A method of fabricating single-crystalline metal silicide nanowires for anti-reflective electrodes for photovoltaics is provided that includes exposing a surface of a metal foil to oxygen or hydrogen at an elevated temperature, and growing metal silicide nanowires on the metal foil surface by flowing a silane gas mixture over the metal foil surface at the elevated temperature, where spontaneous growth of the metal silicide nanowires occur on the metal foil surface, where the metal silicide nanowires are post treated for use as an electrode in a photovoltaic cell or used directly as the electrode in the photovoltaic cell.

Light management in photovoltaic cells is a critical area of research in order to minimize material utilization while achieving high efficiencies. By using 3-D nanostructured templates such as nanowires (NWs), the absorption length required to fully utilize the solar spectrum can be effectively decoupled from the carrier extraction length, which should be minimized to reduce recombination. Furthermore, light-scattering and trapping has been observed in 3-D architectures such as microwire, nanowire, and nanocone arrays, allowing for enhanced absorption and suppressed reflection. This permits the use of significantly less material than a planar architecture, and reduces the purity and morphological requirements of the absorber layer due to a decreased carrier extraction length. This is the principle employed in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and extremely-thin absorber (ETA) cells, which utilize a very thin absorber layer in conjunction with a nanostructured template.
Ultimately, the large-scale incorporation of photovoltaics as a renewable energy source will depend on the ability to drive down costs. While nanostructured architectures can provide several benefits for solar cells, the use of top-down processing techniques involving lithography and/or etching, or catalyst-mediated growth techniques, can add significantly to the manufacturing costs. Catalyst-based techniques can also lead to incorporation of impurities into the NWs, which can negatively affect their recombination properties.
There are a variety of growth techniques for nickel silicide NWs, most of which can be divided into three categories: delivery of silicon to nickel film, delivery of nickel to silicon NWs, and simultaneous delivery of silicon and nickel. Some new methods, such as point contact reaction between Si and Ni NWs were recently reported. Due to its simplicity and low cost, chemical vapor deposition of silane on nickel films, as the earliest discovered method, has been intensively studied.
The underlying mechanism for nanowire growth based on thermal decomposition of silane on Ni films is still a matter of debate. Nickel diffusion into silicon has been proposed by several groups, and the formation of NWs rather than films has been shown to be a strong function of temperature, pressure, and silane concentration. It has been proposed that a low supersaturation degree of the vapor-phase precursors can lead to the spontaneous formation of NWs rather than thin films, due to limited nucleation kinetics. The role of surface oxides on the growth has also been investigated, and it has been shown that the presence of surface oxide species can promote nanowire growth. The surface oxide layer can serve as either a Ni diffusion barrier, or as a catalyst for a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism. However, the exact role of surface oxides on nanowire growth is not clear, and several reports have been presented without the purposeful introduction of oxygen.
What is needed is a low-cost and reduced complexity method of fabricating single-crystalline metal silicied nanowieres for anti-reflective electrodes for photovoltaic applications.

Metal silicide nanowire arrays for anti-reflective electrodes in photovoltaics

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A pre-packed well screen has concentric inner and outer fiber reinforced composite tubes with a granular filter medium in the annulus between the inner and outer tubes. The walls of the tubes are slotted for passing fluid through the slots and the filter medium. Each end of the inner tube extends beyond the adjacent end of the outer tube and has a male thread. A connection is made to an adjacent well screen or other tube by a female coupling member threaded onto the male thread. An advantage of the design is that the coupling member connected to the inner tube has an outside diameter approximately the same as the outside diameter of the outer tube.

This invention concerns a screen used in oil or water wells or the like, to prevent sand or other debris from entering the tubing used for producing oil or water.
Well screens have been used for many years to limit the production of sand and other debris in water, oil and gas wells. Well screens are simply filters that keep sand in the well, eliminating the need to separate the sand from produced fluid at some later stage in the process.
In a typical installation, a casing extends down the borehole of a well and the fluid produced is pumped from within that casing. In many wells a perforated casing may be used for recovering the fluid. In some places, there are loose particles of formation (commonly referred to as "sand", even though not technically sand) which may be entrained in the fluid. It is quite desirable to prevent such sand from entering the production tubing. Thus, a sand filter or well screen is attached at the bottom of the tubing. Such a well screen may extend many feet through a producing formation.
Some well screens are of a rather simple design: a piece of steel pipe with small openings slotted or drilled through the pipe wall. The openings machined in the pipe wall are either smaller than the sand particles in the well, or sand of a grain size larger than the openings is packed around the well screen in the borehole to serve as a filter. This "gravel pack" around the well screen filters out smaller sand particles. Other screens are more complex, using a filter medium such as porous metal, controlled grain size sand, or a fine screen to filter out the sand.
There have recently been developed fiberglass well screens that are pre-packed with sand. An exemplary pre-packed fiberglass well screen comprises inner and outer fiber reinforced epoxy tubes. The annular space between the tubes is filled with a controlled grain size sand to act as a filter medium. The inner and outer tubes are slotted with a slot width narrower than the grain size of the sand packed into the annulus.
Conventional well screens are assembled end to end with couplings to obtain a desired total length of screen in the well. These pipe couplings have a larger diameter than the well screen. It is desirable to have a well screen with a large diameter since this increases the screen area, which not only enhances flow rate through the screen, but also can prolong the screen lifetime before the filter gets plugged. A problem with prior couplings has been that the screens fitted into a well bore must be appreciably smaller than the well bore, so that the couplings can fit into the well. Thus, for example, in a 4" (100 mm) borehole, the well screen has couplings nearly the diameter of the borehole and the screen itself has an outside diameter of only about 73 mm. Larger screens cannot be used since the couplings would not fit into the 100 mm borehole.
It is therefore desirable to provide a well screen having an outside diameter approximately the same as the outside diameter of the couplings.


The invention relates to a drivetrain comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one friction clutch having at least one disengagement device with a pressure relief device and a transmission.

The invention relates to a drivetrain comprising a friction clutch disposed within the frictional connection between an internal combustion engine and a transmission and having an input part connected to the internal combustion engine and at least one output part connected to a transmission input shaft, as well as a disengagement device for the latter.
In a known way, friction clutches are operated via a hydraulic disengagement system comprising a manually or automatically operated master cylinder and a slave cylinder that disengages the clutch, both cylinders being connected by a hydraulic line. In so-called forced-compression clutches, the clutch is disengaged in the force-free state of the clutch, and the frictional engagement for connecting internal combustion engine and transmission is accomplished by actuation and holding of the slave cylinder under pressure via the master cylinder. In particular for dual clutches in which a common input part is branched into two output parts, each having a transmission output shaft, the connection of the clutches in this manner is advantageous. If both or one of the two disengagement devices fails, for example by loss of pressure medium, these clutches are always open and do not lock the transmission, as is the case for clutches, for example, that are normally engaged in the force-free state.
Friction clutches of the type mentioned above are usually used, in addition to manually operated transmissions, in automated transmissions, for example in automated shift transmissions (AST) or dual clutch transmissions (DCT), which are generally driven by a control device, both the clutch and the engagement and disengagement of the gears being operated automatically. If a control device of this type fails, it may happen, depending on the control strategy used, that the clutch position of one clutch or, in a dual clutch transmission, of both clutches is/are frozen, and therefore the operation of the internal combustion engine can no longer be controlled, regardless of the transmission output speed, and thus the wheel speed is no longer controllable; that is, when the vehicle is at a standstill, for example, operation of the internal combustion engine to provide power to accessory units is no longer possible.

LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG


A model verification system includes a formal language conversion part operable to convert model figure data registered as a design pattern in association with a program into formal language expression data based upon an expression format of a predetermined formal language, and a formal language increment part operable to add a modification to a component of the formal language and/or attribute information on the formal language expression data converted by the formal language conversion means to generate formal language expression data of a derivative design. The model verification system conducts refactoring.

In recent years, a development technique of automatically generating a program from models has been known under the name of the model-driven architecture. With this development technique, a system developer (programmer) can program, without learning a description method using characters of a programming language, by combining predetermined figure expressions into a series of process flows.
A figure expression used in the above model-driven architecture represents an assigned process in a visually comprehensible manner. A program corresponding to the assigned process is associated previously or additionally with that process. The program associated with the figure expression is combined with other figures on the figure expressions and are thus coupled to programs of other figures.
Even if programs associated with such figure expressions or programs gathered to execute a series of processes can obtain the same result, they are classified in dependency upon the level of the skill of a developer or the like into good designed programs which that have concisely been described and no-good designed programs. Therefore, good designs and bad designs are frequently mixed in a program produced by a plurality of developers. A program of a no-good design would be defined as a program that requires a long time for performing a process in comparison with a program of a good design or defined as a program that consumes a large amount of resources, in spite of the fact that the same result as the good design can be obtained. Furthermore, even if a program associated with a figure expression may be a good design peculiar to one system, it may be a bad design used to other systems.
Meanwhile, programs that have been designed in the past are frequently used in product development. In a case where a plurality of programs have been designed in the past and all have been operated correctly, either one of those programs is used without distinguishing between good designed programs and no-good designed programs. On the other hand, if many programs of no-good designs are included in product development, the performance of products is lowered.
Therefore, an action (refactoring) to improve a no-good design into a good design becomes important. However, it is very difficult to manually confirm a program source for refactoring. This is caused by the fact that the improvement action itself depends upon the level of skill and an increase of improvement candidates because all of past systems become improvement candidates and the like. Furthermore, even skilled persons themselves have habits or tendency in refactoring. Thus, it is difficult to properly evaluate a large number of items such as reduction of resources and reduction of a processing time.
Accordingly, there has been desired a system that takes optimization into consideration at the time of development of the system or at the time of modification of the system.
Examples of related systems include Patent Document 1 (JP-A 2003-337697) and Patent Document 2 (JP-A 2005-174120).
A development system for a business system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes original model storage means, refactoring rule storage means, and optimized model storage means. The development system for a business system operates as follows: An original model is described by a unified expression method using a UML (Unified Modeling Language). A subjective refactoring rule determined for optimization by a skilled person (consultant) is applied to generate an optimized model.
Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an example of technology for analyzing the structural similarity of program data (source) expressed in a language (with characters). A web service connection processing system disclosed in Patent Document 2 compares a definition document of an assumed web service to be connected with a definition document of a new web service to be connected. Then, in a similarity determination process, arguments, namely, parameters of the definition documents of the two web services and data type information of a return value are read, and differences therebetween are extracted. The structural similarity is calculated based upon the extraction result. In the case where the similarity is determined, the system generates a conversion rule and properly calls the web services in accordance with the rule.

Model verification system, model verification method, and recording medium


Ceiling fan energy consumption efficiency is enhanced with fan blades that have an angle attack that decreases from root end to tip end at higher rates of decrease nearer their tip ends than at their root ends.

Ceiling fans powered by electric motors have been used for years in circulating air. They typically have a motor within a housing mounted to a downrod that rotates a set of fan blades about the axis of the downrod. Their blades have traditionally been flat and oriented at an incline or pitch to present an angle of attack to the air mass in which they rotate. This causes air to be driven downwardly.
When a fan blade that extends generally radially from its axis of rotation is rotated, its tip end travels in a far longer path of travel than does its root end for any given time. Thus its tip end travels much faster than its root end. To balance the load of wind resistance along the blades, and the air flow generated by their movement, fan blades have been designed with an angle of attack that diminishes towards the tip. This design feature is also conventional in the design of other rotating blades such as marine propellers and aircraft propellers.
In 1997 a study was conducted at the Florida Solar Energy Center on the efficiencies of several commercially available ceiling fans. This testing was reported in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,541. It was found by the patentees that energy efficiency, i.e. air flow (CFM) per power consumption (watts), was increased with a fan blade design that had a twist in degrees at its root end that tapered uniformly down to a smaller twist or angle of attack at its tip end. For example, this applied to a 20-inch long blade (with tapered chord) that had a 26.7° twist at its root and a 6.9° twist at its tip.
Another long persistent problem associated with ceiling fans has been that of air flow distribution. Most ceiling fans have had their blades rotate in a horizontal plane, even though oriented at an angle of attack. This has served to force air downwardly which does advantageously provide for air flow in the space beneath the fan. However air flow in the surrounding space has been poor since it does not flow directly from the fan. Where the fan blades have been on a dihedral this problem has been reduced. However this has only been accomplished at the expense of a substantial diminution of air flow directly beneath the fan.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A PM line-start motor, preferably motors having a power of at least 5 kW, and a switch-on method therefor are provided. The motor includes a rotor and a stator having a stator winding designed as a pole-reversible rotary field winding. With the aid of the pole-reversible rotary field winding, the regenerative braking torque generated during the asynchronous high-run operation can be avoided, preferably by use of a sequence controller to control the changeover of the pole-reversible rotary field winding in the run-up phase.

The present invention relates to a line-start motor with permanent magnet excitation, also referred to below as a PM line-start motor, and to a switch-on method therefor.
The permanent-magnet line-start motor, alternatively also sometimes referred to as a line-start motor with permanent magnet excitation, a line-start permanent-magnet motor or as an LSPM motor, is a three-phase asynchronous motor comprising a squirrel-cage rotor, which contains additional permanent magnets in the rotor. After the asynchronous start-up, said motor synchronizes itself with the feed frequency and then runs in synchronous operation. In principle, said motor has minimal rotor and excitation losses, which results in a high efficiency. Said motor consequently combines the advantages of the robust asynchronous machine with those of the low-loss synchronous motor.
A motor of this kind has the ability of an asynchronous motor to generate an asynchronous start-up torque and the ability of a synchronous motor to be able to run at a rotational speed synchronous with the rotating field.
PM line-start motors have to be connected to the three-phase supply system from a rated power of approximately 4 to 5 kW for the purpose of reducing the inrush surges in the supply system and shaft assembly using an appropriate switch-on method.
The switch-on methods known from the squirrel-cage motors, such as the star-delta start-up, the starting transformer or the soft starter, for example, constitute methods that initially reduce the motor voltage during switch-on. These methods cannot be used expediently in PM line-start motors. The reason for this is due to the physics of the PM line-start motor.
PM line-start motors constitute a combination of squirrel-cage motor and PM synchronous motor. After switch-on, the PM line-start motor initially runs up using the start-up cage like a squirrel-cage motor. After the run-up process, the final pull-in to the synchronous rotational speed follows and the PM line-start motor from then on runs according to operation as a PM synchronous motor at a correspondingly high efficiency.
During the asynchronous run-up process, the PM rotor induces a slip-frequency voltage system in the stator winding for which the three-phase supply system practically constitutes a short. This results, in addition to the desired asynchronous torque of the start-up cage, in an additional generator-type braking torque, which in principle prevents the run-up process. The superposition of the two torque components is sketched in FIG. 1.
The profile of the generator-type braking torque has a pronounced braking saddle. Said generator-type braking saddle, which can be structurally influenced in terms of the order of magnitude thereof only to a very limited extent and is also not dependent on the supply system voltage, constitutes the actual problem in the switch-on and run-up process with a reduced voltage.
Since the asynchronous torque drops quadratically with the reduced voltage but the generator-type braking saddle remains unchanged in terms of its level, the run-up process at a correspondingly reduced voltage can end as early as at the generator-type braking saddle. The asynchronous driving torque with reduced voltage is not great enough to overcome the generator-type braking saddle. In some circumstances, this therefore leads to a slower-than-synchronous limit cycle (fluctuation about a rotational speed point in the slower-than-synchronous rotational speed range) of the motor in the switch-on phase with reduced voltage. In practice, this phenomenon of getting stuck at the generator-type braking saddle takes place as early as from a voltage reduction to 80 to 85%. Voltage-reducing switch-on methods alone are therefore unusable for PM line-start motors. It is therefore the object to develop switch-on methods for PM line-start motors that can be used effectively and that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.
Until now, this object did not have to be achieved since, entirely contrary to their designation as "line-start", PM line-start motors were initially developed specifically for rotational-speed-variable operation at the U-f converter. Only in recent years has the line-start functionality been rediscovered in connection with the demand for efficiency-class motors. However, until now, commercially available PM line-start motors have only covered the lower power range up to approximately 5 kW. For this power range, however, switch-on methods are not yet required, with the result that such motors are not subjected to the problem explained above.
The PM line-start motor, which preferably has a power of at least 5 kW, accordingly comprises a rotor and a stator having a stator winding, wherein the stator winding is embodied as a changeable-pole rotating field winding.
This can prevent the generator-type braking saddle that obstructs the run-up of the motor in a switch-on method.
The changeable-pole rotating field winding preferably comprises a first winding stage and a second winding stage, which can be operated separately from one another, wherein the first winding stage has a number of pole pairs, referred to below as number of start-up pole pairs p1, which is not equal to a number of pole pairs, referred to below as number of operating pole pairs p2, of the second winding stage.
Typically, the first winding stage serves for the asynchronous run-up of the motor and the second winding stage serves for the synchronous operation of the motor. It is advantageous here when the first winding stage is sized so that a generator-type braking saddle cannot form.
The suppression of the generator-type braking saddle in the start-up phase is possible when the first winding stage, which is used for the asynchronous run-up of the motor, has a number of start-up pole pairs p1 that does not correspond to the number of pole pairs p3 of the PM rotor. In the start-up phase, the stator winding and the start-up cage with the number of start-up pole pairs p1 therefore operate as a pure asynchronous motor. The PM rotor is decoupled on account of the different numbers of pole pairs. This decoupling prevents the formation of the generator-type braking saddle. It therefore does not result in the PM rotor generating a braking torque that counteracts the start-up torque in the run-up process.
After the run-up, there is a changeover to the second winding stage, which preferably has the same number of pole pairs p3 of the PM rotor. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the number of operating pole pairs p2 of the second winding stage is therefore equal to the number of pole pairs p3 of the PM rotor. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the second winding stage is provided for the synchronous operation of the PM line-start motor.
According to a further advantageous modification of the invention, the number of start-up pole pairs p1 of the first winding stage is lower than the number of operating pole pairs p2 of the second winding stage. For example, the numbers of pole pairs of the first and the second winding stage of the stator winding can thus assume the ratio 1:2. However, this does not exclude the variation of the invention that the number of start-up pole pairs of the first winding stage p1 can also be greater than the number of operating pole pairs p2 of the second winding.
According to a further development of the invention, the motor further comprises a sequence controller, which is designed to perform a targeted winding changeover of the changeable-pole rotating field winding during a switch-on process of the motor. Here, a targeted winding changeover preferably takes place from the first winding stage for the run-up of the motor to the second winding stage for the synchronous operation of the motor.
According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, the sequence controller is further designed to provide a phase or a period of time between the changeover from the first winding stage to the second winding stage, in which phase or period of time neither the first nor the second winding stage is supplied with power, wherein the time of the changeover to the second winding stage preferably takes place depending on the phasing of a supply system voltage.
The changeover time has a significant influence on a restart current surge, which can arise during observation of the phasing of a supply system voltage with respect to the induced voltage (rotor voltage).
In this case, the motor according to the invention can further comprise a first switch, which is connected to the first winding stage, and a second switch, which is connected to the second winding stage, in order to selectively close or interrupt a line arranged between the respective winding stage and the supply system voltage line. Here, the first and the second switch can preferably be actuated by a sequence controller. The switches provided can be, in particular, contactors.
According to an optional development of the invention, the respective ends of the first and second switch that are not connected to the associated winding are connected to one another and connected to a supply line by means of a power switch. Here, the power switch is also preferably configured to be able to be actuated by the sequence controller.
According to one embodiment, the motor can have a ballast circuit for reducing a voltage between a supply system voltage line and the stator winding in order to limit an inrush current or a restart current, which can arise, for example, during changeover from the first winding to the second winding. Here, it is possible for the ballast circuit to be implemented by ballast impedances or a soft starter.
According to a further optional feature, the stator winding is embodied in the form of a Dahlander winding.
The implementation of the stator winding in the form of a Dahlander winding is advantageous since better use of the active parts is achieved.
However, as an alternative to the integral formation of the stator winding in the form of a Dahlander winding, the stator winding can also have two windings that are isolated from one another, which are each designed for different numbers of poles.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the motor is designed to execute a changeover from the first winding to the second winding based on the synchronous rated rotational speed n1 of the PM line-start motor in oversynchronous fashion. Here, the rated rotational speed n1 is the ratio of the supply system frequency fsupply system to the number of operating pole pairs p2 of the second winding stage.
This achieves the smallest possible restart current surge during changeover from the first winding stage to the second winding stage.
The present invention further relates to a switch-on method of a PM line-start motor, which has the features of one of the embodiments stated above, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
(i) switching on a first winding stage to start an asynchronous run-up phase,
(ii) disconnecting the first winding stage in order to terminate the asynchronous run-up phase, and
(iii) connecting the second winding stage, which is designed for the synchronous operation of the motor.
Between step (ii) and (iii), the above switch-on method preferably further comprises the step of:
(iv) monitoring the supply system voltage and an induced rotor voltage in order to determine a changeover time that permits the smoothest possible supply system connection, wherein
a changeover time preferably permits the smoothest possible supply system connection when there is approximate frequency equality between the rotor voltage and the supply system voltage and the difference between the supply system voltage and the frequency equality is small, that is to say undershoots a predetermined threshold value.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

PM line-start motor and switch-on method therefor


In semiconductor memory devices having hierarchical bit line structures, a transfer transistor provided between a main bit line and a sub-bit line hinders achievement of a high speed and a low voltage. A sub-bit line SBL in a subarray 12 is connected via a first transistor PC1 to a power source voltage, and via a second transistor NC1 to a ground voltage. A main bit line MBLj is connected via a third transistor PD1 to the power source voltage. The gate electrodes of the first transistor PC1 and the second transistor NC1 are connected to the main bit line MBLj, the gate electrode of the third transistor PD1 is connected to the sub-bit line SBL. In an initial state, a voltage of the main bit line MBLj is controlled to be at an H level, and voltages of word lines WLi1 to Wlip are controlled to be at an L level. When a read operation is performed, the voltage of the main bit line MBLj transitions to the L level, and thereafter, the voltage of a selected word line transitions to the H level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device, and more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device having a hierarchical bit line structure.
2. Description of the Background Art
In large-capacity semiconductor memory devices, bit lines are hierarchically arranged in order to prevent the level of the bit line from being reduced due to a cut-off leakage current. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 6-176592 (p. 2, FIG. 2) discloses a masked ROM which stores data, depending on the presence or absence of contact connection, as an example of the semiconductor memory device having a hierarchical bit line structure.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a conventional semiconductor memory device described in the above-mentioned document. The semiconductor memory device 90 of FIG. 23 comprises a memory cell array 91 including (n×m) subarrays 92 (MSA11 to MSAnm). The subarrays 92 are connected to n row block select lines RB1 to RBn, (n×p) word lines WL11 to WLnp, and m main bit lines MBL1 to MBLm. The subarrays 92 placed on an i-th row are connected to the row block select line RBi and the word lines WLi1 to WLip, while the subarrays 92 placed on an j-th column are connected to the main bit line MBLj.
A row decoder 8 selects one signal line from the row block select lines RB1 to RBn and one signal line from the word lines WL11 to WLnp based on an row address RA output from an input buffer 1. A column decoder 3 selects one signal line from the main bit lines MBL1 to MBLm based on a column address CA output from the input buffer 1. A sense amplifier 4 amplifies a signal on a selected main bit line. A data output buffer 5 outputs a signal amplified by the sense amplifier 4 to the outside of the semiconductor memory device 90. A precharge circuit 6 charges a selected main bit line. A leakage current compensation circuit 7 supplies electric charge to a selected main bit line in an amount corresponding to a leakage current.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the subarray 92 which is placed on the i-th row and the j-th column in the memory cell array 91. The subarray 92 includes a sub-bit line SBL, p memory cells MC1 to MCp, and a transfer gate TG. The memory cells MC1 to MCp and the transfer gate TG are each composed of an N-channel MOS transistor. All of the subarrays 92 in the memory cell array 91 have the same structure as that of FIG. 24.
The transfer gate TG is provided between the main bit line MBLj and the sub-bit line SBL. The row block select line RBi is connected to the gate electrode of the transfer gate TG. The word lines WLi1 to WLip are connected to the gate electrodes of the memory cells MC1 to MCp, respectively. A ground voltage Vss is applied to the source electrodes of the memory cells MC1 to MCp. The drain electrodes of the memory cells MC1 to MCp are connected to the sub-bit line SBL via contact elements (not shown) when data "0" is stored, and are not connected thereto when data "1" is stored. In the example of FIG. 24, the memory cell MC1 stores data 0, while the memory cell MCp stores data 1.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating waveforms during an operation of the semiconductor memory device 90. An operation when data 0 is read from the memory cell MC1 (hereinafter referred to as MCA) in the subarray MSA11 (time intervals T92 to T94), and data 1 is read from the memory cell MCp (hereinafter referred to as MCB) in the subarray MSA11 (time intervals T96 to T98), will be described with reference to FIG. 25.
(1) Time Intervals T91, T95, and T99: Initial State
The row address RA and the column address CA are both in the inactive state. Therefore, all signal lines (the row block select line RB1, the word lines WL11 to WLlp, and the main bit line MBL1) connected to the subarray MSA11 have a voltage of an L level. Therefore, the transfer gate TG and the memory cells MC1 to MCp are in the OFF state, so that the sub-bit line SBL is not connected to any power source lines, and therefore, is in a floating state (high-impedance state). Note that the sub-bit line SBL is not connected to the gate electrode of any MOS transistors, and therefore, even when the sub-bit line SBL is in the high-impedance state, no malfunctions, such as an unstable operation of the transistor, and the like, occur.
(2) Time Intervals T92 and T96: Selection of Main Bit Line
When the column address CA is activated, the main bit line MBL1 is selected, and electric charge is supplied from the precharge circuit 6 to the main bit line MBL1. Since the transfer gate TG is in the OFF state, the main bit line MBL1 is charged to an H level.
(3) Time Intervals T93 and T97: Selection of Row Block Select Line
When the row address RA is activated, the voltage of the row block select line RB1 transitions to the H level. Therefore, the transfer gate TG goes into the ON state, so that the sub-bit line SBL is connected via the transfer gate TG to the main bit line MBL1. Therefore, the sub-bit line SBL is charged to the H level (more exactly, a level obtained by subtracting the threshold voltage of the transfer gate TG from a power source voltage Vdd) via the main bit line MBL1 and the transfer gate TG.
(4) Time Interval T94: Selection of Word Line (when Reading Data 0)
After a predetermined time (specifically, a sufficient time required for the voltage of the sub-bit line SBL to transition to the H level) has elapsed since the row block select line RB1 was selected, the voltage of the word line WL11 transitions to the H level, so that the memory cell MCA transitions to the ON state. The drain electrode of the memory cell MCA storing data 0 is connected via a contact element (not shown) to the sub-bit line SBL. Therefore, the sub-bit line SBL is connected via the memory cell MCA to the ground voltage Vss, so that electric charge supplied from the precharge circuit 6 in the time interval T93 flows via the main bit line MBL1, the transfer gate TG, the sub-bit line SBL, and the memory cell MCA to the ground voltage Vss. Therefore, the voltages of the main bit line MBL1 and the sub-bit line SBL transition to the L level, and an output signal of the sense amplifier 4 connected via the column decoder 3 to the main bit line MBL1 also transitions to the L level. Therefore, data 0 stored in the memory cell MCA can be read via the data output buffer 5 to the outside of the semiconductor memory device 90.
(5) Time Interval T98: Selection of Word Line (when Reading Data 1)
After the predetermined time has elapsed since the row block select line RB1 was selected, the voltage of the word line WLlp transitions to the H level, so that the memory cell MCB transitions to the ON state. The drain electrode of the memory cell MCB storing data 1 is not connected via a contact element to the sub-bit line SBL. Therefore, even after the memory cell MCB transitions to the ON state, the sub-bit line SBL is not connected to the ground voltage Vss, so that electric charge supplied from the precharge circuit 6 during the time interval T97 are still accumulated in wire capacitance possessed by the main bit line MBL1 and the sub-bit line SBL. Therefore, the voltages of the main bit line MBL1 and the sub-bit line SBL are held at the H level, and the output signal of the sense amplifier 4 connected via the column decoder 3 to the main bit line MBL1 is also held at the H level. Therefore, data 1 stored in the memory cell MCB can be read via the data output buffer 5 to the outside of the semiconductor memory device 90.
(6) At Ends of Time Intervals T94 and T98: Completion of Reading
Both of the row address RA and the column address CA return to the inactive state in order to be ready for the next read operation. Therefore, the voltages of the row block select line RB1 and the main bit line MBL1 transition to the L level. At the end of the time interval T94, the voltage of the word line WL11 transitions to the L level, and at the end of the time interval T98, the voltage of the word line WLlp transitions to the L level.
In general, in a memory cell whose drain electrode is connected via a contact element to a bit line, when a word line connected to the gate electrode thereof is in the non-selected state, a leakage current (cut-off leakage current) flows through this memory cell. Therefore, in a semiconductor memory device in which all memory cells provided on the same column are connected to a single bit line, a cut-off leakage current disadvantageously reduces the voltage of the bit line. By contrast, in a semiconductor memory device having a hierarchical bit line structure (e.g., the semiconductor memory device 90 of FIG. 23), memory cells provided on the same column are divided into subarray units, and are connected to sub-bit lines provided in corresponding subarrays. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cut-off leakage current from reducing the voltage of the bit line. Therefore, even when finer patterning is achieved and the number of memory cells arranged in a column direction becomes so large that a significant cut-off leakage current occurs, a large-scale memory cell array can be achieved by arranging bit lines hierarchically.
However, in a semiconductor memory device in which a MOS transistor is inserted between a main bit line and a sub-bit line, and a row block select line is connected to the gate electrode of the MOS transistor, the following problem arises. For example, in the subarray 92 of FIG. 24, the sub-bit line SBL is precharged via the transfer gate TG after the main bit line MBLj is charged using the precharge circuit 6. In this case, since the transfer gate TG has ON-resistance, a time required for precharging of the sub-bit line SBL is long. Generally, in semiconductor memory devices, a word line is selected after a predetermined time (a sufficient time for a stable read operation) has elapsed since completion of precharging of a bit line. Therefore, if the precharge time of a sub-bit line increases, an access time of the semiconductor memory device increases.
An influence of the transfer gate ON-resistance becomes significant as an operating voltage decreases. For example, in the semiconductor memory device 90 of FIG. 23, when data 0 is read from the memory cell MCA, a steady-state current flows through a path to the ground voltage Vss via the main bit line MBL1, the transfer gate TG, the sub-bit line SBL, and the memory cell MCA. In this case, the transfer gate TG has a gate-source voltage Vgs which is substantially equal to the sum of a threshold voltage Vth of the memory cell MCA and a voltage drop due to the sub-bit line SBL. On the other hand, since the transfer gate TG has a connection form as a source follower, the threshold voltage Vth of the transfer gate TG is higher than that of a typical N-channel MOS transistor due to the substrate bias effect. In this case, if the gate voltage of the transfer gate TG decreases with a decrease in the operating voltage, the gate-source voltage Vgs of the transfer gate TG decreases. If the operating voltage further decreases, the gate-source voltage Vgs, in an extreme case, becomes the threshold voltage Vth or less, so that the transfer gate TG may be cut off (in other words, the ON-resistance of the transfer gate TG becomes extremely high). Thus, the presence of the transfer gate TG is responsible not only for an increase in the access time, but also for hindrance of achievement of a low voltage.
The above-described problem is significant for high-speed and low-power-consumption semiconductor memory devices which are used in mobile information apparatuses or the like. Therefore, in recent years, a method of canceling a reduction in threshold voltage by increasing the gate voltages of a portion of N-channel MOS transistors, and a method of reducing the threshold voltage of a specific N-channel MOS transistor into a lower level than those of the other N-channel MOS transistors, have been proposed. However, in the former method, a large-scale power source circuit is required, so that the chip area and the circuit cost increase. In the latter method, a specialized step for reducing the threshold voltage of a specific N-channel MOS transistor is required, so that the circuit cost increases.

Semiconductor memory device having a hierarchical bit line structure

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An improved process for the preparation of high purity rare metal compounds such as oxides utilizing TBP (Tri-Butyl Phosphate)-nitrate solvent extraction technique adapted to manufacture nuclear grade rare metal compounds such as zirconium oxide wherein the said process substantially aids in reducing the specific generation of ammonium nitrate effluent volume thereby increasing its concentration when the said effluent comprising ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate are utilized for stripping of the said rare metal compound from the organic solvent in the said process of production of high purity rare metal oxide powder.

In the production of high purity rare metal oxide powder such as zirconium oxide powder, zirconium present as the raw material Zircon sand is converted to soluble form after silica separation through the caustic fusion route. The said soluble form of zirconium is then dissolved in nitric acid and subjected to purification with respect to hafnium, titanium and other impurities using solvent extraction. This liquid-liquid extraction process is the heart of the plant and it comprises of three operations namely, selective extraction of zirconium from the feed solution, scrubbing or back extraction for removal of co-extracted hafnium and titanium from the solvent & finally stripping of zirconium from the loaded solvent using De-mineralized water (DMW) to generate pure zirconium nitrate solution.
Thus the said pure zirconium nitrate solution is further precipitated using ammonium hydroxide solution along with trace quantities of sulphuric acid. The resultant zirconium hydroxide is processed to provide an oxide product. In this process the nitrate present along with zirconium gets converted into ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate, which is required to be disposed as effluent as illustrated in FIG. 1.
Though the above mentioned solvent extraction process is capable of producing high purity zirconium nitrate solution, it has numerous drawbacks as discussed hereunder:
i) The process generates high amount of ammonium nitrate effluent in the order of 25000 liters for every MT of ZrO2 produced wherein regular disposal of this large quantity of effluent is mandatory and therefore problematic;
ii) The said effluent in being dilute containing only about 180 g/l of ammonium nitrate makes its disposal further commercially unattractive;
iii) Low stripping efficiency of De-mineralized water (DMW) requires the use of large amount of the stripping solution-DMW to avoid product losses through the solvent. Approximately about 1 g/l of zirconium remains unstripped in the stripped solvent using DMW as the stripping solution.
Thus as apparent and evident from the abovesaid that though the commonly known TBP (Tri-Butyl Phosphate)-nitrate solvent extraction process capable of producing high purity rare metal nitrate solution to provide for an active oxide product is highly prevalent, the said process is lined with a string of aforesaid disadvantages that need to be improved upon to necessitate the provision of a more convenient and efficient process that would lead to a substantial reduction in ammonium nitrate effluent volume to thereby increase its concentration to make its disposal commercially attractive, which said efficient process would also simultaneously induce low rare metal losses in the stripped solvent.

Tributyl phosphate-nitrate solvent extraction process for producing high purity nuclear grade rare earth metal oxides

The Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India


A pressure difference is formed between a master cylinder pressure and a wheel cylinder pressure when a master cut-off valve closes a hydraulic path connecting a master cylinder and a wheel cylinder and a hydraulic pump supplies pressurized brake fluid to the wheel cylinder. After the pressure difference has been formed, the master cut-off valve opens the hydraulic path so that the pressure difference is cancelled. As a result, pulsations in brake fluid pressure occurs in the hydraulic path. A failure of the master cut-off valve or the hydraulic pump is detected based on the pulsations in brake fluid pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicular brake apparatus which brakes a vehicle with wheel braking force generated by, for example, a control valve or a pump.
2. Related Arts
Conventionally, traction control (TRC) to decrease acceleration slip of a wheel or the like is well known as braking control performed when a driver does not depress a brake pedal, that is, during a no braking-operation of the driver. When this kind of braking control is executed, brake fluid pressure is provided to a wheel cylinder by a brake fluid circuit. For example, the brake fluid circuit has a master-cylinder cut-off (SMC) valve which can cut off the connection between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. The brake fluid circuit provides brake fluid pressure to the wheel cylinder by supplying pressurized brake fluid between the SMC valve and the wheel cylinder. That is to say, the SMC valve separates the wheel cylinder from the master cylinder. In this state, a pump generates the pressurized brake fluid which is supplied to the wheel cylinder. As a result, the brake fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder increases and a differential pressure is established between the two sides of the SMC valve.
In the system for performing traction control (or a system for performing anti-skid brake control (ABS)), a primary check therefor is normally executed. In this primary check, conductive states to each of valves or the pump are examined. In other words, the system checks whether cutoffs or short-circuits in electrical systems for each of the valves or the pump have occurred.
However, the system has no function for checking whether the differential pressure can be actually established between the two sides of the SMC valve or whether the pump can actually generate the pressurized brake fluid. Therefore, it is uncertain if the SMC valve and the pump work in the right way and the necessary brake fluid pressure can be supplied to the wheel cylinder. If the SMC valve or the pump functions insufficiently, an obstacle to braking control performed by the system may occur.


A frame unit for a bicycle may include a left frame body in which a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed, a right frame body in which a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, and a reinforcing panel disposed within the left and right frame bodies, wherein the left frame body and the right frame body may be coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a frame unit for a bicycle and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a frame unit for a bicycle which includes a head tube, a seat tube, a frame, and left and right stays and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, a frame unit for a bicycle is a constituent component that forms an overall structure of a bicycle, and manufactured by mutually joining constituent components such as a head tube, a seat tube, a frame, and left and right stays.
Regarding the frame unit for a bicycle, allowing flexibility to provide various designs and secure rigidity for safety are core factors, and to this end, the respective manufacturers actively conduct researches on development of technologies, process methods, materials, and the like.
Recently, in order to implement various designs and secure rigidity for safety, materials such as aluminum, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon, and titanium are used instead of a high tensile steel material that is generally used.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a frame unit for a bicycle according to the related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, a frame unit 100 for a bicycle of the related art includes a head tube 101, a seat tube 103, an upper frame 105, a lower frame 107, and upper and lower stays 109 and 111 disposed at both sides.
A steering shaft to which a steering handle is connected is installed on the head tube 101, and a seat pipe connected to a seat is installed on the seat tube 103.
The upper and lower frames 105 and 107 connect and support the head tube 101 and the seat tube 103.
Rear ends of both the upper and lower stays 109 and 111 are connected to each other so as to form a rotating body fork 113 to which a rear wheel is mounted.
A front end of the lower stay 111 is connected to a pedal assembly 115 that is configured at a lower end of the seat tube 103.
Meanwhile, the frame unit 100 for a bicycle mostly is provided with reinforce elements to joining portions, such as between the head tube 101 and the upper and lower frames 105 and 107; between the seat tube 103 and the upper and lower frames 105 and 107 and so on for securing rigidity for safety.
Meanwhile, the frame unit 100 for a bicycle mostly includes both the upper frame 105 and the lower frame 107, but in some cases, only a single frame, that is, only the upper frame 105 may be applied between the head tube 101 and the seat tube 103.
However, according to the frame unit 100 for a bicycle of the related art, which has the aforementioned configuration, when the head tube 101, the seat tube 103, the upper frame 105, the lower frame 107, and the upper and lower stays 109 and 111 are joined to each other by a welding process, residual stress due to welding heat is distributed to joining portions. Particularly, impact loads are directly applied when the bicycle runs, thereby causing a serious problem with respect to safety such as cracks or damage occurring at the periphery of the joining portions.
Since the process of welding the joining portions is manually performed, an inferiority rate is high because there is a difference in welding quality in accordance with skill of workers and working environment, and thereby, there are drawbacks in that an excessive working time is required and productivity deteriorates.
Since the reinforce elements are provided to an exterior of the frame unit 100, thereby, design freedom of the frame unit 100 are poor, and weld beads protrude at the joining portions between the respective components, thereby causing deterioration in overall aesthetic appearance because of heterogeneity between the respective components.
The weld beads protruding at the joining portions between the frame unit 100 and the reinforce elements cause excessive management for welding quality and deterioration in productivity.
The information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Frame unit for bicycle and method of manufacturing the same


A method and system for enabling multiple video graphics array (VGA) cards to process image data are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of a graphics system includes a first video graphics array (VGA) card having a first and a second connection ports, a second VGA card having a first and a second connection ports, a third VGA card having a first and a second connection ports, and a connecting device for electronically connecting the first, the second, and the third VGA cards via connections that transfer data. The connecting device is further configured to connect the first connection port of the first VGA card to either the first or the second connection port of the second VGA card and connect the second connection port of the first VGA card to either the first or the second connection port of the third VGA card.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to graphics technologies, and more particularly, to a method and system for enabling multiple video graphics array (VGA) cards to process image data.
2. Description of the Related Art
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
With the rising demand for realism and interactivity of computer graphics, having multiple video graphics array (VGA) cards in a computer system to process image data is becoming more and more common. Thus, how to coordinate these VGA cards to yield the optimal performance results is also becoming more and more important. In a conventional graphics system, a connecting device (otherwise referred to as a bridge) is used to electronically connect the VGA cards together.
To illustrate, FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a conventional graphics system 100 having two VGA cards 102 and 104 that are connected through a connecting device 106. Here, each of the two VGA cards 102 and 104 includes a pair of two connection ports 108 and 112 and 114 and 116, respectively. The connecting device 106 can be configured to connect either one of the connection ports 108 and 112 of the VGA card 102 to either one of the connection ports 114 and 116 of the VGA card 104 (e.g., connecting 108 and 114, 112 and 114, 108 and 116, or 112 and 116). Generally, the driver software for the VGA cards 102 and 104 dictate a single unique connection between the two VGA cards that should work and allow the two VGA cards to operate at the same time. So, if the connection between the connection port 108 of the VGA card 102 and the connection port 114 of the VGA card 104 as shown in FIG. 1 is the only working connection, other possible connections between the two VGA cards do not serve any functions of enabling the two VGA cards to communicate with one another.
In other conventional two-VGA-card systems, the VGA card does not support multiple connection ports as discussed above and instead supports only one connection port. With such a single-connection-port VGA card, the two-VGA-card system cannot be expanded to include additional VGA cards to further enhance the processing capabilities of the multi-VGA-card system.
As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art is an improved method and system for enabling multiple VGA cards to operate together and address at least the problems discussed above.

Method and system for enabling multiple VGA cards to process image data


A formatting tool enables “smart” copy and paste functions. The “smart” copy and paste functions can be invoked in a context-sensitive manner, depending on the conditions under which the copy and paste functions are implemented. The present invention will automatically include in a selection a paragraph marker at the end of a selected paragraph, if every other textual character in the paragraph has been selected. The present invention will discard a paragraph mark that is included in pasted text if the pasted text is pasted into the middle of another paragraph, indicating that the user prefers the formatting of the pasted-into paragraph. The present invention also reduces inconsistencies in formatting styles that may exist between source and target documents automatically redefining a style in the target document to conform to a corresponding style in the source document. The present invention also automatically adjusts paragraph spacing, in response to text being pasted into a target document. In response to various scenarios, the present invention will determine the most likely paragraph spacing intended by the user and will apply the most probable paragraph spacing to the pasted paragraph. The present invention also automatically adjusts list, table, and spreadsheet formatting, in response to such document elements being pasted into a differently-formatted target document. Finally, the present invention provides a convenient recovery dialog that may be invoked to alter any automatically-implemented formatting decisions.

Copying and pasting text is the most widely-used means of introducing content to a word processor document. The popularity of the copy and paste functions stems in large part from the fact that a user can use the functions to quickly import material from a variety of sources. Word processor users commonly copy and paste material from source documents, such as word processor documents, e-mail notes, spreadsheets documents, and web pages. Unfortunately, pasting material into a target document often results in unpredictable formatting behavior. The text that is pasted into the target document is often in a format that is either inconsistent with the rest of the document or inconsistent with the user's expectations. This problem is often made worse by the fact that the format of the text in the source document may be different than the formatting of text in the target document. Conventional pasting functions also fail to provide recovery mechanisms. Consequently, when a user pastes text into a word processor document, the user must take affirmative steps to format the pasted text to the user's liking.
One approach to solving this problem has been to provide a "Paste Special" function that permits the user to select from various formats at the time of pasting the text into the target document. Unfortunately, the user must be aware of the availability of the "Paste Special" functionality and must make an affirmative step to implement this function. Studies of the results provided by instrumented versions of word processor application programs indicate that the "Paste Special" functionality is not commonly used.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a formatting tool that can automatically determine the most likely formatting choices based on the context and on the user's behavior. The formatting tool also should enable the user to quickly select the formatting of the pasted text. The formatting tool should operate within the confines of a document editor's normal operation, in that it does not require the user to take alternative steps to invoke the automatic formatting. The formatting tool also should provide a recovery mechanism that enables the user to quickly re-format text that has been automatically formatted, when the automatic formatting is not the desired formatting.


An apparatus for attaching a surgical accessory to a mounting rail comprises a clamp body, a locking plate component, and a clamp release mechanism. The clamp body includes at least one clamp jaw component and one or more mounting mechanisms for attaching a mount blade of a surgical accessory to the clamp body. The locking plate component is coupled to the clamp body in a manner that a rail channel is formed between the clamp jaw component and the locking plate component. The clamp release mechanism includes an actuator. The clamp release mechanism moves to allow a mounting rail to enter or exit the rail channel in response to (a) a force applied to the locking plate component or (b) activation of the actuator.

Mounting rails (or simply "rails") such as those found on surgical tables or medical beds are a common, and convenient, method for mounting a surgical accessory. The term "surgical accessory," as used herein, refers generally to any device or instrument used in conjunction with a mounting rail during surgical and other medical procedures. Examples of surgical accessories include lithotomy stirrups and retractors. There are many clamping devices that have been designed for such use on these rails for securing surgical accessories to surgical table rails. Rail clamping devices can be as simple as a C-shaped clamp with clamp jaw components that slide over the rail and mate with its cross-sectional geometry or more complex rail clamps that include spring-loaded clamp jaw components that move about the rail for more precise placement and positioning. All such rail clamps contain a channel, typically rectilinear, that allows the clamp to accept and sufficiently confine the rail to resist inadvertent dismounting of the rail clamp. Once this rail clamp is in place on the rail, an accessory can be added and secured in place. Due to the mating geometry between the inside surfaces of the rail clamp and the outside surfaces of the rail, the rail clamp can be moved to the desired position along the length of the rail. Surgical accessories or instruments, such as lithotomy stirrups or retractors, have round posts or rectilinear "blades" which, in the current art, are inserted into apertures, typically holes or slots, in the rail clamp after the rail clamp is mounted to the surgical rail. After the accessory is inserted into the rail clamp, a threaded stud, cam or other mechanical means are used to lock the accessory and rail clamp in place.
Many conventional rail clamps are difficult to employ quickly for various reasons. Some designs include a solid, C-shaped body that restricts mounting "mid-rail" and therefore must be slipped over the end of and parallel to the rail. Others may require multiple adjustments before the rail clamp can be secured or require awkward hand movements to release the clamp from the rail. If any current clamp designs were made integral to the surgical accessories, rather than as a separate device, any of the issues mentioned above may prevent the accessory/clamp combination device from being easily and safely mounted to or removed from the rail. As stated above, conventional clamps must first be mounted onto the surgical rail, and then the blade or post of the accessory can be inserted into the mating aperture. Only after these two steps can the coupled pair be fixed in place on the rail through the means employed by the clamp design.
Operating room suites and medical wards typically have numerous rooms, surgical tables and/or beds. Each of these rooms should have adequate rail clamps available to mount the appropriate surgical accessories to the table that are required for the procedure. However, in reality, these clamps can be lost, misplaced or moved to other rooms, reducing the number of clamps available to the clinical team when needed. When clamps are not readily available, procedures may be delayed while the staff searches the ward for replacements.
A combination surgical accessory/rail clamp device is a possible remedy to the lost clamp problem, but the current art has shortcomings that prevent a realistic solution. With the current art, a clamp cannot be attached to a surgical accessory and then mounted to the rail since the presence of the surgical accessory blade impedes the rail channel during mounting. One solution to this problem, using the current art, could be to weld or otherwise permanently attach the post or blade of the accessory to the body of the rail clamp since this would eliminate the issue with impeding the rail channel. However, with this solution, if the clamp portion of this new combination becomes damaged, the entire accessory becomes unusable. Removing the clamp would be very difficult and, if it could be removed, the remaining portion of the accessory could not be otherwise attached to the rail using a blade or post.

Clamp apparatus for attaching a surgical accessory to a mounting rail


A personal flotation unit for supporting a person in a generally sitting position in the water, with the person's head and part of the person's torso above the water has a rear panel and a front panel each made from a flexible flotation material. A fabric seat is connected between bottom edges of the panels. Left edges of the panels are connected by strapping of some kind, as are the right edges of the panels. The seat and the strapping cooperate to form the panels into a diaper or pair of shorts that provides flotation allowing the user to sit in an upright position in water. Preferably the front panel has a T shape with arms that during use are bent backwards by the strapping to provide lateral flotation support for the wearer.

Conventional water supports for people, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), usually have the form of a vest or jacket worn on the upper body of the wearer. This locates the buoyancy relatively high on the torso, so that the wearer's head is above the water, which is desirable for cases where the wearer may be weak or unconscious, or where current or waves are present.
In quiet water such as in a pool or in a lake, people may sometimes want simply to lounge or float in the water, say on a hot day. Inflatable mattresses and foam mattresses and sausages have commonly served this purpose, but they do not allow for controlled and consistent immersion of the user in the water, and they lack stability and reliable support for the user.


A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: mounting a semiconductor chip on a holding board having electrode accommodation recesses formed thereon, and mounting electrode members to the electrode accommodation recesses, the electrode members being formed separately from the semiconductor element; electrically connecting electrode pads formed on the semiconductor chip with the electrode members; forming a resin package for sealing the semiconductor chip on the holding board by using a die, the holding board serving as a part of the die; and separating the resin package including the electrode members from the holding board. A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip; a resin package for sealing the semiconductor chip; electrode members which are embedded in and held by the resin package and which are partly exposed from a mounting surface so as to form external connection terminals; and connecting parts electrically connecting electrode pads on the semiconductor chip with the electrode members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and particularly relates to a semiconductor device of the leadless surface mounted type and a resin sealed type and a method for manufacturing such semiconductor device.
The pitch of the leads which are provided to a semiconductor of the resin sealed type needs to be ever smaller to achieve further miniaturization of electronic devices. Therefore, for the semiconductor device of the resin sealed type, new structures and manufacturing methods are required.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2 show cross-sectional diagrams of conventional resin sealed semiconductor devices.
In FIGS. 1A-1C, a semiconductor device includes a resin 1, a semiconductor chip 2, outer leads 3, bonding wires 4 and a die pad 5. This semiconductor device is of a package structure referred to as SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) wherein the outer leads 3 bent in a gull-wing shape are mounted to a carrying board.
In FIG. 2, a semiconductor device includes the resin 1, the semiconductor chip 2, the bonding wires 4, solder balls 6 and a carrying board 7 for mounting the semiconductor chip 2. This semiconductor device is of a package structure referred to as BGA (Ball Grid Array) wherein terminal parts to be mounted to a carrying board are formed of the solder balls 6.
In the SSOP-type semiconductor device shown in FIG. 1, the area of a connecting part 9 ranging from the inner leads 8 to the outer leads 3, shown in resin 1, and/or the area occupied by the outer leads 3 is large, so that a problem arises in that the device occupies a large area when it is mounted on a board. Also, in the BGA-type semiconductor device shown in FIG. 2, the manufacturing cost increases due to the use of the carrying board 7.
A semiconductor device which could overcome the above-mentioned problems is described in Japanese Patent Application No.7-322803. FIG. 3 shows a semiconductor device 110 disclosed in the above application. As shown in FIG. 3, the semiconductor device 110 has a very simple structure including a semiconductor chip 111, a resin package 112 and metal layers 113. The semiconductor device 110 is characterized in that resin protrusions 117 formed as part of the mounting surface 116 of the resin package 112 are coated with the metal layers 113.
In the semiconductor device 110 constructed as described above, no inner lead or outer lead, as used in a conventional SSOP, is necessary. Therefore, the connecting area from inner leads to outer leads and the area occupied by the outer leads become unnecessary, so that the semiconductor device 110 is miniaturized. Also, the manufacturing cost of the semiconductor device 110 is reduced since there is no need for using the carrying board to form solder balls, as were necessary in conventional BGA. In addition, the resin protrusions 117 and the metal layers 113 together provide a function equivalent to that of solder bumps (protruded electrode) of the semiconductor device of the BGA type. This makes it easier to mount the semiconductor device.
As described above, the semiconductor device 110 can bring about various advantageous effects which were not obtained by semiconductor devices of the prior art shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2.
However, the semiconductor device 110 has a structure in which the metal layers 113 are simply disposed to cover the resin protrusions 117. At junction parts between the metal layers and the resin protrusions 117, it is difficult to maintain a sufficient joining force. There were problems such that for example during the semiconductor manufacturing process or when mounting, the metal layers 113 peel off from the resin protrusions 117 and reliability of the semiconductor device 110 may decrease.
Accordingly, there is a need for a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which overcomes the above problems. Also, there is a need for a semiconductor device in which reliability is improved by firmly joining the metal layers and the resin protrusions and a method of manufacturing such semiconductor device.

Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device


A system for physiologically informed zoological selection. The system includes a computing device configured to record a user biological extraction profile. A computing device receives condition state training data and calculates a plurality of condition vector outputs for a user biological extraction profile utilizing a first clustering algorithm. A computing device selects a characteristic condition vector output. A computing device receives zoological training data and calculates a plurality of animal vector outputs utilizing a second clustering algorithm. A computing device creates a ranked listing of animals utilizing a plurality of animal vector outputs.

Zoological selection can frequently be challenging due to the unpredictable relationships that subsequently develop after acquisition of an animal. This can be further hampered by high unique individual situations that can affect the compatibility and tolerability of animals. Currently, there remains to be seen a way of utilizing physiological information to inform animal selection and tolerability.

Methods and systems for physiologically informed zoological selection


The invention refers to a mechanical food treatment processor comprising a driving block topped by a bowl unit. The driving block comprises a motor connected to a rotation driving device configured to move a food treatment tool. The bowl unit comprises a functional element electrically supplied via an electric circuit connecting the bowl unit and the driving block. The electric circuit comprises at least two contacts between the bowl unit and the driving block. At least one of the contacts is achieved by the contact of two electrical contact surfaces, respectively located on an external surface of the bowl unit and on an external surface of the driving block. Each of the two electrical contact surfaces is substantially leveled with the external surface of the bowl unit or of the driving block. Such a configuration facilitates the cleaning of the external surfaces of the processor.

Such a processor is known from the prior art. It typically comprises a driving block topped by a bowl unit. The driving block comprises a driving shaft able to rotate about a vertical or nearly vertical axis. A cutting tool, generally comprising cutting blades, is placed on the driving shaft. The cutting blades can thus ensure the cutting or the mixing of the food placed in the bowl unit, such as fruits or vegetables.
Such a food processor is described for example in document FR2641458.
In addition, it is known to provide the bowl unit with an electric device such as a heater, so as to combine a thermal action with a mechanical action on food.
The bowl unit is in general removable with respect to the driving block. Thus, after the operations of cutting or mixing, said bowl can be raised in order to transfer its contents into another container.
In addition, the electric device supported by the bowl unit is in general power supplied via the driving block. It is thus necessary to provide removable electric connections between the driving block and the bowl unit, as described for example in documents WO2009/103903, WO2009/103904, WO2007/017461 and WO03/001952.
Such electric connections, such as pins and connectors, generally comprises projections complicating the surface cleaning of the bowl unit and of the driving block. However, in particular in a professional environment, it is advantageous to be able to clean quickly and effectively the various elements of a food processor.
In addition, the need for avoiding short-circuits makes these electric connections more complex, which must be in some cases waterproof.


Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for environmental watermarking. According to one embodiment, a print request is received at a printing device coupled to a processing unit, which evaluates whether an environmental print criteria has been satisfied. The document along with an environmental watermark image is printed on the print media upon determination that at least one environmental print criterion has been satisfied.

The interest in environmentally-friendly solutions has increased tenfold in the last decade as people become more educated and focused on conserving natural resources and the environment by reducing the negative impacts of human involvement. Sustainable development, energy conservation, and waste management are a few of the major tenets of environmental technology. In addition, green computing involves the practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and/or disposing of computing equipment including servers, monitors, printers, storage devices for example, in an efficient manner so as to have little to no environmental impact. To this end, many corporations are striving to find ways to demonstrate to customers that they are doing everything possible to reduce their environmental impact.

Environmental watermarking a print request

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A decontamination method for stripping radionuclides from the surface of stainless steel or aluminum material comprising the steps of contacting the metal with a moderately acidic carbonate/bicarbonate electrolyte solution containing sodium or potassium ions and thereafter electrolytically removing the radionuclides from the surface of the metal whereby radionuclides are caused to be stripped off of the material without corrosion or etching of the material surface.

Nuclear industry equipment and structural materials are subjected to radioactive contamination during use. The equipment, which is usually constructed from stainless steel or other metal, must therefore be routinely cleaned or otherwise treated to render it safe for further use or disposal. Such treatments include scrubbing, washing or abrading of the surface of the material in an effort to remove the deposits.
One such decontamination technology involves immersing the contaminated material in a carbonate solution and subjecting it to electrolysis sufficient to cause stripping or separating of the contaminants from the surface of the metal. Representative examples include the following U.S. patents; U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,362 to Mihram et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,192 to Lerch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,666 to Murray et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,085 to Edna et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,511 to Suwa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,644 to Dunn et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,505 to Hanulik et al.
In each of the above cases, the chemical decontaminate comprises various acidic and/or alkaline reagents, with or without oxidizing agents. In these chemical-only decontamination methods, the electrolytic cell is employed solely for the purpose of regenerating the decontamination reagent. Accordingly, these methods do not teach use of the electrolytic cell as the primary mechanism for decontamination. Further, the reagents are in and of themselves hazardous or dangerous, particularly the acidic reagents. Finally, prior art acidic or alkaline reagents are destructive to the metal equipment being treated since they invariably erode or etch the surface of the metal during treatment.
Other prior art decontamination methods include the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,853 to Childs et al. teaches a metal decontamination system employing an electrolyte comprising nitrate salts, borate, fluoride or oxalate individually and at a basic pH. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolyte contains a combination of nitrate, borate, fluoride and oxalate ions and a pH between 7 and 11.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,089 to Izumida et al. teaches a metal decontamination system employing a neutral salt electrolyte with an alternating electrolysis method. Contamination is removed by applying a current to the electrochemical cell and at programmed intervals the current is reversed thereby causing loosening or shaking off of the contaminant from the surface of the metal. As is apparent, programmed current fluctuations requires the system be equipped with appropriate controls which adds to the cost of the system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,090 to Childs teaches an improved system wherein a more efficient acidic electrolyte, which may include high concentrations of nitrate, is substituted for a prior art alkaline nitrate, borate, fluoride and oxalate electrolyte.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,776 to Sasaki et al. discloses an electrochemical metal decontamination method having a highly concentrated phosphoric acid solution for the electrolyte. The pH of the electrochemical cell is approximately 2.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,562 to Snyder et al. discloses a nickel recovery process employing electrochemical metal decontamination and in particular method a nickel recovery process directed toward removal of actinide radionuclides and technetium.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,077 to Wittle et al. discloses an electrochemical decontamination system including a reaction chamber where the pH and electrical current may be varied as required to precipitate out any radionuclide contamination. There is no disclosure of a specific electrolyte nor is contact provided between the anode or cathode and the item being decontaminated.
In view of the above, a need has existed in the art for a decontamination method that will not corrode or otherwise damage the metal equipment being treated thereby allowing the decontaminated equipment to be reused.

Method for electrochemical decontamination of radioactive metal

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


A system and method for supplying thrust to a structure, such as a satellite or spacecraft, for the purposes of station keeping and attitude control of the structure in low-gravity (orbital) and zero-gravity environments. The system includes devices for emitting energy beams and targets impacted by the energy beams to cause ablation of the targets. The beam-emitting devices and targets are adapted to cooperate and cause the structure to selectively undergo translational and/or rotational motion in reaction to the motion of material ablated from the targets. The position, alignment, and/or attitude of the structure can thereby be controlled in a zero or low-gravity environment by selectively emitting the energy beams at the targets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the general field of propulsion and thrust generation in the low-gravity (orbital) and zero-gravity environments of outer space. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and method for supplying thrust to a satellite or spacecraft for the purpose of performing station keeping and attitude control maneuvers.
2. Description of the Related Art
The capabilities for station keeping and attitude control are of critical importance in nearly all orbital and space-flight systems. Station keeping involves maintaining a desired orbit and/or orientation, despite the influence of forces such as inhomogeneous gravity fields, micrometeorite impacts, and electromagnetic forces. Geosynchronous satellites are an excellent example of station keeping, where their position and alignment are essential to provide uninterrupted service to terrestrial customers. Attitude control generally refers to the control of spacecrafts, such as vessels or ships for transporting humans and cargo, which need to perform maneuvers for various activities such as docking, surveillance, repair or maintenance work, scientific experiments, and re-entry positioning, to name just a few. The ability to provide station keeping and attitude control is therefore seen as an essential element of spaceflight. Such systems may be required to be low-cost, reliable, easily maintained, efficient, fast, environmentally-friendly, and flexible in their design, depending upon the specific mission requirements demanded of them.
The current state of the art in orbital transfers and station keeping involve reaction rockets using a variety of fuels, either chemical (liquid, gaseous, or solid fuel), thermal rockets, or electromagnetic accelerating devices (ion thrusters, magnetohydrodynamics). Chemically-fueled rockets require that fuel be brought along, and this limits the performance of the rocket through the rocket equation.ΔV=Isp·g·In(Mo/Mf)where ΔV is the velocity change given the specific impulse of the rocket motor (Isp), the gravitational constant (g), and the logarithm of the ratio of weights before (Mo) and after (Mf) the burn. Chemical rockets, typically those used for attitude control, may include hazardous chemicals, such as hydrazine, which are highly toxic, and require particular care in fueling, maintenance, and decommissioning. Chemical rockets can be refuelable, though such fuels must typically be produced from terrestrial-based manufacturing facilities. Launching the necessary replacement fuel is quite expensive. Chemical rockets also produce various byproducts, depending on the chemical reaction used to generate the force. These byproducts may be detrimental to the operation of a space vehicle, producing heat, dust, gas, or residues. Chemical rockets also typically involve a number of moving parts and control circuitry which influences their complexity and component count, thereby negatively impacting reliability.
Thermal rockets typically rely on a heat source to impart a high velocity to gaseous atoms, which are directed out a nozzle to generate thrust. A common source of heat is a radioactive isotope, such as strontium. The environmental consequences of a failed launch or a satellite reentry may be unacceptably dangerous. The gaseous atoms are also typically a substance which may be abundant on Earth but rare in space, therefore requiring the expense of launching replacement fuel.
Electromagnetically accelerated rockets, such as the electrostatic ion engine, typically use some gaseous fuel which is ionized and then accelerated to produce thrust.
Engines of this type are efficient, however, their specific impulse is generally quite low and they are therefore of limited use in space mission applications. More powerful methods of electromagnetic rocket engines have been proposed, however, these are more typically aimed at providing main thrust and not necessarily station keeping or attitude control.
In view of the above, existing methods of station keeping and attitude control suffer from a variety of drawbacks. It would therefore be desirable if improved performance of station keeping and attitude control system could be achieved with the convenience of freedom from terrestrial fuel sources and simple refueling using materials commonly found in space environments.

System and method for attitude control and station keeping


A system for treating vaginal prolapse including two implants, each implant including a mesh support portion and two mesh extension portions, wherein for each implant the support portion is capable of contacting vaginal sulcus tissue while the two extension portions extend to tissue of an obturator foramen. The implant may include a mesh strip, with the support portion having a length between 4 and 6 centimeters, with the total length of the mesh strip being between 15 and 20 centimeters, and with the mesh strip being of substantially uniform width in the range from 0.5 to 1.3 centimeters. The implant may include two sutures, with one suture connected at each opposing end of the implant, and/or the implant may include one or multiple sutures connected along a length of the implant.

Anterior vaginal prolapse repairs have historically had recurrence rates of around thirty percent. This is because traditional surgery uses devitalized tissues and paravaginal defects are very difficult to correct transvaginally. Laparoscopic paravaginal defect correction is technically very difficult and there is no data looking at its efficacy. The use of "mesh" for prolapse repair shows greater efficacy in a randomized trial by Sand et al. but does not address total anterior vaginal reconstruction and certainly not paravaginal defect correction.

Apparatus and method for repairing vaginal reconstruction


A first request to access a first set of items is received, wherein each item is associated with one or more properties. A second request to access a second set of items is also received. A determination is made as to whether items from the first set are in the second set of items, and the sets are divided into one or more subsets based on the determining. Each of the one or more subsets is assigned to a respective thread, and the respective thread of the subset that does not contain items in the second request is processed. This way, individual subsets (i.e. data partitions) can be processed by multiple threads in parallel without having to synchronize them.

The disclosure relates to information management.
Future hardware may eventually offer a large number of hardware threads that can operate on shared memory. A basic problem of multiple threads operating on shared memory is concurrency control. In particular, handling the simultaneous access to items in a database may be problematic. For example, more than one application can try to access the same items in a database for different retrieval or manipulation operations.

Parallelizing data manipulation by data set abstraction


A container such as a nail varnish container is provided which permits the user to quickly remove or put on the cap with a single hand without the need of turning the cap. The container includes a container body having a neck formed with a narrow hole having its top edge tapered. The neck has a tapered upper portion and a small-diameter portion connected to the bottom of the tapered upper portion to define a shoulder on the bottom. Its cap includes a cap body to be fitted on the neck. The cap body houses a vertically movable plug which can be seated on the tapered top edge of the neck, an elastic member which slides downwardly along the outer surface of the tapered upper portion and fits in the small-diameter portion and engages the shoulder, and a spring biasing the plug downwardly relative to the cap body. The cap body is provided with a disengaging means for disengaging the elastic member from the shoulder.

This invention relates to a container suitable for storing a liquid, powder or granular material. The container includes a cap which can be put on the mouth of the container to hermetically seal up the mouth and can be removed from the container, all in a single action with one hand. The container is also equipped with means which prevents the cap from being inadvertently removed when it is tampered with by e.g. infants.
Typical liquid containers such as bottles for nail varnish or enamel paint are required to be both watertight and airtight when capped since nail varnish is volatile. The cap usually carries a brush or other means for applying nail varnish to the nails.
A conventional nail varnish bottle comprises a bottle body having a neck and a cap detachably fitted on the tubular neck of the bottle body. The tubular neck has a vertical straight bore and is formed with male threads on its outer surface.
The cap has a female threaded inner surface adapted to engage the male threaded outer surface of the tubular neck of the bottle body, and carries a brush at the business bottom end of a shaft extending downwardly from the inner top or ceiling of the cap.
The cap is put on the neck of the bottle body with its brush inserted in the bottle through its straight bore of the neck by engaging its female threaded surface of the cap with the male threaded surface of the bottle neck until the opening of the bottle is hermetically sealed by the cap.
When using the nail varnish, the user loosens the cap, removes it to pull the brush together out of the bottle, and works the brush, which is now soaked with nail varnish, against the nails to apply varnish to them.
In order to loosen and remove the cap, the user has to hold the bottle with one hand and turn the cap with the other because it is a screw cap screwed on.
Since nail varnish is volatile, the nail varnish bottle should be hermetically closed by putting the cap back on quickly after use. On the other hand, as if on the horns of a dilemma, it usually takes a rather long time for the varnish applied to finger nails (usually applied to all the ten fingers of both hands at a time) to dry up.
In order to attach and detach the cap, it has to be turned several times or more with one hand while holding the bottle with the other hand. This is troublesome and time-consuming.
If trials are made to put the cap back on the bottle, which require the quickest possible screwing job by both hands as described above, with haste even before the varnish on the nails completely dries up, the still wet and soft varnish on one or some of the ten nails, which has been applied with elaborate efforts, may be all too often marred by inadvertently letting them touch something, no matter how much care the user exercises to put the cap back on. Thus practically, the user cannot put the cap back on until the varnish on the nails has completely dried up.
When the brush is pulled out of the bottle, excess varnish tends to be carried by the brush. It has to be removed by scraping the brush against the inside edge of the opening of the bottle neck to adjust the amount of varnish to be applied with so much time expended in doing so (delaying the time to put the cap back on). The edge of the opening is thus soiled with the scraped-off varnish. The varnish stuck along the edge of the opening will soon dry up, crust and become useless.
An object of the present invention is to provide a container such as a nail varnish container having means which permits the user to quickly remove the cap from or put the cap back on with a single hand without the need to turn the cap and without the fear of marring the elaborate finish of the varnish applied to the nails, and means for spontaneously removing excess varnish carried on the brush when the brush is pulled out of the bottle.


A system for analyzing information relating to network devices comprises a computer readable storage medium and computer software stored on the computer readable storage medium. The computer software reviews message information generated by a plurality of network devices, stores first event records associating first events from the message information with the plurality of the network devices, reviews user-reported event information, correlate the user-reported event information with a network device, store a second event record associating a second event from the user-reported event information with the network device correlated with the user-reported event information, calculate a total value for on ones of the network devices, and generates a report according to the total values.

Data networks may include file servers, print servers, routers, switches, client computers, hubs, or other network devices. As the size and complexity of data networks have increased, it has become more difficult to analyze the status of the various network devices that make up the data network and to identify problems with the network devices that may warrant further investigation by administrators.

System and method for analyzing user-generated event information and message information from network devices