A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) connection apparatus includes a first connector for connecting to a PD fluid fill line; a second connector in fluid communication with the first connector, the second connector including a filter configured to allow air but not fluid to pass through the filter; and an air-tight cap manually removeable and resealable to the second connector so as to selectively expose the filter to allow air trapped in a patient's peritoneum to be vented to atmosphere.

The present disclosure relates to medical fluid treatment and in particular to the prevention and removal of air from a patient's peritoneal cavity.
One problem that patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis ("PD") treatment or a laparoscopic procedure can encounter is air becoming trapped in the patient's peritoneal cavity or pneumoperitoneum. Introduction of air into the patient's peritoneal cavity can cause pain. The gas can exert pressure on the patient's diaphragm and affect breathing. The air or gas pressure can also exert pressure on the patient's phreuic nerve, which produces a sensation of pain that may extend all the way to the patient's shoulders.
One source of air entering the patient is air from solution bag lines. The air becomes trapped in the solution bag lines (sometimes called pigtails), for example, during manufacture, shipping or upon connection of the lines for treatment. If the solution bag lines are not purged properly, the trapped air can enter the patient. This is especially true for longer pigtail or solution bag lines. A first need accordingly exists to prevent air from becoming trapped in the patient line during manufacture or therapy setup.
When the patient does experience air trapped in his/her peritoneal cavity, current practice is to wait for the gas to be absorbed by the patient's body. Such procedure can take a number of days depending on the amount of air that needs to be absorbed. Another need therefore exists for quickly removing air from the patient's peritoneal cavity when such situation does occur, so that the patient does not have to wait for his/her body to absorb the air volume.

Systems and methods for removing air from the patient's peritoneal cavity


A concrete or other roofing tile is provided which simulates wood shake roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration. The simulated wood shake configuration includes an angled cut portion by means of a butt treatment, and also includes the use of an elongate medial slot which has a rectangular configuration.

In the field of roofing, it is known to provide roof tiles made of concrete, clay or other materials, in order that said tiles may be placed atop building structure to provide protection from the elements.
Various methods have been developed for producing concrete tiles, which can vary depending on the shape of the tiles in question. Typically, wet concrete is dispensed onto a moving pallet, and the pallet is passed under a roller and slipper to form and then shape the tile. A knife assembly cuts to length the tiles. The wet concrete is cured and then removed from the pallet to provide the complete tile.
Examples of tiles provided by the prior art are disclosed in several patents. Some of these patents include U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,766 to Nicholas, entitled "Multi-Color Concrete Tiles and Method and Apparatus for Making Same", U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,895 to Fefield, entitled "Roof Tiles", and U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,536 to Bamber, et al., entitled "Roof Tile".
Although present tile configurations may in some cases include advantages, there is always a need for improvement.
Therefore there may be seen a need in the art for a lightweight roof tile which simulates wood shake or other types of roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration.


A gauge for measuring heat flux, especially heat flux encountered in a high temperature environment, is provided. The gauge includes at least one thermocouple and an anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body that covers at least part of, and optionally encases the thermocouple. Heat flux is incident on the anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body by arranging the gauge so that the gauge surface on which convective and radiative fluxes are incident is perpendicular to the basal planes of the pyrolytic graphite. The conductivity of the pyrolytic graphite permits energy, transferred into the pyrolytic graphite body in the form of heat flux on the incident (or facing) surface, to be quickly distributed through the entire pyrolytic graphite body, resulting in small substantially instantaneous temperature gradients. Temperature changes to the body can thereby be measured by the thermocouple, and reduced to quantify the heat flux incident to the body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gauge for measuring heat fluxes, especially in high temperature, highly corrosive environments. In particular, the present invention relates to a gauge for measuring heat fluxes in rocket motor nozzles, including sub-scale and full-scale rocket motor nozzles, heat shields of re-entry vehicles, rocket motor combustion chambers, and metal processing. This invention also relates to a method of measuring heat fluxes with the gauge in various high temperature, corrosive environments.
2. Description of the Related Art
Solid rocket motors typically include an outer case or shell housing a solid propellant grain which, in the case of a hybrid motor, is a solid fuel or oxidizer grain. The rocket motor case is conventionally manufactured from a rigid, yet durable, material such as steel or filament-wound composite. The propellant is housed within the case. There are several basic propellant grain configurations known in the art (and compatible with the use of this invention) for loading propellant within the case. The two most commonly used configurations are the center-perforated grain configuration and the end burning grain configuration. In the center-perforated grain configuration, the flame front advances radially from the center perforation towards the outer case. On the other hand, in the end-burning grain configuration the flame front advances axially from the nozzle end of the motor towards the forward dome.
During firing, oxidizing agents of the propellant serve to drive combustion reactions in a combustion chamber to form large quantities of combustion products, which are expelled from the rocket motor through a nozzle in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. Nozzles are designed to accelerate the combustion product gases from the propellant grain to the maximum velocity at the exit. To achieve this end, nozzles usually have forward walls converging to a restricted throat region and aft walls diverging from the throat region to a larger exit area, thus defining a converging/diverging contoured pathway. The nature of compressible gases is such that a converging/diverging nozzle increases the exit gas velocity and thereby thrust. The proportions of the mass flow pathway, particularly the ratio of area at the exit plane to area at the throat, establish how efficiently the nozzle converts pressure in the mass flow stream to thrust produced by the motor. It is within the purview of those skilled in the art to design a nozzle throat to optimize the ratio of exit area to throat area.
During operation, combustion of solid rocket propellant generates extreme conditions within the case and along the contoured nozzle pathway of the rocket motor. For example, temperatures inside the rocket motor case can exceed 2760xc2x0 C. (5,000xc2x0 F.), and interior pressures can exceed 1,500 psi. These factors combine to create a high degree of turbulence for particles entrained in the combustion gases.
A heat insulating layer (insulation) protects the rocket motor case from the hot gas and highly erosive particle streams generated by the combusting propellant. Typically, the propellant grain is bonded to the insulation and/or non-insulated portions of the case by use of a lining layer (liner). In addition to its adhesive function of bonding the propellant to the insulation and any non-insulated portions of the case, the liner also supplements the insulator by functioning to inhibit the burning surface of the propellant grain when the propellant/liner interface is exposed to an approaching flame front. Additionally, the liner isolates propellant within the case from the environment and prevents leakage of combustion gases or liquid into or through the case.
Likewise, the contoured nozzle pathway, including the restricted nozzle region, must also be insulated to withstand the elevated temperatures and pressures of the combustion products, as well as the erosive effects of turbulent particles entrained within the combustion gas. Carbon-based and silica-based ablative materials are highly advantageous for use as nozzle insulation due to their excellent ablative properties, low cost, and relatively light weight.
It is widely acknowledged in the industry, however, that carbon-and silica-based insulation and ablative materials, such as those present at case insulation-to-propellant interfaces and those defining nozzle contour pathways, are highly susceptible to recession at high operating temperatures. Convective and radiative heating of the ablative materials by the combustion products increases the vulnerability of the ablative materials to recession. As incident heat is conducted to the nozzle throat ablative material, the ablative material tends to decompose into pyrolysis gases and residual carbon, which are carried away with the propellant combustion gases. If not accounted for, the recession of the nozzle throat inner surface during motor operation may become a source of several problems in rocket operation, including decreased efficiency and loss of predictability.
Thus, the design of rocket insulation, including the selection of an appropriate ablative materials and insulation thickness, is dependent upon the convective and radiative heat fluxes incident on ablative surfaces at various locals in rocket motors and nozzles. Because no reliable measuring technique has heretofore been known for determining actual heat fluxes, heat fluxes are usually estimated by modeling based on data obtained from such techniques as computational fluid dynamics.
The criticality of predication accuracy is demonstrated by the severity and magnitude of the risk of failure due to erosion. Most insulation is, of necessity, xe2x80x9cman-ratedxe2x80x9d in the sense that a catastrophic failure can result in the loss of human lifexe2x80x94whether the rocket motor is used as a booster for launch of a manned rocket or is carried tactically underneath the wing of an attack aircraft. The monetary cost of failure in satellite launches is well-publicized and can run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Additionally, as mentioned above, unforeseen amounts of recession in the nozzle throat insulation can significantly affect the flow expansion contour in the nozzle, affecting motor performance.
For these reasons, there is a strong desire in the art to validate heat flux predictions through actual measurement of the convective and radiative heat fluxes incident on the ablative surfaces of rocket motors and nozzles. As described in Wool et al., xe2x80x9cMeasurement of Convective and Radiative Heat Fluxes at the Surface of an Ablative Materialxe2x80x9d (1970), thermocouples have been proposed for validating heat flux predictions. Wool et al. state that thermocouples used for this purpose should be capable of accurately measuring the high temperatures encountered in rocket motor materials and, because ablative material recedes and decomposes, should be capable of obtaining sufficient data for a continuous evaluation of the heat flux. Additionally, the gauge must be capable of withstanding the high operating temperatures to which it is exposed for a sufficient time to obtain heat flux data. Although the gauges disclosed in Wool et al. reportedly attain these objects, the structure of the Wool et al. thermocouple devices requires that data reduction be done by a complex analytical technique in which assumptions are made concerning phenomena such as surface thermochemical reactions, transient heat conduction, and in-depth pyrolysis gas generation.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a gauge capable of measuring either heat fluxes (convective and radiative fluxes) or radiative fluxes at a rocket motor ablative surface with sufficiently high accuracy and for a sufficiently long period of time to permit validation of known prediction models, without the need for complex analytical data reduction.
In accordance with the principles of this invention, the above and other objects are attained by a novel gauge for measuring heat flux, especially heat flux encountered in a high temperature environment, such as a rocket motor. The gauge comprises at least one thermocouple and an anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body that covers at least part of, and optionally encases, the thermocouple. The anisotropic pyrolytic graphite provides a body on which heat flux is incident, so that changes in temperature to the body can be measured by the thermocouple. These measurements can then be reduced to quantify the heat flux incident to the body. In the event that the thermocouple is encased in an anisotropic pyrolytic graphite body, a bore may be formed in the body for permitting the thermocouple to be inserted into the body and for providing a pathway for lead wires of the thermocouple. The bore can be filled with, for example, boron nitride.
Pyrolytic graphite has a series of basal planes, in which carbon atoms are arranged in repeating hexagonal patterns. The direction in which the planes extend is commonly referred to as the xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d direction or the xe2x80x9ca-bxe2x80x9d plane. Individual basal planes are stacked one upon another along a direction perpendicular to the basal planes which is commonly known as the xe2x80x9ccxe2x80x9d direction. Unlike single-crystal graphite in which the planes are ordered, the planes are arranged somewhat randomly for pyrolytic graphite.
Pyrolytic graphite is characterized as anisotropic because the properties of pyrolytic graphite along the xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d direction differ greatly from the properties of pyrolytic graphite along the xe2x80x9ccxe2x80x9d direction. For example, pyrolytic graphite exhibits high tensile strength, low thermal expansion, and, most importantly for the present invention, high thermal conductivity in the xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d direction along the basal planes. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of pyrolytic graphite in the xe2x80x9ccxe2x80x9d direction has been reported to be about 0.59 Btu/ft/hr/xc2x0 F. (at 2000xc2x0 F.), which is less than 1% of the reported thermal conductivity of 114 Btu/ft/hr/xc2x0 F. (at 2000xc2x0 F.) for pyrolytic graphite in the xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d direction.
By arranging the gauge so that the gauge surface on which convective and radiative fluxes are incident is perpendicular to the basal planes of the pyrolytic graphite, the conductivity of the pyrolytic graphite permits energy, transferred into the pyrolytic graphite body in the form of heat flux on the incident (or facing) surface, to be quickly distributed through the entire pyrolytic graphite body, resulting in small substantially instantaneous temperature gradients. As a result, measurements of the rate of temperature change are simplified, no matter at what depth (or height) in the gauge that the thermocouple is disposed, since the rate of temperature change will be substantially uniform throughout the entire pyrolytic graphite body.
The gauge of this invention is especially useful for permitting measurement of heat fluxes along nozzle surfaces defining contoured pathways, such as diverging/converging pathways. The gauge can also be used in other regions of a rocket motor, such as the aft dome, combustion chamber, or interface between the case insulation and propellant grain. It is also within the scope of this invention to use the gauge for measuring rates of temperature changes caused by heat fluxes at heat shields of reentry vehicles or other regions of vehicles exposed to high heat flux. The gauge also finds applicability in other technologies, including, for example, metal processing.
Other objects, aspects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification and appended claims which, when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawing, explain the principles of this invention.

Pyrolytic graphite gauge for measuring heat flux


A compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle refueling system is designed for refueling fleets of vehicles with identical fuel tanks. The amount of CNG dispensed into the tanks may be closely approximated without the use of a flow meter. An initial standardized volume is calculated based upon the ambient temperature, the initial pressure level and an approximate compressibility of the gas. Gas is dispensed into the fuel tank to a desired pressure which is confirmed with a pressure gage. A final standardized volume of gas contained within the fuel tank is calculated based upon the final pressure level and assuming no change in the compressibility of the gas. The initial standardized volume of gas is subtracted from the final standardized volume of gas to yield an actual volume of gas dispensed from the storage vessel. Empirically derived temperature correction factors may be used to generate an even more accurate approximation of CNG dispensed. The temperature correction factors compensate for the difference in temperature between operating temperatures and the standardized temperature of zero degrees celsius.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles require specialized refueling delivery systems. One such system utilizes high pressure storage vessels which are delivered full to a dispensing or filling station on shuttle trucks. A hose from the storage vessel is connected to the tank on the vehicle to be refueled, allowing CNG to flow from the storage vessel to the tank. A high pressure device, such as a compressor, applies pressure to the vessels as the CNG fuel flows to the vehicles. The high pressure device is required to compensate for pressure drops in the vessels resulting from dispensing the CNG.
The amount of CNG dispensed from the vessels is typically measured by a flow meter. Various types of flow meters are used by the industry including sonic nozzles, coriolis tubes and turbine-type flow meters. Each of these flow meters is expensive and represents a significant portion of the cost of the dispensing system. An accurate, less expensive method for measuring the amount of CNG dispensed is needed.

Method for measuring compressed natural gas


A rotating bi-directional pneumatic gun has a body and a guiding tube mounted rotatably in the body. The guiding tube has an outer surface, a front notch, a rear notch, a front groove and a rear groove. The front notch and the rear notch are defined longitudinally in the outer surface of the guiding tube and are kept from communicating with each other. The front groove and the rear groove communicate respectively with the front notch and the rear notch and each have multiple inclined bores extending respectively toward the front end and the rear end of the barrel. Rotating the guiding tube can change the direction of air flow of the pneumatic gun, and the rotating bi-directional pneumatic gun is convenient to operate and easy to assemble.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a rotating bi-directional pneumatic gun, and more particularly to a rotating bi-directional pneumatic gun that is convenient to operate and easy to assemble.
2. Description of the Related Art
With reference to FIGS. 6-8, a conventional bi-directional pneumatic gun has a body (60), a guiding tube (70) and a connecting tube (80). The body (60) has a barrel (61) and a handle (62) mounted on the barrel. The barrel (61) has a front end (611), a rear end (612), a front passage (613) having an diameter, a rear passage (614) having an diameter, a blocking shoulder (615) and an inner thread (616). The diameter of the front passage (613) is smaller than the diameter of the rear passage (614) so as to define the blocking shoulder (615) between the front passage (613) and the rear passage (614). The inner thread (616) is formed in the rear end (612) of the barrel (61).
The handle (62) has a chamber (621), a connecting passage (622) and a valve device (623). The chamber (621) is connected to a compressed air source. The connecting passage (622) communicates with the rear passage (614) of the barrel (61). The valve device (623) is mounted between the chamber (621) and the connecting passage (622). When the valve device (623) is on, the connecting passage (622) is communicated with the chamber (621).
The guiding tube (70) is held in the rear passage (614) of the barrel (61) and has two ends (71), two seals (72) and a guiding slot (73). The seals (72) are mounted respectively around the ends (71) of the guiding tube (70). The guiding slot (73) has a sidewall and multiple inclined bores (731) defined through the sidewall.
The connecting tube (80) is connected to the rear end (612) of the barrel (61) and has an outer thread (81). The outer thread (81) is screwed with the inner thread (616) of the barrel (61) to fix the guiding tube (70) in the rear passage (614) of the barrel (61).
With reference to FIG. 7, the inclined bores (731) face toward the rear end (612) of the barrel (61). When the valve device (623) is on, compressed air in the chamber (621) flows through the connecting passage (622) and the inclined bores (731) and flows toward the rear end (612) of the barrel (61) such that the conventional bi-directional pneumatic gun can be served as a suction device.
With reference to FIG. 8, when air is needed to flow toward the front end (611) of the barrel (61), the connecting tube (80) is detached from the barrel (61), the guiding tube (70) is inserted into the barrel (61) in reverse and the connecting tube (80) is reattached to the barrel (61). Therefore, the inclined bores (731) face toward the front end (611) of the barrel (61). Accordingly, air flows toward the front end (611) of the barrel (61) and the conventional bi-directional air gun can be served as a blower when the valve device (623) is on.
However, changing the direction of air flow is inconvenient for a user because disassembling the conventional bi-directional air gun is necessary and takes time. Furthermore, the guiding tube (70) has two seals (72) mounted respectively on the ends (71). After a long time of use, the seals (72) may be deteriorated and stick inside the barrel (61). To knock the barrel (61) is necessary to take the seal (72) out from the barrel (61), and this easily damages the conventional bi-directional pneumatic gun.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,810, which has a common inventor with the present invention, disclosed another conventional bi-directional compressed air outlet having a tubular body and a middle member received movably in the tubular body. Changing the direction of air flow can be achieved by moving the middle member. However, force of sucking or blowing of this conventional bi-directional compressed air outlet may be weak because the middle member is short. In addition, the conventional bi-directional pneumatic guns have multiple components and are usually assembled by manual work. Air tightness and quality of the conventional bi-directional pneumatic guns may be affected by carefulness and precision of assembling.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a rotating bi-directional pneumatic gun to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.


An input signal is filtered for creating an output signal using an adaptive filter. An error signal is derived from the output signal. The adaptive filter has coefficient whose value can be modified. A value of a coefficient is modified using a derived updating amount. The updating amount is obtained from the product of a value of the input signal, a value of the polarity of the error signal, and a step gain. The step gain has the form 2K with K being an integer and being dependent on a magnitude of the value of the error signal and on a step gain parameter. The updating amount is dependent on both the magnitude and the polarity of the error signal, therefore allowing a precise update of the coefficient. The specific form of the step gain allows a fast derivation of the product.

In the following paragraphs, when a reference "A" designates a signal A, "A(n)" designates the digitized value of the signal A at a discrete time n.
The input signal Sin may represent any type of digital video, audio or communication data. The signal Sin represents, for example, video or audio data. The input signal Sin may be, for example, an intermediate frequency modulated by the compressed video data originated from a base station. It is transmitted from a base station to a receiver over terrestrial broadcast, cable or satellite channel. During transmission, the signal Sin may have been subjected to various forms of distortions. The transmitted input signal Sin may comprise a training sequence. The received training sequence may be corrupted. In order to compensate for certain types of distortions, the possibly corrupted input signal Sin is filtered using an adaptive filter F. The filter F is adapted so that the received training sequence after filtering approximates the original training sequence that is known in advance by the receiver. The filter F has a set C of m adjustable coefficients having values C0(n), C1(n), . . ., Cm-1(n) at discrete time n. The filter F creates an output signal Sout and the value Sout(n) is obtained from the values of the filter coefficients at time n and values. of the input signal Sin buffered in the filter F at time n as shown in the equation of FIG. 1A.
To adapt the filter F, an error signal E is derived as a difference between a reference signal Sref and the signal Sout as shown in Equation of FIG. 1B. The reference signal is the training sequence known in advance by the receiver. This method of adaptive filtering or equalization relies on the training sequence to adapt the coefficients, and is often called a "trained equalization".
An adaptation of the coefficients may also be performed by a so-called blind equalization. A blind equalization does not require transmission of a training sequence. The derivation of the error signal E and the adaptation of the coefficients rely on statistical properties of the adaptive filter's output signal Sout.
A possible adaptation method consists of updating the set C so as to minimize the error signal E. Updating the set C is usually carried out by a method which updates each coefficient as the time increments from time n to time n+1. A form of an update equation for a coefficient Cj at time n is given by FIG. 1C where g is a mathematical scalar function of the time n, f1 is a mathematical scalar function of the value of the error signal at time n, and f2 is a mathematical scalar function of the value of the input signal Sin(n-j that is, at time n, buffered in the filter F and associated with the coefficient Cj
A well-known adaptation equation having a form shown in FIG. 1D relates to the Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm, which is intended to adjust a coefficient of the filter F so as to minimize a discrepancy between the output signal of the filter F and a reference signal. The coefficient Cj(n) is updated using an adaptation step parameter μ that controls the rate of convergence of the algorithm.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,411, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a method of updating the coefficients of an adaptive filter. The method closely resembles the well-known LMS update algorithm. The known method addresses a coefficient update relationship based on a polarity-coincidence correlator that is based on a sum of products of the sign of the error signal and the signs of consecutive N time samples of the input signal.

Adaptive filtering method and related device


An end face structure of an optical fiber includes a coreless fiber fused to an emitting end face of the fiber optical fiber and a coating material disposed around at least the coreless fiber, a refractive index of the coating material being higher than a refractive index of the coreless fiber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an end face structure of an optical fiber that emits laser light, to an optical fiber laser including such an end face structure, and to a laser processing apparatus including such an optical fiber laser.
Priority is claimed from Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-120006, filed Apr. 15, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, lasers have been employed in various fields, including material processing apparatuses, medical treatment appliances, and measuring instruments. Especially in the field of material processing apparatus, laser light has been widely used because high-precision machining is made possible with laser light having a very small beam spot and a high power density since laser light exhibits excellent focusing property, because non-contact processing with little damage to a workpiece is possible, and because processing of hard materials that absorb laser light is possible. Specifically, laser light is used for welding, cutting, laser marking, high-precision processing, or the like.
CO2 lasers using carbon dioxide gas as a lasing medium, solid-state lasers using a Nd:YAG crystal as a lasing medium, lasers that are obtained by converting wavelength of the laser light of solid-state lasers using a nonlinear optical crystal, or the like, have been conventionally used as lasers for processing according to particular applications.
On the other hand, optical fiber lasers that employ, as a lasing medium, optical fibers in which silica glass, which is doped with at least one rare earth element (or ions), such as Er, Nd, Yb, Ho, Tm, or the like, is used as a host glass (hereinafter, referred to as "rare-earth doped optical fibers"), or optical fibers made of fluoride glass, are attracting attention. An optical fiber laser has the following advantages: it has high laser light generating efficiency; it is possible to reduce the size of a laser apparatus since an optical fiber that is used as a lasing medium has a large surface area and can be cooled by air; and the same material can be used for both a lasing medium and a laser light propagation medium. Accordingly, optical fiber laser is being used for material processing apparatuses medical treatment appliances, or the like.
In such fields, although a laser having high output power in which an average output on the order of kilowatts is used in some applications, optical fiber lasers having relatively low average output power of 100 W or less are used in the fields of laser marking, or the like.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical pulse fiber laser apparatus. This optical fiber laser generally includes a pumping part and a cavity part. The pumping part includes a pumping light source 1 and a condenser lens 3. Pumping light 2 output from the pumping light source 1 is focused on an incident end face 5 by the condenser lens 3, and is incident on a rare-earth doped optical fiber 6 that is a lasing medium. The cavity part includes a rare-earth doped optical fiber 6, a cavity mirror 4, an output coupler 11, a collimating lens 8, and a Q-switch 10. A dielectric multilayer film that selectively reflects laser light without reflecting the pumping light 2 is provided on the cavity mirror 4. Another dielectric multilayer film that reflects some of the laser light and transmits the other laser light is provided on the output coupler 11. The rare-earth doped optical fiber 6 is adjusted the length thereof so that the desired output characteristics are obtained, and the two ends of the rare-earth doped optical fiber 6 are optically polished. The pumping light 2 that is incident on the dearth doped optical fiber 6 is absorbed by the ions of the rare earth element or elements that have been doped into a core of the rare-earth doped optical fiber 6, and the ions of the rare earth element or elements that absorb the pumping light 2 emit light having a particular wavelength. The light emitted from the ions of the rare earth element or elements propagates through the rare-earth doped optical fiber 6 while being amplified, and is emitted from an emitting end face 7. The emission light 9 from the emitting end face 7 is collimated by the collimating lens 8, and is shaped into a desired pulse shape by the Q-switch 10. Some of the emission light 9 is reflected by the output coupler 11. The reflected emission light 9 is fed back to the rare-earth doped optical fiber 6, reflected by the cavity mirror 4, and emitted from the emitting end face 7. In this cycle, the reflected emission light 9 goes back and forth within the cavity. In one round-trip path, if amplification of the output light is larger than loss of the output light 9, laser light 12 is output from the output coupler 11. In addition, if the Q-switch 10 is not employed, such a light is output as a continuous laser.
Since the diameter of the core of the rare-earth doped optical fiber is generally in the range of several to tens of micrometers, the power density of the light propagating through the optical fiber core is significantly high. In a case in which the output power is 1 kW and the diameter of the core is 10 μm, for example, the power density of the light output from the core can be as high as about 1.3 GW/cm2. With such a high power density, burn-in caused by adhered dust or contaminants may destroy the end face of the optical fiber, which may result in critical damage. Thus, the emitting end face 7 may be damaged in the fiber laser shown in FIG. 1, which is one of the leading factors inhibiting realization of a high output optical fiber laser.
One technique for preventing such a damage to end faces is known. In this technique, the power density is reduced, i.e., the spot diameter is enlarged at the emitting end face 7 (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-40271).
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating such an end nice structure in detail. In this figure, an optical fiber 13 is secured in a ferrule 15 with an adhesive, and the end face of the optical fiber, including a core 14, is optically polished. The ferrule 15 in which the optical fiber 13 is secured is halfway inserted in a capillary 16, and the remaining hollowed portion of the capillary 16 is filled with an optical filler 17, for example, a ultraviolet light (UV) curing resin. In this structure, the light emitted from the optical fiber 13 propagates through the optical filler 17 with the spot diameter thereof being enlarged, and when the light reaches the end face of the optical filler 17, the spot diameter is increased so as to be larger than the diameter of the core. For example if the spot diameter at the end face of the optical filler 17 is twice as large as the diameter of the core, power density at the end face of the optical filler 17 is reduced to a quarter of the power density at the end face of optical fiber 13. Accordingly, burn-in can be prevented even when a high output power laser is employed, regardless of the type of laser, i.e., pulsed light, or continuous light.
In addition, in the case of a pulsed laser, a high peak power of the output pulse is desired, and to increase the peak power, it is essential that an end face of a rare-earth doped optical fiber be subjected to anti-reflection treatment of laser light. In a laser apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, for example, when pumping light is incident on the rare-earth doped optical fiber, rare earth ions doped into the core of the rarer-earth doped optical fiber are pumped, thereby inducing population inversion. If the emitting end face of the rare-earth doped optical fiber is not provided with the anti-reflection treatment, spontaneously emitted light emitted from the rare earth ions is reflected by the emitting end face, and such reflected light is amplified while propagating through the core. In some cases, laser oscillation may occur, which results in a decrease in the population inversion. In contrast, even in a case when an anti-reflection treatment is provided on the emitting end face, generation and amplification of spontaneously emitted light occurs, which, however, does not result in laser oscillation. Accordingly, high population inversion can be maintained. When the loss of the Q-switch is abruptly reduced, the light reflected from the output coupler propagates in the rare-earth doped optical fiber and laser oscillation drastically occurs. Thus, pulses having high peak power can be obtained. An anti-reflection treatment is typically applied by providing on the end face of the optical fiber a dielectric multilayer film that does not reflect laser light.
However, in a conventional end face structure of an optical fiber shown in FIG. 2, an optical filler that has the same refractive index as the optical fiber should be used in order to prevent reflection at the end face of the optical fiber. Accordingly, expensive filler are used since there are not many options for filler materials, which results in increased production cost.
In addition, when an ultraviolet curing resin is used, if the length L of the optical filler 17 shown in FIG. 2 is long, the curing resin is not completely cured since ultraviolet light does not reach the region far from the surface and air bubbles are present. It is difficult to form an optically complete continuous junction. Furthermore, the resin exhibits poor resistance to optical power, and the resin may be burned
Furthermore, providing a dielectric multilayer film in the anti-reflection treatment requires vacuum processing, which is time-consuming and expensive.

End face structure of optical fiber, optical fiber laser, and laser processing apparatus


Disclosed are a system and method with a cooperative control algorithm that can appraise voltage stability of a power system in cooperation with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)/emergency management system (EMS) for cooperative control on multiple parallel flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) to enhance voltage stability, and that can calculate individual operation points of the FACTS.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method with a cooperative control algorithm that can appraise voltage stability of a power system in cooperation with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)/emergency management system (EMS) for cooperative control on multiple parallel flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) to enhance voltage stability, and that can calculate individual operation points of the FACTS.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the case where a spinning reactive power source such as a parallel flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) is installed in a power system, it inevitably exhibits different features from the existing system. Therefore, there is a need for employing and controlling the FACTS based on an accurate analyzing technology of the power system to extend and operate a large-scaled power system.
In other words, the technology of modeling and analyzing the FACTS has hitherto been developed, but, in order to apply the FACTS to a wide-area power system, there is a need for a comprehensive control system capable of accurately appraising and analyzing an influence of multiple FACTS on the power system to properly control the FACTS according to situations of neighboring power systems.
Also, in terms of utilizing a relatively inexpensive power generation of a non-metropolitan area in a domestic power system, a problem with voltage stability restricts power flexibility of a metropolitan area. Further, such power flexibility of the metropolitan area has been used as a yardstick of economical administration of the power system. In terms of planning and administering the power system, the most effective proposal for enhancement of the voltage stability is to introduce proper reactive power or to break a load. Here, a substantial proposal for maintaining the voltage stability is to introduce a reactive power source.
Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a control system with a cooperative control algorithm that can appraise voltage stability of a power system in cooperation with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)/emergency management system (EMS) for cooperative control on multiple parallel flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) to enhance the voltage stability, and that can calculate individual operation points of the FACTS.
For example, it may be advantageous to provide a cooperative control system of the multiple FACTS and a method of implementing the same, which can determine, for example, situations of a domestic metropolitan power system according to conditions or voltage stability through simulation based on data from the SCADA/EMS, and can automatically generate a corresponding command so as to secure the voltage stability according to the power systems or local regions at a normal operation or a trouble with the system.

System and method for controlling multiple facts


An electrochemical synapse adapted for use in a neural network which includes an input terminal and an output terminal located at a distance of less than 100 microns from the input terminal. A permanent interconnect having controllable conductivity is located between the two inputs. The conductivity of the permanent interconnect is controlled by either growing or eliminating metallic whiskers between the inputs. The growth and elimination of whiskers provides a rapid and controllable electrochemical synapse. Partial neural network systems are disclosed utilizing the electrochemical synapse.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to neurons in an artificial neural network. More particularly, the present invention relates to solid state, adjustable weight synapses for controlling the interaction of the neurons in such artificial neural network.
2. Description of Related Art
There has been a great deal of interest in developing non-volatile associative electronic memories based on models of neural networks. A key feature of artificial neural networks is the vast number of synapses that must interconnect each neuron with many others.
Several different approaches have been tried for providing the vast number of synapses required in any artificial neural network. One example is an optical approach, wherein light beams can cross one another without signal interference and, hence, offer a convenient way to form multiple interconnections. However, the lenses and lasers needed for such optical interconnective devices make such systems too bulky for broad applications. (See, for example, J. Kinoshita and N. G. Palevsky, "Computing with Neural Networks," High Technology, May, 1987, 24-61, 1987).
An electrochemically regulated synapse known as the "Memistor" was developed in the 1960's by Bernard Widrow, as part of a network known as the "Adaline" network, as disclosed by B. Widrow, in the publication "Neural Network Theory, Past and Present," Paper presented at the DARPA Neural Network Study Symposium, Lincoln Labs, 1987. The Memistor is an electrochemical cell in which copper is either plated on or deplated from a carbon rod. As a result of the controlled plating and deplating of copper, the resistance of the rod is continuously adjustable from 1-10 ohms. This provides a 10:1 range of synaptic "weights." The Memistor serves well from the standpoint of trainability, surviving numerous plating and deplating cycles. However, the Memistor does not lend itself to miniaturization and the device is not practical for large-scale networks.
Metal migration is an electrochemical process related to electroplating. Metal migration takes place between conductors in an active electronic circuit in the presence of a moisture film. Under the influence of a DC voltage, metal ions dissolve from the positive conductor (the anode). The dissolved ions migrate through the moisture film (the electrolyte) and plate out on the negative conductor (the cathode). The deposit often takes the form of metallic whiskers which eventually reach the anode and create an ohmic contact.
Metal migration has been observed with all of the metals commonly used in the electronics industry, but it occurs most readily with silver (see A. Dermarderosian, "The Electrochemical Migration of Metals," Proc. 1978 Microelectronics Symp., 134-141, International Soc. for Hybrid Microelectronics, 1978). The minimum or "critical" voltage V.sub.c required to grow metallic whiskers can range from a few millivolts to over 2 volts, depending on the metal and prevailing conditions surrounding the electronic circuit. Once V.sub.c is exceeded, growth rates tend to increase linearly with (V-V.sub.c) (see P. B. Price, et al., "On the Growth Properties of Electrolytic Whiskers," ACTA Met., 6, 1968). The initial contact resistance is typically in the range of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.6 ohms, but with continued whisker growth, the contact resistance falls several orders of magnitude.
It has been observed that, depending on the medium, whisker growth between copper conductors proceeds either from the cathode to the anode (as usual), or from the anode to cathode, which is the reverse of other metals (see A. Dermarderosian, "Raw Material Evaluation through Moisture Resistance Testing," Proc. IPC, 1976). When growth proceeds from anode to cathode, the whiskers are known as "Conductive Anodic Filaments" or CAF (see J. P. Mitchell and T. L. Welsher, "Conductive anodic filament growth in printed circuit materials," Proc. Printed Circuit World Convention II, Session 2A, pp. 42-55 (1981); J. N. Lahti, R. H. Delaney, and J. N. Hines, "The characteristic wearout process in epoxy-glass printed circuits for high density electronic packaging," Proc. Reliability Phys. Symposium, San Francisco (1979); J. Lando, J. P. Mitchell, and T. L. Welsher, "Conductive anodic filaments in reinforced polymeric dielectrics; formation and prevention," ibid. (1979); T. L. Welsher, J. P. Mitchell and D. J. Lando, "CAF in composite printed circuit substrates: characterization, modeling, and a resistant material", Annual Report, Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 234-239 (1980)).
It has been suggested that the undesirable growth of metal whiskers observed in electronic circuits be utilized positively to provide the weighted or adjustable synapses in a neural network. Attempts to utilize metal whiskers as interconnects or neural network synapses were not successful, however, because of the inability to reverse the process of whisker growth. In order for metal whisker growth to provide practical synapse interconnects, it is crucial that the whisker growth process be reversible.
In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide electrochemically regulated synapses adapted for use in neural networks wherein the synapse is a solid state configuration which is adapted for miniaturization for use in large scale neural networks.

Electrochemical synapses for artificial neural networks


An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site includes a set of questions for one or more of the end users to complete, whereby the central web site is operable to display a comparison of answers for the questions that are submitted by a first end user and a second end user.

Networking architectures have grown increasingly complex in communications environments. In recent years, a series of protocols and configurations have been developed in order to accommodate a diverse group of end users having various networking needs. Many of these architectures have gained significant notoriety because they can offer the benefits of automation, convenience, management, and enhanced consumer selections.
Certain network protocols may be used in order to allow an end user to conduct an on-line search of candidates to fill a given vacancy. These protocols may relate to job searches, person finding services, real estate searches, or on-line dating. While some naive business people believe that on-line dating is simply a matter of matching supply and demand, there is statistical and empirical evidence to suggest that successful on-line dating entails far more.
For example, people having similar and/or compatible character traits and values should be matched together. However, effectively linking two participants together can prove to be a challenging endeavor. Coordinating a relationship between two like-minded individuals can be a significant chore, as there are a number of obstacles and barriers that must be overcome.
It would also be beneficial to counsel certain users about a dating deficiency that they may have. In addition, it may be useful to compile, process, and maximize all feedback information that is given by an end user such that this information can be evaluated and then leveraged in order to deliver an optimal candidate selection or match pool to the end user.
In still other scenarios, participants in an on-line dating scenario may need guidance on making arrangements for a first date. Suggestions and recommendations are welcomed by participants who are unsure of which dating location would be appropriate for both participants. Most end users would also appreciate being afforded the opportunity to exit the dating experience at any time. Still other end users would enjoy reading candid responses from a prospective mate, while simultaneously having some control over the questions being asked.
These operations (and many others) need to be accounted for by a system operator in order to achieve a suitable level of satisfaction from their customers. Systems that fail to account for these issues can mislead their customers, frustrate their clients, and waste the time of all those involved. Note that any features provided by a given dating platform should be easily understood and readily used by the consumer. The end user should not be burdened with complex or cryptic technology that he has to decipher before utilizing. Accordingly, the ability to provide effective mechanisms and features for optimally matching in an on-line community offers a significant challenge to web site operators, component manufacturers, and system designers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for providing enhanced questions for matching in a network environment


The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. A moveable indicator actuator is in communication with the moveable indicator and is configured to move the moveable indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the moveable indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the movable indicator so that the movable indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome.

Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types are referred to as a "random number").
The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example, the random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win the corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.
Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game may simply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize is generally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from the primary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game. Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer.
One of the problems associated with the devices disclosed in these references is that the outcome of the bonus game is communicated to the player almost immediately. When a bonus game is triggered, a bonus award is selected, displayed, and awarded to the player. The player can see what the outcome of the game is immediately after the pointers have stopped moving. What has long been needed is a device that utilizes intermediate steps between the occurrence of the bonus event and the awarding of the bonus prize to add an additional element of anticipation and excitement for the players. It is further desired that the intermediate steps involve an eye-catching display. Another problem associated with Adams and Baerlocher et al. is that they utilize a plain combination of wheel and pointer. The applicants have discovered more things that can be done to display devices to make them more attractive and interesting to play.
Generally, bonus prizes are awarded in order to increase the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players, which attracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer. When this occurs, the gaming devices tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gaming devices. A shortcoming of present bonus games is that they do not sufficiently allow players to interact with the gaming device, including during bonus games.
Other attempts have been made to provide player interaction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,573 to Baerlocher et al. (hereinafter, "Baerlocher") purports to suggest a gaming device with an electronic "wheel of fortune game." Several flippers appear to indicate positions on the wheel. Baerlocher appears to suggest that the player may be allowed to choose which flipper is used to select an indicia on the wheel. However, the player does not appear to have any control over the position of the flipper and the flippers do not appear to be capable of moving to different positions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,300 to Glavich (hereinafter, "Glavich") and U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,995 to Hughs-Baird et al. (hereinafter, "Hughs-Baird") purport to suggest a gaming system having a bonus feature where a player may be allowed to select a number of selectable items, which may be prize representations, on a video display. Glavich and Hughs-Baird do not appear to suggest using prize indicators, moveable prize indicators, or allowing a player to position a prize indicator.

Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use

Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.


A software component library management system is provided, which can effectively support both a component utilization user and a component management user in carrying out their business tasks. The component management tool 6 includes a component retrieve/pickup function unit 10 and a component administration/registration function unit 20. The component administration/registration function unit 20 is adapted to make registrations of attribute information on software components stored in the component database 5, such as relation information items representing relations between the software component and other software components. The component retrieve/pickup function unit 10 can retrieve and pickup a batch of software components related to a specific software component, based on the relation information items. The relation information item includes a slave link used to identify a slave component which a certain software component uses (slave information item), and a master link used to identify a master component by which a certain software component is used (master information item).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a software component library in which a plurality of software components are stored, and more particularly, to a software component library management system used to manage a software component library, a method of the same, and a software component library management program.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the state of the art, a software component library is well known as a system, which is adapted to effectively use a systematic integration of software resources developed by specific business entities. The software component library contains a plurality of software applications that serve as components (referred to as "software component(s)" or simply as "component(s)" hereinafter). The "software component" herein is conceptually not limited to a software application that functions as a "component" to execute a part of process, as the term usually means, but covers a "complete product" that implements the entire process.
Also herein, the software component library is a component database for storage of software components themselves and documents containing their specifications and users' manuals; and a software component library management system is used as a tool to manage the components to provide various services for users who utilize the components and/or manage them.
Specifically, the component utilization user can use the software component library management system to retrieve and pickup required software components from the software component library. The component management user can use the software component library management system for various managements such as registration and deletion of the software components in and from the software component library.
The software components stored in the software component library, even once stored therein, often needs to be updated to cope with malfunctions and varied operation environments. For that purpose, usually, even after a certain software component is updated, the component of the previous version is left in the software component library without change while the component of the renovated version is registered as a new software component.
Many of the software components in the software component library can be used in combination with one another. For instance, if a software component and another software component using the former one exist, there may be a relation that the latter is never used without using the former. Such a relation is especially significant in reusing software in object-oriented programming. For example, a framework and a custom component working on the framework give rise to a relation that the custom component uses the framework. The framework and the custom component are software entities, each of which can be a component of more comprehensive entities. When two of classes (or two of class groups) respectively related to "utilization relationship" and "aggregation relationship" are used as separate components from each other in an unified modeling language (UML) in the field of the object oriented programming, a dependent relation as mentioned above is found.
In this specification, in conjunction with the aforementioned dependent relation, a relation where a certain software component uses others is termed "slave relation" while a software which the certain software component uses is termed "slave component." On the other hand, a reverse relation to the above where a certain software component is used is termed as "master relation" while a software component by which the certain software component is used is termed "master component." These relations (slave and master) are comprehensible if contemplated in a situation where an application software and an operating system are correlated; that is, the application software uses the operating system like a slave while the operating system is supervised by all master application software programs running in upper levels of the system hierarchy. In general, a single software component is related to a plurality of slave components or a plurality of master components.
In the above-mentioned prior art software component library management system, however, since there is no feature of explicitly supporting the relations, i.e., master to slave and vice versa, a component utilization user and a component management user must study a document, such as a specification and a user's manual of an individual software component, and learn additional software components as well, and must still retrieve those additional software components.
Also, in the aforementioned prior art software component library management system, two software components mutually in master to slave relation or vice versa would usually be updated independent of each other; and there arises a problem that it is difficult to learn if operations among varied versions of the software components have been confirmed.

Software component library management system


An embedded inductor and a method for forming an inductor are described. Spaced apart first stripes are formed substantially parallel with respect to one another as part of a first metal layer. First contacts, second contacts, and third contacts in respective combination provide at least portions of posts. Spaced apart second stripes substantially parallel with respect to one another and to the first stripes are formed as part of a second metal layer located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The first stripes, the posts, and the second stripes in combination provide turns of a coil.

As is known, inductors generate magnetic fields. Conventional embedded ("on-chip") spiral inductors, such as found in high-speed and RF applications, are sometimes fabricated using a backend of the line ("BEOL") process which is compatible with the formation of metal layers.
On-chip inductors are conventionally made of a single metal layer in a planar spiral pattern. The resultant magnetic flux from such on-chip inductors is in a direction that couples with a silicon substrate. The magnetic coupling of the magnetic flux generated by an inductor with such substrate promotes eddy currents, which may lead to a low gain ("Q-factor") at high frequencies. To enhance inductor gain, others have proposed having: a higher substrate resistance, such as by use of an epitaxial layer; laminated conductive patterns, such as polysilicon strips; or a larger inductor to substrate distance, such as forming an inductor at a final metal layer in order to reduce eddy current. Unfortunately, these various techniques may add cost and/or may not provide a sufficient reduction in magnetic coupling between magnetic flux generated by an inductor and a substrate.
The inductance of a spiral inductor is roughly proportional to N2A, where N is the number of turns of such spiral inductor, and A is the cross-sectional area of wires forming turns of such spiral inductor. Conventional on-chip inductors use a significant amount of area and sometimes use dedicated metal layers to reach target inductances and Q-factor values. Metal thickness, width, and spacing between turns may be large to reduce series resistance and shunt capacitance in order to obtain more substantial gain. Furthermore, to avoid adverse effects associated with a magnetic field which is orthogonal to the upper surface plane of a substrate as generated by a planar spiral inductor, design rules conventionally forbid placement of any devices, such as transistors, directly underneath or in near proximity to an inductor, as such magnetic field may have negative impact on behavior of such devices. This placement restriction of an on-chip inductor may thus cost a significant amount of semiconductor area.
Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide means that avoids one or more of the above mentioned limitations of on-chip planar spiral inductors.


A photocathode enhancement system includes a cathode plate that is movably positioned relative to an incident optical beam. The emission surface of the cathode plate has an area between about 0.5 cm2 to greater than 100 cm2. The system includes a motion controller that is configured to control the movement of the cathode plate relative to the optical beam, so that the optical beam successively strikes non-overlapping portions of the emission surface, and may reach substantially the entire emission surface over a time period of about 10 seconds to about 100 seconds. The movement of the cathode plate is controlled so that on average, the heat from the optical beam is uniformly distributed over the emission surface of the cathode plate.

In a number of modern accelerator based applications, there is growing need for photocathode electron sources that can achieve high brightness and high-average-current, while at the same time lasting for long lifetimes. Examples of such applications include, without limitation, high-average-power free electron lasers (FELs), electron ion colliders (EICs), coherent electron coolers (CECs) and other energy recovery linac (ERL) based applications.
Typically, photocathodes can be used in devices such as RF guns and DC voltage guns. To achieve a high-brightness beam, the laser spot size (i.e. cathode emission spot) should be small, so that the thermal emittance is low. To achieve high-average-current, a high bunch charge and high repetition rate is needed. A high bunch charge beam generated with a small laser spot size requires a high field gradient on the cathode, in order to reduce space charge effects near the cathode. A high field gradient, however, can cause electrical breakdown issues. Another significant problem with semiconductor photocathodes is their short lifetime, due to their high sensitivity to the vacuum. These cathodes cannot operate with very high average current.
A number of approaches have been developed to overcome the insufficient charge lifetime (QT) problem of photocathodes. These approaches suffer, however, from a number of problems, including without limitation: increases in emittance; cathode center damage due to ion back-bombardment; and laser heating from very high power lasers, which may overheat or even crack the cathode.


A substantially cylindrical drainage unit for use when buried in soil as part of a wastewater leach field comprises a first plastic bead aggregate mass, optionally with a central perforated pipe, surrounded by a segmented-quilt exterior surface. Quilts are captured around the drainage unit by straps, a circumscribing netting sleeve, or by being themselves in the form of tubular sleeves. Preferred rectangular quilt segments contain a second pebble aggregate that is smaller than the first aggregate. Quilts are fabricated by mating two layers of geotextile and inserting the second aggregate into channels or cavities that are defined by seams that join the layers to each other.

It is long been common to flow wastewater issuing from septic tanks of subsurface wastewater treatment systems to rows of structures buried in trenches within the soil, generally called leaching fields. Older leaching field systems comprise a crushed stone-filled trench with a lengthwise running pipe. More modern systems include prefabricated drainage units which are placed in trenches back-filled with soil. One kind of such drainage unit comprises a generally cylindrical shape mass of plastic bead aggregate which is contained within in a sleeve of netting. Typically, a perforated pipe runs down the center of the mass of aggregate to distribute wastewater along the length of the drainage unit.
A familiar commercial example of such a unit is an EZflow® drainage unit, sold by Infiltrator Systems, Inc. The units are easily handled by installers and may be placed in straight or curved trenches. Typically, downward infiltration of soil or other overlying material into the interstices of the aggregate of a drainage unit is inhibited by use of a permeable geotextile fabric that is either laid on top of the unit after placement, or that has been attached to or integrated with the exterior of the unit. For instance, geotextile may be attached to the sleeve which retains the aggregate or may be a component of the sleeve. When such geotextile is part of a manufactured drainage unit the geotextile layer has been referred to as a barrier.
During use, wastewater flows outwardly from a drainage unit into the surrounding soil, sand or gravel. If the rate of inflow exceeds the rate of outflow into the surrounding soil, wastewater will be stored in the interstices of the aggregate. Much attention had been paid by designers, installers, repairmen and regulators to what happens at the interface between the drainage unit exterior surface and the surrounding soil or other medium. A so-called biomat is often observed at interfaces between a wastewater leaching unit and surrounding soil. When a drainage unit comprises a geotextile barrier, suspended solids in the wastewater can build up on the barrier, when they are too large to pass through the openings in the fabric of the barrier. That can inhibit the flow of water from the drainage unit into the surrounding soil. Thus, it has been considered by some that it is a disadvantage, or at least not necessary, to run a geotextile barrier all around the outer surface of a drainage unit, since geotextile is primarily needed to prevent infiltration of soil at the top, and to a lesser degree the sides. Generally, there is a continuing effort to enhance the performance of drainage units with respect to treatment of wastewater and avoiding degradation over time of use.

Fabricating a drainage unit having a quilted exterior surface


The prevent invention relates to a biodegradable polymer resin composition which can realize excellent mechanical properties together with biodegradability and has improved molding processability, and a molded article thereof. The biodegradable polymer resin composition may include a polycarbonate-polyester copolymer including a branched repeating unit containing a mediating functional group including a central element and five to ten alkylene or heteroalkylene functional groups bonded to the mediating functional group, an aliphatic polycarbonate repeating unit having a chain structure, and an aromatic polyester repeating unit, and a biodegradable polyester resin having a melt index (measured at 190° C., 2.16 kg) of 3 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min.

Aliphatic polycarbonate resins are applied in a wide range of fields such as films known as biodegradable resins, garbage bags, sheets, food containers, automobile interior materials, and the like. Generally, the carbonate functional group contained in the aliphatic polycarbonate resin has biodegradability, but when actually decomposed by microorganisms in nature or decomposed by itself, its decomposition rate is considerably slow and it takes a lot of time for biodegradation. In addition, when an aromatic monomer is added in order to secure structural stability of the aliphatic polycarbonate resin and to increase the molecular weight, the aliphatic polycarbonate resin has a limitation in that the biodegradation rate becomes lower.
On the other hand, in the case of an aliphatic polyester resin, it is widely used due to excellent biodegradability and excellent processability, but due to its fast biodegradability, it is limited in that the lifetime is shortened when applied to the product. In addition, the aliphatic polycarbonate resin and the aliphatic polyester resin themselves have insufficient mechanical properties, and thus there are limits in their application as a product.
Therefore, studies have been made on a biodegradable copolymer resin having an appropriate level of biodegradation rate, high molecular weight, excellent processability, and improved heat resistance by incorporating a carbonate group and an ester group into the polymer chain.
However, due to exposure to atmospheric moisture or heating during the manufacturing process of pellets, which are raw materials for plastic products, or during the manufacturing process of the products, there is a problem that a hydrolysis reaction proceeds in the resin, so that not only are the initial physical properties of the molded article deteriorated or eliminated, but also an unstable biodegradation rate of the product is brought about.
In addition, the crystallization rate is slow due to the combination of multiple components in the polymer crystal structure. Consequently, there are problems that the inner surfaces of the films stick to each other when forming a blown film, and the films are not smoothly unwound from a roll during secondary processing.
In view of the above, there is a need to develop a biodegradable resin composition which can be used for manufacturing various molded articles such as packaging films having excellent mechanical properties and moldability together with biodegradability.

Biodegradable polymer resin composition and molded article thereof


According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a resist pattern forming method of forming a resist pattern by immersion exposure, comprising forming a resist film on a substrate to be treated, a contact angle between the resist film and an immersion liquid being a first angle, forming a first cover film on the resist film, a contact angle between the first cover film and the immersion liquid being a second angle which is larger than the first angle, forming a second cover film on the first cover film, a contact angle between the second cover film and the immersion liquid being a third angle which is smaller than the second angle, and forming a latent image on the resist film by the immersion exposure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resist pattern forming method by immersion exposure of a lithography step in a semiconductor manufacturing process, and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Immersion exposure is a technology in which a space between the surface of a resist film and a lens of an exposure device is filled with a liquid to perform exposure on the resist film formed on a substrate to be treated. A device for use in such an exposure process is disclosed in, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-303114. In Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-303114, there is disclosed a device in which a substrate to be treated is all immerged into water in a stage to which water can be supplied, and the exposure is performed while this stage is relatively moved with respect to the exposure device. In the device having such configuration, the liquid is supplied to the whole stage. Therefore, there is a problem that the liquid overflows from the stage, when the stage is moved at a high speed. The stage cannot be driven at a high speed.
In Immersion Lithography; its Potential Performance and Issues, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 5040, pp. 724 to 733 by Soichi Owa and Hiroyuki Nagasaka, as a measure against disturbance of the liquid due to the movement of the stage, there is disclosed a technology to drive the stage while locally supplying the liquid to a portion to be exposed. According to this technology, it is possible to move the stage at a high speed. When such technology to supply the liquid locally is used, water is left in an exposed region and the like of a portion from which the lens is detached. In consequence, when the resist film is exposed and thereafter heated in this state, there is a problem that a watermark is generated, or an abnormality is generated in a resist pattern owing to a temperature drop in the portion where water exists.
On the other hand, in New Cover Material Development Status for Immersion Lithography, Web Publication of International Symposium on Immersion and 157 nm Lithography by Keita Ishizuka et al., it is disclosed that components of a resist are eluted from the resist film into the liquid in the immersion exposure. According to this document, such elution can be avoided by disposing a cover film on the surface of the resist film. As to a state of the surface of the cover film, it is preferable that a contact angle of the surface to water is 90° or more. However, in a case where the cover film having such a large contact angle is used, there might occur a problem that the watermark is easily generated on the cover film, and a defect due to the watermark is generated in the resist pattern. In this document, there is also disclosed an example in which a film having a contact angle of 68° or 78° to an immersion liquid (pure water) is used as a hydrophilic cover film.

Resist pattern forming method and manufacturing method of semiconductor device


A method to remediate a release of one or more acidic materials, by supplying a powder composition comprising a polyacrylamide, and disposing that powder onto a liquid spill comprising one or more acidic materials.

The release of large amounts of a liquid acid creates an emergent situation. The released acid may be highly corrosive. In addition, that release acid may off-gas one or more toxic gases. An initial response to a release of a large quantity of a liquid acid includes steps to neutralize the acid to form a less corrosive material. Subsequent remediation steps include containerizing the neutralized reaction mixture.
Neutralizing a large amount of acid, such as for example sulfuric acid, with a large amount of a caustic, such as for example potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and the like, produces a highly exothermic reaction which liberates a tremendous quantity of heat. Such an instantaneous release of thermal energy may result in vaporization of portions of the spilled acid, part or all of the added caustic, and/or liberate one or more toxic gases such as for example various oxides of sulfur. Such a response to a release of sulfuric acid may in fact create a more hazardous situation than the original release. Similarly, neutralizing a large amount of sulfuric acid with an organic amine can similarly liberate thermal energy resulting in the vaporization of toxic organic compounds as well as various sulfur oxides.
What is needed is a method to respond to a release of one or more liquid acids, wherein that response neutralizes the spilled acid, and wherein that response also containerizes the neutralized reaction products to facilitate removal of those reaction products from the environment.

Apparatus, composition, and methods to remediate an acid and/or liquid spill


A substrate assembly with direct electrical connection as a semiconductor package is disclosed, which includes a carrier structure formed with at least a cavity; at least a semiconductor chip received in the cavity of the carrier structure having a plurality of electrically connecting pads formed thereon; at least a build-up circuit structure formed on the semiconductor chip and the carrier structure, wherein the build-up circuit structure has conductive structures for electrically connecting to the electrically connecting pads of the semiconductor chip; and a heat sink partially attached to the carrier structure for sealing the cavity. In that the heat sink directly contacts the semiconductor chip, heat generated during operation of the chip can be effectively dissipated, and more mounting space is provided for mounting electronic components, enhancing the electrical property thereof.

With the rapid development of the electronics industry, the profiles of electronic products tend to be thin, short, and small, and the functions thereof tend to be high performance in terms of functionality and speed. To satisfy the package requirements for high integration and miniaturization, circuit boards providing a plurality of active and passive components and circuit connections are typically designed as multi-layer boards instead of single-layer boards, so as to enlarge the usable circuit area of the circuit boards via interlayer connection technology to satisfy the requirement for high circuit density.
However, with the increase in the number of conductive trace layers and the component density of the circuit board, heat generated in the operation of semiconductor chips utilizing high integration techniques is also greatly increased. Consequently, a semiconductor package can overheat. Furthermore, the life-span of the semiconductor chip will be reduced if heat is not adequately dissipated. Currently, the ball grid array (BGA) structure used for packages cannot meet the electrical and heat dissipation requirements under circumstances with a high pin count (1500+ pins) or high frequency (5+ GHz). The flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) structure can be used in products having such pin counts and frequencies; however, the package cost is high, and there are many limitations for this technology, especially in terms of the electrically connectivity thereof. Moreover, for the sake of environmental protection, many electrical connecting materials, such as lead, a soldering material, are discouraged, but the electrical and mechanical qualities of substitute materials are generally not as stable.
For these reasons, a package involving a semiconductor chip embedded in a substrate has been proposed. As shown in FIG. 1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,898 discloses a semiconductor package having a heat dissipating function. As shown in the figure, the semiconductor package comprises a heat sink 102 having at least one recess 104; a semiconductor chip 114 having a non-active surface 118 that is mounted in a recess 104 via a heat-conductive adhesive material 120; and a build-up circuit structure 122 formed on the heat sink 102 and the semiconductor chip 114 via build-up circuit technology.
Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the heat sink 102 is illustrated. As shown in the figure, the recesses 104 of the heat sink 102 are extended to a certain depth to form a cavity from the upper surface of the heat sink 102.
Referring to FIG. 3, the material of the heat sink 102 supporting the semiconductor chip 114 utilizes an integral metallic material. Although a half-etching method can be used to firstly form the recess 104 receiving the semiconductor chip 114, the uniformity of such etching is difficult to control such that each of the recesses 104 in the whole heat sink 102 may be formed unevenly, which would not achieve an even plane. In such case, the mounting and connecting of semiconductor components might be affected, the height and uniformity of which would be more difficult to control, or worse, the quality and reliability of subsequent build-up circuit fabricating procedures could be affected.
In addition, the miniaturization of electronic products has long been a trend, and electronic products having a single function cannot satisfy the requirements of customers any more. Nowadays, portable electronic products, such as a multiple function electronic product combining a mobile phone and a digital camera, often combine multiple functions. Consequently, in the electronics industry, single-function integrated circuits have evolved into multi-function, high performance devices. An integrated circuit having multiple functions frequently serves as the main structure or component for a device, with various passive components, such as resistors, capacitors or inductances, connected to the input/output connections thereof to cooperatively provide said functions. But space must be provided for such passive components. However, another problem with the semiconductor package having heat dissipating function disclosed in the above US patent is that there is often little or no room for receiving passive components, leaving the goal of full modularization unachieved; and, because there is insufficient room for receiving other electronic components, the integrated circuit can not be effectively utilized in terms of incorporated functionality and connectivity.

Substrate assembly with direct electrical connection as a semiconductor package

Phoenix Precision Technology Corporation


An aimable fiber-optic spotlight has a fiber-optic light guide with a first end receiving light from a remote light source and a second end emitting light at the focus of a beam-forming lens held in a fixed tubular housing having a lens on a central optical axis. The light-emitting end of the light guide is held in a tubular light guide retainer within the housing, and which is transversely adjustable off the central axis of the housing and lens. Light emitted from the light guide is off the central axis of the housing and lens, and is thus projected through the lens as an off-axis beam adjustable in elevation angle. Rotation of housing in azimuth can then aim the light beam anywhere within a cone inscribed by rotation of the off-axis beam angle, thus providing adjustment in both elevation and azimuth. In a preferred embodiment the light-emitting end of the light guide is axially adjustable with respect to the lens, whereby the angular diameter of the projected light beam is also adjustable.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention applies to the field of lighting spotlights capable of being mounted to a rigid surface, such as a ceiling or wall, and being aimable to direct a light beam at an object; and more particularly to rigidly-mounted fiber optic spotlights capable of aiming a light beam.
2. Description of Prior Art
Presently known aimable spotlights normally use a collimating lens with a light source, such as the emitting end of a fiber-optic light guide, at the focus of the lens. The emitted beam is normally on an optical axis from the center of the light source through the optical center of the lens.
Aiming the beam of presently-known prior-art spotlights is usually accomplished by aiming the housing holding the light source and the lens. There are many prior-art methods for aiming a such light beams. The first method is by pivotally mounting the housing on the horizontal axis of a yoke, and then rotating the yoke about a vertical axis, forming an azimuth-elevation, or "AZ-EL" mount, such as is shown in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,292. A second method for aiming a spotlight is by attaching it to a movable or flexible arm, known as a "goose-neck" mount, such as is shown in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,848. All of the above methods require the entire luminaire to be within the room in which they are mounted. A third method for aiming a light beam is to rigidly mount the housing and provide a mirror on an azimuth-elevation mirror, such as is shown in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,125. This is an aesthetic improvement that moves the housing above the ceiling plane, but still requires and element, i.e., the mirror, to hang down from the ceiling. A fourth method makes the housing substantially spherical, fitting it within a spherical ring-shaped support socket, forming what is generally called an "eyeball" mount, such as is shown of U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,067. This approach can substantially recess the housing, but it makes the luminaire about three times the diameter of the actual lens. The primary disadvantages in all the prior-art methods for aiming light fixture beams is that they are generally complex, expensive and unattractive.

Aimable-beam fiber-optic spotlight luminaire


Disclosed is a method for the fabrication of an extrinsic base of an NPN transistor using high frequency bipolar technology. According to the method, using a doping of the extrinsic base of the transistor by ion implantation, the amorphous crystal lattice is recrystallized by very high-speed thermal annealing before the dopants of the extrinsic base are diffused in the epitaxial layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the manufacture of high-frequency bipolar integrated circuits and more particularly to the manufacture of the extrinsic base of an NPN transistor in a high-frequency bipolar technology.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A manufacturing method of high-frequency bipolar integrated circuits combines many steps to be performed in order to make an integrated circuit out of a silicon wafer. Thus, the method includes the steps of doping by ion implantation or by pre-deposition, photolithography, thermal oxidation, epitaxial growth, diffusion and plasma etching or chemical etching.
These methods of manufacture are being constantly improved to increase the density of integration of the integrated circuits as well as their electrical performance characteristics.
One known standard method of manufacture, describing chiefly the steps needed to make an NPN transistor, is described below in reference to FIG. 1. The figure does not, however, show all the cleaning steps which have no effect on the structure of the layers but which are essential to obtain a high manufacturing output.
FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of an NPN transistor, and is labeled to identify the different zones and layers of an NPN transistor made by means of high-frequency bipolar technology. The starting material is a P type semiconductor substrate. The method includes the following steps:
a) the doping of the substrate 1 by ion implantation to form a highly doped N type buried layer 2; PA1 b) epitaxial growth of a weakly doped N type layer 3; PA1 c) post-epitaxial oxidation to form a thin oxide film on the surface of the epitaxial layer followed by the deposition of a silicon nitride film; the oxide film prevents the tensile stress prompted by the nitride film on the epitaxial layer and is also used as a buffer oxide during ion implantation. These two films cannot be seen in FIG. 1 because they are removed at the end of the process; PA1 d) insulation by lateral oxide 4 also called thick LOCOS growth to insulate the components from one another; PA1 e) the creation of a highly doped N type collector well 5 by ion implantation; PA1 f) insulation by anti-channel diffusion, namely the creation of a P type channel 6 under thick oxide 4 by ion implantation to prevent leakage currents between collectors, followed by the diffusion of these channels in the epitaxial layer 3; the diffusion of the collector well is done simultaneously; PA1 g) the definition of so-called active zones in the epitaxial layer 3 by the etching of the silicon nitride layer; PA1 h) the creation of an extrinsic base 7 by the pre-deposition of boron out of boron nitride; the extrinsic base 7 is an active zone of the NPN transistor that sets up the link between an intrinsic base 10 located beneath the emitter zone 9 and a base contact zone 8 connecting the intrinsic base 10 to a first metal layer; the extrinsic base 7 is highly doped in order to reduce the resistance rbb' of the Giacoletto pattern and enable the integrated circuit to work at high frequency; the pre-deposition operation is followed by a step for the diffusion of boron in the epitaxial layer; the step h) will be more particularly described hereinafter in the description; PA1 I) the creation, by ion implantation, of the P type base contact zone 8; this zone is highly doped to obtain efficient ohmic contact between the first metal layer and the remaining part of the base; PA1 j) the creation of the highly doped N type emitter zone 9 by ion implantation; PA1 k) the creation of the P doped intrinsic base 10 by ion implantation; PA1 l) the creation of resistors by ion implantation; following these four operations of ion implantation, a diffusion of dopants is done in the epitaxial layer; PA1 m) the deposition of metal layers 11; these layers enable the connection of the components of the integrated circuit with one another; PA1 n) the deposition of a passivation layer to protect the integrated circuit. PA1 a thin LOCOS oxide growth to protect the active zones of all the components of the wafer; these active zones are for example the extrinsic base of an NPN transistor, the base of a PNP transistor or the zones provided for implanted resistors; PA1 a photoetching operation to remove the thin LOCOS oxide on the extrinsic base zones of the NPN transistors; indeed, the doping by boron pre-deposition concerns only the extrinsic base of the NPN transistor; PA1 a pre-deposition of boron using boron nitride wafers on the entire wafer; during the pre-deposition, an oxide layer and a layer of boron glass are formed on the surface of the doped layer; a first operation of corrosion by means of hydrofluoric acid is used to eliminate the oxide layer; an operation of dilution then brings about the growth of a new oxide layer that absorbs the boron glass; a second operation of corrosion with hydrofluoric acid eliminates this second oxide layer; PA1 a difflusion of the dopants in the silicon followed by a second thin LOCOS oxide growth on the surface of the doped zone.
In considering the different steps of this method of manufacture, it is seen that the doping operations are done either by pre-deposition or by ion implantation. The technique of pre-deposition is the older of the two doping techniques and enables a controlled introduction of dopants into the substrate. However, ion implantation provides for even more precise control of the dose and depth of penetration of the dopants implanted in the substrate.
However, there remains a step of pre-deposition to make the extrinsic base of the NPN transistors. The extrinsic base is an active zone of the NPN transistor and, in this respect, can withstand only a very small rate of defects in its structure. When the substrate or the epitaxial layer is subjected to ion implantation, the crystal lattice is damaged due to atomic collision and becomes amorphous. The defects of the crystal lattice are then very often amplified during the oxidation that follows the step for the diffusion of the dopants of the extrinsic base.
These defects may then lead to electrical problems, especially problems with respect to the base emitter and base-collector breakdown voltages of the NPN transistor.
The step of making the extrinsic base (step h) is therefore generally done by pre-deposition to avoid these electrical problems. This step comprises the following operations:
This step for the making of the extrinsic base of the NPN transistor (step h) requires many passages of the wafers in a conventional oven (with oxide growths, pre-deposition, dilution and diffusion) as well as several operations of cleaning and chemical etching (operations of corrosion with hydrofluoric acid) and is consequently very lengthy.
An aim of the invention is to shorten this step of the manufacture of the extrinsic base of an NPN transistor without having to rearrange the other steps of the method of manufacturing the NPN transistor and having a result that is at least equivalent to that of the conventional technique.

Method for the manufacture of the extrinsic base of an NPN transistor in a high-frequency bipolar technology