The present invention is directed toward a method for setting a driving voltage of a differential quadrature phase-shift modulator, this method making signal quality superior in response to an individual difference in extinction ratio due to variations in manufacture of a device. To this end, signal quality of differential quadrature phase-shift modulated light output from a differential quadrature phase-shift modulator is acquired. An average amplitude of a first or second driving voltage signal is adjusted according to the signal quality of the thus-acquired differential quadrature phase-shift modulated light.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to differential quadrature phase-shift modulator suitable for use in a transmitter of an optical transmission system, as well as to a method for setting a driving voltage of the differential quadrature phase-shift modulator.
2) Background of the Invention
In recent years, increasing demand has arisen for introduction of a 40-Gbit/s optical transmission system of the next generation. In addition, a transmission distance and frequency utilization efficiency equivalent to those achieved by a 10 Gbit/s system have been sought. In an effort to meet such demands, brisk research and development has been carried out on a DPSK (Differential Phase Shift Keying) modulation scheme, which is superior to an NRZ (Non-Return to Zero) modulation scheme having hitherto been applied to a system of 10 Gb/s or less in terms of optical-signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) resistance and nonlinear resistance. In addition to research and development of the above-described modulation scheme, research and development of a phase modulation scheme called DQPSK (Differential Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying) modulation (differential 4-phase-shift modulation) having a feature of a narrow spectrum (high-frequency utilization efficiency) has also become brisk.
Particularly, the DQPSK modulation scheme is for simultaneously transmitting two phase-shift digital signals through use of signal light of a single frequency. According to this scheme, a pulse-repetition frequency (e.g., 20 GHz), which is one-half the speed (e.g., 40 Gbit/s) of data to be transmitted, is sufficient, and hence a spectrum width of a signal is reduced to one-half that achieved by the conventional NRZ modulation scheme. Thus, the DQPSK modulation scheme is superior in terms of frequency utilization efficiency, wavelength dispersion resistance, and a device transmission property. For these reasons, in the field of optical transmission systems, application of this modulation scheme to a high-speed transmission system whose data speed exceeds 40 Gbit/s has been actively investigated.
FIG. 21 is a view showing a BPSK modulator 110. The BPSK modulator 110 shown in FIG. 21 is provided in, e.g., an optical transmitter which transmits an optical signal in an optical transmission system and is for modulating a data signal into an optical signal by means of the DPSK modulation scheme. The BPSK modulator 110 has a transmission data processing section 111, an amplifier 112, a CW (continuous wave) light source 113, and a phase modulator 114.
The transmission data processing section 111 is for performing transmission data processing, such as encoding, or the like, of data to be transmitted. The data signal output from the transmission data processing section 111 is amplified by the amplifier 112, and the thus-amplified data signal is input to the phase modulator 114. The phase modulator 114 subjects the continuous light output from the CW light source 113 to phase modulation by use of the encoded data input from the transmission data processing section 111 by way of the amplifier 112.
The phase modulator 114 comprises a Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a, and modulation electrodes 114b-1, 114b-2 formed on respective waveguides which have been bifurcated by the Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a. The phase modulator 114 further comprises a π phase-shift section 114c formed in a stage subsequent to the modulation electrode 114b-2 on one of the waveguides bifurcated by the Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a.
Here, the continuous light (see FIG. 22A) that has exited the CW light source 113 and propagates through an upper waveguide, in the drawing, of the two waveguides bifurcated by the Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a is modulated by a drive signal (a data signal output from the transmission data processing section 111) to be applied to the modulation electrode 114b-1. A phase component "0" is as signed to data "0," and a phase component "π" is assigned to data "1", whereby the light becomes an optical signal (see FIG. 22B and EU therein).
The continuous light (see FIG. 22A) propagating through a lower waveguide, in the drawing, of the waveguides bifurcated by the Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a is modulated by a drive signal (an inverted signal consisting of the data signal applied as a drive signal to the modulation electrode 114b-1) applied to the modulation electrode 114b-2. The thus-modulated signal is then subjected to phase-shifting by a phase π in the π phase-shift section 114c. The phase component "0" is assigned to data "0", and the phase component "π" is assigned to data "1", whereby the light becomes an optical signal (see FIG. 22C and EL therein).
Thereby, the optical signals EU, EL propagating through the bifurcated waveguides that form the Mach-Zehnder waveguide 114a are merged, so that an optical signal whose light intensity is constant and whose information is superimposed on binary optical phases (0 and π); namely, an optical signal EOUT having been subjected to BPSK modulation, can be output as shown in FIG. 22D.
Next, there is shown an overview of a common configuration for transmitting data through the modulation and demodulation complying with the DQPSK scheme. Details of the configuration are described in, e.g., Published Japanese Translation of a PCT Application, No. 2004-516743, as well.
FIG. 23 is a view showing a common DQPSK modulator 130. The DQPSK modulator 130 shown in FIG. 23 is also provided in an optical transmitter, and modulates the data signal into an optical signal by means of the DQPSK modulation scheme. The DQPSK modulator has a transmission data processing section 131; amplifiers 132-1, 132-2; a CW (Continuous Wave) light source 133; a π/2 shifter 134; two Mach-Zehnder phase modulators 135-1, 135-2; and an MZM interferometer 136 for causing interference between the phase-modulated signals output from the phase modulators 135-1, 135-2, which differ from each other by a phase of π/2.
Specifically, the CW light source 133 is connected to an input side of the MZM interferometer 136, and phase modulators 135-1, 135-2 are formed in the respective bifurcated waveguides. In the following descriptions, the Mach-Zehnder waveguide forming the MZM interferometer 136 is sometimes described as a master MZ (Mach-Zehnder) waveguide. Like the phase modulators 135-1 and 135-2, Mach-Zehnder waveguides forming the phase modulators made in the bifurcated waveguide sections constituting the master MZ waveguide are sometimes described as slave MZ waveguides.
Here, the transmission data processing section 131 has the function of a framer or an FEC encoder, as well as the function of a DQPSK precoder which effects encoding operation reflecting encoding information about a difference between the code of current data and the code of data preceding the current data by one bit. The transmission data signal output from the transmission data processing section 131 is output as signals which are separated into encoded data of 20 Gbit/s of two channels (data #1, data #2), in connection with the encoded data of 40 Gbit/s. Alternatively, the amplifiers 132-1, 132-2 amplify data #1, data #2 of the encoded data and output the amplified data as drive signals to the phase modulators 135-1, 135-2.
Although the CW light source 133 outputs continuous light, the continuous light output from the CW light source 133 is bifurcated by the bifurcated waveguides forming the MZM interferometer 136. One light beam of the bifurcated light beams is input to the phase modulator 135-1, and the other light beam is input to the phase modulator 135-2. Each of the phase modulators 135-1, 135-2 has a configuration basically analogous to that of the phase modulator 114 shown in FIG. 21.
Here, as in the previously-described case shown in FIG. 22, the phase modulator 135-1 modulates the continuous light output from the CW light source 133 (see FIG. 25A) by use of the encoded data set (data #1) of one channel output from the transmission data processing section 131, thereby outputting an optical signal whose information is superimposed on a binary optical phase (0 rad or π rad) (see FIG. 25B).
Moreover, the phase modulator 135-2 modulates the continuous light from the CW light source 133 (see FIG. 25A) by use of the encoded data set of the other channel (the data #2) output from the transmission data processing section 131, and the thus-modulated optical signal is subjected to phase-shifting by φ=π/2 in the π/2 shifter 134. As a result, an optical signal whose information is superimposed on the binary optical phase (π/2 rad or 3π/2 rad) is output (see FIG. 25C).
The modulated light beams output from the above-described phase modulators 135a, 135b are merged by a merging waveguide forming the MZM interferometer 136, and the thus-merged light is output. Specifically, as a result of the modulated light beams output from the phase modulators 135-1, 135-2 being merged together, an optical signal which has constant light intensity and whose information is superimposed on optical phases of four values (π/4, 3π/4, 5π/4, and 7π/4); namely, an optical signal having been subjected to DQPSK modulation, can be output.
As mentioned above, during DQPSK modulation, digital signals of two channels, whose data "0 and "1" have been modulated into phase 0 and phase π, are caused to interfere with each other while being shifted from each other by π/2, to thus effect optical transmission by use of symbols of four values π/4(0, 0), 3π/4(1, 0), 5π/4(1, 1), and 7π/4(0, 1). In this case, when a change has arisen in the values of the data of two channels (a change from "0" to "1" or from "1" to "0"), the phases of the modulated light are switched. Therefore, dips arise in the intensity of light as designated by A to D shown in FIG. 24.
For instance, when both values of the data sets of two channels change (see B which changes from 5π/4 to π/4 in FIG. 24 and D which changes from 7π/4 to 3π/4 in FIG. 24), there arise comparatively large dips in intensity, which lowers to the neighborhood of a low level. In contrast, when only one value of the two data sets of two channels changes (see A which changes from 3π/4 to 5π/4 in FIG. 24 and C which changes from π/4 to 7π/4 in FIG. 24), there arise comparatively small dips in intensity, which lowers to the neighborhood of an intermediate value between a high level and the low level).
A known technique relevant to the present invention is described in, e.g., Patent Document 1.
(Patent Document 1) JP-A-2001-324732
However, as shown in FIG. 26, in the above-described DQPSK modulator 130, variations in manufacture of the MZM interferometer 136 often induce an imbalance between the intensity of the optical signal phase-modulated by the phase modulator 135-1 (an optical signal component P1 output from the phase modulator 135-1) and the intensity of the optical signal phase-modulated by the phase modulator 135-2 (an optical signal component P2 output from the phase modulator 135-2), both intensities being acquired when the optical signals are merged by the MZM interferometer, (P1≠P2). In this case, despite a phase difference between the symbols of four values assuming a value of π/2 in an ideal state, the phase difference deviates from π/2, to thus give rise to a deviation α. Therefore, there is a problem of the deviation entailing deterioration of signal quality.
Such an imbalance arises between P1 and P2 in a case where the extinction ratio of the modulator 130 is not good. Specifically, the imbalance is caused by a merging ratio of the merging waveguide and a bifurcating ratio of the bifurcating waveguide, both waveguides constituting the MZM interferometer 136, an imbalance between losses of the waveguides, and an imbalance between insertion losses of the Mach-Zehnder waveguide forming the two phase modulators 135-1, 135-2.
FIG. 27 is a graph showing the degree of signal deterioration (Q penalty) in relation to an extinction ratio (ExRp) of the Mach-Zehnder modulator formed from a substrate consisting of lithium niobate. A loss imbalance in an upper domain with reference to the horizontal axis represents reference values for the case where deterioration of the extinction ratio is attributable solely to an imbalance in the losses of the waveguides. As can be seen from FIG. 27, reducing the extent of deterioration of the signal requires a very high extinction ratio.
The technique described in Patent Document 1 set forth is provided for the configuration of an optical switch having an thermo-optic phase shifter which controls the thermo-optic phase shifter so as to provide an extinction ratio corresponding to the temperature of the substrate. However, the technique does not disclose any configuration for making signal quality of the DQPSK modulator excellent in response to an individual difference between extinction ratios due to variations in manufacture of devices.

Differential quadrature phase-shift modulator and method for setting driving voltage thereof


A method and system are disclosed for rendering animated graphics on a browser client based upon a stream of runtime data from a manufacturing/process control system. The graphics animation is based upon an animated graphic display object specification and runtime data from a portal server affecting an appearance trait of the animated graphic display object. The client browser receives an animated graphics description from the portal server specifying an animation behavior for an identified graphical display object. The client creates a data exchange connection between an animated display object, corresponding to the animated graphics description, and a source of runtime data from the portal server affecting display of the animated display object. Thereafter, the client applies runtime data received from the source of runtime data to the animated display object to render an animated graphic display object.

Significant advances in industrial process control technology have vastly improved all aspects of factory and plant operation. Before the introduction of today's modern industrial process control systems, industrial processes were operated/controlled by humans and rudimentary mechanical controls. As a consequence, the complexity and degree of control over a process was limited by the speed with which one or more people could ascertain a present status of various process state variables, compare the current status to a desired operating level, calculate a corrective action (if needed), and implement a change to a control point to affect a change to a state variable.
Improvements to process control technology have enabled vastly larger and more complex industrial processes to be controlled via programmed control processors. Control processors execute control programs that read process status variables, execute control algorithms based upon the status variable data and desired set point information to render output values for the control points in industrial processes. Such control processors and programs support a substantially self-running industrial process (once set points are established).
Notwithstanding the ability of industrial processes to operate under the control of programmed process controllers at previously established set points without intervention, supervisory control and monitoring of control processors and their associated processes is desirable. Such oversight is provided by both humans and higher-level control programs at an application/human interface layer of a multilevel process control network. Such oversight is generally desired to verify proper execution of the controlled process under the lower-level process controllers and to configure the set points of the controlled process.
Various data input/output servers, including for example data access servers, facilitate placing process control data (both reading and writing) within reach of a variety of higher-level monitor/control client applications. During the course of operation, process controllers generate status and control information concerning associated processes. The controllers' process status and control information is stored within process control databases and/or distributed to a number of locations within the process control network. Other process information is generated/stored within field devices (e.g., intelligent transmitters) having digital data communication capabilities. The process information is retrieved from the process control databases and field devices by data access servers for further processing/use by the process control system. For example, the data access servers provide the retrieved information to a variety of client applications providing high-level control and monitoring (both human and computerized) services.
In systems containing data input/output servers, the high-level control and monitoring applications rely upon the proper operation of the servers to provide the data upon which such applications rely for decision-making. The information includes real-time process variable values, alarms, etc. Data input/output servers are implemented in a number of forms. In some systems, a single data access server operates upon a single node on a computer network from which higher level supervisory control is implemented. In other systems, multiple data access servers are located upon a local area network, and the multiple data access servers are accessed by supervisory-level applications running on other nodes on a local control network. In yet other systems, access to process control information/resources is achieved via temporary sessions established via a wide area network link. One particular example is data access provided via an Internet/intranet portal server.
A portal site is an Internet/intranet site that provides access to a variety of information from potentially many sources. Portal sites, referred to as vertical portals, are sometimes designed to provide access to a particular type of information. Portal servers handle user traffic at portal sites and provide user access over the Internet/intranet to the variety of data sources exposed by the portal site. Such users generally access the portal site via remote computers executing general browser software such as the well known MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER. Through the browsers the users access the data sources exposed by the portal site/server.
Portal servers provide a wide variety of services. One example of such services is "content accessibility" that facilitates connectivity to information sources and/or content providers. Content includes: online documents, libraries, databases, and government documents. Such content can be located over a wide geographic area, but are connected via a network structure (e.g., the Internet). Another example of portal services is a search engine that enables users to locate particular information within a vast amount of available content. A portal server often maintains an index to enhance performance of searches. Another portal service is visualization of available services (e.g., displaying various features available to users). An aspect to visualization is displaying documents and information retrieved at the request of a user. Yet another portal server function is providing access to plant information for users from many parts of the world via the World Wide Web in the users' language. Such access includes both domestic and foreign users. A last example of a portal function is support for personalization. A portal is used by many different people for many purposes. Portal servers store user profile information to enhance user experiences.
An advantage of a portal server approach to accessing process control information/resources is the ability of users to gain access from virtually any location in the world. Such access enables specialists (both human and programmed) to obtain access to and provide supervisory services without having to be physically present on the manufacturing/industrial plant. Such accessibility can save an enterprise considerable time and costs, and avoid travel delays. Wide area network access of the type supported by a portal server also enables centralized, coordinated and highly integrated control of an enterprise spread over a relatively wide geographic area. Notwithstanding the significant benefits of providing Web access to a process control network, significant challenges are faced with regard to obtaining and displaying potentially large amounts of real-time manufacturing/process control information in a meaningful way for a user. The incorporation of portal servers into process control systems has greatly increased the reachability of process control/plant floor status information.
However, a challenge remains in portal server design for manufacturing/real-time process control applications to present the data, now available over the Worldwide Web in a manner that is useful and meaningful to the recipient. To this end, the portal must provide the data in near real-time, and the data must also be presented in a form such that potentially large amounts of status information can be taken in by the recipient to make quick decisions. Finally, the information must be readily processed by thin, browser-based clients.

Method and system for animating graphical user interface elements via a manufacturing/process control portal server


A white light emitting device and method that generate light by combining light produced by a white light source with light produced by at least one supplemental light emitting diode (LED). The supplemental light can be used to adjust one or more properties of the generated light. Adjustments can be made to the generated light based on feedback.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to devices for emitting white light, and more specifically, to a device that can generate white light having one or more alterable and/or selectable properties.
2. Related Art
Traditionally, the general illumination market has comprised lighting devices such as incandescent bulbs and mercury-containing discharge tubes. In general, different lighting needs can be served by different bulbs. For example, general outdoor lighting can use lower cost bulbs that provide lower color rendering, while store lighting generally requires a high color rendering. However, most general illumination applications require some form of white light.
Recently, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have started to be used in high-power devices, and are no longer limited to uses such as small indicator lamps. Further, LEDs are generally more energy efficient than the lighting devices traditionally used in the general illumination market. As a result, LEDs are considered an attractive alternative to traditional general lighting devices, and are encroaching on applications in the general illumination market.
However, LEDs are inherently chromatic (e.g., non-white) sources of light. In general, two solutions have been used to generate white light using one or more LEDs. In one solution, a single chip partially converts blue light or completely converts near-ultraviolet light emitted by an LED to light emitted over a broad spectrum (e.g., white light) through the use of an ionic phosphor layer. For example, an LED can emit blue light, some of which is converted to yellow light by a phosphor layer and some of which escapes unchanged. As a result, the device emits white light that is a dichromatic combination of yellow-blue (YB) light. Alternatively, a multi-phosphor blend can be used to generate light in multiple chromatics such as tri-chromatic red-green-blue (RGB) light. Advanced phosphor-conversion LEDs that exploit multi-phosphor blends exhibit excellent color rendering properties and are available for a variety of color temperatures.
However, phosphor-conversion white LEDs also have some drawbacks. For example, energy is expended during the conversion process, making the device less efficient. Further, different temperature behavior and different rates of deterioration of the phosphors and the semiconductor chip result in an uncontrollable shift in chromaticity that makes the lifetime during which the device can generate acceptable white light shorter than the lifetime of the device itself.
In an alternative solution, light emitted from multiple LEDs having varying chromaticity can be mixed to generate white light. Despite a relatively narrow emission spectra of each LED, polychromatic color mixing devices that incorporate four or more primary sources can cover the entire visible spectrum and accurately render the colors of illuminated objects. For example, an optimized quadri-chromatic red-amber-green-blue (RAGB) device has been shown to feature high values of both the general and all the special color rendering indices.
Further, these devices can operate more efficiently than the phosphor-conversion white LEDs since there is no energy loss due to conversion. In addition, these devices allow for full color control, an ability to tradeoff between qualitative characteristics (e.g., efficiency) and quantitative characteristics (e.g., color rendering), incorporation of internal feedback for compensation of chromaticity variations due to aging, temperature, etc., and the like. However, further development of the multi-chip lighting devices is substantially hindered by the absence of efficient LEDs in the yellow-green region due to various issues with semiconductor band-structure and material.
As a result, a need exists for an improved method and device for generating white light. In particular, a need exists for a method and device that supplement a white light source, such as a phosphor-conversion white LED, with one or more supplemental LEDs. In this manner, one or more properties of the white light can be adjusted to extend the life of the device and/or based on an application for the device.


Testing a TMR element includes a step of measuring initially a resistance value of the TMR element to provide the measured resistance value as a first resistance value, a step of measuring a resistance value of the TMR element after continuously feeding a current through the TMR element for a predetermined period of time, to provide the measured resistance value as a second resistance value, and a step of evaluating the TMR element depending upon a degree of change in resistance of the TMR element. The degree of change in resistance is determined based upon the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing a tunnel magnetoresistive effect (TMR) element such as a TMR head element using the tunnel magnetoresistive effect or a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM).
2. Description of the Related Art
An evaluation test is in general performed for determining whether or not a thin-film magnetic head with a magnetoresistive effect (MR) head element is a non-defective product, during or after manufacturing the magnetic head. This evaluation test includes a stability test for confirming that any random telegraph noise (RTN) such as Barkhausen noise (BHN) is not produced from the MR head element, and a reliability test for confirming that a breakdown voltage of the MR head element is sufficiently high to withstand an extended period of use.
Actually, for all the MR head elements manufactured, performed is the stability test by using for example a dynamic performance (DP) tester to confirm that no reproduced output of the head elements exceeds a threshold level due to the RTN for a predetermined period of time. However, because the RTN is a burst noise, it may not be generated during the predetermined period of time. Even if the RTN is generated, it may not be detected due to its level lower than the threshold.
Japanese patent publication No. 2000-260012 discloses a testing method of a stability of a normal MR head element but not a TMR head element. In this method, change in the reproduced output from the MR head element is evaluated by repeatedly executing a step of applying both AC record current and external DC magnetic field to the MR head element and a step of measuring the reproduced characteristics after that application.
However, this testing method not only additionally needs a magnetic field generation device for applying the external DC magnetic field to the MR head element but also adversely affects a bias magnetic field of the MR head element due to the application of the external magnetic field. On top of that, it is difficult to detect the burst noise RTN with reliability even by this testing method.
As will be noted, the conventional reliability test of measuring a breakdown voltage of the magnetic head cannot be performed for all the magnetic heads because it breaks the magnetic head during the breakdown voltage measurement.

Method and apparatus for testing tunnel magnetoresistive effect element


An end user terminal (EUT), e.g., such as mobile terminal (MT) (20), is provided for connecting with an incoming call received over a communications network (A). Suitably, the EUT includes an alerting function and/or equipment that provides perceivable alerting in response to an incoming call attempting to connect with the EUT over the communications network (A). An alert sensor (AS) (22) detects an alerting status of the EUT, which is then communicated over the communications network (A), e.g., back to the calling EUT 50.

There are a variety of different communications devices known in the field, including both wireless or mobile devices and so called wire-line devices, that an end user or party may employ to communicate over known networks, e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN), packet data network (PDN), etc. Often referred to generally as an end user terminal (EUT), exemplary devices include telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, pagers, etc. More specifically, an EUT that accesses a communications network over a wireless or so called air interface, e.g., using what is known as a cellular network (CN), is referred to as a mobile terminal (MT). Known MTs include mobile phones, pagers, wireless PDAs, wireless equipped laptop or notebook computers, etc.
In many instances, an EUT is provisioned with its own alerting function and/or equipment that provides a perceivable indication (e.g., ringing, vibrating, visual notification, etc.) of an incoming communication or attempted connection therewith. The EUT generally invokes its alerting function in response to receiving an appropriate signal over a communication network attempting to establish a connection therewith. In this manner, the party to which the EUT belongs is typically informed of the incoming communication and may take appropriate action, e.g., answering the call. However, it can be a problem that an end user initiating communication (i.e., the calling party) with another end user (i.e., the called party) is not sufficiently assured that the called party's EUT adequately performed its alerting function such that the called party was in fact informed of the call or attempted connection.
The aforementioned problem has heretofore been particularly prevalent in connection with calls to MTs. For example, the following scenario has been known to take place. A calling party calls the MT of a called party who fails to answer the call. After the fact, the calling party questions the called party as to why they did not answer the call, but the called party claims that they never received the call, i.e., that their MT never rang or otherwise invoked its alerting function. In such instances, the calling party may often find it desirable to have evidence or information by which to verify or refute the called parties claim.
As evidence that a called EUT rang, the calling party may want to rely on the fact that they heard "ringing" on their end, i.e., on the calling EUT. However, this evidence is often inconclusive in this regard. The "ringing" heard on the EUT from which a call is placed is commonly what is referred to as ring-back. Strictly speaking, hearing ring-back is not always conclusive evidence that the called EUT in fact alerted the called party. That is to say, the ring-back returned to the calling EUT is generally not the same ringing being generated by the called EUT. For example, in some instances, a network element, entity or facility (such as a central office (CO) or end office or other switching center, the called-party servicing switch or the calling-party switch or other switch, a mobile switching center (MSC) or another element, entity or facility of the communications network) is responsible for generating and/or returning ring-back to the calling EUT, and it may be done without direct confirmation that the called EUT is in fact alerting.
For example, with respect to connecting a call to a MT, the call generally has to be routed through the PSTN to an appropriate MSC, the MT typically has to be identified, located and paged, a response to the page has to be received back from the MT, and an appropriate signal has to be sent to the MT telling it to invoke its alerting function, all before the MT can actually invoke its alerting function. That is to say, there may be considerable lag time between when the calling party finishes dialing and when the MT is signaled to invoke its alerting function. However, to comfort the calling party so that they do not feel as though the call is not going through (as may be the case if they were to experience dead air or silence), a designated network element often returns ring-back or other comfort noise to the calling EUT during this time, i.e., while the call is still being routed and/or while attempting to establish a connection with the MT. Should no connection ultimately be established for what ever reason or should the calling party hang up prior to connecting, the calling party may interpret the ring-back as evidence that the MT was alerting when in fact it was not.
With the traditional approach of providing ring-back from a network element to the calling EUT, the ring-back still may not positively confirm actual alerting even if the called EUT receives the signal prompting it to invoke its alerting function and it attempts to do so. That is to say, the network element providing the ring-back often times only knows at most that the appropriate signal was sent or is being sent to prompt the called EUT to invoke its alerting function. However, it may not know if the prompting signal is properly received by the called EUT nor does it typically know if the called EUT has its alerting function and/or equipment turned off or disabled or if the alerting function and/or equipment is otherwise inoperative, e.g., due to failure. Further, EUTs, and in particular MTs, often have various modes by which alerting may be carried out, and the calling party may desire to know not only whether or not the called EUT has actually performed some form of alerting, but also the mode of any alerting that may or may not have occurred, e.g., via audible, kinetic, or visual notification. Again, the traditional approach does not provide this information.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved alert indicating system and/or technique that overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.


A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.

Small size and light weight are important characteristics of x-ray sources in order to allow portability and insertion into small spaces. High power, as indicated by bias voltage differential, can also be important. As power requirements increase, x-ray source size and weight must normally be increased due to increased electrical insulation needed for voltage isolation. It would be beneficial to provide high power x-ray sources with reduced size and weight.
Much of the cost of x-ray sources is the result of difficult manufacturing processes. It would be beneficial to improve the manufacturing process in order to reduce the cost of the x-ray source.
Users of x-ray sources can be injured by stray x-rays. X-ray sources can fail due to arcing of high voltage. Electromagnetic waves from some x-ray source components can interfere with other components. Blocking x-rays, reducing arcing failure, and reducing unwanted electromagnetic interference can also be useful x-ray source characteristics.


A rectocele device having a rectocele handle with a first static paddle removably affixed to a rectocele paddle connector at a paddle connector end. A second static paddle is configured to replace the first static paddle after the first static paddle is removed from the rectocele paddle connector. The first static paddle is configured and sized to fit within a human vagina wherein the first static paddle is only removable from the handle distal end when the first static paddle is not deployed in the human vagina. The first static paddle is shaped differently from the second static paddle. The first or second static paddle is inserted in a human vagina (by a woman using the rectocele device) wherein the first or second static paddle can be leveraged against a rectocele via the rectocele handle thereby pushing the rectocele bulge back into the colon so that the woman can evacuate a bowel more efficiently.

A rectocele is a herniation (bulge) of the front wall of the rectum into e back wall of the vagina. The tissue between the rectum and the vagina is known as the rectovaginal septum, which can become thin and weak over time resulting in a rectocele. When rectoceles are small, most women have no symptoms. However, when a rectocele becomes large, a woman's rectum can balloon into her vagina, which can be exacerbated during a bowel movement as shown in FIG. 1A. As a result, the woman may experience the sensation of pressure or protrusion within the vagina, as well as the occasional feeling that the rectum has not been completely emptied after a bowel movement. In more moderate cases, a woman may have difficulty passing stool because the attempt to evacuate pushes the stool into the rectocele instead of out through the anus.
In an attempt to aid with a bowel movement in cases of rectocele, a woman may insert her fingers into her vagina to manually press against the rectocele, which helps create a uniform pathway for stool to move out of the rectum. Because a rectocele may protrude to the right or left of the posterior wall of the vagina, by using the sense of touch in her fingers, a woman is able to reposition her fingers to where the rectocele occurs. In other words, a woman is able to press against the rectocele with her fingers by taking advantage of biofeedback in her fingers.
Though surgical procedures exist to repair rectoceles and cystoceles, in less severe cases, a number of optional devices currently exist to provide some rectocele and/or cystocele relief. One family of devices includes unitary spoon-like instruments that are typically metal or hard plastic, which are used to assist in a bowel movement just prior to having the bowel movement and then is withdrawn after the bowel movement.
Another family of devices used to address rectoceles includes pessaries, which are typically inflated balloons that provide static pressure on all surfaces of the vaginal canal (the rectovaginal wall, lateral walls and the bladder-vaginal wall). Pessaries offer extended support to address rectoceles. Unlike a spoon for assisting in a bowel movement, pessaries are not inserted into a vagina just prior to a bowel movement and then removed at the point of when a bowel movement is complete, or prior to the point of urination and then removed just when/after urination is complete. Rather, pessaries are left in the vagina for an extended period of time, sometimes being inserted in the morning and removed at night or even to being left in for days at a time, if not longer. Moreover, due to the static nature of pessaries, pessaries are unable to be manipulated to push prolapsing organs back into place once inserted in a vagina. It is believed that any device like a pessary left inside of a vagina (even pessary-like devices that are detached from an insertion handle, deployed inside of a vagina and left there beyond a minute or two before a bowel movement to just after a bowel movement) are suboptimal or otherwise dissatisfactory.
Still another family of devices includes expanding paddles or expanding pessaries that are contracted (small) when inserted in a woman's vagina and then expanded to a larger size once inserted or otherwise deployed in a woman's vagina. In this way, the woman's vaginal cavity is enlarged due to the expanded paddle, the expanded paddle is then pressed against the rectocele. Examples of expanding paddles includes balloon paddles or paddles with linkages that expand inside of a sheath or some other covering. One downside to these 'non-static' paddles is complexity of design and active expansion by the woman using the expanding paddle devices. In other words, a woman must perform the operation of expanding the paddle all while trying to move a bowel.
It is to innovations related to addressing passing a bowel movement in women suffering from a rectocele that the claimed invention is generally directed.


A method for message transfers between digital modules in a network where some modules are hardware implemented and some modules are emulated in software. An Auxiliary Message Arbitrator Unit utilizes Main Memory storage for messages destined for receiving modules. Algorithmic sequencing means maintains chronological transfer operations of messages and uses hard and soft Interrupt signal queues to inform respective hard and soft modules of pending messages for them to retrieve.

Present day computer networks today involve the interconnection of many types of digital modules which are required to communicate with each other both as a sender and a receiver.
A typical example of a complex network is shown in FIG. 2 where a system bus 10 connects a series of digital modules such as an A Series Central Processor (Unisys) Module 12, a Main Memory 14, a Processor Unit 18 10 such as an Intel (P6) Pentium or Pentium Pro. The system bus 10 is connected to system bus bridge units 22 and 24 which connect to other networks. Thus, bus 10b connects the system bus 10 to the I/O bus 20. The I/O bus 20 is here called a PCI bus. The PCI bus 20 connects another series of digital modules shown as an Input/Output Module 28, (IOM 2), an Auxiliary Message Arbitration Unit AMA 30, and another bridge unit 32 designated as PCI-EISA Bridge. The bridge unit 32 connects to a standard EISA bus 32e which connects to other EISA peripheral units designated 36.
In FIG. 2, the Input/Output Module, IOM 28, includes a group of digital modules designated as the Task Control Unit, TCU 42, Input/Output Unit IOU, 44, and Channel Manager Unit, CMU 46.
In the digital network shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary that a suitable protocol and proper control of message transfers be arranged for optimum operation of the system.
Present technology has made it possible to interconnect many digital modules such as processors, memories and Input/Output units in order to build powerful and effective computer systems. The performance of such multi-digital network systems depends on many factors such as the control of message flow, the scheduling and the interconnection methods used between the various digital modules, and also the implementation of fault free communication between modules.
One of the significant problems in message passing is the orderly and efficient transfer of messages from one digital module to another, and also the feature of message preservation when delivery of a message is not possible. Certain problematic conditions occur in networks which utilize both hardware modules and software modules. Basically, hardware modules when running uninterrupted work fast in handling and processing the data that is passed through them. On the other hand, software modules operating on a time-shared operating system are not completely dedicated to one type of operation, but are involved with task switching into different programs from time to time and thus, one earlier program may be delayed because the software is running on a second program and has not yet returned to the first program.
Thus, systems which used software solutions to try to handle the orderly transmission of messages ran into considerable difficulties. Some of these software solutions involved link lists in memory and assigned a number in memory to each message so that the messages would be accessed sequentially according to the number of the message. Then when that numbered message was used, the number was incremented and placed back in memory.
On these types of solutions using software, the queuing solution and the incrementing number solution leads to difficulties when you have multiple senders. Then it is necessary to make arrangements to see that the various sending modules are coordinated and not in conflict with each other. If a link list is built, it is not possible then to have two senders putting something into the list at the same time where they could interfere with each other.
Likewise, if there were two senders looking at a particular message number, the system would have to do something to prevent the senders from getting the same value of the number for their messages. Since there is a finite time from when the first sender gets the number, until he increments it and stores it back, then if the second sender asks for a number during that interval, the second sender is going to get the same number as the first sender and they both will put their messages in the same slot number. Thus, one sender will wipe out the message of the other sender.
It would be possible to prevent some of the software problems by having locking operations in memory, but again the problem with locking operations occurs when one software module obtains the lock which prevents other modules from doing anything until that module uses the lock, then the platform operating system takes the processor for some period of time causing every other sender to wait until a sender gets the processor back in order to do what is necessary to release the lock.
The present system provides a module which operates in a dedicated fashion as hardware to handle the message transmission control operations and the hardware responds rapidly and quickly since it does not have any need for a locking operation, because it is atomic, and because it guarantees that the two senders will not get the same number value. Thus, there is a fast certain and definite chronological system for message transfers that is done rapidly through hardware control modules, while at the same time it still can handle and be responsive to software modules operating in the system, thus allowing a mixture of hardware and software modules without the software modules slowing down the system.

Control method for message communication in network supporting software emulated modules and hardware implemented modules


Pressing arrangement of a machine and process for producing a web. The pressing arrangement includes a shoe press unit and an opposing roll arranged to form at least one press nip. The shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe arranged opposite the opposing roll and a flexible, liquid-impermeable press belt arranged to be guided over the press shoe. The opposing roll includes a smooth surface. At least one press felt is arranged to be guided through the press nip along with the press belt and the web. The at least one felt is deflected away from the web, which is picked up by the smooth surface of the opposing roll, such that the at least one felt is guided out of the press nip at an angle greater than or equal to about 10xc2x0 to a tangent to the opposing roll at an end of the press nip.

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7119 of German Patent Application No. 199 62 708.8, filed on Dec. 23, 1999, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a pressing arrangement of a machine for producing a tissue web, having at least one press nip formed between a shoe press unit and an opposing roll, where the shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe lying across from the opposing roll and a flexible, watertight press belt, the opposing roll has a smooth surface, and the tissue web is guided through the press nip along with the press belt and at least one felt and is subsequently removed from the felt and picked up by the smooth surface of the opposing roll. Such a pressing arrangement can be one part of or essentially form the entirety of the pressing arrangement of the tissue machine in question.
2. Discussion of Background Information
In a pressing arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset known from DE 196 54 198 A1 having a drying cylinder forming the opposing roll, the tissue web travels out of the press nip in an approximately tangential direction relative to the surface of the drying cylinder.
The present invention provides a pressing arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset with which a higher dry content of the tissue web leaving the press nip can be achieved and with which a more economic production of tissue is guaranteed.
According to the invention, an angle between the tangent positioned against the opposing roll at the end of the press nip and at least one felt leaving the press nip is greater than or equal to about 10xc2x0, in particular greater than or equal to about 15xc2x0, in particular greater than or equal to about 18xc2x0, and preferably greater than or equal to about 20xc2x0.
Due to this construction, a higher dry content of the tissue web after the press is achieved.
In particular, a shoe press roll having a press jacket forming the press belt, can be provided as a shoe press unit.
Preferably, a drying cylinder and, in particular, a so-called Yankee cylinder, is provided as an opposing roll.
The surface of the press belt can be blind-bored and/or grooved.
More advantageously, the press belt has an open surface xe2x80x9cfxe2x80x9d of f greater than or equal to about 25%.
For an open surface of, e.g., f=36%, of a grooved press belt and/or press jacket at an exit angle of the felt of xcex1=20xc2x0, a 4.5% increase in the dry content can be achieved as compared to the dry content achieved using a conventional suction press roll instead of a shoe press roll.
The pressing arrangement according to the invention may be advantageously used in tissue machines such as, in particular, a suction breast roll former, twin wire former, crescent former, fourdrinier wire former, and/or the like and/or in combination with xe2x80x9cthrough air dryingxe2x80x9d concepts.
The present invention is directed to a pressing arrangement of a machine for producing a web. The pressing arrangement includes a shoe press unit and an opposing roll arranged to form at least one press nip. The shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe arranged opposite the opposing roll and a flexible, liquid-impermeable press belt arranged to be guided over the press shoe. The opposing roll includes a smooth surface. At least one press felt is arranged to be guided through the press nip along with the press belt and the web. The at least one felt is subsequently separated from the web, which is picked up by the smooth surface of the opposing roll, such that the at least one felt is guided out of the press nip at an angle greater than or equal to about 10xc2x0 to a tangent to the opposing roll at an end of the press nip.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the at least one press felt can be guided at an angle of greater than or equal to about 15xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the end of the press nip. Further, the at least one press felt may be guided at an angle of greater than or equal to about 18xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the end of the press nip, and preferably, the at least one press felt can be guided at an angle of preferably greater than or equal to about 20xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the end of the press nip.
According to another feature of the invention, the web can include a tissue web.
In accordance with still another feature of the present invention, the press unit may include a shoe press roll with a press jacket, and the press jacket can form the press belt.
The opposing roll may include a drying cylinder, and the drying cylinder can include a Yankee roll.
Further, a surface of the press belt may include at least one of blind-bores and grooves. The at least one of the blind-bores and grooves can be arranged such that the surface is greater than or equal to 25% open.
According to a further feature of the instant application, the surface of the press belt may have an open surface of greater than or equal to about 25%.
Moreover, the machine for producing a web can include a tissue machine. Still further, the machine for producing a web can include a suction breast roll former of the tissue machine. Alternatively, the machine for producing a web may include a twin wire former of the tissue machine. The machine for producing a web can also include a crescent former of the tissue machine, or a fourdrinier former of the tissue machine. Also, the pressing arrangement can be utilized in combination with a through air drying device.
According to another feature of the invention, a thin fabric may be arranged between the at least one press felt and the web. The thin fabric can be one of a dewatering wire and an imprinting wire. Further, the thin fabric may have a thickness less than about 2 mm, and advantageously less than about 1 mm.
The present invention is directed to a process for producing a web in an apparatus that includes a shoe press unit and an opposing roll arranged to form at least one press nip, where the shoe press unit includes at least one press shoe arranged opposite the opposing roll and a flexible, liquid-impermeable press belt arranged to be guided over the press shoe and the opposing roll includes a smooth surface, and at least one press felt. The process may include guiding the web, the at least one press felt and the press belt through the at least one press nip, and guiding the at least one press felt from an exit of the press nip an angle greater than or equal to about 10xc2x0 to a tangent to the opposing roll at the exit of the press nip. In this manner, the at least one press felt is separated from the web, which is picked up by the opposing roll.
In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the at least one press felt may be guided from the press nip exit at an angle greater than or equal to about 15xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the press nip exit. Further, the at least one press felt can be guided from the press nip exit at an angle greater than or equal to about 18xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the press nip exit, and preferably, the at least one press felt may be guided from the press nip exit at an angle greater than or equal to about 20xc2x0 to the tangent to the opposing roll at the press nip exit.
According to still another feature of the invention, the drying cylinder can include a Yankee roll, and the process may further include heating the web in the at least one press nip.
In accordance with yet another feature of the instant invention, a surface of the press belt may have an open surface of greater than or equal to about 25%, and the process can further include carrying away water with the press belt.
In accordance with still yet another feature of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a thin fabric arranged between the web and the felt, and the process can further include deflecting the thin fabric away from the web at an angle less than or equal to the angle of the felt.
Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.


The present invention discloses a device for evaluating and demagnetizing residual magnetism quantity of a power transformer. A main circuit comprises a switching power supply the two ends of which are respectively connected with a filter capacitor and a resistor in parallel. A forward end of the switching power supply is connected with a main switch in series. A rear end of the main switch is connected with a series branch of a sixth switch and a first resistor, a series branch of a first switch and a second switch, and a series branch of a third switch and a fourth switch are connected in parallel. A driving circuit is respectively connected with driving ends of the main switch, the sixth, first, second, third and fourth switches. A control circuit is connected with the driving circuit for sending an instruction to the driving circuit.

Residual magnetism may be generated after existed operation of a power transformer and DC resistance test, and the residual magnetism quantity depends on a current in a winding before operation of a switch, and a strength and a time of a DC current passing through the winding. The influence of residual magnetism of a transformer core mainly includes the following aspects.
(1) When the residual magnetism quantity of the transformer is large, a magnetizing inrush current generated by no-load charging may lead to a large difference between input and output currents of the transformer, thus causing mis-operation of differential protection of the transformer.
(2) Impact magnetizing inrush current formed during no-load charging of the transformer may cause mechanical force between the windings, which may gradually loosen a fixture and deform the winding, thus causing hidden dangers.
(3) The magnetizing inrush current contains various harmonic components and DC components, which makes the transformer a harmonic source in a power grid and reduces the power supply quality of a power supply system; and meanwhile, a higher-order component in a harmonic wave may also have a strong destructive effect on a sensitive power electronic component in the power system.
Therefore, evaluation and demagnetization to the residual magnetism quantity of the power transformer before it is put into operation have great significance for safe operation of the transformer and stable operation of the power grid. At present, there is no effective residual magnetism evaluation method for the residual magnetism quantity of the power transformer. This makes demagnetization blind. The existing demagnetization methods include AC demagnetization and DC demagnetization. The AC demagnetization method requires complicated device and large capacity, which is generally difficult to be realized on site; and the DC demagnetization method is to supply a direct current with alternating direction and gradually decreased amplitude to two ends of a high-voltage winding, thus achieving the purpose of eliminating residual magnetism. However, it is difficult to reflect the change of the residual magnetism quantity in an actual demagnetization process, and the demagnetization effect cannot be guaranteed.

Device for evaluating and demagnetizing residual magnetism quantity of power transformer and control method thereof

State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. Research Institute

Jiangsu Electric Power Research Institute Corporation Limited


A hydrodynamic torque converter with a converter circuit comprising an impeller, a turbine and a stator, wherein the stator is held by an axial bearing arrangement in the converter housing at a predetermined relative distance from the impeller and the turbine. The axial bearing arrangement has a grooved sliding bearing at each axial side of the stator. In at least one of the sliding bearings, the grooves are formed through only a part of the entire radial length of the sliding bearing.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter having axial slide bearings.
2. Description of the Related Art
A prior art hydrodynamic torque converter with a converter circuit formed of an impeller, turbine and stator, in which the stator is held by an axial bearing arrangement in the converter housing at a predetermined relative distance from the impeller and turbine is disclosed in German reference DE 195 33 151 A1. In the prior art device, a grooved sliding bearing which can be made of plastic is provided at each axial side of the stator to form the axial bearing. The grooves are constructed such that the individual grooves extend along an entire radial extension of the slide bearing.
A supplied hydraulic fluid flows through the grooves with very low resistance because the grooves extend radially from the inner radial end to the outer radial end of the sliding bearings. Because of the low resistance, the pressure existing in these through-grooves is not always sufficient to ensure hydrodynamic support between the slide bearing and an axially adjacent support structure, such as an impeller hub. This results in a frictional influence. For this reason, these sliding bearings are required to be constructed with high resistance to wear. Further, this prior art construction makes it is possible for hydraulic fluid to flow back into the converter circuit at the sliding bearing between the freewheel and the impeller, which can result in overheating of the torque converter.
The sliding bearings are usually secured to the stator in a positive engagement, such as with a tongue-and-groove connection. Due to the fact, mentioned above, that the hydrodynamic support in these grooves is not always sufficient, axial play may result enabling relative movement in the positive engagement which is perceivable as rattling and can ultimately lead to vibration fracture.

Hydrodynamic torque converter with an axial bearing arrangement provided with sliding bearings


A novel high speed telecommunications testing apparatus and method which utilizes field programmable gate arrays to produce dynamic test modules for DS1, DS3, SONET and ATM signals interconnected by a high speed switching fabric. The high speed switch permits the direct exchange of signals from one test module to another thereby permitting simultaneous testing of different communications line protocols and further provides for multiple tests on a single data stream. Individual line interfaces are provided for DS1, DS3, and SONET lines which terminate and frame incoming and outgoing signals. Data exchange between modules in accomplished through the high speed switch fabric.

Over the last two decades, the telecommunications industry has progressed from a copper based, low bandwidth network to a fiber optic based, high bandwidth network. Although this evolution is ongoing, there has been a significant investment in fiber optic plant which often lies adjacent copper based elements in the same network. As a result, testing devices used to monitor and evaluate communications lines are now required to accept both copper and fiber optic lines and protocols. The older T1, DS0, DS1, and DS3 formats used in copper plant feeds into the same nodes as OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, and OC-48 fiber optic modalities and these higher speed optical signals contain the lower order signals as embedded bit streams. It is therefore desirable to produce a test device that can fully extract, test and evaluate each of these formats within a single platform. It is further desirable to permit multiple tests of a single bit stream by routing signals from one signal modality to another through a high speed internal switch fabric. It is further desirable to produce a test device that can terminate and evaluate several high speed signals simultaneously. It is further desirable to produce a test device that can terminate and process very high speed signals without resort to expensive components.
Others have attempted to produce a fully integrated test device for the multitude of communications signal protocols in use today. An early attempt to address this problem was proposed by Harris et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,601. Harris discloses an early transmission line test device which includes a transmitter section to generate test signals, a receive section to capture test signals, and a display to report data. The Harris test device tests for various parameter conditions including envelope delay, noise, and distortion but each test modality takes place sequentially, with a selection mechanism to advance the instrument from one test to the next. A significant limitation of this approach is that only a single parameter can be tested at a time. Moreover, this early device omits the facility to test high speed optical signals, an essential component of today's telecommunication network.
A further attempt was proposed by Szymborski et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,342. Szymborski discloses a multi-mode test device which evaluates analog and digital telecommunications signals such as T1 and ISDN protocol signals but does not include the capability of processing high speed optical. signals. Szymborski utilizes a single programmable gate array to provide an interface for different transmission protocols. The line interface can be reconfigured to accommodate a different line protocol through operator input. However, the Szymborski system is limited to processing one signal at a time with its gate array devoted to one particular protocol of interest. No capability exists to test multiple lines or multiple protocols simultaneously.
Highly specialized communications line test devices have been proposed by others such as Bowmaster in U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,832 and Kight et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,238. These disclose very sophisticated communications line test devices which demonstrate the advanced nature of the SONET protocol testing art. However, neither of these advanced designs permits the exchange of signals between multiple protocols and neither permits testing of multiple protocols simultaneously. Accordingly, these disclosures contemplate the use of a dedicated line tester for each protocol under consideration.
Others have proposed commercial devices which purport to test and analyze, telecommunications lines. Companies such as Tektronix, Microwave Logic, Telecommunications Techniques Corporation, and Hewlett Packard/Cerjac have attempted to provide a test device for the telecommunications industry. Each of these devices are large, bulky test sets capable of interface with only one signal at a time. None of these devices is capable of simultaneous testing of more than one line or more than one communications protocol. Still further, none of these prior art systems provide dynamic test protocols involving multiple tests on a plurality of communications streams while maintaining the full test capability of a individual test device. As a result, qualitative comparison between different component signals in a single high bandwidth composite signal is not fully supported in prior art systems. Further, testing of multiple inbound signal protocols must be conducted sequentially, requiring a much longer test time than is desirable. For example, to test a switch which carries DS1, DS3, and SONET signals, the technician must first mate the prior art systems to the switch under evaluation and initiate a test sequence for the DS1 protocol. Upon conclusion of that test, the technician must alter the cabling of the device and initiate the DS3 test sequence. Upon the conclusion of that test, the technician must again alter the cabling of the device and initiate the SONET test sequence. This results in long test times which significantly increase maintenance and operations costs for the user.
The difficulties and limitations suggested in the preceding are not intended to be exhaustive but rather among the many which may tend to reduce the effectiveness and user satisfaction with prior communications line test devices and methods and the like. Other noteworthy problems may also exist; however, those presented above should be sufficient to demonstrate that prior communications line test devices and methods appearing in the past will admit to worthwhile improvement.

Dynamic communication line analyzer apparatus and method


The reliability of data is significantly increased without considerably increasing costs by performing minor data corrections within an information storage device and performing major error corrections in an information processing device. When a request to transfer user data for reading is issued from an information processing device, a control circuit transfers the user data and management data to an error detection circuit, which checks the user data for errors. If the user data contains no error, the control circuit notifies the information processing device that the user data can be transferred, and transfers it to the information processing device. If the user data contains errors, an X count error position and correction data calculation circuit uses the user data and the management data to calculate correction locations and correction data, and judges whether the correction locations are correctable. If uncorrectable (there are more correction locations than X locations), the control circuit notifies the information processing device that the user data is uncorrectable, and then transfers the user data and the management data to the information processing device.

The present invention relates to the technology for increasing reliability in an information processing system, and more particularly to the technology effectively applied to data protection in an information storage device configured using a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.
Information storage devices such as CF (Compact Flash) cards, smart media, memory sticks, and multimedia cards are widely known as external storage media of personal computers, multi-function terminals, and the like.
In some of these information storage devices, the reliability of read/write data is increased by calculating error positions and error correction data in a host device.
Also, some of the information storage devices increase the reliability of read/write data by providing an error detection circuit. In this case, in reading/writing of data, data required to have high reliability is subjected to an error detection circuit in correction mode, while data not required to have high reliability is not subjected to the error detection circuit (e.g., Patent Publication 1). Some of the information storage devices perform optimum error corrections by changing correction capability according to access speeds (e.g., Patent Publication 2).
[Patent Publication 1]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 4 (1992)-95299
[Patent Publication 2]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6 (1994)-161906

Nonvolatile memory apparatus and data processing system


The present invention comprises a program product, system and method for deposit processing using check images. In one embodiment of the present invention, the program product comprises machine-readable program code for causing, when executed, a machine to perform the following steps: at least one check processor receiving deposit information for a plurality of different deposit transactions, with the deposit information including original check image data and endorsed and voided check image data for at least one check to be deposited; selecting a print processor that has access to at least one printer based on at least one criterion; sending the electronic check data and check image data to the selected print processor; identifying a clearing end point; generating cash letter data for a maker bank; the print processor or the check processor transmitting the check image data and the cash letter data directly or indirectly to the selected end point and/or to at least one printer.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to physical financial instrument processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for remotely processing checks through electronic interaction between the physical location of the instrument, a depository financial institution, and the check maker financial institution.
2. The Relevant Technology
The act of depositing or otherwise converting a financial instrument such as a check, draft, or other instrument has generally required the physical presentment of the instrument by the bearer to a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or other institution authorized to accept and process monetary instruments. Indeed, the depositing and clearing of checks has heretofore involved individuals or organizations physically taking their deposit, such as in the form of a check, to financial institutions or trusted remote institutional branches, otherwise known as the bank of first deposit 101, where the deposit may be accepted, and credited to the bank customer's account, of course, subject to the check "clearing" with the maker financial institution. Depositing is the act of the payee (person to whom the check is payable and also known as the depositor) of a check, or other monetary instrument such as a postal money order, travelers check, etc., taking the monetary instrument to a bank where the payee has a deposit account (such as a checking account or savings account) and having the payee's bank credit the amount of the check into the payee's deposit account and forwarding the check to the bank of the check drawer (person who makes out a check and presents it to another person or company for payment of a debt, etc.) for the purpose of removing the amount of the check from the check drawer's checking account and forwarding that money to the payee's bank for crediting to the check payee's deposit account. All of the processes associated with the payee's bank accepting the check for deposit, crediting the check amount to the depositor's account, forwarding the check to the maker bank for clearing of funds back to the payee's bank can be referred to individually and collectively as post deposit processing. Maker bank, maker bank and drawer bank all are used to identify the bank on which the check is drawn and in which the account of the person responsible for making the check is located. Check maker, maker, payor are terms used to identify the person who wrote the check and who is responsible for paying the person who has been given the check in settlement of a financial obligation. Check Payee or payee are terms used to identify the person or other entity who the check was written in payment for some financial obligation.
Financial institutions have developed methods for reducing the amount of paper flow associated with checks within their organizations, however, their target has not been to reduce processing costs, improve the timeliness of the money collection from other financial institutions, and reduce costs associated with handling, storing and returning paper checks to the maker. Therefore, it would be an advancement to provide a new system centered on electronic information that does not require the transportation of an original paper item for deposit and presentment at the maker bank.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an electronic processing system and method that could provide a bearer of a check the convenience to "deposit" a check at a facility, such as a home or office, that is not necessarily a traditional bank or bank branch facility.
It would also be advantageous to provide a method and system for allowing the remote depositing and processing of a check that does not require the physical routing of the actual check in order to accomplish the various post-deposit processing of a check. It would yet be a further advantage to provide a method and system for improving the collection time involved with the funds represented by the check (i.e., reduce credit "float"). Float on an item defines how long it takes a monetary item to go through the check collection process and have the funds represented by the amount of the check withdrawn from the check maker's checking account and credited to the check depositor's checking account.
It would be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing expenses associated with the transportation costs involved in sending the checks from the bank of first deposit 101 to the maker financial institution. It would be a further benefit to provide a method and system to automate and expedite the settlement processes associated with clearing checks between financial institutions. Settlement processes are the processes involved in transferring the money associated with a monetary item from the check maker's account at the maker bank to the payee's deposit account at the bank of first deposit 101.
It would also be a benefit to provide a method and system for reducing the check storage expenses incurred by the bank of first deposit 101.
It would be a further benefit to enable the bank of first deposit 101 to reduce the staffing, facilities (i.e., physical buildings), and equipment required to accept and process physical checks.
It would be yet another benefit for the settlement process to be automated in a manner that enables all of the accounting entries required to settle the funds between the depositor's account and the check makers account to be done automatically thus reducing the manpower costs and time involved in the traditional check deposit settlement process.

Methods and systems for processing financial instrument deposits


A method of activating a hydrogen storage alloy. The method includes the step of contacting the hydrogen storage alloy with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide where the concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide is at least about 42 weight percent. The method produces a hydrogen storage alloy with increased surface area.

Rechargeable electrochemical cells using a hydrogen storage alloy as the active material for the negative electrode are known in the art. The negative electrode is capable of the reversible electrochemical storage of hydrogen. The positive electrode typically comprises a nickel hydroxide active material although other active materials, such as manganese hydroxide, may be used. The negative and positive electrodes are spaced apart in an alkaline electrolyte. A suitable separator (i.e., a membrane) may also be positioned between the electrodes. As used herein the terminology "metal hydride material", "hydrogen storage alloy", and "hydrogen absorbing alloy" are synonymous.
Upon application of an electrical current to the negative electrode, the active metal hydride material is charged by the absorption of hydrogen. This is shown by reaction (1).M+H2O+e−→M−H+OH−(Charging)  (1)
Upon discharge, the stored hydrogen is released by the metal hydride material to provide an electric current. This is shown by reaction (2).M−H+OH−→M+H2O+e−(Discharging)  (2)
The reactions at a conventional nickel hydroxide positive electrode as utilized in a nickel-metal hydride electrochemical cell are as follows:Ni(OH)2+OH−→NiOOH+H2O+e−(Charging)  (3)NiOOH+H2O+e−→Ni(OH)2+OH−(Discharging)  (4)
Based on the pioneering principles of Stanford R. Ovshinsky, a family of extremely efficient electrochemical hydrogen storage materials were formulated. These are the Ti—V—Zr—Ni type active materials such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,400 ("the '400 Patent") the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. These materials reversibly form hydrides in order to store hydrogen. All the materials used in the '400 Patent utilize a generic Ti—V—Ni composition, where at least Ti, V, and Ni are present with at least one or more of Cr, Zr, and Al.
Other examples of metal hydride alloys are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,586 ("the '586 Patent") the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The '586 Patent describes a specific sub-class of these Ti—V—Ni—Zr alloys comprising Ti, V, Zr, Ni, and a fifth component, Cr. The '586 patent, mentions the possibility of additives and modifiers beyond the Ti, V, Zr, Ni, and Cr components of the alloys, and generally discusses specific additives and modifiers, the amounts and interactions of these modifiers, and the particular benefits that could be expected from them. Still other examples of hydrogen absorbing alloys are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,591 ("the '591 Patent"), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the '591 Patent provides teaching on the type of surface interface at the metal hydride electrode and the nature of catalytic sites ideal for promoting high rate discharge.
In part, due to the research into the negative electrode active materials, the Ovonic nickel-metal hydride batteries have demonstrated excellent performance characteristics such as power, capacity, charging efficiency, rate capability and cycle life. Presently, there is an increasing use of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries in all types of portable tools, appliances, and computer devices. As well, there is a growing use of nickel-metal hydride cells in applications such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. Many of the new uses for the nickel-metal hydride cells require that further improvements be made in the cell's performance.
Many of the performance characteristics of a nickel-metal hydride cell are affected by the surface conditions of the active metal hydride material used in the cell's negative electrode. For example, the power of the cell is affected by both the surface composition and the surface area of the metal hydride material. The appropriate modification of the surface composition and/or the surface area can change the surface kinetics of the hydride reaction so as to lower the charge transfer resistance of the material.
Hydrogen storage alloys are sensitive to the formation of oxides and the alloy surfaces comprise, to a great extent, metal oxides. The composition of these oxides depends on many factors including the composition, morphology and method of preparation of the hydrogen storage alloy. Generally, the type of surface oxides which form naturally and not by design may be detrimental to the performance of the negative electrode and cell. Oxides at the surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy decreases the alloy's catalytic (charge transfer) capabilities, thereby decreasing both the charging and discharging efficiency of the electrode and cell.
During cell charging, the decreased surface kinetics of the alloy shifts the potential at the surface of the electrode so as to increase the evolution of hydrogen gas via the hydrogen evolution reaction:2H2O+2e−→H2+2OH−  (5)
Atomic hydrogen formed at the surface of the negative electrode can either recombine with another atomic hydrogen and escape as molecular hydrogen gas or it can react with the hydrogen absorbing alloy in the electrode to form a hydride. If the surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy is covered with oxides, hydride formation is inhibited and hydrogen evolution is preferred. Electric current (e.g., electrons) applied to the negative electrode for the purpose of charging the electrode via charging reaction (1) is instead "wasted" in the production of hydrogen gas via reaction (5). This decreases the charging efficiency of the cell and increases the pressure of hydrogen gas within the cell. The decreased surface kinetics also increases the charge transfer resistance of the material and the electrode so that more power is wasted due to internal dissipation. It is also believed that the surface oxides polarize the electrode so as to reduce the rate at which the cell discharge process proceeds.
Many of the surface oxides are very dense and impermeable to hydrogen transfer thereby increasing the resistance to hydrogen diffusion during both the charging and discharging processes. This has a detrimental effect on the rate capability of the electrode.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,088, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a method of "activating" the hydrogen storage alloy material by immersing the material into a alkaline solution. This "alkaline etch treatment" modifies the composition and morphology of the alloy surface so as to improve the electrochemical activity of the alloy and the electrodes formed from the alloy.
The activation process modifies the composition of the oxide layer on the surface of the alloy. The oxide composition depends upon the composition of the underlying hydrogen storage alloy as well as the corrosivity of the different metals which form the alloy. Certain metals such as titanium, zirconium and manganese have a greater affinity for oxidation while other metals such as nickel do not oxidize as readily. Oxide composition may also depend upon the specific process used to make the alloy since certain processes may promote oxidation more than others.
It is believed that immersing the hydrogen storage alloy into the alkaline solution at least partially dissolves certain oxides from the alloy surface. The extent of dissolution depends upon the solubility of the specific oxide in the alkaline environment. Certain oxides, such as oxides of manganese, vanadium, aluminum and cobalt are readily soluble in an alkaline solution while others, such as those of titanium, zirconium and nickel are less soluble.
The alkaline etch treatment modifies the oxide composition of the alloy surface so as to increase the catalytic activity (charge transfer capabilities) of the material. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the activation process increases the concentration of nickel metal at or near the alloy's surface. Increasing the catalytic activity of the alloy surface lowers the charge transfer resistance of the material and electrode. The lowered resistance results in more efficient battery discharge since there is less power wasted due to internal dissipation and more power available for battery output. The lowered resistance also increases the charging efficiency of the cell since it shifts the voltage on the surface of the negative electrode away from the hydrogen evolution potential.
Activation also provides for a "gradual transitioning" in the composition and/or oxidation state of the oxide layer from the electrolyte/oxide interface to the bulk material. For example, the oxide layer after activation may have a small concentration of soluble components near the electrolyte interface but a composition more closely resembling the bulk material further away from the interface. This "gradient-type" surface may have an electrical and catalytic nature which is more suitable for electrochemical charging and discharging.
The activation process disclosed in the '088 Patent describes an alkaline etch treatment wherein the temperature of the alkaline solution as well as the time in which the hydrogen storage alloy is left in contact with the alkaline solution are both variables that affect the results of the process. The present invention describes an alkaline etch treatment of a hydrogen absorbing alloy and an alkaline etch treatment of a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode wherein the concentration of the alkaline solution is also a result-effective variable which can be varied to provide an activated hydrogen storage alloy and an activated hydrogen storage alloy electrode with increased surface area and improved electrochemical properties.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for activating metal hydride material


An ESD detection circuit for detecting a level of an ESD voltage on a power rail is provided. The ESD detection circuit includes a resistive component, a diode unit, and a controller. The resistive component is coupled between a detection node and a ground node corresponding to the power rail. The diode unit is coupled between the power rail and the detection node in a forward direction toward the power rail. The controller, coupled to the detection node, is used for determining the level of the ESD voltage based on the voltage of the detection node and the breakdown voltage of the diode unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) detection circuit. In particular, the present invention relates to a system-level ESD detection circuit.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As the scale of devices in ICs has become smaller, the devices have become more vulnerable to Electrostatic discharge (ESD). Hence, ESD has been one of the most important reliability issues for IC products and must be taken into consideration in the design phase of all ICs.
To meet the component-level ESD reliability, many on-chip ESD protection circuits have been proposed and added to the I/O cells and power cells of CMOS ICs. However, besides the component-level ESD stress, system-level ESD issue is also an increasingly significant reliability issue in CMOS IC products. It has known that some CMOS ICs are very susceptible to system-level ESD stress, even though they have passed the component-level ESD specifications such as human-body-model (HBM) of ±2 kV, machine-model (MM) of ±200V, and charged-device-model (CDM) of ±1 kV.
The tendency of guarding against system-level ESD results from the strict requirements of certain reliability test standards, such as system-level ESD tests for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulation. In system-level ESD tests, normal power is provided to the internal circuits of an IC and the internal circuits are operated to perform their default functions. The purpose of system-level ESD tests is to determine whether the internal circuits can keep normal operations even being interfered by ESD noises or whether the circuits can be automatically reset to recover themselves. In the system-level ESD test standard, IEC 61000-4-2, electronic products must sustain the ESD level of +8 kV under contact-discharge test and +15 kV under air-discharge test to meet the immunity requirement of "level 4." High-energy ESD-induced noises often cause damage or malfunction of CMOS ICs inside the equipment under test (EUT).
FIG. 1 illustrates the connecting relationship of a system-level ESD detection circuit 16 and an internal circuit 14 in an IC chip. Under the normal power-on condition, a power-on/reset circuit 12 starts up the internal circuit 14 and resets the ESD detection circuit 16. Thereafter, the internal circuit 14 starts its default operations and the ESD detection circuit 16 starts to detect ESD events. Once a sudden voltage overshoot or undershoot happens on the power rail (VDD or VSS), the ESD detection circuit 16 will inform the power-on/reset circuit 12 to perform a protection procedure for the internal circuit 14. This protection procedure may be different in different ICs with various firmware or circuit designs. For instance, the power-on/reset circuit 12 might reset the whole or only one part of the internal circuit 14. By resetting certain circuits, more serious malfunction of the whole chip may be accordingly prevented.
"On-chip transient detection circuit for system-level ESD protection in CMOS integrated circuits to meet electromagnetic compatibility regulation" reported by M.-D. Ker, C.-C. Yen, and P.-C. Shih on IEEE Trans. Electromagnetic Compatibility, vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 1-9, February, 2008 has proposed a system-level ESD detection circuit. Please refer to FIG. 2, which illustrates the ESD detection circuit in the above paper. The capacitors CP1 and CP2 in FIG. 2 are respectively used for detecting fast transients happened on VDD and VSS when the system is subjected to ESD events.
Initially, the node A is reset to ground by providing a high-level pulse to the gate of the transistor MNR (i.e. the node labeled as Reset). Under the condition without ESD events, the output of the inverter INV3 has a low-level voltage. Once a positive ESD zapping is applied to the VDD power rail in FIG. 2 while the VSS power rail is grounded, the positive ESD voltage will be coupled through the capacitor CP1 and raise the voltage at the input of the inverter INV1 (consisting of MP1 and MN1). Accordingly, the output of the inverter INV3 will then have a high-level voltage. Thereby, a subsequent circuit (e.g. the power-on/reset circuit 12 in FIG. 1) can be aware of the ESD event.
Further, the inverters INV1 and INV2 form a latch to prolong the detected status so that the subsequent circuit can have enough time to respond to this condition. After the subsequent circuit has dealt with the ESD transient noise, the detection circuit in FIG. 2 can be reset again.
It can be seen that the detection circuit in prior arts can only detect ESD events but not the level of ESD voltages. The subsequent circuit in prior arts accordingly can only deal with all ESD events in the same manner instead of performing different measures in response to different ESD levels.