Abstract: A method of forming a dual alignment photomask. The method includes the steps of depositing a light-blocking layer over a glass plate, and then patterning the light-blocking layer. Next, a switchable mask layer is deposited over the light-blocking layer and the glass plate, after which the switchable mask layer is patterned. Finally, a protective layer is formed over the switchable mask layer, the light-blocking layer and the glass plate. The switchable mask layer can be changed from a light-passing state to a light-blocking state by simply changing the surrounding temperature. Therefore, through proper setting the temperature, the same photomask can be used to form trenches and vias of dual damascene structures. Thus, some mask-making cost can be saved and errors due to mask misalignment can be avoided.

Abstract: A pitch shift apparatus is provided to pitch shift a digital audio signal into a pitch-shifted signal. The apparatus comprises a receiving means, a pitch shifting means and a connecting means, wherein the connecting means comprises: a search region comparator for comparing each sample in the search region with a reference level to obtain a search region bit sequence representing the amplitude of each sample in the search region; a cross region comparator for comparing each sample in the cross region with the reference level to obtain a cross region bit sequence representing the amplitude of each sample in the cross region; a bit processor for bit comparing the cross region bit sequence and any sub-search region bit sequence of M samples in the search region to obtain a corresponding non-similarity; and a connecting device connecting the cross region and a sub-search region corresponding to the minimum non-similarity to renew the pitch-shifted signal.

Abstract: A retardation layer of a copper damascene process and the fabrication method thereof, to replace the conventional barrier layer with a laminated layer. The laminated layer combines the conventional barrier layer with a porous layer, wherein the porous layer can be formed either above or below the barrier layer to improve the retardation of the copper atom diffusion. Preferably, the porous layer is formed above the barrier layer.

Abstract: An alarm device is designed to warn of danger of hitting high voltage overhead power lines by a crane in motion. The alarm device is composed of an electric-field sensor for detecting the alternating electric field of the overhead power lines and for outputting an alternating current, which is then converted or amplified by an amplifier connected with the electric-field sensor. An alternating voltage is outputted by the amplifier such that the alternating voltage is rectified and filtered by a rectifier/filter circuit connected with the amplifier. A direct current voltage output is brought about by the rectifier/filter circuit. A starter is disposed between the rectifier/filter circuit and a wireless transmitter capable of being activated by the starter to transmit a wireless signal at such time when the value of the direct current voltage exceeds a preset value. The alarm device is further composed of a wireless receiver/alarm for receiving the wireless signal and for effecting a warning signal.

Abstract: A night lamp, which includes a lamp socket holding a bulb, and a power input plug fastened to the lamp socket at one side for power input, wherein the power input plug includes a body coupled to lamp socket at one side to hold two metal blades for insertion into an electric outlet and an annular metal contact plate and a center metal contact plate at its back side wall in connection to the metal blades respectively, and two locating blocks securely fastened to the lamp socket at one side to hold the body in place, enabling the annular metal contact plate and the center metal contact plate to be maintained in contact with a respective metal contact plate in the lamp socket, the locating blocks each having a coupling flange respectively coupled to an annular coupling groove at the periphery of the body for enabling the body to be rotated on its own axis between the locating blocks to adjust relative to the lamp socket.

Abstract: A dual damascene process is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on a substrate having a conductive region. The dielectric layer is selectively doped to form a doped region aligned over the conductive region. The doped region, the dielectric layer underlying the doped region, and another part of the undoped dielectric layer are etched until the conductive region is exposed, so that a dual damascene opening exposing the conductive region and a trench are formed, wherein the dual damascene opening comprising a upper trench and a lower via hole. The dual damascene opening and the trench are filled with a conductive layer.

Abstract: A buffer device has a plurality of positioning seats, a base seat disposed on the positioning seats, and a main cylinder and a plurality of auxiliary cylinders disposed on the base seat. The base seat has a main oil channel, a plurality of oil inlet channels communicating with the main oil channel, and a plurality of oil return channels communicating with the main oil channel. The main oil channel communicates with the auxiliary cylinders. The oil inlet channels communicate with the main cylinder. Each oil inlet channel has a one-way valve. The oil return channels communicate with the main cylinder. A release valve blocks each oil return channel. A compression spring is disposed in the main cylinder. A piston rod extends from the main cylinder. Each auxiliary cylinder has a coiled spring and a piston.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for echo cancellation that incorporate a psychoacoustic model in determining the necessity to update compensator coefficients for the generation of artificial echoes for echo cancellation. The method includes the steps of dividing an audio signal having at least one echo into a plurality of subbands. For each of the plurality of subbands, the echo is reduced based on a variable coefficient transfer function to produce a compensated subband. The signal level of the compensated subband is then compared to a threshold value on a psychoacoustic model curve at a corresponding subband frequency. If the signal level of the compensated subband is greater than the threshold value, the coefficients of the transfer function are updated. Conversely, if the signal level of the compensated subband is less than or equal to the threshold value, the coefficients of the transfer function are not updated.

Abstract: An improved artificial neural network for use in speech recognition is disclosed. It comprises an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer, each of these layers consisting of a plurality of nodal points. A set of first weighting coefficients are used between the input layer and the hidden layer which are functions of at least one of the nodal points in the hidden layer and at least one of the nodal points in the input layer; whereas, a set of second weighting coefficients, which are functions of time and at least one of the nodal points in the output, are used to correlate between the hidden layer and output layer. In a preferred embodiment, the first weighting coefficients are calculated using the following formula: ##EQU1## i is the index for nodal point in the input layer and a.sub.j, b.sub.j, and c.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a viewfinder of a camera for taking vertical/horizontal special effect type photos, which may use APS film for taking the known type photos as well as vertical/horizontal special effect type photos. A photo setting piece with vertical/horizontal photo sections is moved in or out of the viewfinder. The photo setting piece has a toothed rack engaging a linking gear connected to a drive gear and a control rod with a drive toothed rack. With this structure, the vertical/horizontal photo sections may enter the viewfinder subject to the need for taking wider or longer photos.

Abstract: A supporting device is used to support a floor form assembly on surrounding walls of a structure and includes a plurality of hangers fixed spacedly to the surrounding walls in a horizontal plane. Each of the hangers has a first engaging portion. An elongated mounting seat has a generally U-shaped cross section which has a first arm side, a second arm side, a base side, and an open side opposed to the base side so that the hangers can pass through the open side of the mounting seat. The first arm side has a second engaging portion so that the first engaging portions of the hangers can engage the second engaging portion in order to retain the mounting seat to the hangers. A fastening apparatus is mounted to the external face of the base side of the mounting seat. A support member is secured to the mounting seat by the fastening apparatus. The support member has a top portion which is formed with a supporting plate so that the floor form assembly can be rested on the supporting plate.

Abstract: A modular wall form assembly includes two adjacent form units and a fastening lever. Each of the form units has an upright flat panel, a connecting plate extending rearwardly and inclindedly from the mating edge of the flat panel. Each of the connecting plates has a positioning hole which has a generally oblong cross-section which has two opposed side walls defining its width. The connecting plates contact complementarily one another and the positioning holes are at least partially aligned with one another. The fastening lever has a handle portion and a fastening portion. The fastening portion has a base portion, a neck portion and an enlarged head portion. Each of the neck and head portions has a generally oblong cross-section. The neck portion has two opposed shorter sides in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A modular form assembly includes a plurality of vertical channel pieces coupled detachably side by side to one another. Each of the channel pieces includes two opposing vertical side walls and an intermediate vertical form wall which interconnects the side walls. The side walls of each of the channel pieces abut against and are attached detachably to the side walls of adjacent two of the channel pieces such that the form walls are arranged in a side-to-side contiguity in order to place the form walls in a common vertical plane. Each of the form walls is formed with at least one through-hole therethrough. Each of a plurality of cover plates is mounted removably on one of the form walls to cover a respective one of the through-holes. At least one of the cover plates is formed with at least one positioning hole therethrough.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for interconnecting two juxtaposed upright form panels used in forming a concrete wall. The form panels have adjacent mating edges between which an edge connecting plate is interposed tightly and removably. The connecting device includes first and second mounting plates secured respectively to the form panels adjacent to the mating edges of the form panels. Each of a pair of guide rods has an end portion extending through the first mounting plate and secured to the second mounting plate so as to permit relative lateral movement between the form panels. A driving screw has a threaded shank portion which extends through the first mounting plate and which extends threadably through the second mounting plate. A positioning screw has a threaded shank portion extending threadably through the second mounting plate and abutting against the first mounting plate.

Abstract: A floor form assembly is adapted for use in the construction of a concrete floor of a structure that is enclosed by surrounding walls, and includes a plurality of mounting devices adapted to be mounted on the surrounding walls at a top portion of the structure, a plurality of elongated girders connected removably and longitudinally to one another so as to be adapted to extend along a lengthwise direction of the top portion of the structure, a plurality of supporting ribs connected removably to the girders such that the supporting ribs extend transversely from opposite longitudinal sides of the girders and are disposed spacedly on the girders so as to be adapted to extend along a transverse direction of the top portion of the structure, a plurality of vertical form units, each being connected removably to distal end portion of one of the girders and the supporting ribs, the vertical form units being adapted to form an enclosing frame that is supported removably on the mounting devices and that is adapted to be