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applicant/10576873.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10576873</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-12-17</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+  <confidence value="2222222">BLADSJO</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">et</confidence>
+ al.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No. 10/576,873 December 17, 2008     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please amend the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">3,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 3, line">9,</part-num-ref>
+ as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Another object is to provide polling functionality in packet-based data communication systems that results in a reduction in latency but not at the expense of increased battery ti<confidence value="5855">me-d</confidence>
+rain and/or interference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+16346     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10590257.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10590257</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-06-26</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Amendments to the specification:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">On page 1, after the title, please insert the following new paragraph:</p>
+    <heading id="h-1">CROSS-REFERENCE</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The invention described and claimed hereinbelow is also described in PCT/EP 2005/053220, filed on July 6, 2005 and DE 102004039746.5, filed on August <part-num-ref name="and DE 102004039746.5, filed on August">17,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="and DE 102004039746.5, filed on August 17,">2004.</part-num-ref>
+ This German Patent Application, whose subject matter is incorporated here by reference, provides the basis for a claim of priority of <confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+nventi<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+n <confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+nder <part-num-ref name="claim of priority of invention under">35</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">U</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4245">S.C.</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="U S.C.">
+        <confidence value="866">119</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66688666">(a)-(d).</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">On page 1, please amend the first paragraph as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The invention relates to an optical marking device having means for generating a first and a second optical signal on a reference face[[<confidence value="668">,]]</confidence>
+ <confidence value="65625124554511488851156">as-gen^enaly-defined-by</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">On page 1, line 7, please amend the heading as follows:</boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="56844581">Prier-Ar</confidence>
+t Back<confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+round of the Invention <boundary-data type="header">On page 2, line 15, please amend the heading as follows:</boundary-data>
+Advantages Summary of the Invention <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+On page <part-num-ref name="Invention On page">3,</part-num-ref>
+ please delete the paragraph contained in lines 3<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+5 in its entirety.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">On page 5, line 9, please amend the heading as follows:</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Brief Description of the Drawin<confidence value="58">gs</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4285414">D-awing</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">On page 5, line 27, please amend the heading as follows:</boundary-data>
+Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiment <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10596135.xml

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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10596135</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-06-01</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                   PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Searching in a melody database </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The invention relates to a method of sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ching for a query string, that represents an audio fragment, in a melody database. The invention further relates to a system for searching for a query string, that represents an audio fragment, in a melody database and <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+to a server for use in such a system.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">With the increase of audio distribution throug<confidence value="8">h</confidence>
+ the Internet, retrieval of a specific audio track/title has also become more important. Traditionally, a user could search <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+audio titles/tracks on metadata, such as artist name, composer, record company, etc. A search was then performed through a database for matching audio tracks. The user could then select one of the, possibly several, hits for playback/downloading. Since the user may not always be able to specify any suitable metadata, other forms of a specifying query string have also become available. US 5,963,957 describes the so-called <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+query by humming' approach. A <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+user can simply hum a part of an audio track. The audio fragment that has been hummed by the user is converted to a query string (e.g. by converting the hummed fragment into a sequence of tones or tone differences). The database is then searched for matching tracks (or, more in general, longer audio fragments that include the hummed fragment). The matching is based on a distance measure. Statistical criteria may be used. Other audio input modalities are <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+also known, like singing, whistling or tapping.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+t is an object of the invention to provide an improved method, system, and server of the kind set forth that provides an increased accuracy in locating the audio fragment <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+in the database.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">To meet the object of the invention, a method of searching for a match for a query string, that represents an audio fragment, in a melody database, includes:</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">decomposing the query string into a sequence of a plurality of query sub- strings;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                   PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+for each sub-string, independently searching the database for at least a respective closest match for the sub-string; and in dependence on the search results for the respective sub-strings, determining at least a closest match for the query string.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5               </boundary-data>
+The inventor has realized that the query string representing the audio input by a user may in fact actually not be one coherent sequential part of a la<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ger audio fragment represented in the database. For example, a user may have provided a query string representing an audio fragment with two phrases: the user started by singing a phrase of the main lyrics, followed by a phrase of the chorus, skipping the phrases that lie in between the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+first phrase and the chorus phrase. Had the user only provided one of the phrases a <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+perfect' match might have been found in the database. The conventional sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ching method tries to match the entire sequence of both phrases against the database. In many cases this will not give a very close match (if any can be detected reliably at all) and will at least reduce the accuracy of the system. According to the invention, the query string is decomposed into a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+5         </boundary-data>
+sequence of a plurality of query sub-strings. The sub-strings are independently matched against the audio representations stored in the database. The outcome of the individual matching operations a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e used to determine a match for the entire query string. In the example where the user has provided two non-sequential phrases as the query string, both phrases can be located much more reliably. If both show a good match for a same audio track, that track <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+can very reliably be identified as the match for the entire query.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Recently, high capacity local systems capable of storing audio have become popula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+. Such systems can take any form, such as a PC with an audio juke-box, a set-top box with built-in tuner and hard disk, a hard disc recorder, etc. Also portable high capacity audio storage systems are becoming available, such as the Apple iPod and Philips HDD100. These <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+local storage system can easily store thousands of audio tracks. Conventionally, such systems enable a user to retrieve a specific track by specifying one or more metadata items, like artist, title, album, etc. The method according to the invention can also be used for quickly selecting an audio track in such system, in particular in these cases where the user has forgotten relevant metadata.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30               </boundary-data>
+According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">2,</part-num-ref>
+ the decomposition splits the query up into sub-strings that each correspond to a phrase. A phrase boundary may be detected in any suitable way, for example a phrase is usually <part-num-ref name="phrase is usually">8</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">20</part-num-ref>
+ notes long, hinging on a central tone. Between phrases a pause occurs to enable breathing and the central tone may change. Phrases a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e often ended by a slowing down of the humming. Or, phrases are <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                     PCT<confidence value="68">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+discriminative by large tone differences (i.e. intervals) and la<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ge tone durations. By separately recognizing sequential phrases represented in the query string, accuracy increases.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">3,</part-num-ref>
+ a user may provide a query string that represents an audio fragment that is a mixture of a plurality of audio parts <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+that have been input using different input modalities. Conventional melody databases only support one type of input modality. So, the user has to use the input type of the database.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">According to the invention, the database can be searched for audio fragments input using multiple modalities. According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">4,</part-num-ref>
+ at least one of the query input modalities is one of: humming, singing, whistling, tapping, clapping, percussive <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+vocal sounds. <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+n principle, any suitable input modality may be used, as long as the database supports the type.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">5,</part-num-ref>
+ whenever a change in input modality is detected a new sub-string is started. As described above, conventional melody databases can only be searched for the entire query string. The inventor has realized <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">15</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+that users may change input modality during inputting of the audio fragment represented by the query string. For example, a user may sing a phrase of the chorus and may hum a phrase of the main lyrics. By splitting the query string, the parts corresponding to the different input modalities can be searched for separately, for example using databases optimized for the respective input modalities or by representing a same phrase in the database separately for <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+each modality.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">6,</part-num-ref>
+ an iterative automatic process is used that optimizes the location and size of the sub-strings. <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+n this way, automatically a decomposition can be found. An initial estimate is made of the number of sub-strings. Each sub-string will be represented by a respective centroid (with audio <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+characteristics of the sub-string). Thus, the initial estimate determines the initial number of centroids. The initial locations of the centroids may be chosen equidistantly distributed along the audio fragment. The sub-strings may initially be equal size. The procedure then minimizes the distance between the sub-string and its centroid. A jump from one input modality to another will usually negatively influence the distance. So, if a sub-string initially <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+overlapped two successive input modalities in the audio fragment, the minimization tends to shift a boundary of the sub-string until it mainly falls within the same input modality as its centroid. Similarly, the boundary of the next sub-string will be shifted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">7,</part-num-ref>
+ an initial estimate of the number of sub-strings (and thus of the number of centroids) is based on the duration of the <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                      PCT<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+IB2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+audio fragment compared to the average duration of a phrase. For example, an audio fragment with <part-num-ref name="audio fragment with">40</part-num-ref>
+ tones may be assumed to include a maximum of <part-num-ref name="maximum of">5</part-num-ref>
+ phrases (based on a minimum phrase length of <part-num-ref name="minimum phrase length of">8</part-num-ref>
+ tones). So, the iteration could start with <part-num-ref name="iteration could start with">5</part-num-ref>
+ centroids, equidistantly distributed along the audio fragment. Preferably, this number of centroids is <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+used as the maximum number of centroids. A same optimization may also be performed for fewer centroids to cover the situation where the fragment is highly coherent (e.g., the user sang a correct sequence of phrases).    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">8,</part-num-ref>
+ instead of or in addition to using the automatic minimization procedure that implicitly segments the query string into <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+more consistent sub-strings (where the distance measure acts as an implicit classification criterion), also explicit classification criteria may be used for segmentation. Each part of the query string that is assigned to the same sub-string meets the same predetermined classification criterion, and each two sequential substrings meet different predetermined classification criteria. The different classification criteria represent audio characteristics of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the respective input modalities. For example, some input modalities, like singing and humming, have a clear pitch, whereas others, like percussion-imitations, do not have a clear pitch (i.e., are noisy). It will be appreciated that some of the characteristics may be absolute in the sense that they apply to all users, whereas certain cha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+acteristics may be relative (e.g., the pitch level of whistling relative to the singing/humming pitch) and can only be set after <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+analyzing the entire audio fragment or after an initial training by the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">9,</part-num-ref>
+ the classification result in detecting boundaries in the input query string indicating a change in input modality. The detected boundary (or boundaries) are then used as a constraint for the automatic segmentation that a sub-string has to fall between two such successive boundaries (i.e. a sub- <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+string may not overlap a boundary). It will be appreciated that more than one sub-string (e.g., two sung phrases) may be located between two bounda<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ies. In this, the start and end of the audio fragment also count as bounda<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ies.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">According to the measure of the dependent claim <part-num-ref name="dependent claim">10,</part-num-ref>
+ searching the database for a match for each of the sub-strings gives for each sub-string an N-best list (N&gt;=2) of the <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+N most closest corresponding parts in the database with a corresponding measure of resemblance. Based on the obtained N-best lists the optimal match for the entire query string is determined (or an N-best list is created for the entire query string).    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">To meet an object of the invention, a system for searching for a match for a query string, that represents an audio fragment, in a melody database, includes:</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                     PCT<confidence value="68">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+an input for receiving the query string from a user;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">a melody database for storing respective representations of plurality of audio fragments;</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">at least one processor for, under control of a program, <boundary-data type="line-number">5                       </boundary-data>
+- decomposing the query string into a sequence of a plurality of query sub-strings;    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">- for each sub-string, independently searching the database for at least a respective closest match for the sub-string; and - in dependence on the search results for the respective sub-strings, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+determining at least a closest match for the query string.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated, by way of a non-limitative example, with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BR<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+In the drawings:    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Fig. <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+ shows a block diagram of a distributed system performing the method according to the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Fig. 2 shows a stand-alone device performing the method according to the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Fig.3 shows a flow-chart of an embodiment of the method; and Fig.4A and 4B show exemplary sub-divisions.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25                </boundary-data>
+According to the invention, a query string is divided into sub-strings, that are individually searched for in a database, and a match is determined based on the outcomes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">The sub-division preferably reflects changes in input modality. Such a sub-division may be achieved in several ways. Below, a minimization algorithm using dynamic programming is described and a classification approach is described. Also combined approaches may be used, <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+for example where classification is used as a pre-analysis for the minimization. As an alternative to performing the sub-division on a change in input modality, the sub-division may be based on a change of phrase. Any suitable phrase detection algorithm may be used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Preferably, sub-division on changes in input modality and phrases are combined. For example, first a sub-division is done aimed at creating sub-strings whenever a change in input <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                   PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+modality occurs. These sub-strings are further sub<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+divided whenever a change in phrase is detected.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="22222">Fig.l</confidence>
+ shows a block diagram of an exemplary system <part-num-ref name="exemplary system">100</part-num-ref>
+ in which the method according to the invention can be employed. In this system <part-num-ref name="invention can be employed. In this system">100,</part-num-ref>
+ the functionality is <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+distributed over a server <part-num-ref name="server">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+10      </part-num-ref>
+ and a client (shown a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e two clients <part-num-ref name="client (shown are two clients">120</part-num-ref>
+ and 130). The server <part-num-ref name="server">110</part-num-ref>
+ and clients 120/130 can communicate via a network <part-num-ref name="network">140.</part-num-ref>
+ This may be a local area network, such as Ethe<confidence value="66">rn</confidence>
+et, WiFi, Bluetooth, IEEE <part-num-ref name="local area network, such as Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, IEEE">1394,</part-num-ref>
+ etc. Preferably, the network <part-num-ref name="network">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+40      </part-num-ref>
+ is a wide area network, like Internet. The devices include suitable <confidence value="22222222222222222">hardware/software</confidence>
+ (shown in the server <confidence value="2">l</confidence>
+10 as item <part-num-ref name="server l10 as item">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+12      </part-num-ref>
+ and in the clients as respective items <part-num-ref name="clients as respective items">126</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">136)</part-num-ref>
+ for the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+communication through the network <part-num-ref name="network">140.</part-num-ref>
+ Such communication HW/SW is known and will not be described any further.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In the system according to the invention, the user directly or indirectly specifies a query string that represents an audio fragment. Using the subdivision of functionality of Fig.<confidence value="4">l</confidence>
+, the user specifies the query string using one of the clients <part-num-ref name="clients">120</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">130</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+via the respective user interface <part-num-ref name="respective user interface">122,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="respective user interface 122,">132.</part-num-ref>
+ The client may be implemented on a conventional computer, like a PC, or computer-like device, such as a PDA. In particular, the client may be implemented on a device that includes a music library (similar to those known from Real One, Windows Media Player, Apple iTunes, etc.) to enable a user to specify an audio track to be played from the library or to be downloaded into the library. Any suitable user interface <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+may be used, like a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc. In particula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+, the user may specify an audio fragment using audio or audio-like input, such as vocal input. For example, the user may sing, hum, whistle, tap, etc. an audio fragment. The audio fragment may be received by the client through a microphone. The microphone may be a traditional analogue microphone, in which case the client may include an A/D converter, such as is normally present on an <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+audio card of a PC. The microphone may also be a digital microphone that already includes an A/D converter. Such a digital microphone may be connected to the client 120/130 in any suitable form, e.g. using USB, Bluetooth, etc. The audio fragment may also be entered in other forms, such as specifying the notes using conventional input devices, e.g. using a mouse or the standard PC text keyboard, or using a music keyboard attached to a PC.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30               </boundary-data>
+Preferably, the client performs some form of preprocessing for converting the audio fragment into the query string. Such preprocessing may be performed by the processor <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+24/134 under control of a suitable program. The program is loaded from a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk, ROM, or flash memory, into the processor 124/134. The preprocessing may be limited to compressing the audio fragment, for example using MP3 <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                     PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+compression. If the audio fragment is already present in a suitably compressed form, like the Midi format, no further preprocessing may be required in the client 120/130. The preprocessing may also include a conversion into a format suitable for sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ching through the melody database <part-num-ref name="melody database">114.</part-num-ref>
+ In principle any suitable method may be used for representing the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+actual audio content of an audio fragment in the database. Va<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ious ways of doing so a<confidence value="68">re</confidence>
+ known for this, like describing the fragment as a sequence of tones, optionally with a note duration. Also forms a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e known where not the absolute tone sequence is given, but only changes of tone values are given (tone increase, same tone, tone decrease). <confidence value="5">i</confidence>
+f so desired, the melody database may also include spectral information of the audio fragments. Techniques <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+are generally known from the field of audio processing, and in pa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ticula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+, from the field of speech processing for representing audio and/or vocal input in a form suitable for further analysis and in particular for sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ching through a database for a match. For example, pitch detection techniques are generally known and can be used for establishing the tone values and tone durations. Such techniques are not part of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15               </boundary-data>
+For the system according to the invention any suitable form of specifying the query string for access to the database <part-num-ref name="database">114</part-num-ref>
+ may be used, as long as the database <part-num-ref name="database">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+14      </part-num-ref>
+ supports the query string fo<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+mats. The database is operative to sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ch the records of the database for a match of a query. Melody databases that support such queries a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e known. Preferably, the match does not need to be a <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+full' match but is a <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+statistical' match, i.e. one or more records <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+in the database a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e identified with a field that resembles the query. The resemblance may be a statistical likelihood, for example based on a distance measure between the query item and the corresponding field of the database. Preferably, the database is indexed to enable quicker retrieval of a match. The non pre-published patent application with attorney docket no.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">PHNL<confidence value="5855">0301</confidence>
+82 describes a method of indexing a database that supports non-exact matches. It <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+will be understood that the database for an identified record stores information that may be useful to the user of the system. Such information may include bibliographic information on the fragment identified, like composer, performing artist, recording company, year of recording, studio, etc. A sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ch through the database may identify one or more <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+matching' records (preferably in the form of an N-best list with for example, the ten most likely hits in <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+the database) and present these records together with some or all of the stored bibliographical data. In the arrangement of Fig.<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+, the information is supplied through the network from the server to the client that specified the query. The user interface of the client is used for presenting the information to the user (e.g. using a display or voice-synthesis) or for performing a further automatic operation, like downloading the identified audio track or <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                        PCT/<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+album in full from an Internet server. It is preferred that the database can be searched for a phrase or even smaller fragments, such as half a phrase, to increase the robustness of the searching.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">According to the invention, the que<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+y string is decomposed into a sequence of <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+a plurality of query sub-strings. For each sub-string, the database is independently searched for at least a respective closest match for the sub-string. As described above, this preferably results in an N-best list (N<confidence value="5">&gt;</confidence>
+2) of the N most closest corresponding parts in the database with a corresponding measure of resemblance. The measure of resemblance may be a distance or a likelihood. Suitable distance <confidence value="22222222222222222222">measures/likelihoods</confidence>
+ are known to the persons skilled in the art <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+and will not be described further. In dependence on the search results for the respective sub- strings, the system determines at least a closest match for the entire query string. Preferably, the system produces an N-best list (<confidence value="4">N</confidence>
+2) for the entire string so that the user can make the final selection from a limited list of likely candidates. For systems wherein the database can supply N-best lists for the sub-strings the match for the entire query string is then preferably <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+based on the measures of resemblance of the N-best lists of the sub-strings. It is well-known how from results for sub-matches an outcome for the entire match can be created, for example, by merging the N-best lists for the sub-strings into one N-best list. This may be done by ordering all items in the lists on their normalized distances to the sub-string.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Alternatively, the mean normalized distances of equivalent items in the N-best lists can be <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+computed. Normalization is required since sub-strings have different lengths. Recall that an item occurs in each N-best list, for the latter represents an ordering of all melodies. This mean can be used to order the items. In both cases, the top item then represents the best candidate for the given decomposition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <confidence value="22222">Fig.l</confidence>
+ illustrates that a processor <part-num-ref name="processor">1<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+6      </part-num-ref>
+ of the server <part-num-ref name="server">110</part-num-ref>
+ is used to perform the <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+method according to the invention of decomposing <part-num-ref name="invention of decomposing">117</part-num-ref>
+ the query string, searching <part-num-ref name="query string, searching">118</part-num-ref>
+ the database for matches for each sub-string, and determining <part-num-ref name="database for matches for each sub-string, and determining">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+19      </part-num-ref>
+ an outcome based on the matches for the sub-string. The server may be implemented on any suitable server platform, such as those known from Internet servers. The processor may be any suitable processor, for example Intel's server processors. The program may be loaded from a background storage, <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+such as a hard disk (not shown). The database may be implemented using any suitable database management system, such as Oracle, SQL-server, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Fig.2 shows an alternative arrangement wherein the invention is employed in a stand-alone device <part-num-ref name="stand-alone device">200.</part-num-ref>
+ Such a device could, for example, be a PC or mobile audio player, like the Apple iPod. In Fig.2, same reference numbers are used for the features that have <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                      PCT<confidence value="68">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+already been described for Fig.<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+. Advantageously, the database also includes for stored audio fragment representations a link to an audio title that incorporates the fragment. The actual audio title may but need not be stored in the database. Preferably, the title is stored in the device itself. Alternatively, it may be accessible through a network. In such a case, the link <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+may be a URL. By linking the match to an actual title, such as an audio track or audio album, a quick selection of the title is possible. It is even possible that by humming a part of an audio track, the track with that part is identified and playback is started f<confidence value="8">u</confidence>
+lly automatically.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">Fig.3 illustrates a preferred way of decomposing the query string. The decomposition starts in step <part-num-ref name="decomposition starts in step">310</part-num-ref>
+ with estimating how many (<confidence value="66">N,</confidence>
+) sub-strings are present in the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+query string. In a preferred embodiment this is done by biasing the system to one sub-string per phrase. This can be achieved by calculating the number of notes N<confidence value="5854">no,e</confidence>
+ represented in the query string. Since a phrase typically consists of <part-num-ref name="phrase typically consists of">8</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">20</part-num-ref>
+ notes, the number of phrases lies between N<confidence value="564">o,,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+8 and <confidence value="655552">Nnore,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+20. A first decomposition may be based on using N<confidence value="24222">no,,s</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+8 as <confidence value="5">N</confidence>
+ (after suitable rounding). In step <part-num-ref name="first decomposition may be based on using Nno,,s /8 as N (after suitable rounding). In step">320,</part-num-ref>
+ the query string is divided into N<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ sequential sub- <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+strings. A suitable initial division is obtained by using an equidistant distribution. This is illustrated in Fig.4A. In Fig.4A, the query string <part-num-ref name="query string">410</part-num-ref>
+ is initially divided into three sub-string, indicated by <part-num-ref name="is initially divided into three sub-string, indicated by">420,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="is initially divided into three sub-string, indicated by 420,">430,</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="is initially divided into three sub-string, indicated by 420, 430, and">440.</part-num-ref>
+ Initially those sub-strings are equal-size i.e. represent an equal duration of the audio fragment represented by the query string <part-num-ref name="query string">410.</part-num-ref>
+ The sub-strings a<confidence value="68">re</confidence>
+ sequential and together cover the entire query string <part-num-ref name="entire query string">410.</part-num-ref>
+ Each sub-string <part-num-ref name="entire query string 410. Each sub-string">420,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="entire query string 410. Each sub-string 420,">430,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="entire query string 410. Each sub-string 420, 430,">440</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+represented by a respective centroid <part-num-ref name="respective centroid">425,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="respective centroid 425,">435</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">445.</part-num-ref>
+ The centroid, indicated by an X, is visualized in Figs.4A and 4B as being located at the centre of its corresponding sub-string. It is well-known how a centroid can be calculated that represents such a sub-string. For example, an audio fragment input by a user is analyzed using equally sized frames of short length (say, <part-num-ref name="user is analyzed using equally sized frames of short length (say,">20</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+s.). Conventional signal processing is used to extract low-level spectral <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+feature vectors from these frames, in particular those that are suitable to discriminate between different input modalities (i.e. singing styles). Such feature vectors are well-known in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Using cepstral coefficients, the centroid is the arithmetic mean of the vectors within the audio sub-string. In this way, an initial value of the centroids is obtained. In reality not all sub- strings will be equal size (phrases and segments input with one modality do in general not <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+have equal duration). This implies that it is now desired to find an optimal location and size of the sub-strings. Preferably, dynamic programming, also known as level-building in the literature, is used to find the optimum. Dynamic programming is well-know in the field of audio processing and, in particular, in the field of speech processing. Given the centroids, the dynamic programming may include, in step <part-num-ref name="dynamic programming may include, in step">330,</part-num-ref>
+ varying the length and location of the sub- <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                      PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+strings while keeping the centroid values fixed. In this way, a first estimate of the bounda<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ies of the sub-strings is made. This is done by minimizing a total distance measure between each of the centroids and its corresponding sub-string. Persons skilled in the art will be able to choose a suitable distance measure. For example, using cepstral coefficients, a (weighted) <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Euclidean distance is a proper distance measure. The weighting may be used to emphasize/de-emphasize certain coefficients. In the example of Fig.4A, a major break between two subsequent parts (e.g. change of input modality) is indicated at location <part-num-ref name="change of input modality) is indicated at location">450.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Fig.4B shows how the boundaries of the sub-strings may be after a first minimization round.</p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">In this example, sub-string 420 is shrunk. The left bounda<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+y of sub-string <part-num-ref name="left boundary of sub-string">420</part-num-ref>
+ is kept fixed at <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+the start of the query string <part-num-ref name="query string">410.</part-num-ref>
+ Sub-string <part-num-ref name="query string 410. Sub-string">430</part-num-ref>
+ has grown a little and the left boundary is shifted left. It will be understood that now the centroid values no longer properly represent the corresponding sub-string. In step <part-num-ref name="corresponding sub-string. In step">340,</part-num-ref>
+ new values for the centroids are calculated based on the current sub-string boundaries. The process is repeated iteratively until a predetermined convergence criterion is met. The convergence criterion may be that the sum of the distances <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+betweenthe centroids and its respective sub-string no longer decreases. The criterion is tested in step <part-num-ref name="criterion is tested in step">350.</part-num-ref>
+ Optionally, note onsets are detected in the query string (e.g., based on energy level). The note onsets can be used as indicators of phrase boundaries (it is preferred not to cut in the middle of note). Thus, the actual sub-string boundaries may be adjusted to fall in between notes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20                </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n an embodiment, the user may input the query string by mixing a plurality of query input modalities, such as humming, singing, whistling, tapping, clapping, or percussive vocal sounds. The method of Fig.3 will normally be able to accurately determine the changes between input modality, since such a change will effect the distance measure if suitable centroid parameters are chosen that show the underlying difference in audio for the different <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+input modalities. The audio characteristics of the different input modalities can be summarized as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Singing has a clear pitch, meaning that harmonic components can easily be detected in the spectral representation of the singing waveform. In other words, spectral peaks are multiples of one single spectral peak, that is, the first harmonic <boundary-data type="line-number">30             </boundary-data>
+or fundamental frequency, which is often referred to as the pitch of the singing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Different voice registers ('chest', 'mid', 'head<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+ falsetto' singing) have distinct frequency ranges.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+  Percussive sounds (clapping, tapping on a surface) have at best an indefinite pitch<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ meaning that there are multiple peaks that can be interpreted as the first harmonic.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                        PCT<confidence value="65">/I</confidence>
+B2004<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+052499    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+Moreover, percussive sounds are transients or clicks; fast changes in power and amplitude smeared over all frequencies that can be easily identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ Humming contains <confidence value="6">a</confidence>
+ low-frequency band with some midrange frequencies without any prominent spectral peaks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+                </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+  Whistling has a pitch (first harmonics) range from <part-num-ref name="pitch (first harmonics) range from">700</part-num-ref>
+ Hz to <part-num-ref name="Hz to">2800</part-num-ref>
+ Hz. It is almost a pure tone with some weak harmonics. The lowest whistling tone of a person comes near to the person's highest reachable sung note (so, whistling happens one-and-a-half to two octaves higher than singing).    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+  Noisy sounds are stochastic in nature. This results in a flat spectrum (one energy <boundary-data type="line-number">10             </boundary-data>
+level) over a band of frequencies (pink nose) or over the complete frequency range (white noise).    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Persons skilled in the art will be able to differentiate between more input modalities if so desired.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">As an alternative to sub-dividing using the described automatic minimization <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+method, the query string may be subdivided into sub-strings by decomposing the query string into a sequence of sub-strings where each substring of the sequence meets a predetermined classification criterion, and each two sequential substrings meet different predetermined classification criteria. So, if a pa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+t of the audio fragment exhibits a defined consistency (e.g.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">clea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ly distinguishable notes (pitch) within a defined range that may be used for singing) and <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+a next part shows another consistency (e.g. clearly distinguishable notes but 1.5 octave higher pitch on average, in an range that is typically used for whistling) this result in a different classification of the parts and the change in classification is interpreted as the start of a new sub-string. It will be understood that certain classification criteria may only be fully determined after a pre-analysis of the entire fragment or after a training by the user. Such a <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+pre-analysis may, for example, reveal that the user is male or female and give information on the average pitch used for singing, whistling, etc. Other criteria may be same for each person, e.g. that vocal percussions are mainly toneless (e.g. noisy, with no clearly identifiable pitch).    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Having established default and/or person-specific criteria the query string (or audio fragment represented by the query string) is analyzed further. Audio features that a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e used for the <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+classification are determined for parts of the string/fragments and compared against the different classification criteria. Thus, the system preferably includes different sets of classification criteria, each set representing a respective one of the input modalities. The audio features of the fragment being analyzed are compa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ed with each respective criteria set.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">If the features match (fully or closely) one of the sets, it is established that the audio part is <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                      PCT<confidence value="65">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+most likely specified via the input modality that corresponds to the set. Classification techniques are well-known. Any suitable technique may be used. An exemplary way of classif<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ing is as follows. Relatively small parts of the fragment a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e each time analyzed (e.g.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">1/3 or <confidence value="21">%2</confidence>
+ of a phrase). During the analysis, an analysis window of such a width may be slided <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+over the total audio fragment. As long as the window fully falls within a consistent part of the entire audio fragment, a relatively close match with the corresponding classification criterion set will be obtained. When the window shifts over a boundary where a change between input modality occurs, the match will be less close and decrease further as the window is shifted further. When the window has been shifted sufficiently fa<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+ into the next consistent part, a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+closer match with the classification criterion set for that input modality will be found. The match will improve as the window shifts further into that part. In this way, relatively accurately the boundaries can be detected. The analysis window may be shifted in frame- steps of, for example, <part-num-ref name="analysis window may be shifted in frame- steps of, for example,">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">30</part-num-ref>
+ msecs. Once the analysis of the entire audio fragment has been completed and at least one boundary has been detected (in additional to the start and end <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+boundary of the entire audio fragment), sub-strings can be formed within the boundaries.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The classification technique described above can be used for performing the subdivisions into substrings as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the classification is used as a pre-processing for the automatic procedure of Fig.3 by constraining the position of a substring to fall within two successive boundaries detected using the classification.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+Constrained dynamic programming techniques a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e well-known and will not be described here any further.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">It will be understood that the classification information described above can not only be used for optimizing finding of the location and size of the sub-strings, but also for improving the sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ch through the database. Having established a best matching consistency <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+criterion for a part of the audio fragment, in most cases also a corresponding input modality is known. This information can be used to improve the search for the sub-string that corresponds to the located part. For example, an optimized database may be used for each input modality. Alternatively, the database may support sea<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ching for a same fragment using different input modalities. The input modality is then one additional query item and the <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+database stores for each audio fragment (e.g., phrase) the input modality that was used for specifying the fragment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">In the method illustrated in Fig.2, the initial estimate of the number of sub- strings is not changed any more. The initial estimate preferably describes the maximum number of sub-strings expected to be present in the entire fragment. Since the fragment may <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                    PCT<confidence value="65">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+be more consistent than this <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+worst case' assumption, preferably the same process is also repeated for less sub-strings. <confidence value="22222">Inthe</confidence>
+ example of Fig.2, also a decomposition into two sub- strings may be done and a search performed through the database. The database may also be searched for the entire string. In this way a match of the entire string can be obtained for <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+three sub-strings, two sub-strings and one sub-string (i.e. the entire string). The three outcomes can be compared and a most likely one be presented to the client. Thus, in principle, the query string can be decomposed in many ways, where each decomposition results in a number of sub-strings that can be searched independently in the database. So, the query string as a whole can be searched, independently from the sub-strings that result from <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+the decomposition of the query string in two, independently from the sub-strings that result from the decomposition of the query string in threes, etc. Each search for a sub-string may result in an N-best list of likely candidates. This N-best list may be a list of all melodies in the database ordered on their distance with the sub-string. A total outcome can be created, for example, by combining the lists for all possible decompositions into one list to be presented <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+to the user. The combining can be achieved by merging all lists and sorting on their <confidence value="6">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">normalized distances from their sub-string.</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">As described above, the step of decomposing the query string includes decomposing the query string into sub-strings that each substantially correspond to a phrase.</p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">This can be the only decomposition step or it may be used in combination with other <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+decomposition steps/criteria such as a further decomposition after having performed a decomposition aimed at sub-division for changes in input modality. Phrases may be detected using in any suitable way. Phrases a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e often ended by a slowing down of the humming. Or, phrases are discriminative by large tone differences (i.e. intervals) and large tone durations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Phrase detection algorithms are known, for example from "Cambouropoulos, E. (2001). The <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+local boundary detection model (lbdm) and its application in the study of expressive timing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In Proc. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+CMC 2001" and "Fer<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+and, M., Nelson, P<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and Wiggins, G. (2003). Memory and melodic density: A model for melody segmentation. In: Proc. of the XIV Colloguiu on Musical Informatics (XIV CIM 2003), Firenze, Italy, May 8-9-10, 2003." It will be appreciated that the invention also extends to computer programs, <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+particula<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+ly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the method according to the invention. The carrier be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may include a storage <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">WO 2005/057429                                                   PCT<confidence value="66">/I</confidence>
+B2004/052499      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disk. Further the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the program is embodied in such <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+a signal, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the pe<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+formance of, the relevant method.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+means of ha<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+dwa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+e comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardwa<confidence value="8">r</confidence>
+e. The mere fact that certain measures a<confidence value="5">r</confidence>
+e recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10852790.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10852790</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-08-09</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Amendment and Response to Office Action</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 10/852,790                                             IBM-<confidence value="666">011</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">-2-</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Amendments to the Specification Please amend paragraph <part-num-ref name="Specification Please amend paragraph">21</part-num-ref>
+ at page <part-num-ref name="at page">9</part-num-ref>
+ of the Specification and paragraphs <part-num-ref name="Specification and paragraphs">22</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">23</part-num-ref>
+ at page <part-num-ref name="at page">10</part-num-ref>
+ of the Specification as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0021]       FIG. 3 illustrates a functional overview of an embodiment of a portal generation architecture from the software developer's perspective according to the invention. Software developers, business partners, business consultants, and systems integrators (generally developers <part-num-ref name="invention. Software developers, business partners, business consultants, and systems integrators (generally developers">70)</part-num-ref>
+ assist in the creation of plugins generated according to an Eclipse development environment although, in other embodiments, other development environments can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, an industry wizard <part-num-ref name="industry wizard">74,</part-num-ref>
+ a portlet choreographer <part-num-ref name="portlet choreographer">78</part-num-ref>
+ and a portlet factory <part-num-ref name="portlet factory">82</part-num-ref>
+ are provided and interact with each other to produce a portal for a specific business role as described in more detail below. Internal data resources <part-num-ref name="specific business role as described in more detail below. Internal data resources">86</part-num-ref>
+ (referring generally to 86A, 86<confidence value="66">B,</confidence>
+ 86C, and 86D) are utilized (by performing read from and/or write to operations) during the process and include data storage allocated for industry business role task mappings 86A, task to capability mappings 86B and page templates (i.e., defined page layouts) 86C, and an internal portlet catalog 86D.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">External data resources 90 (referring generally to 90A, 90<confidence value="66">B,</confidence>
+ and 90C) and capabilities utilized during the process include a Websphere Application Portlet Integrator (WPAI) 90A, an external business portlet catalog 90B and a business process model 90C. The WPAI 90A is a portlet builder that allows users to create and manipulate data in various applications. In other embodiments, WPAI 90A is replaced with other available software tools for rapid portlet development. The external portlet catalog 90B is a remote source of portlets that is accessed during the process to generate the desired portal. Similarly, the business process model 90C is a remote resource that can be implemented by the industry wizard <part-num-ref name="industry wizard">74</part-num-ref>
+ when performing industry business role mapping.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0022]       FIG. 4 illustrates an end user's interaction with a portal <part-num-ref name="portal">98</part-num-ref>
+ generated according to the method of the invention. T<confidence value="88685562584">he-end-usef</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="invention. The-end-usef">
+        <confidence value="85">90</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ One of the end users <part-num-ref name="end users">94</part-num-ref>
+ accesses the portal <part-num-ref name="portal">98</part-num-ref>
+ from a portal server <part-num-ref name="portal server">102</part-num-ref>
+ having an associated database <part-num-ref name="associated database">106</part-num-ref>
+ using any of a variety of clients (e.g., a PC <part-num-ref name="PC">22,</part-num-ref>
+ a PDA <part-num-ref name="PDA">26</part-num-ref>
+ or a cell phone 30). The user executes an application <part-num-ref name="application">110</part-num-ref>
+ to provide the portal <part-num-ref name="portal">98</part-num-ref>
+ with the appropriate portlets. The application <part-num-ref name="application">110</part-num-ref>
+ can reside on the client <part-num-ref name="client">22,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="client 22,">26</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">30,</part-num-ref>
+ <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Amendment and Response to Office Action</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Application No. 10/852,790                                               <confidence value="6688666">IBM-011</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">-3-</boundary-data>
+the portal server <part-num-ref name="portal server">102</part-num-ref>
+ or another server (not shown). The portal <part-num-ref name="portal">98</part-num-ref>
+ developed according to the process enabled by the architecture illustrated in FIG. 3 is packaged, for example, as an <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ear file (i.e., Java enterprise application packaging unit).    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0023]       FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of various software components for the industry wizard <part-num-ref name="industry wizard">74,</part-num-ref>
+ the portlet choreographer <part-num-ref name="portlet choreographer">78</part-num-ref>
+ and the portlet factory <part-num-ref name="portlet factory">82</part-num-ref>
+ (see FIG. 3). The industry wizard <part-num-ref name="industry wizard">74</part-num-ref>
+ includes an industry tree <part-num-ref name="industry tree">120</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., an XML formal tile) providing valid industries, roles and business processes to a wizard user interface (UI) <part-num-ref name="wizard user interface (UI)">124</part-num-ref>
+ when loaded by a treeloader component <part-num-ref name="treeloader component">128.</part-num-ref>
+ A developer can select the desired elements from each industry, role and business process category. The developer selections and stored business process data <confidence value="5686">4-28</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="developer selections and stored business process data 4-28">
+        <confidence value="86">13</confidence>
+0      </part-num-ref>
+ are provided to a capability mapper component <part-num-ref name="capability mapper component">132.</part-num-ref>
+ Business process data includes encapsulated details of all stored business processes, including component activities and tasks, and the capabilities associated with these tasks. The capability mapper <part-num-ref name="capability mapper">132</part-num-ref>
+ generates a sequence of sets of capabilities that represent elements of the identified business process. As used herein, a capability is a unit of functionality used in completing a portion of the business process. Generally, a capability represents functionality that can be provided by a single portlet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Capabilities can occur in series, in parallel or as a combination of series and parallel occurrences.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">A request broker 136 receives the sequence of sets of capabilities and arranged portlets provided by the portlet choreographer <part-num-ref name="portlet choreographer">78.</part-num-ref>
+ A file generator <part-num-ref name="file generator">140</part-num-ref>
+ generates a basic site hierarchy based on the capability sets and the arranged portlets. The basic site hierarchy defines the "places" (set of page layouts that address the business processes associated with the business role) for each role and can provide default home pages. A packager component <part-num-ref name="packager component">144</part-num-ref>
+ generates a deployable archive (e.g., an <confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+ear file) based on the portlets and any supporting files as defined in the basic site hierarchy.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10874561.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,238 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10874561</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-06-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                                Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">System and Method for Displaying Market Data Including Last Trade Data Field of the Invention <confidence value="666">[1]</confidence>
+   The present invention relates to systems, methods and user interfaces that are utilized in connection with the trading of financial instruments. More particularly, the invention provides mechanisms for distributing and displaying snapshots of market data and trade data representing trades that have occurred since the last snapshot.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Description of the Related Art <confidence value="686">[2]</confidence>
+   It is common for exchanges to allow traders to conduct transactions with handheld devices and larger computer devices. Attempts have been made to present rapidly changing information to traders in a form that allows the traders to quickly absorb and act on the information. Conventionally, snapshots of market depth data are periodically transmitted from an exchange to handheld devices and larger computer devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[3]   One drawback associated with this conventional approach to distributing market depth data is that it is common for market depth data to change at times in between the transmission of the periodic snapshots. This results in users not having accurate market depth information. Without accurate information, traders may make trading decisions that cannot be fulfilled, because the market has moved since<confidence value="2">,</confidence>
+ the transmission of the last snapshot. The lack of accurate information may also result in traders making trading decisions that they would not otherwise make. Making decisions based on inaccurate market depth information can be frustrating and costly for traders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="686">[4]</confidence>
+   Therefore, there is a need in the art for systems, methods and user interfaces that utilize mechanisms for providing more accurate market depth information.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               A<confidence value="666">tty</confidence>
+. Docket No.: 6119.00018    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Summary of the Invention <confidence value="685">[51</confidence>
+   The present invention overcomes at least some of the problems and limitations of the prior art by providing systems, methods and user interfaces that augment snapshots of market depth information with data representing trades that have occurred since the last snapshot of market depth information. A snapshot of market depth information includes data representing at least some orders that were or are pending at a given point in time. The augmentation may include an icon, background coloring of cells, columns or rows or other mechanisms that are visually or audibly perceptible to traders.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="685">[61</confidence>
+   In various embodiments, the present invention can be partially or wholly implemented on a computer-readable medium, for example, by storing computer-executable instructions or modules, or by utilizing computer-readable data structures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <confidence value="885">[7]</confidence>
+   Of course, the methods and systems disclosed herein may also include other additional elements, steps, computer-executable instructions, or computer-readable data structures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="885">[8]</confidence>
+   The details of these and other embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Brief Description of the Drawings <confidence value="685">[91</confidence>
+   The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and steps, embodiments of which will be described in detail in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[10<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figure 1 shows a computer network system that may be used to implement aspects of the present invention;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[11] Figure 2 illustrates a method of processing and displaying market information in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="5885">[12]</confidence>
+ Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface that may be used to display market depth information and allow traders to trade financial instruments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5885">[13]</confidence>
+ Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment that uses background shading to represent trade data, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5885">[14]</confidence>
+ Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which trade data for multiple trades is received after receiving data representing a first snapshot of market depth information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and <confidence value="5885">[15]</confidence>
+ Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a portion of a background of a cell is changed to represent the number of contracts that have traded since the transmission of the last snapshot of market depth information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Detailed Description of the Invention Exemplary Operating Environment [16]  Aspects of the present invention are preferably implemented with computer devices and computer networks that allow users to exchange trading information. An exemplary trading network environment for implementing trading systems and methods is shown in Figure 1.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[17<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  An exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="exchange computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ receives orders and transmits market data related to orders and trades to users. Exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="receives orders and transmits market data related to orders and trades to users. Exchange computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented with one or more mainframe, desktop or other computers. A user database <part-num-ref name="user database">102</part-num-ref>
+ includes information identifying traders and other users of exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="includes information identifying traders and other users of exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Data may include user names and passwords. An account data module <part-num-ref name="account data module">104</part-num-ref>
+ may process account information that may be used during trades. A match engine module <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="match engine module">106</part-num-ref>
+ is included to match bid and offer prices. Match engine module <part-num-ref name="is included to match bid and offer prices. Match engine module">106</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented with software that executes one or more algorithms for matching bids and offers. A trade database <part-num-ref name="trade database">108</part-num-ref>
+ may be included to store information identifying trades and descriptions of trades. In particular, a trade database may store information identifying the time that a trade took place and the contract price. An order book module <part-num-ref name="order book module">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be included to compute or otherwise determine current bid and offer prices. A market data module <part-num-ref name="market data module">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be included to collect market data and prepare the data for transmission to users. A risk management module <part-num-ref name="risk management module">134</part-num-ref>
+ may be included to compute and determine a user's risk utilization in relation to the user's defined risk thresholds. An order processing module <part-num-ref name="order processing module">136</part-num-ref>
+ may be included to decompose delta based and bulk order types for processing by order book module <part-num-ref name="may be included to decompose delta based and bulk order types for processing by order book module">110</part-num-ref>
+ and match engine module <part-num-ref name="and match engine module">106.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+18] The trading network environment shown in Figure 1 includes computer devices <part-num-ref name="includes computer devices">114,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes computer devices 114,">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+16,      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes computer devices 114, 116,">118,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="includes computer devices 114, 116, 118,">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">122.</part-num-ref>
+ Each computer device includes a central processor that controls the overall operation of the computer and a system bus that connects the central processor to one or more conventional components, such as a network card or modem. Each computer device may also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data or files. Depending on the type of computer device, a user can interact with the computer with a keyboard, pointing device, microphone, pen device or other input device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+19]  Computer device 114 is shown directly connected to exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="is shown directly connected to exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Exchange computer system 100 and computer device <part-num-ref name="and computer device">114</part-num-ref>
+ may be connected via a T<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+ line, a common local area network (LAN) or other mechanism for connecting computer devices. Computer device <part-num-ref name="common local area network (LAN) or other mechanism for connecting computer devices. Computer device">114</part-num-ref>
+ is shown connected to a radio <part-num-ref name="radio">132.</part-num-ref>
+ The user of radio <part-num-ref name="user of radio">132</part-num-ref>
+ may be a trader or exchange employee. The radio user may transmit orders or other information to a user of computer device <part-num-ref name="user of computer device">114.</part-num-ref>
+ The user of computer device <part-num-ref name="user of computer device">114</part-num-ref>
+ may then transmit the trade or other information to exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="trade or other information to exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5885">[20]</confidence>
+ Computer devices 116 and <part-num-ref name="and">118</part-num-ref>
+ are coupled to a LAN <part-num-ref name="LAN">124.</part-num-ref>
+ LAN <part-num-ref name="LAN 124. LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ may have one or more of the well-known LAN topologies and may use a variety of different protocols, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+such as Ethernet. Computers <part-num-ref name="variety of different protocols, such as Ethernet. Computers">116</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">118</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with each other and other computers and devices connected to LAN <part-num-ref name="may communicate with each other and other computers and devices connected to LAN">124.</part-num-ref>
+ Computers and other devices may be connected to LAN <part-num-ref name="may communicate with each other and other computers and devices connected to LAN 124. Computers and other devices may be connected to LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ via twisted pair wires, coaxial cable, fiber optics or other media. Alternatively, a wireless personal digital assistant device (PDA) <part-num-ref name="wireless personal digital assistant device (PDA)">122</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with LAN <part-num-ref name="may communicate with LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ or the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">126</part-num-ref>
+ via radio waves. PDA <part-num-ref name="via radio waves. PDA">122</part-num-ref>
+ may also communicate with exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="may also communicate with exchange computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ via a conventional wireless hub <part-num-ref name="conventional wireless hub">128.</part-num-ref>
+ As used herein, a PDA includes mobile telephones and other wireless devices that communicate with a network via radio waves.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[21<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ also shows LAN <part-num-ref name="also shows LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ connected to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">126.</part-num-ref>
+ LAN <part-num-ref name="Internet 126. LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ may include a router to connect LAN <part-num-ref name="router to connect LAN">124</part-num-ref>
+ to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">126.</part-num-ref>
+ Computer device <part-num-ref name="Internet 126. Computer device">120</part-num-ref>
+ is shown connected directly to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">126.</part-num-ref>
+ The connection may be via a modem, DSL line, satellite dish or any other device for connecting a computer device to the Internet.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[22] One or more market makers 130 may maintain a market by providing constant bid and offer prices for a derivative or security to exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="derivative or security to exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="derivative or security to exchange computer system 100. Exchange computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ may also exchange information with other trade engines, such as trade engine <part-num-ref name="may also exchange information with other trade engines, such as trade engine">138.</part-num-ref>
+ One skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous additional computers and systems may be coupled to exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="art will appreciate that numerous additional computers and systems may be coupled to exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Such computers and systems may include clearing, regulatory and fee systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="5885">[23]</confidence>
+ The operations of computer devices and systems shown in Figure 1 may be controlled by computer-executable instructions stored on computer-readable medium. For example, computer device <part-num-ref name="may be controlled by computer-executable instructions stored on computer-readable medium. For example, computer device">116</part-num-ref>
+ may include computer-executable instructions for receiving order information from a user and transmitting that order information to exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="user and transmitting that order information to exchange computer system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ In another example, computer device <part-num-ref name="user and transmitting that order information to exchange computer system 100. In another example, computer device">118</part-num-ref>
+ may include computer-executable instructions for receiving market data from exchange computer system <part-num-ref name="may include computer-executable instructions for receiving market data from exchange computer system">100</part-num-ref>
+ and displaying that information to a user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[24] Of course, numerous additional servers, computers, handheld devices, personal digital assistants, telephones and other devices may also be connected to exchange computer system 100. Moreover, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the topology shown <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                                Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+in Figure 1 is merely an example and that the components shown in Figure 1 may be connected by numerous alternative topologies.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Exemplary Embodiments [25<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure 2 illustrates a method of processing and displaying market information in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method may be implemented as computer-readable instructions recorded on a computer readable medium, such as an optical disk or RAM or ROM memory module. First, in step <part-num-ref name="optical disk or RAM or ROM memory module. First, in step">202</part-num-ref>
+ data representing a first snapshot of market depth information is received. A snapshot of market depth information represents the state of a market at a fixed period of time. The information may be received at a desktop computer, mobile terminal or any other device that is used for trading financial instruments at an exchange. The market depth information may be formatted in accordance with conventional formats used to distribute snapshots of market depth information. After the information is received, in step <part-num-ref name="information is received, in step">204</part-num-ref>
+ a graphical user interface that includes the first snapshot of market depth information is displayed on display device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <confidence value="5885">[26]</confidence>
+ Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface <part-num-ref name="exemplary graphical user interface">300</part-num-ref>
+ that may be used to display market depth information and allow traders to trade financial instruments in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Graphical user interface <part-num-ref name="invention. Graphical user interface">300</part-num-ref>
+ includes a price and quantity grid <part-num-ref name="price and quantity grid">302.</part-num-ref>
+ Price and quantity grid <part-num-ref name="price and quantity grid 302. Price and quantity grid">302</part-num-ref>
+ may contain five columns. A buy column <part-num-ref name="buy column">304</part-num-ref>
+ displays a user's working buy order quantities. As used herein, a user may be a trader. A hit column <part-num-ref name="hit column">306</part-num-ref>
+ displays the market bid quantities.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Prices for individual rows are displayed in a price column <part-num-ref name="price column">308.</part-num-ref>
+ A take column <part-num-ref name="take column">310</part-num-ref>
+ displays market ask quantities. And, a sell column <part-num-ref name="sell column">312</part-num-ref>
+ displays a user's working sell order quantities. Individual entries may be color coded to assist users in quickly interpreting the displayed information. For example, entries in buy column <part-num-ref name="displayed information. For example, entries in buy column">304</part-num-ref>
+ and hit column <part-num-ref name="and hit column">306</part-num-ref>
+ may be in blue and entries in take column <part-num-ref name="may be in blue and entries in take column">310</part-num-ref>
+ and sell column <part-num-ref name="and sell column">312</part-num-ref>
+ may be in red.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[27] After the first snapshot of market depth information is displayed in step <part-num-ref name="first snapshot of market depth information is displayed in step">204</part-num-ref>
+ it is determined whether additional trade data is received. The trade data is for one or more trades that have occurred after an exchange or other source of market data <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+transmits the first snapshot of market depth information identified in step <part-num-ref name="first snapshot of market depth information identified in step">202</part-num-ref>
+ and before the exchange or other source of market data transmits another snapshot of market depth information. When such data is received, in step <part-num-ref name="exchange or other source of market data transmits another snapshot of market depth information. When such data is received, in step">208</part-num-ref>
+ a representation of the trade data is displayed on the graphical user interface.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+28] There are many visually perceptible mechanisms that may be used to represent the trade data received. For example, Figure 3 shows an icon <part-num-ref name="icon">314</part-num-ref>
+ placed next to a price.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">The position of icon 314 indicates that a trade was executed at the price <part-num-ref name="price">83575</part-num-ref>
+ after the transmission of the first snapshot of market depth information. With this information, a user would quickly recognize that a transaction occurred at this price after the first snapshot of market depth information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[29] Figure 4 illustr<confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+tes an alternative mechanism they may be used to display a representation of trade data, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the appearance of the background of row <part-num-ref name="background of row">402</part-num-ref>
+ has been changed to indicate that a trade occurred at the indicated price. In one embodiment, the color of the background of row <part-num-ref name="background of row">402</part-num-ref>
+ is changed to represent the trade. The color used may be a function of the number of contracts involved in the trade. For example, red may indicate that ten or more contracts were traded, orange may indicate that five to nine contracts were traded and yellow may indicate that one to four contracts were traded.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[30] Figure 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention in which trade data for multiple trades is received after receiving data representing a first snapshot of market depth information, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The background of cell <part-num-ref name="background of cell">502</part-num-ref>
+ has a first visually perceptible characteristic and the background of cell <part-num-ref name="background of cell">504</part-num-ref>
+ includes a second visually perceptible characteristic. The characteristics may include colors and/or patterns and colors and/or patterns may be selected to indicate the timing of relevant trades. For example, red may indicate the most recent trade price, orange may indicate the second most recent trade price and yellow may indicate the third most recent trade price. Figure 5 shows that in certain embodiments the backgrounds of individual cells may be changed to represent trade data instead of rows. In a further example referring to Figure 4, instead of changing <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                              Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+the background of row <part-num-ref name="background of row">402,</part-num-ref>
+ the background of cell <part-num-ref name="background of cell">404</part-num-ref>
+ and/or cell <part-num-ref name="and/or cell">406</part-num-ref>
+ may be changed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[31<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figure 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention in which a portion of a background of cell <part-num-ref name="background of cell">602</part-num-ref>
+ is changed to represent the number of contracts that have traded since the transmission of the last snapshot of market depth information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Approximately 50% of the background of cell <part-num-ref name="background of cell">602</part-num-ref>
+ is shaded to represent that 50% of the pending orders have been executed. Of course, this partial shading mechanism may be applied to cell <part-num-ref name="pending orders have been executed. Of course, this partial shading mechanism may be applied to cell">604</part-num-ref>
+ or the entire row containing cells <part-num-ref name="entire row containing cells">602</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">604.</part-num-ref>
+ Moreover, the backgrounds of multiple cells or rows may be partially shaded when trades have occurred at multiple prices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[32] Returning to Figure 2, after the representation of the trade data is displayed on the graphical user interface or no trade data is received in step <part-num-ref name="graphical user interface or no trade data is received in step">206,</part-num-ref>
+ in step <part-num-ref name="graphical user interface or no trade data is received in step 206, in step">210</part-num-ref>
+ data representing a second snapshot of market depth information is received. Then, in step <part-num-ref name="second snapshot of market depth information is received. Then, in step">212</part-num-ref>
+ a graphical user interface that includes the second snapshot of market depth information is displayed on the display device. The second snapshot of market depth information incorporates data for all trades that have occurred since the first snapshot market depth information, including any trade data received in step <part-num-ref name="first snapshot market depth information, including any trade data received in step">206.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Accordingly, the icon, background shading or other visually perceptible characteristic used to represent the trade data in step <part-num-ref name="trade data in step">208</part-num-ref>
+ may be removed when the updated snapshot of market depth information is received.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5885">[33]</confidence>
+ In alternative embodiments of the invention, audible signals may be used instead of, or in addition to, the visually perceptible mechanisms described above. For example, tones may be used to represent trade data. Tones having higher frequencies or reproduced at higher volumes may correspond to larger numbers of contracts. In another example, a first tone may represent a trade "at the bid price," a second tone may represent a trade "at the ask price," a third tone may represent a trade "above the ask price" and a fourth tone may represent a trade "below the bid price." Additional, tones could be added for "out of display range high/low." <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Patent Application                               Atty. Docket No.: 6119.00018</boundary-data>
+[34]  Aspects of the present invention may be used in connection with the graphical user interfaces disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application (docket number 006119.00014) entitled "Trader Station User Interface" and filed May <part-num-ref name="graphical user interfaces disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application (docket number 006119.00014) entitled &quot;Trader Station User Interface&quot; and filed May">3,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="graphical user interfaces disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application (docket number 006119.00014) entitled &quot;Trader Station User Interface&quot; and filed May 3,">2004.</part-num-ref>
+ The entire disclosure of this commonly assigned application is hereby incorporated by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[35]  The present invention has been described herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a person understanding this invention may conceive of changes or other embodiments or variations, which utilize the principles of this invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. All are considered within the sphere, spirit, and scope of the invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10907807.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10907807</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-04-15</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Visual display for meter testing bodily fluids </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Background [Para 1<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Glucose test meters for use by lay persons are well known. Such meters are a special case of a more general category of meters testing bodily fluids for properties of interest. The users of such meters fall along a wide spectrum in terms of behavior, with some of the users being more or less diligent than others in performing tests as often as they should.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[Para 2]  In the particular case of blood glucose meters, the meter is typically being used to attempt to control Type I diabetes. Such control depends for its chances of success on the user being diligent about performing glucose measurements at prescribed times.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[Para 3]  Test meters are made by many different makers, and they differ in terms of how long they require to perform the desired analysis. Some of the fastest blood glucose meters are able to arrive at their conclusions in as little as a few seconds, while other blood glucose meters take much longer to do so.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[Para 4<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Human factors such as impatience can cause problems. For one example of such a human factor, consider that if a user comes to be accustomed to the feeling that the meter does not arrive at its result promptly, there is the risk that such a user may lose interest in the testing and not perform the testing as often as directed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">For a second example, a user faced with numerous makes and models of blood glucose meters may well choose unwisely among the makes and models, choosing a less accurate meter simply because it is perceived as finding its res ults quickly.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 1 of 6</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+There is thus a great need for blood glucose meters in particular, and for other meters generally, that would be unlikely to discourage a user with the impression that the meter is slow. There is likewise a great need for blood glucose meters in particular, and for other meters generally, that would be of high quality and that would not prompt the user to select unwisely because of perceived slowness of a particular meter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Summary [Para 5]  A test meter has a display, the test meter having a test strip containing an electrochemical cell disposed to analyze a bodily fluid for a property of interest. The test begins by commencing analysis of the sample of the bodily fluid. while the analysis is in progress, the display is changed no less often than once per half second throughout the analysis. When the analysis is almost finished, the display changes more often.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Description of the drawing [Para 6]  The invention will be described with respect to a drawing in several figures, of which:</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">o Fig. 1 shows a typical display;</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">o Fig. 2 shows a sequence of steps.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Detailed description [Para 7]   Fig. 1 shows a typical display on a test meter. It has a date field <part-num-ref name="date field">11,</part-num-ref>
+ a time field <part-num-ref name="time field">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+2,      </part-num-ref>
+ large digits <part-num-ref name="time field 12, large digits">13,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="time field 12, large digits 13,">14</part-num-ref>
+ for providing glucose measurement results for a human user, and a progress bar area <part-num-ref name="progress bar area">1<confidence value="88">5.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[Para 8]   Fig. 2 shows a sequence of steps. The analysis begins at <part-num-ref name="analysis begins at">21,</part-num-ref>
+ for example if a user inserts a test strip into a meter and gives a drop of blood to the test strip.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 2 of 6</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[Para 9]   During the time that follows (e.g. box 22), the display is kept nearly constantly in motion, and in any event the display is changed in some way at least once per second.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">This may be done by cycling through a pattern of displaying and withholding date <part-num-ref name="pattern of displaying and withholding date">11</part-num-ref>
+ and time <part-num-ref name="and time">12</part-num-ref>
+ information. Progress bars or patterns in a region <part-num-ref name="region">15</part-num-ref>
+ may also be turned on or off or used to display patterns evocative of progress.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[Para 1<confidence value="86">0]</confidence>
+  When the analysis has only about one second left (box 23), the pattern of change of the display increases. This may comprise applying faster-moving patterns to the region <part-num-ref name="region">15.</part-num-ref>
+ The meter displays its results in box <part-num-ref name="meter displays its results in box">24</part-num-ref>
+ (Fig. <part-num-ref name="(Fig.">2)</part-num-ref>
+ using digits <part-num-ref name="using digits">13,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="using digits 13,">14</part-num-ref>
+ (Fig. 1).    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[Para 11<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  In this way a human user is more likely to remain engaged in the process of analysis and is more likely to be diligent about performing tests as directed. In the case where other meters that are perceived as being as fast as or faster than a particular model of meter are also less accurate than that particular model of meter, the invention may help to retain users of a more accurate meter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[Para 12]  It should also be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the methods disclosed above, but also the apparatus required in the performance of the methods.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[Para 13]  Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty devising myriad obvious improvements and variations, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Page 3 of 6</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/10952333.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,425 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>10952333</doc-number>
+        <date>2004-09-28</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO SECURE RESTRICTED</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">INFORMATION</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/551,587 entitled "Systems and Methods to Secure Restricted Financial <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Information" and filed on March <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/551,587 entitled &quot;Systems and Methods to Secure Restricted Financial Information&quot; and filed on March">9,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/551,587 entitled &quot;Systems and Methods to Secure Restricted Financial Information&quot; and filed on March 9,">2004.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The present invention relates to restricted information. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods to secure restricted information.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+In some cases, an enterprise may need to restrict access to information. For example, regulations or business procedures might require that a user (or a group of users) be prevented from accessing restricted financial information associated with a particular business deal or company. The restricted financial information might represent, for example, material non-public information and/or client confidential <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">FIG. 1 illustrates users and financial information <part-num-ref name="illustrates users and financial information">100.</part-num-ref>
+ In this case, "advisory" users (e.g., users who advise clients and/or help facilitate business deals) might be allowed to access material non-public information, client confidential information, and public information. In contrast, non-advisory users (e.g., traders) and public users (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">20</part-num-ref>
+   users outside the enterprise) might only be allowed to access public information.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/<confidence value="5">U</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+It is known that procedures can be established to erect a barrier, sometimes referred to as a "Chinese wall," that prevents a user (or a group of users) from accessing restricted information. For example, an information manager might maintain a list of users who, for regulatory or other reasons should be allowed to access information <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+associated with a particular merger transaction (e.g., a list that does not include traders who shouldn't know about the deal). Information associated with the deal (e.g., paper files and/or electronic files) might then be stored in a secure room - and the people on the list could be allowed to enter the room. According to another approach, a list might be kept of people who should be prevented from entering the room.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+Such an approach, however, can be impractical. For example, in some cases a user should only have access to restricted information associated with a single deal or company (e.g., he or she might have access to client confidential information for company A but not for company B). In other cases, a user should be allowed to access all restricted information except for information associated with a particular deal or <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+company (e.g., he or she might be allowed to access all deal information except the deal information associated with company B). Moreover, a single user might be associated with different types of restrictions for different deals and companies, and the restrictions could change over a period of time (e.g., a user might "cross the wall" for a limited period of time to handle a particular deal). As a result, managing and enforcing appropriate <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+restrictions can be difficult - especially when there are a large number of users, deals, and/or companies.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">In addition, it can be inefficient to enforce restrictions by limiting a user's physical access to information. For example, a user might need to travel to a specific location in order to access information associated with a particular deal. Such an <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+approach can also be ineffective. For example, a user who is authorized to access material non-public information might inadvertently provide the information to someone who should not have access (e.g., by attaching a file to an email message or by printing a document on a public printer). That is, a user might not realize that certain information is restricted and/or that another user should not have access to the information.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+To alleviate problems inherent in the prior art, the present invention introduces systems and methods to secure information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">In one embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that a user is <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+attempting to attach information to an email message. It is then automatically determined whether or not the information includes restricted information. If the information includes restricted information, it is arranged for a link to the restricted information to be inserted without attaching the restricted information to the email message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">According to another embodiment, a user request is verified based on (i) user <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+information, such a user name and password, (ii) a unique identifier (e.g., an address or directory) associated with a workstation, such as an Internet Protocol address, and (iii) a request authentication procedure. If the user request is verified, it is arranged for an application to be executed at a secure application server within a secure network and for information to be exchanged between the secure application server and the workstation <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+through a firewall associated with the secure network, wherein the workstation is outside the secure network. It is also determined whether the user is allowed to access a file stored at a secure file server within the secure network based at least in part on access information associated with the file. If the user is allowed to access the file, it is arranged for information associated with the file to be provided to the application executing at the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+secure application server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">According to still another embodiment, it is arranged for non-restricted information to be displayed on a first display unit associated with a workstation.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Similarly, it is arranged for restricted information to be displayed on a second display unit associated with the workstation.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+According to yet another embodiment, a request is received from a user to send restricted financial information from a secure file server within a secure network to a printer outside the secure network. If the printer is authorized to output the restricted financial information, the restricted financial information is transmitted to the printer.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+8.068/U    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+Another embodiment comprises: means for determining that a user is attempting to attach information to an email message; means for automatically determining if the information includes restricted information; and means for if the information includes restricted information, arranging to insert into the email message a link to the restricted <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+information without attaching the restricted information to the email message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Another embodiment comprises: means for verif<confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ing a user request based on (i) user information, (ii) a unique address associated with a workstation, and (iii) a request authentication procedure; means for, if the user request is verified, arranging for an application to be executed at a secure application server within a secure network and for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+information to be exchanged between the secure application server and the workstation through a firewall associated with the secure network, wherein the workstation is outside the secure network; means for determining whether the user is allowed to access a file stored at a secure file server within the secure network based at least in part on access information associated with the file; and means for, if the user is allowed to access the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+file, arranging for information associated with the file to be provided to the application executing at the secure application server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Still another embodiment comprises: means for arranging for non-restricted information to be displayed on a first display unit associated with a workstation; and means for arranging for restricted information to be displayed on a second display unit <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+associated with the workstation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Yet embodiment comprises: means for receiving a request to send restricted financial information from a secure file server within a secure network to a printer outside the secure network; and means for, if the printer is authorized to output the restricted financial information, transmitting the restricted financial information to the <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+printer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">With these and other advantages and features of the invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="58">1U</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+following detailed description of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawings attached herein.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">FIG. 1 illustrates users and financial information according to some embodiments <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">FIG. 2 is a block diagram overview of a system according to some embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">FIG. 3 is a security apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+FIG. 4 is a tabular representation of a user database according to one embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">FIG. 5 illustrates a file structure for a secure file server according to one embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">FIGS. 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7</part-num-ref>
+ are a flow chart of a method to secure restricted information <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+according to some embodiments of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a display method according to some embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">FIG. 9 illustrates display units according to some embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to some embodiments of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">FIG. 11 illustrates displays according to some embodiments of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a printing method according to some embodiments of <part-num-ref name="printing method according to some embodiments of">25</part-num-ref>
+   the present invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="58">1U</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Some embodiments described herein are associated with "restricted information." As used herein, the phrase "restricted information" may refer to any information that should be accessed by certain users but not by other users. The restricted information <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+might include, for example, electronic files, text information, spreadsheets, graphical information, and/or audio information. Examples of restricted information include (but are not limited to) financial information, material non-public information, confidential, client confidential or proprietary or classified information, information subject to legal, executive, or professional privilege or immunity, information for which a particular <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+security clearance may be required, and information restricted by a regulatory body or self-regulatory organization or by government, judicial, administrative, regulatory, self regulatory organization rule, order or authority. Other examples include internal information, trade secret information, technical information, and "firm" confidential information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+According to some embodiments, the restricted information may be associated with a privacy statute (e.g., in order to comply with European Union privacy requirements). As still another example, the restricted information might be associated with a governmental investigation (e.g., in connection with a grand jury investigation or an investigation of suspicious activities).    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+System Overview FIG. 2 is a block diagram overview of a system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ includes a control room (e.g., a physically secure room) having a secure "network" <part-num-ref name="secure &quot;network&quot;">210.</part-num-ref>
+ As used herein, the term "network" may refer to, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a proprietary network, a wireless network, or an Internet Protocol (IP) network such as the Internet, an intranet or an extranet.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+8.068/U    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+The secure network 210 may communicate with other networks <part-num-ref name="may communicate with other networks">220,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="may communicate with other networks 220,">230,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="may communicate with other networks 220, 230,">240</part-num-ref>
+ via an interface having a "firewall" <part-num-ref name="&quot;firewall&quot;">212.</part-num-ref>
+ As used herein the term "firewall" may refer to any hardware <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ software that protects the resources of a network. For example, the firewall <part-num-ref name="firewall">212</part-num-ref>
+ might examine network packets to determine whether the packets will be <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+forwarded to destinations within the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210.</part-num-ref>
+ The firewall <part-num-ref name="firewall">212</part-num-ref>
+ might also include a proxy server that makes network requests on behalf of workstation users within the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">The secure network 210 may include a secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214</part-num-ref>
+ may be any device on which applications (e.g., Microsoft<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+WORD) can be executed for other workstations. The secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214</part-num-ref>
+ might be, for example, a CITRIX<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ server that provides secure, on-demand access to applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">The secure network 210 may also include a secure print server <part-num-ref name="secure print server">216</part-num-ref>
+ to facilitate the transfer of information to a printer. In addition, the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210</part-num-ref>
+ may include a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+secure email server <part-num-ref name="secure email server">218</part-num-ref>
+ to facilitate the transfer of information via email messages. The secure email server <part-num-ref name="secure email server">218</part-num-ref>
+ might be, for example, a Microsoft<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+ EXCHANGE server or a BLACKBERRY <confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ server.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The secure network 210 may further include a secure file server <part-num-ref name="secure file server">500</part-num-ref>
+ that stores information (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 5). Although a single secure file <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+server <part-num-ref name="single secure file server">500</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated in FIG. 2, embodiments may include any number of secure file servers (as well as any other component illustrated in FIG. 2). Moreover, a single device might act as multiple components (e.g., a single computer might act as both the secure print server <part-num-ref name="secure print server">216</part-num-ref>
+ and the secure email server 218).    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">An external network 220 (e.g., external to the control room) may include a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+number of workstations that exchange information with the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210</part-num-ref>
+ via the firewall <part-num-ref name="firewall">212.</part-num-ref>
+ In some cases, an external network <part-num-ref name="external network">230</part-num-ref>
+ may also have its own firewall <part-num-ref name="may also have its own firewall">232.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Note that in addition to workstations, an external network <part-num-ref name="external network">240</part-num-ref>
+ could include a printer <part-num-ref name="printer">242</part-num-ref>
+ and/or display units <part-num-ref name="and/or display units">910,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="and/or display units 910,">920</part-num-ref>
+ (described with respect to FIG. 9).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="58">1U</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+The security features of the system <part-num-ref name="system">200</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Security Apparatus FIG. 3 is a security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments of the present <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+invention. The security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ may be associated with, for example, any one or more of the components of the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210</part-num-ref>
+ described with respect to FIG. 2. The security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ includes a processor <part-num-ref name="processor">310,</part-num-ref>
+ such as one or more INTEL<confidence value="5">@</confidence>
+ Pentium<confidence value="5">@</confidence>
+ processors, coupled to a communication device <part-num-ref name="communication device">320</part-num-ref>
+ configured to communicate via, for example, a communication channel or network. The communication device <part-num-ref name="communication device">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+used to communicate, for example, with one or more workstations or servers. The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">310</part-num-ref>
+ may also receive information via an input device <part-num-ref name="input device">340</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a keyboard or computer mouse used to define security information) and provide information via an output device <part-num-ref name="output device">350</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a display or printer that provides security information).    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">The processor 310 is also in communication with a storage device <part-num-ref name="storage device">330.</part-num-ref>
+ The <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+storage device <part-num-ref name="storage device">330</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise any appropriate information storage device, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access Memory (RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device <part-num-ref name="storage device">330</part-num-ref>
+ also stores: a user database 400; a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+share information database 332; and an activity log <part-num-ref name="activity log">334</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., to store a history of security related information). An example of a database that may be used in connection with the security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ will now be described in detail with respect to FIG. 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">The illustration and accompanying description of the database presented herein is exemplary, and any number of other database arrangements could be employed besides <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+those suggested by the figures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Referring to FIG. 4, a table represents the user database <part-num-ref name="user database">400</part-num-ref>
+ that may be stored at the security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the present invention. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="55">/U</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+table includes entries identifying users that may access restricted information. The table also defines fields <part-num-ref name="table also defines fields">402,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="table also defines fields 402,">404,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="table also defines fields 402, 404,">406,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="table also defines fields 402, 404, 406,">408</part-num-ref>
+ for each of the entries. The fields specify: a user name <part-num-ref name="user name">402,</part-num-ref>
+ a password <part-num-ref name="password">404,</part-num-ref>
+ one or more valid IP addresses <part-num-ref name="password 404, one or more valid IP addresses">406,</part-num-ref>
+ and Kerberos information <part-num-ref name="password 404, one or more valid IP addresses 406, and Kerberos information">408.</part-num-ref>
+ The information in the user database <part-num-ref name="user database">400</part-num-ref>
+ may be created and updated, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+for example, based on information received from a security administrator. According to some embodiments, biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint or retinal scan) may be used to provide security.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">The user name 402 may be an alphanumeric code associated with a particular user. The password <part-num-ref name="password">404</part-num-ref>
+ may be another alphanumeric code associated with that user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+The user name 402 and password <part-num-ref name="and password">404</part-num-ref>
+ might be defined, for example, by the user or by a security administrator.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Referring again to FIG. 3, the storage device <part-num-ref name="storage device">330</part-num-ref>
+ stores a program <part-num-ref name="program">315</part-num-ref>
+ for controlling the processor <part-num-ref name="processor">310.</part-num-ref>
+ The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">310</part-num-ref>
+ performs instructions of the program <part-num-ref name="program">315,</part-num-ref>
+ and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+According to some embodiments, a user accesses a workstation and requests to execute an application on the secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The request is then verified based on (i) the user name, (ii) the user password, (iii) the I<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+ address associated with the workstation, and (iv) a request authentication procedure (e.g., Kerberos). Although an IP address is provided herein as an example, other unique identifiers (e.g., unique to the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+system) such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address could also be used. Note that different components might perform different parts off the verification. For example, the workstation might verify the user name and password. The security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ might then verify that the request was received from an IP address associated with that user (or workstation). In addition, the security apparatus <part-num-ref name="security apparatus">300</part-num-ref>
+ might authenticate the request using <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+tickets and an authentication server in accordance with the user's Kerberos information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">If the user request is verified, it is arranged for an application to be executed at the secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214</part-num-ref>
+ within the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210</part-num-ref>
+ and for information to be exchanged between the secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214</part-num-ref>
+ and the workstation through the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+firewall <part-num-ref name="firewall">212.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, when a request from a user external to the control room is received, a copy of Microsoft EXCEL<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+ might be executed on a CITRIX server located inside the control room.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">It can then be determined whether the user is allowed to access a file stored at the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+secure file server <part-num-ref name="secure file server">500</part-num-ref>
+ within the secure network <part-num-ref name="secure network">210</part-num-ref>
+ based at least in part on access information associated with the file (e.g., as stored in the share information database 332). According to some embodiments, the access information comprises Distributed File System (DFS) information. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a hierarchical file structure for a secure file server <part-num-ref name="secure file server">500.</part-num-ref>
+ As can be seen, the file structure might include <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+material non-public information for a number of different deals (located in a "MATNON<confidence value="686">_P_</confidence>
+INFO" folder), client confidential information for a number of different clients (located in a "CLIENTCONF" folder), and public information. Moreover, each of the files and/or folders might be accessible by different sets of users (e.g., depending on the role each user is performing with respect to a transaction).    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+If the user is allowed to access the file (e.g., in accordance with the access information), it can be arranged for information associated with the file to be provided to the application executing at the secure application server <part-num-ref name="secure application server">214</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., a Microsoft EXCEL<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+ spreadsheet might be opened). The user can then access and/or change the information as appropriate. For example, an analyst might be allowed to open a file stored in the <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+"$DEALB" folder (while a trader might not even be able to see that folder).    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">According to some embodiments, the names of files or folders that contain restricted information are identifiable. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, files or folders that contain restricted information begin with the "$" character. Of course, other approaches could be used to identify restricted information (e.g., by using another <part-num-ref name="by using another">25</part-num-ref>
+    naming convention or maintaining a separate database).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+Secure Email FIGS. 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7</part-num-ref>
+ are a flow chart of a method to secure restricted information according to some embodiments of the present invention. The flow charts described herein do not imply a fixed order to the steps, and embodiments of the present invention <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+may be practiced in any order that is practicable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">At 602, it is determined that a user is attempting to attach information to an email message. Note that the method of FIGS. 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7</part-num-ref>
+ might be performed, for example, by an email application plug-in, an email application object, and/or an email application script.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">For example, an email application plug-in might detect that the user has selected a file <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+stored on the secure file server to be attached to an email message. Note that, as used herein, a file that is "inserted" into the body of an email message is considered "attached" to that email message.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">At 604, it is automatically determined whether or not the information includes restricted information (e.g., material non-public information or client confidential <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+information). The determination may be based on, for example, a file name, a file path, directory share information, and/or DFS information. In this example, all files and folders that contain restricted information begin with the <confidence value="66">"$</confidence>
+" character. Thus, if no <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ appears in the file path, the information is not restricted and is allowed to be attached to the email message at <part-num-ref name="email message at">606.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+If at least one <confidence value="66">"$</confidence>
+" appears in the file path, it is determined at <part-num-ref name="file path, it is determined at">608</part-num-ref>
+ if the destination of the email message is internal to an enterprise. For example, any destination (e.g., "to:" or "cc:") other than <confidence value="8">"</confidence>
+  @enterprise.com" might be assumed to be external to the enterprise. FIG. 7 describes the steps that may be taken when it is not determined that the destination is internal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+At 610, it is determined whether a link to the restricted information should be inserted into (e.g., attached to) the email message. For example, the user might be notified that he or she has attempted to attach a restricted file to the email message. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="28">/U</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+user might then be asked if a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link to the file should be attached to the email message. An indication may then be received from the user, such as when he or she activates an "OK" Graphical User Interface (GUI) icon.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">If no link is to be inserted, the process ends without attaching the file to the email <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+message at <part-num-ref name="email message at">612.</part-num-ref>
+ Otherwise, the link to the file's location on the secure file server <part-num-ref name="secure file server">500</part-num-ref>
+ is inserted at <part-num-ref name="is inserted at">614</part-num-ref>
+ (without attaching the file). In this way, the person who receives the email can attempt to retrieve the restricted information from the secure file server <part-num-ref name="secure file server">500,</part-num-ref>
+ and will only be able to do so if he or she should have access to that information. Thus, the inadvertent disclosure of restricted information may be avoided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+FIG. 7 illustrates steps that may be taken when a user attempts to attach restricted information to an email message that has an external destination. At <part-num-ref name="external destination. At">702,</part-num-ref>
+ it is determined whether a link to a web portal should be inserted into the email message. For example, the user might be notified that he or she has attempted to attach a restricted file and that the destination of the message is external to the enterprise. The user might then be asked <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+if a URL link to a web portal associated with the enterprise should be attached to (or inserted within) the email message. If no link is to be inserted, the process ends without attaching the file to the email message at <part-num-ref name="email message at">704.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">If a link is to be inserted, the link to the web portal is inserted at <part-num-ref name="web portal is inserted at">706</part-num-ref>
+ (without attaching the file). In this way, the person who receives the email can access the web <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+portal via a secure web interface, such as an interface that provides the restricted information to the party via the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol (assuming he or she has been granted access to the restricted information). Moreover, according to some embodiments the restricted information is removed (e.g., "wiped") from the web portal after the information is provided to the party.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+Dual Displays Referring again to FIG. 3, according to some embodiments a single workstation is coupled to two different display units <part-num-ref name="single workstation is coupled to two different display units">910,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="single workstation is coupled to two different display units 910,">920.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a display <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+method according to this embodiment. At <part-num-ref name="display method according to this embodiment. At">802,</part-num-ref>
+ it is arranged for non-restricted information (e.g., public information) to be displayed on a first display unit associated with a workstation. Similarly, at <part-num-ref name="workstation. Similarly, at">804</part-num-ref>
+ it is arranged for restricted information (e.g., client confidential information) to be displayed on a second display unit associated with that <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+workstation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">For example, FIG. 9 illustrates two display units <part-num-ref name="illustrates two display units">910,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustrates two display units 910,">920</part-num-ref>
+ according to some embodiments of the present invention. The first display unit <part-num-ref name="first display unit">910</part-num-ref>
+ provides non-restricted information <part-num-ref name="provides non-restricted information">912</part-num-ref>
+ and the second display unit <part-num-ref name="second display unit">920</part-num-ref>
+ provides restricted information <part-num-ref name="provides restricted information">922.</part-num-ref>
+ In this way, a user may more easily determine whether or not a file contains restricted <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+information. According to some embodiments, a GUI prevents the user from moving an item from the second display unit <part-num-ref name="second display unit">920</part-num-ref>
+ to the first display unit <part-num-ref name="first display unit">910.</part-num-ref>
+ Moreover, different color schemes might be associated with the first and second display units <part-num-ref name="first and second display units">910,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="first and second display units 910,">920</part-num-ref>
+ to help the user remember that the second display unit <part-num-ref name="second display unit">920</part-num-ref>
+ is providing confidential information (e.g., the restricted information <part-num-ref name="restricted information">922</part-num-ref>
+ might be provided on an orange colored desktop).    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this case, at <part-num-ref name="present invention. In this case, at">1002</part-num-ref>
+ it is arranged for a first email application to execute in connection with non-restricted information. Similarly, at <part-num-ref name="first email application to execute in connection with non-restricted information. Similarly, at">1004</part-num-ref>
+ it is arranged for a second email application to execute in connection with restricted information (e.g., the second email application might execute on the secure email server 218). For example, FIG. 11 <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+illustrates two displays <part-num-ref name="illustrates two displays">1110,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustrates two displays 1110,">1120</part-num-ref>
+ according to this embodiment. In this case, a first email application executes and is displayed on the first display unit <part-num-ref name="first display unit">1110</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., with a non-restricted inbox) and a second email application executes and is displayed on the second display unit <part-num-ref name="second display unit">1120</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., with a restricted inbox). Moreover, a document with restricted information might only appear on the second display unit <part-num-ref name="second display unit">1120.</part-num-ref>
+ This is another <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+way to help the user remember that the information exchanged via the restricted inbox may contain restricted information (e.g., to reduce the likelihood of mistakenly disclosing restricted information to an unauthorized party).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068/U</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+Secure Printin<confidence value="2">g</confidence>
+ FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a printing method according to some embodiments of the present invention. At <part-num-ref name="present invention. At">1202,</part-num-ref>
+ a request is received to send restricted financial information from a secure file server within a secure network to a printer outside the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+secure network. For example, a user may attempt to print a document that includes the <confidence value="666">"$"</confidence>
+ character in the document's file path. If the printer is authorized to output the restricted financial information at <part-num-ref name="restricted financial information at">1204,</part-num-ref>
+ the restricted financial information is transmitted to the printer at <part-num-ref name="printer at">1206.</part-num-ref>
+ If the printer is not authorized to output the restricted financial information at <part-num-ref name="restricted financial information at">1204,</part-num-ref>
+ the restricted financial information is not transmitted to the printer at <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="printer at">1208</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., the user might be asked to select another printer that is in a secure location).    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide efficient access to secure information while reducing the likelihood that such information will be inadvertently provided to parties who should not be able to access the information.</p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Additional Embodiments <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+The following illustrates various additional embodiments of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">These do not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is applicable to many other embodiments.</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">Further, although the following embodiments are briefly described for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how to make any changes, if necessary, to the above- <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+described apparatus and methods to accommodate these and other embodiments and applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Although some embodiments have been described herein with respect to financial information, the present invention may be used in connection with any other type of restricted information. For example, a governmental regulation might require that access <part-num-ref name="governmental regulation might require that access">25</part-num-ref>
+   to certain documents be limited (e.g., documents might be considered "classified" or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No. G08.068<confidence value="58">1U</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EL963889582US</boundary-data>
+"secret"). Similarly, a judicial decree or court order might limit who should be allowed to access information (e.g., only the parties to a civil action and a limited number of attorneys might be allowed to view trade secret information). As another example, access to information that concerns a person's expectation of privacy might be limited <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+(e.g., a person's medical records). As still another example, a limited number of bank employees may be allowed to access information when suspicious activity has been detected with respect to a bank account (e.g., transferring large amounts of money out of a foreign country). Note that in some cases, an enterprise might be required to take "reasonable" steps to protect information or a statute might explicitly provide a "safe <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+harbor" when certain protections are in place. In either case, some or all of the various embodiments described herein might be used to demonstrate that such obligations have been met.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Moreover, the systems provided herein are merely for illustration and embodiments may be associated with any type of network topologies. In addition, <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+although two display units are described with respect to FIG. 9, additional display units might be provided (e.g., a first display unit might provide public information, a second display unit might provide material non-public information, and a third display unit might provide client confidential information).    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">The present invention has been described in terms of several embodiments solely <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+for the purpose of illustration. Persons skilled in the art will recognize from this description that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but may be practiced with modifications and alterations limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11040062.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11040062</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-04-20</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.: 2002P00898W<confidence value="588">OUS</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">4,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 4, line">25,</part-num-ref>
+ as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Within the scope of the present invention the locking device is preferably <boundary-data type="header">configured such that the appliance door stays locked in the voltageless state. It</boundary-data>
+is hereby ensured that any unauthorised person cannot gain access to the household appliance by simply removing the <confidence value="22222222">minsmain</confidence>
+ plug. The appliance door stays locked.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please amend the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">4,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 4, line">31,</part-num-ref>
+ as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The household appliance preferably has a buffer current supply device. The buffer current supply can be provided, for example with the aid of a rechargeable battery. The buffer current supply device ensures that the household appliance is supplied with current despite a <confidence value="22222222">maismain</confidence>
+ power failure for example. The buffer current supply device preferably supplies the locking device and the person-identifying device. It is thereby achieved that any unlocking or locking of the household appliance door is still possible even in the event of a power failure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">An especially preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the buffer current supply device supplies the safety device. This ensures that the doors are always unlocked if a person or an animal is located by mistake in the locked household appliance.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Please amend the paragraph beginning at page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page">9,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning at page 9, line">1,</part-num-ref>
+ as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">An emergency power supply (not shown in Fig. 2) e.g. in the form of a small rechargeable battery which is charged during normal <confidence value="2222222222">mainstmain</confidence>
+ operation of the <boundary-data type="header">refrigerator can be provided in order to at least keep the person-identifying</boundary-data>
+device <part-num-ref name="device">20</part-num-ref>
+ and the safety device <part-num-ref name="safety device">40</part-num-ref>
+ operating for a time in the event of a failure of the <confidence value="222222222">mainsmain</confidence>
+ voltage. Thus, in the event of a power failure, the authorised user can still unlock the appliance door <part-num-ref name="appliance door">2</part-num-ref>
+ and access refrigerated goods stored in the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.: 2002P00898W<confidence value="588">OUS</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+refrigerator. It is also important for the safety device <part-num-ref name="safety device">40</part-num-ref>
+ that this continues to function in the event of a power failure.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11051415.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11051415</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-07-02</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please replace [0029] with the following:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary architecture <part-num-ref name="exemplary architecture">101</part-num-ref>
+ showing the positioning of a MAD <part-num-ref name="MAD">100,</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Referring to Fig. 1, the MAD <part-num-ref name="MAD">100</part-num-ref>
+ along with a plurality of scalers  <part-num-ref name="plurality of scalers">(102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="plurality of scalers  (102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="plurality of scalers  (102, 104,">106,</part-num-ref>
+ and 108), for example, may be positioned between a first crossbar     <part-num-ref name="first crossbar">110</part-num-ref>
+ and a second crossbar <part-num-ref name="second crossbar">112.</part-num-ref>
+ The first crossbar <part-num-ref name="first crossbar">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be referred to as an input crossbar and the second crossbar <part-num-ref name="second crossbar">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be referred to as an output crossbar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11094638.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,590 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11094638</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-03-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                   VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="2">5</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="7">C</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">
+      <confidence value="2">J</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">C</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="7">5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">POLYMERIC/CERAMIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">FOR USE IN MEDICAL DEVICES</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The present invention relates to new and improved materials for the construction of medical devices.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">20 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various medical devices are known which are configured for implantation or insertion into a subject. As such theses devices have attendant mechanical requirements, which can be quite demanding.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">For example, balloons mounted on the distal ends of catheters are widely used in <part-num-ref name="distal ends of catheters are widely used in">25</part-num-ref>
+ medical treatment. A balloon of this type may be used, for example, to widen a vessel into which the catheter is inserted or to force open a blocked vessel. The requirements for the strength and size of the balloon vary widely depending on the balloon's intended use and the vessel size into which the catheter is inserted. One of the more demanding applications for such balloons is in conjunction with balloon angioplasty (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">30</part-num-ref>
+ percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or "PCTA") in which catheters are inserted over long distances into extremely small vessels and are used to open stenoses of blood vessels by balloon inflation. There is a need to reduce the size and mass of the catheters in these cases, so as to enhance product performance and to minimize the possibility of patient trauma and recovery. For example, extremely thin-walled, robust, <part-num-ref name="possibility of patient trauma and recovery. For example, extremely thin-walled, robust,">35</part-num-ref>
+ high-strength balloons are required in these applications. Thin walls are necessary, <part-num-ref name="high-strength balloons are required in these applications. Thin walls are necessary,">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+EV521<confidence value="65">80</confidence>
+4421US <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                   VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+because the balloon's wall thickness limits the minimum diameter of the distal end of the catheter and therefore determines the ease of passage of the catheter through the vascular system and the limits on treatable vessel size. Robustness and high strength are necessary because the balloon is used to push open stenoses, and the thin wall of the <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+balloon must not burst under the high internal pressures necessary to accomplish this task (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">25</part-num-ref>
+ atmospheres).    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">The medical device community is exploring nanotechnology to enhance medical device performance. For example, in various instances, attempts have been made to incorporate nanoparticles into medical devices through the use of blending and <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+compounding techniques. In some situations, the results have been disappointing, largely due to uneven distribution of the nanoparticles within the material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">These and other challenges are addressed by the compositions, devices and techniques of the present invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE <confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+According to an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain or consist of one or more composite regions. These composite regions, in turn, are formed of a hybrid material that includes a combination of polymer and sol-gel derived ceramic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+An advantage of the present invention is that medical devices can be provided with composite regions, which provide for enhanced mechanical characteristics, including enhanced strength, toughness <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ abrasion resistance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">These and other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become immediately apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+Detailed Description and Claims to follow.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING</heading>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Fig. 1 is an external view of a balloon catheter in accordance with the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+Fig. 2A is an SEM of an Si<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2/PEBAX composite film (ca. <part-num-ref name="SiO2/PEBAX composite film (ca.">30</part-num-ref>
+ wt% SiO2).    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Fig. 2B is an SEM of an Si<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2/PEBAX composite film (ca. <part-num-ref name="SiO2/PEBAX composite film (ca.">85</part-num-ref>
+ wt% SiO2).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                      VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+A more complete understanding of the present invention is available by reference to the following detailed description of numerous aspects and embodiments of the invention. The detailed description of the invention which follows is intended to <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+illustrate but not limit the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">All published documents, including all US patent documents, mentioned anywhere in this application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any copending patent applications, mentioned anywhere in this application are also hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+In one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices containing or consisting of one or more composite regions, which contain or consist of a hybrid material that comprises polymer and ceramic. Among other benefits, the composite regions may provide, for example, a variety of enhanced mechanical characteristics, including enhanced strength, toughness and abrasion resistance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Medical devices for use in conjunction with the present invention include a wide variety of implantable or insertable medical devices, which are implanted or inserted either for procedural uses or as implants. Examples include balloons, catheters (e.g., renal or vascular catheters such as balloon catheters), guide wires, filters (e.g., vena cava filters), stents (including coronary artery stents, peripheral vascular stents such as <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+cerebral stents, urethral stents, ureteral stents, biliary stents, tracheal stents, gastrointestinal stents and esophageal stents), stent grafts, vascular grafts, vascular access ports, embolization devices including cerebral aneurysm filler coils (including Guglilmi detachable coils and metal coils), myocardial plugs, pacemaker leads, left ventricular assist hearts and pumps, total artificial hearts, heart valves, vascular valves, tissue <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+bulking devices, sutures, suture anchors, anastomosis clips and rings, tissue staples and ligating clips at surgical sites, cannulae, metal wire ligatures, orthopedic prosthesis, joint prostheses, as well as various other medical devices that are adapted for implantation or insertion into the body.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">The medical devices of the present invention include implantable and insertable <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+medical devices that are used for diagnosis, for systemic treatment, or for the localized treatment of any tissue or organ. Non-limiting examples are tumors; organs including the heart, coronary and peripheral vascular system (referred to overall as "the vasculature"), the urogenital system, including kidneys, bladder, urethra, ureters, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+prostate, vagina, uterus and ovaries, eyes, lungs, trachea, esophagus, intestines, stomach, brain, liver and pancreas, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, breast, dermal tissue, cartilage, tooth and bone. As used herein, "treatment" refers to the prevention of a disease or condition, the reduction or elimination of symptoms associated with a disease <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+or condition, or the substantial or complete elimination of a disease or condition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Typical subjects (also referred to as "patients") are vertebrate subjects, more typically mammalian subjects and even more typically human subjects.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">In some embodiments, the composite regions correspond to entire medical devices. In other embodiments, the composite regions correspond to one or more <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+medical device portions. For instance, the composite regions can be in the form of one or more strands which are incorporated into a medical device, in the form of one or more layers formed over all or only a portion of an underlying medical device substrate, and so forth. Layers can be provided over an underlying substrate in a variety of locations, and in a variety of shapes (e.g., in desired patterns), and they can be formed from a variety of <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+composite materials (e.g., different composite compositions may be provided at different locations). Materials for use as underlying medical device substrates include polymeric materials, ceramic materials and metallic materials, as well as other inorganic materials such as carbon- or silicon-based materials. As used herein a "layer" of a given material is a region of that material whose thickness is small compared to both its length and <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+width. As used herein a layer need not be planar, for example, taking on the contours of an underlying substrate. Layers can be discontinuous (e.g., patterned).    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">A specific embodiment of a coating in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG 1, which is an exterior view of a balloon catheter <part-num-ref name="balloon catheter">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Catheter <part-num-ref name="balloon catheter 100. Catheter">100</part-num-ref>
+ is shown for the purpose of aiding in the understanding of the present invention and a wide <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+variety of other medical devices, including other catheters, are within the scope of the invention. The catheter <part-num-ref name="catheter">100</part-num-ref>
+ shown includes a Luer assembly <part-num-ref name="Luer assembly">110</part-num-ref>
+ having a Luer port <part-num-ref name="Luer port">114</part-num-ref>
+ for liquid introduction and a hub <part-num-ref name="hub">116</part-num-ref>
+ for guide-wire <part-num-ref name="for guide-wire">112</part-num-ref>
+ introduction and for manipulation of the catheter <part-num-ref name="catheter">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The Luer assembly <part-num-ref name="Luer assembly">110</part-num-ref>
+ allows for access to the catheter lumen, such as the injection of inflation fluids or drugs, or the introduction of a <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+guide wire <part-num-ref name="guide wire">112.</part-num-ref>
+ The balloon catheter <part-num-ref name="balloon catheter">100</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated comprises a distal portion <part-num-ref name="distal portion">102</part-num-ref>
+ that includes a balloon <part-num-ref name="balloon">120.</part-num-ref>
+ The distal portion <part-num-ref name="distal portion">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be of any desired length. In the embodiment illustrated, the catheter <part-num-ref name="catheter">100</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with a composite region in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+accordance with the invention, which is in the form of a coating 102c that extends over the entire surface of the distal portion <part-num-ref name="distal portion">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">In some embodiments of the invention, a therapeutic agent is disposed within or beneath the composite regions, in which cases the composite regions may be referred to <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+as carrier regions or barrier regions. By "composite carrier region" is meant a composite region which further comprises a therapeutic agent and from which the therapeutic agent is released. By "composite barrier region" is meant a composite region which is disposed between a source of therapeutic agent and a site of intended release, and which controls the rate at which therapeutic agent is released. For example, in some <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+embodiments, the medical device consists of a composite barrier region that surrounds a source of therapeutic agent. In other embodiments, the composite barrier region is disposed over a source of therapeutic agent, which is in turn disposed over all or a portion of a medical device substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">As indicated above, the composite regions of the present invention are formed of <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+hybrid materials that contain a combination of polymer and ceramic. For example, the composite regions can contain bi-continuous polymeric and ceramic phases, domains of a ceramic phase may be dispersed in a polymer matrix, domains of a polymer phase may be dispersed in domains of a ceramic matrix. In some embodiments the best material properties are obtained when the polymer and ceramic are present in bi-continuous <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+phases, that is, where the ceramic and polymer networks interpenetrate, apparently to the molecular level, so that separate domains are not observed under field emission microscopy or even under transmission electron microscopy. When a separate dispersed phase is present, it desirably will be of nanoscale dimension by which is meant that at least one cross-sectional dimension of the dispersed phase (e.g., the diameter for a <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+spherical or cylindrical phase, the thickness for a ribbon- or plate-shaped phase, etc.) is less than <part-num-ref name="ribbon- or plate-shaped phase, etc.) is less than">1</part-num-ref>
+ micron <part-num-ref name="micron">(1000</part-num-ref>
+ nm), for instance in the range of 0.1 nm to <part-num-ref name="range of 0.1 nm to">500</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+m, or 1-10 <confidence value="588">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">A decrease in such dimensions generally results in an increase in the interfacial area that exists between the polymeric and ceramic phases.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">In some cases multiple polymer and/or ceramic phases may be present. For <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+example, multiple polymer phases may exist where the composite region contains a block copolymer or a blend of different polymers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Polymers for use in the composite regions of the present invention can have a variety of architectures, including cyclic, linear and branched architectures. Branched <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                      VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="58">01</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+architectures include star-shaped architectures (e.g., architectures in which three or more chains emanate from a single branch point), comb architectures (e.g., architectures having a main chain and a plurality of side chains) and dendritic architectures (e.g., arborescent and hyperbranched polymers), among others. The polymers for use in the <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+composite regions of the present invention can contain, for example, homopolymer chains, which contain multiple copies of a single constitutional unit, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ copolymer chains, which contain multiple copies of at least two dissimilar constitutional units, which units may be present in any of a variety of distributions including random, statistical, gradient and periodic (e.g., alternating) distributions. Polymers containing <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+two or more differing homopolymer or copolymer chains are referred to herein as "block copolymers." Polymers for use in the composite regions of the present invention may be selected, for example, from one or more of the following: polycarboxylic acid polymers and copolymers including polyacrylic acids; acetal polymers and copolymers; acrylate <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+and methacrylate polymers and copolymers (e.g., n-butyl methacrylate); cellulosic polymers and copolymers, including cellulose acetates, cellulose nitrates, cellulose propionates, cellulose acetate butyrates, cellophanes, rayons, rayon triacetates, and cellulose ethers such as carboxymethyl celluloses and hydroxyalkyl celluloses;    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">polyoxymethylene polymers and copolymers; polyimide polymers and copolymers such <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+as polyether block imides and polyether block amides, polyamidimides, polyesterimides, and polyetherimides; polysulfone polymers and copolymers including polyarylsulfones and polyethersulfones; polyamide polymers and copolymers including nylon 6,6, nylon 12, polycaprolactams and polyacrylamides; resins including alkyd resins, phenolic resins, urea resins, melamine resins, epoxy resins, allyl resins and epoxide resins;    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+polycarbonates; polyacrylonitriles; polyvinylpyrrolidones (cross-linked and otherwise);    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">polymers and copolymers of vinyl monomers including polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl halides such as polyvinyl chlorides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyvinylidene chlorides, polyvinyl ethers such as polyvinyl methyl ethers, polystyrenes, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, vinyl-aromatic-olefin copolymers, including <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymers (e.g., a polystyrene-polyethylene/butylene-polystyrene (SEBS) copolymer, available as Kraton<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+ G series polymers), styrene-isoprene copolymers (e.g., polystyrene-polyisoprene- polystyrene), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                  VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers and styrene-isobutylene copolymers (e.g., polyisobutylene-polystyrene and polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene block copolymers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,545,097 to Pinchuk), polyvinyl ketones, polyvinylcarbazoles, and polyvinyl esters such as polyvinyl acetates;    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+polybenzimidazoles; ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, where some of the acid groups can be neutralized with either zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ or sodium ions (commonly known as ionomers); polyalkyl oxide polymers and copolymers including polyethylene oxides (PEO); polyesters including polyethylene terephthalates and aliphatic polyesters such as polymers and copolymers of lactide (which includes <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+lactic acid as well as d-,<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+- and meso lactide), epsilon-caprolactone, glycolide (including glycolic acid), hydroxybutyrate, hydroxyvalerate, para-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate (and its alkyl derivatives), 1,4-dioxepan-2-one, 1,5-dioxepan-2-one, and 6,6- dimethyl-<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+,4-dioxan-2-one (a copolymer of poly(lactic acid) and poly(caprolactone) is one specific example); polyether polymers and copolymers including polyarylethers such <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+as polyphenylene ethers, polyether ketones, polyether ether ketones; polyphenylene sulfides; polyisocyanates; polyolefin polymers and copolymers, including polyalkylenes such as polypropylenes, polyethylenes (low and high density, low and high molecular weight), <confidence value="2222222222222">polybutylenes</confidence>
+ (such as polybut-<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+-ene and polyisobutylene), polyolefin elastomers (e.g., santoprene), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubbers, poly- <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+4-methyl-pen-<confidence value="2">i</confidence>
+ -enes, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; fluorinated polymers and copolymers, including polytetrafluoroethylenes (PTFE), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co- hexafluoropropene) (FEP), modified ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers (ETFE), and polyvinylidene fluorides (PVDF); silicone polymers and copolymers; thermoplastic <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+polyurethanes (TPU); elastomers such as elastomeric polyurethanes and polyurethane copolymers (including block and random copolymers that are polyether based, polyester based, polycarbonate based, aliphatic based, aromatic based and mixtures thereof;    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">examples of commercially available polyurethane copolymers include Bionate<confidence value="28">@,</confidence>
+ Carbothane<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+, Tecoflex<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+, Tecothane<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+, Tecophilic<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+, Tecoplast<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+, Pellethane<confidence value="58">®,</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="222222222222">Chronothane®</confidence>
+ and Chronoflex<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+); p-xylylene polymers; polyiminocarbonates;    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">copoly(ether-esters) such as polyethylene oxide-polylactic acid copolymers;</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">polyphosphazines; polyalkylene oxalates; polyoxaamides and polyoxaesters (including those containing amines and/or amido groups); polyorthoesters; biopolymers, such as <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+polypeptides, proteins, polysaccharides and fatty acids (and esters thereof), including fibrin, fibrinogen, collagen, elastin, chitosan, gelatin, starch, glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid; as well as further copolymers of the above. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention the polymer is an organic polymer or an organic polymer <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+modified with M(OR)<confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+ groups where M and R are as defined subsequently herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Ceramic materials typically are networks of metal or semi-metal oxides or mixed oxide compounds. Examples of suitable metals and semi-metals include silicon, zirconium, titanium, aluminum, tin, <confidence value="2222222">hafnium</confidence>
+, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium and/or iridium oxides, among others. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n general, metal/semi-metal atoms (designated <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+generally herein as M) within the ceramic phases are linked to one another via covalent linkages, such as M-<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-M linkages, although other interactions are also commonly present including, for example, hydrogen bonding due to the presence of hydroxyl groups such as residual M-OH groups within the ceramic phases.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The ceramic employed within the composite regions of the present invention is <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+beneficially formed using sol-gel techniques. In sol-gel techniques, the precursor materials used are typically inorganic metallic and semi-metallic salts, metallic and semi- metallic complexes/chelates (e.g., metal acetylacetonate complexes), metallic and semi- metallic hydroxides, or organometallic and organo-semi-metallic compounds (e.g., metal alkoxides and silicon alkoxides and acyloxides). Silicon alkoxides and acyloxides are <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+beneficial due to the variety of formulation options, including co-condensation with related compounds having strong stable C-Si bonds and which can form a strong link between the polymeric and ceramic networks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">In a typical sol-gel process, precursor materials such as those described above are subjected to hydrolysis and condensation (also referred to as polymerization) reactions to <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+form a colloidal suspension, or <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+sol.". For example, an alkoxide of choice (such as a methoxide, ethoxide, isopropoxide, tert-butoxide, etc.) of a semi-metal or metal of choice (such as silicon, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, tin, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, iridium, etc.) may be dissolved in a suitable solvent, for example, in one or more alcohols. Subsequently, a sol is formed, for example, by adding <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+water or another aqueous solution, such as an acidic or basic aqueous solution (which aqueous solution can further contain organic solvent species such as alcohols), causing hydrolysis and condensation to occur, thereby forming a sol. If desired, additional agents can be added, such as agents to control the viscosity and/or surface tension of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+sol. As can be seen from the simplified scheme below, the reaction is basically a ceramic network forming process (from G. Kickelbick, "Concepts for the incorporation of inorganic building blocks into organic polymers on a nanoscale" Prog. Polym. Sci., <part-num-ref name="nanoscale&quot; Prog. Polym. Sci.,">28</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(2003)</part-num-ref>
+ 83-114, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference):    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Hydrolysis<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">M(OR)<confidence value="1">a</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1651">-H2O</confidence>
+     M(OR)<confidence value="145">nA(</confidence>
+OH)<confidence value="4">m</confidence>
+ + HOR Condensation:    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">2 M(OR)<confidence value="466886">,(OH)m</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+  (RO)<confidence value="66">n-</confidence>
+m(HO)mM<confidence value="656">-0-</confidence>
+M(OR) (OH<confidence value="52">)m</confidence>
+ <confidence value="222">__0</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">r</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+-M-<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+-M-<confidence value="4">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="17">'0</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">
+      <confidence value="6">/</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <confidence value="8">M</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ Si, TI, Zr, Sn, <confidence value="856">Al,</confidence>
+...    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">=</confidence>
+ Me, Et, 'Pr, <confidence value="4">"</confidence>
+Pr, <confidence value="224">"Bu</confidence>
+ <confidence value="285">"Bu</confidence>
+ <confidence value="666">...</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">In general, R may be a hydrocarbon group, suitably an alkyl group of form 1-20 carbon atoms which optionally may be interrupted with one or more ether oxygen atoms, or an <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+acyl group, for instance formyl, acetyl or benzoyl. Further, n is suitably equal to a valence of M and <confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+ is a positive number between <part-num-ref name="positive number between">0</part-num-ref>
+ and n.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">The sol may also be a solvent soluble siloxane oligomer composition, for instance prepared by methods described in US 2,490,691, Langkammerer; US 4,950,779, Wengrovius; US 6,140,445, Su et al; and US 6,323,277, Petty et al all expressly <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, or may be obtained by further condensation/hydrolysis reactions of such oligomers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Further processing of the sol enables solid materials to be made in a variety of different forms. For instance, thin films can be produced on a substrate by spray coating, coating with an applicator (e.g., by roller or brush), spin-coating, dip-coating, and so <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+forth, of the sol onto the substrate, whereby a "wet gel" is formed. Where dip coating is employed, the rate of withdrawal from the sol can be varied to influence the properties of the film. Monolithic wet gels can be formed, for example, by placing the sol into or onto a mold or another form (e.g., a sheet) from which the dried gel can be released. The wet <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="45">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+gel is then dried. If the solvent in the wet gel is removed under supercritical conditions, a material commonly called an "aerogel" is obtained. If the gel is dried via freeze drying (lyophilization), the resulting material is commonly referred to as a "cryogel." Drying at ambient temperature and ambient pressure leads to what is commonly referred to as a <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+"xerogel." Other drying possibilities are available including elevated temperature drying (e.g., in an oven), vacuum drying (e.g., at ambient or elevated temperatures), and so forth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Using analogous processes, as well as principles of polymer synthesis, manipulation, processing, etc., composite materials for use in the present invention are <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+provided. Sol-gel processes are suitable for use in conjunction with polymers and their precursors (as well as therapeutic agents, in some embodiments of the invention), for example, because they can be performed at ambient temperatures. A detailed review of various techniques for generating polymeric-ceramic composites can be found, for example, in Kickelbick (see above). Other published documents describing polymer- <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+ceramic nanocomposite materials include: P. Xu, "Polymer-Ceramic Nanocomposites," Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, Elsevier Science Ltd. (2000); L.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">Shen, et al, "In situ polymerization and characterization of polyamide-6/silica nanocomposite derived from water glass," Polymer International, 53, 1153-1160 (2004);</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">K. Haas et al, "Hybrid Organic/Organic Polymers with Nanoscale Building Blocks;</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+Precursors, Processing, Properties and Applications," Rev. Adv. Mater. Sci., 5 <part-num-ref name="">(2003)</part-num-ref>
+ 47- 52; R. Zoppi et al, "Hybrids of Poly(ethylene oxide-b-amide-6) and Zr<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+2 Sol-gel:    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Preparation, Characterization, and Application in Processes of Membranes Separation," Advances in Polymer Technology, Vol. 21, No. 1, 2-16 (2002); H. Huang et al, "Structure-property behaviour of hybrid materials incorporating tetraethoxysilane with <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+multifunctional poly(tetramethylene oxide)" Polymer, 30, 2001-2012 (1989); and J. Pyun et al, "Synthesis of Nanocomposite Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials Using Controlled<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+'Living' Radical Polymerization," Chem. Mater., 13:3436-3448 (2001), all of which are also expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">It is known, for example, to generate polymeric-ceramic composites by <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+conducting sol-gel processing in the presence of a preformed polymer, which techniques can be successful, for example, where the polymer is soluble in the sol-forming solution (e.g., a solution containing alkoxy species, such as one containing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), also known as tetraethylorthosilicate, or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), also <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+known as tetramethylorthosilicate, and/or where the polymer has substantial non- covalent interactions with the ceramic phase (e.g., due to hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups and electronegative atoms within the polymeric and ceramic phases), which prevent macroscopic phase separation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+Conversely, it is also known, for example, to impregnate a gel such as a xerogel with monomer and polymerize the monomer within the gel. Analogous to the above, best results are obtained where there are non-covalent interactions between the monomer/polymer and the gel, which are sufficiently strong to prevent macroscopic phase separation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+However, in several particularly beneficial embodiments of the invention, nanoscale phase domains, or bi-continuous phases, are best achieved by providing covalent interactions between the polymeric and ceramic networks. This result can be achieved via a number of known techniques, including the following: (a) providing species with both polymer and ceramic precursor groups and thereafter conducting <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+polymerization and hydrolysis/condensation simultaneously, (b) providing a ceramic sol with polymer precursor groups (e.g., groups that are capable of participation in a polymerization reaction, such as vinyl groups or cyclic ether groups) and thereafter conducting an organic polymerization step, and/or (c) providing polymers with ceramic precursor groups (e.g., groups that are capable of participation in <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+hydrolysis/condensation, such as metal or semi-metal alkoxide groups), followed by hydrolysis/condensation of the precursor groups.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">In an example of the invention, an organic/ceramic hybrid composite is prepared by dissolving an organic polymer component in a suitable solvent and adding a ceramic sol precursor. The ratio of the organic polymer component to the ceramic sol precursor <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+may be range from 95/5 to 5/95 on a weight basis, for instance from 80/20 to 20/80. A solution of a strong acid in water is provided to accomplish hydrolysis and condensation of the ceramic sol precursor. The water is provided at a ratio of approximately one mole water per alkoxy equivalent in the ceramic sol source. The mixture may be stirred under reflux to form the sol, for instance for <part-num-ref name="sol, for instance for">4</part-num-ref>
+ -24 hrs, after which it is used to prepare a <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+coating, for instance by casting or coating onto a medical device substrate. The coating is thoroughly dried, optionally with addition of heat and/or vacuum to remove the solvent, and aged for several weeks to allow substantial completion of the ceramic condensation reaction. For a substrate such as a catheter shaft or balloon of a polymer <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                   VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+such as Pebax<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="polymer such as Pebax@">6333,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="polymer such as Pebax@ 6333,">7033</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">7233,</part-num-ref>
+ the organic polymer may be, for instance, a Pebax<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ block copolymer such as the Pebax<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ grades <part-num-ref name="Pebax® grades">2533,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="Pebax® grades 2533,">3533</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">4033,</part-num-ref>
+ or a mixture thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">For such a system the solvent may be an alcohol solvent such as butanol, propanol, or cyclohexanol or an amide solvent such as dimethylacetamide or a mixture of two or <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+more such solvents. The ceramic sol precursor may be for instance tetraethoxysilane, zirconium isopropoxide, titanium isopropoxide or a mixture thereof. The strong acid may be for instance HCL at 0.05-0.3 moles per liter. The resulting coating has a good combination of toughness, adhesion to the substrate material and abrasion resistance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">With respect to simultaneously conducting organic polymerization and <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+hydrolysis/condensation reactions, various hybrid species are known which contain groups that can readily participate in each of these reactions. These hybrid species typically contain organic groups which are capable of participating organic polymerization(typically in conjunction with a comonomer), such as groups containing <confidence value="588684">(CH2)y</confidence>
+ vinyl (-C=C), vinylidene (&gt;C=C), cyclic ether (e.g.,  <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+  <confidence value="8">,</confidence>
+ where <confidence value="8">y</confidence>
+ <confidence value="88">is</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="O  , where y is">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to 5), <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+isocyanate (-N=C=O), amine (-NHR, where R is H or hydrocarbon), carbinol (<confidence value="2">?</confidence>
+C-OH) groups and/or diorganosiloxane groups that can be polymerized to polyorganosiloxanes (for instance dimethylsiloxy, methylphenylsiloxy, diethylsiloxy and like groups). These hybrid species also typically contain additional groups, such as -M(OR)<confidence value="2">x</confidence>
+ groups. M is a metal or semi-metal as previously defined, x is an integer whose value is at least one less <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+than the valence n of M, typically ranging from <part-num-ref name="valence n of M, typically ranging from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5</part-num-ref>
+ (x may be less than n-<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+ if the same M atom is attached to the hybrid species by more than one bond or is also bonded to one or more monovalent carbon-linked organo groups such as methyl, ethyl, styrylethyl, methacryloxypropyl, glycidoxypropyl, alkylamino, allyl or vinyl), and the various R groups, which may be the same or different, are hydrocarbon or acyl groups, for instance <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups, aromatic groups or alkyl-aromatic groups of <part-num-ref name="same or different, are hydrocarbon or acyl groups, for instance linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups, aromatic groups or alkyl-aromatic groups of">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ carbon atoms, and preferably linear or branched alkyl groups having from <part-num-ref name="carbon atoms, and preferably linear or branched alkyl groups having from">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">6</part-num-ref>
+ carbons, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and so forth), which are capable of participating in the hydrolysis/condensation reactions that are associated with sol-gel processing (typically in conjunction with another organometallic or organo-semi-metallic <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+compound, such as M(OR)<confidence value="4">n</confidence>
+, where M, n, and R are defined above. Specific examples of such hybrid species include styrylethyltrimethoxysilane:    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                  VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <confidence value="888">CH2</confidence>
+ Si(OMe)3 (SES), 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane:    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <confidence value="885">CH2</confidence>
+ (Me<confidence value="585">O)3</confidence>
+Si         <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">
+      <confidence value="882">CH,</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+        (3-MPS), glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysiliane:    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">(Me<confidence value="11">O)</confidence>
+3Si         <confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+                                     </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+  (3-GPS), acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and vinyltrimethoxysilane, as well as functionalized oligomers such as described in US 2,490,691, Langkammerer; US 4,950,779, Wengrovius; US 5,282,998, Horn, et al; US 5,210,168, Bergstrom et al, US 6,140,445, Su et al; and US 6,323,277, Petty et al; all expressly incorporated herein by reference in <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+their entirety.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">As indicated above, such hybrid species may be combined, for example, with (a) one or more optional organic monomers, for instance, vinyl-group-containing monomers (e.g., styrene, among many others), vinylidene-group-containing monomers (e.g., an alkyl (meth)acrylate, an epoxy functional (meth)acrylate, a urethane dimethacrylate <confidence value="588685">(CH2)y</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate), cyclic ether monomers (e.g.,  <confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+ where y is <part-num-ref name="O where y is">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5,</part-num-ref>
+ including ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran, and various epoxy functional compounds, especially compounds having two or more epoxy groups per molecule), polyisocyanates, polyamines, polyols and/or diorganosiloxane oligomers (e.g.the cyclic hexamethyl trisiloxane, and octamethyl tetrasiloxane, as well as <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+various linear diorganosiloxane oligomers), (b) one or more optional organometallic or organo-semi-metallic compounds, for instance, Si(OR)4 where R is previously defined (e.g., TEOS or TMOS), (c) water, (d) suitable catalysts, if required, and (e) energy (e.g., heat or photons), if required, at which time organic polymerization and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. <confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+hydrolysis/condensation commences. As a specific example, it is known to form composite materials having polymeric and ceramic phases from a mixture of 3-MPS, methyl methacrylate, TEOS, water, acid, and benzyol peroxide. Of course, since the hybrid species already has both polymerizable organo and sol-forming -M(OR)<confidence value="1">,</confidence>
+ groups <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+on the same molecule, in some cases one or the other of the additional components a) and b) may be avoided, especially if the hybrid species is a functionalized oligomer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">Hybrid species can also be used to form composite regions in accordance with routes (b) and (c) described above. For instance, in some cases, such hybrid species are first used to provide a ceramic phase (which contains the organic polymer precursor <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+groups found in the hybrid species) followed by organic polymerization, typically in the presence of one or more comonomers. For example, a hybrid species containing one or more polymerizable organic groups, such as a vinyl, vinylidene, cyclic ether or siloxane groups, and one or more inorganic groups, such as-M(OR)<confidence value="4">X</confidence>
+ groups (e.g., 3-MPS, SES or 3-GPS, among others) may be combined with a organometallic compound such as a <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+compound of the formula M(OR)<confidence value="1">~</confidence>
+ (e.g., TEOS or TMOS) in the presence of water and an acid catalyst such that hydrolysis and condensation take place. As a result, ceramic phases may be formed which have a range of groups that are capable of participation in polymerization reactions with a range of comonomers, including vinyl-, vinylidene-, cyclic ether- and siloxane-containing monomers, via a range of organic polymerization <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+reactions, including thermal, photochemical, anionic, cationic and radical polymerization methods, such as azobis(isobutyronitrile)- or peroxide-initiated polymerizations and <confidence value="222222222222222222">controlled/"living</confidence>
+" radical polymerizations, for instance, metal-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), stable free-radical polymerization (SFRP), nitroxide- mediated processes (NMP), and degenerative transfer (e.g., reversible addition- <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)) processes, among others. These methods are well- detailed in the literature and are described, for example, in the article by Pyun and Matyjaszewski, "Synthesis of Nanocomposite Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials Using Controlled<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+"Living" Radical Polymerization," Chem. Mater., 13:3436-3448 (2001), the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. Step-growth <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+polymerizations such as condensation polymerizations to form polyesters or polyamides, reactions of polyisocyanates and polyols or polyamines to form polyurethane and polyureas, reactions of polyepoxides with polyols, polyamines or polysulfides, and Michael additions of polyamines to compounds having multiple acrylate, maleate, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                   VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+fumerate or nadic groups thereon are further examples of polymerization reactions that may be employed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Conversely, in accordance with an aspect of route (c) above, polymers may be provided with inorganic groups that are capable of participation in <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+hydrolysis/condensation, thereby becoming intimately associated with the ceramic phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">In these embodiments, hybrid species such as those discussed above may be employed in organic polymerization reactions via suitable polymerization techniques such as those listed above, typically in the presence of one or more comonomers. The inorganic groups incorporated into the resulting polymer are then available to participate in <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+hydrolysis/condensation, e.g., using techniques such as those discussed above, thereby forming a ceramic phase that is covalently linked to the polymeric phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">In other processes, preexisting polymers participate in, or provided with inorganic groups that are capable of participating in the hydrolysis/condensation of the ceramic sol. For example, using appropriate linking chemistry, a wide variety of polyol <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+polymers, i.e. polymers having <part-num-ref name="polymers having">2</part-num-ref>
+ or more carbon-linked hydroxyl groups thereon, can be provided with -M(OR)<confidence value="4">X</confidence>
+ groups for participation in sol-gel processing. Such polyol polymers include polyether polyols and polyester polyols. Hydroxy groups of a polyol compound may be directly reacted with a compound such as TEOS or tetraethoxytitanate, forinstance in the manner of V. Munchow, et al, <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+"Poly[(oligoethylene glycol) dihydroxytitanate] as organic-inorganic polymer - electrolytes," Electrochimica Acta, <part-num-ref name="manner of V. Munchow, et al, &quot;Poly[(oligoethylene glycol) dihydroxytitanate] as organic-inorganic polymer - electrolytes,&quot; Electrochimica Acta,">45</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(2000)</part-num-ref>
+ 1211-1221, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">In an alternative to direct reaction hydroxyl groups of a polyol compound such as polymeric polyol can be reacted with a hybrid species to form terminal or pendant <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+groups which are capable of participation in sol/gel hydrolysis/condensation. For example, reaction or polyols with isocyanatoalkyl substituted compounds of the formula M(OR)<confidence value="144881">~_I(R'</confidence>
+-N =C=<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+), where the various R groups can be the same or different and M, n and R are previously defined, and R<confidence value="2">'</confidence>
+ is a divalent carbon-linked organo group, suitably alkylene or alkyleneoxyalkylene. For example, a polyether of the formula <confidence value="668">HO-</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="48821456885">fR2_O-1-rH,</confidence>
+ where R<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ is alkylene (e.g., ethylene, propylene, tetramethylene, etc.) and r is as previously defined, may be reacted with M(OR)<confidence value="424">n.1</confidence>
+(R-N =C=<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+) to produce (<confidence value="22222">RO).1</confidence>
+ M-R-NH-CO-<confidence value="584">O-f</confidence>
+R2-<confidence value="55852">O]--,</confidence>
+H or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                  VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+(RO)n<confidence value="26">.1</confidence>
+ M-R-NH-<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+CO-<confidence value="271">0-f</confidence>
+R2-O<confidence value="72">--</confidence>
+O-CO-NH-R-M(OR)n<confidence value="72">..</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">The various -M(OR)<confidence value="424">n.1</confidence>
+ groups are then available for hydrolysis/condensation as described above, commonly in the presence of an inorganic species such as M(OR)<confidence value="4">n</confidence>
+. An illustration of polymer ceramic materials produced in this way is poly(<confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+-caprolactone) <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+encapped with trimethoxysilane groups using isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane and then co-reacted with TEOS, as described in S.K Young et al, "Covalent and non-covalently coupled polyester-inorganic composite materials," Polymer <part-num-ref name="illustration of polymer ceramic materials produced in this way is poly(E-caprolactone) encapped with trimethoxysilane groups using isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane and then co-reacted with TEOS, as described in S.K Young et al, &quot;Covalent and non-covalently coupled polyester-inorganic composite materials,&quot; Polymer">43,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="illustration of polymer ceramic materials produced in this way is poly(E-caprolactone) encapped with trimethoxysilane groups using isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane and then co-reacted with TEOS, as described in S.K Young et al, &quot;Covalent and non-covalently coupled polyester-inorganic composite materials,&quot; Polymer 43,">(2002)</part-num-ref>
+ 6101-6114 (e.g. at p. 6104), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Epoxy functionalized hydrolyzable silane compounds such as 3-GPS can also be <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+reacted with polyols to give analogous -M(OR)<confidence value="424">n.1</confidence>
+ terminated compounds, for instance - M(OR)<confidence value="44">n.</confidence>
+1 terminated polyethers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">In some embodiments, the resulting polymer is subjected to an additional polymerization step. As a specific example, a polyether with pendant -M(OR)<confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+ groups (e.g., a 3-GPS modified polyether having pendant -Si(OEt)3 groups) can be used for <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+block copolymerization with a polyamide forming monomer (e.g., laurolactam), optionally with additional polyol polymer, to form a polyether-polyamide block copolymer, which has groups for participation in the sol-gel reaction. This is in contrast with the direct modification of a polyether-polyamide block copolymer to provide - M(OR)<confidence value="1">,</confidence>
+ groups as described above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+Polyol polymers are useful components of the compositions employed in the invention because they are amenable to compounding with ceramics, and can form hydrogen bonds with the ceramic network even in cases where they are not covalently linked thereto. This helps prevent macro-domain phase separation of the polymer and ceramic phases. In many cases they are also capable of participating in further <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+polymerization or crosslinking reactions including reaction with polyisocyanates, polyepoxides and the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Many polymer materials that are commonly used in medical devices have hydroxyl, amide, carboxylic acid or other groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds with the ceramic network which can stabilize the system against macro-domain phase <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+separation. For example, polyether-block-polyamides (e.g., PEBAX) and polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) have terminal hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups and internal amide groups. Ether and ester functionalities may also form hydrogen bonds with residual MOH groups in the ceramic phase. Moreover, as described in A. Lambert <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+III, et al, "[Poly(ethylene terephthalate) ionomer]/Silicate Hybrid Materials via Polymer- in Situ Sol-Gel Reactions," J. Applied Polymer Science, <part-num-ref name="Lambert III, et al, &quot;[Poly(ethylene terephthalate) ionomer]/Silicate Hybrid Materials via Polymer- in Situ Sol-Gel Reactions,&quot; J. Applied Polymer Science,">84,</part-num-ref>
+ 1749-1761 (2002), incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, ionic bonds in a polymer (for instance as provided in a polyolefin ionomer or a polyester ionomer) can also interact with the <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+ceramic network to influence thermal, mechanical, electrical and/or chemical properties of the composite.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">In some cases a component of the sol-gel ceramic may be a catalyst for a concurrent organic polymerization reaction, or a polymer reacting component may catalyze the sol-gel ceramic condensation. For instance organotitanates may catalyze <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+urethane-forming reactions between isocyanates and polyols or an organic amine employed in a reaction with polyisocyanate or polyepoxide may catalyze the alkoxysilane condensation. A particular example of such a system has a 3-GPS derived ceramic network and an amine terminated polyether such as Jeffamine<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ M600 or M2005 (poly(oxypropylene) diamines), such as described in L. <confidence value="2222222">Matejka</confidence>
+, et al, "Block-copolymer <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+organic-inorganic networks. Structure, morphology and thermomechanical properties,<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ Polymer, <part-num-ref name="amine terminated polyether such as Jeffamine® M600 or M2005 (poly(oxypropylene) diamines), such as described in L. Matejka, et al, &quot;Block-copolymer organic-inorganic networks. Structure, morphology and thermomechanical properties,&quot; Polymer,">45</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(2004)</part-num-ref>
+ 3267-3276, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such system the amine terminated polymer catalyzes silica domain growth as well as engaging in an epoxy-amine addition reaction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">It is desirable in some instances to provide composite regions with polymer chain <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+segments in addition to those that provide a covalent linkage to a ceramic phase. For example, such polymer chain segments may be covalently bound to the polymer chains that provide a covalent linkage to a ceramic phase (e.g., in a block copolymer) or another polymer may be provided as a blending component of the composition to modify the physical or chemical properties of the composition. Such polymer chain segments may <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+be selected from the polymers listed above. The additional polymer chain segments may be provided for various reasons. For instance, the polymer chain segments may be introduced (a) to render the composite regions more hydrophilic or hydrophobic, (b) to modulate the release profile of therapeutic agent, if any, (c) to affect the mechanical characteristic of the material, and so forth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="58">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-11">EXAMPLE</heading>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">Solutions and films are provided along the lines described in Sfor<confidence value="4">g</confidence>
+a, M. L., et al., "Hybrid membranes based on Si<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+2/polyether-b-polyamide: morphology and applications," Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. <part-num-ref name="lines described in Sforga, M. L., et al., &quot;Hybrid membranes based on SiO2/polyether-b-polyamide: morphology and applications,&quot; Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.">82,</part-num-ref>
+ pp.178-185, <part-num-ref name="lines described in Sforga, M. L., et al., &quot;Hybrid membranes based on SiO2/polyether-b-polyamide: morphology and applications,&quot; Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 82, pp.178-185,">2001.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+Pebax<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+ 4033 pellets are dissolved in 1-butano<confidence value="66">l/</confidence>
+1-propanol (70/30 ratio) at reflux temperature for <part-num-ref name="pellets are dissolved in 1-butanol/1-propanol (70/30 ratio) at reflux temperature for">4</part-num-ref>
+ hours. TEOS is added to the PEBAX solution in an amount of <part-num-ref name="amount of">15</part-num-ref>
+ or <part-num-ref name="or">25</part-num-ref>
+ wt% (based on the total Pebax and TEOS weight), while stirring at room temperature (ca. 25<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C). This is followed by the addition of <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+.15M HCl (TEOS/H20 ratio = 1/4). The solution is stirred for <part-num-ref name="solution is stirred for">24</part-num-ref>
+ hours at room temperature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+Casting solutions are dropped into Petri dishes. The solvent is evaporated in an oven at 70<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C. Further drying takes place in a vacuum oven at 80<confidence value="1">°</confidence>
+C for <part-num-ref name="vacuum oven at 80°C for">1</part-num-ref>
+ day.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">As can be seen in Figs 2A and 2B, microscopy of the resulting films shows elongated separated domains of the inorganic sol-gel derived ceramic component that increased in domain size from the 15/85 TEOS/polymer film, Fig 2a, to the 25/75 <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+TEOS/polymer film.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">The films are useful as tough abrasion resistant coatings for catheters and balloons, for instance catheters and balloons of nylon or Pebax<confidence value="2">@</confidence>
+ polymers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">As noted above, the medical devices of the present invention optionally contain <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+one or more therapeutic agents. "Therapeutic agents," "drugs," "pharmaceutically active agents," "pharmaceutically active materials," and other related terms may be used interchangeably herein. These terms include genetic therapeutic agents, non-genetic therapeutic agents and cells. Specific examples of therapeutic agents include paclitaxel, sirolimus, everolimus, tacrolimus, Epo D, dexamethasone, estradiol, halofuginone, <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+cilostazole, geldanamycin, ABT-578 (Abbott Laboratories), trapidil, liprostin, Actinomcin D, Resten-NG, Ap-17, abciximab, clopidogrel, Ridogrel, beta-blockers, bARKct inhibitors, phospholamban inhibitors, and Serca <part-num-ref name="present invention optionally contain one or more therapeutic agents. &quot;Therapeutic agents,&quot; &quot;drugs,&quot; &quot;pharmaceutically active agents,&quot; &quot;pharmaceutically active materials,&quot; and other related terms may be used interchangeably herein. These terms include genetic therapeutic agents, non-genetic therapeutic agents and cells. Specific examples of therapeutic agents include paclitaxel, sirolimus, everolimus, tacrolimus, Epo D, dexamethasone, estradiol, halofuginone, cilostazole, geldanamycin, ABT-578 (Abbott Laboratories), trapidil, liprostin, Actinomcin D, Resten-NG, Ap-17, abciximab, clopidogrel, Ridogrel, beta-blockers, bARKct inhibitors, phospholamban inhibitors, and Serca">2</part-num-ref>
+ gene/protein among others.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">Numerous additional therapeutic agents useful for the practice of the present invention are also disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 2004/0175406, the entire disclosure of <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+which is incorporated by reference. A wide range of therapeutic agent loadings can be used in connection with the medical devices of the present invention, with the therapeutically effective amount being readily determined by those of ordinary skill in the art and ultimately depending, for example, upon the condition to be treated, the age, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+sex and condition of the patient, the nature of the therapeutic agent, the nature of the composite region(s), the nature of the medical device, and so forth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">Numerous techniques are available for providing composite regions of medical devices formed of polymer-ceramic hybrid materials in accordance with the present <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">For example, various techniques described above involve hydrolysis and condensation, which leads to the formation of a suspension containing a ceramic phase, which is analogous to the "sol" that is formed in sol-gel processing. This suspension also includes a polymer in several techniques. Subsequent removal of water (as well as <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+any other solvent species that may be present), results in the formation of a solid phase, which is analogous to the "gel" in sol-gel processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">In some embodiments, such a suspension may be used to directly form a medical device or a medical device component, followed by water/solvent removal. In some embodiments, for example, where a polymer is present which has thermoplastic <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+characteristics, the suspension may be dried and heated to form a melt for further processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">Useful techniques for processing suspensions include pouring, spraying, spray coating, coating with an applicator (e.g., by roller or brush), spin-coating, dip-coating, web coating, techniques involving coating via mechanical suspension including air <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+suspension, ink jet techniques, electrostatic techniques, and combinations of these processes. Useful thermoplastic techniques for processing melts include compression molding, injection molding, blow molding, spinning, vacuum forming and calendaring, as well as extrusion into sheets, fibers, rods, tubes and other cross-sectional profiles of various lengths, and combinations of these processes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+In some embodiments of the invention, the suspension or melt is applied to a substrate to form a composite region. The substrate can correspond, for example, to all or a portion of an implantable or insertable medical device (e.g., a balloon, guide wire or stent, among many others) to which the suspension or melt is applied. The substrate can also correspond, for example, to a template, such as a mold, from which the composite <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+region is removed after solidification. In other embodiments, for example, extrusion and co-extrusion techniques, composite regions for medical devices are formed without the aid of a substrate.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+If it is desired to provide one or more therapeutic agents (and/or any other optional agents) in the composite region, so long as these agents are stable under processing conditions, then they can be dissolved or dispersed in the suspension or melt and co-processed along with the composite region. Alternatively, therapeutic and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+other optional agents can be introduced subsequent to the formation of the composite region in some embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is dissolved or dispersed within a solvent, and the resulting solution contacted with a previously formed composite region (e.g., using one or more of the application techniques described above, such as dipping, spraying, etc.). As noted above, composite <boundary-data type="line-number">10 </boundary-data>
+barrier regions are provided over therapeutic-agent-containing regions in some embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, a composite region can be formed over a therapeutic-agent-containing region, for example, using one of the suspension- or melt-based techniques described above. Alternatively, a previously formed composite region can be adhered over a therapeutic agent containing region.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+The selection and ratio of the polymer and sol-gel derived ceramic components can be varied to produce a desired release rate of the therapeutic agent. Therefore the in some aspects the invention is particularly directed to an implanted device, especially a stent, graft, valve, vascular access port, embolization device, myocardial plug, pacemaker lead, sutures, orthopedic prostheses, or the like, that is designed for long term <boundary-data type="line-number">20 </boundary-data>
+residence in the body (for instance <part-num-ref name="body (for instance">6</part-num-ref>
+ months or more).    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">The above examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are <boundary-data type="line-number">25 </boundary-data>
+intended to be included within the scope of the claims, where the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to". Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims. Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope <boundary-data type="line-number">30 </boundary-data>
+of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">BSCI Docket No. 04-0216/05-0024                    VAS No. S63.2-11763-US<confidence value="44">O1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+all claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim, regardless of claim sequence, if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction. In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each <boundary-data type="line-number">5 </boundary-data>
+singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from an antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11115629.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,338 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11115629</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-04-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Title </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">EMERGENCY DESCENT FROM A HEIGHT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Related Applications This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">60/565,885 filed April 28, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Field Of The Invention <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001] The present invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for emergency decent from a height, and, particularly, to devices, systems and methods for use by firefighters in a descent escape from a height.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Background Of The Invention [0002] The outer, protective garments worn by firefighters (commonly referred to as turnout gear) typically include a large coat and pants that have an outer layer and a removable inner liner. The outer layer is fabricated from materials that are resistant to heat, flame, abrasion and water. Firefighters also wear other protective gear, including a helmet, thick gloves, and an air tank that is typically part of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0003] In executing their duty, firefighters often enter burning buildings, including multilevel or high-rise buildings. It is desirable that a firefighter be equipped with equipment to enable escape from a height (for example, from a rooftop or window). Without such escape equipment, a firefighter trapped at a height above the ground, must find a suitable escape point and await a ladder from a fellow firefighter to escape injury.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0004] Harnesses have been incorporated into the outer garments worn by a firefighter, but such harnesses have been generally inadequate to provide an escape or rescue from a height. Recently, U.S. Patent No. 6,487,725 disclosed a harness assembly <part-num-ref name="harness assembly">16</part-num-ref>
+ for use <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+by a firefighter having an integral support line <part-num-ref name="integral support line">20</part-num-ref>
+ that can be used to escape from a height.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">That harness assembly includes a harness body having first and second ends and a hollow interior which receives the support line. The support line has first and second ends that extend from the harness body. A large portion of the support line, which is preferably shaped as a flat ribbon, is disposed within each of multiple elongated chambers or sleeves provided on the harness body using a rod-shaped tool. Several loops of the support line may be received in each of the chambers. Separating the support line into a series of individual pockets or chambers purportedly reduces the probability of tangling, twisting, or knotting of the support line, and the support line can be readily withdrawn from the harness body. The first end of the support line may be pulled away from the harness to extend the support line therefrom. The second end of the support line is releasably secured to the harness.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0005] Although attempts have been made to provide devices and systems for escape from a height for use by firefighters and others, it remains desirable to provide improved devices, systems and methods to facilitate escape from a height.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Summary Of The Invention <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006] Generally, the present invention provides a personal emergency escape or descent system including an article to be worn by a user comprising: a shock absorbing descender attached to the article, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The assembly for holding the support line can take any number of forms including those shown in U.S.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Patent No. 6,487,725, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0007]  In one embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops. The assembly can, for example, include a first group of holders and a second group of holders, wherein each group of holders includes at least two holders. A first intermediate loop of the support line can be passed through a first holder of the first group of holders. The support line is then looped in an extended, generally u-shaped loop. A second intermediate loop is formed in the support line and is passed through a first holder of the <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+second group of holders. The support line is then looped back in an extended, generally u- shaped loop. A third intermediate loop of the support line is formed and is passed through a second holder of the first group of holders. The support line is then looped in an extended u- shaped <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+oop, and a fourth intermediate loop formed in the support line is passed through a second holder of the second group of holders. This packing or holding pattern can be repeated until the desired length of the support line is held in the assembly.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0008] The assembly can further include a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer includes a first length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the first group of holders. The second retainer includes a second length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the second group of holders. The support line can be in operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second retainer so that application of force to the first end of the support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the second group of holders. Further application of force to the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the first group of holders and the second group of holders.</p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0009]  The second end of the support line is not attached tro the assembly for holding the support line. Preferably, the support line can have formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the shock absorbing descender. The termination knot can, for example, be one-time releasable so that the support line can pass through the shock absorbing descender and the support line can be operatively disengaged from the shock absorbing descender. Such one-time release can, for example, be accomplished under load. In one embodiment, a cover is formed over at least a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the support line so that the cover must be removed before the termination knot is released. The cover can include a shrink wrap. Once the termination knot is released, the support line may not be reattached to the shock absorbing descender.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010] The shock absorbing descender comprises a shock absorbing element and a descender device. In one embodiment, the descender device is a plate that is attached to an article worn by a user by a shock-absorbing element that includes an extending section of material which absorbs energy, for example, upon initial descent. Preferably, the extending section of material is threaded through a pair of rings and then doubled over on itself and stitched together with rip stitching. The rip stitching can be adapted to rip under a certain force to absorb energy while the rings are adapted to deform under a certain force to absorb energy. Various descender devices can be used including a plate with holes, tubes and friction disks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The support line is made from a flame and heat-resistant material. In one embodiment, the support line is fabricated from KEVLAR material. The support line can, for example, be formed in the flattened shape of a ribbon.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0012]  In another embodiment, at least one indicator is placed in operative connection with the support line, wherein deployment of the support line requires a readily viewable alteration of the indicator. The indicator can, for example, be a tag that is wrapped around a portion of the support line.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  In another aspect, the present invention provides a rescue garment to be worn by a user, including: a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue garment, , a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The second end of the support line is not attached to the assembly, and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the descender device. As described above, the termination knot can be released one time so that the support line can pass through the descender and thereby be operatively disengaged from descender device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a self-contained breathing apparatus carrier, including: a waist belt, a shock absorbing descender in operative connection with the waist belt, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The shock absorbing descender includes a shock absorbing element and a descender device. In one embodiment, as described above, the assembly includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the looped ends.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Brief Description Of The Drawings [0015<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  Figures <confidence value="1">l</confidence>
+A through <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+F illustrate an embodiment of an emergency decent system of the present invention designed to be incorporated into or attached to an SCBA carrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures 2A through 2H illustrate the packing of a support line into the support line pad assembly of the system of Figures <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A through <confidence value="488">iF.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures 3A through 3F illustrate the attachment of the system of Figures <confidence value="68">IA</confidence>
+ through <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+F to an SCBA carrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figure 4 illustrates the emergency descent system of the present invention as worn with an SCBA carrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of an emergency decent system of the present invention designed to be incorporated into or attached to an SCBA carrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing descender used in the systems and devices of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Detailed Description Of The Invention [0021]  In general, the present invention provides a personal emergency escape or descent system which, can for example, be integrated into a firefighter's existing gear. In one embodiment, the emergency descent system of the present invention is integrated into an SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRA<confidence value="66">ME</confidence>
+TM SCBA carrier or the VULCANTM SCBA carrier, both available from Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+emergency descent systems of the present invention provide the user with a means of escape from an elevated position. Typically, the systems of the present invention are used as emergency devices when all other escape options have been exhausted. Although representative embodiments of the descent systems of the present invention are discussed for incorporation into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad, one skilled in the art appreciates that the systems of the present invention are readily incorporated into other equipment or garments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+A through <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+F illustrate the components of one embodiment of a descent system <part-num-ref name="descent system">10</part-num-ref>
+ (see, for example, Fig. 2H for assembled system <part-num-ref name="(see, for example, Fig. 2H for assembled system">10)</part-num-ref>
+ of the present invention that can be incorporated into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad. Descent system <part-num-ref name="lumbar pad. Descent system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a waist belt <part-num-ref name="waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A), a support line storage<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+ lumbar pad assembly <part-num-ref name="support line storage/ lumbar pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+B) and a cover <part-num-ref name="cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+C). Waist belt <part-num-ref name="(see Figure 1C). Waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a descender device or belay <part-num-ref name="descender device or belay">110</part-num-ref>
+ in operative connection therewith, through which a support or descent line <part-num-ref name="support or descent line">120</part-num-ref>
+ passes. Descender device <part-num-ref name="passes. Descender device">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+10      </part-num-ref>
+ is attached to waist belt <part-num-ref name="is attached to waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ via a shock absorbing element <part-num-ref name="shock absorbing element">112,</part-num-ref>
+ which can, for example, include a pair of rings and loops of material that are closed by stitching. Support line <part-num-ref name="pair of rings and loops of material that are closed by stitching. Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably of sufficient length to allow descent from a substantial height (for example, <part-num-ref name="substantial height (for example,">50</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">75</part-num-ref>
+ feet in length). In general, a flattened ribbon shape or webbing shape for support line <part-num-ref name="flattened ribbon shape or webbing shape for support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is preferable to provide strength while minimizing packing size and overall weight. Support line <part-num-ref name="is preferable to provide strength while minimizing packing size and overall weight. Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ must also have a relatively high temperature resistance. A suitable fabric for support line <part-num-ref name="suitable fabric for support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is, for example, KEVLAR<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ available from E. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware. KEVLAR is a polymer material that comprises long molecular chains produced from poly- paraphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination of properties. A suitable ribbon-shaped or web-shaped KEVLAR fabric is readily commercially available.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023]  Support line 120 includes a first end <part-num-ref name="first end">122</part-num-ref>
+ which is attached to a carabiner <part-num-ref name="carabiner">130</part-num-ref>
+ via a knot <part-num-ref name="knot">124.</part-num-ref>
+ After passing through descender device <part-num-ref name="knot 124. After passing through descender device">110,</part-num-ref>
+ support line <part-num-ref name="knot 124. After passing through descender device 110, support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ preferably terminates in a second, free or unattached end <part-num-ref name="second, free or unattached end">126.</part-num-ref>
+ In that regard, second end <part-num-ref name="second, free or unattached end 126. In that regard, second end">126</part-num-ref>
+ is not attached to waist belt <part-num-ref name="is not attached to waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ or other component of system <part-num-ref name="or other component of system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ A termination knot <part-num-ref name="termination knot">128</part-num-ref>
+ (for example, a slip knot) is formed near second end <part-num-ref name="slip knot) is formed near second end">126</part-num-ref>
+ which prevents second end <part-num-ref name="which prevents second end">126</part-num-ref>
+ from passing through descender device <part-num-ref name="from passing through descender device">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024]  Waist belt 100 further includes a mechanism to secure waist belt <part-num-ref name="mechanism to secure waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ around the user. In the embodiment of Figures <confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+A through <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+F, the securing mechanism includes a locking hook <part-num-ref name="locking hook">140</part-num-ref>
+ that cooperates with a D-ring <part-num-ref name="D-ring">150</part-num-ref>
+ that is preferably adjustably attached to waist belt <part-num-ref name="that is preferably adjustably attached to waist belt">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025]  Waist belt 100 passes through a passage <part-num-ref name="passage">205</part-num-ref>
+ formed in support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="formed in support line pad assembly">200.</part-num-ref>
+ Support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="formed in support line pad assembly 200. Support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ is designed to hold support line <part-num-ref name="is designed to hold support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ as described below in connection with Figures 2A through 2H. Once support line <part-num-ref name="as described below in connection with Figures 2A through 2H. Once support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is packed within support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="is packed within support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ as described below, support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="as described below, support line pad assembly">200,</part-num-ref>
+ support line <part-num-ref name="as described below, support line pad assembly 200, support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ held thereby and waist belt <part-num-ref name="held thereby and waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ are removably placed inside a generally tubular cover <part-num-ref name="generally tubular cover">300.</part-num-ref>
+ Waist belt <part-num-ref name="generally tubular cover 300. Waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ and support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="and support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ are slid within cover <part-num-ref name="are slid within cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ from the right side (in the orientation of Figure <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+C). The end of waist belt <part-num-ref name="end of waist belt">100,</part-num-ref>
+ including D-ring <part-num-ref name="end of waist belt 100, including D-ring">150,</part-num-ref>
+ is passed through an opening on the left side of cover <part-num-ref name="left side of cover">300.</part-num-ref>
+ This opening is large enough to enable passing of that end of waist belt <part-num-ref name="left side of cover 300. This opening is large enough to enable passing of that end of waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ therethrough, but is not large enough to allow support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="therethrough, but is not large enough to allow support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ to pass therethrough. Support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="to pass therethrough. Support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ is secured within cover <part-num-ref name="is secured within cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ by, for example, a releasable closing mechanism such snaps <part-num-ref name="releasable closing mechanism such snaps">310.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0026]  To pack support line 120 in support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="in support line pad assembly">200,</part-num-ref>
+ support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="in support line pad assembly 200, support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ is preferably first placed upon a generally flat surface. Support line <part-num-ref name="generally flat surface. Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is first passed through descender device <part-num-ref name="is first passed through descender device">110</part-num-ref>
+ until descender device <part-num-ref name="until descender device">110</part-num-ref>
+ is within approximately six inches of carabiner <part-num-ref name="is within approximately six inches of carabiner">130.</part-num-ref>
+ In several embodiments of the present invention, support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="present invention, support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ is designed to accommodate either a 50-foot line or a 75-foot line (see, for example, Figures 7A and 7<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+, as described below). For a 50-foot line, a fourth holding position or holder <part-num-ref name="fourth holding position or holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ (counting from the center in the top row or group of holders - see, for example, Figure 2B) is first located. Each holder <part-num-ref name="top row or group of holders - see, for example, Figure 2B) is first located. Each holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ is formed generally as a loop or ar<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+ created by spaced stitching along a length of webbing material connecting the webbing material to support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="webbing material to support line pad assembly">200.</part-num-ref>
+ Support line <part-num-ref name="webbing material to support line pad assembly 200. Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is laid on support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="is laid on support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ and an intermediate loop is formed at fourth holder <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop is formed at fourth holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ in a first group of holders.  The looped support line <part-num-ref name="looped support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is passed through first position straps <part-num-ref name="is passed through first position straps">220</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure 2A) and then through a second, generally central, position strap <part-num-ref name="second, generally central, position strap">222</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure 2B).    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The intermediate loop of support line 120 is passed through fourth holder <part-num-ref name="is passed through fourth holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">so</confidence>
+ that end of the intermediate loop protrudes approximately one-half inch through holder <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop protrudes approximately one-half inch through holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ (see, for <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+example, Figure 2B). For a 75-five foot support line, the intermediate loop of support line <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop of support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is passed through the first holding position or holder <part-num-ref name="first holding position or holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ (see, for example, Figure 7B). Support line <part-num-ref name="(see, for example, Figure 7B). Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is then threaded through positioning strap <part-num-ref name="is then threaded through positioning strap">224</part-num-ref>
+ and positioning strap <part-num-ref name="and positioning strap">226</part-num-ref>
+ on the opposite side of support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="opposite side of support line pad assembly">200</part-num-ref>
+ as illustrated in Figure 2C, forming a u-shaped loop in support line <part-num-ref name="u-shaped loop in support line">120.</part-num-ref>
+ An intermediate loop is then formed in support line <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop is then formed in support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ at the end of the u-shaped loop, and the intermediate loop is passed through holder <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop is passed through holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ of a second group of holders, positioned, for example, adjacent the first group of holder (see Figure 2C). Once again, the intermediate loop protrudes at least half an inch through holder <part-num-ref name="inch through holder">210.</part-num-ref>
+ Support line <part-num-ref name="inch through holder 210. Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is then threaded through positioning straps <part-num-ref name="is then threaded through positioning straps">220</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">222</part-num-ref>
+ and an intermediate loop formed in support line <part-num-ref name="intermediate loop formed in support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is passed through the next holder <part-num-ref name="next holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ of the first group of holders (that is, the fifth holder <part-num-ref name="fifth holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ for a 50-foot line). Support line <part-num-ref name="50-foot line). Support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ is then threaded back through the positioning straps <part-num-ref name="positioning straps">224</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">226</part-num-ref>
+ and an intermediate loop passed through the fifth holder <part-num-ref name="fifth holder">210</part-num-ref>
+ of the second group of holders (for a 50-line). One continues threading support line '120 as described above until all holding positions or holders <part-num-ref name="50-line). One continues threading support line '120 as described above until all holding positions or holders">210</part-num-ref>
+ are occupied with intermediate loops (see Figure 2D). After a final loop 120a (see Figure 2E) is made in support line <part-num-ref name="final loop 120a (see Figure 2E) is made in support line">120,</part-num-ref>
+ holding straps or webs <part-num-ref name="final loop 120a (see Figure 2E) is made in support line 120, holding straps or webs">230</part-num-ref>
+ are passed through it.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Holding webs 230 are then passed through each of the half-inch loops formed as described above (see Figures 2F and 2G). Holding webs <part-num-ref name="half-inch loops formed as described above (see Figures 2F and 2G). Holding webs">230</part-num-ref>
+ are then passed through the holding web holding positions or holders <part-num-ref name="holding web holding positions or holders">240.</part-num-ref>
+ Holding webs <part-num-ref name="holding web holding positions or holders 240. Holding webs">230</part-num-ref>
+ assist in preventing support line <part-num-ref name="assist in preventing support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ from coming out of holders <part-num-ref name="from coming out of holders">210</part-num-ref>
+ during normal (that is, use other than use in emergency descent) use of system <part-num-ref name="during normal (that is, use other than use in emergency descent) use of system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ When force is applied to carabiner <part-num-ref name="during normal (that is, use other than use in emergency descent) use of system 10. When force is applied to carabiner">130</part-num-ref>
+ to deploy support line <part-num-ref name="to deploy support line">120,</part-num-ref>
+ holding webs <part-num-ref name="to deploy support line 120, holding webs">230</part-num-ref>
+ are pulled from within the intermediate loops. The intermediate loops are then pulled from holders <part-num-ref name="intermediate loops are then pulled from holders">210</part-num-ref>
+ generally sequentially to extend support line <part-num-ref name="generally sequentially to extend support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ without tangling of support line <part-num-ref name="without tangling of support line">120.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0027<confidence value="4">]</confidence>
+  A tamper-evident tag <part-num-ref name="tamper-evident tag">250</part-num-ref>
+ (see, for example, Figures <confidence value="1">I</confidence>
+E, <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+F and <part-num-ref name="(see, for example, Figures IE, iF and">4)</part-num-ref>
+ can be placed around support line <part-num-ref name="can be placed around support line">120.</part-num-ref>
+ Descender device <part-num-ref name="can be placed around support line 120. Descender device">110</part-num-ref>
+ is then secured, for example with a hook and loop fastener or snaps. At this point, support line pad assembly <part-num-ref name="hook and loop fastener or snaps. At this point, support line pad assembly">200,</part-num-ref>
+ support line <part-num-ref name="hook and loop fastener or snaps. At this point, support line pad assembly 200, support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ held thereby and waist belt <part-num-ref name="held thereby and waist belt">100</part-num-ref>
+ are inserted into cover <part-num-ref name="are inserted into cover">300.</part-num-ref>
+ Carabiner <part-num-ref name="are inserted into cover 300. Carabiner">130</part-num-ref>
+ can, for example, be positioned within cover <part-num-ref name="can, for example, be positioned within cover">300,</part-num-ref>
+ and cover <part-num-ref name="can, for example, be positioned within cover 300, and cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ closed via, for example, snaps <part-num-ref name="closed via, for example, snaps">310.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Support line 120 of the present invention can be packed as described above quickly and without the use of tools.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+[0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+  Figures 3A through 3H illustrate the attachment of system <part-num-ref name="attachment of system">10</part-num-ref>
+ to an SCBA carrier/harness <part-num-ref name="SCBA carrier/harness">500</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+E). To retrofit/attach system <part-num-ref name="(see Figure 5E). To retrofit/attach system">10</part-num-ref>
+ to act as a swiveling lumbar pad (see Figures 3A through 3F) in an existing SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRAME carrier available from Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one first disassembles the pull straps of the existing lumbar support pad from the left and right shoulder straps of the carrier by weaving the pull straps through the friction buckles of the carrier. The pull straps are then disassembled from the carrier by removing the tribar slides thereof from the backplate assembly. There is no need to reuse the removed waist belt and pull straps as a waist belt and pull straps are provided with system <part-num-ref name="waist belt and pull straps are provided with system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ System <part-num-ref name="waist belt and pull straps are provided with system 10. System">10</part-num-ref>
+ is then oriented so that loops <part-num-ref name="is then oriented so that loops">320</part-num-ref>
+ and tribar slides <part-num-ref name="and tribar slides">330</part-num-ref>
+ on the outer portion of cover <part-num-ref name="outer portion of cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ are facing swiveling lumbar pad <part-num-ref name="are facing swiveling lumbar pad">510.</part-num-ref>
+ One end of swiveling lumbar pad <part-num-ref name="are facing swiveling lumbar pad 510. One end of swiveling lumbar pad">510</part-num-ref>
+ is passed through loop <part-num-ref name="is passed through loop">320</part-num-ref>
+ of the outer portion of cover <part-num-ref name="outer portion of cover">300.</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure 3A) Loop <part-num-ref name="outer portion of cover 300. (see Figure 3A) Loop">320</part-num-ref>
+ of outer cover <part-num-ref name="of outer cover">300</part-num-ref>
+ is moved toward the center of swiveling lumbar pad <part-num-ref name="center of swiveling lumbar pad">510</part-num-ref>
+ until second loop <part-num-ref name="until second loop">320</part-num-ref>
+ can be secured (see Figure 3<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+) Tribar slides <part-num-ref name="can be secured (see Figure 3B) Tribar slides">330</part-num-ref>
+ are then passed through respective slots <part-num-ref name="are then passed through respective slots">520</part-num-ref>
+ in swiveling lumbar pad <part-num-ref name="in swiveling lumbar pad">510</part-num-ref>
+ by turning them at an angle as known in the art. (see Figure 3C) Tribar slides <part-num-ref name="art. (see Figure 3C) Tribar slides">330</part-num-ref>
+ should be confirmed to be fully seated against swiveling lumbar pad <part-num-ref name="should be confirmed to be fully seated against swiveling lumbar pad">510.</part-num-ref>
+ (see Figure 3D) Integrated pull straps <part-num-ref name="should be confirmed to be fully seated against swiveling lumbar pad 510. (see Figure 3D) Integrated pull straps">340</part-num-ref>
+ are then installed onto the shoulder straps of the carrier by weaving them through friction buckles <part-num-ref name="carrier by weaving them through friction buckles">530.</part-num-ref>
+ System <part-num-ref name="carrier by weaving them through friction buckles 530. System">10</part-num-ref>
+ can be attached to a standard or non-swiveling lumbar pad in a similar manner. After attachment of system <part-num-ref name="similar manner. After attachment of system">10</part-num-ref>
+ to SCBA carrier <part-num-ref name="to SCBA carrier">500,</part-num-ref>
+ the SCBA carrier can be donned and doffed generally in accordance with the relevant user's manual as shown in Figure 4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figures <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of a system 10' of the present invention which is similar, in many respects, to system <part-num-ref name="present invention which is similar, in many respects, to system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Components of system 10' are numbered similarly to corresponding components of system <part-num-ref name="present invention which is similar, in many respects, to system 10. Components of system 10' are numbered similarly to corresponding components of system">10</part-num-ref>
+ with the addition of the designation "'". Although KEVLAR webs or ribbons exhibit excellent tensile strength and ultimate tensile load, KEVLAR can act as a brittle material and break under a large, quickly applied force or shock force. System 10' of the present invention thus includes a shock absorbing descender that limits the shock force applied to support line <part-num-ref name="shock force applied to support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ (for example, the force experienced at the beginning of a descent). In the embodiment of Figures <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+A through 5G, the shock absorbing descender includes descender device 110' which preferably is a plate with a plurality of holes therein through which the support line 120' is <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+threaded, and shock absorbing element 112' which preferably includes a pair of rings <part-num-ref name="pair of rings">116</part-num-ref>
+ and a section of "rip" stitching 114' that rips or tears upon application of a shock force. Rip stitching section 114' and rings <part-num-ref name="shock force. Rip stitching section 114' and rings">116</part-num-ref>
+ act to absorb some of the shock force and prevents damage to the KEVLAR material of support line 120'.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As illustrated more clearly in Figures 6A and 6B, shock absorbing element 112' preferably includes a section of webbing which is doubled back over itself through rings <part-num-ref name="section of webbing which is doubled back over itself through rings">116.</part-num-ref>
+ Rip stitching section 114' sews the two layers of extending member 112' together in this section. Rip stitching 114' begins to rip or tear so that the two layers of extending member 112' begin to separate and the apparent length of extending member 112' increases when a quick load or shock force is applied to descender device 110' as, for example, in the case of a fall. Once the rip stitching 114' is completely torn, rings <part-num-ref name="rip stitching 114' is completely torn, rings">116</part-num-ref>
+ act to further absorb energy by deforming because one ring is forced into the other. It is desirable that rip stitching 114' stay intact during normal use of system 10', but begin to rip or tear under a shock force associated with a fall to absorb some of the shock force, thereby protecting the KEVLAR support line <part-num-ref name="KEVLAR support line">120</part-num-ref>
+ from breakage. Rip stitching 114' can, for example, begin to rip or tear under a shock force in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">500</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">1000</part-num-ref>
+ pounds. Of course, other shock absorbing elements such as partially oriented yarn or tear tape can be used as the shock absorbing element in the shock absorbing descender of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0031]  As illustrated, for example, in Figures 5A and <confidence value="55">5B</confidence>
+, a cover such as a shrink wrap covering 128a' can be formed over at least a potion of termination knot 128' of support line 120'. Figure 5A illustrates support line pad assembly 200' holding a 50-foot support line 120', while Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+B illustrates support line pad assembly 200' holding a 75-foot support line 120". Second or terminal end 126' of support line 120' can also be folded over on itself and shrink wrap <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+26a' formed as a cover thereover. A "double action" or dual action is thereby required to allow passage of second end 126' of support line 120' through descender device 110' to operatively disengage support line 120' from  descender device 110'. The user first grasps second end 126' and applies force to open shrink wrap covering 128a'. The user can then remove termination knot 128'. The requirement of a double action assists in ensuring that termination knot 128' is not inadvertently untied or removed.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As discussed above in connection with system 10, a tamper-evident tag 250' can be place around support line 120' of system 10'. A tamper-evident tag <part-num-ref name="tamper-evident tag">252</part-num-ref>
+ can also be place upon termination knot 128'. Tamper-evident tags 250' and 252' provide confirmation upon very quick inspection as to whether support line 120' has ever been deployed. In that regard, tamper-evident tags 250' and 252' (which can, for example, be formed from a length of self-adhesive material that is wrapped around portions of support line 120') must be torn or ripped to deploy support line 120'. If support line 120' has been previous deployed, it is preferably replaced. In that regard, waist belt <part-num-ref name="length of self-adhesive material that is wrapped around portions of support line 120') must be torn or ripped to deploy support line 120'. If support line 120' has been previous deployed, it is preferably replaced. In that regard, waist belt">100,</part-num-ref>
+ including shock absorbing element 112' and descender device 110', as well as support line 120' can be replaced after a single deployment thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth preferred embodiments of the invention at the present time. Various modifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11153411.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,670 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11153411</doc-number>
+        <date>2005-06-16</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">VIT-020 </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">APPLICATION FOR LETTERS PATENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">INVENTOR: Christopher J. Vitito </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">TITLE: VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November">8,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November 8,">2004,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", which is currently pending, and is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517, <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November 8, 2004, entitled &quot;AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM&quot;, which is currently pending, and is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517,">862,</part-num-ref>
+ filed November <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November 8, 2004, entitled &quot;AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM&quot;, which is currently pending, and is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517, 862, filed November">7,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/982,896, filed November 8, 2004, entitled &quot;AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM&quot;, which is currently pending, and is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/517, 862, filed November 7,">2003,</part-num-ref>
+ entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM".    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">1.    Field of the Invention The invention relates to a vehicle entertainment system. More particularly, the invention relates to an entertainment system integrating a video source and video monitor within the headrest of an automobile or the ceiling of an automobile, wherein the video source and video monitor are detachably secured to the headrest or the ceiling of an automobile.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">2.    Description of the Prior Art Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, many advances have been made in the development of entertainment systems that make the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile more bearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneered by the present inventor, systems that mount within the headrest of an automobile have also been developed.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">These headrest entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to view a variety of different video sources within the same vehicle. However, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is desirable to provide added versatility to these entertainment systems. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+present invention attempts to accomplish this by providing a system whereby the video system may be selectively removed from an automobile and used at other locations.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an auto<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+obile entertainment system including a video system having a video monitor and a video source, and a cradle secured <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ithin an automobile. The cradle is shaped and <confidence value="22222222222">dimensioned</confidence>
+ for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">It is also another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video source is a DVD player or hard drive.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">It is a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video system includes electrical connectors shaped and dimensioned for selective <confidence value="8">e</confidence>
+ngagem<confidence value="8">e</confidence>
+nt <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith electrical connectors formed within the cradle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the cradle is mounted within a headrest.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">It is still another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the cradle is secured to a ceiling of the automobile.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system including at least one docking station to <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+hich the video system may be selectively secured when not coupled to the cradle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the video system includes electrical connectors shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ith electrical connectors formed <confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+ithin the docking station.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">It is also a further object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the cradle includes a connecting mechanism for selective attachment of the video system <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+thereto.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">It is also an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the connecting mechanism includes a release button for selective release of the video system from the cradle.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">It is another object of the present invention to provide an entertainment system wherein the connecting mechanism includes a latch member for selective coupling of the video system to the cradle.</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING</heading>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an automobile entertainment system in accordance with the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the housing of the video system shown in Figure 1.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Figures 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4</part-num-ref>
+ are front perspective views showing the entertainment system with the video system coupled to the headrest and detached from the headrest.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Figures 5, 6, 7 and <part-num-ref name="and">8</part-num-ref>
+ are views of entertainment systems in accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Figure 9 shows the video system of Figure 1 mounted within a dash docking station.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Figure 10 shows the video system of Figure 1 mounted within a mobile docking station.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Figure 11 shows the video system of Figure 1 mounted within a static docking station.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Figure 12 is a front view of an automobile entertainment system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Figures 13 and <part-num-ref name="and">14</part-num-ref>
+ are front perspective views showing the entertainment system of Figure 12 with the video system coupled to the cradle and detached from the cradle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Figure 15 shows the video system of Figure 12 mounted within a dash docking station.</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Figure 16 shows the video system of Figure 12 mounted within a mobile docking station.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Figure 17 shows the video system of Figure 12 mounted within a static docking station.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-8">DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">With reference to Figures 1 to <part-num-ref name="to">11,</part-num-ref>
+ and in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, an automobile entertainment system <part-num-ref name="automobile entertainment system">10</part-num-ref>
+ is disclosed. Although the present system is described herein for use within an automobile, the system could readily be employed in various vehicles, for example, boats or planes, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The automobile entertainment system 10 is composed of a series of video and audio components integrated within an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+ In particular, the entertainment system <part-num-ref name="entertainment system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ detachably mounted within a standard headrest <part-num-ref name="standard headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+ The video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ generally includes a video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ for presenting video content and a video source <part-num-ref name="video source">20</part-num-ref>
+ integrated therewith.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is a DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ for the transmission of video content thereto.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">That is, the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ or other video source is integrated within the same housing <part-num-ref name="same housing">18</part-num-ref>
+ as the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16.</part-num-ref>
+ It is also contemplated that a hard drive <part-num-ref name="hard drive">23</part-num-ref>
+ video source may also be integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16.</part-num-ref>
+ As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the hard drive <part-num-ref name="hard drive">23</part-num-ref>
+ will include inputs for receiving video content and outputs for transmitting video content to the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16,</part-num-ref>
+ both of which are well known to those skilled in the art. However, and as discussed <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+below in greater detail, the video source may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention; for example, and not limited to, satellite video systems and Bluetooth wireless based systems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">The video system 12 is mounted along the rear portion of the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ such that an individual sitting in the rear seat of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ may watch the media presented on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ without disturbing the driver of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">The video monitor 16, DVD player 20, hard drive 23 and associated control components are mounted within the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18.</part-num-ref>
+ As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ is pivotally mounted within a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">17</part-num-ref>
+ formed in the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ is a TFT LCD screen. However, it is contemplated that other monitor constructions, for example, plasma, Ultra High Def<confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ition VGA, touch screen VGA, organic LED, fabric based monitors (e.g., flexible TFT) etc., may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">With regard to the DV<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+ player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20,</part-num-ref>
+ it is integrally molded within the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18</part-num-ref>
+ and positioned for insertion of DVDs behind the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16.</part-num-ref>
+ By mounting the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ in this way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for the automobile environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">While the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ is disclosed as being a slot-loaded design with insertion behind the video monitor, the DV<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+ player could take a variety of other forms while still being integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16.</part-num-ref>
+ With reference to Figures <part-num-ref name="video monitor 16. With reference to Figures">5</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">6,</part-num-ref>
+ the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">220</part-num-ref>
+ may be positioned beneath the pivotally mounted video monitor <part-num-ref name="pivotally mounted video monitor">216.</part-num-ref>
+ With reference to Figure 7, the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">320</part-num-ref>
+ may be integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">316</part-num-ref>
+ and facilitate access via a side loading slot <part-num-ref name="side loading slot">317.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Referring to Figure 8, the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">420</part-num-ref>
+ is integrated with the underside of the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">416</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+and the DVD is snapped into DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD is snapped into DVD player">420</part-num-ref>
+ when the monitor <part-num-ref name="monitor">416</part-num-ref>
+ is pivoted upward. In addition, the DVD player may be designed with a built in TV tuner for providing the user with a choice of video sources.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">As briefly mentioned above, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18</part-num-ref>
+ is detachably secured to the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ In particular, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18,</part-num-ref>
+ including the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16,</part-num-ref>
+ DVD player <part-num-ref name="video monitor 16, DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ and other related components, is detachably mounted within a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">15</part-num-ref>
+ formed in the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ As such, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be removed from the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ and used at a variety of locations apart from the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+ As will be discussed below in greater detail, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be used alone or in conjunction with a docking station 50', 50", 50<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+. Once removed, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be used in other automobiles <part-num-ref name="may be used in other automobiles">11</part-num-ref>
+ or within an individual's home. When used alone, a battery pack may be connected to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ can thereby become a portable entertainment system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">A cradle 38 shaped and dimensioned for receiving the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is provided within the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">15</part-num-ref>
+ of the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ As will be discussed below in greater detail, similar cradles 38', 38", <confidence value="8868">38"'</confidence>
+ may be provided at other locations permitting use of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ at other remote locations. It is contemplated that such a cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38,</part-num-ref>
+ 38', 38", 38<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ would be much like the docking stations utilized with laptop computers wherein individuals are permitted to readily remove the laptop from a docking station for use at another location remote from the docking station.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">More specifically, the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ utilized in the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes quick release electrical connections <part-num-ref name="includes quick release electrical connections">42</part-num-ref>
+ for the audio input <part-num-ref name="audio input">22,</part-num-ref>
+ audio output <part-num-ref name="audio input 22, audio output">24,</part-num-ref>
+ video input <part-num-ref name="audio input 22, audio output 24, video input">26,</part-num-ref>
+ video output <part-num-ref name="audio input 22, audio output 24, video input 26, video output">28</part-num-ref>
+ and power supply <part-num-ref name="and power supply">30</part-num-ref>
+ (although an embodiment with only a simple power supply connection is contemplated).    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">These connections allow for a selectively releasable and detachable connection. The video system <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ similarly includes mating electrical connections <part-num-ref name="similarly includes mating electrical connections">44</part-num-ref>
+ for transmitting electricity and a/v signals between the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ In particular, when the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted upon the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38,</part-num-ref>
+ the respective electrical connections <part-num-ref name="respective electrical connections">42,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="respective electrical connections 42,">44</part-num-ref>
+ mate to provide for the transmission of power and a/v signals between the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38.</part-num-ref>
+ As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, other readily removable electrical connections for other purposes may also be supplied if one determines they are so needed. In addition, it is contemplated the hardwired connections may be replaced with wireless connections, for example, Bluetooth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">In addition to the electrical connections <part-num-ref name="electrical connections">42</part-num-ref>
+ provided on the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38,</part-num-ref>
+ the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">46</part-num-ref>
+ designed for selectively retaining the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ within the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38.</part-num-ref>
+ The connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">46</part-num-ref>
+ permits ready and selective attachment of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ while preventing vibrations and other damaging movements that commonly occur <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">46</part-num-ref>
+ includes a release button <part-num-ref name="release button">47</part-num-ref>
+ and a latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">48.</part-num-ref>
+ Although a specific latching and release structure are disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, other shapes and locations could be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. The release button <part-num-ref name="release button">47</part-num-ref>
+ is childproof and is actuated to rotate the latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">48</part-num-ref>
+ and permit removal of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ from the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38.</part-num-ref>
+ Insertion of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ within the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ is achieved by simply setting the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ within the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and applying sufficient force to the video system for overcoming the rotational force of the latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">48</part-num-ref>
+ to force the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ into a secure position. While a particular coupling structure is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+variety of selectively releasable coupling structures (for example, slide and/or snap locks) may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">The entertainment system 10 further includes cables <part-num-ref name="further includes cables">32</part-num-ref>
+ extending through the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">These cables ultimately link audio, video and power to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and video system <part-num-ref name="and video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and video system <part-num-ref name="and video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ are electrically connected to the remainder of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ via electrical communication lines extending through one or both of the extension arms 14a, 14b of the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, and as will be discussed below in substantial detail, a video input <part-num-ref name="video input">22,</part-num-ref>
+ video output <part-num-ref name="video input 22, video output">24,</part-num-ref>
+ audio input <part-num-ref name="video input 22, video output 24, audio input">26,</part-num-ref>
+ audio output <part-num-ref name="video input 22, video output 24, audio input 26, audio output">28</part-num-ref>
+ and power source <part-num-ref name="and power source">30,</part-num-ref>
+ may be respectively connected to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ for ultimate connection with the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the mating electrical connections <part-num-ref name="mating electrical connections">42,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="mating electrical connections 42,">44</part-num-ref>
+ of the respective cradle <part-num-ref name="respective cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and video system <part-num-ref name="and video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Specific wiring arrangements and linking of various video systems within an automobile in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 10/920,425, entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", filed 8/18/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent Application No. 10/895,111, entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", filed 7/21/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent Application No. 10/895,110, entitled </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">"AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM LINKING MULTIPLE VIDEO SYSTEM</heading>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">FOR COORDINATED SHARING OF VIDEO CONTENT", filed 7/21/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent Application No. 10/895,086, entitled "HOUSING FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", filed 7/21/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent Application No. 10/895,099, entitled </p>
+    <heading id="h-10">"INSTALLATION APPARATUS FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM",</heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+filed 7/21/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Patent Application No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">10/920,431, entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", filed 8/18/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/920,430, entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", filed 8/18/2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">As briefly mentioned above, a D<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+D player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ is integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ to form the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ of the present invention. The DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ is integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ to facilitate convenient viewing of media on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ while also conserving space within the limited confines of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, by integrating the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">20</part-num-ref>
+ with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ individuals using the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ may conveniently insert DVDs within the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ without reaching within another part of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">With this in mind, it is contemplated the present video system <part-num-ref name="present video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be positioned within any headrest <part-num-ref name="may be positioned within any headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ employed in a car, truck, SUV, or van. The video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be placed within all vehicle headrests (and, with regard to automobiles having three rows of seats, video systems may be positioned within both the front seat headrests and the second seat headrests). In this way, individuals sitting on opposite sides of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ can watch different video content on different video systems <part-num-ref name="can watch different video content on different video systems">12.</part-num-ref>
+ In fact, different videos may be viewed, and wireless headphones may still be employed, by utilizing a multi-channel IR transmitter in conjunction with the present system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">The present video system 12 is provided with the ability to offer a variety of functionalities.</p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">These functionalities may be hardwired or programmed within the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ or the functionalities may be added in a modular manner via an expansion slot <part-num-ref name="expansion slot">40</part-num-ref>
+ provided within the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Contemplated functionalities include, but are not limited to satellite radio (for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+example, Serius, XM), Pictel phone, satellite television (for example, DirecTV), GPS guidance systems, quick release battery packs, memory cards, wireless internet access (for example, Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, digital video recorders, digital video reception and recording, digital video inputs, video conferencing, cellular digital, cellular digital with a camera, USB capabilities, Blue sphere, hot swap hard drive, satellite video import card, wireless video import card, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">Enhanced usage is further provided by the inclusion of RCA ports <part-num-ref name="inclusion of RCA ports">34,</part-num-ref>
+ or other a/v input/outputs, formed within the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ and contained behind a cover <part-num-ref name="cover">36</part-num-ref>
+ which may be selectively opened to reveal the ports <part-num-ref name="ports">34.</part-num-ref>
+ The inclusion of these ports <part-num-ref name="inclusion of these ports">34</part-num-ref>
+ allows for ready attachment of the present video system <part-num-ref name="present video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to other remote a/v sources (for example, game consoles, portable digital music players, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">In addition, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a broadcast television receiver <part-num-ref name="broadcast television receiver">19</part-num-ref>
+ is integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ More particularly, and with reference to Figure 2, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with a rear recess <part-num-ref name="rear recess">37</part-num-ref>
+ shaped and dimensioned for receiving a television receiver <part-num-ref name="television receiver">19.</part-num-ref>
+ The television receiver <part-num-ref name="television receiver">19</part-num-ref>
+ may, therefore, be wired for use in conjunction with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ in a manner known to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">The television receiver 19 is further provided with an antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">21.</part-num-ref>
+ The antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">21</part-num-ref>
+ is electrically connected to the television receiver <part-num-ref name="television receiver">19</part-num-ref>
+ for the transmission of over-the-air signals. The antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">21</part-num-ref>
+ is substantially U-shaped and is wrapped about the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">18.</part-num-ref>
+ While a U-shaped antenna wrapped about the housing is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna may be oriented within a variety of locations within the headrest without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is contemplated a wireless antenna may also be used.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+Control of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12,</part-num-ref>
+ including the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16,</part-num-ref>
+ DVD player <part-num-ref name="video monitor 16, DVD player">20,</part-num-ref>
+ hard drive <part-num-ref name="video monitor 16, DVD player 20, hard drive">23</part-num-ref>
+ and other components of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12,</part-num-ref>
+ is facilitated by the provision of control buttons along the outer surface of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control buttons take the form of a multifunction controller <part-num-ref name="multifunction controller">60</part-num-ref>
+ permitting movement of a cursor shown upon various interfaces displayed upon the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16.</part-num-ref>
+ In addition, conventional control buttons <part-num-ref name="video monitor 16. In addition, conventional control buttons">62</part-num-ref>
+ may also be provided for control of traditional functions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">In addition to the provision of manual control buttons <part-num-ref name="provision of manual control buttons">62,</part-num-ref>
+ the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may further include a remote control (not shown) such that an individual need not actually touch the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to control the video content or the volume generated by the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Once again, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a variety of remote control systems may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">As briefly mentioned above, the present video system <part-num-ref name="present video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is adapted for removal from the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ for use at a variety of other locations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the other locations are provide with a docking station 50', 50", 50"' including auxiliary cradles 38', 38", 38<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ shaped and dimensioned for receiving the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">For example, and with reference to Figure 9, a docking station 50' for use in conjunction with the dash <part-num-ref name="dash">52</part-num-ref>
+ of a conventional automobile <part-num-ref name="conventional automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ is disclosed. The docking station 50' includes an auxiliary cradle 38' (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securely holding the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+with the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 50' is mounted upon the dash <part-num-ref name="dash">52</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ and is wired for connection to a power source and a/v sources (not shown). In addition, the dash docking station 50' may include an integrated satellite receiver 54' for providing satellite content to the passenger of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ by transmitting the satellite signal through the cradle 38' and into the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 38' and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ This embodiment is particularly useful where the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ includes functionality relating to the provision of GPS guidance information. With this in mind, the driver will be able to selectively use the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ for accessing guidance information when needed and return the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ when guidance information is no longer needed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">With reference to Figure 10, a mobile docking station 50" may also be provided. The mobile docking station 50" also includes an auxiliary cradle 38" (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securely holding the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 50" may include a battery pack 55", a/v inputs 56", a/v outputs 57", Internet capability, speakers 58", cable input 59" and/or an integrated satellite receiver 54". These components are linked to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the cradle 38" which transmits the relevant signals to and from the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 38" and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">With reference to Figure 11, yet a further embodiment of a docking station 50<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ is disclosed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">This docking station 50<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ is adapted for static mounting within a household, office or other locations (for example, beneath a kitchen cabinet 53<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+). The docking station 50<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ includes an auxiliary cradle 38<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+and dimensioned for receiving and securely holding the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">38</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 50"' may include a battery pack 55<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+, a/v inputs 56"', a/v outputs 57<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+, Internet capability, speakers 58<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+, cable input 59"' and/or an integrated satellite receiver 54"'. These components are linked to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the cradle 38"' which transmits the relevant signals to and from the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 38"' and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">As shown in Figure 11, when the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted beneath a kitchen cabinet <part-num-ref name="kitchen cabinet">53</part-num-ref>
+ as shown, it may be necessary to mount the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ upside down when compared to its mounting within an automobile headrest <part-num-ref name="automobile headrest">14.</part-num-ref>
+ With this in mind, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with the ability to rotate to the image shown on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ so that the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may be used in a variety of orientations. The possible rotation of the image shown on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">16</part-num-ref>
+ is complemented by the multifunctional controller <part-num-ref name="multifunctional controller">60</part-num-ref>
+ that adjusts to rotation of the image such that the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">60</part-num-ref>
+ is calibrated to function in accordance with the orientation of the screen <confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+mage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">In addition to providing for the inclusion of a removable video system <part-num-ref name="removable video system">12</part-num-ref>
+ within the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">14</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">11</part-num-ref>
+ as shown above with reference to Figures <part-num-ref name="as shown above with reference to Figures">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">11,</part-num-ref>
+ it is further contemplated an entertainment system <part-num-ref name="entertainment system">110</part-num-ref>
+ providing for a selectively removable video system <part-num-ref name="selectively removable video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ mounted within the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with this alternate embodiment, and with reference to Figure 12 to <part-num-ref name="to">17,</part-num-ref>
+ the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is selectively mounted to an overhead cradle <part-num-ref name="overhead cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the ceiling mounted system and the headrest mounted system may be integrated within a single vehicle to provide for a choice between a ceiling mount use and a headrest mount use. This would require the use of a universal cradle structure allowing the owner to move the video system from one location to another location without needing to incur the cost of purchasing a video system for each location. The individual could place the video system within the ceiling mounted cradle when many people are riding the automobile and move the video system to the headrest when only one passenger is viewing the media present upon the video system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">As with the embodiment disclosed above, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is detachably mounted within a cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ secured to the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ The video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ generally includes a video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116</part-num-ref>
+ for presenting media content and a video source <part-num-ref name="video source">120</part-num-ref>
+ integrated therewith.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video source is a DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">120</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116</part-num-ref>
+ for the transmission of video content thereto.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">That is, the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">120</part-num-ref>
+ or other video source is integrated within the same video housing <part-num-ref name="same video housing">118</part-num-ref>
+ as the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116.</part-num-ref>
+ It is also contemplated that a hard drive <part-num-ref name="hard drive">123</part-num-ref>
+ video source may also be integrated with the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116.</part-num-ref>
+ As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the hard drive <part-num-ref name="hard drive">123</part-num-ref>
+ will include inputs for receiving video content and outputs for transmitting video content to the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116,</part-num-ref>
+ both of which are well known to those skilled in the art. However, and as discussed above with reference to the embodiments disclosed in Figures <part-num-ref name="embodiments disclosed in Figures">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">11,</part-num-ref>
+ the video source may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+The video system 112 is mounted to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ for viewing in the rear of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ With this in mind, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118</part-num-ref>
+ of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with a pivotal coupling member <part-num-ref name="pivotal coupling member">139</part-num-ref>
+ allowing the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to pivot relative to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ for storage when the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is not in use. It is also contemplated that the coupling member <part-num-ref name="coupling member">139</part-num-ref>
+ may be designed to provide for rotation of the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118</part-num-ref>
+ about multiple axes. In this way, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be freely rotated to improve viewing regardless of where the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is being used.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">The video monitor 116, DVD player 120, hard drive 123 and associated control components are mounted within the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116</part-num-ref>
+ is a T<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+T LCD screen. However, it is contemplated that other monitor constructions, for example, plasma, Ultra High Def<confidence value="56">in</confidence>
+ition VGA, touch screen VGA, fabric based monitors (e.g., flexible TFT) etc., may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">With regard to the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">120,</part-num-ref>
+ it is integrally molded within the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118</part-num-ref>
+ and positioned for insertion of the DVDs behind the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116.</part-num-ref>
+ By mounting the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">120</part-num-ref>
+ in this way, a stable structure is developed that is well adapted for the automobile environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">While the DVD player <part-num-ref name="DVD player">120</part-num-ref>
+ is disclosed as being a slot-loaded design with insertion behind the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116,</part-num-ref>
+ the DVD player could take a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">As briefly mentioned above, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118</part-num-ref>
+ is detachably secured to the ceiling mounted cradle <part-num-ref name="ceiling mounted cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ In particular, the housing <part-num-ref name="housing">118,</part-num-ref>
+ including the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116,</part-num-ref>
+ DVD player <part-num-ref name="video monitor 116, DVD player">120</part-num-ref>
+ and other related components, is detachably mounted within a recess <part-num-ref name="recess">141</part-num-ref>
+ formed in the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ As such, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be removed from the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ and used at a variety of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+locations apart from the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ As will be discussed below in greater detail, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be used alone or in conjunction with a docking station 150', 150", 150"'. Once removed, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be used in other automobiles or within an individual's home.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">When used alone, a battery pack may be connected to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ can thereby become a portable entertainment system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">The cradle 138 is shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securing the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113</part-num-ref>
+ of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ As was discussed above with reference to the headrest based system, similar cradles 138', 138", 138"' may be provided at other locations permitting use of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ at other remote locations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">More specifically, the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes quick release electrical connections <part-num-ref name="present invention includes quick release electrical connections">142</part-num-ref>
+ for the audio input <part-num-ref name="audio input">122,</part-num-ref>
+ audio output <part-num-ref name="audio input 122, audio output">124,</part-num-ref>
+ video input <part-num-ref name="audio input 122, audio output 124, video input">126,</part-num-ref>
+ video output <part-num-ref name="audio input 122, audio output 124, video input 126, video output">128</part-num-ref>
+ and power supply <part-num-ref name="and power supply">130</part-num-ref>
+ (although an embodiment with only a simple power supply connection is contemplated). The video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ similarly includes mating electrical connections <part-num-ref name="similarly includes mating electrical connections">144</part-num-ref>
+ for transmitting electricity and a/v signals between the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+ In particular, when the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted upon the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ the respective electrical connections <part-num-ref name="respective electrical connections">142,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="respective electrical connections 142,">144</part-num-ref>
+ mate to provide for the transmission of power and a/v signals between the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, other readily removable electrical connections for other purposes may also be supplied if one determines they are so needed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">In addition to the electrical connections provided on the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138,</part-num-ref>
+ the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">146</part-num-ref>
+ designed for selectively retaining the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ within the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ The connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">146</part-num-ref>
+ permits ready and selective attachment of the video <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113</part-num-ref>
+ of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ while preventing vibrations and other damaging movements that commonly occur in an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting mechanism <part-num-ref name="connecting mechanism">146</part-num-ref>
+ includes a release button <part-num-ref name="release button">147</part-num-ref>
+ and a latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">148.</part-num-ref>
+ The release button <part-num-ref name="release button">147</part-num-ref>
+ is actuated to rotate the latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">148</part-num-ref>
+ and permit removal of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ from the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ Insertion of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ within the cradle recess <part-num-ref name="cradle recess">141</part-num-ref>
+ is achieved by simply setting the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ within the recess <part-num-ref name="recess">141</part-num-ref>
+ of the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ and overcoming the rotational force of the latch member <part-num-ref name="latch member">148</part-num-ref>
+ to force the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ into a secure position. While a particular coupling structure is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of selectively releasable coupling structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">The entertainment system further includes cables 132 extending through the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113</part-num-ref>
+ and the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138.</part-num-ref>
+ These cables <part-num-ref name="cradle 138. These cables">132</part-num-ref>
+ ultimately link audio, video and power to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ and video system <part-num-ref name="and video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ and video system <part-num-ref name="and video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ are electrically connected to the remainder of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ via electrical communication lines in a manner know to those skilled in the art. For example, cables such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">10/920,425, filed August 18, 2004, entitled "AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM" and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/895,098, filed July 21, 2004, entitled "INSTALLATION APPARATUS FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM", which are incorporated herein by reference may be employed.</p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">As discussed above, specific wiring arrangements and linking of various video systems within an automobile in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+commonly owned patent applications that are incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">The present video system 112 is provided with the ability to offer a variety of functionalities.</p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">These functionalities may be hardwired or programmed within the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ or the functionalities may be added in a modular manner via an expansion slot <part-num-ref name="expansion slot">140</part-num-ref>
+ provided within the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+ Contemplated functionalities include, but are not limited to satellite radio (for example, Serius, X<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+), Pictel phone, satellite television (for example, DirecTV), GPS guidance systems, quick release battery packs, memory cards, wireless internet access (for example, Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, digital video recorders, digital video reception and recording, digital video inputs, video conferencing, cellular digital, cellular digital with a camera, USB capabilities, Blue sphere, hot swap hard drive, satellite video import card, wireless video import card, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">In addition, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a broadcast television receiver and an antenna as discussed above with reference to the prior embodiment shown in Figure 2 is integrated with the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">Control of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112,</part-num-ref>
+ including the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116,</part-num-ref>
+ DVD player <part-num-ref name="video monitor 116, DVD player">120,</part-num-ref>
+ hard drive <part-num-ref name="video monitor 116, DVD player 120, hard drive">123</part-num-ref>
+ and other components of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112,</part-num-ref>
+ is facilitated by the provision of control buttons along the outer surface of the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+ In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control buttons take the form of a multifunction controller <part-num-ref name="multifunction controller">160</part-num-ref>
+ permitting movement of a cursor shown upon various interfaces displayed upon the video. In addition, conventional control buttons <part-num-ref name="video. In addition, conventional control buttons">162</part-num-ref>
+ may also be provided for control of traditional functions. In addition to the provision of manual control buttons, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may further include a remote control (not shown) such that an individual need not actually touch the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to control the video content or the volume generated by the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+As briefly mentioned above, the present video system is adapted for removal from the ceiling cradle <part-num-ref name="ceiling cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ for use at a variety of other locations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the other locations are provided with docking stations 150', 150<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+, 150"' including auxiliary cradles 138', 138", 138<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ shaped and dimensioned for receiving the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources <confidence value="66">in</confidence>
+ a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">For example, and with reference to Figure 15, a docking station 150' for use in conjunction with the dash <part-num-ref name="dash">152</part-num-ref>
+ of a conventional automobile <part-num-ref name="conventional automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ is disclosed. The docking station 150' includes an auxiliary cradle 138' (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securely holding the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the headrest <part-num-ref name="headrest">114.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 150' is mounted upon the dash <part-num-ref name="dash">152</part-num-ref>
+ of an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ and is wired for connection to a power source and a/v sources. In addition, the dash docking station 150' may include an integrated satellite receiver 154' for providing satellite content to the passengers of the automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111</part-num-ref>
+ by transmitting the satellite signal through the cradle 138' and into the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 138' and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+ This embodiment is particularly useful where the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ includes functionality relating to the provision of GPS guidance information. With this in mind, the driver will be able to selectively use the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ for accessing guidance information when needed and return the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to the ceiling cradle <part-num-ref name="ceiling cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ when guidance information is no longer needed.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+With reference to Figure 16, a mobile docking station 150" may also be provided. The mobile docking station 150" also includes an auxiliary cradle 138" (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securely supporting the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 150" may include a battery pack 155", a/v inputs 156", a/v outputs 157", Internet capability, speakers 158", cable input 159" and/or an integrated satellite receiver 154". These components are linked to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the cradle 138" which transmits the relevant signals to and from the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 138" and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">As shown in Figure 15 and <part-num-ref name="and">16,</part-num-ref>
+ when the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted to the docking stations 150', 150", it may be necessary to mount the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ upside down when compared to its mounting within an automobile <part-num-ref name="automobile">111.</part-num-ref>
+ With this in mind, the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with the ability to rotate to the image shown on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">so</confidence>
+ that the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ may be used in a variety of orientations. The possible rotation of the image shown on the video monitor <part-num-ref name="video monitor">116</part-num-ref>
+ is complemented by the multifunctional controller <part-num-ref name="multifunctional controller">160</part-num-ref>
+ that adjusts to rotation of the image such that the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">160</part-num-ref>
+ is calibrated to function in accordance with the orientation of the screen image.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">With reference to Figure 17, yet a further embodiment of a docking station 150<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ is disclosed. This docking station 150<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ is adapted for static mounting within a household, office or other locations (for example, beneath a kitchen cabinet 153). The docking station 150<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+ includes an auxiliary cradle 138"' (with electrical connections and a connecting mechanism (not shown)) shaped and dimensioned for receiving and securely supporting the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ and coupling the video <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="24"/>
+system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ to power sources and a/v sources in a manner similar to the cradle <part-num-ref name="cradle">138</part-num-ref>
+ used in conjunction with the ceiling <part-num-ref name="ceiling">113.</part-num-ref>
+ The docking station 150"' may include a battery pack 155<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+, a/v inputs 156"', a/v outputs 157<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+, Internet capability, speakers 158"', cable input 159"' and/or an integrated satellite receiver 154<confidence value="68">"'</confidence>
+. These components are linked to the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the cradle 138"' which transmits the relevant signals to and from the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112</part-num-ref>
+ via the respective electrical connections of the cradle 138"' and the video system <part-num-ref name="video system">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">defined in the appended claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">24</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11197842.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11197842</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-05-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+5/27/2<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+9   13:53    9<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+85824<confidence value="686">020</confidence>
+                                                         PAGE  <confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+4/14 <confidence value="8866">Ser.</confidence>
+ No. 11/197,842 Amendment to the <confidence value="222222222222">specifcation</confidence>
+ Please <confidence value="222222">arnend</confidence>
+ the first paragraph of the instant specification, on page <part-num-ref name="instant specification, on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ lines <part-num-ref name="instant specification, on page 1, lines">6</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10,</part-num-ref>
+ as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The present application is related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application S<confidence value="66">er</confidence>
+. No.11/<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+97,841 "Met<confidence value="4">b</confidence>
+od And Apparatus For Defending Against Denial Of Service Attacks In I<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+ Networks Based On Specified Source/Destination <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+P Address <confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+airs," filed by E. <confidence value="8">G</confidence>
+rosse on even date herewith and commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <confidence value="885">-2-</confidence>
+ PAGE 4114 <confidence value="885">RCV</confidence>
+D AT 5<confidence value="1868">(271</confidence>
+2009 2:45<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+24 PM <confidence value="66">[E</confidence>
+aste<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+Daylight <confidence value="66662286">Time]'SV</confidence>
+R:USPT<confidence value="5666">O-EF</confidence>
+XRF<confidence value="2418">-5/'</confidence>
+ DNIS:2<confidence value="586">738</confidence>
+300<confidence value="4">'</confidence>
+CSID:9<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+85824<confidence value="5828">02D'</confidence>
+ DURAT<confidence value="668">ION</confidence>
+ (mm<confidence value="25">-s</confidence>
+s):02<confidence value="88">40</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11259218.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11259218</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-04-09</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No.: 11/259<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+218    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Amendment Dated: April 9, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of January 9, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please re<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+lace paragraph [0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ beginning on page 5, with the following amended paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0026] After the prompt <part-num-ref name="prompt">31</part-num-ref>
+ is displayed, a user may choose to order additional capacity directly from the available additional<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ but yet unlicensed, capacity in the tape library <part-num-ref name="tape library">10<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ After choosing to make the order, such as by selecting a <confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+YES<confidence value="5">"</confidence>
+ button or icon, a user configurable capacity threshold <part-num-ref name="user configurable capacity threshold">33</part-num-ref>
+ is displayed, and the user may select <part-num-ref name="user may select">34</part-num-ref>
+ or enter <part-num-ref name="or enter">34</part-num-ref>
+ the amount of additional capacity to be <confidence value="2222222222222222">purchasedprehase</confidence>
+. This may be done by typing in the capacity increase amount, or selecting an amount from a pull-down <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+enu<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">or other similar action, for example. Once the additional capacity to be purchased is entered <part-num-ref name="additional capacity to be purchased is entered">34</part-num-ref>
+ or selected <part-num-ref name="or selected">34,</part-num-ref>
+ the user is prompted for a password <part-num-ref name="password">35.</part-num-ref>
+ After the password <part-num-ref name="password">35</part-num-ref>
+ is entered, a request (order) is transmitted, such as by way of the component <part-num-ref name="component">22</part-num-ref>
+ (interface manager 22), to the licensee or manufacturer, such as to an appropriate order desk at the licensee or manufacturer, for example. The request (order) is automatically processed at the licensee or manufacturer, such as by automatically logging into a key generation system at the licensee or manufacturer. A license and an activation key are automatically generated and transmitted from the <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+icensee or manufacturer back to the tape library <part-num-ref name="tape library">10</part-num-ref>
+ in real time to authorize usage of the additional licensed capacity.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No.: 11/259,218    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Amendment Dated: April 9<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ 20<confidence value="68">09</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Reply to Office Action of January 9, 2009</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+Please replace paragraph [<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+42] beginn<confidence value="888">ing</confidence>
+ on page 9<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ with the following amended paragraph<confidence value="8">:</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0042] After choosing 54 to make the order, a user configurable capacity threshold <part-num-ref name="user configurable capacity threshold">35</part-num-ref>
+ is displayed <part-num-ref name="is displayed">55.</part-num-ref>
+ The user selects <part-num-ref name="user selects">56</part-num-ref>
+ the amount of additional capacity to be <confidence value="22222222222222222">purchasedpuehasie</confidence>
+. Once the additional capacity to be purchased is selected <part-num-ref name="additional capacity to be purchased is selected">56</part-num-ref>
+ or entered <part-num-ref name="or entered">56,</part-num-ref>
+ the user is optionally prompted to enter <part-num-ref name="user is optionally prompted to enter">57</part-num-ref>
+ a password <part-num-ref name="password">35.</part-num-ref>
+ After the optional password <part-num-ref name="optional password">35</part-num-ref>
+ is entered <part-num-ref name="is entered">57,</part-num-ref>
+ a request (order) is transmitted <part-num-ref name="request (order) is transmitted">58</part-num-ref>
+ to an authorization source, such as a licensee or manufacturer.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11274887.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11274887</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-12-20</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="6">\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11221224">I|Alq881</confidence>
+                               <confidence value="8">A</confidence>
+tto<confidence value="6886">rney</confidence>
+ Docket No: 34074.00622/01.012<confidence value="6688">3.US</confidence>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Before section entitled "BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION" starting on page <part-num-ref name="INVENTION&quot; starting on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">In.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">4, please insert the following text:</p>
+    <heading id="h-2">RELATIONSHIP TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. <confidence value="2">§</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+19(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/628<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+746<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ filed on November <part-num-ref name="U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/628,746, filed on November">16.</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/628,746, filed on November 16.">2004</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="88">On</confidence>
+ page <confidence value="41">J\</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">9-</confidence>
+10 of the application (paragraph <part-num-ref name="application (paragraph">0065</part-num-ref>
+ as published, US Publication<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">20060154918), please <confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+ake the following amendment:    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">presence of H<confidence value="65">20</confidence>
+ and N<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+3. See The Merck Index<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ 10<confidence value="22">'h</confidence>
+ Edition, page <part-num-ref name="Merck Index, 10'h Edition, page">1106</part-num-ref>
+ p<confidence value="4542656">p-.784-</confidence>
+ (Merck &amp; Co., Rahway, N.J., 1983).    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11276728.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,499 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11276728</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-03-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">NON-CORROSIVE CHEMICAL RINSE SYSTEM</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/661,197 filed March <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/661,197 filed March">11,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/661,197 filed March 11,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ and the subject matter thereof is hereby <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+incorporated herein by reference thereto.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/596,716 filed October <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/596,716 filed October">14,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial number 60/596,716 filed October 14,">2005,</part-num-ref>
+ and the subject matter thereof is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+The present invention relates generally to chemical rinse systems and more particularly to non-corrosive chemical rinse systems.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND ART</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">As integrated circuits become ubiquitous, demands grow     for smaller, higher performing and lower cost devices. These demands continue to require improvements in the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+integrated circuit manufacturing processes. To produce the desired integrated circuits, processes must provide higher quality including improved cleaning. As smaller particles and the effects of cleaning on the desired materials become less tolerable, more complete cleaning while reducing the corrosive effects of cleaning has become increasingly important.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Manufacturing processing including photoresist, etching, and planarization, all produce <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+materials and particles that must be removed for further processing. Failure to remove the unwanted materials and particles contaminates the integrated circuits, preventing proper functioning and reliability of the integrated circuit devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">An integral part of integrated circuit fabrication is the formation of metal lines and vias. Photoresist is used to transfer an image to the desired circuit layer. After the desired <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+image transfer has been achieved, an etching process is used to form the desired structures.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">The metal lines are used to form electrical connections between various parts of the integrated circuit that lie in the same fabrication layer. The metal lines are often leveled or planarized to provide a more consistent surface for further processing. The vias are holes that <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+are etched through dielectric layers and later filled with a conductive metal. These are used to make electrical connections between different vertical layers of the integrated circuit. After the etching process has been completed, the photoresist and metals particles should be removed. Unfortunately, the etching processes produce insoluble metal-containing residues <boundary-data type="line-number">5    </boundary-data>
+that are not easily removed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">Many different rinses using a wide variety of chemicals have been attempted to clean the wafers containing the integrated circuits. From very complicated chemistries to simple rinses, many manufacturers have attempted to solve the cleaning issues. In the past, de- ionized or carbonated water was used for cleaning thin metal containing surfaces during <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+semiconductor manufacturing. Often, a final rinse of de-ionized or carbonated water is used to wash off particles from metal or dielectric areas of a semiconductor wafer that are the result of processing the semiconductor wafer, during either pre-metal or post-metal processing operations used during semiconductor processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">It is challenging to rinse very thin, 0.001-100 nm metal film (copper, cobalt, tungsten, <boundary-data type="line-number">15    </boundary-data>
+aluminum, the metals mentioned later), and films without corroding the metal film. Water or most water or acidic water based solutions often corrode the metal resulting in reduced film thickness, pitting, and residue or particles that are left on the film surface after processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">This results in yield losses in microelectronic device manufacturing However, de-ionized water corrodes certain metals such as copper (Cu) and cobalt <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+(Co) restricting the rinse time, limiting particle performance of the process, and resulting in relatively high metal contamination on dielectric surfaces on patterned wafers, where the surface is composed of a combination of metal and dielectric materials. Carbonated water has the disadvantage of being acidic, resulting in high affinity of the wafer surface to particles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">Particles from some processing materials, such as photoresist, can precipitate out of an acidic <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+rinse, such as carbonated water. The carbonated water also has the disadvantage of very limited capacity due to limitations of carbon dioxide solubility in water.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Both effective cleaning and limiting corrosion are critical to providing improved density and performance of integrated circuits. Across virtually all applications, there continues to be growing demand for reducing size, increasing performance and lower costs of <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+integrated circuits. The seemingly endless demands are no more visible than with products in our daily lives. Smaller and denser integrated circuits are required in many portable electronic products, such as cell phones, portable computers, voice recorders, etc. as well as in many larger electronic systems, such as cars, planes, industrial control systems, etc. As the demand <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+grows for smaller electronic products with more features, manufacturers are seeking ways to improve manufacturing processes for the integrated circuit. To meet these needs, manufacturers continue to seek improved processes to reduce contaminants and corrosion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Thus, a need still remains for a rinse system to provide improved cleaning and <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+reduced corrosion. In view of the increasing demand for improved integrated circuits and the electronic products containing them, it is increasingly critical that answers be found to these problems.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Solutions to these problems have been long sought but prior developments have not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to these problems have long eluded <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DISCLOSURE OF THE <confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">The present invention provides a chemical rinse including a corrosion inhibitor, and rinsing a wafer with the chemical rinse reducing defects on silicon and a dielectric, and maintaining integrity of a metal.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15          </boundary-data>
+Certain embodiments of the invention have other aspects in addition to or in place of those mentioned or obvious from the above. The aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description when taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rinse system in an embodiment of the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wafer of the rinse system;</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">FIG. 3 is an isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons in an embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">FIG. 4 is an isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons in an embodiment of the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">FIG. 5 is an isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons in an embodiment of the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">FIG. 6 is a top view of a rinsed wafer section;</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">FIG. 7 is a top view of rinsed wafer sections in an embodiment of the present <part-num-ref name="present">30</part-num-ref>
+   invention;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+FIG. 8 is a top view of rinsed wafer sections;    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">FIG. 9 is a top view of rinsed wafer sections in an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a rinse system for manufacturing the rinse system in an <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring the present invention, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+some well-known circuits, and process steps are not disclosed in detail.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Likewise, the drawings showing embodiments of the apparatus/device are semi- diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown greatly exaggerated in the drawing FIG<confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+. Similarly, although the sectional views in the drawings for ease of description show the invention with surfaces as <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+oriented downward, this arrangement in the FIG<confidence value="5">s</confidence>
+. is arbitrary and is not intended to suggest that invention should necessarily be in a downward direction. Generally, the device can be operated in any orientation. In addition, the same numbers are used in all the drawing FIG<confidence value="68">s.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">to relate to the same elements.</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">The term "horizontal" as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+plane or surface of the invention, regardless of its orientation. The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, such as "on", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", "side" (as in "sidewall"), "higher", "lower", "upper", "over", and "under", are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. The term "on" refers to direct contact among the elements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+The term "processing" as used herein includes deposition of material or photoresist, patterning, exposure, development, etching, cleaning, and/or removal of the material or photoresist as required in forming a described structure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Referring now to FIG. 1, therein is shown a plan view of a rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention. The rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ in a <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+liquid medium. The chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ is applied over a wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104</part-num-ref>
+ for post-process cleaning and rinsing. The rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ uses the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ instead of de-ionized water for rinsing the wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104.</part-num-ref>
+ The chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ provides cleaning to reduce defects on the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104</part-num-ref>
+ and corrosion inhibitors to maintain metal integrity, such as thickness, width, or depth. For metal film thickness or structures between 0.001 and <part-num-ref name="and corrosion inhibitors to maintain metal integrity, such as thickness, width, or depth. For metal film thickness or structures between 0.001 and">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm thick, wide, or deep, surface corrosion consumes a significant portion of the metal structure or film. Corrosion can result in missing or unusable lines, channels, dots, or arrays.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+The chemical rinse 102 can include hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof (such as <confidence value="86">H2</confidence>
+NOH or R1R2NOR3 where R<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+, R2 or R3 = H, CH3, C2H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+, C3H<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+, C4H9, C<confidence value="5811">5Hu1</confidence>
+, or <confidence value="656166">C6Hs),</confidence>
+ triazole or a derivative thereof (such as RC<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+N3H4 where R = H, CH3, C<confidence value="684">2Hs</confidence>
+, C3H<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+, C4H9, <confidence value="8581">C5H1</confidence>
+, C6H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+, CO<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+H, CH<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+OH, CH3S, C<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+H6N, C4H<confidence value="55">io</confidence>
+N, CHO or C<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+H30), an oxime (with the structure R1R2C=NOR3 where R<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+, R2 or R3 =H, CH3, C2H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+, C3H<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+, C4H9, C<confidence value="5811">5Hu1</confidence>
+, or <confidence value="656166">C6Hs),</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+de-ionized water with an inert gas (such as He, Ar, N<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+, C<confidence value="55">O2</confidence>
+, methane), a silicon based corrosion inhibitor (such as SiR1R2R3R4, [NR1R2R3R4]<confidence value="5885">2SiO</confidence>
+4, where R<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+, R2, R3, R4 = H, CH3, OCH3, <confidence value="586848">OC2Hs,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+C3H<confidence value="48">7,</confidence>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+C4H9, Cl, F, Br, NC<confidence value="684">2H6</confidence>
+, NC4H<confidence value="55">io</confidence>
+, or NC6H14), a chelating molecule with N-O bonds (such as 2,3 Butane-dione, dioxime, C4H<confidence value="28686">sN202</confidence>
+), a sulfide (R<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ SR2 where R<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ or R2 = H, CH3, C2H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+, C3H<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+, C4H9, C<confidence value="5811">5Hu1</confidence>
+, or C6H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+), a nitrite (<confidence value="2222">RNO2</confidence>
+, where R = <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+NH4, NC4H12, CH3, C2H<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+, C3H<confidence value="4">7</confidence>
+, C4H9 or C<confidence value="5811">5H11</confidence>
+), or any combination thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">The chemical rinse 102 can also include de-ionized water with in part or completely replaced dissolved gas, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or a combination thereof, such as air. Dissolved gas can be removed by several processes, such as a vacuum, boiling, reacting with a chemical additive, absorbing using a gas absorbing material, using osmosis, <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+using reverse osmosis, or displacement of the dissolved gas by purging, bubbling, or mixing with another gas. In addition to the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102,</part-num-ref>
+ the rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can also reduce defects on the wafer and inhibit corrosion by rinsing the wafer in a controlled environment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">The controlled environment can include He, Ar, N<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+, C<confidence value="55">O2</confidence>
+, methane, a vacuum, or a combination thereof. The controlled environment can also include a pressure controlled <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+between a vacuum (1<confidence value="66">0E</confidence>
+-6 atmosphere) and <part-num-ref name="vacuum (10E-6 atmosphere) and">10</part-num-ref>
+ bar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">The rinse system 100 can include a tank <part-num-ref name="tank">106</part-num-ref>
+ having an inlet <part-num-ref name="inlet">108,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a gas inlet, and a return <part-num-ref name="return">110</part-num-ref>
+ for the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ can also include a pressure- sensing device <part-num-ref name="pressure- sensing device">112,</part-num-ref>
+ a pump <part-num-ref name="pump">114,</part-num-ref>
+ a filter <part-num-ref name="filter">116,</part-num-ref>
+ and a valve <part-num-ref name="valve">118,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a needle valve. A circulating loop is provided with the tank <part-num-ref name="tank">106,</part-num-ref>
+ the pump <part-num-ref name="pump">114,</part-num-ref>
+ the filter <part-num-ref name="filter">116,</part-num-ref>
+ including an <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+option to bubble saturate the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ with a gas through the inlet <part-num-ref name="inlet">108.</part-num-ref>
+ A rinse chamber <part-num-ref name="rinse chamber">120</part-num-ref>
+ holds the wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104</part-num-ref>
+ for the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ through front-side rinse nozzles <part-num-ref name="through front-side rinse nozzles">122.</part-num-ref>
+ The rinse chamber <part-num-ref name="rinse chamber">120</part-num-ref>
+ also includes backside rinse nozzles <part-num-ref name="also includes backside rinse nozzles">124.</part-num-ref>
+ As an option, a chamber gas purge <part-num-ref name="chamber gas purge">126</part-num-ref>
+ can be provided for the rinse chamber <part-num-ref name="rinse chamber">120.</part-num-ref>
+ A de-ionized water rinse <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+system can be used or a separate system can be used to rinse the substrate with the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is shown a cross-sectional view of the wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104</part-num-ref>
+ of the rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The wafer <part-num-ref name="wafer">104</part-num-ref>
+ includes a metal <part-num-ref name="metal">202,</part-num-ref>
+ such as metal lines, and a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">204</part-num-ref>
+ on a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">206,</part-num-ref>
+ such as silicon. The substrate can include other semiconductor layers (not shown). The metal lines can be electrolessly or electrochemically deposited metal films or metal alloy films. The metal can be Copper, Ruthenium, Nickel, Cobalt, Iron, Palladium, Silver, Nickel, Boron, Tungsten, Tantalum, Molybdenum, Vanadium, Phosporus or alloys thereof. It has been discovered that the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+reduces defects on a surface of the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">204</part-num-ref>
+ and a bare silicon surface of the substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">206,</part-num-ref>
+ and prevents corrosion on the metal <part-num-ref name="metal">202.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Referring now to FIG. 3, therein is shown an isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons">300</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention. The chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">300</part-num-ref>
+ were cut from a silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately <part-num-ref name="silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately">13</part-num-ref>
+ nm of a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">302</part-num-ref>
+ over a copper layer <part-num-ref name="copper layer">304</part-num-ref>
+ deposited on the silicon wafer. The chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">300</part-num-ref>
+ include a hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="hydroxylamine exposed coupon">306,</part-num-ref>
+ rinsed with a hydroxylamine solution, and a de-ionized water exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="de-ionized water exposed coupon">308,</part-num-ref>
+ rinsed with de-ionized water. The de-ionized water exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="de-ionized water exposed coupon">308</part-num-ref>
+ was exposed by submersion in de-ionized water for <part-num-ref name="was exposed by submersion in de-ionized water for">200</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. The hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="hydroxylamine exposed coupon">306</part-num-ref>
+ was submerged into a 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+solution of hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof, such as H<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+NOH, in de-ionized water.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">After 200 minutes, the hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="hydroxylamine exposed coupon">306</part-num-ref>
+ and the de-ionized water exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="de-ionized water exposed coupon">308</part-num-ref>
+ were removed and dried with clean, dry air. The results show that the de-ionized water has corroded the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">302</part-num-ref>
+ to reveal the copper layer <part-num-ref name="copper layer">304</part-num-ref>
+ on the de-ionized water exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="de-ionized water exposed coupon">308.</part-num-ref>
+ The hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="hydroxylamine exposed coupon">306</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+does not shown signs of corrosion maintaining the integrity of the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">302.</part-num-ref>
+ It has been discovered that the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1 is compatible with electroless plated cobalt providing lower line-to-line leakage and thereby improving film integration.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Referring now to FIG. 4, therein is shown an isometric view of chemical rinse test <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+coupons <part-num-ref name="isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons">400</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention. In a manner similar to the chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">300,</part-num-ref>
+ the chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">400</part-num-ref>
+ were cut from a silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately <part-num-ref name="silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately">13</part-num-ref>
+ nm of a cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">402</part-num-ref>
+ over a copper layer <part-num-ref name="copper layer">404</part-num-ref>
+ deposited on a silicon wafer (not shown). The chemical rinse test coupons <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">400</part-num-ref>
+ include a 10<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="10% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">406,</part-num-ref>
+ a 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="1% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">408,</part-num-ref>
+ a 0.1<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.10% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">410,</part-num-ref>
+ a 0.01<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.010% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">412,</part-num-ref>
+ a 0.001<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.0010% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">414,</part-num-ref>
+ and a 0<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">416.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+The chemical rinse test coupons 400 were immersed into six different chemical rinses with solutions of <confidence value="666">10%</confidence>
+, 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+, 0.1<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+, 0.01<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+, 0.001<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+, and 0<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof, such as H<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+NOH, in de-ionized water. The chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">400</part-num-ref>
+ were immersed for <part-num-ref name="were immersed for">180</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, removed, and dried with pressurized clean, dry air. The results show the 1<confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="1% hydroxylamine exposed coupon">408</part-num-ref>
+ with no signs of corrosion, maintaining the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+integrity of the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">402.</part-num-ref>
+ The remaining coupons all show some corrosion of the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">402</part-num-ref>
+ revealing a portion of the copper layer <part-num-ref name="copper layer">404.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">It has been discovered that the chemical rinse <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse">102</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1 prevents corrosion of the cobalt- tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt- tungsten-boride layer">402.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Referring now to FIG. 5, therein is shown an isometric view of chemical rinse test <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+coupons <part-num-ref name="isometric view of chemical rinse test coupons">500</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention. In a manner similar to the chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">300,</part-num-ref>
+ the chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">500</part-num-ref>
+ were cut from a silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately <part-num-ref name="silicon wafer (not shown) that was coated with approximately">13</part-num-ref>
+ nm of a cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">502</part-num-ref>
+ over a copper layer <part-num-ref name="copper layer">504</part-num-ref>
+ deposited on the silicon wafer. The chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">500</part-num-ref>
+ include a 1<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+  hydroxylamine with <confidence value="6666">1000</confidence>
+ppm    triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="10%  hydroxylamine with 1000ppm    triazole exposed coupon">506,</part-num-ref>
+ a 1<confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+hydroxylamine with <confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+ppm triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="1% hydroxylamine with 100ppm triazole exposed coupon">508,</part-num-ref>
+ a 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine with <confidence value="22222">l0ppm</confidence>
+ triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="1% hydroxylamine with l0ppm triazole exposed coupon">510,</part-num-ref>
+ a 0.1<confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine with 1<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+ppm triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.1% hydroxylamine with 1000ppm triazole exposed coupon">512,</part-num-ref>
+ a 0.1<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine with <confidence value="555">1OO</confidence>
+ppm triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.10% hydroxylamine with 1OOppm triazole exposed coupon">514,</part-num-ref>
+ and a 0.1<confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine with <confidence value="22222">l0ppm</confidence>
+ triazole exposed coupon <part-num-ref name="0.1% hydroxylamine with l0ppm triazole exposed coupon">516.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">The chemical rinse test coupons 500 provide a full factorial design of experiment with <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+solutions containing 1<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+ppm, 1<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+0ppm, and <part-num-ref name="full factorial design of experiment with solutions containing 1000ppm, 100ppm, and">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ppm of triazole or a derivative thereof, such as Cobratech <part-num-ref name="derivative thereof, such as Cobratech">939</part-num-ref>
+ or any chemical containing a six atom aromatic ring where three neighboring atoms are nitrogen and the remaining three are carbon, and 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+, 0.1<confidence value="2">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof, such as H<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+NOH. The chemical rinse test coupons <part-num-ref name="chemical rinse test coupons">500</part-num-ref>
+ were immersed for <part-num-ref name="were immersed for">4200</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, removed, and dried with pressurized clean, dry air. The <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+results show that at 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof, <confidence value="6666">1000</confidence>
+ppm of triazole or a derivative thereof is required to maintain the integrity of the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">502.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">At 0.1<confidence value="25">0%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof, only <part-num-ref name="derivative thereof, only">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="55">O0</confidence>
+ppm of triazole or a derivative thereof is required to maintain the integrity of the cobalt-tungsten-boride layer <part-num-ref name="cobalt-tungsten-boride layer">502.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+It has been unexpectedly discovered that there is an unusual synergistic effect between triazole or a derivative thereof and hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof wherein less of triazole or a derivative thereof is required to prevent corrosion if less of hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof is used. Further, it has been discovered that triazole or a derivative thereof <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+is more effective in combination with hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof within a range of 0.01<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ to <confidence value="666">10%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof and 1<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+ppm to 1<confidence value="68666">0,000</confidence>
+ppm of triazole or a derivative thereof in de-ionized water.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Referring now to FIG. 6, therein is shown a top view of a rinsed wafer section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer section">600.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">The rinsed wafer section 600 includes a metal <part-num-ref name="metal">602,</part-num-ref>
+ such as copper, and a dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">604,</part-num-ref>
+ such <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+as silicon dioxide. The rinsed wafer section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer section">600</part-num-ref>
+ was rinsed with de-ionized water having dissolved oxygen (not shown). The metal <part-num-ref name="metal">602</part-num-ref>
+ and the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">604</part-num-ref>
+ show significant defects <part-num-ref name="show significant defects">606,</part-num-ref>
+ such as string residue. The de-ionized water having dissolved oxygen did not clean the residue and the defects <part-num-ref name="defects">606</part-num-ref>
+ on the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">604</part-num-ref>
+ and the metal <part-num-ref name="metal">602.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Referring now to FIG. 7, therein is shown a top view of rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="top view of rinsed wafer sections">700</part-num-ref>
+ in <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+an embodiment of the present invention. The rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">700</part-num-ref>
+ include a metal <part-num-ref name="metal">702,</part-num-ref>
+ such as copper, and a dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">704,</part-num-ref>
+ such as silicon dioxide. The rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">700</part-num-ref>
+ were rinsed with de-ionized water having dissolved oxygen (not shown) replaced by nitrogen gas (not shown). The rinse chamber <part-num-ref name="rinse chamber">120</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 1 was purged with nitrogen gas to replace air (not shown) and oxygen. The remaining oxygen was less than 15<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+. A rinsed wafer center <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer center section">706,</part-num-ref>
+ a rinsed wafer edge section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer edge section">708,</part-num-ref>
+ a larger view wafer center section <part-num-ref name="larger view wafer center section">710,</part-num-ref>
+ and a larger view wafer edge section <part-num-ref name="larger view wafer edge section">712</part-num-ref>
+ show reduced defects <part-num-ref name="show reduced defects">714,</part-num-ref>
+ such as string residue. The de- ionized water having dissolved oxygen partly replaced by nitrogen gas significantly reduced the residue and the defects <part-num-ref name="defects">714</part-num-ref>
+ on the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">604</part-num-ref>
+ and the metal <part-num-ref name="metal">602.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Referring now to FIG. 8, therein is shown a top view of rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="top view of rinsed wafer sections">800.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+The rinsed wafer sections 800 include a metal <part-num-ref name="metal">802,</part-num-ref>
+ such as copper, and a dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">804,</part-num-ref>
+ such as silicon dioxide. The rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">800</part-num-ref>
+ including a rinsed wafer center section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer center section">806</part-num-ref>
+ and a rinsed wafer edge section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer edge section">808</part-num-ref>
+ were rinsed with de-ionized water without chemicals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">The metal 802 and the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">804</part-num-ref>
+ show significant defects <part-num-ref name="show significant defects">810,</part-num-ref>
+ such as string residue. The de-ionized water without chemicals did not clean the residue and the defects <part-num-ref name="defects">810</part-num-ref>
+ on the <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">804</part-num-ref>
+ and the metal <part-num-ref name="metal">802.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Referring now to FIG. 9, therein is shown a top view of rinsed wafer sections in an embodiment of the present invention. The rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">900</part-num-ref>
+ include metal <part-num-ref name="include metal">902,</part-num-ref>
+ such as copper, and a dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">904,</part-num-ref>
+ such as silicon dioxide. The rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">900</part-num-ref>
+ were <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+rinsed with a 1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ hydroxylamine or a derivative thereof solution (not shown). A rinsed wafer center section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer center section">906</part-num-ref>
+ and a rinsed wafer edge section <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer edge section">908</part-num-ref>
+ show reduced defects <part-num-ref name="show reduced defects">910,</part-num-ref>
+ such as string-like residue. The de-ionized water having dissolved oxygen partly replaced by nitrogen gas significantly reduced the residue and the defects <part-num-ref name="defects">910</part-num-ref>
+ on the dielectric <part-num-ref name="dielectric">904</part-num-ref>
+ and the metal <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="metal">902.</part-num-ref>
+ An Auger surface scan shows that cobalt impurities of the defects <part-num-ref name="defects">910</part-num-ref>
+ were reduced to 7.1<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ from 21.8<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ of the rinsed wafer sections <part-num-ref name="rinsed wafer sections">800</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 8 rinsed with de-ionized water without chemicals.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Referring now to FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">1000</part-num-ref>
+ for manufacturing the rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention. The system <part-num-ref name="system">1000</part-num-ref>
+ includes <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+providing a chemical rinse including a corrosion inhibitor in a block 1002; and rinsing a wafer with the chemical rinse reducing defects on silicon and a dielectric, and maintaining integrity of a metal in a block <part-num-ref name="block">1004.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">In greater detail, a method to fabricate the rinse system <part-num-ref name="rinse system">100,</part-num-ref>
+ in an embodiment of the present invention, is performed as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15              </boundary-data>
+1. Providing a rinse device. (FIG. <part-num-ref name="rinse device. (FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2.</part-num-ref>
+ Mixing a chemical rinse including a corrosion inhibitor in the rinse device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">(FIG. 1) <part-num-ref name="">3.</part-num-ref>
+ Rinsing a wafer with the chemical rinse reducing defects on silicon and a dielectric, and maintaining integrity of a metal. (FIG. <part-num-ref name="metal. (FIG.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+It has been discovered that the present invention thus has numerous aspects.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">An aspect is that present invention provides a rinse that does not corrode metal. The major chemical constituent is generally de-ionized water. The de-ionized water contains <confidence value="8666">&lt;10%</confidence>
+ of a chemical that lowers the corrosion rate of the metal compared to that in de-ionized water. The chemistry can be vaporized such as hydroxylamine, ammonia, amines, and <boundary-data type="line-number">25    </boundary-data>
+alcohols. In addition, a small amount of corrosion inhibitor may be added such a triazole and its derivatives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Another aspect is that the present invention provides alternate solvents. The chemical rinse can include alternate solvents that can be used instead of de-ionized water. Some of the alternate solvents include non-water based solvents such as alcohols, supercritical C<confidence value="568">O2,</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+organic solvents and liquefied gases (butane, carbon dioxide) or mixtures of any of these with de-ionized water.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">Yet another aspect is that the present invention provides a controlled environment that reduces metal corrosion. Alternatively, the atmosphere where the substrate resides can be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+controlled to contain a gaseous composition that reduces metal corrosion. An example is an environment purged with an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, or methane. The rinse can also include gases such as nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon monoxide, methane, or other gaseous hydrocarbon in the chemical rinse replacing the dissolved gases, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or a combination thereof, such as air.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">It has been discovered that the disclosed structure provides an extended rinse time.</p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">De-ionized water corrodes certain metals such as copper and cobalt resulting in short rinses with limited particle performance and relatively high metal contamination on dielectric surfaces of patterned wafers, where the surface is composed of a combination of metal and <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+dielectric materials. The disclosed structure is compatible many metals including copper and cobalt resulting in significantly longer rinse times.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">It has also been discovered that the disclosed structure provides less metal contamination. Metal being lifted off the metal surface is deposited on bare silicon or dielectric surfaces. The disclosed structure is a non-corrosive chemical rinse such that <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+improved particle performance can be achieved and in the case of patterned wafers, the dielectric areas have a lower amount of metal contamination.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure is that it provides a cleaner metal surface. The disclosed structure prevents corrosion of thin metal films during rinse processes after wafer processing. The improved rinse times and corrosion inhibition provide <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+significantly cleaner metal surfaces by removing more residue and contaminants.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure is that it provides fewer defects on the metal surface. The improved anti-corrosion and cleaning performance of the disclosed structure removes more residue and does not corrode the metal surface. The defects from corrosion and residue on the metal surface are significantly reduced.</p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure provides retaining the deposited thickness of the metal. The improved anti-corrosion significantly reduces metal loss due to corrosion of the metal surface. The integrity of the metal including the deposited thickness is retained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure provides compatibility with <boundary-data type="line-number">30    </boundary-data>
+electroless plated cobalt providing lower line-to-line leakage and thereby improving film integration. The disclosed structure improves cleaning and corrosion inhibition for many metals including cobalt. Retaining the integrity of cobalt films provides performance enhancement to the metal lines.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Docket No.: 37-00<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure provides a smaller amount of corrosion inhibitors. The disclosed structure provides a reduced amount of corrosion inhibitors when used in combination with other chemicals. A combination of chemicals allows significantly reduced quantities required for corrosion inhibitors while improving <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+cleaning and anti-corrosion performance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Yet another discovery of the disclosed structure is that it provides compatibility with standard rinse systems. While the disclosed structure uses a chemical mixture instead of de- ionized water (DIW) for rinsing, the chemical mixture can be applied in a standard DIW rinse system. A separate system can also be introduced to rinse the wafer with or without a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+standard DIW rinse system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">These and other valuable aspects of the present invention consequently further the state of the technology to at least the next level.</p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Thus, it has been discovered that the non-corrosive chemical rinse system method and apparatus of the present invention furnish important and heretofore unknown and unavailable <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+solutions, capabilities, and functional aspects. The resulting processes and configurations are straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile, and effective, can be implemented by adapting known technologies, and are thus readily suited for efficient and economical manufacturing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is <boundary-data type="line-number">20    </boundary-data>
+to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters hithertofore set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11335452.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,245 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11335452</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-01-19</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+                                                <confidence value="1611277">-vl9Tca</confidence>
+    <confidence value="11">li</confidence>
+ <confidence value="1">f</confidence>
+  <confidence value="1112172">6)VIX4)</confidence>
+ AUS920050669<confidence value="588">US1</confidence>
+               <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">A COMPUTER CONTROLLED DISPLAY IMPLEMENTATION FOR DISPLAYING</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">ANCILLARY CONTENT DURING INTERRUPTION OF THE PRIMARY</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">DISPLAY CONTENT</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Technical Field <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+The present invention relates to computer controlled displays including television displays, and particularly the handling of interrupts of displayed content as may be applied to television displays controlled through Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Background of Related Art The past decade has been marked by a technological revolution driven by the convergence of the data processing industry with the consumer electronics industry. An area <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+where this relationship has been advantageous is that of digital video recording. This has resulted in the emergence of a set top box based upon the PVR, also marketed as DVRs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">A description of the PVR and like digital video recorders and their increasing consumer functions as computer <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+controlled "engines" in television set top boxes may be found in: IEEE Spectrum periodical, (IEEE Inc.), New York, N.Y., July <part-num-ref name="PVR and like digital video recorders and their increasing consumer functions as computer controlled &quot;engines&quot; in television set top boxes may be found in: IEEE Spectrum periodical, (IEEE Inc.), New York, N.Y., July">2002,</part-num-ref>
+ at pp. 26-31. The DVR has many advantages, particularly ease of use to the users in the advance scheduling of television programs to be subsequently <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+sequentially recorded. However, extensive usage of the DVR has also given rise to a set of problems involving the viewer, the broadcasting organizations which broadcast the television programs, the sponsors or hosts of the commercial content which is of course embedded in such television <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The background of this television industry should be briefly reviewed in order to better understand the problems and issues. When, television was first introduced for mass <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              2</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="problems and issues. When, television was first introduced for mass">5</part-num-ref>
+   media entertainment and education, the television program content was broadcast essentially line of sight antenna to antenna. The content was of course supported and paid for by commercial sponsors or hosts who paid for or created the content in order to have opportunities to interleave or <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+embed periodic commercial content into the television program. This was the return benefit which the sponsor or host received for his support of the television program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">As the demand for television programming rapidly increased, traditional line of sight antenna broadcasting had to be <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+supplemented and replaced to a very great extent by cable and satellite services. The frequency channels that the Government made available for the presentation of programming by respective television stations also rapidly increased. This led to television service providers that <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+obtained and consolidated the programs transmitted by the respective television stations to be presented to viewers via government designated frequency channels. The original television stations would transmit at their assigned frequencies either by direct line of sight, cable or through <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+satellites. The television service providers then received the respective program channel signals and consolidated all the data in such transmissions into an integrated data stream representative of an extensive set of television programs being presented on corresponding channels into an <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+unitary data stream that was then compressed and transmitted to the television service provider's subscribers either via satellite or cable. This integrated data stream was encrypted to protect the provider's revenues. The viewer could then receive this integrated data stream and extract <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+any "live" or real-time television program through his television receiver or frequency channel tuner. The provider system would extract the appropriate television program data directly from the real-time satellite or cable <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              <confidence value="6">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="real-time satellite or cable">5</part-num-ref>
+   service provider integrated data stream. The extracted program data would be decrypted and decompressed and the television program would be displayed on a real-time basis on the television set display.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Where the user wished to record a particular television <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+program for future viewing, it would be extracted at its scheduled viewing period from the integrated data stream in the same manner as described, decrypted, decompressed and recorded on disk drives (DVD). Individual programs on their respective channels could still be recorded on a real-time <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+basis by first extracting, decrypting and decompressing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">This, of course, resulted in the current state of the DVR or PVR industry where the user, with an appropriate DVR, could record dozens of broadcast and transmitted television programs for future viewing merely by entering its unique <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+identifier. Despite all of the described advances in the presentation of television programming to the viewers, the state of the industry is such that television programs are still to a large part produced for the television sponsors or hosts who still interleave commercial content into the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+broadcast television programs.  In addition, greater and greater numbers of viewers are viewing their television programming from their personal recordings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Because viewers, and particularly viewers who record their television programs are pressed for time, and <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+commercial content in television program may often approach 25% of the total content, the motivation is very strong for viewers to skip through i.e. pass over the commercial content of the program. Even the ability to skip through commercial content has evolved from the "fast forward" <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+function on the early video recorders to present DVR functions which involve sensing the beginning and end of the commercial content and automatically passing over the commercial content. Because of the substantial contribution <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="substantial contribution">5</part-num-ref>
+   which sponsor/host resources have made to television programming, there has been an increasing concern in the whole industry that this capability to eliminate commercial content may very adversely affect the whole industry. These concerns have caused and threatened copyright litigation and <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+Federal legislation to mitigate the problem.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">Summary of the Present Invention The present invention offers an implementation which mitigate some of the concerns of the commercial hosts <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+without unduly inconveniencing the viewer who is pressed for time and chooses to pass over commercial content. While the present invention is specifically applicable to the problems of television commercial skipping, it has broader applicability in dealing with interruptions in the display <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+of any selected displayed visual content in any computer controlled display system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">In its broadest aspects, the invention relates to a computer controlled display system for displaying selected primary visual content to a viewer, and provides a system <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+for displaying content ancillary to the primary visual content to the viewer which comprises means enabling a viewer to display selected primary visual content having means for interrupting the display of the primary visual content. In response to such an interruption, there <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+is provided an implementation, which is independent of the means for interrupting, for displaying the ancillary visual content to said viewer during the time period of the interruption. The interrupting means may be interactively commenced by the viewer, or the interrupt may be <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+automatically commenced by the system. The system may be<confidence value="4">.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ network system, and the interrupt may be activated by a download of the primary content from the network.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              <confidence value="6">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+5        As set forth hereinabove, the invention may be implemented in a system for recording viewer-selected broadcast television programs and for playing back such recorded television programs at times selected by a viewer comprising means for enabling said viewer to playback a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+selected recorded television program combined with means enabling the viewer to interactively pass over commercial portions of the recorded television program. The implementation of this invention is responsive to the <confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ommercial pass over, and displays content ancillary to the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+content of the commercial portions during the time period of passing over these commercial portions. The recorded program may be recorded on a DVR. Of course since the original primary commercial content will benefit a host, the ancillary content should also benefit the same host.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              6</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+ Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Fig. 1 is a generalized view of how the system of the present invention is organized around a DVR;</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a display of a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+recorded television program on a DVR controlled television display;    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Fig. 3 is the same diagrammatic view of Fig. 2 at the instant that a commercial appears on the television display;</p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Fig. 4 is the same diagrammatic view of Fig. 3 during a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+standard "fast forward" to pass over the commercial;    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">Fig. 5 is the same diagrammatic view of Fig. 4 during a standard "fast forward" to pass over the commercial where in accordance with the invention, the ancillary content is displayed;</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+Fig. 6 is a flowchart describing how the implementation system of the present invention provides for the display of ancillary display content during an interrupt in the display of primary content;    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an illustrative run of a <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+process set up in Fig. 6;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Fig. 8 is a variation of the illustration screen of Fig. 5 wherein the look of the progress bar itself is determined by the ancillary content to be displayed; and Fig. 9 is a variation of the illustration screen of <part-num-ref name="illustration screen of">35</part-num-ref>
+   Fig. 8 showing another variation in the look of the progress bar.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">AU</confidence>
+S920050669U<confidence value="68">S1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+ Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a generalized view of a system of the present invention illustrating the present invention organized around a DVR. This is a <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+generalized example for providing background information relative to DVR system organization. The receiver <part-num-ref name="receiver">15</part-num-ref>
+ at the viewer's home receives and integrates input from the satellite provider via satellite receptor <part-num-ref name="satellite provider via satellite receptor">14</part-num-ref>
+ or cable input from the cable provider. The viewer's system may also still <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+get line of sight antenna input from the local television broadcasts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The apparatus shown connected to receiver 15 may be conveniently housed in a television set top box or in some late systems, the whole DVR apparatus may be integrated <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+within a unitary television set. Satellite receptor antenna <part-num-ref name="unitary television set. Satellite receptor antenna">14</part-num-ref>
+ receives the integrated data stream that is applied to a standard receiver for integrated broadcast channel input <part-num-ref name="standard receiver for integrated broadcast channel input">15.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Similarly, the integrated data stream from cable may be applied through input <part-num-ref name="integrated data stream from cable may be applied through input">16</part-num-ref>
+ to receiver <part-num-ref name="to receiver">15.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25        </boundary-data>
+The operations involved in the present invention are controlled by a data processing system under the control of a central processing unit <part-num-ref name="central processing unit">10,</part-num-ref>
+ which, in turn, is interconnected to various other components by system bus <part-num-ref name="central processing unit 10, which, in turn, is interconnected to various other components by system bus">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">An operating system (<confidence value="66">OS</confidence>
+) 22 that runs on processor <part-num-ref name="that runs on processor">10</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+provides control and is used to coordinate the functions of the various components of the control system. The <confidence value="66">OS</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="OS">22</part-num-ref>
+ is stored in Random Access Memory (RAM) <part-num-ref name="is stored in Random Access Memory (RAM)">11.</part-num-ref>
+ The programs for the functions, including those of the present invention may be permanently stored in Read Only Memory (ROM) <part-num-ref name="present invention may be permanently stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)">13</part-num-ref>
+ and moved <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+into and out of RAM to perform their respective functions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">In the normal operation for real-time television program playing, the integrated incoming data stream, under C<confidence value="66">PU</confidence>
+ control, is applied to broadcast channel extractor <part-num-ref name="integrated incoming data stream, under CPU control, is applied to broadcast channel extractor">17</part-num-ref>
+ that <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              8</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="that">5</part-num-ref>
+   extracts the data representative of the television program scheduled for the channel that the user has selected on a tuner (not shown) and applies the extracted data to decoder <part-num-ref name="extracted data to decoder">18</part-num-ref>
+ where it is decompressed. Also, since the data is likely to be encrypted to commercially protect the provider, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+encrypted data is optionally put through conventional decryption means <part-num-ref name="provider, encrypted data is optionally put through conventional decryption means">19</part-num-ref>
+ and then applied to a conventional television display adapter <part-num-ref name="conventional television display adapter">28</part-num-ref>
+ to be displayed on the user'<confidence value="8">s</confidence>
+ television set <part-num-ref name="user's television set">29.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">When the incoming unitary data stream is to be recorded <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+on the DVR, the signal is processed through a disk drive adapter <part-num-ref name="disk drive adapter">21</part-num-ref>
+ and stored on disk drives <part-num-ref name="and stored on disk drives">20.</part-num-ref>
+ In the conventional operation of a DVR, the television program scheduled for a given channel at a given time is be extracted by extractor <part-num-ref name="given time is be extracted by extractor">17,</part-num-ref>
+ decompressed on decoder <part-num-ref name="given time is be extracted by extractor 17, decompressed on decoder">18,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+decrypted and then stored on a disk drive <part-num-ref name="disk drive">20</part-num-ref>
+ provided on the DVR. This individual program would be recorded and, thus, stored on the disk drive either in response to either advance scheduling by the user for such a recording or a user request to record a real-time presented television <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">During, playback, the viewer, via the control of OS <part-num-ref name="control of OS">22,</part-num-ref>
+ selects a television program recorded on disk drive <part-num-ref name="television program recorded on disk drive">20</part-num-ref>
+ which is then applied to display adapter via connector <part-num-ref name="which is then applied to display adapter via connector">30</part-num-ref>
+ and presented on the TV display <part-num-ref name="TV display">29.</part-num-ref>
+ The interrupt programming <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+of this invention is stored in RA<confidence value="5">M</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="interrupt programming of this invention is stored in RAM">11,</part-num-ref>
+ and is responsive to input from an interrupt sensor <part-num-ref name="interrupt sensor">27.</part-num-ref>
+ This will be described in greater detail with respect to the illustrative television displays of Figs 2-5, and the flow charts of Figs. 6 and <part-num-ref name="and">7.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">35        </boundary-data>
+In the sequence of Figs. 2-5, in Fig. 2, the viewer is watching program content <part-num-ref name="viewer is watching program content">30,</part-num-ref>
+ for example, a recorded football game. Football games are notorious for their very high commercial content. Normally, the commercial <part-num-ref name="commercial">31</part-num-ref>
+ would <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1</boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="would">5</part-num-ref>
+   appear in its recorded sequence, Fig. 3. However, the viewer is set up to fast forward <part-num-ref name="viewer is set up to fast forward">32</part-num-ref>
+ through the recorded commercial, Fig. 4. In accordance with the present invention, during this fast forward, the initiation and termination of the fast forward are sensed, and during the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+time of this fast forward, a window of content <part-num-ref name="window of content">42</part-num-ref>
+ ancillary to the commercial content is displayed, Fig. 5. Where, the display has a progress bar <part-num-ref name="progress bar">41</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 5 to indicate the progress of the interrupt, the window of ancillary content <part-num-ref name="window of ancillary content">42</part-num-ref>
+ may be presented adjacent to the progress bar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+Now, with reference to the programming shown in Fig. 6, there will be described how the system and programs of the present invention are set up. There is a staring implementation wherein the viewer is enabled to record and store selected television programs broadcast by the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+television program providers, step <part-num-ref name="television program providers, step">51.</part-num-ref>
+ The viewers are enabled to select and view such recorded television programs as desired, step <part-num-ref name="viewers are enabled to select and view such recorded television programs as desired, step">52.</part-num-ref>
+ On DVRs and most television recording devices, the user is enabled to interrupt the presented television program and pass over, e.g. fast forward over <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+commercial content, step <part-num-ref name="fast forward over commercial content, step">53.</part-num-ref>
+ The provider of the broadcast television program is enabled to embed into the broadcast content ancillary content which is to the commercial benefit of the sponsor or host of the television program. This content is hidden during normal viewing, step <part-num-ref name="television program. This content is hidden during normal viewing, step">54.</part-num-ref>
+ A routine <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+is provided, which is triggered by an interrupt from step <part-num-ref name="interrupt from step">53,</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2222222222">to.display</confidence>
+ the normally hidden ancillary content beneficial to the host, step <part-num-ref name="host, step">55.</part-num-ref>
+ In a preferred embodiment, step <part-num-ref name="preferred embodiment, step">56,</part-num-ref>
+ there is a progress bar to indicate the length of timing out of the interrupt, and the ancillary content is <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+displayed in association with this progress, step <part-num-ref name="ancillary content is displayed in association with this progress, step">57.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Now, with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7, a simplified illustrative run of the process set up in Fig. 6 will be described. Assume that the viewer has selected, and <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="viewer has selected, and">5</part-num-ref>
+   is viewing a recorded television program, step <part-num-ref name="recorded television program, step">61.</part-num-ref>
+ The process is monitored for viewer interrupts, step <part-num-ref name="process is monitored for viewer interrupts, step">62.</part-num-ref>
+ If No, there is no interrupt, the monitoring continues. If Yes, there is an interrupt, then, step <part-num-ref name="interrupt, then, step">63,</part-num-ref>
+ if a passover, e.g., fast forward or rewind (through a commercial portion) is in <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+progress, as indicated by the display of the progress bar, step <part-num-ref name="progress bar, step">64,</part-num-ref>
+ then the recorded and stored hidden ancillary content in the recorded television program is displayed, step <part-num-ref name="recorded television program is displayed, step">65,</part-num-ref>
+ in association with the progress bar as indicated in Fig. 5. A determination is then made as to the end, or <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+the beginning in the case of rewind, of the commercial pass over as triggered by the interrupt, step <part-num-ref name="interrupt, step">66.</part-num-ref>
+ If No, the interrupt has not ended, then the monitoring for the interrupt end continues. If Yes the interrupt is over, then the progress bar is removed from the display, step <part-num-ref name="display, step">67,</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+the ancillary commercial content is again hidden, step <part-num-ref name="ancillary commercial content is again hidden, step">68.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Then, the normal playing back of the recorded television program is continued, step <part-num-ref name="recorded television program is continued, step">69.</part-num-ref>
+ At this point, a determination may be conveniently made as to whether the viewer's playback is over, step <part-num-ref name="viewer's playback is over, step">70.</part-num-ref>
+ If Yes, the process is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+exited. If No, the process is returned back to step <part-num-ref name="process is returned back to step">62</part-num-ref>
+ via branch "A".    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">As set forth hereinabove, there are implementations other than the illustrative interrupts in playback of recorded broadcast television program to which the present <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+invention is applicable, e.g. network applications including interrupts for the downloading data content such as films and videos. However, one aspect of the present invention is that while the display of ancillary content is triggered by i.e. responsive to the interrupt means, it is independent of <boundary-data type="line-number">35   </boundary-data>
+and comes from a function or source independent of the interrupt function.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">In accordance with a specific application of implementing the display of ancillary commercial content in <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">AUS920050669US1              <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="display of ancillary commercial content in">5</part-num-ref>
+   association with a progress bar as generally shown in Fig.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">5, the progress bar itself may have a unique appearance defining its ancillary commercial content. Reference is made to Fig. 8, wherein the content of display screen <part-num-ref name="content of display screen">80</part-num-ref>
+ is interrupted at the beginning of a commercial presentation <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+e.g. for the "Kayser Automobile" in this example. In response to the sensing of fast forward or like interrupt of the commercial, the DVR reads data embedded in the data content of the commercial which defines the look of the progress bar <part-num-ref name="progress bar">81,</part-num-ref>
+ and the look of the progress bar is <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+displayed: a Kayser car <part-num-ref name="Kayser car">82</part-num-ref>
+ moving across the progress bar to indicate elapsed time. This may be accompanied by other display data <part-num-ref name="progress bar to indicate elapsed time. This may be accompanied by other display data">83</part-num-ref>
+ descriptive of the car.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">In a similar example in Fig. 9, the content of display screen <part-num-ref name="content of display screen">90</part-num-ref>
+ is interrupted at the beginning of a commercial <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+presentation e.g. for the "Spaulding Ball Products" in this example. In response to the sensing of fast forward or like interrupt of the commercia<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+, the DVR reads data embedded in the data content of the commercial which defines the look of the progress bar <part-num-ref name="progress bar">91,</part-num-ref>
+ and the look of the progress bar is <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+displayed: a ball <part-num-ref name="ball">92</part-num-ref>
+ moving across the progress bar to indicate elapsed time. This may be accompanied by other display data <part-num-ref name="progress bar to indicate elapsed time. This may be accompanied by other display data">93</part-num-ref>
+ descriptive of the products.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Although certain preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that many changes and 30   modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and intent of the appended claims.</p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11391230.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,392 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11391230</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-03-29</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. DKT. 081427-0324950    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">
+      <confidence value="86">DE</confidence>
+MOL<confidence value="87678">ITION</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">T</confidence>
+OOL    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">
+      <confidence value="88">BA</confidence>
+CKGROUND OF THE <confidence value="28">]I</confidence>
+NVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Field of the Invention [0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      The invention relates to a multi-functional demolition tool and methods for the manufacture thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Description of Related Art [0002]      There are many hand tools that are traditionally used for demolition of construction or building materials. A "crow bar," for instance, typically has a straight pry bar end attached to a long lever arm and a hooked pry bar end at its opposite terminus. Some tools have pry bar ends that are forked for use in removing nails or other fasteners and otherwise wedging into building materials. Additional demolition tools include various sledge hammers, grasping equipment, and other tools.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]      However, some of these demolition tools present certain drawbacks or limited capabilities. For example, typical board grasping equipment is unsuitable for successfully demolishing lumber or grasping materials or boards of different thicknesses. In addition, certain tools with pry bar ends do not enable full range of motion due to other implements located at opposite ends of the tool bottoming out on a work surface. Furthermore, the configuration of these pry bar ends often interferes with the comfortable use of the implements located at the other ends of the tool.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">400299877v <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3<confidence value="885">171</confidence>
+ -REG    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <confidence value="86">[0</confidence>
+004]      Other demolition tools are made from material that is not intended to be struck by a striking tool to enable it to be used in a chisel-like manner. Finally, some tools that are used for demolition, but designed for other purposes, are made from multiple parts as opposed to being integrally formed. This adds to the cost and complexity of the structure, and potentially reduces the strength thereof.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE <confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+NVENTION    </heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005]      The present disclosure relates to a demolition tool for demolishing construction material, building material, or other material. In one embodiment, the demolition tool comprises a handle with a head at a first end of the handle, the head having a longitudinal central plane. In one embodiment, the head includes a strike contact face. The strike contact face includes a flat surface that can be struck by a hammer or other striking tool or that can be used to strike building or other material for demolition purposes or for other purposes. In one embodiment, the plane or surface of the strike contact face is parallel with the main axis of the handle and perpendicular to the longitudinal central plane of the head.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0006]      In one embodiment, the head also includes grasping jaws. In one embodiment, the grasping jaws may be utilized to grasp, manipulate, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ otherwise demolish building materials such as, for example, lumber or other building materials. The grasping jaws include one or more steps on one or both of an upper jaw or a lower jaw. The grasping jaws having one or more steps may form multiple gaps. The multiple gaps may accommodate materials or boards having different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the grasping jaws include one or more teeth <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. DKT. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+on their interior grasping surfaces. In one embodiment, the opening formed by the grasping jaws is perpendicular to the main axis of the handle. In one embodiment, the grasping jaws extend generally along the longitudinal central plane of the head.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007]      In some embodiments, the demolition tool includes a chisel blade on the opposite side of the head from the strike contact face. In one embodiment, the chisel blade is formed as part of the upper jaw of the grasping jaws. The chisel blade may be used to penetrate building materials such as wood (or other materials) for the purposes of demolition or for other purposes.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008]      In one embodiment, the demolition tool includes a bent end pry bar at a second end of the handle. Bent end pry bar may enable the removal of fasteners such as, for example, nails, brads, staples, or other fasteners, or may enable general prying apart of materials. In one embodiment, the bent end pry bar is bent in a direction that is <part-num-ref name="direction that is">90</part-num-ref>
+ degrees offset from the central longitudinal plane of the head. This offset enables the use of the bent end pry bar without interference from the head or any implements thereon (e.g., the grasping jaws , the strike contact surface, or other implements). Additionally, the <part-num-ref name="">90</part-num-ref>
+ degree offset moves the bent end pry bar out of the plane of use of implements on the head.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0009]      In one embodiment, the demolition tool includes a blunt blade edge located on the head, below the strike contact face. The blunt blade edge may include a tapered wedge that may be utilized to break apart or otherwise demolish construction materials such as for example, wood, softer metals, or other materials by striking blows upon the material.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0010]      The demolition tool, including the handle, the head, the bent end pry bar, and/or other portions of the demolition tool, may comprise a single integrally molded metal material, as <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">R</confidence>
+EF: HT-3171-REG      </boundary-data>
+opposed to multiple parts jointed or fastened together. In one embodiment, the demolition tool is manufactured to weigh between 3.5 to 4.5 lbs., and in one embodiment, approximately <part-num-ref name="demolition tool is manufactured to weigh between 3.5 to 4.5 lbs., and in one embodiment, approximately">4</part-num-ref>
+ lbs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">This weight provides a tool with enough mass and inertia to aid in demolition of construction materials or other materials. In one embodiment, the demolition tool may be hardened to Rockwell C <part-num-ref name="demolition tool may be hardened to Rockwell C">38</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">44.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, the demolition tool is softer than conventional tools that can be used to strike it, but harder than the materials it is used to strike (e.g., wood, aluminum, or other materials).    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0011]      These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012]      FIG. <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ illustrates a perspective view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013]      FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0014]      FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0015]      FIG. 4A illustrates an end view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">400299877v <confidence value="4">i</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">UTIL<confidence value="8">I</confidence>
+TY PATENT APPLICATION    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8886">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3<confidence value="885">171</confidence>
+ -REG    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+[0016]      FIG. 4B illustrates an end view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0017]      FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0018]      FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0019]      The invention provides a demolition tool for demolishing construction material, building material, or other material. FIG. 1 illustrates a demolition tool <part-num-ref name="demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, demolition tool <part-num-ref name="invention. In one embodiment, demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a handle <part-num-ref name="handle">101</part-num-ref>
+ with a head <part-num-ref name="head">103</part-num-ref>
+ at a first end of handle <part-num-ref name="first end of handle">101.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, head <part-num-ref name="first end of handle 101. In one embodiment, head">103</part-num-ref>
+ has a longitudinal central plane (plane <part-num-ref name="longitudinal central plane (plane">131</part-num-ref>
+ of FIGS. 4A and 4B) that bisects head <part-num-ref name="of FIGS. 4A and 4B) that bisects head">103.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, head <part-num-ref name="of FIGS. 4A and 4B) that bisects head 103. In one embodiment, head">103</part-num-ref>
+ includes a strike contact face <part-num-ref name="strike contact face">105.</part-num-ref>
+ Strike contact face <part-num-ref name="strike contact face 105. Strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ includes a generally flat surface that can be struck by a hammer or other striking tool or that can be used to strike building or other material for demolition purposes or for other purposes. In one embodiment, the plane <part-num-ref name="plane">106</part-num-ref>
+ or surface of strike contact face <part-num-ref name="or surface of strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ is parallel with the main axis <part-num-ref name="main axis">121</part-num-ref>
+ of handle <part-num-ref name="of handle">101,</part-num-ref>
+ as illustrated in FIG. 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0020]      In one embodiment, head 103 includes grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="includes grasping jaws">107.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="includes grasping jaws 107. In one embodiment, grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ comprise an upper jaw <part-num-ref name="upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ and a lower jaw <part-num-ref name="lower jaw">111.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="lower jaw 111. In some embodiments, grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized to grasp, manipulate, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ otherwise demolish building <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86668">ATTY.</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8688">DKT.</confidence>
+ 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+materials such as, for example, lumber or other building materials. Grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="may be utilized to grasp, manipulate, and/or otherwise demolish building materials such as, for example, lumber or other building materials. Grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ include one or more steps on one or both of upper jaw <part-num-ref name="include one or more steps on one or both of upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ or lower jaw <part-num-ref name="or lower jaw">111.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="side view of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ wherein upper jaw <part-num-ref name="wherein upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ includes a single step <part-num-ref name="single step">113.</part-num-ref>
+ As shown, step <part-num-ref name="single step 113. As shown, step">113</part-num-ref>
+ has teeth <part-num-ref name="has teeth">117.</part-num-ref>
+ Grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="has teeth 117. Grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ having one or more steps may form multiple gaps of different length within grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="having one or more steps may form multiple gaps of different length within grasping jaws">107.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="side view of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="invention, wherein grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ include multiple gaps 115a and 115b. The multiple gaps within grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="multiple gaps within grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ may accommodate materials having different thicknesses. For instance, in one embodiment, gap 115a between step <part-num-ref name="may accommodate materials having different thicknesses. For instance, in one embodiment, gap 115a between step">113</part-num-ref>
+ and lower jaw <part-num-ref name="and lower jaw">111</part-num-ref>
+ is approximately <confidence value="556">3/4</confidence>
+ inches wide (or perhaps a bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is   inches thick, while gap 11<confidence value="88">5b</confidence>
+ between upper jaw <part-num-ref name="bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is   inches thick, while gap 115b between upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ and lower jaw <part-num-ref name="and lower jaw">111,</part-num-ref>
+ is approximately <part-num-ref name="and lower jaw 111, is approximately">1</part-num-ref>
+  inches wide (or perhaps a bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is <part-num-ref name="bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is">1</part-num-ref>
+  inches thick. Other gaps having other sizes may exist.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      In one embodiment, the surface on upper jaw <part-num-ref name="surface on upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ carrying or defining teeth <part-num-ref name="carrying or defining teeth">117</part-num-ref>
+ is generally parallel to the surface on lower jaw <part-num-ref name="surface on lower jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ carrying or defining teeth <part-num-ref name="carrying or defining teeth">117.</part-num-ref>
+ Similarly, the teeth <part-num-ref name="teeth">117</part-num-ref>
+ on step <part-num-ref name="on step">113</part-num-ref>
+ extend along a line that is generally parallel to the teeth <part-num-ref name="teeth">117</part-num-ref>
+ on lower jaw <part-num-ref name="on lower jaw">111.</part-num-ref>
+ Otherwise stated, the points of the teeth <part-num-ref name="teeth">117</part-num-ref>
+ on the lower jaw <part-num-ref name="lower jaw">111</part-num-ref>
+ are parallel to the points (or lines extending through the points) on the upper jaw <part-num-ref name="upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ and step <part-num-ref name="and step">113.</part-num-ref>
+ In another embodiment, some of the steps included within grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="steps included within grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ do not have teeth <part-num-ref name="do not have teeth">117.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the opening formed by grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="opening formed by grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ is perpendicular to the main axis of handle <part-num-ref name="main axis of handle">101.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 3 illustrates opening <part-num-ref name="illustrates opening">119,</part-num-ref>
+ which is perpendicular to the main axis <part-num-ref name="main axis">121</part-num-ref>
+ of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877<confidence value="51">vl</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. DKT. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+handle <part-num-ref name="of handle">101.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the opening formed by grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="opening formed by grasping jaws">107</part-num-ref>
+ extends generally along the longitudinal central plane (i.e., plane <part-num-ref name="plane">131)</part-num-ref>
+ of head <part-num-ref name="of head">103.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <confidence value="86">[0</confidence>
+022]      Demolition tool 100 includes a chisel blade <part-num-ref name="chisel blade">135,</part-num-ref>
+ on the opposite side of head <part-num-ref name="opposite side of head">103</part-num-ref>
+ from strike contact face <part-num-ref name="from strike contact face">105,</part-num-ref>
+ as illustrated in FIGS 1-4b. In one embodiment, chisel blade <part-num-ref name="from strike contact face 105, as illustrated in FIGS 1-4b. In one embodiment, chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ is formed upon upper jaw <part-num-ref name="is formed upon upper jaw">109</part-num-ref>
+ of grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="of grasping jaws">107.</part-num-ref>
+ Chisel blade <part-num-ref name="of grasping jaws 107. Chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to penetrate building materials such as wood (or other materials) for the purposes of demolition or for other purposes. In one embodiment, chisel blade <part-num-ref name="purposes of demolition or for other purposes. In one embodiment, chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ may be positioned on a workpiece to be penetrated, and the strike contact face <part-num-ref name="strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ may be struck by a hammer or other striking tool, such that chisel blade <part-num-ref name="hammer or other striking tool, such that chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ is driven into the workpiece.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023]      In one embodiment, demolition tool 100 includes a bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ at a second end of handle <part-num-ref name="second end of handle">101.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="second end of handle 101. In some embodiments, bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ includes a forked end having a V-shaped gap <part-num-ref name="V-shaped gap">125</part-num-ref>
+ in between tapered ends <part-num-ref name="in between tapered ends">127</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">129.</part-num-ref>
+ The bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ may enable the removal of fasteners such as, for example, nails, brads, staples, or other fasteners from a workpiece or may enable general prying apart of materials. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="side view of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein pry bar <part-num-ref name="invention, wherein pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ is being used to remove a fastener <part-num-ref name="fastener">124</part-num-ref>
+ from a work surface <part-num-ref name="work surface">133.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0024]      In one embodiment, bent end pry bar 123 is bent in a direction that is <part-num-ref name="direction that is">90</part-num-ref>
+ degrees offset from plane <part-num-ref name="degrees offset from plane">131</part-num-ref>
+ that bisects the head <part-num-ref name="head">103.</part-num-ref>
+ FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate end views of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="head 103. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate end views of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="invention, wherein bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ is offset <part-num-ref name="is offset">90</part-num-ref>
+ degrees from plane <part-num-ref name="degrees from plane">131</part-num-ref>
+ of head <part-num-ref name="of head">103.</part-num-ref>
+ This offset enables the use of bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="use of bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ without interference from head <part-num-ref name="without interference from head">103</part-num-ref>
+ or any implements thereon (e.g., grasping jaws <part-num-ref name="grasping jaws">107,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+strike contact surface <part-num-ref name="grasping jaws 107, strike contact surface">105,</part-num-ref>
+ or other implements). For example, bent end pry bar may be used to pry material or remove a fastener on a flat work surface (such as work surface <part-num-ref name="flat work surface (such as work surface">133</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 5) without head <part-num-ref name="without head">103</part-num-ref>
+ causing demolition tool <part-num-ref name="causing demolition tool">101</part-num-ref>
+ to prematurely bottom out on work surface <part-num-ref name="to prematurely bottom out on work surface">133.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">A user may utilize the full range of motion bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="full range of motion bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ to pry until head <part-num-ref name="to pry until head">103</part-num-ref>
+ bottoms out on work surface <part-num-ref name="bottoms out on work surface">133.</part-num-ref>
+ Additionally, the <part-num-ref name="">90</part-num-ref>
+ degree offset moves bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="degree offset moves bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ out of the plane of use of implements on head <part-num-ref name="plane of use of implements on head">103.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0025]      In one embodiment, demolition tool 100 includes an opening <part-num-ref name="opening">137.</part-num-ref>
+ Opening <part-num-ref name="opening 137. Opening">137</part-num-ref>
+ may include a hole extending completely through the width of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="width of demolition tool">100.</part-num-ref>
+ FIGS. 1-3 and 4B illustrate demolition tool <part-num-ref name="width of demolition tool 100. FIGS. 1-3 and 4B illustrate demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ having opening <part-num-ref name="having opening">137</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments opening <part-num-ref name="invention. In some embodiments opening">137</part-num-ref>
+ is located on handle <part-num-ref name="is located on handle">101,</part-num-ref>
+ on bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="is located on handle 101, on bent end pry bar">123,</part-num-ref>
+ between bent end pry bar <part-num-ref name="is located on handle 101, on bent end pry bar 123, between bent end pry bar">123</part-num-ref>
+ and handle <part-num-ref name="and handle">101,</part-num-ref>
+ or in another location on demolition tool <part-num-ref name="and handle 101, or in another location on demolition tool">100.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, opening <part-num-ref name="and handle 101, or in another location on demolition tool 100. In some embodiments, opening">137</part-num-ref>
+ is a tear-dropped-shaped opening and enables the removal of nails, brads, or other fasteners from building materials or other materials. Opening <part-num-ref name="removal of nails, brads, or other fasteners from building materials or other materials. Opening">137</part-num-ref>
+ may be beveled on one or both sides (FIG. <part-num-ref name="may be beveled on one or both sides (FIG.">2</part-num-ref>
+ illustrates a beveled side of opening 137).    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="885">[00</confidence>
+26]      In one embodiment, demolition tool 100 includes a blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="blunt blade edge">139.</part-num-ref>
+ FIGS.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">1-3 illustrate an embodiment of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="embodiment of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ wherein blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="wherein blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ is located on head <part-num-ref name="is located on head">103,</part-num-ref>
+ below strike contact face <part-num-ref name="is located on head 103, below strike contact face">105.</part-num-ref>
+ FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="side view of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="invention, wherein blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ is parallel to the main axis <part-num-ref name="main axis">121</part-num-ref>
+ of handle <part-num-ref name="of handle">101.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="of handle 101. In one embodiment, blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ may exist on the same plane as the longitudinal central plane (i.e., plane <part-num-ref name="plane">131)</part-num-ref>
+ of head <part-num-ref name="of head">103.</part-num-ref>
+ Blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="of head 103. Blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ may include a tapered wedge that may be utilized to break apart or otherwise demolish construction <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877<confidence value="44">v1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-317<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+-REG      </boundary-data>
+materials such as for example, wood, metals, or other materials by striking blows upon the material. In some embodiments, blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="material. In some embodiments, blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ is blunt enough such that it does not cut material in the same fashion as a knife, axe, or other sharp bladed tool. In other embodiments, blunt blade edge <part-num-ref name="knife, axe, or other sharp bladed tool. In other embodiments, blunt blade edge">139</part-num-ref>
+ has a sharp edge such as, for example, an edge similar to an axe or hatchet blade.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[002<confidence value="5">7</confidence>
+]      In one embodiment, demolition tool 100, including handle 101, head 103, bent end pry bar 123, <confidence value="222222">and/or</confidence>
+ other portions of demolition tool 100, comprise a single integrally forged or molded metal material, as opposed to being formed from multiple parts jointed or fastened together.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0028]       In one embodiment, demolition tool 100 includes a grip material such as, for example, rubber, plastic, or other material on handle <part-num-ref name="grip material such as, for example, rubber, plastic, or other material on handle">101</part-num-ref>
+ or other portions of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="or other portions of demolition tool">101.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The gripping material may be placed over or secured to demolition tool 100 to aid in its use as a hand tool by providing a slip resistant and comfortable grip for a user's hands. In one embodiment, demolition tool <part-num-ref name="user's hands. In one embodiment, demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ is manufactured to weigh approximately 3.5 - 4.5 lbs. and may weigh approximately <part-num-ref name="is manufactured to weigh approximately 3.5 - 4.5 lbs. and may weigh approximately">4</part-num-ref>
+ lbs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0029]      As mentioned above, demolition tool 100 may be utilized in the demolition of construction or building materials. For example, demolition tool <part-num-ref name="demolition of construction or building materials. For example, demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized to break apart or otherwise demolish a workpiece when chisel blade <part-num-ref name="workpiece when chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ is placed on the workpiece and strike contact face <part-num-ref name="workpiece and strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ is struck by a hammer or other tool, thus, driving chisel blade <part-num-ref name="hammer or other tool, thus, driving chisel blade">135</part-num-ref>
+ into the workpiece. Typically, striking tools, such as hammer heads are hardened to minimum hardness of Rockwell C <part-num-ref name="workpiece. Typically, striking tools, such as hammer heads are hardened to minimum hardness of Rockwell C">45</part-num-ref>
+ As such, tools or fasteners that are meant to be struck are hardened to a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="2">I</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">REF: HT-3171-REG</boundary-data>
+maximum hardness that is less than Rockwell C <part-num-ref name="maximum hardness that is less than Rockwell C">45.</part-num-ref>
+ As stated above, strike contact face <part-num-ref name="maximum hardness that is less than Rockwell C 45. As stated above, strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ of the demolition tool may be struck by a hammer or striking tool to enable demolition tool <part-num-ref name="hammer or striking tool to enable demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ to be used as a chisel. As such, in one embodiment, strike contact face <part-num-ref name="chisel. As such, in one embodiment, strike contact face">105</part-num-ref>
+ or the entirety of demolition tool <part-num-ref name="entirety of demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be hardened to Rockwell C <part-num-ref name="may be hardened to Rockwell C">38</part-num-ref>
+ - <part-num-ref name="-">44.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, demolition tool <part-num-ref name="- 44. Thus, demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ will be softer than tools used to strike it, but harder than the materials it will be used to demolish (e.g., wood, aluminum, or other materials).    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[003<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+]      To achieve a hardness of Rockwell C 38-44, certain manufacturing techniques are used. In one embodiment, demolition tool <part-num-ref name="hardness of Rockwell C 38-44, certain manufacturing techniques are used. In one embodiment, demolition tool">100</part-num-ref>
+ is integrally formed (e.g., forged or molded) of steel and a two step heat treating process is utilized. First, demolition tool is hardened by heating the steel to between <part-num-ref name="steel to between">810<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C to <part-num-ref name="C to">870<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C, and in one embodiment, between <part-num-ref name="C, and in one embodiment, between">830</part-num-ref>
+ C to <part-num-ref name="C to">850<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C, and in one embodiment, approximately 840<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ C. At <part-num-ref name="C, and in one embodiment, approximately 840&quot; C. At">840<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C, the heat treatment temperature is maintained between 60-80 minutes, and in one embodiment, <part-num-ref name="heat treatment temperature is maintained between 60-80 minutes, and in one embodiment,">70</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. After heat treatment, the tool is quenched in oil to rapidly cool to tool. At this point the steel is both hard and brittle. The second step of the process is to temper the steel, which reduces the hardness but adds toughness to the steel. Tempering is performed by heating the steel a second time to between <part-num-ref name="second time to between">380<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C and <part-num-ref name="C and">420<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C, and in one embodiment, between <part-num-ref name="C, and in one embodiment, between">390<confidence value="2">0</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ C and <part-num-ref name="C and">410</part-num-ref>
+ C, and in one embodiment, 400<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ C.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">The steel is then soaked at that temperature for between 140 and <part-num-ref name="and">160</part-num-ref>
+ minutes, and in one embodiment, <part-num-ref name="minutes, and in one embodiment,">150</part-num-ref>
+ minutes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0031]      In one embodiment, it is contemplated that FIGS. 1-6 are drawn to scale (i.e., not to actual size, but in proportion).</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">400299877v1</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">UTILITY PATENT APPLICATION</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8666">ATTY</confidence>
+. D<confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+T. 081427-0324950    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="885">REF</confidence>
+: HT-3171-REG    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+[0032]       While the invention has been described with reference to the certain illustrated embodiments, the words that have been used herein are words of description, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the associated claims, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structures, acts, and materials, the invention is not to be limited to the particulars disclosed, but rather can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiments, and extends to all equivalent structures, acts, and, materials, such as are within the scope of the associated claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="55">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">400299877v<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11478305.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,281 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11478305</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-06-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IMPRINT LITHOGRAPHY</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to imprint lithography.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">2. Description of the Related Art A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. Lithographic apparatus are conventionally used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), flat panel displays and other devices involving fine structures.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">It is desirable to reduce the size of features in a lithographic pattern because this allows for a greater density of features on a given substrate area. In photolithography, the increased resolution may be achieved by using light of shorter wavelength. However, there are problems associated with such reductions. Current systems are starting to adopt optical sources with wavelengths in the <part-num-ref name="">193</part-num-ref>
+ nm regime but even at this level, diffraction limitations become a barrier.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">At lower wavelengths, the transparency of materials is very poor. Optical lithography machines capable of enhanced resolutions require complex optics and rare materials and are consequently very expensive.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">An alternative for printing sub-<confidence value="566">100</confidence>
+nm features, known as imprint lithography, comprises transferring a pattern to a substrate by imprinting a pattern into an imprintable medium using a physical mould or template. The imprintable medium may be the substrate or a material coated on to a surface of the substrate. The imprintable medium may be functional or may be used as a "mask" to transfer a pattern to an underlying surface. The imprintable medium may for instance be provided as a resist deposited on a substrate such as a semiconductor material to which the pattern defined by the template is to be transferred. Imprint lithography is thus essentially a moulding process on a micrometer or nanometer scale in which the topography of a template defines the patterns created on a substrate. Patterns may be layered as with optical lithography processes so that in principle imprint lithography could be used for such applications as IC manufacture.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The resolution of imprint lithography is largely limited only by the resolution of the template fabrication process. For instance, imprint lithography has been used to produce features in the sub-<confidence value="66">50</confidence>
+ nm range with significantly impr<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+ved resolution and line edge roughness compared to that achievable with conventional optical lithography processes. In addition, imprint processes <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+do not require expensive optics, advanced illumination sources or specialised resist materials typically required by optical lithography processes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Imprint lithography templates are conventionally manufactured using <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-beam lithography.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">This is an expensive and time consuming process.</p>
+    <heading id="h-3">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of making an imprint lithography template, the method comprising applying a curable material to a patterned surface of a master imprint template; curing the curable material and thereby forming a second imprint template having a patterned surface which is the inverse of the patterned surface of the master imprint template; removing the second imprint template from the master imprint template; applying inorganic sol-gel to a substrate; imprinting the inorganic sol-gel with the second imprint template; allowing the inorganic sol-gel to cure; and removing the second imprint template from the cured inorganic sol-gel, such that the inorganic sol-gel forms a third imprint template having a patterned surface which corresponds with the patterned surface of the master imprint template.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">A method of making an imprint lithography template comprises applying a curable material to a patterned surface of a master imprint template; curing the curable material and thereby forming a second imprint template having a patterned surface which is the inverse of the patterned surface of the master imprint template; removing the second imprint template from the master imprint template; applying inorganic sol-gel to the patterned surface of the second imprint template; bringing a substrate into contact with the inorganic sol-gel; allowing the inorganic sol-gel to cure; and removing the second imprint template from the cured inorganic sol-gel, such that the inorganic sol-gel forms a third imprint template having a patterned surface which corresponds with the patterned surface of the master imprint template.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">According to a third embodiment of the invention there is provided an imprint template comprising a substrate and cured inorganic sol-gel bearing a pattern.</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Figure <confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+a - <confidence value="1">i</confidence>
+c illustrate examples of conventional <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+printing', hot and UV lithography processes respectively;    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Figure 2 illustrates a two step etching process employed when hot and UV imprint lithography is used to pattern a resist layer;</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Figure 3 illustrates a template and an imprintable resist layer deposited on a substrate; and Figures <part-num-ref name="substrate; and Figures">4</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">5</part-num-ref>
+ illustrate methods of making an imprint lithography template.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">There are two principal approaches to imprint lithography which will be termed generally as hot imprint lithography and UV imprint lithography. There is also a third type of imprint lithography which may be referred to as "printing" lithography. Examples of these are illustrated in Figures <confidence value="68">la</confidence>
+ to <confidence value="488">lc.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">Figure <confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+a shows a printing lithography process, known as micro-contact printing, which involves transferring a layer of molecules <part-num-ref name="layer of molecules">11</part-num-ref>
+ (typically an ink such as a thiol) from a flexible template <part-num-ref name="flexible template">10</part-num-ref>
+ (typically fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto a resist layer <part-num-ref name="resist layer">13</part-num-ref>
+ which is supported upon a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">12</part-num-ref>
+ and planarisation and transfer layer 12'. The template <part-num-ref name="template">10</part-num-ref>
+ has a pattern of features on its surface, the molecular layer being disposed upon the features. When the template is pressed against the resist layer the layer of molecules <part-num-ref name="layer of molecules">11</part-num-ref>
+ stick to the resist. Upon removal of the template from the resist the layer of molecules <part-num-ref name="layer of molecules">11</part-num-ref>
+ stick to the resist, the residual layer of resist is etched such that the areas of the resist not covered by the transferred molecular layer are etched down to the substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Printing lithography is an example of soft imprint lithography. The term <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+soft imprint lithography' is generally used to mean imprint lithography in which the imprint template is elastically deformable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">When fabricating multiple layer structures, in which the same region will be overlaid multiple times, soft imprint lithography may not provide overlay accuracy on a nanometer scale.</p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Hot imprint lithography (or hot embossing) is also known as nanoimprint lithography (NIL) when used on a nanometer scale. The process uses harder templates made from, for example, silicon or nickel, which are more resistant to wear and deformation. This is described for instance in U.S. Patents 4,731,155 and 5,772,905, and illustrated in Figure <confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+b. In a typical hot imprint process a solid template <part-num-ref name="solid template">14</part-num-ref>
+ is imprinted into a thermosetting or a thermoplastic polymer resin <part-num-ref name="thermoplastic polymer resin">15,</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+which has been cast on the surface of a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The resin may for instance be spin coated and baked onto the substrate surface or more typically (as in the example illustrated) onto a planarisation and transfer layer 12'. It shall be understood that the term "hard" when describing an imprint template includes materials which may generally be considered between "hard" and "soft" materials, such as for example "hard" rubber. The suitability of a particular material for use as an imprint template is determined by its application requirements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">When a thermosetting polymer resin is used the resin is heated to a temperature such that, upon contact with the template, the resin is sufficiently flowable to flow into the pattern features defined on the template. The temperature of the resin is then increased to thermally cure (e.g.</p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">crosslink) the resin so that it solidifies and irreversibly adopts the desired pattern. The template may then be removed and the patterned resin cooled.</p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Examples of thermoplastic polymer resins used in hot imprint lithography processes are poly (methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, poly (benzyl methacrylate) or poly (cyclohexyl methacrylate). The thermoplastic resin is heated so that it is in a freely flowable state immediately prior to imprinting with the template. It is typically necessary to heat thermoplastic resins to temperatures considerably above the glass transition temperature of the resin. The template is pressed into the flowable resin and sufficient pressure is applied to ensure the resin flows into all the pattern features defined on the template. The resin is then cooled to below its glass transition temperature with the template in place whereupon the resin irreversibly adopts the desired pattern.</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">The pattern will consist of the features in relief from a residual layer of the resin which may then be removed by an appropriate etch process to leave only the pattern features.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Upon removal of the template from the solidified resin, a two-step etching process is performed as illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c. The substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">20</part-num-ref>
+ has a planarisation and transfer layer <part-num-ref name="planarisation and transfer layer">21</part-num-ref>
+ immediately upon it, as shown in Figure 2a. The purpose of the planarisation and transfer layer is twofold. It acts to provide a surface parallel to that of the template, which is important to ensure that the contact between the template and the resin is parallel, and also to improve the aspect ratio of the printed features, as will be described below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">After the template has been removed, a residual layer <part-num-ref name="residual layer">22</part-num-ref>
+ of the solidified resin is left on the planarisation and transfer layer, shaped in the desired pattern. The first etch removes parts of the residual layer. The first etch is preferably anisotropic. In some instances the first etch may be isotropic, resulting in a poor aspect ratio of features where L1 is the height of the features <part-num-ref name="features">23,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Figure 2b. The second etch, which is anisotropic (or selective), improves the aspect ratio.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">The anisotropic etch removes those parts of the planarisation and transfer layer which are not <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+covered by the solidified resin, increasing the aspect ratio of the features <part-num-ref name="features">23</part-num-ref>
+ to (<confidence value="2222">L2/D</confidence>
+), as shown in Figure 2c. The resulting polymer thickness contrast left on the substrate after etching can be used as for instance a mask for dry etching if the imprinted polymer is sufficiently resistant, for instance as a step in a lift-off process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Hot imprint lithography suffers from a disadvantage in that not only is the pattern transfer be performed at a higher temperature, but also relatively large temperature differentials might be required in order to ensure the resin is adequately solidified before the template is removed.</p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Temperature differentials between 35 and <part-num-ref name="and">100</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C are known from literature. Differential thermal expansion between for instance the substrate and template can then lead to distortion in the transferred pattern. The problem is exacerbated by the relatively high pressures used for the imprinting step, due the viscous nature of the imprintable materials, which can induce mechanical deformation in the substrate, again distorting the pattern.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">UV imprint lithography on the other hand does not involve such high temperatures and temperature changes. Nor does it require such viscous imprintable materials. Rather UV imprint lithography involves the use of a transparent template and a UV-curable liquid, typically a monomer such as an acrylate or methacrylate for example. In general any photopolymerisable material could be used, such as a mixture of monomers and an initiator. The curable liquid may also for instance include a dimethyl siloxane derivative. Such materials are much less viscous than the thermosetting and thermoplastic resins used in hot imprint lithography and consequently move much faster to fill template pattern features. Low temperature and low pressure operation also favours higher throughput capabilities. Although the name <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+UV imprint lithography' implies that UV light is always used, it should be appreciated that any suitable actinic radiation may be used (for example visible light may be used). Hence, any reference in this document to UV imprint lithography, UV light, or UV curable materials, etc should be interpreted as including any suitable actinic radiation, and should not be interpreted as being limited to UV light only.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">An example of a UV imprint process is illustrated in Figure <confidence value="4">I</confidence>
+c. A quartz template <part-num-ref name="quartz template">16</part-num-ref>
+ is applied to a UV-curable resin <part-num-ref name="UV-curable resin">17</part-num-ref>
+ in a similar manner to the process of Figure <confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+b. Instead of raising the temperature as in hot embossing employing thermosetting resins, or temperature cycling when using thermoplastic resins, UV light is applied to the resin through the quartz template in order to polymerise and thus cure it. Upon removal of the template, the remaining steps of etching the residual layer of resist are the same as for the hot embossing process described above. The UV curable resins typically used have a much lower viscosity than typical thermoplastic resins so that lower imprint pressures are used. Reduced physical deformation due to the lower pressures, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+together with reduced deformation due to high temperatures and temperature changes, makes UV imprint lithography better suited to application requiring high overlay accuracy. In addition the transparent nature of UV imprint templates can accommodate optical alignment techniques simultaneously to the imprint.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Although this type of imprint lithography mainly uses UV curable materials, and is thus generically referred to as UV imprint lithography, other wavelengths of light may be used to cure appropriately selected materials (e.g. activate a polymerisation or cross linking reaction). In general any radiation capable of initiating such a chemical reaction may be used if an appropriate imprintable material is available. Alternative "activating light" may for instance include visible light, infrared light, x-ray radiation and electron beam radiation. In the general description above, and below, references to UV imprint lithography and use of UV light are not intended to exclude these and other activating light possibilities.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">As an alternative to imprint systems using a planar template which is maintained substantially parallel to the substrate surface, roller imprint systems have been developed. Both hot and UV roller imprint systems have been proposed in which the template is formed on a roller but otherwise the imprint process is very similar to imprinting using a planar template. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to an imprint template include references to roller templates.</p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">There is a particular development of UV imprint technology known as step and flash imprint lithography (SFIL) which may be used to pattern a substrate in small steps in a similar manner to optical steppers conventionally used in IC manufacture. This involves printing small areas of the substrate at a time by imprinting a template into a UV curable resin, <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+flashing' UV light through the template to cure the resin beneath the template, removing the template, stepping to an adjacent region of the substrate and repeating the operation. The small field size of such step and repeat processes minimises pattern distortions CD variations so that SFIL is particularly suited to manufacture of IC and other devices requiring high overlay accuracy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Although in principle the UV curable resin can be applied to the entire substrate surface, for instance by spin coating, this is often problematic due to the volatile nature of UV curable resins.</p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">One approach to addressing this problem is the so-called <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+drop on demand' process in which the resin is dispensed onto a target portion of the substrate in droplets i<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+mediately prior to imprinting with the template. The liquid dispensing is controlled so that a certain volume of liquid is deposited on a particular target portion of the substrate. The liquid may be dispensed in a variety <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+of patterns and the combination of carefully controlling liquid volume and placement of the pattern can be employed to confine patterning to the target area.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Dispensing the resin on demand as mentioned is not a trivial matter. The size and spacing of the droplets are carefully controlled to ensure there is sufficient resin to fill template features whilst at the same time minimizing excess resin which can be rolled to an undesirably thick or uneven residual layer since as soon as neighbouring drops touch fluid the resin will have nowhere to flow. The problems associated with overly thick or uneven residual layer are discussed below.</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Figure 3 illustrates the relative dimensions of the template, imprintable material (curable monomer, thermosetting resin, thermoplastic etc) and substrate. In an embodiment, the ratio of the width of the substrate, D, to the thickness of the curable resin layer, t, is of the order of <part-num-ref name="order of">106.</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="66">It</confidence>
+ will be appreciated that, in order to avoid the features projecting from the template damaging the substrate, the dimension t should be greater than the depth of the projecting features on the template.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">The residual layer left after stamping is useful in protecting the underlying substrate, but as mentioned above it is also the source of a number of problems particularly when high resolution and/or overlay accuracy is desired. The first <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+breakthrough' etch may be anisotropic or isotropic. If the first etch is isotropic this will to some extent erode the features imprinted as well as the residual layer. This is exacerbated if the residual layer is overly thick and/or uneven.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">This problem can for instance lead to variation in the thickness of lines ultimately formed in the underlying substrate (i.e. variation in the critical dimension). The uniformity of the thickness of a line that is etched in the transfer layer in the second anisotropic etch is dependant upon the aspect ratio and integrity of the shape of the feature left in the resin. If the residual resin layer is uneven, then the non-selective first etch can leave some of these features with "rounded" tops so that they are not sufficiently well defined to ensure good uniformity of line thickness in the second and any subsequent etch process.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">In principle the above problem can be reduced by ensuring the residual layer is as thin as possible but this can require application of undesirably large pressures (increasing substrate deformation) and relatively long imprinting times (reducing throughput).</p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">The template is a significant component of the imprint lithography system. As noted above, the resolution of the features on the template surface is a limiting factor on the attainable resolution of features printed on the substrate. The templates used for hot and <confidence value="66">UV</confidence>
+ lithography are generally formed in a two-stage process. Initially, the desired pattern is written using, for example, electron <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+beam writing, to give a high resolution pattern in resist. The resist pattern is then transferred into a thin layer of chrome which forms the mask for the final, anisotropic etch step to transfer the pattern into the base material of the template. Other techniques such as for example ion-beam lithography, X-ray lithography, extreme UV lithography, epitaxial growth, thin film deposition, chemical etching, plasma etching, ion etching or ion milling could be used. Generally a technique capable of very high resolution will be preferred as the template is effectively a <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+x mask with the resolution of the transferred pattern being limited by the resolution of the pattern on the template.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">The release characteristics of the template may also be an important consideration. The template may for instance be treated with a surface treatment material to form a thin release layer on the template having a low surface energy (a thin release layer may also be deposited on the substrate).</p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Although reference is made above to depositing UV curable liquids onto a substrate, the liquids could also be deposited on the template and in general the same techniques and considerations will apply.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Another important consideration in the development of imprint lithography is the mechanical durability of the template. The template is subjected to large forces during stamping of the resist, and in the case of hot lithography, it is also subjected to extremes of pressure and temperature. This will cause wearing of the template, and may adversely affect the shape of the pattern imprinted upon the substrate.</p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">In hot imprint lithography there are potential advantages in using a template of the same or similar material to the substrate to be patterned in order to minimise differential thermal expansion between the two. In UV imprint lithography the template is at least partially transparent to the activation light and accordingly quartz templates are used. Although specific reference may be made in this text to the use of imprint lithography in the manufacture of ICs, it should be understood that imprint apparatus and methods described may have other applications, such as the manufacture of integrated optical systems, guidance and detection patterns for magnetic domain memories, hard disc magnetic media, flat panel displays, thin-film magnetic heads, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Whilst in the description above particular reference has been made to the use of imprint lithography to transfer a template pattern to a substrate via an imprintable resin effectively acting as a resist, in some circumstances the imprintable material may itself be a functional material, for instance having a functionally such as conductivity, optical linear or non linear response amongst others. For example the functional material may form a conductive layer, a semiconductive layer, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+a dielectric layer or a layer having another desirable mechanical, electrical or optical property.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Some organic substances may also be appropriate functional materials. Such applications may be within the scope of an embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Figure 4 shows schematically a method of making an imprint lithography template according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to figure 4a, conventional <confidence value="5">e</confidence>
+-beam lithography is used to make a master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100</part-num-ref>
+ in a conventional manner (described further above). The master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100</part-num-ref>
+ may be made of Si or <confidence value="685">SiO</confidence>
+2 (e.g. quartz). A release layer <part-num-ref name="release layer">102</part-num-ref>
+ is provided on a patterned upper surface of the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The release layer <part-num-ref name="release layer">102</part-num-ref>
+ may be a monolayer of a fluorinated compound, for example fluorinated silane.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Referring to figure 4b, a layer of curable material <part-num-ref name="layer of curable material">104,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g. polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is applied onto the patterned upper surface of the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ In an embodiment, the curable material <part-num-ref name="curable material">104</part-num-ref>
+ is a liquid, and the layer is sufficiently thick that recesses of the pattern on the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100</part-num-ref>
+ are filled and the PDMS forms a continuous surface over the imprint template. The curable material <part-num-ref name="curable material">104</part-num-ref>
+ is then cured, for example by placing it in an oven at a predetermined temperature. Curing of curable materials, e.g. curable PDMS, is not explained in detail here as it is well understood to those skilled in the art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Referring to Figure 4c, a carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106</part-num-ref>
+ is provided with an adhesive monolayer (not shown) on its lowermost surface, and is then brought into contact with the cured PDMS <part-num-ref name="cured PDMS">104.</part-num-ref>
+ The carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106</part-num-ref>
+ may for example be made from quartz. The adhesive monolayer secures the cured PDMS <part-num-ref name="cured PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ to the carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106.</part-num-ref>
+ It is not necessary that the PDMS <part-num-ref name="PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ be cured when the carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106</part-num-ref>
+ is brought into contact with it. The substrate may be brought into contact with the PDMS before it is cured, and held in position until curing has taken place.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">Referring to Figure 4d, the carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106</part-num-ref>
+ and cured PDMS <part-num-ref name="and cured PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ are removed from the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The lowermost surface of the cured PDMS has a pattern which is the inverse of the pattern in the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ For ease of reference, the cured PDMS <part-num-ref name="cured PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ and the carrier substrate <part-num-ref name="carrier substrate">106</part-num-ref>
+ are referred to as the second imprint template <part-num-ref name="second imprint template">108</part-num-ref>
+ (the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100</part-num-ref>
+ is considered to be the first imprint template).    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">Referring to Figure 4e, a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">110,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g. a quartz substrate, which will form part of an imprint template is provided. The (quartz) substrate <part-num-ref name="(quartz) substrate">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided on its upper surface with a layer of chromium (not shown) or other material to form a transfer layer. It is not essential that a transfer layer is provided.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+As shown in Figure 4f, a layer of sol-gel <part-num-ref name="layer of sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ is spin-coated onto the quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">110.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">The layer of sol-gel 112 may be spin-coated onto the substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">110</part-num-ref>
+ with good thickness uniformity, for example to within around 0.1 nanometers over an area of several square centimeters. In an embodiment, the sol-gel is inorganic. An example of a sol-gel which could be used is the sol-gel known as spin-on-glass silica. The solvent included in this sol-gel is ethanol. The sol-gel is liquid when it is spin coated onto the substrate, and then becomes a gel as solvent evaporates out of it (i.e.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">the sol-gel begins to cure). Other suitable sol-gels include, but are not limited to, (with an appropriate solvent) titanium oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and germanium oxide.</p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">Referring to Figure 4g, the second imprint template <part-num-ref name="second imprint template">108</part-num-ref>
+ is imprinted into the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">112.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">The sol-gel 112 continues to cure. This happens in part because the solvent in the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ diffuses into the PDMS <part-num-ref name="PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ of the second imprint template <part-num-ref name="second imprint template">108.</part-num-ref>
+ As the solvent leaves the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ increasing numbers of condensation reactions and cross linking occur within the sol-gel, and it thereby becomes more and more solid. Water from the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ may also diffuse into the PDMS <part-num-ref name="PDMS">104</part-num-ref>
+ (water is formed during condensation of sol-gel). Sufficient time is allowed to elapse for the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ to become solid (i.e. for the sol-gel to cross-linked to a sufficient degree that it will retain its shape).    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">Referring to Figure 4h, the second imprint template <part-num-ref name="second imprint template">108</part-num-ref>
+ is removed, leaving behind a substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">110</part-num-ref>
+ supporting a patterned layer of cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="patterned layer of cured sol-gel">112,</part-num-ref>
+ the pattern being the same as the pattern on the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Thus, an imprint template <part-num-ref name="imprint template">114</part-num-ref>
+ formed from cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="formed from cured sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ on a quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">110,</part-num-ref>
+ which matches a master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100,</part-num-ref>
+ has been cheaply and conveniently fabricated. The imprint template <part-num-ref name="imprint template">114,</part-num-ref>
+ which for ease of reference is referred to as the third imprint template, is sufficiently mechanically stable to allow it to be used in the same manner as a conventionally made imprint template.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">In order to make the imprint template <part-num-ref name="imprint template">114</part-num-ref>
+ more durable, it may be fired by placing it in an oven at for example between 200<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+C and 1000<confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+C. Firing the imprint template in this way makes the cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="cured sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ less porous, thereby increasing its durability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">The cured sol-gel has substantially the same surface chemistry as fused silica, and the cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="cured sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ of the third imprint template <part-num-ref name="third imprint template">114</part-num-ref>
+ is therefore well matched to the quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">110</part-num-ref>
+ on which it is provided. For example, the thermal expansion coefficient of the cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="cured sol-gel">112</part-num-ref>
+ is the same or very close to that of the quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">110,</part-num-ref>
+ with the result that any change in temperature will cause substantially the same amount of thermal expansion or contraction to take <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+place in both the cured sol-gel and the quartz substrate. This is advantageous because it avoids stress and/or distortion of the imprint template pattern occurring due to temperature changes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Sol-gel is transparent to UV radiation, and has good resistance to UV radiation, thereby making it useful for UV imprint lithography.</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Although the embodiment of the invention uses PDMS to form the inverse imprint template <part-num-ref name="inverse imprint template">108,</part-num-ref>
+ other suitable materials may be used. In an embodiment, the material ise elastically deformable. The term <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+elastically deformable' is intended to mean sufficiently deformable to aid release of the inverse imprint template <part-num-ref name="inverse imprint template">108</part-num-ref>
+ from the master imprint template <part-num-ref name="master imprint template">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Preferably, the material should not react with inorganic sol-gel, and should be permeable to sol-gel solvent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">It has been mentioned, for example in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0230882 Al, to use organic materials to form imprint templates. The use of inorganic sol-gel has several advantages over organic material. In particular, organic material may suffer from creep, i.e.</p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">progressive shrinkage due to inherent tension within the material, leading to distortion of the pattern formed in the organic material. Cured inorganic sol-gel has substantial resistance to creep.</p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Organic materials have a very different thermal expansion coefficient to fused silica or quartz, and this may lead to stresses and distortions at the interface between the quartz and the organic material in response to temperature changes. As mentioned above, cured inorganic sol-gel has a thermal expansion coefficient which is the same or virtually the same as fused silica or quartz.</p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">Temperature changes will therefore not lead to substantial distortions. Organic materials may suffer from degradation as a result of long term UV exposure. As mentioned above, cured inorganic sol-gel does not degrade when exposed to UV radiation. Organic materials may delaminate from a quartz or fused silica substrate. Cured inorganic sol-gel, however, adheres well because it has similar materials characteristics to quartz or fused silica. Organic materials are often soft and are not scratch resistant, resulting in increased susceptibility to damage. Cured inorganic sol-gel is generally more durable. Also, often it is difficult to clean an imprint template formed from organic material, since it is generally difficult to remove organic resist from the organic imprint template without also removing part of the organic imprint template.</p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 5, a quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">210</part-num-ref>
+ supports a patterned layer of cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="patterned layer of cured sol-gel">212.</part-num-ref>
+ A chromium layer <part-num-ref name="chromium layer">211</part-num-ref>
+ (or other transfer layer) is provided between the substrate <part-num-ref name="substrate">210</part-num-ref>
+ and the cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="cured sol-gel">212.</part-num-ref>
+ The structure shown in Figure 5a may be formed using the method described above in relation to Figure 4.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+Instead of using the structure shown in Figure 5a as an imprint template, etching is used to transfer the pattern of the cured sol-gel <part-num-ref name="cured sol-gel">212</part-num-ref>
+ into the quartz substrate <part-num-ref name="quartz substrate">210.</part-num-ref>
+ The quartz substrate may then be used as an imprint template.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">Referring to Figure 5b, a reactive ion etch (for example using a fluorine plasma) is used to etch through the residual sol-gel layer. This is a breakthrough etch, i.e. it breaks through the sol-gel <part-num-ref name="sol-gel">212</part-num-ref>
+ and exposes the chromium <part-num-ref name="chromium">211</part-num-ref>
+ in recesses of the pattern.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Referring to Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+c, a second reactive ion etch (for example using a chlorine or oxygen plasma) is used to etch through the chromium layer <part-num-ref name="chromium layer">211.</part-num-ref>
+ This is known as a transfer etch, and exposes the quartz <part-num-ref name="quartz">210</part-num-ref>
+ in recesses of the pattern.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Referring to Figure 5d, a reactive ion etch (for example using fluorine plasma) is used to etch into the quartz <part-num-ref name="quartz">210.</part-num-ref>
+ Following this, as shown in Figure <confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+e, the chromium <part-num-ref name="chromium">211</part-num-ref>
+ is stripped away, for example using a wet-chemical chrome etch, to yield a quartz imprint template <part-num-ref name="quartz imprint template">214.</part-num-ref>
+ The pattern provided on the quartz imprint template <part-num-ref name="quartz imprint template">214</part-num-ref>
+ corresponds with the pattern formed in the sol-gel layer <part-num-ref name="sol-gel layer">212.</part-num-ref>
+ The method illustrated in Figure 5 allows a quartz imprint template to be constructed in a low cost and convenient manner.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">The above description of embodiments of the invention refers to quartz substrates. It will be appreciated that fused silica may be used instead of quartz. Substrates may also be formed from any other suitable material, for example silicon.</p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">The invention allows many replicas to be made of a master imprint template, by imprinting sol-gel in the manner described above in relation to figure 4 and/or figure 5 a plurality of times.</p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">This reduces the cost of imprint lithography, especially in cases where a given pattern is to be used many times. For example, it may be desired to simultaneously imprint the same pattern onto a substrate in multiple, e.g. <part-num-ref name="">5,</part-num-ref>
+ different locations. The invention allows the necessary multiple imprint templates to be cheaply and conveniently made. It may be desired to provide imprint templates in multiple imprint lithography machines, all of the imprint templates having the same pattern. The invention allows the multiple imprint templates to be cheaply and conveniently made.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">Although the embodiments of the invention refer to providing sol-gel onto a substrate which is imprinted by cured PDMS, it will be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in other ways. For example, the sol-gel may be applied directly onto the cured PDMS (or equivalent material), a substrate subsequently being fixed to the sol-gel. The sol-gel, once cured, may then be lifted from the PDMS.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+While specific examples of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The description is not intended to limit the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11554735.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,381 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11554735</doc-number>
+        <date>2006-10-31</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">FMC 1990 PUS <part-num-ref name="PUS">81133141</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSLATING BILL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">OF MATERIAL INFORMATION FOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5                     </boundary-data>
+1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to systems and methods for <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+translating bill of material information for vehicle components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">2. Background <boundary-data type="line-number">15               </boundary-data>
+The bill of material for a vehicle may contain information describing each of the components used in that vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Different manufacturers may describe components differently and thus have different bills of material given <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+the same components. For example, a first manufacturer may describe a component, inter alia, in terms of a part number.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">A second manufacturer may describe the same component, inter alia, in terms of a system number. The information associated with the part number of the first manufacturer <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+and the system number of the second manufacturer may be such that a component having a single part number for the first manufacturer's bill of material may have multiple system numbers for the second manufacturer's bill of material. As such, a part number from a first bill of material may not <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+map directly to a system number from a second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">This lack of mapping, or translating, may pose difficulties for manufacturers if they wish to collaborate or share components between vehicles. For example, if two <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+manufacturers are jointly developing a component, a change to the bill of material of one manufacturer may require a change to the bill of material of the other manufacturer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">The corresponding bill of material information of the other <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+manufacturer, however, may not be easily identifiable.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">In at least one embodiment, the invention takes <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+the form of a computer-implemented system for translating bill of material information for vehicle components. The system includes a computer that receives input defining a first component included in a first bill of material and receives input defining a first function of the first <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+component. The first component definition and the first function definition are a first component and function definition for the first bill of material such that another component from the first bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the first component and function <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+definition. The computer also receives input defining a second component included in a second bill of material and receives input defining a second function of the second component. The second component definition and the second function definition are a second component and function <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+definition for the second bill of material such that another component from the second bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the second component and function definition. The computer further receives input defining a common identifier, associates the first component <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+with the common identifier based on the first component and function definition, and associates the second component with the common identifier based on the second component and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+function definition thereby translating the first bill of material to the second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">In at least one embodiment, the invention takes the form of a method for translating bill of material <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+information for vehicle components. The method includes receiving input defining a first component included in a first bill of material and receiving input defining a first function of the first component. The first component definition and the first function definition are a first <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+component and function definition for the first bill of material such that another component from the first bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the first component and function definition. The method also includes receiving input defining a second component <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+included in a second bill of material and receiving input defining a second function of the second component. The second component definition and the second function definition are a second component and function definition for the second bill of material such that another component <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+from the second bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the second component and function definition. The method further includes receiving input defining a common identifier, associating the first component with the common identifier based on the first <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+component and function definition, and associating the second component with the common identifier based on the second component and function definition thereby translating the first bill of material to the second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">In at least one embodiment, the invention takes <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+the form of a method for translating bill of material information for vehicle components. The method includes identifying first component data defining a first component included in a first bill of material and identifying first <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+function data defining a function of the first component.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">The first component definition and the first function definition are a first component and function definition for the first bill of material such that another component of <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+the first bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the first component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">The method also includes identifying second component data defining a second component included in a second bill of material and identifying second function data defining a <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+function of the second component. The second component definition and the second function definition are a second component and function definition for the second bill of material such that another component of the second bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+second component and function definition. The method further includes assigning a common identifier to the first component based on the first component and function definition and assigning the common identifier to the second component based on the second component and function <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+definition thereby translating the first bill of material to the second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Figure 1 shows a system for translating bill of material information for vehicle components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="77">-4</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+Figure 2 shows the system of Figure 1 in greater detail.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Figure 3 shows an example algorithm used to associate common identifier information with bill of <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+material information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Figures 4a - 4c show input and output screens in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">Figure 5 shows a method for translating bill of material information for vehicle components in accordance <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Figure 6 shows a method for translating bill of material information for vehicle components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Figure 7 shows an example algorithm for <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+identifying a component definition and function definition for a component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Figure 1 shows computer-implemented system <part-num-ref name="shows computer-implemented system">10</part-num-ref>
+ for translating bill of material information for vehicle components. System <part-num-ref name="for translating bill of material information for vehicle components. System">10</part-num-ref>
+ receives first bill of material (BOM) <part-num-ref name="receives first bill of material (BOM)">12,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., Company A's BOM, defining a first component and a <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+first function of the first component as will be explained in detail below, second bill of material <part-num-ref name="first component as will be explained in detail below, second bill of material">14,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., Company B's BOM, defining a second component and a second function of the second component as will be explained in detail below, and common identifiers <part-num-ref name="second component as will be explained in detail below, and common identifiers">16.</part-num-ref>
+ System <part-num-ref name="second component as will be explained in detail below, and common identifiers 16. System">10</part-num-ref>
+ uses common <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+identifiers <part-num-ref name="uses common identifiers">16</part-num-ref>
+ to translate between BOM <part-num-ref name="to translate between BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ as will be explained in detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Figure 2 shows an example BOM <part-num-ref name="example BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ in greater detail. BOM <part-num-ref name="in greater detail. BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ use different types of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+information to describe and identify vehicle components, e.g., link <part-num-ref name="link">17.</part-num-ref>
+ In this example, link <part-num-ref name="link 17. In this example, link">17</part-num-ref>
+ has two separate functions within a vehicle: "CONNECT GIZMO TO WIDGET A" and     </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">"CONNECT GIZMO TO WIDGET B."</heading>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5               </boundary-data>
+BOM 12 includes part number <part-num-ref name="includes part number">18,</part-num-ref>
+ description <part-num-ref name="includes part number 18, description">20,</part-num-ref>
+ quantity <part-num-ref name="includes part number 18, description 20, quantity">22,</part-num-ref>
+ system <part-num-ref name="includes part number 18, description 20, quantity 22, system">24,</part-num-ref>
+ and position <part-num-ref name="includes part number 18, description 20, quantity 22, system 24, and position">26</part-num-ref>
+ information for each component included in BOM <part-num-ref name="information for each component included in BOM">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Different or other information may be included in BOM <part-num-ref name="information for each component included in BOM 12. Different or other information may be included in BOM">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Part number 18, e.g., 53X24B, identifies <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+physically unique components such that all components having the same part number <part-num-ref name="same part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ are physically the same but need not perform the same function within a vehicle. Further, components having different part numbers <part-num-ref name="vehicle. Further, components having different part numbers">18</part-num-ref>
+ are not physically the same. In this example, component definition <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="same. In this example, component definition">19</part-num-ref>
+ is part number <part-num-ref name="is part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ as will be explained in detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Description 20, e.g., steering link, provides a brief textual description of a component.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Quantity 22 indicates the number of components having the same part number <part-num-ref name="same part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ and function, as will be <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+explained in detail below, required in a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">System 24, e.g., suspension, and position <part-num-ref name="suspension, and position">26,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., A25, together indicate the function of a component such that components having the same part number <part-num-ref name="same part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ but different system <part-num-ref name="but different system">24</part-num-ref>
+ or position <part-num-ref name="or position">26</part-num-ref>
+ information do not <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+perform the same function in a vehicle. In this example, function definition <part-num-ref name="vehicle. In this example, function definition">27</part-num-ref>
+ is system <part-num-ref name="is system">24</part-num-ref>
+ and position <part-num-ref name="and position">26.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">BOM 14 includes system number <part-num-ref name="includes system number">28,</part-num-ref>
+ component number <part-num-ref name="includes system number 28, component number">30,</part-num-ref>
+ quantity <part-num-ref name="includes system number 28, component number 30, quantity">32,</part-num-ref>
+ and function code <part-num-ref name="includes system number 28, component number 30, quantity 32, and function code">34</part-num-ref>
+ information for each component included in BOM <part-num-ref name="information for each component included in BOM">14.</part-num-ref>
+ Different or other <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+information may be included in BOM <part-num-ref name="information for each component included in BOM 14. Different or other information may be included in BOM">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">System number 28, e.g., 47<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+, and component number <part-num-ref name="47S, and component number">30,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., <part-num-ref name="">32587,</part-num-ref>
+ together identify physically unique components such that all components having the same system <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+number <part-num-ref name="same system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ are physically the same but need not perform the same function within a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">Further, components having different system numbers 28 or component numbers <part-num-ref name="or component numbers">30</part-num-ref>
+ are not physically the same. In this <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+example, component definition <part-num-ref name="same. In this example, component definition">31</part-num-ref>
+ is system number <part-num-ref name="is system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ as will be explained below in detail.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Quantity 32 indicates the number of components having the same system number <part-num-ref name="same system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ and function, as will be explained in detail below, required in <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Function code 34 indicates the function of a component such that components having the same system number <part-num-ref name="same system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ but different function code <part-num-ref name="but different function code">34</part-num-ref>
+ information do not perform the same function in a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+In this example, function definition 35 is function code <part-num-ref name="is function code">34.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Component definition 19 and function definition <part-num-ref name="and function definition">27</part-num-ref>
+ together are unique such that components having a different component definition <part-num-ref name="different component definition">19</part-num-ref>
+ or a different function definition <part-num-ref name="different function definition">27</part-num-ref>
+ do not satisfy both component definition <part-num-ref name="do not satisfy both component definition">19</part-num-ref>
+ and function <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+definition <part-num-ref name="and function definition">27.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, Figure 2 shows that for row <part-num-ref name="shows that for row">36,</part-num-ref>
+ the part number "53X24B," the system "SUSPENSION," and position "A25" are unique in that for row <part-num-ref name="system &quot;SUSPENSION,&quot; and position &quot;A25&quot; are unique in that for row">38,</part-num-ref>
+ the part number "53X24B" with the system "SUSPENSION" and the position "A27" do not satisfy component definition <part-num-ref name="position &quot;A27&quot; do not satisfy component definition">19</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+function definition <part-num-ref name="and function definition">27</part-num-ref>
+ of row <part-num-ref name="of row">36.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Component definition 31 and function definition <part-num-ref name="and function definition">35</part-num-ref>
+ together are unique such that components having a different component definition <part-num-ref name="different component definition">31</part-num-ref>
+ or a different function definition <part-num-ref name="different function definition">35</part-num-ref>
+ do not satisfy both component definition <part-num-ref name="do not satisfy both component definition">31</part-num-ref>
+ and function <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+definition <part-num-ref name="and function definition">35.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, Figure 2 shows that for row <part-num-ref name="shows that for row">40,</part-num-ref>
+ the system number "47S" and the component number "32587" with function code "28A" do not satisfy component definition <part-num-ref name="component number &quot;32587&quot; with function code &quot;28A&quot; do not satisfy component definition">31</part-num-ref>
+ and function code <part-num-ref name="and function code">35</part-num-ref>
+ of row <part-num-ref name="of row">42.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+Figure 2 shows translation table <part-num-ref name="shows translation table">16</part-num-ref>
+ having an example common identifier. Translation table <part-num-ref name="example common identifier. Translation table">16</part-num-ref>
+ has a unique common identifier for each unique component and function definition pair. For example, part number <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+"53X24B", system "SUSPENSION," and position "A25" are assigned the common identifier "43<confidence value="66">CI</confidence>
+." Further, system number "47<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+," component number "32587," and function code "28A" are assigned the common identifier "43<confidence value="6688">CI."</confidence>
+ Upon receiving BOM <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; Upon receiving BOM">12,</part-num-ref>
+ BOM <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; Upon receiving BOM 12, BOM">14,</part-num-ref>
+ and common <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+identifiers <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; Upon receiving BOM 12, BOM 14, and common identifiers">16,</part-num-ref>
+ system <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; Upon receiving BOM 12, BOM 14, and common identifiers 16, system">10</part-num-ref>
+ associates the information from BOM <part-num-ref name="information from BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ with the information from common identifiers <part-num-ref name="information from common identifiers">16.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, Figure 2 shows that BOM <part-num-ref name="shows that BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ include an additional column of data <part-num-ref name="additional column of data">44,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="additional column of data 44,">46</part-num-ref>
+ respectively containing the common identifier information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15               </boundary-data>
+System 10 may associate common identifiers with BOM <part-num-ref name="may associate common identifiers with BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ in any desired fashion. Figure 3 shows an example algorithm used to associate common identifiers <part-num-ref name="example algorithm used to associate common identifiers">16</part-num-ref>
+ with BOM <part-num-ref name="with BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">At step 48, system 10 identifies the component <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+definitions and function definitions associated with a common identifier, e.g., system <part-num-ref name="system">10</part-num-ref>
+ identifies from translation table <part-num-ref name="identifies from translation table">16</part-num-ref>
+ that, for BOM <part-num-ref name="that, for BOM">12,</part-num-ref>
+ part number "53X24B," system "SUSPENSION," and position "A25" are the component definition and function definition associated with the <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+common identifier "43<confidence value="66">CI</confidence>
+" and that, for BOM <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI&quot; and that, for BOM">14,</part-num-ref>
+ system number "47<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+," component number "32587," and function code "28A" are the component definition and function definition also associated with the common identifier "43<confidence value="6688">CI."</confidence>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; At step">50,</part-num-ref>
+ for each BOM, system <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; At step 50, for each BOM, system">10</part-num-ref>
+ identifies the <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+corresponding component definition and function definition for the common identifier, e.g., the information of row <part-num-ref name="information of row">36</part-num-ref>
+ contains the component definition and function definition associated with the common identifier "43<confidence value="66">CI</confidence>
+" and the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+information of row <part-num-ref name="information of row">40</part-num-ref>
+ contains the component definition and function definition for the common identifier "43<confidence value="6688">CI."</confidence>
+ At step <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; At step">52,</part-num-ref>
+ system <part-num-ref name="common identifier &quot;43CI.&quot; At step 52, system">10</part-num-ref>
+ appends the common identifier information to each BOM based on the component <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+definition and function definition, e.g., system <part-num-ref name="system">10</part-num-ref>
+ appends the common identifier information to the existing information of BOM <part-num-ref name="existing information of BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ in columns <part-num-ref name="in columns">44,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="in columns 44,">46</part-num-ref>
+ respectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">System 10 translates between BOM <part-num-ref name="translates between BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ and BOM <part-num-ref name="and BOM">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+Figure 4a shows a screen permitting a user to enter in the component definition and function definition for a component from BOM <part-num-ref name="component from BOM">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Figure 4b shows that the user entered in the part number "53X24B", the system "SUSPENSION," and the position "A25." Based on the component definition and the <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+function definition, and using the associated common identifier as explained above, Figure 4c shows that system <part-num-ref name="associated common identifier as explained above, Figure 4c shows that system">10</part-num-ref>
+ returns the component definition and function definition of the same part having the same function, e.g., the system number "47<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+," the component number "32587," and the function <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+code "28A." Figure 5 shows a method for translating bill of material information for vehicle components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">At step 54, input defining a first component included in a first bill of material is received.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25               </boundary-data>
+At step 56, input defining a first function of the first component is received. The first component definition and the first function definition are a first component and function definition for the first bill of material such that another component of the first bill of material having a <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+different function does not satisfy the first component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">At step 58, input defining a second component included in a second bill of material is received.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+At step 60, input defining a second function of the second component is received. The second component definition and the second function definition are a second component and function definition for the second bill of <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+material such that another component of the second bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the second component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">At step 62, input defining a common identifier is received.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10               </boundary-data>
+At step 64, the first component is associated with the common identifier based on the first component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">At step 66, the second component is associated with the common identifier based on the second component and <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+function definition. The first bill of material is thereby translated to the second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Figure 6 shows a method for translating bill of material information for vehicle components.</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">At step 68, first component data defining a first <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+component included in a first bill of material is identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">At step 70, first function data defining a function of the first component is identified. The first component definition and the first function definition are a <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+first component and function definition for the first bill of material such that another component of the first bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the first component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">At step 72, second component data defining a <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+second component included in a second bill of material is identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">At step 74, second function data defining a function of the second component is identified. The second <boundary-data type="header">- 10 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+component definition and the second function definition are a second component and function definition for the second bill of material such that another component of the second bill of material having a different function does not <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+satisfy the second component and function definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">At step 76, a common identifier is assigned to the first component based on the first component and function definition.</p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">At step 78, the common identifier is assigned to <boundary-data type="line-number">10     </boundary-data>
+the second component based on the second component and function definition. The first bill of material is thereby translated to the second bill of material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Figure 7 shows an example algorithm for identifying a component definition and function definition <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+for a component.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">At step 80, it is determined whether a first type of BOM information, e.g., part number, system number, component number, or quantity, by itself, identifies physically unique components such that all components having <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+the first type of information are physically the same but need not perform the same function within a vehicle. From the examples above, part number <part-num-ref name="examples above, part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ of BOM <part-num-ref name="of BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ identifies physically unique components such that all components having the same part number <part-num-ref name="same part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ are physically the same but need not <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+perform the same function within a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">If yes, at step 82, a component definition is identified, e.g., part number <part-num-ref name="part number">18</part-num-ref>
+ of BOM <part-num-ref name="of BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ is the component definition.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">If no, at step 84, it is determined whether the <boundary-data type="line-number">30     </boundary-data>
+first type of BOM information from step <part-num-ref name="first type of BOM information from step">80</part-num-ref>
+ in combination with a second type of BOM information identify physically unique components such that all components having the first type of information and the second type of information are <boundary-data type="header">- 11 -</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+physically the same but need not perform the same function within a vehicle. From the examples above, system number <part-num-ref name="examples above, system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ from BOM <part-num-ref name="from BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ identify physically unique components such that all components having the same <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+system number <part-num-ref name="same system number">28</part-num-ref>
+ and component number <part-num-ref name="and component number">30</part-num-ref>
+ are physically the same but need not perform the same function within a vehicle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">If yes, at step 82, a component definition is identified.</p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10               </boundary-data>
+If no, the algorithm can be expanded to include a third, fourth, etc., type of information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">At step 86, it is determined whether a third type of BOM information, by itself, identifies a function of a component such that other components having different third <boundary-data type="line-number">15     </boundary-data>
+type information do not perform the same function. From the examples above, function code <part-num-ref name="examples above, function code">34</part-num-ref>
+ of BOM <part-num-ref name="of BOM">14</part-num-ref>
+ identifies a function of a component such that other components having a different function code <part-num-ref name="different function code">34</part-num-ref>
+ do not perform the same function.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">If yes, at step 88, a function definition is <boundary-data type="line-number">20     </boundary-data>
+identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">If no, at step 90, it is determined whether the third type of BOM information from step <part-num-ref name="third type of BOM information from step">86</part-num-ref>
+ in combination with a fourth type of BOM information identify a function of a component such that other components having different <boundary-data type="line-number">25     </boundary-data>
+third type or fourth type information do not perform the same function. From the examples above, system <part-num-ref name="examples above, system">24</part-num-ref>
+ and position <part-num-ref name="and position">26</part-num-ref>
+ of BOM <part-num-ref name="of BOM">12</part-num-ref>
+ identify a function of a component such that other components having different system <part-num-ref name="component such that other components having different system">24</part-num-ref>
+ or position <part-num-ref name="or position">26</part-num-ref>
+ information do not perform the same function.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30               </boundary-data>
+If yes, at step 88, a function definition is identified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">If no, the algorithm can be expanded to include a fifth, sixth, etc., type of information.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">- 12 -</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification <boundary-data type="line-number">5     </boundary-data>
+are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">- 13 -</boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11601993.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11601993</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-08-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Ser. No. 11/601,993 Amendments to the Specification Please amend page <part-num-ref name="Specification Please amend page">11</part-num-ref>
+ of the specification as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0032] Another type of training data is data indicating the relative success of advertising placed in media programming either manually or by an automatic system. The data may include sales numbers indicating the effectiveness of the advertising, or, in the case of Internet media, a number of "click-throughs" or network accesses. In either case, if the training data indicates that the advertising was successful, then a process similar to the one described above is implemented.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">If the data indicates that the advertising is unsuccessful, then the training module would train the classifier to avoid choosing advertisement categories resulting in advertisement placement similar to the unsuccessful placement in the training data, or to substitute an advertisement that is shown to be relatively more successful for similar values of the feature set.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Response to Notice of Non-Compliant Amendment mailed August 17, 2009  <part-num-ref name="">2</part-num-ref>
+    Docket No.: 200<confidence value="266688">6-0019</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11613535.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11613535</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-03-09</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please replace the paragraph beginning on page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page">7,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page 7, line">25,</part-num-ref>
+ with the following amended replacement paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">It is to be appreciated that the term "processor" as used herein is intended to include any processing device, such as, for example, one that includes a central processing unit (CPU) and/or other processing circuitry (e.g., network processor, digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor, etc.). Additionally, it is to be understood that the term "processor" may refer to more than one processing device, and that various elements associated with a processing device may be shared by other processing devices. The term "memory" as used herein is intended to include memory and other non-transitory computer-readable media associated with a processor or CPU, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), fixed storage media (e.g., a hard drive), removable storage media (e.g., a diskette), flash memory, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Furthermore, the term "<confidence value="554">1/0</confidence>
+ circuitry" as used herein is intended to include, for example, one or more input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.) for entering data to the processor, and/or one or more output devices (e.g., printer, monitor, etc.) for presenting the results associated with the processor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11620544.xml

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XML_SCHEMAS/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd" pat:instanceFileName="11620544.09-16-2014.I05N5BVBPXXIFW3.SPEC.XML" pat:id="I05N5BVBPXXIFW3"><pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001"><pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>11620544</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity><pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>4</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity></pat:DocumentHeaderDetails><pat:MailRoomDate>2014-09-16</pat:MailRoomDate><pat:DocumentCreateDateText>2014-09-16</pat:DocumentCreateDateText><pat:DocumentTitle>SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT</pat:DocumentTitle><pat:Specification><?PageStart number='1'?><pat:P pat:pNumber="1" pat:id="p-1"><pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>App<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData>. No.: 11/620,544</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData><pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>Amdt. dated 09/16/20<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88'>14</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData><pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>Reply to Notice of Allowance dated 06/16/2014</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData>Amendments to the Specification: </pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="2" pat:id="p-2">Please amend paragraph [0071] of the published application as follows: </pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="3" pat:id="p-3">The aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be carried out by software, hardware and combinations thereof<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>.</pat:OCRConfidenceData> The methods described above can be implemented by software running on a processor in the mobile device. In this regard, a computer pro<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='68'>gr</pat:OCRConfidenceData>am product may include program code stored on a computer readable medium or downloadable from a server for carr<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6668'>ying</pat:OCRConfidenceData> out the methods described above, when the computer pro<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='68'>gr</pat:OCRConfidenceData>am product is run on a mobile device. </pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="4" pat:id="p-4"><pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='8'>2</pat:OCRConfidenceData> <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88'>of</pat:OCRConfidenceData> <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88'>13</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData></pat:P></pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

applicant/11622166.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,484 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11622166</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-01-11</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ON-CHIP PHASE ERROR MEASUREMENT TO</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">DETERMINE JITTER IN PHASE-LOCKED LOOPS</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to on-chip diagnostics and testability, and in particular, to phase-locked loop circuits with jitter measurement.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Description of the Related Art [0002] As technology advances, predicting the behavior of transistor devices and passive elements such as resistors and capacitors becomes increasingly difficult. Increased uncertainty in the modeling of these devices sometimes mandates integrated circuit designs to function beyond original targets in order to provide enough performance margin over process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. Conservative designs may often result in more power and area consumption than is needed.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003] <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+f internal system parameters can be measured and used to adjust the system parameters, the system design margin can be greatly enhanced. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n the past, system diagnostics were performed by measuring available off-chip test nodes. However, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="7">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R9200<confidence value="65">60</confidence>
+522<confidence value="5">U</confidence>
+S1 (1<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+3-154)      </boundary-data>
+an external diagnostic path is slow, and solutions are not always found. Furthermore, the limited off-chip visibility of internal analog/digital waveforms results in limited learning rates for yield. Hence, the demand for on-chip testability and diagnostics has greatly increased.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004] In phase-locked loop (P<confidence value="666">LL)</confidence>
+ design, key PL<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+ parameters such as jitter, static phase error, and control voltage range are extremely difficult to evaluate in integrated systems. Among these, measuring jitter performance is very challenging, as timing uncertainty in clock generation increases with modern technology.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005] Jitter measurement methods may detect timing metastability in a large set of latches. By deploying the large set of latches and delay lines, timing uncertainty in a zero-time crossing of some latches could be detected. However, a large number of delay lines could induce additional jitter generation, possibly degrading jitter measurement performance. For example, an instantaneous fluctuation of the supply voltage caused by on- chip digital switching circuits can prevent the short-term jitter measurement from being reliably performed. Also, jitter <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+measurements using an analog charge pump are not favorable due to mismatch requirements of transistors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0006] <confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+n the other hand, a long-term jitter measurement is more immune to instantaneous on-chip variations and provides a more reliable way of evaluating system performance. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n accordance with present embodiments, an illustrative method focuses on phase-locked loop (PLL) circuits, thus simplifying hardware complexity by using information already present in the PLL. A monitor circuit operates by measuring a phase error at each reference clock cycle with a programmable error-detection threshold and saves the information in latches for post processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007] An illustrative circuit in accordance with the present principles employs an all-digital instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) and detects peak phase error amplitude only instead of measuring metastability in the zero-time crossing.</p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">This makes it possible to make use of relatively simple lumped delay lines. Further, the hardware complexity does not depend on a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) frequency since the hardware detects phase error amplitude at the phase-frequency detector (PFD) output.</p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008] An apparatus includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit including a phase-frequency detector configured to output phase <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="586">OR9</confidence>
+20060522U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+error signals. A phase error monitor circuit is configured to determine instantaneous peak phase error by logically combining the phase error signals and comparing pulse widths of the logically combined phase error signals to a programmable delay time at each reference clock cycle to determine instantaneous phase error change. A storage element is configured to store the instantaneous phase error change.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0009] Another apparatus includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit including a phase-frequency detector configured to output phase error signals. A phase error monitor circuit is configured to determine instantaneous peak phase error. The phase error monitor circuit includes an exclusive OR gate configured to logically combine the phase error signals to provide a first output signal, and a programmable delay line configured to provide a delay time to the first output signal as a threshold against which instantaneous phase error change of the output signal is measured at each reference clock cycle. A storage element is configured to store the instantaneous phase error change.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0010] Yet another apparatus includes a phase-locked loop (<confidence value="5">P</confidence>
+LL) circuit including a phase-frequency detector configured to output phase error signals, and a phase error monitor circuit configured to determine peak instantaneous phase error by <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket<confidence value="5">:</confidence>
+ YOR92<confidence value="5585">0060</confidence>
+522US1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+logically combining the phase error signals and comparing pulse widths of the logically combined phase error signals to a programmable delay time at each reference clock cycle to determine instantaneous phase error change. The instantaneous phase error change includes a difference signal and a raw signal. A multiplexer is configured to receive as inputs and select one of the difference signal and the raw signal. An accumulator is coupled to an output of the multiplexer to accumulate instantaneous phase error change counts associated with a time window.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="866">[00</confidence>
+11] Yet another apparatus includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit including a phase-frequency detector configured to output phase error signals, and a phase error monitor circuit configured to determine peak instantaneous phase error by logically combining the phase error signals and comparing pulse widths of the logically combined phase error signals to a programmable delay time at each reference clock cycle to determine instantaneous phase error change. The instantaneous phase error change includes a first signal and a differential signal. A multiplexer is configured to receive as inputs and select one of the first signal and the differential signal. A plurality of counters is coupled to an output of the multiplexer to accumulate instantaneous phase error change counts associated <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: YOR<confidence value="5">9</confidence>
+200<confidence value="656">605</confidence>
+22US1 (1<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+3-154)      </boundary-data>
+a plurality of instantaneous phase error thresholds such that phase error amplitudes and <confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+imes are provided to create a jitter histogram<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0012] An apparatus for short-term jitter measurement includes a plurality of programmable delay stages configured to permit selection of a different <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+mount of delay for a clock signal to provide a delayed clock signal for adjustable short-term measurement of jitter movement. A phase detector includes as inputs the clock signal and the delayed clock signal. The phase detector includes a phase-frequency detector configured to output phase error signals. A phase error monitor circuit is configured to determine peak instantaneous phase error change by logically combining the phase error signals and comparing pulse widths of the logically combined phase error signals to a programmable delay time at each reference clock cycle to determine the instantaneous phase error change.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0013] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the <confidence value="888">acc</confidence>
+ompanying drawings<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R92<confidence value="6686">0060</confidence>
+522U<confidence value="56">S1</confidence>
+ (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-5">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0014] The disclosure will provide details in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein:    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional phase- locked loop (P<confidence value="6668">LL);</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) connected to a PLL in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;</p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a timing reference signal with multiple IPED thresholds indicated which may be provided by a pattern analyzer in accordance with one e<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+bodiment;    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;</p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+0019] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustratively showing pulse width comparisons for transitioning an output of the IPED in accordance with one illustrative e<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+bodiment;    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an IPED with multi- level thresholds (k=8) in accordance with another illustrative embodiment;</p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing output values over time for a plurality of latches in FIG. 6;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: YOR92<confidence value="66666">00605</confidence>
+22US<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a differentiated an instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) in accordance with another embodiment;    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) including a jitter histogram measurement capability;</p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0024] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an IPED as a lock detector (LD) and/or a static phase offset monitor;</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0025] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a delay calibration scheme in an IPED in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;</p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an IPED employing a Vernier method to achieve a finer resolution in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and [0027] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing short-term jitter measurement using an IPED in accordance with an illustrative embodiment<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0028] A system, apparatus and method employ phase-locked loop <confidence value="885">(PL</confidence>
+L) circuits to simplify hardware complexity by using information already present in the P<confidence value="88">LL</confidence>
+. A monitor circuit in accordance with present principles operates by measuring a phase error at each reference clock cycle with a programmable error- <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+detection threshold <confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+nd saves the information in latches for post processing. An all-digital peak detector may be employed, which detects peak phase error amplitude only, instead of measuring <confidence value="2222222222222">metastability</confidence>
+ in the zero-time crossing. Simple lumped delay lines are preferably employed. Hardware complexity and power consumption is reduced since phase error amplitude is detected at a phase-frequency detector (PFD) output, meaning that the monitor circuit does not need to operate at the (typically higher) VCO frequency.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0029] Embodiments of the present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an e<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+bodiment including both hardware and software elements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In embodiments implemented in software, the software may include firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. Preferred embodiments are implemented as circuits in hardware, e.g., as part of an integrated circuit.</p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+0030] The circuits as described herein may be part of the design <confidence value="8">f</confidence>
+or an integrated circuit chip. The chip design may be created in a graphical computer programming language, and stored in a computer storage medium (such as a disk, tape, physical hard drive, or virtual hard drive such as in a storage access network). If the designer does not fabricate chips or the photolithographic masks used to fabricate chips, the designer <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: YOR<confidence value="5">9</confidence>
+200<confidence value="66">60</confidence>
+522<confidence value="466">US1</confidence>
+ (163-1<confidence value="588">54)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+transmits the resulting design by physical means (e.g., by providing a copy of the storage medium storing the design) or electronically (e.g., through the Internet) to such entities, directly or indirectly. The stored design is then converted into the appropriate format (e.g., Graphic Data System II (GDSII)) for the fabrication of photolithographic masks, which typically include multiple copies of the chip design in question that are to be formed on a wafer. The photolithographic masks are utilized to define areas of the wafer (and/or the layers thereon) to be etched or otherwise processed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0031] The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (that is, as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form. In the latter case the chip is mounted in a single chip package (such as a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multichip package (such as a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections). In any case the chip is then integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either (a) an intermediate product, such as a motherboard, or (b) an end product. The end product can be any product that includes integrated circuit <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R9200<confidence value="4">6</confidence>
+0522U<confidence value="55">S1</confidence>
+ (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+chips, ranging from toys and other low-end applications to advanced computer products having a display, a keyboard or other input device, and a central processor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0032] The methods as described herein may be used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips or in the testing and monitoring of on-chip processes.</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0033]  In the drawings included in this application, like numerals represent the same or similar elements. Referring initially to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a conventional phase- locked loop (P<confidence value="66">LL</confidence>
+) system <part-num-ref name="conventional phase- locked loop (PLL) system">10,</part-num-ref>
+ which comprises a phase-frequency detector (P<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+D) <part-num-ref name="phase-frequency detector (PFD)">14,</part-num-ref>
+ a charge pump (CP) <part-num-ref name="charge pump (CP)">16,</part-num-ref>
+ a loop filter (LPF) <part-num-ref name="loop filter (LPF)">18,</part-num-ref>
+ a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) <part-num-ref name="voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)">20,</part-num-ref>
+ a frequency divider (DIV) <part-num-ref name="frequency divider (DIV)">22,</part-num-ref>
+ and a lock detector (LD) <part-num-ref name="lock detector (LD)">24</part-num-ref>
+ is shown. The P<confidence value="66">FD</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="PFD">14</part-num-ref>
+ compares the phase of an incoming reference clock F<confidence value="45">MF</confidence>
+ with that of a feedback clock <part-num-ref name="feedback clock">12,</part-num-ref>
+ the latter provided at the output of the frequency divider (DIV) <part-num-ref name="frequency divider (DIV)">22.</part-num-ref>
+ The PFD <part-num-ref name="PFD">14</part-num-ref>
+ generates logic outputs at varying pulse widths that are provided to the charge pump <part-num-ref name="charge pump">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The charge pump <part-num-ref name="charge pump">16</part-num-ref>
+ generates an error voltage to tune the VCO frequency. The <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+oop filter <part-num-ref name="loop filter">18</part-num-ref>
+ between the PFD <part-num-ref name="PFD">14</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">and</confidence>
+ the VCO <part-num-ref name="VCO">20</part-num-ref>
+ rejects high frequency noise, and, along with other loop components, determines characteristics of the overall PLL behavior. The frequency divider <part-num-ref name="frequency divider">22</part-num-ref>
+ is generally used to enable the VCO frequency F<confidence value="655">ouT</confidence>
+ to be higher than that of the reference <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154<confidence value="5">)</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+clock frequency F<confidence value="5">R</confidence>
+EF. The lock detector <part-num-ref name="lock detector">24</part-num-ref>
+ is often used in the <confidence value="866">PLL</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="PLL">10</part-num-ref>
+ to provide an indication of the P<confidence value="66">LL</confidence>
+ lock status.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a PLL <part-num-ref name="PLL">100</part-num-ref>
+ with an instantaneous phase error detector (IPED) <part-num-ref name="instantaneous phase error detector (IPED)">102</part-num-ref>
+ and a pattern analyzer system <part-num-ref name="pattern analyzer system">104</part-num-ref>
+ are illustratively shown in accordance with present principles. By employing digitally programmable peak instantaneous phase error detection boundaries or thresholds <part-num-ref name="are illustratively shown in accordance with present principles. By employing digitally programmable peak instantaneous phase error detection boundaries or thresholds">
+        <confidence value="885">106</confidence>
+,      </part-num-ref>
+ the all-digital IPED <part-num-ref name="all-digital IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ enables multi-threshold peak phase error movement detection; when combined with post-processing in a pattern analyzer block which could reside on-chip or off-chip, sequences of phase error measurements can be converted to jitter estimates. Multiple thresholds (dotted lines <part-num-ref name="pattern analyzer block which could reside on-chip or off-chip, sequences of phase error measurements can be converted to jitter estimates. Multiple thresholds (dotted lines">108</part-num-ref>
+ in FIG. 3) may be provided by employing a programmable delay line or l<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+nes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[00<confidence value="5">3</confidence>
+5] The <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+PED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ acts as an instantaneous phase error detector at each reference clock cycle. The accumulation of the instantaneous phase error information can be converted to jitter. The IPED boundary describes a transition between a delay step where the IPED output is low and where it is high.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">An IPED threshold is the delay beyond which the instantaneous static phase error would yield an output <part-num-ref name="output">1.</part-num-ref>
+ The difference between IPED delay boundary and <confidence value="66">IP</confidence>
+ED delay threshold is that the IPED threshold is input referred (e.g., it is the actual trip <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+point in pulse width where IPED output goes high), and the IPED boundary is output referred.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0036] <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+ince the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ takes PFD logic outputs, UP and DN, which include phase error information based on pulse width modulation, the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ can be considered an extensive time-to- digital converter. The pattern analyzer <part-num-ref name="pattern analyzer">104</part-num-ref>
+ collects the digital outputs captured by the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ and its post-processing provides useful data analysis such as a jitter histogram, lock detection, static phase offset and so on, which will be illustrated later.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">5,</part-num-ref>
+ the operation of the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ is illustratively depicted. For simplicity, the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ includes a single-level detection as depicted in FIG. 4. IP<confidence value="68">ED</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="single-level detection as depicted in FIG. 4. IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ includes an XOR gate <part-num-ref name="XOR gate">120,</part-num-ref>
+ an AND gate <part-num-ref name="AND gate">126,</part-num-ref>
+ a delay line <part-num-ref name="delay line">122,</part-num-ref>
+ and a D-type flip-flop (<confidence value="5">D</confidence>
+FF) latch <part-num-ref name="D-type flip-flop (DFF) latch">124.</part-num-ref>
+ The XOR gate <part-num-ref name="XOR gate">120</part-num-ref>
+ generates a pulse <part-num-ref name="pulse">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ that has net phase-error information; the width of the pulse is the magnitude of the arrival time difference between the reference clock <confidence value="522">FmE</confidence>
+ and the feedback clock <part-num-ref name="feedback clock">12.</part-num-ref>
+ This arrival time difference will be reflected in the magnitude of the difference in width of the UP and DN signals as labeled in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, with the XOR gate <part-num-ref name="XOR gate">120</part-num-ref>
+ output pulse <part-num-ref name="output pulse">
+        <confidence value="86">(1</confidence>
+)      </part-num-ref>
+ capturing that difference magnitude.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R9200<confidence value="65">60</confidence>
+522<confidence value="655">US1</confidence>
+ (1<confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+3-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+[0038] Referring again to FIG. 4, the pulse <part-num-ref name="pulse">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ is delayed by the delay line <part-num-ref name="delay line">122,</part-num-ref>
+ which is controlled by a control signal, CTR, and the delayed pulse <part-num-ref name="delayed pulse">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ is fed into the DFF latch <part-num-ref name="DFF latch">124</part-num-ref>
+ as data input. The clock input <part-num-ref name="clock input">(3)</part-num-ref>
+ of the DFF latch <part-num-ref name="DFF latch">124</part-num-ref>
+ is generated by the AND gate <part-num-ref name="AND gate">126.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0039] Depending on the pulse width of <part-num-ref name="pulse width of">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ which represents the net phase error, the output P of the DFF <part-num-ref name="DFF">124</part-num-ref>
+ c<confidence value="5">a</confidence>
+n be high or low as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, if the pulse width of <part-num-ref name="pulse width of">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ is larger than a delay amount set by the delay line <part-num-ref name="delay line">122</part-num-ref>
+ (see (2)), then the DFF <part-num-ref name="DFF">124</part-num-ref>
+ is set high (first case in the timing diagram). If the pulse width of <part-num-ref name="pulse width of">(1)</part-num-ref>
+ is smaller than the delay amount set by the delay line <part-num-ref name="delay line">122,</part-num-ref>
+ then the DFF <part-num-ref name="DFF">124</part-num-ref>
+ is set low (second case in the timing diagram). That is, the delay amount provided by delay line <part-num-ref name="delay amount provided by delay line">122</part-num-ref>
+ sets a threshold of the phase error detection. Hence, the phase movement which varies over time can be detected if a phase detection threshold is close to an IPED boundary of the phase movement. The movement of the IPED boundary over multiple samples is a measurement or estimation of the jitter of the PLL (See FIG. 7). If the delay <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+mount is set by the programmable delay line <part-num-ref name="programmable delay line">122</part-num-ref>
+ or by multiple delay lines, the phase movement or phase jitter can be detected more reliably with post processing (e.g., pattern analyzer 104).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+[0040] Referring to FIGS. <confidence value="5">6</confidence>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">7,</part-num-ref>
+ an example of an IPED implementation <part-num-ref name="IPED implementation">200</part-num-ref>
+ with 8-<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+evel detection thresholds is illustratively shown. In this case, <part-num-ref name="with 8-level detection thresholds is illustratively shown. In this case,">8</part-num-ref>
+ delay lines <part-num-ref name="delay lines">202</part-num-ref>
+ are cascaded to set different detection levels to generate <part-num-ref name="are cascaded to set different detection levels to generate">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ data outputs (P<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+ to <confidence value="55">P8</confidence>
+) for each sampling time. It should be understood that any number of levels may be employed. In FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">7, an example of data (circles) stored in registers for five reference clock periods (T<confidence value="24">RE</confidence>
+) is given.  The darkened circles represent the IPED output (<confidence value="54">Ps</confidence>
+) of high, and the clear circles represent the IPED output (P<confidence value="42">1-</confidence>
+) of low. As seen in FIG. 7, the variation of the number of the darkened circles in each column represents the phase movement over five reference clock periods <confidence value="84814">(ATRF</confidence>
+). The patterns provided may be analyzed by pattern analyzer <part-num-ref name="patterns provided may be analyzed by pattern analyzer">104</part-num-ref>
+ to discover trends, compute jitter, and potentially to take appropriate action, if desired. Hence, the overall operation of the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">200</part-num-ref>
+ is similar to the time-to-digital converter (TDC) or a digital lock detector with variable detection threshold. Note that the IPED b<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+undary would occur between P4 and P<confidence value="5">5</confidence>
+ for time step <part-num-ref name="IPED boundary would occur between P4 and P5 for time step">111,</part-num-ref>
+ P<confidence value="4">5</confidence>
+ and P<confidence value="1">6</confidence>
+ for time step <part-num-ref name="IPED boundary would occur between P4 and P5 for time step 111, P5 and P6 for time step">112,</part-num-ref>
+ etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment 300 of the IPED is shown which detects only a transition of the IPED data variation. By adding an XOR gate <part-num-ref name="XOR gate">302</part-num-ref>
+ at the outputs of two <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+R920060522US1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+sequential latches <part-num-ref name="outputs of two sequential latches">124</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">304,</part-num-ref>
+ differential jitter information can be obtained. In this way, the frequency of alternating phase variation can be also detected with post processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <confidence value="8">[</confidence>
+0042] A detailed post-processing method will be described below and may include using counters or accumulators to measure and record jitter movement. Storing all the data generated by the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="IPED 102,">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="IPED 102, 200,">300</part-num-ref>
+ may need a large number of registers, resulting in substantial area consumption. Instead of storing all the data, counting the occurrence of data variation can save hardware area while enabling a jitter histogram analysis.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, an illustrative system <part-num-ref name="illustrative system">400</part-num-ref>
+ shows an example of achieving a jitter histogram using the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">200</part-num-ref>
+ (FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <confidence value="88">6)</confidence>
+. During certain periods of time in accordance which are set by a timer circuit <part-num-ref name="timer circuit">406</part-num-ref>
+ with a timer period control input (TGEN) and a counter clock input, here provided by the reference clock (REFCLK), counters <part-num-ref name="reference clock (REFCLK), counters">404</part-num-ref>
+ are activated to count the occurrence of the IPED <part-num-ref name="IPED">200</part-num-ref>
+ outputs based on the multi-level threshold detection which is illustrated in FIG. 6. Each counter <part-num-ref name="multi-level threshold detection which is illustrated in FIG. 6. Each counter">404</part-num-ref>
+ is associated with a different threshold amount for the instantaneous phase error amplitude. A multiplexer (<confidence value="8">M</confidence>
+UX) <part-num-ref name="multiplexer (MUX)">402</part-num-ref>
+ selects (in accordance with a select (SE<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+) signal) either the IPED outputs (P) (based on the method illustrated in FIGS. 4 and <part-num-ref name="and">5)</part-num-ref>
+ or the IPED differential outputs (P<confidence value="5">d</confidence>
+) (based on the scheme <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522US1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+illustrated in FIG. 8). By counting each level of the IPED outputs and the IPED differential outputs (for phase angles), jitter histogram information can be obtained. Note that combinations of direct or raw IPED outputs and differential outputs could be provided and processed simultaneously at the cost of a different counter allocation or the allocation of additional counters for these tasks.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0044] Since the <confidence value="66">IP</confidence>
+ED with multi-level thresholds already includes static phase information, the IPED can be used as a lock detector and/or a static phase offset monitor, as depicted in FIG. 10. Static phase offset is the average time difference between the arrival times of the reference clock and the feedback clock. It is generally a signed quantity. The "static" portion implies a DC phase offset. Informally, static phase offset may in fact vary over time. Static phase offset may be thought of as the average phase offset measured over a relatively long time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, a circuit <part-num-ref name="circuit">500</part-num-ref>
+ may be employed as a lock detector and static phase offset monitor in accordance with the present principles. By counting and accumulating, with an accumulator <part-num-ref name="accumulator">502,</part-num-ref>
+ the occurrence of the IPED output data over a long period of time, a statistical average of the IPED boundary (e.g., a measure of jitter amplitude), that is, the static phase <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="486">OR9</confidence>
+200<confidence value="656">605</confidence>
+22US1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+offset information, may be obtained. Since on-chip delay variation is significant over temperature and process variations, a calibration of the delay circuit is needed to quantify the static phase offset in terms of standard units such as picoseconds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0046] The IPED outputs may include IPED_r and IPED_d signals<confidence value="8">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">IPED_r and IPED_d are the raw and difference outputs of the IPED, respectively. IPED_r thus c<confidence value="8">o</confidence>
+rresponds to the raw instantaneous phase error, captured by the output latch once per reference clock cycle. IPED_d thus corresponds to the absolute value of the difference between consecutive measurements of the instantaneous phase error as captured by output latches on consecutive reference clock cycles (e.g., it acts as a transition detector on the raw output).    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">[0047] Referring to FIG. 11, an illustrative circuit <part-num-ref name="illustrative circuit">600</part-num-ref>
+ is shown <confidence value="8">f</confidence>
+or measuring <confidence value="5">(</confidence>
+hence calibrating) the delay of the delay lines, and, if desired using an additional set of signal inputs, DLYTUNE<confidence value="25">cO</confidence>
+:k&gt; <part-num-ref name="additional set of signal inputs, DLYTUNEcO:k&gt;">614,</part-num-ref>
+ to enable the delay line to be set to a desired frequency. Note that the D<confidence value="586">LY_</confidence>
+TUNE signal could alternately be implemented and controlled as an analog level using an analog calibration loop.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <confidence value="86">[0</confidence>
+048] To measure the delay of each delay element, a ring oscillator <part-num-ref name="ring oscillator">618</part-num-ref>
+ is formed using the same kind of delay circuit(s) <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="66">S1</confidence>
+ (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="same kind of delay circuit(s)">606</part-num-ref>
+ as the delay circuits to be calibrated. The delayed signal is logically combined with a calibration mode signal (CA<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+MOD, e.g., on or off)) using a NAND gate <part-num-ref name="NAND gate">608</part-num-ref>
+ to enable operation of the ring oscillator <part-num-ref name="ring oscillator">608.</part-num-ref>
+ An enable count signal (EN<confidence value="8888">CNT)</confidence>
+ activates a l<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+ne enable counter (LE<confidence value="66">_C</confidence>
+NT) <part-num-ref name="line enable counter (LE_CNT)">602</part-num-ref>
+ to count reference clock cycles to determine a time window <part-num-ref name="time window">612.</part-num-ref>
+ A counter <part-num-ref name="counter">604</part-num-ref>
+ is enabled in accordance with the time window <part-num-ref name="time window">612.</part-num-ref>
+ Using the counter <part-num-ref name="counter">604,</part-num-ref>
+ the number of output clocks from ring oscillator <part-num-ref name="number of output clocks from ring oscillator">618</part-num-ref>
+ within a certain timing window <part-num-ref name="certain timing window">612</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., N<confidence value="6815">xTmF</confidence>
+) is counted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">The delay time of each delay circuit can be estimated in this way.</p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[0049] A calibration processing system <part-num-ref name="calibration processing system">610</part-num-ref>
+ can also adjust the <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+mount of the delay in accordance with process, supply, and temperature variations so that the delay line can provide almost the same value over in the face of such changes. The calibration processing system <part-num-ref name="calibration processing system">610</part-num-ref>
+ provides a feedback signal that would enable the absolute delay in the delay elements to be adjusted to more closely match a target absolute delay value.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0050] The calibration processing system <part-num-ref name="calibration processing system">610</part-num-ref>
+ receives a calibration output signal (CALOUT) to determine whether a given delay line needs tuning. Specifically, through knowing the operating frequency of the calibration ring oscillator, the delay per stage of the delay element can be computed, neglecting <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522US<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ (163<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+154)      </boundary-data>
+the effect of the AND gate delay associated with the enable path of the oscillator. Note that alternate means of disabling the ring are possible. In this configuration, the delay per stage represents a sensitivity threshold of an IPED. <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+f maintaining a fixed absolute sensitivity threshold is desired, delay control signals, such as <confidence value="2222222222222">delaytune&lt;0:k</confidence>
+&gt; given in FIG. 11, can be adjusted to enable compensation for process, supply, and/or delay element variation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[0051] Compared to calibration methods using a delay-locked loop <confidence value="88666">(DLL)</confidence>
+, the approach of FIG. 11 is more favorable to digital systems since it does not require an analog delay-locked loop, which, in general, uses a passive <confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+oop filter, a phase detector, and a charge pump.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">[0052] <confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+ince a minimum IPED threshold is determined by a minimum propagation delay of the delay line, achieving an IPED with fine resolution using fixed unit gates such as inverters as delay elements depends on the intrinsic speed of the technology employed. Alternately, implementing finer analog or digital controls of the delay elements can enable higher resolution.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0053] Referring to FIG. 12, by adding an additional delay line, <confidence value="86">DL</confidence>
+Y2 <part-num-ref name="additional delay line, DLY2">702,</part-num-ref>
+ the insertion delay associated with the delay line, DLY<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="delay line, DLY1">122,</part-num-ref>
+ which sets a lower bound on the minimum detect<confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ble instantaneous phase offset, can be compensated in circuit <part-num-ref name="minimum detectable instantaneous phase offset, can be compensated in circuit">700.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: YOR92<confidence value="6686">0060</confidence>
+522US1 (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+By controlling the delay <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+mount of the auxiliary delay line, DLY2 <part-num-ref name="auxiliary delay line, DLY2">702,</part-num-ref>
+ finer IPED resolution can be achieved, by the immediate action of compensating for the minimum insertion delay associated with DLY<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="minimum insertion delay associated with DLY1">122,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as by enabling the application of Vernier techniques to set an effective detection threshold.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">[0054] Because the reference clock is used to sample the phase offset behavior of the PLL, the primary frequency range to which the monitor systems described thus far apply is from the PLL bandwidth frequency to the reference clock frequency. Below the PLL bandwidth frequency, reference clock noise can dominate P<confidence value="66">LL</confidence>
+ noise behavior. Since the reference clock acts as the time base in the described monitor systems, PLL output jitter dominated by input reference clock jitter below the loop bandwidth will not be captured. Variations in instantaneous phase error (related to jitter) beyond the reference clock frequency, meanwhile, may also not be detected because the described monitor system's sample rate is limited to the reference clock frequency.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0055] It is therefore the case that the IPED system described thus far mainly enables measurement of medium- to long-term jitter in PLL circuits. FIG. 13 presents an illustrative embodiment showing how the principles set forth herein can be generally extended to short-term jitter measurement.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+[0056] Referring to FIG. 13, instead of taking <confidence value="86">IP</confidence>
+ED outputs as the IPED input, an incoming clock C<confidence value="5">L</confidence>
+K and a delayed incoming clock <part-num-ref name="delayed incoming clock">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+10      </part-num-ref>
+ are used as phase detector <part-num-ref name="are used as phase detector">
+        <confidence value="685">806</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ inputs. The phase error signals (UP and DN) are then input to IPED <part-num-ref name="phase error signals (UP and DN) are then input to IPED">102</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">(200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="(200,">300,</part-num-ref>
+ etc.). Using a multiplexer <part-num-ref name="multiplexer">804</part-num-ref>
+ and a select signal SEL, a different number of delay stages <part-num-ref name="different number of delay stages">802</part-num-ref>
+ can be selected, and the behavior of the clock under different offset conditions can be measured. Based on statistical measurement and processing of outputs as generated with different selections of stages <part-num-ref name="clock under different offset conditions can be measured. Based on statistical measurement and processing of outputs as generated with different selections of stages">
+        <confidence value="5">8</confidence>
+02      </part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with a CTR signal, cycle-to-cycle jitter can be predicted with post processing (e.g., using pattern analyzers, etc.)<confidence value="5">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0057] Having described preferred embodiments of a system, apparatus and method for on-chip phase error measurement to determine jitter in phase-<confidence value="5">l</confidence>
+ocked loops (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular e<confidence value="8">m</confidence>
+bodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required by <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="23"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket: Y<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+R920060522U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1 (163-154)      </boundary-data>
+the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">23</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11670865.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11670865</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-01-08</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">U.S. Patent Application No.: 11/670,865</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: 68164.000002</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend the specification by amending paragraph <part-num-ref name="specification by amending paragraph">21,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="specification by amending paragraph 21,">23</part-num-ref>
+ and 25-27, as follows:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0021] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, four separate clips <part-num-ref name="present invention. In one or more embodiments, four separate clips">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to secure paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="may be used to secure paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ to a paint container. Clips <part-num-ref name="paint container. Clips">110</part-num-ref>
+ are shown in Fig. 3 rotated <part-num-ref name="rotated">90</part-num-ref>
+ degrees clockwise. Paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="degrees clockwise. Paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ may contain varying numbers and arrangements of clips to achieve its functionality. For example, paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="may contain varying numbers and arrangements of clips to achieve its functionality. For example, paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ may contain one continuous circular clip around the periphery of the adapter, one or more semi-circular clips, or one or more clips as shown. Additionally clips, need not be formed as an integral portion of the adapter body as shown. Clips may be external latching devices formed using a traditional spring and hinge clamping mechanism, which may then be attached to the adapter using bolts, glue, or other fasteners. Other clips or devices for connecting the adaptor to a paint container are of course possible.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0023]   Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">
+        <confidence value="866">100</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ attached to a paint container with a roller grid secured to the upper rim of the adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig 5. illustrates additional functionality of paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="present invention. Fig 5. illustrates additional functionality of paint container adapter">100.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Paint container adapter <confidence value="222">JA0</confidence>
+ may receive a mesh or other textured surface suitable for facilitating application of paint to painting implements. Painting mesh <part-num-ref name="mesh or other textured surface suitable for facilitating application of paint to painting implements. Painting mesh">510</part-num-ref>
+ may be hung inside paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="may be hung inside paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ using hooks <part-num-ref name="using hooks">520.</part-num-ref>
+ One or more hooks <part-num-ref name="using hooks 520. One or more hooks">520</part-num-ref>
+ may hang over the upper edge of paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="upper edge of paint container adapter">100.</part-num-ref>
+ Painting mesh <part-num-ref name="upper edge of paint container adapter 100. Painting mesh">510</part-num-ref>
+ may be used for paint rollers to apply an even coat of paint across the roller and prevent uneven application. Placing painting mesh <part-num-ref name="roller and prevent uneven application. Placing painting mesh">510</part-num-ref>
+ inside paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="inside paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ reduces the mess and splatter that often occurs when rollers spray off <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">68164.000002 EMFUS 29351405v1</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">U.S. Patent Application No.: 11/670,865</boundary-data>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: 68164.000002</boundary-data>
+excess paint. Excess paint or other liquid based building treatments may be removed from a roller or other applicator using the mesh inside the body of the adaptor and excess paint may remain in the adapter or fall back into the paint container. Additionally, using a painting mesh inside of the adapter reduces painting effort. A painter may not be required to periodically refill a separate rolling tray or pan in order to use rollers, paint edgers and other painting implements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">A painter may not have to throw out additional paint left in a separate painting tray or pour it back into a container. In some embodiments, the mesh may be separately removable from a painting adapter and only excess paint may require rinsing from the mesh. In some embodiments, the painting mesh may be an integrated part of the adapter body and may be cleaned when the adapter is removed from the paint container. A paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">1<confidence value="66">00</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ may also contain or receive a ridged structure serving essentially the same functionality as the aforementioned mesh. Other planar textured surfaces which facilitate the even application of building treatments to applicators may be placed inside the adapter body to perform this functionality. The surface may be solid or may be porous (e.g. a metal mesh, plastic mesh, a grid, a ridged ramp.) In some embodiments, the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">
+        <confidence value="666">100</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ may be a circular tubular body containing a flat inner wall with a mesh or ridges facilitating the application functionality.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0025] Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ attached to a paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a handle <part-num-ref name="handle">170</part-num-ref>
+ for facilitating transportation of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, handle <part-num-ref name="paint container 430. In some embodiments, handle">170</part-num-ref>
+ may be attached to container adaptor <part-num-ref name="may be attached to container adaptor">100,</part-num-ref>
+ while in some embodiments, it may be removable attached thereto.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">68164.000002 EMFUS 29351405v1</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">U.S. Patent Application No.: 11/670,865</boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attorney Docket No.: 68164.000002</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0026] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ attached to a paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ includes a handles <part-num-ref name="handles">180</part-num-ref>
+ (the other handle is directly opposite the one shown) for facilitating transportation of the adapter <part-num-ref name="adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, handles <part-num-ref name="paint container 430. In some embodiments, handles">180</part-num-ref>
+ may be cut out of adaptor <part-num-ref name="may be cut out of adaptor">100</part-num-ref>
+ as shown.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0027] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ attached to a paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430</part-num-ref>
+ according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the paint container adapter <part-num-ref name="paint container adapter">100</part-num-ref>
+ is attached to the paint container <part-num-ref name="paint container">430</part-num-ref>
+ by one or more attachment straps <part-num-ref name="by one or more attachment straps">190.</part-num-ref>
+ As shown, two attachment straps are shown connecting paint container adaptor <part-num-ref name="by one or more attachment straps 190. As shown, two attachment straps are shown connecting paint container adaptor">100</part-num-ref>
+ and container <part-num-ref name="and container">430.</part-num-ref>
+ In some embodiments, attachment strap <part-num-ref name="and container 430. In some embodiments, attachment strap">190</part-num-ref>
+ may be elastic while in some embodiments it may be rigid. In some embodiments, paint container adaptor <part-num-ref name="may be elastic while in some embodiments it may be rigid. In some embodiments, paint container adaptor">100</part-num-ref>
+ may further include a ridge <part-num-ref name="ridge">195</part-num-ref>
+ which impedes paint container adaptor <part-num-ref name="which impedes paint container adaptor">100</part-num-ref>
+ fall fa<confidence value="8">l</confidence>
+ling through container <part-num-ref name="fall falling through container">430.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">For example, the flange of container <part-num-ref name="flange of container">430</part-num-ref>
+ may be urged against ridge <part-num-ref name="may be urged against ridge">195</part-num-ref>
+ by the pressure applied by attachment straps <part-num-ref name="pressure applied by attachment straps">190,</part-num-ref>
+ as shown. In some embodiments, attachment strap <part-num-ref name="pressure applied by attachment straps 190, as shown. In some embodiments, attachment strap">190</part-num-ref>
+ may be permanently attached to paint container adaptor <part-num-ref name="may be permanently attached to paint container adaptor">100</part-num-ref>
+ while in some embodiments it is removable attached thereto.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">68164.000002 EMFUS 29351405<confidence value="65">v1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11679449.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,304 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11679449</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-02-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">AVATAR-BASED UNSOLICITED ADVERTISEMENTS IN A VIRTUAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">UNIVERSE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The present invention relates to virtual advertising, and more specifically relates to a virtual universe in which unsolicited advertisements are embodied in automated avatars.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Virtual universes represent a technological forefront and present a tremendous new outlet for both structured and unstructured virtual collaboration, virtual gaming and exploration, and real-life simulation in virtual universe spaces.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">A virtual universe is an interactive simulated environment accessed by multiple users through an online interface. Users inhabit and interact in the virtual environment via avatars. This habitation usually is represented in the form of two or three-dimensional graphical representations of humanoids (or other graphical or text-based avatars). There are many different types of virtual environments, however there are several features most virtual environments have in common:</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">A) Shared Space: the world allows many users to participate at once.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">B) Graphical User Interface: the environment depicts space visually, ranging in style from 2D "cartoon" imagery to more immersive 3D environments.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">C) Immediacy: interaction takes place in real time.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">D) Interactivity: the environment allows users to alter, develop, build, or submit customized content.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920070040U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1               1    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+E) Persistence: the environment's existence continues regardless of whether individual users are logged in.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">F) Socialization/Community: the environment allows and encourages the formation of social groups such as teams, guilds, clubs, cliques, housemates, neighborhoods, etc.</p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ SECOND LIFE<confidence value="2">®</confidence>
+, which is a registered trademark of Linden Lab, is an example of a virtual universe in which avatars are provided with tools to view, navigate, and modify the virtual universe space and participate in its virtual activities. These virtual activities, along with various yet to be created new dimensions, provide a wide open arena for creative and new advertising methods and mechanisms.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The present invention relates to a virtual universe in which unsolicited advertisements are embodied in automated avatars. In a first aspect, the invention provides a system for delivering advertisements to user avatars in a virtual universe, comprising: a registration system for introducing an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; a targeting system for targeting a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; a movement system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to move within the virtual universe; and an advertisement delivery system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to deliver the advertising content to the user avatar.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920070040U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1               2    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In a second aspect, the invention provides a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium for delivering advertisements to user avatars in a virtual universe, comprising: program code for introducing an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; program code for targeting a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; program code for defining how the advertisement avatar is to move within the virtual universe; and program code for defining how the advertisement avatar is to deliver the advertising content to the user avatar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In a third aspect, the invention provides a method for delivering advertisements to user avatars in a virtual universe, comprising: registering an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; targeting a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; moving the advertisement avatar within the virtual universe proximate the user avatar; and delivering the advertising content to the user avatar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0007<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for deploying a system for delivering advertisements to user avatars in a virtual universe, comprising: providing a computer infrastructure being operable to: register an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; target a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; define how the advertisement avatar is to move within the virtual universe; and define how the advertisement avatar is to deliver the advertising content to the user avatar.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1                3    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-6">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+[0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure 1 depicts a computer system having an avatar advertising system in a virtual universe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure 2 depicts a virtual universe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Referring to Figure 1, a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">10</part-num-ref>
+ is shown that includes a system (e.g., a software program) for implementing a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30.</part-num-ref>
+ In an illustrative embodiment, virtual universe <part-num-ref name="illustrative embodiment, virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be implemented by one or more servers, which can be accessed by users <part-num-ref name="may be implemented by one or more servers, which can be accessed by users">34</part-num-ref>
+ over a network, such as the Internet. Specific details regarding how a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ is implemented are known in the art, and are therefore not provided herein. In such an environment, <boundary-data type="header">END920070040U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1               4      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+users <part-num-ref name="environment, users">34</part-num-ref>
+ may participate in the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ as avatars via a client program (not shown) such as a program that supplies a graphical interface. As noted above, the term "avatar" refers to a virtual representation of a user <part-num-ref name="user">34</part-num-ref>
+ participating in the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Integrated with virtual universe 30 is an avatar advertising system <part-num-ref name="avatar advertising system">18</part-num-ref>
+ that provides a mechanism for providing automated avatars capable of delivering advertising content to user-based avatars participating in the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "user avatar" <part-num-ref name="term &quot;user avatar&quot;">21</part-num-ref>
+ refers to an avatar controlled by a user <part-num-ref name="user">34,</part-num-ref>
+ while the term "advertisement avatar" <part-num-ref name="term &quot;advertisement avatar&quot;">23</part-num-ref>
+ refers to an automated avatar that is controlled by an advertiser <part-num-ref name="advertiser">32.</part-num-ref>
+ Details regarding the interaction between user avatars <part-num-ref name="interaction between user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ and advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="and advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ are provided below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 1, avatar advertising system <part-num-ref name="illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 1, avatar advertising system">18</part-num-ref>
+ includes: a registration system <part-num-ref name="registration system">20</part-num-ref>
+ for introducing a new advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="new advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ into the virtual universe 30; a targeting system <part-num-ref name="targeting system">22</part-num-ref>
+ for targeting user avatars <part-num-ref name="for targeting user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ for delivery of advertising content <part-num-ref name="for delivery of advertising content">37</part-num-ref>
+ by an advertisement avatar 23; a movement system <part-num-ref name="movement system">24</part-num-ref>
+ for defining how each advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="for defining how each advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ is to move within the virtual universe 30; an advertisement ("ad") delivery system <part-num-ref name="advertisement (&quot;ad&quot;) delivery system">26</part-num-ref>
+ for defining how each advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="for defining how each advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ is to deliver advertising content <part-num-ref name="is to deliver advertising content">37</part-num-ref>
+ to the user avatars 21; and a teaming system <part-num-ref name="teaming system">28</part-num-ref>
+ for causing a plurality of advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ in the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ to deliver advertising content <part-num-ref name="to deliver advertising content">37</part-num-ref>
+ to one or more user avatars <part-num-ref name="to one or more user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ in a coordinated manner.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920070040US1               5</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Registration system 20 provides a mechanism through which virtual universe <part-num-ref name="mechanism through which virtual universe">18</part-num-ref>
+ may provide or sell user accounts to advertisers <part-num-ref name="may provide or sell user accounts to advertisers">32,</part-num-ref>
+ including the ability to register one or more advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="ability to register one or more advertisement avatars">23.</part-num-ref>
+ During the registration process (or at a later point), the advertiser <part-num-ref name="advertiser">32</part-num-ref>
+ can implement or select desired scripts or an integrated program containing instructions for the actions of the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ being registered. Once registered, an advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ is free to navigate within the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with a set of properties as defined by scripts or programs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As noted, targeting system 22 is used to identify a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ to advertise to. Because advertising is often known in the field of advertising to result in sub-optimal sales, automated targeting is herein provided. Targeting can be based on any known methodologies to determine potential affinity with an advertiser's product or service. For instance demographics of the user <part-num-ref name="user">34</part-num-ref>
+ associated with the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ may be utilized. Other techniques include, but are not limited to, location-based, event-based, gender-based, age-based, keyword-based, inventory-based, and appearance-based targeting. Some targeting may be conducted by querying information remotely, such as a list of currently appearing avatars and their locations in the virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30,</part-num-ref>
+ a published list of assets, a map showing where user avatars <part-num-ref name="map showing where user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ currently are, a listing of events where avatars are likely to be gathering, etc. Some targeting may be conducted by traversing a region and approaching user avatars <part-num-ref name="region and approaching user avatars">31</part-num-ref>
+ that are encountered. Determining the existence of a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ may for instance <boundary-data type="header">END920070040US1               6</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+be technically enabled by the appearance of the rendering of another user avatar <part-num-ref name="rendering of another user avatar">21,</part-num-ref>
+ which is kept distinct by the user avatar's UUID (i.e., a unique identifier).    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Targeting can be cancelled if a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ does not respond as desired, e.g., ignoring the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23,</part-num-ref>
+ undesirably interacting with the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ (such as what might be construed as abuse by a human), expressing a desire for the conversation to end, walking away from the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23,</part-num-ref>
+ or failing to respond according to the advertisement avatar's programmed requirements (such as by not clicking as instructed within <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar's programmed requirements (such as by not clicking as instructed within">30</part-num-ref>
+ seconds). Cancellation techniques such as these can be used to prevent the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ from becoming a nuisance and also allow the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ to focus on user avatars <part-num-ref name="to focus on user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ who are more likely to result in a sale.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Historical and ongoing interactions with user avatars 33 may be stored in an advertiser's database <part-num-ref name="advertiser's database">36,</part-num-ref>
+ which can then be used to determine, e.g., (a) if a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ has already been targeted, (b) when the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ should be targeted again, (c) how the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ should be targeted in the future (such as via a coordinated teaming approach, by sending a different advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="different advertisement avatar">23,</part-num-ref>
+ by dynamically altering the "personality" and delivery of the advertisement avatar 23), etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Movement system 24 controls the movement of the advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatars">23,</part-num-ref>
+ e.g., using movement control scripts. Scripted movements may, for example, include walking, running, and teleporting to user avatars <part-num-ref name="using movement control scripts. Scripted movements may, for example, include walking, running, and teleporting to user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ in order to initiate an advertisement. Other type of movements may include responding to a <boundary-data type="header">END920070040US1               7</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21.</part-num-ref>
+ Such responses may include programmed "body language" to appear more personable or increase the chances of interest. This may be technically enabled by parsing text or audio spoken to the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ or parsing movement of user avatars <part-num-ref name="or parsing movement of user avatars">21,</part-num-ref>
+ such as detecting if a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ is in a predefined posture or making a predefined gesture of, e.g., shaking hands, waving, winking, smiling, frowning, crossing arms, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Other types of movements may involve following a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ to enable the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ to continue advertising while the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ is walking, leaving a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ if the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ communicates a desire for the conversation to end, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Ad delivery system 26 determines how the advertising content <part-num-ref name="advertising content">37</part-num-ref>
+ is actually going to be delivered to a targeted user avatar <part-num-ref name="targeted user avatar">21.</part-num-ref>
+ Advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="targeted user avatar 21. Advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ may be equipped with chat or speech control scripts to deliver ad content or engage a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, an advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ may deliver via text or audio an initial message such as, "Click me to hear how Product X can revolutionize your diet and help you sleep," or "Want to see my web cam?" In other cases, advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="initial message such as, &quot;Click me to hear how Product X can revolutionize your diet and help you sleep,&quot; or &quot;Want to see my web cam?&quot; In other cases, advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ may be equipped to interactively respond to questions and answers (e.g., internally searching a knowledge base, responsive to commands to display a list of products or services, responsive to questions that are frequently asked including shipping rates, tax, return policies, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In addition, advertising avatars 23 may be equipped with asset scripts to, e.g., display video or give samples (such as digital representations of real world <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1                8      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+items). These may also be associated with movement scripts, such as the advertisement avatar's arms and hands being used to pull out such a sample from their pocket or a bag.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As noted, teaming system 28 allows for coordinating a plurality of advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ to deliver advertising content <part-num-ref name="to deliver advertising content">37</part-num-ref>
+ to one or more user avatars <part-num-ref name="to one or more user avatars">21.</part-num-ref>
+ A plurality of advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ may advertise to a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ synchronously or asynchronously. This provides the option for different sales personalities and tactics. The use of multiple advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="use of multiple advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ may be scripted based on input from the targeting system <part-num-ref name="targeting system">22</part-num-ref>
+ and/or by the outcome of the ad delivery system <part-num-ref name="ad delivery system">26.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The use of teaming may be the default approach: (a) synchronously upon failure of a previous advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="previous advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ to result in a sale, or (b) asynchronously upon the next scheduled visit (that is, by sending a different advertisement avatar). The use of teaming may also be based on calculating probabilities of success from factors determined in the ad delivery system <part-num-ref name="ad delivery system">26</part-num-ref>
+ or from what is known about the preferences of a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21,</part-num-ref>
+ matched to a database of behaviors. For example, it may be discovered that teaming results in higher sales when a series of advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="series of advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ each interact with the user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ for a short period of time.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Figure 2 depicts a simplified graphical view of a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">60</part-num-ref>
+ showing illustrative interactions of avatars in accordance with some of the features described above. As shown, virtual universe <part-num-ref name="features described above. As shown, virtual universe">60</part-num-ref>
+ includes a plurality of user avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of user avatars">40,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="plurality of user avatars 40,">42,</part-num-ref>
+ 44; and advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of user avatars 40, 42, 44; and advertisement avatars">48,</part-num-ref>
+ 50a, 50b, 50c, <part-num-ref name="plurality of user avatars 40, 42, 44; and advertisement avatars 48, 50a, 50b, 50c,">62.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END920070040US1               9</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+[0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In one scenario, advertisement avatar 48 has engaged user avatar <part-num-ref name="has engaged user avatar">40.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">For the purposes of explanation, it can be seen that user avatar <part-num-ref name="purposes of explanation, it can be seen that user avatar">40</part-num-ref>
+ includes various assets <part-num-ref name="includes various assets">58,</part-num-ref>
+ such as money, points and friends. Although not shown, each such user avatar would include a set of assets. These assets <part-num-ref name="set of assets. These assets">58</part-num-ref>
+ are the basis for targeting by advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="basis for targeting by advertisement avatar">48.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In another scenario, user avatars 44 and <part-num-ref name="and">46</part-num-ref>
+ are engaged with each other while attending event <part-num-ref name="are engaged with each other while attending event">56.</part-num-ref>
+ Event <part-num-ref name="are engaged with each other while attending event 56. Event">56</part-num-ref>
+ may be any type of occurrence, location or happening, such as a video stream, store opening, music download, etc., that is of interest to user avatars <part-num-ref name="video stream, store opening, music download, etc., that is of interest to user avatars">44</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">46.</part-num-ref>
+ Based on the attendance and/or occurrence of event <part-num-ref name="attendance and/or occurrence of event">56,</part-num-ref>
+ advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="attendance and/or occurrence of event 56, advertisement avatar">62</part-num-ref>
+ is automatically directed to move towards event <part-num-ref name="is automatically directed to move towards event">56</part-num-ref>
+ to look for potential targets.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In a further scenario, advertisement avatars 50a, 50b, and 50c are using a teaming approach to engage user avatar <part-num-ref name="teaming approach to engage user avatar">42.</part-num-ref>
+ For the purposes of explanation, it can be seen that advertisement avatar 50a includes a set of properties, which includes registration information, targeting properties (what criteria is to be used to target user avatars), ad delivery properties (how ad content is to be delivered), movement properties (how advertisement avatar 50a moves within universe <part-num-ref name="set of properties, which includes registration information, targeting properties (what criteria is to be used to target user avatars), ad delivery properties (how ad content is to be delivered), movement properties (how advertisement avatar 50a moves within universe">60)</part-num-ref>
+ and teaming properties (how advertisement avatar 50a coordinates with other advertisement avatars). Although not shown, each such advertisement avatar would include a set of properties.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">[0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Obviously the scenarios shown in Figure 2 are for illustrative purposes only, and many other scenarios and embodiments are contemplated. Some of the general features of avatar advertising system <part-num-ref name="general features of avatar advertising system">18</part-num-ref>
+ (Figure <part-num-ref name="(Figure">1)</part-num-ref>
+ include the ability <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1               10      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+to: create and introduce advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="ability to: create and introduce advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ that can recognize user avatars <part-num-ref name="that can recognize user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ in a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., differentiating user avatars <part-num-ref name="differentiating user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ from trees, buildings, and other virtual structures) and approach/engage a user avatar <part-num-ref name="user avatar">21.</part-num-ref>
+ Engaging user avatars <part-num-ref name="user avatar 21. Engaging user avatars">21</part-num-ref>
+ may be done, e.g., in undifferentiated terms;    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">based on whether the particular user avatar <part-num-ref name="particular user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ appears to be active (talking, moving, etc.) or other specifics of body language; based on whether the particular user avatar <part-num-ref name="particular user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ has been approached recently; based on whether the particular user avatar <part-num-ref name="particular user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ has reacted positively to advertising before, etc. Once approached, the advertisement avatar <part-num-ref name="advertisement avatar">23</part-num-ref>
+ can deliver advertising content <part-num-ref name="can deliver advertising content">27</part-num-ref>
+ to the targeted user avatar <part-num-ref name="targeted user avatar">21,</part-num-ref>
+ follow or walk away from the targeted user avatar <part-num-ref name="targeted user avatar">21</part-num-ref>
+ based on a variety of circumstances, or take other actions. Additionally, teaming may be utilized by a plurality of advertisement avatars <part-num-ref name="plurality of advertisement avatars">23</part-num-ref>
+ to deliver advertising content in a coordinated manner.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In general, computer system 10 may be implemented as any type of computing infrastructure using any type of computing devices. Computer system <part-num-ref name="may be implemented as any type of computing infrastructure using any type of computing devices. Computer system">10</part-num-ref>
+ generally includes a processor <part-num-ref name="processor">12,</part-num-ref>
+ input/output (<confidence value="586">1/O</confidence>
+) <part-num-ref name="processor 12, input/output (1/O)">14,</part-num-ref>
+ memory <part-num-ref name="processor 12, input/output (1/O) 14, memory">16,</part-num-ref>
+ and bus <part-num-ref name="processor 12, input/output (1/O) 14, memory 16, and bus">17.</part-num-ref>
+ The processor <part-num-ref name="processor">12</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and server. Memory <part-num-ref name="client and server. Memory">16</part-num-ref>
+ may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, a data object, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Moreover, memory 16 may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1               11      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+systems in various forms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">[0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ <confidence value="686">I/O</confidence>
+ 14 may comprise any system for exchanging information to/from an external resource. External devices/resources may comprise any known type of external device, including a monitor/display, speakers, storage, another computer system, a hand-held device, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition system, speech output system, printer, facsimile, pager, etc. Bus <part-num-ref name="hand-held device, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition system, speech output system, printer, facsimile, pager, etc. Bus">17</part-num-ref>
+ provides a communication link between each of the components in the computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">10</part-num-ref>
+ and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. Although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated into computer system <part-num-ref name="and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. Although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated into computer system">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Access to computer system 10 may be provided over a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc. Communication could occur via a direct hardwired connection (e.g., serial port), or via an addressable connection that may utilize any combination of wireline and/or wireless transmission methods. Moreover, conventional network connectivity, such as Token Ring, Ethernet, WiFi or other conventional communications standards could be used. Still yet, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP sockets-based protocol. In this instance, an Internet service provider could be used to establish interconnectivity.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">Further, as indicated above, communication could occur in a client-server or server-server environment.</p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">[0034<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ It should be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention could <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1               12      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+be offered as a business method on a subscription or fee basis. For example, a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">10</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ having an avatar advertising system <part-num-ref name="avatar advertising system">18</part-num-ref>
+ could be created, maintained and/or deployed by a service provider that offers the functions described herein for customers. That is, a service provider could offer to provide the ability to create and control advertisement avatars as described above.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ It is understood that in addition to being implemented as a system and method, the features may be provided as a program product stored on a computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables computer system <part-num-ref name="computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables computer system">10</part-num-ref>
+ to provide a virtual universe <part-num-ref name="virtual universe">30</part-num-ref>
+ that includes an avatar advertising system <part-num-ref name="avatar advertising system">18.</part-num-ref>
+ To this extent, the computer-readable medium may include program code, which implements the processes and systems described herein. It is understood that the term "computer-readable medium" comprises one or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. In particular, the computer-readable medium can comprise program code embodied on one or more portable storage articles of manufacture (e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), on one or more data storage portions of a computing device, such as memory <part-num-ref name="computing device, such as memory">16</part-num-ref>
+ and/or a storage system, and/or as a data signal traveling over a network (e.g., during a wired/wireless electronic distribution of the program product).    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">[0036<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As used herein, it is understood that the terms "program code" and "computer program code" are synonymous and mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions that cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either <boundary-data type="header">END920070040US1               13</boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more types of program products, such as an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic <confidence value="686">I/O</confidence>
+ system/driver for a particular computing and/or <confidence value="586">1/O</confidence>
+ device, and the like. Further, it is understood that terms such as "component" and "system" are synonymous as used herein and represent any combination of hardware and/or software capable of performing some function(s).    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">[0038<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1               14      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">END92007004<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+US1               15    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11764596.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,185 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11764596</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-06-18</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Attny DktNo. 101622.<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+1US    </boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">CANDLE SNUFFER WITH AIR FILTER</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Field of the Invention [0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The field of the invention is candle snuffers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Background [0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Candles have been used for thousands of years, and for much of that time people have used candle snuffers to extinguish the flames. In some instances candle snuffers have included sophisticated functions, including for example US <part-num-ref name="flames. In some instances candle snuffers have included sophisticated functions, including for example US">1941082</part-num-ref>
+ to Benziger (Dec. <part-num-ref name="to Benziger (Dec.">1933)</part-num-ref>
+ and US <part-num-ref name="and US">5344309</part-num-ref>
+ to Phare (Sep. 1994). The Benziger patent teaches a candle snuffer having a bulb that can be squeezed to provide a puff of air used in extinguishing the flame. Phare contemplates using gas from a CO<confidence value="5">2</confidence>
+ cartridge to extinguish the flame.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ These and all other extraneous materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ One aspect that was not addressed by Benziger and Phare was reduction in smoke emitted by the snuffed out candle wick. That issue was squarely addressed by US <part-num-ref name="snuffed out candle wick. That issue was squarely addressed by US">6267581</part-num-ref>
+ to Harrison (July 2001), which teaches extinguishing a candle by subjecting the flame to a water mist. The '581 device was apparently not commercially successful, however, presumably because users don't necessarily want water on their candles or surrounding objects, and also because the mist doesn't necessarily work very well in eliminating smoke.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Thus, there is still a need for a candle snuffer that reduces or even eliminates smoke from extinguishing candles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Summary of The Invention [0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a candle snuffer has a handle and head, and a suction mechanism that pulls a gas from the head and through a filter.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0007<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The snuffer head can comprise any suitable material(s), but in preferred embodiments comprises a non-flammable ceramic material or a metal. Snuffer heads can advantageously <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attny DktNo. 101622.<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+1US      </boundary-data>
+be painted or otherwise decorated, and in especially preferred embodiments snuffer heads can be detachable and interchangeable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">[0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The suction mechanism and filter can be placed in any suitable location relative to head, but are preferably placed within the handle. Although not strictly necessary, the snuffer head and the handle can be coupled by a gas conduit of a suitable length, preferably between about <part-num-ref name="suitable length, preferably between about">5</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ cm long. The conduit could alternatively be much longer, as for example in a candle extinguisher embodiment for snuffing candles in chandeliers, or atop shelving. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as including their endpoints.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The suction mechanism is preferably motorized, and preferably has a rather small operating capacity. Thus, in especially preferred embodiments, the suction mechanism has an operating capacity of no more than <part-num-ref name="operating capacity of no more than">8000</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 per minute, and emits a noise of less than 70db during normal operation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ The filter can be upstream or downstream of the motor, and preferably filters out particles down to <part-num-ref name="motor, and preferably filters out particles down to">5</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">g</confidence>
+m in size.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">Brief Description of The Drawing [0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-section of a preferred candle snuffer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Fig. 2 is a side view of a metal preferred snuffer head, showing an opening for coupling to the gas conduit and handle.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Fig. 3 is a side view of a ceramic snuffer head, showing painted decoration.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Detailed Description [0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ In Figure 1, a candle snuffer <part-num-ref name="candle snuffer">100</part-num-ref>
+ generally comprises a snuffer head <part-num-ref name="snuffer head">110,</part-num-ref>
+ a gas conduit <part-num-ref name="gas conduit">120</part-num-ref>
+ and a handle <part-num-ref name="handle">130.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Snuffer head 110 is shown here as having a typical frustoconical shape and size, which in this case has a base that measures about <part-num-ref name="base that measures about">3</part-num-ref>
+ cm wide and about 4-5 cm tall. Those <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attny DktNo. 101622.<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+1US      </boundary-data>
+skilled in the art will of course appreciate that other shapes and sizes would also work, including full cones, shapes with oval or rectangular, hexagonal or other horizontal cross- sections.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ As best seen in Figure 2, snuffer head 110 has a rim <part-num-ref name="rim">114</part-num-ref>
+ that defines an opening for receiving an end of the gas conduit <part-num-ref name="gas conduit">120.</part-num-ref>
+ In this instance, coupling between the head <part-num-ref name="head">110</part-num-ref>
+ and the conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">120</part-num-ref>
+ is accomplished by a snap fitting, and is orientation specific by virtue of the gas conduit <part-num-ref name="gas conduit">120</part-num-ref>
+ having a projection <part-num-ref name="projection">122</part-num-ref>
+ that mates with a cutout <part-num-ref name="cutout">112</part-num-ref>
+ in the head <part-num-ref name="head">110.</part-num-ref>
+ All manner of other couplings are also considered, including for example a simple screw fitting in which the rim <part-num-ref name="rim">114</part-num-ref>
+ and gas conduit <part-num-ref name="and gas conduit">120</part-num-ref>
+ have mating threads (not shown).    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Snuffer head 110 can include any suitable material or materials, including especially metals (including alloys), ceramics, and composites. Of particular interest are snuffer heads having painted, etched or other decorations. Snuffer head <part-num-ref name="can include any suitable material or materials, including especially metals (including alloys), ceramics, and composites. Of particular interest are snuffer heads having painted, etched or other decorations. Snuffer head">300</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 3 has a decorative design <part-num-ref name="decorative design">316</part-num-ref>
+ which should be interpreted euphemistically as all possible designs.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Gas conduit 120 is preferably about <part-num-ref name="is preferably about">5</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">10</part-num-ref>
+ cm long, but could also measure up to a meter or even longer, as for example in a candle extinguisher embodiment for snuffing candles in chandeliers, or atop shelving. At the other extreme, the head and the handle could juxtapose one another, and in that instance the gas conduit would simply be the opening between head and the handle. Contemplated gas conduits can be made from any suitable material(s), including once again metal(s), ceramic(s), and/or composite(s).    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Handle 130 generally includes downstream extensions 132A, 132B of the gas conduit <part-num-ref name="gas conduit">120,</part-num-ref>
+ batteries 134A, 134<confidence value="5">B</confidence>
+, a suction mechanism <part-num-ref name="suction mechanism">136,</part-num-ref>
+ a filter <part-num-ref name="filter">138,</part-num-ref>
+ and a switch <part-num-ref name="switch">139.</part-num-ref>
+ Each of these components can be conventional, and their cooperation to achieve the purposes of the device is well within the skill of the art given the teachings herein. Thus, housing <part-num-ref name="teachings herein. Thus, housing">130</part-num-ref>
+ includes electric wiring (not shown) that couples the batteries 134A, 134B with the switch <part-num-ref name="switch">139</part-num-ref>
+ and the suction mechanism <part-num-ref name="suction mechanism">136.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Suction mechanism 136 includes a motor 136A and a fan 136B. Motor <part-num-ref name="fan 136B. Motor">136</part-num-ref>
+ A is preferably a low capacity motor, sufficient to provide sufficient suction capacity, but low enough to reduce noise, battery drain and cost. To that end preferred motors cooperate with the fan 136B to pull no more than <part-num-ref name="fan 136B to pull no more than">8000</part-num-ref>
+ cm3 of air per minute, and emits a noise of less than 70db during normal operation. These limitations are not, of course, strictly necessary to practice the inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attny DktNo. 101622.<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+1US      </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt;">2000<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt; 2000, &lt;">4000<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <confidence value="885">12,</confidence>
+000<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ and <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ 24,000 cm<confidence value="4">3</confidence>
+ of air per minute. Similarly, motors are contemplated that emits noises of <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt; 2000, &lt; 4000, &lt; 12,000, and &lt; 24,000 cm3 of air per minute. Similarly, motors are contemplated that emits noises of &lt;">30<confidence value="6">,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt; 2000, &lt; 4000, &lt; 12,000, and &lt; 24,000 cm3 of air per minute. Similarly, motors are contemplated that emits noises of &lt; 30, &lt;">
+        <confidence value="886">50,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt; 2000, &lt; 4000, &lt; 12,000, and &lt; 24,000 cm3 of air per minute. Similarly, motors are contemplated that emits noises of &lt; 30, &lt; 50, &lt;">
+        <confidence value="886">80,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="inventive subject matter, and for example motors are contemplated that pull &lt; 2000, &lt; 4000, &lt; 12,000, and &lt; 24,000 cm3 of air per minute. Similarly, motors are contemplated that emits noises of &lt; 30, &lt; 50, &lt; 80, &lt;">90</part-num-ref>
+ db. Still further, to facilitate long battery, and user convenience, switch <part-num-ref name="db. Still further, to facilitate long battery, and user convenience, switch">139</part-num-ref>
+ can advantageously include a timer that automatically shuts down power to the motor after a given time period, such as <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="given time period, such as &lt;">
+        <confidence value="86">5,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="given time period, such as &lt; 5, &lt;">
+        <confidence value="86">7,</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="given time period, such as &lt; 5, &lt; 7, &lt;">
+        <confidence value="885">10.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">or <confidence value="5">&lt;</confidence>
+20 seconds.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Filter 138 is preferably a HEPA filter, but in any event is sufficient to filter out at least <confidence value="885">50%</confidence>
+, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 95<confidence value="5">%</confidence>
+ of the mass of smoke particles encountered by the filter at some point in the life of the filter. In especially preferred embodiments the filter <part-num-ref name="filter">138</part-num-ref>
+ can filter out particles having a diameter of <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="diameter of &lt;">5</part-num-ref>
+ microns <confidence value="52666">(pm),</confidence>
+ more preferably particles with diameters of <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="microns (pm), more preferably particles with diameters of &lt;">3</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="55">gm</confidence>
+, and most preferably particles with diameters of <confidence value="2">&lt;</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="gm, and most preferably particles with diameters of &lt;">2</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="568">gm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that each of the elements shown herein is representative of all components that would satisfy the requirements. Thus, batteries 134A, 134B can be replaced by any suitable power supply, including for example a single battery, a capacitor (not shown), a power cord (not shown) that could be connected to utility current (not shown), and so forth. Similarly, suction mechanism <part-num-ref name="power cord (not shown) that could be connected to utility current (not shown), and so forth. Similarly, suction mechanism">136</part-num-ref>
+ could be replaced by other mechanisms (e.g. a bellows) that do not involve a fan. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that various components can be user replaceable. Thus, the batteries 134A, 134B and the filter <part-num-ref name="filter">138</part-num-ref>
+ should all be considered as user replaceable, even though the Drawing does not expressly depict doors or other mechanisms for users to access and replace those components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Attny DktNo. 101622.<confidence value="666">000</confidence>
+1US      </boundary-data>
+should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11772221.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,284 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11772221</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-06-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">TRACKING AND LOCATING LAPTOPS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for tracking and <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+locating portable computers such as laptops.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Background of the Invention The terms "laptop", "laptop computer", "notebook" and "notebook computer", as broadly employed herein, should be understood to be interchangeable with one another and to broadly relate to essentially any type of portable computer as commonly <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+understood in connection with any or all of those four terms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Laptops, owing to their portability, easily lend themselves to theft or unauthorized removal (e.g., from a workplace setting) if concerted measures are not otherwise taken to mitigate such a likelihood.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Conventional arrangements have been developed that permit a laptop to transmit <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+certain information such at its IP (Internet Protocol) address and its MAC (Media Access Control) address, after theft or removal, it is connected over a wireless or hard-wired Ethernet or Internet device. One such arrangement is the "COMPUTRACE" software <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56888">013US</confidence>
+1                      - 1 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+manufactured by Absolute Software of Vancouver, BC, Canada (http://www.computrace.<confidence value="885">com</confidence>
+) Additional information about a transmitted IP address(es) at the time of transmission may be obtained from the internet service provider (ISP) to whom the IP address is assigned or through various geolocation providers such as <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+MaxMind LLC of Boston, MA, United States (http://www.maxmind.com<confidence value="5">/</confidence>
+app/ip- location). Obtaining the information from an ISP may invoke various privacy interests and require the assistance of law enforcement or judicial intervention. Additional information about a transmitted IP address(es), however, normally does not necessarily afford an accurate fix on the location of the laptop, meaning that recovery can be elusive <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+or, at the very least, difficult. It will also be appreciated that accurately locating a laptop can be of assistance in locating an individual who needs to be found or traced for a variety of reasons (e.g., in a weather-related emergency, in connection with the elopement of a minor or abduction of an individual, etc.).    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Accordingly, a need has been recognized in connection with providing a more <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+accurate and reliable method of determining an initially unknown location of a laptop.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Summary of the Invention In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated herein an arrangement for employing a host of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="568858">013US1</confidence>
+                      <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+receivers that may already be present in a laptop, to enable the laptop to collect a significant amount of data about its location. Once the system then finds a readily available connection, it can then transmit information about its location as well as other information to help pinpoint the location of the laptop.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+In summary, one aspect of the invention provides a method comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">providing a computer system; obtaining information relating to computer system location; finding an open access point; and transmitting information regarding computer system location; the obtaining step comprising obtaining information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting device; and the transmitting <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+step comprising transmitting information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmi<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ting device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">Another aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: a CPU; a system memory in communication with the CPU; a wireless module which acts to: obtain information relating to an open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+device; finding an open access point; and transmit information regarding system location via transmi<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ting information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting device.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="66888">013US</confidence>
+1                        - 3 -    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+Furthermore, an additional aspect of the invention provides a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps comprising: providing a computer system;    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">obtaining information relating to computer system location; finding an open access point;</p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+and transmitting information regarding computer system location; the obtaining step comprising obtaining information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting device; and the transmitting step comprising transmitting information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a laptop computer system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a process of locating a laptop.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Description of the Preferred Embodiments For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="668888">013US1</confidence>
+                       <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+ <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention, as <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+represented in FIGS. 1 through <part-num-ref name="through">2,</part-num-ref>
+ is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Functional units described in this specification may be labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="55885">013US</confidence>
+1                       - 5 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+signals on a system or network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may <confidence value="88">be</confidence>
+ combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56888">013US</confidence>
+1                        - 6 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals or other labels throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the invention as claimed herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">Referring now to Figure 1, there is depicted a block diagram of an illustrative <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+embodiment of a computer system <part-num-ref name="computer system">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The illustrative embodiment depicted in Figure 1 may be a notebook computer system, such as one of the ThinkPad<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Purchase, New York or a workstation computer, such as the Intellistation<confidence value="5">®</confidence>
+, which are sold by International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation of Armonk, New York; however, as will become apparent from the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="55888">013US</confidence>
+1                        - 7 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+following description, the present invention is applicable to essentially any data processing system, but preferably a portable computer system for which there may be a need to pinpoint its location.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">As shown in Figure 1, computer system 12 includes at least one system processor <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="includes at least one system processor">42,</part-num-ref>
+ which is coupled to a Read-Only Memory (ROM) <part-num-ref name="Read-Only Memory (ROM)">40</part-num-ref>
+ and a system memory <part-num-ref name="system memory">46</part-num-ref>
+ by a processor bus <part-num-ref name="processor bus">44.</part-num-ref>
+ System processor <part-num-ref name="processor bus 44. System processor">42,</part-num-ref>
+ which may comprise one of the line of processors produced by Intel Corporation, is a general-purpose processor that executes boot code <part-num-ref name="general-purpose processor that executes boot code">41</part-num-ref>
+ stored within ROM <part-num-ref name="stored within ROM">40</part-num-ref>
+ at power-on and thereafter processes data under the control of operating system and application software stored in system memory <part-num-ref name="control of operating system and application software stored in system memory">46.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+System processor 42 is coupled via processor bus <part-num-ref name="is coupled via processor bus">44</part-num-ref>
+ and host bridge <part-num-ref name="and host bridge">48</part-num-ref>
+ to Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus <part-num-ref name="to Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus">50.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">PCI local bus 50 supports the attachment of a number of devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is network adapter <part-num-ref name="number of devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is network adapter">66,</part-num-ref>
+ which interfaces computer system <part-num-ref name="number of devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is network adapter 66, which interfaces computer system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to LAN <part-num-ref name="to LAN">10,</part-num-ref>
+ and graphics adapter <part-num-ref name="to LAN 10, and graphics adapter">68,</part-num-ref>
+ which interfaces computer <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+system <part-num-ref name="to LAN 10, and graphics adapter 68, which interfaces computer system">12</part-num-ref>
+ to display (or monitor) <part-num-ref name="to display (or monitor)">69.</part-num-ref>
+ Communication on PCI local bus <part-num-ref name="to display (or monitor) 69. Communication on PCI local bus">50</part-num-ref>
+ is governed by local PCI controller <part-num-ref name="is governed by local PCI controller">52,</part-num-ref>
+ which is in turn coupled to non-volatile random access memory (N<confidence value="5">V</confidence>
+RAM) <part-num-ref name="is governed by local PCI controller 52, which is in turn coupled to non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM)">56</part-num-ref>
+ via memory bus <part-num-ref name="via memory bus">54.</part-num-ref>
+ Local PCI controller <part-num-ref name="via memory bus 54. Local PCI controller">52</part-num-ref>
+ can be coupled to additional buses and devices via a second host bridge <part-num-ref name="second host bridge">60.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56888">013US</confidence>
+1                      - 8 -    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+Computer system 12 further includes Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus <part-num-ref name="further includes Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus">62,</part-num-ref>
+ which is coupled to PCI local bus <part-num-ref name="further includes Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus 62, which is coupled to PCI local bus">50</part-num-ref>
+ by ISA bridge <part-num-ref name="by ISA bridge">64.</part-num-ref>
+ Coupled to ISA bus <part-num-ref name="by ISA bridge 64. Coupled to ISA bus">62</part-num-ref>
+ is an input/output (I/O) controller <part-num-ref name="input/output (I/O) controller">70,</part-num-ref>
+ which controls communication between computer system <part-num-ref name="input/output (I/O) controller 70, which controls communication between computer system">12</part-num-ref>
+ and attached peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and a disk drive.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+In addition, I/O controller 70 supports external communication by computer system <part-num-ref name="supports external communication by computer system">12</part-num-ref>
+ via serial and parallel ports.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">It should be further understood that while Fig. 1 conveys specific hardware components that can be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the concepts discussed and contemplated herein are of course applicable to a <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+very wide variety of computer systems and constituent conventional components.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated herein an arrangement for employing a host of receivers that may already be present in a laptop, to enable the laptop to collect a significant amount of data about its location. Once the system then finds a readily <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+available connection, it can then transmit information about its location as well as other information to help pinpoint the location of the laptop.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">Accordingly, in accordance with a preferred environment in which the embodiments of the present invention may be employed, computer system <part-num-ref name="present invention may be employed, computer system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56888">013US</confidence>
+1                      - 9 <confidence value="8">-</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+preferably a laptop or notebook computer system. As such, there will typically be provided a quantity of n wireless receivers (e.g., <part-num-ref name="">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="1,">2,</part-num-ref>
+ 3..<confidence value="88">.n</confidence>
+) as indicated at <part-num-ref name="1, 2, 3...n) as indicated at">72,</part-num-ref>
+ in communication with I/O controller <part-num-ref name="1, 2, 3...n) as indicated at 72, in communication with I/O controller">70</part-num-ref>
+ in known manner. These receivers may include, but are by no means limited to, a 802.11 receiver, a WWAN (Wireless Wide Area <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Network) receiver, an FM receiver, and/or a "BLUETOOTH" receiver.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">It is recognized, in accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, that at any time a system <part-num-ref name="system">12</part-num-ref>
+ can obtain a significant amount of data about its general location via conventional arrangements (e.g., IP address, operating system, "COMPUTRACE", etc.) together with and any or all of the receivers <part-num-ref name="receivers">72.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+Accordingly, when a system <part-num-ref name="system">12</part-num-ref>
+ is removed to another location (e.g., is stolen or taken without authorization), it may preferably begin to collect information about its surroundings via conventional arrangements together with radio signals, in a manner to be more fully appreciated herebelow. Thence, the system <part-num-ref name="system">12</part-num-ref>
+ may preferably find an available connection (preferably, an open access point such as a WiFi "hotspot") via <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+which it may transmit information about its location. In that process, it may also preferably transmit information about other wireless devices from which it has received information, such as associated SSID's (Service Set Identifiers) and MAC addresses of such devices, as well as the signal strength of any such devices. This will help provide <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+3US1                       - 10 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+ample information via which the location of the system <part-num-ref name="system">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be pinpointed (e.g., via a triangulation of data on the wireless devices and the interrelationship of such data).    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">Fig. 2 is a schematically illustrates a process <part-num-ref name="process">100</part-num-ref>
+ that may be undertaken in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in facilitating the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+locating of a laptop. Reference may also continue to be made to Fig. 1 as needed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">First, the wireless receivers <part-num-ref name="wireless receivers">72</part-num-ref>
+ (Fig. <part-num-ref name="(Fig.">1)</part-num-ref>
+ will preferably scan for other wireless transmitting devices in the vicinity (102). The number and types of wireless transmitting devices that can be scanned for are many and can include, for example, other laptops, cell phones, and FM radio stations, among very many other devices. In the process, routinely <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+accessible information about such transmitting devices will preferably be obtained and stored as "snapshot" data (e.g., in system memory <part-num-ref name="in system memory">46</part-num-ref>
+ [Fig. 1]). Thus, with regard to such transmitting devices, information such as MAC addresses, SSID's and, for FM radio stations, PTY / RDS (program type / radio data system) data will preferably be obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Also preferably obtained is a read on the signal strength of each wireless transmitting <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+device for which data is being collected. Additional scans may be made, in known manner, for WWAN cell phone tower ID's in the vicinity.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+3US1                       - 11 -    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+Next, out of all the wireless transmitting points ascertained in step <part-num-ref name="wireless transmitting points ascertained in step">102,</part-num-ref>
+ at least one open access point is preferably located (104). In known manner, a connection is then preferably established with to one or more access points so found (106).    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">In a subsequent step, this "live" connection is preferably exploited to transmit to a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+central collection point information on the one or more access points being used (108).    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Further, other collected information ("snapshot" data) from step 102 regarding other local wireless transmitting devices (that do not necessarily correspond to available open access points) is also preferably transmitted to the central collection point (110). The central collection point can take any of a wide variety of conceivable forms; the <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+0         </boundary-data>
+"COMPUTRACE" software manufactured by Absolute Software of Vancouver, BC, Canada, affords such a data collection capability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">It should be appreciated, then, that once data is collected at the central data collection point regarding not only (a) the open access point via which information is being transmitted but also (b) other wireless transmitting devices, a triangulated estimate <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+of the location of the laptop may be obtained. This of course, will be a much more accurate estimate than would have been possible if solely the location(s) of the one or more exploited open access points were known. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the triangulation can be greatly aided with the signal strength information relating to each wireless transmitting device.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+3US1                       - 12 -    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the process <part-num-ref name="process">100</part-num-ref>
+ described hereinabove may be carried out in accordance with essentially any predetermined criteria. For instance, the laptop in question may be configured to always scan for transmitting devices <part-num-ref name="laptop in question may be configured to always scan for transmitting devices">(102)</part-num-ref>
+ at predetermined intervals (e.g., every <part-num-ref name="every">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes) <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+regardless of the operating context or the status of the system (e.g., stolen or removed without permission). On the other hand, process <part-num-ref name="other hand, process">100</part-num-ref>
+ could be triggered by other factors such as a failure to enter a password associated with the laptop or a lack of a positive match in routine facial recognition as may be performed by a built-in camera.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">Generally, it should be appreciated that, in accordance with at least one presently <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="66">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+preferred embodiment of the present invention, a "wireless module" may comprise any or all of the wireless receivers <part-num-ref name="wireless receivers">72</part-num-ref>
+ as shown in Fig. 1 along with any executable code which employs the receivers <part-num-ref name="receivers">72</part-num-ref>
+ for any of a variety of predetermined purposes. Accordingly, a wireless module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention may preferably act to: obtain information relating to an open access point and to at least <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+one other wireless transmitting device; finding an open access point; and transmit information regarding system location via transmitting information relating to the open access point and to at least one other wireless transmitting device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Further, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that a wireless module may undertake any or all of the following specific acts: scan for wireless transmitting devices <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+3US1                       - 13 -      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+in a vicinity of a system location; ascertain, from scanned wireless transmitting devices, at least one open access point; establish a connection with at least one open access point;    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">obtain, with regard to an open access point and at least one other wireless transmitting device, location information and signal strength information; store in system memory <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+information relating to the at least one other wireless transmitting device for subsequent transmission; and obtain, from at least one wireless transmitting device, at least one item from the group consisting essentially of: a MAC address, a SSID, PTY/RDS data, and a WWAN cell phone tower ID.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all patents, patent <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="86">10</confidence>
+         </boundary-data>
+applications, patent publications and other publications (including web-based publications) mentioned and cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">YO</confidence>
+R920071<confidence value="56">01</confidence>
+3US1                       - 14 -    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11775462.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11775462</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-10-21</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">AMENDMENT AND RESPONSE UNDER 37 C.F.R <confidence value="5">§</confidence>
+ 1.111                                 Page <part-num-ref name="C.F.R § 1.111                                 Page">2</part-num-ref>
+ Serial Number: <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+/775,462                                          Dkt: <part-num-ref name="Serial Number: 11/775,462                                          Dkt:">12706</part-num-ref>
+ (2704.104US1) Filing Date: July <part-num-ref name="(2704.104US1) Filing Date: July">10,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="(2704.104US1) Filing Date: July 10,">2007</part-num-ref>
+ Title: STORING N<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+N-EQUIJ<confidence value="4">O</confidence>
+INS IN METADATA     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">IN THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please amend the paragraph [0036] of the specification as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0036]       Computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium are executable by the processing unit <part-num-ref name="processing unit">402</part-num-ref>
+ of the computer <part-num-ref name="computer">410.</part-num-ref>
+ A hard drive, CD-ROM, and RAM are some examples of articles including a computer-readable medium. <confidence value="566266562822666666">The-term-"computer</confidence>
+ For example, a computer program <part-num-ref name="computer program">425</part-num-ref>
+ capable of providing a generic technique to perform access control check for data access and/or for doing an operation on one of the servers in a component object model (COM) based system according to the teachings of the present invention may be included on a CD-ROM and loaded from the CD-ROM to a hard drive. The computer-readable instructions allow computer <part-num-ref name="computer-readable instructions allow computer">410</part-num-ref>
+ to provide generic access controls in a COM based computer network system having multiple users and servers.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11823352.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,517 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11823352</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-06-27</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">COMPOSITE ORGANIC MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">RELATED APPLICATION DATA</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. <confidence value="6">§</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6">1</confidence>
+19(e) to United <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/816,962 filed June <part-num-ref name="U.S.C. § 119(e) to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/816,962 filed June">27,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="U.S.C. § 119(e) to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/816,962 filed June 27,">2006</part-num-ref>
+ and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/925,264 filed April <part-num-ref name="and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/925,264 filed April">19,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/925,264 filed April 19,">2007.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <heading id="h-3">FIELD OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+The present invention relates to organic thin films and, in particular, to composite organic thin films.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-4">STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">This invention was made through the support of the Department of Defense <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+(United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Grant No. FA9550-04- 1-0161). The Federal Government may retain certain license rights in this invention.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Organic thin films have been heavily investigated in recent years due to their <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+applications in optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), photovoltaic devices, and organic photodetectors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Optoelectronic devices based on organic materials, including organic thin films, are becoming increasingly desirable in a wide variety of applications for a number or reasons. Materials used to construct organic optoelectronic devices are relatively <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+inexpensive in comparison to their inorganic counterparts thereby providing cost advantages over optoelectronic devices produced with inorganic materials. Moreover, organic materials provide desirable physical properties, such as flexibility, permitting their use in applications unsuitable for rigid materials.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Photovoltaic devices convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity by 30   producing a photo-generated current when connected across a load and exposed to light.</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">The electrical power generated by photovoltaic cells can be used in many applications <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+including lighting, heating, battery charging, and powering devices requiring electrical energy.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">When irradiated under an infinite load, a photovoltaic device produces its maximum possible voltage, the open circuit voltage or V<confidence value="42">oc</confidence>
+. When irradiated with its <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+electrical contacts shorted, a photovoltaic device produces its maximum current, I short circuit or I<confidence value="66">sc</confidence>
+. Under operating conditions, a photovoltaic device is connected to a finite load, and the electrical power output is equal to the product of the current and voltage.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">The maximum power generated by a photovoltaic device cannot exceed the product of <confidence value="862">Voc</confidence>
+ and <confidence value="5425">Isc.</confidence>
+ When the load value is optimized for maximum power generation, the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+current and voltage have the values <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+max and Vmax respectively.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">A key characteristic in evaluating a photovoltaic cell's performance is the fill factor,<confidence value="88">ff</confidence>
+ The fill factor is the ratio of the photovoltaic cell's actual power to its power if both current and voltage were at their maxima. The fill factor of a photovoltaic cell is provided according to equation (1).    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15                           </boundary-data>
+ff= ( <confidence value="66666666">ImaxVmax</confidence>
+ )/(I<confidence value="65855">scVoc</confidence>
+)  (1) The fill factor of a photovoltaic is always less than <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic is always less than">1,</part-num-ref>
+ as <confidence value="652">Ise</confidence>
+ and V<confidence value="51">oc</confidence>
+ are never obtained simultaneously under operating conditions. Nevertheless, as the fill factor approaches a value of <part-num-ref name="value of">1,</part-num-ref>
+ a device demonstrates less internal resistance and, therefore, delivers a greater percentage of electrical power to the load under optimal conditions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20          </boundary-data>
+Photovoltaic devices may additionally be characterized by their efficiency of converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. The conversion efficiency, <confidence value="268">1p,</confidence>
+ of a photovoltaic device is provided according to equation <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic device is provided according to equation">(2)</part-num-ref>
+ where <confidence value="662">Pie</confidence>
+ is the power of the light incident on the photovoltaic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6888">=ff*</confidence>
+ <confidence value="6666651666652">(IscVoe)/Pine</confidence>
+ (2) <boundary-data type="line-number">25          </boundary-data>
+Devices utilizing crystalline or amorphous silicon dominate commercial applications, and some have achieved efficiencies of 23% or greater. However, efficient crystalline-based devices, especially ones of large surface area, are difficult and expensive to produce due to the problems in fabricating large crystals free from crystalline defects that promote exciton recombination. Commercially available <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells demonstrate efficiencies ranging from about <part-num-ref name="problems in fabricating large crystals free from crystalline defects that promote exciton recombination. Commercially available amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells demonstrate efficiencies ranging from about">4</part-num-ref>
+ to 12%.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Constructing organic photovoltaic devices having efficiencies comparable to inorganic devices poses a technical challenge. Some organic photovoltaic devices demonstrate efficiencies on the order of 1% or less. The low efficiencies displayed in organic photovoltaic devices results from a severe length scale mismatch between exciton <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+diffusion length (LD) and organic layer thickness. In order to have efficient absorption of visible electromagnetic radiation, an organic film must have a thickness of about <part-num-ref name="thickness of about">500</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">This thickness greatly exceeds exciton diffusion length which is typically about 50 nm, often resulting in exciton recombination.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">It would be desirable to provide composite materials, including organic thin films, <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+that permit efficient absorption of electromagnetic radiation while reducing exciton recombination. In view of the advantages of organic optoelectronic devices discussed herein, it would also be desirable to provide photovoltaic devices comprising composite materials operable to demonstrate conversion efficiencies comparable to, and, in some cases, greater than inorganic photovoltaic devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">The present invention provides composite organic materials and optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic devices, comprising the same.</p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composite material <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, the nanoparticle phase comprising at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. An exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, as used herein, refers to a crystalline nanoparticle formed from a plurality of nanoparticles, such as carbon nanoparticles, during exaggerated or abnormal grain growth. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle phase comprises a plurality of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+exaggerated nanocrystalline grains. A composite material, in some embodiments, comprises an organic thin film.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">In another embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode and a photosensitive composite organic layer electrically connected to first electrode, the photosensitive composite <part-num-ref name="photosensitive composite">30</part-num-ref>
+   organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, wherein the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. A second electrode is also electrically connected to the photosensitive composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a photoactive apparatus comprising at least one pixel comprising at least one photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+cell comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, a photosensitive composite organic layer electrically connected to the first electrode the photosensitive composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, wherein the nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, and a second electrode electrically connected to the photosensitive composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of producing composite materials and devices comprising the same. In one embodiment, a method for producing a composite material comprises dispersing a nanoparticle phase in a polymeric phase and forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain in the polymeric phase. In some embodiments, forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain comprises <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+annealing the composite material in a thermal gradient.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">In another embodiment, a method of producing a photovoltaic cell comprises providing a radiation transmissive first electrode, disposing a photosensitive composite organic layer in electrical communication with the first electrode, the composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, disposing a second <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+electrode in electrical communication with the photosensitive composite organic layer, and forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain in the polymeric phase of the photosensitive composite organic layer. In some embodiments, a photosensitive composite organic layer comprises a thin film.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">In a further aspect, the present invention additionally provides methods of <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. In one embodiment, a method of converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy comprises exposing a photosensitive composite organic layer to electromagnetic radiation, the photosensitive composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, generating excitons in the photosensitive composite organic layer, and separating the <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+excitons into electrons and holes at a heterojunction in the composite organic layer. In embodiments of converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy, the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+nanoparticle phase of the photosensitive composite organic layer comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. In some embodiments, electromagnetic energy comprises visible electromagnetic energy, infrared electromagnetic energy, ultraviolet electromagnetic energy, or combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5         </boundary-data>
+These and other embodiments of the present invention are described in greater detail in the detailed description of the invention which follows.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES</heading>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Figure 1 illustrates a composite organic layer according to an embodiment of the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">Figure 2 illustrates a photovoltaic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">Figure 3 illustrates a process for establishing a thermal gradient for annealing a photosensitive composite organic layer of a photovoltaic cell according to an <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">Figure 4 illustrates current-voltage plots for photovoltaic cells comprising annealed and un-annealed composite organic layers according to an embodiment of the present invention.</p>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+The present invention provides composite organic materials and optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic devices, comprising the same.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composite material comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, the nanoparticle phase <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+comprising at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle phase comprises a plurality of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains. A composite material, in some embodiments, comprises an organic thin film.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">Turning now to components that can be included in various embodiments of composite materials of the present invention, composite materials comprise a polymeric <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+phase. In some embodiments, the polymeric phase of a composite material comprises one or more conjugated polymers. Conjugated polymers suitable for use in the polymeric <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+phase, according to some embodiments, comprise poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), poly(3-octylthiophene) (<confidence value="2222">P3OT</confidence>
+), and polythiophene (PTh).    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">In other embodiments, the polymeric phase of a composite material comprises one or more semiconducting polymers. Semiconducting polymers suitable for use in the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+polymeric phase, in some embodiments, comprise phenylene vinylenes, such as poly(phenylene vinylene), poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), and derivatives thereof. In another embodiment, suitable semiconducting polymers comprise polyfluorenes, naphthalenes, and derivatives thereof. In a further embodiment, semiconducting polymers for use in the polymeric phase comprise poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+polyamides, poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCZ), polypyrrole (PPy), and polyaniline (PAn).    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">In addition to the polymeric phase, composite materials of the present invention comprise a nanoparticle phase dispersed in the polymeric phase. In embodiments of the present invention, the nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle phase comprises a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+plurality of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">Exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprise a plurality of nanoparticles. In one embodiment, nanoparticles of an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain comprise carbon nanoparticles. Carbon nanoparticles, according to some embodiments, comprise multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT), <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+single-walled carbon nanotubes (<confidence value="2222">SWNT</confidence>
+), cut nanotubes, nanotubes comprising frequency converters, doped nanotubes, and/or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, doped nanotubes comprise single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes doped with nitrogen and/or boron. In other embodiments, carbon nanoparticles of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains comprise fullerenes, including fullerene conjugates such as 1-(3- <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+methoxycarbonyl)propyl-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+-phenyl-(6,6)C61 (PCBM), higher order fullerenes (C7<confidence value="4">0</confidence>
+ and higher), and endometallogfullerenes (fullerenes having at least one metal atom disposed therein). In some embodiments, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain comprises a plurality of different types of carbon nanoparticles. In one embodiment, for example, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can comprise doped and undoped carbon nanotubes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+In some embodiments, nanoparticles of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains comprise metal nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, copper <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+nanoparticles, nickel nanoparticles, and other transition metal nanoparticles. In a further embodiment, nanoparticles of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains comprise semiconductor nanoparticles such as I<confidence value="525">II/</confidence>
+V and <confidence value="2866">II/V</confidence>
+I semiconductor nanoparticles, including cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles, gallium nitride (GaN) nanoparticles, <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanoparticles, and indium phosphide (InP) nanoparticles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">In one embodiment, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a length ranging from about <part-num-ref name="length ranging from about">50</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">500</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In other embodiments, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a length ranging from about <part-num-ref name="length ranging from about">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">400</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In another embodiment, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a length ranging <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+from about <part-num-ref name="length ranging from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">300</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In a further embodiment, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a length greater than about <part-num-ref name="length greater than about">500</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="868">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">An exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, according to some embodiments, can have a diameter ranging from about <part-num-ref name="diameter ranging from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In other embodiments, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a diameter ranging from about <part-num-ref name="diameter ranging from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="nm to about">90</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In another embodiment, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a diameter ranging from about <part-num-ref name="diameter ranging from about">20</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">80</part-num-ref>
+ nm or from about <part-num-ref name="nm or from about">30</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">70</part-num-ref>
+ nm.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">In a further embodiment, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain can have a diameter greater than about <part-num-ref name="diameter greater than about">50</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="868">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, in some embodiments, demonstrate high <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+aspect ratios.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">In addition to exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, a nanoparticle phase of a composite material, in some embodiments of the present invention, also comprises a plurality of individual nanoparticles not associated with an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and conjugates and derivatives thereof.</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25         </boundary-data>
+A composite material, in some embodiments of the present invention, has a ratio of polymeric phase to nanoparticle phase ranging from about 1:2 to about 1:0.6. In other embodiments, a composite material has a ratio of polymeric phase to nanoparticle phase ranging from about 1:1 to about 1:0.3. In one embodiment, for example, the ratio of poly(3-hexylthiophene) to PCBM ranges from about 1:1 to about 1:0.4.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+Composite materials comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, the nanoparticle phase comprising at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, in some <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+embodiments of the present invention, are photosensitive being operable to absorb electromagnetic radiation to produce excitons in the composite material. In one embodiment, composite materials of the present invention are operable to absorb visible electromagnetic radiation, infrared electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet electromagnetic <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+radiation, or combinations thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Composite materials, according to some embodiments of the present invention, further comprise one or more upconverters. As understood by one of skill in the art, an upconverter is a material operable to emit electromagnetic radiation having energy greater than that of the electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the material to create the <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+excited state. Upconverters suitable for use in the present invention, in some embodiments, can absorb infrared radiation and emit visible radiation at wavelengths operable to be absorbed by composite materials of the present invention. Upconverter materials, in some embodiments, can be dispersed throughout the polymeric phase of the composite material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+Upconverters, in some embodiments, include materials comprising at least one Lanthanide series element. In some embodiments, upconverter materials comprise nanoparticles comprising at least one Lanthanide series element. Lanthanide series elements suitable for use in upconverter materials according to some embodiments of the present invention comprise erbium, ytterbium, dysprosium, holmium, or mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+In some embodiments, upconverter materials comprise metal oxides and metal sulfides doped with ions of erbium, ytterbium, dysprosium, holmium, or mixtures thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">In other embodiments, upconverter materials comprise organic chemical species.</p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Organic upconverter materials can comprise H2C6N and 4-dialkylamino-1,8- naphthalimides as well as 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives and compounds, such as <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+multibranched naphthalimide derivatives TPA-NA<confidence value="1">1</confidence>
+, TPA-NA2, and TPA-NA3. Organic upconverter materials can also comprise 4-(dimethylamino)cinnamonitrile (cis and trans), trans-4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]<confidence value="88">-1</confidence>
+-methylpyridinium iodide, 4-[4- (dimethylamino)styryl]pyridine, 4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde diphenylhydrazone, trans-4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]<confidence value="88">-1</confidence>
+-methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate, 2-[ethyl[4-[2- <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl]phenyl] amino] ethanol, 4-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene, Disperse Orange 25, Disperse Orange 3, and Disperse Red 1.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+In a further embodiment, upconverter materials can comprise quantum dots.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Quantum dots, according to some embodiments, comprise I<confidence value="666">IIN</confidence>
+ and <confidence value="824">IIV</confidence>
+I semiconductor materials, such as cadmium selenide (CdSe), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and zinc selenide (ZnSe). Upconverter materials, in some embodiments, also comprise core-shell <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+architectures of quantum dots. The inclusion of I<confidence value="666">IIN</confidence>
+ and I<confidence value="66">IN</confidence>
+I semiconductor materials as upconverters in a composite material is separate from their use in an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain as contemplated herein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">In some embodiments, a composite material further comprises small molecules.</p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">In one embodiment, small molecules suitable for use in a composite material comprise <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin">6,</part-num-ref>
+ coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin 6, coumarin">30,</part-num-ref>
+ coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin 6, coumarin 30, coumarin">102,</part-num-ref>
+ coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin 6, coumarin 30, coumarin 102, coumarin">110,</part-num-ref>
+ coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin 6, coumarin 30, coumarin 102, coumarin 110, coumarin">153,</part-num-ref>
+ and coumarin <part-num-ref name="composite material comprise coumarin 6, coumarin 30, coumarin 102, coumarin 110, coumarin 153, and coumarin">540.</part-num-ref>
+ In another embodiment, small molecules suitable for use in a composite material of the present invention comprise 9,10-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene-7(8<confidence value="5">H</confidence>
+)-one, 7- methylbenzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, 3,4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-<confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+,2-dione, and 1,3-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl-2,4-dihydroxycyclobutenediylium dihydroxide.    </p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15         </boundary-data>
+Composite materials, according to some embodiments of the present invention, have thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="present invention, have thickness ranging from about">30</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+m. In other embodiments, composite materials have a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">80</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">800</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In a further embodiment, a composite material has a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">300</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20         </boundary-data>
+Figure 1 illustrates a composite material according to one embodiment of the present invention. As displayed in Figure 1, the composite material <part-num-ref name="composite material">(100)</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a polymeric phase <part-num-ref name="polymeric phase">(102)</part-num-ref>
+ and a nanoparticle phase comprising a plurality of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains <part-num-ref name="plurality of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains">(104)</part-num-ref>
+ dispersed throughout the polymeric phase (102).    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">In another aspect, the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+radiation transmissive first electrode and a photosensitive composite organic layer electrically connected to the first electrode, the photosensitive composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, wherein the nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. A second electrode is also electrically connected to the photosensitive composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+Turning now to components that can be included in photovoltaic cells of the present invention, photovoltaic voltaic cells of the present invention comprise a radiation <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+transmissive first electrode. Radiation transmissive, as used herein, refers to the ability to at least partially pass radiation in the visible, near infrared, and/or near ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, radiation transmissive materials can pass visible electromagnetic radiation with minimal absorbance or other interference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5          </boundary-data>
+Moreover, electrodes, as used herein, refer to layers that provide a medium for delivering photo-generated current to an external circuit or providing bias voltage to the optoelectronic device. An electrode provides the interface between the photosensitive composite organic layer of a photovoltaic cell and a wire, lead, trace, or other means for transporting the charge carriers to or from the external circuit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10          </boundary-data>
+A radiation transmissive first electrode, according to some embodiments of the present invention, comprises a radiation transmissive conducting oxide. Radiation transmissive conducting oxides, in some embodiments, can comprise indium tin oxide (ITO), gallium indium tin oxide (GITO), and zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ indium tin oxide (ZITO). In another embodiment, the radiation transmissive first electrode can comprise a radiation <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+transmissive polymeric material such as polyaniline (PANI) and its chemical relatives.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">In some embodiments, 3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) can be a suitable radiation transmissive polymeric material for the first electrode. In other embodiments, a radiation transmissive first electrode can comprise a metal or carbon nanotube layer having a thickness operable to at least partially pass visible <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+electromagnetic radiation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">In some embodiments, a radiation transmissive first electrode has a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+m. In other embodiments, a radiation transmissive first electrode has a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">900</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="245">nm.</confidence>
+ In another embodiment, a radiation transmissive first electrode has a thickness ranging from about <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">800</part-num-ref>
+ nm. In a further embodiment, a radiation transmissive first electrode has a thickness greater than <part-num-ref name="thickness greater than">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">pm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">In addition to a radiation transmissive first electrode, photovoltaic cells of the present invention also comprise a photosensitive composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, as provided herein, electrically connected to <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+the radiation transmissive first electrode. In embodiments of the present invention, excitons are generated in the photosensitive composite organic layer upon the absorption <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+of electromagnetic radiation by the polymeric phase. Photosensitive composite organic layers, according to embodiments of the present invention, are operable to absorb visible electromagnetic radiation, infrared electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation, or combinations thereof. Exciton dissociation can be precipitated at bulk <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+heterojunctions in the composite organic layer. Bulk heterojunctions are formed between adjacent donor and acceptor materials in the photosensitive composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">In the context of organic materials, the terms donor and acceptor refer to the relative positions of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of two contacting but different <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+organic materials. This is in contrast to the use of these terms in the inorganic context, where donor and acceptor may refer to types of dopants that may be used to create inorganic n- and p-type layers, respectively. In the organic context, if the LUMO energy level of one material in contact with another is lower, then that material is an acceptor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">Otherwise it is a donor. It is energetically favorable, in the absence of an external bias, <boundary-data type="line-number">15 </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="2">*</confidence>
+ for electrons at a donor-acceptor junction to move into the acceptor material, and for holes to move into the donor material.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">In embodiments of the present invention, the polymeric phase of the composite organic layer serves as a donor material and the nanoparticle phase serves as the acceptor material thereby forming heterojunctions operable for the separation of excitons into <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+holes and electrons. Heterojunctions, according to embodiments of the present invention, are formed between polymers of the polymeric phase and nanoparticles, including exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, of the nanoparticle phase dispersed throughout the polymeric phase. In some embodiments, the high aspect ratio and crystalline structure of exaggerated nanocrystalline grains provide separated excitons (electrons) a faster <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+pathway to an electrode thereby decreasing the likelihood of recombination and enhancing photovoltaic cell efficiency.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">Photovoltaic cells of the present invention comprise a second electrode electrically connected to the photosensitive composite organic layer. In some embodiments, the second electrode comprises a metal. As used herein, metal refers to <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+both materials composed of an elementally pure metal, e.g., gold, and also metal alloys comprising materials composed of two or more elementally pure materials. In some <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+embodiments, the second electrode comprises gold, silver, aluminum, or copper. The second electrode, according to some embodiments, can have a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">10</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+m. In other embodiments, the second electrode can have a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">100</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">1</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="2">p</confidence>
+m or from about <part-num-ref name="pm or from about">200</part-num-ref>
+ nm to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">800</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+nm. In a further embodiment, the second electrode can have a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">50</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="5">n</confidence>
+m to about <part-num-ref name="nm to about">500</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="588">nm.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">A layer comprising lithium fluoride (LiF), according to some embodiments, is disposed between the photosensitive composite organic layer and second electrode. The LiF layer can have a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ angstroms to about <part-num-ref name="angstroms to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ angstroms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+In some embodiments, the LiF layer can be at least partially oxidized resulting in a layer comprising lithium oxide (Li2O) and LiF. In other embodiments, the LiF layer can be completely oxidized resulting in a lithium oxide layer deficient or substantially deficient of LiF. In some embodiments, a LiF layer is oxidized by exposing the LiF layer to oxygen, water vapor, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, for example, a LiF <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+layer is oxidized to a lithium oxide layer by exposure to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or oxygen at a partial pressures of less than about 1<confidence value="82">0~</confidence>
+6 Torr. In another embodiment, a LiF layer is oxidized to a lithium oxide layer by exposure to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or oxygen at a partial pressures less than about <confidence value="8825">10-7</confidence>
+ Torr or less than about <part-num-ref name="partial pressures less than about 10-7 Torr or less than about">1<confidence value="85">08</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ Torr. A partially oxidized or completely oxidized LiF <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+layer, in some embodiments, has a thickness ranging from about <part-num-ref name="thickness ranging from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ angstrom to about <part-num-ref name="angstrom to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ angstroms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">In some embodiments, a LiF layer is exposed to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or oxygen for a time period ranging from about <part-num-ref name="time period ranging from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ hour to about <part-num-ref name="hour to about">15</part-num-ref>
+ hours. In one embodiment, a LiF layer is exposed to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+oxygen for a time period greater than about <part-num-ref name="time period greater than about">15</part-num-ref>
+ hours. In a further embodiment, a LiF layer is exposed to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or oxygen for a time period less than about one hour. The time period of exposure of the LiF layer to an atmosphere comprising water vapor and/or oxygen, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is dependent upon the partial pressures of the water vapor and/or <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+oxygen in the atmosphere. The higher the partial pressure of the water vapor or oxygen, the shorter the exposure time.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+Photovoltaic cells of the present invention, in some embodiments, further comprise additional layers such as one or more exciton blocking layers. In embodiments of the present invention, an exciton blocking layer (EBL) can act to confine photogenerated excitons to the region near the dissociating interface and prevent parasitic <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+exciton quenching at a photosensitive organic/electrode interface. In addition to limiting the path over which excitons may diffuse, an EBL can additionally act as a diffusion barrier to substances introduced during deposition of the electrodes. In some embodiments, an EBL can have a sufficient thickness to fill pin holes or shorting defects which could otherwise render an organic photovoltaic device inoperable.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+An EBL, according to some embodiments of the present invention, can comprise a polymeric material. In embodiment, an EBL can comprise polyethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). In another embodiment, an EBL can comprise a composite material. In one embodiment, an EBL comprises carbon nanoparticles dispersed in 3,4- <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+polyethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). In another embodiment, an EBL comprises carbon nanoparticles dispersed in poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers thereof. Carbon nanoparticles dispersed in the polymeric phases including PEDOT:PSS and poly(vinylidene chloride) can comprise single-walled nanotubes, multi-walled nanotubes, fullerenes, or mixtures thereof. In further <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+embodiments, EBLs can comprise any polymer having a work function energy operable to permit the transport of holes while impeding the passage of electrons. In some embodiments, an EBL may be disposed between the radiation transmissive first electrode and a photosensitive composite organic layer of a photovoltaic cell.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">In some embodiments, a photovoltaic cell can be disposed on a rigid or flexible <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+radiation transmissive substrate. A rigid substrate, according to some embodiments, can comprise glass, a thermoplastic, thermoset, or metal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of photovoltaic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. The photovoltaic cell <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic cell">(200)</part-num-ref>
+ shown in Figure 2 comprises a radiation transmissive substrate <part-num-ref name="radiation transmissive substrate">(202)</part-num-ref>
+ and a radiation transmissive first <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+electrode <part-num-ref name="radiation transmissive first electrode">(204)</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a conducting oxide, such as indium tin oxide, gallium indium tin oxide, or zin<confidence value="8">c</confidence>
+ indium tin oxide. An exciton blocking layer <part-num-ref name="exciton blocking layer">(206)</part-num-ref>
+ is disposed over the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+radiation transmissive first electrode (204). As provided herein, in some embodiments, the exciton blocking layer <part-num-ref name="exciton blocking layer">(206)</part-num-ref>
+ can comprise PEDOT. The exciton blocking layer <part-num-ref name="exciton blocking layer">(206)</part-num-ref>
+ is covered by a photosensitive composite organic layer <part-num-ref name="photosensitive composite organic layer">(208)</part-num-ref>
+ comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase. The nanoparticle phase of the composite organic layer <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="composite organic layer">(208)</part-num-ref>
+ comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. A second electrode <part-num-ref name="second electrode">(210)</part-num-ref>
+ resides above the composite organic layer (208). In some embodiments, the second electrode comprises a metal such as aluminum, gold, solver, nickel or copper.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">Photovoltaic cells, according to some embodiments of the present invention, can display a fill factor greater than about 0.2. In other embodiments, a photovoltaic cells can <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+demonstrate a fill factor greater than about 0.5. In a further embodiment, a photovoltaic cells can display a fill factor greater than about 0.7.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">In some embodiments, a photovoltaic cell of the present invention can display a conversion efficiency, <confidence value="41">rl</confidence>
+ , greater than about 4%. Photovoltaic cells of the present invention, in other embodiments, can display a conversion efficiency greater than about <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+5%. In a further embodiment, a photovoltaic cell of the present invention can demonstrate a conversion efficiency greater than about 6%.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">In another aspect, the present invention provides a photoactive apparatus comprising at least one pixel comprising at least one photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic cell comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, a photosensitive composite <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+organic layer electrically connected to the first electrode, the photosensitive organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, wherein the nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. A second electrode is electrically connected to the composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">In some embodiments, a pixel comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells. In other <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+embodiments, a photoactive apparatus comprises a plurality of pixels. In a further embodiment, a photoactive device comprises an array of pixels, each pixel comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells. In some embodiments, a photoactive apparatus comprises a solar array.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">Photovoltaic cells for use in pixel applications, in some embodiments of the <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+present invention, are constructed independently from one another. In such embodiments, component materials for one photovoltaic cell are selected without <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+reference to component materials selected for another photovoltaic cell. In one embodiment, for example, photovoltaic cells can comprise different conjugated polymers having non-overlapping spectral absorbances. As a result, in some embodiments, pixels and pixel arrays are not required to comprise photovoltaic cells of identical construction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+Photovoltaic cell construction can be varied in any manner consistent with the materials and methods described herein to produce pixels and pixel arrays suitable for a wide range of applications.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">In another aspect, the present invention also provides methods for producing a composite material comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase. In one <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+embodiment, a method for producing a composite material comprises disposing a nanoparticle phase in a polymeric phase and forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain in the polymeric phase. Exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, according to embodiments of the present invention, are formed from a plurality of nanoparticles disposed in the polymeric phase during abnormal or exaggerated grain <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+growth. In one embodiment, for example, an exaggerated nanocrystalline grain is formed from a plurality of carbon nanoparticles, such as fullerenes or carbon nanotubes, disposed in the polymeric phase.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">In some embodiments, forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain comprises annealing the composite material. Annealing, according to some embodiments <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+of the present invention, comprises disposing the composite material in a thermal gradient. In some embodiments, a thermal gradient can be established by heating one side of the composite material while maintaining the opposing side of the composite material at a constant temperature or cooling the opposing side.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">In one embodiment, for example, one side of a composite material is exposed to a <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+temperature within about 5% to about 30% of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymeric phase while the opposing side is held at or cooled to room temperature. In another embodiment, one side of a composite material is exposed to a temperature within about 10% to about 20% of the glass transition temperature of the polymeric phase while the opposing side is held at or cooled to room temperature.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30         </boundary-data>
+In other embodiments, one side of a composite organic material can be exposed to a temperature within about 5% to about 30% of the glass transition temperature of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+polymeric phase while the opposing side is held at or cooled to a temperature ranging from about room temperature to about liquid nitrogen temperatures. In a further embodiment, one side of a composite material is exposed to a temperature within about 10% to about 20% of the glass transition temperature of the polymeric phase while the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+opposing side is held at or cooled to a temperature ranging from about room temperature to about liquid nitrogen temperatures. The temperature difference between the heated side of the composite material and the opposing unheated side can be varied depending factors such as thickness of the composite material, loading of the nanoparticle phase in the polymeric phase, and heating times.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10         </boundary-data>
+In some embodiments, a composite material is annealed for a time period ranging from about <part-num-ref name="time period ranging from about">30</part-num-ref>
+ seconds to about <part-num-ref name="seconds to about">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. In another embodiment, a composite material is annealed for a time period ranging from about <part-num-ref name="time period ranging from about">1</part-num-ref>
+ minute to about <part-num-ref name="minute to about">10</part-num-ref>
+ minutes or from about <part-num-ref name="minutes or from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ minutes to about <part-num-ref name="minutes to about">7</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. In a further embodiment, a composite material is annealed for a time period less than or equal to about <part-num-ref name="time period less than or equal to about">5</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. In one embodiment, a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+composite material is annealed for a time period ranging from about <part-num-ref name="time period ranging from about">2</part-num-ref>
+ minutes to about <part-num-ref name="minutes to about">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. In some embodiments, a composite material is annealed for a time period greater than about <part-num-ref name="time period greater than about">15</part-num-ref>
+ minutes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">While not wishing to be bound to any theory, it is believed that two processes occur when a composite material comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+is annealed in a thermal gradient approaching the glass transition temperature of the polymeric phase. First, the polymeric phase undergoes at least some crystallization thereby increasing hole mobilities within the polymeric phase. Second, exaggerated nanocrystalline grains comprising a plurality of nanoparticles form in the polymeric phase as a result of exaggerated or abnormal grain growth processes. The resulting <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+exaggerated nanocrystalline grains, in some embodiments, can be at least partially aligned in the polymeric phase, thereby improving the electron mobility to match the enhanced hole mobility.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">In some embodiments, one or more exaggerated nanocrystalline grains can be substantially vertically aligned or oriented in the polymeric phase of a photosensitive <part-num-ref name="photosensitive">30</part-num-ref>
+   composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+In a further aspect, the present invention provides methods of producing photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, a method for producing a photovoltaic cell comprises providing a radiation transmissive first electrode, disposing a photosensitive composite organic layer in electrical communication with the first electrode, the <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+photosensitive composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, disposing a second electrode in electrical communication with the photosensitive composite organic layer, and forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain in the polymeric phase of the photosensitive composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">In some embodiments, disposing a photosensitive composite organic layer in <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+electrical communication with the first electrode comprises depositing the composite organic layer on the first electrode by dip coating, spin coating, vapor phase deposition, or vacuum thermal annealing. Disposing a second electrode in electrical communication with the photosensitive composite organic layer, according to some embodiments, comprises depositing the second electrode on the composite organic layer through vapor <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+phase deposition, spin coating, dip coating, or vacuum thermal annealing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">Forming at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain in the polymeric phase, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprises annealing the photosensitive composite organic layer in a thermal gradient as provided hereinabove.</p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">Figure 3 illustrates a process for establishing a thermal gradient for annealing a <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+photosensitive composite organic layer of a photovoltaic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 3, the photovoltaic cell <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic cell">(300)</part-num-ref>
+ comprises a radiation transmissive first electrode (302), an exciton blocking layer <part-num-ref name="exciton blocking layer">(304)</part-num-ref>
+ covering the radiation transmissive first electrode (302), and a photosensitive composite organic layer <part-num-ref name="photosensitive composite organic layer">(306)</part-num-ref>
+ above the exciton blocking layer. A layer of LiF <part-num-ref name="layer of LiF">(308)</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+covers the composite organic layer <part-num-ref name="composite organic layer">(306)</part-num-ref>
+ followed by a second electrode (310).    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">The photovoltaic cell (300) is positioned on a heating plate (312). The heating plate (312), in some embodiments, is set to a temperature within about 10% to about 20% of the glass transition temperature of the polymeric phase of the composite organic layer (306). A source of flowing inert gas (314), such as nitrogen or argon, is positioned to <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+contact the side of the photovoltaic cell <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic cell">(300)</part-num-ref>
+ opposing the heating plate (312). In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the side opposing the heating plate <part-num-ref name="heating plate">(312)</part-num-ref>
+ comprises the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+second electrode (310). Inert gas <part-num-ref name="second electrode (310). Inert gas">(314)</part-num-ref>
+ flows over the second electrode <part-num-ref name="second electrode">(310)</part-num-ref>
+ to cool or maintain the second electrode <part-num-ref name="second electrode">(310)</part-num-ref>
+ at a constant temperature. In some embodiments, the side opposing the heating plate can be maintained at a temperature ranging from about room temperature to about liquid nitrogen temperatures. The temperature difference <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+between the opposing sides of the photovoltaic cell <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic cell">(300)</part-num-ref>
+ establishes the thermal gradient for the annealing process. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic cell <part-num-ref name="photovoltaic cell">(300)</part-num-ref>
+ is placed in a glove box (not shown) under an inert atmosphere during the annealing process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">In a further aspect, the present invention provides methods of converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. In one embodiment, a method for <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy comprises exposing a photosensitive composite organic layer to electromagnetic radiation, the composite organic layer comprising a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase wherein the nanoparticle phase comprises at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain, generating excitons in the photosensitive composite organic layer, and separating the excitons into <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+electrons and holes at a heterojunction in the composite organic layer.    </p>
+    <p id="p-92" num="92">In some embodiments, a heterojunction comprises a plurality of bulk heterojunctions. As discussed herein, a bulk heterojunction is formed at the interface of a donor material and an acceptor material. In some embodiments, a donor material comprises the polymeric phase and the acceptor material comprises the nanoparticle <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+phase of the photosensitive composite organic layer. In one embodiment, a bulk heterojunction is formed at the interface of the polymeric phase and at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain. In other embodiments, a bulk heterojunction is formed at the interface the polymeric phase and a nanoparticle of the nanoparticle phase, such as a carbon nanotube or a fullerene, not associated with an exaggerated crystalline <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+grain.    </p>
+    <p id="p-93" num="93">A method for converting electromagnetic energy into electrical energy, according to embodiments of the present invention, can further comprise removing the electrons into an external circuit.</p>
+    <p id="p-94" num="94">
+      <confidence value="88">30</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">Express Mail No. EQ 476 572 358 US</boundary-data>
+EXAMPLE 1 Pho<confidence value="8">t</confidence>
+ovoltaic Cell A non-limiting example of a photovoltaic cell of the present invention was <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+prepared according to the following procedure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-95" num="95">A photovoltaic cell of the present invention was prepared by spin casting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (Baytron P) onto a cleaned indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate (Delta Technologies R<confidence value="4">S</confidence>
+ = <part-num-ref name="cleaned indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate (Delta Technologies RS =">10</part-num-ref>
+ Ohm squar<confidence value="888">e).</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-96" num="96">The PEDOT:PSS layer was about 80 nm thick. A blend of regioregular P3HT (Aldrich:</p>
+    <p id="p-97" num="97">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">10   </boundary-data>
+regioregular with an average molecular weight, M<confidence value="4">,</confidence>
+ = <part-num-ref name="average molecular weight, M, =">87</part-num-ref>
+ kg mo<confidence value="55">l1</confidence>
+, without further purification) and PCBM (American Dye Source) was subsequently spin coated onto the PEDOT:PSS layer. The ratio of P3HT to PCBM was about 1:0.66. A LiF (0.3-0.4 nm) and aluminum <part-num-ref name="LiF (0.3-0.4 nm) and aluminum">(80</part-num-ref>
+ nm) cathode was evaporated onto the polymer stack. The photovoltaic cell was removed from the evaporator and encapsulated using glass capsules with a <boundary-data type="line-number">15   </boundary-data>
+silicon seal. Once encapsulated, the photovoltaic cell was annealed on a hot plate at about 155<confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+C for about <part-num-ref name="hot plate at about 155&quot;C for about">3</part-num-ref>
+ minutes. Dried nitrogen gas was blown over the side of the photovoltaic cell opposite the heating plate to maintain the side at room temperature during annealing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-98" num="98">After fabrication, the photovoltaic cell was tested to determine performance <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+characteristics in terms of short circuit current density and open circuit voltage. All photovoltaic cell measurements were performed at room temperature. Figure 4 illustrates current-voltage (I-V) plots for annealed and unannealed photovoltaic cells. I-V curves of the devices were measured using a Keithley <part-num-ref name="Keithley">236</part-num-ref>
+ Source Measure Unit. The solar simulator used was an AM<confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+.5G from Oriel. The illumination intensity was <part-num-ref name="illumination intensity was">80</part-num-ref>
+ mW cm<confidence value="15">".</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-99" num="99">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+As displayed in the I-V curves, the short circuit current density of a photovoltaic cell increases subsequent to annealing the photovoltaic cell.    </p>
+    <p id="p-100" num="100">Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfillment of the various objects of the invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11833560.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,317 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11833560</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-08-03</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBDIVIDING A DIGITAL BROADCAST</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">PROGRAM INTO DISTINCT IDENTIFIED SECTIONS FOR SELECTIVE DIGITAL</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">VIDEO RECORDING AND ARCHIVING</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">TRADEMARKS</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+      IBM <confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, New York, U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Field of the Invention <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      This invention relates generally to digital audio/video recording, and more particularly to a method and system for subdividing a digital broadcast program into distinct identifiable sections for selective archiving and recording.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Description of the Related Art <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      Digital television (DTV) is a telecommunication system for broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and sound by means of a digital signal, in contrast to an analog signal used by analog (traditional) TV. DTV utilizes the digital modulation of analog signal data, which is digitally compressed prior to recording or broadcast. The digitally compressed signal requires decoding by a specially designed receiver within a television set, or a standard receiver with a set-top box, or a PC fitted with a television card. Digital television has several advantages over traditional analog TV, the most significant being that digital channels take up less bandwidth space. The reduced bandwidth of a digital broadcast signal enables digital broadcasters to provide more digital channels in the same space, provide High-Definition (HD) digital service, or provide other non-television services such as pay-multimedia services or interactive <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="866">FIS</confidence>
+920070123U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                      1      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+services. Digital television also permits special services such as multicasting (more than one program on the same channel), electronic program guides, and program identification.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the branch of the United States (U.S.) government that regulates the television and radio broadcast industries, has mandated that all U.S. television broadcasts will be exclusively digital as of February <part-num-ref name="television and radio broadcast industries, has mandated that all U.S. television broadcasts will be exclusively digital as of February">17,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="television and radio broadcast industries, has mandated that all U.S. television broadcasts will be exclusively digital as of February 17,">2009.</part-num-ref>
+ Furthermore, as of March <part-num-ref name="television and radio broadcast industries, has mandated that all U.S. television broadcasts will be exclusively digital as of February 17, 2009. Furthermore, as of March">1,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="television and radio broadcast industries, has mandated that all U.S. television broadcasts will be exclusively digital as of February 17, 2009. Furthermore, as of March 1,">2007,</part-num-ref>
+ all new television sets that can receive signals over-the-air, including pocket-sized portable televisions, must include digital or HDTV tuners so they can receive digital broadcasts.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Currently, electronic program guides and program identification information encoded with digital broadcast data streams are limited to parameters relating to an entire program, or at best indicators for the overall program as well as commercial break identification. Presently, information available to the viewer of a digital broadcast includes the title of the program, event, or show, a viewing rating, and a brief synopsis of the broadcast. Current digital broadcast recording capabilities are limited to recording only the entire show, with no capability to record only user-defined sections of the broadcast.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0006<confidence value="2">)</confidence>
+       Embodiments of the present invention include a method, service, and system for subdividing audio/video (A/V) content, the method includes: labeling a series of A/V content as individual sections; assembling the individual sections of the A/V content into a continuous series of segments; wherein a segment includes part or all of a section of A/V content; assigning sub-section identification to each segment of the continuous series of segments; wherein the sub-section identification is timestamp coordinated with the series of segments, and specifies a segment description, and timing control records for the A/V content within a segment; wherein the timing control records comprise start times and end times for each segment; and wherein the subdivision of the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="866">FIS</confidence>
+920070123U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                       2      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+A/V content into identifiable sub-sections facilitates selective archiving, recording, and playback.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[000<confidence value="55">7]</confidence>
+       A method for user control of <confidence value="8866">(A/V</confidence>
+) content, the service includes: utilizing a series of sub-section identifiers assigned to A<confidence value="66">/V</confidence>
+ content to selectively record or playback individual segments; wherein the sub-section identifiers are timestamp coordinated with the series of segments, and specify a segment description, and timing control records for the A/V content within a segment; wherein the timing control records comprise start times and end times for each segment; and wherein one or more devices are configured with decoders and application software to recognize the sub-section identifiers, and provide a graphical user interface to facilitate the selection of specific segments for selective recording or playback.    </p>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       A system for selective recording and playback of audio/video (A<confidence value="58">N)</confidence>
+ content, the system includes: one or more A/V editing devices; one or more recording and playback devices; wherein the one or more A<confidence value="66">/V</confidence>
+ editing devices label a series of A/V content as individual sections; wherein the one or more A/V editing devices assemble the individual sections of the A<confidence value="66">/V</confidence>
+ content into a continuous series of segments; wherein a segment includes part or all of a section of A<confidence value="66">/V</confidence>
+ content; wherein the one or more A<confidence value="66">/V</confidence>
+ editing devices assign sub-section identification to each segment of the continuous series of segments; wherein the sub-section identification is timestamp coordinated with the series of segments, and specifies a segment description, and timing control records for the <confidence value="866">A/V</confidence>
+ content within a segment; wherein the timing control records comprise start times and end times for each segment; and wherein the subdivision of the A/V content into identifiable sub-sections facilitates selective archiving, recording, and playback by the one or more recording and playback devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                       3      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">TECHNICAL EFFECTS</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      As a result of the summarized invention, a solution is technically achieved for a method and system for subdividing a digital broadcast program into distinct identifiable sections for selective archiving and recording.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0011]      The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">
+      <confidence value="2">1</confidence>
+0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a manual method for assembling timing control records for audio/video content according to embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an automatic method for calculating timing control records for audio/video content according to embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of broadcast sub-section menu selection in a digital audio/video recording environment according to embodiments of the invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-9">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="866">FIS</confidence>
+920070123U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                     4    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0016]       Many entertainment programs and shows may be divided into segments or subsections based on topics of interest or storylines. For example, daytime dramas, commonly referred to as <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+soap opera" shows contain distinct subsections that can be delineated and grouped into logically related segments, such as separate story lines with featured characters. In addition, newsmagazine shows and entertainment shows typically have well defined formats with news segments, monologues, interviews, or musical and performance entertainment. However, there is lack of a corresponding method and system to include identification information for segments or subsections of a digital audio and video broadcast.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0017<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for subdividing a digital broadcast program into distinct identifiable sections for selective archiving and recording. The sub-section identification information is incorporated in the data stream of a digital video broadcast or within a pre-recorded medium (i.e., digital video disc (DVD), compact disc (CD), magnetic storage, etc.). The sub-section identification is timestamp coordinated with the video and audio streams, and specifies a segment description, start time, end time for the content within the sub-section. Digital video recorders (DVR), and other types of recording devices that are equipped with decoders and application software, according to embodiments of the invention, utilize the sub-section identification information to enable the recording of an entire program, or to record one or more sub-sections of the program. Pre-recorded medium configured with sub-section identification allow for selective playback of content, and improved cataloguing for archiving information.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The synchronized data stream of sub-section identification information also enables the partial downloading of TV shows on pod casting services, improved selective video on demand, and partial downloading to mobile communication devices for a discount over the price of the entire program. The ability to select and record only the desired sub-sections of a program saves on the space required to store the program, enabling perhaps <part-num-ref name="program, enabling perhaps">20</part-num-ref>
+ minutes of audio and video of interest, where there might not be sufficient space <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                       5      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+to record and store an entire hour of the program. Video, even with compression, requires large amounts of device memory. Mobile communication devices, such as cellular phones, have the ability to download and record digital video content, however do to mobile communication devices small size they have limited recording storage capacity. Therefore, selective recording of video content on a mobile communications device allows users to download and store the portions of video content they want within the constraints of the device's memory. Embodiments of the invention may be offered as a pay-per-view or subscription service, including a possible variable price for broadcast television events in which a program is partially recorded.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The sub-section identification provided by embodiments of the invention, facilitate electronic program guides (EPG) and graphical user interfaces (GUI) to display the distinct sub-sections available in an upcoming digital television program broadcast to enable a viewer to select one or more of the available program sub-sections for digital video recording. A further feature of embodiments of the invention facilitates the user in bringing together the different sub-sections of various interlaced story lines into continuous story lines, by rearranging and presenting a partially-recorded digital television broadcast program sorted by distinct sub-section identifier keys and sub- section interval start time, so that all video segments associated with a particular sub- section identifier key can be viewed as a contiguous unit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Table <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ illustrates an embodiment of the invention, where three distinct storylines or themes are found in a televised program that has been digitally encoded with sub-section identifiers. When a television program is edited for the final version, identifiers for each program segment are added to the digital data, which contains the program. Each identifier consists of a key value corresponding to a descriptive text field. For example in Table <part-num-ref name="descriptive text field. For example in Table">1,</part-num-ref>
+ subsection identifier "2325078" corresponds with sub- section description "Character "X" in storyline 1." The data provided in Table <part-num-ref name="data provided in Table">1</part-num-ref>
+ is made available to the on-screen program guide, offering the partial recording capability as a selectable option when the system owner requests a program to be recorded.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                       6    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Table 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Sub-section identifier Sub-section Description "XYZ" show 2325078              Character "X" in storyline <part-num-ref name="Character &quot;X&quot; in storyline">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2325084</part-num-ref>
+              Character "Y" in storyline <part-num-ref name="Character &quot;Y&quot; in storyline">2</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2325204</part-num-ref>
+              Characters "X" and "Y" in storyline <part-num-ref name="Characters &quot;X&quot; and &quot;Y&quot; in storyline">3</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2300000</part-num-ref>
+              Opening credits <part-num-ref name="Opening credits">1000000</part-num-ref>
+              Commercial break <part-num-ref name="Commercial break">2999999</part-num-ref>
+              Closing credits <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Table <part-num-ref name="Closing credits [0022]       Table">2.</part-num-ref>
+ illustrates how the digital data stream relates the sub-section identifier keys to segments of the broadcast with an associated starting point in the mixed audio/video stream, and an associated end point. For example sub-section identifier <part-num-ref name="associated end point. For example sub-section identifier">2300000</part-num-ref>
+ corresponds with the sub-section description for the opening credits.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">The opening credits run for the first thirty seconds of the program "XYZ". The opening credits are followed by two minutes of commercials, indicated by sub-section identifier <part-num-ref name="opening credits are followed by two minutes of commercials, indicated by sub-section identifier">1000000,</part-num-ref>
+ with an interval start time of 00:00:30 and an interval end time of 00:02:30.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">Following the commercial break, the first storyline segment identified with sub-section identifier <part-num-ref name="first storyline segment identified with sub-section identifier">2325078</part-num-ref>
+ that corresponds to sub-section description "Storyline 1" commences at interval start time 00:02:30 and runs until interval end time 00:05:15. At interval start time 00:05:15 Storyline <part-num-ref name="that corresponds to sub-section description &quot;Storyline 1&quot; commences at interval start time 00:02:30 and runs until interval end time 00:05:15. At interval start time 00:05:15 Storyline">2</part-num-ref>
+ begins as indicated by sub-section identifier <part-num-ref name="begins as indicated by sub-section identifier">2325084.</part-num-ref>
+ In a similar fashion, additional segments are identified until the closing credits corresponding to sub-section identifier <part-num-ref name="closing credits corresponding to sub-section identifier">2999999</part-num-ref>
+ at interval start time 00:59:00 is reached.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="866">FIS</confidence>
+920070123U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                       7    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+     Table 2.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">Sub-section  Interval Start Time  Interval end time  Sub-section <boundary-data type="line-number">identifier  </boundary-data>
+(Hrs, Mins, Se<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+s)  (Hrs, Mins, Se<confidence value="5">c</confidence>
+s)  description <boundary-data type="line-number">2300000     </boundary-data>
+00:00:00         00:00:30          Opening credits <boundary-data type="line-number">1000000     </boundary-data>
+00:00:30         00:02:30          Commercial break <boundary-data type="line-number">2325078     </boundary-data>
+00:02:30         00:05:15          Storyline 1 <boundary-data type="line-number">2325084     </boundary-data>
+00:05:15         00:07:30          Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:05:15         00:07:30          Storyline">2</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">1000000     </boundary-data>
+00:07:30         00:09:30          Commercial break <boundary-data type="line-number">2325204     </boundary-data>
+00:09:30         00:12:00          Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:07:30         00:09:30          Commercial break 00:09:30         00:12:00          Storyline">3</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">2325078     </boundary-data>
+00:12:00         0015:15           Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:12:00         0015:15           Storyline">1</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">2325204     </boundary-data>
+00:15:15         00:17:45          Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:15:15         00:17:45          Storyline">3</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">2325084     </boundary-data>
+00:17:45         00:20:00          Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:17:45         00:20:00          Storyline">2</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">1000000     </boundary-data>
+00:20:00         00:22:00          Commercial break <boundary-data type="line-number">2325078     </boundary-data>
+00:22:00         00:24:30          Storyline <part-num-ref name="00:20:00         00:22:00          Commercial break 00:22:00         00:24:30          Storyline">1</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">2999999</part-num-ref>
+     00:59:00         <confidence value="66">01</confidence>
+:00:00          Closing credits <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="866">FIS</confidence>
+920070123U<confidence value="5">S</confidence>
+1                   8      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       A DVR equipped with decoders and application software utilize the information from Tables <part-num-ref name="information from Tables">1</part-num-ref>
+ and Tables <part-num-ref name="and Tables">2</part-num-ref>
+ that is encoded in the data stream of a digital broadcast to selectively record one or more sub-sections of the program according to the users inputs to the DVR GUI or on screen menu. For example if the user only wishes to record storyline <part-num-ref name="user only wishes to record storyline">2,</part-num-ref>
+ they would enter their selection into the DVR GUI or on screen menu.    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">In a similar fashion, during the playback of pre-recorded audio and video encoded with the sub-section identifier information, a user can utilize the GUI of the playback device to select and arrange the portions of the presentation they wish to view and listen to.</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The ability to pick from available designated sub-sections of a broadcast is an effective method of eliminating commercials from the recording. However, commercial elimination may not be desirable in the business model of the digital service provider or broadcast network. This may be overcome by requiring a certain percentage (or all) of the commercials to be recorded along with the requested sub-sections. Alternatively, the selective segment recording and viewing service may be offered for a slight additional premium charge applied to the viewer's monthly bill.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The creation and synchronization of sub-section identification information to the digital audio and video content can be done manually during the programs creation, or can be created automatically by calculating the start time and end time based on the size of the digital video or audio file.    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary manual method for assembling timing control records for audio/video (A/V) content according to embodiments of the invention. Various scenes are filmed and labeled as video sections <part-num-ref name="invention. Various scenes are filmed and labeled as video sections">1</part-num-ref>
+ through N (blocks <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks">100,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 100,">102,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 100, 102,">104,</part-num-ref>
+ 106). The raw video sections are then edited, composed, and assembled in <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+ post-production studio (block 108). A reviewer manually categorizes and classifies the post-production video into segments (block <part-num-ref name="post-production video into segments (block">110)</part-num-ref>
+ with sub-section identifiers, subsection descriptions, and timing records (interval start and end times) (block 112). The sub- section identification information is synchronized and added to each segment and the overall data stream with a digital video recorder unit (block 114).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">FIS92007<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+123US<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+                       <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <confidence value="66">[0</confidence>
+028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary automatic method for calculating timing control records for audio/video content according to embodiments of the invention. Various scenes are filmed and labeled as video sections <part-num-ref name="invention. Various scenes are filmed and labeled as video sections">1</part-num-ref>
+ through N (blocks <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 200,">202,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 200, 202,">204,</part-num-ref>
+ 206), and a series of identification (ID) key values (blocks <part-num-ref name="series of identification (ID) key values (blocks">208,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="series of identification (ID) key values (blocks 208,">210,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="series of identification (ID) key values (blocks 208, 210,">212,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="series of identification (ID) key values (blocks 208, 210, 212,">214)</part-num-ref>
+ are automatically attached to the filmed video sections <part-num-ref name="filmed video sections">1</part-num-ref>
+ through N (blocks <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 200,">202,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="through N (blocks 200, 202,">204,</part-num-ref>
+ 206), respectively. The identified video sections (blocks <part-num-ref name="identified video sections (blocks">216,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="identified video sections (blocks 216,">218,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="identified video sections (blocks 216, 218,">220,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="identified video sections (blocks 216, 218, 220,">222)</part-num-ref>
+ are then edited, composed, and assembled in a post-production studio (block 224), with ID key values and section numbers remaining integral with their original filmed video section footage (block 226), even after filmed video section footage (blocks <part-num-ref name="post-production studio (block 224), with ID key values and section numbers remaining integral with their original filmed video section footage (block 226), even after filmed video section footage (blocks">200,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="post-production studio (block 224), with ID key values and section numbers remaining integral with their original filmed video section footage (block 226), even after filmed video section footage (blocks 200,">202,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="post-production studio (block 224), with ID key values and section numbers remaining integral with their original filmed video section footage (block 226), even after filmed video section footage (blocks 200, 202,">204,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="post-production studio (block 224), with ID key values and section numbers remaining integral with their original filmed video section footage (block 226), even after filmed video section footage (blocks 200, 202, 204,">206)</part-num-ref>
+ is broken up and rearranged into composed video content. The start and end times are calculated automatically (block 228), and the values are assigned to the time tags T<confidence value="4">o</confidence>
+ through T<confidence value="11">n1</confidence>
+ as timing records (block <part-num-ref name="time tags To through Tn1 as timing records (block">230)</part-num-ref>
+ of the composed video content (block 226), based on the size of the digital video section file and the compression technique used. For example, if the video file is recorded at <part-num-ref name="video file is recorded at">20</part-num-ref>
+ KB/s (kilobits per second), and the file size is <part-num-ref name="file size is">10</part-num-ref>
+ MB (mega bits) from T<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+ to T<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+, the length of the segment is <part-num-ref name="segment is">500</part-num-ref>
+ seconds or equivalently expressed as <part-num-ref name="seconds or equivalently expressed as">8</part-num-ref>
+ minutes and <part-num-ref name="minutes and">20</part-num-ref>
+ seconds. A digital video recording device (block <part-num-ref name="digital video recording device (block">232)</part-num-ref>
+ merges and synchronizes the timing records with the assembled sub-section video segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+      FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of broadcast subsection menu selection in a digital video recording environment according to embodiments of the invention. An expanded program information data stream (block <part-num-ref name="expanded program information data stream (block">300)</part-num-ref>
+ is downloaded into a DVR (block <part-num-ref name="DVR (block">302)</part-num-ref>
+ from at least one of the following: over the air reception, cable, satellite, Internet, or other known means for transmitting programming information for EPGs. If sub-section information is not included in the data stream (decision block <part-num-ref name="data stream (decision block">304</part-num-ref>
+ is No), a standard DVR GUI menu is displayed (block 306). If the sub-section information is included in the data stream (decision block <part-num-ref name="data stream (decision block">304</part-num-ref>
+ is Yes), but the receiving DVR (block <part-num-ref name="receiving DVR (block">302)</part-num-ref>
+ is not capable of recording sub-sections (decision block <part-num-ref name="is not capable of recording sub-sections (decision block">308</part-num-ref>
+ is No), a standard DVR GUI menu is displayed (block 306), and standard DVR recording functions (block <part-num-ref name="standard DVR GUI menu is displayed (block 306), and standard DVR recording functions (block">310)</part-num-ref>
+ are carried out.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">Standard recording functions only allow for the recording of the whole program, or for <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                      10      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+user defined time intervals. However, if the sub-section information is included in the data stream (decision block <part-num-ref name="data stream (decision block">304</part-num-ref>
+ is Yes), and the receiving DVR (block <part-num-ref name="receiving DVR (block">302)</part-num-ref>
+ is capable of recording sub-sections (decision block <part-num-ref name="is capable of recording sub-sections (decision block">308</part-num-ref>
+ is Yes), the EPG or GUI menu of the DVR (block <part-num-ref name="DVR (block">302)</part-num-ref>
+ displays the available sub-sections (block 312). The viewer may then select one or more of the sub-sections (block 314), which are then processed (block 316). The DVR (block <part-num-ref name="DVR (block">302)</part-num-ref>
+ determines which sub-sections were selected for recording (decision block 318). If a subsection has been selected for recording (decision block <part-num-ref name="subsection has been selected for recording (decision block">318</part-num-ref>
+ is Yes), the selected sub-sections ID is added to a list of subsection ID to be recorded (block 320).    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">The DVR (block 302) incrementally (block <part-num-ref name="incrementally (block">322)</part-num-ref>
+ reviews each of the sub-sections (blocks <part-num-ref name="sub-sections (blocks">324,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="sub-sections (blocks 324,">318)</part-num-ref>
+ to determine if the sub-section's ID should be added to the record list (block 320). The DVR continues to review the sub-sections until there are no more available (decision block <part-num-ref name="sub-sections until there are no more available (decision block">324</part-num-ref>
+ is No), and completes the sub-section review selection (block 326).    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof.    </p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+       The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                      11      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0034      While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="86">FI</confidence>
+S920070123US1                      12    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11835618.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,578 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11835618</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-10-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="11">o1</confidence>
+ <confidence value="7827">OCI2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="2">2</confidence>
+ <confidence value="11">My</confidence>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="6">7</confidence>
+                             </boundary-data>
+      <confidence value="6">S</confidence>
+urface Processing A<confidence value="66">pp</confidence>
+aratus Background of Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+Field of Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for the surface processing of a substrate, in particular apparatus that utilises high-density plasma to aid chemical vapour deposition or etching.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Description of the Related Art Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and plasma etching are well-known processing methods used in the semiconductor and integrated circuit industry. In a <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+standard CVD process a semiconductor wafer is placed within a specialised reaction chamber and the surface of the wafer is exposed to various chemical substances, wherein the chemical substances are injected into the reaction chamber in gaseous form or within a carrier gas. The chemical substances typically comprise one or more volatile precursors, which react with and/or decompose upon <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the wafer substrate to alter the surface of the semiconductor wafer and provide the necessary processing in dependence on the chemistry of the substances involved.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">In many processes volatile gaseous by-products are also produced, which are removed using a gas flow through the reaction chamber. Surface reactions can either add new material or etch the existing surface. Common processing operations <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+include the deposition of layers of material upon the wafer substrate and the etching of layers of material from the wafer substrate to form device components, electrical connections, dielectrics, charge barriers and other common circuit elements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">In recent times, plasma enhancement has been incorporated into CVD systems in order to enhance the quality and/or processing rate of the surface <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+process. These plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) systems generally operate by the dissociation and ionisation of gaseous chemicals to increase the reactivity of the one or more chemical precursors. This enhanced reactivity due to energetic particles in the plasma increases the processing rate and allows lower processing temperatures to be used when compared to conventional CVD systems. Plasma <part-num-ref name="processing rate and allows lower processing temperatures to be used when compared to conventional CVD systems. Plasma">35</part-num-ref>
+   enhancement is particularly useful for etching processes.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+The plasma can be generated in situ within the reaction chamber using a parallel plate (PP) system or generated remotely from reaction chamber and/or substrate and then transported into the reaction chamber. A standard PP system is illustrated in Figure 10: a first plate <part-num-ref name="first plate">104</part-num-ref>
+ is used as a platform upon which the wafer <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">103</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted and a second plate <part-num-ref name="second plate">150</part-num-ref>
+ is located in a parallel plane above the first plate <part-num-ref name="first plate">104.</part-num-ref>
+ Both plates are located within a single chamber <part-num-ref name="single chamber">115</part-num-ref>
+ and process gas mixtures are injected into this chamber <part-num-ref name="and process gas mixtures are injected into this chamber">115</part-num-ref>
+ through an array of holes <part-num-ref name="array of holes">106</part-num-ref>
+ in the upper second plate <part-num-ref name="upper second plate">150</part-num-ref>
+ in an assembly called a showerhead. Typically, the second plate <part-num-ref name="second plate">150</part-num-ref>
+ is then driven with a radio frequency (RF) current source <part-num-ref name="radio frequency (RF) current source">160</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+and plasma <part-num-ref name="and plasma">113</part-num-ref>
+ is generated, using the injected gas mixtures, in the space between the two plates. The showerhead holes <part-num-ref name="showerhead holes">106</part-num-ref>
+ are as narrow as can be practically manufactured to limit intense parasitic plasmas forming inside the holes. The formation of any plasma within the gas mixture inlets would produce an intense local plasma, which perturbs the uniformity of processing and can degrade the gas <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+injection apparatus. Each hole normally takes the form of a small tube, with a length to diameter ratio of at least 5:1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">With contemporary developments in the field of PECVD and plasma etching, the use of high-density (HD) plasmas is becoming increasingly viable. High-density plasma CVD (HDPCVD) or etching systems are typically those in which the <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+generated ion or electron density is greater than <part-num-ref name="generated ion or electron density is greater than">10</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="6668">cm-3</confidence>
+. This also raises the dissociation efficiency by an order of magnitude when compared to standard parallel plate systems. These enhanced plasma properties further increase the processing rate and/or quality of HDPCVD processes and offers potential advantages of lower hydrogen content films, high quality films at lower process temperatures, void-free <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+gap filling of high aspect ratio features, and self- planarisation when compared with conventional PECVD.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">A common implementation of HDPCVD utilises an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source comprising a plasma generation chamber encircled by an inductively coupled coil. This coil is driven with a R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ supply in order to generate an <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+electric field within the plasma generation chamber, which in turn in creates and ignites a plasma cloud. A variety of RF frequencies can be used including low frequencies (below 55kHz), high frequencies (13.56 MHz) or microwave frequencies (where the coil is replaced with a microwave cavity) (2.45GHz). By locating the plasma source remotely to the processing chamber, ICP systems allow high-density <part-num-ref name="processing chamber, ICP systems allow high-density">35</part-num-ref>
+   plasma to be generated remotely without affecting the surface processes within the processing chamber.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+Two or more gases or gas mixtures are typically injected into an <confidence value="666">ICP</confidence>
+ HDPCVD system: a first gas or gas mixture is injected into the <confidence value="66">IC</confidence>
+P generation chamber and a second gas or gas mixture is injected into the substrate reaction chamber. The generated electric field accelerates the electrons of the first gas within <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the plasma generation chamber, which ionises individual gas molecules and allows for the transfer of kinetic energy within individual electron-gas molecule collisions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">US Patent 5,792,272 provides an example of a HD <confidence value="66">IC</confidence>
+P reactor as is known in the <confidence value="8">a</confidence>
+rt.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">There are, however, several problems with the use of HDPCVD. In typical <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+CVD systems process uniformity has been achieved by controlling the flow dynamics of the chemical substances in order to generate a uniform species distribution across the reaction surface of the wafer substrate. In an HDPCVD system the distribution of gases inside the processing chamber is very difficult to control as the plasma interacts with the flow dynamics of any injected gas.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15        </boundary-data>
+E. R. Keiter and M. J. Kushner discuss the problem of gas distribution in their paper "Radical and Electron Densities in a High Plasma Density-Chemical Vapour Deposition Reactor from a Three- Dimensional Simulation" published in the IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. <part-num-ref name="IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol.">27,</part-num-ref>
+ No. <part-num-ref name="IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 27, No.">2,</part-num-ref>
+ April <part-num-ref name="IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 27, No. 2, April">1999.</part-num-ref>
+ Figure 2 of this paper clearly illustrates how the uniformity of deposition is strongly influenced by the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+gas flow patterns in the low pressure reaction space, and especially the flow pattern of the gases compound bearing the primary material for the film, typically silane SiH4 for silicon containing films.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">The uniformity of thin film deposition is an important performance parameter, with current deposition processes aiming for an error of around <confidence value="6">±</confidence>
+ 3% across the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+diameter of the wafer substrate. This level of uniformity has been achieved in the prior art by either shaping the generated plasma using the associated RF induction coil or by using a particular arrangement of gas injectors.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">EP-0870072-A1 teaches that a particular arrangement of gas injection nozzles in an annulus between the plasma source and the substrate can aid <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+process uniformity. However, this increased uniformity is achieved through empirical adjustment of the nozzle geometry, which is cumbersome and requires complex modifications of the HDPCVD reactor apparatus. Additionally, by increasing the number of gas injection nozzles and altering the nozzle geometry complicated flow patterns can be set up within the processing chamber that can <part-num-ref name="processing chamber that can">35</part-num-ref>
+  have an unpredicted effect on processing uniformity.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+US Patents 5,800,621-A and 5,401,350 teach a method of adjusting the uniformity of an <confidence value="666">ICP</confidence>
+ source by configuring the arrangement of the RF induction coils. However, these methods require complicated modelling of the electric field parameters within the plasma source chamber and also typically have higher power <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+demands and require more complicated electronic control.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">Another problem that arises with the use of all CVD processes is that chemicals applied to the wafer substrate typically further coat most of the processing chamber as well. The ability to clean the chamber in situ by a plasma process is thus important for PECVD and HDPCVD systems. As many prior art <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+techniques for improving the uniformity also complicate the processing apparatus they increase the difficulty of cleaning the chamber in situ and the ability to repair or replace components affected in this way.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">Therefore, a flexible method of controlling the uniformity of a process in an <confidence value="66">IC</confidence>
+P HDPCVD system is desired. Preferably this solution should not significantly <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+alter the construction of such systems and allow for simply cleaning and maintenance.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">Summary of Invention <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a surface processing apparatus for use in the surface processing of a substrate, the surface processing apparatus comprising a plasma source; and a processing chamber in which a substrate is mounted in use, the processing chamber being operatively connected to the plasma source; the surface processing apparatus <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+characterised by a transmission plate for the transmission of plasma in use between a plasma source and the processing chamber, the transmission plate comprising one or more apertures wherein the physical form of the one or more apertures and/or the distribution of the one or more apertures is adapted to provide a predetermined processing pattern upon the surface of the substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+The prior art teaches away from the use of a transmission plate because it is well known that excited and ionised plasma species are quickly quenched by contact with solid surfaces. Thus any technologies developed for use in altering generic gas flow are unsuitable for use in situations involving a plasma source and a connected processing chamber, due to the very different properties of the plasma <part-num-ref name="plasma">35</part-num-ref>
+  species. Furthermore, whereas PECVD showerhead systems are designed to suppress plasma passing through the showerhead at all costs, the transmission <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+plate is designed to allow active species to pass through the plate without significant quenching. By varying the fraction of plasma species that pass through different parts of the plate, a simple and effective means of optimising the uniformity of surface processing is provided.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+By controlling the features of a transmission plate mounted between a plasma source and a processing chamber, the present invention allows the careful control of the processing upon the surface of the substrate. Typically, the transmission plate will be designed so that the physical form and/or distribution of the one or more apertures is such that a uniform processing rate is provided across <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+the surface of the substrate. Such a plate is simple to remove and replace if different processing patterns are required or if the transmission plate needs to be cleaned and replaced. This is in contrast to the use of predetermined nozzle geometry or RF coil configurations, wherein the method of providing uniformity is intrinsically bound with the complete HDPCVD apparatus. With the present <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+invention, a transmission plate can also be changed for use with different plasma species.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">Preferably, the transmission plate comprises a plurality of circular apertures wherein the diameter of each circular aperture is greater than the thickness of the transmission plate. The ratio between the diameter of each aperture and the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+transmission plate thickness should typically be greater than 3:1. This then allows a transmission plate to be used without destroying the active species making up the plasma.    Typically,  the  transmission  plate  will  be  circular  in  form  in correspondence with a substantially cylindrical plasma source and processing chamber. In these cases the plasma source is typically axially aligned with the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+processing chamber, which is mounted below the plasma source.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">In some embodiments the plurality of apertures are distributed in one or more concentric aperture rings upon the transmission plate, the centre(s) of the one or more concentric aperture rings being that of the transmission plate. In these cases either the angular spacing of the plurality of apertures within each concentric <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+aperture ring or the radial spacing between each pair of concentric aperture rings is adapted to provide a predetermined processing pattern upon the surface of the substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">Preferably, the plasma source generates an inductively coupled plasma and comprises a plasma chamber and an R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ driven inductively coupled coil. Common <part-num-ref name="RF driven inductively coupled coil. Common">35</part-num-ref>
+   drive parameters for the RF source are a frequency of 13.56 MHz and a power of <part-num-ref name="power of">1</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">3</part-num-ref>
+ kW.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+Typically, the apparatus uses two gas or gas mixture supplies: a first gas or gas mixture supply to the plasma source and a second gas or gas mixture supply to the processing chamber. Typical surface processing of the substrate comprises deposition or removal of material on or from the surface of the substrate. In some <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+embodiments the physical form of the one or more apertures and/or the distribution of the one or more apertures is adapted to provide a substantially uniform deposition or material removal rate across a width of the substrate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">To prevent the thermal degradation of the transmission plate, and to limit particles flaking from the transmission plate through thermal cycling, the thermal <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+conductivity of the plate is typically greater than 10<confidence value="58">0W</confidence>
+ <confidence value="686">m-1</confidence>
+ K-<confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+ and the plate is thermally connected to an external chamber via a low thermal resistance path. The transmission plate can comprise either a metal or metal alloy plate. Alternatively a lower thermal conductivity material can be used with a lower thermal expansion coefficient, which can operate at higher temperatures, such as alumina ceramic.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+Where the transmission plate is to be used with chlorine-containing gas mixtures for etching, then alumina is preferred. It is also possible to use anodised aluminium or metal coated with a material more inert to the reactive plasma, such as plasma- sprayed alumina, to combine the beneficial effects of improved lateral heat conduction with inertness to the plasma.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20        </boundary-data>
+According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the fabrication of a transmission plate for use in the surface processing of a substrate mounted within a processing chamber, the transmission plate being mounted in use between a plasma source and the processing chamber and comprising one or more apertures to allow the transmission of plasma from the <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+plasma source to the processing chamber, the method comprising the steps of:    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">a)    measuring the processing rate of a surface process on the substrate with respect to the radius of the substrate, r, using the plasma source and the processing chamber without a transmission plate;</p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">b)   fitting a process rate function d(r) to the measured process rate;</p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+c)   calculating a plasma transmission function T(r) as a function of a radius from the centre of the transmission plate, such that d(r) x T(r) is a constant;    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">d)   defining an aperture design for the physical form of the one or more apertures and/or the distribution of the one or more apertures such <part-num-ref name="one or more apertures such">35</part-num-ref>
+             that a measured plasma transmission function for the transmission plate provides a best fit to the plasma transmission function T(r); and <page-break num="7"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+e)   fabricating a transmission plate using the aperture design defined in step d).    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">By following this method, new transmission plates can be quickly and easily generated in response to new or different processing conditions.</p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating the apparatus as previously defined, the method comprising:    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">a) injecting a first gas or gas mixture into the plasma source on one side of the transmission plate;</p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">b) injecting a second gas or gas mixture into the processing chamber of the <boundary-data type="line-number">10        </boundary-data>
+other side of the transmission plate;    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">c) adjusting the gas flow ratio of the two injected gases in response to a measured processing rate.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">Both gas mixtures can contain noble gases and both gas supplies may inject the same noble gas. This method further increases uniformity and the transmission <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+plate limits the movement of undesired reactive gas species into the plasma source.    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">Brief Descri<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+tion of the Drawings <confidence value="5">I</confidence>
+n order that the invention may be better understood, some embodiments of <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">Figure 1 illustrates a surface processing apparatus according to the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">Figure 2 illustrates a first possible transmission plate aperture configuration <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+in accordance with the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">Figure 3 illustrates a second transmission plate aperture configuration in accordance with the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">Figure 4 illustrates a third transmission plate aperture configuration in accordance with the present invention;</p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+Figure 5 illustrates a fourth transmission plate aperture configuration in accordance with the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the effect of transmission plate aperture configuration on deposition rate;</p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">Figure 7 is an illustration of a 3D model of a transmission plate according to <part-num-ref name="transmission plate according to">35</part-num-ref>
+  the present invention;    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+Figure 8 is a second illustration of a 3D model of a transmission plate for use in SiO<confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+ deposition according to the present invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the effect of deposition thickness when using the transmission plate as shown in Figure 8;</p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+Figure 10 illustrates a prior art parallel plate PECVD system;    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">Figure 11 is a graph illustrating the effect of changing the radius-to-thickness aspect ratio on transmission fraction;</p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">Figure 12 is a graph illustrating the fit between an actual and ideal plasma transparency measure, the transparency being measured across the radius of a <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+transmission plate; and Figure 13 is a graph illustrating the effect of injecting argon gas above a transmission plate on deposition uniformity.    </p>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">Detailed Descri<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+tion of the Preferred Embodiments <boundary-data type="line-number">
+        <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+ Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a high-density plasma chemical vapour deposition (HDPCVD) system. The system consists of two main components: a plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1</part-num-ref>
+ and a processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2.</part-num-ref>
+ The plasma source comprises a plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8</part-num-ref>
+ constructed from a dielectric cylindrical tube with a vertical axis <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+surrounded by an electrostatic shield <part-num-ref name="electrostatic shield">10.</part-num-ref>
+ Typically, quartz or alumina is used as the dielectric. At the top of the cylindrical tube <part-num-ref name="cylindrical tube">8</part-num-ref>
+ is a set of gas inlets <part-num-ref name="set of gas inlets">9,</part-num-ref>
+ which have an axially symmetric distribution and are used to inject a first gas or gas mixture into the plasma chamber used in the plasma generation. Beneficially, this first gas mixture includes a noble gas such as argon. This gas or gas mixture is ionised and <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+excited within the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1,</part-num-ref>
+ then transports to the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ by a combination of flow and diffusion.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">Surrounding this plasma chamber 8 is a water-cooled radio frequency (RF) coil antenna <part-num-ref name="water-cooled radio frequency (RF) coil antenna">7</part-num-ref>
+ that forms an inductively coupled coil for use in generating the plasma within the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8.</part-num-ref>
+ The RF coil <part-num-ref name="RF coil">7</part-num-ref>
+ is connected to a 13.56 MHz, <part-num-ref name="13.56 MHz,">3</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+kW RF generator via a matching unit (not shown). Effectively, the current passing through the RF coil <part-num-ref name="RF coil">7</part-num-ref>
+ generates an RF magnetic flux along the axis of the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8</part-num-ref>
+ and this magnetic flux further induces an RF electric field inside the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8.</part-num-ref>
+ The induced electric field accelerates electrons within the injected gas cloud producing high-density plasma within the plasma chamber. By <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber. By">35</part-num-ref>
+   controlling the inductively coupled RF coil <part-num-ref name="inductively coupled RF coil">7,</part-num-ref>
+ an operator can control the dissociation <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+of the plasma and the density of the incident ions in the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8.</part-num-ref>
+ The most intense plasma is represented in Figure 1 by shaded region <part-num-ref name="by shaded region">13.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">An inspection port 14 may be provided to observe the substrate surface by laser interferometry, provided the transmission plate has a suitably aligned hole.</p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+The top plate 16, side cover 15 and plasma source base plate <part-num-ref name="and plasma source base plate">17</part-num-ref>
+ form an enclosure to contain RF radiation from the RF coil <part-num-ref name="RF coil">7</part-num-ref>
+ Below the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1</part-num-ref>
+ is the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2,</part-num-ref>
+ which is axially aligned with the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8.</part-num-ref>
+ The processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ typically comprises a substrate table <part-num-ref name="substrate table">4</part-num-ref>
+ made from a 205mm diameter cooled or heated lower electrode <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+with helium assisted heat transfer. This table can be electrically grounded, or powered by a separate RF supply to control the ion impact energy at the substrate surface. A wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ is placed upon this substrate table <part-num-ref name="is placed upon this substrate table">4</part-num-ref>
+ and can be further held in place using a modular clamping mechanism <part-num-ref name="modular clamping mechanism">5.</part-num-ref>
+ The processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ is typically kept at low pressure or within a vacuum by evacuation using <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+a turbomolecular pump backed by a mechanical pump, via a pumping port <part-num-ref name="pumping port">11</part-num-ref>
+ mounted beneath the substrate table <part-num-ref name="substrate table">4.</part-num-ref>
+ In this example, the pumping port <part-num-ref name="pumping port">11</part-num-ref>
+ is a 200mm diameter high conductance pumping port. A ring of gas nozzles is provided in an annulus <part-num-ref name="annulus">6</part-num-ref>
+ at the top of the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2,</part-num-ref>
+ through which a gas or gas mixture is injected. In processes to deposit silicon compounds, the silicon-bearing <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+gas such as silane is included in this gas mixture. Beneficially, a noble gas such as argon forms part of this mixture.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">In use plasma 13 is generated within the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1</part-num-ref>
+ by providing the appropriate RF current to the <confidence value="66">IC</confidence>
+P coil. In prior art systems, the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1</part-num-ref>
+ is directly connected to the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ and ion impact energy on the wafer <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ is controlled by applying an R<confidence value="5">F</confidence>
+ bias to the substrate table <part-num-ref name="substrate table">4.</part-num-ref>
+ However, as is seen in the Keiter and Kushner paper discussed within the introduction, these prior art systems generate a non-uniform processing rate upon the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">
+        <confidence value="88">3.</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">Thus to provide uniformity, a transmission plate is mounted between the <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1</part-num-ref>
+ and the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ and the plasma <part-num-ref name="plasma">13</part-num-ref>
+ is driven through the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12,</part-num-ref>
+ which modifies the electron distribution in the plasma cloud. In the present invention, the interruption of the plasma flow by the transmission plate alters the configuration of the flow.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">A method for generating the form and/or the arrangement of the apertures on <part-num-ref name="apertures on">35</part-num-ref>
+  the transmission plate will now be described in relation to the apparatus of Figure 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">First, a set surface process is selected and the apparatus of Figure 1 is set up <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+accordingly but with the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ removed from the assembly. A test wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="test wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ is then placed on the substrate table <part-num-ref name="substrate table">4</part-num-ref>
+ and a plasma is generated in the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1.</part-num-ref>
+ This plasma is then used to deposit material upon the wafer without a transmission plate being present and the resultant wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="resultant wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ is <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+then analysed. Using a test wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="test wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ the deposition rate for the HDPCVD process can be measured without the beneficial effects of the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">From this data a graph of deposition rate against wafer radius can be plotted in a similar manner to Figures <part-num-ref name="similar manner to Figures">6</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">9.</part-num-ref>
+ Once the experimental data has been plotted a deposition rate function d(r) can be fitted to the data so that a deposit rate can be <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+calculated at any radius r. Any known data fitting techniques can be used including but not limited to least mean square error methods applied to cubic spline or polynomic curves.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">After the deposition rate function d(r) has been fitted then a transmission function T(r) for the transmission plate is calculated to generate a plasma <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+transmission function through the transmission plate as a function of transmission plate radius r. Both these functions assume that the transmission plate and the substrate wafer are axially aligned. The transmission function T(r) is calculated so that d(r) x T(r) = <part-num-ref name="transmission function T(r) is calculated so that d(r) x T(r) =">1,</part-num-ref>
+ i.e. the transmission function is calculated to be the inverse of the deposition rate function. Once a required transmission function T(r) has been <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+calculated then a set of apertures can be generated or calculated to provide an actual plasma transmission distribution that best fits the transmission function T(r).    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">This can either be done experimentally or theoretically, using standard plasma flow models and equations. For example, if the operating conditions are known then the velocity of a plasma as it moves towards the substrate table can be calculated to <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+provide a plasma flux parameter in relation to the plasma flow. It can then be assumed that the transmission function T(r) is proportional to the plasma flux. By standard calculations the amount of aperture area per annular area of the transmission plate can be calculated and thus an aperture shape fitted to best match these area requirements.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">30        </boundary-data>
+An example of the function fitting described above is illustrated in Figure 12.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">A transmission plate divided into 10 equal-width concentric bands is used as a starting point for the analysis of the required plasma transparency, a measure of plasma transmission, at a variety of radial positions. The ideal plasma transparency for each concentric band is shown in unfilled bars <part-num-ref name="ideal plasma transparency for each concentric band is shown in unfilled bars">121</part-num-ref>
+ and is derived from the <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+  deposition rate on a wafer substrate in the absence of a transmission plate. A design based on a series of simple rings of equal diameter holes, as illustrated in <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Figure 2and located across the <part-num-ref name="">10</part-num-ref>
+ concentric bands, is then developed and the plasma transparency is calculated using equations known in the art. The design with a calculated plasma transparency that best fits the ideal transparency is then chosen. The transparency of the chosen design is shown in shaded bars <part-num-ref name="chosen design is shown in shaded bars">120</part-num-ref>
+ and <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+provides a good fit to the ideal transparency required for a uniform surface process.    </p>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">There is only a lack of fit at the centre due to the required binary choice of inserting or omitting a single central hole.</p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">Transmission plate variables that can be changed include, but are not limited to, the number of apertures per unit area, the shape of the aperture, the diameter of <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+each aperture if circular apertures are used, the major and minor axes of each aperture if elliptical apertures are used, or any combination of the above. The number of apertures per unit area can further be defined using a concentric ring arrangement as illustrated in Figures <part-num-ref name="concentric ring arrangement as illustrated in Figures">2</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the aperture density is dependent on the radial spacing of the concentric rings 30-35 and the concentric <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+spacing of a set of circular apertures <part-num-ref name="set of circular apertures">21.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">The development of an aperture design from a transmission function will generally involve constraints on aperture form. For example, if circular apertures are used the diameter of such apertures should be greater than the thickness of the transmission plate in order to ensure the efficiency of plasma flow through the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+transmission plate. Through experimental tests and modelling it has been found that an aperture diameter to plate thickness ratio of at least 3:1 provides a required transmission rate and prevents the destruction and recombination of active plasma species. The fraction of gas particles transmitted through a single circular hole of radius R in a plate of thickness h without contacting the wall has been calculated, <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+and is shown in Figure 11. This calculation assumes that the mean free path is long compared to the hole dimensions. Figure shows that at least 50% of the species are transmitted, without a potentially quenching encounter with the wall, if the aspect ratio of the hole (radius: thickness) is at least 3:1, and at least 30% if the aspect ratio is 1.5:1 If non-circular apertures are used with associated width and length <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+parameters instead of a diameter parameter a similar aperture width to plate thickness and/or aperture length to plate thickness ratio should be obeyed.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">Examples of possible transmission plate configurations designed using this method are illustrated in Figures 2 to <part-num-ref name="to">5.</part-num-ref>
+ Each transmission plate comprises a circular disc <part-num-ref name="circular disc">20</part-num-ref>
+ in which there are a plurality of circular apertures <part-num-ref name="plurality of circular apertures">21</part-num-ref>
+ that allow the <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+   passage of plasma from the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">
+        <confidence value="5">1</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ to the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2.</part-num-ref>
+ By removing certain apertures <part-num-ref name="processing chamber 2. By removing certain apertures">23,</part-num-ref>
+ 24,and <part-num-ref name="processing chamber 2. By removing certain apertures 23, 24,and">26,</part-num-ref>
+ highlighted by the dark shading in <page-break num="12"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+Figures <part-num-ref name="dark shading in Figures">3</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5,</part-num-ref>
+ within the design process described above the resultant processing rate can be altered from that achieved with no transmission plate <part-num-ref name="resultant processing rate can be altered from that achieved with no transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ present.    </p>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">Figure 2 illustrates a basic aperture distribution comprising a central circular aperture <part-num-ref name="central circular aperture">36</part-num-ref>
+ and six concentric aperture rings of increasing radii: first, outer <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="and six concentric aperture rings of increasing radii: first, outer concentric aperture ring">30</part-num-ref>
+ comprising <part-num-ref name="comprising">39</part-num-ref>
+ uniformly spaced circular apertures 21;    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">second concentric aperture ring 31 also comprising <part-num-ref name="also comprising">39</part-num-ref>
+ uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; third concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; third concentric aperture ring">32</part-num-ref>
+ comprising <part-num-ref name="comprising">28</part-num-ref>
+ uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; fourth concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; fourth concentric aperture ring">33</part-num-ref>
+ comprising <part-num-ref name="comprising">18</part-num-ref>
+ uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; fifth concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; fifth concentric aperture ring">34</part-num-ref>
+ comprising <part-num-ref name="comprising">12</part-num-ref>
+ <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; sixth concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; sixth concentric aperture ring">35</part-num-ref>
+ comprising <part-num-ref name="comprising">6</part-num-ref>
+ uniformly spaced circular apertures 21; and a central aperture <part-num-ref name="central aperture">36.</part-num-ref>
+ This pattern was derived using the method of transmission plate design described previously, with the further constraints of maximum transmission near the edge of the plate, a constant hole diameter of 10mm , and an adequate amount of metal remaining for <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+lateral heat conduction and mechanical stability.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">The first three concentric aperture rings 30, 31, 32 have a first uniform radial spacing <part-num-ref name="first uniform radial spacing">40,</part-num-ref>
+ i.e. the distance from the centre of the circular apertures in the first outer concentric ring <part-num-ref name="first outer concentric ring">30</part-num-ref>
+ to the centre of the circular apertures in the second concentric ring <part-num-ref name="second concentric ring">31</part-num-ref>
+ is equal to the distance from the centre of the circular apertures in <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+the second concentric ring <part-num-ref name="second concentric ring">31</part-num-ref>
+ to the centre of the circular apertures in the third concentric ring <part-num-ref name="third concentric ring">32.</part-num-ref>
+ The inner concentric aperture rings <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings">33,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings 33,">34,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings 33, 34,">35</part-num-ref>
+ and the central aperture <part-num-ref name="central aperture">36</part-num-ref>
+ have a second uniform radial spacing <part-num-ref name="second uniform radial spacing">41,</part-num-ref>
+ which is greater than the first uniform radial spacing <part-num-ref name="first uniform radial spacing">40.</part-num-ref>
+ The angular spacing <part-num-ref name="angular spacing">42</part-num-ref>
+ of the circular apertures in the outer three concentric aperture rings 30,31,32 varies with the second concentric <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+aperture ring <part-num-ref name="second concentric aperture ring">31</part-num-ref>
+ having the highest aperture density per concentric ring. The inner concentric aperture rings <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings">33,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings 33,">34,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings 33, 34,">35</part-num-ref>
+ also have a varied angular spacing, with the minimum angular spacing being greater than the largest angular spacing of the outer three concentric aperture rings 30,31,32, and the angular spacing of the circular apertures increasing as the radius of the concentric aperture rings <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+decreases.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">Typically, the circular disc <part-num-ref name="circular disc">20</part-num-ref>
+ is manufactured from aluminium alloy no. <part-num-ref name="is manufactured from aluminium alloy no.">6082</part-num-ref>
+ with a thickness of between <part-num-ref name="thickness of between">3</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">5</part-num-ref>
+ millimetres. To allow a suitable transmission rate, the diameter of the circular apertures <part-num-ref name="circular apertures">21</part-num-ref>
+ is greater than the thickness of the plate, typically for the illustrated transmission plates the ratio of aperture diameter to <part-num-ref name="ratio of aperture diameter to">35</part-num-ref>
+   plate thickness is greater than 3:1. Hence, using the aluminium alloy above, the diameter of the circular apertures is between <part-num-ref name="circular apertures is between">9</part-num-ref>
+ and 15 mm, with the diameter of all <page-break num="13"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+apertures preferably greater than 9mm. However, an aperture diameter greater than 5mm will begin to demonstrate favourable transmission characteristics.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">The effect of each transmission plate configuration illustrated in Figures 2 to <part-num-ref name="to">5</part-num-ref>
+ when used, with the apparatus of Figure 1, in the deposition of SiN<confidence value="4">X</confidence>
+is illustrated in <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+the graph shown in Figure 6. Line <part-num-ref name="graph shown in Figure 6. Line">61</part-num-ref>
+ illustrates how the deposition rate varies across the diameter of a 100mm wide wafer when a transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is absent from the apparatus. It is clearly visible that the absence of a transmission plate, as is found in the prior art, causes more material to be deposited in the centre of the wafer than at the edges. This then generates a non-uniform deposition pattern that <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+can have negative consequences for downstream semiconductor and integrated circuit processing.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">The use of a transmission plate as illustrated in Figure 2 improves the deposition rate profile across the wafer substrate, as illustrated by line <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate, as illustrated by line">62</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 6. The differing radial and angular spacing of the six concentric aperture rings mean <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+that a greater amount of plasma can be transmitted through the outer three concentric aperture rings 30,31,32 than through the inner concentric aperture rings <part-num-ref name="inner concentric aperture rings">33</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">35.</part-num-ref>
+ By varying these parameters the plasma transmission factor per concentric ring area can be altered, which in turn will alter the deposition rate within corresponding concentric areas of the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3,</part-num-ref>
+ assuming the wafer <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ is axially aligned with the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, as the concentric aperture density is greatest within the second concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="second concentric aperture ring">31,</part-num-ref>
+ the plasma flux per concentric unit area, assuming a uniform plasma density and velocity perpendicular to the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12,</part-num-ref>
+ would also be a maximum. In real world use, the plasma density will vary in the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8</part-num-ref>
+ across the <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+diameter of the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ and thus the differing aperture densities, created by the arrangement of the circular apertures <part-num-ref name="circular apertures">21,</part-num-ref>
+ help generate a more uniform plasma density on the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ side of the plate. However, the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in Figure 2 still generates some non-uniformity in deposition rate across the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3,</part-num-ref>
+ and can be optimised further by <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+iterating the design method, either experimentally or by further application of function fitting.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">When the distribution of circular apertures <part-num-ref name="distribution of circular apertures">21</part-num-ref>
+ within the circular disc <part-num-ref name="circular disc">20</part-num-ref>
+ of the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is altered by removing the central aperture <part-num-ref name="central aperture">23,</part-num-ref>
+ as conceptually illustrated in Figure 3, then the peak deposition rate at the centre of the <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+   substrate wafer is reduced as illustrated by line <part-num-ref name="substrate wafer is reduced as illustrated by line">63.</part-num-ref>
+ This is because, as the centre aperture <part-num-ref name="centre aperture">23</part-num-ref>
+ is no longer present in the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12,</part-num-ref>
+ plasma present near <page-break num="14"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+the centre of the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">8</part-num-ref>
+ can no longer be perpendicularly transmitted into the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2,</part-num-ref>
+ thus generating a dearth of plasma near the centre of the processing chamber <part-num-ref name="processing chamber">2</part-num-ref>
+ and reducing the rate of chemical reactions at the centre of wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="centre of wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ below the transmission plate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+By further altering the distribution of circular apertures <part-num-ref name="distribution of circular apertures">21,</part-num-ref>
+ for example by selecting which apertures should remain in the circular disc <part-num-ref name="circular disc">20</part-num-ref>
+ and which should be excluded, the deposition rate across the wafer can be further modified. The aperture distribution shown in Figure 4 excludes the centre aperture <part-num-ref name="centre aperture">23</part-num-ref>
+ and removes the apertures of concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="apertures of concentric aperture ring">35,</part-num-ref>
+ conceptually illustrated by the <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+shaded region <part-num-ref name="shaded region">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The resultant deposition rate profile with this configuration is further smoothed and is illustrated by line <part-num-ref name="resultant deposition rate profile with this configuration is further smoothed and is illustrated by line">65</part-num-ref>
+ in Figure 6. However, this pattern is still non-optimal as it now overly reduces the deposition rate in the centre of the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3,</part-num-ref>
+ producing a '<confidence value="5">m</confidence>
+' shape deposition rate profile. An optimal deposition rate pattern is then provided by the transmission plate of Figure 5, which <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+provides a substantially uniform deposition rate across the surface of the wafer as illustrated by line <part-num-ref name="wafer as illustrated by line">64.</part-num-ref>
+ In this configuration half of the circular apertures in the concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="concentric aperture ring">35</part-num-ref>
+ remain and only the central aperture <part-num-ref name="central aperture">23</part-num-ref>
+ and the shaded apertures <part-num-ref name="shaded apertures">26</part-num-ref>
+ are removed. Experimental tests have further shown that a thickness uniformity of <confidence value="6">±</confidence>
+ 1.50% (with 7mm edge exclusions) can be achieved in SiN<confidence value="2">.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">
+      <boundary-data type="line-number">20   </boundary-data>
+depositions. All the transmission plates in these tests used a plate thickness of 3mm and 10mm diameter holes.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">As well as or instead of selecting certain apertures to include or exclude from the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12,</part-num-ref>
+ the diameter of certain apertures could also be modified.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">For example, if the circular apertures <part-num-ref name="circular apertures">21</part-num-ref>
+ are arranged in a series of concentric <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+circles, similar to the concentric aperture ring <part-num-ref name="concentric aperture ring">24,</part-num-ref>
+ the diameter of each set of apertures in each concentric ring could reduce as the radius of each concentric ring reduces. This would then have a similar effect to the distribution shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, wherein the rate of aperture diameter change across the radius of the plate would alter the deposition rate across the substrate wafer <part-num-ref name="substrate wafer">3.</part-num-ref>
+ Alternatively, a <boundary-data type="line-number">30   </boundary-data>
+similar design based on a series of concentric rings could use elliptically shaped apertures. The major axis of each aperture can be decremented as the radius of each concentric circle decreases resulting in a pattern with wide or long ellipses in the outer concentric circles and near circular ellipses in the more central concentric circles. This again will produce a modified deposition rate which can help provide a <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+   more uniform deposition.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+While the above distributions and arrangements have been described in relation to the deposition of material on a wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3,</part-num-ref>
+ it is equally possible that the apparatus can be used in the etching or removal of material from a wafer substrate. In these cases, as is known in the art, the activated plasma <part-num-ref name="activated plasma">13</part-num-ref>
+ provides a <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+means to activate and dissociate chemical precursors, which react to remove material upon the surface of the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">A three dimensional model of the arrangement of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 7. In use the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is mounted at <part-num-ref name="is mounted at">3</part-num-ref>
+ points <part-num-ref name="points">70</part-num-ref>
+ near the edge of the plate to the upper surface or base plate <part-num-ref name="upper surface or base plate">17</part-num-ref>
+ of an external chamber <part-num-ref name="external chamber">15</part-num-ref>
+ of the plasma <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1.</part-num-ref>
+ The mountings are constructed to provide a low thermal resistance path in order to retain the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ within 20<confidence value="55">0C</confidence>
+ of the base plate <part-num-ref name="base plate">17</part-num-ref>
+ temperature. This was demonstrated with a temperature measurement at the centre of the plate while running a 3kW plasma in the source. The plate temperature never exceeded <part-num-ref name="plate temperature never exceeded">70</part-num-ref>
+ C. Aluminium alloy no. <part-num-ref name="C. Aluminium alloy no.">6082</part-num-ref>
+ has a high level of thermal conductivity to <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+conduct heat away from the areas of the transmission plate in contact with the plasma <part-num-ref name="plasma">13,</part-num-ref>
+ and the plate is typically thermally coupled to a section of the external chamber made from a material of similar thermal conductivity to further dissipate the generated heat. By minimising the temperature variations of the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ more material can be deposited upon the wafer substrate <part-num-ref name="wafer substrate">3</part-num-ref>
+ without particles <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+flaking from the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Also by controlling the temperature of the transmission plate the negative interaction between the transmission plate and the active plasma can be reduced. Other metals or metal alloys can be used in place of the aluminium alloy, although it is recommended that such a metal or metal alloy has a thermal conductivity above <part-num-ref name="thermal conductivity above">100</part-num-ref>
+ W <confidence value="6">m</confidence>
+ <confidence value="82">K'</confidence>
+. Alternatively, the transmission plate <boundary-data type="line-number">25  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be constructed from alumina sheet or another ceramic. An alumina transmission plate experiences a larger temperature rise than an equivalent aluminium transmission plate, because the thermal conductivity of the alumina is about one tenth of the thermal conductivity of the aluminium. However, the thermal expansion coefficient of the alumina is about one third that of aluminium and thus <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+the thermal expansion coefficient of the alumina is better matched to the insulating layers most commonly deposited, so thermal cycling does not produce severe flaking of deposited materials.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">As the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is only connected to the external chamber by three connecting points <part-num-ref name="external chamber by three connecting points">70,</part-num-ref>
+ the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be easily installed or <part-num-ref name="can be easily installed or">35</part-num-ref>
+  removed for a variety of operations. For example, new distributions can be applied or plates can be replaced if they begin to show degradation. To clean the <page-break num="16"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ in situ when depositing SiO or S<confidence value="584">iNx</confidence>
+ films, a fluorine- containing plasma can be used, which will remove any deposits that have built up upon the plate.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">As discussed previously, the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ may need to be changed <boundary-data type="line-number">5   </boundary-data>
+when using different processing techniques or different chemical depositions. For example the transmission plate illustrated in Figure 7 is designed for use with SiN<confidence value="4">x</confidence>
+ deposition, however, when using SiO<confidence value="2">x</confidence>
+ deposition, less plasma activation is required to initiate deposition. Thus Figure 8 illustrates a SiO<confidence value="4">,</confidence>
+ transmission plate <part-num-ref name="SiO, transmission plate">82</part-num-ref>
+ for use in SiO deposition. The Si<confidence value="54">O,</confidence>
+ transmission plate <part-num-ref name="SiO, transmission plate">82</part-num-ref>
+ comprises three concentric rings <boundary-data type="line-number">10  </boundary-data>
+      <part-num-ref name="comprises three concentric rings">85,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="comprises three concentric rings 85,">86,</part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="comprises three concentric rings 85, 86,">87</part-num-ref>
+ of circular apertures <part-num-ref name="of circular apertures">21</part-num-ref>
+ with no apertures being present in a central circular section <part-num-ref name="central circular section">84</part-num-ref>
+ of the plate. The resultant north-south <part-num-ref name="resultant north-south">91</part-num-ref>
+ and west-east <part-num-ref name="and west-east">92</part-num-ref>
+ deposition levels across the substrate wafer when using this plate are shown in Figure 9. When using the transmission plate illustrated in Figure 8, a uniformity of <confidence value="2">i</confidence>
+ 1.43% (with 7mm edge exclusions) can be generated across the 100mm wafer <boundary-data type="line-number">15  </boundary-data>
+substrate <part-num-ref name="100mm wafer substrate">3.</part-num-ref>
+ This then halves the uniformity variation obtained using a non-modified transmission plate, as shown in Figure 2, which is typically <confidence value="2">i</confidence>
+ 3.5 %. Without a transmission plate the non-uniformity is even greater.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">In empirical observations a total deposition thickness on the substrate of at least <part-num-ref name="substrate of at least">5</part-num-ref>
+ microns and up to <part-num-ref name="microns and up to">20</part-num-ref>
+ microns has been demonstrated when using the <boundary-data type="line-number">20  </boundary-data>
+transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ without the film flaking from the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">The presence of a transmission plate also makes it possible to tailor the steps of the surface process by choosing where to inject the different process gases. It is known that gases such as silanes must not be injected into the high- density plasma, i.e. into the plasma chamber <part-num-ref name="plasma chamber">1,</part-num-ref>
+ as these gases dissociate readily <boundary-data type="line-number">25   </boundary-data>
+producing material that will adhere to the next surface they contact. The transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ helps to limit the intrusion of such gases into the HDP region, keeping the plasma source region cleaner. Further, the injection of a noble gas above the plate will stream ions and excited species towards the substrate, while injection below the plate will serve to modify the diffusion of other species without <boundary-data type="line-number">30  </boundary-data>
+adding so much extra ion bombardment. The noble gas injected above the transmission plate may also be the same noble gas injected with the gas mixture below the transmission plate. An example of the effect of this process is shown in Figure 13. This Figure demonstrates the change in the uniformity of S<confidence value="52">iO</confidence>
+2 deposition with the injection of argon into the plasma source <part-num-ref name="plasma source">1.</part-num-ref>
+ Uniformity is measured as the <part-num-ref name="">35</part-num-ref>
+   difference between the maximum and minimum deposition rate, and this measure decreases as the flow of argon gas into the plasma source increases.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+In summary, the present invention has been described in relation to a number of embodiments and provides numerous advantages over the prior art including:    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ is easily demountable for changing to new <boundary-data type="line-number">5        </boundary-data>
+transmission distributions;    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be cleaned in situ by a fluorine-containing plasma when depositing SiOx or SiNx films;    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ the temperature of the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be controlled simply by making a good thermal connection to an external chamber at the <boundary-data type="line-number">10       </boundary-data>
+transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ mounting points.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">
+      <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ a total deposition thickness of at least <part-num-ref name="total deposition thickness of at least">5</part-num-ref>
+ microns and up to <part-num-ref name="microns and up to">20</part-num-ref>
+ microns has been demonstrated using the current invention without the film flaking from the transmission plate 12; and <confidence value="2">"</confidence>
+ the transmission plate <part-num-ref name="transmission plate">12</part-num-ref>
+ can be much simpler and economical compared to <part-num-ref name="can be much simpler and economical compared to">15</part-num-ref>
+       the complex gas nozzle and RF coil designs of prior art.    </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11844833.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11844833</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-09-13</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Application No. 11/844,833 Filed: August 24, 2007 Attorney Docket No.: CAM92007<confidence value="5">0</confidence>
+100US1 <part-num-ref name="Attorney Docket No.: CAM920070100US1">(192)</part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace paragraph [0025] with the following replacement paragraph:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0025] For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable storage medium can be any apparatus that can contain[[,]]or store<confidence value="2">-</confidence>
+ <confidence value="522">cop</confidence>
+the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The storage medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) <confidence value="2525266266666666">or-a-propagation</confidence>
+ me<confidence value="8">d</confidence>
+i<confidence value="78">um</confidence>
+. Examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk - read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk - read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11870651.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11870651</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-07-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Amendments to the S<confidence value="5">p</confidence>
+ecification:    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please replace the paragraph beginning on page <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page">1,</part-num-ref>
+ line <part-num-ref name="paragraph beginning on page 1, line">4</part-num-ref>
+ with the following rewritten paragraph:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">- -          This application relates to commonly assigned Publication No. 2009/0098288 (US<confidence value="68">SN</confidence>
+ <confidence value="66">11</confidence>
+/870<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+710<confidence value="66">),</confidence>
+ filed simultaneously herewith and hereby incorporated by reference for all that it discloses. - <confidence value="66">-.</confidence>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">U.S. Serial No. 11/870,651 <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11931450.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,531 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11931450</doc-number>
+        <date>2007-10-31</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">METHOD AND SYSTEM OF RETRIEVING LOST CONTENT SEGMENTS OF</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">PRIOR BROADCASTED PROGRAMMING AT A USER DEVICE FROM A</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">SERVICE PROVIDER</heading>
+    <heading id="h-4">TECHNICAL FIELD</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The present disclosure relates generally to communicating content to a user and, more specifically, to communicating lost content segments of prior broadcasted programs or content to a user device.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-5">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Consumers increasingly desire access to various types of content, including music, videos, games, and the like. To meet these needs, content providers are increasingly investigating ways to provide content in a timely manner to consumers.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Satellite distribution systems are one way in which to provide content to various consumers. Pay-per-view and regular broadcasts are available in a satellite system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">In a pay-per-view system, access is provided to users for a particular program that is watched by more than one user at the same time. Recording devices in the user devices may be used to store the content for later playback.</p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0005<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In certain situations, a user may desire access to content not available during a regular broadcast or one that is stored within the user device. For example, the user may learn of a broadcasted program of interest without a means to view the past program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Further, providing the user with a program on an individual basis, consumes valuable satellite resources.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+[0006<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Further content may be request to be stored in digital video recoding device. While receiving the content, outages in various portions of the transmission path may leave a portion of the content lost. Content may be lost due to weather conditions, temporary signal irregularities or the like.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-6">SUMMARY</heading>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0007<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The present disclosure sets forth a method for utilizing a terrestrial communication network for providing requested lost content segments to a user device. The requested content may be retrieved from a content repository that stores certain broadcasted material for a predetermined amount of time. The material may be requested by the user and sent to the user device. In the case of a satellite content distribution system, another network such as a broadband network may be used to provide the requested content to the user device or set top box. This method reduces the burden on the satellite system although the satellite may be used in certain situations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0008<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes storing content in a memory of the user device, determining a lost content segment exists, generating a request for the lost content segment at the user device, communicating the request for the lost content to a service provider, receiving the lost content segment at the user device from the service provider and storing the lost content segment in the memory of the user device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0009<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In a further aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a user device storing content in a memory, determining a lost content segment exists, generating a request for the lost content segment; communicating the request for the lost content to a service provider, receiving the lost segment and storing the lost content segment in the memory. The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+system may also include a service provider storing the content therein. The service provider communicates the lost content segment to the user device through in response to the response to the request for the lost content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0010<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In a further aspect of the disclosure, a communication system includes a service provider comprising having a capture system receiving a broadcast transport stream, tagging the broadcasted content stream and storing broadcasted content in a storage system to form previously broadcasted stored content. The system also includes a program retrieval system for retrieving the previously broadcasted stored content. The system may also include a user device requesting content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0011<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-7">DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">[0012<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.    </p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0013<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic system view of a communication system according to the present disclosure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0014<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG 2 is a detailed block diagrammatic view of a communication system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0015<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 3 is a representation of a program guide user interface on a display associated with the user device.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+[0016<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 4 is a screen display of a user interface for confirming a requested program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[001<confidence value="86">7]</confidence>
+    FIG. 5 is a block diagrammatic view for selecting a past program from the user device perspective.    </p>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">[0018<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method for selecting a past program from the service provider perspective.    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0019<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    FIG 7 is a flowchart of a method for a method of retrieving lost segments.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-8">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">[0020<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0021<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    While the following disclosure is made with respect to example DIRECTV<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ broadcast services and systems, it should be understood that many other delivery systems, such as other satellite delivery systems, are readily applicable to disclosed systems and methods. Such systems include wireless terrestrial distribution systems, wired <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+or cable distribution systems, cable television distribution systems, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) radio frequency systems or other terrestrial broadcast systems (e.g., Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution System (MMDS), Local Multi-point Distribution System (LMDS), etc.), Internet-based distribution systems, cellular distribution systems, power-line broadcast systems, any point-to-point and/or multicast Internet Protocol <confidence value="66">(I</confidence>
+P) delivery network, and fiber optic networks. Further, the different functions collectively allocated among a service provider and integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) as described below can be reallocated as desired without departing from the intended scope of the present patent.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0022<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Further, while the following disclosure is made with respect to the delivery of content (e.g., television (TV), movies, games, music videos, etc.), it should be understood that the systems and methods disclosed herein could also be used for delivery of any media content type, for example, audio, music, data files, web pages, games, etc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">Additionally, throughout this disclosure reference is made to data, information, programs, movies, assets, video data, etc., however, it will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that these terms are substantially equivalent in reference to the example systems and/or methods disclosed herein. As used herein, the term title or program will be used to refer to, for example, a media content type such as a movie itself and not the name of the movie.</p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0023<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 1, a communication system <part-num-ref name="communication system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ that communicates content to user devices <part-num-ref name="that communicates content to user devices">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ may include a controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16</part-num-ref>
+ that is used to control the overall operation of the system. The controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16</part-num-ref>
+ and some of the associated modules and components may be referred to as a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+head end. A satellite uplink module <part-num-ref name="satellite uplink module">18</part-num-ref>
+ is used to generate and communicate uplink signals <part-num-ref name="is used to generate and communicate uplink signals">20</part-num-ref>
+ to satellite <part-num-ref name="to satellite">22.</part-num-ref>
+ Satellite <part-num-ref name="to satellite 22. Satellite">22</part-num-ref>
+ generates downlink signals <part-num-ref name="generates downlink signals">24</part-num-ref>
+ to one or more user devices <part-num-ref name="to one or more user devices">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">An antenna 26 associated with the satellite uplink module <part-num-ref name="satellite uplink module">18</part-num-ref>
+ is used to generate the uplink signals <part-num-ref name="uplink signals">20.</part-num-ref>
+ A downlink antenna <part-num-ref name="downlink antenna">28</part-num-ref>
+ associated with the user device <part-num-ref name="user device">14</part-num-ref>
+ is used to receive downlink signals. Various types of content or program signals and security information signals, but not limited to security information, encryption-decryption information, digital rights management information, conditional access packets (CAPs), channel or content access lists or rights may be communicated through the communication system <part-num-ref name="communication system">10.</part-num-ref>
+ It should also be noted that various content may be encrypted based upon a control word (CW) known to the service provider and/or the various user devices. Control word packets (CWPs) may include, among other things, a time stamp and the control word that is used to compute a cryptographic hash of the contents. The control word packets may, from time to time, be transmitted from the service provider through the satellite to the user devices.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0024<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a subscriber transaction management system <part-num-ref name="subscriber transaction management system">40.</part-num-ref>
+ The subscriber transaction management system (STMS) <part-num-ref name="subscriber transaction management system (STMS)">40</part-num-ref>
+ has the function of a billing system. The STMS <part-num-ref name="STMS">40</part-num-ref>
+ keeps track of various transactions and the services to which the various user devices are subscribed to. Billing information and enabling access to a system may be provided through the subscriber transaction management system. Transactions such as requested content may be billed by the system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0025<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A conditional access system <part-num-ref name="conditional access system">42</part-num-ref>
+ may also be coupled to controller <part-num-ref name="may also be coupled to controller">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The conditional access system <part-num-ref name="conditional access system">42</part-num-ref>
+ generates conditional access packets that may be provided through the satellite or through other communication networks to the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14.</part-num-ref>
+ The conditional access system <part-num-ref name="conditional access system">42</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, generate the CAPs described above.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0026<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A content distribution network <part-num-ref name="content distribution network">44</part-num-ref>
+ may also be coupled to controller <part-num-ref name="may also be coupled to controller">16.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">The content distribution network 44 in conjunction with a content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to provide content through the satellite and through the various other networks. The content distribution network <part-num-ref name="content distribution network">44,</part-num-ref>
+ although illustrated entirely within the service provider, may also be outside or partially outside the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ That is, user devices <part-num-ref name="service provider 12. That is, user devices">14</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided access to content from various sources directly once authorized by the service provider. A pay television service may provide content to a user device directly once all the security safeguards have been met. The content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to generate the current broadcast programming and may also be used to store previously broadcast programming.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">The previously broadcast programming may be from all channels, selected channels, or popular broadcasts as will be determined below.</p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0027<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A website or server <part-num-ref name="website or server">48</part-num-ref>
+ may also be coupled to the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The website <part-num-ref name="website">48</part-num-ref>
+ may provide the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14</part-num-ref>
+ a way in which to select past programming content for downloading. The use of the various components within the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ will become evident in the description below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0028<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The conditional access system <part-num-ref name="conditional access system">42,</part-num-ref>
+ the content distribution network <part-num-ref name="content distribution network">44,</part-num-ref>
+ and the website <part-num-ref name="website">48</part-num-ref>
+ may all be coupled to the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50.</part-num-ref>
+ The Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ may be reached through various types of networks, including, but not limited to, a wireless network, a broadband network, a broadband wireless network, a WiFi network, a WiMax network and an optical fiber network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0029<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A telephone system <part-num-ref name="telephone system">52</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to communicate between the user device <part-num-ref name="user device">14</part-num-ref>
+ and the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The telephone system <part-num-ref name="telephone system">52</part-num-ref>
+ may include a cellular system that is for the most part wireless or a public switched telephone network (PSTN).    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+[0030<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   One example of a user device <part-num-ref name="user device">14</part-num-ref>
+ includes a fixed user device such as a set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60.</part-num-ref>
+ The set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may have various components such as a controller <part-num-ref name="controller">62</part-num-ref>
+ that is used to control the operation of the system and generate and provide the content to the display device <part-num-ref name="display device">64</part-num-ref>
+ such as a television. The set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may also be referred to as integrated receiver decoder (IRD). The set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may decode, decompress, depacketize, and demultiplex the content received from the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22.</part-num-ref>
+ Also, any content received from the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ may also be decoded, demultiplexed, decompressed and depacketized, if needed. Output drivers, contained within the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">62,</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to control the audio and visual function of the display <part-num-ref name="display">64.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-37" num="37">[0031<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may also include a memory <part-num-ref name="memory">66.</part-num-ref>
+ The memory <part-num-ref name="memory">66</part-num-ref>
+ may, for example, be a digital video recorder (DVR) such as a hard disk drive. The memory <part-num-ref name="memory">66</part-num-ref>
+ may also be various other types of memory including flash memory. The memory <part-num-ref name="memory">66</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to store content or programs received from the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ through the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22</part-num-ref>
+ or through the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-38" num="38">[0032<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The user device <part-num-ref name="user device">14</part-num-ref>
+ associated with the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may also include or be associated with a personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">70.</part-num-ref>
+ The personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">70</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to provide Internet access for the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ so that various content may be downloaded from the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ and from the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ More specifically, content from the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided through the content distribution network <part-num-ref name="content distribution network">44</part-num-ref>
+ through the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ and stored on the memory <part-num-ref name="memory">66</part-num-ref>
+ of the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60.</part-num-ref>
+ The personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">70</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to form the network between the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ and the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50.</part-num-ref>
+ The connection between the personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">70</part-num-ref>
+ and the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may be a wired or wireless connection. Of course, if the connection is a wireless connection, a wireless LAN <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+and thus a wireless router may be associated or included within the personal computer <part-num-ref name="personal computer">70.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-39" num="39">An antenna 74 on the PC <part-num-ref name="PC">70</part-num-ref>
+ represents a potential wireless connection to antenna <part-num-ref name="potential wireless connection to antenna">76</part-num-ref>
+ on the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60.</part-num-ref>
+ The antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">76</part-num-ref>
+ on the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ may also communicate to an outside wireless router, such as in a WiMax or WiFi system.    </p>
+    <p id="p-40" num="40">[0033<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A gateway <part-num-ref name="gateway">78</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to form access to the Internet in a WiFi or WiMax system through antenna <part-num-ref name="WiFi or WiMax system through antenna">79.</part-num-ref>
+ A telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">72</part-num-ref>
+ may also be used to communicate with the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The telephone <part-num-ref name="telephone">72</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to initiate the past programming download service by the user who communicates directly with an operator or a menu system at the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ Part of the information received from the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22</part-num-ref>
+ may include a program guide that includes various selections of past programming therein.    </p>
+    <p id="p-41" num="41">[0034<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14</part-num-ref>
+ may also include mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="may also include mobile user devices">80.</part-num-ref>
+ The mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="mobile user devices">80</part-num-ref>
+ may include the functionality described above with respect to the set top box <part-num-ref name="set top box">60</part-num-ref>
+ such as a controller, a memory, an antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">81</part-num-ref>
+ for communicating with the satellite and communicating through the wireless network. Although one antenna is shown, more than one may be used to receive the wireless network signals and the satellite signals. The antenna <part-num-ref name="antenna">81</part-num-ref>
+ is shown generally. The antenna may be incorporated within each device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-42" num="42">However, mobile devices may communicate wirelessly through the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50,</part-num-ref>
+ through a telephone system <part-num-ref name="telephone system">52,</part-num-ref>
+ such as a cellular system, through the Internet, a WiFi, WiMax, other type of wireless systems or more than one wireless system. The wireless communications may communicate content or programs as well as provide callbacks from the mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="mobile user devices">80</part-num-ref>
+ to the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The call backs may include a request for content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-43" num="43">Confirmation signals may also use the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ or the telephone system <part-num-ref name="telephone system">52</part-num-ref>
+ as will be further described below. It should also be noted that a different network may be used to <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+communicate program content and other communications between the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ and the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14</part-num-ref>
+ including the mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="mobile user devices">80.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-44" num="44">[0035<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="mobile user devices">80</part-num-ref>
+ may include many different devices, including a laptop computer <part-num-ref name="laptop computer">82,</part-num-ref>
+ a portable media player <part-num-ref name="portable media player">84,</part-num-ref>
+ a vehicle such as an automotive vehicle that includes a mobile set top box <part-num-ref name="mobile set top box">88</part-num-ref>
+ and a cell phone <part-num-ref name="cell phone">90.</part-num-ref>
+ The cell phone <part-num-ref name="cell phone">90</part-num-ref>
+ may include such devices as a personal digital assistant. It is important that all of the mobile user devices <part-num-ref name="mobile user devices">80</part-num-ref>
+ include some form of wireless communication system to receive content from the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-45" num="45">[0036<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ may include a program guide module <part-num-ref name="program guide module">92.</part-num-ref>
+ The program guide module <part-num-ref name="program guide module">92</part-num-ref>
+ is used to determine the contents of a program guide. The program guide module <part-num-ref name="program guide module">92</part-num-ref>
+ provides the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14</part-num-ref>
+ with information regarding current and future programming. This is the typical function of the program guide modules in the <confidence value="86">DI</confidence>
+RECTV<confidence value="4">®</confidence>
+ system. Information in the program guide include channels, programming information, times, titles, previews, and the like. A content or material identification (ID) such as a number or an alpha-numeric identifier may be used to identify the particular program. The content ID may correspond to IDs of content stored in the content repository.    </p>
+    <p id="p-46" num="46">The program guide module 92, in the present disclosure, also provides information to the user devices relative to past programming that is available from the service provider. The past programming is stored within the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46.</part-num-ref>
+ The past programming may include all the programming broadcast within the last certain amount of time. The certain amount of time may be two weeks, a month, a week, a few days, or the like. All of the broadcasted programs for all of the channels may be made available. However, only certain numbers of channels may have their information stored. Also, portions of the channels or <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+popular portions of the channels may be stored without the entire day's worth of programming for a particular channel. The program guide module <part-num-ref name="program guide module">92,</part-num-ref>
+ through the guidance of the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16,</part-num-ref>
+ formulates the program guide and transmits the program guide information through the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22</part-num-ref>
+ through the satellite uplink module <part-num-ref name="satellite uplink module">18</part-num-ref>
+ to the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">14.</part-num-ref>
+ Updates to the program guide may also be broadcast. The program guide module <part-num-ref name="program guide module">92</part-num-ref>
+ may consist of packetized information that is spaced from time to time throughout the broadcasted programming.    </p>
+    <p id="p-47" num="47">[0037<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   An audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16</part-num-ref>
+ may also be provided within the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to measure the popularity of a particular program. Popularity information from the audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to perform various functions including determining through which network a particular requested program may be broadcast. For example, if the audience measurement module determines that the particular program is being requested often, the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to broadcast a program to various users.    </p>
+    <p id="p-48" num="48">If the audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ determines the program is not very popular, the Internet or a broadband network may be used to distribute the program.    </p>
+    <p id="p-49" num="49">[0038<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ may receive information from the subscriber transaction management system <part-num-ref name="subscriber transaction management system">40</part-num-ref>
+ to count the number of times a particular program has been requested. The similar information may also be retrieved from the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ and the content distribution network <part-num-ref name="content distribution network">44</part-num-ref>
+ by counting the number of times the content has been transmitted. The actions and consequences of the audience measurement module will be evident below.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-50" num="50">
+      <page-break num="12"/>
+[0039<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Referring now to Fig. 2, a detailed block diagrammatic view of the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated. In this embodiment, a broadcast stream <part-num-ref name="broadcast stream">96</part-num-ref>
+ is developed for broadcasting the content through the satellite uplink module <part-num-ref name="satellite uplink module">18.</part-num-ref>
+ The broadcast stream <part-num-ref name="broadcast stream">96</part-num-ref>
+ is communicated through a capture system <part-num-ref name="capture system">98.</part-num-ref>
+ The capture system <part-num-ref name="capture system">98</part-num-ref>
+ is in communication with a traffic program-associated data (PAD) database <part-num-ref name="traffic program-associated data (PAD) database">100</part-num-ref>
+ and a program ID/tagging and capture management module <part-num-ref name="program ID/tagging and capture management module">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The capture system <part-num-ref name="capture system">98</part-num-ref>
+ may be a computer such as a personal computer or blade server having a bitstream capture card installed therein. The bitstream capture card may tune to a signal for a transponder so that the actual bitstream for the transponder, channel or program may be extracted.    </p>
+    <p id="p-51" num="51">[0040<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Program-associated data may be inserted into the bitstream through the tagging and capture management module <part-num-ref name="tagging and capture management module">102.</part-num-ref>
+ The program-associated data may be obtained from the traffic database <part-num-ref name="traffic database">100.</part-num-ref>
+ The program identification and tagging may be placed into a header of the bitstream for identification of the specific program or program portions.    </p>
+    <p id="p-52" num="52">Capture may be performed of an entire program or program portions and spliced together during playback.</p>
+    <p id="p-53" num="53">[0041<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Once the bitstream has been captured and tagged in the capture system <part-num-ref name="capture system">98,</part-num-ref>
+ the tagged content may be stored in a storage system <part-num-ref name="storage system">103</part-num-ref>
+ that includes a short-term storage module <part-num-ref name="short-term storage module">104.</part-num-ref>
+ A long-term storage module <part-num-ref name="long-term storage module">106</part-num-ref>
+ may also be included in the storage system <part-num-ref name="storage system">103.</part-num-ref>
+ The storage system <part-num-ref name="storage system">103</part-num-ref>
+ may be the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in Fig. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-54" num="54">However, the storage system may be an independent storage system as well. The short-term storage module <part-num-ref name="short-term storage module">104,</part-num-ref>
+ the long-term storage module <part-num-ref name="long-term storage module">106</part-num-ref>
+ may be in communication with a file management system <part-num-ref name="file management system">108.</part-num-ref>
+ The file management system <part-num-ref name="file management system">108</part-num-ref>
+ may manage the short-term storage module <part-num-ref name="short-term storage module">104,</part-num-ref>
+ the long-term storage module <part-num-ref name="long-term storage module">106</part-num-ref>
+ to move content therebetween and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">12</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="13"/>
+remove content from storage. Movement may be based upon a date when the content was stored. For example, if a certain content has not been accessed for a certain period of time, the content stored in one of the storage modules may be removed. Content that has a high number of requests may be moved from the short-term storage module <part-num-ref name="short-term storage module">104</part-num-ref>
+ to the long-term storage module <part-num-ref name="long-term storage module">106</part-num-ref>
+ where access may continue to be obtained.    </p>
+    <p id="p-55" num="55">[0042<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   It should be noted that when storing various content such as programs, movies, or the like, guide data and null packets may be stripped and thus not stored within the storage system. The file management system <part-num-ref name="file management system">108</part-num-ref>
+ may be used to track the location of the various programming stored therein so that it may be retrieved upon request.    </p>
+    <p id="p-56" num="56">[0043<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   A program-retrieval system <part-num-ref name="program-retrieval system">110</part-num-ref>
+ may be in communication with the short- term module <part-num-ref name="short- term module">104.</part-num-ref>
+ The long-term storage module <part-num-ref name="long-term storage module">106</part-num-ref>
+ may also be in communication with the program-retrieval system <part-num-ref name="program-retrieval system">110.</part-num-ref>
+ The program retrieval system may receive a request for a program from the network server <part-num-ref name="network server">112.</part-num-ref>
+ The request may originate from the set top box receiver <part-num-ref name="set top box receiver">60</part-num-ref>
+ for a web-based browser application <part-num-ref name="web-based browser application">114.</part-num-ref>
+ A validation process may be performed that provides that the set top box receiver <part-num-ref name="set top box receiver">60</part-num-ref>
+ is a valid account and that the receiver is capable of storing the size of the content. The program-retrieval system retrieves the information and location from the file management system <part-num-ref name="file management system">108.</part-num-ref>
+ The network server <part-num-ref name="network server">112</part-num-ref>
+ may receive the content and push the content to the set top box receiver <part-num-ref name="set top box receiver">60.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-57" num="57">[0044<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   The set top box receiver <part-num-ref name="set top box receiver">60</part-num-ref>
+ may communicate with the network server <part-num-ref name="network server">112</part-num-ref>
+ through various communication technologies including a broadband network, a wireless terrestrial network or a wired communication network. Content may be delivered by way of the satellite or by way of the terrestrial, broadband, wireless or wired networks.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">13</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-58" num="58">
+      <page-break num="14"/>
+[0045<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    A web-based browser application <part-num-ref name="web-based browser application">114</part-num-ref>
+ may also be in communication with the network server <part-num-ref name="network server">112.</part-num-ref>
+ The web-based browser application may also be used to request that content be provided to the set top box.    </p>
+    <p id="p-59" num="59">[0046<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In the above example, an entire program such as a movie or television program may be requested from the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ An entire series or season or parts thereof of a program may also be requested. In addition, a portion of a content program may also be requested. A portion of the content program may correspond to a lost content segment. A lost content segment may be formed when a memory device such as a DVR is recording a particular content upon the request in the set top box receiver. During reception, an error may occur causing a portion of the entire content less than the entire content or a lost content segment to be formed. The loss may be caused by many sources in the distribution stream, including problems at the service provider, problems at the satellite, or problems at the user device. Heavy cloud cover or rain may result in a temporarily lost signal. Errors within the transponder system may also cause a lost content segment. Problems in the uplinking system may also cause a lost content segment. If the content is transmitted through the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 1, temporary losses of connection, lost packets, or the like may cause a lost content segment. A lost content segment may be easily identified from the set top box receiver due to a missing portion of the content. The lost content may also correspond to missing audio or video portions. Missing segments may be easily identified since the headers will not be consecutive from various portions of the content. Other ways to identify a lost content segment are to determine if time stamps are missing, whether a searching for satellite signal message (SFSS) comes up during the recording, or determining if a partial recording tag was generated. Starting and stopping points of lost segments may be <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">14</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="15"/>
+determined by determining a point prior to and just after the above-mentioned events. The customer may also request a re-recording of the entire content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-60" num="60">[0047<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 3, a display <part-num-ref name="display">64</part-num-ref>
+ having a graphical user interface such as a program guide <part-num-ref name="program guide">120</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated. The program guide includes channel identifiers <part-num-ref name="program guide includes channel identifiers">122</part-num-ref>
+ and programming elements <part-num-ref name="and programming elements">124.</part-num-ref>
+ The programming elements <part-num-ref name="programming elements">124,</part-num-ref>
+ not all of which are shown, may include various types of information including a title, rating, a brief description, the actors, and the like. As is illustrated, current broadcasting <part-num-ref name="like. As is illustrated, current broadcasting">126</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated together with past programming <part-num-ref name="is illustrated together with past programming">128.</part-num-ref>
+ Determining past and current programming is relative to a particular point in time, e.g., the current time. As mentioned above, not all of the information for all of the programs may be available in the past programming portion <part-num-ref name="past programming portion">128.</part-num-ref>
+ A selection may be made by moving a screen cursor that highlights various shows desired to be downloaded.    </p>
+    <p id="p-61" num="61">For example, show A illustrated as element <part-num-ref name="illustrated as element">130</part-num-ref>
+ has a highlighted box. For a selection to take place, the user interacts by way of a remote control or buttons on the set top box to move to and select the desired element. It should also be noted that all of the past programming may not be displayed to the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-62" num="62">[0048<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The program guide <part-num-ref name="program guide">120</part-num-ref>
+ and the elements <part-num-ref name="elements">124</part-num-ref>
+ therein may be scrolled by the user. For example, the program guide may be scrolled in the reverse direction (to the left in Fig. 2). Scrolling may take place corresponding to the time period for which the programming has been saved. That is, if two weeks of available past broadcasted programming is available and stored within the content repository, scrolling to the left may take place for only two weeks. It should be noted that various types of scrolling, including horizontal and vertical scrolling, may take place.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">15</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-63" num="63">
+      <page-break num="16"/>
+[0049<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Searching using a graphical user interface generated at the set top box may also take place by the user. For example, searching based on title, actor, key words in the title or description may take place in conjunction with the remote control or other user interface. After searching, a selection may be made. Selections may also be made at a website using a program guide.    </p>
+    <p id="p-64" num="64">[0050<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 4, once a selection on display <part-num-ref name="selection on display">64</part-num-ref>
+ has taken place in Fig. 2, a confirmation screen <part-num-ref name="confirmation screen">140</part-num-ref>
+ may be displayed. The confirmation screen <part-num-ref name="confirmation screen">140</part-num-ref>
+ may generate a message <part-num-ref name="message">142</part-num-ref>
+ that includes a YES box <part-num-ref name="YES box">144</part-num-ref>
+ and a NO box <part-num-ref name="NO box">146.</part-num-ref>
+ The message may include that "YOU HAVE SELECTED SHOW         A. THE FEE IS $X.00. IS THIS CORRECT?" The user may then confirm the selections by selecting the YES box <part-num-ref name="YES box">144</part-num-ref>
+ which is bolded in Fig. 3. The YES box <part-num-ref name="YES box">144</part-num-ref>
+ may be selected by a push button on the remote or on the set top box itself. A confirmation signal is sent to the service provider to initiate the transfer of the program from the service provider to the user devices. A purchase can be verified via a phone line through a callback on a regular basis from the set top box. The purchase could also be verified using a broadband connection.    </p>
+    <p id="p-65" num="65">[0051<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 5, a method of selecting a program from the perspective of the user is illustrated. In step <part-num-ref name="user is illustrated. In step">200,</part-num-ref>
+ the program guide is reviewed by the user.    </p>
+    <p id="p-66" num="66">It should also be noted that step 200 may be performed on the set top box or on a service provider website. That is, a user may logon to a user website and select a desired program from a program guide displayed on the selection. In this manner, remote access and control may be provided to the user. For example, if the user is at a workplace or another location having Internet access, the service provider website may be reached and logged into by the particular user. A selection may, therefore, be selected and communicated to the user device.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">16</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-67" num="67">
+      <page-break num="17"/>
+In this manner, the particular program may be communicated to the user device so that it is available when the user returns to the device. As mentioned above, searching may also be used to find possible selections.    </p>
+    <p id="p-68" num="68">[0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 202, the program guide may be scrolled into past programming which is prior to the currently broadcasting program. The programming guide for past programming may be limited to only those available for downloading. Thus, the program guide on the website or on the display associated with the user device may be reduced in size.    </p>
+    <p id="p-69" num="69">In step 204, a program from the past programming guide is selected to form a selection. As described in Fig. 2, the selection may be performed by using the remote or other user interface. In step <part-num-ref name="remote or other user interface. In step">208,</part-num-ref>
+ the program is retrieved that corresponds to the selection from a content repository. The selection may generate a content identifier that is used to select a corresponding program or content from the content repository.    </p>
+    <p id="p-70" num="70">[0053<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 210, a popularity rating of the program corresponding to the selection may be determined. As mentioned above, the audience measurement module <part-num-ref name="audience measurement module">94</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 1 may be used to determine the popularity rating of the particular program. In step <part-num-ref name="particular program. In step">212,</part-num-ref>
+ a means for communicating the program may be determined based upon the popularity rating. This was mentioned above in the description of Fig. 1. For example, a popular program may be communicated through the satellite while a less popular title may be communicated through a terrestrial network. Both steps <part-num-ref name="terrestrial network. Both steps">210</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">212</part-num-ref>
+ are optional steps.    </p>
+    <p id="p-71" num="71">[0054<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 214, the program corresponding to the selection is communicated to the user device. As mentioned above, the program may be communicated through a different network than the selection signal is communicated. Although, both may use the same. The program may be communicated through a wireless network, a broadband <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">17</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="18"/>
+network, a WiFi network, a WiMax network, a cellular network, a wireless broadband network, or through a wired broadband network. A satellite network may also be used to communicate the program. In step <part-num-ref name="program. In step">216,</part-num-ref>
+ the selection is billed to the account associated with the user device. This may be performed at the subscriber transaction management system <part-num-ref name="subscriber transaction management system">40</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in Fig. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-72" num="72">[0055<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 218, the program may be stored in the memory of the user device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-73" num="73">In the case of a set top box, the program may be stored in a digital video recorder. The program may also be played back in real time as received. However, it is more likely that the program is played back from a memory in a commercial embodiment.</p>
+    <p id="p-74" num="74">[0056<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 220, the program is played back on the user device. That is, depending on the type of program, the user device may be used to generate audio, audio and video, gaming control, or the like. The audio signals may be communicated through a speaker while the video signals are displayed on the display <part-num-ref name="display">64</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in Fig. 1.    </p>
+    <p id="p-75" num="75">[0057<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 6, a method of operating from the perspective of the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12</part-num-ref>
+ is set forth. In step <part-num-ref name="is set forth. In step">250,</part-num-ref>
+ a program guide including current and past programming is communicated to one of the user devices <part-num-ref name="user devices">15.</part-num-ref>
+ The program guide may be formulated from information stored in the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ in Fig. 1. The program guide may be communicated through various means including satellite, telephone, and various types of broadband and Internet connections. This connection may be wired or wireless and include a WiFi network, WiMax network, or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-76" num="76">[0058<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 252, programming is received from various sources including from DVDs, tapes, the satellite or optical fibers and are stored in the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46.</part-num-ref>
+ In step <part-num-ref name="content repository 46. In step">254,</part-num-ref>
+ the programming is broadcast through the satellite <part-num-ref name="satellite">22.</part-num-ref>
+ In step <part-num-ref name="satellite 22. In step">256,</part-num-ref>
+ the broadcast <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">18</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="19"/>
+programming is stored in the content repository. As mentioned above, the programming that is broadcast may be selectively stored in the content repository. That is, only popular programs or those deemed potentially popular may be stored. Also, programming from certain channels may not be stored at all.    </p>
+    <p id="p-77" num="77">[0059<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   In step 258, stored broadcast programming may be deleted from the content repository. This may be under the control of the controller <part-num-ref name="controller">16.</part-num-ref>
+ The broadcast programming that is stored in the content repository may be date-stamped so that only a pre- determined amount of previously broadcast programming is retained or stored in the content repository. The date stamp may, for example, be the time and date of the broadcast. For example, a two-week retention window may be used by the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46</part-num-ref>
+ for removing any older stored previously broadcasted program. Thus, any stored broadcasted programming greater than two weeks old may be deleted from the system or removed from being available (removed from the program guide). It should be noted that various times may be set forth. Also, various retention times associated with various programs or channels may also be set forth. That is, different channels and different programs may have different retention times within the content repository <part-num-ref name="content repository">46.</part-num-ref>
+ Popular titles could be maintained longer than less popular titles.    </p>
+    <p id="p-78" num="78">[0060<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+   Further, availability or retention windows may also be established to allow user devices to see what is available and still allow them sufficient time to download the material. For example, if two weeks of material is maintained, the actual publish time may be two weeks plus some fixed time to allocate the program to be communicated to a user device. The extra time may be fixed or variable depending on the length of a particular content. To summarize, the content may actually be available for a predetermined amount of <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">19</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="20"/>
+time after it is removed from an "available" content list or the program guide. Such a feature may allow the system time to service various requests and, therefore, increase customer satisfaction.    </p>
+    <p id="p-79" num="79">[0061<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 260, requests are received at the service provider for particular stored content through a network. In step <part-num-ref name="network. In step">262,</part-num-ref>
+ an optional step of receiving a confirmation from the user device may be performed. That is, both a request and a confirmation may be required for transferring a program to the user device. The confirmation and request may also take place only at the user device and, thus, they may be combined into one signal received at the user device.    </p>
+    <p id="p-80" num="80">[0062<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 264, the program corresponding to the selected content is retrieved from the content repository.    </p>
+    <p id="p-81" num="81">[0063<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 266, optional steps corresponding to steps 210 and <part-num-ref name="and">212</part-num-ref>
+ may be performed. In step <part-num-ref name="may be performed. In step">266,</part-num-ref>
+ a popularity rating may be determined for the particular program. In step <part-num-ref name="particular program. In step">268,</part-num-ref>
+ a means for communicating based upon the popularity of the program may be determined. This may entail choosing a network. In step <part-num-ref name="network. In step">268,</part-num-ref>
+ based upon the popularity rating, a network for communicating may be determined. As mentioned above in step <part-num-ref name="network for communicating may be determined. As mentioned above in step">212,</part-num-ref>
+ various types of networks may be used based upon the popularity including wired, wireless, terrestrial, and satellite. In step <part-num-ref name="popularity including wired, wireless, terrestrial, and satellite. In step">270,</part-num-ref>
+ the program is communicated to the user device using the selected communication means.    </p>
+    <p id="p-82" num="82">[0064<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The present disclosure allows a user to request content that was heretofore otherwise not available. In prior systems, a user would identify various programming desirable to be downloaded prior to broadcast and thereafter, during the broadcast, storing the content on a local memory device. The present disclosure allows prior broadcasted <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">20</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="21"/>
+programming to be received at various times after the program is broadcast. This provides a significant benefit to the user so they may access more content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-83" num="83">[0065<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Refe<confidence value="66">rr</confidence>
+ing now to Fig. 7, a method for obtaining lost content segments is provided. In step <part-num-ref name="method for obtaining lost content segments is provided. In step">310,</part-num-ref>
+ content that has been requested from the service provider is stored on the device. The content may be requested through a broadband system or through a terrestrial system. When receiving the content, lost segments may be formed in the content.    </p>
+    <p id="p-84" num="84">The lost segment corresponds to a portion or less than the entire piece of content. In step <part-num-ref name="entire piece of content. In step">312,</part-num-ref>
+ a lost content segment or segments is determined. The lost content segments may be determined in various ways, including looking for lost signals such as audio, video or both upon receiving the content signals, reviewing a discontinuity of content headers, or the like.    </p>
+    <p id="p-85" num="85">[0066<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 314, a request for a lost content segment is generated by the set top box or other user device. In step <part-num-ref name="set top box or other user device. In step">316,</part-num-ref>
+ the request for lost content is communicated to the service provider. The communication may take place through a network such as the Internet or through a public-switched telephone network. The communication may be a wireless communication or a wired communication through a terrestrial network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-86" num="86">[0067<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 318, a stored lost content is found by the service provider <part-num-ref name="service provider">12.</part-num-ref>
+ The file management system <part-num-ref name="file management system">108</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 2 may be used to locate the lost content segment. It should be noted that only the lost content segment may be provided and not the full or entire content. In step <part-num-ref name="full or entire content. In step">320,</part-num-ref>
+ the lost content segment may be communicated to the set top box. The communication may take place through a broadband network, the Internet <part-num-ref name="Internet">50</part-num-ref>
+ of Fig. 1, through a public-switched telephone network or through the satellite. The lost content segment does not have to be communicated through the same network that the original content was provided. For example, the content may be communicated through a satellite <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">21</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="22"/>
+and the lost content segment through a terrestrial broadband network. The request may also be communicated through a broadband network or telephone network.    </p>
+    <p id="p-87" num="87">[0068<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 322, the lost content segment is stored in the storage device. The storage device may include a digital video recorder or other types of volatile or non-volatile memory.    </p>
+    <p id="p-88" num="88">[0069<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    In step 324, the content may be played back with the lost content contiguously. That is, the lost content may be played back contiguously within the content so that no noticeable gaps are provided to the content user. The controller <part-num-ref name="controller">62</part-num-ref>
+ of the user device <part-num-ref name="user device">60</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in Fig. 1 may be used to play back the content contiguously.    </p>
+    <p id="p-89" num="89">[0070<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    It should be noted that the system is preferably automatic. That is, as content is being stored within the system, or after the content has been stored within the system, the request for a lost content segment may be generated when lost content segments are included within the content stored within the memory device. By the time the content is viewed the lost control segments may be stored so that playback becomes uninterrupted by lost content segments.    </p>
+    <p id="p-90" num="90">[0071<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms.    </p>
+    <p id="p-91" num="91">Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">22</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11944814.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11944814</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-02-04</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">In the Specification:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Please insert the following on page <part-num-ref name="following on page">18,</part-num-ref>
+ beginning at line <part-num-ref name="following on page 18, beginning at line">25</part-num-ref>
+ of the originally filed Specification:    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">In one embodiment, the <confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+resent invention may be implemented as a computer program on a com<confidence value="8">p</confidence>
+uter readable medium. In an embodiment, the computer program may be arranged to cause a communication manager in a network including a first user terminal and a second user terminal to receive a communication rule from the first user terminal, where the rule identifies the second user terminal, status relating to the second user terminal and a type of communication. Furthermore, the computer program may be arranged to receive data including a notification message comprising status information for the second user terminal and determine<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ upon receipt of the notification message, if the status information matches the status in the rule.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The computer program may also be arranged to cause a connection bet<confidence value="8">w</confidence>
+een the first and second user terminals according to the type of communication specified in the communication rule if the status information matches the status in the communication rule.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11987161.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11987161</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-03-22</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">YAMASHITA et al.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">App<confidence value="7">l</confidence>
+e. No. 11/987,161 March 22, 2011     </p>
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION:</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">Please substitute the attached specification for the original specification pages 1-72. It is believed that no new matter is introduced. However, the Examiner is kindly requested to confirm this view. A marked specification is also attached.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">
+      <confidence value="888">-2-</confidence>
+ 1770088     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/11990325.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>11990325</doc-number>
+        <date>2010-11-18</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">In the Specification:</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">Page 4, second paragraph, lines 7-9, replace with a new paragraph as follows:</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">-- The object of the invention is achieved in that in the cooling device for electrodes of a metallurgical furnace and which surrounds the electrodes and consists of individual segments, at least one individual segment is formed with at least one hinge for securing the hinge on a suspension frame.--;</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">third paragraph, line 10, delete in its entirety; and fifth paragraph, line 13, delete in its entirety.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">
+      <confidence value="8825">F:\N</confidence>
+ewton<confidence value="225466">\HEIMM</confidence>
+ERIC<confidence value="66">H\</confidence>
+209,272 amend <confidence value="6">I</confidence>
+ <confidence value="4">1</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="66">15</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ 2010.DOC  <part-num-ref name="2010.DOC">
+        <confidence value="6">2</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12008531.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12008531</doc-number>
+        <date>2009-01-30</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <heading id="h-1">AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">Please amend paragraph [0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ as follows.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">
+      <confidence value="5">[</confidence>
+0001<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    The present application is a divisional application of application Serial No.    </p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">10/684,278, filed October 11, 2003, now U.S. Patent 7<confidence value="686866">,343,0</confidence>
+59, issued March 11<confidence value="5">,</confidence>
+ 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">Please amend paragraph [0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+ as follows.    </p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">[0052<confidence value="5">]</confidence>
+    Fig. 6C illustrates a structure <part-num-ref name="structure">660</part-num-ref>
+ for a modulator such as modulator <part-num-ref name="modulator such as modulator">440.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">Structure 660 uses a point defect resonator that contains a material <part-num-ref name="material">625</part-num-ref>
+ such as a semiconductor material (e.g., a p-i-n structure) or lithium niobate (LiNb<confidence value="5">O</confidence>
+3) and electrode <part-num-ref name="p-i-n structure) or lithium niobate (LiNbO3) and electrode">
+        <confidence value="582">650</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="666">670</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and 6<confidence value="5">-</confidence>
+5-5 <part-num-ref name="and 6-5-5">
+        <confidence value="666">675</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ that are both under the point defect but separated from each other. A voltage applied across electrodes <part-num-ref name="voltage applied across electrodes">6<confidence value="82">59</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ <part-num-ref name="">
+        <confidence value="666">670</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and 6<confidence value="5886">-5-5</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="and 6-5-5">
+        <confidence value="666">675</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ creates an electric field <confidence value="5">E</confidence>
+ that changes the refractive index in the point defect causing a phase change in the resonating optical signal.    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Variations of the applied voltage between electrodes 6<confidence value="682">-58</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="applied voltage between electrodes 6-58">
+        <confidence value="668">670</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ and 6<confidence value="5886">-5-5</confidence>
+ <part-num-ref name="and 6-5-5">
+        <confidence value="666">675</confidence>
+      </part-num-ref>
+ can thus be used for amplitude or frequency modulation of the optical signal.    </p>
+    <heading id="h-2">PATENT <confidence value="666">LAW</confidence>
+ OFFICE OF    </heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">
+      <confidence value="66625">DAV-D</confidence>
+ MILLERS    </heading>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <confidence value="2882">1221</confidence>
+ SUN RIDGE ROAD PLACERVILLE, CA 95667 PH <part-num-ref name="PH">(530)</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="882">621</confidence>
+-4545 FX <part-num-ref name="621-4545 FX">(530)</part-num-ref>
+ <confidence value="882">621</confidence>
+-4543 -2-                 Serial No. 12/008,531     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12030831.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,307 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12030831</doc-number>
+        <date>2008-02-13</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+    <heading id="h-1">CONSTANT VOLTAGE WELDER CAPACITOR RIPPLE</heading>
+    <heading id="h-2">CURRENT REDUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM</heading>
+    <heading id="h-3">BACKGROUND</heading>
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">[0001]   The present invention relates generally to the field of welding systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for reducing capacitor ripple current in constant voltage welders for reducing capacitor heat and improving welding operations.</p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">[0002]   Welding systems, such as metal inert gas (MIG) and flux cored arc welding (FCAW) welding systems, may supply a constant voltage, variable current to a continuously fed consumable electrode being fed through a welding gun, which then creates an arc between the consumable electrode and a work piece. The power supply of the welding system may have a capacitor or a bank of capacitors to smooth the output voltage. In higher power welding systems, a single capacitor may be insufficient to smooth the output voltage because the capacitor does not have any limitation on current other than its own equivalent series resistance (ESR). As a result, the capacitor may generate a substantial amount of heat as it charges and discharges during the welding process. To dissipate the heat generated, a bank of multiple capacitors is typically used to share the load. Unfortunately, the bank of capacitors adds to the cost, size, and complexity of the welding system.</p>
+    <heading id="h-4">BRIEF DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">[0003]   Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved welding system utilizing a novel power conditioning circuit configured to reduce ripple current in the output capacitor. The power conditioning circuitry is designed to replace existing power conditioning circuitry used in existing welding systems, with little or no change to the other components of the systems, making it ideal for integration into existing system designs. The power conditioning circuit, in certain embodiments, includes an inductor to limit current through a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is configured to smooth the <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">1</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="2"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+output voltage for a constant voltage welding system. The power conditioning circuit may be coupled to the output of a power supply, which may include a rectifier configured to convert AC power to DC power. The rectifier may be coupled to a DC bus configured to transmit the DC power. A capacitive circuit including a capacitor may be coupled across the DC bus to smooth ripple in the DC power. The first inductor, e.g., coupled between the DC bus and the capacitive circuit, limits the rate of change of current flow between the capacitive circuit and the DC bus during a welding operation, thereby reducing heating in the output capacitive circuit. A further inductor may be coupled to one side of the DC bus to limit the rate of change of current flow from the capacitive circuit to a load.    </p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">[0004]   The embodiments of the power conditioning circuitry disclosed herein may be used in a variety of constant voltage welding systems to reduce heat generation, while also potentially reducing cost, weight, size, and complexity of the system. For example, in a welding system utilizing a bank of several capacitors for distributing heat, the bank size may be reduced, ideally, in some embodiments, to a single output capacitor.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">Moreover, by reducing the total number of output capacitors, the manufacturing and labor cost of producing the welding system is reduced. The reduction in ripple current also provides a reduction in the input amperage draw of the welding system, enabling the system to operate more economically.</p>
+    <heading id="h-5">DRAWINGS</heading>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">[0005]   These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:</p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">[0006]   FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical overview of an exemplary welding system adapted for reduced heating and improved operation in accordance with embodiments of the invention;</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">2</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-8" num="8">
+      <page-break num="3"/>
+[0007]   FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating exemplary components of a DC power conditioning circuit for the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the invention;    </p>
+    <p id="p-9" num="9">[0008]   FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of voltage and current waveforms typical without embodiments (e.g., current limit on capacitor) of the power conditioning circuit of FIG. 2; and [0009]   FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of voltage and current waveforms in the circuitry of FIG. 2 in accordance with embodiments of the invention, demonstrating current peak reductions, as well as enhanced voltage and current smoothing, resulting in reduced heating and improved operation of the welding operation.</p>
+    <heading id="h-6">DETAILED DESCRIPTION</heading>
+    <p id="p-10" num="10">[0010]   Welding systems generally apply electrical current to an electrode so as to pass an arc between the electrode and a work piece, thereby heating the electrode and work piece to create a weld. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also referred to by its subtypes metal inert gas (MIG) welding or metal active gas (MAG) welding, is an arc welding process in which a continuous and consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas are fed through a welding gun. Although the term welding gun is used herein, it should be understood that welding systems may also include welding torches or the like.</p>
+    <p id="p-11" num="11">[0011]    Most MIG welding applications operate using a constant voltage, variable current scheme to maintain a constant arc length independent of the distance between the electrode and the work piece. That is, a constant voltage regime may be implemented in which the output voltage is constant or nearly constant during welding operations. As a result, any change in arc length, which is directly related to voltage, results in a large change in heat input and current. A shorter arc length will cause a much greater heat input, which will make the wire electrode melt more quickly and thereby restore the original arc length. In addition a common mode of operating a GMAW system may <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="4"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+include the consumable wire electrode periodically short circuiting to the work piece, followed by an open arc upon clearing of the short circuit.    </p>
+    <p id="p-12" num="12">[0012]   To maintain a stable arc, welding systems may include a power supply, which may include a transformer and rectifier. The transformer and rectifier may be of a single phase design or multi-phase, such as three phase. The welding system may further include power conditioning circuitry operatively coupled downstream of the power supply. The power conditioning circuitry may include an output capacitor operatively coupled to the rectifier to smooth the rectified voltage. The requirement and need for a capacitor to smooth the rectified voltage may be greater for a single phase system because of the greater ripple voltage as compared to a three phase system. The power conditioning circuitry may also include an output inductor operatively coupled to the rectifier to control the rate of change of current output to the load, particularly during a short circuit event and to generally stabilize the welding arc.</p>
+    <p id="p-13" num="13">[0013]   When a load is applied to the output of the constant voltage welder, the output capacitor is continuously discharging current into the load and being recharged by the power transformer and rectifier, producing a ripple current. The output inductor may be coupled in series between the output capacitor and the load to limit the current flow from the output capacitor as it discharges into the load, while the output inductor controls the dynamic change of current in order to obtain a more stable welding arc. However, since the output capacitor is coupled directly across the rectifier, the charging current flowing into the capacitor from the transformer via the rectifier is only limited by the impedance of the AC source providing power to the transformer along with the impedance of the transformer, the internal resistance of the capacitor, the impedance of the rectifier and other components inherent in the circuit. In general, it is desirable to minimize these inherent impedances and resistances in the circuit to minimize losses that cause heating and reduce overall efficiency and capacity of the welding system. Thus, the peak charging current may be of substantial magnitude and may result in a substantial RMS ripple current flowing in the capacitor. The internal losses within the capacitor and thus <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">4</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="5"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+the internal heating may be directly related to the RMS current flowing in the capacitor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-14" num="14">As the current increases, the heating may become substantial.</p>
+    <p id="p-15" num="15">[0014]   In addition, the peak charging current supplied by the transformer via the rectifier may be reflected to the primary side of the transformer by the turns ratio of the transformer and may adversely affect the transformer by increasing the RMS current in the primary and secondary windings thus resulting in unwanted heating of the transformer. In addition the higher RMS current on the primary winding of the transformer may manifest as an increase in the RMS input current supplied by the AC source, which can limit the capacity of the welding system, cause input circuit breakers to trip, etc. This may be especially important for welding systems that are supplied by single phase AC sources of limited capacity, such as typical 115VAC single phase AC sources.</p>
+    <p id="p-16" num="16">[0015]   Turning now to the drawings and referring first to FIG. 1, a welding system <part-num-ref name="welding system">10</part-num-ref>
+ is illustrated having improved power conditioning circuitry adapted for reduced heating in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. The improved power conditioning circuitry may include an additional inductor which may be coupled in series with the load to limit the rate of change of the output current, thus improving the control of the dynamic current output to reduce heating in the welding system and to produce a more stable welding arc, as will be discussed in further detail below.    </p>
+    <p id="p-17" num="17">[0016]   The illustrated welding system <part-num-ref name="illustrated welding system">10</part-num-ref>
+ includes a base unit <part-num-ref name="base unit">12</part-num-ref>
+ operably coupled with a welding gun <part-num-ref name="welding gun">14</part-num-ref>
+ via a conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">15.</part-num-ref>
+ The system <part-num-ref name="system">10</part-num-ref>
+ also includes an electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ (e.g., welding wire) fed through the conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">15</part-num-ref>
+ and to the gun <part-num-ref name="gun">14,</part-num-ref>
+ a ground cable <part-num-ref name="ground cable">17</part-num-ref>
+ having a ground clamp <part-num-ref name="ground clamp">18</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to a work piece <part-num-ref name="work piece">20,</part-num-ref>
+ and a power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24.</part-num-ref>
+ Placement of the welding gun <part-num-ref name="welding gun">14</part-num-ref>
+ proximate to a work piece <part-num-ref name="work piece">20</part-num-ref>
+ allows electrical current, supplied by the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24,</part-num-ref>
+ to form an arc <part-num-ref name="arc">22</part-num-ref>
+ from the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ to work piece <part-num-ref name="to work piece">20.</part-num-ref>
+ The arc <part-num-ref name="arc">22</part-num-ref>
+ completes an electrical circuit from the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ to the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16,</part-num-ref>
+ to the work piece <part-num-ref name="work piece">20,</part-num-ref>
+ then back to ground via the ground clamp <part-num-ref name="ground clamp">18</part-num-ref>
+ and the ground cable <part-num-ref name="ground cable">17,</part-num-ref>
+ which is operably coupled to the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ through the control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30.</part-num-ref>
+ The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">5</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="6"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+heat produced by the arc <part-num-ref name="arc">22</part-num-ref>
+ causes the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ and/or the work piece <part-num-ref name="work piece">20</part-num-ref>
+ to transition to a molten state, thereby creating the weld.    </p>
+    <p id="p-18" num="18">[0017]   The welding system <part-num-ref name="welding system">10</part-num-ref>
+ also includes a wire feeder <part-num-ref name="wire feeder">26,</part-num-ref>
+ a gas supply <part-num-ref name="gas supply">28,</part-num-ref>
+ and an electrode supply <part-num-ref name="electrode supply">34.</part-num-ref>
+ A base unit <part-num-ref name="base unit">12</part-num-ref>
+ supplies the welding gun <part-num-ref name="welding gun">14</part-num-ref>
+ with voltage and current from the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24,</part-num-ref>
+ electrode <part-num-ref name="power supply 24, electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ from the electrode supply <part-num-ref name="electrode supply">34</part-num-ref>
+ through the wire feeder <part-num-ref name="wire feeder">26,</part-num-ref>
+ and shielding gas from the gas supply <part-num-ref name="gas supply">28</part-num-ref>
+ through a conduit <part-num-ref name="conduit">15.</part-num-ref>
+ The electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ may be any suitable type of traditional consumable electrode. Also, in alternate embodiments, the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ may include a non-consumable electrode without the wire feeder <part-num-ref name="wire feeder">26</part-num-ref>
+ or electrode supply <part-num-ref name="or electrode supply">34.</part-num-ref>
+ Shielding gas from the gas supply <part-num-ref name="gas supply">28</part-num-ref>
+ shields the weld area from contaminants during the welding process in order to enhance arc performance and to improve the quality of the resulting weld. An operator may manipulate welding parameters via an operator interface <part-num-ref name="operator interface">32</part-num-ref>
+ coupled to the control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30</part-num-ref>
+ in order to precisely control the deposition of molten material from the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ onto the work piece <part-num-ref name="work piece">20.</part-num-ref>
+ Where operator inputs are used, these may be provided by digital devices, analog circuits (i.e., dials with associated potentiometers), and so forth.    </p>
+    <p id="p-19" num="19">[0018]   In the illustrated embodiment, operator inputs received by the operator interface <part-num-ref name="operator interface">32</part-num-ref>
+ are relayed to the control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30.</part-num-ref>
+ The control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30</part-num-ref>
+ is operably coupled to and configured to control each of the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24,</part-num-ref>
+ the wire feeder <part-num-ref name="wire feeder">26,</part-num-ref>
+ and the gas supply <part-num-ref name="gas supply">28</part-num-ref>
+ based on the operator inputs received via the operator interface <part-num-ref name="operator interface">32.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, the control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to adjust the welding power output <part-num-ref name="welding power output">40</part-num-ref>
+ from power supply <part-num-ref name="from power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ based on operator inputs, as well as by monitoring supply voltage and current with voltage sensor <part-num-ref name="based on operator inputs, as well as by monitoring supply voltage and current with voltage sensor">44</part-num-ref>
+ and current sensor <part-num-ref name="and current sensor">46.</part-num-ref>
+ The control circuitry <part-num-ref name="control circuitry">30</part-num-ref>
+ may be further configured to regulate the advancement of the electrode <part-num-ref name="electrode">16</part-num-ref>
+ via the wire feeder <part-num-ref name="wire feeder">26,</part-num-ref>
+ as well as the shielding gas output from the gas supply <part-num-ref name="gas supply">28</part-num-ref>
+ based on the operator inputs. Although not represented in FIG. 1, the operator interface <part-num-ref name="operator interface">32</part-num-ref>
+ and control circuitry <part-num-ref name="and control circuitry">30</part-num-ref>
+ are, of course, supported by ancillary devices and circuitry, such as power supplies, memory devices, signal conditioning circuitry, and so forth.    </p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="8">6</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+    <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+    <p id="p-20" num="20">
+      <page-break num="7"/>
+[0019]   The welding system <part-num-ref name="welding system">10</part-num-ref>
+ may also include power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="may also include power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ operatively coupled downstream of the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24.</part-num-ref>
+ The power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to receive and convert an AC power input <part-num-ref name="AC power input">38</part-num-ref>
+ received by the base unit <part-num-ref name="base unit">12</part-num-ref>
+ into a DC power signal <part-num-ref name="DC power signal">40.</part-num-ref>
+ In certain embodiments, the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ may include a transformer-rectifier type design. In the illustrated embodiment, the power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to smooth ripple in the DC power output <part-num-ref name="DC power output">40</part-num-ref>
+ provided by the rectified and transformed AC input <part-num-ref name="rectified and transformed AC input">38.</part-num-ref>
+ The smoothed DC power signal <part-num-ref name="smoothed DC power signal">42</part-num-ref>
+ is then provided by the power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ for delivering welding power to the welding torch <part-num-ref name="welding torch">14.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-21" num="21">[0020]   FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating the components of the exemplary power supply <part-num-ref name="exemplary power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.    </p>
+    <p id="p-22" num="22">As discussed above, the power supply <part-num-ref name="power supply">24</part-num-ref>
+ may include a transformer-rectifier type design, provided in FIG. 2 by the transformer <part-num-ref name="transformer">52</part-num-ref>
+ and the rectifier <part-num-ref name="rectifier">54.</part-num-ref>
+ The power supply circuitry <part-num-ref name="power supply circuitry">24</part-num-ref>
+ receives AC power input signal <part-num-ref name="receives AC power input signal">38.</part-num-ref>
+ In one embodiment, the AC power input <part-num-ref name="AC power input">38</part-num-ref>
+ may be provided by <part-num-ref name="may be provided by">230</part-num-ref>
+ volt single phase AC power. The transformer <part-num-ref name="transformer">52</part-num-ref>
+ may be configured to convert the line voltage to a reduced voltage suitable for welding applications, typically in the range of <part-num-ref name="range of">17</part-num-ref>
+ to <part-num-ref name="to">38</part-num-ref>
+ volts. The reduced voltage is applied to the rectifier <part-num-ref name="rectifier">54,</part-num-ref>
+ which may be configured to rectify the transformed AC power to DC power. While the circuit of FIG. 2 is described as receiving single phase AC power, alternate embodiments may utilize three phase AC power.    </p>
+    <p id="p-23" num="23">[0021]  In the illustrated embodiment, the DC bus <part-num-ref name="DC bus">64</part-num-ref>
+ includes a high and low side, and is further coupled to power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="high and low side, and is further coupled to power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ for smoothing ripple in the DC power <part-num-ref name="DC power">40.</part-num-ref>
+ The illustrated power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="illustrated power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ includes an output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ an output inductor <part-num-ref name="output inductor">62,</part-num-ref>
+ and a second inductor <part-num-ref name="second inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ coupled in series between the output capacitor and the DC bus <part-num-ref name="DC bus">64.</part-num-ref>
+ While the illustrated embodiment includes a single output capacitor <part-num-ref name="single output capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ additional capacitors, for example, a bank of capacitors electrically coupled in parallel, may be utilized for improved heat reduction. However, as noted above, <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">7</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="8"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+additional capacitive components may increase welding system manufacturing costs and result in a bulkier and less portable system design.    </p>
+    <p id="p-24" num="24">[0022]   The output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to smooth voltage ripple in the DC power output <part-num-ref name="DC power output">40.</part-num-ref>
+ For example, in a constant voltage welder operating at <part-num-ref name="constant voltage welder operating at">60</part-num-ref>
+ Hz, the arc voltage, without the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ may go to <part-num-ref name="output capacitor 58, may go to">0</part-num-ref>
+ volts every 8.33 milliseconds as a result of the full wave rectification via the rectifier <part-num-ref name="rectifier">54</part-num-ref>
+ of the AC power signal produced by the power transformer <part-num-ref name="power transformer">52.</part-num-ref>
+ When a load, such as a welding arc, is applied to the output of the welding system <part-num-ref name="welding system">10,</part-num-ref>
+ the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ is continuously discharging current into the load and being recharged by the power transformer <part-num-ref name="power transformer">52,</part-num-ref>
+ generating heat as current flows into and out of the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58.</part-num-ref>
+ The output inductor <part-num-ref name="output inductor">62</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled in series with the load to stabilize the rate of current flow from the transformer and output capacitor <part-num-ref name="transformer and output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ into the load, controlling dynamic change of current in order to obtain a more stable welding arc.    </p>
+    <p id="p-25" num="25">[0023]   In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ could be coupled directly across the rectifier <part-num-ref name="rectifier">54.</part-num-ref>
+ Unfortunately, without the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60,</part-num-ref>
+ output capacitor <part-num-ref name="inductor 60, output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ current is only limited by the inherent series resistances and impedances in the transformer, rectifier, capacitor and other circuit elements when it is being charged by the power transformer <part-num-ref name="power transformer">52.</part-num-ref>
+ During the initial charging phase, there is usually a large spike in current level without the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60,</part-num-ref>
+ thereby contributing to additional heating of the capacitor <part-num-ref name="capacitor">58.</part-num-ref>
+ Furthermore, when measured, the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ ripple current is typically higher than the welding current.    </p>
+    <p id="p-26" num="26">[0024]   In the welding system <part-num-ref name="welding system">10</part-num-ref>
+ utilizing the improved power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="improved power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG. 2, the second inductor <part-num-ref name="second inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ is coupled in series between the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ and the DC bus <part-num-ref name="DC bus">64</part-num-ref>
+ and is configured to limit the rate of current flow between the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ and the DC bus <part-num-ref name="DC bus">64</part-num-ref>
+ during welding operations. By reducing the rate of current flow into the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ from the power transformer <part-num-ref name="power transformer">52</part-num-ref>
+ during each charging phase, the overall ripple current level in the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ is reduced, thereby reducing the overall heat generated when the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ is charging and <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">8</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="9"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+discharging. In view of the reduced heat generation, a smaller number of capacitors (e.g., one capacitor <part-num-ref name="one capacitor">58)</part-num-ref>
+ may be used in the power conditioning circuitry <part-num-ref name="power conditioning circuitry">36</part-num-ref>
+ to reduce size, weight, cost, and complexity of the system <part-num-ref name="system">10.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-27" num="27">[0025]   In one or more embodiments, the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ may have a capacitive value of approximately 100,000  F, the output inductor <part-num-ref name="output inductor">62</part-num-ref>
+ may have a value of approximately <part-num-ref name="value of approximately">200</part-num-ref>
+  H, and the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ may have a range of approximately 10% of the value of the output inductor <part-num-ref name="output inductor">62,</part-num-ref>
+ in this case, approximately <part-num-ref name="output inductor 62, in this case, approximately">20</part-num-ref>
+  H. This configuration may, in particular embodiments, result in approximately a 10% reduction in the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ ripple current, as a well as a 25% reduction in total power dissipated in the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58.</part-num-ref>
+ Peak to peak current levels between the charging and discharging cycles may also be reduced by 20% or more. In other embodiments, the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ may have a capacitive value in a range of 50,000 to 100,000  F, and the output inductor may have an inductance in the range of 10-30  H. FIGS. 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4</part-num-ref>
+ will more clearly illustrate these improvements using graphical representations.    </p>
+    <p id="p-28" num="28">[0026]   FIGS. 3 and <part-num-ref name="and">4</part-num-ref>
+ are graphical representations of voltage and current wave forms for a constant voltage MIG welding system without and with current control for the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ respectively. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates voltage and current waveforms without the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 2, whereas FIG. 4 illustrates voltage and current waveforms with the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the current and voltage graph <part-num-ref name="current and voltage graph">66</part-num-ref>
+ includes an X axis representing time <part-num-ref name="X axis representing time">68</part-num-ref>
+ and a Y axis representing both voltage <part-num-ref name="Y axis representing both voltage">70</part-num-ref>
+ and current <part-num-ref name="and current">72.</part-num-ref>
+ The output capacitor voltage is represented by trace line <part-num-ref name="output capacitor voltage is represented by trace line">74,</part-num-ref>
+ and the output capacitor current is represented by trace line <part-num-ref name="output capacitor current is represented by trace line">76.</part-num-ref>
+ As illustrated in FIG. 3, following the initial charging phase, the capacitor voltage <part-num-ref name="capacitor voltage">74</part-num-ref>
+ remains relatively constant during the MIG welding operation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-29" num="29">[0027]   As discussed above, if an output capacitor (e.g., capacitor <part-num-ref name="capacitor">58)</part-num-ref>
+ in a MIG welder is coupled directly across the rectifier, then it has no current limitation other than the equivalent series resistance inherent within the circuit when it is being charged by a <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="8">9</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="10"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+power transformer. As such, there is usually a large spike in current level during the initial charging phase, represented in FIG. 3 by reference numeral <part-num-ref name="by reference numeral">78.</part-num-ref>
+    </p>
+    <p id="p-30" num="30">[0028]   Following the initial charging phase, the output capacitor continuously discharges current into the load and is recharged by the power transformer. The peak current levels during each discharge and charge phase are represented respectively by reference numerals <part-num-ref name="peak current levels during each discharge and charge phase are represented respectively by reference numerals">80</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">82.</part-num-ref>
+ Disadvantageously, the large initial spike <part-num-ref name="large initial spike">78</part-num-ref>
+ and the subsequent charging cycles <part-num-ref name="subsequent charging cycles">82</part-num-ref>
+ both contribute to heating of the output capacitor.    </p>
+    <p id="p-31" num="31">[0029]   Turning now to FIG. 4, a graphical representation of voltage and current waveforms of the output capacitor of the improved power conditioning circuit <part-num-ref name="improved power conditioning circuit">36</part-num-ref>
+ of FIG.    </p>
+    <p id="p-32" num="32">2 is illustrated, demonstrating current peak reductions, as well as enhanced voltage and current smoothing, resulting in reduced heating and improved operation in a constant voltage MIG welding application. The current and voltage graph <part-num-ref name="current and voltage graph">86</part-num-ref>
+ includes X and Y axes scaled equivalently to the X <part-num-ref name="X">(68)</part-num-ref>
+ and Y axes <part-num-ref name="and Y axes">(70</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">72)</part-num-ref>
+ illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the X axis represents time <part-num-ref name="X axis represents time">88</part-num-ref>
+ and the Y axis represents both voltage <part-num-ref name="Y axis represents both voltage">90</part-num-ref>
+ and current <part-num-ref name="and current">92.</part-num-ref>
+ The output capacitor voltage is represented by trace line <part-num-ref name="output capacitor voltage is represented by trace line">94,</part-num-ref>
+ whereas the output capacitor current is represented by trace line <part-num-ref name="output capacitor current is represented by trace line">96.</part-num-ref>
+ As illustrated in FIG. 4, following the initial charging phase, the capacitor voltage <part-num-ref name="capacitor voltage">94</part-num-ref>
+ remains relatively constant during the MIG welding operation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-33" num="33">[0030]   As discussed above, the improved power conditioning circuitry includes an inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ coupled in series between the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ and the DC bus <part-num-ref name="DC bus">64,</part-num-ref>
+ wherein the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60</part-num-ref>
+ is configured to limit the rate of current flow to the capacitor <part-num-ref name="capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ causing a reduction in the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ ripple current, as illustrated by trace line <part-num-ref name="ripple current, as illustrated by trace line">96.</part-num-ref>
+ As illustrated in FIG. 4, during the initial charging phase of the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58,</part-num-ref>
+ the initial spikes <part-num-ref name="initial spikes">98</part-num-ref>
+ in current level are much smaller compared to the large initial spike <part-num-ref name="large initial spike">78</part-num-ref>
+ of the system without the inductor <part-num-ref name="inductor">60,</part-num-ref>
+ as illustrated in FIG. 3.    </p>
+    <p id="p-34" num="34">[0031]   Following the initial charging phase, the output capacitor <part-num-ref name="output capacitor">58</part-num-ref>
+ continuously discharges current into the load and is recharged by the power transformer <part-num-ref name="power transformer">52.</part-num-ref>
+ The <boundary-data type="header">
+        <confidence value="88">10</confidence>
+      </boundary-data>
+      <page-break num="11"/>
+      <boundary-data type="header">21125</boundary-data>
+current peaks during each discharge and charge phase are represented respectively by reference numerals <part-num-ref name="current peaks during each discharge and charge phase are represented respectively by reference numerals">100</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">102,</part-num-ref>
+ and are reduced compared to the current peaks <part-num-ref name="current peaks">80</part-num-ref>
+ and <part-num-ref name="and">82</part-num-ref>
+ of the conventional MIG welder of FIG. 3.    </p>
+    <p id="p-35" num="35">[0032]   The reduction in the overall ripple current level of the improved power conditioning circuitry of the illustrated embodiments reduces heating in the output capacitor during welding operations. Furthermore, by reducing the ripple current level, the overall input amperage draw of the welding system is also reduced, thereby allowing the welding system to operate more efficiently and economically.</p>
+    <p id="p-36" num="36">[0033]   While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.</p>
+    <boundary-data type="header">
+      <confidence value="88">11</confidence>
+    </boundary-data>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12062269.xml

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XML_SCHEMAS/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd" pat:instanceFileName="12062269.02-23-2012.GZ0GN2Q3PXXIFW3.SPEC.XML" pat:id="GZ0GN2Q3PXXIFW3"><pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001"><pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>12062269</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:PageTotalQuantity>1</pat:PageTotalQuantity><pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>3</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity></pat:DocumentHeaderDetails><pat:MailRoomDate>2012-02-23</pat:MailRoomDate><pat:DocumentCreateDateText>2014-09-13</pat:DocumentCreateDateText><pat:DocumentTitle>SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT</pat:DocumentTitle><pat:Specification><?PageStart number='1'?><pat:P pat:pNumber="1" pat:id="p-1">Application No. <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00001'>12/062</pat:PartName>,<pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00001'>269</pat:PartNumber> Reply to Office Action of September 23, 2011 Amendments to the Specification: </pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="2" pat:id="p-2">Kindly amend the specification, excluding the claims, by replacing the specification, excluding the claims, with a substitute specification, a marked version of which is provided in Appendix A hereto and a clean version of which is provided in Appendix B hereto. The substitute specification includes no new matter. </pat:P><pat:P pat:pNumber="3" pat:id="p-3"><pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText>Page 3</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData></pat:P></pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>

applicant/12099225.xml

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE us-patent-application SYSTEM "PATI-v1.0.3-2011-06-23.dtd">
+<us-patent-application lang="EN" dtd-version="v1.0.3 2011-06-23" id="us-patent-application" country="US">
+  <us-bibliographic-data-application lang="EN" country="US">
+    <application-reference appl-type="utility">
+      <document-id>
+        <doc-number>12099225</doc-number>
+        <date>2011-11-01</date>
+      </document-id>
+    </application-reference>
+  </us-bibliographic-data-application>
+  <description id="description">
+    <p id="p-1" num="1">
+      <confidence value="25">,-</confidence>
+                                                                        <confidence value="8">3</confidence>
+ - Please add the following explanations, which were removed from the footnotes' symbols (<confidence value="5158">'W',</confidence>
+ <confidence value="55">'n</confidence>
+', <confidence value="55">'*</confidence>
+', <confidence value="511">'i)</confidence>
+', <confidence value="54">'S</confidence>
+', <confidence value="52">'&lt;</confidence>
+') from Claims 1-11, to the end of the section VI of the Specification entitled <confidence value="5">'</confidence>
+VI. Brief Summary of the Invention:' The phrase stated a source of energy includes radiofrequency stimulus, microwave stimulus, ultrasound stimulus and laser stimulus. Cryoablation application would be included as well.    </p>
+    <p id="p-2" num="2">The phrase described methods of catheter ablation includes catheter(s), electrode(s), tools, surgical device(s), surgical tool(s) and/or tool(s) for neurostimulating for the epicardium, myocardium or endocardium. Catheter configured for the use of multi input devices to generate different signals in the same time.</p>
+    <p id="p-3" num="3">The phrase stated autonomic nerve structure describes any autonomic nerve located on the cardiac myocardium, epicardium or endocardium. Nerve structure includes ganglionated plexi, ganglia, ansa, axon, somata, dendrites, fibers, gap junction, synapse, inter- or intra-connection between two different parts of the said nerve structure.</p>
+    <p id="p-4" num="4">The phrase stated autonomic signals identified by ectopic extra beats, high frequency signals, dominant frequency signals, complex fractionated atrial electrograms, significant decreases of the P wave's durations, autonomic bradycardia or tachycardia intensities, degree of heart rate variability (such R-R variations), AV block modification.</p>
+    <p id="p-5" num="5">The phrase states mapping system describes a mapping system which provides the ability of real time mapping, acquisition or analysis of the electrophysiological activation of the heart. This mapping system could also uses point-by-point <confidence value="222222222222">electrograms</confidence>
+ acqu<confidence value="8">i</confidence>
+sition or analysis to evaluate atrial complex fractionated electrograms, dominant frequency or any other autonomic nervous system which could lead to data transformations on <part-num-ref name="heart. This mapping system could also uses point-by-point electrograms acquisition or analysis to evaluate atrial complex fractionated electrograms, dominant frequency or any other autonomic nervous system which could lead to data transformations on">2</part-num-ref>
+ or 3D maps as well. This mapping system could be also used to localize the positions of catheters, electrodes or devices used in the procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.    </p>
+    <p id="p-6" num="6">The phrase describes the step for locally infusing the epicardium or the endomyocardium includes <confidence value="5885">IKAC</confidence>
+h and/or multiple muscarinic acetylcholine-receptor subtypes that could mediate kinetically and biophysically distinct <confidence value="5">K</confidence>
+ - currents such as the 1- <confidence value="8666">IKAC</confidence>
+h (<confidence value="65">M2</confidence>
+ receptor blocker or blocker of <confidence value="811">Imw</confidence>
+); 2- I<confidence value="51">Kw</confidence>
+ (M3 receptor blocker) and 3- I<confidence value="141">KM4</confidence>
+ (M4 receptor blocker).    </p>
+    <p id="p-7" num="7">Very truly yours, Marc Rahme, PhD Professor, Ottawa Univer 16 <confidence value="2222222">Beamish</confidence>
+ Cr., Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2R6 Canada <part-num-ref name="Beamish Cr., Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2R6 Canada">(613)</part-num-ref>
+ 315-9643; <part-num-ref name="315-9643;">(613)</part-num-ref>
+ 595-1550 <confidence value="22222222222222222">mrahmeguottawa.ca</confidence>
+     </p>
+  </description>
+</us-patent-application>
+

applicant/12099863.xml

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><pat:SpecificationDocument xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:pat="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:ent="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:enterprise" xmlns="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent" xmlns:tbl="http://www.oasis-open.org/tables/exchange/1.0" xmlns:com="http://www.wipo.int/standards/XMLSchema/Common/1" xsi:schemaLocation="urn:us:gov:doc:uspto:patent XML_SCHEMAS/V1_3/SpecificationDocument_1_0.xsd" pat:instanceFileName="12099863.09-26-2013.HM2G01TIPXXIFW3.SPEC.XML" pat:id="HM2G01TIPXXIFW3"><pat:DocumentCode>SPEC</pat:DocumentCode><pat:DocumentHeaderDetails pat:id="ID-00001"><pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:ApplicationNumber>12099863</pat:ApplicationNumber></pat:ApplicationHeaderDetails><pat:PageTotalQuantity>2</pat:PageTotalQuantity><pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity>1</pat:ParagraphTotalQuantity></pat:DocumentHeaderDetails><pat:MailRoomDate>2013-09-26</pat:MailRoomDate><pat:DocumentCreateDateText>2013-09-26</pat:DocumentCreateDateText><pat:DocumentTitle>SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT</pat:DocumentTitle><pat:Specification><?PageStart number='1'?><pat:P pat:pNumber="1" pat:id="p-1">II.    AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION Please amend the Specification as follows [0017<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>]</pat:OCRConfidenceData> In an illustrative embodiment, <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00001'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>frastructure</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00001'>11</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00002'>operates as follows After user</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00002'>30</pat:PartNumber> volunta<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ri</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ly registers with the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00003'>traveler profile system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00003'>18</pat:PartNumber>, the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00004'>user</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00004'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='56'>32</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartNumber> <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>30</pat:OCRConfidenceData> <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00005'>can provide their ID</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00005'>32</pat:PartNumber> to an <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00006'>a<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='684'>irh</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ne reservation system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00006'>34</pat:PartNumber> anytime thereafter when a reservation is <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='8866'>bein</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g made via a <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00007'>book<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00007'>36</pat:PartNumber> <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00008'>Book<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00008'>36</pat:PartNumber> <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='666'>inc</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ludes an <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>put field or the <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>li</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ke for receiv<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g the ID from the user The <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00009'>a<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='684'>irh</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ne reservation system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00009'>34</pat:PartNumber> then forwards the ID to the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00010'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>T</pat:OCRConfidenceData>SA scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00010'>42</pat:PartNumber> sometime pr<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>i</pat:OCRConfidenceData>or to the date of travel This could be done via a commu<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>cation channel <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>m</pat:OCRConfidenceData> any manner, e g , a batch mode, dynamically for each reservation when the board<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g pass is issued, etc Once the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00011'>TSA scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00011'>42</pat:PartNumber> receives the ID, <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00012'>TSA scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00012'>42</pat:PartNumber> can forward the ID to the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00013'>traveler profile system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00013'>18</pat:PartNumber> to obta<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData> a <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00014'>profile</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00014'>48</pat:PartNumber> of the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00015'>user <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='2'>-</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00015'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='86'>30</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartNumber> via the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00016'>data ret<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>n</pat:OCRConfidenceData>eval system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00016'>24</pat:PartNumber> Once the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00017'>TSA scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00017'>42</pat:PartNumber> receives the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00018'>profile</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00018'>48</pat:PartNumber>, the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00019'>profile</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00019'>48</pat:PartNumber> can be compared to one or <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00020'>more watch <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>li</pat:OCRConfidenceData>sts via watch <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>li</pat:OCRConfidenceData>st system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00020'>44</pat:PartNumber> The result of the compare is a <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00021'>scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6688'>ning</pat:OCRConfidenceData> leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00021'>46</pat:PartNumber> that should be app<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>li</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ed to the u<pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00022'>ser </pat:PartName><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='2'>-</pat:OCRConfidenceData><pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00022'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='56'>32</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartNumber> <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>30</pat:OCRConfidenceData> <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00023'>Scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00023'>46</pat:PartNumber> is thus returned to the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00024'>a<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='684'>irh</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ne reservation system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00024'>34</pat:PartNumber>, which can then e g , <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='85'>pn</pat:OCRConfidenceData>nt the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00025'>scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00025'>46</pat:PartNumber> on the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00026'>user's board<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g pass us<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g board<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g pass generation system</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00026'>38</pat:PartNumber> The <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00027'>scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00027'><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88'>46</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartNumber> may be pr<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ted <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>m</pat:OCRConfidenceData> an encoded format on the board<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>g pass Alternatively, the <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00028'>scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6688'>ning</pat:OCRConfidenceData> leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00028'>46</pat:PartNumber> could be displayed on a display device available to TSA agents or a<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='68488'>irhne</pat:OCRConfidenceData> personnel at the airport The <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00029'>scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng leve<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='6'>l</pat:OCRConfidenceData></pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00029'>46</pat:PartNumber> may <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>dicate any <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>in</pat:OCRConfidenceData>formation, e g , a number code that correlates to a level of scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng to be ca<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='52'>rn</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ed out on the passenger, such as perform a low <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ri</pat:OCRConfidenceData>sk scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng, perform a heighten scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng, etc In the case <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88588'>Senal</pat:OCRConfidenceData> No 12/099,863                    2</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData><?PageStart number='2'?>where a <pat:PartName pat:idref='PN-00030'>user</pat:PartName> <pat:PartNumber pat:id='PN-00030'>30</pat:PartNumber> voluntarily registers with the service, the typical result would be a low <pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='5'>n</pat:OCRConfidenceData>sk scree<pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='66'>ni</pat:OCRConfidenceData>ng level <pat:BoundaryData><pat:HeaderText><pat:OCRConfidenceData pat:levelNumber='88588'>Senal</pat:OCRConfidenceData> No 12/099,863                    3</pat:HeaderText></pat:BoundaryData></pat:P></pat:Specification></pat:SpecificationDocument>