into the lock through the key hole are most common. If the lock is badly frozen, thawing the lock with a deicing fluid takes time. Fluid also flows from the lock onto the car surface leaving an ugly trace. When the lock is so badly frozen that the cover plate in front of the key hole does not move away from the front, no fluid can enter the lock.
In addition, electrically heated keys, heating sticks as well as locks heated by electric resistance are known. Also known is a battery-operated heating plate which is pressed against the lock. These devices known in the prior art have been described, for instance, in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,408, in the German Pat. Publication No. 1.553.309 and in the German Pat. application No. 2.123.161.

Battery operated electric heating device for thawing frozen locks


A laser processing unit includes a first working area for laser processing of a workpiece, a second working area for laser processing of a workpiece, and a dividing wall adapted to separate the first working area from the second working area between, the dividing wall having individual interconnected sections and being moveable in a vertical direction.

In laser processing units, rigid, displaceable doors have been used as protection devices and/or for dividing independent working areas. The doors are disposed to be displaceable to permit transfer of an extension arm and/or laser processing head into different working areas. One working area can be designed for preparations, and another working area can be designed for simultaneous laser processing.

Protection device of a laser processing unit


Two layers of protection films are formed such that a sheet resistance at a portion directly below the protection film is higher than that at a portion directly below the protection film. The protection films are formed, for example, of SiN film, as insulating films. The protection film is formed to be higher, for instance, in hydrogen concentration than the protection film so that the protection film is higher in refractive index the protection film. The protection film is formed to cover a gate electrode and extend to the vicinity of the gate electrode on an electron supplying layer. The protection film is formed on the entire surface to cover the protection film. According to this configuration, the gate leakage is significantly reduced by a relatively simple configuration to realize a highly-reliable compound semiconductor device achieving high voltage operation, high withstand voltage, and high output.

Recently, an AlGaN/GaN.FET being a compound semiconductor device utilizing a hetero junction of the AlGaN/GaN and using GaN as the electron transit layer is actively developed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). GaN is a material having a wide bandgap, a high breakdown field strength and a high saturation electron speed and is therefore very hopeful as a material of the semiconductor device achieving high-voltage operation and a high output. In the AlGaN/GaN.FET, the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the gate electrode are formed on the electron supply layer made of AlGaN and a protective film (for example, a SiN film) for reducing the surface trap is formed on the entire surface.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-227884
Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-288952
Patent Document 3: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 8-162476
Patent Document 4: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 4-282841
However, in the above-described AlGaN/GaN. FET, gate leakage larger than expected often occurs to make it difficult for the AlGaN/GaN.FET to perform high-voltage operation that is considered as an advantage thereof. Therefore, it is necessary to devise reduction of the gate leakage current in the AlGaN/GaN.FET, but any effective efficient measure has not been taken at present.

Compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same


A print controller which produces a device specific raster for its printer and also produces a rasterized output in portable and more editable form for export and re-use as an input by other printers which may have different parameters. If the input is in a device independent color space, the rasterized export also will be in a version in a device independent color space, typically CIELAB. If the input is in a printable device dependent color space such as CYMK, the output will be an more editable rasterized version in the same color space, with any printing hints that were in the original will be included in the output. In any case, an override can be provided to change the default selection to any other user-identified version. An example of a device independent color space is CIELAB, of a device dependent version applicable for a number of printers with similar parameters is SWOP CMYK, and of a device dependent version is a printer specific CMYK.

An automatic program to decompose a page description language input either into a raster version which can be printed directly by a target printer or into a raster version which can be exported in a portable and more editable form to another printer.
In a typical printer, the print controller will accept input files in any of several page description languages (PDLs) and color spaces, decompose the submissions, and then raster image process (RIP) them into a raster image specifically rendered for output on that printer. For CMYK printers, these output raster images are in the printer""s CMYK color space.
A problem arises when the same page must be printed, perhaps at a later date, on a different printer. Typically, for best image quality, the user must return to each page""s original source elements and repeat the decomposition, rendering, and rasterizing for the new printer. Not only does this represent a significant amount of additional overhead but, since the original submission files may no longer be available, this procedure may not be possible.
As an alternative, a stored copy of the final rasterized page image fully rendered for one printer could be used at the second device. Unfortunately, doing so would involve a loss of image quality. First, conversion from one printer""s color space to another""s color space is an inherently lossy process. Second, in generating the initial raster image, any available rendering hints would have been applied and hence would no longer be available. Once such fully rendered, printable rasters have been generated, the images are targeted for output on a specific machine, thereby reducing portability to other printers and their subsequent editability.
Hence, where different printers are available, it would be useful if a decomposer could automatically produce both (1) a raster version suitable for printing on the local printer and (2) a portable raster version preserving available rendering hints for storage which later could be exported to another printer. Doing so would allow the second machine to print a high quality image with less image quality degradation and reduced time consuming processing. Also, because any rendering hint information has been preserved, the impact on the output images of subsequent edits will be reduced.
In a color printing system, the print controller will generate a raster image for immediate printing and/or a portable and more editable raster image for export to another printer. If the request is for immediate printing, the raster image will be in the printer""s own color space (such as CMYK). If the request is for exporting the result, then the output raster typically will be in either the same CMYK color space as the input or in the portable device independent CIELAB color space. The output color space of exportable rasters can be determined either automatically from the input color space(s) or by user selection. PDL inputs in the CMYK color space will result in CMYK raster output, while PDL inputs in three valued color spaces (such as RGB or Lab) will be converted to CIELAB. On either alternative, any rendering hints will be preserved, thereby increasing image editability. Also, when creating CMYK export raster images, different versions of the CMYK color space (e.g., different printer specific CMYKs, SWOP CMYK, etc.) will be preserved rather than being converted to the target printer""s single version of CMYK. By selecting the color spaces of exportable raster images in this way, image quality will be improved.

Color digital front end decomposer output to multiple color spaces with actual output optionally being determined by input color spaces


An interlock circuit is provided for a vehicle having a first PTO shaft and an optional second PTO shaft. When the optional PTO is installed, a standard seat switch utilized with the base interlock circuit is connected to an additional relay to put the interlock into a potential defeat mode as soon as the operator leaves the seat, provided the vehicle parking brake is engaged and a mechanical selector lever is in a position wherein the optional PTO only is selected. Other interlock functions remain unaffected whether or not the optional PTO is installed.

The present invention relates generally to vehicles such as lawn and garden tractors and more specifically to an interlock system with an operator presence detection switch, wherein a limited portion of the drive system is operable under certain conditions when the operator is away from the vehicle seat.
Lawn and garden tractors and similar vehicles typically include components driven from a power takeoff (PTO) shaft. Many employ a seat switch to sense the presence of an operator and to automatically kill the engine, when the PTO is engaged or under certain other conditions, if the operator leaves his seat. Other condition responsive devices are usually included in the vehicle for such functions as preventing starting or starter cranking if a transmission or PTO is engaged or if a brake is not engaged. An interlock often is provided for permitting PTO engagement only after a PTO switch is operated following a power up, regardless of the initial PTO switch position on power up.
One problem with use of interlock circuits has been the accommodation of optional features on some models of machines without a substantial redesign or increase in cost of the basic circuitry and without interference with any of the desired interlock operations. For example, some vehicles are offered with both a front and a rear PTO while others have only one PTO. The vehicles offered with two PTO shafts often require that one PTO be operable when the vehicle seat is unoccupied; the single PTO vehicles usually prevent PTO operation in the absence of an operator at the seat. Providing desired interlock function operations for both the base model vehicle with one PTO and the vehicle with the optional second PTO has heretofore required completely different interlock circuits, a special and more expensive seat switch, or other costly modifications to the basic interlock circuitry.

Interlock circuit for a vehicle with an optical second drive