In a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, adhesion between a capacitor dielectric film made of material having a high dielectric constant and an interlayer insulating film located thereunder is improved, and a leak current from a capacitor lower electrode is effectively prevented. In the semiconductor device, an adhesion layer (11) made of TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 is interposed between the interlayer insulating film made of a silicon oxide film and the capacitor dielectric film made of material having a high dielectric constant. The adhesion layer improves adhesion between the interlayer insulating film and the capacitor dielectric film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, and in particular to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
A demand for semiconductor memory devices is rapidly increasing as information equipments such as computers have come to be widely used. Functionally, devices having large storage capacity and capable of high speed operation are in great demand. Correspondingly, technique has been developed for improving degree of integration, higher responsiveness and reliability of the semiconductor memory device.
DRAMs (Dynamic Random Access Memories) are well known as semiconductor memory devices which allow random input and output of storage information. In general, the DRAM includes a memory cell array which is a storage region storing a large number of storage information and a peripheral circuitry for external input and output.
FIG. 71 is a block diagram showing a structure of a conventional DRAM. Referring to FIG. 71, a DRAM 150 includes a memory cell array 151 storing data of storage information, a row and column address buffer 152 externally receiving an address signal which is used for selecting a memory cell forming a unit storage circuit, row and column decoders 153 and 154 decoding the address signal and thereby designating the memory cell, a sense refresh amplifier 155 amplifying and reading a signal stored in the designated memory cell, data-in and data-out buffers 156 and 157 for input and output of data, and a clock generator 158 generating a clock signal.
The memory cell array 151 which occupies a large area on the semiconductor chip is formed of a plurality of memory cells which are arranged in a matrix form and each are adapted to store the unit storage information. FIG. 72 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the memory cells for four bits in the memory cell array 151. Referring to FIG. 72, each memory cell is formed of one MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor and one capacitor connected thereto. The memory of the above structure is called a memory cell of one-transistor/one-capacitor type. Since the memory cell of this type has a simple structure, degree of integration of the memory cell array can be easily increased, so that they are widely used in DRAMs of a large capacity.
The memory cells of the DRAMs utilize several types of capacitors, which are distinguished from each other according to their structures. Among these, in a stacked type capacitor, a major portion of the capacitor is extended up to positions above a gate electrode and a field isolating film for increasing opposing areas of electrodes in the capacitor. This increases a capacitance of the capacitor. The stacked type capacitor having the above feature ensures a sufficient capacitor capacitance even if elements are miniaturized in accordance with high integration of the semiconductor device. Consequently, the stacked type capacitors have been widely used in accordance with high integration of the semiconductor devices.
The semiconductor devices are now being improved to achieve higher degree of integration, and correspondingly the stacked type capacitors are now being developed. More specifically, in order to ensure sufficient capacitor capacitances required for storage operations of further miniaturized elements, there has been proposed a DRAM in which bit lines are buried and capacitor insulating films are formed of dielectric films, which are made of material having a high dielectric constant (referred to as "highly dielectric films" hereinafter).
FIG. 73 is a cross section showing the DRAM proposed in the prior art. In this DRAM, a silicon substrate 201 is provided at a predetermined region on its main surface with an element isolating oxide film 202 for isolating elements. The element isolating oxide film 202 surrounds a region in which source/drain regions 206a, 206b, 206c and 206d spaced by a predetermined distance are formed with channel regions 221 therebetween. Gate electrodes (word lines) 204b and 204c are formed on the channel regions 221 with a gate oxide film 205 therebetween. Word lines (gate electrodes) 204d and 204e are formed on the element isolating oxide film 202 with a predetermined space between each other.
The gate electrodes 204b, 204c, 204d and 204e are covered with an insulating film 207. The source/drain region 206a is electrically connected to a buried bit line 208, which is covered with an insulating film 209. An interlayer insulating film 210 having a flat surface is formed to cover the entire surface. The interlayer insulating film 210 is provided at predetermined regions with contact holes 210a. A polysilicon plug 211 which is electrically connected to the source/drain regions 206b, 206c or 206d is disposed in each contact hole 210a.
Adhesion layers 212 made of Ti are formed on the interlayer insulating film 210 and polysilicon plugs 211, and are electrically connected to the polysilicon plugs 211. Barrier layers 213 made of TiN are formed on the adhesion layers 212. Platinum layers 214 forming capacitor lower electrodes are formed on the barrier layers 213. The platinum layers 214 are covered with a highly dielectric film 215 which is made of SrTiO.sub.3 or the like and is formed on the platinum layers 214 and the interlayer insulating film 210. The highly dielectric film 215 is covered with a platinum layer 216 forming a capacitor upper electrode.
An interlayer insulating film 217 having a flat surface is formed on the platinum layer 216. Aluminum interconnections 218 are formed on the interlayer insulating film 217 with a predetermined space between each other. The aluminum interconnections 218 are covered with a protection film 219, on which an aluminum interconnection 220 is formed.
The platinum layer 214, highly dielectric film 215 and platinum layer 216 form a capacitor 250. The source/drain regions 206a and 206c and the gate electrode 204b form one of transfer gate transistors 203. The source/drain regions 206a and 206b and the gate electrode 204c form another one of transfer gate transistors 203.
The adhesion layers 212 are provided for the purpose of improving adhesion between the platinum layers 214 and the interlayer insulating film 210. The barrier layers 213 are provided for the purpose of preventing silicide reaction of the polysilicon plugs 211 and the platinum layers 214.
FIGS. 74-82 are cross sections showing a process for manufacturing the conventional DRAM shown in FIG. 73. The process for manufacturing the DRAM in the prior art will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 74, an element isolating oxide film 202 made of a silicon oxide film is formed in the predetermined region on the main surface of the silicon substrate 201 by an LOCOS (Local Oxidation of Silicon) method. Then, the gate oxide film 205 is formed, e.g., by thermal oxidation. The gate electrodes (word lines) 204b, 204c, 204d and 204e, which are made of polysilicon doped with a large amount of phosphorus, are selectively formed on the gate oxide film 205 and the element isolating oxide film 202. The insulating films 207 covering the gate electrodes 204b, 204c, 204d and 204e are formed. Ion implantation of impurity is carried out using the insulating films 207 as a mask to form the source/drain regions 206a, 206b, 206c and 206d.
A polysilicon layer is formed on the whole surface, and then is patterned into a predetermined configuration to form the buried bit line 208 which is in direct contact with the source/drain region 206a. The insulating film 209 covering the buried bit line 208 is formed. Thereafter, the interlayer insulating film 210 of about 5000 to 10000 .ANG. in thickness is formed on the whole surface by the CVD method.
As shown in FIG. 75, a resist 222 is formed in predetermined regions on the surface of the interlayer insulating film 210. Using the resist 222 as a mask, anisotropic etching is effected on the interlayer insulating film 210 to form the contact holes 210a as shown in FIG. 76.
As shown in FIG. 77, a polysilicon layer 211a of a predetermined thickness filling the contact holes 210a is formed on the interlayer insulating film 210. Etchback is effected on the polysilicon layer 211a to form the polysilicon plugs 211 as shown in FIG. 78.
As shown in FIG. 79, a titanium layer 212a, a TiN layer 213a and a platinum layer 214a are sequentially formed on the polysilicon plugs 211 and interlayer insulating film 210. A resist 223 is formed on predetermined regions 223 on the platinum layer 214a. Using the resist 223 as a mask, anisotropic etching is effected on the platinum layer 214a, TiN layer 213 and titanium layer 212a to form the adhesion layers 212, barrier layers 213 and platinum layers (i.e., capacitor lower electrodes) as shown in FIG. 80, respectively.
Then, as shown in FIG. 81, the high dielectric film 215 covering the platinum layers 214 is formed on the platinum layers 214 and interlayer insulating film 210 by the sputter method or the like. The highly dielectric film 215 is made of SrTiO.sub.3, Pb(Zr, Ti)O.sub.3 or the like. The platinum layer 216 forming the capacitor upper electrode is formed to cover the highly dielectric film 215 by the sputter method.
As shown in FIG. 82, the interlayer insulating film 217 covering the platinum layer 216 is formed by the CVD method. The aluminum interconnections 218, which correspond to the word lines 204b, 204c, 204d and 204e, respectively and are spaced by a predetermined distance from each other, are formed on the interlayer insulating film 217.
Finally, as shown in FIG. 73, the protection film 219 made of a silicon oxide film and covering the aluminum interconnections 218 are formed by the CVD method. The aluminum interconnection 220 is formed on the protection film 219. In this manner, the conventional DRAM is formed.
In the conventional DRAM shown in FIG. 73, the adhesion layer 212 made of Ti can achieve good adhesion between the interlayer insulating film 210 and the platinum layer 214 forming the capacitor lower electrode.
In the conventional structure, however, good adhesion cannot be obtained between the highly dielectric film 215 and the interlayer insulating film 210. This problem is peculiar to the case where the capacitor dielectric film is made of a material having a high dielectric constant and a high melting point. If the capacitor dielectric film is formed of a silicon oxide film or the like having a low dielectric constant, good adhesion is obtained between the capacitor dielectric film and the silicon oxide film disposed under the same, so that no problem is caused relating to the adhesion of the capacitor dielectric film. However, in the case where the capacitor dielectric film is formed of the highly dielectric film described above, a problem arises in connection with the adhesion between the capacitor dielectric film and the interlayer insulating film 210 made of the silicon oxide film and located under the same. If good adhesion is not obtained between the highly dielectric film 215, i.e., capacitor dielectric film and the interlayer insulating film 210, the high dielectric film 215 may be separated, resulting in reduction of the overall reliability of the capacitor.
In the conventional structure shown in FIG. 73, the adhesion layer 212 is interposed between the platinum layer 214 and the interlayer insulating film 210 for improving the adhesion between the platinum layer 214 and the interlayer insulating film 210. This unpreferably increases a difference in level at a stepped portion including the adhesion layer 212, barrier layer 213 and platinum layer 214.

Semiconductor device having a capacitor with an adhesion layer


Basket apparatuses for use in food product preparation are provided that can be placed in cooking apparatuses. The basket apparatuses can include a plurality of side walls of one or more base sheets forming unitary side wall lattice-like portions and forming side wall component connection portions. The basket apparatuses can include a bottom wall of a base sheet forming a unitary bottom wall lattice-like portion and forming bottom wall component connection portions. The bottom wall is attached to the side walls to define a food product receiving space. The basket apparatuses includes a plurality of shelves with each shelf being pivotally connected to opposing side walls and movable between a stackable horizontal position and a stackable vertical position in the food product receiving space. Each shelf includes a base sheet forming a unitary shelf lattice-like portion having apertures therein forming substantially flat surfaces on which food products are placeable.

Various types of containers or baskets are used for holding food products during cooking. For instance, wire form baskets are used for holding various types of food products, such as potatoes, pies, meat products and the like in a deep frying apparatus. Typically, the baskets are loaded with the bulk food products and are lowered into a reservoir of hot frying oil. In preparing french fried potatoes, for instance, a typical wire form basket simply is of an open-top structure, rectangular in configuration, and includes upright side walls about a bottom wall. One or more handles may be provided for manually or automatically lowering the wire form basket and food products into the hot frying oil.
Another type of food product prepared by a deep frying apparatus is chicken filets. If the filets simply are deposited in a bulk-type basket as described above for potato products, the filets tend to curl-up during cooking. Such a product not only appears to be smaller in size, but the curled-up filets are difficult to use in sandwich products, such as in high volume restaurants or similar establishments. Even if the filets are arranged on a flat support, the filets still have a tendency to curl-up during cooking. Restaurants have been using shelved wire form baskets to address these problems.
These wire baskets that are used to fry food, though, are subjected to extreme cooking conditions that include extreme pressures and high temperatures. Further, due to the nature of the kitchen environment within restaurants and the speed at which the cooks and their machines must operate, these wire baskets are subjected to abusive treatment. Under such cooking conditions and kitchen environments, these baskets are often damaged and are in need of repair. In particular, current wire baskets have a tendency to warp and detach at the wire connection points after only a limited amount of use. Thereby, these wire baskets start to fall apart making them much less effective or even inoperable for their intended use in a relatively short time period. These wire baskets then have to be sent off for repairs that can take an extended amount of time. Thus, the users of the wire baskets, such as restaurant, will likely need multiple wire baskets for each cooking apparatus in order to prevent the possibility of creating unscheduled and unwanted downtime for the respective cooking apparatus.
A need exists for basket apparatuses for holding food products in a cooking apparatus that can withstand the cooking conditions within which the basket apparatuses are placed to permit for an extended use life of the basket apparatuses with less down time for repairs.

Basket apparatuses for use in preparation of food products


A chip component feeder which has high feeding efficiency feeds chip components individually in stable orientations. The separating feeder of the present invention includes a scattering disk disposed so that the top surface thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, a transferring groove formed on the scattering disk and a cavity formed at an outer peripheral end portion of the scattering disk. When the scattering disk is rotated, chip components are dropped into the transferring groove and are aligned in a predetermined direction. After the chip components are accommodated in the cavity by gravitational force (i.e., by upward rotation of the transferring groove), separation of the chip component in the cavity from the chip components in the transferring groove can be achieved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a chip feeding system and, more particularly, to a system and method for separating chip components, such as electronic chip components, to thereby allow for individual feeding of the components.
2. Description of the Related Art
A separating feeder having substantially increased capacity for feeding chip components over that of an oscillating ball feeder or a linear feeder has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication No. 62-28592. In this separating feeder, a rotating inner disk and an outer disk, which intermittently rotates along the outer periphery of the inner disk, are disposed at a slant to a horizontal plane. The outer disk has an annular trough comprised of a plurality of fitting holes for aligning chip components. The annular trough is disposed at the same level as the end of the inner disk.
The inner disk and the outer disk are rotated in opposite directions to each other. As a result of the rotation of the inner and outer disks, the chip components are individually separated by dropping through the fitting holes. While this process efficiently separates circular disk-shaped chip components, rectangular-shaped chip components fall less effectively through the fitting holes, which decreases feeding efficiency. When small size chip components (e.g., chip components having a size of approximately 1 mm) are provided, orientation of the chip components dropped into the fitting holes may be unstable, since the fitting hole size should also be small in size. This results in a reduction of reliability.


The present invention relates to methods of attenuating underwater transmission of sound or shock waves as well as boom systems designed for such use. The boom system is characterized by a material (e.g., curtain or combination curtain and skirt) which extends substantially the entire water column when placed in a body of water, thereby defining a perimeter and a gas injection system which includes a plurality of outlets which are positioned between the perimeter and the site of underwater activity. In use, the boom system is installed such that it surrounds the site of underwater activity and then gas is injected into the water through the plurality of outlets to form a gas curtain during performance of an underwater activity capable of generating sound or shock waves.

The present invention relates generally to containment booms and, more particularly, to containment booms which are adapted for use in connection with sites of underwater activity which can produce sound or shock waves.
Underwater explosives as well as construction and demolition work, in general, produce sound or shock waves that travel in all directions from the site of activity at a rate of approximately four times the speed it would travel in air. Water is also non-compressible, whereas air is compressible. Thus, water more effectively transmits the energy of the sound or shock wave to the surrounding environments. As a result, underwater explosions or construction or demolition work quite often lead to severe injury or death of large numbers of marine life as a result of the crushing effect the sound or shock waves have on internal air cavities of the marine life. Generally speaking, regulatory agencies require some means for minimizing the impact of underwater detonations.
One approach which has been utilized previously involves the provision of an air curtain, which is simply the result of releasing compressed air below the water surface such that the rising air bubbles form a semi-continuous perimeter about the site of work. The presence of the air bubbles about the perimeter have the effect of dispersing the sound or shock waves produced by the worksite, thereby absorbing the intensity of the sound or shock wave and allowing the transmission of, hopefully, only non-lethal sound or shock waves whose intensity is greatly dissipated as compared to the initial sound or shock waves emanating from the site of work. One problem with this approach is that the air curtain is often dispersed by tidal currents, thereby decreasing its efficacy. Depending on how great the air curtain becomes dispersed, it may have little or no effect.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a containment boom which overcomes this deficiency in the art.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method of attenuating underwater transmission of sound or shock waves which includes: surrounding a site of underwater activity with a boom system including (i) a support system, (ii) a curtain including a sheet of flexible material which allows water to flow therethrough, the curtain being suspended from the support system such that the curtain extends substantially the entire water column to define a perimeter enclosure, and (iii) a gas injection system including a plurality of outlets which surround the site of underwater activity, the plurality of outlets being positioned between the site of underwater activity and the curtain; and injecting gas into the water through the plurality of outlets to form a gas curtain during performance of an underwater activity capable of generating sound or shock waves, whereby the curtain minimizes dissipation of the gas curtain to improve the efficacy of sound or shock wave attenuation as compared to a gas curtain in the absence of the curtain.
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of attenuating underwater transmission of sound or shock waves which includes: surrounding a site of underwater activity with a boom system including (i) a support system, (ii) a curtain including a sheet of flexible material which allows water to flow therethrough, the curtain being suspended from the support system such that an upper end thereof is positioned above the water level and a lower end thereof positioned above the floor of the body of water, (iii) a skirt including a sleeve formed of a material which resists folding and a ballast positioned within the sleeve, the skirt being connected to the lower end of the curtain or to the support system, wherein the curtain and the skirt together extend substantially the entire water column, with the ballast-weighted skirt resting against the floor of the body of water, thereby defining a perimeter, and (iv) a gas injection system including a plurality of outlets which surround the site of underwater activity, the plurality of outlets being positioned between the site of underwater activity and the perimeter; and injecting gas into the water through the plurality of outlets to form a gas curtain during performance of an underwater activity capable of generating sound or shock waves, whereby the curtain minimizes dissipation of the gas curtain to improve the efficacy of sound or shock wave attenuation as compared to a gas curtain in the absence of the curtain and skirt.
A third aspect of the present invention relates to a boom system which includes: a support system; a curtain including a sheet of flexible material which allows water to flow therethrough, the curtain being suspended from the support system such that, upon introduction into a body of water, an upper end thereof is positioned above the water level and a lower end thereof is positioned above the floor of the body of water; and a skirt including a sleeve formed of a deformable material which resists folding and a ballast positioned within the sleeve, the skirt being connected to the lower end of the curtain or to the support system, wherein upon introduction into a body of water the curtain and the skirt together extend substantially the entire water column, with the ballast-weighted skirt resting against the floor of the body of water.

Boom system and its use to attenuate underwater sound or shock wave transmission


The present invention relates to a catheter systems for introducing and implanting an expandable stent member in a body. The catheter includes a catheter member having first and second ends, the first end having an inflatable portion, a lumen in fluid communication with the inflatable portion and the second end for inflating the inflatable portion. The expandable stent member is capable of permanent deformation when expanded. At least a portion of the stent member is attached to the inflatable portion by a bond and whereby upon inflation of the inflatable portion the bond is released from the stent member to permit deployment of the stent member and removal of the catheter member. The bond may be formed by the same or different material than the balloon surface. For example, an adhesive may be used. Additionally, the surface of the balloon may be softened and the stent member may be embedded into the softened portion and allowed to return to its original unsoftened state, thereby adhesively connecting the stent to the inflatable balloon.

The present invention relates to a catheter system for introducing and implanting a stent and comprising a catheter having at its one end an expandable portion, at its opposite end elements intended for communication with means for expanding the expandable portion, and a stent made of a material to which a permanent deformation for maintaining an enlarged transverse dimension is imparted when the catheter is expanded, said stent being arranged around the expandable portion of the catheter and releasably fixed to the catheter to prevent movement of the stent during insertion.
In case of partially occluded blood vessels, e.g. due to arteriosclerosis, it was previously necessary to perform surgery directly at the site of occlusion to cure a patient suffering from this kind of disorder. Such partial occlusion may be dilated by introducing a catheter with an expandable portion into the blood vessel and expanding the expandable catheter portion in the partially occluded area. However, this is not always sufficient since the partially occluded portion may be reestablished or relapse to its partially occluded state. In recent years it has become increasingly common to treat such cases by implantation of a stent (an endoprosthesis) into the partially occluded portion of a blood vessel. Following implantation, the stent influences the blood vessel to the effect that the latter stays dilated. In most instances, the patient will avoid more severe consequences of such disorder in the future.
Various types of catheters with expandable portions are available. A first type is designed with a portion which, under the influence of pressure, is expanded by elastic deformation of the expandable portion. This type is most often designated balloon catheters. A particular embodiment of such catheter is disclosed in UK 156674. This catheter comprises a reinforcement web in its expandable portion, said reinforcement web having a rhomb pattern. Expansion of the expandable portion of such catheter entails simultaneous reduction of the length of said portion.
A second type of catheter is made of a substantially non-elastomeric material and provided with elements which are, in the unexpanded state of the catheter, for instance rolled/folded around the remaining catheter assembly. Pressure influences will cause the expandable portions to unfold.
Stents, too, are available in various embodiments. Distinction is made between pressure-expandable stents and auto-expandable stents. The stent type relevant to the present invention is the pressure-expandable one to which pressure influences from the catheter imparts a permanent deformation until the desired introduction diameter has been reached. An example of such stent is known from EP 312852. The stent disclosed therein is a stent made from a coherent thread.
The implantation of such stent is effected by means of a catheter provided with an expandable portion onto which the stent is arranged. The catheter with the stent is introduced e.g. in the groin region if the stent is to be lodged in a blood vessel in a leg, and it is guided under x-ray monitoring to the partially occluded site whereupon means connected to the catheter applies a pressure to said catheter and the expandable catheter portion urges the stent out towards the blood vessel wall. The pressure is subsequently reduced and the catheter may then be withdrawn from the blood vessel whereas the stent in its expanded state remains in the blood vessel portion which requires treatment. The operation is relatively simple compared to the surgical intervention otherwise required at the partially occluded site and thus it is desirable in many situations.
The use of balloon catheters to deliver various types of stents has become widely used in the medical field. Such relatively non-invasive techniques offer many advantages to both patient and surgeon. Notwithstanding the advances made in this area, several problems still exist with respect to preventing the stent from unwanted movement on the uninflated balloon during insertion, placement, and final positioning of the stent prior to expansion and full deployment. Often the stent moves relative to the balloon during its negotiation through tortuous vessels and becomes off-centered on the inflatable balloon, such that it incompletely or improperly expands. In a worst case scenario, the balloon may move such that its expansion and proper positioning are not possible. For example, EP-A-0442657 discloses a catheter system of the type described above where the stent is arranged around the expandable catheter portion and where collars or sleeves are mounted on the catheter serving only to secure the stent at its end portions.
Owing to its collars, this known catheter system has a relatively large diameter. Moreover the catheter system is associated with the drawback that there is a risk of the stent moving away from the catheter surface during introduction of the catheter system through the small bending radii of a blood vessel, thereby causing damage to the blood vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,227 discloses a similar system wherein, however, an alternative stent embodiment is used, viz. the so-called "knitted stent", whereby the risk of the stent moving away from the catheter surface is reduced but not completely eliminated. Like the above-described catheter system, however, the catheter system known from this U.S. patent is disadvantageous, too, due to the use of collars for mechanical securing of the stent and the ensuing increased outer diameter.
Efforts to solve the unwanted movement of the stent during insertion have included using adhesive to bond the stent to the balloon. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,429 employs a photo-degradable adhesive to bond the balloon to the stent. Light is then used to degrade the adhesive once the stent is inserted into the body. In this disclosure the stent used is of the type which is rolled around the catheter assembly which means that the aggregate system has a relatively large cross section at this point. Thereby the fields of application of the system are restricted. Moreover, practice has shown that there will always be residues of adhesive left on the implanted stent, which residue is to be degraded so as not to cause occlusion of the blood vessel. Thereby the implantation is rendered more difficult and the system presupposes particular adhesives, e.g. a light-degradable adhesive, and means, e.g. a light source, in connection with the catheter to degrade the adhesive.
The fact that thus the known catheter systems which incorporated stents have relatively large transverse dimensions due to their having portions which overlap the stent ends or optionally the entire stent, or due to the stent being rolled around the catheter assembly, the fields of application of such catheter systems are restricted. Moreover, there is a certain risk associated with the known systems that adhesive residues adhere to the implanted stent.
It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a catheter system of the type which in a simple manner ensures reliable securing of the stent against the catheter and simultaneously allows such catheter system to be designed with a substantially reduced transverse dimension compared to the prior art and without the risk of adhesive residues or catheter materials sticking to the implanted stent.

Catheter with stent and method for the production of a catheter with stent


An FCC catalyst containing zeolite particles at least 50% of the outer surface of which is coated with a layer of pre-formed inorganic oxide is used in fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feeds. The inorganic oxide layer has a thickness in the range of 10 nm to 5 .mu.m and the ratio between the particle size of the oxide and the mean particle size of the zeolite particles is in the range of 0.001:1 to 0.5:1. The zeolite particles may be coated by contacting uncoated zeolite particles having a mean particle size in the range of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m with an aqueous medium containing particles of the oxide having a particle size in the range of 10 to 5,000 nm, after which the particles are optionally dried or calcined. The oxide is preferably alumina. The FCC catalysts are less rapidly deactivated by contaminant metals present in heavy feeds and are less susceptible to blocking of the zeolite pores by coke.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to an FCC catalyst comprising zeolite particles which are coated with an inorganic oxide, and to the use thereof in FCC processes.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Hydrocarbons can be catalytically converted in a process in which the hydrocarbon feed is brought into contact with fluidised catalyst particles under appropriate conditions in a reaction zone. The catalyst used in this process is a so-called FCC catalyst which comprises zeolite particles in a matrix. In the process, the catalyst particles are deactivated by the precipitation of coke, which is formed as a by-product of the cracking process, on the catalyst particles. The (partially) deactivated catalyst particles are removed from the reaction zone, freed of volatile components in a stripping zone, subsequently passed to a regeneration zone, and, following their regeneration by combustion of the coke with an oxygen-containing gas, fed back to the reaction zone.
An additional problem encountered in the cracking of heavy hydrocarbon feeds is that these feeds can contain large quantities of contaminant metals, including vanadium and nickel, which are harmful to the zeolite present in the catalyst. It is therefore desirable to protect the zeolite in an FCC catalyst to be used in the cracking of heavy hydrocarbon feeds from the detrimental effect of these contaminant metals.
Japanese laid-open S58-112,051 (laid-open date Jul. 4, 1983) proposes to protect the zeolite particles by coating them with an oxide before they are incorporated into the catalyst. The coating process is carried out as follows. The zeolite particles to be coated are dispersed in an aqueous acidic solution of a salt which corresponds to the oxide to be provided. Then, a basic solution is added, which leads to the in situ formation of the desired oxide, which precipitates on the zeolite particles. The resulting coated zeolite particles are isolated from the suspension and dried at a mild temperature, e.g. at 120.degree. C. The Japanese patent publication warns against calcining of the coated zeolite particles, stating that this would result in an undesirable peeling-off of the coating from the surface of the zeolite.
In principle, various advantages can be given for the use of coated zeolite particles in an FCC catalyst over the use of uncoated zeolite particles.
In the first place, an FCC catalyst comprising coated zeolite particles has, if the coating is of high quality, the advantage that it is less rapidly deactivated by contaminant metals present in heavy feeds than an FCC catalyst comprising uncoated zeolite particles. It is assumed that this is because the nickel and vanadium-containing molecules cannot easily pass the oxide layer. Moreover, zeolite particles coated with a high quality coating are less susceptible to blocking of the zeolite pores by coke formation than uncoated zeolite particles, which is advantageous in the cracking of both heavy and light hydrocarbon feeds.
Another advantage of the use of coated zeolite particles in FCC catalysts instead of zeolite particles without a coating is associated with the preparation of the FCC catalyst. Zeolites can be susceptible to high and low pH-values; if they are contacted with media having a very low or a very high pH, there is a risk of the crystallinity of the zeolite being damaged, or, in extreme cases, of the zeolite being partially dissolved. An oxide coating may protect the zeolite against the extreme pH-values that may be encountered in the preparation of FCC catalysts.
There is another advantage relating to the use of oxide-coated zeolite particles from the point of view of processing technique. Suspensions comprising large amounts, i.e. more than 30 wt. %, of uncoated zeolite particles are unstable under storage conditions: as a result, a compact sediment is obtained which is difficult to redisperse. On the other hand, suspensions containing large amounts of coated zeolite particles are stable under storage conditions; no or hardly any sedimentation takes place, and if it does, the sediment can easily be redispersed.
Thus, there are many advantages associated with the use of coated zeolite particles in FCC. However, the quality of the in situ formed coating provided on the zeolite particles by means of the process of said Japanese patent publication is not good enough to realise these advantages to the highest possible extent. Additionally, the in situ coating procedure described in the Japanese patent publication has some further disadvantages which will be discussed below.
The quality of the alumina coating obtained with the process according to the Japanese patent publication can be studied with electron-microscopic techniques such as STEM/EDX, and SEM. With these techniques it can be seem that a coating is present on the zeolite particles. However, the coating is not complete, and adheres quite loosely to the zeolite particles. Further, it appears from STEM/EDX images that when these alumina coated zeolite particles are incorporated into an FCC catalyst using certain preparation procedures, the coating may disappear from the zeolite particles. Not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors assume that the coating prepared according to the Japanese patent publication is not resistant to the relatively severe conditions under which FCC catalysts may be prepared.
Moreover, if by careful handling of the coated zeolite particles and mild preparation conditions, one were to succeed in preparing an FCC catalyst comprising zeolite particles coated with alumina formed in situ as described in the Japanese patent publication in which the coating is still present on the zeolite particles, another disadvantage becomes clear. The alumina which precipitates on the zeolite particles in the in situ coating processes described by the Japanese patent publication is a relatively amorphous alumina, which displays a highly a selective cracking activity; it cracks hydrocarbon feeds to form coke and light gases. By incorporating zeolite particles coated with amorphous alumina into an FCC catalyst, an undesirable cracking activity is thus added to the catalyst, so reducing the catalyst's selectivity.
Further, the precipitation process described in the Japanese patent publication takes place at high pH values. This is necessary, because the coating oxides will only precipitate at such high pH values. However, as stated before, zeolites may be susceptible to high pH values, and thus the properties of the zeolite, particularly the crystallinity, may be adversely affected during said coating process. A further drawback to the in situ coating process disclosed in the Japanese patent publication consists in that the protons, or proton precursors such as ammonium ions, in the zeolite can be, and often are, exchanged during the coating process with the cations of which the oxides are to precipitate on the zeolite. This process in uncontrollable, and may lead to undesirable alteration of the zeolite properties.
Additionally, the very small hydr(oxide) particles which are formed during the in situ formation of the oxide may block the pores of the zeolite.


A photodetector carrier is disclosed which does not cause possible deterioration of an optical coupling characteristic between an optical fiber and a photodetector mounted on the carrier and is improved in high speed characteristics of the photodetector. The photodetector carrier is constructed by brazing to a metal plate of a ceramic substrate on which a photodetector mounting portion and a wiring pattern are formed. The photodetector carrier is fixed to a metal casing of a photodetector module by laser welding.

This invention relates to a photodetector carrier and a photodetector module having such carrier.
On the receiving side of the common optical communication system, an optical signal transmitted by way of an optical transmission line (optical fiber) is photoelectrically converted to obtain an electric signal by means of a photodetector such as a photodiode, and information is reproduced with such electrical signal. A photodetector module which is used in such system includes a photodetector and an optical fiber arranged in a predetermined positional relationship. Since such photodetector is mounted onto a carrier made of a ceramic material or the like and then the carrier is fixed to a case of the photodetector module, a mounting structure of the photodetector carrier onto a case which has a superior aging characteristic under a high temperature circumstance is demanded in order to maintain an optical coupling characteristic between the optical fiber and the photodetector for a long period of time.
An extemplary one of conventional photodetector carriers is shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a photodetector carrier 2 is made of a ceramic material, and a photodetector mounting portion 4 and wiring patterns 6 are formed on the photodetector carrier 2 by metallization. Further, a rear face 2a of the carrier 2 is processed by metallization over an entire area thereof in order to facilitate fixation of the carrier 2 to a case of a photodetector module.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic view of the photodetector carried mounted on a case of a photodetector module in accordance with a known method. A photodiode (PD) chip 8 is die-bonded to the photodetector mounting portion 4 not shown in FIG. 2 of the carrier 2 by way of a soldering material such as AuSn having a melting point of 300.degree. C. or while the carried 2 is secured by soldering to a case 12 by way of another solder having a melting point lower than that of the soldering material such as, for example, Sn-Pb eutectic solder. Reference numeral 10 denotes an optical fiber, and signal light from the optical fiber 10 is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal by the PD chip 8, and the electric signal is transmitted by way of the wiring patterns 6 and bonding wires not shown to another wiring pattern on a substrate not shown on which various electric parts not shown are mounted. The reason why the solder having a low melting point is employed for the fixation of the carrier 2 is that, since the carrier 2 is fixed to the case 12 after the PD chip 8 is mounted onto the carrier 2, if such solder having a low melting point is not employed for the fixation of the carrier 2, there is the possibility that the PD chip 8 which has been fixed once to the carrier 2 may come out of position.
Since such solder having a low melting point which is used for the fixation of the carrier 2 commonly exhibits a considerable creep, it is disadvantageous in that the aging characteristic thereof is interior under a high temperature environment. Such inferiority in aging characteristic will result in deterioration in optical coupling characteristic between the optical fiber and the PD chip. Further, according to the structure of the conventional carrier, a ceramic material having a dielectric constant .epsilon. is held between a wiring pattern and the case, and consequently, the carrier has an electric capacitance. Accordingly, the carrier has a disadvantage that such electric capacitance thereof will deteriorate the high speed characteristics of the PD chip.

Photodetector carrier for improving the high speed of a photodetector and method for producing same


Pre-fragmented explosive shell, of the type substantially comprising a head and a body containing an explosive charge, a plurality of balls being housed in an annular space provided for between at least a part of the wall of the aforesaid body and the aforesaid explosive charge, in which each of the aforesaid balls consists of a core made from tungsten or tungsten carbide coated with a thin layer of zirconium.

The present invention relates to a pre-fragmented explosive shell containing a quantity of small balls.
In order to increase the destructive power of the known shells, it has already been proposed to place around at least a part of the explosive charge of a shell a quantity of balls made from a very hard material, for instance tungsten or tungsten carbide, the hardness of which is comparable to the hardness of diamond.
Usually, such a projectile is called a shrapnel. When the shrapnel explodes, the balls are projected in all directions and, in this way, confer to the projectile a great destructive power. The efficiency of a shrapnel depends not only on its explosive charge, but also on the number of balls that it contains and of their capacity of penetrating into the target. For a same target, the penetration of the balls substantially depends on their impact energy and hardness. The impact energy substantially corresponds to the reduced kinetic energy of the energy dissipated when flying, due to the aerodynamic resistance encountered by the balls.
It will be understood that for obtaining a sufficient penetration into the target, the diameter of the balls will be selected taking into account the density of the constituent material and configuration of the explosive charge, so that their impact energy will be as great as possible. It follows that, for a predetermined degree of penetration, the diameter of the balls will be selected pro rata of the parameters quoted hereinabove and accordingly must correspond to an optimal value.
Therefore, the number of balls in the shrapnel is comparatively limited by the dimensions of the balls and, consequently, the probability of a shot into the target is also limited.

Fabrique Nationale Herstal, en abrege F.N.


A multi-functional AC to DC converter (100) controls AC to DC conversion as a function of at least one characteristic of a battery (200) connected to a DC power bus (300), such that the voltage output by the converter (100) to the DC power bus (300) is varied to efficiently charge the battery (200). In one implementation of the present invention, a multi-functional AC to DC converter (100) also adjusts the voltage output to the DC power bus based on a starting condition of an auxiliary power unit (400) so that the supplied voltage is suitable for starting the APU (400). The present invention is suitable for implementation in an aircraft power system to maintain the voltage output within the compliance range of the DC power bus (e.g., between 27.5 and 29 Vdc) while adjusting the output voltage to efficiently charge a battery (200) connected to the bus (300) and/or start an APU (400) connected to the bus (300).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an AC to DC converter of an electrical power system.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional power system design includes a Transformer Rectifier Unit (xe2x80x9cTRUxe2x80x9d) as a main DC power source, the output voltage of which varies with applied load. Due to the varying nature of its output voltage, the TRU has been considered unsuitable for charging batteries that are relied on for backup/auxiliary power supply. Specifically, the varying nature of the TRU output voltage does not enable a constant potential or constant current charging mode. To address this drawback, some systems use an ON/OFF device to connect and disconnect the battery from the TRU bus to improve charging performance.
Another conventional approach utilizes a DC generator as a main power source to generate a constant output voltage. Although such a DC generator is suitable for charging batteries at constant potential, this approach can neither limit the current flowing into the battery at the beginning of the starting cycle nor compensate for temperature variations, which strongly influence the battery State of Charge (xe2x80x9cSOCxe2x80x9d). Also, by not controlling the amount of trickle charge, the DC generator causes the battery to lose electrolytes over time.
Yet another conventional approach utilizes a Regulated Transformer Rectifier Unit (xe2x80x9cRTRUxe2x80x9d) as a main DC source with constant output voltage. The RTRU can charge batteries at constant potential, but can neither limit the current flowing into the battery nor compensate for temperature variations. Also, by not controlling the amount of trickle charge, the RTRU causes the battery to lose electrolytes over time.
Due to the above drawbacks, additional equipment, such as a separate battery charger, is commonly used in addition to the main DC power source. Since the charging voltage may be high at times, the battery must be disconnected from the main DC bus of the power system during charging. This requires special power bus arrangements and restricts the use of the battery as a bus presence, thereby affecting DC power system flexibility and quality.
The present invention addresses these drawbacks of conventional power system designs by providing a multi-functional AC to DC converter that controls AC to DC conversion as a function of at least one characteristic of a battery connected to a DC power bus, such that the voltage output by the converter to the DC power bus is varied to efficiently charge the battery while providing power for the bus connected loads. In one implementation of the present invention, a multi-functional AC to DC converter also adjusts the voltage output to the DC power bus based on a starting condition of an auxiliary power unit (xe2x80x9cAPUxe2x80x9d) so that the supplied voltage is suitable for starting the APU. The present invention is suitable for implementation in an aircraft power system to maintain the voltage output within the compliance range of the DC power bus (e.g., between 27.5 and 29.5 Vdc) while adjusting the output voltage to efficiently charge a battery connected to the bus and/or start an APU connected to the bus.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a multifunctional AC to DC converter includes a power control unit that monitors the current level drawn by a recharging battery and controls the voltage output by the AC to DC conversion circuitry based on the charging state of the battery. In a first power control stage, in which the battery is completely or nearly discharged, the power control unit controls the output voltage to a relatively low level (within the compliance range of the power system) to prevent the battery from drawing an uncontrolled or excessive amount of current. As the battery charges, and its internal impedance increases, the power control unit allows the output voltage to increase, thereby maintaining the current flowing to the battery at an adequate level for efficiently charging the battery. When the output voltage reaches a threshold level, the power control unit initiates a second control stage to maintain the output voltage constant at the elevated level (e.g., near the upper compliance limit of the DC power bus) so that the battery continues to charge, albeit at continually decreasing current. During this second power control stage, the power control unit in one implementation of the present invention controls output voltage as a function of battery temperature so that the output voltage is lower for higher battery temperatures and higher for lower battery temperatures. This temperature compensation improves the efficiency of the battery charging process. When the current drawn by the battery drops below a threshold level (e.g., indicating that the battery is about 80% percent recharged), the power control unit initiates a third power control stage to lower the output voltage to a nominal regulated level (e.g., 28 Vdc in an aircraft DC bus implementation) to trickle charge the battery (i.e., achieve constant potential trickle charge mode). This third power control stage prevents electrolyte loss during trickle charge.
By incorporating multiple functions in a single unit, the AC to DC converter of the present invention improves reliability because additional Line Replaceable Units (xe2x80x9cLRUsxe2x80x9d) and associated switching devices are not required to connect/disconnect the charging battery to/from the DC power bus and requires less control and power wiring. Furthermore, because the recharging battery may be continuously connected to the DC power bus, the present invention enables No-Break-Power-Transfers (NBPT) in the DC subsystem during AC power interrupts or other system failures and reduces DC system weight and cost as compared to a system requiring a separate battery charger.


This invention is directed to a non-halogen flame retardant thermoplastic molding composition having in combination a high molecular weight linear polyester and a non-halogen flame retardant. The flame retardant may be either a copolymer of polyetherimide-organopolysiloxane or a blend thereof with a polyphenylene sulfide, and/or a polyetherimide. The molding composition of the invention may also contain a filler.

The particular individual polymer components of this invention are known polymers, as well as the fillers, and are described in the literature. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,527 is a polymer blend of a polycarbonate and a siloxane-polyetherimide copolymer and is incorporated herein by reference with respect to the copolymer of the siloxane-polyetherimide. U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,927 discloses blends of polyetherimides and high molecular weight polyesters particularly polybutylene terephthalate.
Japanese patent publication JP 021506 discloses thermoplastic polyester composition of a reinforcing forcing agent, a polyphenylene sulfide and a polyester such as polybutylene terephthalate or polyethylene terephthalate.
Japanese patent publication JP 63077965-A discloses a flame resistant polyethylene terephthalate and a polyphenylene sulfide resin containing brominated polystyrene and a filler. The brominated polystyrene is the flame retardant additive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,365 discloses a fiber reinforced polybutylene terephthalate molding composition blended with a polyphenylene sulfide to improve resistance to the vapour phase soldering process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,266 discloses a composition of siloxane compounds as stabilizers for parapolyphenylene sulfides and mixtures with thermoplastic polycarbonates, polyesters and polyestercarbonates.
Brominated flame retardants, which are well known in the art, have been particularly successful as flame retardant additives. However, because of the concern of the impact that bromine and other halogens might have on the environment, there is a definite need for alternative non-halogen flame retardant systems. In addition, such halogen containing compounds generate corrosive by products during processing or when exposed to fire which can result in damage to sensitive parts or micro chips, such as in a computer.

Halogen-free flame retardant ternary blends


Particles such as islet cells are encapsulated by a method that forms a coating of uniform thickness that conforms to the size and shape of the particles. Two substantially immiscible liquids of different densities are provided in a container as upper and lower liquids such that an interface exists between the liquids. The upper liquid is less dense and has a greater viscosity than the lower liquid which is a coating liquid containing particles to be encapsulated. A tube is positioned in the upper liquid such that an orifice of the tube is above the interface. A pump connected to the tube sucks liquid through the tube at a rate sufficient to form a spout containing substantially the lower liquid extending between the interface and the tube orifice. The spout has maximum diameter at the interface and decreases in diameter as the spout approaches the tube orifice. Particles in the lower liquid are drawn up through the spout as liquid is withdrawn, and coated particles are released from the spout at a point where the diameter of the spout is less than the diameter of the particles, and the coated particles flow through the tube. The coating liquid may be a pre-polymer that can be polymerized and crosslinked after coating. The coated particles have therapeutic applications such as administering coated islet cells to treat diabetes.

The present invention relates to a method for encapsulating particles, and more particularly, to a method for encapsulating particles with a coating that substantially conforms to the size and shape of an individual particle utilizing selective withdrawal technology. The invention also includes specific uses for the particles encapsulated according to the inventive method.
Selective withdrawal technology involves the xe2x80x9cselectivexe2x80x9d withdrawal of the upper fluid, or both fluids, from a container holding two fluids of different densities. In most cases, this technology has been applied to combinations of fluids where the upper fluid is a gas, such as air, and the lower fluid is a liquid. Examples of such use of this technology are found in the oil industry.
When two fluids of different densities are added to a container, the less dense fluid floats on top of the fluid having a greater density, and an interface exists between the fluids. If it is desired to controllably withdraw the upper fluid only, or a combination of both fluids, a tube connected to a suction pump may be inserted into the upper fluid to suck up fluid from the vicinity of the orifice of the tube. At a low suction level, a slow flow of the less dense upper fluid layer enters the nozzle of the tube, and the more dense fluid remains in the container. The low level of suction generally causes a portion of the interface between the fluids to deform upwardly from its horizontal orientation to form a small hump in the area below the nozzle. Under these low suction conditions, the hump remains stable, and all of the withdrawn fluid comes from the upper layer.
If, however, the suction level is sufficiently increased, the hump becomes unstable and forms a spout at the interface of the two fluids. The spout comprises the heavier, lower layer, which is entrained in the lighter, upper layer. When a spout is formed, portions of the heavier fluid also enter the tube. The diameter of the spout decreases substantially from its base toward the tube orifice. Further increasing the suction level widens the spout. Once inside the tube, the spout breaks up into small droplets.
When applying this technology to combinations of fluids in which the upper fluid is air, the system is generally unstable. The spout is not stationary, and it often meanders and breaks apart in a disordered pattern. This lack of stability of the spout has hindered more widespread use of the selective withdrawal technology, since the instability makes it difficult to design processes that have an acceptable level of predictability and reproducibility. If more controllable use of this technology could be developed, the selective withdrawal technology could be put to more and better productive uses.
The present inventors have addressed the problems of the prior art by developing a selective withdrawal system in which the spout formed by the withdrawal of the entrained fluid is substantially stationary. As a result, the spout does not meander in a disorderly manner as in the example discussed above when air was used as the upper (withdrawn) fluid. It has been determined that such fluctuations of the spout can be reduced dramatically when air is replaced as the upper fluid by a fluid, such as a viscous liquid, more capable of supporting a stationary spout. When such a fluid is utilized as the upper fluid in a selective withdrawal system, a clean, reproducible and substantially stationary spout may be formed.
Due to the reproducible nature of the results in such combinations, the technology may be applied to areas where greater predictability of the action is required, such as the encapsulation of particles. When utilizing the method of the present invention, coatings may be applied to particles of varying sizes and shapes that substantially conform to the respective size and shape of the particles. A conformal coating of this type may be used for various applications in which uniform coatings of multi-sized particles are desired, such as the encapsulation of cells for transplantation. One example of such potential use is the microencapsulation of islet cells with a polymeric coating for transplantation into diabetic patients. The particles may be encapsulated with a coating that permits the transfer through the coating of useful compounds, such as glucose, insulin and metabolites, while preventing the transfer of compounds that may cause harmful interaction with the immune system. Similar uses may be possible for treatment of other conditions, which treatments have heretofore been hindered by undesirable immunogenic responses.
Another use to which this technology may be applied is the coating of particles for use in systems, such as drug delivery systems, in which timed release of a drug or other coated substrate is desirable. In such applications, particles can be coated to a predetermined thickness with a particular compound, or alternatively, a predetermined number of coatings of predetermined thickness and composition can be applied to the substrate.
In addition to the foregoing uses, other possible uses are described hereinafter. It should be understood that the specific uses described are merely intended to be illustrative of some of the uses to which the technology of the present invention may be applied. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention will have application to additional uses, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Encapsulating particles with coatings that conform to size and shape of the particles


Gaps which naturally exist in the output of printed copy sheets from a duplex paper path due to duplex printing are selectively combined with interset interval skipped pitches so as to provide an appropriate interset interval between each set of printed copy sheets output from a printer, while minimizing the number of skipped pitches which actually need to be scheduled.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to printing duplex and simplex copy sheets from electronic page information, especially suitable for low cost electrostatographic, ink jet, ionographic or other on-demand page printers with an endless duplex paper path loop. More particularly, the present invention relates to such printers which are integrated with on-line finishing devices which cannot immediately receive copy sheets from a subsequent set when performing its finishing operations on a current set of copy sheets (i.e., finishing devices which require an interset interval so that a first set is sufficiently cleared out of the way for the finishing device to begin receiving sheets from a second, subsequent set).
2. Description of Related Art
The terminology "copiers", and "copies", as well as "printers" and "prints", is used alternatively herein. The terminology "imaging" and "marking" is used alternatively herein and refers to the entire process of putting an image (digital or analog source) onto paper. The image can then be permanently fixed to the paper by fusing, drying, or other means. It will be appreciated that the invention may apply to almost any system in which the images are made electronically, including electronic copiers.
Imaging systems (e.g., printers or copiers) typically include copy sheet paper paths through which copy sheets (e.g., plain paper) which are to receive an image are conveyed and imaged. The process of inserting copy sheets into the copy sheet paper path and controlling the movement of the copy sheets through the paper path to receive an image on one or both sides, is referred to as "scheduling". Copy sheets are printed by being passed through a copy sheet paper path (which includes a marking station) one or multiple times. Copy sheets which are printed on only one side (simplex copy sheets) in a single color usually pass through the copy sheet paper path a single time. Multipass printing is used to print images on both sides of a copy sheet (duplex printing), or to print a simplex sheet in multiple colors (one pass for each color). There are two general modes in which copy sheets to be multipass printed can be scheduled: "burst mode" and "interleave mode".
When scheduling in "burst mode", copy sheets are inserted into, imaged, and output from the copy sheet paper path without any "skipped pitches" existing between each consecutive copy sheet. A "pitch" is the portion (or length) of the copy sheet paper path in the process direction which is occupied by a copy sheet as it moves through the copy sheet paper path. A "skipped pitch" occurs when there is a space between two consecutively output copy sheets which is long enough to hold another copy sheet. Accordingly, when scheduling in "burst mode", copy sheets are output from the copy sheet paper path (and, thus, the imaging system) at a maximum rate because no skipped pitches exist between each consecutively output copy sheet.
Various methods for scheduling copy sheets in "burst mode" are disclosed in, for example, the above incorporated U.S. Pat. application No. 07/590,236.
When scheduling copy sheets in "interleave mode", skipped pitches are provided between each consecutively scheduled copy sheet. That is, a space is provided between each copy sheet inserted into and output from the copy sheet paper path. While other copy sheets eventually may be inserted in the space between two consecutively input copy sheets, these other copy sheets are inserted at a later time (described below) and are thus "interleaved" with the previously input copy sheets.
This "interleave mode" of copy sheet scheduling is typically employed in imaging systems which are capable of duplex printing (forming images on both sides of a copy sheet). Many imaging systems which are capable of duplex printing include copy sheet paper paths in the shape of a loop. The scheduling process involves: a) inserting a copy sheet into the loop; b) forming an image on a first side of the copy sheet at an imaging station; c) inverting the copy sheet (so that a second side of the copy sheet will face the imaging station when the copy sheet is reconveyed past the imaging station); d) forming an image on the second side of the copy sheet at the imaging station; and e) outputting the copy sheet from the paper path loop toward a final destination (a tray, a bindexer, finishing devices, etc.).
One reason why the "interleave mode" of scheduling is frequently used when duplex printing relates to the manner in which the original images are provided to the imaging station. For example, when the imaging system is using a recirculating document handler (RDH) to cycle a simplex document over a platen for exposure to a light source for forming duplex copies of the document, the imaging system exposes every other sheet in the simplex document so that a duplex copy of the document can be formed. For example, all even numbered pages in the document are exposed first to form a copy set consisting of copy sheets having even numbered pages on one side. Then, the odd numbered pages in the document are exposed, and these odd numbered pages are formed on the second side of the copy sheets containing the even numbered pages on side one.
The Xerox Corporation "9700" printer, duplex version, is an example of a printer having a long duplex paper path loop and which schedules copy sheets in the interleave mode of operation. It operates in essentially a trayless mode, with a long duplex loop path. Initially, prints (copies) of only the even sides are made, with one skip cycle (skipped pitch) between each print until the entire paper path is filled with even side prints alternated with skipped pitches. When the first completed even side (page 2) reaches the transfer area for the second side print (page 1), that page is printed on the back side. The next print to be made, however, is the next even side in the sequence printed on a blank sheet, and interleaved in the blank spaces (previously skipped pitches) left between sheets on the first pass. Thus, the job then proceeds at full productivity, intermixing (or interleaving) even sides printed on blank sheets for the first pass with odd sides printed on the back of previously completed even sides on their second pass. After the last even side is printed, the system resumes the skip pitch operation until the odd sides are printed on the last of the even side prints.
For a 30 page job, this "9700" printer duplex version page copying sequence can be represented as shown below. [Each "S" represents a skipped pitch. Previously printed sheet pages making their second pass for their second side copy are shown under the slash.]
First stage--[evens copied+skips=half productivity]:
2, S, 4, S, 6, S, 8; PA1 1/2, 10, 3/4, 12, 5/6, 14, 7/8, 16, 9/10, 18, 11/12, 20, 13/14, 22, 15/16, 24, 17/18, 26, 19/20, 28, 21/22, 30; PA1 23/24, S, 25/26, S, 27/28, S, 29/30.
Second stage--[odds and evens intermixed--full productivity]:
Third stage--[odds copied+skips=half productivity];
Note that with this "9700" printer sequence, 36 machine pitches are required to make 30 prints. So, for this 30 page job, the overall duplex operation is only 83% efficient. For longer jobs, the effective efficiency improves. But for shorter jobs the overall efficiency degrades, since there will still be 6 skipped pitches--"S".
The sequence used on Xerox Corporation "5700" printer is somewhat similar, except that it is not a trayless duplex loop system. All the completed first side sheets are stacked into a duplex buffer tray and later refed for side two printing. With this system, printer skipped pitches are not required during the first stage of the job. The skipped pitches are also not required for the third stage since the completed side ones can be fed at full thruput from the duplex tray. Thus, the "5700" duplexing is much more efficient than in the "9700". However, such duplex tray systems are inherently less reliable in some respects. The required duplex tray stacking, reseparating, and refeeding is implicated in the vast majority of duplex paper jams, and complicates job recovery. That is eliminated with the "9700" and other endless moving path duplex buffer loop systems.
Other conventional sequences for printers are also possible. For example, the Hewlett Packard HP "2000" uses a stack and re-feed method of duplex in which all even sides of the entire job are printed, followed by printing all of the odd sides. However, for this, the entire job (all the page images) must be stored in memory in order to insure jam recovery.
It is generally known that electronically inputted printers can desirably provide more flexibility in page sequencing (page, copying presentation order) than copiers with physical document sheet input. The printer input is electronically manipulatable electronic page media, rather than physical sheets of paper which are much more difficult to reorder or manipulate into a desired sequence. As also shown in the art noted hereinbelow, it is generally known that certain such reordered or hybrid document page copying orders or sequences may be copied onto a corresponding sequential train of copy sheets in an appropriate copier or printer to provide higher copying machine productivity yet correct page order copy output, especially for duplex copies made with a copier with trayless duplexing, i.e., providing a limited length endless buffer loop duplexing path for the copy sheets being duplexed.
Thus, electronically inputted imaging systems can operate in "burst mode" even when forming duplex copy sets. When operating in burst mode in an electronically inputted imaging system having an endless buffer loop duplexing paper path (no buffer tray), the duplexing paper path is completely filled with copy sheets (no skipped pitches) which are then imaged on both sides before being output from the duplexing paper path. Duplex burst mode scheduling causes duplex sheets to be output in small bursts of sheets (the duplex loop content) at full rated output.
When printing multiple sets of copy sheets which contain at least some duplex printed copy sheets in burst mode or interleave mode, in certain situations, it is possible to intermix the copy sheets from different sets or jobs as long as the order in which the sets are output from the duplex paper path (and the final destinations of each set) does not result in the output printed sets being intermixed. A number of scheduling algorithms for increasing printer productivity by intermixing copy sheets are disclosed in the above incorporated U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 07/590,236. These algorithms operate locally in that they determine whether to insert a copy sheet from a supply bin into the duplex paper path based upon information that is available when the copy sheet is to be inserted into the duplex paper path. Although the algorithms disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 07/590,236 are used to schedule copy sheets in burst mode, there are situations, described, for example, in the above incorporated U.S. Pat. application No. 07/752,108 (Attorney Docket No. JAO 26716), where it is desirable to schedule copy sheets in interleave mode. The same algorithms can be used to schedule copy sheets in interleave mode as in burst mode, with one additional constraint on pitch availability at the point of copy sheet insertion: a pitch of the duplex path is unavailable (to receive a new sheet from the supply bin) if a side one or a simplex sheet was scheduled in the preceding pitch.
The present invention is applicable to burst mode or interleave mode scheduling, performed as described above, or using other logic which results in similar copy sheet output (no skipped pitches between consecutively output copy sheets or a skipped pitch between at least some of the consecutively output copy sheets).
It is becoming increasingly common to integrate on-line finishing devices with imaging systems. These on-line finishing devices directly receive copy sheets as they are output from the imaging system and perform various types of finishing operations on each copy sheet, or on each set of copy sheets. The finishing operations can be, for example: binding, stitching, folding, trimming, aligning, rotating, punching, drilling, slitting, perforating, and combinations thereof.
Problems can arise when integrating an existing finishing device with a high speed imaging system. For example, the finishing device may not be able to immediately receive copy sheets output by the imaging system from a subsequent set (a second set) when it is performing its finishing operation(s) on the preceding set (a first set).
Typically, an appropriate number of skipped pitches are scheduled between the last copy sheet in the first set and the first copy sheet in the next (second) set so that a sufficient amount of time exists for the finishing device to perform its finishing operation on the first set before the first printed copy sheet from the second set reaches the finishing device. The appropriate number of skipped pitches is referred to as the "interset interval". The length of the interset interval (in pitches) can vary depending on the pitch mode (or more precisely, the sheet delivery interval) and the number of copy sheets in each set of copy sheets. When the finishing task is distributed among multiple operations and/or modules, the interset interval must be sufficient to prevent a subsequent set from overtaking the current set in each module.
Table 1 illustrates some examples of scheduling which includes providing interset intervals between the output of each set of copy sheets. In these examples, the duplex paper path loop length is 8 pitches, each set is 6 sheets long, and the interset interval is 3 pitches. The interset interval scheduling operated as follows:
A) if the first set is simplex, insert the interset interval (3) skipped pitches after the pitch containing the last side one image of the first set;
B) if the first set is duplex, insert the interset interval (3) skipped pitches after the pitch reserved for the side two image of the last sheet in the first set if the next set is simplex, otherwise, if the next set is duplex, insert the interset interval (3) skipped pitches after the pitch containing the side one image of the last sheet in the first set.
TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ A B C D Simplex to Simplex to Duplex to Duplex to Pitch Simplex Duplex Simplex Duplex __________________________________________________________________________ 1 set 1, sheet 1 set 1, sheet 1 set 1, side 1, sheet 1 set 1, side 1, sheet 1 2 set 1, sheet 2 set 1, sheet 2 set 1, side 1, sheet 2 set 1, side 1, sheet 2 3 set 1, sheet 3 set 1, sheet 3 set 1, side 1, sheet 3 set 1, side 1, sheet 3 4 set 1, sheet 4 set 1, sheet 4 set 1, side 1, sheet 4 set 1, side 1, sheet 4 5 set 1, sheet 5 set 1, sheet 5 set 1, side 1, sheet 5 set 1, side 1, sheet 5 6 set 1, sheet 6 set 1, sheet 6 set 1, side 1, sheet 6 set 1, side 1, sheet 6 7 skip skip skip 8 skip skip skip 9 skip skip set 1, side 2, sheet 1 set 1, side 2, sheet 1 10 set 2, sheet 1 set 2, side 1, sheet 1 set 1, side 2, sheet 2 set 1, side 2, sheet 2 11 set 2, sheet 2 set 2, side 1, sheet 2 set 1, side 2, sheet 3 set 1, side 2, sheet 3 12 set 2, sheet 3 set 2, side 1, sheet 3 set 1, side 2, sheet 4 set 1, side 2, sheet 4 13 set 2, sheet 4 set 2, side 1, sheet 4 set 1, side 2, sheet 5 set 1, side 2, sheet 5 14 set 2, sheet 5 set 2, side 1, sheet 5 set 1, side 2, sheet 6 set 1, side 2, sheet 6 15 set 2, sheet 6 set 2, side 1, sheet 6 skip skip 16 skip skip set 2, side 1, sheet 1 17 skip skip set 2, side 1, sheet 2 18 skip set 2, side 2, sheet 1 set 2, sheet 1 set 2, side 1, sheet 3 19 set 3, sheet 1 set 2, side 2, sheet 2 set 2, sheet 2 set 2, side 1, sheet 4 20 set 3, sheet 2 set 2, side 2, sheet 3 set 2, sheet 3 set 2, side 1, sheet 5 21 set 3, sheet 3 set 2, side 2, sheet 4 set 2, sheet 4 set 2, side 1, sheet 6 22 set 3, sheet 4 set 2, side 2, sheet 5 set 2, sheet 5 23 set 3, sheet 5 set 2, side 2, sheet 6 set 2, sheet 6 24 set 3, sheet 6 set 2, side 2, sheet 1 __________________________________________________________________________
The skipped pitches which are inserted to provide the 3 pitch interset interval are labelled "skip". Unlabeled pitches (column B, pitches 16 and 17; column C, pitches 7 and 8; oolumn D, pitches 22 and 23) are gaps which naturally occur due to duplex scheduling and the feature of buffer-trayless duplex paper paths that each copy sheet remains in the same pitch of the paper path for receiving its side two image. Also note that pitches 7 and 8 in column D, are counted as skipped pitches for the interset interval, and also occur naturally as a result of duplex scheduling.
It is not desirable to schedule skipped pitches if they are not necessary because they cause a decrease in productivity.
Accordingly, there is a need for an imaging system which optimizes copy sheet output productivity while providing an appropriate interset interval between output sets of printed copy sheets that are destined for on-line finishing devices used therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,490 to Denis J. Stemmle (Xerox Corporation) discloses an endless duplex paper path loop having a single sheet inverter for inverting sheets in the duplex loop after side one imaging. Sheets are consecutively inserted into the duplex loop to avoid the first and third stage skipped pitches discussed above with reference to the "9700" system. Sheets are scheduled in 1-N order, with each multipage job set being electronically divided into consecutive batches, each batch containing a small number of pages equal to approximately twice the copy sheet length.
Also of interest is Mead Corporation U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,841 issued Jun. 12, 1984 to Bobick et al disclosing a trayless duplexing buffer loop path printer system, and noting particularly the page copying sequences shown in FIG. 6.
Some examples of other prior art printers, and especially with control systems therefor, including operator console switch selection inputs, document sheet detecting switches, etc., are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,054,380; 4,062,061; 4,076,408; 4,078,787; 4,099,860; 4,125,325; 4,132,401; 4,144,550; 4,158,500; 4,176,945; 4,179,215; 4,229,101; 4,278,344; 4,284,270; and 4,475,156. It is well known in this art, and in general, how to program and execute document handler and printer control functions and logic with conventional or simple software instructions for conventional microprocessors in a printer controller. This is taught by the above and other patents and various commercial copiers/printers. Such software may vary depending on the particular function and particular microprocessor or microcomputer system utilized, of course, but will be available to or readily programmable by those skilled in the applicable arts without undue experimentation, from either descriptions or prior knowledge of the desired functions together with general knowledge in the general software and computer arts. It is also known that conventional or specified document and copy sheet handling functions and controls may be alternatively conventionally provided utilizing various other known or suitable logic or switching systems.
All references cited in this specification, and their references, are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

Method for duplex printing scheduling system combining finisher interset skipped pitches with duplex sheet scheduling


An electrochromic display cell comprising a display electrode formed on a glass substrate, a counter electrode formed on another glass substrate, and a liquid electrolyte disposed between the two glass substrates. The display electrode comprises a transparent conductive, continuous film formed on the glass substrate, and a plurality of electrochromic (WO.sub.3) segments formed on the continuous film. The electrochromic segments are spaced apart from each other with a thin gap having a width of 100 .mu.m-- 200 .mu.m being formed therebetween. Each electrochromic segment has a size smaller than 0.1 cm.sup.2.

The present invention relates to an electrochromic display device and, more particularly, to a display electrode structure in an electrochromic display cell.
When an electrochromic display electrode in an electrochromic display device has a large size, the display electrode is gradually colored from the edge portion thereof upon application of a coloration signal. This is considered to be caused by variations of electric field density distribution. Therefore, the conventional electrochromic display device was not suited for displaying a large pattern. Moreover, the conventional electrochromic display device required a considerably long period coloration signal in order to obtain uniform coloration in a large size segment.
The present inventor has discovered, through experimentation, that the above-mentioned gradual coloration is visually observed when the electrochromic display layer has a size larger than 0.1 cm.sup.2.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic display cell which has a novel electrochromic display electrode suited for displaying a large pattern.
Another object of the present invention is to obtain uniform coloration of an electrochromic display segment in a short period of time.
Still another object of the present invention is to enhance the visibility of a displayed pattern in an electrochromic display device including a WO.sub.3 film formed on a display electrode.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
To achieve the above objects, pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic layer comprising a plurality of electrochromic segments (WO.sub.3 layers) are formed on a transparent display electrode which receives a coloration signal and a bleach signal for displaying a desired pattern. That is, the electrochromic layer formed on the transparent display electorde is divided into a plurality of segments so that one electrochromic segment has a size smaller than 0.1 cm.sup.2. A thin gap formed between adjacent electrochromic segments has preferably a width of about 100 .mu.m through 200 .mu.m.

Electrochromic segments formed on a display electrode in an electrochromic display cell


According to one embodiment, a system program determines whether a boot mode of an information processing device is set to a first mode for booting an operating system from a storage device initialized by a master boot record (MBR) or a second mode for booting an operating system from a storage device initialized by a GUID partition table (GPT). The system program enables a first or second trusted platform module based on a result of determination of the boot mode.

In recent years, various types of information processing devices, such as a personal computer and a tablet computer, have been developed. These devices are required to realize a security function to protect them against malware, etc.
For example, a trusted platform module (TPM) configured to perform a function to realize trusted computing has been mounted in the recent information processing devices.
A new version of TPM has been also developed in comparison with the conventional TPM. The new version of TPM is useful for realizing a higher security level.
However, in the present circumstances, operating systems which can access the new version of TPM are limited to certain types of operating systems. Thus, the new version of TPM cannot be used depending on the operation environment of the information processing device.

Information processing device and version switching method of trusted platform module


A method and device for dispatching data carrier devices is provided. The device comprises: a communication interface; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive, using the communication interface, an incident report including a location of an associated incident; determine from the incident report: that the location has limited wireless coverage; and information that is to be transported to the location of the associated incident; identify a data carrier device that is capable of transporting the information to the location and is one or more of: presently storing at least a portion of the information; and capable of downloading any portion of the information that is not presently stored at the data carrier device; and transmit, using the communication interface, a dispatch command to the data carrier device to travel to the location; and an indication of the information to be transported to the location.

It is important that first responders at incident scenes (e.g. forest fires, crime scenes in urban environments with tall buildings, etc.), have access to information. For example, when fighting a forest fire, having access to information about the forest fire and/or the region at which the forest fire is occurring, may assist firefighters with fighting the forest fire. Similarly, having access to information about a crime scene and/or criminal records related to the area where the crime scene has occurred, may assist police officers dispatched to the crime scene.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Method and device for dispatching data carrier devices


Slots are formed at a nonuniform pitch at a ratio of two slots per phase per pole. An X-phase winding phase portion constituting a stator winding is constructed by connecting in series an a-phase winding phase sub-portion and a d-phase winding phase sub-portion having a phase difference corresponding to an electrical angle of 34 degrees, a Y-phase winding phase portion is constructed by connecting in series a b-phase winding phase sub-portion and an e-phase winding phase sub-portion having a phase difference corresponding to an electrical angle of 34 degrees, and a Z-phase winding phase portion is constructed by connecting in series a c-phase winding phase sub-portion and an f-phase winding phase sub-portion having a phase difference corresponding to an electrical angle of 34 degrees.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine to which is mounted a stator provided with: a stator core in which slots are formed at a nonuniform pitch at a ratio of two slots per phase per pole; and a three-phase stator winding in which winding phase portions are each formed by zigzag-connecting first and second stator winding phase sub-portions installed in adjacent slot groups.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, improvements in power output are being demanded of automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machines due to increases in automotive vehicle loads while on the other hand, automotive vehicle engine compartments are becoming increasingly smaller, leaving little mounting space to spare.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-169490 (Gazette), an automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine is disclosed which achieves compactness and high output by forming a stator winding using a plurality of conductor segments, forming twice the usual number of slots in a stator core, and connecting together conductor segments from different layers of different slots to achieve reductions in resistance in the stator winding by increasing space factor and improving cooling.
In this conventional automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine, slots are formed in a stator core at a uniform angular pitch (an electrical angle of 30 degrees) at a ratio of two slots per phase per pole. Specifically, the slots constitute six slot groups having different electrical angular phases. If the number of magnetic poles in the rotor is sixteen, there are ninety-six slots.
Slot Numbers 4, 10, 16, etc., through 88, and 94 form a first slot group, and Slot Numbers 5, 11, 17, etc., through 89, and 95 form a second slot group. Slot Numbers 6, 12, 18, etc., through 90, and 96 form a third slot group, and Slot Numbers 1, 7, 13, etc., through 85, and 91 form a fourth slot group. Slot Numbers 2, 8, 14, etc., through 86, and 92 form a fifth slot group, and Slot Numbers 3, 9, 15, etc., through 87, and 93 form a sixth slot group.
The first slot group and the second slot group accommodate an X-phase winding phase portion. The third slot group and the fourth slot group accommodate a Y-phase winding phase portion. The fifth slot group and the sixth slot group accommodate a Z-phase winding phase portion.
A stator winding 110 is constructed by Y-connecting the X-phase winding phase portion 110X, the Y-phase winding phase portion 110Y, and the Z-phase winding phase portion 110Z, as shown in FIG. 23.
In the stator core, pairs of U-shaped conductor segments are accommodated in pairs of slots six slots apart (corresponding to a pitch of one magnetic pole). Twelve wave windings each functioning as a unit winding making one round of the stator core are constructed by connecting in series the conductor segments accommodated in the pairs of slots six slots apart. In other words, two wave windings are accommodated in each of the slot groups.
Now, two wave windings 100a and 101a are accommodated in the first slot group, and two wave windings 100b and 101b are accommodated in the second slot group. The wave winding 100a accommodated in the first slot group and the wave winding 100b accommodated in the second slot group are connected in series to constitute a partial winding 100, and the wave winding 101a accommodated in the first slot group and the wave winding 101b accommodated in the second slot group are connected in series to constitute a second partial winding 101. Finally, the X-phase winding phase portion 110X is constructed by connecting the partial windings 100 and 101 in parallel.
Moreover, the Y-phase winding phase portion 110Y and the Z-phase winding phase portion 110Z are also constructed in a similar manner to the X-phase winding phase portion 110X.
Automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machines of this kind are operated over a comparatively wide range of rotational speeds from low speeds to high speeds. Higher harmonic electromagnetic noise in a normal service region from an idling state in which engine rotational speeds are low has a particularly different frequency from the noise of the engine and auxiliary machinery and is heard as a noise that is unpleasant to human ears.
Because the conventional automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine is constructed such that the slots are formed at a ratio of two slots per phase per pole at a uniform angular pitch corresponding to an electrical angle of 30 degrees, and the winding phase portions of the stator winding are constructed by connecting in series wave windings having a phase difference corresponding to an electrical angle of 30 degrees, a large 6f electromagnetic vibrational force arises during operation. Thus, one problem has been that electromagnetic noise due to the harmonic components of this 6f electromagnetic vibrational force is large, subjecting passengers to unpleasant sensations.
This conventional automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine can also be used in applications where the automotive alternating-current dynamoelectric machine is linked to a shaft of an engine by means of a belt and controlled by an inverter to generate starting torque in the engine. In such cases, another problem has been that vibrations due to the 6f electromagnetic vibrational force are transmitted to the belt, reducing the service life of the belt. During inverter mode at low rotational speeds, where electric power supply is controlled by an inverter unit, since the harmonic components of the 6f electromagnetic vibrational force correspond to the resonance points of the stator, another problem has been that deterioration of the belt service life is particularly promoted.


A jewelry box with a depressable trigger button is used to detect when the box is open or closed. A hidden record button within the jewelry box allows one to record a message. When the box is opened, the recorded message is played back. An insert in the jewelry box, such as one which is compressible and resilient, is placed over the record button, as is, in some embodiments, a top side of a bottom of the box. Thus, the box looks like a typical jewelry box but on the insert, an indication of a place to press the record button can be placed. In this manner, one can record a message and surprise a loved one who opens the box expecting to find jewelry or the like within the box but also finds a personal message played back.

Rings, bracelets, and precious stones often come in jewelry boxes but the giver often has to stutter to get the words out to express his feelings which go along with the gift. Further, when jewelry boxes are shipped to others due to the large distance, the gift becomes less personal. A way of making a gift more personal and unique and increasing the joy of receiving the gift, as well as removing some of the angst around the giving is needed, but to do this in a "classy" way without breaking the bank is difficult. How does one gift a gift when they aren't available to tell the receiver how much they care about them or cannot get the words to come out on the spot? This and other problems in the present art are solved by the disclosed technology.

Standard appearing jewelry box with recording and playback upon opening