1. Field of Application and Prior Art
The invention relates to an appliance for switching on and off several heating devices of a cooker, as well as a cooker having such an appliance.
Radiant heaters with a diameter which can exceed 230 mm exist for hobs with glass ceramic plates, for example. They in part suffer from the problem that an energy or power supply through so-called energy or power control devices on the one hand and an excess temperature protection for the glass ceramic plate over the radiant heater through so-called temperature limiters on the other are limited by the maximum power levels which can be applied and by a so-called flicker standard. The flicker standard indicates how frequently in a specific time period a specific power may be switched on and off for a cooker and is intended to prevent significant supply network reactive effects in line with the power supply companies. The switching capacity of both the power control devices and the temperature limiters, which operate with so-called snap-action switches and such as are for example described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,064,045 and 4,633,238, is generally limited. In the USA this is 12 or 13 Ampere, for example, and consequently 100,000 switching cycles must be attainable.
Thus, with the normally predetermined mains voltage, it is not possible to further increase the power of a radiant heater.
2. Problem and Solution
The problem of the invention is to provide the aforementioned appliance and aforementioned cooker enabling the prior art problems to be avoided and which in particular enables the maximum power to be increased, particularly for a hotplate with radiant heating.
This problem is solved by an appliance having the features of claim 1 and a cooker having the features of claim 11. Advantageous and preferred developments of the invention form the subject matter of the further claims and are explained in greater detail hereinafter. By express reference the wording of the claims is made into part of the content of the description. In line with the present application “have” means that this feature can be inter alia provided, independently of further features.
According to the invention, the appliance has a temperature detection device or in certain circumstances forms the latter and has a temperature-dependent, thermomechanical release or tripping movement as the operating principle. The temperature detection device has a first switching device or is connected thereto and can be directly operated at an adjustable tripping point by a tripping movement in order to switch on and off the first switching device. A second switching device is provided for switching on and off the second heating device. Said second switching device is also activatable by the tripping movement. Both the first and second switching devices are designed for switching the heating power of the particular heating device, that means as so-called power switches, relays, for example. They are so constructed that they achieve the necessary number of switching cycles. For the second switching device or the tripping thereof, it can be directly or indirectly activated by the tripping movement. In the case of a direct activation the switching contacts are directly moved by the tripping movement. With indirect activation in the sense of the present application the tripping of the first switching device is activated by the tripping movement and the signal caused by the same or a switched voltage activates the second switching device. Thus, here activation does not take place in direct mechanical manner via the tripping movement.
Thus, it is possible as a result of the invention to create a temperature detection device which, in place of a conventional temperature limiter, such as can be gathered from U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,238, for example, can be used for monitoring the glass ceramic plate of a hob with radiant heater with respect to excess temperatures. The two heating devices belong to a single hotplate, that means at least on occasions are operated jointly. In particular there is a two or multiple circuit hotplate. Thus, the temperature detection device trips the first and second switching devices and each switching device switches on or off the particular associated heating device. Thus, in the case of an excess temperature, the total power of the hotplate no longer has to be switched by a single switching device of the temperature detection device, so that the total power of the heating devices or hotplate can be increased.
Preferably, when using relays as switching devices, they are so designed that when a current is not flowing through them, that means in the deactivated or uncontrolled state, they are opened. The heating devices connected thereto are then switched off.
According to a first possibility provided by the invention, the second switching device can be directly activated by the first switching device. This can for example take place in that with the first switching device closed for switching on the first heating device the second switching device receives a corresponding electric signal so as to then activate or switch on the second heating device. Alternatively and as a result of the connection of the first heating device to a supply voltage, the second switching device can be supplied with energy for activation. Thus, in this embodiment, the second switching device is not directly activated by the tripping movement and is instead indirectly activated, in that it is controlled by the first switching device activated by the tripping movement.
In another possibility provided by the invention, it is possible to provide a third switching device, which is connected or coupled to the temperature detection device and at an adjustable tripping point can be directly operated by the tripping movement. An operation advantageously takes place simultaneously with the first switching device, that means at the same tripping point. Such a third switching device can directly activate or supply energy to the second switching device, so that it correspondingly switches on or off the second heating device. Thus, here the second switching device is activated by the third switching device, unlike in the previous embodiment where this takes place through the first switching device. This offers the advantage that in this case no further functions or connections have to be provided for the first switching device, but it is necessary to provide the third switching device. However, it is also possible to use a switching device for this purpose which is already present in conventional temperature limiters, such as for example according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,238, for indicating a temperature of above 100° C., for example, so as to constitute a hot indicator.
According to another possibility of the invention it is also possible to incorporate the second switching device into the temperature detection device in the same way as the first switching device and in particular with the same construction. In this case increased constructional demands are made, particularly with respect to insulation resistances and gaps.
The third switching device for controlling the second switching device can either operate with a lower voltage than the mains voltage or can be designed for significantly lower currents. Its function is merely to switch the activation current for the second switching device. In the case of power relays and in certain circumstances electronic switches this is relatively low, so that no increased mechanical or contact-specific demands have to be made on the third switching device.
The temperature detection device can advantageously have an expansion device, which expands or brings about a mechanical tripping movement as a function of the detected temperature. It can be a temperature limiter according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,238, to which express reference is made. Such a temperature limiter can have two elongated, parallel longitudinal elements, which are coupled at one end and have different temperature expansion coefficients. At a predetermined or detected temperature they expand to a varying degree and this relative movement leads to the tripping movement, because the relative movement between them occurs at the uncoupled end. For this purpose one of the elements can be fixed to the temperature detection device. The other moves relative thereto and gives rise to a force which, together with the tripping movement, can for example operate a switching device or the like.
According to a further development the appliance can have a control for the heating devices or can be connected thereto, for example in the form of a so-called timing or cyclic energy control device. As a result thereof radiant heaters, for example, can be operated cyclically, which means that they are either switched off or switched on at full power. Therefore the level of the energy generation at the heating devices can be predetermined over several cycles or over and beyond a specific time. This is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,045 to which express reference is made. When the control is switched off none of the aforementioned switching devices is activated or activatable. This ensures that the level of the energy generation or the nature of the timing is predetermined by the control or the energy control device. The temperature detection device advantageously merely provides an overheating protection of a glass ceramic plate, for example, against excessive heating by the heating devices.
A cooker according to the invention can contain an aforementioned appliance for at least two independently controllable heating devices. These two heating devices form a hotplate or are very closely juxtaposed, so that in some modes they can be operated jointly for heating a single correspondingly large, stood-on cooking vessel. The first heating device is the main heating device, whereas the second heating device is an additional heating device. The second device can either be connected laterally and roughly over roughly a half to the first heating device and can optionally even completely surround the same. For smaller cooking vessels, they are heated solely by the first heating device. With larger cooking vessels covering the entire surface area of the first and second heating devices, both heating devices are used jointly. With such a joint use, it is naturally advantageous if the temperature detection device in the case of an excess temperature in an area, particularly of the first heating device, not only switches off the latter, but in fact both heating devices. Otherwise and in particular when using radiant heaters, an unaccustomed picture would arise for the user.
Advantageously the power of the first heating device is significantly higher than that of the second heating device and is roughly twice as high, for example.
For the second heating device it is possible to provide a maximum continuous power output corresponding to a power density of max. approximately 2.5 W/cmý. Such a value has the advantage that when using radiant heaters and a glass ceramic plate as the hob, such a power density can be operated so-to-speak in unprotected form, that is without any temperature monitoring for the glass ceramic. Dangerous temperatures of approximately 550° C. and higher cannot be obtained. Such power densities cannot lead to an overheating of the glass ceramic. The power density can also be selected above 2.5 W/cmý if the glass ceramic manufacture's specifications or tests reveal or allow this.
This makes it possible for the temperature device in its function as an overheating protection to only have to monitor the first heating device, but not the second heating device. It can for example cover the first heating device, but not the second heating device. It can alternatively be deactivated in the area of the second heating device. For this purpose it is possible, for example in the case of a rod control unit in the area to be deactivated of one of the two longitudinal elements to be partly replaced by another partial longitudinal element, which has the same temperature expansion as the other longitudinal element. Thus, by heating in the area to be deactivated, there is no relative movement or no contribution to a relative movement.
The cooker can advantageously have a timing or cyclic energy control device, as described hereinbefore and as can for example be gathered from U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,045. This energy control device is constructed for at least for activating the first heating device. Due to the fact that the second heating device is controlled or activated by means of the aforementioned appliance or temperature detection device and the power level of the heating devices is determined by the energy control device, this predetermines the on and off times both for the first heating device and consequently the second heating device.
According to a further development a fourth switching device can be provided and which, independently of the second or third switching device, activates or deactivates the second heating device for synchronous operation with the heating device. This fourth switching device can for example make it possible for a user, as a function of the size of the stood-on cooking vessel, to activate or not activate the additional heater. It can for example be formed by a power switch looped into the supply voltage and in particular a relay, with a corresponding control for a user, for example a contact switch. The second switching device can be provided separately from the energy control device on the cooker. In the manner described hereinbefore, it can be a separate power switch, particularly a relay.
These and further features can be gathered from the claims, the description and the drawings and the individual features, both singly or in the form of subcombinations, can be implemented in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields and can represent advantageous, independently protectable constructions for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections and the subheadings in no way limit the general validity of the statements made thereunder.


Inorganic phosphate (P.sub.i), a charged anion, is essential to bioenergetics, metabolic regulation, and bone and membrane structure. It is well known that P.sub.i homeostasis in the body depends primarily on mechanisms that govern the renal excretion of P.sub.i into the glomerular filtrate and its subsequent reabsorption against an electrochemical gradient via brush-border epithelial cells located in the proximal tubule of the kidney [J. Bonjour and J. Caverzasio, Reviews in Physiological Pharmacology, 100:161-214 (1985); V. W. Dennis, Phosphate homeostasis, in HANDBOOK OF PHYSIOLOGY, (S. Shultz, ed. 1991) at pages 1785-1815.] This transepithelial transport of P.sub.i is mediated, in part, by a transport system which is driven by the transmembrane Na.sup.+ gradient across the microvilli brush border membrane. However, it remains largely unknown how cells transport and regulate necessary the intracellular concentrations of P.sub.i, and the molecular events underlying this system. Experiments using isolated kidney tubules or brush-border membranes have shown that P.sub.i transport is rather complex, regulated not only by extracellular [P.sub.i ] but also by neurotransmitters such as catecholamines (for review see V. W. Dennis, supra), and by a variety of hormones and metabolic factors. Berndt and Knox, "Renal Regulation of Phosphate Excretion", in, THE KIDNEY. PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, (D. W. Seldin and G. Giebisch, eds., 1991) at pages 1381-1396. Renal denervation, for example, decreases sodium and phosphate reabsorption. Norepinephrine released from nerve endings in proximity to renal tubules acts on the proximal tubule to increase phosphate reabsorption. In studies of isolated tubules, however, dopamine is shown to inhibit phosphate and sodium transport in the rabbit proximal tubule. Furthermore, several studies also show than depletion of extracellular P.sub.i or increased circulating levels of parathyroid hormone alter the activity and expression of transporter molecules or both.
Several recent reports have demonstrated that P.sub.i homeostasis significantly affects the central nervous system (CNS). Phosphate/calcium alterations in serum, for example, have been implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's diseases. Depletion of high energy phosphates (phosphocreatine) and ATP is thought to be part of the final common pathway mediating excitotoxic neuronal cell death secondary to a wide variety of insults. Tight coupling between P.sub.i transport and ATP production has been observed in many cells and tissues. Chronic P.sub.i depletion in vivo is associated with a significant reduction in the ATP content of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, platelets, and various tissues including kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle. A similar observation has been made in cultured peripheral vagal nerves. This reduction in intracellular ATP has been shown to be a direct consequence of the decrease in intracellular P.sub.i which occurs following P.sub.i depletion. In addition to its possible role in ATP biosynthesis, several lines of evidence have suggested that P.sub.i may be involved in neuronal signalling events. In this regard, a study using brain tissue has recently shown that physiological concentrations of P.sub.i can enhance the ATP-dependent binding of Ca.sup.++ to brain microsomes, resulting in a larger intracellular pool of Ca.sup.++ releasable by inositol triphosphate. Our recent work have demonstrated that >90% P.sub.i transport in cortical neurons, which displays similar kinetic parameters to those reported for cultured kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells and membrane vesicles, are sodium dependent and that this Na.sup.+ -dependent transport system is regulated through a Na.sup.+ -dependent P.sub.i cotransporner. B. Ni, et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), 91:5607-5611 (1994).
The present invention describes the cloning and characterization of a human brain Na.sup.+ -dependent P.sub.i cotransporter which is selectively expressed in discrete populations of neurons and glia. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis demonstrates that this Na.sup.+ -dependent P.sub.i cotransporter is located in chromosome 19 (19q13.3) which has been linked to susceptible gene(s) for late onset Alzheimer's disease. M. Mullan and F. Crawford, Trends in Neurological Sciences, 16, 398-403 (1993). The characterization and treatment of physiological disorders is hereby furthered.


In phase contrast imaging, an object is radiated with coherent X-ray radiation, for example achieved by placing a grating structure in front of a conventional X-ray tube. For example, WO 2011/070521 A1 relates to differential phase contrast imaging and describes a respective system. A grating in front of the focal spot is provided to enhance the coherence length of the generated X-rays to a useful level. The grating is required to have a transparency that is reduced due to the requirement of having a small slits-to-pitch ratio, for example for the benefit of improved detection of phase shifts. However, it has been shown that for achieving sufficient image data quality, X-ray tubes with increased tube power are needed, which can result in expensive tubes. An example for increasing X-ray tube power is the provision of liquid metal jets acting as the anode for generating the X-ray radiation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,382 B2 describes an arrangement for generating intensive radiation based on plasma generation, where the target generator has a multiple channel nozzle with a plurality of target jets for the generation of intensive short wave radiation. The plasma generated from the target jets merge into one extended plasma, leading to a powerful light source. However, the generation of plasma reduces the suitability for phase contrast X-ray imaging. It must be noted further that a source grating would have to be provided, which means additional effort due to the necessary manufacturing steps for the grating. Further, since the X-ray absorbing portions may be provided by gold material which is becoming a more and more expensive material, this also implies negative economic effects.


Mobility and a wideband has become a development trend of modern communication technologies, and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has been devoted to a long Term Evolution (LTE) system evolving from a 3G system with the aim of developing the 3GPP radio access technologies toward a high data ratio, a short delay, and optimized packet data applications. The Multi-input Multi-Output (MIMO) technology at the physical layer has become one of crucial technologies in the current mobile communication system due to a number of advantages thereof, for example, the capacity of the system is extended through space division multiplexing of multiple antennas, the throughput of the system is improved using a multiplexing gain of multiple antennas, etc.
As the capacity is extended, interference also becomes higher accordingly due to the correlation between channels in a channel matrix, and if a base station can obtain somehow some Channel State Information (CSI) (which can be an instantaneous value, or can be short-term or middle- to long-term statistic information, then it may optimize power, rates, and even transmit directions applied to respective data streams in some preprocessing scheme, and possibly a part or all of interference between the data streams may be eliminated in advance at a terminal through preprocessing, thus achieving higher performance.
Accordingly it is highly desirable in the industry to improve the extent of matching between the CSI fed back by the terminal, and a channel state.


Traditionally, footwear has been secured to the foot by means of a strip of material or thong. Early man discovered that removal and resecuring could be made relatively simple by forming holes near the edges of the material forming the footwear and threading the strip of material alternately through the holes of adjacent edges. Thus, was invented the first "shoelace" which has changed remarkably little in the intervening thousands of years.
Not only does the shoelace provide the necessary function, loafers and the like aside, of ensuring satisfactory securing onto the foot, but it provides important decoration as well. Laces are made in a wide variety of patterns and colors to provide the wearer with an opportunity to use the lace as an accessory. And there is no doubt that these traditional laces perform these functions or they would not still be in near universal use after all these years.
However, the traditional lace does have several drawbacks, notwithstanding its virtues and near universality. One of those is the limited area of the lace which is available for view and hence the limited visual impact a lace decoration can have. It is true that the lace width can be increased somewhat, but increasing the width makes drawing the lace through the holes more difficult. Also, the cross-section of the lace is invariably compressed and the lace deformed under tension, reducing its decorative impact.
Secondly, threading the laces through the holes is a time consuming operation requiring manual dexterity. It is impractical to change the laces as often as a fashion conscious person might change other accessories, and yet given the option that is exactly what many, particularly young, people would very much like to do.
Thirdly, the fact that laces are so universal establishes a need for an alternative from a fashion standpoint. After all, it is the ability to choose which is fundamental to fashion.


Alkylation using HF is a widely used commercial refining and petrochemical process. Generally, alkylation is the addition of an alkyl group to another hydrocarbon. Commercially, HF is used to alkylate isobutane with propylene, butylene, and amylene isomers to produce high octane gasoline blending components, as well as to alkylate benzene in the manufacture of detergents.
The commercial process for alkylating isobutane with propylene is typical of many commercial HF alkylation process. Briefly, propylene and a stoichiometric excess of isobutane contact HF in a reactor where alkylation reactions produce alkylate. The reactor effluent passes to a settler in which the effluent separates into an acid phase containing HF and a hydrocarbon phase containing unreacted isobutane and alkylate. The acid phase is recycled to the reactor. The hydrocarbon phase passes to a fractionation column, commonly called an isostripper or a deisobutanizer, from which the isobutane is also recycled to the reactor and alkylate is recovered as product.
In addition to producing alkylate, HF alkylation processes also produce a by-product called acid-soluble oil, or ASO, which is soluble in HF. ASO is a recognized term in the art of alkylation, and is sometimes referred to as HF-soluble oil, polymer, conjunct polymer, or polymer by-product. Because ASO is soluble in HF, ASO in the settler concentrates not in the hydrocarbon phase but in the acid phase, and consequently the ASO is recycled to the reactor. In the reactor, ASO generally decreases the catalytic activity of the HF. While this effect can be beneficial at relatively low concentrations of ASO, if allowed to accumulate to relatively high concentrations ASO has a detrimental effect on the process. For this reason, ASO is typically removed at least periodically from a slip stream of the acid phase by a process that is commonly called regeneration.
Regeneration is typically performed in two ways, internal regeneration and external regeneration. In internal regeneration, a slip stream of the acid phase, which is hereinafter referred to as a by-product stream, remixes with the hydrocarbon phase and passes to the isostripper. The ASO, being a heavy polymerized by-product, tends to pass downward in the isostripper and is rejected from the bottom of the isostripper and out of the process. The HF that enters the isostripper in internal regeneration tends to pass upward in the isostripper, is recovered from the overhead of the isostripper, and is recycled to the reactor. External regeneration, on the other hand, uses a stripping column commonly called an external regenerator to remove ASO from a by-product stream of the acid phase. In an external regenerator, either heat or isobutane or both strip HF overhead, leaving a residue of mostly ASO which is rejected from the bottom of the external regenerator and out of the process. The overhead of the external regenerator either is recycled as a condensed liquid to the reactor or is passed as a vapor to the isostripper where it may be used to assist in fractionation.
A growing and recent trend in HF alkylation processes is the use of complexing agents to minimize the volatility of the acid phase. Because HF is volatile and the environmental risks arising from an accidental release of HF to the atmosphere are more and more undesirable, complexing agents that reduce the vapor pressure of HF and the tendency of HF to form an aerosol are now in greater use than ever before. Complexing agents typically contain at least one Lewis base site, which commonly comprises a Group 5A element such as nitrogen. Certain nitrogen-containing compounds, such as pyridine, picolines, quinoline, trimethylamine, and triethylamine, are known to form complexes with HF to reduce its volatility. For example, see Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 57(1982)-92502 (Oda et al). U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,674 (Olah) discloses that mixtures of HF and preferred nitrogen-containing compounds (complexing agents) such as ammonia, methylamines, ethylamines, propylamines, butylamines, pentylamines, pyridine, picolines, melamine, and hexamethylene-tetramine remained effective catalysts in alkylation of alkanes by alkenes. Mixtures of Olah's preferred complexing agents with HF are hereinafter referred to as HF-amine complexes.
A problem that arises with the use of some complexing agents in HF alkylation processes is that both internal and external regeneration tend to reject not only ASO but also the HF-agent complex from the process. As a solution to this problem, a two-step method for removing ASO from a by-product stream containing HF, ASO, and HF-agent complex, where the complexing agent contains at least one Lewis base site containing a Group 5A element and the by-product stream has a molar ratio of HF per Lewis base site substantially above 5:1, is practiced in the art. First, a portion of the HF in the by-product stream is selectively removed to produce an HF-depleted stream having a molar ratio of HF per Lewis base site of 3:1 to 5:1. Then, the HF-depleted stream is separated into a hydrocarbon phase enriched in ASO and an acid phase depleted in ASO that contains a substantial portion of the HF-agent complex. The selectively removed HF and the acid phase are both recycled to the hydrocarbon alkylation step, and the hydrocarbon phase is rejected from the process. Thus, this method rejects ASO but not HF-agent complex from the process.
One of the problems with the method described in the previous paragraph is that the HF-enriched stream that contains the selectively removed HF also contains 10 to 15 wt-% ASO. The ASO in the HF-enriched stream tends to be lighter than the heavier ASO that remains in the HF-depleted stream and which is ultimately rejected from the process in the hydrocarbon phase. Nevertheless, like the heavy ASO, this light ASO which is recycled to the alkylation reactor has a detrimental effect on the alkylation reactions. Thus, a method is sought for rejecting ASO, in particular light ASO, from an HF alkylation process that uses an HF-agent complex, wherein the complexing agent contains at least one Lewis base site containing a Group 5A element.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,674 (Olah) discloses a process of alkylating aliphatic hydrocarbons with alkenyl hydrocarbons in the presence of liquid HF-ammonia or HF-amine complexes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,150 (Child et al.) discloses a method of separating a stream containing ASO, HF, and sulfolane by first separating out HF and then gravitationally separating the HF-depleted stream into a polymer-rich stream and a sulfolane-rich stream.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,746 (Child et al.) discloses an HF alkylation process comprising passing a reactor effluent settler acid phase containing sulfolane, ASO, and HF to an external regenerator; passing the external regenerator overhead stream containing HF and light ASO to an isostripper; recycling an isostripper overhead stream containing HF to the alkylation reactor; and recovering an isostrpper bottom stream containing alkylate and light ASO.
In motor fuel alkylation processes, the passage of the overhead vapor stream of an external regenerator to an isostripper, wherein the overhead vapor stream enters the isostripper at an intermediate point that is below the feed point of the isostripper, is practiced commercially.
The regeneration of HF used as catalyst is also practiced in the production of detergents by the reaction of C.sub.8 -plus normal olefinic hydrocarbons and benzene. The use in such a process of an external regenerator for regenerating HF and of another stripping column, which is called an HF stripper, for separating HF from the hydrocarbon-containing reactor effluent phase is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,237,327 (Winter, III) and 4,237,328 (Winter, III). U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,327 teaches a process in which an overhead vapor stream having a low concentration of ASO exits an external regenerator and enters an HF stripper at an upper intermediate point that is below the feed point of the HF stripper. U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,328 teaches passing the overhead vapor stream of an external regenerator and the overhead vapor stream of an HF stripper to a common single overhead condenser.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the examination of biological materials and, more particularly to providing a wavelength-tunable excitation light to excite a plurality of fluorophores associated with biological probe arrays and detect emissions from each of the fluorophores in response to the excitation light.
2. Related Art
Synthesized nucleic acid probe arrays, such as Affymetrix® GeneChip® probe arrays, and spotted probe arrays, have been used to generate unprecedented amounts of information about biological systems. For example, the GeneChip® Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 probe array available from Affymetrix, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., is comprised of a single microarray containing over 1,000,000 unique oligonucleotide features covering more than 47,000 transcripts that represent more than 33,000 human genes. Analysis of expression data from such microarrays may lead to the development of new drugs and new diagnostic tools.


Dinettes are common features in recreational vehicles. A typical dinette includes a pair of bench seats and a table supported by one or more table posts or legs. Because space is limited in recreational vehicles, dinettes often can be converted into a bed by lifting the tabletop from its support posts, removing the support posts, and inserting the tabletop between the dinette seats on small ledges on the seats. The problem with conventional convertible dinettes is that the support posts or legs must be stowed when used as a bed.


1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an educational device, more particularly to a modular educational device that includes modular segments that can be assembled and disassembled to form a geometric shape.
2. Description of the Related Art
Crawl-through geometric units are used to help young children develop mobility abilities and identify geometric shapes. However, since such geometric units are generally made of wood, their shapes and sizes are fixed. As such, storage of the conventional geometric units is also inconvenient.


U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,712 and copending application Ser. No. 129,7l4 filed 12/07/87 disclose miniature high-speed blood pumps which can be threaded through a blood vessel to provide heart assist in emergency situations without major surgery. Typically, such pumps are inserted through, e.g., the femoral artery. An inflow cannula is positioned ahead of the pump during insertion, and this cannula must typically be pushed through the aortic valve in a retrograde direction.
In the past, such retrograde insertion was usually done by means of a wire guide over which the inflow cannula was slipped, and which was subsequently withdrawn. This method was unsatisfactory not only because it was awkward and carried a risk of injury to the vascular system and to the aortic valve, but also because it required the continuing observation of the wire during insertion by x-ray or other procedures. In an emergency, appropriate x-ray equipment may not be immediately available, and heart assist may have to be provided so quickly that the slow wire guide method may not be suitable.
A requirement therefore exists for an inflow cannula which can be attached to the intake of an intravascular blood pump and can be pushed ahead of the pump for blind retrograde insertion into the left ventricle through the aortic valve without any additional apparatus and without danger of injury to the patient.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical scanning device for an image forming apparatus which scans an original document for forming a light image of the original document on an image carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional optical scanning device for an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, is reciprocally moved by a driving mechanism to scan an original document. A light image is irradiated on an image carrier, for instance, a photoconductive drum, by the scanning of the original document with the optical scanning device.
In a first conventional optical scanning device, the device comprises a pair of shafts, a carriage on which a lamp, a reflector and a mirror are mounted, a pair of pipe-shaped supporting members mounted on the carriage, and a moving mechanism for moving the carriage. The pair of shafts is inserted into the pair of supporting members, and thus the pair of supporting members slidably moves along the shafts. The carriage is operatively connected to the moving mechanism to be reciprocally moved along the shafts via the pair of pipe-shaped supporting members.
In a second conventional optical scanning device, the device comprises a pair of guide rails, a carriage on which a lamp, a reflector and a mirror are mounted and having a pair of extended portions, a pair of slide members made of plastic with a low coefficient of friction mounted on the pair of extended portions, and a moving mechanism for moving the carriage. The carriage is movably placed on the pair of guide rails via the slide members. The carriage is operatively connected to the moving mechanism to be reciprocally moved along the rails via the pair of slide members.
However, the above-mentioned conventional optical scanning devices have many problems. That is, force moments occur about the leading edge in the moving direction of the carriages at the start of forward movement and at the start of backward movement during the scanning operation of the optical scanning devices. In the first conventional optical scanning device, although a certain amount of clearance is required between the shaft and the pipe-shaped supporting member, when a force moment occurs at the start of reciprocal movement, rattling occurs between the pair of shafts and the pipe-shaped supporting members due to this clearance. This leads to a problem of poor picture quality due to the occurrence of image blurring.
In the second conventional optical scanning device, since the carriage is held only on the guide rails by its own weight via the slide members, there is a problem in that the carriage is liable to jump up at the start of reciprocal movement or due to other external forces and thus image blurring will occur. In either case, the higher the copying speed, the greater the blurring, and thus there is a problem in that the system cannot be applied to high-speed models.


The present invention relates to fertilization wherein irrigation waters of agricultural irrigation systems contain fertilizer nutrients.
The agriculture industry adds fertilizers to the plant environs, such as the soil, to enhance crop growth and subsequent yields. Commercial fertilizers are usually selected of a variety of formulations depending on the crop and its nutrient requirements.
Fertilizers generally are classified according to their NPK content. NPK is common terminology used in the fertilizer industry and stands for: (1) N—the amount of nitrogen in the formulation as N; (2) P—the amount of phosphorus in the formulation as P2O5; and (3) K—the amount of potassium in the formulation as K2O. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the basic plant nutrients or macronutrients that are taken up and utilized by the growing crops, and they are commonly provided or augmented by the addition of fertilizers (NPK fertilizers).
A fertilizer, as that term is used herein and as generally understood, refers to the nutrient-containing materials used to deliver fertilizer nutrients to a crop. Conventional fertilizers typically will contain materials that are extraneous to the crop's nutrient-uptake and soil condition (“yield-extraneous constituents”) but which, for practical and/or other reasons, are necessary to the delivery of the nutrients. The process of delivering fertilizer nutrients to crops is referred to as fertilization.
The fertilization method of adding fertilizers to the water being used to irrigate the crops is called “fertigation”, reflecting this combination of irrigation and fertilization. Fertigation reduces equipment, fuel and labor expended in the addition of fertilizers in comparison to mechanical delivery of fertilizers to the crop, and thus fertigation achieves a significant overall cost savings.
To conserve water, which is decreasing in availability and increasing in cost, current conventional technology includes micro-irrigation systems that deliver precise amounts of water directly to the soil holding the root system of the plant that is being grown. In the past twenty to thirty years, a large percentage of crop producers in the western and southwestern United States have converted from flood and sprinkler irrigation systems to micro-irrigation technology. Micro-irrigation systems contain devices called emitters, micro-sprinklers or other such devices that provide the precise amounts of water directly to the desired soil site, namely the soil holding the roots of the plant or crop being irrigated.
Micro-irrigation systems are sensitive to water quality and the inclusion of fertilizers and other additives stemming from the refinement of their micro components. These emitters, micro-sprinklers or other micro devices have very tiny orifices and/or a long tortuous narrow passageway that provide the requisite pressure for delivery of precise amounts of water in a uniform manner to each plant in the crop being irrigated so long as deposits do not build up inside them. Deposits from any source foul or plug these micro components. The smallest particle or foreign material can cause fouling of these devices. Water quality and the inclusion of fertilizers can, and frequently does, cause severe plugging problems. The problems arise from a number of factors: (1) the irrigation water is typically obtained from wells, reservoirs, canals, lakes, or rivers which contain various amounts of dissolved minerals; and (2) fertilizers can form insoluble salts and/or cause particulate formation when added to the water. Macro-irrigation systems (macro-sprinkler irrigation systems) mainly tolerate these conditions, while micro-irrigation systems are extremely intolerant.
In more detail, the addition of conventional fertilizer formulations to irrigation water normally increases the loading of inorganic salts over that already in the water. When the loading, or the combined loading, is too high, the solubilities of at least some of the naturally-occurring irrigation-water minerals and/or added compounds are exceeded and particulate formation increases dramatically. When particulates form, significant deposits begin to build up throughout the irrigation system. The end result for emitters or micro-sprinklers is plugging.
Plugging results in uneven distribution of water and nutrients to the crop being irrigated, and in some cases, the complete shut-down of the micro-irrigation system. Problem-free use of additives such as fertilizers in micro-irrigation systems is normally seen only in irrigation systems that use relatively pure water sources.
The conventional agricultural practice is to make intermittent or periodic applications of fertilizers. Such intermittent or discontinuous additions might be a single addition, or a plurality of additions, of large amounts (high concentrations) of fertilizer during a brief time interval each growing season or crop cycle. (The number of applications per growing season or crop cycle usually depends on the crop and/or the type of fertilizer being added.) When the fertilizer-delivery method is fertigation, fertilizers are typically slug fed into the irrigation system as quickly as possible to minimize the labor requirements and ease material handling. Slug feeding of a block (portion of a field) normally entails feeding the large amounts (high concentrations) of fertilizer to the irrigation water over a six to seven hour period during irrigation, and then, after the fertilizer feed is shut off, continuing the irrigation of that block for an additional two to three hours to rinse out all of the fertilizer that is contained inside the irrigation system, insuring that all of the fertilizer intended for the block is in fact delivered to the block. When an entire field is irrigated on a single day, slug feeding does not require a post-fertigation rinsing period.
Continuous fertigation methods, in which the irrigation water applied throughout a crop cycle, or during a prolonged period of a crop cycle, contains fertilizers, are known from U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,758, issued May 13, 2014, inventors Miller et al., the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinto, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,417, issued Mar. 24, 2015, inventors Miller et al., the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinto. Slug feeding fertigation methods are known from U.S. application Ser. No. 14/564,594, filed Dec. 9, 2014, inventors Miller et al., the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinto.
The cost of commercial fertilizer formulations is, however, itself significant, and commercially viable fertilizer formulations (formulations sufficiently inexpensive for bulk agricultural use) typically include, as mentioned above, yield-extraneous constituents which do not contribute to plant nutrition or soil condition, and can even be undesirable components. Further, the bulk weight of commercial fertilizer formulations typically is water which increases the shipping costs. The water of a fertilizer formulation is analogous to, or at least approaches being, a yield-extraneous constituent because its contribution to the water requirements of a crop normally is negligible, particularly in comparison to its adverse impact on shipping, storage and handling but since water is normally required for an unimpeded container-to-irrigation-system fertilizer addition it is analogous to, but still not considered herein, a yield-extraneous constituent.
The terms “micro-irrigation” and “macro-irrigation” as used herein refer respectively to (1) micro-sprinklers, drip, and subsurface drip systems and (2) sprinkler systems without micro components which are primarily overhead sprinklers. The terms “overhead sprinkler” and “overhead sprinklers” as used herein refer to irrigation systems in which the irrigation water is emitted or sprayed from sprinkler heads, nozzles or other irrigation devices disposed at a position elevated from ground level, that normally (but not necessarily) are engaged directly above the crop being irrigated. Overhead sprinkler irrigation systems are normally macro-irrigation systems because micro-irrigation normally depend on a close proximity between the emitters and soil immediate the crop while overhead sprinklers are normally spaced apart from the soil immediate the crop. Such micro- and macro-irrigation systems are collectively referred to herein as “emitter-irrigation” systems because they each emit or eject sequential small quantities, or streams, of irrigation water from irrigation lines or tubes directed more or less towards the soil of crop being irrigated.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vapor generators and, more particularly, to a vapor generator fluid flow control system, permitting controlled fuel, air and water flow and pressure regulation.
2. History of the Prior Art
Vapor generators of the kind in which a fuel-air mixture is combusted in the direct presence of feed water to produce a useful mixture of steam and non-condensibles are known. Such vapor generators are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,071 issued to the assignee of the present invention. In accordance with that invention, a vapor generator is provided in which several interrelated means are employed to improve the quality of combustion in the generator so that a product steam substantially free of carbon monoxide results. In effecting this result, means are provided for dividing the air feed into two parts which are both delivered to the generator for combustion. Such methods and apparatus are effective in producing a well-mixed stoichiometric mixture of fuel and air to provide completeness of combustion and reducing production of carbon monoxide to extremely low levels. Such an accomplishment is a marked advance over the prior art and illustrates the emphasis placed on controlled flow rates and mixture conditions.
The prior art is also replete with apparatus manifesting high temperature product vapor having high carbon monoxide content. Such conditions are objectionable for many applications and dangerous for some of them. High carbon monoxide production is traceable to incomplete combustion. This is, in turn, traceable in part to difficulties in maintaining a stable lean flame and, in part, to excessive quenching of the flame through direct radiation and convective contact between the flame and the feed water. Once a stoichiometric mixture is obtained, it is, therefore, necessary to maintain the combustion level without varying any of the three major constituents of fuel, air, or water. Variations would affect the combustion and the carbon monoxide production therefrom.
Other problems occur in certain ones of the prior art vapor generators when they are operated at low pressures. Conventionally, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,978, a vapor generator may be especially adapted for low pressure operation by the provision of certain features such as a pilot burner for striking a stable flame. It may be seen that low pressure operation, likewise, requires a specific reduction in the air, fuel and water input for a low volume output from the vapor generator. Disproportionate variances in any of the three constituents will seriously affect the combustion level and the resulting heat and vapor content of the downstream product.
Few prior art systems effectively address dual output vapor generator operation. The ability to fine tune the fuel, air and water flow for a single vapor generator output is critical enough. Once this critical equilibrium is reached, it is tantamount to starting over to vary the generator operation to another flow. Varying the generator volume necessitates adjustment in the air, fuel and water flow rates which will directly affect both the heat and the water vapor level of the combustion products. When such generators are used in industrial applications necessitating precise control of heat and vapor, these variations are not tolerable. One such application is the curing of concrete where the temperature and moisture level of the vapor products have a direct effect on the curing process and resulting structural condition of the cast product.
The use of steam for concrete curing is not novel in and of itself. Steam has been produced from conventional boilers for such methods and processes, but the cost of a boiler operation is much higher than that of a vapor generator type device. Moreover, the temperature and vapor level of the steam product can be more closely controlled than with a conventional boiler. Moreover, super heated vapor can be provided for specific types of aggregate to be cured. The flexibility of the vapor generator also permits substantially instantaneous operation as compared to the threshold period for a boiler method. The obvious disadvantage is the substantially single flow rate afforded by most conventional vapor generators. Since any number of kilns may be run at one time for particular production schedules, excess vapor from a single flow rate vapor generator system would, thereby, be wasted.
Conventional techniques for varying the output of standard vapor generators includes reducing the rate of combustion and water flow while maintaining a constant air flow rate. The advantage of such a system is simplicity and cost in that reliable variations in air flow rates have been, to date, difficult to attain. The paramount disadvantage to the continuous air flow volume is the excess air ingressing into the kiln and the adverse effects to the curing process which affects the ultimate humidity level within the kiln and imparts non-uniform cooling characteristics. Variations in the air flow volume have, to date, been addressed by multiple speed blowers and throttle systems which either decrease the air intake to the blower or exhaust therefrom. Unfortunately, the relatively large motors and blower units necessary for vapor generator volumes generate large amounts of heat which the air volume dissipates. When the air volume is throttled for constant motor speed, heat dissipation is inhibited and variations in flow rate result as well as having degenerative effects on the motor and the blower unit. The obvious alternative to such flow problems is a multiple speed motor, but the cost and availability for such systems are generally disproportionate to the vapor generator construction.
Dual output vapor generator applications also require dual flow feedwater systems which may be accurately set in preselected flow configurations as well as precisely maintained. Precise fluid flow is an integral element of the aforesaid combustion efficiency particularly in stoichiometric mixtures. The primary area of fluid flow consideration in such vapor generator systems is in the water flow controlling network. Prior art flow control devices though capable of preselect flow volumes are generally not sensitive to variations in flow pressure which affects the flow volume.
It would be an advantage therefore to overcome the problems of the prior art by providing a variable output vapor generator having a constant volume fluid flow system which affords automatic operation between high and low fluid flow rates and which is sensitive to fluctuations in fluid flow pressure. One approach to dual output vapor generators and a discussion of prior art problems associated therewith is discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 554,780 assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The method and apparatus of the present invention comprises an advanced system overcoming the problems set forth above by providing a combination of a pressure responsive valve and fine adjustment valve in parallel flow communication. This parallel flow system is itself aligned in parallel flow communication with a second matching system adapted for selective actuation for high and low volume operation. In this manner both the high volume and low volume flow rates within the water flow system of a vapor generator may be pre-adjusted for automatic actuation as needed by demand conditions. This has been done in a configuration facilitating automatic temperature control and which is pressure sensitive for accurate volumetric control without adversely affecting the efficiency of the generator system.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and device for measuring interface trap density in a semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a semiconductor technology develops constantly, the length of gates gradually become shorter and the thickness of gate oxide layers gradually become thinner. Accordingly, characteristics of semiconductor devices are inevitably affected by these smaller dimensions. One of the characteristics affected is the interface trap density between a silicon substrate and a gate oxide layer.
Generally, when a gate oxide layer is grown, a sufficient bonding is not made between a silicon atom and an oxygen atom, so that a dangling bond (where there are insufficient oxygen atoms) is generated at an interface between a silicon substrate and the gate oxide layer.
A dangling bond easily attracts an electron when a transistor operates, thereby increasing the interface trap density of the gate oxide layer. Accordingly, the quality of the gate oxide layer deteriorates or the driving current is reduced, which may degrade some characteristics of a semiconductor device.
Traditionally, a charge pumping test has been used as a method for measuring a surface state located under a gate oxide layer. The interface trap density may be calculated from data obtained using this test. However, when the conventional method is applied to a device having a very thin gate oxide layer, gate tunneling leakage current and/or quantum mechanical effects can result in an incorrect calculation of the interface trap density (generally resulting in a calculated interface trap density that is too high).


Control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are commonly employed in satellite attitude control systems. A generalized CMG may include a main CMG housing and an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), which is mounted within the main CMG housing for rotation about a gimbal axis. The IGA includes, amongst other components, a rotor assembly, at least one spin motor, and a rotor support structure. In one known design commonly referred to as a “shell rotor architecture” or, more simply, a “shell rotor,” the rotor assembly includes an annular rotor rim disposed between first and second hemi-spherical rotor shell pieces. The rotor rim is welded to the first and second rotor shell pieces along first and second circumferential rim-shell weld joints, respectively. Collectively, the rotor rim, the first rotor shell piece, and the second rotor shell piece form a generally spherical body having a central channel through which a rotor shaft extends. During operation, the spin motor rotates the rotor assembly about a spin axis at a relatively high rate of speed. The IGA is, in turn, selectively rotated about the gimbal axis, which is generally perpendicular to the rotor spin axis, by an actuator (e.g., a torque module assembly) mounted within the main CMG housing. When the IGA is “gimbaled” in this manner, a controlled torque is generated about an output axis normal to the spin and gimbal axes due to momentum transfer of the rotor assembly. This gyroscopic torque is imparted to the host satellite through a CMG mount interface, such as an annular flange bolted to the exterior of the satellite. By selectively rotating the IGA about the gimbal axis, the satellite's attitude may be adjusted and re-adjusted, as needed, in a highly controlled manner.
CMG shell rotors of the type described above have been developed and commercially implemented with considerable success by the assignee of the present Application, Honeywell International Inc. In general, CMG shell rotors provide superior performance characteristics as compared to other conventionally-known CMG rotors, including superior momentum-per-weight ratios and relatively high operational speed limits, as well as high angular stiffness. However, further improvements in momentum-per-weight ratios, speed capabilities, and other measures of CMG performance (e.g., operational lifespan) are still desirable. Moreover, as a notable disadvantage, the manufacturing schedule and costs associated with manufacture of CMGs having shell rotor-based architectures tend to be substantial. It is not uncommon for commercial production of a shell rotor to cost upwards of several hundred thousand U.S. dollars and to require over one year to complete.
It is thus desirable to provide CMGs including advanced rotors having improved performance characteristics (e.g., increased momentum-per-weight ratios, higher speed limits, longer operational lifespans, and so on) as compared to shell rotor assemblies and other conventionally-known CMG rotor assemblies. Ideally, embodiments of such a CMG, and specifically embodiments of the advanced rotor included within the CMG, would be amenable to production utilizing cost effective and time efficient manufacturing processes. It would also be desirable to provide manufacturing processes for producing CMGs including such high performance rotors. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this Background.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to metering or reporting of energy consumption, and, more particularly, to enabling temporary associations of parent energy consumption meters and submeters.
2. Related Art
In a number of circumstances, it is useful for an energy purchaser to use a fixed arrangement of submeters to measure selected portions of the purchaser's overall energy consumption. (Meters for measuring energy consumption are well known. See, for example, http://www.net-metering.com/power_meters.html, http://www.watthourmeters.com, and, in particular, http://www.watthourmeters.com/modern/centron.html.) Measuring electrical use in apartment complexes is one such submetering application that is common. It is economical to use fixed electrical submeters in this situation because each apartment's consumption is large and the arrangement of submeters remains fixed for a long time. Submetering is generally not economical in situations where the total amount of energy consumption is small, the portion of overall energy consumption that is of interest is small or the submetering would be temporary. For example, although patrons commonly plug notebook computers and the like into electrical outlets in public places like libraries, book stores, coffee shops, hotel lobbies and airports, these outlets are typically not submetered because they supply only a little energy and also because patrons use them for only a short while.
A new situation is developing in which energy consumption is moderate, widespread and highly temporary. That is, the number of hybrid automobiles is increasing dramatically. These automobiles may need to be electrically recharged in public places, such as at parking garages or street side parking spaces. While this could be facilitated by installing electrical outlets having coin-operated timers, this tends to be inconvenient for the user. Thus, a need exists for improvements in energy consumption submetering.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements employed within magnetic data storage and retrieval. More particularly, the present invention relates to enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements employed within magnetic data storage and retrieval.
2. Description of the Related Art
The recent and continuing advances in computer and information technology have been made possible not only by the correlating advances in the functionality, reliability and speed of semiconductor integrated circuits, but also by the correlating advances in the storage density and reliability of direct access storage devices (DASDs) employed in digitally encoded magnetic data storage and retrieval.
Storage density of direct access storage devices (DASDs) is typically determined as areal storage density of a magnetic data storage medium formed upon a rotating magnetic data storage disk within a direct access storage device (DASD) magnetic data storage enclosure. The areal storage density of the magnetic data storage medium is defined largely by the track width, the track spacing and the linear magnetic domain density within the magnetic data storage medium. The track width, the track spacing and the linear magnetic domain density within the magnetic data storage medium are in turn determined by several principal factors, including but not limited to: (1) the magnetic read-write characteristics of a magnetic read-write head employed in reading and writing digitally encoded magnetic data from and into the magnetic data storage medium; (2) the magnetic domain characteristics of the magnetic data storage medium; and (3) the separation distance of the magnetic read-write head from the magnetic data storage medium.
With regard to the magnetic read-write characteristics of magnetic read-write heads employed in reading and writing digitally encoded magnetic data from and into a magnetic data storage medium, it is known in the art of magnetic read-write head fabrication that magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements employed within magnetoresistive (MR) read-write heads are generally superior to other types of magnetic sensor elements when employed in retrieving digitally encoded magnetic data from a magnetic data storage medium. In that regard, magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements are generally regarded as superior since magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements are known in the art to provide high output digital read signal amplitudes, with good linear resolution, independent of the relative velocity of a magnetic data storage medium with respect to a magnetoresistive (MR) read-write head having the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element incorporated therein.
Within the general category of magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements, anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements are presently of considerable interest insofar as anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements have found widespread use in various magnetic data storage and transduction applications, and in particular digitally encoded magnetic data storage and transduction applications. Within the context of the present disclosure, anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements are intended as magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements fabricated employing either a single magnetoresistive (MR) sensing layer or a multiplicity of magnetoresistive (MR) sensing layers which are separated by dielectric spacer layers, and where a magnetoresistive (MR) effect within such an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element derives from magnetically encoded data flux perturbation of a magnetically aligned domain within either the single magnetoresistive (MR) sensing layer or the multiplicity of magnetoresistive (MR) sensing layers. Such anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements include, but are not limited to single stripe magnetoresistive (SSMR) sensor elements, soft adjacent layer (SAL) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements and dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor elements.
Within magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication, including but not limited to anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication, it is particularly desirable to fabricate magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements with enhanced levels of magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity. For purposes of clarity, and within the context of the present disclosure, magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity is intended as a measure of proportion of resistance change normalized to an absolute resistance of a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element (i.e. dR/R) when measuring a magnetic signal within a magnetic data storage medium while employing the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element. The magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity of a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element is alternatively known as the magnetoresistive (MR) coefficient of the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element. Magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements exhibiting enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity are desirable within the art of magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication since such enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity clearly inherently allows for detection within a magnetic data storage medium of weaker magnetic signals with increased linear density and thus also inherently allows for an increased areal density of the magnetic data storage medium within a magnetic data storage enclosure which employs the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element which exhibits the enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity.
It is thus towards the goal of forming for use within magnetic data storage and retrieval anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements, such as but not limited to single stripe magnetoresistive (SSMR) sensor elements, soft adjacent layer (SAL) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements and dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor elements, with enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity, that the present invention is directed.
Various magnetic sensor elements, including but not limited to anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements, which possess desirable properties have been disclosed within the art of magnetic sensor element fabrication, including but not limited to anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication.
For example, Goubau et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,806, disclose a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element having a conductor lead structure which remains stable not only during processing when fabricating the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, but also over the useful operational life of the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element. The magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element employs a conductor lead structure comprising: (1) a seed layer contacting a magnetoresistive (MR) layer within the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, where the seed layer is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of chromium, tungsten, an alloy of titanium and tungsten, and an alloy of tantalum and tungsten, and where the seed layer has a body centered cubic lattice structure; and (2) a conductor layer formed upon the seed layer, where the conductor layer is formed of tantalum, and where the conductor layer also has a body centered cubic lattice structure.
In addition, Fontana Jr. et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,223, disclose a spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element with improved magnetoresistive (MR) properties, such as an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity, as well as improved chemical properties, such as an enhanced corrosion resistance of an antiferromagnetic pinning material layer within the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element. The spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element realizes the foregoing objects by employing when forming the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element: (1) a pair of anti-parallel antiferromagnetically biased ferromagnetic material layers separated by a non-magnetic conductor spacer layer to provide a composite pinned ferromagnetic layer within the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element, in conjunction with; (2) a pinning material layer formed of a pinning material selected from the group consisting of nickel oxide, nickel-cobalt alloy oxides and iron-manganese-chromium alloys.
Further, Lee et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,936, disclose an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, such as a soft adjacent layer (SAL) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, with an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity as well as an enhanced thermal stability. The anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element employs a nickel-iron-chromium alloy or a nickel-chromium alloy spacer layer adjoining a nickel-iron alloy magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed within the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element.
Still further, Chang et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,108, disclose a high saturation magnetization magnetic material for use when fabricating a magnetic head, and a magnetic head fabricated employing the high saturation magnetization magnetic material for use when fabricating the magnetic head. The high saturation magnetization magnetic material has an elemental composition comprising about 40 to about 60 weight percent iron, about 40 to about 60 weight percent nickel and about 0.002 to about 1 percent tin.
Finally, Lin, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,071, discloses a spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element having an improved magnetic stability of a pinned ferromagnetic layer within the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element. The spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element realizes the foregoing object by employing when forming the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element a discontinuous nonmagnetic interlayer interposed between an antiferromagnetic pinning material layer and the pinned ferromagnetic layer within the spin valve magnetoresistive (SVMR) sensor element.
Desirable in the art of magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication are additional methods and materials which may be employed for forming with enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor elements, including in particular dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor elements.
It is towards the foregoing object that the present invention is directed.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a method for forming an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, along with the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element formed employing the method.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a method and an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element in accord with the first object of the present invention, where the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element has an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a method and an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element in accord with the first object of the present invention and the second object of the present invention, which method is readily commercially implemented.
In accord with the objects of the present invention, there is provided by the present invention a method for forming an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, as well as the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element formed in accord with the method. To practice the method of the present invention, there is first provided a substrate. There is then formed over the substrate a seed layer, where the seed layer is formed of a magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity enhancing material selected from the group consisting or nickel-chromium alloys and nickel-iron-chromium alloys. There is then formed over the seed layer a nickel oxide material layer. There is then formed over the nickel oxide material layer a magnetoresistive (MR) ferromagnetic layer.
The method of the present invention contemplates an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabricated in accord with the method of the present invention.
The present invention provides a method for forming an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, and the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element formed employing the method, where the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element has an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity. The method of the present invention realizes the foregoing object by employing when forming the anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element: (1) a seed layer formed of a magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity enhancing material selected from the group consisting of nickel-chromium alloys and nickel-iron-chromium alloys, in turn having formed thereover; (2) a nickel oxide material layer, in turn having formed thereover; (3) a magnetoresistive (MR) ferromagnetic layer. While it is not entirely clear why an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element formed in accord with the present invention exhibits an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity, it is nonetheless clear that an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element formed in accord with the present invention exhibits an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistive sensitivity in comparison with an analogous anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor formed otherwise in accord with the present invention, but absent a nickel oxide material layer formed interposed between: (1) a seed layer formed of a magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity enhancing material selected from the group consisting of nickel-chromium alloys and nickel-iron-chromium alloys; and (2) a magnetoresistive (MR) ferromagnetic layer.
The method of the present invention is readily commercially implemented. The present invention employs methods and materials as are generally known in the art of magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabrication but employed within the context of specific locations and limitations within an anisotropic magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element to provide the present invention. Since it is a novel ordering and use of methods and materials which at least in part provides the present invention, rather than the existence of methods and materials which provides the present invention, the method of the present invention is readily commercially implemented.


FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional ice tray assembly for a refrigerator. The conventional ice tray assembly for the refrigerator includes a casing 10 installed in the refrigerator, and an ice tray 20 placed in the casing 10, for making ices. A shelf 12 on which the ice tray 20 is put is formed in the casing 10. A user fills the ice tray 20 with water and puts the ice tray 20 into the casing 10, so that the ices are made in the ice tray 20 by cool air flowing in the refrigerator.
However, in the conventional ice tray assembly for the refrigerator, when the casing 10 with the ice tray 20 mounted therein is installed in a freezing chamber for freezing food, the casing 10 occupies a large area of a freezing space in the freezing chamber. In the case that the casing 10 is installed at a door for opening and closing the freezing chamber, when the door is closed, water filled in the ice tray 20 may overflow out of the casing 10.
Moreover, as a valve is driven in a state where a water tank is not completely mounted in the freezing chamber, some of water stored in the water tank may not be supplied to the ice tray 20 but dispersed into the freezing chamber.


In the automobile industry, vehicle cross-support members, crossbeams, cross car beams, and other similar components (collectively referred hereinafter as “vehicle cross-support members” or “cross-support members”) are utilized as part of the vehicular body structure. The vehicle cross-support member normally spans between or fastened to a pair of laterally disposed vertical pillars, or A-pillars, in the region generally below the windscreen and a cowl top, and between a forward engine compartment and a rearward passenger compartment, so as to extend in a direction transverse to the length of an automobile. As part of a motor vehicle body, the cross-support member provides for cross car stiffness and rigidity against for example side load impacts.
Located forwardly of the driver and the front-row passenger, the cross-support member also supports or provides mounting surfaces for various vehicle components, including an instrument panel, a glove and/or storage compartment, a center console, a dashboard and a steering column member. Although direct attachment may be possible, various attachment devices or assemblies could be utilized to effect attachment of such vehicle components to the cross-support member. The attachment devices and assemblies are preferably designed such that the noise and vibrations transferring from the vehicle engine, drivetrain, transmission or any other moving parts are reduced for optimal passenger comfort. For vehicle components subject to or exerting a load or force, the attachment devices and assemblies preferably incorporate constructions adapted for improving load transfer, dispersion and/or distribution. Reduction of weight and production costs are also of important consideration in designing and implementing the attachment devices and assemblies.
A number of attachment or mounting assemblies for securing a steering column member in a vehicle are known. By way of an example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,830 to Hitz describes a plurality of standardized support arms, a number of which are configured in the form of steering column support arms each having a U-shaped cross section defined by a pair of legs. Each of the legs forming part of the steering column support arm of Hitz include an area secured in a preformed transversal slot of a vehicle cross-support member on the driver side. Hitz furthermore describes reinforcement members having the same U-shaped cross section, and which are coupled to the steering column support arms to form a rectangular cross section. Hitz suggests that the standardized support arms may alternatively be formed as other support or reinforcement components secured to the cross-support member, such as a transmission tunnel support arm and a splash shield support arm, so as to permit reduction of production costs associated with fabricating multiple vehicle components.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,986 to Bierkamp describes a holder configured for attachment to a tubular vehicle cross-support member to effect securement of different vehicle components. The holder of Bierkamp possesses a U shaped configuration defined by two limbs interconnected by a bridge, and which are sized to be received in a parallel spaced slots transversely oriented to a longitudinal axis of the cross-support member. Bierkamp suggests that two or more holders may be secured to the cross-support member to effect steering column attachment. The specific configuration of the holder of Bierkamp is described as advantageous in that it allows for sliding and rotational adjustment or positioning of the holder on the tubular cross-support member prior securing or welding the holder thereto.
The attachment devices described in Hitz and Bierkamp may suffer disadvantages in that forces generated by a steering column member, such as rotational forces, may not be transferred or distributed efficiently to other structural elements of the vehicle. Furthermore, as the generated forces are mainly channeled to the vehicle cross-support member, deficiencies in the attachment between the cross-support member and the devices of Hitz and Bierkamp may possibly lead to structural and/or functional failures. Given the increasing complexity and components included with steering column members, such as airbags and various control and adjustment elements, improvements to the load transfer and distribution from the steering column member may be desired.


Ethanol fuel derived from plants is expected to be liquid fuel alternative to gasoline to prevent increase in carbon dioxide gas. When both sugar and ethanol are produced from a sugar juice derived from a plant, the following method has been employed. Specifically, first, sugar is produced from a sugar juice. The sugar juice after the sugar production is fermented by using a microorganism to produce ethanol (see, for example, JP-A 2004-321174).


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor fabrication techniques and, more particularly, to a fabrication technique for improving conductivity at an interface between a polysilicon layer and a conductive layer in an integrated circuit device.
2. Description of the Related Art
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Semiconductor memory devices, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, are widely used for storing data in systems such as computer systems. A DRAM memory cell typically includes an access device such as a field effect transistor (FET) coupled to a storage device such as a capacitor. The access device allows the transfer of charged electrons to and from the storage capacitor thereby facilitating read and write operations in the memory device. The memory cells are typically arranged in a number of rows and columns to provide a memory array. Each memory cell in the array is connected to at least one row or “wordline” and at least one column or “bitline.” Generally speaking, the gate terminal of the access device may be coupled to the wordline while at least one of the remaining terminals (e.g. drain/source) is coupled to the bitline. The other terminal may be coupled to the capacitor. When a voltage is applied to the wordline, the gate of the access device opens and charged particles flow from the bitline to the storage device or vice versa, depending on the mode of operation of the memory cell (e.g. read or write).
As can be appreciated, a variety of technologies are used to fabricate the memory cells. Generally speaking, layers of conductive, non-conductive, and semiconductive materials are generally disposed on a substrate to form the access and storage structures described above. Numerous fabrication techniques may be used to facilitate the deposition, masking, and etching steps used to construct the memory cells, as can be ascertained by those skilled in the art. In one technique, a conductive material, such as doped polysilicon, is used to form the wordlines which are used to control the gate of the access devices in the memory cell. Each wordline may include several layers disposed on the conductively doped polysilicon layer, thereby forming a wordline stack.
During formation of the wordline stack, a nitride layer, such as silicon nitride (Si3N4), may be formed on the polysilicon layer to provide an even etch surface. While the nitride layer may be advantageous for part of the fabrication process, it may be the cause of problems in later processing steps. For example, during formation of the wordline stack, a conductive metal material, such as tungsten (W), may be disposed on the polysilicon layer to provide conductive contact to metal layers disposed above the integrated circuit. However, because the thin nitride layer may be used to provide an even etch surface on top of the polysilicon layer, the nitride layer may form a barrier between the conductive metal material and the polysilicon layer. Thus, the nitride layer may ultimately reduce the conductivity between the metal layers and the polysilicon, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the integrated circuits.


Freely dissolved concentration in sediment pore water is a critical measurement that is useful in assessing fate, transport, and bioavailability of hydrophobic pollutants in sediment (Mayer, 2014). Accurate measurement of low aqueous concentrations of hydrophobic compounds is challenging due to the association with colloidal and dissolved organic matter in pore water which has led to the development of passive sampling approaches using well characterized polymeric materials. When the polymeric material is able to reach equilibrium with the sediment pore water, such as in a well-stirred laboratory measurement, the estimation of freely dissolved pore water concentration (Cfree) becomes a trivial exercise based on the known partition constant of the polymeric medium (Mayer, 2003; Ghosh, 2014). However, in several situations, an in-situ measurement in sediment is desired, and such measurements have been challenged by the difficulty in reaching equilibrium between pore water and the polymer as mass transfer through the static depletion layer outside the polymer becomes limiting in the absence of active mixing (Lampert, 2010). It has been shown that for strongly hydrophobic compounds equilibrium may not be achieved in the field even after one year (Lohmann, 2011). Several researchers have adopted the use of performance reference compounds (PRCs) dosed in the polymer to assess the kinetics of mass transfer and correct for non-equilibrium (Huckins, 2006; Huckins, 2002; Fernandez, 2009; Booij, 2010; Booij, 2003; Fernandez, 2014; Oen, 2011; Tomaszewski, 2008; Apell, 2014). While corrections based on PRC loss work reasonably well for compounds with low to midrange hydrophobicity, the corrections become increasingly erroneous for strongly hydrophobic compounds when the departure from equilibrium increases (Apell, 2014). Several approaches for calibration using PRC data have been suggested (Huckins, 2006; Huckins, 2002; Fernandez, 2009; Booij, 2010; Booij, 2003). In all of these approaches, the uncertainties introduced by the PRC correction are larger when the extent of equilibrium is low, which is the case for strongly hydrophobic compounds in the field.
A primary uncertainty in the PRC correction arises from the fact that nearly always it is the sediment side mass transfer in the immediate vicinity of the passive sampler that controls kinetics and as such, is dependent on the site-specific sorption characteristics of the sediment which can vary across orders of magnitude. For example Hawthorne (Hawthorne, 2006) reported a 3-4 orders of magnitude range for site-specific KocS. Thus, to be able to correct for non-equilibrium and estimate in-situ pore water concentrations we need to first have an estimate of site-specific partitioning of the analytes of interest. The loss of a few PRC compounds and adsorption into the sediment matrix then have to be used to infer the desorption behavior of a large range of analyte compounds from sediment (Fernandez, 2009).
Thinner polymeric materials can be used to increase the surface area to volume ratio and reduce the depletion per unit area. However, even with some of the thinnest polymers practically deployable in the field (e.g., 25 μm thick polyethylene), sediment-side mass transfer limitation can be significant. Making the polymers too thin makes them prone to damage during deployment in sediment, reduces the total mass of polymer sampling material (impacting detection limits), and also poses a physical challenge of insertion in sediments if the area is very large.
To address these challenges, the present inventors manipulated the external depletion layer in the sediment side of a passive sampler deployment, which overcomes the slow approach to equilibrium for hydrophobic organic compounds in static sediments. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method to mechanically disrupt the static depletion layer outside the polymer surface using periodic vibration performed in-situ. Using the apparatus and method to mechanically disrupt the static depletion layer using periodic vibration, the present invention further relates to a method of determining the freely dissolved concentration of analyte in the porewater of sediment.


Automated clinical chemistry analyzers are well known in the art and are generally used for the automated or semi-automated analysis of patient samples. Typically, prepared patient samples, such as blood, urine, spinal fluid and the like, are placed onto such an analyzer in sample containers such a test tubes. The analyzer pipettes a patient sample and one or more reagents to a reaction cell or cuvette where a chemical analysis of the sample is conducted, usually for a particular analyte of interest, and the results of the analysis are reported.
Automated pipettors are employed on such analyzers to transfer the patient samples and reagents as required for the specified analysis. Such pipettors can include a hollow probe having an open end or tip. The probe is, for example, lowered into a sample container that holds a sample, a predetermined volume of sample is withdrawn from the sample container, and the probe is withdrawn from the sample container. The probe is moved, for example, to a position above a reaction cell, is again lowered, and the sample held in the probe is expelled into the reaction cell. Similar actions may be used to pipette and deliver one or more reagents from reagent containers to the reaction cell, either with the same probe or with one or more reagent delivery probes.
To prepare such a probe for a subsequent delivery, the probe is washed to eliminate as much as possible any residue from the prior samples or reagents that were handled by the probe. Probe washing may be accomplished by, for example, lowering the probe tip into a wash cell that contains a wash fluid such as water. The wash fluid washes the exterior of the probe tip, and the interior of the probe may be cleaned by aspirating and discharging the wash fluid or, alternatively, discharging a wash fluid through the probe into the wash cell.
A common problem with probe washing, however, is carryover, that is, the residual fluid or contaminates from a fluid that remain on or in or may be absorbed by the probe despite washing. This residue mixes with subsequent sample or reagents drawn into the probe and can interfere with subsequent analyses.
Another problem with probe washing is the time needed to move the probe to a wash station and accomplish the probe washing. Substantial time can be required to wash the probe. For example, if the probe has delivered a sample to a reaction cell, the probe must be raised, moved to a position over a wash cell, and lowered into the cell for washing. Once washing is done, the probe must again be raised and moved on to the next operation.
Still another drawback of prior systems is washing a probe that has been inadvertently inserted into, for example, a sample or reagent to a depth that conventional washing cups and cells can not clean. Probes often include or are provided externally with some form of liquid level detection. This allows the probe to be inserted until the tip touches the surface of the liquid, where liquid contact is sensed. The probe may then be lowered an additional distance sufficient for the volume of liquid to be drawn into the probe or may be lowered as liquid is drawn into the probe. In either instance, only a relatively short, predetermined portion of the outside of the probe tip is contaminated with the liquid. Thus, the probe tip can be cleaned in a conventional wash cell or cup that is required to clean only a short portion of the probe tip, reducing cleaning time and the volume of washing liquid required.
If the liquid level sensing used to detect the contact of the probe tip with the surface of the liquid should fail, however, the probe will be lowered some predetermined distance that may represent the maximum insertion distance permitted to avoid the probe tip striking the bottom of the liquid reservoir. If the vessel actually is full or substantially full of liquid, the entire length of the submerged probe exterior becomes contaminated with the liquid. This length may well exceed the probe length that can be accommodated by the washing cell or cup, requiring operator intervention to manually clean the probe and return the probe, and the automated analyzer in which the probe is used, to service.
Thus, there is a need for a probe washing apparatus and method of use of such an apparatus that overcomes these limitations of the prior art probe washing approaches, including but not limited to reduced carryover, decreased probe washing time, and variable exterior probe tip lengths that may be coated with contaminating liquids.