An electroless palladium plating composition which comprises (1) 0.001-0.1 mol/l of a palladium compound, (2) 0.01-1 mol/l of a hypophosphite compound, (3) 0.01-5 mol/l of at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonia and alkylamine compounds, (4) 0.01-20 mg/l of high-molecular weight polyethyleneimine having molecular weight of 300 to 100000 and (5) 0.01-10 g/l of an aliphatic alkyenylamine, and which is used at a pH in the range of 5-10.

Since noble metals or alloys thereof are stable in electrical characteristics and highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion, they have been widely used, for example as materials for contacts of electronic components. Industrially, noble metals are chiefly used for electroplating, particularly gold electroplating, the gold plating involving high costs. High density surface mounting technology is the mainstream in the field of printed board production. In this technology, a surface mounted substrate is generally prepared by plating a copper circuit with gold. However, since gold plating diffuses with copper in soft soldering, the copper circuit must be pretreated with electroless nickel plating, which leads to complicated preparation process and lower productivity. In view of the above problems, the use of palladium electroplating in place of gold electroplating is on the increase.
However, the substitution of palladium for gold leaves another problem to be solved. Since a palladium plating formed according to the foregoing electroplating technology is not uniform in thickness, it comes to be inapplicable to recent high technology, e.g. more miniaturized and complicated electrical components. In contrast, according to electroless plating technology, a uniform plating layer can be deposited on electrical components having minute and complex configuration. Consequently, there have been proposed a lot of methods of electroless noble metal plating, particularly electroless palladium plating which has an advantage of lower costs over gold or platinum plating.
Compositions widely used for electroless palladium plating are, for example, a composition comprising a bivalent palladium salt, ammonia, ethylenediaminetetraacetate salt and hydrazine and a composition comprising a bivalent palladium salt, ethylenediamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetate salt and sodium hypophosphite (disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 26764/1971). However, these plating compositions are unstable in baths and decomposed in a short period of time. To improve the bath stability, methods comprising adding a bivalent sulfur-containing organic compound have been proposed in Japanese Examined Patent Publications No. 37045/1978 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 124280/1987, etc.
However, according to the above organic compound-adding methods, considerably strong internal stress occurs in the plating layer deposited and is likely to cause cracks therein, which makes thick plating difficult or impossible. Under these circumstances, the development of an electroless palladium plating composition which is usable in an industrial scale is eagerly waited for in electronic industry and other fields.

Electroless palladium plating composition


A spectrometric instrument which exhibits an intrinsic profile for a sharp spectral line produces profile data for narrow spectral lines. The spectral lines are effected with a high finesse etalon of gold coated polymer. A transformation filter is computed for transforming the profile data to a gaussian profile. A wavelength calibration is combined with the filter to effect a correction matrix which is applied to sample data to generate calibrated standardized data. Iteratively a correction matrix is applied to calibration data to generate standardized calibration data which is utilized for the wavelength calibration. Calibration is effected with an optical standard, an interference etalon and a fringe formula. Etalon effective thickness is first estimated and then precisely determined so that fringe peaks calibrate wavelength.

Spectrometric instruments include a dispersion element, such as a diffraction grating, and a detector system. In one precision type the detector is a conventional solid state device comprising an array of individual pixel photodetectors in which pixel location represents wavelength detected. Such a detector typically is a photodiode array, a charge coupled device or a charge injection device. Other spectrometric instruments scan the dispersion element over a single photodetector, or use Fourier transform of an interferogram, but the concepts are the same in that wavelength is calibrated against a physical location, orientation or the like. Modern instruments include a computer that is receptive of spectral data from the detector to analyze and compare spectra.
With improvements in optics, detectors and computerization, there has evolved an ability to perform very precise measurements. An example is an absorption spectrophotometer or polychromator using chemometric mathematical analysis to measure octane number in gasolines. Differences in octane number are associated with subtle differences in near infrared (IR) absorption spectra. The very small changes in spectral characteristics cannot effectively be detected directly by personnel, and computerized automation is a necessity. It also is desirable for such spectral measurements to be effected continuously on line. Thus there is an interest in utilizing advanced spectrometry methods for analytical chemistry.
Calibrations are carried out typically with spectral measurements on standard chemicals of known composition or other properties similar to unknown samples to be tested. Chemometric models are built from these spectra using multivariate calibration methods such as Principal Component Regression (PCR) or Partial Least Squares (PLS). As in the case of gasoline octane, this may require a large number (e.g. 50-100) samples for suitable precision, and accuracy, and calibrations may need to be repeated frequently to account for instrumental drift. Such model buildup also requires close scrutiny and expertise.
Calibrations also are performed with lamps or transmission filters that provide certain spectral lines of known wavelength. As such sources are available only for a few wavelengths, a fringe pattern such as with a Fabry-Perot interferometer is utilized to calibrate across the desired spectral range. Correlating the known wavelength with a fringe pattern has been a challenge. A mathematical model for estimating wavelengths with a standard and an interferometer is taught in a text "Fiber Optics in Astronomy" Volume 3, ed. by Samuel C. Barden (Astro. Soc. of the Pacific, 1988), pages 218-223. These methods apparently have not been applied to the field of analytical chemistry.
A typical spectrophotometer is described in "A Photodiode Array Based Near-Infrared Spectrophotometer For The 600-1100 nm Wavelength Region", by D. M. Mayes & J. B. Callis, Applied Spectroscopy 43 (1), 27-32 1989) and "Laptop Chemistry: A Fiber-Optic, Field Portable, Near-Infrared Spectrometer" by M. Lysaght, J. Van Zee and J. B. Callis, Reviews of Scientific Instrum. 62 (2) 507-515 (1991). Articles concerned with design, self-scanning and performance of multichannel spectrophotometric detector systems are "Self-Scanned Photodiode Array: High Performance Operation in High Dispersion Astronomical Spectrophotometry" by S. S. Vogt, R. G. Tull and P. Kelton, Applied Optics 17, 574-592 (1978); and "Self-Scanned Photodiode Array: A Multichannel Spectrometric Detector" by Y. Talmi and R. W. Simpson, Applied Optics 19, 1401-1414 (1989).
A problem with high precision measurements is that instruments vary from each other, and each instrument varies or drifts with time. The problem is partly one of achieving and maintaining calibration. A more subtle aspect is that the instruments have intrinsic characteristics that are individual to each instrument and also vary with time. Intrinsic characteristics distort the data effected by the instrument, rendering comparisons inaccurate. Such an intrinsic characteristic is typified by the profile of spectral data representing a very narrow, sharp spectral line. Such a profile has an intrinsic shape and line width wider than the actual line, due to the fundamental optical design as well as diffraction effects and other imperfections in the optics and (to a lesser extent) electronics in the instrument. An ideal profile is symmetrical, close to gaussian, but an actual intrinsic profile, also known as "instrument profile", may not even be symmetrical.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a spectrometric instrument with a novel means for effecting standardized spectral data. A further object is to provide a novel method for standardizing spectrometric instruments, particularly instruments having an intrinsic characteristic that distorts data, more particularly instruments having a characteristic intrinsic profile for narrow spectral lines. Other objects are to provide a novel method and means for transforming all data of the instrument so that such data is standardized for comparison with any other such standardized spectral data.
Further objects are to provide an improved method and means for calibration of spectrometric instruments, and for incorporating the aforementioned standardizing into the calibration. Another object is to provide a novel high finesse etalon that may be utilized in the calibration. Another object is to provide an improved method of determining spectral peak location of an optical standard, particularly for effecting the calibration.

Standardizing and calibrating a spectrometric instrument


A system, method, and/or computer program product comprises an input/output (I/O) bus and an intelligent current bank that couples a voltage source to the I/O bus. The intelligent current bank includes an ammeter that measures a real-time flow of current to the I/O bus. In response to the current to the I/O bus exceeding a predetermined level, an intelligent Pulse-Width Modulator (iPWM) within the intelligent current bank selectively decreases current to one or more electronic devices on the I/O bus by shortening a duty cycle of voltage being received by the iPWM from the voltage source.

The present disclosure relates to the field of computing hardware, and specifically to hardware devices. Still more specifically, the present disclosure relates to a design structure for selectively controlling current level to hardware devices.
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) may provide multiple Input/Output (I/O) current busses, which receive a voltage source from one or more power pins. That is, an FPGA/ASIC may include current banks, which take voltage source(s), converts this voltage into current, and supplies this current to one or more devices that are coupled to their respective I/O current busses.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


In a compression device, a central processing unit acquires data containing a plurality of element points for specifying the shape of an object composing the map image, and thereafter calculates a second-order differential value of a predetermined one of the plurality of element points acquired. The second-order differential value is a differential value between a first-order differential value of the predetermined element point and a first-order differential value of an immediately preceding element point, and the first-order differential value is a differential value between a coordinate value of the predetermined element point and a coordinate value of the immediately preceding element point. The central processing unit further generates compressed data containing the second-order differential value calculated thereby.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for compressing/decompressing map data, and more particularly to devices for compressing/decompressing data which represents shapes of objects on a map in vector format.
2. Description of the Background Art
In map data, objects required for rendering a map (typically, roads, buildings, rivers, and green belts) are each generally represented in vector format by a set of element points for specifying the shape of the object. Conventionally, each object is represented by a string of sets of element points all of which are typically represented by normalized coordinate values. However, such map data is not suitable for distribution via communication or broadcasting because of its data size, therefore in recent years, various map data compression methods have been proposed. Hereinafter, an exemplary conventional map data compression method is described.
In the conventional compression method, element points of each object are represented by either normalized coordinate values or first-order differential values. Here, the "first-order differential value" refers to a differential value between a normalized coordinate value of a target element point and a normalized coordinate value of the one before the target element point. For example, in the case where the normalized coordinate value of the target element point is (X1, Y1) and the normalized coordinate value of the immediately preceding element point is (X0, Y0), the first-order differential value is represented by (X1−X0, Y1−Y0). Such a first-order differential value is employed to compress the size of data for specifying each element point (see, for example, European Patent Publication No. EP1134674 A1).
It is expected that the demand for map distribution is further increased in the future, and map data is used even with data terminal apparatuses which can be equipped with merely a small capacity storage device. However, conventional compression methods are unsatisfactory with respect to size of compressed data, and therefore disadvantageous in that they cannot be adapted to an increase in use of the map data.
Most of the data terminal apparatuses that receive map distribution are mobile apparatuses such as navigation apparatuses, and therefore acquire map data through a mobile communication network. However, in most cases, the billing system for mobile communication services is based on the amount of use, therefore the conventional compression methods are disadvantageous in that users' communication cost adds up considerably because of the unsatisfactory size of compressed data.

Compression device and decompression device

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A digital broadcast transmitting device and an exciter have an AGC function. In a level adjusting unit which receives an input of a baseband digital signal from a modulation processing unit, a comparator generates an error signal from a difference between a level signal obtained by digitizing a feedback signal from a power amplifier by A/D converter and a reference voltage generated by a reference generating unit, and an AGC multiplier/divider carries out digital multiplying/dividing coefficient to the baseband digital signal with or by a gain coefficient such that the error signal becomes 0. Thereby, AGC which controls transmission output from the power amplifier at a fixed level is carried out.

A digital broadcast transmitter performs AGC (Automatic Gain Control) which controls an output level at a fixed level by extracting and monitoring part of transmission outputs, performing automatic adjustment which carries out feedback controlling of a gain of the amplifier such that this monitoring signal meets a predetermined AGC reference value, such that a transmission output level settles accurately in an predetermined level even when an amplifier of the transmitter is influenced by a temperature or temporal changes.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram for explaining a configuration of the digital broadcast transmitting device. The digital broadcast transmitting device which transmits broadcast radio waves has an exciter ex (EX) which receives an input of a TS (Transport Stream) signal from a net signal and the like from a studio device, a server and an affiliated station and converts the TS signal into a radio frequency signal, and a power amplifier PA which amplifies the converted radio frequency signal to a predetermined signal level and outputs the radio frequency signal from an antenna.
For digital broadcast, the power amplifier PA having high linearity and a wide dynamic range is used to transmit a quadrature modulation wave, i.e., an OFDM modulation wave, and the AGC function performs important operation compensation. However, the AGC function is performed by analog circuit processing of using a differential amplifier to compare a direct current signal obtained by detecting and rectifying a feedback signal as an output level signal and the AGC reference value which is a direct current voltage, and using a variable attenuator or the like to adjust an output of a difference signal as an error signal.
In some cases, test operations of the digital broadcast transmitting device are performed at a lower test output than a steady operation output upon a maintenance operation or the like. In this case, the above direct current AGC reference value is fixed. Therefore, when test operations are carried out in this state, the AGC function performs an operation of increasing a gain of an amplifier or decreasing an attenuation amount to increase an output, and therefore it is necessary to adjust the reference value.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the exciter ex of the digital broadcast transmitting device in which the AGC function is provided to the conventional exciter and which controls an output of the power amplifier PA at a fixed level.
In FIG. 8, the exciter ex has a digital processing unit dp which converts a broadcast TS signal to be input, into a radio frequency signal, and an analog processing unit ap which converts the converted radio frequency signal into a modulation signal of a broadcast radio wave format, applies AGC to the modulation signal to adjust the modulation signal at a predetermined signal level and outputs the modulation signal.
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of an AGCAmp 52 included in the analog processing unit ap. The analog processing unit ap outputs to the power amplifier PA a signal which is set to a predetermined level by an output monitoring unit 50 and which passes through a VATT (variable attenuator) 60. Further, a DET 5 receives an input of a feedback signal of a transmission radio wave from the power amplifier PA, detects and rectifies the feedback signal, converts the feedback signal into a direct current detection level signal and outputs the detection level signal to the AGCAmp 52. The AGCAmp 52 has a reference voltage source r, compares a reference voltage and the detection level signal, and outputs a VATT 60 control signal to minimize a difference between the reference voltage and the detection level signal.
A test operation is carried out by, for example, increasing the attenuation amount of the VATT 60 by 3 dB and decreasing a transmission output, and reducing the attenuation amount of a VATT 61 by 3 dB to match the detection level signal with the reference voltage. By so doing, it is possible to perform a required AGC operation even upon test operations. A great number of devices including relay devices are installed for a digital broadcast transmitting device. However, the digital broadcast transmitting device needs to save a space, save power, and easily adjust and set an output at a limited transmission space of a remote station.
However, the VATTs 60 and 61 which are analog circuit functional parts which carry out the AGC function, and therefore a device scale becomes large. In addition, an amplifying unit 4 suppresses an output at a fixed level, and therefore consumes unnecessary power. Further, when a plurality of levels needs to be set for test operations, adjusting and setting the VATTs 60 and 61 are bothersome. Meanwhile, in some cases, an output of a digital broadcast transmitting device is set to enable adjustment of coverage according to conditions of a place at which a transmitter is installed. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to provide a reference voltage according to respective outputs or provide multiple types of default values of the VATT 61.

Digital broadcast transmitting device and exciter


Devices, systems, and methods for adding a coupling system onto the existing accessory thread on a rifle barrel, which allows for existing terminal muzzle devices (such as but not limited to muzzle brakes, flash hiders, muzzle suppressors, and the like) to remain on the barrel and not be removed when accessory devices, such as but not limited to silencers, percussion shrouds, golf ball launchers, tennis ball launchers, cartridge oil filters, and the like, are used with threaded gun barrels.

Firearm rifles, such as but not limited to an AK-47, AR-15, M-16, 300 Blackout, and other threaded barrel rifles or pistols, will often have terminal muzzle devices such as but not limited to muzzle brakes, flash hiders, muzzle suppressors, and the like, to be attached to the threaded end of the rifle barrel. When the user wishes to use accessory devices, such as a silencer, it is generally necessary that each terminal device must be removed from the barrel in order to allow for the accessory devices such as silencers, shrouds or launchers to be used.
Having to remove the terminal devices in order to add an accessory device results in an unnecessary inconvenience creating interference and delays to the normal operations of the weapon. Additionally, requiring tooling for the removal and re-assembly of the terminal devices plus the replacement of consumables (aka Crush Washers) caused by the removal and reassembly of the terminal devices. While this problem is undesirable for civilians, the undesirable problem of having to remove terminal devices especially increases for law enforcement, and military personnel.
Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.

Integrated muzzle adapter coupling system


A digital imaging device is operated to capture a first image in a digital format. At least two non-contiguous portions of the first image are rendered in a display of the digital imaging device. The at least two non-contiguous portions of the first image are used to align a live version of a second image in the display, wherein the second image is an extension of the first image. The second image is captured in a digital format. A corner matching algorithm is applied to determine an offset of the second image with respect to the first image, wherein the offset is required to achieve a substantially accurate alignment of the first and second images. Application of the corner matching algorithm is limited to an overlap region intervening between the at least two non-contiguous portions of the first image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to capture and display of digital image data.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a digital camera, light from a scene passes through a lens which functions to focus and direct the light onto photosensitive cells, i.e., photosites, of a semiconductor chip called an image sensor. The photosites react to incident light to create electrical signals proportional to the incident light. The electrical signals produced by the photosites are processed through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC analyzes electrical signals received from the image sensor and converts the electrical signals to digital data which is stored by the camera as the scene image.
The horizontal and vertical extent of a scene that can be captured in a single digital image is limited by the amount of light that a lens can capture and focus onto the image sensor. Therefore, due to lens limitations, a situation often occurs in which an entirety of a scene cannot be captured in a single image. One way of handling this situation is to obtain a wide angle lens that is capable of capturing the entirety of the scene in a panoramic image. However, obtaining the wide angle lens requires additional cost. Also, the wide angle lens can be clumsy to carry, particularly when the digital camera is small or embedded within a handheld electronic device. Furthermore, some digital cameras, such as those embedded within cell phones, may not be configured to accommodate the wide angle lens.
In view of the foregoing, an apparatus is needed to allow for generation of a panoramic digital image without reliance on a wide angle lens.

Method for digital image stitching and apparatus for performing the same


A new and distinct Petunia plant named ‘Dancasdeep’ characterized by having large, red colored flowers; a long blooming season; cascading growth habit; blooming in a moderate winter climate; and suitable for patios and outdoors bedding.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant, botanically known as Petunia sensu Wijsman, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Dancasdeep'.
The new cultivar originated from cross-made in a controlled breeding program in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The female parent is a Petunia sensu Wijsman cultivar designated 'CV-6288' (unpatented). The male parent is a Petunia sensu Wijsman cultivar designated 'CV-124' (unpatented). 'Dancasdeep' was discovered and selected by the Inventor, Gabriel Danziger, as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by cutting of side shoots, was first performed in February of 2003 in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel, and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true-to-type.


A system and method of growing and harvesting algae provided whereby the system encompasses incubation tanks, internal lighting, chilled air diffusers, and an inline incubation tank for continuous batch processing. A centrifuge separates algae from growth media, and the media is processed through a series of reclamation steps so that cleaned water is reused for fresh media.

Many aspects of our current consumer- and producer-driven society have created the perception of a need for renewable and sustainable resources. Along these lines, it is recognized that algae can be grown and utilized as a human or animal food source. Algae are additionally used in the farming industry as a renewable source of fertilizer. Algae can also be used as an alternative to petroleum products, in the polymer and plastics industry, cosmetics industry, paint and die industry, as well as in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. There are known processes for growing and harvesting algae. However, many of these processes take a significant amount of time that do not provide for economic feasibility. It is therefore desired that a process be developed that optimizes growth and harvest time such that economic feasibility can be achieved.

De Fatima Teixeira Cardoso Da Silva et al.


Disclosed is a document similarity evaluation system or the like which can evaluate a degree of concentration and dispersion of parts with high similarity in at least two kinds of documents. The system includes a segment search unit which finds common segments (CS) in first and second segment strings, counts the number of CS, and identifies an appearance range (AR) within CS; and a similarity index (SI) calculation unit which calculates a first sum that is a sum of the numbers of characters of each segment (NCS) in AR and a second sum that is a sum of NCS of CS and calculates SI between the first and second segment strings by the following equation, SI=F(NTC)/G(NCC)×NS (where, NTC is the first sum, NCC is the second sum, NS is the number of the CS, functions F and G monotonically increase at larger than 0).

A method for evaluating similarity between different documents is widely used for evaluation of the similarity between scientific papers or detection of the similarity between corporate documents. Patent documents 1 to 3 disclose document similarity determination systems.
In a document similarity determination system disclosed in patent documents 1 to 2, first, an entire document is separated for each page or split at each position at which a particular character string appears (hereinafter, one separated (or split) unit is referred to as "segment") and a characteristic value is calculated for each segment. The similarity between different documents is determined based on the number of the segments whose characteristic values are equal to each other by comparing the characteristic values of the segments in order from the first to the last segment in the document. As a result of the determination, when the number of the segments whose characteristic values are equal to each other is large, the similarity between the documents is high and conversely, when the number of the segments whose characteristic values are equal to each other is small, the similarity between the documents is low.
In a document similarity determination system disclosed in patent document 3, a figure and an equation that exist in a document are separated from a sentence, a degree of congestion is defined with respect to the layout of the separated figure and equation, and the degree of congestion is used as an index for determining the similarity.
[Patent Document]
[patent document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-257444
[patent document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-256951
[patent document 3] International Publication No. WO 2009/048149

Document similarity evaluation system, document similarity evaluation method, and computer program


A semiconductor substrate has a first copper layer, on which an etch stop layer and a dielectric layer are successively formed. A second copper layer penetrates the dielectric layer and the etch stop layer to electrically connect to the first metal layer. The etch stop layer has a dielectric constant smaller than 3.5, and the dielectric layer has a dielectric constant smaller than 3.0.

The invention relates to copper interconnects, and more particularly to copper interconnects including a low-k inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer and a low-k etching stop (ES) layer.
As the density of semiconductor devices increases and the size of circuit elements becomes smaller to achieve better performance, resistance capacitance (RC) delay time in back-end-of-line (BEOL) increases and dominates circuit performance. To reduce RC delay time in BEOL, the demands on interconnects for connecting semiconductor devices to each other also increase. Copper interconnection has been adapted to silicon integrated circuits due to its low resistance and high electromigration reliability compared to traditional aluminum interconnection. Also, low-k dielectrics of dielectric constant (k) less than 3.5 have been used as inter-metal dielectrics (IMDs) for replacing traditional silicon-dioxide-based dielectrics.
Currently, single-damascene and dual-damascene methods are employed in copper interconnect processes. For patterning copper dual damascene interconnects (DDIs), a thin dielectric layer with high dielectric constant (k>4.5) is required to function as a via/trench etch stop (ES) layer and a copper diffusion/oxidation barrier. Such a high-k ES layer integrated with low-k IMD layers, however, results in a substantially increased dielectric constant of the combined dielectric layers. Consequently, when electric currents are conducted through the copper interconnects, a large parasitic capacitance would occur in the low-k IMD layer. This parasitic capacitance will then cause an increased RC delay to the signals being transmitted through the copper interconnects, thus degrading the performance of the IC device.
In order to meet RC delay requirements, a porous low-k material of a smaller dielectric constant (k<2.5), such as organo-silicate glass (OSG), has been employed as the IMD layer and integrated with the high-k ES layer in the copper dual damascene process. One drawback, however, is that the porous low-k material has weak mechanical properties, including low film hardness (less than 0.2 GPa) and low elastic modulus (less than 5 GPa), causing high process cost, high process risk, and poor reliability.
In addition, the conventional ES structure is a single layer with a high etching selectivity to the IMD layer in order to protect the underlying copper layer from oxidation due to moisture and exposure to air. The via etching process, however, easily breaks through the single-layer ES structure due to variation in IMD thickness, isolation/dense pattern effect, micro-loading effect and feature size reduction. This causes the ES structure failure and damages to the underlying copper layer in subsequent etching/ashing processes, thus degrading uniformity and reliability of the copper interconnection.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


To satisfy both suppression of rise in contact resistance and improvement of breakdown voltage near the end part of a trench part. The trench part GT is provided between a source offset region and a drain offset region at least in plan view in a semiconductor layer, and is provided in a source-drain direction from the source offset region toward the drain offset region in plan view. A gate insulating film GI covers the side surface and the bottom surface of the trench part GT. A gate electrode is provided in the trench part at least in plan view, and contacts the gate insulating film GI. A contact GC contacts the gate electrode GE. The contact GC is disposed, shifted in a first direction perpendicular to the source-drain direction relative to the centerline in the trench part GT extending in the source-drain direction in plan view, and is provided in the trench part GT in plan view.

The invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device.
In recent years, along with high integration of semiconductor devices, various structures of semiconductor devices have been proposed in order to reduce the area of a semiconductor device. For example, transistors provided with a gate electrode in a trench part are disclosed, as documents below.
In Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1999-103058), there is described a following semiconductor device. In a surface of an N-type high resistive layer, a trench (a trench part) is formed. In the trench, a gate electrode is buried via a gate insulating film. It is described that, since this makes it possible to broaden the area of a channel while keeping an element area to be unchanged, ON resistance can be reduced.
Furthermore, as in following documents, a structure of stacking a plurality of contacts, that is, "a stacked contact structure" is disclosed.
In Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-252924), there is described a semiconductor device having a following stacked contact structure. Over a first contact, second and third contacts are provided. The second contact is disposed, shifted to the left side relative to the center position of the first contact. On the other hand, the third contact is disposed, shifted to the right side relative to the center position of the first contact. It is described that, even when a concave part (what is called a seam) is generated in an upper part of the first contact, consequently, a contact resistivity anomaly or a contact failure can be avoided.
In Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-332978) there is described a semiconductor device having a following stacked contact structure. A first contact passes vertically through a first interlayer insulating film and has a ring-like cross-sectional shape at the upper end part. A second contact passes vertically through a second interlayer insulating film provided over the first interlayer insulating film. The center part of the lower surface of the second contact is in contact with the upper surface formed into a ring-like shape in the first contact. It is described that, consequently, electric connection between stacked contacts can be realized definitely.

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same


A compound represented by a general formula (1) ABXn (where A is a carbon-containing group; B is at least one element selected from Si, Ge, Sn, Ti and Zr; X is a hydrolyzable group; and n is 1, 2 or 3), for example, a chlorosilane compound having a fluorocarbon group, is measured in an amount required for one time application, and dropped from a nozzle on a surface of a substrate having an active hydrogen on the surface, and simultaneously it is rubbed with a coater made of a sponge or a nonwoven fabric, etc. Furthermore, it is rubbed with a coater made of a sponge or a nonwoven fabric, etc. while blowing a dry warm air, and an elimination reaction is caused between the active hydrogen on the surface of the substrate and the hydrolyzable group of the compound. Thus, the compound is covalently bonded to the substrate. The molecules of the silane compound also are polymerized with one another to be fixed. Thus can be provided a coating film and a method and an apparatus for producing the same, in which: an amount of a liquid required for forming a film is decreased even when the substrate has an irregular shape and a large size; it is not necessary to be concerned for the pot life of a coating solution; the substrate is manipulated easily; and cost is low.

The present invention relates to a coating film (hereinafter also referred to as xe2x80x9can organic thin filmxe2x80x9d), and a method and an apparatus for producing the same, in which a compound having a hydrolyzable group, e.g. a silane-based compound, is chemically bonded to a surface of a substrate.
Traditionally, methods of forming organic thin films have been developed. Typical examples of conventional technologies for forming organic thin films are bar coating, dipping, etc. According to these methods, a film having a thickness on the order of at least tens of micrometer is formed. Furthermore, these methods control the thickness of the film on the order of about micrometer, and are not suitable for controlling the film thickness on the order of nanometer. Spin coating is an example of a more controllable method than these methods, and is often used to form devices having a minute structure such as semiconductors. According to this method, formation of a film having a thickness of about one to several micrometers can be realized, and also the thickness of the film can be controlled easily. However, because the organic thin film produced by this method is not bonded integrally to a substrate, the film may peel off easily. In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such an ease of peeling is required, and this method is utilized.
On the other hand, it already has been proposed to form a molecular film by applying a chlorosilane-based compound, which has a chlorosilyl group at an end of a molecule containing an alkyl group or a fluoroalkyl group, to a surface of glass or the like having an active hydrogen on the surface, and covalently bonding it to the surface by a hydrogen chloride elimination reaction.
As conventional technologies, there are methods in which a substrate is immersed in a coating solution containing a chlorosilane-based compound (JP 1-70917A, EP 0492545A). In another example, a method in which a chlorosilane-based compound as a gas is brought into contact with a surface of a substrate and reacted has been proposed. Also, when using an alkoxysilane-based compound, a method in which an aqueous solution thereof is prepared and hydrolyzed to form a coating film has been proposed (Research Report of Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Center, No. 22, pages 57-60 (1993)). Furthermore, a more specific example is a method in which a molecular film is formed by roll coating (JP 10-180179 A).
The conventional immersion method is excellent when the shape of the object to be coated is not flat but is irregular. In this case, a film can be formed on the irregular surface, as a liquid reacts along the surface. However, in the immersion method, a large amount of liquid is required for immersion, and manipulations for removing and inserting a substrate are necessary. Thus, the operation becomes complex and requires a large amount of time, resulting in a high cost. Furthermore, because a chlorosilane-based compound reacts with water easily, its short pot life is a problem. Moreover, in the immersion method, because the chlorosilane-based compound is brought into contact with the entire substrate and reacted, the method is inconvenient when the substrate has a surface which is not desirable to be coated with the chlorosilane-based compound.
Furthermore, in the method in which a chlorosilane-based compound as a gas is brought into contact with a surface of a substrate and reacted, it is difficult to form a uniform molecular film. The same problem also occurs when using an alkoxysilane-based compound or an isocyanate silane-based compound. Furthermore, when using an aqueous solution of an alkoxysilane-based compound, film thickness is increased, and irregularity in film thickness is generated easily. The same applies to the case when using an isocyanate silane-based compound.
More specifically, the method in which a film is formed by roll coating has solved conventional problems in the immersion method, such as amount of liquid, complex operation, long operational time, dealing with a surface not needed to be coated, etc. However, it has a problem in that the object to be coated must be a flat plate. Moreover, there has not been any method in which an organic thin film having a thickness on the order of not more than submicrometer is produced at a low cost.
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coating film and a method and an apparatus for producing the same, in which an amount of a liquid required for forming a film is decreased even when an object (substrate) to be coated with the film is not a flat plate but has an irregular shape and a large size; it is not necessary to be concerned over the pot life of a coating solution; the substrate is manipulated easily; and cost is low.
In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a first method for producing a coating film using a compound (1) represented by a general formula (1) ABXn (where A is a carbon-containing group; B is at least one element selected from Si, Ge, Sn, Ti and Zr; X is a hydrolyzable group; and n is 1, 2 or 3) as a raw material, comprising: measuring the compound (1) in an amount required for one time application (a required amount) on a surface of a substrate having an active hydrogen on the surface, and supplying it to the surface of the substrate at each time of application; in an atmosphere having a water vapor concentration of more than 0.0076 kg/m3, bringing the compound (1) into contact with the surface of the substrate, causing an elimination reaction between the active hydrogen on the surface of the substrate and the hydrolyzable group in parts of the molecules of the compound (1), thereby covalently bonding the parts of the molecules of the compound (1) to the surface of the substrate, as well as polymerizing parts of the molecules of the compound (1) with one another using water molecules present in the atmosphere.
Next, the present invention provides a second method for producing a coating film, comprising: applying a coating solution containing a silane-based compound having at least one reactive group selected from at least halogen atoms, an alkoxyl group and an isocyanate group to a surface of a substrate having an active hydrogen on the surface; causing an elimination reaction between the active hydrogen on the surface of the substrate and the reactive group of the silane-based compound, thereby covalently bonding the silane-based compound to the surface of the substrate, wherein the method comprises: conveying the substrate into a chamber in which a water vapor concentration in an atmosphere is maintained at more than 0.0076 kg/m3; measuring a coating solution containing the silane-based compound and at least one solvent not having an active hydrogen in an amount required for one time application (a required amount), and supplying it to a coating device present in the chamber at each time of application; spreading and rubbing the coating solution uniformly on the surface of the substrate with the coating device; then changing the atmosphere in the chamber and increasing a concentration of the silane-based compound, thereby accelerating an elimination reaction between the reactive group in parts of the molecules of the silane-based compound and the active hydrogen on the surface of the substrate, thereby covalently bonding the silane-based compound to the surface of the substrate; then removing the solvent, as well as polymerizing parts of the molecules of the silane-based compound with one another using water molecules present in the atmosphere.
Next, an apparatus for producing a coating film of the present invention comprises: a device for transporting a substrate from an inlet to an outlet in a chamber; a device for measuring a coating solution containing a silane-based compound and at least one solvent not having an active hydrogen in an amount required for one time application (a required amount) and supplying it to a coating device present in the chamber at each time of application; a coating device for applying and spreading the coating solution uniformly, and for accelerating an elimination reaction between the reactive group of the silane-based compound in an amount required for one time application and the active hydrogen on the surface of the substrate; a device for controlling and maintaining a water vapor concentration in an atmosphere in the chamber; and a device for removing the solvent in the coating solution.
Next, a coating film of the present invention is characterized in that: the film is transparent; the film has a thickness of 1 nm to 0.5 xcexcm; the film has a durability of at least five times for an abrasion resistance test in which a mixture of sugar and soy source (1:1 by weight ratio) is applied, heated at a high temperature of 300xc2x0 C. for 20 minutes, and cooled, then a fouling baked and adhered to the film can be removed by rubbing with a wet cloth by one""s hand; parts of the molecules of the film are covalently bonded to a surface of a substrate via at least one element selected from Si, Ge, Sn, Ti and Zr; and parts of the molecules of the film are polymerized with one another.

Coating film, and method and apparatus for producing the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A cruise control apparatus includes a current speed detector detects a current speed of a vehicle; a target speed setting unit sets a target speed of the vehicle; an acceleration and deceleration operation amount acquisition unit acquires an operation amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle by a driver; and a cruise controller performs cruise control of the vehicle so that the current speed follows the target speed. The target speed setting unit monitors i) the operation amount or ii) change in the current speed detected by the current speed detector to performs a first determination of if the driver intends to maintain the vehicle speed at an intended speed different from the target speed, and if the first determination is positive, updates the target speed to the intended vehicle speed.

Cruise control apparatuses for controlling the current speed of a vehicle at a target speed have been developed in the past. The assignee has proposed a cruise control apparatus including a cruise control unit and a target speed correction unit as an example of such a cruise control apparatus (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-123586).
In the cruise control apparatus according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-123586, the cruise control unit controls acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle so as to maintain a predetermined target speed. When release of an accelerating operation by a driver, or reduction in amount of an accelerating operation, for example, release of an accelerator pedal operation, or depress back of an accelerator pedal is detected in a state where the current speed of the vehicle is greater than an appropriate speed for a curved road under cruise control, the target speed correction unit determines that the driver intends to decelerate the vehicle, and updates the target speed of the cruise control to the appropriate speed for a curved road upon the above detection. The cruise control apparatus according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-123586 can cooperatively and appropriately control the operation of the cruise control apparatus and a safety device when a vehicle is running along a curved road while performing cruise control.


Systems and methods for authentication may include an authentication server. The authentication server may include a processor and a memory. The processor may be configured to receive a cryptogram associated with a first near field communication data exchange format (NDEF) read. The processor may be configured to perform a first factor authentication of the cryptogram. The processor may be configured to receive a first data set, wherein the first data set is associated with a second NDEF read. The processor may be configured to extract metadata from the first data set. The processor may be configured to perform, after the first factor authentication, a second factor authentication based on the metadata. The processor may be configured to generate a message indicative of an outcome of the second factor authentication. The processor may be configured to transmit the message that instructs the processor to effectuate one or more actions.

Card-based operations have many data points stored in its chip that may be sent to a device in communication with the card upon a card swipe or other data transfer. These operations often involve the use of a card in communication with a point of sale (POS) device, a server, or other device, which may also send information back to the card. It is necessary to protect such communications from interception and unauthorized access.
However, transmission of data without encryption or other protection is susceptible to interception, replay and other attacks, and may be subject to other vulnerabilities, resulting in increased security risks and increased risks of account or card misuse. These risks may be further increased through the use of contactless cards, which communicate with other devices wirelessly.
Measures taken to address security risk may consume system resources and hinder operational efficiency. For large numbers of operations, the consumption of system resources and the hindrance of operation efficiency can increase, which may result in a failure to perform operations or unsatisfactory performance.
These and other deficiencies exist. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for authentication that overcome these deficiencies by protecting communications from interception and unauthorized access in a secure and reliable manner.

Systems and methods for near field contactless card communication and cryptographic authentication


A hand-held device and a method for affixing a seal impression on a paper document are provided. The hand-held device includes a processor, a memory unit, an input unit, and a seal impression generation unit for generating a seal impression. The processor generates a file code in response to a file code generation request and generates a control signal. The seal impression generation unit generates a seal impression according to the control signal of the processor. After the seal impression is affixed on a paper document, the processor generates a log file in response to a log file generation request.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method for affixing a seal impression on a paper document and, in particular, to a hand-held device using the method for affixing a seal impression on a paper document.
2. General Background
People usually sign their names or affix a seal impression on a paper document to execute the paper document. However, a written signature or a seal on a paper document can be counterfeited.
In order to solve the problem mentioned above, an electronic signature method utilizing a portable communication device is introduced. The signature method uses a computer to store an electronic signature and uses a portable communication device to store a private key. When signing a file, a server sends a request to the portable communication device. If the portable communication device confirms the request, the server obtains files to be signed from the computer and transfers the obtained files to the portable communication device. The portable communication device receives the files and encrypts the files utilizing the private key. The portable communication device sends the encrypted files to the server. The server receives the encrypted files and signs the encrypted files via the electronic signature.
Although the electronic signature method mentioned could avoid the counterfeiting signature problem, some people are still in the habit of executing a paper document manually. Therefore, there is a need to provide a hand-held device to solve the aforementioned problems.

Method for affixing a seal impression on a paper document and hand-held device using the same

Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.


Apparatus and method for increasing the capacity of a gas compressor. The apparatus comprises a supercharger for compressing a gas flow and an evaporative cooler for cooling and ducting the supercharged gas flow to the gas compressor. The cooler comprises a section of pipe connecting the supercharger and the compressor. Mounted on the wall of the pipe are nozzles oriented upstream to atomize water into droplets of mean diameter ranging from about 4 to about 12 microns. The pipe is sized to provide a residence time of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 seconds for the droplets in the gas flow.

Air compressors are commonly used to supply compressed air for air separation plants and other types of plants. Frequently the plant capacity is larger than that of the air compressor initially installed. Often, at some time after the initial installation, an increase in the plant production rate is desired necessitating increased air compressor capacity.
Methods used in the past to increase the air compressor capacity have been to replace the existing compressor with a new larger compressor, to install a complementary compressor in parallel with the existing compressor, or to retrofit the existing compressor with internal parts having higher flow capacity. Plant air compressors are often multistage units with intercooling and aftercooling. Sizes range from 500 HP to 15,000 HP.
Thus replacement of an existing compressor with a new compressor of higher capacity usually cannot be economically justified because of the high capital cost. Retrofit of an existing machine involves replacement of the major rotating assemblies which are typically 25 to 30% of the initial cost of the unit, and is also usually economically unattractive. The installation of a complementary compressor in parallel with an existing compressor has been most often practiced as the most economical and thus most attractive alternative. This invention provides a more attractive and advantageous alternative to the prior art methods mentioned.
Accordingly an object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for increasing the capacity of an existing compressor.
Features of this invention are that the apparatus involves little added mechanical complexity and lower capital cost than prior methods.
Advantages of this invention are a savings in operating power in the compressor operation and some capability of adjusting the compressor capacity without a performance penalty.

Compressor supercharger with evaporative cooler


Provided is a semiconductor light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting device may include: a light emitting structure comprising a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer having an upper surface divided into first and second regions, an active layer and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer sequentially disposed on the second region of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer; a first contact electrode disposed on the first region of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer; a second contact electrode disposed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer; a first electrode pad electrically connected to the first contact electrode and having at least a portion disposed on the second contact electrode; a second electrode pad electrically connected to the second contact electrode; and a multilayer reflective structure interposed between the first electrode pad and the second contact electrode and comprising a plurality of dielectric layers which have different refractive indices and are alternately stacked.

Apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a semiconductor light emitting device and a semiconductor light emitting apparatus including the same.
A light emitting diode (LED) is a device including a material emitting light when an electrical energy is applied thereto, in which energy generated through electron-hole recombination in semiconductor junction parts is converted into light to be emitted therefrom. LEDs are commonly employed as light sources in illumination devices, display devices, and the like, and thus, the development of LEDs has been accelerated.
As the development of gallium nitride (GaN)-based LEDs has recently increased, mobile keypads, turn signal lamps, camera flashes, and the like, using such gallium nitride-based LEDs, have been commercialized. Thus, development of general illumination devices using LEDs has been accelerated. Like the products to which they are applied, such as the backlight units of large TVs, the headlamps of vehicles, general illumination devices, and the like, the applications of light emitting devices are gradually moving toward large-sized products having high outputs and high degrees of efficiency.
In general, since flip-chip type LEDs have a limitation in that an electrode pad is widely disposed on a surface on which the LED is mounted, which absorbs light emitted from an active layer, external light extraction efficiency may decrease. Also, since the electrode pad is large, insulation with respect to a contact electrode having a different polarity disposed on a lower portion may not be secured.

Semiconductor light emitting device and semiconductor light emitting apparatus having the same


A semiautomatic firearm including a recoil spring acting on the bolt for closing the breech after the ejection of the case. The repositioning device includes an auxiliary resilient member which cooperates with the recoil spring, so that although a low-rigidity spring suitable for weak cartridges is used, the weapon works correctly even when firing powerful cartridges. The device thus allows to use a wider range of cartridges and reduces the negative effects of recoil.

The present invention relates to a bolt repositioning device for firearms, particularly for semiautomatic rifles.
In this type of firearm, a compromise is normally made between the rigidity of the recoil spring and the setting of the system, so that the weapon can fire cartridges with a variable charge. Powerful cartridges in fact require a stronger recoil spring, which however does not allow a reliable operation of the bolt assembly when using weak cartridges. Vice versa, a less rigid spring, suitable for weaker cartridges, is insufficient when using powerful cartridges and causes operating problems such as, for example, a slowing down of the bolt closing action. The strong recoil impact also causes inaccuracy and discomfort for the gunner.
Adjustment systems are known, such as for example the barrel brake ring in long-recoil rifles, or the maximum-pressure valve in gas-intake rifles, by means of which it is possible to make the weapon suitable for the use of cartridges with different charges; however, this adjustment is effective for a narrow range of cartridges.
Furthermore, the progress made in the manufacture of cartridges, the introduction of steel shot, and the use of special cartridges in the sports field have further increased the gap between weak cartridges and powerful cartridges.


A specific form of a dual mineral salt having potassium, magnesium, and citrate in a stoichiometric ratio of potassium:magnesium of less than 4:1 is disclosed. Methods of making the composition and using the composition as a dietary supplement are also disclosed.

The use of magnesium and potassium salts for dietary supplementation is well known. One useful composition for such supplementation is potassium magnesium citrate (PMC). Unfortunately, early compositions of PMC exhibited poor processing and poor thermal stability. It is desirable to have a new PMC composition suitable for dietary supplementation that possesses superior processing and thermal stability.
A typical reaction for the production of tetra potassium magnesium dicitrate involves both the magnesium and potassium carbonates according to the reaction:10K2CO3+(MgCO3)4Mg(OH)2.5H2O+10H3(C6H2O7)→5K4Mg(C6H5O7)+21H2O+14CO2
Magnesium Carbonate USP is more correctly identified as magnesium carbonate magnesium hydroxide and its correct stoichiometric formula is shown in the above reaction equation. In practice, the reaction seems to go as predicted. The carbonates and hydroxides react with citric acid producing a material with the empirical formula of K4Mg(C6H5O7)2 plus carbon dioxide and water.
A number of these problems were addressed with the introduction of dual mineral salts of potassium, magnesium, and citrate. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,593, Walsdorf et al., described to a new composition of matter comprising magnesium, potassium and citrate in a single compound which allowed for effectively supplementing dietary magnesium and potassium by administering magnesium, potassium and citrate in a single salt. U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,980, also to Walsdorf, disclosed methods of making that aforementioned composition. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,889 to Walsdorf et al., disclosed methods of supplementing dietary potassium, magnesium, and citrate by oral administration in which the ratio of potassium:magnesium:citrate is 4:1:2.
While the Walsdorf and other compositions addressed many of the earlier problems in the area of potassium and magnesium dietary supplementation, some problems remained. Improved processing, in addition to decreasing production costs, are expected to result in potentially new formulations and finished product dosage forms, which can improve shelf stability of the finished product. Additionally, improved thermal stability of the dietary supplement is desirable.
Earlier compositions of PMC targeted a ratio of K:Mg:Citrate of 4:1:2 but there was little control over the resulting compound. The result was a salt or mixture having a potassium:magnesium:citrate ratio near to 4:1:2 in which neither the completeness of reaction nor the final stoichiometry of the resulting compound was adequately determined. This resulted in batches of PMC that had differing properties including varied thermal stability, final stoichiometry and processability. The present invention discloses a pure PMC which possesses a precisely defined stoichiometry whereby stoichiometry is precisely controlled by process conditions. The present invention also encompasses a process for making the new composition. The resulting composition is useful as a dietary supplement yet does not suffer from the deficiencies of the earlier compositions.
To this end, a new composition of potassium magnesium citrate has been made which exhibits enhanced thermal stability and is more amenable to analytical quality control monitoring. These advantages are realized while preserving the usefulness as a dietary supplement enjoyed by earlier compositions.

Dietary supplementation with stoichiometrically specific potassium magnesium citrate


This invention discloses a heavy duty vehicle rack capable of carrying heavy loads and that utilizes fasteners, to attach to the rack to the vehicle""s gutter or drip rails. The heavy duty rack of the present invention has specially shaped cooperating end and clamp portions so that the rack can be attached to a variety of vans made by different manufacturers with different style and shapes gutter/drip rails.

This invention relates to racks for vehicles and particularly a rack with fastening means to force an end member/clamp specially shaped to grip various shaped gutter or drip rails found on various vehicles.
Heretofore it has been known to provide a rack for a vehicle, such as a van, truck or automobile, for carrying items above the roof of the vehicle or van. Frequently such racks comprised two spaced apart crossmembers which are mounted to the gutters or drip rails of the vehicle. As heavy items, such as ladders, lumber and pipes, are frequently carried on such a rack, it is important that the rack be solidly and strongly connected to the gutters or drip rails. Heretofore it has also been known to provide a connection on each end of each crossmember which utilized one set of fastening means arranged generally horizontally to pull the rack tight against a vertical portion of the drip rail and a second set of fastening means arranged generally vertically to pull the rack tight against a horizontal portion of the drip rail. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,092. As there are usually two crossmembers, each with two ends, there were generally at least eight sets of fasteners which are required to be properly horizontally and vertically adjusted and tightened. An alternative was to replace the second sets of vertical fastening means with some sort of pivoting connection, such as formed by a pivoting extension which engages in a formed pivot opening. The provision of such pivoting connection can be more expensive to make as forming dies may be needed to make the pivoting extension and/or pivot opening. Further the pivot type connection can be even more difficult to tighten securely because of xe2x80x9cplayxe2x80x9d and looseness of the pivot connection making the pivot connection less secure to use than the first described sets of horizontal and vertical fastening means, particularly where a rack is to carry heavy items, such as is likely to be used by a tradesman on his/her service van.
A strong prior art rack for such purpose is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,362, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The rack described in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,362 comprises two or more crossmembers which are secured at each end thereof by a clamp member held to the end member of the crossmember by a single set of generally horizontal fastening means, with no separate vertical fastening means or pivot connecting means being utilized. A tight connection in both the horizontal and vertical is provided by the single set of generally horizontal fastening means because of this rack""s unique design. The crossmember""s ends and clamps are arranged to be clamped together horizontally by this fastening means, and each has inclined engaging portions to cause the clamp to engage the gutter or drip rail and pull it tight both vertically and horizontally against the crossmember end member.
While strong racks and strong fastening means are generally known, such as shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,362 patent, heretofore it has been necessary to provide custom end members and clamps to fit a plurality of different make vehicles. The result was that the manufacturers had to make and retail outlets had to carry many models to fit the various make vans and vehicles with their different type roof drip and gutter rails constructions.
The present improved heavy duty rack invention is particularly suitable for fitting various models of trucks and vans with their various shaped drip or gutter rails. Even though the improved rack of the present invention can fit more than one make or model of van or vehicle, it still is capable of safely carrying very heavy loads, including ladders, lumber, pipes, etc. with a total load weight of up to 1,200 pounds evenly distributed. In fact the rack of the present invention, is capable of lifting the rear of a typical van in the air if a crane is attached to the rack and raised.
The heavy duty rack of the present invention for securing such heavy items and carried on the drip rail or gutter of a van or truck, comprises a square or rectangular cross section tubing cross member adapted to extend horizontally across the full width of a van or truck type vehicle roof generally from to or beyond one drip rail to or beyond the drip rail on the opposite side of the van type vehicle roof. The cross member has opposing ends or members defining a length therebetween and is made of steel and/or aluminum having a minimum wall thickness of xe2x85x9 to xc2xc inch thick with about {fraction (3/16)} of an inch being preferred. A pair of the unitary one piece end members are secured by welding at each end of said cross member. Each of said end members are bent from flat, compatible material of at least xe2x85x9 to xc2xc inch thick, with {fraction (3/16)} of an inch thickness being preferred, of steel or aluminum. Each of the unitary one piece end members extend generally downwardly from the respective end of its said cross member towards its underneath, associated drip rail. Each unitary one end member is bent and its lower portion or particularly lower end is adapted to rest on various types of van or vehicle drip rails. Clamping means are provided for each unitary, one piece end member shorter in height than the unitary, one piece end member. Each clamping means is bent from flat material of xe2x85x9 to xc2xc inch thick, with about {fraction (3/16)} of an inch thickness being preferred, and made of steel or aluminum. The lower portions or ends of the clamping means are also specially shaped to cooperate with its end member and secure the rack to various shaped drip or gutter rails found on various make vans or vehicles. Each end member and its associated clamp are adapted to sandwich various portions of the adjacent various shaped van type vehicle drip rails. The clamping means and fastening means, in this instance with one generally extending parallel and the other extending perpendicular to said cross member, pulls the clamping means towards the unitary one piece end member to tightly sandwich the drip rail to hold the heavy duty rack to the van or other type vehicle""s drip rail. The rack of the present invention is especially configured to be attachable to various make truck and van drip molds and gutter rails, such as those found on Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, GMC and Chrysler.
In order to accommodate these various drip racks or gutters, the attaching portions of the rack of the present invention is especially formed. Unlike the rack shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,632 patent which had simple xe2x80x9cLxe2x80x9d shaped drip rail or gutter engaging portions, the drip rack or gutter engaging portions of the clamp and end member of the rack of the present invention are a series of successive steps, a double step or xe2x80x9cWxe2x80x9d which can accommodate both the simple xe2x80x9cLxe2x80x9d shaped gutter or drip rail, and the more complicated wing, successive stepped, or xe2x80x9cWxe2x80x9d shaped profiles found on some vans or trucks, such as those sold under the xe2x80x9cGMCxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cChevroletxe2x80x9d brands. Thus, with the present invention one style rack can be made to fit several brands of vans and their drip rail and gutter styles.
Further, unlike some prior art two bolt (vertical and horizontal) attached racks which have their end pieces at angles to the gutter or drip rail and which tends to increase the outboard or spreading load on the gutter, and thus reduce the carrying capacity, in the present invention the end pieces are located generally vertically so that the load transferred to or imposed on the gutter or drip rail is also generally vertical and can, thus, be safely maximized. Applying the load to the gutter or drip rail vertically permits a greater load to be safely imposed on the gutter or drip rail, and thus the van or vehicle to carry a greater load. Further, rather than have separate end pieces, which permit adjustment for width but could limit load carrying capacity, in the present invention the end members or pieces are solidly welded to the ends of the cross bar or member, and the cross bar itself is made of two heavily constructed pieces which telescope over a length of a few feet, and are welded to the end members to permit a pair of crossbars to safely carry a maximized load, as heavy as 1,200 pounds, evenly distributed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a heavy duty vehicle rack for carrying heavy loads, such as ladders, pipe, lumber, etc., weighing up to 1,200 pounds evenly distributed, suitable for use by trades persons.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a heavy duty rack which can be easily but strongly attached to a variety of vehicles.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a heavy duty rack which attaches tightly to a variety of shaped drip rails of various vehicles using portions to fit tightly onto various portions of the various shaped drip rails.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and following written description.

Heavy duty rack attachable to various vehicles


An image scanning device is provided with first and second sensors for scanning first and second surfaces of a sheet. The first sensor reads a monochromatic image, and the second sensor reads a color image. The image scanning device is further provided with a plurality of image processing systems. A switching system is provided which connects the input terminal of a predetermined one of the image processing systems with the output terminal of the first sensor when the double-side scanning operation is performed. A signal output from one of output terminals of the second sensor other than the terminal connected to the predetermined image processing system is used as an image signal representing the image of the second surface of the sheet when the double-side scanning operation is performed.

The present invention relates to an image scanner capable of scanning images formed on both sides of a sheet at the same time.
Recently, an image scanner capable of simultaneously scanning images formed on both sides of a sheet has become widespread. In such an image scanner, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor is provided along a sheet path inside the scanner to scan an image formed on one side of sheet, and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type image sensor is provided along the sheet path to scan an image formed on the opposite side of the sheet. The image scanner typically includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and therefore, in order to provide a sufficient room for the ADF and various other peripheral devices, the CIS type image sensor is used as one of the image sensors.
The CIS type image sensor (hereinafter occasionally referred to as a first sensor) scans, for example, a back surface of a sheet to capture an image formed thereon, and the CCD type image sensor (hereinafter occasionally referred to as a second sensor) scans, for example, a front surface of the sheet to capture an image formed thereon.
Each of the output ports of the first and second image sensors is connected with an image processing unit, which typically includes a gain adjusting circuit, A/D converter, compensation circuit and the like for receiving an image (component) signal output therefrom. The image signals (or image component signals) output from the output ports of the sensors are different in terms of a gain adjustment range and compensation parameters used in the compensation circuit. Therefore, the image processing units are provided for respective image signals (image component signals).
With the above-described configuration, when an image formed on one surface of a sheet is scanned to capture a color image, an image sensor provided with RGB (Red, Green and Blue) color filters is used, and the image processing units respectively connected to the output ports, which respectively output RGB color components, of the image sensor are used. When an image formed on one surface of a sheet is scanned to capture a monochromatic image, for example, the image sensor is used for scanning, however, only the image processing unit connected to the output port of, for example, the G (green) component of the color image sensor is used. If both surfaces of a sheet are simultaneously scanned, the image processing units connected to the output ports of both the first and second image sensors are necessary.
It is understood that the image sensor for scanning the back surface of a sheet is used only when both the surfaces of the sheet are scanned, and the image processing unit for this sensor is used only when both the surfaces of the sheet are scanned. Therefore, the conventional image scanner capable of scanning both surfaces of a sheet includes excessive parts, which increases a manufacturing cost.


An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a pair of frames, a connecting member, a supply board, and a control board. The image forming unit includes a photosensitive body configured to carry developer and an exposure unit configured to scan and expose the photosensitive body to light. The pair of frames is disposed in a horizontal direction opposite to each other with the image forming unit being positioned therebetween. The connecting member extends in the horizontal direction and supports the exposure unit. The connecting member has each longitudinal end portion connected to each of the pair of frames. The supply board is configured to supply electric power to an electric motor. The control board is configured to control operation of the image forming unit. At least one of the control board and the supply board is supported to the connecting member.

Among the various conventional image forming apparatuses known in the art, one technology discloses an image forming apparatus in which a control board and a power supply board are assembled to one of a pair of frames between which an image forming section is provided as viewed in a vertical direction.

Image forming apparatus having circuit board


A bearing system for positioning and supporting a rotor having a vertical shaft (20) coincident with a main rotation axis included in a flywheel (10) used for energy storage and high surge power in vehicular applications. The bearing system includes upper and lower radial force generators (110, 210) containing only electromagnets, and upper and lower axial force generators (120, 220) including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. According to one aspect of the bearing system, each of the bearings includes control circuitry having simple and complex lead networks so as to permit the force generators to rapidly respond to vehicular transients while maintaining a preferred bearing stiffness. The bearing system also includes upper and lower touchdown ball bearings (130, 230) which are engaged only when the radial force generators are unable to maintain the rotor in a predetermined cylindrical volume within the flywheel (10). A capacitive sensor subsystem of the magnetic bearing system and method for controlling the bearing system is also described.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic bearing system employed in a high power (on the order of 100-200 kilowatts) flywheel intended for a hybrid electric vehicle and other applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a magnetic bearing system employed in a high power flywheel to overcome the stringent demands regarding high electrical power and vehicle motions placed on the stiffness and speed of response of the magnetic bearings while the vehicle is being driven. Moreover, the present invention relates to a magnetic bearing system employed in a high power flywheel producing the long rundown time required, thus providing the extremely low power consumption required, for a parked vehicle. In addition, the present invention relates to a capacitive sensor for the magnetic bearing, which capacitive sensor measures the displacement of a rotor axis from its desired position within a non-rotating assembly of the magnetic bearing.
2. Brief Discussion of Related Art
Modem high strength-to-weight ratio fibers make it possible to construct high energy density flywheels, which, when combined with high power (on the order of 100-200 kilowatts) motor-generators, are an attractive alternative to electrochemical batteries for use as energy buffers in hybrid electric vehicles. A properly designed flywheel system would provide higher power density, higher efficiency, and longer life than a conventional electrochemical battery.
Flywheel energy storage systems have been proposed for many years; many of the storage systems have even been proposed for use in motor vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,034, for example, discloses a flywheel contained in an evacuated sphere which is surrounded by a liquid but does not address itself to the dynamics of the driving environment. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,266,442, 4,285,251 and 4,860,611, on the other hand, disclose different ways of constructing high speed rotors. However, the above referenced patents do not recognize, let alone describe, design features needed for compatibility with the environment of a motor vehicle.
High speed rotors (greater than 2500 radians per second, for example) such as used in high energy density flywheels, often require a magnetic bearing system in order to avoid the problems associated with the lubrication and cooling of mechanical bearings. Magnetic bearings require a set of sensors to measure, with adequate speed and precision, the displacement of the rotor axis from its neutral position in order for the corrective magnetic forces to be applied in a timely fashion.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,490,816 and 3,860,300, both of which were issued to Joseph Lyman, describe the general principles of a magnetic bearing system wherein the static load, i.e., the resting weight of a rotor, is supported by one or more permanent magnets while dynamic force generators, i. e., force coils, provide compensation for acceleration differences between the rotor and a surrounding stator. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816, for example, the axial velocity is derived from a sensing coil disposed above the load bearing permanent magnet while axial displacement over relatively long time periods is sensed using an opaque piston, a light source, optical baffles and optical sensors arranged at the end of the rotor shaft opposite the permanent magnet. The system proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 requires two separate amplifiers, one specifically matched to the associated sensor type.
It will be appreciated that non-contacting sensors are required for high speed energy storage flywheel systems because non-contacting sensors offer long life in a high rotational speed environment. Examples of non-contacting sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,036,236 and 5,314,868. While magnetic sensors such as those disclosed in either U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,236 may be used, magnetic sensors are generally degraded by changes in the material properties of the surfaces being sensed, such as the electrical resistivity and magnetic permeability of the sensed surfaces.
On the other hand, optical sensors such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,816 may be subject to degradation since such optical sensors normally include delicate, sophisticated circuit components. These supporting components would frequently be located outside of the flywheel enclosure, which would require the routing of signal lines between the optical sensors themselves and the supporting components and between the supporting components and the force generators. It will be appreciated that this would severely complicate the connections between the energy storage flywheel and the rest of the power train components. An alternative approach would be to locate the supporting components within the confines of the flywheel, which would simplify the cable routing concerns but would require additional efforts to adapt the supporting components to the environment of the interior of the flywheel, i.e., a vacuum environment.
The magnetic bearing system described in U.S. Pat. No, 3,860,300 proposes a virtually zero powered magnetic suspension system, which may provide a solution to the problem of maximizing the rundown time in the parking mode of operation. However, the system proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,300 is not up to the task of compensating for high velocity rotor displacements while maintaining adequate bearing stiffness in the driving mode of operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,190 to Caye et al. describes a magnetic bearing system for stationary systems that uses a passive method of controlling radial instability, which system is apparently incompatible with the automobile environment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,308 to Meeks describes an efficient combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets in radial magnetic bearings. It will be appreciated that the use of permanent magnets in the radial bearings is incompatible with the need for a long run down time in the parking mode, since the eddy currents developed in the rotor create losses which must be replaced with energy stored in the flywheel.
The present invention was motivated by a desire to correct the perceived weaknesses and identified problems associated with conventional magnetic bearing systems used with flywheel energy storage systems.

Magnetic bearing system including a control system for a flywheel and method for operating same


A method of separating a discrete portion from a first web. The discrete portion can be bonded to a second web which may be moving at the same or different speed. The discrete portion can be incorporated into an absorbent article.

In today's consumer market, there are numerous types of products which require a discrete portion of a first web to be separated from the first web and to be bonded to a second web. Disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and incontinence products, including undergarments, briefs, pants and pads, are representative products which rely on the merging of discrete portions of a first web with a second continuous web. Many times, the first and second webs are traveling at different speeds and the transfer may need to take place at high speeds. For example, it may be necessary to bond a discrete portion of a first web to a second web at speeds exceeding 100 feet per minute.
During manufacture of the absorbent article, the first web is typically a continuous roll of material that is advanced to a forming apparatus. At the forming apparatus, sections of the first web are formed into the initial shape(s) of the discrete portion(s) while other sections of the first web are trimmed away as waste. During this forming phase of the manufacturing process, the initial shapes of the discrete portion(s) remain connected to each other via a ribbon which is a section of the first web that has not been formed into the initial shape of the discrete portion(s). The ribbon is then utilized to advance the string of discrete portions through the manufacturing process. Generally, the ribbon pulls the string of discrete portions to a converting mechanism which is typically a linear knife cutter capable of severing the discrete portion from the ribbon. The cutting is usually performed as the ribbon is advanced through a nip formed by the rotating knife coming into close proximity or contact with an anvil or backup roll. Once separated from the ribbon, the discrete portion is then carried via various rolls, typically vacuum rolls, to a location where the discrete portion can be bonded to the second web.
The use of a ribbon to transport the discrete portion, however, limits the shape, dimension and configuration of the discrete portion. As the separation of the individual discrete portion from the string of discrete portions occurs with the use of a linear knife cutter, the discrete portion has a linear cut edge in the cross-direction as it is cut. Attempting to decrease the amount of ribbon to minimize the size of the linear edge of the discrete portion can increase the amount of stress on the ribbon as it pulls the string of discrete portions through the manufacturing process. The increase in stress can result in an increase of manufacturing problems such as premature separation of the discrete portion from the first web, as well as damage, stretching, skewing, wrinkling, etc. to the discrete portion.
The use of a ribbon to transport the discrete portion further limits the shape, dimension, and configuration of the discrete portion as skewing may occur as the ribbon is pulled through the manufacturing process. The skewing of the ribbon can result in misalignment of the discrete portion at the converting mechanism. Such misalignment can result in a cutting of the discrete portion in an incorrect location at the converting mechanism. A misaligned discrete portion, therefore, can result in a malformed absorbent article which is not usable.
As a result of the shortcomings noted above, discrete portions have remained simple and uncomplicated in their shape, dimension, and configuration. Thus, there is a need for a method of manufacturing absorbent articles without the requirement of a ribbon. There is a need for a method of manufacturing absorbent articles wherein the absorbent articles can be provided with discrete portions having different shapes, dimensions and/or configurations. There is a need for proving an absorbent article having such a discrete portion.

Method of separating a discrete portion from a web


Methods of forming a microelectronic device and associated structures are described. Those methods may comprise forming a die-side conductive interconnect on a substrate, wherein the die-side conductive interconnect comprises a columnar portion and a base portion, and wherein a diameter of the base portion is greater than a diameter of the columnar portion.

After a microelectronic chip or die has been manufactured, it is typically packaged before it is sold. The package may provide electrical connection to the chip's internal circuitry, protection from the external environment, and heat dissipation, for example. In one type of package system, a chip may be "flip-chip" connected to a package substrate. In a flip-chip package, conductive connections may be distributed on a surface of the die that may be electrically coupled to corresponding conductive connections on the package substrate.
During die-package assembly, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the die and the package may cause thermomechanical stresses during the thermal cycling that is intrinsic to assembly processing. The introduction of weaker low-K (typically below about 4) ILD's within the die architecture may amplify the negative effects of such stresses. Low k ILD materials are desirable as they may reduce the RC delay in die backend structures. However, low k layers may crack during the chip joining processes as they may be mechanically weaker and may be more susceptible to the aforementioned thermomechanical stresses from the thermal mismatch between silicon die and organic substrates, for example. This problem becomes more severe when lead-free solder materials are used, since many lead-free solders comprise much higher elastic modulus and yield strength. Hence, many lead free solders can transfer much higher stress into low k layers than traditional Sn—Pb eutectic solders.

Methods of forming stepped bumps and structures formed thereby


An articulated chain having alternating inner and outer chain links connected by hinge, having a running direction, each inner link comprising a link plate and each outer link comprising two link plates and two hinge pins interconnecting, each hinge pin rotationally fixed in an opening of the associated outer link plates and extending through an opening of the associated inner link to form a chain hinge, the links having plate backs for contact with a tensioning or guide rail. The link plate back comprises a leading area viewed in the running direction and an adjoining trailing area, the leading area extending substantially parallel to a plane projected between center lines of pin openings and hinge openings, respectively, and the trailing area extending from a part of the link plates at an angle to the plane projected between the center lines, the vertex of the angle pointing in the running direction.

Articulated drive chains are frequently used in the automotive sector as timing chains in internal combustion engines and they couple the crankshaft to the at least one camshaft. Such timing drives include a guide rail in the taut span and a tensioning rail, to which pressure can be applied by means of a chain tensioner, in the slack span. When the articulated chain comes into contact with the tensioning and guide rails, friction is generated, which, in turn, leads to power losses and consequently to CO2 emission from the internal combustion engine. Reducing the friction between the rails and the chain by means of an inwardly curved shape of the link plate back is a known measure in the field of technology.
A chain of this type is known e.g. from document DE 199 07 865 A1. The chain link plates used in this chain have link plate backs comprising two spaced-apart contact portions between which an oil holding space is formed. The area of contact with the tensioning and/or guide rail is reduced in this way. Simultaneously, a lubricating-oil cushion is intended to form between the two contact portions due to the recessed shape of the link plate back.
A similar structural design is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,872 B2. Also these link plates comprise two spaced-apart contact portions between which a lubricant-optimizing recessed contour is provided.
In addition, document DE 10 2010 013 572 A1 discloses an articulated chain, in which the chain link plates have convex link plate backs for providing sliding contact with the tensioning and guide rails of a chain drive, the convex link plate backs being asymmetric in shape. When the chain link plates come into contact with the tensioning or guide rail, the asymmetric shape of the link plate back allows swinging in the direction of the running direction and of the rail so as to reduce the sliding contact resistance.

Articulated chain with low-friction link plate back


Example implementations relate to method and system for implementation of a software agent in a computing system, to identify the most effective self-healing action to build a Q-table by applying a reinforcement learning technique. In particular, the method includes determining an induced state of the computing system based on an error in one or more components of the computing system and selecting a corrective action corresponding to the induced state based on a plurality of Q-values stored in the Q-table. The method further includes executing the corrective action in the computing system and evaluating one or more parameters of the computing system to determine a current state of the computing system. Further, the method includes updating a Q-value of the plurality of Q-values corresponding to the corrective action, in response to evaluation of the current state of the computing system, to build the Q-table.

A processor-based system can include any number of computing devices. For example, the processor-based system, such as a server rack system may include multiple computing systems (e.g., blade servers), networking devices, storage devices, power supply components, and so forth. Further, each of the multiple computing systems may include one or more components, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory module, and the like. In a mission-critical production environment context, such as a network-supported medical alert and other emergency services, or financial transactions, or online retailing services, each of the multiple computing systems is expected to be "highly available". Whenever fault events (errors or anomalies) occur in the one or more components of such computing system, those fault events may have to be immediately root caused and some corrective actions needs to be applied to mitigate those errors. Typically, human experts or rule based automation tools are used for root causing the fault events and applying the corrective actions to the computing system.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers may designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. An index number "N" appended to some of the reference numerals may be understood to merely denote plurality and may not necessarily represent the same quantity for each reference numeral having such an index number "N". Additionally, use herein of a reference numeral without an index number, where such reference numeral is referred to elsewhere with an index number, may be a general reference to the corresponding plural elements, collectively or individually. In another example, an index number of "I," "M," etc. can be used in place of index number N.
The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

System and method of identifying self-healing actions for computing systems using reinforcement learning

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP