[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Integrated Bio-Sensor With Nanocavity And Fabrication Method Thereof

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a bio-technology inspection field, and more particularly, to a bio-sensor with nanocavity and a fabrication method thereof. 2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, various biological inspection methods have been developed as a result of the progress in biotechnology, in which technologies involving the inspection of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence within a specific gene have become especially popular. A gene is typically known as a particular sequence of DNA with deoxyribose and phosphates serving as backbone while having four bases including adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), and cytosine (C). The matching of chemical structures between two single strands of DNA is preferably enhanced by the mutual attraction of hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine, and between guanine and cytosine to constitute the double helix structure of a DNA. It has been known that DNA sequencing could be achieved by slicing gene sequences waiting to be sequenced into small chunks, connecting the sliced chunks to a converting adaptor, selectively adding micro-beads with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to multiply gene chucks waiting to be inspected, and finally combining micro-processes, optical inspections, and automated control technologies based on different sequencing principles to quickly decode large quantities of DNA sequence. In addition to DNA sequencing, bio-sensors could also be applied to numerous bio-related inspections, such as bacterial and viral inspections, gene mutations, genetic or hereditary screenings, disease preventions, environmental inspections, pollution controls, and food safety. Moreover, bio-sensors could be applied to fast checks for genetic defects. Based on inspection data obtained, the bio-sensors could be used to provide currently unknown solutions for such as nucleic acid polymorphism differentiation and the relations between diseases and complications. The results thereby may further be used to develop diagnosing and preventing approaches. However, there is still a need in this field to provide an improved bio-sensor capable of not only having advantages such as fast, high accuracy, and high sensitivity, but also having acid and alkali-resistant and anti-corrosive structures. The fabrication method of the improved bio- sensor should also be compatible with CMOS image sensors so that the signal processing circuit chips could be integrated for the purposes of cost reduction, power consumption reduction, and integrity enhancement.

Invention Disclosure:
A bio-sensor includes a substrate having a light-sensing region thereon. A first dielectric layer, a diffusion barrier layer, and a second dielectric layer are disposed on the substrate. A trenched recess structure is formed in the second dielectric layer, which is filled with a light filter layer that is capped with a cap layer. A first passivation layer and a nanocavity construction layer are disposed on the cap layer. A nanocavity is formed in the nanocavity construction layer. The sidewall and bottom surface of the nanocavity is lined with a second passivation layer.

[Assistant]
1. An integrated bio-sensor with a nanocavity, comprising:
a substrate, wherein a plurality of isolation structures are disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of pixel regions are defined by the isolation structures;
a light-sensing region disposed in each of the pixel regions;
a first dielectric layer disposed on the substrate;
a trenched recess structure disposed in the first dielectric layer and corresponding to the light-sensing region;
a liner layer disposed conformally on an inner wall of the trenched recess structure;
a light filter layer disposed on the liner layer in the trenched recess structure;
a cap layer disposed on the trenched recess structure and directly contacting a top surface of the light filter layer;
a first passivation layer disposed on the cap layer;
a nanocavity construction layer disposed on the first passivation layer, wherein a nanocavity is disposed in the nanocavity construction layer disposed directly above the light filter layer; and
a second passivation layer disposed on a sidewall and a bottom surface of the nanocavity.

2. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a silicon substrate.

3. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the light-sensing region comprises a photodiode.

4. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, further comprising a second dielectric layer disposed between the substrate and the first dielectric layer, wherein a bottom part of the trenched recess structure is a top surface of the second dielectric layer.

5. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the light filter layer comprises metal ions.

6. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 5, wherein the metal ions comprise a sodium ion.

7. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the liner layer comprises a silicon nitride layer.

8. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the first dielectric layer comprises a silicon oxide layer.

9. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 4, wherein the second dielectric layer comprises a silicon nitride layer.

10. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer comprise metal oxide.

11. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 10, wherein the metal oxide comprises tantalum oxide.

12. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein a depth of the nanocavity is substantially equal to a thickness of the nanocavity construction layer.

13. The integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the nanocavity is a bevel sidewall, and an included angle between the sidewall and a horizontal level ranges between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

14. A fabrication method of an integrated bio-sensor with a nanocavity, comprising:
providing a substrate, wherein a plurality of isolation structures are disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of pixel regions are defined by the isolation structures;
forming a light-sensing region in each of the pixel regions;
depositing a first dielectric layer on the substrate;
forming a trenched recess structure in the first dielectric layer corresponding to the light-sensing region;
forming a liner layer conformally on an inner wall of the trenched recess structure;
forming a light filter layer on the liner layer, wherein the trenched recess structure is filled with the light filter layer;
depositing a cap layer, wherein the cap layer directly contacts a top surface of the light filter layer;
forming a first passivation layer on the cap layer;
depositing a nanocavity construction layer on the first passivation layer;
forming a nanocavity in the nanocavity construction layer directly above the light filter layer; and
forming a second passivation layer on a sidewall and a bottom surface of the nanocavity.

15. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein after the step of forming the light filter layer, the fabrication method further comprises:
performing a solidification process for solidifying the light filter layer; and
performing a polishing process or an etching back process for removing the light filter layer outside the trenched recess structure.

16. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer are formed by physical vapor deposition processes.

17. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the substrate comprises a silicon substrate.

18. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the light-sensing region comprises a photodiode.

19. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the step of forming the trenched recess structure comprises:
forming a second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer sequentially on the substrate; and
performing an etching process to remove a part of the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer is configured to be an etching stop layer in the etching process.

20. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the light filter layer comprises metal ions.

21. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 20, wherein the metal ions comprise a sodium ion.

22. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the liner layer comprises a silicon nitride layer.

23. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the first dielectric layer comprises a silicon oxide layer.

24. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the second dielectric layer comprises a silicon nitride layer.

25. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer comprise metal oxide.

26. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 25, wherein the metal oxide comprises tantalum oxide.

27. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein a depth of the nanocavity is substantially equal to a thickness of the nanocavity construction layer.

28. The fabrication method of the integrated bio-sensor with the nanocavity of claim 14, wherein the sidewall of the nanocavity is a bevel sidewall, and an included angle between the sidewall and a horizontal level ranges between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Head-Mountable Viewer With Adjustable Lens

Technical Field and Background:
Virtual reality continues to improve and develop in order to allow a user to immerse himself or herself into another world, whether real or imaginary. Virtual reality may take the form of a 3D graphic design on a screen, such as an arcade screen, or the user may wear a head-mounted display or viewer such that the screen is placed directly over the field of vision of the user. A piece of cardboard or plastic may be used as a head-mountable viewer such that the user can place an electronic device, such as a smartphone, into the cardboard and then fold the cardboard in such a way that the cardboard and electronic device alone provide the user with a virtual reality experience. Using cardboard, as one example, may be a cheaper alternative to expensive virtual reality devices, but nonetheless the cardboard used may not be suitable and conformable to the many different shapes and sizes of the vast array of users.

Invention Disclosure:
A head-mountable viewer with adjustable lenses is disclosed herein. The head-mountable viewer may include a frame with a first and second bore therein, each bore receives a first and second lens, respectively. The frame may further include a first and second side arms that each have a first and second tab, respectively. The first and second tabs are operatively connected to or attached to the first and second lenses, such that movement or adjustment of the first or second tabs corresponds to movement or adjustment of the first or second lenses, respectively. In this regard, the adjustability of the first and second lenses provides a single head-mountable viewer to be universally used, that is, any user may use the same head-mountable viewer by being able to adjust the lenses to best suit his or her comfort.

[Assistant]
1. A head-mountable viewer, comprising:
a frame having a cavity, the cavity configured to receive an electronic device, the frame further including a bore;
a first lens positioned within the bore;
a first tab attached to the frame, wherein the first tab is operatively connected to the first lens and movement of the first tab causes a corresponding movement of the first lens; and
a first side arm extending from a first side of the frame, the first side arm including the first tab; and
a second side arm extending from a second side of the frame, the second side arm including a second tab, wherein the second tab is operatively connected to a second lens positioned within a second bore within the frame, and movement of the second tab causes a corresponding movement of the second lens.

2. The head-mountable viewer of claim 1, wherein vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or lateral movement of the first tab causes vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or lateral movement of the first lens, respectively.

3. The head-mountable viewer of claim 1, wherein lateral movement of first tab causes lateral movement of the first lens relative to a face of a user.

4. A head-mountable viewer, comprising:
a frame;
a slidable member, the slidable member operatively connected to a first tab and the slidable member further operatively connected to a first lens, the first tab extending from a cut-out of the frame and the first lens being aligned with a first bore within the frame, wherein adjustment of the first tab translates to adjustment of the first lens within the periphery of the first bore; and
a first side arm of the frame, the first side arm positioned in a horizontal direction of the first lens, wherein the first tab extends from the first side arm.

5. A head-mountable viewer, comprising:
a frame;
a slidable member, the slidable member operatively connected to a first tab and the slidable member further operatively connected to a first lens, the first tab extending from a cut-out of the frame and the first lens being aligned with a first bore within the frame, wherein adjustment of the first tab translates to adjustment of the first lens within the periphery of the first bore,
wherein outward positioning of the first tab away from the frame translates to outward positioning of the first lens away from a central portion of the frame, and inward positioning of the first tab toward the frame translates to inward positioning of the first lens toward the central portion of the frame.

6. The head-mountable viewer of claim 5, wherein the first tab and first lens are positionable at any location between a fully extended first tab and a fully inserted first tab.

7. The head-mountable viewer of claim 4, wherein vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or lateral movement of the first tab causes vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or lateral movement of the first lens, respectively.

8. The head-mountable viewer of claim 4, wherein the slidable member includes a recess that receives the first lens.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Real-Time Determination Of Object Metrics For Trajectory Planning

Technical Field and Background:
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. Robotic systems, such as a robotic arm containing a gripping component, may be used for applications involving picking up or moving objects. For instance, a robotic device may be used to fill a container with objects, create a stack of objects, or unload objects from a truck bed. In some cases, all of the objects may be of the same type. In other cases, a container or truck may contain a mix of different types of objects, such as boxed items, cans, tires, or other stackable objects. Such robotic systems may direct a robotic arm to pick up objects based on predetermined knowledge of where objects are in the environment.

Invention Disclosure:
Example systems and methods may be used to determine a trajectory for moving an object using a robotic device. One example method includes determining a plurality of possible trajectories for moving an object with an end effector of a robotic manipulator based on a plurality of possible object measurements. The method may further include causing the robotic manipulator to pick up the object with the end effector. After causing the robotic manipulator to pick up the object with the end effector, the method may also include receiving sensor data from one or more sensors indicative of one or more measurements of the object. Based on the received sensor data, the method may additionally include selecting a trajectory for moving the object from the plurality of possible trajectories. The method may further include causing the robotic manipulator to move the object through the selected trajectory.

[Assistant]
1. A method comprising:
causing, by a control system, a robotic manipulator to pick up an object in an environment with an end effector;
causing, by the control system, the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around an edge of the object in contact with a surface in the environment;
while causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object, using sensor data from a force-torque sensor to cause, by the control system, the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment;
determining, by the control system, a radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator in pivoting the object around the edge of the object; and
determining, by the control system, at least one unknown dimension of the object based on the radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment at a fixed contact point on the surface of the environment.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one unknown dimension of the object is measured from the edge of the object in contact with the surface in the environment.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around a second edge of the object in contact with the surface in the environment;
while causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around the second edge, using sensor data from the force-torque sensor to cause the robotic manipulator to follow a second trajectory that maintains contact between the second edge of the object and the surface in the environment; and
determining at least one other dimension of the object based on the second trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining, based on the at least one unknown dimension of the object, a path for moving the object to a drop-off location; and
causing the robotic manipulator to move the object to the drop-off location through the determined path.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising determining at least one other dimension of the object based on sensor data from at least one of a depth sensor and a visual sensor, wherein determining the path for moving the object to the drop-off location is further based on the sensor data from the at least one of a depth sensor and a visual sensor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one unknown dimension of the object is at least one of a width of the object, a height of the object, and a depth of the object.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is a rectangular object, wherein causing the robotic manipulator to pick up the object comprises causing the end effector to grip the rectangular object from a first side, and wherein the at least one unknown dimension of the rectangular object is a dimension of a second side of the rectangular object, wherein the second side is opposite the first side of the rectangular object.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is a first rectangular object, and wherein the surface in the environment is a face of a second rectangular object.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the end effector of the robotic manipulator comprises a gripper, and wherein the force-torque sensor is positioned above the gripper on the robotic manipulator.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the gripper comprises at least one suction gripper.

12. A system, comprising:
a robotic manipulator;
a force-torque sensor; and
a control system configured to:
cause the robotic manipulator to pick up an object in an environment with an end effector;
cause the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around an edge of the object in contact with a surface in the environment;
while causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object, use sensor data from the force-torque sensor to cause the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment;
determine a radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator in pivoting the object around the edge of the object; and
determine at least one unknown dimension of the object based on the radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to cause the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment at a fixed contact point on the surface of the environment.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one unknown dimension of the object is measured from the edge of the object in contact with the surface in the environment.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to:
cause the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around a second edge of the object in contact with the surface in the environment;
while causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around the second edge, use sensor data from the force-torque sensor to cause the robotic manipulator to follow a second trajectory that maintains contact between the second edge of the object and the surface in the environment; and
determine at least one other dimension of the object based on the second trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to:
determine, based on the at least one unknown dimension of the object, a path for moving the object to a drop-off location; and
cause the robotic manipulator to move the object to the drop-off location through the determined path.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the end effector of the robotic manipulator comprises a gripper, and wherein the force-torque sensor is positioned above the gripper on the robotic manipulator.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein instructions, that when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform functions comprising:
causing a robotic manipulator to pick up an object in an environment with an end effector;
causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object around an edge of the object in contact with a surface in the environment;
while causing the robotic manipulator to pivot the object, using sensor data from a force-torque sensor to cause the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment;
determining a radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator in pivoting the object around the edge of the object; and
determining at least one unknown dimension of the object based on the radius of the trajectory followed by the robotic manipulator.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the functions further comprise causing the robotic manipulator to follow a trajectory that maintains contact between the edge of the object and the surface in the environment at a fixed contact point on the surface of the environment.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the functions further comprise:
determining, based on the at least one unknown dimension of the object, a path for moving the object to a drop-off location; and
providing instructions to cause the robotic manipulator to move the object to the drop-off location through the determined path.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Vehicle Positioning And Object Avoidance

Technical Field and Background:
Generally speaking, trucks and other vehicles are useful in handling and moving materials. Forklifts, for example, comprise driver-operated self-powered trucks used for lifting, transporting, and positioning material loads in various logistical and industrial environments. The loads may comprise various configurations. For example, the loads may comprise boxes, crates, packages, etc., machinery related items, and/or items secured in a palletized configuration. The environment may comprise a variety of use settings such as a warehouse, plant, factory, shipping center, etc. Within the use setting, the forklifts are operable for moving the loads from a first location to a second location for storage, use, or subsequent transport elsewhere. At the first location, the driver positions, e.g., a pair of parallel fork components securely beneath the load to be moved. For example, the forks may be inserted within a pair of complimentary recesses within a pallet on which the load is disposed. The forks then lift the load to a height sufficient to allow its movement from the first location, over a deck, floor, or other driving surface to the second location, where it may then be repositioned. The forklift may be engine-powered, or driven by one or more electric motors. The engine, or an electrical storage battery for energizing lift and drive motors, may be positioned behind a control station from which a driver operates the forklift. Forklifts may be configured with the control station disposed behind the lifting forks, which are positioned at the front. As the forklift moves in a forward direction, the load is carried on the forks ahead of the driver. Depending on its height and the vertical level at which it is carried, the load may thus obstruct at least a portion of the driver's view. As with vehicles generally, and particularly in view of the weight and other characteristics of a load, the weight and operating speed of the forklift, and characteristics of operational use environment, the safe operation of forklifts depends on the visibility level the drivers are presented while moving the loads. The obstruction of a driver's view by the size of a load presents a heightened risk of collision and related accidents. Higher levels of driver experience may become significant in mitigating the heightened collision risk presented by the load obstructing the driver's vision a demand. Therefore, it could be useful to improve the view of operators in control of vehicles such as forklifts generally, and in particular, during the lifting and moving of loads therewith. It could also thus be useful to mitigate, or compensate for a blockage, obstruction, occlusion, or other compromise in the view of an operator in control of the vehicle, which may be presented by the load lifted therewith. It could be useful, further, to reduce the risk of possible collision with avoidable obstructions disposed in the path over which the vehicle is moving the load.

Invention Disclosure:
A system is described for presenting information relating to lifting and moving a load object with a vehicle. Upon the lifting, a dimensioner determines a size and a shape of the load object, computes a corresponding spatial representation, and generates a corresponding video signal. During the moving, an imager observes a scene in front of the vehicle, relative to its forward motion direction, and generates a video signal corresponding to the observed scene. The imager has at least one element moveable vertically, relative to the lifting. A display renders a real time visual representation of the scene observed in front of the vehicle based on the corresponding video signal and superimposes a representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object.

[Assistant]
1. A system, comprising:
a dimensioner operable, upon lifting of a load object, for determining a size and a shape of the load object, computing a corresponding spatial representation of the load object, and generating a first video signal corresponding to the computed spatial representation;
an imager operable, during moving of the load object, for observing a scene disposed before a front of a vehicle, relative to a forward direction of motion, and generating a second video signal corresponding to the observed scene, the imager comprising at least one element moveable vertically in relation to the lifting; and
a display operable for rendering, a real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle based on the corresponding second video signal, the visual representation transposed to a perspective consistent with the direct view of an operator of the vehicle, and superimposed with the visual representation of the observed scene, a transparent representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object based on the corresponding first video signal.

2. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a forklift, the forklift comprising a member operable in relation to the lifting of the load, and wherein the at least one element of the imager moveable vertically in relation to the lifting is positioned on a portion of the member disposed proximate to the front of the vehicle.

3. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the observing the scene comprises capturing a real time three dimensional (3D) image of the scene disposed before the front of the vehicle, and wherein the rendering of the real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle is presented at least in relation to a perspective corresponding to the at least one vertically moveable element.

4. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the spatial representation corresponding to the load object comprises a wireframe computed based on the determined size and shape of the load object.

5. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the dimensioner is operable, further, and prior to the lifting of the load item, for computing a distance between the front of the vehicle and the load item, and wherein the display is operable, further, for rendering a representation corresponding to the computed distance.

6. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the imager comprises a trajectory analyzer operable, upon a detection of one or more avoidable objects positioned over a range within the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle, for computing a trajectory relating to the forward motion of the vehicle in relation to each of the avoidable objects and generating a trajectory signal corresponding to each of the avoidable objects.

7. The system as described in claim 6 wherein, upon the detection of the one or more objects, the rendering of the real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle comprises presenting a visual representation of the one or more avoidable objects and data relating to the computed trajectory.

8. The system as described in claim 7 wherein, upon the computed trajectory comprising an imminent risk of a collision with at least one of the avoidable objects, the trajectory analyzer is operable, further, for performing at least one action related to avoiding the collision.

9. The system as described in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cameras, the cameras operable in relation to the dimensioner or the imager, and comprising the at least one element moveable vertically in relation to the lifting.

10. The system as described in claim 1 wherein the display is observable to an operator of the vehicle during the lifting and the moving.

11. A method comprising the steps of:
determining, upon lifting a load object with a vehicle, a size and a shape of the load object;
computing a spatial representation of the load object corresponding to the determined size and shape of the load object;
generating a first video signal corresponding to the computed spatial representation;
observing, during moving the load object with the vehicle and using at least one element moveable vertically in relation to the lifting, a scene disposed before a front of the vehicle, relative to a forward direction of motion;
generating a second video signal corresponding to the observed scene;
rendering a real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle based on the corresponding second video signal, the visual representation transposed to a perspective consistent with the direct view of an operator of the vehicle; and
rendering a transparent representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object based on the corresponding first video signal, the rendered transparent representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object comprising a wireframe corresponding to the determined size and shape of the load object superimposed in relation to the rendered real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle.

12. The method as described in claim 11 wherein the vehicle comprises a forklift, the forklift comprising a member operable in relation to the lifting of the load, and wherein the at least one element of the imager moveable vertically in relation to the lifting is positioned on a portion of the member disposed proximate to the front of the vehicle.

13. The method as described in claim 11 wherein the observing the scene step comprises capturing a real time three dimensional (3D) image of the scene disposed before the front of the vehicle, and wherein the step of rendering of the real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle is presented at least in relation to a perspective corresponding to the at least one vertically moveable element.

14. The method as described in claim 11 wherein the step of computing the spatial representation corresponding to the load object comprises computing a wireframe representation of the load item based on the determined size and shape thereof.

15. The method as described in claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
computing, prior to the lifting of the load item, a distance between the front of the vehicle and the load item; and
rendering a representation of data corresponding to the computed distance.

16. The method as described in claim 15 wherein the determining the size and a shape of the load object step, the observing the scene disposed before the front of the vehicle step, and the computing the distance between the front of the vehicle and the load item step, comprise a step of processing image data captured with a plurality of cameras, the cameras comprising the at least one element moveable vertically in relation to the lifting.

17. The method as described in claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
analyzing the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle;
detecting, based on the analysis of the observed scene, a presence of one or more avoidable objects positioned over a range within the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle;
computing a trajectory relating to the forward motion of the vehicle in relation to each of the avoidable objects;
generating a trajectory signal corresponding to each of the avoidable objects;
rendering, further, a visual representation of the one or more avoidable objects and data relating to the computed trajectory; and
performing, upon the computed trajectory comprising a data indicative of an imminent risk of a collision with at least one of the avoidable objects, at least one action related to avoiding the collision.

18. The method as described in claim 17 wherein the step of performing the at least one action related to avoiding the collision comprises one or more of:
annunciating an alarm related to the avoiding of the collision;
initiating an evasive action; or
one or more of braking, slowing, or stopping the vehicle.

19. A vehicle, comprising:
a structure suspended on a movable frame;
a lift member movably coupled to the structure and operable for lifting a load object;
a drive coupled to the moveable frame and operable for providing a mechanical force for operating the lift member and for moving the vehicle and the lifted load object; and
a system for presenting information relating to the lifting and the moving of the load object and the vehicle, the system comprising:
a dimensioner operable, upon the lifting, for determining a size and a shape of the load object, computing a corresponding spatial representation of the load object, and generating a first video signal corresponding to the computed spatial representation;
an imager operable, during the moving, for observing a scene disposed before a front of the vehicle, relative to a forward direction of motion, and generating a second video signal corresponding to the observed scene, the imager comprising at least one element moveable vertically in relation to the lifting; and
a display operable for rendering, a real time visual representation of the observed scene disposed before the front of the vehicle based on the corresponding second video signal, the visual representation transposed to a perspective consistent with the direct view of an operator of the vehicle, and superimposed with the visual representation of the observed scene, a transparent representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object based on the corresponding first video signal.

20. The vehicle as described in claim 19 wherein the wherein the vehicle comprises a forklift, and wherein the at least one element of the imager moveable vertically in relation to the lifting is positioned on a portion of the lift member disposed proximate to the front of the vehicle.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Optical Device For Measuring A Physical Parameter And Associated Method

Technical Field and Background:
The present invention relates to the field of optoelectronic measuring devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical device for determining a physical parameter associated with a target and to an associated processing method, whatever the surface finish of the target and its distance, in real-time. The invention is mainly based on self-mixing and is advantageously used to measure the movement of a target.

Invention Disclosure:
An optical device (10) for determining a physical parameter includes: a laser diode (11) for emitting a beam toward a target; an element for detecting (13) an interferometric signal SM(t) which includes the information on the physical parameter to be determined, and which is generated by an interference between the emitted beam and a light beam reflected by the target; element for converting (15) the signal SM(t) obtained by the detection element (13) into a measurement of the physical parameter, the conversion element (15) including: first element (17) for suppressing a continuous component Off(t) of the interferometric signal SM(t); second element (18) for determining interferometric peaks in the interferometric signal SM(t) obtained from the signal obtained at the output of the first element (17). An associated method, particularly suitable for speckle interferometric signals is also described.

[Assistant]
1. An optical device, based on the self-mixing effect, for determining a physical parameter, including:
a laser light source for generating a light beam, called the emitted beam, in the direction of a target;
a means for detecting an interferometric signal SM(t), said interferometric signal including interference fringes and information on the physical parameter to be determined, and being generated by interference between the emitted beam and a light beam reflected by the target; and
means for converting the interferometric signal SM(t) obtained by the detecting means into a measurement of the physical parameter;
wherein said converting means include:
first means for removing a continuous component Off(t) from the interferometric signal SM(t), said first means being configured to remove the continuous component locally for each of the interference fringes of the interferometric signal; and
second means for determining interferometric peaks of the interferometric signal SM(t), said peaks being obtained from the signal obtained as output from the first means, the second means including a Hilbert filter.

2. The optical device as claimed in claim 1, not including means for calibrating the laser light source.

3. A method for processing an interferometric signal SM(t) obtained by self-mixing, via an optical device according to claim 1, said interferometric signal including interference fringes, wherein the method includes, in succession, the steps of:
removing a continuous component Off(t) from the interferometric signal SM(t), in order to obtain a corrected signal SM c (t), using the first means, said continuous component Off(t) of the interferometric signal being removed locally, for each detected interference fringe of the interferometric signal SM(t); and
determining interferometric peaks of said interferometric signal SM(t) from the corrected signal SM c (t) using the second means, said interferometric peaks being determined by applying a Hilbert filter to the corrected signal SM c (t).

4. A method for determining a physical parameter, including a step of processing an interferometric signal SM(t) using the method as claimed in claim 3, said interferometric signal including information on the physical parameter to be determined, then a step of determining the physical parameter from the determined interferometric peaks of the interferometric signal SM(t).

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, including a prior step of acquiring the interferometric signal SM(t) carried out using the optical device.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, not including a step of calibration of the laser light source.

7. A method for determining a movement of a target, including a step of processing an interferometric signal SM(t) using the method as claimed in claim 3, said interferometric signal including information on the physical parameter to be determined, then a step of reconstructing the movement of the target from the determined interferometric peaks of the interferometric signal SM(t).


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Solid State Image Sensor, Method Of Manufacturing Solid State Image Sensor, And Image Capturing System

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solid state image sensor, a method of manufacturing a solid state image sensor, and an image capturing system. 2. Description of the Related Art Solid state image sensors and display apparatuses use optical elements such as microlens arrays as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-335723. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-335723 discloses a technique of providing microlenses, each having a shape called a teardrop, in a solid state image sensor to efficiently focus light entering from oblique directions onto light-receiving units. Such a microlens is shaped to have a curved shape tapering to the outside of the solid state image sensor and having a vertex at an outside end portion when viewed in a planar view. In principle, however, each microlens having the teardrop shape disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-335723 cannot cause part of light entering the microlens to enter the corresponding light-receiving unit, that is, cannot contribute to the focusing of light, depending on the incident position of light. In addition, such light is likely to enter the regions of adjacent pixels and become stray light, leading to deterioration in the sensitivity and image quality of the solid state image sensor.

Invention Disclosure:
The present invention provides a solid state image sensor including a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged therein, each of the plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion device and a microlens configured to guide incident light to the photoelectric conversion device, the microlens having a lower surface, on an exit side of the incident light, which has a convex shape with respect to the photoelectric conversion device, with a vertex of the convex shape shifting from a center position of the microlens to a central side of the pixel array.

[Assistant]
1. A solid state image sensor comprising a pixel array having a plurality of pixels,
each of the plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion device and a microlens configured to guide incident light to the photoelectric conversion device,
the microlens having a lower surface, on an exit side of the incident light, which has a convex shape with respect to the photoelectric conversion device,
wherein a vertex of the convex shape is closer to a first end portion of the microlens than to a second end portion of the microlens along a direction toward a central side of the pixel array, and
wherein the first end portion is closer to the central side of the pixel array than the second end portion along the direction toward the central side of the pixel array.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein a material forming the microlens has a higher refractive index than a material in contact with the lower surface between the microlens and the photoelectric conversion device.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microlens has an upper surface, on an incident side of the incident light, which has a convex shape with respect to the incident side of the incident light.

4. The sensor according to claim 3, wherein a refractive power of the lower surface of the microlens is larger than a refractive power of the upper surface.

5. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microlens has an upper surface, on an incident side of the incident light, which has a planar shape.

6. The sensor according to claim 5, wherein an antireflection film which reduces reflection of the incident light on the upper surface is formed on the upper surface of the microlens.

7. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microlens includes a microlens provided in a peripheral region surrounding a central region including a center of the pixel array.

8. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microlens comprises a color filter material.

9. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein an angle defined between a straight line defining a virtual plane in contact with an upper surface of the microlens on an incident side of the incident light at the first end portion and a straight line connecting the first end portion and a center of the photoelectric conversion device is 90° or less.

10. The sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a wiring layer on which wirings are formed,
wherein the microlens is provided at least on an uppermost layer on the incident side of the incident light or between the uppermost layer and the wiring layer.

11. A method of manufacturing a solid state image sensor comprising a pixel array having a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion device and a microlens configured to guide incident light to the photoelectric conversion device, the method comprising:
coating a substrate for formation of the pixel array with a photoresist;
forming a concave portion in the photoresist by exposing the photoresist using a mask for formation of the microlens; and
forming the microlens which is formed from a lens material having a higher refractive index than the photoresist by filling the concave portion with the lens material and has a convex shape with respect to the photoelectric conversion device,
wherein a vertex of the convex shape is closer to a first end portion of the microlens than to a second end portion of the microlens along a direction toward a central side of the pixel array, and
wherein the first end portion is closer to the central side of the pixel array than the second end portion along the direction toward the central side of the pixel array.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the mask exhibits a continuous tone change.

13. A method of manufacturing a solid state image sensor comprising a pixel array having a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion device and a microlens configured to guide incident light to the photoelectric conversion device, the method comprising:
forming a first lens material on a substrate for formation of the pixel array;
coating the first lens material with a photoresist;
forming a concave portion in the photoresist by exposing the photoresist by using a mask for formation of the microlens;
transferring the concave portion to the first lens material by etching the first lens material by using the photoresist in which the concave portion is formed as an etching mask; and
forming the microlens which is formed from a second lens material having a higher refractive index than the first lens material by filling a concave portion transferred to the first lens material with the second lens material and has a convex shape with respect to the photoelectric conversion device,
wherein a vertex of the convex shape is closer to a first end portion of the microlens than to a second end portion of the microlens along a direction toward a central side of the pixel array, and
wherein the first end portion is closer to the central side of the pixel array than the second end portion along the direction toward the central side of the pixel array.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising planarizing a surface of the second lens material by polishing the surface of the second lens material.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the etching includes dry etching.

16. An image capturing system comprising:
a solid state image sensor; and
a signal processing unit configured to process a signal output from the solid state image sensor,
wherein the solid state image sensor includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels,
each of the plurality of pixels includes a photoelectric conversion device and a microlens configured to guide incident light to the photoelectric conversion device, and
the microlens has a lower surface, on an exit side of the incident light, which has a convex shape with respect to the photoelectric conversion device,
wherein a vertex of the convex shape is closer to a first end portion of the microlens than to a second end portion of the microlens along a direction toward a central side of the pixel array, and
wherein the first end portion is closer to the central side of the pixel array than the second end portion along the direction toward the central side of the pixel array.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: System, Components And Method Of A Gradually Colour Shifted Traffic Control System

Technical Field and Background:
The present invention relates to new and useful traffic control system, which is designed to be particularly effective at providing an oncoming vehicle with a lighting sequence that alerts the vehicle operator to an impending red light signal. Heretofore the usual method of controlling the flow of passing traffic at given point such a intersection has been to provide a STOP and GO signal at that point. This method is reasonably satisfactory for vehicular traffic that is moving so slowly that the vehicle can come to a practical instantaneous stop. However, for vehicles moving at a higher speed, the reaction time of the vehicle operator plus the deceleration time cause to be some type of warning signal desirable to apprise the operator of an imminent change, such as the amber (yellow) light. The usual amber light used as a warning signal is inadequate for high speed traffic, such as is found on through highways, at the time the amber light is activated, the vehicle, may be running to fast to come to a safe stop prior to the activation of the red light (stop signal); Specially if the vehicle in motion is a heavy big truck travelling at high speed (acceleration), plus the weight (mass) both parts creating a big momentum (Force=mass×acceleration) over the vehicle, with the result, that the operator jams on the brakes causing undue strain on the truck and the possibility of an accident. In the last five or so decades the traffic control system has been changed dramatically with new incursions and adaptations for the vehicular traffic system to find a better solutions to the problem which is caused by the increasing number of vehicles and the increment of the velocity they travel. Recently new traffic signals have been installed to help drivers to make their driving more safe, comfortable and stress less; New signs are being installed, like ones hanging up at front or to the side of the road, even painted inscriptions and lines on the road itself, as well, bigger sign, more explicit, colorful, flashier, and lately electric/electronic lighted signs, causing a rapid transformation over the vehicular landscape. Noticeable transformation to the traffic control system, in which has been paying special attention, are the traffic light signal at the road intersections, new highlighted elements, bright LED's lights, sensor, speed cameras, emergency vehicle alarms, pedestrian crossing auxiliary elements, handicap components, etc. But the semaphore (traffic light) the apparatus itself, has not suffered any relevant changes , it has remained identically as it was originally designed about a century ago, with three basic colors lights in a line formation (Red, Amber and Green) from top to bottom in this specific order; In which at the beginning used to work perfectly due to the slow speed of vehicles, this provides to the driver a much longer time to react to a suddenly event, and came with a solution to avoid any incident that could be occur, but since the speed of vehicles has increased it dramatically compared with the speed of some decades ago, the reaction time has been decreased it as well (The higher the speed, the lower the reaction time); Making those traffic lights apparatus less practical and inadequate day after day, and consequently putting the conductors of the vehicles at the moment of passing these road intersections, in a harsh and stressful position, worries and taking care not to violated any traffic law, due to the traffic light doesn't provide any extra warning signal (besides amber light) to alert an operator about any imminent light color change, that could help the driver, with time in advance, to reduce the speed of his/her vehicle gradually and safe, as well given him/her an extra time to avoid any inconvenient incident. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved concept for traffic control which avoids the above mentioned objections, and, in particular, which gives an indication or warning of an imminent light change in terms of a vehicle speed. Another object is to provide a new and useful concept for providing a car operator with anticipated information relative to an imminent light change when he/she is driving at certain speed at a substantial distance from the street intersection so that the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time.

Invention Disclosure:
A new and useful system, method and system components are provided, for helping a vehicle operator to ease his/her driving, when is driving at certain speed and is approaching from at a substantial distance to a street intersection so that the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time. By providing with anticipated information relative to an imminent light change, a vehicle operator will have the sufficient time to react calmly to any situation that could put at risk his/her own integrity and/or the integrity of some others. This new and improved traffic control system is designed in a manner that is efficient and effective, in a manner that is useful and helpful, in a manner that is designed in a compact and low profile design; It is designed the best and the most simple way to provide and give to a vehicle operator a better, safely, relaxing and a pleasant driving.

[Assistant]
1. A traffic light structure comprising a light arrangement of 3 concentric light arrays, an inner array, an outer array and an intermediate array located between the inner and outer arrays, one of the inner and outer arrays comprising a red light array and the other of the inner and outer arrays comprising a green light array, the intermediate array comprising an amber light array; and a light control device that illuminates the concentric light arrays in a sequence in which the green light array is illuminated followed by at least a portion of the amber light array and then followed by at least a portion of the red light array, whereby a driver approaching the light structure is given a visual alert of the impending illumination of the red light array.

2. The traffic light structure of claim 1, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises concentric arrays of LED lights, each concentric array of LED lights comprising the color LED lights of the respective color array of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

3. The traffic light structure of claim 2, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises a substrate carrying the concentric arrays of LED lights of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

4. The traffic light structure of claim 3, wherein the substrates carrying the concentric arrays of LED lights are located in a substantially spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the light structure to be viewed there through.

5. The traffic light structure of claim 4, wherein the control device is located in the substantially spherical enclosure and is configured to control the illumination of the concentric arrays of LED lights in a predetermined sequence.

6. The traffic light structure of claim 5, wherein the array of LED lights forming the outer array are green LEDs, and the array of LED lights forming the inner array are red LEDs.

7. The traffic light structure of claim 5, wherein an annular brim is located at the perimeter of each substrate carrying an array of LED lights.

8. A traffic light structure comprising:
a) a light arrangement of 3 concentric light arrays having an inner array of red lights, an outer array of green lights, and an intermediate array of amber lights; and,
b) a light control device that causes illumination of the concentric light arrays in a sequence in which the outer light array is illuminated followed by at least a portion of the intermediate light array, and then followed by at least a portion of the inner light array.

9. The traffic light structure of claim 8, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises at least three concentric circles of lights.

10. The traffic light structure of claim 9, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises a substrate carrying concentric arrays of LED lights of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

11. The traffic light structure of claim 9, further including a spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the light arrangement to be viewed therethrough.

12. The traffic light structure of claim 11, wherein the light control device is located in the substantially spherical enclosure and is configured to control the illumination of the concentric arrays of LED lights in a predetermined sequence.

13. The traffic light structure of claim 8, further including a first annular brim positioned between the inner and intermediate array of lights, a second annular brim positioned between the intermediate and outer array of lights, and a third annular brim located at an external periphery of the outer array of lights.

14. A light for a traffic signal comprising:
a) a circularly shaped center primary light;
b) a secondary light totally encircling the primary light; and,
c) a tertiary light totally encircling the secondary light.

15. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 14, further including a spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the primary, secondary, and tertiary lights to be viewed therethrough.

16. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 15, wherein each of the primary, secondary, an tertiary lights include arrays of LED lights.

17. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 16, wherein the arrays of LED lights are chosen from a group consisting of red, green and amber.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Rolling Bearing

Technical Field and Background:
In recent years, in accordance with requirements for the miniaturization, weight saving, and improvement of calmness of automobiles, efforts have been made for miniaturization, weight saving, and tight-sealability in engine rooms of electrical components and auxiliary machine parts thereof. On the other hand, the requirements of high output and high efficiency have been increased for the performances of the devices, and in electrical components and an auxiliary machine in an engine room, a means for making up for the decrease in the output that arises in accordance with miniaturization by rotating at a high-speed is adopted. As examples of the rolling bearing for electrical components/auxiliary machines for automobiles, general description will be given below of a rolling bearing for fan coupling devices, a rolling bearing for automobile alternators, and a rolling bearing for idler pulleys. A fan coupling device for automobiles is a device provided with a housing including a viscous fluid enclosed therein and a blast fan attached to the outer periphery surface and with a rotor that is directly linked to an engine. In this device, the housing is connected to the engine via a bearing, which performs optimal blasting corresponding to the temperature of the engine by controlling the driving torque transmission amount from the engine and the rotation number of the fan by utilizing the shear resistance of the viscous fluid which increases or decreases in response to the atmospheric temperature. Therefore, a rolling bearing for fan coupling devices requires durability by which the rolling bearing can withstand extremely severe environments such as unevenness of rotation such that the rotation number varies from 1,000 rpm to 10,000 rpm in accordance with the variation of the engine temperature, and high-speed rotation at 10,000 rpm or more under a high temperature of 180° C. or more during high-speed operation in summer. An alternator for automobiles has functions to generate electrical power by receiving the rotation of an engine with a belt to thereby supply an electrical power to an electrical load of a vehicle, and to charge a battery. Furthermore, an idler pulley for automobiles is used as a belt tensioner for a driving belt that transmits the rotation of an engine to an auxiliary machine of an automobile, and has a function as a pulley for providing tension force as a tensioner to a belt in the case when the distance between axes is fixed, and a function as an idler that is used for changing the running direction of the belt or for avoiding obstacles to thereby decrease the inner volume of an engine room. The alternator for automobiles and the idler pulley for automobiles also require durability by which the alternator or idler pulley can withstand an extremely severe environment of high-speed rotation at 10,000 rpm or more under a high temperature of 180° C. or more. For the lubrication of the rolling bearings thereof, a grease is mainly used. However, when the conditions for use become severe, such as rapid acceleration and deceleration, high temperature and high-speed rotation, specific peeling associated with white tissue change may occur on a rolling surface of a rolling bearing at an early stage. This specific peeling is considered to be hydrogen brittleness, which is a breaking phenomenon generated from a relatively shallow part on the surface of a rolling surface, and is caused by hydrogen generated by the decomposition of the grease, and the like, unlike peeling from the inside of a rolling surface generally caused by metal fatigue. For example, it is considered that peeling at an early stage due to hydrogen brittleness is caused by the fact that the grease is decomposed to generate hydrogen, and the hydrogen enters the steel of a rolling bearing. Since hydrogen significantly decreases the fatigue strength of steel, even under a condition in which contacting elements are lubricated by elastic fluid lubrication in which the elements are separated by an oil film, cracks generate around the interior of a rolling surface layer at which an alternating shear stress becomes the largest, and the cracks transmit to lead peeling at an early stage.

Invention Disclosure:
A rolling bearing that can prevent peeling on a surface of an iron-based metal member by hydrogen brittleness even under a severe environment is provided. The rolling bearing 1 has plural bearing elements formed of an iron-based metal, and a lubricant composition 7 that lubricates metal contact surfaces of the respective bearing elements, the lubricant composition 7 is a grease containing a base oil and alkanolamine and being free of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of inorganic acids, the base oil is at least one oil selected from alkyl diphenyl ether oils, poly-α-olefin oils and ester oils, and the alkanolamine is contained by 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the base oil and a thickener.

[Assistant]
1. A rolling bearing comprising a plurality of bearing elements formed of an iron-based metal, and a lubricant composition that lubricates metal contact surfaces of the respective bearing elements,
wherein the lubricant composition is a grease consisting of a base oil, diethanolamine,
a thickener,
a zinc dithiophosphate, and
an amine-based antioxidant,
wherein the grease is free of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of inorganic acids,
wherein the base oil is (A) an oil containing an alkyl diphenyl ether by 25% by weight or more with respect to the entirety of the base oil, or (B) an oil containing an ester oil by 25% by weight or more with respect to the entirety of the base oil,
wherein the thickener contains at least one urea compound selected from aliphatic diurea compounds, alicyclic diurea compounds, and
wherein diethanolamine is contained by 0.1 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the base oil and the thickener.

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, wherein the rolling bearing is a bearing for an electrical component/an auxiliary machine for automobiles, which rotatably supports a rotation axis that is rotated and driven by output of an engine on a static element.

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 2, wherein the base oil contains a poly-α-olefin oil.

4. The rolling bearing according to claim 2, wherein the thickener is an alicyclic diurea compound.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Integrated Circuit Component Shielding

Technical Field and Background:
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) may interfere with the performance of integrated circuit (IC) devices. Existing techniques to address conductive EMI include separate power supplies, capacitive filtering, and use of star connectivity arrangements, for example. Existing techniques to address radiative EMI include spatial separation, insertion of substrate or deep well barriers, or insertion of grounded metal barriers between blocks, for example. None of these techniques may sufficiently address the challenges posed by EMI such as, for example, conductive radiation that is not constrained to planar sources.

Invention Disclosure:
Embodiments of shielding apparatuses are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a shielding apparatus may include first and second conductive regions and a plurality of vias disposed between the first and second conductive regions. The first and second conductive regions and the plurality of vias may surround an integrated circuit (IC) component and individual vias of the plurality of vias are spaced relative to one another to shield incoming or outgoing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

[Assistant]
1. A method of shielding an integrated circuit (IC) component, comprising:
forming a conductive region;
forming a plurality of vias;
forming an IC component in a volume surrounded by the plurality of vias, wherein individual vias of the plurality of vias are spaced relative to one another to shield incoming or outgoing electromagnetic interference (EMI); and
forming another conductive region such that the IC component and the plurality of vias are disposed between the conductive regions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the plurality of vias comprises forming the plurality of vias in two or more via layers separated by one or more metal layers.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
forming a through silicon connection (TSC) extending through the conductive region to couple with the IC component.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vias comprises an outer ring of vias and an inner ring of vias.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of vias are arranged in a ring.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the conductive region includes forming the conductive region in a metal stack formed on an active side of an IC die.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the conductive region includes forming the conductive region in a semiconductor portion of an IC die.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the conductive region includes forming the conductive region in a redistribution layer between two IC dies.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the conductive region includes forming the conductive region in a metal stack formed on an inactive side of an IC die.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the vias of the plurality of vias extend from the conductive region.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Instrument Panel For A Vehicle

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an instrument panel for a vehicle. 2. Description of the Background Art An an instrument panel is typically mounted on a transverse mounting bar which extends in a transverse direction of a vehicle between opposing A-pillar gussets of a vehicle body. From DE 10 2009 058 688 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, a class-specific instrument panel for a vehicle is known. This has an instrument panel upper part, having an airbag assembly integrated on the passenger side. The airbag assembly has a frame-shaped firing channel wall delimiting the firing channel. The firing channel is covered by an airbag cover on its airbag exit side. At the opposing side, an airbag module is mounted which among other things can comprise the airbag and a gas generator. The firing channel wall with the attached airbag module is molded at the bottom side of the instrument panel upper part. In DE 10 2009 058 688 A1, the firing channel wall is supported via a fixing tab on the transverse mounting bar. In this way, the weight force of the airbag assembly is not supported solely by the instrument panel upper part, but is also carried by the transverse mounting bar. In the conventional art, when temperatures in a vehicle are high, in particular in hot climates, without additional support on the transverse mounting bar there is a danger of material flow in the upper part of the instrument panel, causing the contour of the firing channel wall to appear on the display of the instrument panel. Also, attaching the assembly to the transverse mounting bar helps prevent an operational unfolding of the airbag assembly up into the resonance range. Also, supplying the abovementioned mounting tab for support of the airbag assembly on the transverse mounting bar is coupled with an increase in the component weight as well as an increased component cost.

Invention Disclosure:
An instrument panel for a vehicle, having an instrument panel upper part and a frame-like basic body, which can be mounted on a transverse mounting bar of the vehicle body, which basic body has receptacles for equipping with functional elements, for example radio, glove box, etc., and delimits at least one air channel of a vehicle ventilation system, in particular a defrost channel extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle along the windshield, wherein on the passenger side of the instrument panel an airbag arrangement is integrated which has a firing channel reaching to the instrument panel upper part and an airbag module mounted on a firing channel wall. According to the invention the basic body has at least one supporting section on which the firing channel wall is supported.

[Assistant]
1. An instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising:
an instrument panel upper part;
a frame basic body that is mountable on a transverse mounting bar of the vehicle, the frame basic body has receptacles for receiving functional elements and delimits at least one air channel of a vehicle ventilation system extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle along a windshield;
an airbag assembly integrated on a passenger side of the instrument panel, which has a firing channel reaching to the instrument panel upper part and an airbag module mounted on firing channel walls, the airbag module having two housing flanges; and
at least one supporting section provided on the frame basic body to which the firing channel walls are supported,
wherein a first firing channel wall is adapted to be brought into contact with a first supporting section of the frame basic body in a loose and/or vibration free manner with a linear contact, and
wherein a second and a third firing channel wall, at ends facing away from the instrument panel upper part, each merge into at least one outwardly angled mounting leg to which a respective one of the housing flanges of the airbag module is attached via a connection or a threaded connection.

2. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein a second and a third supporting section are each a basic body flange, wherein each of the basic body flanges are attached to a respective one of the firing channel wall mounting legs or are each clamped between a respective one of the firing channel wall mounting legs and a respective housing flange of the airbag module.

3. The instrument panel according to claim 2, wherein together, the first, second and third supporting sections form a support base for the firing channel wall.

4. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the firing channel and an airbag cover covering the firing channel are integrally formed components of a same material of the instrument panel upper part.

5. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the instrument panel upper part is a foam carrier, which forms a multilayer structure with a foam layer disposed thereupon and a decorative skin on a visible side.

6. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the first firing channel wall is an anterior firing channel wall and wherein the first supporting section supports the anterior firing channel wall of the firing channel viewed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

7. The instrument panel according to claim 6, wherein the second and the third firing channel walls are each lateral firing channel walls and wherein a second and a third supporting section each supports one of the lateral firing channel walls of the firing channel viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

8. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air channel of the vehicle ventilation system is a defrost channel.

9. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the functional elements include a radio, a glove box, speedometer, and/or air vent.

10. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein a second and a third supporting section of the frame basic body are each a basic body flange, wherein each of the basic body flanges are clamped between a respective one of the firing channel wall mounting legs and a respective housing flange of the airbag module.

11. The instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein the frame basic body surrounds an exterior of the firing channel walls.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Portable Furniture Power Outlet

Technical Field and Background:
The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. One of the most ubiquitous pieces of furniture found in virtually every home across the globe is a sofa or couch. Sofas typically consist of an upholstered elongated structure having a plurality of cushions that are arranged side-by-side along the length thereof. These cushions typically defining individual seats for the sofa occupants. Owing to recent advancements in technology, the number of portable electronic devices such as smartphones, music players, tablets and laptop computers, for example, has grown exponentially. As such, many individuals routinely utilize their electronic devices while sitting on a sofa. Unfortunately, when the power level of the device is low or exhausted, it becomes it necessary for the user to find a power outlet to charge their device. Although virtually all residential buildings have at least one AC power wall outlet in each room, the outlets are often hidden by furniture or located some distance from where the user on the couch is seated. When this situation occurs, the user must stretch their power charging cord from their device to the outlet, or utilize an extension cord to do the same. Although this procedure satisfies the need to provide power to their electronic device, the resulting mess of cords is aesthetically unpleasing, and can be dangerous, as the exposed wires present a tripping hazard to anyone walking near the sofa. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a portable power outlet for furniture that can be removably positioned along or between the cushions, in order to provide a convenient location for charging portable electronic devices, and without suffering from the drawbacks described above.

Invention Disclosure:
A portable furniture power outlet includes a power module having one or more AC receptacles and DC connector ports. A transformer supplies DC power to the DC connector ports at different voltages and provides wireless device charging. An elongated fin member extends downward from the power module and includes a shape and size for being positioned between two cushions in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The fin member is secured to the power module by a two axis hinge that allows the power module to spin and pivot with respect to the fin member.

[Assistant]
1. A portable outlet device for furniture, comprising:
a power module main body having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding walls defining an internal cavity;
one or more power receptacles that are disposed along the power module main body;
a power cord having a plug along a distal end thereof, said power cord being in communication with the power module; and
an elongated fin member that extends longitudinally from the bottom wall of the power module, said fin member comprising a unitary wedge-shaped body having a shape and size that is configured to be removably secured between two cushions of a piece of furniture.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated fin member is pivotally secured to the power module via a connector.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the connector is configured to rotate the power module 360 degrees horizontally with respect to the elongated fin member.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the connector is configured to pivot the power module across a vertical axis, with respect to the elongated fin member.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the connector includes a dual axis hinge that is configured to rotate the power module 360 degrees horizontally with respect to the elongated fin member; and
pivot the power module across a vertical axis, with respect to the elongated fin member.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more power receptacles includes an A/C power receptacle or a DC connector port that are disposed along the power module main body.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more power receptacles comprises:
a plurality of AC receptacles and a plurality of DC connector ports that are positioned along the power module main body.

8. The device of claim 6, further comprising:
a transformer that is positioned within the internal cavity, said transformer functioning to change an AC input voltage to a plurality of different output DC voltages.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the transformer is configured to sense a voltage requirement of an electronic device that is plugged into one of the plurality of DC connector ports and to automatically provide the required voltage to the one DC connector port.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the transformer is further configured to perform wireless charging of a portable electronic device.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of ridges that are positioned along one or both of a first and second side surfaces of the body of the elongated fin member.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the body of the elongated fin member includes a central bend, said bend forming a generally right angle shape that is suitable for being removably positioned vertically along two sides of a cushion at a corner of the furniture.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
an upstanding lip that is disposed along one edge of the top wall.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ridges are constructed from rubber and are configured to prevent shifting of the elongated fin when in contact with a cushion of the furniture.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped body of the elongated fin member further comprises:
a top end having a first cross dimensional thickness; and
a bottom end having a second cross dimensional thickness.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the first cross dimensional thickness is greater than the second cross dimensional thickness.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a high friction material that is positioned along at least one of the power module and the elongated unitary fin member, said material being configured to prevent shifting of the elongated fin when in contact with a cushion of the furniture.

18. A portable outlet device for furniture, comprising:
a power module main body having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding walls defining an internal cavity;
one or more power receptacles that are disposed along the power module main body;
a power cord having a plug along a distal end thereof, said power cord being in communication with the power module; and
an elongated fin member that extends longitudinally from the bottom wall of the power module, said fin member including a body having a plurality of ridges that are positioned along one or both of a first and second side surface, for engaging at least one cushion of the furniture so as to removably position the power module adjacent thereto,
wherein the plurality of ridges are constructed from rubber and are configured to prevent shifting of the elongated fin when in contact with the at least cushion of the furniture.