An image processing device executing a job in cooperation with a server, comprises: an external terminal connecting part for establishing connection with an external terminal; a server connecting part for conducting a negotiation to execute the job with the server and establishing connection with the server in response to receipt of a request from the external terminal; a transmission part for sending information that is received from the external terminal and addressed to the server after rewriting a source address of the information to an address of the image processing device; a screen image control part for outputting screen image information to the external terminal in response to receipt of the screen image information from the server; and a job execution control part for starting execution of the job with the server in accordance with a control command after receiving the control command from the server.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing method and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. The present invention more specifically relates to a technique for the image processing device of executing a job in cooperation with a server.
2. Description of the Background Art
In conventional environments that a plurality of image processing devices are connected through a network, an image processing device serves as a server to establish communication with a wireless terminal and causes the other image processing devices to return from power save mode to stand-by mode in response to a request from the wireless terminal. This known technique is introduced for example in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JP 2009-89256 A. The image processing device serving as the server sometimes fails to return the other image processing devices to stand-by mode when the image processing device is abruptly powered off. In order to prevent this, according to the conventional technique, after detecting that its main power being turned off, the image processing device selects an alternative image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices that serves as the server while the power is supplied through a supplemental power and returns the selected alternative image processing device to stand-by mode.
On the other hand, conventional image processing devices such as MFPs have been capable of executing jobs in cooperation with a server providing application services. It is assumed that the server provides an OCR (Optical Character Reader) service that extracts characters from image data. For such server, image data generated by reading a document is sent to the server by the image processing device, and a process to extract characters is performed by the server. This series of process is performed in cooperation between the image processing device and the server. The image processing device works together with the server, thereby executing jobs that would not be otherwise possible for the image processing device alone.
This type of image processing device, for example, acquires screen images as to the application services from the server and displays on an operational panel installed on the device body. The user operates the screen image displayed on the operational panel of the image processing device, thereby giving instructions to the server to start the application up and to execute the job in cooperation with the image processing device.
In these days, portable terminals such as smart phones and tablet terminals have become widely popular. The portable terminals have functions including wireless communication function and network communication function. This type of portable terminals will be utilized as well as the operational panel as an external terminal of the image processing device in near future. So, the job execution instruction will be given to the image processing device by remote control.
It becomes difficult for the image processing device and the server to work together normally to execute the job as described above if the portable terminal is used as the external terminal of the image processing device. That is because, the server determines that the access request received from the portable terminal through the network is that from devices other than the image processing device. As a result, the server rejects the request. The plurality of image processing devices may be connected together through the network. Especially in such a case, the server is neither allowed to designate with which image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices the server should be in cooperation nor to determine which command should be used for communication with the image processing device even if there is an access from the portable terminal. The server, therefore, rejects the access request from the device different from the image processing device.
In order to prevent this, when receiving the access request from the portable terminal, for example, the server may cause screen image to make a user select the image processing device with which the server works together or command system for use in communication with the image processing device to be displayed with the portable terminal. A function to make such screen image display needs to be included in the server, and existing servers may not be used. If, however, the server is equipped with such function, an operation load on the server is increased. Also, the server may become less efficient execution of the job in cooperation with the image processing device.

Method, apparatus, and system for executing a job in cooperation with a server

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


Disclosed herein is a sputtering target with which a high resistivity thin film consisting of chromium, silicon and oxygen can be produced economically and stably for a long time. Also disclosed is a process for producing the sputtering target by selecting the grain size of a chromium (Cr) powder and a silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) powder, drying the powders sufficiently by heating, then mixing the dried powders to obtain a mixed powder containing generally from 20 to 80% by weight of chromium, most preferably from 50 to 80% by weight of chromium, the remainder being silicon dioxide, packing the mixed powder in a die, and sintering the packed powder by hot pressing or the like, to produce a desired sputtering target which has a two phase mixed structure. The sputtering target can be used for manufacture of thin film resistors and electric circuits.

This invention relates to a sputtering target used in sputtering to deposit a high resistivity thin film for forming resistor elements of a circuit, in the manufacture of a high-density wiring board suited to information processing systems such as electronic computers, electronic switching systems, etc.
High resistivity thin films consisting of chromium (Cr), silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) have been known to have a low temperature coefficient of resistance, be stable both thermally and chemically, and be of great use for forming thin film resistors. As a means for producing such a thin film, there is known a method of depositing the desired thin film by heating a mixture of a Cr powder and a silicon monoxide (SiO) powder with electron beams, as disclosed in J. Vac. Sci. Technol., 4 (1967), pp. 163-170.
Also, it is described, for example in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 54-1898 (1979) and 58-82770 (1983), that the aforementioned thin film can be obtained by reactive sputtering in an oxygen-containing atmosphere using a Cr-Si composite-type target or alloy target.
Furthermore, there is known an example of depositing the aforementioned thin film by using a mixture of a Cr powder and an SiO.sub.2 powder directly as a sputtering target, as described in Thin Solid Films, 57 (1979), pp. 363-366.
Although different from the above exemplary methods in regard to the material system for forming the thin film, there is also known an example of using a sputtering target formed by pressing metallic tantalum (Ta) and SiO.sub.2 powders and carrying out sputtering to obtain a thin film consisting of tantalum (Ta), silicon (Si) and oxygen (O), which is a known example of a metal-silicon-oxygen thin film, as is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-119605 (1983).
Of the prior art examples mentioned above, those methods for depositing a thin film consisting of Cr, Si and O are, in the short run, satisfactory for obtaining the desired thin film. The methods, however, are not satisfactory with respect to reappearance characteristic of film characteristics in the long run, and lack considerations as to stability with time of obtaining the thin film; therefore, these methods tend to cause deviations of concentrations of film constituents, and are unsatisfactory for industrial use. On the other hand, in the example of a sputtering target formed from metallic Ta and SiO.sub.2, the forming must be carried out at a temperature as low as possible, because high temperatures would cause reactions between tantalum and silicon and/or between tantalum and oxygen, resulting in a very brittle target. The requirement for forming at a low temperature leads to a low relative density of particles for forming thin film particles. Even with various countermeasures against this problem, the density of the thin film forming particles has been about 90% at best. Consequently, the presence of minute voids in the sputtering target obtained will cause variations in the distribution of voids on the surface and in the thickness direction of the target. Thus, the sputtering targets according to the prior art have problems yet to be solved as to reappearance characteristic (stability with time) on a long-term basis.
In addition, the presence of such greater voids as to be visible to the naked eye would cause localization of glow discharge during sputtering, thereby rendering the discharge unstable.
In order to obviate this problem, the relative density of the thin film forming particles should be raised to 90% or above. Use of a high pressure in pressing for forming the sputtering target, in order to obtain the high relative density, produces another problem that heat generation due for example to friction between particles during the pressing makes it impossible to hinder the progress of the aforementioned reactions. Therefore, the target material obtained in this manner is extremely brittle, and highly susceptible to cracking under the heat arising from electric discharge in deposition of a thin film by sputtering.


In step 400, microcomputer 12 calculates a temperature change amount ΔT1 of ignition coil FC caused by the heat generating from the ignition coil FC, based on a previous calculated temperature T(n−1) of ignition coil FC and an engine rotational speed. In step 410, the microcomputer 12 calculates a temperature change amount ΔT2 of ignition coil FC caused by the heat received from the engine, based on the previous calculated temperature T(n−1) of ignition coil FC and a cooling water temperature of the engine. In step 420, the microcomputer 12 calculates a temperature change amount ΔT3 of ignition coil FC caused by the heat released to the outside, based on the previous calculated temperature T(n−1) of ignition coil FC and an intake air temperature of the engine. Then, in step 430, the microcomputer 12 calculates a present ignition coil temperature T(n) based on these change amounts ΔT1, ΔT2, and ΔT3.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application 2003-307006 filed on August, 29.
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that controls electric power supplied to an ignition coil with a power supply amount determined based on a resistance characteristic value of the ignition coil that represents either a resistance value of the ignition coil or a physical quantity having correlation with the resistance value.
The power supply amount supplied to an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine should be an appropriate value within an allowable current range between a maximum current value and a minimum current value. The maximum current value of the ignition coil is generally defined considering protection of an igniter. The minimum current value of the ignition coil is defined considering the possibility of firing failure.
In controlling the electric power supplied to the ignition coil, the current flowing in the ignition coil is dependent on a resistance value of ignition coil. The resistance value of the ignition coil varies depending on the temperature of the ignition coil. Accordingly, even when the power supply control for the ignition coil is performed in the same manner, the current flowing in the ignition coil varies in accordance with the ignition coil temperature. The power supply time for the ignition coil should be changed in accordance with the temperature change in the ignition coil so that the power supply amount to the ignition coil is always within the allowable current range.
The Japanese patent application Laid-open No. 08-338349 discloses a control apparatus which detects the temperature of intake air introduced into an internal combustion engine, an outside air temperature, and the temperature of cooling water flowing in the internal combustion engine. This control apparatus makes a judgment based on these temperature data as to whether the ignition coil temperature is high or low. Then, the control apparatus changes the power supply time required for the ignition coil with reference to the ignition coil temperature, so as to optimize an electric power amount supplied to the ignition coil.
In general, an actual ignition coil generates the heat in response to electric power supplied form a power source, receives the heat from an internal combustion engine, and releases the heat to the outside. Thus, the ignition coil temperature momentarily varies due to these factors. It is therefore difficult to accurately calculate a power supply time reflecting an actual temperature of the ignition coil.
As described above, it may be difficult to accurately calculate a power supply time reflecting the ignition coil temperature. Accordingly, in the case that the power supply amount supplied to the ignition coil exceeds the above-described allowable current range, the current supplied to the ignition coil is regulated with a specific hardware (e.g., regulator). However, the above-described allowable current range is dependent on characteristics of each ignition coil. It will be necessary to develop the regulators so as to be desirable for individual ignition coils.
Furthermore, the surplus of regulated current usually changes into the thermal energy. The temperature of a portion positioned adjacent to the regulator will increase. Especially, a control apparatus incorporating an ignition module will produce a significant amount of heat from the ignition module which serves as a heat generating source. Suppressing such a temperature increase is an important issue to be attained in designing the control apparatus.
Furthermore, in performing the power supply control for the ignition coil, it is generally difficult to appropriately control a power supply amount according to a resistance characteristic value of the ignition coil that represents either a resistance value of the ignition coil or a physical quantity having correlation with the resistance value.

Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine


The invention relates to a receiver in a position-finding system, having a calculation unit for calculating a statistical value from a received signal, and a detector unit for comparing the statistical value with a threshold value and for determining whether the signal is a synchronized position-finding signal. The system also includes an estimation unit for estimating the quotient of the signal-carrier power and the noise-power spectral density of the signal, and a determination unit for threshold-value determination from the estimated quotient.

It has been known for some time that position-finding can be carried out on the basis of radio links, for example within the satellite-assisted GPS (Global Positioning System) system. The European satellite navigation system Galileo, and also positioning methods based on terrestrial radio sources, afford further applications. Such position-finding methods and appropriate appliances allow the user to find his position by measuring the distance to a particular number of wireless signal sources such as satellites or base stations. By way of example, each GPS and Galileo satellite transmits unique digital sequences, which include a time identifier and the satellite position. The signals are usually coded using long spread codes. The spread codes for the individual satellites are virtually orthogonal with respect to one another, so that the signals can be distinguished from one another in the receiver. By way of example, the spread codes for the various GPS and Galileo satellites are synchronized to one another using high-precision atomic clocks installed in the satellites.
The receiver evaluates the relative delays between the signal transmission from various radio sources (GPS satellites, Galileo satellites or terrestrial transmitters) and ascertains delay time offsets therefrom. Together with the data about the position and the time reference of the various radio sources, the delay time offsets can be used to locate the receiver exactly. To this end, the receiver calculates the "pseudo-ranges", which represent the distance to each radio source. Navigation software can then calculate the user position on the basis of the pseudo-range to each radio source and the position of the radio sources by solving a set of non-linear equations.
Many receivers customary today in position-finding systems are based on the practice of despreading the samples of the received spread-coded position-finding signals at first and then subjecting them to coherent and to non-coherent integration. The resultant statistical values are supplied to a detector, for example a Neyman-Pearson detector, which maximizes the probability of identifying the position-finding signals according to the desired requirements.
The detector compares the statistical values supplied to it with a threshold value. If a statistical value is greater than the threshold value, it is assumed that a position-finding signal has been received. In the opposite case, the received signal is not classified as a position-finding signal. This is intended to prevent signals which are not position-finding signals from being used for position-finding. In addition, this method also prevents position-finding signals with too small a reception amplitude from being used for position-finding.
One problem is that the individual position-finding signals do not always reach the receiver along a direct line-of-sight (LOS) path, but rather are often attenuated by a wide variety of obstacles. These obstacles include the walls and ceilings of buildings, coated windows, bodywork of motor vehicles, sources of shade and treetops. Since the various satellites in satellite navigation systems are distributed as far as possible from one another in prescribed arrangements, the various position-finding signals emitted by the individual satellites reach the receiver from totally different directions. The position-finding signals reaching the receiver on various transmission paths are therefore attenuated in different ways. By way of example, while position-finding signals emitted from one satellite have to pass through a wall, which attenuates them by 25 dB, in order to reach the receiver, the position-finding signals coming from another satellite may reach the receiver via a line-of-sight path. This may result in position-finding signals no longer being identified as such by the detector on account of their attenuation or in the receiver considering signals which are not position-finding signals to be position-finding signals.

Receiver in a position-finding system and method for position-finding with increased sensitivity


A centripetal turbine (1) comprises a housing (3) and a turbine wheel (4) mounted within the housing (3) and having turbine blades (5). The housing (3) defines an annular inlet passageway (7) arranged around a portion of the turbine wheel (4), and an outlet passageway (8) which has a generally cylindrical portion arranged around a portion of the turbine wheel (4). The housing (3) also defines a curved annular shoulder (9) curving radially outwards from the generally cylindrical portion of the outlet passageway (8) to the annular inlet passageway (7). The radially outer edge of each turbine blade (5) has a first portion (11) adjacent the generally cylindrical portion of the outlet passageway (8), and a second curved portion (12) adjacent the curved annular shoulder (9). The housing (3) is provided with an annular layer (13) of an abradable material covering substantially all of the substantially cylindrical portion of the outlet passageway (8) but at most only a relatively small annular portion of the curved shoulder (9) adjacent the cylindrical portion of the outlet passageway (8).

Centripetal turbines generally comprise a turbine wheel mounted within a turbine housing, the inner wall of which defines an annular inlet passageway arranged around the turbine wheel and a generally cylindrical axial outlet passageway extending from the turbine wheel. The arrangement is such that pressurised gas admitted to the inlet passageway flows to the outlet passageway via the turbine wheel, thereby driving the turbine wheel.
Where the outlet passageway meets the inlet passageway the inner wall of the turbine housing curves radially outwards forming a curved annular shoulder. The radially outer edges of the turbine wheel blades are profiled to substantially follow the profile of the housing, having a first portion in the region of the inlet passageway which is typically straight, a second curved portion which follows the contour of the curved annular shoulder, and a third substantially straight portion which extends into the outlet passageway.
The turbine blades are designed to follow closely the profile of the housing in order to minimise the gap between the two which is necessary to maximise efficiency. However, minimising the gap between the tips of the turbine blades and the inner wall of the housing is problematical because of the differential thermal expansion of the various turbine components as the turbine temperature rises to its operating temperature.
Conventionally turbines have been constructed with a clearance gap between the blade tips and the housing to allow for the differential expansion. However, given that turbines are generally designed for operating over a range of temperatures a compromise must be reached; either a gap large enough to allow for differential expansion at all extreme operating temperatures must be provided, which will result in an undesirably large gap at certain operating temperatures, or only a relatively small clearance gap may be provided and it be accepted that at least in some, albeit transient, operating conditions the turbine blades will rub against the housing (this could obviously result in rapid wear and in some cases damage to the turbine components).
Various approaches have been adopted to tackle this problem, one such approach being to coat the inner wall of the turbine housing with an annular layer of an abradable material adjacent the turbine blade tips, i.e. covering the curved internal shoulder and that part of the outlet passageway which surrounds the turbine wheel. This allows the turbine to be constructed with essentially zero clearance between the turbine wheel and the housing, with the turbine wheel effectively machining its own clearance as it rotates. Various different materials have been proposed as suitable abradable coatings, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,217.
Whilst the above solution is effective, it is also relatively expensive both in terms of the abradable materials used and the associated processes of coating the turbine housing with a given abradable layer.


Conventionally, in order to obtain a difference signal between an A+N signal and an N signal and a difference signal between an A+B+N signal and the A+N signal, the A+N signal needs to be held in two different capacitors. Hence, there is a problem in that, due to variations in capacitance of the two capacitors, the difference signal between the A+N signal and the N signal and the difference signal between the A+B+N signal and the A+N signal may not accurately be obtained. An imaging device generates a signal obtained by subtracting the same digital N signal from each of the digital A+N signal and the digital A+B+N signal.

An imaging device including a pixel unit which performs photoelectric conversion and which has pixels arranged thereon in a matrix each configured to output a signal based on incident light, and a column-parallel analog-digital conversion unit in which an analog-digital conversion unit is located so as to correspond to each column of pixels (hereinafter, an analog-digital conversion unit is referred to as an ADC (Analog Digital Converter), and a column-parallel ADC is referred to as a column ADC) is conventionally known. In the column ADC, a circuit unit for each column performs analog-digital conversion (hereinafter referred to as AD conversion) to convert analog signals output from the pixels (an analog signal output from a pixel is hereinafter referred to as a pixel signal) into digital signals.
PTL 1 describes an imaging device including a pixel having a plurality of photoelectric conversion units that convert optical signals into signal charge and accumulate the signal charge and one amplification MOS transistor that, upon receiving signal charge from each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, outputs a signal corresponding to the signal charge. A pixel 1 described in PTL 1 outputs to a vertical signal line a first signal with a noise level (hereinafter referred to as an N signal) which is output from the pixel, a second signal (hereinafter referred to as an A+N signal) based on first signal charge to be accumulated in at least one photoelectric conversion unit, and a third signal (hereinafter referred to as an A+B+N signal) based on signal charge obtained by further adding signal charge to be accumulated in another photoelectric conversion unit to the first signal charge. The A+N signal is held in each of a first capacitor and a second capacitor which are electrically connected to the vertical signal line. The A+B+N signal is held in a third capacitor which is electrically connected to the vertical signal line 8.

Imaging device, imaging system, and method for driving imaging device for generating and converting signals based on photoelectric and noise


The present disclosure relates to a portable table (1) and to an interior trim assembly for a vehicle, the interior trim assembly comprising an interior trim section (60) and a portable table releasably attachable to the interior trim section, wherein in a stowage state the portable table is integrated with the interior trim section, and in a detached state the portable table is detached from the interior trim section for use as a table.

Passengers in a car may from time to time wish to perform an action that is most easily performed with the assistance of a table, for example reading, writing, eating, or operating a laptop computer or tablet device. For this reason some cars include one or more integrated tables that may be deployed from the interior trim for use by the passengers. For example, it is known to provide a table that is configured to be pivoted outwardly from the rear of a front row seat or from the side trim of the car, or a table that is configured to be raised upwardly from a centre console on an arm and then pivoted downwardly on the arm.
However, existing car tables are generally configured to be deployed into a single horizontal configuration for use as a table, which may not be the most convenient angle for all actions requiring a table.
It is also known to provide a general purpose portable table providing an angled table surface. However, known portable tables generally do not allow the angle of the table panel to be varied, and known portable tables with a movable table panel are generally significantly more delicate and less user-friendly than fixed portable tables.
It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Portable table attachable and detachable from the interior trim of a vehicle


A solenoid device includes: at least one electromagnetic coil that generates a magnetic flux when the electromagnetic coil is energized; a yoke made of soft magnetic material, in which the magnetic flux flows; and a plurality of plungers, each of which includes at least a part made of soft magnetic material, and reciprocates when the electromagnetic coil is switched between energization and interruption of energization. The number of the plurality of plungers is larger than the number of the electromagnetic coil. The plurality of plungers reciprocate independently from each other.

A solenoid device in which a plunger is made to reciprocate by using an electromagnetic coil is conventionally known as a part used for a relay or the like (refer to the following patent literatures 1 to 3). FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate an example of a conventional solenoid device.
A conventional solenoid device 9 has two electromagnetic coils 91 each obtained by winding a conductive wire in a cylindrical shape, a yoke 92 made of soft magnetic material, and two plungers 93. Each of the plungers 93 has a core part 93a made of soft magnetic material and a contact part 93b made of insulating member. The core part 93a is disposed in the center of the electromagnetic coil 91. The yoke 92 is constructed by combining a plurality of magnetic members. In the center of the electrometric coil 91, an in-coil yoke 92a as a part of the yoke 92 is provided.
As illustrated in FIG. 29, when current is passed to the electromagnetic coil 91, a magnetic flux Φ is generated. The magnetic flux Φ flows in the core part 93a of the plunger 93 and the yoke 92. Consequently, the core part 93a is magnetized and attracted by the in-coil yoke 92a. A spring member 97 is provided between the core part 93a and the in-coil yoke 92a. As illustrated in FIG. 28, when the current to the electromagnetic coil 91 is stopped, the magnetic flux Φ vanishes. By the pressing force of the spring member 97, the core part 93a moves apart from the in-coil yoke 92a.
The solenoid device 9 is used for a relay 90. The relay 90 has two contact parts 96. Each of the contact parts 96 has a moving-contact supporting part 94 supporting a moving contact 940 and a fixed-contact supporting part 95 supporting a fixed contact 950. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, by making the plunger 93 reciprocate in the axial directions (Z directions) of the electromagnetic coil 91, the contact part 93b of the plunger 93 is made contact with the moving-contact supporting part 94, and the moving contact 940 and the fixed contact 950 come into contact with each other and are moved apart from each other. In such a manner, the relay 90 is turned on/off.
In the conventional solenoid device 9, however, one plunger 93 is made to reciprocate by using one electromagnetic coil 91. Consequently, in the case of making the plurality of contacts 96 come into contact and moved apart, the electromagnetic coils 91 of the number corresponding to the number of contacts 96 are required. There is a problem that the number of the electromagnetic coils 91 easily increases. Since the electromagnetic coil 91 is relatively expensive, when the number of electromagnetic coils 91 increases, the size increases, and the manufacture cost of the solenoid device 9 easily rises.
To solve the problem, a solenoid device 9 is proposed in which a plurality of plungers 93 are coupled and integrated, and the integrated plungers 93 are made to reciprocate by using one electromagnetic coil 91 as illustrated in FIG, 30. However, for example, when one of the plurality of contacts 96 adheres, all of the plungers 93 do not reciprocate. As a result, a problem occurs such that the relay 90 cannot be turned off.
The patent literature 2 discloses a solenoid device in which plungers are disposed on the inside of one electromagnetic coil. The solenoid device, however, has a problem such that, since a plurality of plungers are disposed on the inside of the electromagnetic coil, the size of the electromagnetic coil is large. The patent literature 3 discloses a solenoid device in which two plungers are attracted by using two electromagnetic coils. With the configuration, however, the number of electromagnetic coils is large. There is a problem such that the size of the solenoid device cannot be reduced.
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-222871
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-212035
Patent Literature 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-287455

Solenoid device and electromagnetic relay


A light interference module includes an object lens, a first light-guiding element, and a second light-guiding element. The object lens is configured to project a signal light beam to an optical storage media. The first light-guiding element is configured to project a first reference light beam to the optical storage media, in which the first reference light beam and the signal light beam produce a first interference pattern on the optical storage media. The second light-guiding element is configured to project a second reference light beam to the optical storage media, in which the second reference light beam and the signal light beam produce a second interference pattern on the optical storage media, and the first interference pattern is different from the second interference pattern.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a light interference module and a holographic storage apparatus using the same.
Description of Related Art
With the development of technology, the amount of storage capacity required for electronic files has correspondingly increased. The typical method of data storage involves recording magnetic or optical changes on the surface of a recording medium, and the magnetic or optical changes are taken as the basis of the data. Examples of such recording mediums include floppy disks and compact discs. However, with the continued increase in the amount of storage capacity required for electronic files, the development of holographic storage technology has been attracting the attention of those in the field.
With holographic storage technology, image data can be written into a recording medium (a photosensitive medium) via interference between a signal light beam and a reference light beam. When the image data is read, the image data can be generated by emitting the reference light beam into the recording medium (photosensitive medium) again, and a detector may read the generated image data. In other words, the storage capacity of the holographic storage technology is related to the signal light beam and the reference light beam.

Light interference module and holographic storage apparatus


An optical fiber unit enables secure grasping of an optical fiber sensor via a jig while avoiding damage to an optical fiber cable. The optical fiber unit for the optical fiber sensor includes an optical fiber cable, a shaft, and a head. The shaft includes a peripheral surface having a male thread, and a through-hole for an inserted optical fiber cable. The head is shaped in a hexagonal prism including six sides and a bottom. The shaft is connected to the bottom of the head. The optical fiber cable extends the head, and extends out of the head in a direction substantially parallel to two parallel sides of the six sides from at least one of the six sides excluding the two parallel sides.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-156455 to [*first-inventor-name-et-al.] is representative of an optical fiber unit in this art (see optical fiber unit 10). FIG. 25 of inventor-name-et-al. is a perspective view of the described optical fiber unit. FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the optical fiber unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 26, the optical fiber unit 10 described by first-inventor-name-et-al. includes head 11, cover 12, and nut 13. The head 11 includes a cylindrical portion 14 and an optical fiber holder 17. The cylindrical portion 14 includes a through-hole 18, in which an optical fiber cable 15 is inserted. The optical fiber holder 17 includes a groove 22, which communicates with the through-hole 18. The optical fiber holder 17 is shaped in a hexagonal prism defining the groove 22. The optical fiber holder 17 has an opening 23 in one side of its periphery. The optical fiber cable 15 is inserted in the through-hole 18 of the cylindrical portion 14 and in the groove 22 of the optical fiber holder 17, bent at a predetermined curvature and then extends from the opening 23.
In the optical fiber unit 10 described by first-inventor-name-et-al., optical fiber cable 15 extends from opening 23 in one side of a hexagonal prism. Optical fiber cable 15 extends in a direction that is not parallel to the sides on which a jig 30, such as a spanner, is set. In this case, the jig 30 can contact with optical fiber cable 15 and thus damage the optical fiber cable 15. To avoid contact with optical fiber cable 15, the jig 30 cannot be completely engaged with optical fiber holder 17.
FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing the jig 30 set on the optical fiber holder 17. If the jig 30 set in the state shown in FIG. 27 is further pushed in to engage with the optical fiber holder 17 at its deeper position, the jig 30 can come in contact with the optical fiber cable 15 and damage the optical fiber cable 15. If such contact with the optical fiber cable 15 is avoided in the manner shown in FIG. 27, the jig 30 would be set incompletely on the optical fiber holder 17. However, this causes the problem of, disabling secure grasping of the optical fiber holder 17 with the jig.

Hollow optical fiber unit for optical fiber sensor with hexagonal head and threaded shaft


An electronic device (100) includes a processor (808) for processing a message (110), and a display (114) electrically coupled to the processor for displaying an image including the message. The display is constructed and arranged such that the image is viewable from first and second sides (116, 118) of the display, the first and second sides facing opposite one another.

Modern radio messaging systems capable of transmitting alphanumeric messages and other images have brought about a need for increased display space. In addition the advent of two-way messaging has created a need for more keypad space, including enough space to accommodate a full alphanumeric keypad with which an inbound message can be entered. On the other hand, a desire for smaller portable messaging devices tends to limit the space available for both the display and the keypad.
Another consideration affecting particularly the display is that different users have different preferences concerning how they want to use a portable messaging device. Some users prefer to carry the device in a clothing pocket. Others prefer to wear the device on a belt. Others prefer to carry the device in a handbag or briefcase. Still others prefer to leave the device on a desktop. And, of course, all users want the device to use very little battery power, so that the battery life is long.
Thus, what is needed is a portable messaging device (or other electronic device) that can have both a large display and a full alphanumeric keypad without causing the device to grow undesirably large. In addition, the display preferably should be adjustable to accommodate a variety of usage preferences and should use very little battery power.

Electronic device with display viewable from two opposite ends


A drinking straw comprises a thermoplastic tube and an active ingredient in the tube, releasable in a liquid drawn through the tube. The active ingredient is held in place between branched portions of the straw defined by neighbouring recesses formed in the tube and an inner seam connecting the neighbouring recesses. The branched portions are spaced from the ends of the straw. A device and method for making the drinking straw are disclosed as well.

Various types of drinking straws are known for flavouring or changing the flavour of a liquid passing through the drinking straw. Such drinking straws can impart different flavours (e.g. cocoa, fruit, etc.) to a liquid for example milk.
There are solutions in which the flavouring agent is applied on a portion of the drinking straw and dissolves when this portion is immersed in the liquid. Patent application U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,595 describes such flavouring drinking straw. In another embodiment according to U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,595 the flavouring agent is applied on the inner wall of the drinking straw. A disadvantage of this solution is that dissolution of the flavouring agent thereby the flavouring effect is unsatisfactory.
Another common way of disposing the flavouring or other active agents within the drinking straw is by providing granules that contain the flavouring or other active agents that are progressively imparted to a liquid drawn through the drinking straw. A problem associated with this type of flavouring is that the granules have to be retained within the straw. Various devices have been suggested in the prior art for overcoming this problem.
Patent applications U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,451 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,334,003 propose the use of filters the apertures of which are smaller than the cross-section of the granules whereby the liquid can be drawn through the apertures but the granules are retained. The proposed filters are in the form of end caps, whereby the manufacturing costs are increased: the filters need to be manufactured as separate elements and need to be affixed to the drinking straw in a separate manufacturing step. In practice the affixing is carried out by welding the wall of the straw and the inserted end cap from the outside whereby an external seam is formed on the outside of the wall of the straw. The sharp edges around the external seam have to be removed, which requires a further manufacturing step and may still leave unsmooth surface regions.
The problem of having to provide a separate filtering cap is partly overcome in the prior art. Patent application US 2008/0197141 A1 discloses a filled drinking straw both end parts of which are pressed together in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drinking straw thereby creating a narrow passage in order to prevent the undissolved flavouring granules from exiting the straw. By pressing the end parts the plastic body of the tube may also be pressed in a certain extent. To avoid this braces are placed in the tube near the pressed portion. However, if the tube is pressed transversally, large sized fillings can not be fixed in given portions of the tube since they may crack. Furthermore, flow of liquid is restricted because the cross-section is narrowed down to a single harrow passage, which is easily blocked by fillings. Another disadvantage is that sharp edges are formed on the outer surface of the pressed portion which might be inconvenient for the user and in particular for young children who will generally attempt to take more than the mouth piece into their mouth.
Patent application US 2008/0075809 proposes a drinking straw wherein the dissolvable granules are retained by crimping the straw body near the two ends which creates closures that slightly open when liquid is being drawn through the straw thereby allowing the liquid and the dissolved substances to pass through a narrow passage. This solution has for disadvantage that the opening of the crimps cannot be controlled whereby a smaller or larger passage might be created depending on the sucking force applied by the user. A further disadvantage associated with this type of retaining means is that the active ingredient concentration of the liquid drawn through the single narrow passage might vary substantially in time, since it is determined by the local concentration at the opening of the passage. Also such a single passage may be easily blocked by a filler such as a granule.
A further disadvantage of both of the above mentioned solutions is that the wall of the drinking straw is heated from the outside when deforming the straw. During this operation the straw can only be exposed to a heat that does not cause melting, since that would destroy the straw. Furthermore, the straw is generally made of a shape-memory plastic, generally polypropylene, therefore the crimped or otherwise deformed straw may reopen later on.
US 2012/0228400 A1 discloses integral filters formed from the sidewall of the drinking straw adjacent the ends thereof. According to a preferred embodiment the integral filter is formed by clamping and bonding the opposing sides of the tube ends such that an external seam is created, and by perforating the bonded side walls in order to allow liquid communication therethrough but retain the flavouring granules. The disadvantage of such an integral filter is that in spite of trimming any sharp corners along the seam uneven edges may remain that could be inconvenient for a user or even hurt or cut the mouth of the user, especially young children. The edges of the apertures may also be sharp or have inconvenient irregularities presenting the same disadvantage. According to other embodiments the integral filter is formed by cutting and folding or by deforming the tube end such as to cover most of the straw opening and by leaving only a narrow central aperture. The cut or deformed tube ends as well as the edges of the central aperture have the same disadvantage as explained before, furthermore, the deformed portions may reopen during use.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems associated with the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a drinking straw filled with fillers such as flavouring granules that does not contain filters or other inserts and wherein retention of the fillers is achieved by deforming a portion of the drinking straw. A further object is to provide a permanent and durable deformation of the straw in order to retain the fillers. It is a further object to create a user friendly deformed portion that cannot cut or otherwise hurt the mouth of the user. It is a further object not to hinder the liquid flow through the straw. A further object is to simplify manufacturing of the straw and to reduce the costs thereof by eliminating the need of filters, since such filters are manufactured as separate pieces that need to be fixed inside the straw in a separate manufacturing step.
The inventors have recognised that the above objects can be achieved if the straw is deformed spaced apart from its ends such that the inside of the straw is heated at given points (locations) for a short period in order to melt the inner surface of the wall and then the melted points are pressed together. In this case an internal seam is formed at the melted and pressed points. Complete closure of the cross-section of the straw is preferably ensured by applying spacers that create parallel passages between the pressed portions whereby the deformed portion of the straw is in the form of a branched portion. The plurality of passages ensure adequate liquid flow through the deformed branched portion and are less easily blocked than a single passage. This method also allows for fixing various filling elements along the straw, which can be fixed in the same manner. It should be appreciated that when fixing such a filling element the straw is pressed to such an extent only so as to securely hold the filling element the desired location.

Drinking straw and method and device for manufacturing a drinking straw


A method of coupling an optical fiber to an optoelectronic component including a substrate having an optical waveguide therein, the waveguide opening into a notch formed in or on a first face of the substrate, including the steps of pre-positioning the optical fiber in a groove of an optical fiber support, the groove terminating at a first face of the optical fiber support, positioning the fiber support such that the first face of the substrate and the first face of the fiber support are directly opposite each other, the first faces forming a gap therebetween, and positioning an end of the optical fiber to be in the notch such that the waveguide and the optical fiber are optically aligned.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to device involved in optical connections, and more particularly to a method of coupling an optical fiber to an optoelectronic component, and to connector devices obtained thereby.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,591 to K. Fischer et al. describes a device for coupling an optical fiber to an optoelectronic component having an optical waveguide. The alignment between optical fiber and optoelectronic component is effected by means of a fiber support. The fiber support is made of silicon and comprises a V-shaped groove.
The alignment of the core of the optical fiber with the waveguide requires a groove of significant depth, of the order of 100 .mu.m, and thus requiring an orientation of the axes of the single crystal of silicon to within 0.1.degree. in order to obtain a depth reproducible with an accuracy on the order of tenths of a micron.
Accuracy of the alignment is dependent on the positioning of the optical fiber upon mounting thereof in the V-shaped groove. Proper positioning requires use of a groove of significant length. Moreover, positioning of the support relative to the optoelectronic component requires high precision in flatness of the contacting front surfaces of the support and optoelectronic component.
The known etching methods for making the V-shaped grooves provide an accuracy on the order of some tenths of a micron.
The document "Realisation de composants passifs optiques integres en verre moulable" [Implementing passive optical components in moldable glass], by C. Nissim et al., Opto 85, pp 114-115, shows a device enabling the positioning of the optical fibers facing integrated optical waveguides.
The solution which is described consists of forming V-shaped notches by precision molding in a glass plate. The waveguides are then formed in the moldable glass referenced to the position assumed by the fiber in its notch.
The difficulty with such a solution lies in its requisite method of alignment. The position to be considered is determined by the optical fiber in its notch so that the alignment can only be effected by placing the guide at the right depth at the time of a second ion exchange, which is not easy to control.
Another difficulty is that the position assumed by each of the fibers varies, depending on the particular fiber. These positions necessitate notches of great depth, obtained by molding, which have insufficient accuracy to allow proper alignment of monomode optical fibers. The solution proposed can thus only be applied to multimode optical fibers.

Method of coupling an optical fiber to an optoelectronic component and connector devices obtained thereby

Centre Suisse D'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A.


The address translation device includes a virtual page number register for storing a last-accessed virtual page number, a physical page number register for storing a physical page number corresponding to the virtual page number stored in the virtual page number and a TLB (translation lookaside buffer) circuit for storing a plurality of relationships between the physical page numbers and the virtual page numbers. First, a comparator compares a new virtual page number with an output of the virtual page number register. If the new virtual page number matches the output of the virtual page number register, the output of the physical page number register is output through a multiplexer as a physical page number. If the new and stored page numbers do not match, on the other hand, a mismatch signal output by the comparator activates the TLB circuit so that the output of the TLB circuit is outputted through a multiplexer as the physical page number. Different configurations of the TLB circuit are used in such a way that the processing speed can be secured without reducing the hit ratio of the address translation. Further, the access to the TLB circuit is minimized to reduce the power consumption.

In typical microprocessors, the main storage is provided with a total translation table that identifies the correspondence between virtual addresses and physical addresses within the main storage (memory). In such a conventional microprocessor, however, a long processing time is required each time the translation table in the main storage is accessed to perform an address translation. Because a slow address translation reduces the processing speed, an address translation device such as the one shown in FIG. 6 has conventionally been provided.
In the FIG. 6 address translation device, a TLB (translation lookaside buffer) circuit 1 outputs a physical page number 3 in response to a virtual page number 2 provided to the TLB circuit 1 by the processor. TLB circuit 1 includes a correspondence table between the virtual addresses and the physical addresses, so that the physical address can be obtained from the virtual address on the basis of a table look-up operation. Most systems perform address translation by use of a TLB circuit. When address translation is not executed within a circuit such as the TLB circuit 1, the address translation table provided for the main storage is eventually accessed.
Since processing speed is lowered markedly when the address translation table of the main storage is accessed, attempts have been made to increase the probability that the address translation can be executed by the TLB circuit 1. In other words, attempts have been made to increase the hit ratio for the TLB circuit 1. For this purpose a four-way set associative type or a full associative type have been adopted as TLB circuits.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional address translation device of the four-way set associative type. In FIG. 7, a memory array 12 is provided with four virtual page address holding memories 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d and with four physical page address holding memories 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d. Individual ones of the virtual page address memories are interleaved with corresponding ones of the physical page address memories. When a virtual page number 2 is provided to the address translation device, the virtual page number 2 is compared with the contents of the four virtual page address holding memories 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, respectively. If the virtual page number 2 matches the contents of one of these virtual page address holding memories 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, the comparators 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d output a corresponding signal 14a, 14b, 14c or 14d, respectively. On the basis of the match signals 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, a selected one of the four tri-state (three-state) buffers 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d outputs the contents of one of the four physical page address holding memories 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d, respectively as a physical page number 3.
In the conventional address translation device described above, the virtual page address 2 is compared to four addresses in parallel, allowing the hit ratio to be improved so that the processing speed is increased to the extent that the main storage is not accessed. In the conventional address translation device, on the other hand, there exists a problem of increased power consumption. In the case of the full associative type of address translation device, since the number of address comparisons executed corresponds to the number of entries in the comparison table, there exists a serious problem of increasing power consumption with increasing numbers of comparisons. Thus, if the number of corresponding address pairs within a memory array 12 is increased to increase the hit ratio, the power consumption inevitably increases due to the increased number of compare operations required to identify a hit.

Address translation device storage last address translation in register separate from TLB


A motor driver apparatus that is formed of a semiconductor integrated circuit which is supplied with an electric power and drives a direct current motor includes a signal generating part that generates an indication signal for indicating a back electromotive force generation period while the direct current motor generates a back electromotive force, a removing part that detects a voltage variation generated in a power-supply voltage by the back electromotive force generated by the direct-current motor during the back electromotive force generation period indicated by the indication signal, and removes the detected voltage variation, and a limiting part that limits the power-supply voltage so as to be less than a predetermined voltage at a speed higher than that in the removing part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motor driver apparatus and a method of controlling the motor driver apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 6 illustrates a structure of an exemplary motor driver apparatus. Referring to FIG. 6, a motor driver apparatus 10 is attached to and is used for an electric instrument 11. A direct-current power source 12 and an integrated circuit (IC) 13 are provided inside the electric instrument 11. The terminals 14 and 15 are connected with a positive terminal of the direct-current power source 12 and a negative terminal of the direct-current power source 12, respectively.
The motor driver apparatus 10 includes a motor driver IC 20. The terminals 14 and 15 are connected with a power terminal having VDD of the motor driver IC 20 and a ground terminal having GND of the motor driver IC 20. The motor driver IC 20 causes an electric current to flow through a winding wire of a motor 23 whose both terminals are connected with the terminals 21 and 22 through n-channel MOS transistors M1 to M4 thereby driving to rotate the direct current motor 23.
A first state where the MOS transistors M1 and M4 are turned on and the MOS transistors M2 and M3 are turned off to cause a current to flow through the direct-current motor 23 in a direction from the terminal 21 to the terminal 22 and a second state where the MOS transistors M2 and M3 are turned on and the MOS transistors M1 and M4 are turned off to cause the current to flow through the direct-current motor 23 in a direction from the terminal 22 to the terminal 21 are alternately switched over to rotate the direct-current motor. In order to obtain the above-described switch timing, a detection element (not illustrated) having a rotational phase such as a hall element is used.
For example, an exemplary motor driving apparatus is proposed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2009-278734.

Motor driver apparatus and method of controlling the same


A joint portion of a profile model is retrieved from three-dimensional CAD model data and a joint target part, a joint position and a joint are registered as parts joint data. A joint model preparing object corresponding to the parts joint data is retrieved from a joint model preparing object database, a joint model preparing process registered in the joint model preparing object is executed to prepare a joint model, and the joint model and a neutral plane model are synthesized to prepare an analytic model.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer aided engineering (CAE) system for numerically simulating physical phenomena through a numerical analysis using a computer and more particularly, to an apparatus for preparing an analytic model used for numerical analysis from a profile model representing an object to be analyzed.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, the following method has been known as a conventional method of preparing an analytic model from a profile model. In a profile model representing an object to be analyzed numerically, a laminate profile portion is designated. The designated profile element has planes connected thereto, of which ones having parallel geometric characteristics are extracted and planes parallel and closest to the extracted planes are specified as paired planes. Then, neutral planes are prepared in respect of the paired planes, thereby generating an analytic model. The conventional method is described in JP-A-6-259505.
In the conventional technique, for preparation of the analytic model, the profile model represented by a planar member having a thickness is replaced with planes having no thickness to prepare or generate the analytic model. Incidentally, the profile model contains various joint elements to form a product but in the conventional analytic method as above, the planar member is replaced with planes when the profile model is converted into the analytic model, with the result that the joint relation based on, for example, bolts and adhesion is lost. Accordingly, when an analysis is carried out with the analytic model, joint for putting members together is released and for example, behavior of the members under the application of a load differs from that of the product. Taking a plate-shaped member fixed to a base by adhering so as to stand uprightly thereon, for instance, adhesion is lost in the analytic model and according to the analytic model, when applied with a load in a direction parallel to the base, the plate-shaped member, which does not move essentially even under such a condition, is released from adhesion and is caused to move.
Therefore, with a view of analyzing the whole of product with high accuracy, it is necessary to prepare an analytic model properly expressing joint portions such as bolt joint or welding portions. Generally, after neutral planes (planes having no thickness) have been prepared from a profile model, a system user searches a joint portion by consulting a CAD diagram, a joint means is analytically modeled to provide a joint model which in turn is redefined at the joint portion of the analytic model in question, and the neutral plane model and the joint model are synthesized to prepare an analytic model.
In this analytic modeling of the profile model including the joint means, for the sake of preparing the analytic model including the joint means, the system user is required to search by himself or herself the joint portion and the joint model analytically modeling the joint means must be redefined, leading to a disadvantage that the more complicated the profile, the more the analytic model preparation becomes laborious and time-consuming.

Analytic model preparing apparatus and storage medium and apparatus storing analytic model preparing program


A highly reliable member for a semiconductor device, in which a high melting point metallizing layer, which consists mainly of a high melting point metal such as W and/or Mo, and an intervening metal layer, which has a melting point of not greater than 1,000.degree. C. and consists mainly of at least one selected from among Ni, Cu and Fe, are provided on an AlN substrate material in this order on the AlN substrate material, and a conductor layer consisting mainly of copper is directly bonded to the intervening metal layer without intervention of a solder material layer. A semiconductor element or the like is mounted on the member for a semiconductor device, thereby fabricating a semiconductor device. The high melting point metallizing layer is formed on an aluminum nitride substrate by post-fire or co-fire matallization.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a member for a semiconductor device, in which a conductor layer consisting mainly of copper is bonded to an aluminum nitride substrate material, a method of manufacturing such a member for a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device which employs such a member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) has widely been used as an insulating substrate material for a semiconductor package, and a member in which a metallized circuit consisting mainly of tungsten is formed on the insulating substrate material in a multilayer structure has been used as a circuit board for a semiconductor IC. Alumina is superior in electrical insulation and mechanical strength, but its thermal conductivity is as small as approximately 17 W/m.multidot.K and its heat dissipation property is inferior. Alumina is, therefore, inappropriate to a circuit board on which to mount a high-capacity semiconductor IC.
In contrast, aluminum nitride (AlN) has recently been spotlighted as a substrate material for a circuit board because of its electrical insulation and mechanical strength approximately equivalent to those of alumina, its light weight and its high thermal conductivity exceeding 100 W/m.multidot.K. In addition, aluminum nitride exhibits a mean coefficient of thermal expansion as small as 5.5.times.10.sup.-6 .degree. C. in the temperature range of from the room temperature to the silver-soldering temperature (approximately 800.degree. C.), so that aluminum nitride exhibits superior bondability and compatibility with an Si semiconductor chip (which has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 4.0.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C.). However, aluminum nitride is poor in bondability with Kovar (having a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C.) and a 42 alloy (having a coefficient of thermal expansion of 11.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C.) which are used for a package material or a through lead to a circuit board.
It is generally known that various intervening layers are formed between nitride ceramic and metal so that the nitride ceramic and the metal are bonded to each other. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-34908 (1990) states that a layer made of a low-elastic-modulus metal and/or a metal having malleability and ductility, a layer made of a brittle material and a layer made of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion are formed as intervening layers in multilayer in this order from the ceramic side. However, bonding which uses these kinds of multiple intervening layers easily lowers the thermal conductivity by the multiple intervening layers provided for bonding purpose, and the application of such bonding to an aluminum nitride heat sink board is limited practically.
For this reason, it has been a common practice to form a metallizing layer of W, Mo or the like on the surface of an aluminum nitride substrate material and bond the aluminum nitride substrate material to a metal member such as a lead frame or a package by silver-soldering via the metallizing layer. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-289950 (1988) discloses the art of forming a W metallizing layer on an aluminum nitride substrate material and bonding a lead frame made of oxygen free copper having a high heat conductivity and a high thermal shock absorbing property (refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-289950 to the W metallizing layer by silver-soldering. In this art, if necessary, an Ni layer for improving the wettability is formed on each of the W metallizing layer and the oxygen free copper lead frame, and both are bonded to each other by silver-soldering.
In accordance with the aforesaid method of bonding the oxygen free copper lead frame to the aluminum nitride substrate material via the metallizing layer, thermal stress due to heating during silver-soldering is greatly reduced compared to ordinary lead frames using Kovar or the like, so that the bonding strength which lowers in the case of Kovar does not lower. However, the aforesaid method involves the problem that the shape of the lead frame is difficult to maintain because oxygen free copper is a soft material. In addition, if a copper-based member is joined to an aluminum nitride substrate material via a silver-solder layer in the above-described manner, a large thermal stress action due to the silver-soldering occurs owing to the difference in thermal expansion between the silver-solder and the aluminum nitride, so that breakage or deformation, such as cracking or warp, easily occurs in the aluminum nitride substrate material after the cooling. This leads to the problem that a special expensive silver-solder material which is silver-rich and soft needs to be employed to lower the cooling stress, or strict control for a small-amount region is needed to make the silver-solder layer thinner.
Under the circumstances, investigations have been made into various methods of bonding a metal member which is a conductor to an aluminum nitride substrate material without forming an intervening layer of solder material such as silver-solder. One method is a so-called DBC (direct bonding copper) method which does not use a W metallizing layer nor a solder layer to bond copper as a metal member to an aluminum nitride substrate material.
For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-40404 (1984) discloses a method which includes the steps of forming on the surface of an aluminum nitride substrate material either a layer of an oxide of the aluminum nitride substrate material itself or a binding layer made of an oxide of aluminum, a rare earth element or an alkaline earth element which are used as sintering aids for the preparation of a sintered body of aluminum nitride, preparing, as a counterpart to be bonded to the aluminum nitride substrate material, a metal material which contains a little amount of a binder of such oxide (which may contain oxygen alone) or has such layers formed on its surface in advance, and directly bonding the aluminum nitride substrate material and the metal material by using the affinity between the binding layers on these materials. For example, if the metal material is made of copper, it is bonded to the aluminum nitride substrate material having the oxide layer thereon, using the copper oxide formed on its surface, by subjecting the material to heat treatment in the temperature range of from the eutectic temperature of the copper oxide and copper to the melting point of copper.
A similar method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-32343 (1985). This method is a bonding method in which a thin copper-alloy eutectic layer containing an active metal (such as Ti, Zr or Hf) is intervened between an aluminum nitride substrate material and a copper beat sink board. Another DBC method is described in "Electronics Ceramics", the November issue, 1988, pp. 17 to 21. In this method, a thin aluminum oxide layer of up to several microns is first formed on the surface of an aluminum nitride substrate material and then copper is bonded to the thin aluminum oxide layer via a Cu.sub.2 O--Cu eutectic layer.
However, in any of the above-described methods of bonding copper to aluminum nitride by using an eutectic region of a copper oxide and copper, the variation of the bonding strength easily becomes great unless the thickness of the oxide layer on the aluminum nitride is controlled within a narrow range, as illustrated in FIG. 4 of the above-cited report of "Electronic Ceramics". In addition, in these methods, since an intervening layer made of aluminum oxide and a copper oxide eutectic component formed between an aluminum nitride substrate material and a copper member is thin, breakage or deformation such as cracking or warp easily occurs in the substrate material owing to the difference in thermal expansion between copper and aluminum nitride. In addition, it is necessary to create a special oxygen partial-pressure atmosphere for eutectic bonding of copper and copper oxide at around 1,000.degree. C. Since the surface of the copper member is oxidized by the special oxygen partial-pressure atmosphere, an extra step such as surface polishing is needed before the copper member is subjected to solder-bonding. When the copper member is mounted on the aluminum nitride substrate material, it is necessary to carry out the time-consuming step of performing positioning for defining a non-mounting portion, and forming with good reproducibility the boundary between the copper member and a fuse-contact portion on which to mount the copper member.
In the method using an active metal as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-32343 (1985), an expensive active metal solder material is needed, and a high vacuum of not greater than 10-4 Torr is needed during soldering. In many cases of soldering in nitrogen gas, it is also necessary to prepare a special metal soldering material containing, e.g., a large amount of Ti in advance. Furthermore, if such an active metal solder material is employed, voids are easily produced in the interface between aluminum nitride and the active metal solder material, so that cracking easily occurs therein. Thermal resistance may also increase because of the presence of the soldering material.

Member for semiconductor device using an aluminum nitride substrate material, and method of manufacturing the same


A nacelle structure for a gas turbine engine includes a core engine nacelle disposed about an engine axis and an outer nacelle disposed about the core engine nacelle. A bifurcation extends between the outer nacelle and the core engine nacelle along a bifurcation axis extending between the outer nacelle and the core engine nacelle. The bifurcation includes at least one mounting surface that is disposed at a non-normal angle relative to the bifurcation axis.

This disclosure generally relates to a bifurcation between nacelle structures of a gas turbine engine.
A gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. Air entering the compressor section is compressed and delivered into the combustion section where it is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high-speed exhaust gas flow. The high-speed exhaust gas flow expands through the turbine section to drive the compressor and the fan section. The compressor section typically includes low and high pressure compressors, and the turbine section includes low and high pressure turbines.
The gas turbine engine is surrounded by a nacelle assembly that includes an outer or fan nacelle surrounding the fan section and an inner or core nacelle surrounding the core engine section. A conduit between the outer nacelle structure and the inner nacelle is commonly referred to as a bifurcation. An upper and lower bifurcation is commonly provided along a centerline of the engine.
The bifurcations may include a support structure, but are intended to provide interior space for fuel lines, hydraulic lines, conduits, electrical lines, communication links and other components supporting operation of the gas turbine engine. The bifurcation structure extends through the bypass flow path and therefore it is desirable to minimizing aerodynamic interference by providing a less obstructive shape and size. Therefore, smaller less obstructive nacelle structures are desirable. However, sufficient space for the engine support lines and conduits is required. Accordingly, it is desirable to maximize mounting space available within the interior of a nacelle without increasing aerodynamic interference.

Nacelle bifurcation for gas turbine engine


An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle body including a sill and a pillar extending upwardly from the sill defining a door opening. A member is rotatably supported by the sill and is rotatable relative to the sill from an undeployed position to a deployed position. A link is rotatably supported by the pillar and the member. A pyrotechnic actuator is supported by the vehicle body and is connected to the member.

A vehicle may include features that increase the ease of occupant ingress and egress. For example, a vehicle may not include a vertical, body-mounted pillar between the front pillar and rear pillar of a door opening. Such vehicles may include two doors that meet at the location traditionally occupied by the vertical, body-mounted pillar when in a closed position. Not having a vertical, body-mounted pillar between the front pillar and rear pillar of a door opening allows for unobstructed ingress and egress when the doors are in an open position.


A system for enabling optimization of a parametric modeling process. The system includes a processor and an interface that allows at least one user input. Additionally, the system includes a regression analysis tree program that is executable by the processor. Upon execution by the processor, the regression analysis tree program operates to build a tree in accordance with the at least one user input by using a modified forward stepwise regression process to select the attributes for the tree's branches from a plurality of attributes. After the tree is built, the regression analysis tree program then performs regression analysis to calculate at least one regression result for an attribute subset in a tree branch when the tree branch is in compliance with at least one criterion and the attribute subset has not been previously analyzed.

Parametric models (regression formulas) are often relied upon by parts purchasers and/or suppliers during negotiations to predict prices based on observed prices and part attributes. Indeed, the value of parametric price-prediction models has become so recognized that both purchasers and suppliers are now developing parametric price-prediction modeling processes for use during future negotiations.
Although other predicted price formulas are possible, predicted prices are generally a linear function of the objective part attributes. Some of the various part attributes that may be considered include physical characteristics (e.g., material, length, weight, etc.), functional characteristics (e.g., passenger door versus landing gear door, etc.), among numerous other attribute possibilities. In addition, attributes that are functions of other attributes (e.g., Area=Width*Length) may also be used in a parametric price-prediction model. Determining which attributes to collect and calculate when constructing a model is a very complex and complicated task for the modeler and others involved in the parametric modeling process.
In addition to the attributes that tend to determine costs, purchased parts also reflect the competitive pressures of a free market economy. Thus, another goal in the development of a parametric pricing model is to simulate a competitive marketplace and use this simulation to compare or rank suppliers.
Data complexity for parts and part assemblies continues to increase. Indeed, it is not uncommon for part assemblies to require consideration of about one-thousand (1,000) attributes. Due to the complexity of the data associated with such part assemblies, a substantial amount of time is needed for developing and evaluating the more challenging parametric price modeling of part assemblies.
Meanwhile, and despite the increasing data complexity associated with both parts and part assemblies, staff and modeling time available for parametric price modeling has decreased. Moreover, re-pricing parts over time also requires new models based on updated data, which only further adds to the disparity between the modeling effort required and the limited amount of available staff and modeling time.
Developing candidate models with existing known methods and tools typically requires at least about one-half (0.50) hour per candidate model. Even with 20 to 50 attributes in the data, modelers will construct and manually evaluate hundreds of candidate models. Understandably then, developing price-prediction models for datasets including hundreds of attributes, which can generate many hundreds or even thousands of candidate models, can be especially time consuming. Moreover, after expending the time and resources to develop a candidate model, the candidate model may ultimately be rejected because it fails simple reasonability tests (e.g., too high a correlation between two attributes, an unreasonably large number of negative predicted prices, etc.) applied after the model has been constructed. In the past, this review has been done through manual review by modelers.
In addition, a predominantly manual selection process may overlook a good candidate model because tracking model development is difficult with existing tools and resources. In addition, models must be reconstructed when data changes because data changes can render interim modeling and price prediction results useless. As a result of such data changes, a substantial amount of time is currently spent on updating and revalidating parametric pricing models to retain full credibility.
Computerized statistical analysis tools do exist, such as Statistica® statistical analysis software available from Statistica, Inc. Corporation of Gaithersburg, Md. and JMP® statistical analysis software available from SAS Institute Inc. Corporation of Cary, N.C. However, the existing computerized tools are manually driven, require significant user interaction, and produce one candidate model at a time such that the regressions are considered in isolation and reviewed individually by the modeler. Although the existing computerized statistical analysis tools allow for construction of models without writing software, the existing tools do not keep track of candidate models well and require each model to be constructed under significant human control. Accordingly, the current approach to developing and testing candidate models is time consuming especially when hundreds of candidate models must be tested or retested as data changes. Moreover, the current approach is not possible when thousands or even hundreds of thousands of candidate models must be tested or retested.

Optimized parametric modeling system and method


A storage system for the storage and retrieval of material goods has a continuous track and a storage carousel movable along the track. The carousel carries a plurality of shelf arrays, each of which includes a plurality of vertically-spaced shelves removably attachable to the carousel at an adjustable vertical pitch. One or more inserter assemblies are disposed adjacent the carousel for transferring cartons onto the carousel. One or more removal assemblies are disposed adjacent the carousel for removing cartons from the carousel. A vertical transport unit has an upward reach disposed adjacent the inserter assemblies for transferring cartons to the inserter assemblies, and a downward reach disposed adjacent the removal assemblies for receiving cartons from the removal assemblies. The vertical transport unit has a plurality of platforms removably attachable to the vertical transport unit at an adjustable pitch. A control system controls the operation of the storage carousel, the inserter assemblies, the removal assemblies and the vertical transport unit.

The present invention relates generally to automated distribution systems for storing and retrieving goods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rotatable storage carousel and supporting mechanisms for inserting and removing variable-sized cartons from the carousel while it remains in continuous motion. As used in the present specification and claims, the terms "carton" and "cartons" include cartons, boxes, bins, totes and other containers for storing or holding items.
Many modern production and warehousing facilities require the storage and retrieval of thousands of inventoried items. The goods may be stored in cartons due to their size or delicate construction. Therefore, storage requires loading the containers and delivering them to a known location where they can later be retrieved as necessary. When an order is received, the desired items must be retrieved from their respective positions and kitted, prepared for shipping, or otherwise put to use. An efficient storage operation requires the ability to both store and retrieve a wide variety of goods and to rapidly and effectively dispose of the retrieved items. A wide variety of warehousing/distribution systems have been proposed to reduce the labor required in warehousing operations. However, few systems have addressed both the storage and production requirements for a global distribution solution.
Certain storage and retrieval systems use large multi-level fixed storage shelves in combination with an extractor or picking mechanism that must travel to a particular shelf to pick the desired inventory item. For example, a mobile unit may traverse along a series of stationary vertical racks. The mobile unit is equipped with mechanisms for loading and unloading the vertically based storage racks. Such systems have several drawbacks. Initially, they are limited to a small number of insertion or extraction transactions each time the extractor is operated due to the need to move the picking mechanism after each insertion or extraction operation. Additionally, such systems traditionally have fixed locations for storing each type of goods received within the warehouse. This prevents efficient space utilization since the fixed location occupies the same amount of space regardless of whether a particular inventoried item has two stock units or 2000. Therefore, such systems are extremely wasteful of valuable building space.
Storage structures have also been proposed that include a movable multi-tiered storage carousel having a large number of arrays of vertically-spaced container racks arranged to form a continuous horizontally operating rack assembly which travels about a track. However, such systems have numerous drawbacks which limit their feasibility in high volume operations. Most notably, in order to insert a container onto, or extract a container from a rack on the storage carousel, the carousel must be stopped adjacent to the insertion and extraction mechanism and the container disengaged or inserted. The time required to start and stop the carousel inherently limits the speed at which container insertion and extraction operations may occur. Additionally, the requirement of repeatedly starting and stopping a carousel which may carry on the order of 700,000 tons of material, can be extremely taxing in terms of both power requirements, component wear and drive motor life. Further, it is difficult to stop such a massive structure with enough control to precisely position the containers for either insertion or extraction.
An improved automated storage and retrieval system having a storage carousel that may remain in continuous motion while containers are inserted onto or extracted from the carousel storage racks has also been developed. This system may be designated the rotating storage structure unit (RSSU).
The automated storage carousel of the RSSU dispenses with the need for stopping and starting the rack assembly for loading and unloading containers from the storage racks. This system is able to store and retrieve inventoried items in great quantities and varieties. This storage system may incorporate a relatively simple hanger arrangement for holding containers stored thereon. The system is the subject of several U.S. patents, including the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,247; U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,712; U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,863; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,091. These patents are assigned to the assignee of the subject application and are incorporated herein by reference.
There is also a need for a smaller and less complex, and thus, less expensive, version of the RSSU. Such a small-scale system should provide rapid storage or staging and retrieval of cartons. The carton size and weight may be limited, although it need not be, to that which can be manipulated manually. This small-scale system should have a high transaction rate, which is the speed at which carton insertion and extraction operations occur. It should also be capable of installation, for instance, in an existing warehousing facility with minimal impact on other facility resources, such as sources of electrical power and compressed air. Such a system should automatically receive, store and retrieve individual cartons at a rate exceeding ten cartons per minute.

Staging, tracking and retrieval system with a rotatable storage structure