Snoop filtering methods and apparatuses for systems utilizing memory are contemplated. Method embodiments comprise receiving a request for contents of a memory line by a home agent, comparing an address of the memory line to a range in a set of adaptive ranges, and snooping an I/O agent for the contents upon a match of the address within the range. Apparatus embodiments comprise a range table, a table updater, a receiver module, and a range comparator. The range tables allow for the tracking of memory addresses as I/O agents assert ownership of the addresses. Employing a range-based snoop filtering approach may allow home agents to track a collection of addresses, in adaptable ranges, instead of tracking precise addresses which may require large quantities of memory to implement.

While the configurations of processors and memory systems vary from one computer system to another, one processor-memory interconnect topology relatively common today is referred to as the distributed shared memory interconnect topology. In distributed shared memory systems, each processor usually contains a local memory controller. The local memory for each individual processor may be mapped into a global memory space in order to provide a single memory space available to all processors. In order to maintain coherency, one or more system components must generally snoop all caches in the system. Instead of comprehensively snooping all caches, some systems may instead filter some of the snooping activities. Depending on the interconnect topology and the snoop latency of caches in the system, system and/or memory performance could be limited by snooping activities.
To facilitate information transfer to and from a processor, many systems use an Input-Output (I/O) agent While I/O agents typically contain small caches, referred as write caches, the I/O agents nonetheless run at much lower frequencies than the processors, respond to snoops in a relatively slow fashion, and frequently tend to limit the speed of memory accesses in computer systems. Since I/O agents usually contain relatively small amounts of memory lines, such as 128 or 256 lines, there is usually a high probability that I/O agents do not contain a memory line that may be requested by another system agent. Consequently, most I/O snoops will be clean and the snooping operations tend to unnecessarily increase the memory latency in a system.
Several techniques have been proposed to filter snoops to system agents, such as I/O agents. The I/O Agent Directory is a scheme in which each line in memory is tagged with bits to indicate whether an I/O agent contains a particular memory line or not. Since this scheme requires bits for each line in memory, it may waste memory space. Such memory waste is often not desirable in small memory systems. In another scheme, each processor tracks each memory line in an I/O agent using a 1-1 relationship. Unfortunately, this technique is not very scalable as the number of agents in a system, such as I/O agents, grows. Additionally, as the sizes of I/O agent write caches increase, the size of the filters in the processors must grow.

Adaptive range snoop filtering methods and apparatuses


A circuit has a power transistor, a driver control circuit, a variable clamp circuit and a turn-off control circuit. The power transistor has a first current electrode coupled to a first power supply terminal, a second current electrode as an output of the circuit, and a control electrode. The driver control circuit has an output coupled to the control electrode of the power transistor for controlling the power transistor during an active mode of the circuit. The variable clamp circuit is coupled between the output of circuit and the first power supply terminal. The turn-off control circuit is coupled to the variable clamp circuit and selects clamping levels of the variable clamp circuit during a transition from the active mode to an inactive mode of the circuit.

1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to power transistors, and more specifically, to power transistors with turn off control.
2. Related Art
Power transistors are used in a variety of applications, such as for the control of Direct Current (DC) motors. Power transistors typically operate at large voltages and draw large currents thus consuming large amounts of energy as compared to other components in the system. Furthermore, when such power transistors are turned off during operation, large peaks in power may occur which may damage other portions of the system. Therefore, a need exists for a power transistor having improved turn off control.

Power transistor with turn off control and method for operating


An extruded plastic strip contains abrasive grains or minerals embedded homogeneously therein throughout is scored along the machine or extrusion axis direction, such scoring including elliptical or pointed perforations with the long axis or generally pointed ends aligned with the scoring and parallel to the machine or extrusion axis. The preferred plastic material is a 612 nylon, although other plastics may be employed. The material is heat workable, yet relatively stiff and can be used to form a wide variety of power driven abrasive tools such as shown in applicant's prior application Ser. No. 07/471,385 filed Jan. 29, 1990 entitled "Abrasive Tool and Method of Making", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,945. The present application also discloses a rotary wheel type tool utilizing the perforated strip, and a method of making that tool using a gel type cyanoacrylate as an adhesive. With the strip of the present invention, rotary wheel tools as well as many other tools can economically be produced. In tool use, the strip fractures along the scoring and perforations to provide a tool having closely packed individual rectangular fingers, each with a major flat side facing the direction of rotation.

In such prior application there is disclosed an abrasive strip which comprises extruded nylon incorporating abrasive mineral or abrasive particulate matter homogeneously mixed therein throughout. The strip or tape of the prior application may be formed into a variety of useful abrading tools, particularly internal finishing tools. Some of the tools are formed by cutting the tape or strip to fit a variety of power drive arbors or hubs. Some of the tools are formed by heating the tape or strip followed by quenching to give the abrasive strip or elements a permanent desired curvature or configuration. In addition, the strip or tapes are scored in a manner to facilitate the handling of the strips or tapes to form various tools with the scoring being designed to promote fracture in operation of the tools so that the strip breaks apart in use into a plurality of rectangular fingers. The scoring of the strip is not easily accomplished so that controlled fracture results.
It has been discovered that the strip when extruded has a grain which extends in the direction of extrusion or along the extrusion machine axis. It has also been discovered that if the strip is scored parallel to the direction of extrusion it will fracture more readily, but fracture problems still, nonetheless, are encountered. It has also been discovered that the desired fracture may be obtained by incorporating in the scoring perforations of an elliptical or pointed configuration so that the fracture, in effect, takes place from one perforation to the next along the scoring lines.
In such prior application there is illustrated what might be termed a flap wheel made from such tape or strip. Conventionally, flap wheels are made from sandpaper flaps which are die cut to incorporate notches or holes by which the flaps are anchored into a hub. If desired, adhesive may be employed in addition to the mechanical anchor of the flap into the hub.
For rotary wheel brushes or other types of wheel tools, complex mechanical anchors are employed such as core wires about which the bristle material is folded. Such brushes are difficult and expensive to make and often require trimming at the tool face to provide a proper cylindrical work face.

Perforated strip abrading element and abrading tool and method using such strip element


An OTP memory cell and an OTP memory circuit. The OTP memory cell having a memory module, a write module, a read module, and a load module. Data may be written into the memory module once the write module is active; and data may be read out of the memory module once the read module is active. The OTP memory cell may also have a first latch module and a second latch module.

An OTP memory circuit is a non-volatile memory circuit with a simple process and low cost which is widely used in integrated circuit designs. Existing OTP memory circuit may comprise single-ended floating gate OTP memory circuit, fuse OTP memory circuit, and anti-fuse OTP memory circuit etc. A single-ended OTP memory circuit may often comprise a current-sense amplifier which is configured to compare a memory current signal to a reference current signal. Stored information of the OTP memory circuit will be read out according to the comparison result of the current-sense amplifier. In such instance, an additional reference circuit is needed to generate the reference current signal, wherein the reference circuit may mismatch with the memory circuit resulting in instability of the OTP memory circuit.
In a fuse OTP memory circuit, the fuse is blown typically with using an over-current flowing through it, so that a resistance value of the fuse is changed from tens of Ohms to tens of thousands of Ohms or higher for programming. Oppositely, in an anti-fuse OTP memory circuit, a resistance value of the anti-fuse is changed from tens of thousands of Ohms to tens of Ohms for programming. However, a fuse/anti-fuse operated as an OTP storage material is based on its dielectric breakdown characteristics. Resistance of a fuse/anti-fuse during programming is changed, and different fuse/anti-fuse has different resistance, so using a fuse/anti-fuse as a memory has stability problem. Meanwhile, a fuse OTP memory circuit needs a high-pressure storage transistor, thus the cell area of the OTP memory circuit is relatively large. In addition, a high programming voltage may be required in such application which is also a challenge for design and optimization of peripheral circuits.
Accordingly, a Floating gate Avalanche-injection Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (FAMOS) OTP memory circuit with stability, smaller area and less power dissipation is desired.

One-time programmable memory cell and circuit

Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems Co., Ltd.


A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes: a memory cell array including a plurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines, and memory cells disposed at each of intersections of the first lines and the second lines; and a control circuit configured to apply a first voltage to a selected first line, apply a second voltage having a voltage value which is smaller than that of the first voltage to a selected second line, and apply a third voltage and a fourth voltage to a non-selected first line and a non-selected second line, respectively. The control circuit is configured to apply a fifth voltage to one of the non-selected first lines that is adjacent to the selected first line, and apply a sixth voltage to one of the non-selected second lines that is adjacent to the selected second line.

1. Field
Embodiments described in the present specification relate to a semiconductor memory device configured as an arrangement of memory cells each storing data by a change in resistance value of a variable resistance element.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a resistance varying memory device employing a variable resistance element as a storage element has been receiving attention as a successor candidate of flash memory. Resistance varying memory devices are assumed here to include not only resistance varying memory in a narrow sense, that is, resistance varying memory that configures a transition metal oxide as a recording layer and stores a resistance value state of the transition metal oxide in a nonvolatile manner (ReRAM: Resistive RAM), but also phase change memory that employs chalcogenide or the like as a recording layer and uses resistance value information of a crystalline state (conductor) and an amorphous state (insulator) of the chalcogenide or the like (PCRAM: Phase Change RAM), and so on.
A memory cell array in a resistance varying memory device has memory cells disposed at intersections of bit lines and word lines, each memory cell being configured from a variable resistance element and a current rectifier element such as a diode or the like. In such a memory cell array, selection of a memory cell can be performed using the current rectifier element such as a diode or the like. Moreover, it is also possible for a high-density memory cell array to be realized by alternately stacking the bit lines and word lines to configure a three-dimensional stacked arrangement of memory cell arrays.
In a memory cell array having memory cells arranged at intersections of bit lines and word lines, when an operation is executed on a selected memory cell, a memory cell adjacent to the selected memory cell is sometimes affected by a voltage applied to the selected memory cell. In such a case, there is a possibility that leak current in the diode of the memory cell adjacent to the selected memory cell increases thereby causing an increase in power consumption or a faulty operation.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A semiconductor device is provided, the semiconductor device comprising a substrate having merged cavities in the substrate. An active region is over the merged cavities in the substrate. A thermally conductive layer is in the merged cavities in the substrate, whereby the thermally conductive layer at least partially fills up the merged cavities in the substrate. A first contact pillar connects the thermally conductive layer in the merged cavities in the substrate with a metallization layer above the active region.

Semiconductor device scaling leads to an increase in power density as more devices are packed onto a single chip. There is a need to transfer heat away from the devices during device operation in order to improve device performance and reliability. The heat generated may be transferred from the devices to an external heat sink.
Heat conduction from the devices to the external heat sink is inefficient as the heat is conducted through semiconductor device layers having a low thermal conductivity such as a substrate layer or dielectric layers. The inefficient heat transfer may cause the temperature of the devices to increase during device operation leading to degradation in device performance and poor reliability. Thus, there is a need for an improved semiconductor device to overcome the challenges mentioned above.

Substrate with a buried conductor under an active region for enhanced thermal conductivity and RF shielding


One embodiment of an optical medium includes a substrate, a data recording layer positioned on the substrate, a selectively transmissive layer positioned on the data recording layer, and a label recording layer positioned on the selectively transmissive layer, the label recording layer optically accessible at only certain wavelengths through the data recording layer and through the selectively transmissive layer.

Optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, may be recorded with digital data such as computer programs, music, photos, and movies. The optical media may also be recorded with a visible label that identifies the contents of the digital data. Decreasing the time required to record the data and the label on the optical media, and reducing the complexity of user interactions associated with the recording process, may be advantageous.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method for treating laundry and an inline washing machine that makes provision for water to be removed from the laundry selectively only in a water-removal press or in a water-removal press and a laundry centrifuge. Delicate items of laundry are subjected only to preliminary pressing in the water-removal press while water is then completely removed in the laundry centrifuge. In this way, a water-removal press can always be permanently arranged downstream of the washing machine and all the laundry, including delicate laundry, can pass through the water-removal press.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a method for treating laundry, in particular washing laundry, removing water from laundry and possibly drying laundry, such as a method for treating laundry, with the laundry being at least washed in a washing machine and at least some water being removed from said laundry in a subsequent water-removal press. The invention also relates to an inline washing system such as an inline washing system having a washing machine and a water-removal press which is arranged downstream of said washing machine.
2. Prior Art
Especially in commercial laundries, water is removed from laundry after said laundry has been washed and said laundry is then dried, mangled, finished and/or folded, depending on the type of laundry. Items of clothing are finished after water has been removed. Flat laundry is mangled after water has been removed. Other types of laundry, for example terry toweling, is only dried and then folded.
Water is removed from items of clothing in different ways depending on the type of clothing. For example, water is not removed from items of clothing in water-removal presses but rather in laundry centrifuges—also called spin-dryers. Different items of laundry can be washed in the same washing machine. However, after washing, water has to be removed from the items of laundry either in the water-removal press or in the laundry centrifuge, depending on whether the items of laundry are delicate or less delicate items of laundry. The water-removal presses and laundry centrifuges are generally fixedly associated with a specific washing machine. This requires a plurality of inline washing systems with in each case at least one washing machine which has an associated water-removal press and at least one further washing machine which has an associated laundry centrifuge. The items of laundry are then washed in that washing machine which is followed by the water-removal device which is suitable for the items of laundry. However, this has an adverse effect on flexibility in, in particular, commercial laundries if delicate and less delicate laundry is not to be washed in a balanced proportion.

Method for treating laundry and inline washing system


The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling a semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A control system includes a sensor unit capturing a set of data related to a gas pressure in the equipment, a sensor interface receiving the set of data and generating at least one input signal for a database server, and a control unit. The control unit includes a front end subsystem, a calculation subsystem, and a message and feedback subsystem. The front end subsystem performs a front end process to generate a data signal. The calculation subsystem performs an artificial intelligence analytical process to determine, according to the data signal, whether a malfunction related to the gas pressure has occurred and generate an output signal. The message and feedback subsystem generates an alert signal and a feedback signal according to the output signal and transmits the alert signal to a user.

The improvement of integration density has led to the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry. In many fabrication tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment such as the front opening unified pod (FOUP) form an indispensable part of the fabrication process. A malfunction of the FOUPs related to the gas pressure of a purge gas inside these FOUPs is often discovered after a large quantity of wafers have already been contaminated and scrapped. Human inspection and monitoring of the seal leaks in the FOUPs often result in lost processing time and defective products due to human error. Accordingly, systems and methods for controlling and monitoring the status of the FOUPs need to be effective in identifying leaking equipment, as well as providing advanced warnings of various equipment parameters.
This Discussion of the Background section is provided for background information only. The statements in this Discussion of the Background are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this Discussion of the Background section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this Discussion of the Background section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

System and method for controlling semiconductor manufacturing equipment


A semiconductor device comprises: a read queue configured to store one or more read requests to a semiconductor memory device; a write queue configured to store one or more write requests to the semiconductor memory device; and a dispatch block configured to determine a scheduling order of the one or more read requests and the one or more write requests and switch to the read queue or to the write queue if a request exists in a Row Hit state in the read queue or in the write queue.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a semiconductor device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a semiconductor device capable of scheduling read and write operations of a semiconductor memory device, and an operating method thereof.
2. Related Art
A semiconductor memory device like a Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) is normally controlled by a memory controller. The memory controller includes an arbitration block to schedule read requests and write requests from host.
Conventional memory controllers generally process read requests before write requests and the write requests have priority only when the number of write requests waiting in the queue is larger than a predetermined threshold value.
But the conventional memory controllers do not consider addresses of the read and write requests, which results in limiting the efficiency of the semiconductor memory device.

Semiconductor device and operating method thereof


A mobile station apparatus using aggregated cells to connect to a base station apparatus. The mobile station apparatus determines a cell and a random access channel, where the cell being one of the aggregated cells, the cell determined based on first information in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, the first information including a transmission setting of a random access channel on an uplink of the cell, the cell used to transmit a request an uplink radio resource which is required to transmit uplink data, and the random access channel for the radio resource request in a case that second information does not including an uplink control channel resource information for the radio resource request, the second information included in the RRC message.

In the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) that is a standardization project, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (hereinafter, referred to as EUTRA), which has realized fast communication by employing a flexible scheduling per predetermined frequency/time referred to as an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) communication scheme or a resource block, is now under study. In EUTRA, a mobile station apparatus makes a radio resource request (a scheduling request), thereby requesting radio resource allocation information (uplink grant) indicative of the transmission permission of a physical uplink shared channel, for transmitting uplink data, from a base station apparatus. The radio resource request is made by using a physical uplink control channel or a physical random access channel individually allocated to the mobile station apparatus (the detailed description of each channel will be described later).
In the radio resource request using a physical uplink control channel, a certain time is consumed before data is transmitted. Therefore, Non Patent Literature 1 proposes a contention-based data transmission method, wherein to a mobile station apparatus in which an uplink transmission timing is already adjusted, a base station apparatus newly allocates an uplink radio resource common to mobile station apparatuses using an uplink grant, and a mobile station apparatus having data to be transmitted transmits the data by using the uplink radio resource common to mobile station apparatuses, thereby reducing a delay time required to transmit uplink data. The uplink radio resource in this case is particularly referred to as also a contention-based radio resource.
Moreover, in the 3GPP, the discussion on Advanced EUTRA realizing faster data transmission and having upward compatibility with EUTRA is started. As the technique in Advanced EUTRA, carrier aggregation is proposed. The carrier aggregation is a technique for improving the data rate by aggregating and using a plurality of different frequency bands (referred to as also component carriers). Furthermore, it is also proposed that a mobile station apparatus communicating with a base station apparatus by using the carrier aggregation has a plurality of uplink transmission timings (Timing Advance) for each frequency or for each component carrier (Non-Patent Document 2).

Mobile station apparatus, base station apparatus, communication system, communication method, integrated circuit, and mobile station apparatus control program


A lockable torque-limiting driver includes a body and a sleeve received in a sleeve chamber of the body and secured therein by recesses inside the body. The sleeve is provided with projecting edges on the outer wall to be respectively fitted in the recesses of the body, plural recessed grooves at the inner wall for fixing an upper cam, and female threads at the inner wall to be screwed with the male threads of a torque-limiting member, further disposed with plural positioning serrations at topside and a center chamber inside. The upper cam and a lower cam respectively have one-way serrations to be mutually engaged. The torque-limiting member is fixed with positioning projections to be actuated to move on the positioning serrations of the sleeve and give out sounds by which a user can know a torque limiting extent desired.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lockable torque-limiting driver, particularly to one provided with a sleeve having its upper edge disposed with a plurality of positioning serrations, and a torque-limiting member having its upper side fixed with positioning projections. To adjust torque of the torque-limiting driver, a user only has to turn the torque-limiting member with fingers to let the male threads of the torque-limiting member engaged with the female threads of the sleeve and thus, by the number of sounds produced by the positioning projections moving on the positioning serrations, an adjuster is able to know a desired torque-limiting extent, needless to employ any external tool for adjusting torque of the torque-limiting driver and able to carry out adjustment quickly and accurately.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A first conventional torque-limiting driver, as disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,700B2, titled "LOCKABLE TORQUE-LIMITING DRIVER AND METHOD", has an adjustment plug 60 and a locking plate 75 in a first preferred embodiment, or an adjustment plug 67 and a locking plate 80 in a second preferred embodiment, or an adjustment plug 67 and a locking plate 100 in a third preferred embodiment combined together. Thus, an adjuster can turn the locking plate together with the adjustment plug with fingers to change a combination extent between the adjustment plug and a sleeve 29 for carrying out adjustment of torque. After being adjusted, the torque can be kept unchangeable by having the serrations 79 OF the body-engaging portion 77 of the locking plate engaged with a pair of prongs 29A of the sleeve 29.
A second conventional torque-limiting driver, as disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,269, titled "TORQUE LIMITING CLUTCH AND ITS USES" has a closure block 76 secured at an inner side of the end of a housing 40. Thus, the locking torque of a driven member 50 can be decided by adjusting the extent that the closure block 76 is locked in the housing 40.
A third conventional torque-limiting driver, as disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,978, titled "TORQUE WRENCH", has an adjusting screw 36 installed at a lower side of the main body of a housing. Thus, the locking torque of a socket tool 18 can be changed by adjustment of the adjusting screw 36.
The first conventional torque-limiting driver has torque-limiting means installed in the interior of a body so locking torque can be avoided being adjusted improperly, having an advantage that the equilibrium of locking torque can be achieved but a disadvantages that the torque-limiting means has to be disassembled in order to carry out torque adjustment. However, the second and the third conventional torque-limiting driver seen most frequently on the market can be freely adjusted by a user, unnecessary to disassemble the driver. But the first conventional torque-limiting driver has a complicated structure that the adjustment plug and the locking plate have to be produced independently and separately, increasing assembly work.


A data-providing service system of the present invention provides a user with data of an apparatus having a navigation function which outputs current position information. The data-providing service system provides a content provider such as restaurant, amusement, tourism guidance, hotel, music service and the like with content information, receives the content information, provides the user with information requesting membership registration, receives personal information from the user and provides the user with the content information. The content information includes link information for linking with personal information, and link information for linking primary judging information such as time information, climate information, environment information other than position information, or for linking with secondary judging information concerning the user such as personal identification information, hobby/taste information, using state/frequency information and the like. When current position information is outputted by the navigation function, the linked content information is outputted in accordance with the primary judging information or the secondary judging information.

In recent years, many of car navigation systems which have become widespread not only show a current position on a map but also show previously registered stores, gas stations and the like on the map.
There are services for providing advertisements provided by advertisement sponsors to general users using the Internet (e.g., Japanese Patent No. 2756483).
There are employed many systems for displaying information which matches to preset selection criteria from registered information on a terminal of a person who registered the information (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-222645).
However, services which can be displayed in the current car navigation system are not provided in accordance with hobby or taste of the user, and information suitable for weather or season is not provided.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a data-providing service system which provides music suitable for a purpose, a place or a season at the time of utilization, or which displays a restaurant or a roomage suitable for hobby and taste of a user.
It is another object of the invention to allow a user to obtain content information peculiar to that area utilizing a terminal installed in each place.

Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd.


A method and apparatus comprising a composite spar. The composite spar has a root section and a main section. The root section is closed and has a shape configured to be connected to a blade retention system. The main section has an open channel. The composite spar is configured for placement inside of a blade.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, in particular, to blades used on vehicles. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to composite propeller blades.
2. Background
A propeller is a mechanical structure that converts rotational motion into thrust. With a propeller, a pressure difference may be produced between the forward and rear surfaces of an airfoil-shaped blade. As a result, a fluid in which the propeller is located may be accelerated behind the blade. This fluid may be air or water.
With aircraft, the propellers convert rotary motion generated by aircraft engines to provide the force to move the aircraft. Propellers may be made of many different types of materials. Propellers have been made from materials, such as wood and metal. Current propellers may employ composite materials. When blades for a propeller are made from composite materials, the propeller may be lighter, stronger, and stiffer than a similar propeller made from metal.
The characteristics of composite materials that provide lighter, stronger and stiffer structures, however, may include additional challenges.
For example, connecting a blade to a hub shaped assembly for a propeller with fasteners may provide challenges. In this regard, the load at locations in which fasteners are used may provide points at which vibrations may generate inconsistencies. As a result, the useful life of the propeller may be significantly shortened.
One solution involves forming the entire blade and retention mechanism in a single structure. This design, however, may be more complex and expensive than desired.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as possibly other issues.


A composite simple plug includes an insulating case, a plurality of terminals, a plug for an Internet line or a telephone line, and a fastener. The insulating case has a trough. The terminals are located in the insulating case and are exposed to the trough. The connector is located at the front end of the insulating case and electrically connected with the terminals. The fastener is located near the front end of the insulating case. The insulating case is suitable for a variety of plugs. The composite simple plug can be connected with a plug for an Internet line, or is connected with a linking element. The converting method is simple. The fastener firmly fastens the plug for an Internet line or the linking element so that the plug for an Internet line will not come away from the composite simple plug.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite simple plug. In particular, this invention relates to a structure that is connected with a connector and a plug for an Internet line or a plug for a telephone. The connector can be replaced by a variety of connectors with different formats and the plug for an Internet line and the plug for a telephone are exchangeable.
2. Description of the Related Art
The converting plug can be converted into two different plugs according to requirements. For example, the plug for a telephone line can be converted into a plug for an Internet line.
The application patent U.S. Ser. No. 11/432531 is a related patent applied for by this invention. The composite simple plug includes an insulating case, a plurality of terminals, a connector, and a linking element. The terminals are installed in the insulating case, and electrically connected with the connector. The insulating case is directly pivoted with a plug for the Internet line. Furthermore, the insulating case can be pivoted with a linking element so that a plug for the telephone line can be plugged into the insulating case. However, this related case must utilize the linking element to convert a plug for an Internet line into a plug for a telephone line. It is inconvenient.

Pivoting adapter structure for assembling plugs


In a method for forming a tungsten plug interconnecting an upper level wiring conductor and a lower level wiring conductor insulated from each other by an interlayer insulator film, an adhesion layer is formed on the interlayer insulator film formed on the lower level wiring conductor. A photoresist layer is deposited on the adhesion layer, and an opening is formed in the photoresist layer. The adhesion layer is selectively removed by an isotropic etching using, as a mask, the photoresist layer having the opening formed therein, so that an opening retracted outwardly from the edge of the opening formed in the photoresist layer is formed in the adhesion layer. A hole is formed through the interlayer insulator film so that the lower level wiring conductor is exposed at a bottom of the hole, and a tungsten layer is formed in the hole of the interlayer insulator film so as to form a tungsten filling for the hole of the interlayer insulator film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and more specifically to a method for forming a hole filling plug.
2. Description of Related Art
As a technology for filling a fine contact hole or via-hole, a formation of a tungsten (W) plug by a blanket WCVD (tungsten chemical vapor deposition), has been reduced into practice, which is excellent in step coverage and low in resistance. This blanket WCVD method is a method of charging a W layer into a via-hole formed in an interlayer insulator film so as to form a plug.
Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, there are shown diagrammatic sectional views illustrating a process for forming a via-hole filling W plug in accordance with a conventional blanket WCVD process. As shown in FIG. 1A, an interlayer insulator film 33 is formed on a first TiN (titanium nitride) film 32 formed on a lower level wiring Al conductor 31, and a via-hole 33A is formed through the interlayer insulator film 33 by a conventional photolithography and an anisotropic dry etching, so that a portion of the first TiN film 32 is exposed at a bottom of the via-hole 33A.
Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, a second TiN film 34 is deposited by a sputtering so as to cover a whole surface including the bottom and a side wall of the via-hole 33A. Furthermore, a W (tungsten) layer 36 is deposited in the via-hole 33A and the surface of the interlayer insulator film 33, and succeedingly, the deposited W layer 36 is etched back so that the W layer 36 excluding the W layer filled in the via-hole 33A is removed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1C, a W plug consisting of the W layer 36 is formed in the via-hole 33A. This W plug consisting of the W layer 36 is used to interconnect the lower level wiring Al conductor 31 and a not-shown upper level wiring Al conductor which are insulated from each other by the interlayer insulator film 33.
In the above mentioned conventional process, the second TiN film 24 is formed as an adhesion layer, ordinarily by sputtering. In this sputtering process, a growth speed of the TiN film 34 is higher at an opening edge of the via-hole than at the other regions. As a result, it has been confirmed by experiments that, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the TiN film 34 has an overhanging portion 34A around the opening edge of the via-hole 33A. If the W layer is deposited by the blanket WCVD process in a condition that the TiN film 34 has the overhanging portion 34A, the deposited W layer 36 reflects the shape of the overhanging portion 34A of the TiN film 34, with the result that a void 39 occurs in the W layer 36 charged in the via-hole 33A. The cause for this is considered that since the overhanging portion 34A of the TiN film 34 projects inwardly from around the opening edge of the via-hole 33A, the overhanging portion 34A of the TiN film 34 becomes a growth core when the W layer 36 is deposited, and therefore, the W layer 36 starts to grow from around the opening edge of the via-hole 33A, so that the opening of the via-hole 33A is closed before the whole of the via-hole is completely charged or filled with the W layer 36.
In order to prevent the overhanging of the sputter-deposited TiN film from the opening edge of the via-hole 33A, it is considered, as shown in FIG. 2, to form the second TiN film 34 on the interlayer insulator film 33 by sputtering, then to form a via-hole 33A through the second TiN film 34 and the interlayer insulator film 33 by a conventional photolithography and an anisotropic dry etching, and thereafter to perform the blanket WCVD process. In this process, however, since an inner edge 34B of the TiN film 34 is exposed around the opening edge of the via-hole 33A, the inner edge 34B of the TiN film 34 becomes a growth core when the W layer 36 is deposited. As a result, a void 39 occurs in the W layer 36 filled in the via-hole 33A, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 1C. This has been also confirmed by experiment.
If the void 39 occurs in the W layer 36 filled in the via-hole 33A as shown in FIGS. 1C and 2, wiring defects such as disconnects are apt to occur easily. In order to prevent this problem, it is necessary to prevent generation of the void. For preventing generation of the void, it it required to suppress the growth of the W layer around the opening edge of the via-hole 33A, so that the W layer is uniformly grown from the bottom of the via-hole to fill the whole of the via-hole.

Method for forming a hole filling plug for a semiconductor device


An alpha-map encoding apparatus includes a first down-sampling circuit (21) for down-sampling an alpha-map signal which represents the shape of an object and the position in the frame of the object at a down-sampling ratio based on size conversion ratio information, an up-sampling circuit (23) for up-sampling the alpha-map signal at an up-sampling ratio based on size conversion ratio information given to restore the down-sampled alpha-map signal to an original size, and outputting a local decoded alpha-map signal, a motion estimation/compensation circuit (25) for generating a motion estimation/compensation signal on the basis of the previous decoded video signal and a motion vector signal, a second down-sampling circuit (26) for down-sampling the motion estimation/compensation signal at the down-sampling ratio, a binary image encoder for encoding the alpha-map signal down-sampled by the first down-sampling circuit to a binary image in accordance with the motion estimation/compensation signal down-sampled by the second down-sampling circuit, and outputting an encoded binary image signal, and a multiplexer for multiplexing and outputting the encoded binary image signal and the up-sampling ratio information.

Since a video signal has a large information volume, it is a common practice to compression-encode the video signal when it is transmitted or stored. In order to encode a video signal with high efficiency, an image in units of frames is divided into blocks in units of a predetermined number of pixels (for example, M×N pixels (M: the number of pixels in the horizontal direction, N: the number of pixels in the vertical direction)), each divided block is orthogonally transformed to separate the spatial frequency of the image into the respective frequency components, and these frequency components are acquired as transform coefficients and are encoded.
As one of video encoding methods, a video encoding method that belongs to the category called mid-level encoding is proposed in "J. Y. A. Wang et. al. "Applying Mid-level Vision Techniques for Video Data Compression and Manipulation", M.I.T. Media Lab. Tech. Report No. 263, February 1994,".
In this method, if an image including a background and a subject (the subject will be referred to as an object hereinafter) is present, the background and object are separately encoded.
In order to separately encode the background and object in this way, for example, an alpha-map signal as binary subsidiary video information that expresses the shape of the object and its position in a frame, is required. Note that the alpha-map signal of the background is uniquely obtained based on that of the object.
As a method of efficiently encoding this alpha-map signal, binary image encoding (e.g., MMR (Modified Modified READ) encoding or the like), or line figure encoding (chain encoding or the like) are used.
Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of encoded bits of the alpha-map, a method of approximating the contour of a given shape by polygons and smoothing it by spline curves (J. Ostermann, "Object-based analysis-synthesis coding based on the source model of moving rigid 3D objects", Signal Process. :Image Comm. Vol. 6 No. 2 pp. 143–161, 1994), a method of down-sampling and encoding an alpha-map, and approximating the encoded alpha-map by curves when it is up-sampled (see Japanese Patent Application No. 5-297133), and the like are known.
When an image in a frame is broken up into a background and object upon encoding the image, as described above, an alpha-map signal that expresses the shape of the object and its position in the frame is required to extract the background and object. For this reason, this alpha-map information is encoded to form a bit stream together with encoded information of an image, and the bit stream is subjected to transmission and storage.
However, in the method of dividing an image in the frame into a background and object, the number of encoded bits increases as compared to the conventional encoding method that simultaneously encodes an image in the frame, since the alpha-map must also be encoded, and the encoding efficiency lowers due to an increase in the number of encoded bits of the alpha-map.

Video encoding apparatus and video decoding apparatus


A metal protective coating is provided, which is obtained by mixing homogeneously a raw mixture, which contains water soluble silicate, promoter, silane coupling agent, silicon oxide packing, water soluble film formation resin, and water; wherein, the promoter is at least one selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl-hydroxyethyl cellulose, and their soluble salts; the silane coupling agent contains a first silane derivative shown in formula (1), wherein, R1, R2, and R3 are methoxyl or ethyoxyl respectively, and n is an integer with the range of 1-4. A hot-dip Zn metallic material and a hot-dip Al—Zn alloy metallic material are further provided. The protective film formed by the metal protective coating as provided has outstanding corrosion resistance, water resistance, thermal resistance, and fingerprint resistance properties.

Hot-dip metallic materials, including hot-dip Zn metallic materials and hot-dip Al—Zn metallic materials, are coated with a layer of metal protective coating on the surface to form a protective film, so as to prevent corrosion. Therefore, the properties of the metal protective coating are very important for corrosion protection of hot-dip metallic materials.
For example, the Chinese Patent Application No. CN101608306A discloses a passivating liquid, which also belongs to a metal protective coating, wherein, the passivating agent is a water solution that contains water soluble molybdenum compound, boric acid, water soluble organic substance, and silicasol, and the water soluble organic substance is a mixture of alcohol and organic carboxylic acid.
However, experiments have shown that the corrosion resistance, water resistance, thermal resistance, and fingerprint resistance of the protective film formed by the metal protective coating are still not good enough.

Metal protection coating, hot-dip Zn metallic material and hot-dip Al—Zn metallic material using the same

PANGANG GROUP PANZHIHUA IRON & STEEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.


An image pickup system includes: an image sensor that performs a rolling-shutter image pickup operation; a generator; an adding section that adds image pickup signals from an image pickup signal in a predetermined frame to an image pickup signal in an Nth frame, with the predetermined frame being set as a first frame; a light source; a signal output section that outputs a signal representing either a timing of start of readout of a first line in the predetermined frame or a timing of completion of readout of a last line in a frame immediately before the predetermined frame; and a light source control section that starts light emission after an input of the signal and terminates light emission in a period after completion of readout of a first line in an N-1th frame until before a start of a first line in the Nth frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pickup system, and more particularly to an image pickup system that obtains an image of an object using a CMOS image sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various techniques have been conventionally proposed for preferably picking up an image of an object using a CMOS image sensor (hereinafter, also referred to as a CMOS image pickup device).
Specifically, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-136447, for example, discloses an endoscope system configured to cause a light source to carry out pulse light emission in a predetermined period (non-readout period) within a period for one field determined by a field signal supplied to a CMOS image pickup device and cause the light source to stop pulse light emission in a period (readout period) other than the predetermined period within the period for one field. In other words, the Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-136447 discloses a method for suppressing brightness unevenness of an image picked up with the CMOS image pickup device by controlling the light emission state of the light source while operating the CMOS image pickup device by using another method different from the common rolling-shutter method which does not include a non-readout period.


A method for carrier tracking in AM in-band on-channel radio receivers comprises the steps of receiving an input signal, generating a local oscillator signal in response to an oscillator control signal, mixing the input signal with a local oscillator signal to produce a first signal, filtering the first signal to produce a filtered first signal at a decimated sample rate, detecting the phase error and frequency error of the filtered first signal normalized to mitigate effects of signal fades, and using an adaptive loop filter to produce the oscillator control signal in response to the phase error and frequency error of the filtered first signal. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

An in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital broadcasting system simultaneously broadcasts analog and digital signals in a standard AM broadcasting channel. One AM IBOC system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,022. The broadcast signal includes an amplitude modulated radio frequency signal having a first frequency spectrum. The amplitude modulated radio frequency signal includes a first carrier modulated by an analog program signal. The signal also includes a plurality of digitally modulated subcarriers within a bandwidth that encompasses the first frequency spectrum. Each of the digitally modulated subcarriers is modulated by a digital signal. A first group of the digitally modulated subcarriers lies within the first frequency spectrum and is modulated in quadrature with the first carrier signal. Second and third groups of the digitally modulated subcarriers lie outside of the first frequency spectrum and are modulated both in-phase and in quadrature with the first carrier signal. The subcarriers are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary partitions. Some of the subcarriers are complementary subcarriers.
The subcarriers must be acquired and tracked in the receivers prior to demodulation of the received signal. Although the performance of existing carrier tracking algorithms is assumed to be reasonably good, they are difficult to analyze or modify without extensive simulation and verification in all possible tracking modes and logic conditions within the tracking algorithms.
Therefore there is a need for a simpler method of carrier tracking that operates autonomously without explicit acquisition or coarse/wideband/narrowband tracking control.

Carrier tracking for AM in-band on-channel radio receivers


A tool quill for carrying out superfinish polishing of a fuel injector needle tip to insure proper sealing of a fuel injector has a universal joint which allows tilting of a polishing stone during the finishing operation to accommodate slight positioning errors between the stone and needle tip and their axes of rotation. Slight tilting movements occur against an elastic straightening force exerted on the universal joint to insure constant polishing pressure, which in turn insures accurate shaping of the polished tip surface.

This invention concerns the manufacture of fuel injectors and more particularly the injector needle which is utilized to control the discharge of fuel from the injector. The injector comprises a thin rod commonly referred to as a "needle," which has a hemispherical tip ground thereon, this tip engaged and disengaged from a conical valve seat surface during operation of the injector.
Pressurized fuel supplied to the injector discharges through a hole in the conical seat when the needle tip is unseated. When the tip is seated, fuel flow past the tip is prevented by a sealing engagement of the tip with the seat. Complete and reliable sealing engagement is critical, and it has been found that a very fine polishing or "superfinishing" of the needle tip to form a perfectly spherical shape is necessary to reliably and consistently achieve sealing when the needle engages the valve seat.
This polishing has in the past been carried out by a fine grit stone tool which is rotated about an axis inclined at a specified angle to the needle axis, the needle also rotated axis during polishing. A pocket forms in the stone tool has a pocket formed therein which engages the needle tip to polish the same.
According to current practice, the tool is mounted on a quill shaft which is allowed to axially float, while the stone is being lightly urged into engagement with the needle tip by a constant pneumatic pressure exerted on the holder shaft. The shaft is mounted in a bore to have a slight clearance and centered in o-rings which allow some lateral shifting of the polishing stone to the extent of the clearance.
However, slight variations in the relative offset position and inclination of the shaft and needle inevitably occur during production. These variations are not accommodated by the clearance space and cause slight interferences as the needle and stone each rotate about their respective axes. This in turn leads to variations in the polishing pressure as the needle and stone are rotated and ultimately introduces slight variations in the shape of the needle tip which, while slight, can nonetheless cause fuel leakage.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a tool quill for use in fuel injector needle polishing operations which accommodates slight variations in the orientation and position of the needle and polishing tool to ensure constant pressures as the tool is rotated about the perimeter of the needle tip.

Tool quill and method for finishing fuel injector needle tips


An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface. A first retaining device is connected to the first surface of the resilient core. The first retaining device includes an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. A second retaining device is connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core. The core deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices.

A known disc prosthesis is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,706. U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,706 discloses a prosthesis having an elastic core and casings attached to the core. The casings engage vertebrae and partially cover the core. Each of the casings has flaps and skirts that extend toward the opposite casing. The flaps and skirts are spaced from the core when the prosthesis is an uncompressed condition. The core engages the flaps and skirts upon maximum compression of the prosthesis.

Method and apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc


The systems and methods contained herein are directed toward automated analysis of agglutination reactions to determine properties of materials, including viruses and vaccines thereto. Advanced digital imaging and processing techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of viruses or antibodies within a fluid sample. The systems and methods are versatile, and can be used to determine specific properties of biomaterials and viruses, such as titer value, concentration, genotype, phenotype, serotype, vaccine efficacy, viral resistance and other properties of relevance in the medical, research and development fields. Also provided are systems and methods of standardization, repeatability, and data storage and transmittal to reduce errors and subjectivity inherent to conventional assays characterized by human readers.

Agglutination reactions play an important role in medical diagnostics as well as vaccine research and synthesis. For example, the presence or absence of agglutination can be used to determine the presence of either viruses or virus antibodies in a wide range of materials including blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory tract fluids, cell cultures, or egg cultures. Further, by diluting analytes over a range of concentrations, agglutination reactions can be used in a wide range of common medical practices including blood typing, diagnosis of viruses such as influenza or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, determination of viral titer or concentration and viral and bacterial serotyping.
Agglutination refers to the process in which surface binding between cells or other functionalized small particles (such as latex beads) and an antibody or complement causes the clumping of cells or particles to form larger complexes or interconnected networks of particles. These complexes become much more prone to remain suspended within a solution, and thus agglutination can be optically or visually detected by observing a solution of cells or particles. Cells or particles which are not agglutinated, referred herein as non-agglutinated, settle under the force of gravity to the bottom of a vessel, with the settled cells visually observable as a dark region or button on the bottom. Agglutination reactions are typically performed in 96 well plates of various dilutions. After the solutions are prepared, they are allowed to rest and non-agglutinated cells or particles drift to the bottom and become visible, forming the optically opaque button in the bottom of the vessel. In wells in which agglutination has taken place, the complexes remain suspended throughout the solution and the well liquid retains a uniform color without any optically observable button associated with the settled, non-agglutinated cells or particles. Then, based on the amount of dilution in the various wells combined with which wells agglutinated and which did not, a virus or antibody titer may be established. This process is complicated by the fact that the transition between agglutinated and non-agglutination often has a transitional appearance, where two to four dilutions in a series show a partial but incomplete degree of agglutination. Further, non-specific inhibition can occur where some other agent within the sample causes a less pronounced, but still noticeable agglutination reaction.
Unfortunately, because agglutination may be used with many different cell types, lines, particle types, and binding antibodies or agents, each type of reaction may have a different appearance making automation of determining whether or not agglutination has occurred difficult. Humans can easily differentiate between opaque buttons and transparent solutions and, accordingly, conventional practice is to use human expert readers to personally analyze each 96 well plate within 30 minutes of mixing of the reagents in order to determine if agglutination has occurred, and often, to determine a titer value. After 30 minutes, an agglutinated complex may also begin to settle and a new assay prepared to avoid erroneous readings. Due to differences in technique as well as inherent vulnerability arising from human subjectivity, titer values often differ between different laboratories or even different readers working in the same laboratory. The variance is pervasive to the point that titer values within one titer call or dilution factor of each other are still characterized as a correct reading. Thus, for a consensus titer value of 128 in a two-fold dilution series, a determination of a titer value of either 64 or 256 would be considered acceptably accurate.
Prior attempts have been made to automate the determination of agglutination and establishing titer values, but with limited success. For example, it has been established that laser light or other light may be focused through a well and agglutination determined based on the amount of light transmitted (Aubert et al., "Automated reading and processing of quantitative IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE isotypic agglutination results in microplates: Development and application in parasitology). Additionally, digital imaging has previously been suggested as a means for determining agglutination. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,962,256 to Kachurin et al. teaches the use of digital imaging, in conjunction with activated wells in which reactions occur on the well surface, to establish a measure of degree of agglutination based on ratio of the size of agglutination patterns and intensity within the agglutination pattern. The ratio is then correlated graphically to the ratio for a calibration curve to calculate concentration of an unknown. However, those methods fail to achieve reliable repeatability.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for systems and methods capable of detecting agglutination and establishing titer values which are automated, reduce or eliminate the need for expert human readers, provide greater standardization between different operators and laboratories and reliably detect agglutination or non-agglutination as well as non-specific inhibition and errors which may otherwise tarnish results.

Automated agglutination analyzer with contour comparison


A device to assist in cutting accurate portions of meat will measure the height of a loin of meat of known density and width while being wrapped around the loin, and will instruct the user how thick to slice a portion from the loin so that the portion weighs the desired weight.

Many restaurants which serve beef, pork, lamb, or veal steaks must slice individual portions of meat from a loin. The loins can vary in weight from 10 lb to 30 lb, but the loins generally have the same width and density throughout a certain type of meat. So, the restaurant will have loins that vary widely in weight, height, and length, but the restaurant has to produce portions of meat that are consistent with what the customer ordered. The variance of the loins makes it impossible for restaurants to have consistent portions or maintain cost-control.
Currently, many restaurants experience up to twenty percent waste when slicing portions of meat from a loin to serve to guests. The chef currently has to roughly estimate how thick to slice a portion of meat without using a device. This leads to error and waste if the chef slices a portion that is not thick enough, because they cannot serve a portion that weighs less than what the customer has ordered from the restaurant. The resulting waste makes it difficult for restaurants to estimate costs and profits from steaks, and steaks are often the most expensive item in a meal.
Therefore, it is believed that there is a need and a potential commercial market for an improved method with which to determine how thick to slice a portion of meat from the loin so that the portion weighs the desired weight.

Device to assist in cutting accurate portions of meat


Venting for component mounting pads of surface mount circuit boards allows the escape of gases from the junction between an electrical component and its associated mounting pad during soldering and facilitates a more complete and effective solder joint between the component base and pad. The venting may be accomplished by either one or more through holes in the board through the pads to allow undesirable gases to escape to the underside of the board, or by one or more solder free channels formed in the pad to allow the gases to escape through the periphery of the pad.

One common type of electronic circuit board is Surface Mounting Technology (SMT). As opposed to the most basic form of traditional through board mounting, in which electronic components such as IC's, transistors, and resistors are positioned on the top surface of a circuit board with their connection leads passed through holes in the board and soldered to conducting pathways on the bottom surface of the board, in the most basic form of SMT, conducting pathways run on the top surface of the circuit board to interconnect the electronic components, which are positioned on the top surface of the board with their connection leads soldered to the pathways on the top surface. SMT circuit boards are not limited to having all of their conductive pathways on the top surface of the board however. Two sided boards having pathways on the top and bottom surfaces and multi layered boards having pathways laminated within the board are also common forms of SMT. The pathways in differing layers may be electrically connected by conductive via's, which are most basically described as electrical connections that pass through holes drilled through the board from one pathway to another.
For certain components, the soldering of the leads to the lead pads on the pathways provides both the electrical and mechanical fastening of the component to the board. For other components, such as those with more significant mass or height, or those which generate heat during use, like IC's and high power transistors, Surface Mounting Pads (SMT pads) are formed on the top surface of the board, to which the component's base may be affixed. SMT Pads are planar solder coated or solder ready surfaces formed, usually by reverse etching, on and integral with the top surface of the board just under the intended location of the component's body.
SMT pads provide a structural foundation for securely soldering the component to the board to avoid reliance for mechanical affixation solely on the soldering of the leads. This reduces stress on the lead connections and improves connection reliability, particularly for components of more significant mass or higher profile which are more susceptible to lead connection stress. Additionally, SMT pads may be thermal sinks which conduct damaging heat from energy consuming and heat generating components such as IC's, thereby facilitating faster operating speeds and higher power consumption.
SMT pads may further provide an electrical connection, most often a grounding, of the component base to the circuit. Surface mounting electrical components intended for affixation to SMT Pads generally have a metallic base or base plating which may be physically integrated with the component body and which may be thermally connected to the heat generating elements of the component. This metallic base may have a flat bottom surface. The metallic base may be made of or plated with a solder compatible material, such as copper or tin.
SMT pads are generally sized and shaped according to standardized footprints that match the base surface size and shape of the components that will be mounted on the pad. This provides the most effective mechanical affixation, and the most efficient thermal and electrical communication. A coating of flux may be layered between the SMT Pad and the component base prior to positioning the component on the board, with the goal of facilitating a complete and void free solder bond between the SMT Pad and base during soldering. When the component is properly positioned on the top surface of the board, each lead is positioned atop its related lead connection pad on the board, and the metallic base is positioned atop and aligned with the SMT Pad. The flat bottom surface of the base preferably lies directly on and against the flat surface of the SMT pad. A common technique for soldering the components to the board is to pass the board, with all components in place, through an oven to melt the solder. This preferably results not only in the electrical solder connection of the leads to the pathways, but also in the molten solder completely filling the space between the component bases and their associated SMT Pads, hopefully expelling any gas there from.
Due to the plane to plane relationship between the component base and SMT Pad, a common manufacturing problem during soldering is the creation or entrapment of gases within the thin space between the components and pads. Air existing in these junctions prior to soldering due to any non-planarity of either surface may become entrapped, say for instance when the perimeter of the base is soldered before soldering is complete. Off-gases from the soldering process or from oxidation of impurities in the solder may also develop in the junction.
Reduction of mechanical strength of the base to SMT Pad solder joint is one problem resulting from such gas voids. Additionally, the reduction in thermal and electrical conductivity between the base and the SMT pad can create significant performance and reliability problems for the associated component and the entire circuit, which is difficult to initially detect by any known inspection technique. Also, entrapped gases may expand as the component heats up during use, thereby causing pressure between the component and circuit board which may lead to numerous other types of component and circuit failures which are difficult to detect during initial testing. And entrapped gases may cause catastrophic failures in circuit boards used in high or low pressure environments, such as underwater or in deep space.


In a method for protecting security-relevant data in a cache memory, a copy of this security-relevant data from a general memory is stored in the cache memory, and the method includes stipulating obfuscation parameters, determining a first cache set address from a memory address of the general memory at which the security-relevant data are stored, generating a first modified cache set address for a first cache set with a generation function using the obfuscation parameters and the first cache set address, and storing the copy of the security-relevant data using the first modified cache set address in a first cache line of the first cache set.

Particularly in cryptographic applications, this is a critical side channel, which can lead to the loss of secret keys to an attacker if a suitable evaluation is made for example. The attacks benefit from the fact that the assignment of addresses in the working memory to the position in the processor cache has only a low variability and thus can be evaluated statistically. Generally an attempt is made to obtain information about the variation of the cache content through the process to be analyzed, for example a cryptoalgorithm.
A common strategy is the evict-and-probe method. An analysis process initially fills the cache with its own data and then measures memory access times. In so doing, for example, cache hits or a cache miss can be measured. If this analysis is performed over a longer period of time, conclusions can be drawn regarding the security-relevant data of a cryptomethod, for example cryptographic keys for the AES method, and it is possible for an attacker for example to reconstruct this security-relevant data.

Method for protecting security-relevant data in a cache memory


A reading circuit comprises a current mirror circuit connected, at a first and a second output node, to the drain terminals of an array cell and of a reference cell; a comparator whose inputs are connected to the output nodes of the current mirror circuit; a ramp generator having an enabling input connected to the output of the comparator and an output connected to the control terminal of the reference cell. Biasing the gate terminal of the array cell to a constant voltage, when the currents flowing in the array cell and in the reference cell are equal, the value assumed by the ramp voltage is proportional to the threshold value of the array cell; at that time the comparator is triggered and discontinues the ramp increase, supplying as output the desired threshold value.

As is known, a memory cell is typically read by biasing the gate terminal of the cell (via a word line to which the gate terminal is connected) to a reading voltage V.sub.PCX of predetermined value and by forcing a biasing current I.sub.f into a bit line, to which the drain terminal of the cell to be read is connected. When the selected cell is kept in the linear region, the following equation applies: EQU I.sub.f =K*(W/L)*[(V.sub.PCX -V.sub.th)-V.sub.DS /2]*V.sub.DS(1)
in which K is a constant related to the manufacturing process, W/L is the width/length dimensional relationship of the cell, V.sub.th is the threshold voltage of the cell (i.e., the minimum voltage to be applied between the gate and source terminals of the cell to start to conduct current) and V.sub.DS is the drain-source voltage across the cell.
When the cell is appropriately biased, the voltage V.sub.DS is constant and the term V.sub.DS /2 is negligible with respect to the term (V.sub.PCX -V.sub.th). Consequently, the current I.sub.f flowing through the cell is linearly dependent on the threshold voltage V.sub.th and (1) becomes: EQU I.sub.f =K*(W/L)*(V.sub.PCX -V.sub.th)*V.sub.DS (2)
Various circuits for reading the threshold voltage V.sub.th have been proposed. However, these circuits are not precise or rapid enough because the threshold value and the electrical characteristics of the cells are strongly dependent on temperature and because the cell has a low transconductance and high parasitic capacitances.

Circuit and method of reading cells of an analog memory array, in particular of the flash type


Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to improved electronic gaming device (“EGD”) designs for facilitating access and serviceability of the EGD's service light assembly. In at least some embodiments, the improved EGD design features allow for the EGD's service light assembly to be fully assembled, disassembled and/or serviced from the front of the EGD by accessing the interior of the EGD cabinet from a hinged main door assembly which configured to open upwards.

Gaming in the United States is divided into Class I, Class II and Class III games. Class I gaming includes social games played for minimal prizes, or traditional ceremonial games. Class II gaming includes bingo games, pull tab games, lotto, keno, and other similar games. Class III gaming includes any game that is not a Class I or Class II game, such as a game of chance typically offered in non-Indian, state-regulated casinos. Many games of chance that are played on wager-based gaming devices fall into the Class II and Class III categories of games.
Electronic gaming devices such as video slot machines and video poker machines are becoming increasingly popular. Part of the reason for their increased popularity is the nearly endless variety of games that can be made available for play on a single gaming device. Advancements in video and electronic gaming enable the operation of more complex games that would not otherwise be possible on mechanical-driven gaming devices or personal computers. For reference purposes, electronic wager-based gaming devices may be referred to as "EGDs" ("EGD" in singular form) or electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
Various games, particularly the Class II and Class III categories of games, can be implemented as server-based games in a server-client system. In a server-based gaming arrangement, a gaming server serves multiple gaming devices as clients. For example, a casino can include a plurality of EGDs located on the game floor, and a connected gaming server located in a back room of the casino. Generally, the games and capabilities of and EGD depend on the central server. Games can be downloaded from the central server to the EGDs for execution, for instance, when initiated by casino operations management. Alternatively, the central server can execute the games and output game data to the EGDs.
To enhance the gaming experience, there are a number of peripheral components/devices that can be connected to EGDs. Examples of these devices include player tracking units, lights, ticket printers, card readers, speakers, bill acceptors/validators, ticket readers, coin acceptors, display panels, key pads, coin hoppers, button pads, service lights, and the like. These peripheral devices are built into the EGD or otherwise attached to the EGD.
In the heavily regulated field of wager-based gaming, EGDs and their associated peripheral devices are required to be compliant with current wager-based gaming regulatory standards such as, for example, the well-known GLI standards, which have already been approved in various gaming jurisdictions. One example of a GLI standard is the GLI-11 standard version 3.0, Published Sep. 21, 2016 by Gaming Laboratories International, LLC, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.
One important consideration for casino operators relates to the ability of EGD service technicians to quickly access and service EGDs deployed in "the field" (e.g., EGDs deployed on a casino floor) while also maintaining proper levels of security. For example, if a component of an EGD needs to be inspected, serviced, and/or tested, a service technician may be dispatched to the EGD's location in order to perform the desired service/testing/inspection in the field.
Traditionally, many gaming machine manufactures design their EGD cabinets to conform with established industry standards, such as, for example, not exceeding a total width of 28 inches. EGDs which are configured or designed to confirm with industry standards allow for casino establishments to more efficiently utilize and maximize available floorspace, for example, by deploying banks of adjacent EGDs as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 13. However, EGDs which are deployed in banked configurations offer little, if any, serviceability from the sides.
In many situations, the servicing, changing the color of the service light assembly, and/or inspection of an EGD service light assembly (and/or its components) requires access to the service light assembly, and may require removal or detachment of the service light assembly from the gaming machine cabinet. In many EGD designs such as, for example, the Orion Slant EGD (sold by AGS LLC of Las Vegas, Nev.), the service light assembly is accessible via opening of the main door of the EGD, which provides access to the EGD components located at the interior of the EGD cabinet.
However, in at least some EGD designs, the main door may be hinged to the cabinet at the top and may be configured or designed to open upwards. When the main door is opened upwards, it may block access to the attendant light from the front. In such situations, the only accessible area to service and mount/dismount the service light assembly is from inside the cabinet. Security must be maintained and therefore exposed fasteners (e.g., at the exterior of the gaming cabinet) cannot exist. Additionally, industrial design ("ID") considerations also need to be maintained from the outside in the closed position, including, for example, maintaining a combination of low-profile, sleek design, and no exposed fasteners.
Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved EGD design for facilitating access and serviceability of the EGD's service light assembly, particularly with respect to EGDs which include a main door that opens upward. A further object is to provide an improved EGD design which allows for the service light assembly to be modified, configured, assembled, disassembled and/or serviced from the interior of the EGD cabinet with the main door open and without requiring access to the sides, back or top of the cabinet.

Gaming machine design for facilitating serviceability of attendant light assembly


A new geranium cultivar particularly distinguished by the semi-double red flowers. The plant itself is strong and basal branching, growing to a height of 16-20 cm. as a 6 inch potted plant.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct tetraploid cultivar of geranium, botanically known as Pelargonium hortorum Bailey. The new cultivar is propagated from a seedling resulting from the cross of two tetraploid, unreleased, proprietary, inbred lines: a red color single flower seed parent derived from one of our breeding lines known as 800-1 and a pollen parent known as 718-3, that is a red colored semi-double flowered plant.
This new plant is a product of a planned breeding program intended to create new geranium cultivars with red colored semi-double flowers, green foliage, with vigorous growth and superior cutting productivity.
The new cultivar was created in 1988 in Gilroy, Calif. and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced by cuttings in Gilroy, Calif. and Guatemala over a four year period. It has also been trialed at Okemos, Mich. It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive propagations; and this novelty appears to be firmly fixed.


Hydrostatic transmission comprises a radial piston pump assembly having an axis of rotation and a gear motor. A hydrostatic fluid pathway extends between the gear motor and the radial piston pump such that the gear motor is fluidly coupled to the radial piston pump, wherein the gear motor comprises at least one gear which is capable of being rotatably driven by a fluid being transported along the fluid pathway. Preferably, a piston guide retains the piston heads against the corresponding slippers without requiring any kind of direct mechanical linkage to maintain such coupling. The present invention further provides a hydraulic shock absorber which absorbs pressure pulses generated by a rotating rotary cylinder block of a radial piston assembly, which may be either a pump or a motor.

Small vehicles, such as lawn mowers, lawn and garden tractors, snow throwers, and the like, include an energy source, such as an internal combustion engine, which is used to provide power for rotatably driving an axle which is coupled to wheels which are to be rotatably driven. Most typically, the energy source operates at a single, rotary mechanical speed. Yet, for practical reasons, the axle needs to be able to be rotatably driven at a variety of forward, reverse, and/or neutral speeds. Accordingly, such vehicles may incorporate a transaxle which is used to convert the single speed, rotary mechanical motion of the energy source into a variety of output speeds.
Generally, a transaxle comprises a transaxle input shaft which is operationally coupled to the energy source, a transaxle output shaft, e.g., an axle, which is operationally coupled to the items, e.g., wheels, which are to be rotatably driven, and transaxle componentry which operationally couples the transaxle input shaft to the transaxle output shaft. It is the transaxle componentry which converts the single speed, rotary mechanical motion received from the energy source into a variety of output speeds for rotatably driving the output shaft.
Variable speed transaxles have been developed which control output speed through a single lever. In a typical mode of operation, the lever is moved forward to move the vehicle in the forward direction or pulled backward to move the vehicle in the reverse direction. The farther forward or backward the lever is displaced, the faster the vehicle travels in the corresponding direction.
One form of variable speed transaxle now in use includes a hydrostatic transmission of the type including a hydrostatic pump fluidly coupled to a hydrostatic motor. The hydrostatic pump converts rotary mechanical motion of an input shaft into controllably variable fluid motion. The motor converts such fluid motion back into variable rotary mechanical motion. The rotary mechanical output of the motor is then transferred to the axle by componentry such as a mechanical gear train. The rotational speed outputted by the motor and transmitted to the axle depends, in substantial part, upon the flow rate of the fluid being pumped.
Radial piston pumps and radial piston motors have both been widely used in hydrostatic transmissions of previously known transaxles. A radial piston pump and motor each generally include a rotary cylinder block including radially disposed cylinder bores. The bores house pistons which are capable of reciprocating motion within the bores. The rotary cylinder block is rotatably mounted inside a track ring. The heads of the pistons are coupled to the track ring by slippers which travel around the inside of the track ring as the rotary cylinder block rotates. The track ring is disposed eccentrically around the rotary cylinder block so that the pistons are pulled out of the bores on one side of the rotation cycle (i.e., the suction part of the cycle) and are driven into the bores on the other side of the rotation cycle (i.e., the discharge part of the cycle).
In operation, the rotary cylinder block of the pump is rotatably driven by an input shaft, thus causing the pump pistons to reciprocate in the pump cylinder bores. Such reciprocation creates a pumping action for transporting hydrostatic fluid to and from the motor which is fluidly coupled to the pump. The transport of the fluid creates a pressurized fluid flow that drives the motor pistons. This, in turn, causes the motor rotary cylinder block to rotate within the motor track ring. Rotation of the motor rotary cylinder block rotatably drives a motor output shaft. The track ring of the pump is pivotable, which allows the operator to vary the eccentricity of the track ring relative to the pump rotary cylinder block. Generally, increased eccentricity increases the length of the pump piston stroke, and a longer piston stroke corresponds to higher output speeds. Thus, by pivoting the track ring, the operator controls output speed. The pump track ring can also be pivoted in two directions away from a neutral setting. One direction corresponds to a forward mode of operation, and the other corresponds to a reverse mode of operation. Whereas the pump track ring is pivotable, allowing the operator to control output speed and direction, the motor track ring is most typically eccentrically fixed relative to the motor rotor cylinder block. U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,966 (von Kaler), as one example, describes a particularly effective and reliable hydrostatic transmission for a transaxle in which the transmission includes a radial piston pump fluidly coupled to a radial piston motor.
A radial piston pump is one of the most efficient and effective ways for converting rotary mechanical motion into fluid motion. However, a radial piston motor is somewhat less efficient at converting fluid motion back into rotary mechanical motion. Accordingly, it would be desirable to improve the efficiency of the motor component of a hydrostatic transmission of the type including a radial piston pump so that the overall efficiency of the transmission could be improved.
In previously known radial piston pump and motor assemblies, the piston heads are typically coupled to the slippers by a direct mechanical linkage such as rivets, pins, and the like. Although reliable as far as the operator is concerned, such linkage tends to increase the complexity, parts count, expense, and/or time required for transmission assembly. It would be desirable, therefore, to simplify the manner in which the piston heads are coupled to the slippers.
Radial piston pump and motor assemblies tend to be subject to vibration forces which arise due to the substantial pressure differences between the suction and discharge sides of the rotary cylinder block. For example, the discharge side of a rotary cylinder block of a radial piston pump may be typically characterized by a discharge pressure on the order of 1500 psi, whereas the suction side of the rotary cylinder block may be characterized by a suction pressure on the order of -5 psi. When the rotary cylinder block rotates at ordinary rotational speeds, e.g., 1500 to 4000 rpm, such pressure differences tends to set up vibrations that are not only noisy, but may also be severe enough such that the vibrations could even damage the transmission if not controlled properly. Previously, transaxles have employed mechanical means, e.g., clamps, to help hold a radial piston assembly in proper position and thereby attempt to overcome vibrations by physical clamping force. Such techniques, however, do not eliminate the magnitude of the vibration forces, thus requiring the mechanical means to absorb and control the full magnitude of such forces. Accordingly, there is a need to provide such transmissions with a way to reduce the magnitude of the vibration forces in order to reduce, and even eliminate, the demands placed upon the mechanical means used to absorb and control such forces.


A positioning control system is used to control the stoppage of a conveyed article stably and with good repeatability with a magnetic conveyor system element on the receiving side when a conveyed article is passed between magnetic conveyor device elements in a noncontacting magnetic conveyor system configured from at least two magnetic conveyor system elements. The system comprises two independently operating magnetic conveyor system elements, and is provided with drive shafts 18A-18C, each of which has helical magnetic poles at its surface, and a guide path 14 along which a carrier 13 travels, and the carrier is equipped with magnetic poles of equal pitch to the pitch of the helical magnetic poles. When the rotary shafts rotate, the carrier moves over the guide path by a magnetic coupling action and is passed between the magnetic conveyor system elements. The system further includes a rotation angle sensor 34 which senses a specific rotation angle of the drive shaft, a position check sensor 35 which senses the reception of the carrier, and control units 32A and 32B which position the carrier when the sensing of both sensors 34, 35 has been performed synchronously.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a positioning control system for a noncontacting magnetic conveyor system, and in particular, it relates to a system that controls the positioning of a tray in a vacuum chamber on the receiving side when the tray is magnetically conveyed in a contact-free manner between vacuum chambers.
2. Description of Related Art
Rack and pinion mechanisms, roller drive mechanisms, and chain drive mechanisms have hitherto been widely employed when articles are conveyed in vacuum environments. These are called contacting transmission methods, in which the driving force is transferred by contacting action. Such drive mechanisms suffer from pronounced wear at the sliding parts in vacuum environments, where frictional coefficients are high and lubricating oil cannot be used. There has been a problem in that large quantities of dust particles (particulates) occur at the sliding parts. Furthermore, since the frictional coefficient is high, the clearance of the contacting parts must also be increased, and such drive mechanisms have obstructed the precise movement of trays.
However, a strong demand has arisen in recent years for a substantial reduction in the quantities of dust particles adhered to electronic components, typically semiconductor devices. Ideally a drive mechanism in which the occurrence of dust particles has been completely eliminated would be desirable. Various methods have already been proposed for conveyor systems with noncontacting transfer. Of these, the methods with a relatively simple structure are those that use magnetic coupling (referred to as "magnetic conveyor systems" in the following). Proposed magnetic conveyor systems include a linear conveyor mechanism using a helical magnetic circuit (U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,816 or 198/619 XR 414/217) and a magnetic screw used as a feed system in the field of machine tools (Unexamined Published Japanese Patent Application (JP-A) No. H7-280060).
The above-mentioned magnetic conveyor system that uses a helical magnetic circuit to perform linear conveying is equipped with a cylindrical rotary drive member having helical magnetic poles at its surface, and a conveyor path that conveys the moving body. The moving body is equipped with magnetic poles of the same pitch as the pitch of the helical magnetic poles. With such a mechanism, when the rotary drive member rotates, the moving body moves over the conveyor path according to the direction of rotation of the rotary drive member based on the magnetic coupling between the helical magnetic poles of the rotary drive member and the magnetic poles of the moving body.
In a substrate processing system, a tray loaded with one substrate, or with two or more substrates, is conveyed through each process chamber of a plurality of serially arranged process chambers and the substrates are processed in each process chamber. When the abovementioned noncontacting magnetic conveyor system is used to convey trays in such a substrate processing system, noncontacting magnetic conveyor system elements including the above-mentioned rotary drive member and conveyor path must be provided individually for each process chamber. When the tray is conveyed between process chambers in this sort of magnetic conveyor system, the tray must be passed over continuously and smoothly from the magnetic conveyor system element of one process chamber to the magnetic conveyor system element of the neighboring process chamber.
For continuous conveying, when a conveyed article such as a tray is passed over between two independent noncontacting magnetic conveyor system elements, the conveyed article must be stopped at a set position inside the process chamber in the magnetic conveyor system element that has received the conveyed article. Hitherto, pulse motors have been used to perform positioning control with high precision. Positioning with a conventional pulse motor involves determining the time at which the conveyed article is directly sensed by a sensor as the origin of the pulse motor of the magnetic conveyor system in the process chamber on the receiving side.
When a conveyed article is magnetically conveyed in a contact-free manner by magnetic conveyor system elements provided separately in each process chamber, there is no contact between the conveyed article and the rotary drive member when the conveyed article is passed between the magnetic conveyor system elements, and thus vibration (shaking) of the conveyed article occurs in the direction of travel due to inertia. As a result, errors arise in sensing the position of the conveyed article. With the conventional method whereby the conveyed article is sensed by just one sensor, errors (variation) have arisen with respect to the sensed stopping position. Furthermore, there have already been methods whereby a mechanical stopper projects out at the stopping position when a sensor has sensed the conveyed article approaching the stopping position, thereby forcing the conveyed article to stop at the stopping position. However, this has had drawbacks such as dust particles occurring due to collision between the conveyed article and the stopper, and wear occurring on the stopper.

Positioning control system for a non-contacting magnetic conveyor system