A semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same, which improves adhesion of the lower electrode of a ferroelectric planar capacitor, and prevents inter-diffusion between the Pt electrode of the capacitor and adhesion layer placed under the Pt electrode. The semiconductor memory device includes an insulating layer formed on a substrate, a paraelectric layer formed on the insulating layer, and a conductive layer formed on the paraelectric layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and method for fabricating the same and, more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device and method for fabricating the same, which improves adhesion of the lower electrode of a ferroelectric planar capacitor, and prevents inter-diffusion between a Pt layer to be used as an electrode of the capacitor and a adhesion layer placed under the Pt layer.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In general, the area of a capacitor of a semiconductor memory device becomes small as the integration of the device increases. To compensate the decrease in the capacitance due to this capacitor area reduction, the thickness of the dielectric layer of the capacitor has been gradually decreased. However, the dielectric layer thickness reduction causes increase in leakage current due to tunneling, resulting in deterioration of reliability of the capacitor. To avoid extreme decrease in the thickness of the dielectric layer, a method is widely used in which the storage node of the capacitor has uneven surface to increase the effective area of the capacitor. In addition, a lamination structure of nitride/oxide or oxide/nitride/oxide which have high dielectric constants is used as the dielectric layer of the capacitor. However, this technique brings about severe step coverage on a substrate, making photolithography difficult and increasing fabrication cost. Thus, the above conventional method is difficult to apply to high-integration devices above 256M DRAM.
Accordingly, to increase the capacitance of the capacitor remarkably while its uneven surface is mitigated, there has been proposed and studied a method in which the capacitor dielectric layer is formed of a material with high dielectric constant. Ta2O5, a high dielectric material for capacitors, has been frequently studied and contributed to thinning of capacitor dielectric layer, characteristic improvement and integration of semiconductor memory devices. However, it is not expected that the Ta2O5 is widely used because its effective dielectric constant is not so high. Accordingly, ferroelectric has taken a growing interest recently as a dielectric material used in semiconductor devices. There are BTO(BaTiO3), PZT[(Pb(Zr,Ti)O3], BTO(BaTiO3) and PLZT[(Pb,La) (Zr,TiO)O3] as ferroelectric materials. However, these materials are easily reacted with silicon or polysilicon. Furthermore, the capacitor storage node is oxidized at strong oxidative ambient in the process of forming the capacitor dielectric layer of the aforementioned ferroelectric material. Thus, lots of researches are being performed for solving problems generated from actual fabrication processes.
FIGS. 1A to 1F are cross-sectional views showing a process of fabricating a conventional semiconductor memory device. Referring to FIG. 1A, a field oxide layer 3 is formed using a conventional process on a semiconductor substrate 1 in which a p-type well 2 is formed, dividing the substrate into an active region and field region. Referring to FIG. 1B, a gate electrode 4 is formed on a predetermined portion of the active region of semiconductor substrate 1, and n-type heavily doped impurity regions 5 to be used as source and drain are formed in p-type well 2, placed on both sides of gate electrode 4. In FIG. 1B, reference numeral 6 denotes a sidewall spacer for protecting or isolating gate electrode 4.
Referring to FIG. 1C, a first oxide layer 7 is formed on the overall surface of semiconductor substrate 1 including gate electrode 4, and Ti layer 8 and lower electrode 9 are sequentially formed on a predetermined portion of first oxide layer 7 placed on field oxide layer 3. Lower electrode 9 serves as the first electrode of a capacitor and is formed of Pt, and Ti layer 3 is for improving adhesion between lower electrode 9 and first oxide layer 7. Instead of Ti layer 7, Ta layer may be used. The Pt electrode used as lower electrode 9 has bad adhesion to the oxide layer. Thus, the adhesion layer like Ti layer or Ta layer is formed between the Pt electrode and oxide layer, improving the adhesion.
Referring to FIG. 1D, a ferroelectric layer 10 is formed on lower electrode 9, and upper electrode 11 is formed thereon, accomplishing a ferroelectric planar capacitor. Thereafter, a second oxide layer 12 is formed on first oxide layer 7 including upper electrode 11. Here, ferroelectric layer 10 is formed of BST[(Ba,Sr)TiO3], and upper electrode 11 is formed of Pt. Referring to FIG. 1E, photoresist PR is coated on second oxide layer 12 and patterned through exposure and development, to remove a portion of the photoresist, placed on upper electrode 11 and heavily doped impurity regions 5. Then, a portion of second oxide layer 12, placed on upper electrode 11, and portions of second and first oxide layers 12 and 7, placed on heavily doped impurity regions 5, are selectively removed through an etching process using the patterned photoresist PR as a mask, thereby exposing the surfaces of upper electrode 11 and heavily doped impurity regions 5.
Referring to FIG. 1F, after photoresist PR is removed, a barrier metal layer 13 is formed on upper electrode 11 including second oxide layer 12 and heavily doped impurity regions 5, A1 layer 14 is formed thereon. Thereafter, portions of barrier metal layer 13 and A1 layer 14, placed on gate electrode 4, are selectively removed through photolithography and etching processes. Barrier metal layer 13 is for reducing resistance generated due to direct contact of A1 layer 14 and semiconductor substrate 1.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of another conventional semiconductor memory device, and FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram of the semiconductor memory device of FIG. 2A. Referring to FIG. 2A, the semiconductor memory device is constructed in such a manner that heavily doped impurity regions 21 serving as source and drain regions are formed in predetermined regions of a semiconductor substrate 20, a gate oxide layer 23 of paraelectric layer is formed on a channel region 22 placed between heavily doped impurity regions 21, lower electrodes 24 is formed on gate oxide layer 23, a ferroelectric layer 25 is formed on lower electrode 24, and upper electrode 26 is formed thereon. Upper electrode 26 comes into contact with a gate electrode (not shown) which is the word line of the semiconductor memory device.
In the above semiconductor memory device, since capacitance difference between gate oxide layer (paraelectric layer) 23 and ferroelectric layer 25 is large when the gate electrode (not shown) and capacitor are formed in a stack structure, the operation voltage of the device is required to be increased for polarization inversion of ferroelectric layer 25. When high voltage is applied to the ferroelectric in one direction, its crystal is polarized. This phenomenon remains even when the voltage is not applied to the ferroelectric.
FIGS. 3A to 3D are cross-sectional views showing a process of fabricating another conventional semiconductor memory device. This semiconductor memory device has been proposed to solve the problems of the above-mentioned semiconductor memory device shown in FIG. 2A, and is constructed in a manner that the ferroelectric layer is formed smaller than the gate electrode, to supply sufficient polarization inversion voltage to the ferroelectric capacitor and gate oxide layer even at low operation voltage. Referring to FIG. 3A, and oxide layer 31 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 30 and patterned through photolithography and etching processes, to form a contact hole 32, exposing a portion of semiconductor substrate 30. Here, an impurity region (not shown) serving as source of drain is formed in a portion of semiconductor substrate 30, exposed through contact hole 32.
Referring to FIG. 3B, a polysilicon plug 33 is formed in contact hole 32, and a Ti plug 34 is formed thereon. Thereafter, a TiN layer 35 is formed on the overall surface of oxide layer 31 including Ti plug 34 and patterned through photolithography and etching processes, to be left only on a capacitor region. The capacitor region corresponds to contact hole 32 and a portion of oxide layer in close proximity to the contact hole. TiN layer 35 is a barrier metal layer for preventing silicon diffusion from polysilicon plug 33. The silicon diffusion forms thin oxide layer on the lower electrode of the capacitor, which will be formed in the following process, to increase the resistance of the lower electrode and decrease the characteristic of the ferroelectric layer. To prevent these problems, polysilicon plug 33 and Ti plug 34 are formed, and then the barrier metal layer such as TiN layer 35 is formed on Ti plug 34 before the lower electric is formed.
Referring to FIG. 3C, Pt layer is formed on oxide layer 31 including TiN layer 35 and patterned, to be left only on TiN layer 35, forming lower electrode 36. Referring to FIG. 3D, a ferroelectric layer 37 is formed on lower electrode 36 and oxide layer 31, and upper electrode 33 is formed of Pt on ferroelectric layer 37, accomplishing a stack capacitor using the polysilicon plug. Here, ferroelectric layer 37 is formed of BST[(Ba,Sr)TiC3]. The aforementioned conventional semiconductor memory device uses the ferroelectric layer with approximately 2000 of dielectric constant together with the Pt electrodes which hardly generate leakage current, to obtain good characteristic.
As described above, in the conventional semiconductor memory devices, the adhesion layer, formed of Ti or Ta, is formed between the Pt lower electrode and oxide layer, to improve adhesion between them. However, these devices have the following problems. First of all, Ti or Ta forming the barrier metal layer is diffused through grain boundary of the lower electrode (Pt) during heat cycle at above 600xc2x0 C., to form TiO2 on the lower electrode. Furthermore, O2 of the ferroelectric layer, which passes the grain boundary of the Pt electrode, is diffused between the barrier metal layer formed of Ti and lower electrode, to form TiO2 between them. That is, inter-diffusion is generated, to increase the resistance of the Pt electrode and barrier metal layer and deteriorate the ferroelectric characteristic, resulting in decrease in the reliability of the semiconductor memory device. Moreover, the Pt electrode interface is oxidized at strong oxidative ambient in the process of depositing of ferroelectric, generating volume expansion of the Pt electrode. Interface stress created in this process may cause peeling off of the Pt electrode, deteriorating the reliability of the semiconductor memory device.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same, in which a paraelectric layer, having relation of lattice matching with the first electrode serving as the storage node of a capacitor, is formed under the first electrode, to improve adhesion of a ferroelectric planar capacitor and prevent inter-diffusion between a Pt layer serving as an electrode of the capacitor and an adhesion layer placed under the Pt layer, thereby increasing the reliability of the semiconductor memory device.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the semiconductor memory device includes an insulating layer formed on a substrate, a paraelectric layer formed on the insulating layer, and a conductive layer formed on the paraelectric layer.
The method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device of the present invention includes the steps of forming a paraelectric layer on an insulating layer formed on a substrate, forming a first electrode on the paraelectric layer, forming a ferroelectric layer on the first electrode, and forming a second electrode on the ferroelectric layer.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Semiconductor memory device and method for fabricating the same


A thermal barrier system includes a plurality of panels including at least two panels separated from each other so as to define a space between the panels, where each panel of the at least two panels is separated from another panel via at least one spacer structure. Each panel is further formed of an insulation material having a thermal conductivity in the range of about 0.023 W/(m*K) to about 0.099 W/(m*K). In an example embodiment, the insulation material forming the panels has a density of no greater than about 30 lb/ft3. In another example embodiment, the insulation material includes a silicone syntactic foam material.

Thermal barriers are provided for a number of different applications to shield and protect people and/or items from exposure to dangerous temperatures by minimizing the transfer of heat between an outer or exposed surface and an inner surface of the barrier which faces an enclosure or environment occupied by one or more persons and/or items to be protected. Examples of applications in which thermal barriers are provided are aerospace applications (i.e., to insulate the walls of the aerospace vessel from excessively cold or warm temperatures), fire protection enclosures, airplanes and automobiles.
Thermal barriers can be large, bulky and heavy, making such barriers difficult for use for certain applications. It is therefore desirable to provide a thermal barrier that is lightweight and effective in providing a shield against excessive thermal heat and radiation.


A spoken language understanding (SLU) system may include an automatic speech recognizer (ASR), an audio feature extractor, an optional synchronizer and a language understanding module. The ASR may produce a first set of input data representing transcripts of utterances. The audio feature extractor may produce a second set of input data representing audio features of the utterances, in particular, non-transcript specific characteristics of the speaker in one or more portions the utterances. The two sets of input data may be provided for the language understanding module to predict intents and slot labels for the utterances. The SLU system may use the optional synchronizer to align the two sets of input data before providing them to the language understanding module.

In dialog systems, spoken language understanding (SLU) is responsible for identifying a speaker's request and creating a semantic frame that succinctly summarizes the speaker's needs. These semantic frames are typically constructed using intents and slot labels. A SLU system may involve an automatic speech recognizer (ASR) and a language understanding module. The ASR may transcribe the speaker's speech utterances into transcripts, which may then be fed to the language understanding module to predict intents and slot labels. The performance of the SLU heavily depends on the accuracy of the transcribing of the ASR. Errors in the upstream ASR may inevitably propagate to downstream and negatively impact the accuracy of the intent and slot label predictions. Alternatively, a SLU system may adopt an end-to-end model where a prediction is produced directly from speech utterances without the intermediate transcripts. However, it is generally challenging, if not infeasible, to perform slot labeling based on the end-to-end configuration. Thus, it is desirable for high-quality SLU systems capable to determine intents and slot labels based on speech utterances.
While embodiments are described herein by way of example for several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The words "include," "including," and "includes" indicate open-ended relationships and therefore mean including, but not limited to. Similarly, the words "have," "having," and "has" also indicate open-ended relationships, and thus mean having, but not limited to. The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth as used herein are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.) unless such an ordering is otherwise explicitly indicated.
"Based On." As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase "determine A based on B." While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.
The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims.

Multi-modal spoken language understanding systems


Apparatus is provided for the cleaning of the downwardly extending pendants and swags of beads of a chandelier in situ by ultrasonic cavitation. The cleaning apparatus is provided with a top member detachably connected to a bottom member. The bottom member can be of one size and configuration and be interchangeable with top members of various sizes and configurations. Apparatus is also provided for lifting the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus vertically upwardly to locate the cleaning apparatus for the cleaning of certain preselected chandelier pendants or swags, holding the cleaning apparatus in that position while the pendants or swags are being subjected to ultrasonic energy, and then lowering the cleaning apparatus vertically downwardly so that the cleaning apparatus can be repositioned for the ultrasonic cleaning of further preselected pendants and swags. Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus can be provided of compact design and light weight which is hand-holdable for the ultrasonic cleaning of one or more pendants or one or more festoons of beads at one time.

(1). Field of the Invention
This invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, and more specifically to ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for the cleaning in situ of chandeliers comprising a plurality of downwardly extending pendants, and in some cases, festoons of spaced-apart beads or crystals. In particular, the invention relates to easily portable ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for the cleaning of such chandeliers. Further, the invention relates to portable means for the raising and lowering of ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and for maintaining the apparatus in the raised position whereby ultrasonic cleaning of a chandelier can be accomplished in situ.
(2). Description of the Prior Art
The term ultrasonics (or supersonics) refers to sound vibrations, i.e., variations of density in an elastic media such as air and water, whose frequencies are beyond the auditory limit. Such high-frequency vibrations are produced in various ways known to those skilled in the art, based upon different principles. The ultrasonic cleaning of objects depends upon cavitation, i.e., the rapid formation and violent collapse of minute bubbles or cavities in a cleaning solution or liquid. This action creates a highly effective and unique penetrating action that, in a sense, blasts dirt, grit, and other contaminants from the surface of an object that has been covered with such materials. Ultrasonic cleaning can get into crevices in an object where dirt, etc. lies that other cleaning methods can not readily accomplish, if at all. It can remove contaminants that defy soaking, scrubbing, spraying and other conventional cleaning methods.
Ultrasonic vibrations are used in the cleaning of a wide variety of objects, e.g., jewelry, castings, automobile radiators, biofouled heat exchangers, etc. Illustrative of patents disclosing such cleaning applications are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,987,068; 3,295,596; 3,640,295; 4,375,991; and 4,372,787.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,987,068, which issued to N. G. Branson on Jun. 6, 1961, there is disclosed ultrasonic cleaning apparatus comprising a tank in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements are located. The transducer elements are so located, according to the patentee, that objects to be cleaned supported in the cleaning liquid, i.e., water, are subjected to direct sonic energy as well as that reflected back from the surface of the cleaning liquid. The transducer elements are hermetically sealed stainless steel metal cans of generally rectangular shape within which are provided piezoelectric elements such as those formed of barium titanates, these elements being adhered to the upper surfaces of the cans so that their vibrations, when subjected to high frequency energy, are transmitted into the cleaning liquid.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,596 discloses ultrasonic means for the cleaning of the tubes in a heat exchanger while the heat exchanger is still on line. The ultrasonic cleaning means comprises, in general, an ultrasonic transducer in combination with a liquid coupling means, such cleaning means being strapped in combination with the outside surface of the heat exchanger shell. The ultrasonic energy from the transducers is transmitted through the liquid in the liquid coupling means through the shell and the liquid between the shell and the heat exchanger tubes.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,295, there is disclosed apparatus for the ultrasonic cleaning of surgical instruments. This apparatus involves, in general, a cabinet in which is provided a sink for the holding of cleaning liquid. Ultrasonic transducers are located on the walls of the sink and on the bottom surface. The instruments to be cleaned are placed in a case having perforations provided therein, and the case is placed in a cradle located in the sink. The cradle oscillates during the cleaning process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,991 discloses ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for the cleaning in situ of biofouling from heat exchangers located in ocean thermal energy conversion plants. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in this case is, in general, a support plate in which a planar array of transducers is provided. The support plate is raised and lowered between adjacent rows of heat exchanger tubes and maintained in position while the cleaning is accomplished by a positioning means. The positioning means comprises cables that are attached to the support plate at one end and to winches at the other end.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,787 discloses ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for the cleaning of radiators. The cleaning apparatus comprises, in general, a tank in which cleaning liquid is provided. A support means is provided in the tank for holding the radiator during the cleaning cycle.
Over the past several years, it has become somewhat customary to provide chandeliers in restaurants, motels, bars and other public places which comprise a plurality of downwardly extending, spaced-apart, elongated crystals or pendants. The pendants are, in general, provided in a rectangular-shaped pattern or array of a plurality of rows and columns of pendants, the rows being provided parallel to one another, as are the columns. Thus, the location of a particular pendant in such a chandelier is identified by the particular row and column in which it is located, e.g., Row 3, Column 3.
A chandelier such as earlier disclosed may comprise, in at least some cases, a number of tiers of pendants, e.g., an inner or centrally located tier, a middle tier that surrounds the inner tier, and an outer tier of parallel rows and columns of pendants in surrounding association with both the inner and middle tier. The middle and inner tiers also comprise a plurality of parallel rows and columns of pendants. The bottom ends of the pendants in the multiple rows and columns of pendants in the tiered chandeliers terminate in different horizontal planes parallel to one another. The pendants in such a chandelier are, in general, of different lengths, e.g., the outer column or rows of pendants in the outer tier are the longest, while those located in the inner columns and rows of the outer tier are of a shorter length. The top ends of the pendants located in the inner rows and columns are located such that the top ends of such pendants lie in a horizontal plane located above that in which the bottom ends of the pendants in the outer rows terminate. Thus, the top ends of those pendants located in the inner rows are hidden from view, allowing shorter length pendants to be used in the construction or make-up of the chandelier, rather than having to use pendants all of the same length, i.e., the longer length pendants located in the outermost rows and column. In a similar manner, the tops of the pendants making up those tiers located more inwardly can lie in a horizontal plane above that in which the bottom of the pendants in the next adjacent outer tier lie.
The elongated pendants making up such a chandelier as above-described are, in general, suspended vertically downwardly from the ceiling of a room or other area in which the chandelier is located. The ceiling or other horizontal surface from which the pendants are suspended by their top ends is generally provided with a horizontally disposed planar mirror, i.e., a reflective surface, which may be of glass or metal. Located somewhat below the reflective surface are a plurality of spaced-apart light fixtures in which are located light bulbs of suitable size.
The pendants are, in general, of conventional lead containing glass. Thus, the pendants, particularly when provided with multiple flat surfaces along the length thereof, are reflective to light. The pendants, in general, are of triangular cross-section with elongated flat surfaces; however, in some cases the pendants are provided with inwardly curved surfaces. The pendants are sometimes of other configuration, even of cut glass. Thus, the pendants reflect light from the light bulbs and that reflected from the mirror surface, providing an attractive chandelier, and enhancement of the appearance of the surroundings in which the chandelier is located.
The pendants in the outer rows of pendants in such a chandelier as just described, e.g., the outer row of pendants in the outer tier are, in general, attached by their top ends to the ceiling by conventional "S" hooks, so that the top of each pendant in the outer row is located about 1/2 inch or so down from the ceiling. The pendants located in the inner columns and rows of pendants are suspended from the ceiling, in general, by a conventional flexible chain comprising metal beads, like the conventional key chain, the chain being attached at its top end to the ceiling and at the bottom end to the top end of a pendant. Thus, a conventional eye fastener or hook may be provided in the top end of a pendant, an "S" hook being connected to that eye fastener and to another eye fastener provided in the ceiling.
In some cases, the top ends of the pendants are not connected directly to the ceiling of a room. Instead, a horizontally disposed planar member will be mounted to the ceiling so as to be parallel thereto. The size of such a member will depend upon the size chandelier desired, i.e., the number of rows and columns of pendants. The mirror or reflective surface will then be mounted to this member. The tops of the elongated pendants are connected to that horizontally disposed member, as if it were the ceiling.
At other times, a stepped platform or one arranged in tiers will be provided, that platform being directly attached to the ceiling of a room and providing a plurality of horizontally disposed planar members to which the tops of the pendants are attached. Thus, when "ceiling" is used herein, it will be appreciated that the top of the pendants are attached to a horizontally disposed surface and extend vertically downwardly therefrom but that such a member is not necessarily the ceiling. It may be a planar backing member attached to the ceiling or a horizontally disposed member of a stepped platform, as above-described.
In some cases also the chandelier may comprise merely columns and rows of elongated pendants or crystals all of the same length. Thus, in such a chandelier, the bottom ends of the pendants all terminate in the same horizontal plane. Some chandeliers may also comprise circular rows of vertically suspended pendants, these pendants being spaced apart from one another in a plurality of concentric circles. The concentric rows of pendants may sometimes be arranged in tiers. With such chandeliers, it is common to find one or more festoons of beads or crystals as the outer circle of the chandelier.
As can be readily expected, the surfaces of the glass pendants and the beads of the festoons, over time, become covered with dust and other contaminants from the environment. Some of the pendants and beads will become more dirty than others due to the particular location of the chandelier. For example, a chandelier located in the lobby of a motel at the entry way may become more dirt laden, and in a shorter period of time, than one located in a function room. As the pendant or bead surfaces become covered with airborne dust, etc., the reflectiveness of the chandelier pendants and festoons is continuously reduced. And, as a result of this reduced reflectiveness, the attractiveness of the chandelier is greatly diminished. This is a real problem where the chandeliers are more readily seen by motel or hotel visitors, e.g., around an entryway to the motel, at the registration desk, etc., where good impressions are most important.
Accordingly, it becomes necessary eventually that the chandelier pendants and festoons be cleaned, to regain the initial sparkle and reflectiveness thereof, and to restore the overall attractiveness of the chandelier. The point in time, in the past, at which the cleaning of any particular chandelier has taken place has depended upon a number of factors including just how unattractive the chandelier has become and how much the motel management will tolerate in loss of attractiveness. The cleaning of chandeliers prior to my invention as disclosed herein, moreover, has involved considerable cost to the motel or hotel operator.
The cleaning of chandeliers having downwardly extending pendants heretofore has involved a variety of methods. One such method known of, for the cleaning of the elongated pendants of a chandelier, has involved the spraying of the pendants in place with an acid containing water solution. Thus, a person performing the cleaning of such a chandelier, in general, uses a step ladder of suitable size to put himself in position to perform the cleaning operation. This is of great disadvantage as no more than a few pendants can be sprayed and cleaned at any one time. Thus, the ladder must be moved often to complete the cleaning of even a smaller sized chandelier. The time spent in moving the ladder from time-to-time adds substantial time to the time actually spent in the cleaning of the pendants of a chandelier. Further time is spent, as is a great deal of effort, in the necessary up and down movements on the ladder by the person performing the cleaning. Of further disadvantage also, and believed to be of even more critical concern than the movement of the ladder, is the use of the acid containing water solution. This is a ruinous practice not only to the glass pendants but also to the mirror and light fixtures associated therewith, as well as any metal elements in the chandelier structure. The acid cleaning solution gets into the light sockets and not only causes burnout but also causes corrosion of the elements in the sockets. Thus, from time-to-time, or eventually, these various elements making up the chandelier or that are associated with the pendants need to be replaced. In some cases, even more often, the light fixtures need replacement. These problems, of course, involves additional operating costs.
Another method for the cleaning of chandeliers having downwardly extending pendants has required a number of laborious and time-consuming operations. First, the pendants are each taken down from the ceiling so that they can be cleaned. The numerous pendants to be cleaned, e.g., in some cases as many as 6-10 thousand, are all then immersed in a cleaning solution provided in an appropriate tank or container therefor and allowed to remain therein for a suitable time to remove the contaminants. Afterwards, the pendants may be subjected to a rinse bath. Following cleaning and rinsing, the pendants are then allowed to dry off some after which the pendants are individually reattached to the ceiling in the appropriate locations to reconstruct the chandelier, i.e., rehanging each of the pendants on a conventional "S" hook or the like so as to extend vertically downwardly from the ceiling.
Although this manner of cleaning the pendants of a chandelier may, in certain respects, be better than the spray method, it nevertheless is still attendant with a number of problems and disadvantages. One problem, in particular, involves the "S" hook fastening members for the pendants. When a chandelier is first constructed, those constructing the chandeliers see to it that the ends of the "S" hook fastener are closed. This action, of course, better ensures that the pendants will not be accidentally disconnected from the ceiling. In the event a pendant did fall from the chandelier serious injury could be caused to a person that might be hit by a falling pendant, sometimes 30" or so in length. Nevertheless, as a result of the "S" hook fasteners being closed at their ends on installation, it is necessary for one taking a pendant down to be cleaned to open the fastener. Thus, an end of the "S" hook fastener is bent to open it, so that the pendant can be removed from the fastener and taken down for cleaning. With the closeness of the spacing of the pendants from one another, however, this can be achieved only with some difficulty. This closeness presents even more difficulty on rehanging the pendants. As a result, the "S" hook fastener end is ordinarily not closed but, instead, is left open, or at least partially open. Another reason that the "S" hook is left open is the fact that closing of the "S" hook fastener is time consuming. The result of not closing the "S" hook, however, whether intentional or by oversight, is believed to present a potentially hazardous condition. This is particularly the case, it is believed, where a chandelier may be installed adjacent an outer door, e.g. in a motel lobby, and the pendants are subject to occasional gusts of air or wind. The same is true where the pendants may be subject to some vibration, though slight, for example, where a chandelier might be located adjacent a bank of elevators. The extent of the potential for the dislodgment of a pendant from its "S" hook fastener depends, of course, largely on how much the end of the "S" hook was opened to be able to take down a particular pendant. This, as will be readily appreciated, depends upon who took the pendant down and who put it back up. One person may be inclined to open or close the "S" hook fastener more than another, or to leave the fastener open. Where a chandelier is made up of not only pendants, but also festoons, the taking down of the festoons of beads for cleaning often causes the thin chains or wires between next adjacent beads to become stretched. This stretching results in the nonuniform spacing between the beads of a festoon and effects the reflectiveness and appearance of the chandelier. In other cases, the beads themselves are broken. In any event, the cleaning of the wires between the beads of a festoon is, in general, not sufficiently done to restore these wires or chains to there original appearance.
Of concern also in this manner of cleaning is the fact that the pendants are ordinarily merely placed in the cleaning tank, one on top of the other. The result is that those parts of the pendants that contact one another may often be cleaned to a somewhat lesser degree than are those parts not in contact. Thus, when the pendants are rehung, certain of the pendants may be more or less reflective than others resulting in a less than optimum appearance, or restoration to their initial state of reflectiveness, even though considerable expense and effort has been expended to obtain such a result.
Heretofore, the pendants of a chandelier, as above described, have also been cleaned by ultrasonic means. This procedure has involved, in general, the taking down of the pendants individually as earlier disclosed and immersing them in a cleaning solution contained in a tank or container provided for the purpose and in which ultrasonic transducers have been provided. The cleaned pendants are then rinsed, allowed to dry, and then rehung from the ceiling as earlier described. Thus, although the chandelier pendants have heretofore been cleaned by ultrasonic means, such is still attendant with the same problems and disadvantages as cleaning without ultrasonic means, in particular, the time consuming and costly job of taking down and rehanging the pendants. Further, there is the problem of potential for accident, and pendant breakage.
Whether the cleaning of the pendants of chandeliers heretofore has been accomplished by ultrasonic or other means, it will be readily appreciated that any such a procedure has been a somewhat time consuming task and quite labor intensive. And because of this, the cleaning of the chandeliers as disclosed heretofore has been somewhat expensive. To clean a chandelier, as earlier disclosed, e.g., one measuring 4'.times.8', prior to my invention, has taken 11/2 days with two people. The larger part of that time, however, is spent in the labor of taking down the individual pendants and then rehanging them again, after such have been cleaned. Once taken down, the pendants of a chandelier can be cleaned ultrasonically in only a few minutes, depending largely on how soiled the pendants may be.
Due to the above considerations, motels and other institutions where such chandeliers as earlier disclosed are installed often have the chandeliers cleaned less frequently than is really needed or actually desirable. This is particularly the case where a number of such chandeliers are installed at a particular institution. The more often the chandeliers are cleaned, the greater the increase in operating costs. In some cases, chandeliers comprising downwardly extending pendants have not been cleaned since their installation.
With the ultrasonic cleaning of chandeliers of my invention, as disclosed in application Ser. No. 08/153,294, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,005 a great advance was made in the cleaning of chandeliers having downwardly extending pendants and, in some cases, festoons of beads. This results from the fact that the pendants and festoons of a chandelier can be cleaned in situ. Thus, the time and effort of taking down the pendants for cleaning and then rehanging them is no longer expended.
Although the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of my invention allows the cleaning of the pendants of a chandelier in situ and such apparatus provides numerous advantage over the cleaning of chandeliers heretofore, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus disclosed is still attendant with certain disadvantages. In particular, there is need for improved means for the raising and lowering of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus disclosed in the before-mentioned patent application. Moreover, there is the need for more portable ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for the cleaning of the pendants and festoons of a chandelier in situ.

Ultrasonic cleaning method of cleaning chandeliers


Secondary system for cleaning a belt running between conveyor pulleys comprised of a frame bar on which cleaning blades are mounted, two bracket assemblies to which the frame bar is adjustably mounted, and an adjustment system mounted on the external sides of the bracket assemblies. Bracket assemblies each can include a pair of slotted arms over which two or more clamps are joined together. Each bracket assembly can include an inner tube member that telescopes into two outer tube members and an upper member that can be adjustably clamped to the inner tube and a lower tube member to which the frame bar is mounted and attached to the upper member by the adjustment system. Frame bar and bracket assemblies have rectangular cross-section so that when mounted to each other, rotational movement of frame bar about its longitudinal axis is prohibited. This rotational prohibition is independent from the adjustment system.

It is known to use scraping style cleaners for a conveyor belt to remove debris and other materials from the belt. Such belts function in different capacities depending on their relative belt positions. Those belt cleaners positioned along the forward most belt head pulley are called primary belt cleaners. They are the first in line, meant to remove most of the "carry back" from the belt proper and are considered the most efficient means for effecting conveyor belt cleaning. Dual primary belt cleaners have been conceived and installed for some belt cleaning applications.
Further along the conveyor proper, past the belt head pulley, additional (or supplemental) belt cleaning can be accomplished with secondary cleaning systems. Such systems employ one or more metal blade components for removing additional carry back from the conveyor belt return, typically on the underside of same. It is also known to employ additional (tertiary) belt cleaners, belt wipers and/or other belt scraper devices as conditions may require.
For most secondary belt cleaner applications, it is critical that the blade components be held, in tension, against the moving conveyor for properly and effectively cleaning same. Numerous tensioner systems have been developed for applying a continuous, spring-like pressure (or tension) of the blades against the belt being cleaned. While most secondary cleaning systems today include an array of metal blades, the metal components of same are usually buffered by, or cushioned in a resilient, blade-holding base of rubber or other material for lessening rigid impact with the belt. Secondary cleaning systems may supplement the cleaning from one or more primary systems. But none of these systems should be so stiff as to risk damaging the belts they are meant to clean "near continuously".
In many situations, the means for holding a secondary system firmly against the conveyor need not be overly sophisticated. Some elaborate tensioner devices are mechanically complex, costly to install, maintain and replace, and vulnerable to attack from the elements.
Accordingly, there is a need for a secondary conveyor belt cleaner that is better optimized for cleaning efficiency and cleaning blade wear resistance while not requiring complex cleaner mounting mechanicals. Further, a less sophisticated mounting means should apply proper blade cleaning pressures to the belt it is installed against, but without elaborate, springs and other tensioning systems. Such a simpler, yet still efficient mounting system should be capable of installation from multiple directions, for push-up or pull-up mounting. It would be beneficial if a simple secondary belt mounting means was conceived which could be readily adjusted from at or near the outer edges, rather than the more tedious, inside adjustments required by other secondary belt mechanisms. Preferably, this mounting system is used in conjunction with a rectangular (rather than circular) cleaning blade frame with multiple blade mounting crossbar members extending upwardly from one side of same.

Secondary conveyor belt cleaner and mounting system therefor


Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for developing and executing applications include using an extended version of the model-view-controller (MVC) paradigm. The techniques include a model for an application, the model including multiple model elements, at least one view for presenting data from the model, the view including multiple user interface (UI) elements, and at least one controller for manipulating the model and the view. The techniques also can include a structure for storing application data according to a predetermined structure for at least one storage area relating to the controller. The predetermined structure can include multiple context elements and directed relationships connecting the context elements, the directed relationships forming at least one cycle between the context elements. The techniques further can include and at least one binding between one of the UI elements and one of the context elements.

The present invention relates to electronic data processing in general, and particularly to application programming.
In the model-view-controller (MVC) design methodology used for developing application programs, one or more models can implement the application logic of an application program. Each model can correspond to multiple views, where each view displays information about the model to a user. A controller of the application can receive events, for example, raised by a user interacting with a view to manipulate the model.
A model can have multiple controllers, and controllers can relate to one or more views. Controllers can also relate to an application in general, or to one or more application parts or components. Models and controllers typically include application code. When changes occur in a model, the model can update its views.
Data binding can be used for data transport between a view and its model or controller. For example, a table view can be defined to display data of a corresponding table that is stored in the model or controller. The table is used as the data source for the table view (data binding). For instance, the table view can be replaced by a further view, such as a form view, that binds against the same table. In this case, the further view can display the table data without changing anything in the controller or the model.
When building a software application, predefined relationships can exist between various data elements used by the application. Predefined relationships can be defined in a variety of ways; for example, the relationships can be defined through dependencies in a relational database. However, for some data elements, predefined relationships do not exist, for example, when no relationship is defined in a database or when it is data elements that refer to the model on the one hand and to the view on the other hand. Therefore, usually a significant portion of an application's code is devoted to defining the corresponding relationships and to enabling data transport, for example, from the model to the view.
Moreover, at a given point in time, an application has a specific state that reflects the current status of the interaction of the user with the application (e.g., which view the cursor of the application is currently situated on, and which row of a specific table in the view has been selected by the user). Typically, an application developer has to write application coding to memorize and administer the state (e.g., by using state variables).

Creating and using nested context structures


A liquid crystal panel brightness controller notifies a backlight controller that an illuminance of ambient light is equal to or less than a threshold value. Upon notification, the backlight controller causes invisible light emitted, for example. The invisible light passes through a liquid crystal panel and is reflected by an imaging target and is received by photosensors. Accordingly, the decrease in the amount of the visible light received by photosensors is compensated. As a result, an image with a high S/N ratio is obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device achieving imaging with a high S/N ratio using an invisible light source in addition to a visible light source.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display device has an array substrate in which signal lines, scanning lines, thin film transistors (TFT) and the like are formed. The device also has a driving circuit for driving the signal lines and the scanning lines.
Recently, as the technology in integrated circuit has been developed, TFTs and a driving circuit can be formed in an array substrate by polysilicon process.
This makes a liquid crystal device be miniaturized. And the device is widely used in a portable device such as a mobile phone and a laptop computer.
There is a liquid crystal display device that performs imaging. In this device, photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in an array substrate. The elements can also be formed in an array substrate by polysilicon process. For example, the elements are used to detect an area of a liquid crystal panel that is touched by a finger, and the like.
Such device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2001-292276 and 2001-339640.
To obtain an image of a target, a capacitor is charged firstly. Then, a photoelectric conversion element discharges the capacitor based on amount of light that is reflected by the target to be received by the element. After a certain period of time, the device detects voltage of the capacitor and converts the voltage into an image.
By using the image of the target, a finger, for example, the device detects a position or motion of the finger. The device detects change in shape or darkness of a portion in the image corresponding to a portion of the liquid crystal panel which is touched by the finger, and the like. The portion in the image is hereinafter referred to as a touched-portion. On the contrary, the portion in the image corresponding to the portion that is not touched is hereinafter referred to as an untouched-portion.
By using result of detection, the device judges on whether the finger, and the like touches the panel or not. Such operation is hereinafter referred to as touch-detection.
When an illuminance of ambient light is high, the finger blocks the ambient light. An image in which the touched-portion is very dark while the untouched-portion is very bright is obtained. That is, an image with a high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is obtained.
In case that the ambient light is dark, the device receives a light that passes through the liquid crystal panel and is reflected by the finger. An image in which the touched-portion is very bright while the untouched-portion is very dark is obtained. That is, an image with a high S/N ratio is obtained.
In case that the ambient light is dark, in order to obtain an image with a high S/N ratio, it is necessary to increase a brightness of the liquid crystal panel. Increasing an intensity of light from a backlight can do it. Changing gradation values of an image to be displayed can also do it.
But in this case, it is preferable to decrease the brightness of the liquid crystal panel along with the intensity so as to reduce an amount of glare.
In case the brightness of the liquid crystal panel is decreased so as to reduce the amount of glare, or in case that an image which makes the brightness decreased is displayed, it becomes difficult to obtain an image with a high S/N ratio. And it becomes likely that misdetection in the touch-detection happens.
The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing points. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of obtaining an image with a high S/N ratio even if the ambient light is dark and the brightness of the liquid crystal panel is decreased.

Liquid crystal display device achieving imaging with high S/N ratio using invisible light

Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.


An independent mover transport system and related method. The system comprises a mover having an axis, and a track. The track includes first and second track segments, and a controller operative to drive a first coil of the first track segment to control movement of the mover along the first track segment towards the second track segment. The controller is further operative to define a first zone for the first track segment, define a second zone for the first track segment, drive the first coil to control movement of the mover with the first set of controller gain values when the location of the axis is in the first zone, and drive the first coil to control movement of the mover with second set of controller gain values when the location of the axis is in the second zone.

The present invention relates to motion control systems and, more specifically, to improved control of movers traveling among track segments in a linear drive system.
Motion control systems utilizing movers and linear drives can be used in a wide variety of processes (e.g. packaging, manufacturing, and machining) and can provide an advantage over conventional conveyor belt systems with enhanced flexibility, extremely high-speed movement, and mechanical simplicity. The motion control system includes a set of independently controlled "movers," each supported on a track for motion along the track. The track is made up of a number of track segments that, in turn, hold individually controllable electric coils. Successive activation of the coils establishes a moving electromagnetic field that interacts with the movers and causes the mover to travel along the track.
Each of the movers may be independently moved and positioned along the track in response to the moving electromagnetic field generated by the coils. In a typical system, the track forms a closed path over which each mover repeatedly travels. At certain positions along the track other actuators may interact with each mover. For example, the mover may be stopped at a loading station at which a first actuator places a product on the mover. The mover may then be moved along a process segment of the track where various other actuators may fill, machine, position, or otherwise interact with the product on the mover. The mover may be programmed to stop at various locations or to move at a controlled speed past each of the other actuators. After the various processes are performed, the mover may pass or stop at an unloading station at which the product is removed from the mover. The mover then completes a cycle along the closed path by returning to the loading station to receive another unit of the product.
For some implementations, a motion control system includes a distributed control system. In such a system, each mover is individually controlled by the track segment on which the vehicle travels. As the mover moves from one track segment to another track segment, the motion control and tracking of the mover are handed off from one segment to the other. At the track segment junctions, the physical gap among segment coils posts particular challenges to motion control.
First, the absence of an active driving coil at the segment junction results in the reduction in thrust available for mover control. Second, with iron-core movers, the air gap at the segment junction also represents the disruption of cogging force patterns due to the order of magnitude differences in magnetic permeability between the iron core and air. Third, the discrepancies between adjacent movers in a mover position feedback signal and controller timing results in uncertainties in system dynamics.
As a result, track portions around the segment junctions are declared "no-station zones," which refer to portions of the track that actuators should not interact with a mover (e.g., to load or unload the mover). The inclusion of no-station zones limits flexibility with customer system design and increases system cost and floor space. Track designers desire a better system to reduce or remove "no-station zones," thereby decreasing system cost and improving floor space. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved method and system for controlling operation of the mover as it transitions between track segments to reduce pulsations occurring during the transition.

Independent mover transport system and method of extending range of operations in an independent mover transport system


There is provided techniques for improved visualization of wireless devices in a communication network. The techniques include receiving, via an identification device, real-time display data, determining, via the identification device, a location of a network device and displaying, via a display of the identification device, the real-time display data and an indication of the location of the network device relative to the real-time display data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to augmented reality techniques, and more particularly, to visualizing wireless network links in communication networks.
2. Description of the Related Art
Augmented reality provides a live (direct or indirect) view of physical, real-world environments whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, GPS data and the like. In this fashion, augmented reality enhances one's current perception of reality. For example, conventional augmented reality techniques that are used in TV include displaying visually augmented elements (e.g., a current box score, a highlighted line-of-scrimmage, etc.) in semantic context with environmental elements (e.g., real-time display of a sports game). Other examples of augmented reality include smartphone applications by which a user holds a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, etc.) in such a way that its resident integrated camera shows the real world environment with additional information about what is in the image (e.g., displaying houses on a street with additional computer-generated elements such as a cost of particular houses for sale). Regardless of the specific application, augmented reality in essence, provides information that augments what an operator's senses normally experience during any number of different situations and applications. However, while many conventional augmented reality techniques are considered satisfactory for their intended purpose, a need remains for improved augmented reality techniques that are particularly adapted for visualizing wireless network devices and displaying information related thereto.

Detecting and visualizing wireless network devices in communication networks


The card connector includes a socket for inserting a tray, the socket having an ejector for ejecting the inserted tray in response to a pushing operation performed using a pin inserted into a through-hole in the tray, and a lock portion extending from the proximal portion of the socket in an oblique direction vertically with respect to the insertion direction of the tray and engaging an engaged portion of the tray on the proximal side of the ejector, the lock portion being disengaged from the engaged portion of the tray by the leveling action of the pin inserted into the through-hole, and the ejector being pushed in by the pin having leveled the lock portion.

Electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, video cameras, music players, gaming devices, and car navigation systems include connectors that allow various types of devices to be used. These include Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, Multi-media Cards® (MMC), Secure Digital® (SD) cards, miniSD® cards, xDPicture® cards, Memory Sticks®, Memory Stick Duo®, Smart Media®, Trans-Flash® memory cards, and MicroSD® cards.
Among card connectors, there are card connectors into which a card is inserted directly, and card connectors into which a tray housing a card is inserted. In the case of the latter, there is great design freedom with respect to the shape of the tray, and these can include a locking mechanism to keep the tray from being ejected inadvertently, and mechanisms including an ejector which allows the tray to be ejected easily simply by inserting a pin. A card connector is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 which includes a locking mechanism which locks a tray to prevent inadvertent ejection and which unlocks the tray using an ejector which is pushed in by inserting a pin. In this configuration, a protruding portion is provided on a side portion of the ejector which engages a recessed portion on the tray using spring action.
[Patent Document 1] JP 2012-234669 A


An optical connector attached to an optical fiber embedded in a structure, such as a composite laminate part. The connector is attached by trimming the structure across the path of the fiber, exposing an end of the fiber that lies flush with the surface of the structure. The fiber end and the surrounding surface are then polished. The connector is placed in a micropositioner and the micropositioner is attached to the structure with the connector roughly in alignment with the fiber end. A light source is then placed at the other end of the fiber, which transmits light to the connector, and a light meter is attached to the connector. The micropositioner is adjusted to refine the alignment by moving the connector to a position where the light meter indicates a maximum intensity. When the light meter indicates a maximum intensity, the connector is secured in place on the structure using an adhesive. The micropositioner may be removed after the adhesive has hardened.

The present invention relates generally to optical fibers that are embedded in structures and, more specifically, to a method for attaching optical connectors to such embedded fibers.
Optical fibers may be embedded in many types of structural members. Systems having embedded optical fibers may detect damage or strain in aircraft, ground and water vehicles, and non-movable structures. In such systems, an optical signal is injected at one end of the fiber. A sensor is positioned either at the other end of the fiber or, if the other end is reflective, at the same end at which the signal is injected. Changes in intensity and travel time of the injected signal can be measured to determine the extent and location of the damage in the structure. The fibers may be arranged in a matrix shape to enhance localization of the damage, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,527 issued to Crane et al.
In addition, embedded optical fibers may be used for communication between electronic systems, as is common in aircraft.
Optical fibers may be embedded in composite laminate structures, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,092 issued to Hofer et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,469 issued to Kircher et al. In composite laminate structures, the optical fibers may be placed between laminate layers or may be integral to the woven matting or "pre-preg" that forms the laminate layers. The matting may consist of fibers made of glass, graphite, boron, KEVLAR, or other suitable materials. The matting layers are commonly bound together with a resin binder, such as epoxy.
Optical fibers may be embedded not only in composite laminate structures, but may also be embedded in many types of resins, plastics, epoxies, metals, and other materials. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,043 issued to Russom discloses a method for embedding optical fibers in titanium.
Methods known in the art for fabricating structural members having embedded optical fibers commonly leave a portion of each embedded fiber protruding beyond the edge of the structural member. An optical connector may then be attached to this protruding fiber portion. Not only is aligning a connector with a dangling fiber portion a difficult task, but the structural member must be carefully handled during manufacturing and installation to avoid damaging the protruding fiber portions. Breakage of a protruding fiber portion may make it impossible to attach a connector to it using methods known in the art and may render the entire structural member unusable.
Although the protruding portions of fibers embedded in all types of structures are susceptible to damage, the protruding portions of fibers embedded in composite laminate structures are particularly susceptible to damage because they are cured in an autoclave at a high temperature, which vaporizes some or all of the cladding layer of the protruding fiber portions, making them quite brittle.
A method for attaching a connector to an embedded optical fiber that does not risk rendering the fiber or structure unusable would be highly desirable. These problems and deficiencies are clearly felt in the art and are solved by the present invention in the manner described below.


The present invention is a traditional, yet more stylish, medical identification bracelet which has electronic circuitry to display detailed, patient medical information. The bracelet is formatted using a programming station (PC) into which is entered up to 16 k bits of medical & personal information about an individual. The programming station transfers the formatted information to the bracelet via an infra-red interface device. The medical identification bracelet has an LCD view screen which displays, in a scrolling fashion, data when a button is pushed. The information may be scrolled in either direction, paused and set to free run. All information is available at the display. The character size is selected to be visible to the unaided eye. The display is illuminated for low light reading.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to identification devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to identification jewelry which has electronic circuitry to display medical information about the wearer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In emergency situations when the patient is unconscious, medical information may be critical to a patient's survival. This is especially important when the patient is an accident victim and is unattended. Emergency medical personnel need basic information to begin treatment of a patient. Identification tags and devices in the past have been disclosed which contain finely printed information that is read by emergency medical personnel using an optical magnifier. The information is limited by the ability to print the information small enough so that a sufficient volume of data can be retained. Similarly, electronic devices such as a health-watch, smart cards, and optical disks have been disclosed which contain medical information that is read by a reader. Both types of inventions require an auxiliary device to make all the information available to emergency medical personnel. What is needed is a device that shows detailed information without requiring a reading device and that can be simply set up using a basic personal computer.
Numerous innovations for a Medical Identification Bracelet have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,571, titled Method and Apparatus for Downloading Information from a Controllable Light Source to a Portable Information Device, invented by Michael A. Jacobs and Mark A. Insero, a system is described for transferring data from a CRT (cathode ray tube) video display monitor on a personal computer to a portable information device such as a multifunction electronic wristwatch. The CRT video display has a video signal generator providing raster scanning of the screen and a program for formatting the binary coded data into blocks of serial data bits, with start bit and stop bit. The blocks of data are supplied to the video signal generator in synchronism with raster scanning of the screen so as to provide an integral number of one or more blocks of data for each vertical frame, and modulated to vary the brightness of the screen and provide light pulses corresponding to presence or absence of binary coded transmitter pulses. The portable information device is manipulated within line of sight of the CRT screen and has a photosensor to detect light pulses when the photosensor is directed toward the screen. Signals from the photosensor are amplified and filtered to remove ambient light source flicker and extraneous spurious light signals and to convert the receiver pulses to binary coded data blocks varying between high and low logic levels at a preselected pulse repetition rate. The portable information device stores the received data for further use.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a system which transfers data from a CRT (cathode ray tube) video display monitor on a personal computer to a portable information device without a physical connection. The patented invention has a photodiode sensor which is connected to electronic circuitry that permits the photodiode to `read` the information on the CRT video display monitor. The photodiode and electronic circuitry may be contained within a wrist watch device. The patented invention lacks the features of display of medical information, scrolling of the stored information in either direction, scroll pause, and free running display of information, all of which are included in the present invention.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,290, titled Health Watch, invented by Phillip Vestimiglia and Louis E. Sansone, access to critical medical data is addressed. The Health Watch is worn like a conventional wrist watch and contains two levels of data. The first level, which contains the most critical medical data, can be displayed on the watch's alphanumeric display screen. The second level of data, which is of lower priority and is frequently more detailed, can be accessed only by an external data terminal via a serial data port on the watch. The watch combines all circuitry including memory into a single application specific integrated circuit. An update mode provides a means of updating the medical data.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a watch device having an alphanumeric display which shows a user specific information. At least two lines of data are displayed which is selected from but not limited to a group consisting of time, chronograph, medical data, logo, and personal information. Displayed information may be scrolled by pressing a switch. Data is also accessible to an external interface which must be hardwired to a computer using a protocol well known in the art. The data output includes but is not limited to family history, history of illness, immunization history, history of major operations, and results of previous major tests. Accessing this information requires a compatible interface. The data is loaded into the patented invention via the external interface. The patented invention functions as a wrist watch when it is not displaying medical data.
The present invention is a programming station into which is entered medical and personal information about an individual. The programming station formats and transfers the formatted information to a bracelet having comparable interface circuitry adapted for this purpose. The bracelet has a three line alphanumeric display which, when a button is pushed, scrolls through the recorded information. All information is available to the user or reader and includes but is not limited to personal information, medications and dosages taken, family history, history of illness, allergies, immunization history, history of major operations, insurance information, physician and pharmacy names and numbers, what to do in an emergency, next of kin, and results of previous major tests. The present invention uses an IR data link to the computer which eliminates the use of wires.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,480, titled Watch Accessory, invented by Louise Dodier, a wrist-watch accessory is described comprising a hollow open-ended cylinder and a pair of flat spaced-apart, generally parallel legs protruding from one side of the cylinder in superposed relation. The loop of the wrist band of the watch has an opening in which the cylinder is inserted to surround the push pin retaining the wrist band to the wrist-watch. The outer and inner legs are in contact with the outer and inner faces of the wrist band. A decoration can be applied on the outer leg. Either one of the two legs can bear an identification or Medic Alert label.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a mechanical device bearing a Medic Alert logo. The device is not electronic. The imprinting of medical information other than the Medic Alert logo is not disclosed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,229, titled User Wearable Personal/Medical Information Device, invented by Charles A. Lennon and George Lowe, a wearable personal/medical information device is described which includes a data display with an associated legend display. A memory stores items of personal and/or medical information relating to the person wearing the device. Upon operation of a switch, the stored information is displayed with the personal/medical information indicated by the data display, and a corresponding legend indicated by the legend display. In a preferred embodiment, certain data such as medical information is preset in a read only memory, and other data which the user may change from time-to-time is stored in a read/write memory.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention includes a time date display an d an information display. The displayed information may be cycled automatically or manually but not scrolled. As the information must be displayed in groups of 16, limited information is available to a user. Further, to conserve characters, information must be displayed in a form of code or abbreviation, albeit easily understood. Since the present invention scrolls the information, it is not limited to a specific number of characters per data item. Since the present invention is not limited as to the characters per data item clear descriptions can be provided rather than coded word as is done in the patented invention.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,683, titled Fine Jewelry Enclosing Wearer Identification and Medical Information Therein, invented by Audrey L. Eller, a decorative piece of personnel jewelry is described which includes a locket, worn around the neck of the user on a chain or a bracelet worn on the wrist of the user. A compartment within the piece of jewelry contains an attached identification and medical history of the wearer. The attached document is constructed of a water proof paper or the like and when the paper extends beyond the edge of the jewelry, the medical history and identification of the wearer is revealed. The document is fan folded within the compartment and concealed from an observer of the jewelry when the jewelry is worn. A symbol recognizable by trained, medical personnel is positioned in a prominent location on the outer surface of the jewelry.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is an item of jewelry comprising a case having medical information recorded on printed media contained therein. The present invention is an electronic device with a nonvolatile memory which displays information on demand. The patented invention is a manual device. The present invention is electronic.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,860, titled Wrist-Mounted Vital Functions Monitor and Emergency Locator, a wrist-mounted pulse rate and body temperature monitor has means for storing upper and lower emergency pulse rates and body temperatures by means of which an emergency medical situation is defined. When the monitor detects an emergency medical situation, an emergency signal is generated on standard emergency locator frequencies to alert search and rescue services. Means for automatically setting the upper and lower safe thresholds is provided. The device is particularly suited for use by individuals in remote areas where either the health of the individual or the environment create a higher risk to the survival of the individual.
The patented invention differs from the present invention because the patented invention is a real time monitor for vital signs which transmits data via a radio link to a monitoring station. Electronic circuits sense critical vital signs variations beyond a preselected value and initiate an alarm sequence. A display is not disclosed. Text information is not displayed or transmitted.
The above patented inventions differ from the present invention because they fail to describe or claim at least one combination of the following features depicted in the present invention. The present invention has a programming station into which is entered medical & personal information about an individual. The programming station formats and transfers the formatted medical information to a bracelet. The bracelet has electronic circuitry which scrolls the medical information across the display when a button is depressed. The information may be scrolled in either direction, paused, and set to free run. It can be modified or updated as needed.
Numerous innovations for Medical Identification Bracelets have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.


A shield system for an electric power transmission tower includes a plurality of panels configured to be secured to a cross-arm structure of the tower in adjacent, end-to-end arrangement so as to overlie insulators supported by the tower and prevent excrement from birds nesting and/or congregating on the tower from contacting and accumulating on the insulators. Each panel has opposite ends and opposite lateral edges extending between the opposite ends. A plurality of spaced-apart apertures are formed in each panel adjacent each of the lateral edges and at least one of the ends, and each aperture is configured to receive a respective fastener therethrough for securing the panel to the cross-arm structure. Each panel has a shape that generally conforms to a shape of a portion of the cross-arm structure to which the panel is secured.

Birds, particularly large birds such as buzzards, like to perch and nest on top of electric power transmission towers and structures. Insulators that support electric power cables are suspended from these towers and structures. Unfortunately, excrement from nesting/perching birds may accumulate on the insulators which may cause a short circuit and subsequent power outage. Cleaning bird excrement from insulators is time consuming and expensive. As such, various ways of discouraging birds from nesting and congregating on electric power transmission towers and structures have been tried.
For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an electric power transmission tower 10 having a base 10B that supports cross-arms 12. Suspended from the cross-arms 12 are insulators 14 that support electric power cables 16. The cross-arms 12 have spikes 13 extending upwardly therefrom to discourage birds from nesting and congregating on the cross-arms 12. Unfortunately, birds can still perch on other portions of the tower 10 not having spikes 13, which may allow for bird excrement accumulation on underlying insulators 14. In addition, the installation of spikes 13 as illustrated in FIG. 1 may be time consuming and expensive.
Another method of preventing the accumulation of bird excrement on insulators involved cutting large (e.g., 36″ diameter) corrugated pipe into sections and mounting these to the cross-arms of towers. Unfortunately, large diameter corrugated pipe sections are cumbersome, difficult to cut, and difficult to handle and mount. Moreover, the procedure of cutting and mounting large corrugated pipe sections can be labor intensive and expensive.

Bird excrement shields for electric power transmission towers


Processes and apparatuses for washing a spent ion exchange bed and for treating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided herein. An exemplary process for washing a spent ion exchange bed employed in purification of biomass-derived pyrolysis oil includes the step of providing a ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream having an original oxygen content. The ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream is partially hydrotreated to reduce the oxygen content thereof, thereby producing a partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream having a residual oxygen content that is less than the original oxygen content. At least a portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream is passed through the spent ion exchange bed. Water is passed through the spent ion exchange bed after passing at least the portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream therethrough.

Growth of world energy demand has prompted widespread research and development to identify alternative energy sources for satisfying such demand. One such promising alternative energy source is biofuel, which encompasses various types of combustible fuels that are derived from organic biomass. There is a strong desire to develop biofuels that are not only cost-competitive with fossil fuels but also offer environmental benefits and are renewable. One particular type of biofuel is biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil can be burned directly as fuel for certain boiler and furnace applications. Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil can also serve as a potential feedstock in catalytic processes for the production of fuel in petroleum refineries. Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil has the potential to replace up to 60% of transportation fuels, thereby reducing the dependency on conventional fossil fuel and reducing its environmental impact.
Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is produced through pyrolysis, including through recently-developed fast pyrolysis processes. Fast pyrolysis is a process during which organic biomass, such as wood waste, agricultural waste, etc., are rapidly heated to about 450° C. to about 600° C. in the absence of air using a pyrolysis reactor. Under these conditions, a pyrolysis vapor stream including organic vapors, water vapor, and pyrolysis gases is produced, along with char (which includes ash and combustible hydrocarbon solids). A portion of the pyrolysis vapor stream is condensed in a condensing system to produce a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream. Biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is a complex, highly oxygenated organic liquid that typically contains about 20-30% by weight water with high acidity (TAN>150).
The biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream often contains metal ions that may be detrimental to downstream processing and usage of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. For example, the metal ions may form deposits on equipment, may result in poor emission performance of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, and/or may cause catalyst poisoning in downstream fuel upgrading processes. To remove metal ions from the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream, ion exchange beds are commonly employed downstream of the pyrolysis reactor.
The ion exchange beds are frequently regenerated to clean the metal ions therefrom, which serves to maintain consistent performance of the ion exchange beds. Water is typically employed for regenerating the ion exchange beds. However, biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is immiscible with water and will prevent proper regeneration of the ion exchange bed with water if the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is still present in the ion exchange bed in high amounts. As such, before the ion exchange bed can be regenerated using water, the ion exchange bed is generally drained of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil and flushed with an appropriate flushing stream that is miscible with the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil to remove most biomass-derived pyrolysis oil that remains in the ion exchange bed after draining. Ethanol, which is generally miscible with both water and the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, is typically used to flush the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from the ion exchange bed before regeneration with water. The ethanol used for flushing generally mixes with the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil after flushing and is processed with the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil in the downstream fuel upgrading processes. However, one common upgrading process for the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is hydrotreating, which serves to reduce the oxygen content of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, thereby increasing fuel value of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. Hydrotreating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil that also includes ethanol converts the ethanol to ethane, which downgrades the fuel value of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide processes and apparatuses that enable alternative options for flushing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from ion exchange beds that will not downgrade the fuel value of the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. It is also desirable to provide processes and apparatuses that still enable effective regeneration of the ion exchange bed with water through use of an appropriate flushing stream that is sufficiently miscible with water. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

Processes for washing a spent ion exchange bed and for treating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil, and apparatuses for treating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil


A car navigation system by which a user can easily grasp a drop-in target in the course of a route. In a summary road map displayed in a two- or one-window display representation, contents of a two-dimensional road map is properly selected and simplified, roads are made linear, roads connected to an intersection are made orthogonal so that the user can easily see it, the position of a vehicle is expressed by a mark, and even the running route is expressed with a predetermined color or the like. Accordingly, the system offers the user such a display form as able to easily refer to. When the user specifies a target at which the user wants to drop in, the drop-in target is displayed at a corresponding position on the summary road map in the form of a land mark.

The present invention relates to a car navigation system which measures a current position of a vehicle, displays a map and the current position on the map on a display screen, and guides a passenger or driver of the vehicle to a target position.
As a prior art system for reliably guiding a vehicle to a target position along a route, a car navigation system is known. In an example of the prior art, for the purpose of displaying the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle (equipped with the system), the vicinity of the target position, or the vicinity of a guiding intersection in an easy-to-understand manner, there is proposed a system which displays a map in a three-dimensional manner (refer to, e.g., JP-A-2001-273526).
In a car navigation system disclosed in the above JP-A-2001-273526, structures on a road map in a bird's eye view are displayed three-dimensionally. As an example, buildings located within a predetermined distance from the current position of a vehicle are displayed as reduced or enlarged so that ones of the buildings closer to the current position of the vehicle are reduced to avoid the closer buildings from being hidden by other buildings; whereas, ones of the buildings located further from the current vehicle position are magnified for an easy-to-see purpose, thus improving the visibility of the three-dimensionally displayed map.
As another example of the prior art car navigation systems, there is proposed a car navigation system which can display as magnified the vicinity of the current position and can display a wide range of road map from the current position to target position (refer to JP-A-2002-206928).
The invention disclosed in the above JP-A-2002-206928 displays a road map in a bird's eye view. That is, the map is like viewed from above the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle in a vehicle heading direction or in a direction toward the target position. Thus the user can always grasp the situations of the vehicle running direction. At this time, flag marks are given to the current and target positions. And when the target position is out of the displayable range of the bird's eye view, a flag mark is attached to a position in the displayable range of the bird's eye view which is located in a direction toward the target position and is closer to the target position, enabling the driver to always grasp the current situations of a route toward the target position. In such a bird's eye view, further, a place located farther from the current position of the vehicle is given in the upper side of the display screen on a small scale, while the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle is given in the lower side of the display screen on a large scale. Thus, when all data (road data, title data, background data, etc.) are to be displayed in the bird's eye view, the quantity of data to be displayed becomes too much to be displayed in the upper side of the display screen of the small scale and covering a large area of the map. For this reason, priority order is applied to such data so that data including information having low priorities are displayed in the lower side of the display screen, while only data having high priorities are displayed in the upper side thereof.
In the car navigation system of the aforementioned JP-A-2001-273526, even such a building as to be actually hidden by its user-side building can be displayed and can be easily searched for. Meanwhile, even a building located at a further distance can be noticeably displayed as magnified and thus can be easily searched for. However, when the car runs in an area having many structures or in an area having many tangled roads crossing each other, many structures are displayed, which results in that the user cannot easily find a desired drop-in place in the many-structure area. In particular, in a city or town having many high-rise buildings, even when the driver wants to drop in at a desired restaurant or parking lot, such an area usually has many low buildings, so such a low building often tends to be hidden by another high building and cannot be displayed.
In the invention of the aforementioned JP-A-2002-206928, on the other hand, when a road map is displayed in a bird's eye view, the map is displayed two-dimensionally, so that even a restaurant, an area such as a parking lot or title data is displayed simultaneously. Thus such a desired area can be searched for from the road map. In the invention of the above JP-A-2002-206928, however, road data, title data or background data having a large scale and a low priority is displayed simultaneously. As a result, roads are displayed as intersected and tangled and many facilities are also displayed together with their titles, thus resulting in highly complicated display. For this reason, it is highly difficult to search for a restaurant or parking lot which is usually not a target position but at which the driver just wants to drop in. Further, when the driver wants to drop in at such a place after the vehicle runs by a certain distance, and even when the bird's eye view is displayed, it is impossible to display and find the place which has a low priority and is located away by a certain distance or more.
As mentioned above, prior art car navigation systems including the above two car navigation systems for guiding a vehicle up to a passenger's or driver's desired position (target position) along a running route have had a problem which follows. That is, when the driver wants to drop in at a restaurant or parking lot as necessary on the way to the target position, the driver must troublesomely search the displayed three-dimensional map or bird's eye view map for the desired drop-in place.
Such a car navigation system is usually designed to receive traffic information about a traffic jam caused by an accident, a road construction or the like. However, when the car navigation system receives such traffic information, the passenger or driver must troublesomely determine whether to run the vehicle along the guided route or to find a detour by himself. Thus when the driver have a poor knowledge of a road network in the vicinity, he has to inevitably run the vehicle along the congested route.
The aforementioned conventional car navigation system has another problem. That is, when the driver run the vehicle in an area such as a city or town having tangled roads crossing each other, a road map is displayed showing the tangled roads as they are, and the driver cannot sometimes find a running route easily. In particular, in the case of an intersection having a right or left turn, the driver has a hard time to find the intersection because the displayed road map has too much information.
In this way, the conventional car navigation systems including the above two car navigation systems also have a problem. That is, when a special situation takes place during the running of the vehicle along the route, no suitable, easy-to-understand guidance is given to the driver.


An airfoil includes a body that includes leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface. A cooling passage is arranged interiorly of the exterior airfoil surface and provides an interior surface. The interior cooling surface includes micro-bumps that protrude from the interior cooling surface into the cooling passage. The micro-bumps are discrete from and noncontiguous relative to one another in multiple directions along the interior cooling surface. The micro-bumps may be provided while forming the airfoil or using correspondingly shaped micro-depressions on an airfoil core.

This disclosure relates to an airfoil for a gas turbine engine. In particular, the disclosure relates to a cooling enhancement feature for an interior cooling passage of the airfoil and a method of making the same.
Gas turbine engine turbine airfoils typically include complex cooling passages. The cooling passages often include features to increase heat transfer between the airfoil and the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling passage. One cooling enhancement technique has been to provide very small linear grooves adjoining one another. These grooves provide a contiguous ridge that typically extends in a radial direction and increase the surface area of an interior cooling surface.
Another cooling enhancement technique has been to provide pins that extend between and join opposing walls of the cooling passage, creating turbulence in the cooling passage. These pins significantly obstruct the cooling flow and do not necessarily increase heat transfer significantly on an exterior airfoil wall.
Yet another cooling enhancement technique is to provide micro-depressions in the interior cooling surface of the airfoil. This is achieved by milling or electrodischarge machining correspondingly shaped pins on the airfoil core, which is very costly.

Airfoil cooling enhancement and method of making the same