Abstract: A seed layer is formed containing Cr and an element X (wherein the element X is Fe, Ni, etc.) on a substrate layer formed from Ta, etc. At this time, the compositional ratio of the aforementioned Cr is specified to be 80 at % or more, and the seed layer is formed to have a film thickness of 20 Å or more, but 130 Å or less. According to this, the wettability of the seed layer surface can be improved remarkably compared to that heretofore attained, the unidirectional exchange bias magnetic field and rate of resistance change in the fixed magnetic layer can be increased, and it becomes possible to make the smoothness of the surface of each layer on the aforementioned seed layer excellent.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistive effect transducer including a pinning layer, a pinned layer, a free layer and a non-magnetic layer inserted between the pinned layer and the free layer, a longitudinal bias layer is connected directly to a part of the free layer to apply a bias magnetic field to the free layer, thus biasing a magnetization direction of the free layer so that the magnetization direction of the free layer coincides with that of the longitudinal bias layer.

Abstract: A bi-directional EOS/ESD protection device, suitable for application on an I/O port. The circuit includes a P-type semiconductor layer, a first N-type conductive layer, a second N-type conductive layer, a first P-type doped region, a first N-type doped region, a second N-type doped region and a second P-type doped region. The first N-type conductive layer and the second N-type conductive layer are formed separately on the P-type semiconductor layer. The first P-type doped region and the first N-type doped region are formed on the first N-type conductive layer. The second N-type doped region and the second P-type doped region are formed on the second N-type conductive layer. The first N-type conductive layer is coupled to an I/O pad, and the second N-type conductive layer is coupled to a power line. Signals irrespective of conductivity type are transmitted via the I/O pad.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for identifying potential problems within systems having rotating biased components. The system employs diagnostics to the rotating biased components to provide status feedback to the machine's control unit when any type of bias fault has occurred. The system then responds to this fault signal making it possible to stop imaging and alert the machine operator that bias faults may adversely affect the image quality of the prints being produced. The present invention also discloses a method for detecting open load, over load, shorted load and intermittent contact with the load or arcing conditions, as well as power supply output failure in a bias system. A digital signal that may be may be sensed by interrupt or sampling methods and filtered appropriately with software is provided to a machine control system.

Abstract: A protection device for a Schottky diode is described. The protection device has a cascade circuit with at least two Si-PIN diodes provided parallel to the Schottky diode. The protection device protects against momentary over-current pulses reliably and without a high outlay in terms of cost and necessary materials for forming the protection device.

Abstract: A cascaded DC-DC converter architecture has an upstream converter stage and a downstream converter stage, which derives its input voltage from the upstream stage. Cascading the two converter stages enables functionality of control and monitoring (including soft start and overcurrent detection) circuitry of the upstream stage to be used for the downstream stage, to reduce chip area, cost, and complexity. A voltage window regulator in the downstream converter ensures that, during shutdown, its output voltage will be maintained within a prescribed window of its regulated output voltage, so that no soft start delay is needed when the second converter stage is turned back on.

Abstract: A method for storing energy in a capacitor includes connecting a first conductor to a first electrode. A second conductor is connected to a second electrode. The second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer includes a layer of boron nitride, BN. The conductivity of the dielectric layer is lower than the conductivity of the first electrode or the second electrode. A voltage of at least 5 volts is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The voltage is applied be means of the first and second conductors.

Abstract: A laminated electric double layer capacitor module having electrode assemblies with positive and negative electrodes disposed to face each other, an ion permeable separator disposed between adjacent electrode assemblies so as to separate respective electrode layers from each other, a metal current collector plate for the positive electrodes, and a metal current collector plate for the negative electrodes, an electrolyte, and a module case. The electrode assemblies, the separators, and the current collector plates for the positive and negative electrodes are integrated into a laminated assembly of the capacitor module. A plurality of laminated assemblies are accommodated in a plurality of element compartments and electrically connected in series.

Abstract: The instrumentation transformers 6a to 6d and 7a to 7f for measuring the voltage of the main circuit are arranged within the container 15b located in the midst of the containers 15a to 15c. In the present invention, the containers 15a and 15b are linked by the insulating tube 21a and the primary-side lead lines 49 and 53 connected electrically to the primary-side terminal of the instrumentation transformers 6a and 7a are made routed from the container 15b through the insulating tube 21a to the container 15a, and the containers 15b and 15c are linked by the insulating tube 21b and the primary-side lead lines 51 and 55 connected electrically to the primary-side terminal of the instrumentation transformers 6d and 7e are made routed from the container 15b through the insulating tube 21b to the container 15c.

Abstract: A switchgear cabinet having at least one cabinet door and a fan-assisted air circulation on an interior for cooling heat-generating devices installed inside, which are disposed one above the other in tiers. With particular air circulation, the partial cooling air flows in the tiers and can be set and adjusted, to a large extent independently of one another.

Abstract: A technique that facilitates the removal of a battery module from a variety of electronic devices, such as portable computers. The technique utilizes a latch having a lifting mechanism that forces the battery module to a lifted position. Upon reaching the lifted position, retention features on the lift mechanism and the battery module engage to hold the battery module in the lifted position. At this lifted position, the battery module is readily gripped and removed.

Abstract: This invention uses a portable computer housing with a battery holder connected directly onto this battery housing. This arrangement does away with the need for cumbersome connecting cables or wires and places the battery at a location where it could be easily changed or removed. The housing and holder have mating electrical connectors so that they can be in electrical connection without need for wires, cables or other clumsy connectors.

Abstract: The heat sink is described which is used to cool an electronic component of a computer. The heat sink is constructed from a metal sheet which is bent so as to have a horizontal thermally conductive plate and four walls extending upwardly from the plate and jointly define an enclosure. Openings are formed in the walls through which air can flow by natural convection.

Abstract: A computer chassis is provided having a front section, a rear section having a port positioned to align with a port in an auxiliary chassis, and mounting portions configured to interface with opposable portions across a rack.

Abstract: A novel thermal bus is shown that more effectively transmits heat away from a die of an IC. The innovative thermal bus is capable of transmitting heat to other heat dissipating devices such as heat sinks, which eventually transmit the heat out to ambient. One aspect of the thermal bus leading to increased performance includes an added path for conducting heat in addition to the path through the backside of the die. Another aspect of the thermal bus leading to increased performance includes coupling the thermal bus to the active side of the die to more directly transmit heat from the electronic devices that are generating the heat. Local hot spots are therefore minimized, and the overall average temperature of the die is reduced, which allows improved performance of the microelectronic chip, such as operating at a higher frequency for a given upper threshold temperature.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip package with cooling arrangement includes a heat sink adapted for covering at least a semiconductor chip, characterized in that said heat sink has an inverted U-shaped cross section thereby forming a recess at an inner bottom thereof adapted for covering at least a semiconductor chip and a plurality of pins extending downwardly from a circumferential lower edge of said heat sink, each of said pins being formed with a neck, an enlarged head, and an open slot separating said neck and said enlarged head into two portions, whereby the package can rapidly remove heat from the semiconductor chip, filter noise and reduce inductance.

Abstract: A housing for a computer sub-assembly having a releasable keeper operative to retain the sub-assembly in position within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and structure for providing an interconnect between layers of a multilayer circuit board.

Abstract: A hardware module for incorporating an electronic unit into an ad-hoc network has a unit to operate a Java virtual machine which supports Java RMI and Jini. The hardware module has at least one interface to a communications interface on the electronic unit. Jini services are generated with interface stubs for the hardware of the electronic unit. The hardware module has at least one interface to a local area network.

Abstract: A retaining device for a card slot assembly, the retaining device comprising;

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first layer having first and second surfaces, with an above-board device mounted thereon. The PCB includes a second layer having third and fourth surfaces. One of the surfaces can include a recessed portion for securedly holding an interstitial component. A via, electrically connecting the PCB layers, is also coupled to a lead of the interstitial component.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (chip) with attachment elements for attaching of the chip on a carrier, the attachment elements being designed in a way such that they can enter into a releasable connection with corresponding attachment elements formed on the carrier. To keep the package size of the chips as small as possible, the attachment elements are arranged directly on the unpackaged chip.

Abstract: The inductance of the capacitor is reduced by connecting the capacitor directly to a via. In one embodiment inductance of a capacitor is reduced by a plurality of via, the number of via greater than the number of electrical couplings from the voltage pad to the voltage plane. In one embodiment the capacitor has a ground pad of a minimum size. In another embodiment the capacitor is electrically coupled to a trace having a length reduced to minimize inductance.

Abstract: A circuit assembly 10 is provided, including a main assembly board 18, a main assembly housing 20, and at least one partitioned circuit assembly 14. The partitioned circuit assembly 14 includes the partitioned circuit element 22, a partitioned circuit housing 24 and a plurality of connectors 26.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to support varying sizes of memory cards against shock and vibration. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a support clip to one or more cards attached on a substrate by a connector. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a support clip. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a plurality of cards secured by one or more support clips to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide structural support to one or more daughter-cards attached to a motherboard substrate. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a daughter-card support to a motherboard. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a daughter-card support. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled motherboard substrate with a daughter-card support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber module used in a portable computer. The shock absorber module includes a bracket, at least one shock absorber, and a modular housing. The bracket accommodates an electronic device therein. The shock absorber connected to a bottom surface of said bracket provides the electronic device with shock absorbing capability. The modular housing provides a space to accommodate the bracket and the shock absorber. The modular housing is detachably installed in an accommodation slot of the portable computer. The present invention also provides a data processing system including a host system, a display device, an input device, a data storage device, and a shock absorber module as above-mentioned.

Abstract: A light emitting device having a lamp for producing light when supplied with electric current, and an elongated optical material having a portion disposed within the lamp and one end located outside the lamp and serving as an outlet of emitted light. The optical material may be (a) a light transmissive, fluorescent or phosphorescent adapted to emit fluorescent or phosphorescent light upon being excited by irradiation with the light of the lamp so that the fluorescent or phosphorescent light is transmitted to the outlet, (b) a rod transparent to the light of the lamp so that the light from the lamp entering the rod is transmitted to the outlet, or (c) a light transmissive, laser generating optical material adapted to emit a laser beam upon being excited with the light of the lamp so that the laser beam is transmitted to the outlet.

Abstract: A back light includes a first case having a plurality of first and second support members, the first support members at ends of the case and the second support member at a center portion of the case and a plurality of luminescent lamps having tubes supported by the first and second support members, having electrodes at both ends of the tubes. The luminescent lamps are arranged alternately at left and right sides of the second support member.

Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a lamp bulb with the principle axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a lamp bulb and a lamp base. The lamp bulb has a pair of electrodes and a filament extending between the electrodes. The lamp base is adapted to receive the electrodes of the lamp bulb. The lamp bulb is secured to the base so that the electrodes extend through the base, the lamp bulb is disposed adjacent the base, and the filament of the lamp bulb is aligned with a predetermined axis extending through the base. The base is configured to be seated in a bore provided in a base receiver mounted adjacent the reflector so as to align the predetermined axis of the base with the principal axis of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are also provided.

Abstract: A lighting fixture comprises an LED lighting portion which is a metal housing and is provided at one end with a mirror and in the interior with batteries and an LED. The lighting fixture further comprises an adjustment locating portion and a fixation portion. The adjustment locating portion can be twisted, bent, and located. The adjustment portion is fastened with other end of the LED lighting portion. The fixation portion is fastened with other end of the adjustment locating portion and is provided with a clamping end for fixing the lighting fixture on an object.

Abstract: A flash light has a barrel for batteries, a lamp, a switch for opening and closing a circuit a lens, a cap, and a pistol grip handle extending transversely from the barrel. The handle includes a trigger with a magnetic to activate the switch in the barrel. The barrel is watertight between the barrel, the cap and a transparent face mounted with the cap. A reflective parabolic lens surface has multiple protrusions arranged on the reflective surface.

Abstract: A double lamp utility light includes a vertically split light housing formed in two halves with an elongated upper light portion extending from a hollow lower handle portion. An electrical outlet is provided in a bottom surface of the handle. A pair of switches on the handle control respective ones of a pair of twin bulb fluorescent lamp assemblies. A lens assembly is releasably attached to the housing and can be removed and installed without tools for changing the lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A colorful decorative light is disclosed. The colorful light includes a length of flexible core provided with mini-bulbs and wires electrically connecting to the mini-bulbs, and a substantially transparent outer covering encasing the core. In addition, a colorful and transparent cladding is arranged between the core and the outer covering, in order to provide a fancy decoration.

Abstract: A colorful decorative light is disclosed. The colorful light includes a length of flexible core (10) provided with mini-bulbs (12) and wires (14) electrically connecting to the mini-bulbs (12), and a substantially transparent outer covering (30) encasing the core (10). In addition, a colorful and transparent cladding (20) is arranged between the core (10) and the outer covering (30), in order to provide a fancy decoration.

Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.

Abstract: An imitation candle is provided having a body made from a translucent material having light transmissive properties similar to paraffin. The body is shaped to resemble a candle that is reduced by burning. An LED, or similar high intensity light source, is set in a cavity enclosed within this material. A color, such as amber, is selected for the LED to produce a light similar to the color of candle light. The material diffuses the light emitted from the LED to create a warm, natural looking glow. Light emission levels from the LED are varied in a pseudo-random manner to simulate the flicker of candle light.

Abstract: A light guard of the present invention protects a light source mounted to a fixed surface. The light guard includes a base flange that is removably mountable to the fixed surface and a body portion that extends from the base flange for extending about and alongside the light source to prevent destruction of the light source.

Abstract: A lighting fixture has a proximal end fixture adapter connectable at a proximal end to a mounting device attachable to a ceiling. The mounting device may be an elongated track, a fixed canopy or a ceiling ring permitting a proximal portion of the fixture to be above the ceiling. The lighting fixture has a generally cylindrical housing with first and second resilient rings partially engaged into first and second external grooves around the distal end of the housing. A decorative shade has a fitter slidable on the housing and retained between the first and second resilient rings.

Abstract: A furniture ornament comprised of a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart double-layered planar sheets of transparent material, e.g. rigid plastic. The sheets contain designs usually having repeating patterns thereon wherein all of the designs on the sheets are visually superimposed on one another to create a composite design when looking perpendicularly at the sheets, and wherein a view from the side at an angle shows fewer of the sheets superimposed on one another, providing an unusual three-dimensional visual effect. In an embodiment for a ceiling lamp, the viewer looks up toward the light placed between the uppermost sheet and the ceiling and sees the superimposed designs as one design. Chains hanging from the ceiling maintain the sheets in spaced-apart relation to one another with attachment means Other embodiments include a design for a table and for the front of a door that may not have an independent source of light.

Abstract: A luminous pedal for a bicycle has a body with an I-like frame formed therein. An axle hole is longitudinally defined through the frame. An end cover is assembled at the front end and has a second hole in alignment with the axle hole. An axle has a head extending out from the second hole. A plurality of permanent magnets is circumferentially provided thereon and arranged N-pole by S-pole alternately. A coil seat with a coil is secured in the chamber. The permanent magnets are received in the coil seat. Two luminous plates is respectively secured at the side parts of the body and each have a plurality of luminous elements and electrically connected with the coil by a wire so that when the pedal is operated by a user, current is generated to light the luminous elements.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp of which lamp chamber is formed by a lamp body and an outer lens, and a light source and an inner lens are provided inside the lamp chamber, with the inner lens functioning to selectively transmit the complementary color to the color of the outer lens and a desired color and being disposed between the light source and the outer lens. A half mirror is provided on the inner lens so as to face the outer lens.

Abstract: A safety release assembly for a trunk or compartment of a vehicle is provided which is positionable within the trunk or compartment space of the vehicle so as to allow for opening of the trunk or compartment lid from within the trunk or compartment. The safety assembly comprises a handle for activating a release mechanism of the lid in order to open the compartment, at least one illumination source, which is at least occasionally activated to provide illumination of the handle, and a control circuit for activating the illumination source in response to an occurrence of at least one activating event such as when the deck lid is closed, motion is sensed by a sensor within the trunk/compartment, an object having a predetermined temperature is detected within the trunk/compartment, or the like. The handle is interconnected with the release mechanism of the compartment, such that movement of the handle results in activation of the release mechanism and thus opening of the lid.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp which irradiates a light by means of indirect illumination employing an LED light source and having an improved appearance when the lamp is lit. Light from an LED light source is formed into an upward parallel light flux by a Fresnel lens and reflected toward the front of a lamp by a reflector. The reflecting surface of the reflector is formed in a stepped shape by providing a reflective element and a step portion in each of a plurality of segments which are sectioned at a uniform interval in a vertical direction. The width in the longitudinal direction of the lamp of each of the reflective elements is gradually increased as the distance of the reflective elements increases from the intersection of the central axis of the parallel light flux and the reflecting surface. Accordingly, the incident light flux is made substantially constant among all the reflective elements, and hence the brightness of the light emitted by the lamp is made uniform.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp which radiates a light by indirect illumination using a plurality of LED light sources which has a thin structure while providing sufficient light output to the front of the lamp, even in the case where the lamp is mounted in a wrap-around portion of the vehicle body. Respective Fresnel lenses which form light from respective LED light sources into parallel light fluxes are arranged so as to align the directions of the parallel light fluxes upward, and the parallel light fluxes are then reflected toward the front of the lamp by a reflector. The reflector is separated into sub-reflectors for every area which the parallel light fluxes from the respective Fresnel lenses strike, and the sub-reflectors are arranged in a stepped configuration extending in a lateral direction of the reflector from the front of the lamp toward the rear of the lamp.

Abstract: A theft resistant lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp unit and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket supports the lamp unit. An outer flange extends from the mounting bracket and an inner flange extends inwardly from the mounting bracket so as to form a lens opening. The inner flange supports the lamp unit. One or more lock tabs are adapted to resiliently deform to secure the mounting bracket to the vehicle. One or more lamp unit legs are adapted to resiliently deform to secure the lamp unit to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Illuminators and systems are provided that permit the production of a beam of electromagnetic radiation having selected peak wavelength, bandwidth, intensity, pulse frequency and pulse duration for a variety of analytical and therapeutic applications. Multiple beam illuminators use filter elements arranged into filter arrays, having characteristic wavelength absorption properties. By providing a series of filter arrays formed into tracks having defined wavelength offsets, radiation passing through a portion of a track can be modified to include selected peak wavelength and bandwidth. Selection of peak wavelength(s) and bandwidth can be accomplished using mechanical interrupters, mechanical shutters, or electro-optical devices including liquid crystal device. Multiple output beams permit the coordinated illumination of a target, and sensors provide feedback regarding the effects of illumination on a target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and system for a target game used in conjunction with a toilet or urinal, wherein a target body is positioned within the toilet basin. The target game comprises a target body and coupling members, wherein the target body is divided into sections. The coupling members secure the target body to the toilet basin and include a securing member and an attachment member, wherein the securing member is any device that is capable of attaching to the toilet and wherein the attachment member couples the securing member to the target body. Other embodiments of the apparatus and system include image projection systems to create the target.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply having a regulated reflected voltage. In one embodiment, a switched mode power supply includes a power supply regulator coupled between a positive input supply rail of the power supply and a primary winding of an energy transfer element. The reflected voltage across the primary winding of the transfer element is related to the output voltage across a secondary winding of the energy transfer element according to the turns ratio of the energy transfer element. The power supply regulator is coupled to regulate the reflected voltage across the primary winding, thereby regulating the output voltage across secondary winding. In one embodiment, the reflected voltage across the primary winding is sensed through a current representative of the reflected voltage received by the power supply regulator.

Abstract: The output voltage of the output of a power supply for providing power to an audio amplification and transduction system having a plurality of channels with each channel transmitting an audio signal includes monitoring the amplitude of the audio signals and providing a highest amplitude signal representative of the contemporary highest amplitude of the audio. AC electrical power has a variable frequency controlled by the highest amplitude signal and is converted to DC voltage having the output voltage related to the variable frequency. This DC voltage is delivered to the channels.