Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, memory controller and method for performing a block erase operation with respect to a non-volatile memory. A command is generated to perform a portion of the block erase operation. At least one read or write operation is performed after executing the command. An additional instance of the command is executed in response to determining that the block erase operation did not complete after performing the at least one read or write operation.

Abstract: An operating method of a nonvolatile memory device is provided which sequentially performs a plurality of erase loops to erase at least one of a plurality of memory blocks. The operating method comprises performing at least one of the plurality of erase loops; performing a post-program operation on the at least one memory block after the at least one erase loop is executed; and performing remaining erase loops of the plurality of erase loops. The post-program operation is not performed when each of the remaining erase loops is executed.

Abstract: There are provided a semiconductor memory device having improved reliability and an operating method thereof. A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of strings coupled between a bit line and a source line, the plurality of strings including select transistors respectively coupled to select lines and a plurality of memory cells respectively coupled to a plurality of word lines, and a peripheral circuit for performing a read operation on selected memory cells among the plurality of memory cells. The peripheral circuit discharges the select lines earlier than the plurality of word lines in the read operation.

Abstract: Performance improvement features can improve the performance of read processes under the right conditions. In order to selectively use the performance improvement features, the system conducts active read sampling to obtain information about bit error rate and then enables the performance improvement feature(s) for future read processes based on the information about bit error rate.

Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor pillar, a first memory cell that includes a first memory film between a first word line and a side surface of the semiconductor pillar, a second memory cell that includes a second memory film between a second word line and the side surface of the semiconductor pillar, and a control circuit configured to carry out first and second operations on the first memory cell and the second memory cell during a reading operation. During the first operation, a read voltage is applied to the first word line and a read pass voltage is applied to the second word line, and during the second operation following the first operation, a first voltage is applied to the second word line, such that a potential of the second word line is lower than a potential of the semiconductor pillar.

Abstract: A one time programming (OTP) apparatus unit cell includes magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with reversed connections for placing the MTJ in an anti-parallel resistance state during programming. Increased MTJ resistance in its anti-parallel resistance state causes a higher programming voltage which reduces programming time and programming current.

Abstract: A smart memory system preferably includes a memory including one or more memory chips, and a processor including one or more memory processor chips. The system may include a smart memory controller capable of performing a bit error rate built-in self test. The smart memory control may include bit error rate controller logic configured to control the bit error rate built-in self test. A write error rate test pattern generator may generate a write error test pattern for the bit error rate built-in self test. A read error rate test pattern generator may generate a read error test pattern for the built-in self test. The smart memory controller may internally generate an error rate timing pattern, perform built-in self test, measure the resulting error rate, automatically adjust one or more test parameters based on the measured error rate, and repeat the built-in self test using the adjusted parameters.

Abstract: A method including determining a test duration for testing each of a plurality of memory arrays individually coupled to a plurality of array built-in-self test (ABIST) engines, the test duration is equal to a time period required by each of the plurality of ABIST engines to test each of the plurality of memory arrays, determining a corresponding delay value for each of the plurality of ABIST engines, each of the corresponding delay values is based on the test duration for each of the plurality of memory arrays, and consecutively delaying the start of processing of each of the plurality of ABIST engines by providing each of the corresponding delay values to each of a plurality of programmable delay units individually coupled to each of the plurality of ABIST engines, the start of processing of each of the plurality of ABIST engines is delayed by a different corresponding delay value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uranium dioxide nuclear fuel pellet, which includes metallic microcell partitions having a high protection capacity for fission products and a high thermal conductivity simultaneously. These metal microcell partitions are arranged in the nuclear fuel pellet to trap fission products. Further disclosed is a method of making the uranium dioxide nuclear fuel pellet. The method includes providing a mixture of uranium dioxide powder and additive powder of Cr-containing compound or Mo-containing compound; compressing the powder mixture to form a green pellet; and then sintering the green pellet under reducing gas environment to form the metallic microcell partitions.

Abstract: An underwater electricity production module includes an elongated cylindrical casing, which includes an integrated electricity generation unit having a nuclear boiler. The generator is connected to an external electricity distribution station by electrical cables. The nuclear boiler is placed in a dry chamber of a reactor compartment associated with a chamber forming a safety water storage reservoir of the reactor. At least a radial wall of the reservoir chamber is in a direct heat exchange relationship with a marine environment that surrounds the underwater electricity production module in which the underwater electricity production module is submerged.

Abstract: A spent fuel storage rack that accommodates and stores spent fuels in a large number of cells formed in a grid pattern includes a flat rectangular plate-shaped base forming the bottom of the rack, columnar members extending upward from the four corners of the base, and at least a pair of upper and lower grid-shaped frame plates disposed above the base and fixed to and supported by the columnar members. Each of the cells is formed by assembling metal plates to which boron is added to a density greater than 1% into a polygonal tube, and the cells are arranged contiguously at fixed intervals in the grid-shaped frame plates.

Abstract: A method for preparing low level radioactive hazardous wastes (LLHZ) for disposal in a landfill. The method includes providing a softsided transportable container at a hazardous debris collection site, where the softsided container has at least three layers of materials, an outer, middle and an inner layer, where the middle layer is a water impervious material. Each layer has a closable opening located on the top of the softsided layer. Hardsided closed containers containing LLHZ located in the interior of the hard container are loaded into the interior of the softsided container. Each layer of the softsided container is then closed, and the package transported and shipped to a disposal site for burial.

Abstract: There is provided an aggregate of radioactive material removing particles in which two or more radioactive material removing particles having magnetic particles and a radioactive material adsorption component are assembled, wherein a pore volume in the aggregate is 0.5 mL/g or more and 5.0 mL/g or less, and the pore volume means a cumulative value obtained by a mercury press-in method.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for low ohmic loss radial superlattice conductors. In one example, among others, a conductor includes a plurality of radially distributed layers that include a non-permalloy core, a permalloy layer disposed on and encircling the non-permalloy core, and a non-permalloy layer disposed on and encircling the permalloy layer. The non-permalloy core and non-permalloy layer can include the same or different materials such as, e.g., aluminum, copper, silver, and gold. In some implementations, the non-permalloy core includes a void containing air or a non-conductive material such as, e.g., a polymer. The permalloy layer can include materials such as, e.g., NiFe, FeCo, NiFeCo, or NiFeMo. In another example, a via connector includes the plurality of radially distributed layers including the permalloy layer and the non-permalloy layer disposed on and encircling the permalloy layer. The via connector can extend through glass, silicon, organic, or other types of substrates.

Abstract: In one aspect, electrically conductive conjugated polymeric compositions are described herein demonstrating compatibility with aqueous solvents and/or phases. The ability to provide aqueous compatible compositions from previously water insoluble conjugated polymeric systems, in some embodiments, can facilitate use of such systems in a variety of aqueous applications, including biological applications.

Abstract: A conductive composition according to the present invention contains a conductive polymer (A) having a sulfonic acid group and/or a carboxyl group; and an alkali metal hydroxide and/or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide (B). In such a conductive composition, the amount of the hydroxide (B) is set at 0.2˜0.65 mol per 1 mol of a repeating unit that contains a sulfonic acid group and/or a carboxyl group in the conductive polymer (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dielectric mineral oil composition for a transformer, formed by at least one dielectric mineral oil and graphene nanoflakes decorated with metal nanoparticles and/or ceramic nanoparticles. The dielectric mineral oil composition has improved thermal conductivity and stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to reduce mixtures of at least one metal halide by molten metal reduction of the liquid phase metal halide in an alkali or alkaline earth metal to form a reaction product comprising at least one metal mixture and a halide salt coating, in which the at least one metal halide is in stoichiometric excess to the molten metal reductant and wherein the reductant is consumed in the reaction and does not need to be removed at the end of the reaction.

Abstract: A copper wire rod with an excellent surface quality and a magnet wire, in which the occurrence of blister defects is suppressed, are provided. The copper wire rod has a composition consisting of: more than 10 ppm by mass and 30 ppm by mass or less of P; 10 ppm by mass or less of O; 1 ppm by mass or less of H; and the balance Cu and inevitable impurities, wherein hydrogen concentration after performing a heat treatment at 500° for 30 minutes in vacuum is 0.2 ppm by mass or less. The magnet wire includes: a drawn wire material produced by using the copper wire rod; and an insulating film coating an outer periphery of the drawn wire material.

Abstract: A cable that has a cable core with a first armor wire layer and a second armor wire layer. The second armor wire layer is segregated from the first armor wire layer, and an outer jacket is disposed about the second armor wire layer.

Abstract: An electrical line exterior structure for a wire harness is provided that allows water accumulated in a gap formed between adjacent electrical lines or between an exterior member and a group of electrical lines to quickly drain. A tape-like exterior member is wrapped around insulated electrical lines. The exterior member includes a base layer having multiple water suction openings open on the inner circumferential surface that faces the electrical lines, and multiple water suction tube portions that protrude on the outer circumferential surface side of the base layer, and a capillary structure having water suction holes in communication with the water suction openings. When water comes into contact with the electrical lines, negative pressure is generated by capillary action of the water suction holes on the base layer side, and water inside the water suction holes is vaporized on the protruding end side of the water suction tube portions.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting users of electrical extensions cords to detangle the cords as quickly and efficiently as possible. The improved extension cords features markings on regions of the cord to assist the user in locating the part or section of the cord associated with a single end.

Abstract: A hybrid cable includes a first jacket and a second jacket with webbing connecting the first and second jackets, where the second jacket has a larger cross-sectional area than the first jacket. Optical fibers extend through a cavity of the first jacket. Conductive wires extend through a cavity of the second jacket. Metallic shielding surrounds the conductive wires, positioned between the conductive wires and the second jacket within the cavity of the second jacket.

Abstract: An insulator for holding an electrifiable wire includes a base, a first connecting portion provided on a first end of the base, and a second connecting portion provided on a second end of the base. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position.

Abstract: An over-current protection device comprises a PTC device and a first external lead. The PTC device comprises first and second conductive layers and a PTC material layer laminated therebetween. The first conductive layer forms an upper surface of the PTC device. The first external lead has a lower surface soldered to the first conductive layer. The lower surface is provided with a plurality of protrusions of which tops are in direct contact with the first conductive layer to form a gap between the first external lead and the first conductive layer. Solder paste fills the gap to form an electrically conductive connecting layer. The over-current protection device may further comprise a second external lead with protrusions soldered to the second conductive layer to form an axial-lead or a radial-lead type device.

Abstract: A voltage nonlinear resistive element includes a resistor containing a joined body in which a zinc oxide ceramic layer composed mainly of zinc oxide and having a volume resistivity of 1.0×10?1 ?cm or less is joined to a bismuth oxide layer composed mainly of bismuth oxide, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the resistor such that an electrically conductive path passes through a joint surface between the zinc oxide ceramic layer and the bismuth oxide layer. In this element, the zinc oxide ceramic layer of the joined body has a lower volume resistivity than before. This can result in a lower clamping voltage in a high-current region than before.

Abstract: The voltage nonlinear resistive element includes a resistor containing a joined body in which a zinc oxide ceramic layer composed mainly of zinc oxide and having a volume resistivity of less than 1.0×10?2 ?cm is joined to a rare-earth metal oxide layer composed mainly of a rare-earth metal oxide, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the resistor such that an electrically conductive path passes through a junction between the zinc oxide ceramic layer and the rare-earth metal oxide layer. In this element, the zinc oxide ceramic layer of the joined body has a lower volume resistivity than before. This can result in a lower clamping voltage in a high electric current region than before.

Abstract: A process tunable resistor is fabricated by adjusting elements of the resistor during a fabrication process. The elements include legs, turns, and elements such as a parallel sub-legs, that are adjusted in the fabrication process to provide a specific user defined resistance value. The process tunable resistor provides for fixed contact points in order to support pre-existing or define circuit designs.

Abstract: On at least one surface of a base metal plate (1) of an ?-? transforming Fe or Fe alloy, a metal layer (2) containing ferrite former is formed. Next, the base metal plate (1) and the metal layer (2) are heated to an A3 point of the Fe or the Fe alloy, whereby the ferrite former are diffused into the base metal plate (1) to form an alloy region (1b) in a ferrite phase in which an accumulation degree of {200} planes is 25% or more and an accumulation degree of {222} planes is 40% or less. Next, the base metal plate (1) is heated to a temperature higher than the A3 point of the Fe or the Fe alloy, whereby the accumulation degree of the {200} planes is increased and the accumulation degree of the {222} planes is decreased while the alloy region (11b) is maintained in the ferrite phase.

Abstract: A shield cable includes an insulated electrical cable of a conductor wire sheathed about the circumference by an insulator, and a magnetic tape layer formed by wrapping magnetic tape about the circumference of the insulated electrical cable. The magnetic tape is a magnetic tape shaped by continuously cutting to constant width an elongated sheet comprising a magnetic material. The magnetic tape, on at least the insulated electrical cable-facing surface thereof, has grooves extending in the lengthwise direction, for accommodating at least one of pairs of burrs that are formed at both widthwise edge surfaces during cutting of the elongated sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic clamping device (10) for magnetically clamping to a magnetically attracted material (30). The device comprises at least one permanent clamping magnet (14, 44) for magnetically clamping to the magnetically attracted material wherein the magnet is movable relative to the magnetically attracted material from a position remote from the magnetically attracted material to a clamping position for the clamping of the material by the magnet. The device also includes damping means (22, 24) for damping the movement of the clamping magnet to the clamping position. The damping means biases the clamping magnet away from the magnetically attracted material to assist release of the clamping magnet from the magnetically attracted material.

Abstract: A solenoid (30) is provided. The solenoid (30) includes a magnetic core (304). The solenoid (30) also includes a pole piece (305) positioned substantially coaxially with the magnetic core (304). An over-molded component (303) is provided that is over-molded around at least a portion of the magnetic core (304) and at least a portion of the pole piece (305).

Abstract: An improved transformer arrangement of a wind turbine is provided. A wind turbine transformer arrangement comprises a transformer that is arranged in the wind turbine. The transformer comprises a housing. The transformer housing is filled with an oil. The transformer arrangement comprises at least one decompression chamber and the interior of the transformer housing is connected to the interior of the decompression chamber by a pressure release tube in a way that an increase in the pressure in the transformer housing due to a malfunction of the transformer is transferred through the pressure release tube into the decompression chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a reactor device which is inexpensive, has high heat radiation and with which there is a high degree of freedom when positioning the transformer core. A heat-radiating plate (105) of U-shaped cross section is contacted onto an upper face and both side faces of an upper part E core (102) forming a transformer (101) upper part, and a transformer (101) provided with the heat-radiating plate (105) is housed from one face which is open of a reactor case (106), and a potting resin material is charged into the gap between the transformer (101) and the reactor case (106) until a lower edge part of the heat-radiating plate (105) is submerged. The reactor case (106) housing the transformer (101) is installed and secured onto a base providing a cooling mechanism.

Abstract: A seawater-based high resistance grounding device for a subsea transformer includes an insulated pipe mounted to the outside of the transformer so as to be exposed to seawater. The insulated pipe has two or more cylindrical metallic electrodes electrically connected to ground and to the neutral node of the secondary transformer windings. The volume of seawater within the pipe and between the electrodes provides one or more high resistance ground paths for protection of the transformer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a reactor includes: assembling an assembly constituted by a coil and a bobbin by inserting the bobbin, which includes a tube portion and a flange portion, through the coil so that a tip of the tube portion protrudes from the coil; forming a cavity by installing the assembly in a first die so that a portion of a coil lateral face comes into contact with a cavity face of the first die, and closing a second die so that the second die is opposed to the first die; and extending first press rods from a cavity face of the second die toward the bobbin in the cavity, and injecting a resin into the cavity while pressing both ends of the bobbin in an axial direction of the coil from an opposite side to the portion of the coil lateral face.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power transfer system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a first inductive element and a current generator. The current generator supplies a current to the first inductive element to generate an electromagnetic field. The receiver includes a second inductive element, a tuning circuit, and a controller. The second inductive element receives wireless power from the electromagnetic field. The tuning circuit has a reactance and includes a plurality of capacitive elements connected to the second inductive element. The plurality of capacitive elements supply an output current to a load. The controller selectively connects the plurality of capacitive elements in a plurality of configurations. The tuning circuit has substantially the same reactance in each of the plurality of configurations.

Abstract: A provided wireless wallbox dimmer may accommodate a plurality of button configurations. The dimmer may be configured to contain a variable number of controllably conductive devices. The dimmer may include a yoke that defines a first plane and an antenna that defines a second plane that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The yoke may have a flange that is oriented angularly offset relative to the first plane and provides a plurality of mounting locations for controllably conductive devices. The antenna may provide the dimmer with a first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a faceplate that cooperates with the antenna to provide the dimmer with a second wireless transmission range that is broader than the first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a button assembly that is supported independently of the yoke.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multilayer ceramic condenser and a method for manufacturing the same. There is provided a multilayer ceramic condenser including: a multilayer main body in which a plurality of dielectric layers including a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side are stacked; a first cover layer and a second cover layer forming the plurality of dielectric layers; a first dielectric layer disposed between the first cover layer and the second cover layer and printed with a first inner electrode pattern drawn to the first side; a second dielectric layer alternately stacked with the first dielectric layer and printed with a second inner electrode pattern drawn to the third side; and a first side portion and a second side portion each formed on the second side and the fourth side opposite to each other.

Abstract: A multi-layer ceramic capacitor has a structure where the dispersion, nd, of average grain size of the dielectric grains constituting the dielectric layer (a value (D90/D10) obtained by dividing D90 which is a grain size including 90% cumulative abundance of grains by D10 which is a grain size including 10% cumulative abundance of grains) is smaller than 4.

Abstract: There are provided a dielectric film, a film capacitor and an electric device capable of achieving an increase in relative permittivity without causing a decrease in breakdown field strength. A dielectric film includes an organic resin and ceramic particles contained in the organic resin. The ceramic particles each have a crystal lattice defined by three axes composed of axis a, axis b, and axis c, and including two or more crystalline phases of different axial ratios c/a. Owing to each crystal phase having different extents of dielectric polarization originating from the differences in shapes (sizes) of the crystal lattices, the ceramic particles each have regions with different permittivities, achieving an increase in relative permittivity without causing a decrease in breakdown field strength.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitor module (10) for connection to a plurality of power conversion circuits, which includes: a dielectric part (11) that has a plurality of flat-film dielectric layers (18A, 18B) laminated; a capacitance formation part (12) that has conductors opposed to each other with the dielectric layers (18A, 18B) interposed therebetween within the dielectric part (11); and multiple pairs of output terminals (13A, 13B, 13C) that are connected respectively to the multiple power conversion circuits, where the multiple pairs of output terminals (13A, 13B, 13C) are connected to each other with the capacitance formation part (12) interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A tantalum capacitor includes a capacitor body containing a tantalum powder and having a tantalum wire protruding to one side surface thereof, a molding part enclosing the tantalum wire and the capacitor body so as to allow an end portion of the tantalum wire to be exposed through one side surface thereof, a positive electrode terminal extended from one side surface of the molding part to a portion of a lower surface thereof and connected to the end portion of the tantalum wire, and a negative electrode terminal extended from the other side surface of the molding part to a portion of the lower surface thereof and connected to the other side surface of the capacitor body.

Abstract: The present invention related to a dye comprising a chromophore to which an acyloin group as anchoring group is attached, to a method of synthesis of such dye, to an electronic device comprising such dye and to the use of such dye.

Abstract: An electric double-layer ultracapacitor configured to maintain desired operation at an operating voltage of three volts, where the capacitor includes a housing component, a first and a second current collector, a positive and a negative electrode electrically coupled to one of the first and second current collectors, and a separator positioned between the positive and the negative electrode. At least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can include a treated carbon material, where the treated carbon material includes a reduction in a number of hydrogen-containing functional groups, nitrogen-containing functional groups and/or oxygen-containing functional groups.

Abstract: A cathode in a lithium ion capacitor, including: a carbon composition comprising: an activated carbon; a conductive carbon; and a binder in in amounts as defined herein; and a current collector that supports the carbon composition, wherein the activated carbon has: a surface area of from 500 to 3000 m2/g; a pore volume where from 50 to 80% of the void volume is in pores less than 10 ?; a pore volume higher than 0.3 cm3/gm occupied by the micropores less than 10 ?; and a microporosity of greater than 60% of the total pore volume. Also disclosed is a method of making the cathode and using the cathode in a lithium ion capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides copper substrate coated with a lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanium (PLZT) ceramic film, which is prepared by a method comprising applying a layer of a sol-gel composition onto a copper foil. The sol-gel composition comprises a precursor of a ceramic material suspended in 2-methoxyethanol. The layer of sol-gel is then dried at a temperature up to about 250° C. The dried layer is then pyrolyzed at a temperature in the range of about 300 to about 450° C. to form a ceramic film from the ceramic precursor. The ceramic film is then crystallized at a temperature in the range of about 600 to about 750° C. The drying, pyrolyzing and crystallizing are performed under a flowing stream of an inert gas.

Abstract: A disconnecting device having a plurality of modules for disconnecting an electrical supply line of an intensity higher than 1000 A. Each module includes a tight contact casing (10) having at least one fixed-contact conductive element (12, 14) in contact with a mobile-contact conductive element (20, 26), and a mechanism for interrupting the contact between the fixed-contact element and the mobile-contact element so as to disconnect the supply line; metal connection bars (60, 62, and 64, 66) for connecting to a current input and to a current output; and intermediate conductive elements such as blades (68, 70, et 72, 74) connected to the connection bars and to the casing. At least one of the mobile-contact elements includes a silver pellet fixed to the surface of the element, allowing the contact resistance between the mobile-contact element and the fixed-contact element to be reduced by half.

Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts, a movable contactor, a contactor holder, a movable shaft, and a base. The pair of fixed contacts are aligned in a first direction. The movable contactor comes into or out of contact with the pair of fixed contacts in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The contactor holder holds the movable contactor. The movable shaft moves the contactor holder in the second direction so that the movable contactor comes into or out of contact with the fixed contacts. The base accommodates the fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the contactor holder. The base has a projection projecting from a position opposing the contactor holder in a third direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: Devices and assemblies are provided for operating circuit interrupters. A circuit interrupter assembly includes a circuit interrupter and a contact spring assembly. The circuit interrupter is located within the housing and includes a moving contact and a stationary contact. Contact spring assembly includes a mass, a plunger, a ferrule, a spring, and a dielectric drive rod. The mass defines an inner bore with a first diameter at a first portion of the mass and a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter at a second portion of the mass. The plunger has a flange portion and a body portion. The flange portion is located within the inner bore at the second portion and has a flange diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The spring is disposed within the inner bore between the plunger and the ferrule.