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The present invention aims at providing a convenient method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, which is an industrially useful compound, with high optical purity, a higher yield, and better dissolution property. The present invention also provides a convenient method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with higher optical purity, a higher yield, and better solution property by adding a zinc salt to an aqueous medium containing a salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid as a starting material and separating a crystal from the aqueous medium at a specific pH.

1. A method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, which comprises the steps of adding a zinc salt to a solution of a salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid in an aqueous medium to allow reaction of the zinc salt with the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid to give precipitated crystals of zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate in the aqueous medium, and separating the crystals of zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate from the aqueous medium at a pH ranging from 2.8 to 4.2 (conversion value at 25° C.). 2. The production method of claim 1, wherein the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid has an optical purity ranging from 100% to 50%. 3. The production method of claim 2, fturther comprising a step of obtaining the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid with an optical purity ranging from 100% to 50%, by heating a salt of glutamic acid with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 50%, in the aqueous medium. 4. The production method of claim 1, wherein the zinc salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of a zinc chloride and a zinc sulfate. 5. A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 95%, which is obtained by the production method of claim 1. 6. A method of evaluating a zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, which comprises a step of measuring light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof. 7. The zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate of claim 5, wherein the light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof at a wavelength of 550 nm is within the range of 94 to 100% under an optical path length of 10 mm. 8. A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100% to 95%, wherein a light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof at a wavelength of 550 nm is within the range of 94 to 100% under an optical path length of 10 mm. 9. A cosmetic comprising the zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate of claim 5. 10. A cosmetic comprising the zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate of claim 8. 11. The production method of claim 2, wherein the zinc salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of a zinc chloride and a zinc sulfate. 12. The production method of claim 3, wherein the zinc salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of a zinc chloride and a zinc sulfate. 13. A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 95%, which is obtained by the production method of claim 2. 14. A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 95%, which is obtained by the production method of claim 3. 15. A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 95%, which is obtained by the production method of claim 4.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid is a main component of a water-soluble substance, called as a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), in stratum corneum. It is well known that the pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid usually remains salt in stratum corneum and thus plays an important role in moisture retention. Various salts and derivatives of the pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid have been examined from old times. Such salts and derivatives have been widely used in the field of pharmaceutical agents, the field of food, the industry, the cosmetic•toiletry field, or used as a production intermediate of materials used in the above-described fields. Among various salts, zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate (zinc pidolate) is very useful compound industrially presenting broader functions such as the astringent effect, bacteriostatic action, an odor prophylaxis component, a production intermediate for an optical active glutamic acid, and a stabilizing effect of polyvinyl chloride resin. Up to the present, only a few examples for the method of producing the zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate as products or a production intermediate have been disclosed. For example, in ES8604138, zinc L-pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate is obtained as following procedures: adding aqueous zinc acetate solution into L-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (free acid) aqueous solution and then adding an acetone thereto during recrystallization. However, using L-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (free acid) as starting material, zinc acetate which is hard to be obtained industrially as a zinc source is used. Also, an acetone, an organic solvent, must also be added as a poor solvent and then cooled to −20° C. during recrystallization. Therefore, this method is not always satisfactory as an industrially convenient production method. In addition, JP-A-3-168240 discloses an example that zinc DL-pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate is manufactured as followings: reacting a DL-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (free acid) with a zinc oxide in water and then conducting an agitating cooling crystallization. In this method, a zinc oxide which hardly dissolves in water under a neutral region is used. Higher temperature condition of 90° C. or more is also required, and a yield is not more than 48%. Therefore, this method is also not always satisfactory as an industrially convenient production method. JP-B-43-27859 also discloses an optical separating method using a zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, which is a useful seasoning or intermediate of optical active glutamic acid. Specifically, aqueous solution of zinc sulfate is mixed with aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide of a DL-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid. And then, a crystal of zinc L-pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate is added thereto as a crystal seed, and then crystal is collected using a cooling crystallization from 55° C. With such method, zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate having an optical purity of 93.8% is obtained. Even though the crystal seed and the cooling crystallization are required, as it's yield is extremely low to about three times an added crystal seed and products also generate an unexpected precipitation in the aqueous solution, the product quality (solution property) is not always satisfactory. As described above, it has not yet been disclosed the convenient method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, as an industrially useful compound with higher optical purity, higher yield, and better solution properties.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object is therefore to provide a convenient method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, with higher optical purity, a higher yield, and better solution properties. Inventors of the present invention have made a hard working to achieve the aforementioned object. As a result, a method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with higher optical purity, higher yield, and better solution property is found by adding a zinc salt in aqueous medium containing a salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid as starting materials and separating a crystal from the aqueous medium having a specific pH, and thus the present study comes to be completed. That is, the present invention includes the following aspects. (1) A method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, which comprises the steps of adding a zinc salt to a solution of a salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid in an aqueous medium to allow reaction of the zinc salt with the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid to give precipitated crystals of zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate in the aqueous medium, and separating the crystals of zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate from the aqueous medium at a pH ranging from 2.8 to 4.2 (conversion value at 25° C.). (2) The production method described in (1), wherein the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid has an optical purity ranging from 100% to 50%. (3) The production method described in (2), further comprising a step of obtaining the salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 50%, by heating a salt of glutamic acid with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 50%, in the aqueous medium. (4) The production method described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the zinc salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of a zinc chloride and a zinc sulfate. (5) A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100 to 95%, which is obtained by the production method described in any of (1) to (4). (6) A method of evaluating a zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, which comprises a step of measuring light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof. (7) The zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate described in (5), wherein the light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof at a wavelength of 550 nm is within the range of 94 to 100% under an optical path length of 10 mm. (8) A zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate with an optical purity ranging from 100% to 95%, wherein a light transmittance of a 10 g/dl aqueous solution thereof at a wavelength of 550 nm is within the range of 94 to 100% under an optical path length of 10 mm. (9) A cosmetic comprising the zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate described in (5). With the present invention, a simple method of producing zinc pyrrolidonecarboxylate dihydrate, an industrially useful compound, with a higher optical purity, a higher yield, and a better solution properties can be provided.

Method for making a dial table

A method of making a dial table is provided. A foam layout is interposed between a base assembly and a top assembly to form a composite layout. The base assembly includes a first segmented carbon fiber layout therein and the top assembly includes a second segmented carbon fiber layout therein. A caul plate is then placed adjacent to the composite layout. The caul plate includes a plurality of caul plate apertures. A vacuum is thereafter generated proximate the composite layout. A resin is drawn through the plurality of caul plate apertures using the generated vacuum until the composite layout is infused with the resin. The caul plate is removed from adjacent the composite layout and the resin-infused composite layout is baked. Thus, the dial table is made.

1. A dial table comprising: a top assembly including a first segmented carbon fiber layout therein; a base assembly including a second segmented carbon fiber layout therein; a foam layout interposed between the base assembly and the top assembly; and a resin infused into the base assembly, the top assembly, and the foam layout. 2. The dial table of claim 1, wherein the first and second segmented carbon fiber layouts are formed from a unidirectional carbon fiber and the base assembly and the top assembly each further include a glass cloth layout formed from a bi-directional carbon fiber. 3. The dial table of claim 1, wherein the first and second segmented carbon fiber layouts are formed from a plurality of segmented carbon fiber layers. 4. The dial table of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of segmented carbon fiber layers is offset from an adjacent layer. 5. The dial table of claim 1, wherein the base assembly and the top assembly each further include a carbon fiber twill layout. 6. The dial table of claim 1, wherein the foam layout includes a plurality of grooves and a plurality of holes to promote infusion of the resin. 7. A method of making a dial table, the method comprising the steps of: interposing a foam layout between a base assembly and a top assembly to form a composite layout, the base assembly including a first segmented carbon fiber layout therein and the top assembly including a second segmented carbon fiber layout therein; placing a caul plate adjacent to the composite layout, the caul plate including a plurality of caul plate apertures; generating a vacuum proximate the composite layout; drawing a resin through the plurality of caul plate apertures using the generated vacuum until the composite layout is infused with the resin; removing the caul plate from adjacent the composite layout; and curing the resin-infused composite layout and thereby forming the dial table. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of forming at least one of the first and second segmented carbon fiber layouts from one or more layers of radial unidirectional carbon fiber segments. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises the step of arranging each of the layers of radial unidirectional carbon fiber segments such that adjacent layers are offset from each other. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one of the top assembly and the base assembly further include one of a glass cloth layout and a carbon fiber twill layout, the glass cloth layout formed from a bi-directional carbon fiber fabric and the carbon fiber twill layout formed from a carbon fiber twill fabric. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the curing step is performed by baking the resin-infused composite layout. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of forming a plurality of radially inward serrating cuts in at least one of the base assembly, the top assembly, and the foam layout to promote infusing of the resin. 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of bonding a first washer to the top assembly and a second washer to the base assembly with the resin. 14. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of sequentially placing the top assembly, the foam layout, and the base assembly in a mold. 15. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises the step of placing a sleeve adjacent to an inner periphery of the composite layout, the sleeve including a plurality of grooves and an infusion port therein to promote distribution of the resin through the composite layer. 16. A method of making a dial table, the method comprising the steps of: arranging selected ones of a plurality of carbon fiber segments to form a first segmented carbon fiber layout; interposing the first segmented carbon fiber layout between first and second glass cloth layouts to form a base assembly; arranging selected ones of a plurality of carbon fiber segments to form a second segmented carbon fiber layout; interposing the second segmented carbon fiber layout between third and fourth glass cloth layouts to form a top assembly; sequentially placing the top assembly, the foam layout, and the base assembly into a mold such that the foam layout is interposed between the top assembly and the bottom assembly to form a composite layout; placing a caul plate adjacent to the composite layout, the caul plate including a plurality of caul plate apertures; generating a vacuum proximate the composite layout; drawing a resin through the plurality of caul plate apertures using the generated vacuum until the composite layout is infused with the resin; removing the caul plate from proximate the composite layout; and baking the resin-infused composite layout thereby curing the resin and forming the dial table. 17. The method of claim 16, the method further comprising the step of folding an outer base assembly periphery portion over an outer top periphery portion. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises securing a first washer and a second washer to the composite layout using the resin. 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises the step of forming a plurality of radially inward serrating cuts in the top assembly to promote infusing of the resin and adhering a carbon fiber capping strip to an outer foam periphery of the foam layout. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of carbon fiber segments are formed from a unidirectional carbon fiber fabric and at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth glass cloth layouts are formed from a bi-directional carbon fiber fabric and the method further comprises the step of dispensing an adhesive upon the plurality of carbon fiber segments prior to at least one of the arranging selected ones steps.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Dial tables are commonly used in assembly manufacturing. The dial table effectively holds pieces of everyday items (e.g., printed circuit boards, tooling bits, and the like) while machines above the dial table perform tasks on those items. To make the process more efficient, each time a particular task is performed by a certain machine, the dial table is rotated such that another machine can perform a different task on the item. This sequential process of working on an item and rotating the dial table can be continued a number of times, depending on how many workstations are provided to the dial table. Conventional dial tables can be three, four, five, and up to twelve feet in diameter and range from several inches to more than a foot in thickness. Unfortunately, because dial tables that are used in the manufacturing industry are predominately formed from steel, aluminum, and other metals, the dial tables are extremely heavy and very expensive. Thus, a dial table that is lighter and less expensive than the conventional steel or aluminum dial table, yet comparably strong, would be desirable. The invention provides such a dial table. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one aspect, the invention provides a dial table comprising a top assembly, a base assembly, a foam layout, and a resin. The top assembly includes a first segmented carbon fiber layout therein and the base assembly includes a second segmented carbon fiber layout therein. The foam layout is interposed between the base assembly and the top assembly. The resin is infused into the base assembly, the top assembly, and the foam layout. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a dial table. A foam layout is interposed between a base assembly and a top assembly to form a composite layout. The base assembly includes a first segmented carbon fiber layout therein and the top assembly includes a second segmented carbon fiber layout therein. A caul plate is placed adjacent to the composite layout. The caul plate includes a plurality of caul plate apertures. A vacuum is generated proximate the composite layout. A resin is drawn through the plurality of caul plate apertures using the generated vacuum until the composite layout is infused with the resin. The caul plate is removed from adjacent the composite layout. The resin-infused composite layout is cured thereby forming the dial table. In yet another aspect, a method of making a dial table is provided. Selected ones of a plurality of carbon fiber segments are arranged to form a first segmented carbon fiber layout. The first segmented carbon fiber layout is interposed between first and second glass cloth layouts to form a base assembly. Selected ones of a plurality of carbon fiber segments are arranged to form a second segmented carbon fiber layout. The second segmented carbon fiber layout is interposed between third and fourth glass cloth layouts to form a top assembly. The top assembly, the foam layout, and the base assembly are sequentially placed into a mold such that the foam layout is interposed between the top assembly and the bottom assembly to form a composite layout. A caul plate is placed adjacent to the composite layout. The caul plate includes a plurality of caul plate apertures. A vacuum is generated proximate the composite layout. A resin is drawn through the plurality of caul plate apertures using the generated vacuum until the composite layout is infused with the resin. The caul plate is removed from proximate the composite layout. The resin-infused composite layout is baked thereby curing the resin and forming the dial table. Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method for setting the performance of gas-operated cooking equipment as a function of geodetic height

A method of adjusting at least one parameter of gas-operated cooking equipment as a function of the site and/or of the height of the site of the cooking equipment includes determining the geodetic height at the site during an initialization step by determining at least one physical parameter or a difference of two physical parameters and adjusting the heat output of at least one combustion system of the cooking equipment. The determined physical parameter may be air pressure, density, the mean ambient temperature, the humidity in the air and/or the boiling point of water and the physical parameter or the difference of the two physical parameters may be determined by starting up at least one functional group of the cooking equipment. The adjustment of the heat output of the combustion system of the cooking equipment may be performed by adjusting the air/fuel mixture in the region of an ignition device of the combustion system.

1. A method for setting at least one parameter of a gas-operated cooking equipment as a function of the site and/or site elevation of the cooking equipment, comprising: determining the geodetic height at the site during an initialization step through the determination of at least one physical parameter, and/or at least one difference of two physical parameters by starting up at least one functional group of the cooking equipment, and adjusting the heating output of at least one combustion system of the cooking equipment by adjusting the air/fuel mixture in the region of an ignition device of the combustion system. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the heating output is adjusted by adjusting the speed of a fan in the combustion system. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the physical parameter is determined in different operational states of the cooking equipment. 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the operational states are determined by the temperature in a cooking chamber of the cooking equipment and/or by the speed of a fan wheel for circulation of the cooking medium. 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the cooking medium includes air and/or steam. 6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the determination of the operational states is carried out at a cooking chamber temperature of approximately 30° C., 100° C. and 170° C. for several speeds. 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the several speeds include five speeds. 8. A method according to claim 3, wherein the physical parameter is determined in the plant for preliminary adjustment of the cooking equipment and is then determined on the cooking equipment at the site, whereby in the adjustment on the site a comparison is made between the physical parameter determined in the plant and on the site, and the result of the comparison is taken into consideration in the adjustment of the air/fuel mixture. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein at the site, the physical parameter is determined in the cold cooking equipment, in which the cooking medium is at ambient temperature. 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the boiling point of the water is determined in a steam generator of the cooking equipment as the physical parameter for the determination of the geodetic height. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the boiling point of water comprises the boiling temperature of water. 12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the water is heated until its temperature no longer increases. 13. A method according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the moisture content, a differential pressure or the density of a cooking medium is measured in the cooking chamber and/or a fan wheel chamber of the cooking equipment as the physical parameter for the determination of the geodetic height. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the cooking medium comprises air and/or steam. 15. A method according to claim 13, including determining a differential pressure between two measurement points in an intermediate space between a fan wheel in the fan wheel chamber and in a wall facing away from the cooking chamber and delineating the fan wheel chamber of the cooking equipment, during the operation of the fan wheel. 16. A method according to claim 1, including using the heating output of the combustion system for the operation of a steam generator and/or for heating a cooking medium and/or for loading a heat accumulator. 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the physical parameter comprises one or more of an air pressure, or a density, or a mean outside temperature, or a humidity in the air or a boiling point of water.

<SOH> TECHNICAL FIELD <EOH>The present application concerns a method for adjusting the performance of gas-operated cooking equipment as a function of the geodetic height at the site of the cooking equipment.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE <EOH>The present system provides a method for setting at least one parameter of gas-operated cooking equipment as a function of its site, in as simple and cost-effective manner as possible, in which, without adding new equipment components, adjustment of the heat output of a combustion system of the cooking equipment at the site can be done automatically during initialization of the cooking equipment. The present system operates by determining the geodetic height at the site during an initialization step through determination of at least one physical parameter, such as air pressure, density, the mean outside temperature, the humidity in the air and/or the boiling point of water, and/or at least of a difference of two such physical parameters by starting up at least one functional group of the cooking equipment. The system then adjusts the heat output of at least one combustion system of the cooking equipment by adjusting the air/fuel; mixture in the region of an ignition device of the combustion system. Hereby, preferably the heat output is adjusted by setting the speed of a fan of the combustion system. Furthermore, it is proposed that the physical parameter be determined under different operating states of the cooking equipment, where the operating states are determined especially by the temperature in a cooking chamber of the cooking equipment and/or by the speed of a fan wheel for circulation of cooking medium, including air and/or steam, especially in the cooking chamber, where preferably a determination is carried out at a cooking chamber temperature of approximately 30°, 100° and 170° for several speeds, especially for five speeds. It can be provided that the physical parameter for preadjustment of the cooking equipment is determined in the plant and that for adjustment of the cooking equipment the physical parameter is determined at the site. In the adjustment at the site, a comparison is made between the physical parameters determined in the plant and at the site and the result of the comparison is taken into consideration in the adjustment of the air/fuel mixture. It is proposed that the physical parameter be determined at the site in the cold cooking equipment in which the cooking medium is present at ambient temperature. Preferred practical examples are characterized by the fact that the boiling point, especially the boiling temperature of water, is determined in a steam generator of the cooking equipment as a physical parameter for the determination of the geodetic height. Hereby it can be provided that the water is heated until its temperature no longer increases. Other practical examples are preferably characterized by the fact that the moisture, a differential pressure and/or the density of a cooking medium, including air and/or steam is determined in the cooking chamber and/or fan chamber of the cooking equipment as a physical parameter for the determination of the geodetic height. It can be provided that the differential pressure between two measured points in the space between a fan wheel in the fan chamber and the wall of the cooking equipment, which faces away from the cooking chamber and is bordering the fan chamber, be determined during operation of the fan wheel. Finally, it is proposed that the heat output of the combustion system for operation of a steam generator be utilized for heating a cooking medium and/or for charging a heat accumulator. Thus, the advantage is based on the surprising finding that an automatic adjustment of the combustion system of a cooking equipment can take place at its site especially at the geodetic height at the site, by using at least one functional group of the cooking equipment, whereby, for example, a steam generator or a moisture-measuring device of the cooking equipment can be selected as a functional group in order to determine the geodetic height via the boiling temperature of the water in the steam generator or via the moisture determined in the cooking chamber and/or fan chamber. The determined geodetic height is then used specifically for the adjustment of the speed of the fan of the combustion system. Details of the moisture-measuring device which can be used in a method according to the invention can be taken, for example, from DE 42 06 845 C2 of the applicant.

Head with improved spin valve properties

A magnetic head having an improved PtMn layer formed by ion beam deposition, an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the PtMn layer, and a free layer formed above the AP pinned layer structure. The spin valve structure provides improved soft magnetic properties of the free layer as well as increases the dR/R of spin valve structures in which implemented.

1. A magnetic head, comprising: a PtMn layer formed by ion beam deposition; an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the PtMn layer; and a free layer formed above the AP pinned layer structure. 2. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein the AP pinned layer structure includes at least two pinned layers having magnetic moments that are antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer. 3. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a dR of the head is at least 2% greater than a dR of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 4. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a dR of the head is at least 4% greater than a dR of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 5. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein an easy axis coercivity (Hce) of the free layer is at least 5% less than an Hce of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 6. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein an easy axis coercivity (Hce) of the free layer is at least 10% less than an Hce of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 7. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein an easy axis coercivity (Hce) of the free layer is at least 15% less than an Hce of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 8. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a hard axis coercivity (Hch) of the free layer is at least 10% less than an Hch of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 9. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a hard axis coercivity (Hch) of the free layer is at least 15% less than an Hch of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 10. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a hard axis coercivity (Hch) of the free layer is at least 20% less than an Hch of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. 11. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein a magnetostriction of the free layer is less than or equal to about zero. 12. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the layers above the PtMn layer is formed by plasma vapor deposition. 13. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the layers in the head is formed by ion beam deposition. 14. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein the head forms part of a GMR head. 15. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein the head forms part of a CIP GMR sensor. 16. A magnetic storage system, comprising: magnetic media; at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic media, each head having: a sensor portion having the structure recited in claim 1; a write element coupled to the sensor; a slider for supporting the head; and a control unit coupled to the head for controlling operation of the head. 17. A magnetic head having an improved PtMn layer, comprising: seed layers; a PtMn layer formed above the seed layers using ion beam deposition; an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the PtMn layer; a free layer formed above the AP pinned layer structure; a spacer layer formed above the free layer; and a bias layer formed above the spacer layer. 18. A magnetic head, comprising: a PtMn layer formed by ion beam deposition; a free layer formed above the PtMn layer; and an antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure formed above the PtMn layer; and

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The heart of a computer is a magnetic disk drive which includes a rotating magnetic disk, a slider that has read and write heads, a suspension arm above the rotating disk and an actuator arm that swings the suspension arm to place the read and write heads over selected circular tracks on the rotating disk. The suspension arm biases the slider into contact with the surface of the disk when the disk is not rotating but, when the disk rotates, air is swirled by the rotating disk adjacent an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider causing the slider to ride on an air bearing a slight distance from the surface of the rotating disk. When the slider rides on the air bearing the write and read heads are employed for writing magnetic impressions to and reading magnetic signal fields from the rotating disk. The read and write heads are connected to processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions. In high capacity disk drives, magnetoresistive (MR) read sensors, commonly referred to as MR heads, are the prevailing read sensors because of their capability to read data from a surface of a disk at greater track and linear densities than thin film inductive heads. An MR sensor detects a magnetic field through the change in the resistance of its MR sensing layer (also referred to as an “MR element”) as a function of the strength and direction of the magnetic flux being sensed by the MR layer. The conventional MR sensor operates on the basis of the anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) effect in which an MR element resistance varies as the square of the cosine of the angle between the magnetization in the MR element and the direction of sense current flow through the MR element. Recorded data can be read from a magnetic medium because the external magnetic field from the recorded magnetic medium (the signal field) causes a change in the direction of magnetization of the MR element, which in turn causes a change in resistance of the MR element and a corresponding change in the sensed current or voltage. Another type of MR sensor is the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor manifesting the GMR effect. In GMR sensors, the resistance of the GMR sensor varies as a function of the spin-dependent transmission of the conduction electrons between ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic layer (spacer) and the accompanying spin-dependent scattering which takes place at the interface of the ferromagnetic and non-magnetic layers and within the ferromagnetic layers. GMR sensors using only two layers of ferromagnetic material (e.g., Ni—Fe) separated by a layer of non-magnetic material (e.g., copper) are generally referred to as spin valve (SV) sensors. In an SV sensor, one of the ferromagnetic layers, referred to as the pinned layer (reference layer), has its magnetization typically pinned by exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic (e.g., NiO or Fe—Mn) layer. The pinning field generated by the antiferromagnetic layer should be greater than demagnetizing fields (about 200 Oe) at the operating temperature of the SV sensor (about 120° C.) to ensure that the magnetization direction of the pinned layer remains fixed during the application of external fields (e.g., fields from bits recorded on the disk). The magnetization of the other ferromagnetic layer, referred to as the free layer, however, is not fixed and is free to rotate in response to the field from the recorded magnetic medium (the signal field). U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,590 granted to Dieny et al., incorporated herein by reference, discloses a SV sensor operating on the basis of the GMR effect. An exemplary high performance read head employs a spin valve sensor for sensing the magnetic signal fields from the rotating magnetic disk. FIG. 1 shows a prior art SV sensor 100 comprising a free layer (free ferromagnetic layer) 110 separated from a pinned layer (pinned ferromagnetic layer) 120 by a non-magnetic, electrically-conducting spacer layer 115 . The magnetization of the pinned layer 120 is fixed by an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer 130 . One type of SV sensor is an antiparallel (AP)-pinned SV sensor. In AP-Pinned SV sensors, the pinned layer is a laminated structure of two ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic coupling layer such that the magnetizations of the two ferromagnetic layers are strongly coupled together antiferromagnetically in an antiparallel orientation. The AP-pinned structure reduces the net moment of the pinned layer, and therefore enhances the effectiveness of the AFM layer. Referring to FIG. 2A , an AP-Pinned SV sensor 200 comprises a free layer 210 separated from a laminated AP-pinned layer structure 220 by a nonmagnetic, electrically-conducting spacer layer 215 . The magnetization of the laminated AP-pinned layer structure 220 is fixed by an AFM layer 230 . The laminated AP-pinned layer structure 220 comprises a first ferromagnetic layer 222 and a second ferromagnetic layer 226 separated by an antiparallel coupling layer (APC) 224 of nonmagnetic material. The two ferromagnetic layers 222 , 226 (FM 1 and FM 2 ) in the laminated AP-pinned layer structure 220 have their magnetization directions oriented antiparallel, as indicated by the arrows 227 , 223 (arrows pointing out of and into the plane of the paper respectively). A key requirement for optimal operation of an SV sensor is that the pinned layer should be magnetically saturated perpendicular to the air bearing surface. Lack of magnetic saturation in the pinned layer leads to reduced signal or dynamic range. Factors leading to a loss of saturation include demagnetizing fields at the edge of the pinned layer, magnetic fields from recorded data and from longitudinal biasing regions, current induced fields and the coupling field to the free layer. Analysis of the magnetic state of pinned layers in small sensors (a few microns or less in width), reveals that due primarily to the presence of large demagnetizing fields at the sensor edges the magnetization is not uniform over the area of the pinned layer. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an SV sensor 250 . The SV sensor 250 is formed of a sensor stripe 260 having a front edge 270 at the ABS and extending away from the ABS to a rear edge 272 . Due to the large demagnetizing fields at the front edge 270 and the rear edge 272 of the sensor stripe 260 , the desired perpendicular magnetization direction is achieved only at the center portion 280 of the pinned layer stripe, while the magnetization tends to be curled into a direction parallel to the ABS at the edges of the stripe. The extent of these curled regions is controlled by the magnetic stiffness of the pinned layer. Furthermore, prior art AP-Pinned SV sensors use an AFM in order to pin the pinned layer magnetization. Most commonly used AFM materials have blocking temperatures (temperature at which the pinning field reaches zero Oe) near 200° C. This means that if the temperature of the SV sensor approaches this temperature, the pinned layer magnetization can change its orientation resulting in degraded SV sensor performance. Although AP-Pinned SV sensors have large effective pinning fields because near cancellation of the magnetic moments of the two sub-layers results in a low net magnetic moment for the pinned layer, thermal stability is still a concern because the operating temperatures of these SV sensors in disk files can exceed 120° C. In addition, the AP-pinned layer structure is vulnerable to demagnetization during processing operations such as lapping. Therefore there is a need for an SV sensor that increases the magnetic saturation of the pinned layer and reduces the sensitivity to demagnetizing fields particularly at the front and rear edges of the pinned layer stripe. In SV sensors that include AFM layers to provide exchange anisotropy fields to fix the pinned layer magnetization direction, there is a further need for an SV structure that reduces the temperature limitations imposed by the blocking temperature characteristics of the commonly used antiferromagnetic materials required in prior art SV sensors for providing pinning fields. In any of the prior art sensors described above, the thickness of the spacer layer is chosen so that shunting of the sense current and a magnetic coupling between the free and pinned layer structures are minimized. This thickness is typically less than the mean free path of electrons conducted through the sensor. With this arrangement, a portion of the conduction electrons are scattered at the interfaces of the spacer layer with the pinned and free layer structures. When the magnetic moments of the pinned and free layer structures are parallel with respect to one another scattering is minimal and when their magnetic moments are antiparallel scattering is maximized. Changes in scattering changes the resistance of the spin valve sensor as a function of cos θ, where θ is the angle between the magnetic moments of the pinned and free layer structures. The sensitivity of the sensor is quantified as magnetoresistive coefficient dR/R where dR is the change in the resistance of the sensor as the magnetic moment of the free layer structure rotates from a position parallel with respect to the magnetic moment of the pinned layer structure to an antiparallel position with respect thereto and R is the resistance of the sensor when the magnetic moments are parallel. The transfer curve of a spin valve sensor is defined by the aforementioned cos θ where θ is the angle between the directions of the magnetic moments of the free and pinned layers. In a spin valve sensor subjected to positive and negative magnetic signal fields from a moving magnetic disk, which are typically chosen to be equal in magnitude, it is desirable that positive and negative changes in the resistance of the spin valve read head above and below a bias point on the transfer curve of the sensor be equal so that the positive and negative readback signals are equal. When the direction of the magnetic moment of the free layer is substantially parallel to the ABS and the direction of the magnetic moment of the pinned layer is perpendicular to the ABS in a quiescent state (no signal from the magnetic disk) the positive and negative readback signals should be equal when sensing positive and negative fields from the magnetic disk. Accordingly, the bias point should be located midway between the top and bottom of the transfer curve. When the bias point is located below the midway point the spin valve sensor is negatively biased and has positive asymmetry and when the bias point is above the midway point the spin valve sensor is positively biased and has negative asymmetry. When the readback signals are asymmetrical, signal output and dynamic range of the sensor are reduced. Readback asymmetry is defined as: V 1 - V 2 max ⁡ ( V 1 ⁢ ⁢ or ⁢ ⁢ V 2 ) For example, +10% readback asymmetry means that the positive readback signal V 1 is 10% greater than it should be to obtain readback symmetry. 10% readback asymmetry is acceptable in some applications. +10% readback asymmetry may not be acceptable in applications where the applied field magnetizes the free layer close to saturation. The designer strives to improve asymmetry of the readback signals as much as practical with the goal being symmetry. The location of the transfer curve relative to the bias point is influenced by four major forces on the free layer of a spin valve sensor, namely a ferromagnetic coupling field H FC between the pinned layer and the free layer, a net demagnetizing (demag) field H D from the pinned layer, a sense current field H I from all conductive layers of the spin valve except the free layer, a net image current field H IM from the first and second shield layers. Another factor that can affect readback asymmetry is positive magnetostriction of the free layer structure. If the free layer structure has positive magnetostriction and is subjected to compressive stress, there will be a stress-induced anisotropy that urges the magnetic moment of the free layer from the aforementioned position parallel to the ABS toward a position perpendicular to the ABS. The result is readback asymmetry. The compressive stress occurs after the magnetic head is lapped at the ABS to form the stripe height of the sensor of the read head. After lapping, the free layer is in compression and this, in combination with positive magnetostriction, causes the aforementioned readback asymmetry. It is interesting to note that if the free layer structure has negative magnetostriction in combination with compressive stress that the magnetic moment of the free layer is strengthened along the position parallel to the ABS. A high negative magnetostriction, however, is not desirable because it makes the magnetic moment of the free layer structure stiff and less responsive to field signals from the rotating magnetic disk. Accordingly, it is desirable that the magnetostriction of the free layer be zero or only slightly negative. Thus, soft magnetic properties of spin valve structures are critical especially with thinner free layers. Enhancing the soft magnetic properties will improve the magnetic stability of the heads or perhaps enhance the amplitude by decreasing the required hard bias stabilization. Therefore there is a need for a method of forming a head with enhanced soft magnetic properties along with improved dR.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitations described above by providing a method for forming a magnetic head having an improved PtMn layer. The method includes forming a PtMn layer using ion beam deposition. An antiparallel (AP) pinned layer structure is formed above the PtMn layer. A free layer is formed above the AP pinned layer structure. The AP pinned layer structure preferably includes at least two pinned layers having magnetic moments that are self-pinned antiparallel to each other, the pinned layers being separated by an AP coupling layer. The present invention provides a spin valve structure having a new PtMn layer which improves the soft magnetic properties of the free layer as well as increases the dR/R of spin valve structures in which implemented. As mentioned above, soft magnetic properties of the spin valve structure are critical especially with thinner free layers. Enhancing the soft magnetic properties improves the magnetic stability of the heads and also enhances the amplitude by decreasing the required hard bias stabilization. Preferably, a dR of the head is at least 2% greater, and ideally at least 4% greater, than a dR of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. Also preferably, an easy axis coercivity (Hce) of the free layer is at least 5-15% less than an Hce of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition. Further, a hard axis coercivity (Hch) of the free layer is at least 10-20% less than an Hch of a free layer of a substantially similar head having a PtMn layer formed by plasma vapor deposition.

System, method and computer program product for applying electronic policies

A system, method and computer program product are provided for policy management. In use, a plurality of rules for applying policies to a computer are identified. Further, information associated with the computer is also identified. Such rules and information are then utilized for applying the policies to the computer.

1. A method for policy management, comprising: identifying a plurality of rules for applying policies to a computer; identifying information associated with the computer; and applying the policies to the computer based on the rules and the information. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies are applied to the computer upon the computer being first included in a population of computers. 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the policies are manually edited. 4. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the policies are again applied to the computer after the computer being first included in the population of computers. 5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the policies are again applied to the computer in response to the identification of a problem associated with the computer. 6. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the policies are again applied to the computer in response to a change in the rules. 7. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the policies are again applied to the computer in response to a virus outbreak. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the rules include a rule tree. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the rule tree includes a plurality of decision points. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the decision points determine a geography associated with the computer. 11. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the decision points determine an operating system associated with the computer. 12. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the decision points determine a type of the computer. 13. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the decision points determine a business unit associated with the computer. 14. The method as recited in claim 1, and further comprising changing the rules. 15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the rules are changed in response to a virus outbreak. 16. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information is selected from the group consisting of a geography associated with the computer, an operating system associated with the computer, a type of the computer, and a business unit associated with the computer. 17. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the information includes a geography associated with the computer, an operating system associated with the computer, and a type of the computer, and a business unit associated with the computer. 18. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies include security policies. 19. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies include administrator rights policies. 20. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies include computer setting policies. 21. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies include notification policies. 22. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the policies include task policies. 23. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the method is utilized for countering terrorism. 24. A computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium for policy management, comprising: computer code for identifying a plurality of rules for applying policies to a computer; computer code for identifying information associated with the computer; and computer code for applying the policies to the computer based on the rules and the information. 25. A system for policy management, comprising: a bus; a display device; memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and the display device via the bus, the processor adapted for identifying a plurality of rules for applying policies to a computer and information associated with the computer; wherein the policies are applied to the computer based on the rules and the information.

<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Information technology (IT) environments have generally moved from being primarily static to extremely dynamic, such that they require constant management for the continuously changing needs of the environment. Changes in the IT environment may include security changes, updates, modifications to user privileges, etc. To help in the management of these dynamic IT environments, electronic policies have been utilized with regard to computers on a network. Unfortunately, managing electronic policies can be cumbersome, especially when the policies are associated with exceptionally large corporations operating up to hundreds of thousands of computers. To solve this problem, policy management systems have been employed to ease the management of electronic policies. An example of a policy management system that has previously been employed is one that is based on a hierarchical tree structure. In these systems, an associated graphical user interface is comprised of a control panel illustrating the policies in the form of a tree, where a policy set is situated at a top of the tree. In use, the policy set is inherited downwards through the tree, and applied to corresponding networked computers. In addition, inheritance of a policy by a computer can be broken for a given branch or even just a single computer, and a different policy can be assigned. One disadvantage of this system is that computers can only exist at a single position within the tree and can therefore receive only one set of policies. Another example of a policy management system that has previously been employed is one that manages policies by utilizing groups. In such types of systems, each group contains a set of policies. Further, each computer can be assigned to one or more of the groups, and thus one or more of the policy sets. If a computer is assigned to more than one group, the system compares overlapping policies (i.e. policies that are exclusive of one another) and assigns the policy that is more secure. The group policy management system solves the aforementioned problem of the hierarchical policy management systems by allowing computers to receive more than one policy. However, group policy management systems are still quite cumbersome, since each computer must be assigned individually to a group. Current policy management systems are very complicated with respect to creating, maintaining, and applying policies. They require computers to be grouped or organized in some fashion in order for policies to be applied to the computers. These systems also require that both the administrator and the policy system create, update and manage the organizational structures, in addition to the policies. This makes it difficult and time-consuming for an administrator to manage the policies for numerous computers. There is thus a need for overcoming these and/or other problems associated with the prior art.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A system, method and computer program product are provided for policy management. In use, a plurality of rules for applying policies to a computer are identified. Further, information associated with the computer is also identified. Such rules and information are then utilized for applying the policies to the computer. In one embodiment, the policies may be applied to the computer upon the computer being first included in a population of computers. Such policies may also be manually edited. The policies may again be applied to the computer after the computer is first included in the population of computers. In another embodiment, the policies may yet again be applied to the computer in response to the identification of a problem associated with the computer. The policies may even yet again be applied to the computer in response to a change in the rules. Further, the policies may still yet again be applied to the computer in response to a virus outbreak. In yet another embodiment, the rules may include a rule tree. In addition, the rule tree may include a plurality of decision points. Optionally, the decision points may determine a geography associated with the computer. The decision points may also determine an operating system associated with the computer. Further, the decision points may determine a type of the computer. Still yet, the decision points may determine a business unit associated with the computer. In still yet another embodiment, the rules may be changed. The rules may be changed in response to a virus outbreak. Also, the policies may include security policies. The policies may also include administrator rights policies. Still yet, the policies may include computer setting policies. Even still yet, the policies may include notification policies. Furthermore, the policies may include task policies.

Probe card cooling assembly with direct cooling of active electronic components

A probe card cooling assembly for use in a test system includes a package with one or more dies cooled by direct cooling. The cooled package includes one or more dies with active electronic components and at least one coolant port that allows a coolant to enter the high-density package and directly cool the active electronic components of the dies during a testing operation.

1-7. (canceled) 8. A probe card assembly comprising: probe elements: and a package coupled to the probe elements, wherein the package includes at least one die with active electronic components and at least one coolant port that allows a coolant to enter the package and directly cool the active electronic components of each die during a testing operation, wherein the probe elements are directly connected to the package. 9-11. (canceled) 12. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a bottom substrate and compliant interconnects, the compliant interconnects being coupled between each die and the bottom substrate, wherein said compliant interconnects comprise wirebound springs. 13. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a bottom substrate and compliant interconnects, the compliant interconnects being coupled between each die and the bottom substrate, wherein said compliant interconnects comprise lithographic springs. 14. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a bottom substrate, a top substrate, first and second sets of compliant interconnects, and alignment posts, wherein the alignment posts are attached to the bottom substrate, the first set of compliant interconnects is coupled between each die and bottom substrate, and the second set of compliant interconnects is coupled between each die and the top substrate, and wherein the dies are held in place by frictional contact with the alignment posts, by direct contact between the first set of compliant interconnects and each die, and by downward pressure from the second sets of compliant interconnects on each die. 15. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a bottom substrate having output contacts arranged on an edge region of the bottom substrate, whereby external components can be electrically coupled to each die via the output contacts. 16. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a top substrate with a top surface representing an exterior surface of the package and wherein the top surface includes output contacts, whereby external components can be electrically coupled to the each die via the output contacts. 17. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes a top substrate and a bottom substrate and interconnection elements that provide electrical paths extending through a cavity between the top substrate and the bottom substrate. 18-19. (canceled) 20. The probe card assembly of claim 8, wherein the package further includes at least one of an interposer and a printed circuit board such that said coolant further directly cools said at least one of an interposer and printed circuit board during a testing operation. 21. The probe card assembly of claim 8, further comprising at least one non-contacting compliant interconnect coupled to a surface of said at least one die, whereby, heat can be further directed away form the surface of a die. 22. The probe card assembly 8, wherein said package further comprises: a top substrate; and a bottom substrate; wherein each die is flip-chip bonded to said top substrate. 23. A method for incorporating active electronic components near probe elements, comprising: sealing at least one die with active electronic components in a package; coupling the package to probe elements; and circulating coolant through the package during operation of the active electronic components in testing to reduce thermal variations across each die. 24-27. (canceled) 28. A probe card cooling assembly comprising: probe elements; a cooling member; a cooled package coupled to said probe elements and filled with coolant, the cooled package further including at least one die immersed in the coolant during a testing operation; and one or more heat radiators that transfer heat generated by the at least one die from the coolant to said cooling member. 29. The probe card cooling assembly of claim 28, wherein each die is coupled through compliant interconnects to the cooled package. 30. The probe card cooling assembly of claim 29, wherein said complaint interconnects comprise spring contacts. 31. The probe card cooling assembly of claim 30, wherein said spring contacts comprise wirebond springs. 32. The probe card cooling assembly of claim 30, wherein said spring contacts comprise lithographic springs. 33. (canceled) 34. A probe card cooling assembly for use in a test system comprising: probe elements; and a package coupled to the probe elements, wherein the package includes at least one die with active electronic components that are directly cooled by coolant during a testing operation.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to semiconductor manufacturing and testing. The present invention further relates to probe cards that are used to perform test and/or burn-in procedures on semiconductor devices. 2. Related Art Individual semiconductor (integrated circuit) devices (dies) are typically produced by creating several identical dies on a semiconductor wafer, using known techniques of photolithography, deposition, and the like. Generally, these processes are intended to create a plurality of fully-functional integrated circuit devices, prior to singulating (severing) the individual dies from the semiconductor wafer. In practice, however, certain physical defects in the wafer itself and certain defects in the processing of the wafer inevitably lead to some of the dies being “good” (fully-functional) and some of the dies being “bad” (partially functional or non-functional). It is generally desirable to be able to identify which of the plurality of dies on a wafer are good dies prior to their packaging, and preferably prior to their being singulated from the wafer. To this end, a wafer test system may advantageously be employed to make a plurality of discrete pressure connections to a like plurality of discrete connection pads (bond or contact pads) on the dies. In this manner, the semiconductor dies can be tested and exercised, prior to singulating the dies from the wafer. A conventional component of a wafer test system is a “probe card assembly” (also called a “probe card”) which can include a number of components coupling electrical signals between tester processing circuitry and probe elements. Probe elements have tips which effect pressure connections to respective pads of the semiconductor dies during testing and burn-in. FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a conventional test system 100 . Test system 100 includes a chuck 110 , wafer 120 , devices under test (DUTs) 125 , probe elements 130 , probe card assembly 140 and tester 150 . Chuck 110 supports wafer 120 . Chuck 110 is coupled to a control mechanism (not shown) which positions DUTs 125 with respect to probe elements 130 during testing. Wafer 120 includes one or more DUTs 125 . For example, DUTs 125 can be a number of semiconductor dies fabricated on wafer 120 which are undergoing testing in a manufacturing process. Probe card assembly 140 is positioned between wafer 120 and tester 150 . Probe card assembly 140 is responsible for coupling signals between probe elements 130 and tester 150 . During testing, probe tips 135 on probe elements 130 contact each DUT 125 at pads 126 positioned at predetermined locations. Tester 150 then performs any number of conventional testing routines. FIG. 2 shows an example probe card assembly 140 in further detail. Probe card assembly 140 includes a space transformer 210 , interposer 220 , and a printed circuit board (PCB) 230 . Interconnection elements 215 couple space transformer 210 and interposer 220 . Interconnection elements 225 couple interposer 220 and printed circuit board 230 . Note only two interconnection elements 215 and two interconnection elements 225 are shown for clarity, however, many such interconnection elements 215 , 225 can be used. Electrical signals at probe elements 130 are carried through space transformer 210 to interconnection elements 215 , to interposer 220 , to interconnection elements 225 , and eventually to PCB 230 . PCB 230 then interfaces with a tester 150 as shown in FIG. 1 . Similarly, electrical signals including test commands and signal test patterns issued by tester 150 pass through PCB 230 , interconnection elements 225 , interposer 220 , interconnection elements 215 , space transformer 210 , and eventually to probe elements 130 . As the number of DUTs 125 being tested in parallel increases and the number and pitch of contact pads 126 on each DUT 125 increases, the number of probe elements 130 and their density increases. Space transformer 210 serves as an interface between the relatively dense arrangement of probe elements 130 and the larger and less dense geometry of printed circuit board 230 . In particular, space transformer 210 interconnects probe elements 130 and interconnection elements 215 . Space transformer 210 primarily includes passive circuit elements such as wires or other electrical conduits for coupling signals from probe elements 130 to a larger spatial geometry of interconnection elements 215 . Capacitors are also sometimes used in space transformer 210 to further condition electrical signals passing therethrough. Simple, low power electronic components such as relays are sometimes used to allow separate control of the powering on and off of the testing performed on individual DUTs 125 . Interposer 220 couples signals traveling between interconnection elements 215 and 225 . Interposer 220 is optional and is used to further maintain alignment when the position of space transformer 210 is adjusted in a “z” direction perpendicular to the surface of a wafer (e.g., wafer 120 ). PCB 230 couples signals between interconnection elements 225 and tester 150 . PCB 230 can include any type of electronic circuitry that supports testing. For example, PCB 230 often includes an interface unit to couple signals to and from a port on tester 150 . PCB 230 can also include circuitry for converting signals sent in a test pattern by tester 150 for a particular number of expected devices under test to the actual number of devices under test in a given process. In this way, if tester 150 is configured to send a test pattern in 64 channels for 64 DUTs and only 32 DUTs are present in a particular process, PCB 230 can include processing circuitry to issue the test pattern on the appropriate 32 channels. Note probe card assembly 140 is illustrative. In general, different types of probe card assemblies exist with different components and configurations. For example, some probe card assemblies do not include an interposer and some probe card assemblies may not include a printed circuit board. One design goal of probe card assembly 140 is to provide uniform output signals to tester 150 . Several factors are increasing the demands made upon probe card assembly 140 . First, input/output (I/O) speeds continue to increase. Accordingly, the clock rate at tester 150 continues to increase from a megahertz range to even a gigahertz range. Second, the number and density of probe elements 130 continues to increase with the increasing number of leads (also called pads) on DUTs 125 . Further, pad and pitch sizes of DUTs 125 continue to decrease, thereby increasing the density of the contacting probe elements 130 . These demands upon probe card assembly 140 make it more difficult to provide uniform output signals. Problems such as pin-to-pin skew, differences in rise time, and other parasitics can occur as electrical signals travel through probe card assembly 140 during testing. Such problems are exacerbated when electrical signals have to travel over an extensive path between probe elements 130 and tester 150 . One approach to handling the increasing demands upon probe card assembly 140 is to incorporate additional hardware in probe card assembly 140 to carry out testing functionality. For example, active electronic components can be mounted on printed circuit board 230 . These active electronic components can carry out certain testing functionalities. In this way, the length of the electrical signal path is reduced since certain electrical signals only need to travel from the probe elements 130 to PCB 230 before being processed. This solution can be of somewhat limited benefit, however, since the electrical path between probe elements 130 and PCB 230 may still be too great to sufficiently reduce parasitics. Accordingly, it is desirable to position active electronic components which can support testing functionality even closer to probe elements 130 . Moving active electronic components close to probe elements 130 , however, results in design problems heretofore not faced in probe card assemblies. In particular, the dense packing arrangement of probe elements 130 would require that the active electronic components be packed densely as well. Among other things, this leads to a heating problem not encountered before in probe card assemblies. Heating problems have been recognized with respect to wafers. Different test systems have provided cooling mechanisms for wafers. The cooling mechanisms are provided both to control temperature and to maintain even heating across a wafer. For example, in certain testing and burn-in applications a particular temperature condition must be maintained. See also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,752, issued to Miyata et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,616, issued to Andberg.

<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides a probe card cooling assembly. The probe card cooling assembly includes a cooling system, coolant circulation system, and a cooled package. The cooled package includes one or more dies. Each die is directly cooled on one or more sides by a coolant present within the cooled package. In this way, heat generated by active electronic components on one or more surfaces of a die is transferred away from the active electronic components. Such direct cooling of die surfaces in a probe card assembly according to the present invention minimizes temperature variation across each die and reduces electrical parameter variation; hence, the uniformity of output test signal characteristics such as rise time and pin-to-pin skew is improved. Hot spots on a die surface are reduced or eliminated, allowing the operating temperature range of a die to be increased. In one embodiment, the cooled package includes a housing that encloses a cavity. The housing has at least one coolant port that allows a coolant to circulate within the cavity. Each die is mounted on a substrate within an enclosed and sealed cavity in which coolant is circulated. In one example, one die is mounted within the cavity of the housing. In another example, a plurality of dies are mounted within the cavity of the housing. In another example, a high-density cooled package is provided in which an array of densely packed dies are arranged within the cavity of the housing. A high-density cooled package in a probe card assembly is further advantageous for some embodiments in that additional electronic components supporting testing operations can be positioned compactly at or near probe elements. In one preferred example, a high-density cooled package includes an array of densely packed dies mounted such that die surfaces with active electronic components face a substrate within the cavity of the housing. In one example, a housing of a cooled package includes top and bottom substrates coupled by a seal. A cooling system is coupled to a coolant circulation system to provide liquid and/or gas coolant into and out of one or more coolant ports in the housing. In one arrangement, the housing includes two coolant ports. For example, two ports such as one-way flow valves can be provided in an O-ring seal coupling the top and bottom substrates. One port passes coolant into the cavity and the other port passes coolant out of the cavity. In this way, heat is transferred directly away from the active surfaces of the dies. According to a further feature, one or more dies include compliant interconnects coupled to at least one substrate. Such compliant interconnects allow coolant to circulate around all surfaces of the dies within the cavity while maintaining effective structural and electrical contact between each die and the substrate. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the compliant interconnects are spring contacts which couple a die to a bottom substrate. Dies can be soldered to the spring contacts or held by frictional contact with the aid of alignment posts in a socket configuration. The spring contacts provide a flexible, resilient stand-off that allows liquid or gas coolant to run between the substrate and one or more sides of each die, including direct contact with the active surface of the die to provide uniform cooling even for high-power applications. Such spring contacts allow coolant circulation and heat transfer away from active surfaces of dies even in embodiments of the present invention involving one or more dies which are mounted to face a substrate within the cavity of a housing. According to a further feature, non-contacting compliant interconnects are also provided on a die surface. A non-contacting compliant interconnect can be any type of compliant interconnect such as a spring. These non-contacting compliant interconnects do not contact a substrate, but serve to direct heat away from areas of the die surface. This further improves cooling of die(s) in a cooled package according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a cooled package includes one or more dies mounted in a stacked die arrangement. In this arrangement, one or more dies are flip-chip bonded to a top substrate. The top substrate is then coupled by compliant interconnects to a bottom substrate. In one embodiment of a cooled package according to the present invention, electrical connections between one or more dies and external components are made through output contacts at a peripheral edge of the bottom substrate. In another embodiment, electrical connections between one or more dies and external components are made through output contacts at a top substrate. According to a further feature, additional electrical connections can run through a cooled package directly between the top and bottom substrates. An advantage of the present invention is that embodiments of the present invention can include a probe card cooling assembly for use in a test system which position a direct cooled package at or near probe elements. One or more dies can then carry out high-power applications such as testing operations at or near probe elements. Additional active electronic components can be included in one or more dies at or near probe elements without reaching an overheating condition that degrades testing signal quality to an unacceptable level. Placing the active electronic components at or near the probe elements rather than at a more remote tester also reduces the conduction path of signals and further increases performance. In one embodiment, a routine for positioning active electronic testing components near probe elements is provided. This routine includes sealing active components in a package, coupling the package to probe elements, and circulating coolant through the package during operation of the active components in testing. One additional advantage of a probe card cooling assembly with direct cooling according to the present invention is it is easy to disassemble for maintenance and repair. Another advantage of the probe card cooling assembly with direct cooling according to the present invention is that it is inexpensive to assemble. Another advantage is that in certain embodiments electrical interconnects can be made to both the top and bottom of the package. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a probe card cooling assembly according to the present invention includes a cooling member and a cooled package with one or more heat radiators such as cooling fins. The cooled package includes a housing that encloses a cavity. A coolant fills the cavity. One or more dies are mounted on a substrate within the cavity and are directly cooled by surrounding coolant. In this embodiment, however, heat is transferred away from the coolant by one or more heat radiators to the cooling member. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Method and system for sending binary messages

Systems and methods for sending binary messages to a wireless communication device are provided. A mobile handset maintains a database of contacts including an indicator identifying whether a particular contact is capable or incapable of receiving a binary message. When a mobile handset attempts to send a binary message to a recipient, the contact database is consulted to determine if the status of the recipient's capability for receiving and correctly processing the binary message. If the recipient status is capable, the binary message is sent. If the recipient status is incapable, the user is prompted for instructions. A user may elect to send the binary message anyway, send a text only part of the message, or cancel sending the binary message altogether. If the recipient's status is unknown, the mobile handset sends a special message to the recipient that will prompt a response from the recipient if it is capable of processing a binary message. Based on the receipt or lack of receipt of a response, the database is updated accordingly and the mobile handset either sends the binary message or prompts the user for instructions on how to proceed.

1. A wireless communication device for sending a binary message, comprising: a data storage area configured to store a plurality of contact records, wherein one or more contact records comprise an attribute indicating the ability for the respective contact to receive a binary message; a contact management module configured to maintain the plurality of contact records and the respective binary message attribute; a binary message module configured to communicate with the contact management module to determine the ability of an intended recipient to receive a binary message, the binary message module further configured to send a binary message to an intended recipient in response to an instruction to send a binary message to the intended recipient. 2. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the binary message module is further configured to send a partial binary message in response to an instruction to send a binary message to the intended recipient. 3. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein a contact record comprises a timestamp attribute indicating the time when the contact record was created. 4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the contact management module is configured to discard a contact record when the timestamp attribute indicates that the age of the contact record exceeds a predetermined value. 5. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein a contact record comprises a timestamp attribute indicating the time when the contact record was last refreshed. 6. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein the contact management module is configured to discard a contact record when the timestamp attribute indicates that the last refresh of the contact record exceeds a predetermined value. 7. A computer implemented method for sending a binary message, comprising: receiving an instruction to send a binary message; retrieving a contact record for the intended recipient; identifying a binary message capability attribute in the contact record; analyzing the binary message capability attribute to determine if the intended recipient is capable of receiving a binary message; and sending the binary message if the intended recipient is capable of receiving the binary message. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: identifying one or more attributes in the contact record that indicate the ability of the intended recipient to receive a particular binary object if the intended recipient is not capable of receiving the binary message; parsing the binary message to identify one or more binary objects that comprise the binary message; and sending the one or more identified binary objects that comprise the binary message that the intended recipient is able to receive as indicated by the identified attributes in the contact record. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising sending a text portion of the binary message if the intended recipient is not capable of receiving the binary message. 10. A computer implemented method for sending a binary message, comprising: receiving an instruction to send a binary message; identifying one or more binary objects that comprise the binary message; retrieving a contact record for the intended recipient, the contact record stored in a data storage area; parsing the contact record to identify one or more attributes that indicate the capability of the intended recipient to receive one or more binary objects that comprise a binary message; analyzing the one or more attributes to determine if the intended recipient is capable of receiving the identified one or more binary objects that comprise the binary message; and sending the binary message comprising the one or more binary objects that the intended recipient is capable of receiving. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the parsing step further comprises: parsing the contact record to identify a timestamp attribute indicating the time when the contact record was created; and analyzing the timestamp attribute to determine if the age of the contact record exceeds a predetermined value. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the parsing step further comprises: parsing the contact record to identify a timestamp attribute indicating the time when the contact record was last refreshed; and analyzing the timestamp attribute to determine if the last refresh time of the contact record exceeds a predetermined value. 13. A computer implemented method for sending a binary message, comprising: receiving an instruction to send a binary message; sending a binary capability query to the intended recipient; receiving a response from the intended recipient, the response indicating the ability of the intended recipient to receive a binary message; and sending the binary message if the intended recipient is able to receive the binary message. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: creating a contact record for the intended recipient, the contact record comprising the ability of the intended recipient to receive a binary message; and storing the contact record in a data storage area. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising sending a portion of the binary message if the intended recipient is only able to receive a portion of the binary message. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the portion of the binary message sent to the intended recipient comprises one or more binary objects. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the portion of the binary message sent to the intended recipient comprises text.

<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to wireless communications and more particularly relates to sending binary short message system messages, enhanced message system messages, and multimedia message system messages to a wireless communication device. 2. Related Art Short Message Service (“SMS”) is a text message service that enables short messages of generally no more than 140-160 characters in length to be sent to and transmitted from a mobile handset. SMS was initially introduced in the global system for mobile communications (“GSM”) network system and later became supported by all other digital-based mobile communications systems. Unlike paging, but similar to e-mail, SMS messages are managed by an SMS server so that a mobile handset can retrieve a message later if it was not available to receive the message when it was sent. SMS messages travel to the mobile handset over the network system's control channel, which is separate and apart from the voice channel. Conventional SMS message implementations on mobile handsets are limited to sending and receiving text messages. This limitation prevents the distribution of binary messages that may include, e.g., an executable program, an image, an audio clip, a video clip, or some combination of these. While some implementations of SMS allow the sending of encrypted messages, these encrypted messages are still limited to text. The enhanced message system (“EMS”) is an extension of SMS that provides a limited capability to send and receive binary objects to and from EMS capable handsets. A significant drawback of EMS messaging is that if an EMS message is sent to a handset that is not EMS capable any binary objects that are part of that message will not be received. EMS is considered to be an intermediate technology between SMS and the multimedia message system (“MMS”), with more capabilities than SMS, but fewer than MMS. MMS is also an extension to SMS and provides the capability to exchange binary messages between MMS enabled handsets. As mobile handset devices become more commonplace and their computing resources such as volatile and persistent memory, processor capability, etc., increase, the industry will demand systems and methods that overcome the limitations in the conventional systems described above.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Accordingly, to meet the expected demands of the industry and consumers, systems and methods for providing binary messages to a wireless communication device are disclosed herein. A mobile handset maintains in its database of contacts an indicator identifying whether a particular contact is capable or incapable of receiving a binary message. The indicator may be very granular and define a variety of binary message capabilities for the particular contact so that standard and non-standard binary communications may be exchanged without taxing the network bandwidth with binary messages that are incapable of being received. When a user of the mobile handset attempts to send a binary message to a recipient, the contact database is consulted to determine if the recipient is capable of receiving and correctly processing the message, incapable, or if the recipient's ability is unknown. If the recipient is capable, the binary message is sent. If the recipient is identified as incapable of receiving the binary message, the user is prompted for instructions. A user may elect to send the binary message anyway to test the recipient's current capability, send a text only part of the message, or cancel sending the binary message altogether. If the ability of the recipient is unknown, the mobile handset sends a special message to. the recipient that will prompt a response from the recipient if it is capable of processing a binary message. If the mobile handset receives a positive response, then the database is updated accordingly and the mobile handset sends the binary message. If the mobile handset does not receive a positive response, then the database is updated accordingly and the user is prompted for instruction on how to proceed.

Reshaping fixture for carbide inserts

The subject invention provides a work support apparatus (20) for re-grinding a corner of a cutting insert (22). The work support apparatus (20) includes a base (24) pivotable between a horizontal position and an inclined position for re-grinding a positive and a negative cutting insert (22). A support lever (26) is mounted to the base (24) and is rotatable about a pivot axis (P). The support lever (26) supports a carrier post (30). An insert holder (32) positions the cutting insert (22) for re-grinding and is supported by the carrier post (30). The insert holder (32) is connected to the carrier post (30) by an adjustable device (36). The insert holder (32) is adjustable along a holder axis (H) perpendicular to the pivot axis (P). The insert holder (32) is adjustable for positioning the corner of the cutting insert (22) to be ground a pre-determined distance from the pivot axis (P) such that the same work support apparatus (20) may be used for grinding various radii into the cutting insert (22).

1. A work support apparatus (20) for re-grinding a cutting insert (22) around a corner between edges comprising: a base (24), a support lever (26) pivotably attached to said base (24) for rotation about a pivot axis (P) extending upwardly from said base (24), a carrier post (30) extending upwardly from said support lever (26) in spaced relationship to said pivot axis (P), an insert holder (32) on said carrier post (30) extending along a holder axis (H) perpendicular to said pivot axis (P) for supporting the cutting insert (22) with the pivot axis (P) extending through the corner thereof, and an adjustable device (36) interconnecting said insert holder (32) and said carrier post (30) for adjusting the position of said insert holder (32) along said holder axis (H) relative to said pivot axis (P) for determining the radius of the corner of the cutting insert (22) to be re-ground into the cutting insert (22). 2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes an indexing device (38) for positioning said insert holder (32) in a datum position parallel to and radially from said pivot axis (P). 3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said insert holder (32) includes a locating surface (46) parallel to and spaced radially from said pivot axis (P) and said indexing device (38) includes a stop plate (40) for abutting against said locating surface (46) to position said insert holder (32) in said datum position. 4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said adjustable device (36) includes an elongated opening (54) having a length parallel to said holder axis (H) and a fastener (56) passing therethrough for securing said insert holder (32) to said carrier post (30) such that said insert holder (32) moves axially along said holder axis (H) for placing a shim between said locating surface (46) and said stop plate (40). 5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said carrier post (30) includes a holder guide (62) for guiding said insert holder (32) along said holder axis (H). 6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said holder guide (62) includes a holder channel (64) in said carrier post (30) for receiving said insert holder (32) therein such that at least one side of said insert holder (32) engages at least one side of said holder channel (64). 7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said insert holder (32) includes a recess (48) adjacent said pivot axis (P) for retaining the cutting insert (22). 8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said recess (48) includes at least one locating edge (50) for positioning the cutting insert (22) within said recess (48). 9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said recess (48) includes a pocket (52) adjacent said locating edge for facilitating the proper positioning of the cutting insert (22) within said recess (48). 10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said stop plate (40) is attached to said carrier post (30). 11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said insert holder (32) extends from said locating surface (46) forward to a distal end adjacent said pivot axis (P). 12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said apparatus includes a clamping device (66) for securing the cutting insert (22) to said insert holder (32). 13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said apparatus includes a rotatable device (86) for rotating the cutting insert (22) between a horizontal position and an inclined position. 14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said rotatable device (86) includes a first bottom surface (88) on said base (24) perpendicular to said pivot axis (P) for positioning the cutting insert (22) in a horizontal position. 15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said rotatable device (86) includes a second bottom surface (90) on said base (24) inclined at an angle relative to said pivot axis (P) for positioning the cutting insert (22) in an inclined position. 16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said second bottom surface (90) is inclined at an eleven-degree angle relative to said first bottom surface (88). 17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said adjustable device (36) defines an indentation (58) disposed about said elongated opening (54) such that a head portion (60) of said fastener (56) is disposed within said indentation (58). 18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said apparatus includes at least one stop (92) attached to said base (24) for limiting rotation of said support lever (26) about said pivot axis (P). 19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein said apparatus includes a handle (120) attached to said support lever (26). 20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support lever (26) includes a carrier post guide (76) having a longitudinal axis (L) perpendicular to said holder axis (H) for guiding said carrier post (30) along said longitudinal axis (L). 21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said carrier post guide (76) includes a carrier post channel (78) in said support lever (26) for receiving said carrier post (30) therein such that at least one side of said carrier post (30) engages at least on side of said carrier post channel (78). 22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein said carrier post (30) and said support lever (26) define a threaded bore (80) therebetween. 23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said apparatus includes an adjustment screw (82) in threaded engagement with said threaded bore (80) for axially adjusting said carrier post (30) along said longitudinal axis (L) of said carrier post guide (76). 24. A method of re-grinding a cutting insert (22) around a corner between edges comprising the steps of: pre-positioning the cutting insert (22) in a datum position relative to a pivot axis (P), moving the cutting insert (22) into kissing engagement with a grinding wheel to a start position, moving the cutting insert (22) away from the grinding wheel, moving the cutting insert (22) back into engagement with the grinding wheel and past the start position to grind the corner, and adjusting the position of the cutting insert (22) a pre-determined distance from the datum position such that the pivot axis (P) extends through the cutting insert (22) to pre-determine the radius of the corner to be ground. 25. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said step of adjusting the position of the cutting insert (22) a pre-determined distance from the datum position is further defined as adjusting the position of the cutting insert (22) a pre-determined distance from the datum position relative to the shape of the cutting insert (22).

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The subject invention relates to a work support apparatus for re-grinding a cutting insert around a corner, between edges thereof. 2. Description of the Prior Art The typical work support is supported on a chuck and used in combination with a surface grinder to grind the cutting surfaces into the cutting insert. An example of such a work support apparatus is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,661 to Pedersen et. al., (“the '661 patent.”) The '661 patent discloses a work support apparatus that includes a work holder for supporting the cutting insert. The work holder is secured to a work spindle that is journaled for rotation in a work head. The work head is rotatably mounted to a base for rotation about a pivot axis extending upwardly from the base. The base is mounted to a table, which is movable in perpendicular and parallel directions relative to the surface grinder. The surface grinder is movable vertically relative to the table. A plurality of electric motors controls the movement of the table and surface grinder, and an operator controls the electric motors. The cutting insert is ground by rotating the gear about the pivot axis and into engagement with the surface grinder. When using a work support apparatus as disclosed in the '661 patent to grind cutting inserts, the radius of the corner is determined by the distance between the pivot axis and the surface grinder. If a different radius is desired, an alternative work support having a different relative spacing between the pivot axis and the surface grinder must be installed on the table.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES <EOH>The subject invention provides a work support apparatus for re-grinding a cutting insert around a corner between edges. The work support apparatus includes a base. A support lever is pivotably attached to the base for rotation about a pivot axis. The pivot axis extends upwardly from the base. A carrier post extends upwardly from the support lever in spaced relationship to the pivot axis. An insert holder is disposed on the carrier post and extends along a holder axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. The insert holder supports the cutting insert such that the pivot axis extends therethrough. An adjustable device interconnects the insert holder and the carrier post for adjusting the position of the insert holder along the holder axis relative to the pivot axis for determining the radius of the corner of the cutting insert to be re-ground into the cutting insert. The subject invention also provides a method of re-grinding a cutting insert around a corner between edges. The method comprises the steps of pre-positioning the cutting insert in a datum position relative to the pivot axis, moving the cutting insert into kissing engagement with a grinding wheel to a start position, moving the cutting insert away from the grinding wheel, and moving the cutting insert back into engagement with the grinding wheel and past the start position to grind the corner. The method further includes the step of adjusting the position of the cutting insert a pre-determined distance from the datum position such that the pivot axis extends through the cutting insert to pre-determine the radius of the corner to be ground. Accordingly, the subject invention provides a work support apparatus for grinding a cutting insert that is adjustable to provide for grinding differing radii on the cutting insert without using different work supports for the different radii. The subject invention is therefore a more efficient and cost effective work support apparatus for re-grinding cutting inserts.

Integrated position switch/brake transmission shift interlock for electronic gear indication

The invention provides a brake-transmission interlock system for a vehicle. The brake-transmission interlock system prevents the driver from shifting out of a park transmission position with a selector lever unless at least one brake of the vehicle is engaged. The brake-transmission interlock system includes a locking member operable to move to a locked position wherein movement of the selector lever is prevented. The locking member can move to the locked position from an unlocked position wherein the selector lever is moveable to shift out of the park transmission position. The brake-transmission interlock system also includes an indicating device operable to communicate a signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver. The locking member is in the locked position prior to the signal being communicated.

1. A brake-transmission interlock system of a vehicle wherein shifting out of a park transmission position by a driver with a selector lever is prevented unless at least one brake of the vehicle is engaged, the brake-transmission interlock system comprising: a locking member operable to move to a locked position wherein movement of the selector lever is prevented from an unlocked position wherein the selector lever is moveable to shift out of the park transmission position; an indicating device operable to communicate a signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver wherein said locking member being in said locked position prior to said signal being communicated. 2. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 1 wherein said indicating device is further defined as being operable to communicate said signal only after said locking member is in said locked position. 3. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 2 further comprising a sensor disposed to sense when said locking member is in said locked position and communicate a second signal to said indicating device corresponding to said locking member being in said locked position. 4. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 3 wherein said indicating device includes a light operable to selectively illuminate. 5. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 3 wherein said locking member is a rod member. 6. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 5 further comprising: a solenoid operable in an energized condition to move said rod member to said unlocked position and in a de-energized condition to move said rod member to said locked position. 7. The brake-transmission interlock system of claim 6 wherein said sensor is further defined as being operable to sense an electric current in said solenoid. 8. A method for engaging a brake-transmission interlock system of a vehicle wherein shifting out of a park transmission position by a driver with a selector lever is prevented unless at least one brake of the vehicle is engaged, the method comprising the steps of: moving a locking member to a locked position wherein movement of the selector lever is prevented from an unlocked position wherein the selector lever is moveable to shift out of the park transmission position; communicating a signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver with an indicating device after said moving step such that the locking member is moved to the locked position prior to the signal being communicated. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said communicating step is further defined as: communicating the signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver with the indicating device after said moving step.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A brake-transmission interlock system brings the vehicle transmission and the vehicle braking system into cooperation with one another through a locking device. When a driver attempts to shift the vehicle transmission from park to some other gear arrangement, the brake-transmission interlock system prevents shifting unless at least one of the vehicle brakes is engaged. Some form of locking device engages the shifting mechanism to lock the shifting mechanism if at least one of the vehicle brakes is not engaged. If at least one of the vehicle brakes is engaged, the brake-transmission interlock system controls the locking device to unlock the shifting mechanism and allow the driver to shift the vehicle transmission from park to some other gear arrangement.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES <EOH>The invention provides a brake-transmission interlock system for a vehicle. The brake-transmission interlock system prevents the driver from shifting out of a park transmission position with a selector lever unless at least one brake of the vehicle is engaged. The brake-transmission interlock system includes a locking member operable to move to a locked position wherein movement of the selector lever is prevented. The locking member can move to the locked position from an unlocked position wherein the selector lever is moveable to shift out of the park transmission position. The brake-transmission interlock system also includes an indicating device operable to communicate a signal corresponding to the park transmission position to the driver. The locking member is in the locked position prior to the signal being communicated.

Methods and apparatus for injecting atomized fluid

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust The present invention uses mechanical spill return atomization techniques to produce droplets approximately 50 μm SMD (Sauter mean diameter) or smaller. This size range is appropriate to allow urea to react into ammonia within the residence time associated with an on-road diesel engine. This effect is achieved through the use of a whirl plate having a plurality of whirl slots surrounding an exit orifice of the injector, which produce a high velocity rotating flow in the whirl chamber. When the rotating flow of fluid is passed through the exit orifice into an exhaust stream, atomization occurs from a combination of centrifugal force and shearing of the fluid by air as it jets into the exhaust stream.

1. An atomizing injector comprising: an injector body; a whirl chamber having an exit orifice, said whirl chamber arranged on said injector body; a plurality of whirl slots in said whirl chamber for imparting a rotational velocity to fluid introduced into said whirl chamber; a valve seat positioned within said whirl chamber surrounding said exit orifice; a metering plug arranged within said injector body; and an actuator mounted on said injector body and connected to said metering plug for moving said metering plug between closed and open positions. 2. An injector according to claim 1, wherein: in said open position, fluid is dispensed from said exit orifice; and in said closed position, fluid is circulated through the injector to cool the injector. 3. An injector according to claim 2, further comprising a metering orifice controlling the amount of said cooling fluid flowing through said injector. 4. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising: a fluid inlet extending into said injector; and a fluid outlet extending out of said injector; wherein: said fluid inlet and fluid outlet communicate with said whirl chamber via a hollow portion of said metering plug; and said fluid inlet, said fluid outlet, and said hollow portion of said metering plug providing a flow path for fluid through said injector, thereby enabling cooling of said injector. 5. An injector according to claim 4 wherein: said flow path for fluid through said injector is provided independent of the position of said metering plug. 6. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ribs surrounding said injector body for dispersing heat away from said injector body. 7. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising a heat shield surrounding said exit orifice, said heat shield having an aperture therethrough aligned with said exit orifice, thereby allowing fluid released from said whirl chamber to pass through said heat shield. 8. An injector according to claim 7, wherein said heat shield comprises: a plate surrounding said exit orifice; and a layer of insulating material arranged on said plate. 9. An injector according to claim 1, wherein said injector body and said metering plug comprise stainless steel. 10. An injector according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member located within said injector body for biasing said metering plug into said closed position. 11. An injector according to claim 10, wherein said biasing member comprises a coil spring coaxially arranged with said metering plug. 12. An injector according to claim 10, wherein said actuator comprises: a magnetic coil generating a magnetic force, said magnetic force effecting a sliding motion of said metering plug against said biasing member when said magnetic coil is energized and thereby moving said metering plug from said closed position to said open position within said whirl chamber to enable fluid to be released from said whirl chamber through said exit orifice; and means for energizing said magnetic coil. 13. An injector according to claim 1, wherein said fluid comprises a urea solution. 14. An injector according to claim 1, wherein said fluid comprises a hydrocarbon. 15. A method of injecting a fluid into a gas stream, comprising: introducing a fluid into an injector body; providing a predetermined pressure setpoint for pressurizing said fluid in said injector body; imparting a high velocity rotating flow to at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within said injector body; and metering a precise amount of fluid having a rotational velocity from an exit orifice into said gas stream. 16. A method according to claim 15, furthering comprising: circulating fluid maintained in said injector through said injector to maintain said fluid within a desired temperature range. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said desired temperature range comprises 5° C. to 85° C. 18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the fluid comprises a urea solution. 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein said fluid comprises a hydrocarbon. 20. A method according to claim 15, wherein said gas stream comprises a diesel exhaust stream. 21. A method according to claim 15, wherein said predetermined pressure setpoint varies in response to operating conditions to provide at least one of increased operating range and varied spray patterns. 22. An atomizing injector comprising: means for introducing a fluid into an injector body; means for providing a predetermined pressure setpoint for pressurizing said fluid in said injector body; means for imparting a high velocity rotating flow to at least a portion of said pressurized fluid within said injector body; and means for metering a precise amount of said fluid having a rotational velocity from an exit orifice into said gas stream. 23. An injector according to claim 22 furthering comprising: circulating fluid maintained in said injector through said injector to maintain said fluid within a desired temperature range. 24. An injector according to claim 23, wherein said desired temperature range comprises 5° C. to 85° C. 25. An injector according to claim 22, wherein the fluid comprises a urea solution. 26. An injector according to claim 22, wherein said fluid comprises a hydrocarbon. 27. An injector according to claim 22, wherein said gas stream comprises a diesel exhaust stream. 28. An injector according to claim 22, wherein said predetermined pressure setpoint varies in response to operating conditions to provide at least one of increased operating range and varied spray patterns.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention relates generally to the reduction of emissions produced by lean burn engines. In particular, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. Lean burn engines provide improved fuel efficiency by operating with an excess of oxygen over the amount necessary for complete combustion of the fuel. Such engines are said to run “lean” or on a “lean mixture.” However, this increase in fuel economy is offset by undesired pollution emissions, specifically in the form of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). One method used to reduce NOx emissions from lean burn internal combustion engines is known as selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SCR, when used, for example, to reduce NOx emissions from a diesel engine, involves injecting an atomized reagent into the exhaust stream of the engine in relation to one or more selected engine operational parameters, such as exhaust gas temperature, engine rpm or engine load as measured by engine fuel flow, turbo boost pressure or exhaust NOx mass flow. The reagent/exhaust gas mixture is passed through a reactor containing a catalyst, such as, for example, activated carbon, or metals, such as platinum, vanadium or tungsten, which are capable of reducing the NOx concentration in the presence of the reagent. An SCR system of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,475. An aqueous urea solution is known to be an effective reagent in SCR systems for diesel engines. However, use of such an aqueous urea solution involves many disadvantages. Urea is highly corrosive and attacks mechanical components of the SCR system, such as the injectors used to inject the urea mixture into the exhaust gas stream. Urea also tends to solidify upon prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as encountered in diesel exhaust systems. Solidified urea will accumulate in the narrow passageways and exit orifice openings typically found in injectors. Solidified urea may foul moving parts of the injector and clog any openings, rendering the injector unusable. In addition, if the urea mixture is not finely atomized, urea deposits will form in the catalytic reactor, inhibiting the action of the catalyst and thereby reducing the SCR system effectiveness. High injection pressures are one way of minimizing the problem of insufficient atomization of the urea mixture. However, high injection pressures often result in over-penetration of the injector spray plume into the exhaust stream, causing the plume to impinge on the inner surface of the exhaust pipe opposite the injector. Over-penetration leads to inefficient use of the urea mixture and reduces the range over which the vehicle can operate with reduced NOx emissions. Only a finite amount of aqueous urea can be carried on a vehicle, and what is carried should be used efficiently to maximize vehicle range and reduce the need for frequent fill ups of the reagent. Further, aqueous urea is a poor lubricant. This characteristic adversely affects moving parts within the injector and requires that special fits, clearances and tolerances be employed between relatively moving parts within an injector. Aqueous urea also has a high propensity for leakage. This characteristic adversely affects mating surfaces requiring enhanced sealing resources in many locations. An example of a prior art injector for injecting aqueous urea into the exhaust stream of a lean burn diesel engine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,603. This prior art injector uses an atomizing hook external to the injector to cause dispersion of the urea solution expelled from the injector. The urea solution is circulated in the area of the exit orifice of the injector body to provide cooling. It would be advantageous to provide methods and apparatus for injecting an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust stream of a lean burn engine where atomizing of the urea solution occurs internally to the injector prior to being injected into the exhaust stream. It would be further advantageous to provide for cooling of the injector to prevent the urea from solidifying and to prolong the life of the injector components. It would be advantageous to minimize heat transfer to the injector from the exhaust pipe for minimal deposit formation internal to the injector. It would also be advantageous to minimize heat transfer from the hot gas to the exit orifice to prevent soot and urea from being attracted to the relatively cool injector exit orifice, creating deposits external to the injector. It would also be advantageous to provide an injector that does not leak for economical and environmental purposes. The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide the foregoing and other advantages.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. In particular, the injector of the present invention is an enhanced performance atomizer for use with any diesel or natural gas engine. Current smaller displacement on and off-road diesel engine urea injectors utilize dual fluid atomization techniques. This process requires a separate air compressor. Other prior art atomization techniques, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,603 ('603 patent) utilize an injector which does not have an atomization process internal to the injector. The injector described in the '603 patent sprays a free jet of liquid that produces small droplets upon impacting a hot plate or hook positioned on the outside of the injector body. The present invention provides improvements to prior art aqueous urea injectors, in particular, improvements to an aqueous urea injector of the type described in the '603 patent. The present invention utilizes atomization techniques that occur internal to the injector. In particular, the present invention uses mechanical spill return atomization techniques to produce droplets smaller than anticipated by the inventors, in particular, droplets approximately 50 μm SMD (Sauter mean diameter) or smaller. This size range is appropriate to allow urea to react into ammonia within the residence time associated with an on-road diesel engine, unlike the injector described in the '603 patent. This effect is achieved through the use of a whirl plate having a plurality of whirl slots surrounding the exit orifice of the injector, which produce a high velocity rotating flow in the whirl chamber. When a portion of the rotating flow of fluid is passed through the exit orifice into an exhaust stream, atomization occurs from a combination of centrifugal force and shearing of the fluid by air as it jets into the exhaust stream. In addition, the present invention provides further improvements over the injector of the '603 patent, including increased magnetic pull strength of the metering plug over a wide temperature range, prolonged life of the injector valve and associated actuating components, and cooling with the urea throughout the injector. Additionally, the present invention incorporates adjustable spray quality characteristics on line, and interchangeability of orifice plates for multiple size applications. The ribbed injector body provides additional cooling capability. The present invention may be further adapted to provide an injector for injecting hydrocarbons particularly for the purpose of particulate reduction in a diesel exhaust. The combination of pulse width modulation providing instantaneous timing control and mechanical atomization techniques is appropriate for providing small quantities of hydrocarbons with precise timing. The cooling aspects provided by the present invention allow the injector to survive the hot exhaust conditions as well as prevent pre-ignition of the hydrocarbon. In an example embodiment of the present invention, methods and apparatus for injecting atomized fluid are provided. An injector is provided, which comprises an injector body, and a whirl chamber arranged on the injector body. The whirl chamber has an exit orifice. A plurality of whirl slots may be provided in the whirl chamber for imparting a rotational velocity to fluid introduced into the whirl chamber. A valve seat positioned within the whirl chamber surrounds the exit orifice. A metering plug may be arranged within the injector body. An actuator may also be mounted on the injector body and connected to the metering plug for moving the metering plug between closed and open positions. The actuator may be located in the injector body and connected to the metering plug for enabling movement of the metering plug from the closed position to the open position. The metering plug may be located in the injector body such that when the metering plug is in a closed position, the metering plug is seated in the valve seat preventing fluid from being dispensed from the exit orifice. In one example embodiment, the fluid may be circulated through the injector to cool the injector when the metering plug is in the closed position. When the metering plug is in the open position, the metering plug is removed from the valve seat allowing fluid to be dispensed from the exit orifice. In the open position, the end of the metering plug is removed from the valve seat, and a portion of the rotating flow of fluid from the whirl chamber is passed through the exit orifice, where atomization occurs from a combination of centrifugal force and shearing of the fluid by air as it is dispensed into the exhaust stream. The injector may further comprise a fluid inlet extending into the injector and a fluid outlet extending out of the injector. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet may communicate with the whirl chamber via a hollow portion of the metering plug. The fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, and the hollow portion of the metering plug may provide a flow path for fluid through the injector, thereby enabling cooling of the injector. The flow path for the fluid through the injector may be provided independently of the position of the metering plug. A metering orifice located in the injector body may control the flowrate of cooling fluid flowing through the injector at a given inlet pressure. The fluid may be a urea solution or a hydrocarbon. In a further example embodiment, a plurality of ribs, surrounding the injector body, may be provided to disperse heat away from the injector body. A heat shield, surrounding the exit orifice, may also be provided to decrease the heat transfer from the exhaust stream to the injector body. The heat shield may have an aperture therethrough aligned with the exit orifice, thereby allowing fluid released from the whirl chamber to pass through the heat shield. The heat shield may comprise a plate surrounding the exit orifice and a layer of insulating material arranged on the plate. The injector body and metering plug may comprise stainless steel. A biasing member may be provided to bias the metering plug into the closed position, thereby providing a fail-closed valve. The biasing member may be a coil spring arranged coaxially with the metering plug. The actuator may comprise a magnetic coil generating a magnetic force. The magnetic force may effect a sliding motion of the metering plug against the biasing member when the magnetic coil is energized. The metering plug may thereby be moved from the closed position to the open position within the whirl chamber when the actuator is energized, enabling fluid to be dispensed from the exit orifice of the whirl chamber. Means for energizing the magnetic coil may be provided. For example, a 12 V pulse width modulated signal may energize the magnetic coil for a definite time period to inject a certain amount of fluid. Other means for energizing the magnetic coil which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may also be employed. A method of injecting a fluid into a gas stream is also provided in accordance with the invention. The method includes introducing a fluid into an injector body, providing a predetermined pressure setpoint for pressurizing the fluid in the injector body, imparting a high velocity rotating flow to at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within the injector body, and metering a precise amount of the fluid having a rotational velocity from an exit orifice into a gas stream. The fluid in excess of the amount precisely metered may be maintained in and circulated through the injector to maintain the fluid within a desired temperature range. The desired temperature range may be approximately 5° C. to 85° C. for a urea solution comprising aqueous urea. The fluid may alternatively be a hydrocarbon. The gas stream may be a diesel exhaust stream. The predetermined pressure setpoint may be varied in response to operating conditions to provide an increased operating range and/or varied spray patterns. Apparatus providing means to accomplish the methods described herein are also provided in accordance with the present invention.

DNS compatible PNRP peer name encoding

A method of converting a peer name to a PNRP DNS is disclosed. The method may take a peer name and encode it into a common DNS name. The method may also take a PNRP DNS name and convert it to a peer name.

1. A method of converting a peer name to a DNS-encoded peer name comprising: encoding a classifier using a reversible encoding process; encoding an authority; reviewing the encoded classifier comprising: if the resulting encoded classifier start with an unacceptable character, inserting a predetermined acceptable character prior to the unacceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier end with an unacceptable character, inserting the predetermined acceptable character after the unacceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier begin or end with the predetermined acceptable character, inserting an additional predetermined acceptable character next to the existing predetermined acceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier is greater than 63 characters, breaking the resulting encoded classifier into less than or equal to 63 character blocks by inserting periods; starting the DNS address with the encoded classifier; adding the encoded authority to the encoded classifier, separated by a period; adding a predetermined domain name to the end of the encoded authority. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein unacceptable characters comprise numbers and dashes. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined acceptable character is “p”. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the classifier is not more than 149 characters. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the authority length is less than or equal to 40 hex characters 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the DNS-encoded peer name is shorter than 255 characters. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising using punycode standard to encode. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the peer name further comprises a cloud name. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cloud name is inserted before the predetermined domain name and after the encoded authority. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the cloud name represents one of the group consisting of global clouds, site clouds, local clouds, specific site clouds and link specific clouds. 11. A method of converting a DNS-encoded peer name to a canonical peer name comprising; if a predetermined domain name is the ending character of the DNS name, removing the predetermined domain name; removing all leading and trailing predetermined acceptable characters from the classifier and authority; removing all periods from the encoded classifier; decoding the classifier; decoding the authority using a hash function and a public key; arranging the decoded authority and decoded classifier into the peer name in a form “authority.classifier”. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising using reverse punycode to decode the classifier. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising decoding a cloud name that further identifies the peer name and that is assembled in the form “cloud.authority.classifier”. 14. A computer readable medium adapted to store computer executable code wherein the computer executable code converts a DNS-encoded peer name to a canonical peer name and to converts a peer name to a DNS-encoded peer name wherein the computer executable code comprises computer code to: if the code is converting a peer name to a DNS encoded peer name: encoding a classifier using a reversible encoding process; encoding an authority; reviewing the encoded classifier comprising: if the resulting encoded classifier start with an unacceptable character, inserting a predetermined acceptable character prior to the unacceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier end with an unacceptable character, inserting the predetermined acceptable character after the unacceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier begin or end with the predetermined acceptable character, inserting an additional predetermined acceptable character next to the existing predetermined acceptable character; if the resulting encoded classifier is greater than 63 characters, breaking the resulting encoded classifier into less than or equal to 63 character blocks by inserting periods; starting the DNS address with the encoded classifier; adding the encoded authority to the encoded classifier, separated by a period; adding a predetermined domain name to the end of the encoded authority; and if the computer code is converting a DNS-encoded peer name to a canonical peer name: if a predetermined domain name is the ending character of the DNS name, removing the predetermined domain name; removing all leading and trailing predetermined acceptable characters from the classifier and authority; removing all periods from the encoded classifier; decoding the classifier; decoding the authority using a hash function and a public key; arranging the decoded authority and decoded classifier into the peer name in a form “authority.classifier”. 15. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising using punycode standard to encode. 16. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the peer name further comprises a cloud name. 17. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the cloud name is inserted before the predetermined domain name and after the encoded authority. 18. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising using reverse punycode to decode the classifier. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 14, further comprising decoding a cloud name that further identifies the peer name and that is assembled in the form “cloud.authority.classifier”. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the DNS-encoded peer name is shorter than 255 characters.

<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Peer-to-peer networking is the utilization of the relatively powerful computers (personal computers) that exist at the edge of a network or the Internet for more than just client-based computing tasks. The modern PC has a very fast processor, vast memory, and a large hard disk, none of which are being fully utilized when performing common computing tasks such as e-mail and Web browsing. The modern PC can easily act as both a client and server (a peer) for many types of applications. The typical computing model for many applications is a client/server model. A server computer typically has vast resources and responds to requests for resources and data from client computers. Client computers initiate requests for resources or data from server computers. A good example of the client/server model of computing is Web browsing. Web servers on the Internet are typically high-end dedicated server computers with very fast processors (or multiple processors) and huge hard disk arrays. The Web server stores all of the content associated with a Web site (HTML files, graphics, audio and video files, etc.) and listens for incoming requests to view the information on a particular Web page. When a page is requested, the Web server sends the page and its associated files to the requesting client. The protocol used to send messages between peers for name resolution and peer discovery is Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP). PNRP uses multiple clouds, in which a cloud is a grouping of computers that use addresses of a specific scope. A scope is an area of the network over which the address is unique. PNRP clouds are based on the address scopes for IPv6 addresses. A peer name is an endpoint for communication, which can be a computer, a user, a group, a service, or anything else that is desired to resolve to an IPv6 address, protocol, and port number. PNRP IDs are 256 bits long and are composed of the following: The high-order 128 bits, known as the peer-to-peer ID, are a hash of a peer name assigned to the endpoint. The low-order 128 bits are used for the service location, which is a generated number that uniquely identifies different instances of the same peer to peer ID in the same cloud. The 256-bit combination of peer to peer ID and service location allows multiple PNRP IDs to be registered from a single computer. The ability to translate names from a server based environment to a peer to peer based environment will become even more important as peer to peer computing increases in use.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>A method of converting a peer name to a PNRP DNS is disclosed. The method may take a peer name and encode it into a common DNS host name. The method may also take a PNRP DNS name and convert it to a peer name. A computer readable medium with computer executable code and a computer system that executes computer code in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Automatic gain control with three states of operation

A method and apparatus for an automatic gain control (AGC) loop that utilizes freezing and unfreezing states. A freezing process moves the AGC into a TRANSITION state from a NORMAL state, based on net change of VGA gain control codes over a monitoring time window. The freezing process then moves the AGC into a FROZEN state from the TRANSITION state, based on net change of VGA gain control codes over the monitoring time window. An unfreezing process moves the AGC into the NORMAL state from the FROZEN state, based on signal amplitude changes at the output of the VGA.

1. A method for controlling gain of a variable gain amplifier (VGA), the method comprising: monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in a normal state; transitioning from the normal state to a transition state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a first threshold value during a first timing window; allowing an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to update the VGA gain, in the transition state; monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in the transition state; transitioning from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a second threshold value during a second timing window; and freezing the VGA gain, when in the frozen state. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first threshold value and the second threshold value are the same. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first timing window and the second timing window are the same. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising transitioning from the transition state to the normal state, if the net change in the VGA gain is greater than or equal to the second threshold value during the second timing window. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, if the VGA output level deviates from a desired level by more than a predetermined value. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the VGA gain is obtained by monitoring one or more of the group consisting of amplitude, power, RMS, and peak of the VGA output. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined value is a percentage of the desired VGA output level. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, if decisions for the VGA gain lean towards one direction with more than a predetermined decision density value. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising incrementing the first timing window and the second timing window by a signal derived from toggle of the VGA gain control codes. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: incrementing a first counter by one, if the AGC loop receives an up decision during a decision monitoring window; incrementing a second counter by one, if the AGC loop receives a down decision during the decision monitoring window; calculating a net decision value as the absolute value of the difference between the first counter and the second counter; comparing the calculated net decision value to a decision threshold; and transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, If the absolute value of the net decision value increases above the decision threshold. 11. An automatic gain control (AGC) for controlling gain of a variable gain amplifier (VGA) comprising: means for monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in a normal state; means for transitioning from the normal state to a transition state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a first threshold value during a first timing window; means for allowing an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to update the VGA gain, in the transition state; means for monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in the transition state; means for transitioning from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a second threshold value during a second timing window; and means for freezing the VGA gain, when in the frozen state. 12. The AGC of claim 11, further comprising means for transitioning from the transition state to the normal state, if the net change in the VGA gain is not less than the second threshold value during the second timing window. 13. The AGC of claim 11, further comprising means for transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, if the VGA output level deviates from a desired level by more than a predetermined value. 14. The AGC of claim 13, wherein the VGA gain is obtained by monitoring one or more of the group consisting of amplitude, power, RMS, and peak of the VGA output. 15. The AGC of claim 11, further comprising means for transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, if decisions for the VGA gain lean towards one direction with more than a predetermined decision density value. 16. The AGC of claim 11, further comprising means for incrementing the first timing window and the second timing window by a signal derived from toggle of the VGA gain control codes. 17. The AGC of claim 15, further comprising: means for incrementing a first counter by one, if the AGC loop receives an up decision during a decision monitoring window; means for incrementing a second counter by one, if the AGC loop receives a down decision during the decision monitoring window; means for calculating a net decision value as the absolute value of the difference between the first counter and the second counter; means for comparing the calculated net decision value to a decision threshold; and means for transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, If the absolute value of the net decision value increases above the decision threshold. 18. A method for controlling gain of a variable gain amplifier (VGA), the method comprising: updating VGA gain control codes, in a normal state; monitoring a net change in VGA gain control codes, in the normal state; starting a timing window; changing from the normal state to a transition state, when the net change in the VGA gain control codes is less than a predetermined value at the end of the timing window; allowing an AGC loop to update VGA gain control codes, in the transition state; monitoring a second net change in VGA gain control codes, in the transition state; starting the timing window; changing from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain control codes is less than the predetermined value at the end of the timing window; and freezing the VGA gain control codes, when in the frozen state. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising transitioning from the transition state to the normal state, if the net change in the VGA gain control codes are greater than or equal to a second threshold value during a second timing window. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising transitioning from the frozen state to the normal state, if the VGA output level deviate from a desired level by more than a predetermined value.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Automatic gain control (AGC) circuits generate a relatively constant output signal amplitude from an input signal with varying amplitude. A typical AGC circuit includes a loop having a variable gain amplifier (VGA). A common application of an AGC circuit is in digital communication systems. An ideal AGC action would provide a constant output for all values of input signal strength. The figure of merit applied to AGC action is given as the change in input required for a given output change. In high speed (e.g., 10 giga bits per second (Gb/s)), high performance, serial communication receivers that require equalization, VGAs are sometimes used at the front end of the topology. A VGA is used to either provide gain or attenuation depending on the amplitude of the input signal such that the VGA outputs a substantially constant amplitude signal. The ability to adjust the gain/attenuation of the VGA so that both a large and a small input voltage swing range at the input to the receiver can be accommodated is desirable for 10 Gb/s serial data communication applications. A block diagram of a generic AGC block 10 is shown in FIG. 1 . Amplitude Detector 14 senses the output amplitude Vout 13 of the VGA 12 and generates a voltage that represents the peak voltage of the VGA output V pk 15 . A Summer 17 compares the detected amplitude V pk 15 to a reference voltage V ref 16 . The reference voltage V ref 16 represents the desired output amplitude of the VGA. Based on the comparison, the Summer 17 generates an error signal 18 and feeds it to an AGC loop filter 19 . In other words, Summer 17 determines the difference between the peak voltage V pk 15 and the reference voltage V ref 16 , and adaptively adjusts the control voltage Vc 11 , such that the VGA 12 produces an output swing that is equal to a pre-determined and fixed amplitude required by subsequent circuit blocks. Depending on the application, there may be system requirements in which the minimum and maximum input swing range at the input to the receiver is wide. Thus, the AGC loop is kept constantly running. A continuous running AGC loop can interfere with the rest of the control loops causing signal interference, for example. It is desirable to freeze a loop once the convergence has been achieved since this improves the stability of the overall system performance. On the other hand, when the AGC loop is frozen, it needs to re-start in a timely and accurate manner for the required updates to track and correct the necessary changes in its input. Therefore, there is a need for an AGC loop which can be frozen and then effectively re-start to ensure detection and tracking of convergence to the desired signal amplitude level.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for controlling gain of a VGA. The method includes: monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in a normal state; transitioning from the normal state to a transition state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a first threshold value during a first timing window; allowing an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to update the VGA gain, in the transition state; monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in the transition state; transitioning from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a second threshold value during a second timing window; and freezing the VGA gain, when in the frozen state. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for controlling gain of a VGA. The method includes: updating VGA gain control codes, in a normal state; monitoring a net change in VGA gain control codes, in the normal state; starting a timing window; changing from the normal state to a transition state, when the net change in the VGA gain control codes is less than a predetermined value at the end of the timing window; allowing an AGC loop to update VGA gain control codes, in the transition state; monitoring a second net change in VGA gain control codes, in the transition state; starting the timing window; changing from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain control codes is less than the predetermined value at the end of the timing window; and fixing the codes of the VGA, when in the frozen state. In one embodiment, the present invention is an AGC for controlling the gain of a VGA. The AGC includes: means for monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in a normal state; means for transitioning from the normal state to a transition state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a first threshold value during a first timing window; means for allowing an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to update the VGA gain, in the transition state; means for monitoring a net change in VGA gain, in the transition state; means for transitioning from the transition state to a frozen state, if the net change in the VGA gain is less than a second threshold value during a second timing window; and means for freezing the VGA gain, when in the frozen state.

Flower-petal resolutions for PNRP

The claimed process and system provides a resolution process for a multi-level cache resolution protocol that involves a lookup procedure whereby the initiating node contacts each intermediate node directly using a communication link separate from any previous intermediate node. The resolution process may involve caching information from each contacted intermediate node during the resolution process to request leads on the target node in the form of a list of closer nodes known to the intermediary node.

1. A serverless name resolution protocol through which unique numbers are resolved to addresses, comprising the steps of: creating and initializing a node state object at an initiating node that keeps track of the state of a resolution process of the initiating node; creating a lookup message at the initiating node and sending the lookup message to an intermediate node; receiving at the intermediate node a lookup message from the initiating node and determining whether the intermediate node contains information on a closer node to the target node than a node specified by the lookup message; creating an answer message object at the intermediate node containing information on the closer node and sending the answer message to the initiating node in response to the lookup message object; determining at the initiating node whether the closer node of the answer message matches a resolve criteria of the initiating node. 2. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein the state object comprises information on a target node, a best match node, a next hop node, a path list and further wherein the state object comprises a stack object. 3. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein the lookup message comprises information on a target node, an intermediate node ID, and a best match node. 4. The resolution protocol of claim 1, further comprising determining at the intermediate node whether the intermediate node ID contained in the lookup message matches the intermediate node ID and including in an answer message an invalid indicator when the unique number identifier contained in the lookup message does not match. 5. The resolution protocol of claim 4, further comprising determining at the initiating node whether an answer message contains an invalid indicator and removing node information corresponding to the intermediate node ID from the initiating node. 6. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein sending the lookup message object to an intermediate node comprises sending the lookup message object to an intermediate node closer to the target node than the initiating node. 7. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein closer comprises a closer numerical difference between node IDs in a circular number system. 8. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein sending the lookup message object to an intermediate node comprises sending the lookup message object to an intermediate node having an address corresponding to the intermediate node ID contained in the lookup message, and further comprising determining whether an answer message was received at the initiating node and removing node information corresponding to the intermediate node ID from the initiating node when no answer message is received. 9. The resolution protocol of claim 2, wherein determining whether the intermediate node contains information on a node closer to the target node than the initiating node comprises comparing a unique number identifier of the target node to a set of unique number identifiers stored at the intermediate node, and wherein creating an answer message object comprises providing address information of an intermediate node closer to the target node than the best match node of the lookup message. 10. The resolution protocol of claim 1, further comprising sending an inquire message to the closer node if the closer node matches the resolve criteria and providing an indication if the inquire message verifies the existence of the closer node. 11. The resolution protocol of claim 2, further comprising changing the best match node to correspond to the intermediate node from which an answer message was received, adding the intermediate node from which an answer message was received on to the stack object, and adding the next hop node contained in the answer message to the stack object, when the answer message does not satisfy the resolve criteria. 12. The resolution protocol of claim 1, wherein the resolve criteria comprises whether the closer node of the answer message the target node. 13. A computer mesh network comprising: an initiating node attempting to resolve a unique number identifier to an address of a target node, wherein the initiating node contains a cache of local nodes and comprises a state object that keeps track of the state of a resolution process of the initiating node; a first intermediate node that is listed in the cache of the initiating node and is closer to the target node than the initiating node, wherein the initiating node contains a cache of local nodes; wherein the initiating node sends a first lookup message to the first intermediate node when the initiating node does not have the target node address in its cache, and wherein the intermediate node receives a lookup message from the initiating node and returns an answer message to the initiating node with the address of a second intermediate node closer to the target node than the first intermediate node. 14. The computer mesh network of claim 13, wherein closer comprises a numerical difference between node IDs in a circular number system. 15. The computer mesh network of claim 13, wherein the intermediate node finds a plurality of entries in its cache with identifiers that are closest to the target node, randomly picks one of the plurality of entries, and returns the randomly picked entry in the answer message. 16. The computer mesh network of claim 14, wherein the initiating node will send a second lookup message to the address of the second intermediate node contained in the answer message. 17. The computer mesh network of claim 16, wherein the state object maintains a list of nodes traversed during the resolution process and further wherein the initiating node will send a third lookup message to the first intermediate node if the second intermediate node does not contain the address of a node closer to the target node. 18. The computer mesh network of claim 13, wherein the lookup message includes a certificate of origin, and further comprises checking the certificate of origin to determine its validity, and refusing the lookup message when the certificate of origin is invalid. 19. The computer mesh network of claim 13, wherein the initiating node sends an inquire message to the closer node address contained in the answer message if the closer node address corresponds to the target node ID. 20. The computer mesh network of claim 13, wherein the initiating node sends the intermediate node an ID corresponding to the intermediate node in the lookup message and further wherein the intermediate node returns an answer message with an invalid indicator if the intermediate node ID of the lookup message does not match its ID.

<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Peer to peer communications may depend on establishing connections between selected entities in a mesh, or network. Entities may have one or several addresses. Because the topology changes, these addresses may often vary as the entities move in the network. A classic architectural solution to this addressing problem is to assign to each entity a stable name, and to “resolve” this name when a connection is needed. This name to address translation must be robust, and must also allow for easy and fast updates. Existing serverless name resolution protocols may use multi-level caches that resolve a name to a node ID by using a linear door-to-door approach in which a resolution message is sent from one node to another, each node directing the message to a known node closer to the target, until the target node is finally reached. In this process, each intermediate node may return an acknowledgement message to the initiating node via the established resolution path. The resolution message may be carried contemporaneously through the creation of the resolution path and may be delivered to the target node to verify the existence of the target node. Because the message may be transferred through a set of intermediate nodes that make up the resolution path, there may be a potential for compromise. This may happen intentionally, such as when there exists a malicious node, or unintentionally. Also, because the message handling is entrusted to a series of nodes, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain whether a message is still in transit or has failed, and thus monitoring of message transmission is difficult. Further, because the series of nodes may be numerous, network traffic due to resolution messages may overly burden the network. Therefore, a more secure and efficient name resolution procedure may be needed for server-less, multi-level cache name resolution protocols.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The claimed process and system provides a resolution process for a multi-level cache resolution protocol that involves a lookup procedure whereby the initiating node contacts each intermediate node directly using a communication link separate from any previous intermediate node. The resolution process may involve caching information from each contacted intermediate node during the resolution process to request leads on the target node in the form of a list of closer nodes known to the intermediary node.

Miniature silicon condenser microphone and method for producing the same

A silicon condenser microphone package includes a transducer unit, a substrate, and a cover. The substrate includes an upper surface transducer unit is attached to the upper surface of the substrate and overlaps at least a portion of the recess wherein a back volume of the transducer unit is formed between the transducer unit and the substrate. The cover is placed over the transducer unit and either the cover or the substrate includes an aperture.

1. A silicon condenser microphone comprising: a transducer unit: a substrate include a surface having a recess formed therein, the transducer unit attached to the surface of the substrate overlapping at least a portion of the recess to form a volume adjacent the transducer unit; a cover placed over the transducer unit; and an aperture formed in one of the cover or the substrate and acoustically coupled to the transducer unit. 2. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the cover including a conductive portion, the conductive portion forming a shield against electromagnetic interference. 3. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 2, the conductive portion comprising a conductive layer formed in the cover. 4. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 2, the conductive portion comprising a lining disposed on an inner surface of the cover. 5. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 2, the conductive portion comprising a metal or metal alloy. 6. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the cover comprising a multi-layer structure including a conductive layer and an insulating layer. 7. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the substrate comprising a conductive portion for forming a shield against electromagnetic interference, the conductive portion of the cover and the conductive portion of the substrate being electrically coupled. 8. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 7, the conductive portion of the substrate comprising a conductive layer formed in the substrate. 9. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the cover being acoustically sealed to the substrate. 10. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the substrate comprising a multi-layer structure including at least one conductive layer and at least one insulating layer. 11. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the substrate comprising a printed circuit board. 12. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 11, the printed circuit board including terminal pads for electrically coupling to the transducer unit. 13. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the aperture being formed in the cover. 14. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the aperture being formed in the substrate. 15. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, an environmental barrier being disposed within the aperture. 16. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 15, the environmental barrier comprising sintered metal. 17. The silicon condenser microphone of claim 1, the volume comprising a back volume for the transducer.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There have been a number of disclosures related to building microphone elements on the surface of a silicon die. Certain of these disclosures have come in connection with the hearing aid field for the purpose of reducing the size of the hearing aid unit. While these disclosures have reduced the size of the hearing aid, they have not disclosed how to protect the transducer from outside interferences. For instance, transducers of this type are fragile and susceptible to physical damage. Furthermore, they must be protected from light and electromagnetic interferences. Moreover, they require an acoustic pressure reference to function properly. For these reasons, the silicon die must be shielded. Some shielding practices have been used to house these devices. For instance, insulated metal cans or discs have been provided. Additionally, DIPS and small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) packages have been utilized. However, the drawbacks associated with manufacturing these housings, such as lead time, cost, and tooling, make these options undesirable.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a silicon condenser microphone package which allows acoustic energy to contact a transducer which provides the necessary pressure reference while at the same time protects the transducer from light, electromagnetic interference, and physical damage. A silicon condenser microphone package comprises a transducer, a substrate, and a cover. The substrate has an upper surface with a recess formed therein. The transducer is attached to the upper surface of the substrate and overlaps at least a portion of the recess so that a back volume of the transducer is formed between the transducer and the substrate. The cover is placed over the transducer and includes an aperture adapted for allowing sound waves to reach the silicon condenser transducer. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

Method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating stray light in an optical test head

An optical test head comprises one or more optical input paths by which a beam of light is communicated from a light source to a workpiece and one or more optical output paths by which light reflected off of the workpiece is communicated to a detector. The input optical path and the output optical path can include one or more mirrors and one or more lenses. At least one of the optical paths includes a layer for trapping and/or absorbing stray light. One or more of the lenses includes an anti-reflective coating for reducing noise caused by unwanted light reflection off of the lenses. The optical paths include one or more masks reducing stray light. The one or more masks can have an adjustable aperture (e.g. an iris).

1. Apparatus comprising: at least one input path for receiving light from a light source and communicating said light to a workpiece; a light detector for receiving light and generating a signal in response thereto; at least one output path for receiving light reflected from said workpiece and communicating said light to said detector; wherein at least one of said at least one output path or at least one input path includes a light-absorptive layer for absorbing and/or trapping stray light. 2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a monolithic block of material, said input and output paths extending through said block of material to communicate light, said light absorptive layer being provided in at least one of said paths. 3. Apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a tube within one of said paths, said tube comprising said light absorptive layer. 4. Apparatus of claim 2 wherein said light absorptive layer is formed by anodizing said material. 5. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said workpiece is a platter. 6. Apparatus comprising: at least one input path for receiving light from a light source and communicating said light to a workpiece; at least one output path for receiving light reflected from said workpiece and communicating said light to a detector; and one or more masks within at least one of said paths for reducing or eliminating stray light in said at least one of said paths, said stray light being a component of light that would exist even in the absence of defects on said workpiece, said one or more masks not substantially affecting light that exists in said one of said at least one of said paths as a result of said defects. 7. Apparatus of claim 6 wherein said workpiece is a platter. 8. Apparatus comprising: at least one input path for receiving light from a light source and communicating said light to a workpiece; at least one output path for receiving light reflected from said workpiece and communicating said light to a detector; and at least one mask within said at least one output path for minimizing or preventing light stray light from reaching said detector. 9. Apparatus of claim 8 wherein said workpiece is a platter, said apparatus further comprising a lens for concentrating light from said output path onto said detector, said mask being an iris between said lens and said detector. 10. Apparatus comprising: a light source for generating a light beam, said light beam being directed toward a workpiece; a detector for receiving light reflected from said workpiece; and one or more lenses in the optical path of said light beam, at least one of said lenses being coated with a V-type AR coating. 11. Apparatus of claim 10 wherein said workpiece is a platter, said light beam is a laser beam, and said at least one of said lenses concentrates light from said light source onto said platter, said apparatus further comprising one or more lenses for collecting and concentrating light reflected from said workpiece onto said detector, said V-type AR coating reducing or eliminating stray light. 12. Apparatus comprising: a light source for generating a light beam, said light beam being directed toward a workpiece; a detector for receiving light reflected by said workpiece; and one or more lenses in the optical path of said light beam, at least one of said lenses being coated with an antireflection coating that reflects less than about 0.25% of the light striking said lens. 13. Apparatus of claim 12 wherein said workpiece is a platter, said light beam is a laser beam, and said at least one of said lenses concentrates light from said light source onto said platter, said apparatus further comprising one or more lenses for collecting and concentrating light reflected from said workpiece onto said detector, said coating reducing or eliminating stray light. 14. Apparatus of claim 12 wherein said coating is tailored to the wavelength of said light beam. 15. Method comprising: communicating light through at least one input path to a workpiece; communicating light reflected by said workpiece through at least one output path to a detector; wherein at least one of said at least one output path or at least one input path includes a light-absorptive layer for absorbing and/or trapping stray light. 16. Method of claim 15 wherein said workpiece is a platter. 17. Method comprising: communicating light through at least one input path to a workpiece; communicating light reflected from said workpiece through at least one output path to a detector; wherein one or more masks are within at least one of said paths, said one or more masks reducing or eliminating stray light in said at least one of said paths, said stray light being a component of light that would exist even in the absence of defects on said workpiece, said one or more masks not substantially affecting light that exists in said one of said at least one of said paths as a result of said defects. 18. Method of claim 17 wherein said workpiece is a platter, said one or more masks is a mask situated between a laser and said workpiece, and said communicating light reflected from said workpiece comprises passing said light reflected from said workpiece through a lens to concentrate said light onto a detector, said one or more masks being an iris provided between said lens and said detector. 19. Method comprising: providing a light beam traveling toward a workpiece; detecting light reflecting off of said workpiece with a detector; and passing said light beam through at least one lens in the optical path between a source of said light beam and said detector, said at least one lens being coated with a V-type AR coating. 20. Method of claim 19 wherein said workpiece is a platter and said light beam is a laser beam, said method further comprising passing said light beam through a plurality of lenses in the optical path between said source and said detector, said V-type AR coating causing said at least one lens to exhibit a reflectivity less than 0.25%, said V-type AR coating reducing or eliminating stray light. 20. Method comprising: providing a light beam traveling toward a workpiece; detecting light reflecting off of said workpiece with a detector; passing said light beam through at least one lens in the optical path between a source of said light beam and said detector, said at least one lens being coated with an antireflective coating that causes the lens to exhibit a reflectivity less than about 0.25%. 21. Method of claim 20 wherein said workpiece is a platter and said light beam is a laser beam, said method further comprising passing said light beam through a plurality of lenses in the optical path between said source and said detector, said antireflective coating being tailored to the wavelength of said light beam and reducing or eliminating stray light.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to methods and apparatus for optically inspecting workpieces such as substrates used to make magnetic disks or magnetic disks during any point in the manufacturing process (including the finished disk). This invention also pertains to methods for making such apparatus. Magnetic disks are typically manufactured using the following method. 1. A disk-shaped substrate (typically an Al alloy) is lapped or ground. 2. A material such as a nickel phosphorus alloy is plated onto the substrate. 3. The plated substrate is polished and textured. (During texturing, texture grooves are typically formed in the substrate by mechanical abrasion to cause a subsequently deposited magnetic layer to exhibit anisotropy. It is also known to laser texture substrates for tribological reasons) 4. One or more underlayers, one or more magnetic layers and one or more protective overcoats are deposited onto the plated substrate. (The deposition process can comprise sputtering or other techniques.) Other layers can also be deposited onto the substrate during manufacturing. 5. A lubricant is applied to the disk. At various points during manufacturing (e.g. before or after texturing), it is desirable to inspect the substrate for bumps, pits, contaminant particles, or other defects. During such inspection, one should be able to detect very small defects. It is known in the art to use lasers to scan such substrates for this purpose. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,566,674 and 6,548,821, issued to Treves et al. (The Treves patents are incorporated herein by reference.) Unfortunately, certain undesired light can introduce noise into output signals generated by optical test apparatus. The such light can have any of several sources, including a “halo” surrounding a laser beam generated by a diode laser; undesired light reflected off of structures such as lenses; sources external to the apparatus; or other sources. It would be desirable to reduce or eliminate such undesired light.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An optical inspection apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises one or more input optical paths for communicating light from a light source (typically a laser) to a workpiece and one or more output optical paths for communicating light reflected off of said workpiece to one or more detectors. As used herein, “detectors” are optical transducers. They are used to detect defects on the workpiece surface. Typically, optical elements such as lenses and/or mirrors are provided in the optical paths. (Other optical elements can also be provided in the optical paths.) In one embodiment, at least one of the optical paths includes a layer for absorbing and/or trapping undesired stray light. In lieu of or addition to the above-mentioned layer, an anti-reflective coating can be placed on one or more of the lenses to reduce reflection off of the lens. This also reduces undesired stray light. In lieu of or in addition to the above-mentioned layer and antireflective coating, one or more masks are provided in one or more of the optical paths for reducing or eliminating stray light. (As used herein, the term “mask” includes a mask having an adjustable aperture, i.e. an iris.) In one embodiment, one or more masks are provided in one or more output paths to reduce or eliminate unwanted diffracted light caused by the texture formed on the substrate. In another embodiment, the apparatus is used to inspect an untextured disk comprising a pattern formed on the disk for discrete track recording. In such an embodiment the masks can reduce or eliminate diffracted light caused by the pattern. (The diffracted light typically emanates from the spot where the laser beam strikes the substrate. In contrast, the masks, antireflective coating and absorbing/trapping layer reduce or eliminate undesired light that does not emanate from the spot where the laser beam strikes the substrate.) Apparatus in accordance with the invention is used for inspecting a surface of a workpiece. As used herein, the term “inspect” includes testing a workpiece surface for the presence of defects; evaluating the surface; collecting data concerning the surface of the workpiece; and/or determining whether the surface is suitable based on one or more criteria. “Workpiece” includes any object to be inspected. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of output paths for receiving light reflected by the workpiece. Typically, the apparatus comprises between one and six output paths for receiving different types of reflected light. As mentioned above, in one embodiment a method and apparatus in accordance with the invention are used to inspect substrates used for magnetic disk manufacturing. However, the method and apparatus can also be used to inspect a magnetic disk at any portion during the manufacturing process, for example a) an aluminum substrate prior to being plated with NiP; b) the substrate after plating with NiP but before being polished and textured; c) the substrate after polishing but before texturing; d) the substrate after texturing but before sputtering of the underlayer, magnetic layer and protective overcoat, e) the disk after sputtering but before application of a lubricant; or f) the finished disk. There are several points during which the disk is washed. Inspection can occur before or after washing. As used herein, the term “platter” encompasses a disk at any point during or after manufacturing (including disks made using non-aluminum substrates, disks made using deposition processes other than sputtering, disks used in conjunction with vertical recording, disks used in conjunction with longitudinal recording, textured disks and untextured disks).

Backlight unit including curved fluorescent lamp, and liquid crystal display apparatus including the backlight unit

A backlight unit that includes: an outer container; a curved fluorescent lamp that is contained in the outer container and includes two electrodes and a glass bulb that has (i) a folded portion and (ii) two straight portions that extend in parallel with each other from the folded portion, and the two electrodes being respectively attached to two ends of the glass bulb; and an inverter operable to supply power for lighting to the curved fluorescent lamp. The inverter is disposed outside the outer container, and the curved fluorescent lamp is arranged so that the electrodes are at low positions and the folded portion is at a high position in the outer container when the backlight unit is erected vertically in use.

1. A backlight unit comprising: an outer container; a curved fluorescent lamp that is contained in the outer container and includes two electrodes and a glass bulb that has (i) a folded portion and (ii) two straight portions that extend in parallel with each other from the folded portion, and the two electrodes being respectively attached to two ends of the glass bulb; and an inverter operable to supply power for lighting to the curved fluorescent lamp, wherein the inverter is disposed outside the outer container, and the curved fluorescent lamp is arranged so that the electrodes are at low positions and the folded portion is at a high position in the outer container when the backlight unit is erected vertically in use. 2. The backlight unit of claim 1 further comprising: a folded portion supporting member that supports the folded portion within the outer container; and a heat insulating member that is inserted between the folded portion and the folded portion supporting member. 3. The backlight unit of claim 2 further comprising a reflection member that is attached to the heat insulating member, and reflects light from the folded portion in a direction in which the straight portions extend. 4. The backlight unit of claim 1 further comprising a pair of heat releasing members that are respectively attached to outer surfaces of the glass bulb at positions between the two ends and centers in length of the straight portions, the heat releasing members being made of a material that is higher in heat conductivity than a gas filling the outer container. 5. The backlight unit of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of straight-portion supporting members that respectively support the straight portions at positions between the folded portion and centers in length of the straight portions in the container; and a pair of heat releasing members that are respectively attached to outer surfaces of the glass bulb at positions between the two ends and centers in length of the straight portions so that the heat releasing members release heat generated by the curved fluorescent lamp during lighting that is larger in amount than heat that escapes through the straight-portion supporting members. 6. A liquid crystal display apparatus comprising: a liquid crystal display panel; and the backlight unit defined in claim 1, wherein the outer container is disposed on a back surface of the liquid crystal display panel.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>(1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a backlight unit and a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) apparatus, especially to a backlight unit which is disposed at the back of a LCD panel to constitute a LCD apparatus, and to the LCD apparatus including the backlight unit. (2) Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the LCD apparatuses have started to be employed in liquid crystal televisions or the like in full scale, the demand for the backlight units, which are mounted in the LCD apparatuses, has increased as well. Backlight units are classified into two types: an edge-light type (also referred to as a side-light type or an optical waveguide type) in which an optical waveguide is disposed on the back surface of a LCD panel, and fluorescent lamps are arranged at the edges of the optical waveguide; and a direct-below type in which a plurality of fluorescent lamps are arranged on the back surface of a LCD panel to be in parallel with the back surface. In general, edge-light type backlight units are advantageous in achieving a thin body and even brightness on the light-emitting surface, but are disadvantageous in achieving high brightness, and the direct-below-type backlight units are advantageous in achieving high brightness, but are disadvantageous in achieving a thin body. Accordingly, LCD apparatuses for liquid crystal televisions, which put weight on achieving high brightness, often adopt the direct-below-type backlight unit. A direct-below-type backlight unit has a reflection plate, which is in a rectangular shape that corresponds to a horizontally wide screen of the liquid crystal television, and a translucent plate that includes an optical diffusion plate, the plates being arranged in parallel with each other. The direct-below-type backlight unit also has a plurality of fluorescent lamps that are arranged between the reflection plate and the translucent plate, and lets light, which is emitted from the fluorescent lamps, pass through the translucent plate toward the LCD panel. With such a construction, the LCD panel receives light at its back from the backlight unit. The four sides of the backlight unit between the reflection plate and the translucent plate, in which the fluorescent lamps are arranged, are closed by side plates or the like to prevent dusts or the like from entering into the backlight unit (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-214605). In regards with the backlight unit having the above-described construction, many types of backlight units, which are different in the shape or layout of the fluorescent lamps, have been put into practical use. Such backlight units include: a backlight unit in which straight-tube fluorescent lamps are laid horizontally with regular intervals in the vertical direction (hereinafter, the backlight unit is referred to as a straight-tube transverse-mounted type); a backlight unit in which straight-tube fluorescent lamps are erected vertically with regular intervals in the horizontal direction (hereinafter, the backlight unit is referred to as a straight-tube vertical-mounted type—see the above-mentioned Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-214605); and a backlight unit in which fluorescent lamps curved into the shape of character “U” are laid horizontally with regular intervals in the vertical direction (hereinafter, the backlight unit is referred to as a curved-tube transverse-mounted type—see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 7-270786). Meanwhile, as the liquid crystal television are becoming larger in size and higher in brightness, the number of fluorescent lamps per direct-below type backlight unit to be attached to a LCD panel for a liquid crystal television is increasing. As the number of fluorescent lamps increases, the temperature in the backlight unit increases. This causes the temperature distribution in the backlight unit to be more uneven. In general, the liquid crystal televisions with horizontally wide screens are erected vertically in use. As a result, the upper portion of the backlight unit has a higher temperature, and the lower portion has a lower temperature. In the transverse-mounted type backlight units in the above-described cases, the brightness is higher at a fluorescent lamp arranged at a higher position, and is lower at a fluorescent lamp arranged at a lower position. This makes a difference in brightness between fluorescent lamps and causes uneven brightness in the overall backlight unit. In the case of the straight-tube vertical-mounted type, there is hardly a difference in brightness between the lamps, but the brightness is higher at higher portions and is lower at lower portions of each lamp. This causes uneven brightness in the overall backlight unit.

<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The first object of the present invention is therefore to provide a backlight unit in which the unevenness in brightness has been restricted more than in conventional ones. The second object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus including such a backlight unit. The first object is fulfilled by a backlight unit comprising: an outer container; a curved fluorescent lamp that is contained in the outer container and includes two electrodes and a glass bulb that has (i) a folded portion and (ii) two straight portions that extend in parallel with each other from the folded portion, and the two electrodes being respectively attached to two ends of the glass bulb; and an inverter operable to supply power for lighting to the curved fluorescent lamp, wherein the inverter is disposed outside the outer container, and the curved fluorescent lamp is arranged so that the electrodes are at low positions and the folded portion is at a high position in the outer container when the backlight unit is erected vertically in use. With the above-stated construction in which the curved fluorescent lamp is arranged so that the electrodes are at low positions and the folded portion is at a high position in the outer container when the backlight unit is erected vertically in use, the heat generated by the electrodes, which are the main heat source, flows upwards in the glass bulb, and most of the heat is used to heat a rare gas that is usually filled in the glass bulb. When this happens, the gas (the air) filling the backlight unit is not heated as much as in conventional backlight units. This restricts the temperature rise in the backlight unit, and reduces the unevenness in temperature distribution in the backlight unit in the vertical direction. This construction, therefore, restricts the unevenness in brightness in the backlight unit, which is caused by the unevenness in temperature distribution. Also, in the above-stated construction, the inverter, which is a meaning less heat source, is disposed outside the outer container. This restricts the unevenness in brightness in the overall backlight unit, which is caused by the unevenness in temperature due to the presence of the inverter in the outer container. The second object is fulfilled by a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising: a liquid crystal display panel; and the backlight unit defined in claim 1 , wherein the outer container is disposed on a back surface of the liquid crystal display panel. With the above-stated construction, an image that is less uneven is formed on the liquid crystal display panel.

Video conference data transmission device and data transmission method adapted for small display of mobile terminals

Images and voice data of conference call participants are transmitted to user terminals to permit video conference calling. Mobile terminals receive moving images of only the current speaker to permit easy recognition of the visual image on the relatively small display terminal of the mobile user. A multipoint controller distributes two types of distribution streaming data, first and second distribution streaming data. The first distribution streaming data are constituted of moving images transmitted from all of user terminals. The second distribution streaming data contain only the moving image from the user terminal of the current speaker, among the user terminals. The first distribution streaming data are used as distribution information for user terminals such as a personal computer or a video conference-dedicated terminal, while the second distribution streaming data are used as distribution information for mobile user terminals such as a mobile telephone and a PDA.

1. A data transmission device for executing a data transmission to and from each of a first user terminal, a second user terminal, and a third user terminal, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal; an identifying unit for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the first user terminal and the second user terminal, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit; a selecting unit for selecting from among the moving image data sent from the first user terminal and the second user terminal the moving image data corresponding to the user terminal identified by the identifying unit; and a transmitting unit for transmitting selected image information having the moving image data selected by the selecting unit to the third user terminal, and not the image information having the moving image data which is not selected by the selecting unit. 2. The data transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the voice data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit includes a unit for transmitting the selected image information and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing unit to the third user terminal. 3. The data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the third user terminal includes a mobile terminal. 4. A data transmission device for executing a data transmission to and from each of a plurality of user terminals including a mobile terminal, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from the plurality of user terminals; an identifying unit for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the plurality of user terminals, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a selecting unit for selecting the moving image data of the user terminal identified by the identifying unit from among the moving image data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a first generating unit for generating first distribution information comprising the moving image data of the plurality of user terminals received by the receiving unit and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing unit; a second generating unit for generating second distribution information comprising the moving image data selected by the selecting unit and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing unit; a first transmitting unit for transmitting the first distribution information generated by the first generating unit to the plurality of user terminals other than the mobile terminal; and a second transmitting unit for transmitting the second distribution information generated by the second generating unit to the mobile terminal. 5. The data transmission device according to claim 4, wherein the second transmitting unit is operative for transmitting, in the case where mode specifying information for requesting the second distribution information is transmitted from any of the plurality of user terminals other than the mobile terminal, the second distribution information to the user terminal or terminals which have transmitted the mode specifying information. 6. A data transmission method for executing a data transmission to and from each of a first user terminal, a second user terminal, and a third user terminal, comprising: a receiving step for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal; an identifying step for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the first user terminal and the second user terminal based on the voice data from the first user terminal and the second user terminal received in the receiving step; a selecting step for selecting, from the moving image data which was transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal, the moving image data of the user terminal identified in the identifying step; and a transmitting step for transmitting selected image information comprising the moving image data selected in the selecting step to the third user terminal, and not the image information having the moving image data which is not selected in the selecting step. 7. The data transmission method according to claim 6, further comprising: a multiplexing step for multiplexing the received voice data which was transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit, wherein the transmitting step includes a step for transmitting the selected image information and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing step to the third user terminal. 8. The data transmission method according to claim 6, wherein the third user terminal includes a mobile terminal. 9. A data transmission method for executing a data transmission to and from each of a plurality of user terminals including a mobile terminal, comprising: a receiving step for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from the plurality of user terminals; an identifying step for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the plurality of user terminals, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received in the receiving step; a multiplexing step for multiplexing the received voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received in the receiving step; a selecting step for selecting identified moving image data corresponding to the identified user terminal from among the moving image data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals; a first generating step for generating first distribution information comprising the moving image data of the plurality of user terminals received in the receiving step and the voice data multiplexed in the multiplexing step; a second generating step for generating second distribution information comprising the identified moving image data and the received multiplexed voice data; a first transmitting step for transmitting the first distribution information generated in the first generating step to the plurality of user terminals other than the mobile terminal; and a second transmitting step for transmitting the second distribution information generated in the second generating step to the mobile terminal. 10. The data transmission method according to claim 9, further comprising a third transmitting step for transmitting, in the case where mode specifying information for requesting the second distribution information is transmitted from any of the user terminals other than the mobile terminal, the second distribution information to the user terminal or terminals which have transmitted the mode specifying information. 11. A method of video conferencing with a mobile user terminal and at least two participants in addition to said mobile user terminal comprising the steps of: transmitting moving images of all conference participants in an ongoing video conference call to each of said at least two participants except for the mobile user terminal; transmitting to the mobile user terminal moving images corresponding only to a current speaker in the ongoing video conference call; and transmitting to the mobile user terminal and each of said at least two participants audio data from all of the conference participants. 12. A video conferencing system comprising; a) at least a first user terminal, a second user terminal and a third user terminal, each of said first, second and third user terminals transmitting voice data and moving image data and each having a display for displaying a moving image and each having a speaker for reproducing voice data; b) a multipoint controller including: 1) a receiving unit for receiving the voice data and the moving image data transmitted from each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal; 2) an identifying unit for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the first user terminal and the second user terminal, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit; 3) a selecting unit for selecting from among the moving image data sent from the first user terminal and the second user terminal the moving image data corresponding to the user terminal identified by the identifying unit; and 4) a transmitting unit for transmitting selected image information having the moving image data selected by the selecting unit to the third user terminal, and not the image information having the moving image data which is not selected by the selecting unit; and c) said selected image information displayed on the display of said third user terminal. 13. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein said multipoint controller further comprises a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the voice data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit; and wherein said transmitting unit transmits said multiplexed voice data to said first, second and third user terminals. 14. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein said third user terminal comprises a mobile user terminal having a relatively small display as compared to the displays of said first user terminal and the second user terminal. 15. The system as recited in claim 14 wherein: said transmitting unit transmits said multiplexed voice data and said moving image data from all of said first, second and third user terminals to each of said first and second user terminals. 16. The system as recited in claim 15 wherein said transmitting unit transmits said multiplexed voice data and said selected image information at a lower data transfer rate than a data transfer rate used for transmitting said multiplexed voice data and said moving image data from all of said first second and third user terminals. 17. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein said third user terminal comprises a mobile user terminal having a relatively small display as compared to the displays of said first user terminal and the second user terminal.

<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field The present invention relates to a data transmission device and a data transmission method to be used for carrying out data transmission to and from each of a plurality of user terminals in order to perform video conferencing. 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, because of progress in network and information technologies, deployment of video conferencing systems (also referred to as TV conferencing systems) are coming into practical use. A video conferencing system is used for connecting a plurality of user terminals to one another so that image information and voice information are sent and received among the plurality of user terminals. A known exemplary video conferencing system operates to receive and redistribute images from and to all participants of the conference (see, for example, JP-A-10-126757). In the system described in JP-A-10-126757, a picture including images (moving or static) of N conference participants is displayed on a display of each of the terminals. Further, in order to reduce a quantity of data to be transferred, only a speaker is displayed by way of a dynamic or moving image while the rest of the conference participants are displayed by way of static images. Recently, along with the prevalence of mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), there is an increasing demand for a system which enables participation in the video conference from remote locations. However, the size of the display (and most importantly, the display resolution) of the mobile terminals such as the mobile phone and the PDA is very small as compared with the size and resolution of personal computers and video conference-dedicated terminals. Therefore, when the images of all the conference participants are displayed on the display of the mobile terminal, the visibility of each of the images of the conference participants is considerably deteriorated.

<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a data transmission device and a data transmission method which enable to display images having a sufficiently high visibility on a user terminal such as a mobile terminal for a conference. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a data transmission device for executing a data transmission to and from each of a first user terminal, a second user terminal, and a third user terminal. The data transmission device includes a receiving unit for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal; an identifying unit for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the first user terminal and the second user terminal, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received by the receiving unit; a selecting unit for selecting from among the moving image data sent from the first user terminal and the second user terminal the moving image data corresponding to the user terminal identified by the identifying unit; and a transmitting unit for transmitting selected image information having the moving image data selected by the selecting unit to the third user terminal, and not the image information having the moving image data which is not selected by the selecting unit. According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a data transmission device for executing a data transmission to and from each of a plurality of user terminals including a mobile terminal. The device includes a receiving unit for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from the plurality of user terminals; an identifying unit for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the plurality of user terminals, based on the voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the voice data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a selecting unit for selecting the moving image data of the user terminal identified by the identifying unit from among the moving image data which have been transmitted from the plurality of user terminals and received by the receiving unit; a first generating unit for generating first distribution information comprising the moving image data of the plurality of user terminals received by the receiving unit and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing unit; a second generating unit for generating second distribution information comprising the moving image data selected by the selecting unit and the voice data multiplexed by the multiplexing unit; a first transmitting unit for transmitting the first distribution information generated by the first generating unit to the plurality of user terminals other than the mobile terminal; and a second transmitting unit for transmitting the second distribution information generated by the second generating unit to the mobile terminal. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a data transmission method for executing a data transmission to and from each of a first user terminal, a second user terminal, and a third user terminal. The method includes a receiving step for receiving voice data and moving image data transmitted from each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal; an identifying step for identifying a user terminal of a current speaker from among the first user terminal and the second user terminal based on the voice data from the first user terminal and the second user terminal received in the receiving step; a selecting step for selecting, from the moving image data which have been transmitted from the first user terminal and the second user terminal and received in the receiving step, the moving image data of the user terminal identified in the identifying step; and a transmitting step for transmitting selected image information comprising the moving image data selected in the selecting step to the third user terminal, and not the image information having the moving image data which is not selected in the selecting step.