Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for enabling payment of transit system fees using a financial transaction instrument. Entry is permitted onto a transit system by recognition of information included in an identification number stored on a financial transaction instrument. The identification number stored on the financial transaction instrument is associated with a transit system fee registered for each use of the transit system. A plurality of transit system fees associated with the same identification number from use of the financial transaction instrument is aggregated, and payment for the aggregated transit system fees is requested from a transaction account associated with the financial transaction instrument.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to methods for making credit card purchases of everyday transit fares and collecting individual fare payments by a mass transit operator over a predetermined period and submitting an aggregated authorization and settlement request at the end of the pre-defined period (e.g., a day or a number of days). The invention also relates to methods for dynamically obtaining credit card numbers at the time of payment submission, so that credit cards numbers are not stored locally at the mass transit operator's site.
2. Related Art
Regular commuters as well as infrequent mass transit riders would like the convenience of not requiring a separate payment device for paying transit fares. Particularly in today's "plastic economy", riders are as anxious to use their credit cards to make instant fare payments as with any other category of purchase. Attempts to use a credit card directly for payment of one-time, sporadic, or regular mass transit fares, however, have not been successful due to various obstacles and incompatibilities.
Specifically, single ride transit fare payments cannot be authorized individually by a credit card issuer in a mass transit environment, i.e., at the time that the passenger enters the transit location or boards a particular mode of transportation. The rapid response time required for processing payment information when entering and/or exiting mass transit gates, typically 90-300 milliseconds, is too short to complete a traditional transaction instrument payment, such as a debit or credit card transaction, that requires authentication and approval of the payment device. Consequently, the excessive transaction wait time has, until now, made the payment of mass transit fares with a conventional credit card impractical.
At the same time, mass transit fares are low value purchases (typically $2-$3), making the processing of individual transactions a highly unprofitable venture for any credit card issuer.
One solution would be to store credit card numbers on a central computer of the mass transit operator. However, when credit card numbers are stored on a merchant system (for example on a local disk), this information is then susceptible to hacking and distribution of active credit card numbers for fraudulent use. Many incidents of this nature have been reported, which make it necessary for the credit card organization to cancel the compromised credit cards numbers and issue new cards to the affected cardmembers.
Another conventional solution to this problem is to have the customer load value on a card to be used for mass transit payment. Here, mass transit users may pre-load money value on a "pre-paid" fare card, and the value is reduced for each trip the user takes. Users need to track the residual value on the card and "top it up" when the value drops below the price of a trip. The value loaded is recorded by the mass transit operator's system, and a fare is deducted each time the customer enters or leaves the transit system. With stored value mass transit cards, users may use credit cards to, at most, either load a lump-sum value on the mass transit payment card or purchase "time ticket" cards for a prepaid daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly duration.
Other conventional approaches to linking different types of financial transaction instruments with stored-value mass transit fare cards are known in the art. One such implementation is the Octopus Card, which is a rechargeable, contactless stored-value card for paying fares on Hong Kong's public transportation system and is accepted for retail purchases at various stores and restaurants throughout the city. For retail purchases, electronic cash is deducted from the remaining balance on the Card. Then, for mass transit operation, the Octopus Card utilizes Sony® Corporation's FeliCa proprietary contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, comprising a 13.56 MHz chip that enables fare deduction from value stored on the card, allowing contactless entry into the public transportation system. However, the Octopus Card suffers from the shortcomings associated with stored-value payment instruments. Since value is deducted from the Octopus Card with each ride on the transit system, a user must constantly be aware of the balance remaining on their card at any given time. Consequently, the need periodically to refill money onto the card inevitably slows users' commute.
Related to the Octopus Card is the Suica® Card, currently in circulation on the East Japan Railing Company (JR East) throughout parts of Japan. The Suica® Card ("Super Urban Intelligent CArd") likewise employs Sony's® proprietary FeliCa radio frequency identification technology to provide contactless entry into JR East railway lines, in place of conventional magnetic strip fare cards. Yet, as with the Octopus Card, Suica® too is merely a stored-value card again requiring users to periodically add value to their cards.
Another conventional example of a mass transit fare "smart card" linked to a financial transaction instrument is the Citi® Platinum Select® SmarTrip® MasterCard®, combining the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) SmarTrip® fare card with Citi®'s credit card. This transaction instrument allows users to make retail purchases at stores, restaurants and services with the credit card function, in addition to riding the mass transit system operated by WMATA, including rail and bus service throughout the Washington, D.C. area. However, with this combined credit card/smart card, the mass transit and financial transaction functions are operationally distinct, though incorporated within a common payment device. Specifically, while operating as a credit card for ordinary retail purchases, the Citi® Card only stores up to $300 in WMATA transit value, and this stored value must be periodically reloaded at a mass transit station. Accordingly, although this device presents a step above conventional stored-value cards in that it provides the functionality of a credit card, the Citi® Card nonetheless fails to alleviate the burden of having to periodically refill the limited mass transit value.
Given the foregoing, what is needed is a system, method and computer program product for enabling payment of transit system fees using a financial transaction instrument. Specifically, there exists a need for enabling use of a credit card to make mass transit fee payments to eliminate periodic refilling of value onto mass transit fare cards. There is also a need for a transaction instrument that combines the ease of RFID technology with the convenience of credit card transactions as with ExpressPay™ for mass transit payment. There is also a need to overcome the impracticality of conducting a conventional credit card transaction for every ride on a mass transit system. Further still, there is a need to settle financial transactions without storing users' primary account numbers locally on merchant systems.

System and method for mass transit merchant payment

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.


A hand-held power tool includes a percussion mechanism (3) arranged in the tool housing (2), and a motor (4) for driving the percussion mechanism and connected therewith by a gear unit (5), with the percussion mechanism including an eccentric (6) a piston (7), and a connection rod (21; 41) connecting the eccentric with the driving piston (7) and having a first part (22; 42) connectable with the eccentric (6), a second part (23; 43) connectable with the drive piston (7) and telescopically displaceable relative to the first part (22; 42), and a spring for damping vibrations occurring during operation of the power tool and arranged between the first (22; 42) and second (23; 43) parts.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hand-held power tool, in particular, to a motor-driven drilling and/or chiselling tool including a housing, a percussion mechanism arranged in the housing, and a motor drivingly connectable with the percussion mechanism by a gear unit, with the percussion mechanism having an eccentric, a piston, and a connection rod for connecting the eccentric with the piston. The present invention also relates to a percussion mechanism for use in the power tool and to a connection rod that connects the eccentric with the driving piston.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the conventional tools of the type described above, occurring peak pressures, e.g., impact pulses, are dampingly transmitted by the connection rod, e.g., by the eccentric to the surrounding components. As a result, the generated impact pulses and vibrations are sensed by a tool user holding the power tool handle. This leads, in particular with an extended operation of the power tool, to an early fatigue of the user and to a reduction of the tool output.
German Publication DE 34 05 922-A1 discloses a hand-held power tool in which in order to reduce or to dampen the vibrations and to dampen the tool return pulse, the gear unit and the percussion mechanism are formed as a unit, which is displaceably supported in the housing and is supported against the housing by a spring and/or a damping element. The drawback of the known solution consists in that in order to insure a sufficient damping of the generated impact pulses and vibrations, expensive constructional measures are required.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce generated peak pressures as early as possible to thereby minimize application of a load to surrounding components and to the user.


A method of depositing a metal cladding on conductors in a damascene process is described. The potential between, for instance, cobalt ions in electroless solution and the surface of an ILD between the conductors is adjusted so as to repel the metal from the ILD.

Many integrated circuits contain multi-layer electrical interconnect structures to provide electrical signals to logical elements such as transistors located on a semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structures often contain interconnect lines which are spaced apart in a nearly coplanar arrangement within a dielectric material that insulates the lines from one another. Selected connections between interconnect lines on different levels are made by vias formed through the insulating material.
The interconnect lines are often made of highly conductive metals or alloys. Copper has become a widely used material due, in part, to its low electrical resistance compared to other metals. Typically, the copper is electroplated in the damascene process. A barrier layer is used to prevent diffusion of the copper into dielectric layers. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) removes the copper and barrier layers from the upper surface of the dielectric, leaving the barrier layer and copper inlaid within the trenches and vias. A cladding metal, in some cases, is selectively deposited over the copper to seal it and to provide an etchant stop for additional interconnect layers.
Problems associated with forming the cladding are discussed conjunction with FIG. 1.

Method for improving selectivity of electroless metal deposition


The present invention discloses a method of mobile terminal internal communications, which belongs to the field of mobile communications. The method comprises: a control signal channel is connected within an application processor module and a baseband processor module, and the control signal channel is composed of a first signal channel, a second signal channel and a feedback channel. A first request signal is sent from the application processor module to the baseband processor module via the first signal channel, and then a feedback is sent from the baseband processor module to the application processor module via the feedback channel. After the feedback is sent to the application processor module, the application processor module starts to send data to the baseband processor module. A second request signal is sent from the baseband processor module to the application processor module, and then the baseband processor module starts to send data to the application processor module.

In the prior art, an AP+Modem solution is generally used for internal transmission of the mobile communication terminal.
The AP of the prior art generally refers to Application Processor. The application processor is a Grand Scale Integration (GSI) which extends the function of audio and video (AV) and the special interfaces based on a low-power CPU. The application processor is used to control several functional programs of the mobile communication terminal, such as taking photos, displaying photographs, playing music, and playing videos, and so on. Therefore, the function of the conventional mobile phone is extended other than phone calling and message sending.
The Modem in the prior art generally refers to a Baseband Processor which is equivalent to a protocol processor. The conventional baseband processor is mainly used as the operate control codes of the communication protocol control layer and for controlling the upper software of the communication protocol.
The traditional method of AP+Modem communication comprises providing a communication connection between the AP and the Modem by several connecting lines, using at least four signal transmission lines for achieving a handshake mechanism, and then establishing a connection between the AP and the Modem.
Likewise, it is necessary for the Modem to send data to the AP which requires at least four signal transmission lines, using a handshake mechanism by the transmission lines, and then establishing a connection between the AP and the Modem. More signal transmission lines, chip pins, and power consumption of the system are required through the above mentioned connection types. The above mentioned connection types may also limits the speed of data transmission due to the long-time handshaking.
The Chinese Patent Publication No. CN103220822A discloses a data transmission method, a data transmission device and a mobile terminal, belonging to the field of a terminal technology. The method comprises the steps of receiving a data transfer instruction used for transmitting an appointed file through first terminal equipment; detecting a sound state of the first terminal equipment, and generating appointed handshaking information according to the sound state; transmitting the appointed handshaking information through the first terminal equipment according to the appointed file to enable second terminal equipment and the first terminal equipment to establish data connection according to the appointed handshaking information; and transmitting the appointed file to the second terminal equipment through the data connection between the first terminal equipment and the second terminal equipment. Although the technical solution the above mentioned the handshake mechanism therein, it is not clear enough for the detail thereof. Hence, the technical solution can not overcome the defects in the prior art.
The Chinese Patent Publication No. CN102264045A discloses a method for achieving handshaking in the instant message process. The mobile terminal achieves the handshaking between the instant messaging client and the instant messaging server by using the handshaking message. And the handshaking message between the instant messaging client and the instant messaging server consists in data packages of the control channel message in the wireless communication. The patent has also disclosed a system for achieving handshaking in the instant message process. Accordingly, the above technical solution does not relate to the exact signal transmission process of the handshake mechanism, which can not overcome the defect in the prior art.

Method of mobile terminal internal communications

SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.


A spring force terminal such as a direct plug-in terminal for connecting a flexible stranded conductor includes a housing having a chamber and a plug-in channel for the conductor into the chamber. A busbar or a clamping cage are provided and a clamping spring arranged in the chamber acts as a compression spring for fixing the electrical conductor on the busbar or the clamping cage in the region of a clamping point. The clamping spring has a clamping leg pivotable around a pivot axis, which is adjustable from a latching state in which it is latched in a latching position into a clamping state in which it is unlatched from the latching position and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar or the clamping cage. The latching state is produced by pressing on the clamping leg in the conductor insertion direction using a pusher wherein the clamping leg is releasable from the latching state using two different actuatable adjustment devices. The second release element is designed to release the pusher from the latching position to release the clamping leg from the latching state. The release element is arranged and formed laterally in relation to the pusher in the chamber in such a way that it acts on the pusher essentially perpendicularly to the conductor insertion direction to release the pusher from the latching position.

The present invention relates to a spring force terminal.
Such spring force terminals designed as direct plug-in or push-in terminals have a clamping spring designed as a compression spring, which pushes or presses a conductor against a busbar are known. They differ on the basis of their use, for example, depending on the required current carrying capacity of the busbar, the spring force of the clamping spring, and/or their installation conditions, in particular their size. Simple installation and inexpensive production are requirements which are required of such a terminal.


Embodiments of a beam-reconfigurable patch antenna are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

A wireless communication system may include one or more subscriber stations. The subscriber station(s) may communicate with one or more base stations (BS) and/or access points. Following deployment, a base station may require a reconfiguration of an antenna subsystem. Antenna reconfiguration may be required as a geographical distribution of a subscriber base associated with the base station changes, among other causes. In a last-mile fixed wireless application, for example, a service provider may use wireless technology to establish broadband service in a rural area where broadband cable is unavailable. A newly-established coverage area may have fewer subscribers and fewer base stations. It may therefore benefit from a narrow beam width. As a subscriber density increases in the coverage area, additional base stations may be added, and main lobes may be broadened. However, current antenna technologies may require that an antenna be replaced, or at least physically manipulated, to reconfigure cell shapes.

Reconfigurable patch antenna apparatus, systems, and methods


A detector for a marine electromagnetic survey system includes a housing arranged to minimize turbulence when the housing is towed through a body of water, and to minimize motion of the housing in any direction other than the tow direction. The housing includes at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field sensing element associated therewith.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of electromagnetic survey apparatus for subsurface exploration in the Earth. More particularly, the invention relates to structures for detector electrodes and arrays thereof for detection of induced voltages resulting from electromagnetic fields imparted into the Earth.
2. Background Art
Electromagnetic surveying is used for, among other purposes, determining the presence of hydrocarbon bearing structures in the Earth's subsurface. Electromagnetic surveying includes what are called "controlled source" survey techniques. Controlled source electromagnetic surveying techniques include imparting an electric current or a magnetic field into the Earth, when such surveys are conducted on land, or imparting the same into sediments below the water bottom (sea floor) when such surveys are conducted in a marine environment. The techniques include measuring voltages and/or magnetic fields induced in electrodes, antennas and/or magnetometers disposed at the Earth's surface or on the sea floor. The voltages and/or magnetic fields are induced by interaction of the electromagnetic field caused by the electric current and/or magnetic field imparted into the Earth's subsurface (through the water bottom in marine surveys) with the subsurface Earth formations.
Marine controlled source electromagnetic surveying known in the art typically includes imparting alternating electric current into the sediments below the water bottom by applying current from a source, usually disposed on a survey vessel, to a dipole electrode towed by the survey vessel. A dipole electrode is typically an insulated electrical cable having two electrodes thereon at a selected spacing, sometimes 300 to 1000 meters or more. The alternating current has one or more selected frequencies, typically within a range of about 0.1 to 100 Hz. A plurality of detector electrodes is disposed on the water bottom at spaced apart locations, and the detector electrodes are connected to devices that record the voltages induced across various pairs of such electrodes. Such surveying is known as frequency domain controlled source electromagnetic (f-CSEM) surveying. f-CSEM surveying techniques are described, for example, in Sinha, M. C. Patel, P. D., Unsworth, M. J., Owen, T. R. E., and MacCormack, M. G. R. (1990), An active source electromagnetic sounding system for marine use, Marine Geophysical Research, 12, 29-68. Other publications which describe the physics of and the interpretation of electromagnetic subsurface surveying include: Constable, S. C. and Edwards, R. N. (1991), Electrical exploration methods for the seafloor: Investigation in Geophysics No 3, Electromagnetic methods in applied geophysics, vol. 2, application, part B, 931-966; and Cheesman, S. J., Edwards, R. N., and Chave, A. D. (1987), On the theory of sea-floor conductivity mapping using transient electromagnetic systems: Geophysics, 52, No. 2, 204-217.
Another technique for electromagnetic surveying of subsurface Earth formations known in the art is transient controlled source electromagnetic (t-CSEM) surveying. In t-CSEM surveying, electric current is imparted into the Earth's subsurface using electrodes on a cable similar to those explained above as used for f-CSEM. The electric current may be direct current (DC). At a selected time or times, the electric current is switched off, and induced voltages are measured, typically with respect to time over a selected time interval, using electrodes disposed on the water bottom as previously explained with reference to f-CSEM surveying. Structure and composition of the Earth's subsurface are inferred by the time distribution of the induced voltages. t-CSEM surveying techniques are described, for example, in Strack, K.-M. (1992), Exploration with deep transient electromagnetics, Elsevier, 373 pp. (reprinted 1999).
Irrespective of the technique used, the presence of hydrocarbon bearing structures can be inferred because of resistivity contrast between hydrocarbon bearing structures, which can have electrical resistivities in a range of several ohm-meters to several hundred ohm-meters, and those of the adjacent, non hydrocarbon bearing Earth formations, which may have resistivities in a range of about 0.2 ohm-meters to several ohm-meters.
The foregoing electromagnetic survey techniques can be time consuming and expensive to perform, mainly because the detector electrodes are typically disposed in cables that are deployed on the water bottom. Deploying such detector electrode cables typically includes unspooling them from the survey vessel or another deployment vessel, locating the geodetic position of the electrodes after deployment, and retrieving the cables after the survey is completed. To survey a substantial area of the Earth's subsurface, therefore, requires deployment of a substantial number of such cables and/or repeatedly deploying the cables in different positions along the water bottom. The principal reason that water bottom deployed (stationary) detector cables are used is that the voltages induced across pairs of the electrodes from electromagnetic effects are small enough such that noise that would be induced in the electrodes were they to be moved through the water would make it difficult to measure the voltages induced by electromagnetic effects.
Towing electrodes on cables is known in the art for certain types of marine surveying, particularly as stated above, for imparting an electric field into the formations below the water bottom. Using towed electrodes known in the art for electromagnetically induced voltage detecting, however, is difficult to perform using electrodes known in the art, particularly because towed cables vibrate as they move through the water. This phenomenon as it affects electrodes mounted on a cable was studied early on in relation to submarine receiving antennas. As a result of such study a number of noise sources were identified. See, for example, M. L. Burrows, IEEE Trans. Comm., 22 (1974) 540.
A significant source of noise results from the motion of the electrodes and interconnecting cables within the Earth's geomagnetic field, that is, electromagnetic induction. The motion is excited by pressure fluctuations along the cable as it moves through the water, which makes it start vibrating. For a long cable it can be shown that the motion-induced voltage is proportional to v5/2/f2, where v and f are the towing speed and the signal frequency, respectively. Frequencies used for submarine communication antennas are above 60 Hz, and as a result of frequency dependence of the noise, the resulting noise can be dealt with. However, for frequencies often used for hydrocarbon exploration, which are approximately 0.4-0.8 Hz, induction noise is difficult to deal with. Using a formula developed by Burroughs and disclosed in the foregoing IEEE publication, the noise level would be expected to be on the order of 0.3 μV/Hz1/2m at the frequencies of interest and a towing speed of 5 knots. Such noise level is unacceptably high in relation to the voltages expected to be measured in typical electromagnetic surveying.
Other significant noise sources are electrode noise, water motion noise and thermal noise. Electrode noise arises from the water motion disturbing the electrochemical double layer at the electrode surface. Water motion noise can be associated with induction in the geomagnetic field from water turbulence. Thermal noise will always be present if there are temperature gradients proximate the electrodes.
What is needed is a system for acquiring electromagnetic survey data that can be towed in the water similarly to a seismic streamer system such that the speed and efficiency of acquiring electromagnetic survey data are improved. Such a system should be configured to minimize noise that may be induced in the sensing elements as a result of movement of water past the sensing elements and movement of the sensing elements other than along the direction of towing.

Low noise, towed electromagnetic system for subsurface exploration


A Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) device is provided. The CMOS device includes an isolation layer provided in a semiconductor substrate to define first and second active regions. First and second gate patterns are disposed to cross over the first and second active regions, respectively. A first elevated source region and a first elevated drain region are disposed at both sides of the first gate pattern respectively, and a second elevated source region and a second elevated drain region are disposed at both sides of the second gate pattern respectively. The first elevated source/drain regions are provided on the first active region, and the second elevated source/drain regions are provided on the second active region. A first gate spacer is provided between the first gate pattern and the first elevated source/drain regions. A second gate spacer is provided to cover edges of the second elevated source/drain regions adjacent to the second gate pattern and an upper sidewall of the second gate pattern. Methods of fabricating the CMOS device is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and method of fabricating the same and, more particularly, to Complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices having elevated source/drain regions and methods of fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) transistors are widely employed as discrete devices of semiconductor devices. As semiconductor devices have become more highly integrated, MOS transistors have been scaled down. In particular, the channel length of MOS transistors have been reduced to implement a high performance semiconductor device. However, when the channel length of an MOS transistor is reduced, the MOS transistor typically suffers from a short channel effect. Accordingly, to improve the short channel effect, the junction depth of source/drain regions of the MOS transistors also needs to be reduced. That is, to fabricate high performance MOS transistors, there is a need for a method of forming shallow source/drain regions. Nevertheless, even shallow source/drain regions may lead to increase of on-resistance of the MOS transistors. The increase of the on-resistance may in turn lead to degradation of the current drivability of the MOS transistor.
Accordingly, an elevated source/drain structure has been designed to suppress the above-mentioned short channel effect and improve the current drivability. This elevated source/drain structure has been designed by a widely known technique called selective epitaxial growth.
The above selective epitaxial growth technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,084 B1 to Park et al., entitled "MOS Transistors with Raised Sources and Drains". Park et al. purports to disclose forming a gate capping insulating layer on a gate electrode. The gate capping insulating layer prevents an epitaxial semiconductor layer on source/drain regions from being formed on the gate electrode during formation of the epitaxial semiconductor layer. However, in the event that a metal silicide layer is formed on the gate electrode in a subsequent process, an additional complicated process may be required to form its MOS transistor with raised source and drain regions.
In addition, a method of forming the elevated source/drain regions is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2002/0034864 A1 to Mizushima et al., entitled "Semiconductor Device and Method of Fabricating the Same". Mizushima et al. purports to disclose using a blanket deposition technique to form an amorphous silicon layer on an entire surface of a semiconductor substrate having a polysilicon gate electrode and single crystalline source/drain regions. The amorphous silicon layer is crystallized using a solid phase epitaxial (SPE) technique. As a result, only the amorphous silicon layer on the single crystalline source/drain regions is crystallized to form elevated single crystalline source/drain regions. Moreover, the amorphous silicon layer on the polysilicon gate electrode may be converted into a polycrystalline silicon layer or kept the same in an amorphous state.
Further, according to conventional methods such as those described in Mizushima, the amorphous silicon layer (or the polycrystalline silicon layer) on the gate electrode is selectively removed using a hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas. The single crystalline silicon layer on the source/drain regions is then crystallized using a single step solid phase epitaxial process. Mizushima also describes that the single crystalline silicon layer is formed evenly on an isolation layer adjacent to the source/drain regions. However, a difficulty with the above process described in Mizushima, is that when the width of the isolation layer is reduced in order to fabricate a highly integrated semiconductor device, an electrical shortage may occur between the source/drain regions formed at both sides of the isolation layer.
Conventional elevated source/drain regions, such as those described above, may be employed in both N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) transistors and Positive Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS) transistors. Moreover, MOS transistors having the elevated source/drain regions include insulating gate spacers provided on sidewalls of the gate electrode to form Lightly Doped Drain (LDD) type source/drain regions, with a salicide (self-aligned silicide) technique applied thereto. The gate spacers electrically insulate the gate electrode from the elevated source/drain regions.
However, in conventional semiconductor devices, when the width of the gate spacers increases, coupling capacitance between the gate electrode and the elevated source/drain regions decreases, and electrical resistance of the LDD type source/drain regions increases. As a result, the operating speed of the NMOS transistors is typically improved, whereas an operating speed of the PMOS transistors is typically degraded, because a mobility of electrons acting as carriers of the NMOS transistors is larger than a mobility of holes acting as carriers of the PMOS transistors. In other words, in conventional semiconductor devices, the operating speed of the NMOS transistors depends on parasitic capacitance between the gate electrode and the source/drain regions rather than the electrical resistance of the source/drain regions, and the operating speed of the PMOS transistors depends on electrical resistance of the source/drain regions rather than the parasitic capacitance between the gate electrode and the source/drain regions. Therefore, there is a need for optimizing the operating characteristics of both the NMOS transistors and the PMOS transistors that employ the elevated source/drain regions.

CMOS semiconductor devices having elevated source and drain regions and methods of fabricating the same


A bicycle brake device has a pair of brake mechanisms for applying a braking action to a rim of a bicycle wheel. Each brake mechanism includes a mounting member which is fixedly coupled to the frame of the bicycle. Each brake mechanism further includes a brake arm, a linkage assembly, a brake shoe and a biasing member or return spring. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the linkage assembly is a four-bar linkage assembly in which a biasing member applies a stabilizing force to the links to reduce vibrational movement therein. In one embodiment, the biasing member is a torsion spring fixed about the pivot pin between the brake shoe attachment link and the brake arm. In a second embodiment, the biasing member is a torsion spring positioned between the inner link and the brake shoe attachment link. In a third embodiment, the return spring acts as both the spring for biasing the brake arm from the braking position to a release position as well as a biasing member for applying a stabilizing force on the linkage assembly to reduce vibrational movement of the linkage assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a brake device for bicycles and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilever type bicycle brake device having a linkage mechanism for controlling the movement of the brake shoes against the rim of a bicycle wheel.
2. Background Information
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has also become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One particular component of bicycles which has been extensively redesigned over the past years is the bicycle brake device. Bicycle brake devices are constantly being redesigned to be lighter and provide additional braking power.
There are several types of bicycle brake devices which are currently available on the market. Examples of some types of common bicycle brake devices include rim brakes and caliper brakes. With respect to caliper brakes, there are mainly three types of caliper brakes: a side pull type, a center pull type and cantilever type. In a side pull type of caliper brake device, a pair of brake arms are pivotally connected together about a center mounting bolt which attaches to the frame of the bicycle. Each of the brake arms has a lever portion which is coupled to the brake wire such that when the rider operates the brake lever of the brake operating device, the lever portions of the brake arms are pulled together, which in turn move the brake shoes attached to the other ends of the brake arms together against the rim of the bicycle wheel. A return springs are provided for biasing the brake arms away from the bicycle wheel rim when the rider releases the brake lever. Side pull types of caliper brake devices are commonly used in road bikes.
A center pull type of caliper brake device operates similar to the side pull type, except that the brake arms are attached to a brake arm bridge such that each brake arm is pivotally coupled at a separate pivot point on the brake arm bridge. The brake arm bridge is attached directly to the frame of the bicycle. A straddle cable interconnects the two lever portions of the brake arms such that a main brake wire, which is coupled to the straddle wire, pulls the lever portions of the brake arms together.
A cantilever type of brake device is generally mounted on bicycle designs for off road use such as mountain bikes (MTB) and all terrain bikes (ATB). In particular, a cantilever type brake device is designed to provide a powerful braking force. A cantilever type of brake device is equipped with a pair of brake arms which are rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on the front or rear fork of the bicycle frame, with the brake shoes attached to intermediate portions of the brake arms. Typically, the lower ends of the brake arms are rotatably supported on the bicycle frame and the upper ends are linked to a brake cable or wire. The brake shoes are arranged opposite one another on either side of the bicycle wheel rim which is located between the arms. With this cantilever type of brake device, the bicycle arms rotate in the closing direction when the brake cable is pulled by the brake lever, which in turn results in the brake shoes being pressed against the rim to apply a braking force.
Cantilever types of brake devices have several advantages over side pull types of caliper brake devices. For example, with such a cantilever brake device, there is no need to vary the shape of the device with the size of the bicycle as may be the case with a side pull type caliper type brake device. Moreover, cantilever type of brake devices apply a more equal braking force than a side pull type caliper brake. Accordingly, the present invention is especially directed to improving the performance of cantilever type brakes.
Unfortunately, cantilever type brake mechanisms suffer from their own problems. For example, if the brake shoes pivot downwardly from the horizontal plane as a result of the pivoting of the brake arms so that the brake shoes contact the side surfaces of the rim without conforming to the inclination of the side surfaces, then the pressing or braking force of the brake shoes is reduced. In other words, the brake shoes must be moved horizontally such that the slope of the brake shoes matches the slope of the rim to maintain full braking force. Consequently, it is often necessary to adjust the relative attachment positions of the rim side surfaces and the brake mechanisms with a high degree of precision. This adjustment is often difficult.
Accordingly, linkage assemblies have been utilized between the braking arms and the brake shoes to control the movement of the brake shoes from a release position to a braking position. In other words, these linkage mechanisms ensure that the brake shoes move substantially in a horizontal direction to match the slope of the bicycle rim. A brake device with a four-bar linkage assembly is disclosed in Japanese Publication No. 62-1873 that attempts to solve this problem. This four-bar link type of brake device comprises brake arms which are slidably supported on fixing pins that extend from seats, and the upper ends of which are positioned to the outside of the fixing pins, output links that are rotatably supported in the middle of the brake arms and extend to the outside, follower links that are rotatably linked to the output links and extend downwardly, and stationary links that are rotatably linked to the follower link and extend to the inside so that they are non-rotatably linked to the fixing pins. The brake shoes are attached to the middle of the output links. With this brake device, when the brake arms are rotated upwardly by the brake cable, the follower links rotate to the inside, and the output links move horizontally or upwardly. As a result, the brake shoes hit the rim side surfaces.
With the above-mentioned structure, the frictional force of the bolt threaded into the tip of the fixing pin is utilized to link the stationary link to the fixing pin so that the stationary link does not rotate relative to the fixing pin. Consequently, when a powerful braking force is applied to the brake shoes, the stationary links are sometimes rotated against this friction by reaction forces so that the brake shoes escape from the sides of the rim, and a sufficient braking force is not obtained. Also, a sufficient braking force sometimes cannot be obtained when the links are caused to rotate by a loose bolt or by chatter. Furthermore, since the output to which the brake shoes are attached are linked in cantilever fashion to the brake arms, when a reaction force acts on the brake shoes during braking, the reaction force can cause the link portions to chatter and twist. When such chattering or twisting occurs, it allows the force that would otherwise be obtained with a four-bar linkage assembly to escape, so a powerful braking force is not obtained. Moreover, these four-bar linkage assemblies often chatter since when in the release position, since they are held in a cantilever fashion from the brake arms. Other four-bar linkage assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,716 to Sugimoto et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,630 to Sugimoto, both of which are assigned to Shimano Inc.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a brake device which reduces the vibrational movement of the linkage assembly. This invention addresses these needs in the art as well as other needs in the art which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.


A novel calculator and methods for using same for calculating tips with ease and without requirement for knowledge of necessary tip calculating formulas. Three groupings of buttons provide buttons for entry of the check amount, calculation of the tip amount, and calculation of individual share to contribute to the bill and tip if there is more than one person being presented with a check. Pre-programmed calculating functions make tip calculation easy and convenient for anyone.

The present invention relates to calculators. Specifically, it relates to calculators used to compute the amount of the tip that user would want to leave after obtainment of such services as being served with food, getting a cab fare, and in any other circumstance when it is customary to leave a gratuity tip.
Almost everyone encounters a frequent need to leave a tip after a meal, after a cab ride, or after being served in other ways. Almost at every one of these occasions one has to pause and try to perform a mental calculation of just how much to tip. This problem is further complicated when a group of people are served, for example, at a dinner table in a restaurant. Now there is a need to calculate how much each person in the group has to pay for his or her meal and on top of it there is a need to calculate how much he or she should contribute to the tip.
Moreover, a customary amount for the tip that is a certain percentage of the charge may vary from industry to industry. In addition, a person leaving a tip might want to leave a greater or lesser amount than what would be considered the norm depending on the degree of satisfaction with the service received. Existence of so many different mathematical problems in tip calculation often confuses people and may even embarrass those who are not comfortable with performing mathematical calculations in their head. Of course, one can always use a regular calculator, but the required calculations involve a number of steps that many people are unfamiliar with, while a majority of the public simply doesn't even carry calculators as they go about everyday business.
All of these problems could be solved easily and conveniently with the present invention.


In accordance with a plurality of processing requests, a SAM chip generates IC card entity data including job execution order data showing an order of execution of a plurality of jobs forming processing in accordance with a processing request and status data showing a state of progress of execution of said plurality of jobs for each of said processing requests. Further, the SAM chip selects one entity data from said plurality of entity data, selects and executes the job to be executed next based on the status data and processing order data of said selected entity data, and updates the status data in accordance with execution of said job.

The present invention relates to a data processing method, its apparatus, its program, a semiconductor circuit, and an authentication apparatus useful in the case of conducting a transaction through a network using an IC (integrated circuit) built into a card or a mobile terminal apparatus.
At the present time, communication systems using IC cards etc. for transactions through the Internet and other networks are being developed.
In such a communication systems, a server receives from for example reader/writers of IC cards or PCs (personal computers) processing requests using the IC cards and performs user authentication, data encryption and decryption, and other processing.
In the above explained communication system, however, it is envisioned that processing requests for a large number of IC cards will be received simultaneously or in short time periods.
In this case, the server has to be able to efficiently handle such processing requests.
Further, a server sometimes executes a plurality of application programs for processing for procedures relating to a plurality of settlement businesses and performs processing using selected application programs in accordance with the processing requests. Such processing requests also have to be efficiently handled.
Further, in the above explained communication system, the application program executed by the server has to describe codes using key information for accessing IC cards and operational commands for operating the IC cards. Here, the key information and operational commands can be known only by the manager of the server if expecting security of transactions using the IC cards.
Therefore, in the past, the manager of the server produced and customized the application programs upon request from the above service providers.
With the manager of the server producing and customizing application programs in this way, however, there is the problem that the load on the manager becomes great.
Further, in the above explained server, for example, application programs of a plurality of credit card companies or other businesses run. Such application programs are produced by the individual businesses and downloaded to the server using personal computers etc.
As explained above, however, when the above explained server runs application programs of a plurality of businesses, it is necessary to ensure that the processing of each application program not be monitored or tampered with by another application program.
On the other hand, there is a demand for providing diverse services while transferring data between application programs.
Further, individual businesses download their application programs to the server, then debug them in accordance with need.
When individual businesses download application programs to the server or debug those application programs in this way, however, it is necessary to prevent programs in the server from being illicitly tampered with.
As a technique for realizing this, for example, there is the technique of authentication processing using key information when accessing the server. Usually, such key information is stored in the memory of a terminal apparatus (personal computer), however, so there is the possibility of illicit use and there is a problem in security.
Further, the LSI forming the above explained server has a built-in CPU. The CPU sometimes accesses a memory outside of the LSI chip.
In such a case, data flows over the bus provided between the LSI chip and external memory, so that data can be viewed by probing the bus.
When the above explained server performs e-commercial transactions, personal authentication, and other highly confidential processing, however, as explained above, there is a problem in security if the data is probed.
Further, the above explained server is sometimes comprised of a single computer.
In this case, a single computer runs a plurality of programs relating to a plurality of services provided by different businesses. When those services handle highly confidential data such as with settlements, there is the problem that there is a possibility of the highly confidential data owned by each business being illicitly acquired or tampered with by another business.
Further, there have been the following problems when using a conventional general computer as the above explained computer.
FIG. 133 shows the basic configuration of a general computer 601.
In the computer 601 shown in FIG. 133, a CPU 602 performs processing using the instructions and data of a program read from a memory 603.
The CPU 602 outputs an address for access in the memory 603 to an address bus 604.
Further, the CPU 602 reads from the memory 603 or writes in it according to a control signal S602.
The module A, module B, and module C stored in the memory 603 are processing units of a program having specific functions.
A debugger 605 checks the operation of the CPU 602 at the time of development of a program. It uses a HALT signal to temporarily halt the operation of the CPU 602, read internal information of the CPU 602, and inform that information to the program developer.
Here, in FIG. 133, it is assumed that the module A has a basic function used by the module B or the module C.
Here, assume that the routine of the basic function included in the module A is highly confidential. In such a case, since the module A is a basic function, it is necessary to provide an environment enabling the developer of the module B or module C to develop its program. As one means for this, there is the method of distributing a library.
This is expressed in an intermediate language between a higher language and machine language (normally called an "assembly language"), but analysis is relatively easy. There is a high possibility that the processing routine of a program desired to be kept confidential will end up becoming known.
Further, as another means, the basic module (in this example, the module A) is stored in the memory 603 in advance and, rather than using it as a library, the developer develops the software assuming that the basic module is present at a specific location.
Even with this means, however, there is the problem that it is not that hard for the developers of the modules B and C to read the module A stored in the memory 603. At this time, the read content is in a machine language of a level which the CPU 602 executes, but there are tools for converting this machine language to an assembly language. The routine can be analyzed relatively easily.
Further, there is the problem that the developers of the modules B and C can temporarily halt the execution by the CPU 602 in the middle of execution of the module A at the development stage of their programs so as to learn the data handled or the content of the same and thereby learn the entire processing routine of the program of the module A.
Further, an application program running on the above explained server handles key data, charging data, log data, and other high security data set by the service provider, so there has been a demand for protecting it from illicit tampering or monitoring.

Data processing apparatus and associated method


A lubricating oil supplying device allows for the oil discharge amount to be more finely controlled by provision of many outlet ports, and by reducing the influence of vibration. Therefore, a spool valve unit and a pump are separately formed. The spool valve unit includes an open-close spool valve and a solenoid for controlling operation of this spool valve. Plural inlet passages and an outlet passage are formed in the spool valve. The spool valve opens or closes the inlet passages, and oil from the pump is introduced into these inlet passages. One side of the outlet passage communicates with the inlet passages, and the other side communicates with an engine. A passage for introducing the oil from an oil tank to a pump chamber is formed in the solenoid. When the solenoid is turned xe2x80x9cOFFxe2x80x9d, communication between the return passage and the inlet passages is interrupted by the spool valve, and the oil is discharged from the pump to the plural inlet passages. The oil is discharged from the inlet passages to the engine via a check valve. When the solenoid is turned xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d, the return passage communicates with the inlet passages through the spool valve, and the oil is returned to the pump via the return passage.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lubricating oil supplying device for supplying a lubricating oil to a 2-cycle engine, etc.
2. Description of the Background Art
An oil pump is conventionally used as a device for supplying lubricating oil to a 2-cycle engine. In the conventional oil pump, a plunger, formed with a pump chamber therein, is arranged within a cylinder such that the plunger can be freely rotated and reciprocated. An inlet port and an outlet port communicate with the pump chamber formed by the plunger in the cylinder. A wheel is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the plunger. The plunger is rotated by engaging this wheel with a driving worm operated by the engine. Thus, the pump chamber of the plunger is intermittently communicated with the inlet port and the outlet port formed in the cylinder. A cam is arranged at one end of the plunger and is biased by a spring so as to come in contact with a cam shaft. The stroke length of axial movement of the plunger is adjusted by rotation of the cam shaft.
In the above-described oil pump, pump action is achieved by changing the volume of the pump chamber formed in the plunger by the rotating and reciprocating movements of the plunger. Thus, the oil is discharged from the outlet port via the inlet port and the pump chamber, and is supplied to the engine.
The amount of discharge of the oil is related to the stroke length of the reciprocating movement of the plunger. This stroke length of the plunger is controlled by the shape of the cam shaft. The cam shaft coming in contact with the cam of the plunger is conventionally designed so that the amount of oil discharge is changed in accordance with the degree of opening of the throttle valve of a carburetor.
However, in the conventional design for controlling the amount of oil discharge in accordance with the degree of opening of the throttle valve of the carburetor, the amount of oil required for a given operating situation cannot necessarily be supplied to the engine at any time. For example, Japanese published (Kokoku) Patent No. 7-65489 is proposed as a solution to this problem. In this prior art, two inlet ports and two outlet ports are arranged to communicate with the pump chamber, and a spool valve for adjusting the amount of oil discharge is operated by a solenoid and is arranged in a discharge passage connected with the outlet ports. Operation of the solenoid is controlled in accordance with the operating state of the engine so that an appropriate amount of oil is supplied to the engine.
An increase in the number of outlet ports of the oil pump is one approach to provision of more appropriate control of the amount of oil supply to the engine. However, this approach encounters a problem in that it is difficult to increase the number of outlet ports for communicating the pump chamber within the plunger and the outlet ports with each other as in the conventional structure.
Further, the conventional oil pumps encounter a problem in that they are positioned where they are severely vibrated, and the amount of oil discharge cannot be appropriately controlled due to this vibration.
Furthermore, the oil pumps used in snowmobiles encounter the problem that the oil viscosity, due to low ambient temperatures, is so high that a delay is encountered in establishing the appropriate amount of discharge after the oil pump is started.
In consideration of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating oil supply device in which the amount of oil discharge can be finely controlled by provision of many outlet ports, and the appropriate amount of oil discharge can be secured by reducing influences of vibration.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating oil supplying device for rapidly returning the oil discharge amount to an appropriate level after the lubricating oil supplying device is started in low temperatures.
To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a lubricating oil supply device which comprises a pump for discharging oil introduced from an oil tank, and a spool valve unit including open-close valve means having a spool valve and a solenoid for controlling operation of the spool valve. The open-close valve means is provided with plural inlet passages for introducing the oil from said pump, and an outlet passage having one end in communication with the inlet passages and the other end in communication with an engine. A return passage serves to return the oil of the open-close valve means to the pump. A communication hole in the valve spool provides communication between the inlet passages and the return passage. When the solenoid is turned xe2x80x9cOFFxe2x80x9d, the communication of the inlet passages and the return passage is interrupted by the valve spool, and the oil is discharged from the pump to the engine via the inlet and outlet passages. When the solenoid is turned xe2x80x9cONxe2x80x9d, the inlet passages are brought into communication with the return passage via the communication hole through the valve spool, and the oil discharged from the pump to the inlet passages is returned from the communication hole to the pump via the return passage.
Further, in the present invention, an introducing passage in communication with the oil tank at one end and in communication with the return passage at the other end is formed within the solenoid, and the oil from the oil tank passes through the introducing passage within said solenoid.


A matrix-patterned cloth includes: first and second fiber layers including mutually isolated first and second conductors, respectively; an intermediate fiber layer between the first and second fiber layers; conductive connecting yarns connecting one of the first conductors and one of the second conductors, wherein, when a pressure is applied to the matrix-patterned cloth, each connecting yarn bends so that a position of contact between the connecting yarn and the first or second conductor changes depending on how large the pressure is; a selector; and a heating controller or a resistance measuring unit. The selector scans and sequentially selects one of the first conductors and one of the second conductors. The heating controller applies voltage to intersecting areas where the selected first and second conductors intersect each other via the first and second conductors. The resistance measuring unit measures electric resistances of the intersecting areas via the first and second conductors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a matrix-patterned cloth provided on a vehicle seat, for example.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-144312 discloses a heating textile having a three-layered structure as a cloth heater configured to heat a seat which is installed in a vehicle. This heating textile has conductive yarns in the intermediate layer of the three-layered structure, and is heated by application of electricity to the conductive yarns.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise system comprises a multi-part frame, for example a telescoping frame, or a pivoting frame. The aerobic system may include an elliptical exercise device, while the anaerobic system may include a cable-based system wherein resistance is adjustable. An electronic console system at the exercise system allows a user to view progress in both anaerobic and aerobic workouts, and to send input signals that adjust anaerobic and aerobic resistance mechanisms.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to exercise devices that provide aerobic and anaerobic activities.
2. The Prior State of the Art
In the field of exercise equipment, a variety of devices have been developed to strengthen and condition muscles commonly used for a variety of activities, including both anaerobic and aerobic activities. Generally speaking, anaerobic activities include activities that require voluntary acting muscles to flex a significant amount during a relatively small number of repetitions, such as while engaging in strength training, e.g., with free weights or an exercise device having a cable-based resistance system. Exercise devices that enable anaerobic exercise include weight systems that provide one or more exercises based on a common resistance mechanism, such as one or more handles or bars coupled to a weight stack or other resistance mechanism via a cable-based system having one or more cables and pulleys.
By contrast, aerobic activities include activities that are designed to dramatically increase heart rate and respiration, often over an extended period of time, such as running, walking, and swimming for several minutes or more. Aerobic conditioning devices that simulate such activities have typically included treadmills, stepping machines, elliptical machines, various types of sliding machines, and so forth.
Recently, elliptical machines have proven especially popular for allowing a user to perform aerobic ambulatory exercises (e.g., walking or running) with moderate to significant intensity, while at the same time providing low impact to the user's joints.
Unfortunately, present exercise systems are generally configured for only one of anaerobic exercises and aerobic exercises, but not for both. This can create a tension for a user since both anaerobic and aerobic exercises can be important components of an exercise regimen. The tension can be heightened since anaerobic and aerobic exercise systems each separately take up a certain amount of space that a user may want to devote to other items, and since each such exercise system can be relatively expensive. Accordingly, a user may be reluctant to purchase both types of individual exercise systems due to any number of cost and space constraints.
As a result, a user may purchase only one type of exercise system, but then forego the benefits of the alternative exercise activities. This is less than ideal for users who desire to implement a complete workout regimen. Alternatively, the user may purchase only one type of exercise system, but then purchase an additional membership to a workout facility to exercise on other apparatuses in different ways. This is less than ideal at least from a convenience standpoint.
Accordingly, an advantage can be realized with exercise apparatuses that can provide the benefits of multiple types of exercises in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

Elliptical exercise machine with integrated anaerobic exercise system


An electric terminal includes a conductive portion with a base, a box supported on the base, and a plurality of contact arms extending therefrom. The electric terminal also includes a spring portion formed as a separate piece from and supported on the box of the conductive portion. The spring portion includes a contact arm that biases at least one of the plurality of contact arms of the conductive portion and a protective shroud that extends farther from the base of the conductive portion than the contact arms.

This invention relates in general to an electric terminal. More particularly, this invention relates to an electric terminal that includes features to protect the conductive components of the terminal from damage.
Electric terminals are commonly used to create an electric connection between electric components, for example to connect a component to a power source. A pair of complementary electric terminals includes two electrically-conductive components that are brought into engagement with each other. Damage to one of the electrically-conductive components can impair the ability of the terminal to provide an adequate electric connection. Therefore, care must be taken not to damage either of the electrically-conductive components. It would be desirable to have an electric terminal that helps prevent damage to the electrically-conductive components.


A method for making crown-shaped capacitors with uniform capacitance from the center to the edge of the DRAM device is achieved. The uniform capacitance is achieved using a two-step planarization process or a uniformly deposited CVD sacrificial layer. After forming a first conducting layer in openings in an insulator, a sacrificial layer is spin coated on the substrate. The non-uniformity, by virtue of the spin coating, is then partially polished back to form a globally uniform surface followed by a plasma etch-back to leave portions of the sacrificial layer of equal height in the openings. The first conducting layer in the openings is uniformly recessed for making capacitors having uniform values across the DRAM device. In a second approach a relatively thin uniform CVD polymer is deposited requiring only a single polishing step or etch-back to achieve uniform portions of the polymer in the openings.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for making an array of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) crown storage capacitors for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, and more specifically for making an array of improved MIM capacitor bottom electrodes that are recessed to reduce memory cell area and increase circuit density. The method utilizes a sequence of process steps that includes a novel planarization process for making the bottom electrodes with a more uniform recess depth in insulator openings for better process control across the wafer. This provides a more uniform capacitance for the array of capacitors across each chip and across the wafer (substrate).
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuits are used extensively in the electronics industry for storing data. The DRAM circuit includes an array of memory cells, each cell consisting of a single capacitor and a single transfer transistor. Typically the transfer transistor is a field effect transistor (FET). Binary data (1 and 0) are stored as charge on the capacitors, and the transfer transistors are used to retain the charge. During the read cycle the transfer transistors are used to interrogate the cell by means of an array of bit lines. Two types of memory cells that are commonly used include a cell having a trench capacitor formed in the substrate under the FETs, and a cell having a stacked capacitor that is built on and over the FETs on the substrate. In the coming years the number of cells on a DRAM chip is expected to exceed 1 Gigabit. This increase is a result of the downsizing of feature size of the discrete devices using improved high-resolution photolithography, improved directional plasma etching, and more recently self-aligning techniques. One method of achieving this higher density is to form crown capacitors in which the bottom electrodes are formed in an array of openings in an insulating layer over the array of capacitor node contacts to the underlying array of memory cell areas.
One type of stacked capacitor that is commonly used is the crown-shaped capacitor shown in FIG. 1. This type of capacitor is formed by depositing an interlevel insulating layer 12 on a substrate 10 having semiconductor devices, such as FETs. An array of node contacts 14, formed, for example of polysilicon, are formed in openings in the insulating layer 12 to the cell areas on the substrate 10. The FETs are not shown, and only one of the node contacts is depicted to simplify the drawing. A second insulating layer 16 is deposited, and recesses or wells are etched in layer 16 aligned over and down to the node contacts. A conformal conducting layer 18 is deposited and a sacrificial layer, such as a polymer (not shown), is used to fill the recesses. The layers are then etched or polished back to form the capacitor bottom electrodes 18, and the polymer is selectively removed. A thin capacitor dielectric film 20 is deposited. A second conducting layer 22 is deposited and a photoresist mask and etching are used to pattern the capacitor top electrodes. One disadvantage of making a capacitor by this method is that a masking step is required to pattern the top electrode, which results in increased DRAM cell size. Also, the process is not compatible with a damascene process.
An alternative prior-art approach to making an array of crown capacitors is shown in FIG. 2. In this approach the process is similar to the process shown in FIG. 1, except that the bottom electrodes 18 are recessed below the top edges of the recesses or wells in the second insulating layer 16. A thin capacitor dielectric layer 20 is deposited over the recessed bottom electrodes 18. A second conducting layer 22 is deposited and polished back to the top surface of the second insulating layer 16 to form self-aligned top electrodes 22 in the recesses, as shown in FIG. 2. This form capacitors having smaller surface areas and that results in higher density of memory cells and is also compatible with a damascene process.
The prior-art approach of making an array of crown-shaped capacitors having recessed bottom electrodes, as shown in FIG. 2, is achieved by the following method. After depositing a conformal first conducting layer 18 for the bottom electrodes, a sacrificial layer 26, such as a polymer or photoresist, is spin coated. Because of the topography on the substrate 10, the sacrificial layer 26 is non-uniform. For example, layer 26 is generally thicker near the edge of the array of cells on the DRAM chip, as depicted by area A in FIG. 3, and layer 26 is generally thinner over the closely spaced array of cells for the capacitors at the center of the DRAM chip, as depicted by the thinner area B. When sacrificial layer 26 is etched or polished back to expose the first conducting layer 18 to recess the bottom electrodes 18, the sacrificial layer has varying depths as depicted by the dashed lines D1, D2 at the center of the DRAM chip compared to the depth depicted by D3 and D4 in the recesses for the capacitors at the edge of the array on the chip. When the first conducting layer 18 is etched to recess the bottom electrodes, as shown in FIG. 2, the variation of the depths D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the sacrificial layer results in varying heights of capacitor bottom electrodes across the array of memory cells and also across the wafer. When the DRAM devices are completed, the large variations in the area of the bottom electrodes results in large variations in capacitance, which is undesirable.
Numerous methods of making high density DRAM devices having crown capacitors have been reported in the literature. For example, Jeng et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,987 B1 describe a method for fabricating a crown capacitor that is self-aligned to both the underlying bit lines and word lines. Jeng's array of bottom electrodes is made in an insulating layer that is later removed. Liaw, U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,392 B1, teaches a method of making a stacked capacitor having a monolithic fin structure. The structure is achieved by depositing a multilayer of different insulators with openings for capacitors, and the insulators in the openings are etched at different rates to form a mold for a fin-shaped capacitor. The bottom electrodes for the capacitors are formed in the openings. Then the multilayer of different insulators is removed to form free-standing bottom electrodes. Forming self-aligned top electrodes is not addressed. Linliu, U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,483 B1, describes a method for making multiple-crown capacitors that cannot accommodate recessing the bottom electrodes and forming self-aligned top electrodes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,351 B1 to Beratan et al. teaches a method of etching a thin perovskite layer overlying a second material without substantially etching the second material. However, none of the cited references addresses the prior-art problem described above.
Therefore, there is still a strong need in the industry to make crown-shaped capacitors for DRAM devices that have capacitance that lie within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

Method for making improved bottom electrodes for metal-insulator-metal crown capacitors

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


The present invention discloses a shopping cart with RFID capability, for detecting a RFID tag, comprising: a frame, further comprising: an accommodating space for accommodating RFID-tagged items; a plurality of wheels, coupling to the frame for carrying the frame to move according to the rotation of the wheels; and a cover, rotatably mounted on the frame for sealing the accommodating space; a reader unit, further comprising: a RFID reader, attached to the frame; and at least an antenna, electrically connected to the RFID reader and being received in the accommodating space of the frame; a memory unit, attached to the frame and being electrically connected to the RFID reader; a control unit, further comprising: an actuating device, coupled to the frame and the cover in respective and capable of open/close the cover while operating; a sensing device, attached to the frame and being electrically connected to the RFID reader, capable of activating the RFID reader to start/stop reader RFID tags through the antenna with respect to the sensing unit sensing the opening/closing of the cover; and a power unit, for providing power to the reader unit, the memory unit and the control unit.

It is common for a consumer to use shopping carts instead of hand-held basket while doing his/her-shopping in a wholesale store or a supermarket, not only because it is convenient and labor-saving, but also because it can carry more items than that of the basket in one shopping trip. Recently, along with the advance of RFID technology, the idea of attaching RFID devices to a shopping cart for facilitating the operations at the checkout counter has been proposed, and such usage of RFID technology can be found in the relating patents list as following: R,O,C, Pat. No. 588267, U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,206, U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,344, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,697.
Nevertheless, the PFID devices referred in the abovementioned patents are emitting radio frequency (RF) constantly for scanning inside the shopping cart and the surrounding thereof all the way with a shopper during shopping. That is, the REID devices of prior art only focus on the usages and the applications thereof, and without concerning the influence of electromagnetic wave generated thereby to human body, also without considering the power source for powering the RFID devices. In fact, it is noted that the scanning range of a RFID device is not limited inside the shopping cart where it is attached to, but can interrogate the RFID-tagged objects inside other nearby shopping carts or on the shelves as is revealed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,344, moreover, there may be corners inside the shopping cart that is blind to the RFID device, which may be caused by the placing and stacking of RFIG-tagged objects in the shopping cart, as is revealed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,697.
An RF electromagnetic wave or RF "field" has both an electric and a magnetic component (electric field and magnetic field), and it is often convenient to express the intensity of the RF environment at a given location in terms of units specific for each component. For example, the unit "volts per meter" (V/m) is used to measure the strength of the electric field (electric "field strength"), and the unit "amperes per meter" (A/m) is used to express the strength of the magnetic field (magnetic "field strength"). Another commonly used unit for characterizing an RF electromagnetic field is "power density." Power density is defined as power per unit area. For example, power density can be expressed in terms of milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) or microwatts per square centimeter (μW/cm2). With respect to frequencies in the microwave range and higher, power density is usually used to express intensity. According, as specified in the FCC safety guidelines for the 800˜900 MHz range, the safe RF level is 1000 μW/cm2. Moreover, the safety regulation specified by the Directorate General of Telecommunications of Minister of Transportations and Communications of R.O.C is listed in the table hereafter.
ElectricMagneticFieldFieldPowerFrequency RangeStrengthStrengthDensityDuartion(MHz)(V/m)(A/m)(mW/cm2)(minutes)0.3–3.0 6141.63*100303–301842/f4.89/f*180/f23030–30027.50.0731.030 300–1,500——f/15003015,000–100,000——1.030*represents the equivalent plane wave power density
Imaging that as every shopping carts in a store is equipped with a device constantly radiating RF signal, each shopper in the store is conceived to receive overdosed electromagnetic wave easily, which is unhealthy and is also true for the sale persons in the store as well
Moreover, since the RFID device attached on a shopping cart will consume power, it is required to send the shopping cart to a maintenance location for charging such that the store will have to prepare a lot more shopping carts and a larger space for storing the same. Further, it is possible for a RFID device of a shopping cart to run out of power while the shopping cart is being used by a shopper, in that might cause some trouble for both the shopper and the store. It is also a consideration that the all-time-power-on RFID device is a waste of energy and is not a good idea for environmental conservation.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A marker plate receptacle, formed by two plates pivotably connected with each other via a film hinge, in which a marker plate is received. A tongue is formed in one piece on the lower end of one of the two plates. It has a hook which can be put over a wall extending perpendicularly to the surface of the inside of the plate and around a through hole. Once the marker plate is inserted and the hook of the tongue, on which a key is placed, is put over the annular wall, the two plates are folded together. The tongue is then form-fittingly maintained between the two plates and the plates themselves are maintained by a form-fitting ridge formed on the annular wall, which extends through the through hole in the rear plate. The form fit is additionally improved with ribs engaging grooves.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a plastic key tag having a marker plate receptacle with a through hole used for hanging it and with an open tongue for fastening a key on the receptacle. This invention also relates to a plastic key bar with a plurality of hooks for receiving the key tag of this invention.
2. Description of Prior Art
Conventional key tags are known, where the marker plate receptacle consists of two plates welded together, the plate oriented towards the visible side having a window. A through hole used for hanging the key tag is provided in the hanging position of use. A second through hole is positioned below the window, which also extends through both plates and through which is positioned an S-shaped metal tongue, in the manner of a hook. A slit positioned at the lower end is used for inserting the marker plate. However, in order to be able to insert the marker plate, it is first necessary to remove the metal tongue in a cumbersome way and to thread it afterwards in the same cumbersome way. Placing the key on the metal tongue is also not user-friendly. In this case, it is necessary to bend open the S-shaped metal tongue in order to insert the key. Also, in their position of use, such key tags require a great amount of space in the vertical direction. Accordingly, in a key box in which a plurality of keyboards are positioned vertically one above the other, it is necessary to attach the key bars at great distances from each other.
Key tags have also been developed which are designed only for key bars which are particularly adapted to them. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,072,033 and 4,137,740 disclose key tags which do not have through holes for hanging them from hooks. In this case, one side of the marker plate receptacles is equipped with a Velcro band, which is directly connected with a key bar also having a Velcro band. In this case, the key-receiving tongues are designed as metal rings. Another different solution is disclosed in European Patent EP-PS-0,149,102, where a very complicated and expensive key bar is used, into which a key tag can be inserted from below. Such key tag has a marker plate receptacle with a pushbutton-like spring, which can be locked in an opening in the key bar. Such key tag has an annular element on its lower end on which a key can be fastened with a key ring. The embodiment of the tongue and how it is connected with the key tag cannot be determined from such document.


A book block is contemplated to be bound in its individual sections through various techniques. These sections will be attached to the book cover by a magnetic or mechanical way. The user of the book will then be allowed to select and detach individual sections of the book without destroying the integrity of the entire book block. Likewise, publishers of the book are now able to update and/or replace sections of an entire book block without needing to reprint and republish the whole book.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to supporting of printed matter. In particular, the present invention relates to the support of various reading and/or viewing printed material including books, brochures, catalogs and the like.
2. Background of the Invention
As the volume of literature increases, additional costs are associated with the manufacture of printed material, including books, brochures, catalogs, magazines, and the like. Some of this printed matter becomes very large or heavy, particularly because of their tremendous volume or size. Despite the advancement of literature and information, conventional methods of manufacture in the art of bookbinding has been relatively constant and has essentially been limited to (i) case binding and (ii) perfect binding. Traditional Smyth sewn books require a series of arranging, sewing, and gluing steps to adhere signatures (sections of the entire book) to the cover spine. Typically, textbooks and other large-mass books employ the Smyth sewn binding technique.
Perfect bound books mainly require an adhesive binding between the book block and the cover. After the technological booms following World War II, perfect binding became an economical option for many publishers, making it a common practice in contemporary times. Nearly all paperback books, telephone books, and other small-mass books are bound using the perfect binding technique.
Large-mass books are typically perfect bound or bound using the Smyth sewn technique. Many of these large-mass books are published in the form of textbooks or trade books for school students. Such large and heavy books take their toll on those who have to carry these books on a daily or regular basis, typically students. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) states that children should not carry more than 10% of their bodyweight. Researchers have found, however, that children are carrying 22% of their bodyweight in studies conducted in the United States.
The National Safety Council states that according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were more than 21,000 backpack related injuries that ended up being treated in emergency rooms, clinics and doctors' offices in 2003. The range of these injuries was widespread from contusions, to sprains, and even fractures.
Some subject matters require new versions of texts in order to account for changes that took place after the initial publication of the book. Using bookbinding methods of the art, the entire text is replaced when revisions are made to a sufficient number of sections. Some fields, such as legal texts, use "pocket parts," which are smaller independent sections showing only the changes; but the main body of text is unchanged, and both the main body of text and the pocket part must be referenced in order to read the actual updated text. Using existing techniques of the art, there is no other way to replace merely a section of the book.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a more effective technique for manufacturing printed matter such that portions of the printed matter may be carried independently of the other portions, and allowed to be changed, revised or replaced without having to do so for the entire volume in which such portion is a part. The technique should be simple to understand, use and manufacture so that it provides an efficient and less costly alternative to constant volume changes and/or provides an efficient method of carrying just one portion of a large size or volume printed matter.

Devices and methods for supporting printed matter


A vascular introducer is disclosed which includes an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and at least an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for movement from a collapsed condition to an open condition in response to insertion of a dilator through an interior lumen thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to a vascular introducer, and more particularly, to an introducer having multiple sheaths to facilitate sequential placement of multiple diagnostic or therapeutic surgical devices into a blood vessel.
2. Background of the Related Art
Devices for assisting the percutaneous introduction of diagnostic or therapeutic devices into the body are well known in the art. A particularly useful prior art vascular introducer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,469 to Osypka. This device, which is designed to facilitate the percutaneous introduction of pacemaker electrodes and cardiovascular catheters, includes a thin-walled sheath configured to be slit open with a cutting blade for easy withdrawal.
During a surgical procedure, such as the implantation of a pacemaker electrode or defibrillation lead, it is often necessary to introduce more than one diagnostic or therapeutic device into the body. For example, it is may be necessary to introduce two or more pacemaker electrodes and a cardiovascular catheter during the same procedure. In such an instance, when using either of the prior art vascular introducers described hereinabove, after the introducer sheath has been pealed-away or slit open and withdrawn from the puncture site, a second introducer must be percutaneously advanced into the desired area to facilitate the introduction of a second medial device. This can cause undue trauma to the blood vessel.
It would be beneficial therefore, to provide a vascular introducer configured to facilitate the placement of more than one diagnostic or therapeutic device into the body during a surgical procedure.
The subject invention is directed to a vascular introducer that is adapted and configured to facilitate percutaneous placement of several diagnostic or therapeutic surgical devices into a blood vessel during a surgical procedure, including, for example, a pacemaker lead and a cardiovascular catheter, or two or more pacemaker leads. The introducer includes an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and at least an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath. The secondary sheath is adapted for movement from a collapsed condition, wherein the sheath assumes a generally arcuate or concave configuration, to an open condition in response to insertion of a dilator through an interior lumen thereof.
The introducer may further comprise an elongated tertiary sheath that can be disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath or within the interior lumen of the secondary sheath. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the introducer of the subject invention can be provided with more than three sheaths, as the wall thickness of each sheath is relatively thin. It is envisioned that the interior lumen of each sheath can have a different (i.e., smaller and larger) or similar diameter so as to accommodate different or similar surgical devices.
In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the vascular introducer includes an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, at least an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for movement from a collapsed condition to an open condition, and an elongated dilator configured for reception within the interior lumen of the primary sheath and adapted for insertion through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath to effectuate movement of the secondary sheath from the collapsed condition to the open condition.
Preferably, the dilator has an elongated lumen extending therethrough for receiving an elongated guidewire and a luer-lock adapter may be provided at a proximal end of the dialator. Preferably, a T-shaped griping structure is operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the primary sheath, and the primary sheath includes diametrically opposed elongated score lines, or a similar frangible structure associated therewith, to facilitate separation of the primary sheath from the secondary sheath, and withdrawal of the primary sheath from the surgical site.
The subject invention is also directed to a method of implanting surgical devices through the surface of the skin. The method includes the initial step of providing a vascular introducer including an elongated primary sheath defining an interior lumen, an elongated secondary sheath disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath in a collapsed condition, and an elongated dilator disposed within the interior lumen of the primary sheath, where the lumen of the secondary sheath can have, in an expanded condition, a larger diameter than the lumen of the primary sheath. The method further includes the step of advancing the vascular introducer through the surface of, the skin to a desired position within a blood vessel, removing the dilator from the interior lumen of the primary sheath and introducing a first surgical device to the desired position within the blood vessel through the interior lumen of the primary sheath. The method further includes the step of separating the primary sheath from the secondary sheath, advancing the dilator through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath to move the secondary sheath into an open condition, and introducing a second surgical device to the desired position within the blood vessel through the interior lumen of the secondary sheath.
The method further comprises the steps of percutaneously inserting a cannulated needle into the desired area within the blood vessel, verifying the position of the needle under fluoroscopy and by observing fluid return, inserting a guidewire through the needle and into a desired area within the blood vessel and withdrawing the needle from the desired area. The method also includes the steps of threading the dilator over the guidewire to advance the vascular introducer to the desired area within the blood vessel, and then separating or displacing the primary sheath from the secondary sheath.
These and other unique features of the vascular introducer of the subject invention and the method of utilizing the same will become more readily apparent from the following description of the drawings taken in conjunction with the detailed of the preferred embodiments.

Introducer with multiple sheaths and method of use therefor


Disclosed are an anti-bFGF humanized double-stranded antibody with stable disulfide bond, the preparation method and the applications thereof. The amino acid sequence of the anti-bFGF humanized ds-Diabody is shown in SEQ ID NO.1. The nucleotide sequence of gene encoding the anti-bFGF humanized ds-Diabody is shown in SEQ ID NO.2. By site-directed mutation, two cysteine residues are introduced into VL and VH domain of anti-bFGF Diabody, thus introducing the disulfide bond and form ds-Diabody. It is shown by experiments that the obtained ds-Diabody has the following advantages: enhanced stability; better affinity when binding to the specific antigen bFGF; moderate relative molecular weight, good tumor targeting, more powerful in tumor tissue penetration, and higher blood clearance rate, showing a broad application prospects in the clinic diagnosis and tumor therapy.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) is the basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, and is a broadly presented mitogen, which can promote the effect of proliferation, differentiation and anti-apoptosis of many kinds of cells including tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells by means of autocrine or paracrine. bFGF has various kinds of biological effects, including growth promoting, dividing and differentiating, and it has a strong proliferation promoting effect for fibroblast. A growing number of studies have indicated that bFGF is highly expressed in many kinds of tumor tissues and is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Therefore, bFGF could be a good target for tumor medical treatment. It is also considered as an effective method for tumor therapy by neutralizing bFGF with antibodies and preventing its binding with the receptors.
The clinical study of therapeutic monoclonal antibody has lasted for more than thirty years, and there are more than 400 kinds of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies enter into the clinical stage with commercial support. Nowadays, monoclonal antibodies have been established as a key way for medical treatment directed to varied diseases. In 1995, the first mouse-source monoclonal antibody Edrecolomab was approved in Germany, which was groundbreaking. However, when this mouse-source antibody was applied to human bodies, as a foreign protein, immune response directed to the foreign protein was induced and anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) were produced. The subsequent studies have demonstrated that this antibody therapy was not as effective as the standard medical treatment. As a result, Edrecolomab exit the market finally. With the development of the molecular biological technology and the clarification of the structure of antibodies, the technology of DNA recombination was applied to modify the antibody, and many kinds of gene engineered antibodies emerged. The initial gene engineered antibodies, including human-mouse chimeric antibodies and remodel antibodies, were for humanized modification in order to decrease the heterogeneity of mouse-monoclonal antibody. The former one was easy to operate but with lower degree of humanization; the latter one was technically difficult but with higher degree of humanization. The appearance of technologies of antibody library have provided new solutions for humanization, however, more mature technologies are required. After that, in order to improve the property of antibodies, various kinds of products such as small molecular antibodies and antibody fusion protein have appeared. Where the small molecular antibodies, as the fragments of the antibody molecules with the function of antigen binding, have the advantages of small molecular weight and strong penetrating ability, and are easy to be constructed and expressed.
Double-stranded antibody (Diabody) is a kind of small molecular antibody, constructed based on the single-stranded antibody, with the characteristics of moderate molecular weight and bivalent state, and is one of the best tumor targeting antibodies. It is also characterized with high penetration ability for tumor tissue and moderate blood clearance rate. Disulfide bond stabilized-diabody (ds-Diabody) is a stable Diabody formed on the basis of Diabody by introducing disulfide bond. Stability of the ds-Diabody is improved, and thus a broadened application perspective is presented. Up to now, there was no paper or patent report about anti-bFGF humanized ds-Diabody.

Anti-bFGF humanized double-stranded antibody with stable disulfide bond, preparation method and application thereof