Parallel reactor systems for synthesizing materials are disclosed. The reactor systems may include at least two reaction vessels and may be suitable for synthesizing materials produced from corrosive reagents, for example, Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Antechambers may be provided above the reaction vessels to help purge vapors produced by the corrosive reagents. Methods for preparing materials by use of such parallel reactor systems are also disclosed.

Research and development programs directed at discovery of materials use high-throughput screening tools to evaluate multiple different candidate materials and/or process conditions to reduce the costs and time associated with the identification of promising candidate materials and/or process conditions. Various high-throughput parallel reactor systems have been developed to evaluate multiple candidate materials and/or process conditions by conducting multiple reactions in parallel (i.e., during the same or overlapping time periods).
A continuing need exists for parallel reactor systems that are capable of processing corrosive components such as components used in Ziegler-Natta catalyst synthesis and for methods for preparing materials by use of such parallel reactor systems.

Parallel reactor systems and methods for preparing materials


A plug comprises a first insulating interlayer, a tungsten pattern and a tungsten oxide pattern. The first insulating interlayer has a contact hole formed therethrough on a substrate. The tungsten pattern is formed in the contact hole. The tungsten pattern has a top surface lower than an upper face of the first insulating interlayer. The tungsten oxide pattern is formed in the contact hole and on the tungsten pattern. The tungsten oxide pattern has a level face.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments relate to a tungsten plug, a method of forming a tungsten plug and a semiconductor device having a tungsten plug. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a seam-free tungsten plug, a method of forming a seam-free tungsten plug and a semiconductor device having a seam-free tungsten plug.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor memory device may be classified as either a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device. The volatile memory device requires power in order to maintain its stored information, unlike the non-volatile memory device which does not require that power be maintained in order to retain its data. Types or volatile memory devices include a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), etc. Types of non-volatile memory devices include a flash memory device, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), etc.
Recently, a PRAM (phase-changeable random access memory), one type of non-volatile memory device, has been developed. The PRAM stores or erases data using a resistance between two states, a crystalline state and an amorphous state, by a phase transition. That is, the PRAM stores or erases data "1" and "0" using a reversible phase transition of a phase-changeable material layer, which typically includes germanium (Ge)-antimony (Sb)-tellurium (Te), and which is a chalcogenide material. For example, a reset current for converting a crystalline state into an amorphous state having a resistance larger than that of the crystalline state and a set current for converting an amorphous state into a crystalline state having a resistance smaller than that of the amorphous state may be transmitted from a diode to the phase-changeable material layer through a lower electrode. The lower electrode may be formed between the phase-changeable material layer and the diode. A metal silicide layer or a metal layer may be further formed between the diode and the lower electrode to reduce resistance of an interface therebetween.
As the size of a semiconductor memory device is decreased, the size of a region at which the diode and the lower electrode make contact with each other is also reduced. Because the region where the diode and the lower electrode make contact with each other is reduced, when a plug is formed in the region, a seam or a void may be generated in the region. When the seam or the void is exposed, it may be difficult to control a resistance of the plug.

Method of forming a seam-free tungsten plug


A cell structure 10 having a plurality of cells 2 which are partitioned with partition walls 1 to form a honeycomb and which are flow paths of fluid, an outer wall 5 which encloses the cells 2 and a cavity 3 which pierces in the direction of a central axis P of the structure through a portion including the central axis P or a given axis parallel to the central axis P, where the cell structure further has an inner wall 4 on the inner surface of the cavity 3, a method for producing the cell structure, and a catalyst structure. The cell structure having the cavity has an excellent isostatic breaking strength and can exhibit proper sealing function in its cavities. Furthermore, a method for producing the cell structure, the catalyst structure, etc. are provided.

Hitherto, cell structures a having cavity in the form of being bored in the direction of central axis (for example, honeycomb structures) have been used for various uses. For example, there is disclosed an adsorption-device which has a bypass mechanism for internal combustion engines and which has such a construction that at the time of cold starting, hydrocarbons contained in an exhaust gas from internal combustion engines (for example, automobiles) are adsorbed to an adsorptive material supported on cell partition walls by passing the gas through a cell portion of a honeycomb structure, and thereafter the gas is led to a catalyst in the state of low reactivity to diminish the burden, and after warming up, the flow path of the gas is changed to the hollows of the honeycomb structure to lead the gas to a catalyst in the state of the reactivity being increased (U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,824).
Furthermore, an adsorptive body for purification of exhaust gas in which a well portion for blowing of gas in order to secure gas passage (for blowing of exhaust gas therethrough) is formed in a honeycomb structure is disclosed (JP-A-7-232084).
Moreover, an apparatus in which another structure (catalyst converter) is provided in a hollow pore is disclosed (German Patent DE19502345A1).
A holding structure for a heat storage body in which a fuel nozzle is disposed in a central cavity of a cylindrical honeycomb heat storage body as a heat exchanger (JP-A-11-211371).
Further, there is disclosed a rotary switching single type regenerative burner in which a burner is provided in a central cavity of a honeycomb heat storage body whereby the heat storing portion and the burner portion are integrated("Energy Saving", Vol. 48, No. 10, 1996; title "rotary switching single type regenerative burner").
As a reformer for fuel cells, etc., there is disclosed a fuel reformation apparatus according to which a gas is passed through a doughnut-shaped catalyst portion and then the gas is passed through the inner hollow portion of the doughnut-shaped catalyst portion (JP-A-8-67502).
Furthermore, there is disclosed a hydrogen purification apparatus in which a reaction chamber is provided at outer periphery of a tubular reformed gas flow path, a honeycomb catalyst body is provided inside the reaction chamber, and a heat exchanging fin is provided on the wall surface of the reformed gas flow path which contacts with the downstream side of the catalyst body (JP-A-2000-44204).
As mentioned above, cavities formed in honeycomb structures used for the above uses have important roles to perform a function as a bypass for heat, a function of accelerating rise of temperature of catalyst, a function of holding other structures, and the like.
However, it has become clear that as shown in FIG. 50, when an isostatic pressure F is externally applied to the outer peripheral surface of a honeycomb structure 100 having a cavity, and the pressure externally applied to the outer surface F reaches a certain value, there occurs a peculiar phenomenon that the honeycomb structure is broken in such a manner that the inner side portion as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 50 falls into the cavity. Thus, the conventional cell structures have a problem in isostatic breaking strength for holding the structure in a container while securing sufficient reliability in endurance.
Furthermore, in the case of sealing the cavity against passing of fluid through cells which are flow paths, the periphery of the cavity is demanded to have such a mechanical strength as endurable against sealing force and besides it is demanded to secure a sufficient sealing face. However, the conventional cell structures cannot sufficiently meet these demands. That is, sealing is generally carried out by pressing a sealing member to the inner peripheral surface of the cavity at the end face of the cell structure, but in this case the section of the partition wall constituting the cell is a sealing face, and sufficient sealing cannot be performed because the sealing member linearly contacts with the sealing face. Moreover, sealing force is received only by the partition wall and hence no sufficient pressure can be externally applied to the outer peripheral surface due to the restriction in mechanical strength. In such a case, the direction of flow path of fluid through the cells around the cavity or compressive strength of the cell structure in the direction of central axis is important, and it is necessary to design a honeycomb structure so as to give a proper compressive strength in this direction.

Cell structural body, method of manufacturing cell structural body, and catalyst structural body


A clock and data recovery circuit includes a phase detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator and a frequency divider. The voltage-controlled oscillator includes a current mirror, a control circuit, a current modulation module and a current-controlled oscillator. The current mirror has a current-controlling path and a current-outputting path. The current-controlling path and the current-outputting path are in a proportional relationship. The control circuit is used for adjusting the current flowing through the current-controlling path according to the control voltage. The current modulation module is used for generating a differential current according to the judging signal. The current-controlled oscillator is used for adjusting the phase of the second output clock signal according to the sum of the differential current and the current flowing through the current-outputting path.

A phase detector (PD) is widely used for receiving a data signal and an output clock signal, and comparing the data signal with the output clock signal, thereby generating a judging signal. For example, the use of the phase detector is common in phase locked loop (PLL) circuits, for precisely controlling the clock and frequency. In addition, the PLL circuit is important for clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits.
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a correction strategy of a linear phase detector. For the linear phase detector, as the phase difference φ increases, the phase-correcting amount Δφ increases in a direct proportion. That is, the phase difference φ and the phase-correcting amount Δφ are in a linear relationship. If the phase difference φ is positive, the phase-correcting amount Δφ is subtracted from the original phase. Whereas, if the phase difference φ is negative, the phase-correcting amount Δφ is added to the original phase.
FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a correction strategy of a bang-bang phase detector. The bang-bang phase detector is a non-linear phase detector. After the phase difference is detected, depending on the positive or negative feature of the phase difference, a constant phase-correcting amount Δφ is subtracted from or added to the original phase. If any phase difference still exists after the correction step, the similar correction steps are repeated done to successively correct the original difference by the constant phase-correcting amount Δφ. For example, assuming that the phase difference φ between the data signal and the clock signal inputted into the phase detector is positive, the constant phase-correcting amount Δφ is subtracted from the original phase, and thus a judging signal Vdown is outputted from the bang-bang phase detector. Whereas, if the phase difference φ is negative, the constant phase-correcting amount Δφ is added to the original phase, and thus a judging signal Vup is outputted from the bang-bang phase detector.
From the above discussions, it is found that the correcting procedure of the linear phase detector may be stopped because the error is nearly negligible. On the other hand, since the sampling values acquired by the bang-bang phase detector are usually unequal, the correcting procedure of the bang-bang phase detector may be continuously performed because of the existence of the phase difference φ. In addition, even if the corrected value is very close to the ideal value, the corrected value may swing up and down with respect to the ideal value. Due to these characteristics, the bang-bang phase detector is also referred as a binary phase detector. Since the bang-bang phase detector does not need to calculate the tuning range according to the magnitude of the phase difference φ and the tuning speed of the bang-bang phase detector is faster than the linear phase detector, the bang-bang phase detector is employed in high-speed data transmission.
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a clock and data recovery circuit using a bang-bang phase detector according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 2, the clock and data recovery circuit comprises a bang-bang phase detector 101, a charge pump (CP) 103, a loop filter (LF) 105 and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) 107. By the bang-bang phase detector 101, a judging signal (Vup, Vdown) is acquired. The judging signal is converted into control voltage by the charge pump (CP) 103 and the loop filter (LF) 105. According to the control voltage, the voltage-controlled oscillator adjusts the phase of an output clock signal.
Please refer to FIG. 2 again. The charge pump 103 comprises a first current source 1031, a second current source 1032, a first switch 1033 and a second switch 1034. The first current source 1031 is connected to a high-level voltage for providing a first switching current. The second current source 1032 is connected to a low-level voltage for providing a second switching current. The first switch 1033 is interconnected between the first current source 1031 and the loop filter 105. According to the judging signal outputted from the bang-bang phase detector 101, the first switch 1033 is conducted or shut off to determine whether the first switching current is outputted or not. The second switch 1034 is interconnected between the second current source 1032 and the loop filter 105. Similarly, according to the judging signal outputted from the bang-bang phase detector 101, the second switch 1034 is conducted or shut off to determine whether the second switching current is outputted or not. As such, a switching signal indicative of the combination of the first switching current and the second switching current will be transmitted to the back-end circuit.
The switching signal outputted from the charge pump 103 is generated according to the judging signal (Vup, Vdown). According to the switching signal, a control voltage VLF at a control node of the loop filter 105 is adjusted. According to the control voltage VLF, the output oscillation feature of the voltage-controlled oscillator 107 is adjusted. For example, in a case that the judging signal (Vup, Vdown)=(0, 0) is transmitted from the bang-bang phase detector 101 to the charge pump 103, the first switch 1033 and the second switch 1034 of the charge pump 103 are both shut off, and thus the control voltage VLF to be transmitted to the voltage-controlled oscillator 107 is kept unchanged. Whereas, in response to the judging signal (Vup, Vdown)=(0, 1), the second switch 1034 is conducted and the second switching current is generated. Due to the second switching current, an integral capacitor C1 of the loop filter 105 begins to discharge, and thus the magnitude of the control voltage VLF decreases. Whereas, in response to the judging signal (Vup, Vdown)=(1, 0), the first switch 1033 is conducted and the first switching current is generated. Since the integral capacitor C1 of the loop filter 105 is charged by the first switching current, the magnitude of the control voltage VLF increases. Moreover, in response to the judging signal (Vup, Vdown)=(1, 1), the first switch 1033 and the second switch 1034 are both conducted, and thus the first switching current and the second switching current are generated. Since the first switching current and the second switching current flow toward the low-level voltage side, neither a charging operation nor a discharging operation on the loop filter 105 is performed.
From the above discussions, it is found that the actions of the first switch 1033 and the second switch 1034 of the charge pump 103 affect the operations of the loop filter 105 and the voltage-controlled oscillator 107. That is, after the charging operation on the loop filter 105 is stopped by controlling on/off statuses of the switches 1033 and 1034, the charges accumulated in the integral capacitor C1 of the loop filter 105 still have influences on the voltage inputted into the voltage-controlled oscillator 107. On the other hand, since the resistor R of the loop filter 105 does not have the memory effect, the voltage inputted into the voltage-controlled oscillator 107 is not affected by the resistor R. In other words, the resistor R is able to respond to the instantaneous actions of the switches without adversely affecting voltage inputted into the voltage-controlled oscillator 107.
That is, the resistor R and the integral capacitor C1 of the loop filter 105 affect the performance of the instantaneous response and the sustained response, respectively. Generally, the resistor R is suitable to instantaneous phase adjustment, but the integral capacitor C1 is suitable to frequency adjustment. However, because of the following reasons, the performance of the architecture of the clock and data recovery circuit as shown FIG. 2 is unsatisfied in high-speed applications.
Firstly, since the resistor R and the integral capacitor C1 are included in the loop filter 105, the high-speed phase control feature and the low-speed frequency control feature of the resistor R and the integral capacitor C1 should be taken into consideration when designing the loop filter 105. In addition, when the clock and data recovery circuit is used in high-speed applications, the circuitry of charge pump 103 should be correspondingly changed to comply with the back-end circuit. That is, the complexity of designing the charge pump 103 increases.
Secondly, the loop stability is adversely affected by a parasitic capacitor Cp. As shown in FIG. 2, the parasitic capacitor Cp gives rise to third-order effects because the original second-order loop becomes a third-order loop (having an additional pole). The third-order effects may degrade the loop stability and make the loop design difficult, particularly at high frequencies. (See, Wang, Shoujun, etc, "Design considerations for 2nd-order and 3rd-order bang-bang CDR loops, FIG. 5" 2005 IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference (CICC 2005), San Jose, Calif., Sep. 18-21, 2005).
Moreover, for eliminating the influence of noise, the main circuit is usually equipped with some decoupling capacitors to filter off high-frequency noise. Like the parasitic capacitor Cp, the uses of these decoupling capacitors may give rise to third-order effects to slow down the response speed.
From the above discussions, the loop filter 105 consisting of the resistor R and the integral capacitor C1 may restrict the applications of the clock and data recovery circuit at high frequencies.

Clock and data recovery circuit with proportional path


A system and method of sustainable aquaponics that vertically integrates unique aquaponic system designs with alternative aquaculture fish feed sources, fingerling production methods, alternative aquaculture/farmed fish grow out models, and green energy sources that yield organic produce in the form of fruits and vegetables. A raceway system serves as the hub for grow-out throughout the warm and cold months. During the summer months, fish can be spawned and fed for steady growth, while during the winter months, the fish continue to grow at slower quite acceptable growth rates. Plants like legal (licensed) cannabis for medical use can be grown in plant areas near the raceways with very high yields.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to aquaponic systems and more particularly to a system and method of aquaponics using alternative aquaculture feed, fingerling production and green energy sources to yield organic produce as well as edible fish.
Description of the Prior Art
Worldwide fish stocks are dwindling. Slightly more than half the worlds fisheries are known to be fully exploited meaning that their current catch is at or near the maximum sustainable production. Nevertheless, fish consumption has increased to 17.1 kg per person (reported in 2008). Fish are being farmed with some success and a lot of failure. A better technique than straight fish farming is known as aquaponics.
Aquaponics is a farming practice that integrates aquaculture with plant production. The fish in the system produce waste which provides the necessary nutrients for plant production, while, at the same time, the plants help rid the water of fish waste, specifically ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and carbon dioxide while adding back oxygen.
Prior art aquaponics systems as well as straight fish farms have many times been failures since they are typically under pressure to produce as many saleable fish as possible in the shortest possible time. In many cases, ponds are too small for the number of fish; fish are force-fed or fed artificial food to speed up growth that causes disease and death; seasonal changes in water temperature stress or kill fish; fish waste accumulates and is not properly removed; bacteria enter the water that are foreign to the fish population killing fish; or the owner runs out of money before the fish are ready to harvest. Also, many prior art systems are not sustainable in that they cannot continuously operate (some fish farms seed fingerlings, force feed them, and try to harvest as soon as possible). It would be extremely advantageous to have a system and method of sustainable aquaponics that could continuously operate year round (with various factors adjusted during the year based on climate and weather).
Most fish farms or aquaponic systems need pumps and other energy-consuming devices. The energy costs for these devices can be significant. It would be advantageous to have an aquaponic system that derived or recovered a large part of its energy demands from natural sources such as moving water, wind energy, methane digestion, wind, solar, burning wood waste and compost.
One of the most important factors in an aquaponic system is oxygen content in the water (as well as removing carbon dioxide). This is typically accomplished by aeration of the water. In prior art systems, many times aeration is accomplished only by pumping water to a higher elevation and then letting it tumble over rocks or gravel. This is a good method, and If enough water is aerated in this manner, results can be satisfactory; however, there is a large electrical cost for the pumping process. It would very advantageous to have an aquaponic system that used additional alternative aeration methods such as the use of various plants in and near the water like algae and domestic plants such as tomato, basil, lettuce, eggplant, watercress and others, U-tubes and regenerative blowers.
Many prior art systems artificially clean their water. It would be advantageous to have an aquaponic system that uses water from a natural source such as a pond or lake so that fish become inoculated to all the naturally occurring bacteria, parasites and algae found in the natural system.
Prior art aquaponics systems typically use fish waste to provide nutrients for plants. However, the plants were usually limited to those plants that can only live in the water. It would advantageous to have an aquaponic system that could also produce other plants that do not normally live in water, especially edible plants and plants that produce edible fruits and vegetables.
It is now legal in the United States, under a proper license, to grow the plant known as cannabis. While illegal for many years, the states have realized and approved the use of leaves from this plant as a prescription drug for certain patients. Licensees need a way of growing medical cannabis efficiently and in large quantities. An aquaponics farm is an ideal local to grow cannabis and other drug plants. Hemp is a related plant with industrial uses that can also be grown using aquaponics.

Sustainable aquaponic system and method for growing plants like medical cannabis


A van door slidable in tracks (16, 18 and 20). An operating module is mounted inside the van adjacent center track 18. A front cable attached to drive pulley (144) extends through guide assembly (54) to hinge and roller assemble (26). A rear cable attached to drive pulley (136) extends through guide assembly (56) to hinge and roller assembly (26). The drive pulleys (136 and 144) each have a large diameter spiral cable groove (164), a small diameter cable groove (208) and a transition cable groove (210). A motor rotates the drive pulleys. The small diameter cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the forward portion of the tracks. The large diameter spiral cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the center and rear portions of the track. Fixed idler rollers (226 and 254) are positioned relative to the cable drive pulleys to insure that the total cable in the continuous cable loop is substantially the same when the cable is driven by the small diameter cable grooves as when the cable is driven by the large diameter spiral cable grooves. A cable tension system (220) maintains cable tension. A slack cable take-up pulley (174) on the drive pulley (136) takes up slack cable to set cable tension and is then locked in position.

Van type vehicles for passengers and for cargo have been equipped with a sliding side door. Sliding doors are supported and guided by rollers that run in tracks. These sliding doors are generally on the side of the vehicle opposite to the vehicle operator's station. To open or close the sliding doors, it is necessary for the vehicle operator to leave the operator s station and either walk around the outside of the vehicle to the sliding door or to cross the inside of the vehicle to the sliding door. Crossing the inside of the vehicle is often difficult or impossible due to passengers or cargo inside the van.
A power system for opening and closing sliding doors on vehicles has long been considered desirable. Attempts to provide a power system for opening and closing sliding doors have had limited success. The systems have generally been complicated and expensive. Some systems have not controlled the position of the door at all times thereby allowing some undesirable free travel. Other systems have not allowed manual opening or closing of sliding doors when the power system is inoperable for some reason.
Opening and closing time requirements and door slamming have also been problems. Sliding doors which move rapidly have tended to slam shut. Acceleration and deceleration of sliding doors and the resulting forces imposed on the vehicle body and sliding door have also been problems. Doors which close gently have tended to move slow and take excessive time to open and close.

Door opening cable system with cable slack take-up


A dispensing closure is provided for a container and includes a base for being mounted to the container over the container opening. An actuator is mounted on the base and is tiltable between a closed position and an open position. A ring is mounted on the base for rotation relative to the base and actuator. The ring and base together cooperatively define a cam drive system for effecting the tilting of the actuator.

Designs have been proposed for containers used with flowable substances wherein a closure is provided for being attached to the container mouth and wherein the closure includes a flip-up spout or nozzle assembly for dispensing the container contents. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,776,501, 4,645,086 and 3,516,581.
The closures disclosed in the above-referenced patents require that the operator push down on a top, rear portion of the closure in order to pivot the closure to the dispensing orientation. On the other hand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,460 discloses a closure in which a tiltable actuator is mounted within a rotatable collar, and rotation of the collar operates through a cam ring to tilt the actuator between the closed and open positions.
While the tiltable actuator within a rotatable collar as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,460 may function generally satisfactorily for the purpose for which it was designed, it would be desirable to provide an improved dispensing closure with structural and operational advantages.
Specifically, it would be desirable to provide a cam drive system that could be located in a relatively small region of the closure and that would not require extensive circumferential cam tracks around all or most of the closure.
Further, it would be advantageous if the components of such an improved design could be relatively easily manufactured and readily assembled.
Additionally, it would be beneficial if such an improved design could provide a "high-style" exterior configuration substantially free from functional details and instructional nomenclature or indicia.
Finally, it would be desirable to provide an improved design which would accommodate the torque encountered during application of the closure to a container in an automatic, high-speed, capping machine or encountered during use of the closure by a person who may inadvertently or intentionally apply an unusually high torque to the closure.
The present invention provides an improved closure which can accommodate designs having the above-discussed benefits and features.


A display apparatus for providing a multi view mode along with glasses is provided. The display apparatus includes a communicator which communicates with the glasses, a display which displays multiple contents respectively, a screen telephony performer which performs screen telephony with another display apparatus, and a controller. The controller controls the communicator to transmit a user's voice received from the another display apparatus to the glasses, when the screen telephony with another display apparatus is performed, and which controls the display to display screen telephony images received from the another display apparatus and one content from among the multiple contents in a multi view mode.

1. Field
Apparatuses and methods consistent with what is disclosed herein relate to a display apparatus, a method for controlling the display apparatus, glasses and a method for controlling the glasses, and more specifically, to a display apparatus which provides different contents to a plurality of users, a controlling method thereof, glasses and a controlling method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Empowered with electronic technology development, various types of electronic produces are invented and distributed. Specifically, various display apparatuses such as televisions (TVs), cellular phones, personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are used in many households.
As use of display apparatuses increases, the scope of functions also increases. Thus, products having new functions which were not served before, such as providing 3D contents, are launched.
Further, efforts are recently made to develop a display apparatus in which a plurality of contents are simultaneously provided and a plurality of users can watch different contents simultaneously.
Meanwhile, display apparatuses can connect to the Internet and communicate with other display apparatuses. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a method with which it is possible that users of the display apparatuses can properly conduct screen telephony with users of the other display apparatuses, while the users are watching different contents, respectively.

Display apparatus, method for controlling the display apparatus, glasses and method for controlling the glasses


A hybrid drive system has two sources of driving power: a non-combustion drive system to provide mechanical torque and rotation to a driveshaft, and an opposed-piston, internal combustion engine configured to provide energy for the non-combustion drive system.

Various international considerations are propelling demands to increase the energy efficiency and reduce the undesirable emissions of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. These objectives have led to development of electric vehicles and hybrid electric powertrains for vehicles. A conventional internal combustion engine provides a low cost platform with high power and energy density, which meets consumer expectations of vehicle range, but continues to exhibit low fuel efficiency. Electric vehicles produce a lower carbon signature (assuming a low CO2 electrical grid) with good vehicle drivability characteristics. However the energy impact of electric vehicles is low due to low sales volume, high cost, low infrastructure support, and limited vehicle range. Increasingly, hybrid electric vehicles offer a desirable combination of both driving technologies in terms of range, convenience, and increased efficiency. However, efficiency and emission limits of currently-configured conventional internal combustion engines increasingly constrain the potential benefits of hybrid electric vehicles. Accordingly, improving the internal combustion efficiency and emissions characteristics of these vehicles can have a significant beneficial impact on global energy consumption and emissions.
An analytical investigation has indicated that opposed-piston engines possess a fundamental fuel efficiency advantage over conventional internal combustion engines. Herold, R., Wahl, M., Regner, G., Lemke, J., and Foster, D., (2011). "Thermodynamic Benefits of Opposed-Piston Two-Stroke Engines," SAE Technical Paper 2011-01-2216, 2011. Another investigation confirms the potential of opposed-piston engines for meeting stringent emissions regulations, particularly those relating to NOx. Kalebjian, C., Redon, F., and Wahl, M., (2012), "Low Emissions and Rapid Catalyst Light-Off Capability for Upcoming Regulations with an Opposed-Piston, Two-Stroke Diesel Engine", Global Automotive Management Council and Emissions 2012, Ypsilanti, Mi. Recent advances in gasoline-powered opposed-piston engine performance indicate that significant margins in fuel efficiency and emissions are achievable over the conventional two- and four-stroke internal combustion engines used in hybrid applications. Hanson, R., Strauss, S., Redon, F., Salvi, A., (2017), "Progress in Light-Duty OPGCI Engine Design and Testing," SIA Powertrain International Conference, Versailles.
However, to date, hybrid drive systems for vehicles such as automobiles, busses, and trucks have been designed and adapted for conventional internal combustion engine architectures based on single-piston-per-cylinder configurations. Accordingly, it is desirable to consider replacement of a conventional internal combustion engine in a hybrid drive system with an opposed-piston, internal combustion engine in order to obtain increases in fuel efficiency and to reduce undesirable emissions of the internal combustion component of a hybrid drive system.

Hybrid drive system with an opposed-piston, internal combustion engine


A photosensitive resin composition comprises: a polybenzoxazole precursor (A); a naphthoquinone diazide photosensitizer (B); and a specific phenolic hydroxyl group-containing compound (C).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition. More particularly, it relates to a positive type photosensitive resin composition which is suitable for application in the field of microelectronics, and is developable with an alkali aqueous solution, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus using the composition.
2. Description of the Related Art
In application of microelectronics, a polymer exhibiting durability at high temperatures is generally widely known. The precursors of such polymers such as polyimide and polybenzoxazole (PBO) can be made photoreactive by a preferable additive. The precursors are converted into desirable polymers by a known technique such as exposure to high temperatures. Therefore, a polymer precursor is used for manufacturing a protective layer, a heat insulating layer, and a relief structure of a highly heat-resistant polymer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,685 discloses a positive type photosensitive composition containing an alkali-soluble PBO precursor, and a diazoquinone photoactive compound. The diazoquinone compound prevents the PBO precursor from being dissolved in a water-based base. After exposure, the diazoquinone compound undergoes photolysis, and is converted into indene carboxylic acid which promotes the dissolution of the PBO precursor into an alkali developer.
Whereas, JP-T-2002-526795 discloses a composition containing a PBO precursor partially capped with a diazoquinone compound.
The photosensitive composition containing such a PBO precursor is a system which is less likely to provide a sufficient difference in dissolution rate between unexposed portions and exposed portions. Thus, there are problems of image performances such as sensitivity, film loss, and resolution.
In Japanese Patent No. 3346981, Japanese Patent No. 3478376, and JP-A-2005-309032, there is disclosed a composition including a polybenzoxazole precursor, a photosensitive quinone diazide compound and a phenol compound. However, the performance balance of sensitivity, the film thickness uniformity in the wafer after development, and the film thickness uniformity after curing was insufficient.

Photosensitive resin composition and method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus using the same


A method of electron spin resonance enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of a paramagnetic substance-containing sample wherein an image of at least part of the sample is generated from a data set produced by manipulation of enhanced free induction decay signals detected under at least two different sets of operational parameters. The operating parameters which are varied to produce the different sets include the timing of the exposure of the sample to magnetic field gradients and spin resonance stimulating radiations and, optionally, also the amplitude and frequency distribution of the electron spin resonance stimulating radiations. The manipulation of the detected signals produces, for individual image elements, a normalized signal representative of the difference between signals for that element under the different sets of operational parameters.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in and relating to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in particular to improvements in electron spin resonance enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
2. Description of the Related Art
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic imaging technique that is gaining widespread acceptance among physicians. It is particularly attractive as it does not involve exposing the patient to radioactivity or ionizing radiation.
An improved modification of MRI, which utilizes the phenomenon of dynamic nuclear polarization, otherwise known as the Overhauser effect, to achieve significant enhancement of the magnetic resonance (MR) signals from which the MR images are generated, has recently been suggested. In this technique, variously termed Electron Spin Resonance Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ESREMRI), Overhauser Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OMRI) and Proton Electron Double Resonance Imaging (PEDRI), the subject is irradiated with radiation of a frequency selected to stimulate electron spin resonance transitions in a paramagnetic substance, e.g. a stable free radical, distributed within the subject. Interaction between the stimulated electron spin system and the nuclear spin system (generally water protons) responsible for emitting the free induction delay (FID) signals from which the MR image is generated results in a relative overpopulation of the excited state of the nuclear spin system and as a result an enhancement of the FID signals. ESREMRI is discussed for example in WO-A-88/10419 (Leunbach) and related techniques are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,425 (Ettinger), WO-A-90/02343 (Leunbach) and EP-A-302742 (Lurie).
Where MRI and ESREMRI have been used for diagnostic imaging, this has generally been to provide structural, i.e. anatomical, information. These imaging techniques can however be used to image other physical, chemical or biological parameters, for example temperature, contrast agent presence or distribution, blood flow, etc., insofar as these parameters exert a measurable effect on the magnetic resonance (FID) signals. The present invention is concerned particularly with this so-called parameter imaging. One problem generally faced in parameter imaging is that the FID signal is affected by many factors besides the parameter of interest and that if these factors vary within the sample or subject under study then variations in image intensity cannot be simply correlated to the variations in the parameter of interest. At present therefore MR images are utilized mostly for the anatomical information they provide with the image intensity being used to delineate anatomical structures rather than being considered to have any quantitative significance.
In conventional MRI, FID signal intensities are dependant on the spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times (T.sub.1p and T.sub.2p respectively) of the imaging nuclei, on the density of the imaging nuclei (generally the proton density) and occasionally on a flow velocity. Although it is possible to some extent to distinguish between these parameters by the use of appropriate imaging sequences, one is still faced by the problem of interpreting the significance of the relaxation times which have no clear diagnostic significance unlike primary parameters such as temperature, pH, oxygen tension, viscosity, etc.

Method of electron spin resonance enhanced MRI


A safety for blade of tape dispenser includes a fixing seat provided above a tape roller of the tape dispenser. The fixing seat defines an inner space in which a blade of the tape dispenser is fixedly mounted and a shield plate is disposed above the blade. The shield plate includes two legs configured to have some degree of elasticity and connected at outmost ends to the fixing seat to normally project a front edge of the shield plate beyond a serrated front edge of the blade when the tape dispenser is not in use or is used to apply a length of tape on a surface. When the tape dispenser is used to cut the length of applied tape, the two elastic legs allow the shield plate to slide backward under a tension of the tape to expose the blade for cutting the tape.

The present invention relates to a safety for blade of tape dispenser, and more particularly to a safety on a tape dispenser for shielding a blade of the tape dispenser when the latter is not in use, so that the blade would not injure a user.
In addition to a main body and a tape reel for holding a roll of tape, a conventional tape dispenser typically includes a blade provided at a front end thereof. After a length of tape has been applied on a surface, a handle of the tape dispenser is lifted by a certain angle for the blade to cut the tape. The blade is normally exposed from the tape dispenser and tends to injure a user when the user carelessly contacts with the blade.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a safety for blade of a tape dispenser, so that the blade is properly covered when the tape dispenser is not in use or is used in applying the tape on a surface, protecting a user against unexpected injury by the blade.
The safety for blade of a tape dispenser according to the present invention mainly includes a fixing seat located above a tape roller in front of the tape dispenser. The fixing seat defines an inner space in which the blade of the tape dispenser is fixedly mounted and a shield plate is disposed above the blade. The shield plate includes two legs inclinedly extended from a rear central area toward two lateral sides of the shield plate to have some degree of elasticity. Two outmost ends of the two legs are movably connected to the fixing seat to normally project a front edge of the shield plate beyond a serrated front edge of the blade when the tape dispenser is not in use or is used to apply a length of tape on a surface.
When the tape dispenser is used to cut a length of tape applied on a surface, the two elastic legs allow a tension of the tape to push the shield plate backward to expose the serrated front edge of the blade for cutting the tape.
A slide channel is formed on a top of the fixing seat. An L-shaped holding-down plate of the tape dispenser for holding down the length of tape applied on a surface before the tape is cut with the blade can be easily and quickly assembled to the tape dispenser simply by sliding a lower part of the holding-down plate into the slide channel.

3 Fl., No. 3, Alley 318, Long Chiang Rd.


An image forming apparatus includes: rotators; a drive motor configured to drive the plurality of rotators and including a hall element configured to output a hall signal according to a change of a magnetic field; a counter configured to count the hall signal; an image forming unit forming a color image on a recording medium; and a controller configured to function as: an acquiring unit controlling the image forming unit to form a test pattern on the recording medium, and acquiring correction information based on the formed test pattern; a phase managing unit managing the phases of the rotators based on a count value of the counter from the formation start timing; and a correcting unit correcting the positional deviation based on the phases which are managed by the phase managing unit, and the correction information acquired by the acquiring unit.

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly, to a technology of controlling a phase of a rotator such as a photosensitive element in an image forming apparatus.
There has been a known technology of controlling a phase of a rotator such as a photosensitive element. A related art discloses a technology which uses photo sensors for detecting the reference positions of photosensitive drums (rotators) and a hall element for detecting rotation speed of a motor to detect the reference positions of the individual photosensitive drums, and perform phase control on the plurality of drums.


A system interconnection generator comprising a power converting unit for converting solar energy into AC power by using a voltage chopping waveform, the ON duty of which is adjusted, thereby to supply the converted AC power to the system for a commercial AC power source. The distortion of the current waveform of the AC power supplied from the system interconnection generator to the system is detected to correct the ON duty of the chopping section after 360 degrees of the chopping section, in accordance with the distortion which has been detected.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system interconnection generator for converting solar energy into AC power a commercial AC power system and, more particularly, to a system interconnection generator for suppressing the waveform distortion of the AC power to be fed to the system.
2. Prior Art
The power generator of the prior art, using solar energy, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-203469/1995.
This power generator, as disclosed, is intended to bring the AC power, as outputted from the system interconnection generator, and the AC power of the system into phase at a zero-cross point to thereby prevent the waveform distortion, as might otherwise come from the distortion of the phase.
In the system interconnection generator of the prior art thus constructed, the waveform distortion can be suppressed by setting the individual phases in phase but cannot suppress the distortion which is based upon the characteristics of the individual components of the system interconnection generator.


A user authentication method using a self-signed certificate of a web server includes: receiving a log-in message generated by using a public key registered to the self-signed certificate of the web server from a client device; generating a response message by using the log-in message and a secret key corresponding to the public key; transmitting the generated response message to the client device; receiving a verification value from the client device via a secure socket layer (SSL) channel connected by using the self-signed certificate of the web server from the client device when a reliability of the response message is verified at the client device; verifying a reliability of the log-in message by using the received verification value; and confirming completion of user authentication if the reliability of the log-in message is verified.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a user authentication method using a self-signed certificate of a web server.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a cloud computing environment, various resources connected to a network may be utilized by a client device connected to the same network.
By building web servers within electronic devices connected to a network, the electronic devices may be accessed and used via a web browser of a client device connected to the same network. In other words, when a user wants to access a desired electronic device, the user may access a web page for controlling the electronic device by inputting a corresponding IP address of the electronic device to a web browser of a client device.
The access of electronic devices via a web browser requires a safe user authentication method for providing services to certified users only. However, it is not easy to embody a safe user authentication method based on hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) communication. Furthermore, a method of generating HTTPs, which is a reliable channel, by employing a secure socket layer (SSL) in the HTTP communication and transferring authentication information requires to store certifications issued by a certificate authority in respective electronic devices, and thus the costs for issuing the certificates are incurred. Furthermore, although there is an HTTP-based authentication method using a challenge-response protocol, the method is designed by using an unsafe hash function, such as message-digest algorithm 5 (MD5).

User authentication method using self-signed certificate of web server, client device and electronic device including web server performing the same


A holder unit for use in a transfer apparatus that causes a surface of a transfer master and a surface of a slave medium to be in direct contact with each other and transfers information on the transfer master surface to the slave medium surface. The holder unit includes a pair of gripping members, movable toward and away from each other, for holding the transfer master. The transfer master is stuck firmly on either or both of the pair of gripping members through or without an elastic member.

As a technique for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, there is a technique of employing a transfer master which has a predetermined land/groove pattern on a surface and in which at least the surface is magnetized, to magnetically transfer the information corresponding to the land/groove pattern of the transfer master to a slave medium.
Conventional magnetic transfer is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-163823 by way of example. The magnetic transfer is performed by employing a pair of gripping members having a mechanism for holding a transfer master by air suction, applying a magnetic field to the transfer master and a slave medium gripped by the gripping members, and rotating the gripping members to apply the magnetic field to the transfer master and slave medium in a predetermined direction.
In the aforementioned conventional technique, a magnetic field is applied to the transfer master and the slave medium through the gripping members. Particularly, in the case of manufacturing magnetic recording media of relatively small diameters, it is preferable to make the gripping members as thin as possible and move magnetic field application means as close as possible to the transfer master and the slave medium, in order to apply a magnetic field satisfactorily to the transfer master and the slave medium.
However, in the aforementioned conventional technique, the gripping members are equipped with the mechanism for holding the transfer master by air suction, so there is a limit to the thinning of the gripping members.
Meanwhile, in magnetic transfer, a microscopic magnetic pattern is transferred with a transfer master and a slave medium held in nearly direct contact with each other, so the flatness and thickness of the transfer master and the slave medium are required to be maintained with a high degree of accuracy. This leads to high costs of the transfer apparatus and the magnetic recording medium.

Magnetic transfer holder unit, transfer apparatus, method of manufacturing a transfer medium, and magnetic recording medium


A test apparatus adapted for testing different electronic devices is provided. The apparatus provides a standard interface for operating with the different electronic devices. The interface provides an optional interface region, an optional test command region, and a selected test command region. The optional interface region is for displaying optional interfaces. The optional test command region is for displaying optional test commands relating to an interface selected in the optional interface region. The selected test command region is for displaying test commands selected from the optional test command region. In response to a selection on the user interface, the apparatus recognizes the interface and the test commands selected, and transmits instruction sets corresponding to the test commands through the interface recognized to the corresponding electronic device, thereby driving the electronic device performing required tests.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to test apparatuses and test methods, and particularly to a test apparatus and test method for providing a standard interface to operate a number of different electronic devices.
2. General Background
Generally speaking, newly manufactured products must be tested to ensure they conform to operating specification requirements before they can be distributed into the market. In order to test such products, such products are connected to particular test apparatuses through corresponding interfaces so as to perform required tests thereon.
Different products may employ different serial interfaces with different protocols for communication, such as the I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) interface, the RS232 (Recommend Standard 232) interface, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, etc. For example, displays, media players, and mice, adopt the I2C interface, the RS232 interface, and the USB interface respectively for communicating with an external device. Consequently, in order to test different products, it is often necessary to provide a plurality of particular test apparatuses, each of which is provided with necessary test commands for testing a specific product. For different test apparatuses, different program applications are separately required for providing different user interfaces. Therefore, more program applications are required if there are more different products to be tested. The cost of tests increases with increasing program applications and test apparatuses required for testing different products.
What is needed, therefore, is a test apparatus and method that provides a standard user interface for operating with a number of different to-be-tested electronic devices.

Longhua Town, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province

Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd.


A data relay apparatus is connected to a network having a DHCP server and an authentication server. The data relay apparatus stores a MAC address of a communication device permitted to connect to it. When a communication device attempts to connect to the data relay apparatus, it is determined whether a MAC address of the communication device is stored in the data relay apparatus. If the MAC address is stored, the communication device is not authenticated by the authentication server, instead, dummy data indicating that authentication is successful is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device requests that the DHCP server assign it an IP address, the DHCP server assigns an IP address to the communication device. Different security levels are set for a communication device that has failed to authenticate to the authentication server and for a communication device that successfully authenticates to the authentication server.

As a means for connecting information devices to one another, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) has become widespread and has been widely used in homes and offices.
In such a network, TCP/IP protocol is generally used. Data communication is realized by exchanging data packets complying with this protocol. A terminal device connected to a network is assigned an address called an IP address for identifying the terminal device on the network. A data packet contains the IP addresses of a transmission source and destination. That is, in a network designed to perform communication by using TCP/IP, IP addresses must be set for the respective terminal devices which communicate with one another.
As a method of setting IP addresses for terminal devices, there is available a method of automatically assigning a proper IP address to a terminal device newly connected to a network by using a protocol called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), in addition to a method of setting fixed IP addresses for terminal devices in advance.
When DHCP is to be used, IP addresses are managed by a DHCP server on a LAN. Upon receiving a request to assign an IP address from a terminal device newly connected to the network, the DHCP server selects an unused IP address from a plurality of stored IP addresses and transmits it to the terminal device. The use of DHCP makes it possible to assign IP addresses to only terminal devices connected to the network without assigning any IP addresses to terminal devices which are not connected to the network. Therefore, an IP address resource can be efficiently used as compared with the case wherein fixed IP addresses are assigned to the respective terminal devices.
When a portable terminal device such as a notebook PC is to be used, the use of DHCP makes it unnecessary to perform complicated operation to change the IP address of a terminal device every time it connects to a different network. This makes it possible for the user to use various networks regardless of the place where the terminal device is used.
In the above network, however, an unauthorized user who is not permitted to connect to the network can use the network by connecting his/her terminal device to the network without permission. This allows unauthorized access to a server, or the like, on the LAN. In order to solve this problem, it is preferable to authenticate the user of a terminal device when the terminal device is connected to the network.
In general, such a system often uses a method of preparing, on the LAN, an authentication server storing authentication information comprising user IDs, password information, and the like, and performing authentication by causing a terminal, which tries to connect to the network, to transmit authentication information to the authentication server. Introducing such an authentication means makes it possible to solve the above problem associated with security on the network.
Assume that a given wireless terminal device whose authentication information is not registered in the authentication server need not access to a server or the like on the LAN but wants to communicate with another wireless terminal device through a packet relay apparatus such as a wireless access point or router by using TCP/IP. In this case, no packet is relayed to the DHCP server because of an authentication failure, and hence any IP address from the DHCP server cannot be assigned to the terminal device. As a consequence, TCP/IP-based communication cannot be performed.
This problem can be avoided by fixing an IP address to the terminal device in advance. This, however, makes operation complicated. In addition, the setting information of a network to which connection is to be made must be known in advance, resulting in an increased work load on the user.

Packet relay apparatus and control method for data relay apparatus


Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices, and/or systems for forming an interconnect are described.

Electronic devices, such as integrated circuits, solar cells, and/or electronic displays, for example, may be comprised of one or more electrical devices. Methods of forming interconnects for devices may vary. Although particular processes may vary, one or more processes used may have particular disadvantages. For example, such processes may be time-consuming and/or expensive, may not allow for the use of particular materials, and/or may not produce the desired results.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


Stitchbonded fabrics are treated with columnar jets of water under specific conditions to rearrange fibers within the fabric so that holes caused by the stitches of the stitchbonding are substantially filled and the fabrics are made suitable for filter fabrics. The process requires at least the last part of the treatment to be performed on fine mesh screens with fine jets. The resultant fabrics are particularly suited for use as filter fabrics.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for treating stitchbonded fabrics and the product made thereby. More particularly, the invention concerns subjecting a stitchbonded fabric to impact-energy from fine hydraulic jets. The treatment renders the stitchbonded fabric particularly suitable for filter fabric, protective clothing and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Stitchbonded fabrics and processes for their manufacture are known. To produce such fabrics, a fibrous layer is multi-needle stitched with one or more thread systems. The fibrous layer typically is composed of substantially non-bonded fibers of no greater than textile decitex. Many types of threads or yarns have been used in the thread systems, including non-elastic yarns, elastic yarns, combination yarns, covered yarns and the like. The fabrics have found many uses, the characteristic holes made by the needles and threads during manufacture of the fabrics, limit the utility of the stitchbonded fabrics. For example, the fabrics usually are unsuited for filter fabrics, protective clothing or the like. Even when the stitchbonded fabric is contracted significantly in planar area, undesirable effects of the holes still persist.
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a process whereby the effects of stitching holes in a stitchbonded fabric can be reduced substantially so that the fabric can be employed in uses heretofore unsuited for stitchbonded fabrics.


An electrical power distribution assembly for providing enhanced access includes a first member configured to be mounted to a fixed structure. A second member is configured to receive electrical components for interconnection to electrical systems of a predetermined configuration. The second member is movably connected to the first member between a first position and a second position. The movable connection providing enhanced access of electrical components disposed on the second member around the fixed structure when the second member is disposed in the second position.

Electrical power distribution to electrical circuits is required for operation of systems and subsystems of devices such as automobiles. Components required for power distribution typically include various electrical components such as fuses, relays, diodes, circuit breakers etc., which are usually housed in one container or box for connection to the battery, alternator and a master wire harness. The number and type of electrical components required for power distribution depends upon the electrical requirements of the particular automobile.
To enhance the appearance of the automobile, it is typically desirable to conceal electrical components from normal viewing by passengers, such as by positioning the electrical components within panels, e.g., the dashboard, or other locations remote from the driver and passengers. Unfortunately, locating the electrical components in such locations substantially increases the difficulties associated with accessing the electrical components.
What is needed is a power distribution construction that simplifies access to the electrical components associated with power distribution.

Movable electrical power distribution assembly


A method and apparatus for providing quality of service over a contention access period of a wireless personal area network is provided herein. Particularly, the layers above the MAC are allowed to reserve portions of a contention access period (CAP) in order to schedule their QoS actions cooperatively thereby avoiding the dependence on the MAC for QoS performance. By using cooperative scheduling, a node can send a QoS packet from the QoS_Layer to the MAC, and know that it will be transmitted according to the specified QoS requirement. As a result, whenever a node sends a QoS packet in the reserved portion of the CAP, the channel will be guaranteed to be free from competing nodes' packets because those competing nodes will delay their transmissions based on the shared schedule.

The IEEE Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Network (LR-WPAN) Medium Access Control (MAC) standard 802.15.4 specifies a superframe structure that has a Beacon, Contention Access Period (CAP), and Contention Free Period (CFP). During the CAP, transmissions take place utilizing a Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) technique. In CSMA, if the channel is idle (i.e., no other transmissions are occurring), transmission can take place; otherwise, the device waits ("backs off") a random period of time and attempts to transmit again. Therefore, a device attempting to transmit is required to utilize a receiver to monitor the channel prior to transmission (i.e., to perform a "clear channel assessment," or CCA). Unlike transmissions in the CAP, transmissions in the CFP are contention free. Particularly, each node is assigned its own unique epoch, slot, or portion of the CFP to transmit within. No other nodes will be transmitting during a particular node's CFP, so transmissions may take place without CSMA.
Quality of Service (QoS) can be achieved using the CFP. However, sometimes it is also desirable to achieve QoS in the CAP of a superframe. For example, some systems (like neuRFon) using 802.15.4 may only support a CAP in order to reduce the code size of the MAC and/or to operate in very low-duty cycle operations. However, QoS cannot be guaranteed because the CAP uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA), and therefore the time when a user can access the communication channel is unpredictable. An outstanding question for such systems that have communication sessions with time requirements is how to implement QoS over MACs that make use of CAPs or Beacons and CAPs solely without CFPs. Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for providing quality of service over a contention access period of a wireless personal area network.

Method and apparatus for providing quality of service over a contention access period of a wireless personal area network


A narrow channel is provided in an dental abutment post to allow excess dental cement to flow out of the interstitial space between the dental abutment and the overlying prosthesis. During the seating of the prosthesis the excess dental cement is channeled to and extruded from a preferred collection point for easy removal. Hydrostatic pressure and trapped gasses that would tend to lift the prosthesis into a non-fitting position or form a weakened cemented bond of uneven thickness are prevented by this apparatus and method to relieve pressure.

Present dental practices tend toward the replacement of lost teeth with cylindrical or plate metal alloy implants embedded in the bone of the mandible or maxilla to support the artificial tooth restoration. If extensive replacement of several teeth is needed, several implants, alone or in conjunction with existing teeth prepared as abutments, are used to anchor the replacement prosthetic teeth. As the number and complexity of support abutments are increased, the difficulty in aligning and fastening the prosthetic restoration increases. The use of several mechanically connected parts at each post or plate implant site, adds to the possibility of misalignment or biomechanical failure. The prior disclosure of the applicant in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,928 and in pending application Ser. No. 08/730,092 describes a method and apparatus to provide a simpler mechanism and more direct technique for securing a permanently cemented, yet retrievable prosthodontic appliance while still offering a durable mechanical support.
The last two decades have led to a revolution in implant prosthodontics. Titanium alloy implant cylinders or plates are intimately installed in holes or slots drilled in the underlying bone. It is the practice to allow several months to pass while the underlying bone bonds to the surface of the implant. For this reason, implants are provided with at least one threaded hole on the crestal surface or edge. These holes are temporarily capped with a healing screw to prevent the downgrowth of soft tissue and bone into the internal threads. The soft tissue is sutured over the implant until the intimate metal-bone bond is effected.
At the next surgical encounter, the soft tissue is resected and the healing screw is replaced with a metal alloy perimucosal extension of selectable height and emergence profile and the soft tissue is sutured around the base of this extension. This extension is usually bolted in place and prevented from rotating by means of locating pins and holes or internal and external matching hexagonal (or other regular polygon shaped) projections. These perimucosal extensions form the support for artificial abutments used to support the final prosthetic restoration. The final prosthodontic restoration requires a close mechanical mating between the abutments and the matching internal aspect or underside of the prosthesis These closely matched parts often consist of telescoped, tapered cylindrical surfaces requiring a tight, non-binding, "passive" fit. This places inordinate requirements on the precision and technical skills of the dentist and the laboratory technician. Parallel alignment of the axes of each abutment to prevent binding of tapered fits cannot be easily guaranteed. The prior disclosure of the applicant in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,928 and in pending application Ser. No. 08/730,092, relies on a conformable, cemented boundary, circumvents these objections.
Much of the current discussion in the field of dental implantology centers around the durability and maintainability of the various methods of attaching the final restoration to the underlying abutments. Bolting with threaded fasteners through the occlusal surface of the restoration and back filling with composite materials complicate the cosmetics and the retrievability of the prosthesis. Bolting through the non cosmetic, lingual side of the prosthesis has the additional requirement for a greater thickness of metal to provide mechanical support, thus reducing room for the tongue and potentially affecting speech, and the periodontal health of the abutment.
Excessive inline or rocking pressure transmitted to an individual implant from the overlying restoration may lead to frank implant failure. Failures may occur from the loosening of a screw caused by thread walking or the backing out of a screw by micro-movements. The shifting of an abutment from repetitive stresses exceeding the elastic limits between the screw thread and the internal thread of the implanted post or plate may cause the flexure or excessive loading of a single implant. Long term changes in the underlying bone structure in response to uneven stresses may lead to the loss of an individual dental implant. For each additional mechanically attached connection, alignment errors accumulate and reduce the likelihood of a good non-binding, stress free "passive" fit.
The prior disclosures of the applicant describe an apparatus and method that acts to equitably distribute the loading forces with a retrievable dental cement between the matching faces of the abutments and the internal aspect of the final restoration. Each abutment is made with at least one step or shelf on the lingual face to act as a bearing surface for a removal instrument. The final prosthesis is equipped with a flat-topped window ledge on the lingual side. There is a matching shelf on the implant abutment, with enough space between the surface of the shelf and the flat top of the window for the introduction of a wedge-tipped extraction instrument. This instrument is used to apply a prying force between each abutment and the mating ledge in the underside of the final restoration. The prying instrument applies an even opposing force between the overstructure and the abutment eliminating the potential damage to both structures. Prior methods of removing cemented restorations involved hammering movements under much less control The methods and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,928 in combination with an appropriate dental cement, yields a predictable technique for securing, yet retrieving the final restoration.
Furthermore, in applicants U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 08/730,092 the "window" in the restoration is provided with a molded drop-in plug to protect against the ingress of food and to provide a smooth continuous surface to the tongue.
In advancing the art, the present invention teaches the inclusion of a groove in the surface of the implant abutment to act as a channel in the directing of excess cement from within the intervening space between the abutment and the overlying prosthesis. This channel, by allowing excess cement to flow in a controlled manner to prearranged collection site, prevents the capture of an incompressible mass of cement which will hold the overlaying prosthesis in a lifted, malocclusive position. The channel described prevents the formation of blind pockets of dental cement that would exert an outward force and weaken the joint during solidification of the dental cement.
The molded drop-in plug is likewise grooved and together with the groove formed in the abutment, forms a continuous channel for the egress of excess dental cement during the placement and alignment of the prosthesis.

Hydrostatic pressure relieved abutment post


A vehicle shuttle car operable to travel in linear and lateral directions includes a low profile cart including a steerable front section and a rear section, the front section operable to turn left and right relative to the rear section. The rear section is operable to raise and support at least one tire of a vehicle off the ground.

In conventional three-dimensional automated vehicle parking garages, mechanical elements or motorized conveyances, such as lifts (elevators), cranes, shuttle cars (moving platforms), turntables, and other mechanical elements are used to transport a vehicle from an entry/exit station at the arrival/departure level of the parking garage to a parking space in the parking garage and then retrieve the vehicle from the parking space and transport the vehicle to the entry/exit station, without human assistance.
A conventional shuttle car typically may comprise a single, unitary platform capable of raising a vehicle, or parts of a vehicle such as the front portion or the back portion, using hydraulic or other means and transporting the vehicle in a horizontal direction. These shuttle cars are generally configured to travel forward and backwards along a same axis. Yook et al. in US Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0031711, describe "a vehicle transport apparatus for parking systems. The vehicle transport apparatus of the present invention includes a first platform, onto which a vehicle is placed, a second platform, which is provided in a parking space, and a pair of carriers and which move between the first platform and the second platform. Each carrier includes a main frame, a drive wheel which is provided in the main frame, a drive motor which rotates the drive wheel; a pair of arms which are rotatably mounted to each of opposite sides of the main frame, and a hydraulic device which rotates the arms. The arms lift the wheels when extracted from the main frame, and the carriers transports the vehicle lifted by the arms from one platform to another platform," Applicants in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/573,480 and from which this patent application is a continuation-in-part, describe "a system of shuttle cars for transporting a vehicle in an automated parking facility. Each shuttle car includes an x-shuttle that supports two z-shuttles. The z-shuttles move from the x-shuttle and under the vehicle for transport. The z-shuttles locate and engage the front and rear tires of a vehicle to lift the vehicle from the floor. Once the z-shuttles have engaged the vehicle tires, the z-shuttles return to the x-shuttle so that the x-shuttle can transport the vehicle (and the z-shuttles) to and from the appropriate parking space."


In a digital display system including a stroke scanning mechanism, a method which comprises the steps of displaying symbology and increasing or decreasing the number of symbols stroke scanned, including the null symbol depending upon comparisons of actual stroke time to a predetermined stroke time limit. The symbology is initially displayed by stroke scanning. The actual stroke time for stroke scanning the symbology is measured. The actual stroke time is then compared with the predetermined stroke time limit to ascertain whether or not the time limit has been exceeded. If the stroke time limit is not exceeded and a null symbol is not present in the symbology stroke scanned, a null symbol is added. If the stroke time limit is not exceeded and a null symbol is present in the stroke scanned symbology, the number of symbols is increased. If the stroke timing limit is exceeded and a null symbol is present in the symbology stroke scanned, the null symbol is removed. If the stroke time limit is exceeded and the null symbol is not present, a null symbol is added and the number of other visible symbols is decreased.

In a digital display system, such as a digital map system in an avionic cockpit environment, symbols representing aeronautical data, such as waypoints, are usually overlayed over an aeronautical chart or other display background. FIG. shows a typical cockpit display 10 including symbols 12, 14 and 16. Such displays, including the symbology, are typically generated from data received from an onboard computer such as a digital map computer, for example. Such display systems must meet stringent requirements, such as updating the display up to 60 times per second, and this leads to limitations on the number of symbols which can be displayed at any given point in time. If such a system attempts to display too many symbols simultaneously, an excess data condition can arise which results in dimming and ultimately flickering of the display. This is because prior display systems did not have the capability to reduce symbology when an excess data condition existed. Such prior art display systems extended the stroke time to accommodate all symbols rather than adaptively limiting the number of symbols to fit a fixed stroke time. Stroke time is defined as the time it takes to accomplish stroke scanning of all the symbols. Current display systems have fixed refresh period requirements which allow only a limited stroke time period between refresh cycles. In prior art systems which had non-fixed stroke times, when more stroke time was used to accommodate an increasing number of symbols, a longer refresh period resulted. The longer refresh period lead to flickering and dimming of the overall display as viewed by a human observer.


In a clock generator circuit, a zero hold circuit produces from a fixed clock signal a zero hold clock signal which is in phase with an external sync signal. A phase comparator circuit produces phase difference data indicating the phase difference between the external sync signal and an internal sync signal. A counter cleared by the external sync signal counts pulses of the zero hold clock signal to obtain count data. A memory receiving the phase difference data and the count data as its address input produces the internal sync signal when the count data is smaller than the number of pulses in one cycle of the external sync signal having no time-base variations, and a phase control signal determined by the phase difference data and the count data. A phase shifter shifts the phase of the zero hold clock according to the phase control signal to obtain a modified clock signal synchronized with the external sync signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital clock generator circuit for producing a modified clock signal which is synchronized with a sync signal having a time-base variation from a fixed, stable clock signal, and to a video signal time-base error corrector apparatus using the digital clock generator circuit.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A time-base error corrector (referred to as a TBC hereinafter) is used for compensating for a time base error attributed to a playback signal reproduced from a recording medium, e.g. a disk or tape. A digital TBC requires a modified clock signal synchronized with a sync signal of the playback signal.
In the prior art, the modified clock signal synchronized with a sync signal is generated by a PLL (phase locked loop) circuit. However, a loop filter and a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) which are primary components of the PLL are commonly operable in an analog state, thus requiring delicate adjustment for desirable performance and suffering from interference with noise derived from an adjacent digital circuit to result in an unstable operation. To overcome such drawbacks, the PLL may be adapted for complete digital operation. In this case, when the digital PLL is required to operate at a high speed, its amount of arithmetical operation and bit rate will substantially increased so as to be too high to be practically implemented.
The digital PLL may be replaced by a digital phase synchronizing circuit as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 62-110382(1989) wherein clock signals at the write and read sides of a RAM (random access memory) in a time-base error corrector are controlled separately. The clock signal control at the write side is executed by causing each reproduced sync signal to be in phase with a reference clock signal. The clock signal control at the read side is effected by detecting the duration of the reproduced sync clock signal, and producing a difference between the duration of the reproduced clock signal and the duration of the reference sync signal as a velocity error signal, and calculating a clock control amount through a polynomial operation of a previous series of the velocity error signals for phase modulation of the clock signal. In such a time-base error corrector, since a time base error is corrected by phase control on the clock signal at the read side of the RAM, a time-base error corrected signal will be obtained only in the analog state after D/A (digital-to-analog) conversion. In other words, such a prior art time-base error corrector cannot be digital interfaced with other digital devices. Also, the polynomial operation using a plurality of velocity error signals requires a continuous series of reproduced sync signals. Generally, a playback signal from a recording medium tends to have dropouts, and the absence of one of the series of the reproduced sync signals will cause consumption of a considerable length of time before the polynomial operation produces a correct value.

Synchronous clock generator and time-base error corrector

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A loading and unloading device is disclosed that provides users with a convenient and hands-free way to move a dragster or other suitable vehicle in and out of a trailer. The loading and unloading device comprises a dolly, a winch, and a pulley system. The winch is secured to the dolly, and functions to secure a winch cable to a dragster and pull the dragster in toward the dolly. Furthermore, a pulley system is secured to the dolly for redirecting the winch cable from the winch. The dolly can also comprise an arm that is secured to either end of the dragster and that raises or lowers either end of the dragster. The dolly can also comprise wheels secured to front and rear axles of the dolly to allow for ease in transportation of the device.

Individuals typically need help from another person when loading and unloading a dragster or other vehicle from a trailer. This process can be strenuous and laborious, and may require both individuals to bear the weight of the dragster. If individuals attempt to do this, or if individuals aren't careful, they can scrape the dragster along the floor, possibly damaging the floor of the trailer and/or the body of the dragster. Both dragsters and trailers can be extremely costly to repair or replace. An effective solution is necessary.
The present invention provides individuals with a convenient and hands-free way to move a dragster in and out of a trailer. This device comprises a powered dolly-like device that can be hooked to the front of a dragster. The dolly comprises an arm that can lift the dragster up and remove it from a trailer without causing the dragster to drag on the surface of the trailer. This device also enables individuals to move the dragster in and out of the trailer without needing the assistance of another person and without causing damage to the dragster's body or frame.


A method for producing L-threonine using a microorganism is provided. In the method, the threonine dehydratase (tdc) gene existing in the genomic DNA of the microorganism is partially deactivated using a recombination technique. For a microorganism strain with enhanced activity of threonine operon-containing enzymes and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (ppc) gene, the tdc gene engaged in one of the four threonine metabolic pathways is specifically deactivated, thereby markedly increasing the yield of L-threonine.

L-threonine, a kind of essential amino acid, is widely used as an additive to animal feed and food, and as fluids and synthetic materials for medical and pharmaceutical use. L-threonine is produced by fermentation using synthetic mutants derived from wild types of Escherichia Coli, Corynebacterium, Serratia, and Providencia. These mutants are known to include amino acid analogs- and pharmaceutical-resistant mutants and synthetic mutants thereof rendered auxotrophic for diaminopimelic acid, methionine, lysine, or isoleucine (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. hei 2-219582, Appl., Microbiolo. Biotechnol., 29, 550-553 (1988), and Korean Patent Publication No. 92-8365). Korean Patent Application No. 90-22965 discloses the L-threonine-producing strain TF4076 (KFCC10718) that is auxotrophic for methionine and resistant to threonine analogs (AHV: α-amino-β-hydroxyvaleric acid), lysine analogs (AEC: S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine), isoleucine analogs (α-aminobutyric acid), and methionine analogs (ethionine).
A common approach to increase the level of expression of a particular gene uses a plasmid that gives a greater copy number to a microorganism in order to increase the number of genes in the microorganism (Sambrook et al., Molecular cloning, Second Edition, 1989, 1.3-1.5). A target gene is integrated into a plasmid, and the host microorganism is transformed with the recombinant plasmid to cause an increase in the number of genes in the host microorganism according to the copy number of the plasmid. A partial success in this type of approach to improve threonine productivity is reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,873. However, most technologies using such recombinant plasmids overexpress a particular gene, which is undesirable for the host microorganism, and causes a problem of plasmid instability so that the plasmid may be lost during cultivation of the recombinant strain.
To address this problem, approaches to add antibiotics to culture media or to use an expression regulatory plasmid were suggested (Sambrook et al. Molecular cloning, Second Edition, 1989, 1.5-1.6 & 1.9-1.11). In the approach of using the expression regulatory plasmid to yield a particular product, cell cultivation is performed under non-expression conditions in the growth stage to reduce disadvantages to the host microorganism and transient expression is induced after full growth of the microorganism. However, most of these expression regulatory plasmids may be used only in the case that the final product is protein.
Producing primary metabolites is closely associated with the growth of microorganisms, so it is difficult to increase the yield of the primary metabolites unless target genes are expressed in the growth stage. The production of threonine, a primary metabolite, is such a case.
As an effort to compensate for this drawback, a particular threonine biosynthetic gene was incorporated into a chromosomal DNA to produce threonine (U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,307). However, this approach replaces a chromosomal gene by an inducible promoter-substituted gene, which is hardly expected to markedly increase the expression of the threonine operon gene.
Therefore, the present inventors completed the present invention by inactivating threonine dehydratase (tdc) gene in the chromosome, which involves in one of the threonine degradation pathways, to inhibit the degradation of threonine while the other inherent generic function of the host microorganism remains and thus increase the yield of threonine.
Most current genetic engineering techniques applied to increase the yield of threonine are focused on the biosynthetic pathway starting with oxaloacetate. However, the present invention involves also the activity of threonine dehydratase (tdc) gene in a threonine degradation pathway to efficiently and markedly increase L-threonine yield.


A vehicle frame that includes first and second frame portions. The first frame portion has a plurality of struts associated with each other to form a first framework. The second frame portion is associable with the first frame portion in a stiffening association for significantly increasing the stiffness of the first frame portion. The associated first and second frame portions are configured to support a rider sitting on the vehicle frame. The associated frame portions also define an interior cavity dimension for housing a component of the propulsion system for propelling the vehicle. The associated frame portions also comprise attachments for supportedly connecting two wheels of the vehicle, a seat disposed on the frame, and other vehicle accessories and systems.

Known motor scooters generally include a tubular frame for supporting the components of the vehicle and a power unit. Electric scooters have been developed to reduce the environmental impact of private transportation, especially in crowded cities. Electric scooters are typically powered by a battery pack.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,569 teaches a scooter with a tubular frame formed by welding steel pipe members into a unitary, skeletal structure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,589 discloses a frame for a motorcycle with a shell type frame, including an upper half shell and lower half shell detachably joined together at the peripheral edges. The upper half shell includes a steering tube for receiving a steering assembly. A conventional gasoline engine is used.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,786 teaches an electric vehicle with a frame with an upper and a lower portion that each have integral walls. The two portions are attached to each other to provide a frame assembly that is substantially greater than that of each portion prior to being assembled.
A vehicle frame is needed with decreased weight and ease of construction that can preferably provide easy access to an enclosed interior.


A disk memory device is provided that measures a time for reading or writing a prescribed amount of data with an access time measurement part, compares access time data with a previously set limit time with an access time defect determining part, and, when the access time data exceeds the limit time, determines that a corresponding area on a disk memory (4) is defective, and enters the area into a defect list so that the corresponding area is not used. Thereby, when the disk memory device is used for recording/reproducing AV data, data access is performed within a prescribed time, so that videos are reproduced without interruption or data is recorded without lack of frame.

In a disk memory device, in a case where a deficiency due to a flaw or the like exists on a disk memory medium on which data are recorded, when the data written in a sector including the deficiency portion is read, a read error sometimes occurs. Further, when the deficiency portion exists in a servo signal part on the disk memory medium, which part has previously been recorded for positioning a head structure, the deficiency portion adversely affects the accuracy of the head structure positioning and, thus, a position of a target sector from/into which data is to be read or written can not be specified. In this case, a read error or a write error for the target sector sometimes occurs.
Accordingly, since the sector on the disk memory medium where an error occurs in writing or reading is unreliable, when the disk memory device reads or writes data, generally, such sector is skipped or substituted by a spare sector, so that the sector where the error occurs is not used.
Conventionally, in order to perform the substitution process or the like for the error portion on the disk memory medium, a process of checking a defect position on the disk memory medium is performed by conducting a test of writing and reading data into/from all sectors on the disk memory medium to previously judge the existence of a read or write error.
In the conventional process of checking the defect position on the disk memory medium, even when writing/reading fails once in the writing/reading test, it is not judged that the sector has an error if data can be normally written or read after several times of recovery process.
For example, in the disk memory device, when a deficiency due to a flaw or the like exists on the disk memory medium on which data are to be recorded, and a read error occurs in reading the data which are written in a sector including the deficiency portion, the disk memory device generally attempts error correction by a data correction process such as ECC correction, or performs an error recovery process of attempting several times of data reading from the sector where the read error occurs until the data are normally read. Also, when the deficiency portion exists in the servo signal part and adversely affects the accuracy of the head structure positioning and, thus, the position of the target sector from/into which the data are to be read or written cannot be specified, the disk memory device usually performs a head structure positioning recovery process of attempting several times of position specifying process until the position of the target sector is specified.
When the conventional disk memory device can normally read or write data from/into the sector on the disk memory medium by executing the above-described recovery process, it is not judged that the sector has an error even when the data reading or writing requires a longer time than usual.
However, when the above-described disk memory device is employed for recording/reproducing AV data, it is required to read or write required data from/on the disk memory medium of the disk memory device within a prescribed time so as to reproduce video without interruption or record data without lack of frames. Accordingly, when the disk memory device is employed for recording/reproducing AV data, it is required to assure that the reading or writing process is finished within the prescribed time, and in addition, that the stored data are normally read. In the conventional sector defect determining method, it is impossible to determine a position which requires an access time longer than the prescribed time, as defective, and thus when data are recorded or reproduced in/from the position, there occurs lack of data at the recording or lack of frame at the reproduction.
The present invention is made to solve the above-described conventional problems and has for its object to provide a disk memory device which is able to reproduce videos without interruption or record pictures without lack of frame when the disk memory device is employed for recording/reproducing AV data, a disk memory device defect determining method, and a recording medium storing a program for processing the determining method by a computer.

Disk memory device, disk memory device defect detecting method, and program recording medium

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.