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Numerous golf balls having a multilayer construction wherein the core hardness and cover hardness have been variously improved are disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,987,159 to Iwami discloses a solid golf ball with a solid core and a polyurethane cover, wherein the difference in Shore D hardness between a center portion and a surface portion of the solid core is at least 15, the polyurethane cover has a thickness (t) of not more than 1.0 mm and is formed from a cured urethane composition having a Shore D hardness (D) of from 35 to 60, and a product of t and D ranges from 10 to 45.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,542 to Watanabe et al. discloses a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a multilayer core having at least an inner core layer and an outer core layer, one or more cover layers which enclose the core, and numerous dimples formed on a surface of the cover layer. The golf ball is characterized in that the following hardness conditions are satisfied: (1) (JIS-C hardness of cover)−(JIS-C hardness at center of core)≧27, (2) 23≦(JIS-C hardness at surface of core)−(JIS-C hardness at center of core)≦40, and (3) 0.50≦[(deflection amount of entire core)/(deflection amount of inner core layer)]≦0.75.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,791 to Watanabe discloses a multi-piece golf ball which includes a rubbery elastic core, a cover having a plurality of dimples on the surface thereof, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover. The intermediate layer is composed of a resin material which is harder than the cover. The elastic core has a hardness which gradually increases radially outward from the center to the surface thereof. The center and surface of the elastic core have a hardness difference of at least 18 JIS-C hardness units.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,707 to Yamagishi et al. discloses a three-piece solid golf ball consisting of a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, wherein the hardness is measured by a JIS-C scale hardness meter, the core center hardness is up to 75 degrees, the core surface hardness is up to 85 degrees, the core surface hardness is higher than the core center hardness by 8 to 20 degrees, the intermediate layer hardness is higher than the core surface hardness by at least 5 degrees, and the cover hardness is lower than the intermediate layer hardness by at least 5 degrees.
Additional examples can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,436 to Iwami, U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,836 to Higuchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,224 to Higuchi et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,367 to Higuchi et al.
The present invention provides a novel multilayer golf ball construction which may provide one or more of the following benefits: lower spin due to a relatively high core gradient, higher spin on full iron shots due to an outer core surface which is harder than the inner cover surface, and superior overall ball performance properties. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to transmission of optical signals, and more particularly to wavelength division multiplexers and demultiplexers for optical signals.
2. Description of Related Art
Telecommunications systems using optical media offer far larger information transmission capacity than traditional electrical communications media. Telecommunication systems using optical media perform the same basic functions as copper wires or coaxial cables in conveying information, but they transmit light instead of electrical signals. Optical media can carry voice, data, or video information. An optical transmission system is similar to a conventional transmission system, except that the transmitter converts electrical information signals to light signals while the receiver converts the light back into electrical signals.
The term "optical media" is used to describe a wide variety of media. For instance, optical fibers are thin, flexible strands of clear glass or plastic that can carry up to several gigabits of information per second. Optical media offer many distinct advantages over older transmission media, including larger bandwidth, small size and light weight, electromagnetic immunity, and low transmission loss. Regarding bandwidth, modem optical fibers, for instance, can have bandwidths 10 to 100 times greater than the best coaxial cables. If properly utilized, this bandwidth offers far larger transmission capacity than traditional electrical communications media. One of the proposed methods to exploit more efficiently the high potential bandwidth of optical media is by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
With the WDM technique, a large number of communication channels may be transmitted simultaneously over a single optical medium. Such a technique is necessary because information sent over optical fibers is usually encoded onto a single carrier, i.e., a single wavelength of light which is modulated to encode the information. Optoelectronic transmitters and receivers are therefore generally capable of transmitting and receiving only one wavelength of light, or a very narrow band of wavelengths. This causes an inefficiency in optical communications system, since optical media are generally capable of supporting a broad band of wavelengths.
Consequently, a scheme has been devised to increase the amount of information sent over one optical medium. The scheme, called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and demultiplexing (WDDM), uses multiple carriers (i.e., wavelengths) to enhance the transmission bandwidth of optical communications systems and sensor systems by simultaneously transmitting multiple communication channels over a single optical medium. Multiplexing requires focusing various carriers into one medium while demultiplexing requires a separation of carriers according to wavelength.
Transmission of multiple carriers is analogous to the use of multiple channels in the AM broadcast band: the carriers in an optical fiber are denoted according to wavelength, and the modulation scheme for each carrier is amplitude-modulation, either analog or digital. Systems that transmit information on multiple carriers in a single optical medium must take several limitations into account. First, optoelectronic transmitters have a single wavelength output. Second, each carrier requires a separate receiver for its detection. These two limitations result in the need, when transmitting multiple carriers over a single medium, for devices that multiplex (combine) multiple carriers at the transmitting end and demultiplex (separate) the carriers at the receiving end of an optical fiber link.
The most common implementation of the WDM (wavelength division multiplexer) is to accept light from each of several input ports, with each port coupled to accept light of predominantly one wavelength from an optical medium such as an optical fiber. The WDM then multiplexes (combines) the light from each of these several input ports into a single output port, which is usually coupled to one optical medium, such as a single optical fiber, for transmission to a remote location. In the terminology of electrical engineering, we might consider the WDM as a passive device with a plurality of input ports, and one single output port.
The WDDM (wavelength division demultiplexer) is the inverse device of the WDM described above. A WDDM accepts light of several different wavelengths from one input port and demultiplexes (divides) the light from the single source, such as an optical fiber, according to by wavelength. The WDDM routes each of the separated light beams into a different output port, each of which is usually coupled to one of several output optical fibers for transmission to an optoelectronic receiver.
In some implementations, the output optical signals from a WDDM may be coupled directly into optoelectronic receivers for conversion to electrical signals at a single location. In this case, the WDDM has some similarity to a spectrometer. In some implementations, a WDM can serve as a WDDM by reversing the direction of light through the device. Some of the embodiments presented in this disclosure are reversible, others are not.
Various physical implementations of WDMs and WDDMs have been proposed and demonstrated. These can be categorized into several types, based on the physical mechanisms used therein. These mechanisms include interference filters, waveguides, and holographic diffraction gratings. Various aspects of these categories are described in the following publications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference:
Maggie M. Li and Ray T. Chen, "Two-channel surface-normal wavelength division demultiplexer using substrate guided waves in conjunction with multiplexed waveguide holograms," App. Phys. Lett. 66(3), 262(Jan. 16, 1995); PA0 Maggie M. Li and Ray T. Chen, "Five-channel surface-normal wavelength-division demultiplexer using substrate-guided waves in conjunction with a polymer-based Littrow hologram," Optics Lett. 20(7), 797(Apr. 1, 1995); PA0 Charles C Zhou, Ray T. Chen, Boyd V. Hunter, and Paul Dempewolf, "Axial-Graded-Index (AGRIN) Lens-Based Eight-Channel Wavelength Division Demultiplexer for Multimode Fiber-Optic Systems," IEEE Photon. Technol. Lett. 10(4) 564(Apr. 4, 1998); PA0 Jian Liu and Ray T. Chen, "A Planarized Two-Dimensional Multi-Wavelength Routing Network with 1-to-many Cascaded Fanouts," White Paper, 1998. PA0 Jian Liu and Ray T. Chen, "Two-Dimensional Dual-Wavelength Routing Network with 1-to-10 Cascaded Fanouts," IEEE Photo. Technol. Lett. 10(2), 238(1998); and PA0 Charles C. Zhou, Zhenhai Fu, Ray T. Chen, and Brian M. Davies, "Dispersion correction of surface-normal optical interconnection using two compensated holograms," Apl. Phys. Lett. 72(25), 3249(Jun. 22, 1998).
Each category of WDDM is discussed separately below. (For ease of discussion, only WDDMs are discussed, although reversing the light path through the device results in wavelength division multiplexing for reversible methodologies.)
A relatively inexpensive type of WDDM is based on interference filters that select out a particular narrow band of wavelengths for transmission to an output port, thus selecting a single carrier. By using these interference filters at the output of a splitter, one may construct a WDDM. This implementation is not very efficient because much of the input light is lost unless the reflected light is sent to other output ports. These interference-based devices may be inexpensive, but suffer significant loss, and are essentially unrelated to the technique of the invention presented in this disclosure.
Using a different physical mechanism, one may also fashion WDDM devices based on optical waveguide techniques. Some of these are only applicable for a device with a small number of channels (2 or 3). However, the use of Fiber Bragg gratings in conjunction with directional couplers allows such devices to support more channels. The Fiber Bragg WDDM devices are currently the most efficient and provide the best performance, but are very expensive and are used only in very-long distance telecommunications applications such as undersea cables and cross-country links. Arrayed waveguide gratings are another highly efficient technology, but are also very expensive.
Closer to the physics of the present invention are devices based on diffraction gratings. WDDMs that use holographic gratings do exhibit high performance, but are difficult to manufacture and require high alignment tolerance. The physical concepts associated with WDDMs that utilize reflection gratings are nonetheless useful in understanding the concepts presented in this application. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,412, entitled "High Channel Density wavelength Division Multiplexer with Defined Diffracting Means Positioning" which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a dual-function simple lens to both collimate light from the end of a single optical fiber and also focus the diffracted light returned from a reflection diffraction grating, utilized in the Littrow geometry. Jannson '412 discloses at col. 3, lines 15-18 a desire to "maintain the relative positioning and alignment of the fiber optics, lens, and dispersion grating along optical axis." Jannson '412 presents a "compact, rugged" housing to maintain such positioning. This approach, however, leaves air space between the components and therefore still allows for misalignment due to outside agitation. Merely utilizing a rigid housing is therefore not sufficient to guard against misalignment over the life of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,131 issued to Jannson et al. and entitled "High Channel Density, Broad Bandwidth Wavelength Division Multiplexer with Highly Non-Uniform Bragg-Littrow Holographic Grating," incorporated herein by reference, utilizes a diffraction grating with transmission capabilities similar to those of the present invention. Jannson '131, a continuation-in-part of Jannson '412, discloses a holographically-produced diffraction grating that both reflects and transmits diffracted light beams, rather than the reflection grating disclosed in Jannson '412. In addition to focusing reflected light beams back towards the source, the device disclosed in Jannson '131 focuses transmitted light beams to an array of fibers on the side of the grating opposite to that of the input fiber. This implementation suffers from sensitivity to misalignment, may be difficult to manufacture and package, and may suffer from low efficiency unless manufactured with high precision equipment. In addition, this implementation possesses significant air space between the elements within the housing and is therefore also subject to misalignment due to agitation from outside sources.
A U.S. patent that attempts to address vulnerability to vibration, thermal effects, and lack of rigidity is U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,255 issued to Friesem, et al, which is incorporated herein by reference. Friesem '255 incorporates a light-transmissive substrate as an essential part of the mechanical design of the WDDM. Friesem '255 accomplishes diffraction and redirection of light by using volume phase holographic transmission diffraction gratings that are bonded onto the rigid substrate. Friesem '255 does not provide a practical embodiment for a WDDM, however, because it embodies an impractical means of collimating light beams. The holograms disclosed in Friesem '255 accept both plane and spherical waves and theoretically perform the collimating function of the lens(es) disclosed in Jansson '131 and Jannson '412. While it is possible according to the theory of holograms to use a volume phase hologram to both to collimate and/or focus light while diffracting the light, such a scheme is difficult and impractical to implement. What is needed is a relatively rigid WD(D)M that uses practical, non-holographic elements to collimate and/or focus light. | {
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1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to printed circuit boards, particularly to a method for manufacturing a rigid-flexible printed circuit board.
2. Description of Related Art
Rigid-flexible printed circuit boards (R-F PCBs) are widely used in electronic devices. The R-F PCB has a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion is configured for assembling electronic components and maintaining electrical connections among the electronic components. The flexible portion is connected to the rigid portion and can be bent relative to the rigid portion. Thus, a large number of electronic components can be assembled on the rigid portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit board without occupying a large amount of space.
A typical method for manufacturing an R-F PCB is described as follows. First, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) is manufactured. Second, a rigid printed circuit board (R-PCB) is laminated on the FPCB, and copper conductive tracks are formed on the R-PCB. Third, an opening is formed in a region of the R-PCB for exposing part of the FPCB, thereby forming a flexible portion. Other parts of the FPCB and the corresponding R-PCB form a rigid portion. Thus, an R-F PCB having a flexible portion and a rigid portion is obtained. Before forming the R-PCB, a coating layer and a peelable binder layer is sequentially laminated on the FPCB in the flexible portion. Sometimes, an electro-magnetic shielding layer and another coating layer are formed between the coating layer and the peelable binder layer in the flexible portion. When the R-PCB is laminated on the FPCB, these additional layers in the flexible portion will cause the thickness of the flexible portion to be much greater than that of the rigid portion. In a following a step, solder-resistant materials are printed on the R-PCB, and then the solder-resistant materials are exposed and developed to form a solder-resistant layer for protecting an electrical trace layer on the R-PCB. The differences between the flexible portion and the rigid portion may cause a photo mask used in the exposure step to not entirely contact the surface of the rigid printed circuit board in the rigid portion. This will reduce the quality of the R-F PCB.
What is needed, therefore, is a method for manufacturing a rigid-flexible printed circuit board, to overcome the above mentioned limitations. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing magnetic head slider, and in particular, to a method of manufacturing magnetic head slider formed by cutting out from a block member and applied with surface processing.
2. Related Art
A magnetic head slider used for a hard disk drive is required to fly at a low amplitude above a magnetic disk with high accuracy. To achieve this, an ABS ((Air Bearing Surface) flying surface) in a predetermined shape must be formed on the surface facing the magnetic disk, and this surface must be processed by polishing (lapping) with high accuracy. At the same time, in polishing, the MR height (element length from the ABS) of the magnetic head element exposed on the ABS would be adjusted so as to perform data reading and writing to the magnetic disk. Since the MR height affects the accuracy of reading and writing performance to the magnetic disk, highly accurate adjustment is needed.
For these reasons, polishing of an ABS is an important step when processing a magnetic head slider. Further, the surface opposite to the ABS (back surface) is to be mounted on a suspension constituting a Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA), which affects the flying height above the magnetic disk. Therefore, highly accurate polishing is also required for the back surface.
Conventional method of manufacturing a magnetic head slider includes polishing of ABS and its back surface. First, a bar block, in which magnetic head sliders are aligned in a row, is cut out from a wafer where magnetic head elements of a plurality of magnetic head sliders are formed. Then, in a state where the back surface side with respect to the ABS is fixed to a predetermined jig, the ABS is polished. Next, the back surface is polished with the polished ABS side fixed to a predetermined jig. Then, pattern is formed through steps of etching the ABS, the bar block would then be cut into pieces of magnetic head sliders and the like, whereby a magnetic head slider is manufactured.
However, as hard disk drive has size reduction recently, the size of a magnetic head slider itself has been further miniaturized. Therefore, in the manufacturing process, handling such as fixing a member in a bar-block shape to a jig or the like is getting more difficult. In particular, direct handling of the minute and elongated fragile bar block would induce considerable damages to the magnetic head slider.
In view of the above, there are disclosed methods in which polishing of an ABS is performed before cutting into a bar block, and then cutting into a bar block shape, as shown in the following patent documents. Explanation will be given for these methods.
In a method disclosed in the publication of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-316928 (Patent Document 1), first, a wafer block in which magnetic head sliders are aligned in a plurality of rows, that is, a wafer block consisting of plural rows of bar blocks, is cut out, and is mounted on a support plate. Next, ABS of magnetic head sliders positioned at the edge thereof is polished. Then, a tape is used so as to cover the polished ABS, and the bar block is cut out from the wafer block in such a state. Then, the bar block is held with vacuum tweezer and mounted on a jig for polishing the back surface, and the back surface is polished.
Similarly, in a method disclosed in the publication of Japanese Patent Document Laid-open No. 11-328642 (Patent Document 2), first, ABS is polished in a state of a wafer block, and then a bar block is cut out. Then, the bar block is adhered to a work holder with the ABS being the adhered surface, and the back surface is polished.
[Patent Document 1] JP11-316928A
[Patent Document 2] JP11-328642A
However, the conventional examples described above involve the following disadvantages. For instance, in either method, polishing of ABS is performed in a wafer block shape. In such method, although stable polishing of ABS can be realized, magnetic head sliders manufactured from an elongated fragile bar block may be damaged since the bar block is handled directly when the back surface is polished after cutting into a bar block.
More specifically, in Patent Document 1, polished ABS is covered with a taper but since it is mounted on a jig for processing the back surface by vacuum tweezer, it may be damaged or broken at that time. Further, a work to mount it on the jig is caused in the process. In Patent Document 2, on the other hand, polished ABS is adhered to a work holder so as to be protected, but it may be damaged when being adhered to the work holder, and also a work to mount it on the jig is caused in the process, similar to the above-described case. As mentioned above, in manufacturing electronic components required high product accuracy, problems of complication and delay of the manufacturing process are caused, in addition to the product quality's deteriorating. Moreover, an increase in the manufacturing cost is also a problem. | {
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The present invention relates to an educational kit designed for training in automotive technology. More specifically, the invention deals with an educational learning kit designed to help students of automotive technology understand the assembly, relationship of parts and operation of automobile suspension and steering systems.
The automobile is a fairly complex piece of machinery constructed from many complex subsystems. When these subsystems are operating properly and cooperating with one another as they should, a pleasurable drive in the country is there but for the taking. However, when one or more of these subsystems malfunctions, a pleasurable drive in the country often becomes both a regrettable experience for the automobile owner and a delight to the automobile repairman.
Traditionally, an individual interested in automobile technology might avail himself of the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary for the occupation of automobile mechanic or repairman by any one of a number of routes. Often, such skills are acquired by attending trade schools, by taking courses in automotive technology, through military service training, by simple on-the-job training, or by self-training. Regardless of the route taken, the first goal which should be achieved is an understanding of the automobile and its component subsystems, and how each of these subsystems cooperate with one another to achieve a desired result. A second goal is an understanding of specific subsystems, including how they operate, what parts make up the subsystems, how these parts are assembled and how these parts relate to one another. Once these goals have been achieved, the individual is better equipped for training in diagnosis and repair of the various malfunctions occurring in automobile subsystems.
At some point during the learning process, it is most desirable that the student of automobile repair extend beyond charts, manuals or diagrams and be afforded the opportunity to see, examine and manipulate the actual subsystem under study or a model thereof. Physical exposure to the subsystem and its component parts aids the student in better understanding what he hears or reads about it, and complements the learning process by permitting him to inspect, manipulate and arrange the various parts.
Recent years have marked the introduction of a number of educational teaching devices generally aimed at the pre-college or pre-high school age group. The most common of these are the mechanical or computer devices designed to be used by individual students. The theory behind the increasing use of such devices is that account is made of the individual differences in ability, speed and grasp of subject matter, thereby permitting the student to learn at his own pace with minimum supervision by the teacher. Some of these devices also introduce new dimensions into the learning process wherein, for example, spelling may be associated with pictures of objects, mathematical concepts associated with the relative sizes and shapes of objects, or correct responses to questions posed by a computer rewarded by permission to proceed.
The advantages of a teaching method using a device geared for the individual should not be considered restricted to elementary school subjects; occupational learning materials that take into account individual differences in ability, speed and grasp of subject matter also have a better chance of being effective. However, at the present time there are very few educational devices available to the community colleges, vocational high schools and other special schools where various types of mechanical and electrical technologies are sought to be taught on a simplified and individualized basis. There is a great need for occupational learning devices which can be used by the individual student while learning a particular technology and which permit the student to physically simulate the construction or arrangement of parts or concepts involved in the particular systems or subsystems under study prior to examination of the actual system or subsystem.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel approach toward the learning of automobile systems and subsystems.
Another object is to provide an educational kit comprising instructional means and simulator means for teaching the mechanism and operation of an automobile suspension and steering system.
Another object is to provide an occupational educational kit which is simple, relatively inexpensive, rugged, easily assembled, relatively portable and easily understood.
Another object is to provide an educational kit designed for use by individual students comprising audio, visual or audio-visual instructional means, a simulator board, and pieces having graphic indicia thereon representative of the parts or mechanisms involved in an automobile suspension and steering system, whereby the student may manipulate the pieces on the simulator board in response to said instructional means to graphically depict the assembly, relationship of parts and operation of an automobile suspension and steering system. | {
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Footwear manufacturers continually work to improve the comfort of their products. One way is to provide footwear which support the wearer's foot and which has shock absorbing capabilities. Another way for improving the comfort of conventional footwear is to provide a system for ventilation or circulation into the upper and around the foot. Air circulation prevents stagnant air from being trapped around the foot where it can retain heat and moisture which make the footwear uncomfortable and provide a breeding-ground for bacteria.
The present invention relates to footwear having a plurality of apertures in the sole or midsole, preferably in conjunction with air channels on the surface of the sole, midsole and/or insole, and a heel and/or sole or midsole with at least one air chamber located within the heel cavity and a support member therein which compresses and returns to an expanded position. The cavities, especially in the heel, provide a relatively large chamber for the displacement and transfer of air into the upper. The heel cavities and/or the sole or midsole cavities are compressible and have a support member located therein which is also compressible. The support member(s) provide the footwear with a trampoline-like and controlled resiliency, over a range of loads. In conjunction with the air transfer, ventilation, and circulation system, the present invention also includes a sole and/or midsole which provides superior support, yet has shock absorbing capabilities which lessen the stress upon the joints and foot. The rigid or semirigid sole or midsole may also be combined with an orthotic which provides enhanced support and comfort.
The present inventor has found that conventional shoes lack the foregoing features and that they are therefore defective. As such, the inventor has invented the present footwear which includes such features. | {
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Consumers are increasingly using kiosks to conduct business with enterprises. The kiosks come in a variety of sizes and are used for a variety of purposes. Some kiosks are drive through, such as fast food establishments, pharmacies, banks, and the like. Other kiosks are stationary located in gas stations, airlines, grocery stores, department stores, and the like.
In addition, what is considered a kiosk is evolving with today's technology. For example, digital signs now provide advertisements and mechanisms for users to interact with the displays to perform transactions. Such mechanisms include blue tooth communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), Quick Response (QR) code scanning, Wi-Fi communication, and the like.
In large part due to the advancement and use of technology coupled with the adoption of kiosks, enterprises are trying to find new mechanisms to reach consumers with offers for their goods and services that use the current technology effectively and that are capable of being used by consumers via their own devices or kiosks.
Traditional offer management systems require modifications for deployment of new offer functionality. These modifications require extensive testing and affect numerous other existing components of the offer management systems, since new functionality is tightly coupled to the existing infrastructure. Because of the tightly coupled environments, making any modification to provide new offer functionality becomes a risky proposition when the enterprise wants to deploy the new offer functionality into live retail environments or into newer technology and platforms. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an intravascular stent and method for manufacturing an intravascular stent, wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent.
2. Description of Related Art
Various types of intravascular stents have been used in recent years. An intravascular stent generally refers to a device used for the support of living tissue during the healing phase, including the support of internal structures. Intravascular stents, or stents, placed intraluminally, as by use of a catheter device, have been demonstrated to be highly efficacious in initially restoring patency to sites of vascular occlusion. Intravascular stents, or stents, may be of the balloon-expandable type, such as those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,733,665; 5,102,417; or 5,195,984, which are distributed by Johnson & Johnson Interventional Systems, of Warren, N.J., as the Palmaz.TM. and the Palmaz-Schatz.TM. balloon-expandable stents or balloon expandable stents of other manufacturers, as are known in the art. Other types of intravascular stents are known as self-expanding stents, such as Nitinol coil stents or self-expanding stents made of stainless steel wire formed into a zigzag tubular configuration.
Intravascular stents are used, in general, as a mechanical means to solve the most common problems of percutaneous balloon angioplasty, such as elastic recoil and intimal dissection. One problem intraluminal stent placement shares with other revascularization procedures, including bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty, is restenosis of the artery. An important factor contributing to this possible reocclusion at the site of stent placement is injury to, and loss of, the natural nonthrombogenic lining of the arterial lumen, the endothelium. Loss of the endothelium, exposing the thrombogenic arterial wall matrix proteins, along with the generally thrombogenic nature of prosthetic materials, initiates platelet deposition and activation of the coagulation cascade. Depending on a multitude of factors, such as activity of the fibrinolytic system, the use of anticoagulants, and the nature of the lesion substrate, the result of this process may range from a small mural to an occlusive thrombus. Secondly, loss of the endothelium at the interventional site may be critical to the development and extent of eventual intimal hyperplasia at the site. Previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of an intact endothelial layer at an injured arterial site can significantly inhibit the extent of smooth muscle cell-related intimal hyperplasia. Rapid reendothelialization of the arterial wall, as well as endothelialization of the prosthetic surface, or inner surface of the stent, are therefore critical for the prevention of low-flow thrombosis and for continued patency. Unless endothelial cells from another source are somehow introduced and seeded at the site, coverage of an injured area of endothelium is achieved primarily, at least initially, by migration of endothelial cells from adjacent arterial areas of intact endothelium.
Although an in vitro biological coating to a stent in the form of seeded endothelial cells on metal stents has been previously proposed, there are believed to be serious logistic problems related to live-cell seeding, which may prove to be insurmountable. Thus, it would be advantageous to increase the rate at which endothelial cells from adjacent arterial areas of intact endothelium migrate upon the inner surface of the stent exposed to the flow of blood through the artery. At present, most intravascular stents are manufactured of stainless steel and such stents become embedded in the arterial wall by tissue growth weeks to months after placement. This favorable outcome occurs consistently with any stent design, provided it has a reasonably low metal surface and does not obstruct the fluid, or blood, flow through the artery. Furthermore, because of the fluid dynamics along the inner arterial walls caused by blood pumping through the arteries, along with the blood/endothelium interface itself, it has been desired that the stents have a very smooth surface to facilitate migration of endothelial cells onto the surface of the stent. In fact, it has been reported that smoothness of the stent surface after expansion is crucial to the biocompatibility of a stent, and thus, any surface topography other than smooth is not desired. Christoph Hehriein, et. al., Influence of Surface Texture and Charge On the Biocompatibility of Endovascular Stents, Coronary Artery Disease, Vol. 6, pages 581-586 (1995). After the stent has been coated with serum proteins, the endothelium grows over the fibrin-coated metal surface on the inner surface of the stent until a continuous endothelial layer covers the stent surface, in days to weeks. Endothelium renders the thrombogenic metal surface protected from thrombus deposition, which is likely to form with slow or turbulent flow. At present, all intravascular stents made of stainless steel, or other alloys or metals, are provided with an extremely smooth surface finish, such as is usually obtained by electropolishing the metallic stent surfaces. Although presently known intravascular stents, specifically including the Palmaz.TM. and Palmaz-Schatz.TM. balloon-expandable stents have been demonstrated to be successful in the treatment of coronary disease, as an adjunct to balloon angioplasty, intravascular stents could be even more successful and efficacious, if the rate and/or speed of endothelial cell migration onto the inner surface of the stent could be increased. Accordingly, the art has sought an intravascular stent, and method for manufacturing an intravascular stent, which may increase the rate of migration of endothelial cells upon the inner surface of the stent after it has been implanted. | {
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It is known from EP-A-0133938 that alumino-zeolite catalysts used in the hydroamination reaction deactivate quickly since these catalysts promote polymerization or oligomerization of the olefins used on the catalyst and subsequent carbonization of these polymeric or oligomeric residues on the catalysts. EP-A-0133938 teaches that deactivation of the catalysts can be reduced when ammonia, primary or secondary amines are reacted with olefins in the presence of borosilicate or borogermanate zeolite catalysts of the pentasil type, the amine obtained is separated off and the unreacted starting materials are recirculated. Furthermore, it is disclosed that deactivated catalysts can be regenerated by passing air or an air/nitrogen mixture over the catalyst at from 400 to 550° C.
WO-A-97/07088 discloses the hydroamination of olefins in the presence of boron-BETA-zeolite catalysts. This application mentions various factors which can influence the deactivation of catalysts. Thus, it is taught that monoolefins have a less pronounced tendency to polymerize than do diolefins or polyolefins. Higher temperatures are said to promote the polymerization and the cracking reaction of the olefins used. The activity of the catalysts can, according to the disclosure, be restored by regeneration in an oxygen-comprising gas at elevated temperatures.
The prior art teaches that the polymerization of the olefins used in the hydroamination reaction and the carbonization resulting therefrom can lead to deactivation of the catalysts used. Factors such as the type and nature of the catalyst, the reaction temperature, the type of olefin can influence the rate and the degree of deactivation. The activity is usually restored by regeneration of the catalysts by passing an oxygen-comprising gas over the catalyst at a temperature in the range from 400 to 550° C.
DE-A-10313853 teaches that the activity of calcined, zeolytic catalysts can be increased when the calcined catalyst is treated at temperatures in the range from 100 to 550° C. in an oxygen-comprising gas stream a maximum of 24 hours before commencement of the reaction. According to the disclosure, an increase in the activity occurs regardless of whether the catalyst is used for the first time in the hydroamination or whether a previously regenerated catalyst is used.
DE-A-102005051044 discloses that the hydroamination is generally carried out in an adiabatically operated reaction unit.
When starting up zeolytic catalysts, i.e. when the catalyst is first brought into contact with the feed mixture of olefin and ammonia or amine, a temperature increase is generally observed since the heat produced during start-up can be removed only with great difficulty in the case of industrial, adiabatically operated reactors. This temperature increase generally promotes the oligomerization of the olefins used. Since the oligomerization is generally an exothermic reaction, the heat liberated in this reaction additionally accelerates the temperature rise. The high temperatures occurring in the start-up process generally lead to damage to the catalyst caused by deposition of the olefin oligomers on the catalyst surface and in the pores or even to a change in the zeolite structure itself. | {
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A network node may use carrier sensing to determine if a shared medium is available so as to avoid packet collision. In a wireless network, the two types of carrier sensing that are typically used are physical carrier sensing, by a physical layer sampling the radio frequency (RF) energy level in the medium, and virtual carrier sensing, by a media-access control layer that updates a network node's network allocation vector (NAV). A network node maintains its NAV to indicate the period(s) during which the medium is reserved by other network nodes; hence, it knows when NOT to transmit.
A network may have several service sets with network nodes communicatively coupled to other network nodes in the same service set by an RF channel. In crowded environments, more than one service set may be operating on the same channel in the same vicinity. If this is the case, a network node from one service set may pick up NAV information from a network node in a neighboring service set and be prevented from transmitting for a certain period. This may be the case even if communications from the two network nodes could take place simultaneously without interfering with one another. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera which drives a view finder interlocked with operation of a lens barrel.
2. Description of the Related Art
A camera which drives a view finder interlocked with rotation operation of a rotary cylinder which is constituting a lens barrel is conventionally proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H09(1997)-211300, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-324749). Such a camera is shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.
In these figures, reference numeral 60 denotes a rotary cylinder which is constituting a lens barrel and 170 denotes a view finder driving member. The view finder driving member 170 is placed in such as way as to be able to contact the rotary cylinder 60 which rotates around a optical axis and according to a contact with the rotary cylinder 60, the view finder driving member 170 rotates around the optical axis (direction opposite to the D direction) together with the rotary cylinder 60.
Furthermore, the view finder driving member 170 is energized in the direction opposite to the D direction by a spring member (not shown). For this reason, when the rotary cylinder 60 rotates in the D direction, the view finder driving member 170 rotates in the D direction against the spring energy from the spring member following the rotary cylinder 60 and moves up to the position indicated by the dashed line.
The operation of such a view finder driving member 170 is shown in FIG. 8. The view finder driving member 170 contacts the rotary cylinder 60 at position c which is shifted from a wide-angle end W toward a telephoto side of a zoom position and starts a rotation operation.
When power is OFF, a field of vision of the view finder is set closer to the wide-angle side than the wide-angle end W and when the rotary cylinder 60 rotates up to the position corresponding to the wide-angle end W, the field of vision of the view finder is set so as to reach the wide-angle end W.
The view finder driving member 170 driven at point c moves along dashed line a→solid line f and the field of vision of the view finder is set appropriately according to each zoom position. However, in the above described example, the driving start position of the view finder driving member 170 is set more on the wide-angle side than the wide-angle end W of the field of vision of the view finder, and therefore the range of the rotation angle of the view finder driving member 170 increases.
Then, as shown in FIG. 11, a area between dashed line B and dashed line C of an edge portion of the view finder driving member 170 sticks out in the lateral direction of the camera. For this reason, other members which is constituting the camera (for example, a battery chamber, etc., for loading a power supply battery) need to be placed to a left of dashed line B, which represses miniaturization of the camera. | {
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Dispersants are substances that improve the flow characteristics of the cement slurry by breaking up cement agglomerates and freeing the water, thus giving slurries of lower viscosity and allowing desirable flow conditions to be obtained at lower pump pressures. V. S. Ramachandran, Concrete Admixtures Handbook: Properties, Science, and Technology, Noyes Publications (Second Edition, 1995). Superplasticizers such as sulfonated melamine formaldehyde condensate (SMF) and sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (BNS) are commonly used as dispersants. However, these compounds require more than the desired amount of material to achieve a desired level of concrete workability or water reduction. In addition, these materials do not achieve full range (Type A to Type F) water reducing capability.
It is important that dispersants are used in concrete situations where strength and durability are involved, as dispersants are a necessary component in high strength and high durability concretes. Due to the use of low water amounts in the high performance concretes, sometimes high dispersant amounts are necessary to achieve workable concretes. High BNS levels can lead to undesirable retardation of set and may not provide the required workability retention over time.
It is desirable to provide a material that is several times more efficient as a cement or concrete dispersant than the traditional materials like BNS and SMF. Improving efficiency reduces the amount of material required to achieve a desired level of concrete workability or water reduction. With respect to the presently used dispersants, BNS and SMF, it is also desirable to improve slump retention while maintaining normal setting characteristics. Providing a dispersant with full range (Type A to F) water reducing capability is also a desirable characteristic.
According to German Patent Application No. 4,427,233, aspartic acid is produced by bringing (a) maleic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and/or malic acid into contact with (b) ammonia and/or primary or secondary amines in a molar ratio of (a) to (b) of 1:0.1-1:3, possibly in the presence of co-condensable compounds. Components (a) and (b) are brought into contact with each other at temperatures of above 100.degree. C. and thermally condensed, and the polycondensates are then hydrolyzed, if desired. Components (a) and (b) are brought into contact with each other in the presence of condensation products of the reaction products of (a) and (b) and of powders which are inert under the polymerization conditions. Polymers which contain aspartic acid imide units in the backbone are thus formed.
Other methods of producing polyaspartic acid are disclosed in WO Publication No. 97/18249, Great Britain Patent No. 2307689, and Japanese Patent Application No. 5-321720. Japanese Patent Application No. 5-321720 discloses a hydraulic cement admixture for use as a dispersant, a water reduction agent, and a flowing agent. The effective components of this hydraulic cement admixture are polyaspartic acid and monomeric derivatives. A relatively high percentage of these additives is required for performance as dispersants. | {
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Fraudulently accessing data is possible through various means. For example, data may be transmitted to a recipient and intercepted. When the source or content of the data is sensitive, it would be beneficial to secure or encode the data to hide the source or content of the data.
In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to an audio/video (AV) task calculation and, more particularly, to an AV task calculation method, a method of providing summary information for an AV task calculation, and an apparatus using the methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
A home network consists of various network devices such as intelligent products, wireless devices and computing devices, which enable a user to control the various network devices as a single connected network. Network devices composing the home network provide services using middleware creating a virtual distributed computing environment. Middleware such as Home Audio Visual Interoperability (HAVi), Universal Plug and Play control device (UPnP), Java intelligent network infra-structure (Jini), and Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) have been used to date.
In the home network, a user can receive various AV services such as movies, music, and photo-printing. Technologies for receiving media data between home network devices are disclosed in Korean Unexamined Patent No. 10-2003-0058395: Home Network Device, Home Network Control Device, and Method of Downloading Media data in Home Network, which enable a user to use media at home regardless of location.
A user can search for the type of AV service available in a home network via a control device that controls home network devices; the control device calculates an AV task.
The AV task refers to an operation for determining whether an AV service is available. Media data, a storage device that stores the media data and a player to play the media data are needed in order to use the AV service. The control device searches for the media data and the device needed for the AV service, thereby providing a user with information on the type of AV service provided in a home network.
To calculate the AV task, it has to be determined whether the storage device, the media data, and the player are in the home network as described above. In the related art, when media data stored in a storage device is retrieved, metadata of the media data is cached. If metadata of all media data in the home network is cached, large amounts memory and time are consumed. Since most users have large amounts of media data, this becomes a serious problem. | {
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The prior known apparatus for handling bulk material as located at a storage site have included several versions of well known stacker-reclaimer apparatus as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,472,357; 3,509,985; 4,363,396; and 4,629,060. These apparatus have reclaimer conveyors which move out along the top side of the reclaimer boom, articulate around a sprocket or wheel at the distal end of the reclaimer boom, move back toward the machine pushing reclaimed bulk material, e.g. wood chips, between the chain attachments, e.g. rakes, articulate around a sprocket or wheel in the knuckle area, move up an inclined deck pushing the wood chips between the rakes, articulate once more around a drive or head sprocket, move over the top side of the incline conveyor with the chips falling over the top of the incline conveyor chute and back to the original position along the top of the reclaimer conveyor with each chain, typically two per machine, forming a continuous loop.
The previously described conveyor portion of the stacker-reclaimer apparatus exhibits difficulty in maintaining reliable and trouble free alignment of a reclaim conveyor chains between the reclaim boom and incline sections of the conveyor.
In cold climates, icy or lumpy aggregated material being moved by the plurality of rakes around the knuckle or pivot point of the reclaimer boom and up the incline jammed or damages the plurality of rakes. Jams can also occur with aggregated material between the plurality of rakes and the incline conveyor deck. | {
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Building panels for attachment as roof and facia portions of building structures are manufactured and utilized in many different forms. One building panel form that has gained wide acceptance in the building industry is a building panel structure that simulates the board and batten type building structure because of the pleasing aesthetic appearance thereof. In the past, many building panel structures have been designed that are adapted to be placed in interlocking relationship with adjacent building panels, thus properly orienting the building panel structures relative to one another. Many building panel structures that are acceptable for utilization as facia to define the walls of buildings are not suitable as roof panels because of the inability of such structures to provide adequate protection against leakage of water during rains. Further, many building panel structures are designed particularly for aesthetic appearance and interlocking relationship but do not provide for the development of structurally self-sufficient wall and roof portions that will support uniformly distributed loads without any additional structure other than that required at fastener intervals.
Accordingly, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a novel building panel structure having an intermediate portion and side edge portions that are adapted to be placed in interlocking relationship during attachment of the same to a building structure.
It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novel building panel structure wherein cooperating interlocking side edge portions thereof establish a board and batten appearance of aesthetically pleasing character.
It is another feature of this invention to provide a novel building panel structure such as might be composed of sheet metal, plastic sheet or any other suitable material, and which, when interlocked with adjacent building panel structures, develops water tight integrity at the joint with adjacent building panels, thus providing for efficient utilization of such panels as roof and facia structures of buildings.
Among the several features of this invention is contemplated the provision of a novel roof building panel structure wherein the structural interconnection established between adjacent interlocked building panels is structurally self-sufficient and will support uniformly distributed loads without any additional structure other than that required at panel fastener intervals.
It is an even further feature of this invention to provide a novel building panel structure that may be effectively utilized in the development of high or low pitched roofs without any risk of leakage at the joints between the building panels.
Other and further objects, advantages and features of the invention will become obvious to one skilled in the art upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiment about to be described and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice. | {
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Choline salicylate, a well-known analgesic, which is highly hygroscopic, has been prepared in pharmaceutically acceptable, solid dosage forms, by means of a salicylate of a metal having a valence of at least 2, such as aluminum, bismuth, calcium or magnesium. It has further been shown that such composition is stabilized to a greater extent by the addition thereto of carboyxmethylcellulose. All of the above is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,974.
While the compositions of U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,974 constitute a considerable improvement over older choline salicylate compositions, a need has been found to improve the stability of pharmaceutical preparations thereof which are solid in nature, such as tablets, capsules, suppositories and granules. | {
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This invention relates to drying apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus for drying footwear in a drying device.
Various types of drying devices are known in the art. Domestic automatic clothes dryers, for example, are drying devices routinely used in households for drying wet or washed laundry, etc. Such automatic clothes dryers typically include a rotating drum operatively connected to a source of heat. During a typical drying process, heat is introduced into the drum while the drum rotates, and the heat is delivered to the contents of the drum, which usually occurs by a stream, or airflow, generated by an air moving device such as a fan or a blower. Thus, items placed in the drum, such as common household laundry, are dried by the heat and the air stream.
Often times, it is desirable to dry household items other than laundry in a drying device. Footwear, such as shoes, for example, may sometimes be washed in a washing machine or by hand, and it may be desirable to dry the washed footwear faster than just letting it sit and air-dry. Shoes loosely placed in the drum of a drying device, however, generate undesirable noise when they collide against the walls of the drum when the drum rotates. Shoes may also get damaged during such process. Devices that hold shoes in place relative to the walls of the drum to help eliminate such noise, however, do not dry the shoes as evenly and thoroughly as is typically desirable. This is usually because the heat, such as the heat in the air stream in the drum, is delivered mostly to the exterior of the shoes. A comparatively minor amount of the heat, if any, is delivered to the interior of the shoes such as the toe area inside the shoes.
To overcome such problems, shoes are usually removed from the drying device before their interior is fully dry. This is usually not desirable because the shoes are not completely dry when removed from the drying device, whereby they may not be dry enough to wear. In other instances, shoes are dried further until their interior is also dry, but this process wastes energy and can damage the shoes by continuing to apply heat to the already dry exterior of the shoes. Therefore, it is desirable to have footwear drying apparatus that facilitates more even drying of the exterior and the interior of footwear in a drying device.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
In one aspect of the invention, a footwear drying apparatus is disclosed for use in a drying device. The footwear drying apparatus is preferably adjustable so that it may be accommodated in drums of most drying devices and, further, accommodate shoes of different sizes. A pair of shoes can be held relative to the footwear drying apparatus and the drum of the drying device during the drying process. The footwear drying apparatus facilitates convection air to flow through its body to the interior of the footwear, whereby the footwear is dried more evenly on its exterior and its interior. | {
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid discharging head and a liquid discharging apparatus.
2. Related Art
An existing liquid discharging head that discharges liquid droplets through nozzles by applying pressure to liquid by pressure generation units such as piezoelectric actuators or heating elements has been known. As a representative example thereof, an ink jet recording head that discharges ink droplets has been disclosed in JP-A-2011-201170, for example.
However, types of ink available are increased with diversified recording modes and there arises the following problem in the liquid discharging head as described in JP-A-2011-201170. That is, there arises the problem that wiping performance on an ink discharge surface is not preferable in a head cleaning operation. To be more specific, for example, when ink having higher viscosity than that of the existing ink is used, ink tends to be accumulated easily in even slight recesses formed on the ink discharge surface of a nozzle plate. Since the ink viscosity is high, ink accumulation cannot be eliminated easily even if ink is wiped out with the existing method in some cases. As a result, the accumulated ink is left and an accumulation amount is increased so that the wiping performance is further deteriorated. This causes solidification of ink on the ink discharge surface or in nozzles, resulting in deterioration of ejected ink performance to be discharged, discharge incapability (discharge deterioration), or the like.
It is to be noted that the above-mentioned problem arises not only on ink but also on other matters that adhere to the ink discharge surface and the same problem occurs for a case where liquid other than ink is discharged. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to craftsman's turntables. More specifically, the invention is a turntable for cutting designs out of paper with a metal template. The turntable allows for rotation of the paper while cutting. The provision of an armrest makes it unnecessary for the craftsman to have to hover his or her arm over the art work.
2. Description of Related Art
The related art of interest describes various rotatable tables with or without magnetic holding elements. The art of interest will be described in the order of perceived relevance to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,364 issued on Aug. 29, 1989, to Ted A. Trujillo et al. describes a method for assembling and soldering pieces of stained glass by placing a template to outline a mosaic fit of glass pieces on a workboard by nailing flat sided nails to the outer perimeter on a rectangular workboard attached to a square support plate by hook and latch material strips. The support plate is rotated on a thrust bearing in a base. The apparatus is distinguishable for the omission of a magnetic means and an armrest.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,762 issued on Oct. 16, 1984, to Frank T. Anderson, III et al. describes a hydraulically operated cutting die supporting plate apparatus (for cutting envelopes) which contains recessed pairs of bar magnets arranged in a circle to hold the cutting die. The apparatus is distinguishable for lacking an armrest and a hydraulically operated cutting platform configured as in the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,683 issued on Apr. 26, 1988, to Hiromi Ogawa describes an apparatus for cutting a continuously fed material sheet into trapezoidal pieces on a turning table with movable upper and lower cutters. The machine is distinguishable for its automatic operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,671 issued on Mar. 5, 1996, to Wang Shun-Yi describes a hand operated apparatus for multi-shape cutting of colored paper to form animal cutouts. A circular cutting table assembly with six design cutting means is held within a U-shaped base member with a punching means on one end and the other end functioning as a handle. The device is distinguishable for its lack of an armrest and magnetic holding means.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,629 issued on Apr. 13, 1976, to Betty Johnson describes a method of cutting and storing garment-pattern shaped pieces of textile material, wherein magnets and oval metal plates are used to position and clamp the thin paper sheet pattern pieces to the textile cloth. The device utilized is distinguishable for its lack of a turntable and armrest.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,177,905 issued on Oct. 31, 1939, to Louis W. McKeehan describes a holder for drawing paper on a drawing board with a metal plate facing by thick circular magnets in each corner. This holder device is distinguishable for its omission of a separate armrest and a turntable.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,543 issued on Oct. 25, 1988, to Daniel Kelley describes a rotatable drafting table having a rectangular configured drafting surface. The rotatable drafting table is distinguishable for the lack of magnets and a separate armrest.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,295 issued on Jan. 9, 1990, to Jeanne N. Keller describes a paper sheet holding device for cutting with a pair of scissors along one edge of the device. The device has two square flat blocks hinged at its rear for inserting a paper sheet between the lid and base blocks which have embedded round magnetic disks in each corner. The device is distinguishable for the omission of an armrest and a turntable.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,288 issued on Apr. 7, 1992, to Shozo Kawasaka describes a work table for pattern matching of cloth sheets by utilizing an electromagnetizable surface for maintaining metal pins with seats in position. The work table is distinguishable for the lack of a separate armrest and a turntable.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lowerable motor vehicle roof of the type having front and rear rigid roof elements, of which the first roof element can be moved, by means of a driving connecting rod mechanism which is located on the sides of the roof, between a closed position and a stowed position which is lowered in a convertible top compartment the first roof element, on its path into the stowed position, arriving in a position which at least partially overlaps the second roof element and entrains the second roof element into the stowed position,
Several structures are already known in which the two roof elements run in the lengthwise direction of the motor vehicle for opening the roof, and in doing so, are placed on top of one another and are stored jointly in a rear convertible top compartment, which is used at the same time as a trunk. For these motor vehicle roofs, generally, it is required that the connecting rod mechanism be as simple as possible, i.e., that it make do with as few hinges and drives as possible, and that the connecting rod mechanism be able to internest the roof elements in a space-saving manner, and then move them into a lowered position which requires as little stowage space as possible and which is optimally matched to the configuration of the convertible top compartment.
2. Description of Related Art
German Patent DE 197 14 106 C2 discloses a lowerable motor vehicle roof in which the two sides of the rear roof element are engaged by a first, driving connecting rod mechanism for moving the first roof element, in which the two sides of the front roof element are each engaged by a second, passive connecting rod mechanism for its guidance, and moreover, the front roof element is coupled to the rear roof element via another lever arrangement which engages the two sides. This arrangement meets the aforementioned requirements to the extent that the roof elements can be internested in a space-saving manner, the rear roof element with its concave side being pushed over the convex side of the front roof element, and that, then, the package composed of the front and the rear roof element can be stowed in the desired position in the trunk, which used as the convertible top compartment.
However, this known arrangement is extremely complex in terms of construction and operation since the driving connecting rod mechanisms alone each have six levers which are interconnected via seven hinges and are connected to the rear tail element, the passive connecting rod mechanisms have three levers each which are connected to one another via five hinges and to the front roof element, and the further lever arrangement has two levers which are connected via four hinges to the front and rear roof element, of which two are made as sliding hinges. Moreover, there is one actuating interlock for each driving connecting rod mechanism and for each passive connecting rod mechanism, and one actuating interlock for each of the sliding hinges.
Another disadvantage of the known arrangement is that, in it, the two levers of the further lever arrangement, in the internested position of the two roof elements, penetrate the roof skin of the front roof element so that the front roof element must be provided with the corresponding passage slots, with the generally recognized disadvantages with respect to their aesthetic design and rain-tight execution. A further disadvantage is also that the sequence of motion, for example, when opening the motor vehicle roof, proceeds relatively inharmonically since first the rear roof element is pushed in forward motion over the front roof element and then the two roof elements are lowered in the rear compartment jointly with a rearward motion.
German Patent DE 197 14 127 C2 discloses a lowerable motor vehicle roof in which the two sides of the rear roof element are engaged by a driving connecting rod mechanism for its displacement, and in which the front roof element is movable relative to the rear roof element via a driving connecting rod mechanism which engages the two sides of it. With regard to the connecting rod mechanism, this arrangement is simpler in terms of construction and operation than the arrangements according to German Patent DE 197 14 106 C2; but on each side of the roof, it has two driving connecting rod mechanisms, and accordingly, on each side of the roof, requires two displacement drives; this in turn increases structural and control engineering complexity.
Another disadvantage of this known construction is that its sequence of motion is relatively inharmonic, for example, when opening the motor vehicle roof since, first, the rear roof element is swung up, then, the front roof element is moved under the rear roof element, and then, the two roof elements are jointly swung down. | {
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A gripping device provided in, for example, a robot hand is provided with a pressure-sensitive sensor so as to grip objects to be gripped (target objects) different in characteristics, such as shapes, hardnesses, surface properties, and weights, without breaking the objects to be gripped.
The grip state is detected in real time from an output signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor to control the gripping force (contact pressure), the moving speed, and the like. In recent years, in order to accurately handle a wide variety of objects to be gripped, there is a demand for sensitivity as a tactile sensor capable of providing sensation, such as sense of pressure and sense of slip, equivalent to human finger tips.
For example, a pressure-sensitive sensor in which conductive particles such as carbon are dispersed in a rubber material, and that is configured to grasp a change in applied current based on the relation between force and resistance value with a change in contact state of the conductive particles with pressure applied, is known.
The pressure-sensitive sensor having such a configuration requires a power supply and inevitably costs much.
Using a piezoelectric material that deforms to generate electricity as a pressure-sensitive sensor eliminates the need for a power supply.
A vibration-powered device including an elastic sheet deformed by a vibration load, a piezoelectric film placed on a surface of the elastic sheet, and electrodes disposed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film is known (for example, Patent Literature 1). This vibration-powered device generates electricity using strain caused by tensile force or compression force of the piezoelectric film involved with deformation of the elastic sheet. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is a polymer piezoelectric material, is used for the piezoelectric film. | {
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The present invention relates to a peripheral device connectable to a computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a peripheral device configured to detect the type of interface to which it is connected.
A wide variety of peripheral devices are currently configured to be connectable to computers. Such peripheral devices commonly include user input devices, such as keyboards, point and click devices (traditionally referred to as a computer mouse) and other similar types of devices.
The computer to which such devices are connected communicates with the devices through one of a number of interfaces. Interfaces commonly used to connect to such peripheral devices include a serial interface (such as an RS232 interface) and a PS2 interface. Indeed, the PS2 interface has long been a standard for connecting keyboards and mice to computers.
However, recently, another serial interface referred to as a universal serial bus (USB) interface has been introduced. The USB interface accommodates a wide variety of computer peripherals, including keyboards and mice. However, a conventional computer is typically provided with only one interface (such as a PS2 or USB interface) for communication with peripheral devices. Therefore, if the computer is provided with a PS2 interface, the keyboard or mouse must be configured to support communication with the computer according to a protocol defined by the PS2 interface. Similarly, if the computer is provided with the USB interface, the keyboard or mouse must be configured to communicate according to a protocol defined by the USB interface.
In order to do this, a conventional computer peripheral device contains a microprocessor which runs a software program to carry out the functions of that particular peripheral device. In the device such as a keyboard or mouse, the software program includes an interface between the peripheral device and the host computer, through which the peripheral device communicates with the host computer. Such communication often includes receiving commands from the host computer and transmitting data and status information to the host computer.
As discussed above, the PS2 and USB interfaces have different hardware and software requirements, which must be met by the microprocessor in the peripheral device so that the peripheral device can communicate with the host computer. The PS2 interface uses two conductors which include a separate clock conductor and a separate data conductor. These conductors are driven by the computer through an open-collector or open-drain circuit, and have a pull-up resistor (typically in the range of 2k ohms to 10k ohms) pulling the conductor to a rail voltage (such as VCC) inside the host computer. The open-collector or open-drain circuit (commonly a transistor) is typically implemented inside the microprocessor. Another pull-up resistor is required inside the peripheral device as well. The peripheral device communicating over a PS2 interface is responsible for providing a clock signal on the clock conductor, regardless of the direction of data flow on the data conductor. The host computer pulls the clock conductor to a logic low level to inhibit communication from the peripheral device, and it can also pull the data conductor low to signal to the peripheral device that the host computer intends to transmit data to the peripheral device.
The USB interface also uses two conductors which include differential data signal conductors D+ and Dxe2x88x92. In the USB interface at the USB port (i.e., at the host computer or USB hub), the two conductors are pulled to a logic low level via 15k ohm resistors. In the peripheral device, the D+ conductor is pulled to approximately 3.3 volts via a 1.5k ohm resistor if the peripheral device is a high-speed USB peripheral device. The Dxe2x88x92 conductor is pulled to 3.3 volts via a 1.5k ohm resistor if the peripheral device is a low-speed USB peripheral device. When a peripheral device is attached to the USB port, the USB host determines whether it is a low-speed or high-speed device by determining which of the D+ or Dxe2x88x92 conductors is pulled to the logical high level.
Thus, it can be seen that the two interfaces have different hardware structures, and communicate using different software protocols. Traditionally, separate peripheral devices have been provided, one being configured to communicate with a USB interface, and the other being configured to communicate with a PS2 interface. This requires the manufacturer of such peripheral devices to offer two different types of peripheral devices in order to support these two different interfaces.
The present invention defines a method and apparatus in the peripheral device such that the peripheral device can determine which type of interface it is connected to, and configure itself accordingly.
The peripheral device is connectable to a computer having one of a first interface and a second interface. The first interface communicates with a peripheral device over a differential data connection having a first data conductor and a second data conductor. The second interface communicates with the peripheral device over a clock conductor and a single-ended data connection, which includes a data conductor. The peripheral device has first and second communication conductors configured for connection to the first and second data conductors in the differential data connection and to the first data conductor in the single ended data connection and the clock conductor. The peripheral device includes an interface detection component configured to detect which of the first and second interfaces the peripheral device is connected to. The peripheral device also includes a controller component configured to communicate between the peripheral device and the computer according to a protocol corresponding to the detected interface. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Domain name system (“DNS”) resolvers are typically used to translate domain names meaningful to humans into Internet protocol (“IP”) addresses meaningful to computers in order to locate a particular device worldwide. DNS resolvers typically query a DNS server to translate the full domain name into an IP address. Domain names contain one or more segments (“labels”) delimited by periods that are translated from right (“top level domain”) to left (“low level domain” or “sub domain”). For example, in a full domain name of google.co.uk, the top level domain is “.uk,” the sub domain is “.co.uk”, and the full domain name is “google.co.uk.” When a DNS resolver attempts to resolve a full domain name, it typically queries a root server first. If the root server is authoritative for the top level domain (e.g., “.uk”), the root server will return the IP address of a server capable of resolving the next sub domain (e.g., “.co.uk”). However, if the root server is not authoritative for that particular domain, the root server will refer the query to other authoritative name servers that should be capable of providing a reference or even capable of resolving the entire domain name. In turn, the name server delegated by the root server will also refer the query to yet another name server authoritative for the next sub domain level. This course continues until the full domain name is resolved (e.g., “google.co.uk”). Thus, queries are often forwarded to multiple authoritative DNS servers. However, it is also possible to resolve the full domain name by querying only one authoritative server.
The open and distributed architecture of DNS and its employment of the user datagram protocol (“UDP”) make DNS susceptible to various forms of attacks from hackers. Recursive DNS resolvers are especially at risk, since they do not restrict incoming packets to a set of allowed source IP addresses. “Spoofing” is a known hacking technique that aims to redirect users from legitimate websites and domain names to malicious ones. A “Kaminsky attack” is one kind of spoofing tactic that occurs by transmitting a series of queries to the recursive DNS resolver. If the answers are not in the resolver's cache, the resolver will send the queries to other authoritative name servers. Attackers then flood spoofing answers to the resolver that lead to entry of invalid records in the resolver's cache. If a spoofing packet matching the resolver's query arrives at the resolver earlier than valid answers from authoritative name servers, the resolver will direct the query to hacker controlled name servers.
Various solutions for averting spoofing attacks have been tried in the past including prepending nonce labels to DNS queries. One solution attempts to gather DNS resolver logs that include as many hostnames as possible over a period of time (e.g., one month). DNS logs traditionally contain queries and responses to most hostnames. Once the logs are gathered, the following steps are followed: A root DNS server is queried to provide the name servers for a particular zone of interest (e.g., .org, .uk, .jp, .us, .com, etc.). Once the root DNS server replies with a list of name servers, the DNS logs are scanned to find all responses from the list of name servers that returned “authoritative” answers, excluding wildcard responses and bogus responses. For each name server returned, it is determined whether nonce labels are prepended for queries sent to this name server and what queries should not be prepended with nonce labels. Unfortunately, nonce labels cannot be prepended to every query. Rather, nonce labels are prepended to queries that result in a referral to another name server. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In the making of micro-circuits the general process followed is that of generating an oxide film on the semiconductor substrate; coating the oxide film with a photoresist and then illuminating the photoresist through a mask to expose selected portions of the resist. After exposure, the photoresist is developed, etched and further processed. Once this is done the same steps are repeated a number of times. The exposure pattern on the photoresist is determined by masks which are prepared for the purpose. Separate masks are used for each of the successive steps. If everything is to appear in the proper place on the micro-circuit a high degree of alignment is necessary between steps. Typical alignment systems employed heretofore are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,975,364; 4,011,011; 4,006,645 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19,964, for example.
Almost all the current automatic alignment systems require that the mask and wafer be essentially fixed with respect to the alignment system during the alignment process. This is no problem in a step-and-repeat type system, but it is far from ideal in a scanning projection printer since misregistration can occur when the mask and wafer move with respect to the projection system. Furthermore, better alignment is achieved if the alignment is done continuously during scanning and exposure, rather than at a single place over the scan field. Not only does this eliminate the time lost during static alignments thereby increasing throughput, but it will do a better job, especially on large subfields. Further, the system provides a high signal-to-noise ratio even with a moderately high alignment system bandwidth.
Most focusing systems are indirect and bring the wafer to a fixed location. Thermal changes in the projection system which cause the best focus location to move are not accommodated by indirect systems. The system according to the present invention is direct, is ideally suited for a scanning system, and does not require any vibrating or oscillatory motions that could degrade system performance. A direct working system is very important if a glass cover is used to protect the mask since such covers could be expected to have a considerable variation in thickness requiring a different focus setting for each mask.
While a number of different types of alignment and/or focusing systems have been employed heretofore with moderate success, my contribution to the art is a new system, which is an improvement over such prior art systems, as will become apparent as the description proceeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The birefringent filter was first developed by astronomers at the turn of the century so that they could make celestial observations of the Sun through a narrow-band spectral window. The classic papers on these filters were written by Loyt [1] Evans [2] and Solc [3]. (Note in this specification, a reference to another document is designated by a number in brackets to identify its location in a list of references found in the Appendix) In 1965 Harris et al [4] published a method of filter synthesis for the birefringent filter. In the late 1980s, Buhrer [5] brought the birefringent filter into the optical communications world with his demonstration of such a filter designed for optical wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing.
The filters built by Lyot, Evans, and Solc, FIG. 1a used polarizers placed before and after the birefringent filter proper to isolate one polarization state at the input and then discriminate the state of polarization at the output of the filter. This was sufficient for their application because the Sun is an intense source and the polarization of light from the Sun is completely random.
In the late 1980s, Buhrer recognized that the use of input and output polarizers created excessive polarization-dependent loss and was therefore unsuitable for telecommunication applications. He instead created a method for polarization diversity. New input and output stages were proposed to allow the birefringent filter to handle simultaneously two orthogonal polarizations and to allow the output of the filter to couple to two complimentary ports. In his scheme, there is no loss of light, regardless of polarization. Buhrer U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,567 [6] further describes the use of a birefringent filter as an optical signal multiplexer/demultiplexer.
This invention makes material improvements to the Buhrer scheme for polarization diversity at the input and output of a birefringent filter. This invention increases the isolation between signals and decreases the chromatic dependence. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to a rotary thread take-up lever in a sewing machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a sewing machine, its rotary thread take-up lever performs a series of operations as follows: That is, the rotary thread take-up lever supplies the upper thread to the needle which is supplied from the bobbin, and then loosens the thread as much as required for the shuttle race body to scoop up the needle and for the thread to pass through the rotary hook. Furthermore, the rotary thread take-up lever pulls up the upper threaded immediately when the thread passes through the rotary hook, and supplies the upper thread which is used for formation of a seam in synchronization with the feeding of the work, and pulls up the upper thread, and tightens the thread. In the description, the term "shuttle" includes the shuttle race body and the rotary hook rotatable inside the shuttle race body.
The rotary thread take-up lever, which is a kind of thread take-up lever, performs the above-described series of upper thread supplying and lifting operations with the aid of the continuous rotation of a thread take-up lever element (described later).
A conventional ordinary rotary thread take-up lever is as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). That is, the conventional rotary thread take-up lever 20 includes a rotary thread take-up lever element 24 which has a base portion 22 and an arm 23 extending from the base portion 22. More specifically, the base portion 22 is fixedly secured to a rotating member 21 which is turned in one direction around a horizontal axis in association with a spindle of the sewing machine such as a needle bar driving crank shaft. The arm 23 extends outwardly from the base portion 22 with respect to the rotating axis.
The rotary thread take-up lever 20 is turned clockwise. When the upper thread forms a single thread loop around the arm 23 of the rotary thread take-up lever (cf. FIGS. 8 and 9), the thread loop is slidably moved back and forth along the front and rear edges 26 and 25 of the arm 23 during the rotation of the thread take-up lever element 24, thus achieving the above-described series of operations of the rotary thread take-up lever. In order to prevent the thread loop from coming off the arm during the rotation of the thread take-up lever element 24, the arm 23 has locking fingers 27 and 28 at its free end while the base end 22 has protrusions 29 and 30 at both sides.
FIG. 7 is a graphical representation indicating a thread take-up lever's motion curve A and a shuttle's motion curve B of an industrial zigzag sewing machine having the above-described conventional rotary thread take-up lever 20 and a full-turn shuttle. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates the angles of rotation of the arm shaft of the sewing machine, and the vertical axis indicates the lengths of the upper thread supplied by the rotary thread take-up lever. In the vertical axis, the mark "0" corresponds to the position of the throat plate's upper surface. The rotary thread take-up lever's motion curve A is to indicate the lengths of the upper thread supplied by the rotary thread take-up lever, while the shuttle's motion curve B is to indicate the lengths of the upper thread taken up by the shuttle. The lengths of the upper thread thus taken up are based on a thread take-up lever motion scale. The needle bar is located at the highest position (the top dead point) in its range of movement when the angle of rotation of the spindle is 0.degree. and it is located at the lowest position (the bottom dead point) when 180.degree..
For a period of time between the time instant f and the time instant a in FIG. 7, the upper thread is supplied while sliding on the gently curved portion (indicated by the dotted line 31 in FIG. 6) of the rear edge 25 of the arm 23. FIG. 8 shows the state of the rotary thread take-up lever 20 and the upper thread 16 at the time instant a. The upper thread 16 is held by one point on the rear edge 25 until the time instant a. The upper thread 16 is suitably tensioned by a pair of thread guides (not shown) which are provided respectively on the seam side and on the thread supplying source side.
When the rotary thread take-up lever 20 is further turned, at the time instant a' in FIG. 7, the upper thread 16 is locked by the above-described locking fingers 27 and 28, and it is supplied until the time instant b (in FIG. 7) while being supported by two thread holding points 32 and 33 on the rear edge 25. FIG. 9 shows the state of the thread take-up lever 20 and the upper thread 16 at the time instant b (in FIG. 7). As the thread take-up lever 20 is further turned, the upper thread 16 is pulled upwardly.
The conventional rotary thread take-up lever 20 thus designed suffers from the following problems:
The length M of the thread supplied by the thread take-up lever is much larger than the maximum length m of the thread which is taken up by the shuttle, and therefore the maximum length D of the waste thread is also excessively large. In addition, while the shuttle pulls in the thread, the latter is abruptly released (F in FIG. 7). Hence, in the case where the sewing machine is operated at high speed, the thread is liable to move unstably, as a result of which the resultant seams are irregular, and the thread may be broken.
The maximum length D of the waste thread may be decreased by reducing the distance between the center of rotation O of the rotary thread take-up lever 20 and the thread holding points 32 and 33; i.e., the radius of rotation R1 of the thread holding points 32 and 33. However, in this case, the thread take-up lever's motion curve A corresponding as shown in FIG. 7 is shifted, as a whole, to the left with respect to the shuttle's motion curve B, and the length E of the waste thread which is required for the upper thread 16 to come out of the shuttle is also decreased. Hence, it is not practical to reduce the radius of rotation R1 of the thread holding points 32. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a transmission system comprising at least a remote and a near subscriber device exchanging information signals in the simplex mode by means of time-division multiplex signals in which control time intervals are provided.
The invention likewise relates to a subscriber device suitable for such a system.
A system of this type finds important applications, more specifically, when the connections are realised by radio channel.
A known system of this type is described in French Patent Application No. 2 667 747 filed Oct. 9, 1990 in the name of the Applicants. When these systems are used as private systems (as against public systems), the radio resources (reduced pass-band frequency channels) are spread parsimoniously. Therefore, the communications between two subscribers are effected in the alternate mode: that is to say, when one subscriber speaks, the other listens (e.g. with a push to talk switch).
The problem then posed is caused by the simultaneous request from two subscribers or more to speak. A risk of communication getting lost then arises. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Currently, the electrical connection between processors and circuit boards is generally realized through electrical connectors. However, in order to reduce the overall height of the electrical connector assembly to follow the development trend of electronic products such as notebook computers towards ultra-thin structures, the use of electrical connector is usually avoided in the industry, and instead, contact points on a lower surface of the processor are connected to solder pads on a surface of the circuit board by using a solder material, so as to achieve the electrical connection between the processor and the circuit board.
Alternatively, Chinese Patent No. CN200520053773.2 provides a chip module having double-sided heat dissipation effect. Referring to FIGS. 3-6 of the accompanying drawings for the specification of the above patent, the chip module includes a substrate and a first thermally conductive region and a second thermally conductive region located on upper and lower sides of the substrate. The substrate includes an integrated circuit located in the center thereof, on which the first thermally conductive region and the second thermally conductive region are disposed opposite to each other. A connecting portion substantially perpendicular to the substrate is disposed at a position where the second thermally conductive region and the substrate are in contact. The connecting portion may be received in a receiving housing disposed on the circuit board. Evenly arranged electrically conductive regions are disposed around the substrate. The electrically conductive regions are located on one side of the substrate, and may be formed with rectangular or round shape. The electrically conductive regions are arranged in one or more rows, and may be directly soldered to the circuit board, so as to achieve the electrical connection between the chip module and the circuit board.
Such an electrical connector structure easily incurs the following problems.
1. As the thermally conductive regions are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the substrate, although such a structure can achieve double-sided heat dissipation to improve the heat dissipation efficiency, the method of increasing heat dissipation area sacrifices the height. As compared with a chip module only one side of which is provided with a thermally conductive region, the chip module of such a structure is thicker by at least the thickness of the second thermally conductive region, and thus cannot follow the development trend of electronic products towards ultra-thin structures and is inapplicable to notebook computers.
2. As the thermally conductive regions are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the substrate, and the electrical connection between the substrate and the circuit board needs to be realized through the electrically conductive regions, the electrically conductive regions can only be disposed around the substrate, which requires changing the design of solder joints in the existing chip module which are arranged downwards in a matrix in the central region of the substrate. Moreover, as the thermally conductive regions are already disposed on the substrate, only a small area is left on the substrate for disposing the electrically conductive regions. Therefore, when a large number of solder joints of the electrically conductive regions are required, it is difficult to dispose the large number of solder joints in such a small area on the substrate. As a result, the process complexity is increased, and the dense arrangement of solder joints easily causes short circuit.
Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to an improved intermediate transfer device which transfers toner on a photoconductor first to an intermediate transfer belt and then onto a paper, and to an improved toner transfer device (hereinafter called the "1st toner transfer device) which transfers the toner on the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt in the intermediate transfer device.
2. Description of the prior art
In recent image forming apparatuses for full color image forming, toner images of yellow, magenta, and cyan are separately formed on a photoconductor, and the thus formed toner images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt in such a way that one toner image is superimposed on top of the other, the transferred image being further transferred onto copy paper. Once the colored toner images are superimposed one on top of the other on the intermediate transfer belt, the transfer to the copy paper can be accomplished in a single operation, so this method can prevent copy paper from being damaged.
In the conventional 1st transfer device, toner transfer from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt has been accomplished using a transfer charger which generates corona. However, the transfer charger that utilizes corona discharge for transfer of toner has had the following difficulties in terms of toner transfer.
(1) Transfer area is limited, and uneven transfer may be caused because of unevenness in the potential on the reverse surface of the intermediate transfer belt. (Refer to FIG. 9)
(2) When a low-resistivity (10.sup.8 .OMEGA. cm or lower) intermediate transfer belt is used, the transfer belt becomes charged because of the corona, and good quality transfer cannot be obtained for the 2nd transfer (transfer of the toner on the intermediate transfer belt to the copy paper). Therefore, in the conventional 1st transfer device, it has been necessary to restrict the resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt, or to provide a device which removes the charge from the intermediate transfer device prior to the 2nd transfer.
(3) Insufficient pressure between the photoconductor and the intermediate transfer belt has resulted in uneven superposing of the three color image layers, missing portions of the three color image layers, and other defects, that affect the copy quality. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides that are associated with abiotic stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In particular, this invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides that confer drought, cold, and/or salt tolerance to plants.
2. Background Art
Abiotic environmental stresses, such as drought stress, salinity stress, heat stress, and cold stress, are major limiting factors of plant growth and productivity. Crop losses and crop yield losses of major crops such as soybean, rice, maize (corn), cotton, and wheat caused by these stresses represent a significant economic and political factor and contribute to food shortages in many underdeveloped countries.
Plants are typically exposed during their life cycle to conditions of reduced environmental water content. Most plants have evolved strategies to protect themselves against these conditions of desiccation. However, if the severity and duration of the drought conditions are too great, the effects on development, growth, and yield of most crop plants are profound. Continuous exposure to drought conditions causes major alterations in the plant metabolism which ultimately lead to cell death and consequently yield losses.
Developing stress-tolerant plants is a strategy that has the potential to solve or mediate at least some of these problems. However, traditional plant breeding strategies to develop new lines of plants that exhibit resistance (tolerance) to these types of stresses are relatively slow and require specific resistant lines for crossing with the desired line. Limited germplasm resources for stress tolerance and incompatibility in crosses between distantly related plant species represent significant problems encountered in conventional breeding. Additionally, the cellular processes leading to drought, cold, and salt tolerance in model drought- and/or salt-tolerant plants are complex in nature and involve multiple mechanisms of cellular adaptation and numerous metabolic pathways. This multi-component nature of stress tolerance has not only made breeding for tolerance largely unsuccessful, but has also limited the ability to genetically engineer stress tolerance plants using biotechnological methods.
Drought and cold stresses, as well as salt stresses, have a common theme important for plant growth, and that is water availability. Plants are exposed during their entire life cycle to conditions of reduced environmental water content, and most plants have evolved strategies to protect themselves against these conditions of desiccation. However, if the severity and duration of the drought conditions are too great, the effects on plant development, growth and yield of most crop plants are profound. Furthermore, most of the crop plants are very susceptible to higher salt concentrations in the soil. Because high salt content in some soils results in less water being available for cell intake, high salt concentration has an effect on plants similar to the effect of drought on plants. Additionally, under freezing temperatures, plant cells lose water as a result of ice formation that starts in the apoplast and withdraws water from the symplast. A plant's molecular response mechanisms to each of these stress conditions are common, and protein kinases play an essential role in these molecular mechanisms.
Protein kinases represent a superfamily, and the members of this superfamily catalyze the reversible transfer of a phosphate group of ATP to serine, threonine, and tyrosine amino acid side chains on target polypeptides. Protein kinases are primary elements in signaling processes in plants and have been reported to play crucial roles in perception and transduction of signals that allow a cell (and the plant) to respond to environmental stimuli. In particular, receptor protein kinases (RPKs) represent one group of protein kinases that activate a complex array of intracellular signaling pathways in response to the extracellular environment (Van der Gear et al., 1994, Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 10:251-337). RPKs are single-pass transmembrane polypeptides that contain an amino-terminal signal sequence, extracellular domains unique to each receptor, and a cytoplasmic kinase domain. Ligand binding induces homo- or hetero-dimerization of RPKs, and the resultant close proximity of the cytoplasmic domains results in kinase activation by transphosphorylation. Although plants have many polypeptides similar to RPKs, no ligand has been identified for these receptor-like kinases (RLKs). The majority of plant RLKs that have been identified belong to the family of Serine/Threonine (Ser/Thr) kinases, and most have extracellular Leucine-rich repeats (Becraft, P W., 1998, Trends Plant Sci. 3:384-388).
Another type of protein kinase is the Ca+-dependent protein kinase (CDPK). This type of kinase has a calmodulin-like domain at the COOH terminus which allows response to Ca+ signals directly without calmodulin being present. Currently, CDPKs are the most prevalent Ser/Thr polypeptide kinases found in higher plants. Although their physiological roles remain unclear, they are induced by cold, drought, and abscisic acid (ABA) (Knight et al., 1991, Nature 352:524; Schroeder, J. J. and Thuleau, P., 1991, Plant Cell 3:555; Bush, D. S., 1995, Annu. Rev. Plant Phys. Plant Mol. Biol. 46:95; Urao, T. et al., 1994, Mol. Gen. Genet. 244:331).
Another type of signaling mechanism involves members of the conserved SNF1 Serine/Threonine polypeptide kinase family. These kinases play essential roles in eukaryotic glucose and stress signaling. Plant SNF1-like kinases participate in the control of key metabolic enzymes, including HMGR, nitrate reductase, sucrose synthase, and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS). Genetic and biochemical data indicate that sugar-dependent regulation of SNF1 kinases involves several other sensory and signaling components in yeast, plants, and animals.
Additionally, members of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) family have been implicated in the actions of numerous environmental stresses in animals, yeasts and plants. It has been demonstrated that both MAPK-like kinase activity and mRNA levels of the components of MAPK cascades increase in response to environmental stress and plant hormone signal transduction. MAP kinases are components of sequential kinase cascades, which are activated by phosphorylation of threonine and tyrosine residues by intermediate upstream MAP kinase kinases (MAPKKs). The MAPKKs are themselves activated by phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues by upstream kinases (MAPKKKs). A number of MAP Kinase genes have been reported in higher plants.
Another major type of environmental stress is lodging, which refers to the bending of shoots or stems in response to wind, rain, pests or disease. Two types of lodging occur in cereals: root-lodging and stem breakage. The most common type of lodging is root lodging, which occurs early in the season. Stem-breakage, by comparison, occurs later in the season as the stalk becomes more brittle due to crop maturation. Stem breakage has greater adverse consequences on crop yield, since the plants cannot recover as well as from the earlier root-lodging.
Lodging in cereal crops is influenced by morphological (structural) plant traits as well as environmental conditions. Lodging in cereals is often a result of the combined effects of inadequate standing power of the crop and adverse weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and/or hail. Lodging is also variety (cultivar) dependent. For example, a tall, weak-stemmed wheat cultivar has a greater tendency to lodge than a semi-dwarf cultivar with stiffer straw. In addition, the tendency of a crop to lodge depends on the resistance especially of the lower internodes. This is because the lower internodes have to resist the greatest movement of force. The weight of the higher internodes of the stems plus leaves and heads in relation to the stem (culm) will affect the resistance of a crop to lodging. The heavier the higher parts of the stem are and the greater the distance from their center of gravity to the base of the stem, the greater is the movement of the forces acting upon the lower internodes and the roots. Supporting this argument, it was found that the breaking strength of the lowest internode and shoot per root ratio were the most suitable indices of lodging. Furthermore, plant morphological (structural) characteristics such as plant height, wall thickness, and cell wall lignification can affect the ability of the plant to resist a lateral force.
Severe lodging is very costly due to its effects on grain formation and associated harvesting problems and losses. It takes about twice the time to harvest a lodged crop than a standing one. Secondary growth in combination with a flattened crop makes harvesting difficult and can subsequently lead to poor grain quality. Yield loss comes from poor grain filling, head loss, and bird damage. Yield losses are most severe when a crop lodges during the ten days following head emergence. Yield losses at this stage will range between 15% and 40%. Lodging that occurs after the plant matures will not affect the yield but it may reduce the amount of harvestable grain. For instance, when lodging occurs after the plant matures, neck breakage and the loss of the whole head can result; these often lead to severe harvest losses. In theses cases, farmers who straight combine their grain will likely incur higher losses than those who swath them. Accordingly, it is desirable to identify genes expressed in lodging resistant plants that have the capacity to confer lodging resistance to the host plant and to other plant species.
Although some genes that are involved in stress responses in plants have been characterized, the characterization and cloning of plant genes that confer stress tolerance remains largely incomplete and fragmented. For example, certain studies have indicated that drought and salt stress in some plants may be due to additive gene effects, in contrast to other research that indicates specific genes are transcriptionally activated in vegetative tissue of plants under osmotic stress conditions. Although it is generally assumed that stress-induced proteins have a role in tolerance, direct evidence is still lacking, and the functions of many stress-responsive genes are unknown.
There is a need, therefore, to identify genes expressed in stress tolerant plants that have the capacity to confer stress tolerance to its host plant and to other plant species. Newly generated stress tolerant plants will have many advantages, such as an increased range in which the crop plants can be cultivated, by for example, decreasing the water requirements of a plant species. Other desirable advantages include increased resistance to lodging, the bending of shoots or stems in response to wind, rain, pests, or disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to toy devices, and more particularly, this invention relates to a toy having a light emitting feature.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are toys shaped in the form of miscellaneous animals. Some of these toys are simply stuffed with materials while others are simply hollow. There are some which have glow in the dark features. Others have light built therein on predetermined parts thereof which light up with the application of pressure on a predetermined portion thereof. However, there is no known device in the prior art as the twilight device taught in the present invention.
It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a toy device shaped in the form of an animal which has a light emitting feature. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a toy device which can function as a night light. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a container having an open bottom, and a bottom cap for closing and hermetically sealing the open bottom. More particularly, the present invention is directed to such a container and bottom cap in which the bottom cap has a sealant material bonded thereto for forming the hermetic seal.
Containers having integral bottoms or bottom walls are well known. However, such containers can be problematic, especially elongated and/or narrow diameter containers whose remote portions are difficult to reach and effectively clean. In an effort to alleviate this problem, such containers, for example bottles and cups for feeding babies, have been formed as a container assembly having a body with an open bottom, and a removable bottom cap, to allow easy access to and separate and thorough cleaning of each component. These container assemblies require a hermetic seal between the open bottom of the container and the bottom cap. The hermetic seal has been obtained by employing a sealing structure, such as an annular ring seal, that is separate and removable from the other assembly components. However, employing a separate sealing structure renders the container assembly more complicated to assemble and, thus, use. If it is not removed and cleaned, there is the possibility that undesirable matter, e.g. liquid, food, and the like will accumulate or form between the separate sealing structure and its underlying surface.
It is desired to have a sealing system for a container assembly with a removable bottom cap that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a hermetic sealing system for a container assembly having a container with a removable bottom cap.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a sealing system in which the sealant is bonded to the bottom cap of the container assembly.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a container assembly in which the sealant in the bottom cap provides the hermetic seal between the bottom cap and the container.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative sealant that is secured to the container to provide a hermetic seal between the bottom cap and the container.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a container assembly in which the bottom cap has a sealant material bonded thereto for providing a hermetic seal between the bottom cap and the open bottom of the container and, simultaneously provides a grip surface through or slightly beyond the exterior surface of the bottom cap to contact a substrate, such as a table.
The present invention includes a bottom cap for closing and hermetically sealing the open bottom end of a container. The bottom cap includes a bottom wall having a peripheral portion, a side wall extending upwardly from the peripheral portion and means for securing the bottom cap to the open bottom end of the container. The peripheral portion includes a peripheral continuous, preferably annular, layer of sealant material bonded thereto that is adapted to hermetically seal the bottom end of the container when the bottom cap is secured thereto.
The present invention also includes a container assembly comprised of a container having an open bottom end with a downwardly directed sealing surface, means for securing a bottom cap to the open bottom end, a bottom cap, and a continuous, preferably annular, layer or strip of compressible sealant material bonded to the container assembly. The strip is adapted so that when the bottom cap is secured to the open bottom end, the strip is between the sealing surface and the bottom wall, and the sealing surface compresses the strip against the bottom wall thereby forming a hermetic seal between the container and the bottom cap. In the container assembly, the strip is preferably bonded to the interior surface of the bottom wall of the bottom cap.
Also preferably, the peripheral portion of the bottom cap has holes therethrough and the sealant material extends into and slightly through the holes. The sealant material that extends into the holes preferably extends below the bottom surface of the bottom wall of each hole, where it can be in the form of an individual bead below each hole. Each bead preferably has a peripheral edge that underlies and is bonded to the bottom surface of the bottom wall. Also preferably, the peripheral portion has an annular series of circumferentially spaced holes therethrough, and the sealant material of the strip extends through and below the holes, and is in the form of a continuous, preferably annular, layer that is fused to the bottom surface of the peripheral portion.
The present invention also includes a method of forming the bottom cap of the present invention. The method includes forming the bottom cap of a first material, and injecting a sealant material onto the peripheral portion of the bottom cap so that the sealant material forms an annular layer on the peripheral portion. The injection step is effected at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to fuse the layer of sealant material to the peripheral portion. The forming step preferably includes forming an annular series of circumferentially spaced holes through the peripheral portion of the bottom wall, and the injecting step preferably includes flowing the sealant material through and below the holes so that the sealant material below the holes forms either a series of beads or an underlying annular layer that is fused to the bottom surface of the bottom wall. Preferably, the underlying layer is formed so that it has outer edges that underlie the bottom wall adjacent the holes. In the method, the bottom cap is preferably polypropylene, and the sealant material is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A Hardness from about 40 to about 50. | {
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FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of a typical wireless communications system in the prior art, which system serves a number of wireless terminals that are situated within a geographic area. The heart of a typical wireless system is known as a Mobile Switching Center ("MSC") or, alternately, as a Mobile Telephone Switching Office ("MTSO"). Typically, the MSC is connected to a number of base stations, which are dispersed throughout the geographic area serviced by the system, and the local and long-distance telephone networks. The MSC is responsible for, among other things, routing or "switching" conversations between wireless terminals and between a wireless terminal and a wireline terminal, which is connected to the wireless system via the local and/or long-distance networks.
The geographic area serviced by the wireless system is partitioned into a number of spatially distinct areas called "cells." As depicted in FIG. 1, each cell is schematically represented by a hexagon; in practice, however, each cell usually has an irregular shape that depends on the topography of the terrain serviced by the system. Typically, each cell contains a base station, which comprises the antennas and radios that the base station uses to communicate with the wireless terminals and also comprises the transmission equipment that the base station uses to communicate with the MSC.
For example, when wireless terminal 111 desires to communicate with wireless terminal 112, wireless terminal 111 sends its data to base station 100, which relays the data to MSC 120. Upon receipt of the data, and with the knowledge that it is intended for wireless terminal 112, MSC 120 then returns the data back to base station 100, which relays the data, via radio, to wireless terminal 112. Although it may appear odd that the data must be transmitted from the base station to the MSC only to be returned, it is necessary when base station 100 does not have switching capability. In general, the link between the base station and the MSC carries a great quantity of data, and now that wireless systems are carrying substantially more video and high-speed data than they have in the past, it has become very important for the link to and from the base stations to be capable of efficiently carrying large quantities of data. | {
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This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus the operation of which is also controllable on the basis of an operating instruction from a mobile terminal.
Techniques which allow image forming apparatuses to be operated by mobile terminals have recently been proposed. For example, a technique of wirelessly operating an image forming apparatus using a mobile terminal owned by a user has been proposed. A technique of automatically selecting an electronic device to be operated has also been proposed. With this technique, field intensities of a plurality of electronic devices are measured by a remote controller, and the one of those having the strongest field intensity, i.e. the electronic device located closest to the remote controller, is selected as the electronic device to be operated. | {
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Photoresist compositions are used in microlithography processes for making miniaturized electronic components such as in the fabrication of computer chips and integrated circuits. Generally, in these processes, a thin coating of film of a photoresist composition is first applied to a substrate material, such as silicon wafers used for making integrated circuits. The coated substrate is then baked to evaporate any solvent in the photoresist composition and to fix the coating onto the substrate. The photoresist coated on the substrate is next subjected to an image-wise exposure to radiation.
The radiation exposure causes a chemical transformation in the exposed areas of the coated surface. Visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, electron beam and X-ray radiant energy are radiation types commonly used today in microlithographic processes. After this image-wise exposure, the coated substrate is treated with a developer solution to dissolve and remove either the radiation exposed or the unexposed areas of the photoresist.
The trend towards the miniaturization of semiconductor devices has led to the use of new photoresists that are sensitive to lower and lower wavelengths of radiation and has also led to the use of sophisticated multilevel systems to overcome difficulties associated with such miniaturization. There are two types of photoresist compositions, negative-working and positive-working. When negative-working photoresist compositions are exposed image-wise to radiation, the areas of the resist composition exposed to the radiation become less soluble to a developer solution (e.g. a cross-linking reaction occurs) while the unexposed areas of the photoresist coating remain relatively soluble to such a solution. Thus, treatment of an exposed negative-working resist with a developer causes removal of the non-exposed areas of the photoresist coating and the creation of a negative image in the coating, thereby uncovering a desired portion of the underlying substrate surface on which the photoresist composition was deposited.
On the other hand, when positive-working photoresist compositions are exposed image-wise to radiation, those areas of the photoresist composition exposed to the radiation become more soluble to the developer solution (e.g. a rearrangement reaction occurs) while those areas not exposed remain relatively insoluble to the developer solution. Thus, treatment of an exposed positive-working photoresist with the developer causes removal of the exposed areas of the coating and the creation of a positive image in the photoresist coating. Again, a desired portion of the underlying surface is uncovered.
Photoresist resolution is defined as the smallest feature which the resist composition can transfer from the photomask to the substrate with a high degree of image edge acuity after exposure and development. In many manufacturing applications today, resist resolution on the order of less than one micron are necessary. In addition, it is almost always desirable that the developed photoresist wall profiles be near vertical relative to the substrate. Such demarcations between developed and undeveloped areas of the resist coating translate into accurate pattern transfer of the mask image onto the substrate. This becomes even more critical as the push toward miniaturization reduces the critical dimensions on the devices.
Photoresists sensitive to short wavelengths, between about 100 nm and about 300 nm can also be used where subhalfmicron geometries are required. Particularly preferred are photoresists comprising non-aromatic polymers, a photoacid generator, optionally a solubility inhibitor, and solvent.
High resolution, chemically amplified, deep ultraviolet (100–300 nm) positive and negative tone photoresists are available for patterning images with less than quarter micron geometries. Chemically amplified resists, in which a single photo generated proton catalytically cleaves several acid labile groups, are used in photolithography applicable to sub quarter-micron design rules. As a result of the catalytic reaction, the sensitivity of the resulting resist is quite high compared to the conventional novolak-diazonaphthoquinone resists. To date, there are three major deep ultraviolet (uv) exposure technologies that have provided significant advancement in miniaturization, and these are lasers that emit radiation at 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm. Examples of such photoresists are given in the following patents and incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,628, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,660, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624. Photoresists for 248 nm have typically been based on substituted polyhydroxystyrene and its copolymers. On the other hand, photoresists for 193 nm exposure require non-aromatic polymers, since aromatics are opaque at this wavelength. Generally, alicyclic hydrocarbons are incorporated into the polymer to replace the etch resistance lost by the absence of aromatics.
Photoresists based on chemical amplification mechanism are employed for 248 and 193 nm applications. However, the photoresist materials applicable for 248 nm cannot be used at 193 nm due to the high absorption of the poly(4-hydroxystyrene) based polymers used for 248 nm applications. 193 nm applications typically require non-aromatic compounds. Open-chain aliphatic resins cannot be used due to the very high etch rates of these materials. Polymers possessing annelated structures in the side chains such as tricyclododecyl and adamantane or cycloolefins in the main chain are shown to provide etch resistance close to poly(4-hydroxystyrene) polymers [Nakano et al. Proc. SPIE 3333, 43 (1998), Nozaki et al., Wallow et al. Proc. SPIE 3333, 92 (1998), and J. C. Jung et al. Proc. SPIE 3333, 11, (1998)].
Houlihan et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624), disclose a polymer for photoresist application, which is a polymer made from a cyclic olefin, maleic anhydride and a substituted or unsubstituted acrylate.
Rahman et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,980) discloses a polymer with a unit comprising a multicyclic backbone with a pendant bisester, however, the acid labile group is a t-butyl group.
The present invention relates to a chemically amplified system, which is sensitive to wavelengths between 300 nm and 100 nm, and comprises a) a novel polymer that is insoluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and comprises at least one acid labile group, and, b) a compound capable of producing an acid upon radiation. The novel polymer of the invention derived from a novel monomer, provides a photoresist with superior lithographic properties. | {
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Transportation of diagnostic specimens is a major concern for regulators. Diagnostic specimens are typically collected from a patient at a clinical site. However, due to economies of scale and other factors it is often not feasible to conduct the desired tests on the diagnostic specimen at the clinical site. Therefore, it may be necessary to transport the diagnostic specimen from the clinical site to a laboratory to conduct the required testing on the specimen.
Centralized laboratory testing facilities offer economies of scale. Laboratory testing equipment may be very expensive. Due to this significant expense, it may not be cost effective for each clinical site to have such equipment on location in order to analyze the limited number of diagnostic samples collected at that clinic. Centralized laboratory testing facilities, however, provide the ability to make a single investment in laboratory testing equipment with the ability to test samples from numerous clinics. The centralized laboratory facility may perform tests on samples collected at dozens or even more clinical sites.
In order to take advantage of centralized laboratory facilities and the corresponding economies of scale, diagnostic specimens must be transported from the clinical site to the centralized facility. The distance between the clinical site and centralized laboratory facility may be significant, requiring transport through local mail service or private courier service. In order to maintain the diagnostic specimen during transportation, the specimen must preferably be kept in an environment below −20° C. This is done by packaging the specimen in a transport case with dry ice or liquid nitrogen to maintain the proper temperature. Even after the diagnostic specimen reaches the centralized laboratory facility it may need to be preserved for a prolonged period of time. Such preservation is accomplished by placing the specimen in a freezer requiring handling of the specimen packaging.
Problems arise with prior art methods of transporting diagnostic specimens. For example, the pressure vessel described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,255 requires a user to place the specimen into an inner specimen bag. The specimen bag is sealed by peeling off the tape, exposing an adhesive. Once the specimen bag is sealed, it is placed in a containment envelope. The containment envelope is sealed by removing the tape and exposing a pressure sensitive adhesive on a flap. The flap is folded towards the body of the containment envelope and sealed. However, pressure sensitive adhesives have been known to fail in temperatures below −20° C. Such a failure of the pressure sensitive adhesive used to seal the containment envelope may expose those handling the bag during transport and storage to the specimen. It is possible that the diagnostic specimen contains an infectious substance, such as the HIV virus. Such exposure to diagnostic specimens during transport is both undesirable and unacceptable to regulators.
Other methods of transportation involve placing the diagnostic specimens in rigid containers. Rigid containers can be problematic for several reasons. For example, when the specimens are packaged with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, under the extreme cold produced by these methods, rigid containers have been known to collapse. Additionally, when the rigid container is removed from the packing conditions and begins to return to room temperature, the container can rupture or explode due to pressure increases from within. A breach in the container could lead to damage to the specimen or to potentially harmful exposure to infectious specimens for individuals.
Central repositories of biological and infectious substances have been a major growth industry recently. Tens of millions of specimens are on deposit with private and government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control, USAMRID and others. These specimens represent a highly valuable resource for researches, public health officials and scientists. Specimens need to be transported to, stored and dispensed from these cites. Typically these specimens are also refrigerated by dry ice or liquid nitrogen at temperatures at least below −20° C. Certain embodiments of the present invention permit the transport of large quantities of specimens in a convenient fashion. Package design is much easier due to the size and flexibility of the containment jacket and inner bladder. | {
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The present invention relates to a collimated relief display device and may be applied in aeronautics to a head down or head up display.
A collimated relief display device includes, in a way known per se, a light image generator and an optical collimation system in the focal plane of which the light image is situated for projecting it to infinity. The generators usually used are either cathode ray tubes, or liquid crystal image forming devices. In the case of a cathode ray tube, the image may be produced by haphazard scanning (random scanning) or by television scanning (line by line scanning); in the case of liquid crystals, the image corresponds to the distribution in an X and Y matrix of points or pixels.
It is further known to use micro-lenses for giving the impression of images with moving subjects. For that, a lattice of micro-lenses is disposed above a plurality of flat images cut into strips and juxtaposed in the focal planes of the microlenses. By rotating the object thus equipped in front of his eyes, the observer may see successively the different images which reproduce a scene with moving subjects.
The purpose of the invention is to produce a relief impression of the collimated image by forming two monochrome images intended to be seen respectively by the right eye and by the left eye. | {
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There are many applications, for example in the aerospace industry, in which sealants, gaskets, O-rings, solid propellant binders, etc., must have low temperature flexibility, high temperature stability, solvent resistance, and thermal and oxidative stability. Although recent prior art materials have been described which exhibit some of the above properties, there have not heretofore been provided polymers which satisfy the above requirements and additionally have satisfactory low temperature flexibility.
Polyurethanes have been prepared in the past by reacting hydroxyl-containing hydrocarbon polymers, such as poly(oxypropylene) triols, with aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates. Such prior art polyurethanes, though widely useful for many applications, do not have the low temperature flexibility, tensile and elongation, and the hydrolytic, thermal, and oxidative stability required for many other applications (such as solid propellant binders and other uses in the aerospace industry). Recently, fluorine-containing polyurethanes have been disclosed in the art which do have some thermal and oxidative stability, but they and their methods of preparation suffer from a number of disadvantages or limitations, as discussed below.
In Vysokomolekulyarnye Soedineiya Vol. (A) 9, No. 11, p. 2482 (1967) and Jour. of Polymer Sci. Part A-1, Vol. 5, p. 2757 (1967), non-rubbery fluorine-containing polyurethanes are disclosed as being prepared by either the reaction of chloroformate derivatives of hydroxy compounds with fluorine-containing diamines (which reaction evolves corrosive, bubble-forming hydrogen chloride) or the reaction of fluorine-containing hydroxy compounds (rather than prepolymers) with aliphatic diisocyanates. These polyurethanes have a high ratio of urethane groups to the total weight of the polymer, and consequently a low fluorine content. NASA Publication No. SP-5901(01), p. 14 (1968), published by NASA's Office of Technology Utilization, discloses fluorine-containing polyurethanes, having pendant --CF.sub.3 groups in the backbone, prepared by reaction of an excess of aliphatic diisocyanate with hydroxyl- and fluorine-containing prepolymers having hydroxyl functionalities typically less than two, using undesirably high reaction temperatures. Though these prior art fluorine-containing polyurethanes do have some thermal and oxidative stability, they do not have very low temperature flexibility -- a property which is highly desirable where such products are used, for example, as low temperature adhesives and propellant binders. | {
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Currently, passenger cars increasingly use driver assistance systems such as Advanced Driver Assistance systems (ADAS) to minimize driver error and improve general driving behavior. ADAS may include several sub systems, for example, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Anti-lock Braking systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, etc., employing a plurality of sensors. In general, such systems aid an operator or driver of a vehicle in avoiding collisions and improving ride comfort. However, in evaluating ride comfort, existing systems generally assess attributes corresponding to improved ride comfort from the perspective of the operator or driver alone.
Typically, in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with two rows of seating, rear passengers experience a different level of comfort than the operator or front passenger of the vehicle. Consequently, differing perceptions create a gap in the understanding of the severity of driving style for the operator. For instance, the driver may often cross obstacles at a speed that is comfortable for the front seat but may be unaware that the rear passengers are much less comfortable. Alternately, while passing through routes having continuously winding roads, the driver may negotiate bends or curves at excessive speed. In the case of a timid rear passenger or a child, they may not communicate to the driver to slow down or to alter his/her driving style. In such cases, the rear passenger may experience discomfort. Consequently, the rear passengers experience a reduced enjoyment of the ride. As such, a mechanism or device that detects instantaneous acceleration experienced by the rear passengers and subsequently notifies the driver of the vehicle is desired.
In recent years, large technological advances have been made in the field of driverless or autonomous vehicles. Typically, autonomous vehicles rely on a plurality of sensory inputs to achieve situational and self-awareness. Despite the obvious advantages of employing driverless vehicles, the perceived lack of control on the part of passengers have posed significant concerns. As such, a feedback system controllable by passengers that modify acceleration of autonomous vehicles based on perceived passenger discomfort is therefore desirable. Further, such a feedback system must not be prohibitively expensive to produce and implement.
Hence, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a device, which instantaneously detects acceleration experienced by the rear passengers and subsequently notifies the driver of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is a need for a feedback system controllable by passengers that modify acceleration of autonomous vehicles based on perceived passenger discomfort. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for lighting a discharge lamp.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication H05-217682. FIG. 19A shows a discharge lamp lighting apparatus. The discharge lamp lighting apparatus comprises an AC power supply 1, a primary voltage power supply unit 2, a primary voltage controller 7, a secondary voltage lighting circuit 3, a transformer 4, a discharge lamp 5, a primary current detector 6 and a CPU 8. FIG. 19B shows discharge lamp voltage applied to the discharge lamp 5. As shown in FIG. 19B, a secondary voltage is applied in addition to a primary voltage, which is necessary to maintain lighting, to temporally increase a voltage applied to the discharge lamp 5 in order to turn on the discharge lamp 5. During a stable period after the discharge lamp 5 is lit, the CPU 8 observes increase and decrease in electric current while it carries out control for applying the first voltage having a fixed frequency.
The discharge lamp lighting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication H05-217682, however, has the following problems. First, applying a high voltage consisting of the primary voltage and the secondary voltage in lighting easily causes increase in radiant noise or error-causing noise. Accordingly, it has been necessary to take measures such as providing a protection countermeasure circuit or controlling software. Further, it is not guaranteed that onetime application of the high voltage turns on the discharge lamp 5, and in some cases, the high voltage consisting of the primary voltage and the secondary voltage should be applied several times. Moreover, a temperature of the discharge lamp 5 just after extinguishing the discharge lamp 5 is high, so that application of the high voltage is likely cause breakage of the lamp. Therefore, it has been necessary to forbid relighting of the discharge lamp 5 while the temperature of the discharge lamp 5 is high.
In addition, a discharge gap in a discharge tube always changes as time passes and a discharge environment according to a discharge temperature always changes, so that a resonance frequency is different, while control of discharge is always set fixedly. This causes a problem that in often case the discharge lamp is not operating under an optimum condition. | {
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This disclosure is related to the following simultaneously-filed disclosures that are incorporated herein by reference:
Coherent Population Trapping-Based Frequency Standard Having a Reduced Magnitude of Total a.c. Stark Shift of inventors Miao Zhu and Leonard S. Cutler Ser. No. 09/587,717;
Detection Method and Detector for Generating a Detection Signal that Quantifies a Resonant Interaction Between a Quantum Absorber and Incident Electro-Magnetic Radiation of inventors Leonard S. Cutler and Miao Zhu Ser. No. 09/588,032; and
Coherent Population Trapping-Based Frequency Standard and Method for Generating a Frequency Standard Incorporating a Quantum Absorber that Generates the CPT State with High Efficiency of inventor Miao Zhu Ser. No. 09/587,719.
The invention relates to methods for generating high-precision frequency standards and, in particular, for generating frequency standards based on coherent population trapping (CPT).
The proliferation of telecommunications based on optical fibers and other high-speed links that employ very high modulation frequencies has led to an increased demand for highly-precise and stable local frequency standards capable of operating outside the standards laboratory. Quartz crystals are the most commonly-used local frequency standard, but in many cases are not sufficiently stable to meet the stability requirements of modern, high-speed communications applications and other similar applications.
To achieve the stability currently required, a frequency standard requires a frequency reference that is substantially independent of external factors such as temperature and magnetic field strength. Also required is a way to couple the frequency reference to an electrical signal that serves as the electrical output of the frequency standard. Potential frequency references include transitions between quantum states in atoms, ions and molecules. However, many such transitions correspond to optical frequencies, which makes the transition difficult to couple to an electrical signal.
Transitions between the levels of certain ions and molecules and between the hyperfine levels of certain atoms have energies that correspond to microwave frequencies in the 1 GHz to 45 GHz range. Electrical signals in this frequency range can be generated, amplified, filtered, detected and otherwise processed using conventional semiconductor circuits.
An early example of a portable frequency standard based on an atomic is frequency reference is the model 5060A frequency standard introduced by the Hewlett-Packard Company in 1964. This frequency standard used a transition between two hyperfine levels of the cesium-133 atom as its frequency reference, and had a frequency accuracy of about two parts in 1011. Current versions of this frequency standard have an accuracy of about five parts in 1013 and a stability of a few parts in 1014.
Less accurate but smaller frequency standards have been built that use a transition between the hyperfine states of a quantum absorber such as a rubidium-87 atom as their frequency reference. This type of frequency standard includes a cell filled with a vapor of rubidium-87 atoms and located in a microwave cavity. The rubidium atoms in the cell are illuminated with light from a rubidium lamp. The light generated by the lamp includes two spectral lines, one of which is filtered out by passing the light through an auxiliary cell filled with rubidium-85 atoms, so that light of essentially only a single frequency illuminates the rubidium atoms.
The rubidium-87 atom has a ground state, the S state, that is split into two groups of states by the hyperfine interaction between the magnetic moments of the electron and nucleus. Each group contains a number of sublevels. The two groups are separated by an energy corresponding to a frequency of about 6.8 GHz. At room temperature, all the sublevels in the groups are approximately equally populated. The first excited state, a P state, is also split by the hyperfine interaction but the splitting is much smaller and can be neglected for the purposes of this discussion. The P state is essentially unpopulated at room temperature. When the rubidium atoms are illuminated with the light from the rubidium lamp/filter cell combination, the light is absorbed since its frequency corresponds to the energy difference between the P state and one of the groups constituting the S state. The light absorption decreases the population of one of the groups constituting the S state and increases the population in the other. As the resulting population imbalance reaches equilibrium, absorption of the incident light decreases.
For convenience, the two groups into which the ground state S of the rubidium-87 atom is split by hyperfine interaction will from now on be called the ground states of the rubidium atom. Feeding microwave energy into the microwave cavity at a frequency of about 6.8 GHz, corresponding to the energy difference between the two ground states, tends to equalize the populations of the states. The change of population causes the absorption of the light transmitted through the cell to increase. This can be detected and the resulting detection signal used to control the microwave frequency to a frequency at which the absorption of the light transmitted through the cell is a maximum. When this condition is met, the microwave frequency corresponds to, and is determined by, the energy difference between the ground states. The microwave signal, or a signal derived from the microwave signal, is used as the frequency standard.
The energy difference between the two ground states is relatively insensitive to external influences such as electric field strength, magnetic field strength, temperature, etc., and corresponds to a frequency that can be handled relatively conveniently by electronic circuits. This makes the energy difference between the ground states a relatively ideal frequency reference for use in a frequency standard. However, in the type of frequency standard just described, interaction between the incident light and the rubidium atoms results in a.c. Stark shift. The a.c. Stark shift changes the energy difference between the ground states, and, hence changes the frequency of the microwave signal. Thus, the a.c. Stark shift reduces the accuracy of the frequency standard. Moreover, since the a.c. Stark shift depends, in part, on the intensity and frequency of the incident light, the a.c. Stark shift converts variations in the intensity and frequency of the incident light into variations in the frequency of the signal generated by the frequency standard. Thus, the a.c. Stark shift additionally reduces the stability of the frequency standard.
The type of frequency standard just described suffers from a number of additional disadvantages. For example, the microwave cavity in which the cell is located and the auxiliary filter cell make the frequency standard complex and expensive to manufacture.
More recently, frequency standards have been proposed that use as their frequency reference coherent population trapping (CPT) in the transition between the hyperfine states of a quantum absorber such as the rubidium-87 atom. The structure of the CPT-based frequency standard can be similar to that of the frequency standard just described, but the CPT-based frequency standard lacks an auxiliary cell and a rubidium lamp, and only needs a microwave cavity if coherent emission, described below, is detected. The cell is illuminated with incident light having two main frequency components in the near infra-red. The incident light can be generated using two phase-locked lasers or by modulating the frequency of a single laser. In the former case, the frequency difference between the main frequency components is determined by the frequency difference between the lasers. In the latter case, the frequency difference between the main frequency components is determined by the modulation frequency applied to the laser.
The frequency difference is controlled to match the frequency corresponding to the energy difference between the two ground states to establish a specific coherence between the ground states, i.e., a condition in which the atoms are in a specific superposition of the ground states. The atoms in this specific superposition of the ground states do not interact with the two main frequency components in the incident light. This leads to the name dark state for the specific superposition of the ground states. The atoms in the dark state also have an oscillating electro-magnetic multipole moment at a frequency equal to the frequency difference. The oscillating electro-magnetic multipole moment emits an electro-magnetic field called coherent emission. When the number of atoms in the dark state reaches a maximum, absorption of the incident light is minimized, transmission of the incident light through the cell is maximized and the fluorescent light generated as a result of the quantum absorber absorbing the incident light is minimized. Also, the coherent emission generated by the quantum absorber""s oscillating electro-magnetic multipole moment is maximized.
The coherence condition between the ground states is detected by detecting the portion of the incident light that remains unabsorbed after passing through the quantum absorber, by detecting the fluorescent light generated by the quantum absorber in response to the incident light or by detecting the coherent emission generated by the quantum absorber in response to the incident light. The resulting detection signal is used to control the frequency difference or modulation frequency to a frequency at which the unabsorbed portion of the incident light has a maximum intensity, the fluorescent light generated by the quantum absorber has a minimum intensity or the coherent emission generated by the quantum absorber has a maximum intensity. When the coherence condition is met, the frequency difference or the modulation frequency (or a harmonic thereof) corresponds to, and is determined by, the energy difference between the ground states.
An exemplary CPT-based frequency standard is described by Normand Cyr, Michel Txc3xaatu and Marc Breton in All-Optical Microwave Frequency Standard: a Proposal, 42 IEEE Trans. on Instrumentation and Measurement, 640 (April 1993 ). Cyr et al. describe a practical example of a frequency standard that uses a single laser that emits light having a wavelength of 780 nm. The light is frequency modulated at a modulation frequency of 1.139 GHz, one-sixth of the frequency difference of 6.835 GHz corresponding to the energy difference between the ground states of rubidium-87. Cyr et al. disclose setting the modulation index of the frequency modulation to 4.2 to maximize the intensities of the main frequency components having frequencies corresponding to the transitions. The modulation index is the ratio of the deviation in the frequency of the light to the modulation frequency.
In the process of generating CPT, the frequencies of the main frequency components of the incident light are approximately equal to the frequencies corresponding to the two transitions of the quantum absorber. When the first main frequency component is not forbidden by selection rules from connecting one of the ground states to the excited state, it will cause energy shifts, called a.c. Stark shifts, in the other ground state and the excited state. Similarly, the second main frequency component will cause energy shifts, i.e., a.c. Stark shifts, in the one ground state and the excited state, if not forbidden. In a CPT-based frequency standard, the total a.c. Stark shift degrades the accuracy of the frequency standard while variations in the total a.c. Stark shift degrade frequency stability. The total a.c. Stark shift due to the above-described de-tuned frequency components makes the measured energy difference between the ground states significantly different from the unperturbed energy difference between these states.
Thus, what is needed is a method based on CPT for generating a frequency standard that has a substantially reduced total a.c. Stark shift. A reduced total a.c. Stark shift is required to provide the frequency stability required for modern, high-speed communications and similar applications.
The invention provides a method for generating a frequency standard. In the method, a quantum absorber is provided having transitions including a first transition between a first lower quantum state and an upper quantum state, and a second transition between a second lower quantum state and the upper quantum state. The first transition and the second transition have energies that correspond to frequencies of xcfx891 and xcfx892, respectively. The lower quantum states differ in energy by an energy difference subject to a total a.c. Stark shift. Incident electro-magnetic radiation is generated. The incident electro-magnetic radiation includes main frequency components and additional frequency components. The main frequency components are at frequencies of xcexa91 and xcexa92, equal to xcfx891 and xcfx892, respectively, and differ in frequency by a frequency difference. The additional frequency components collectively have a spectrum. The quantum absorber is irradiated with the incident electro-magnetic radiation. Electro-magnetic radiation from the quantum absorber is detected to generate a detection signal. The frequency difference is controlled to obtain an extremum in the detection signal. The extremum indicates that the frequency difference corresponds to the energy difference between the lower quantum states. The spectrum of the additional frequency components is set to reduce the magnitude of the total a.c. Stark shift, and a frequency standard signal related in frequency to the frequency difference is provided.
The spectrum of the additional frequency components may be set in a number of different ways. The spectrum may be set by setting the modulation applied to a source that generates at least one of the main frequency components. Either or both of the frequencies and the intensities of the additional frequency components may be changed to set their spectrum. An additional source may generate all or some of the additional frequency components that are spatially overlapped with the main frequency components. The spectrum of the additional frequency components may be simply be set to one that reduces the total a.c. Stark shift. Alternatively, the spectrum of the additional frequency components may be set in a closed-loop manner to one that reduces the total a.c. Stark shift substantially to zero.
In a frequency standard that employs the frequency standard generating method according to the invention, the additional frequency components substantially reduce the effects of total a.c. Stark shift on the accuracy and stability of the frequency standard signal. Thus, such a frequency standard generates the frequency standard signal with the accuracy and stability required for modern, high-speed communications and similar applications. | {
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Random number generators are required by computing applications and many security relevant features of cryptography applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of speech processing and, more particularly, to a novel way to implement and deploy interactive voice response (IVR) functionality within a telephony environment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems are systems that permit callers to interact with one or more computer systems using voice input and/or a telephone keypad. IVR systems translate the caller provided input into a form comprehensible by computer systems resulting in programmatic responses being generated. IVR systems can interpret output resulting from the programmatic responses and provide appropriate feedback to the callers. The feedback is generally audibly presented to callers as automatically generated speech output.
In a conventional telephony architecture, an IVR application is generally implemented within an IVR server, which is communicatively linked to the telephony network. In one common arrangement, the IVR server can be connected to a caller via a switched voice network and can be connected to one or more computer systems through a data network. The IVR system can receive caller input via the switched voice network, translate the input, and convey the translated input to the computer system via the data network.
In an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) environment, telephony services can be hosted in computer nodes or network elements of a data network. When deployed within an AIN environment, the IVR system can be implemented as a particular network element that provides IVR functionality. Under a conventional approach, logic for interacting with IVR network elements can be included within different application server specific components. Deployment of IVR components within an application server and parameter adjustment and/or optimizations for the same can be application server specific modifications requiring the attention of a skilled technician.
Conventionally implemented IVR systems are generally proprietary systems, which can be highly expensive to implement and maintain. These propriety IVR systems typically utilize a proprietary interface, unique to that particular IVR system. Accordingly, integrating a computer system to a conventionally implemented IVR system can require a substantial amount of time. Additionally, an administrator maintaining the IVR system must learn proprietary scripting languages, IVR specific interfaces, and other IVR specific features. Thus, the administrator must often attend IVR specific training and expend time becoming proficient with a particular IVR system. Should the owner of the computer system choose to utilize a different IVR system, the administrator must attend new training, new interface adjustments must be made, and additional time must be spent to for the administrator to become proficient with the new IVR system.
Further, when updating conventionally implemented IVR systems to incorporate new technologies, the underlying architecture of the IVR system may have to be fundamentally altered. Architecture changes can be costly and time intensive to implement. | {
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This invention relates to a copper alloy for reliable electrical connection comprising 0.5-3.0 wt% preferably 0.6-2.3 wt% of Co, 0.03-0.4 wt% preferably 0.06-0.35 wt% of P and the balance being composed of Cu and unavoidable impurities contained in electrolytic copper, and furthermore relates to a reliable connecter and a reliable connecting method using a copper alloy thereof. | {
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The present invention relates to an electric machine having a first machine part, which comprises a rotary actuator, and having a second machine part, which comprises a linear actuator.
Electric machines of the type mentioned at the beginning are used, in particular, as drive devices in machine tools or as roller drive devices, for example in printing machines. Such machines principally require high dynamics, for example when a tool such as a milling machine is to be moved both in a rotary fashion and in a linear one. The aim here is to implement a linear movement in addition to a rotary one, in particular without switching gear and at high feed rates and with high precision.
By way of example, use is made for such an application of electric machines that both have a rotary actuator for converting a rotary driving movement, and have a linear actuator for converting a linear driving movement. Use is made for this purpose of, for example, electric machines that have appropriate different machine parts. For example, a first machine part includes a stator element and a rotor element that, by interacting with the stator element, ensures a rotary drive oft for example, a tool fastened on the rotor element. The stator element is accommodated in a stator of the electric machine that is at rest mechanically. A rotor, by contrast, includes the rotor element that is, in particular, fastened on a rotating shaft. The stator is generally designed as a hollow cylinder in whose interior the rotor is accommodated as a solid cylinder. The stator element of the stator includes the stator windings that, when flowed through by current, produce the main magnetic field, which interacts with the exciting field produced by the rotor windings or by permanent magnets in the rotor element.
Such a first machine part designed as rotary actuator is connected to a second machine part that, as linear actuator, ensures a linear movement of the shaft fastened to the rotor element of the first machine part. The second machine part comprises, in particular, a primary part with electrical windings that produce the main field, and a secondary part, which is, for example, fitted with permanent magnets, for producing the exciting field. The individual phases of the windings of the primary part are energized with the aid of three current profile curves resembling sinusoidal ones, and give rise to a so-called moving field leading to a linear movement of the secondary part.
The primary part of such a second machine part is generally designed as a hollow cylinder, in a way similar to the stator element of a rotary electric machine, while the secondary part, in a way similar to the rotor element of a rotary electric machine, is designed as a solid cylinder that is arranged in the interior of the hollow cylinder of the primary part. Owing to the restricted installation conditions in a machine tool, for example, and to the implementation of high feed forces, the efficiency of the linear motors used therein is generally already greatly exploited. The result of this is that known linear motors are capable of implementing high feed forces only to a limited extent, because of a limited linear force. | {
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This invention relates generally to differentials and specifically to a two-speed differential for use in motor vehicles.
As is known, differentials are incorporated into the driveline of motor vehicles for permitting relative rotation (i.e., "speed differentiation") between a pair of driven shafts while concomitantly transferring power thereto from the vehicle's powertrain. In transaxle and final drive axle applications, the differential is used as an "intra-axle" device for delivering power and permitting speed differentiation between a pair of axle half-shafts that are connected to a set of wheels. One example of an intra-axle differential is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,498 entitled "Differential Mechanism". In full-time four-wheel drive applications, it is known to provide an "inter-axle" differential between the front and rear outputs of a power transfer device for facilitating speed differentiation and power transfer between the front and rear wheel sets. Various inter-axle differential constructions are disclosed in the following commonly owned U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,780 entitled "Coupling Apparatus For Full Time Four Wheel Drive"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,873 entitled Transfer Case With Inter-Axle Dual-Planetary Differential"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,998 entitled "Two-Wheel Drive Mode For Full-Time Transfer Case"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,660 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,351 which are both entitled "Transfer Case Limited Slip Planetary Differential". While the aforementioned differentials depict advancements within the art, an improved differential capable of providing two distinct drive ratios would be beneficial. | {
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In recent years, smart devices (i.e., tablet terminals and smartphones) as well as desktop type personal computers (PCs) and notebook type PCs have been used as terminals (web clients) that enable users to browse information acquired over the Internet. The smart devices are generally different from the desktop type PCs and the notebook type PCs in screen size and an operating method, and therefore require technologies for displaying optimum screen pictures for individual types of smart devices. As such a technology, for example, a technique termed the Responsive Web Design disclosed at http://www.atmarkit.co.jp/ait/articles/1301/28/news068.html (searched on Mar. 20, 2014) has been developed. The Responsive Web Design changes a picture in terms of displaying layout, image size and character size in accordance with the size of the screen (particularly the horizontal width of the screen).
Meanwhile, there has also been developed a notebook type PC (hereinafter, referred to as “notebook PC”) which causes, when used in an ordinary state of a notebook PC, the functions of a notebook PC to operate and whose liquid crystal screen unit causes, when detached or folded, the functions of a tablet terminal to operate (this type of notebook PC is generally called hybrid notebook PC).
Generally, a user of a hybrid notebook PC uses the user's own fingers as a pointing device when the tablet terminal functions are in operation, and uses a mouse or a trackpad as a pointing device when the notebook PC functions are in operation. Users of tablet terminals often utilize the enlargement and reduction functions (pinch-out and pinch-in functions) performed by using their own fingers or the like, and users of notebook PCs often utilize the scroll function that is carried out by using a mouse or the like to display a desired portion on a screen. In short, the tablet terminal and the notebook PC are different from each other in terms of appropriate operation units. Therefore, in the hybrid notebook PC on which the operation units of both the tablet terminal and the notebook PC are available, it is desirable to provide appropriate operation units according to the state of use of the hybrid notebook PC.
In the meantime, there exist various browser software products that allow the browsing of web sites, including open source software (OSS) applications, products developed by commercial venders, and the like. These software products have individually gained certain amounts of market shares. Therefore, it is now a common practice for administrators and the like that construct web sites to construct a web site so that the web site is usable substantially equally via a plurality of browsers.
Furthermore, it is also a common practice to construct a web site so that not only the pre-determined contents, such as characters, images, moving video pictures, and the like, are displayed, but also the display contents are dynamically altered by using a programming language called JavaScript (registered trademark). JavaScript is executed by a JavaScript engine that is contained in a web browser. In other words, JavaScript is executed in a web browser. Therefore, the operation of JavaScript is restricted to a certain extent by the web browser. In addition, it is generally difficult to obtain information about devices such as a keyboard and a mouse without depending on the browser.
For example, Japanese Patent No. 5107453 discloses an information processing apparatus that is equipped with an input unit and a display unit. This information processing apparatus accomplishes excellent operability by displaying objects so that the objects can be selected and each object can be partially selected.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 5172997 discloses an information processing apparatus that allows a user to cause the apparatus to perform a series of processes, including selection of an object, determination, display of resulting structures (relevant items), selection of a resulting structure, and display of a final resulting structure, by carrying out simple and easy contact actions, a reduced number of actions, and intuitive contact actions. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a set of structural elements for the erection of three-dimensional structures with a view to installing exhibition areas, residential areas, office areas or areas having any other functions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There already exist a number of different structural assembly systems which are designed for such purposes as those mentioned above and make it possible in particular to erect partition-walls, intermediate floors, separate cells, and so on. These assemblies are so arranged as to permit considerable flexibility of use as well as a possibility of either disassembly or modification of the structures erected by means of the corresponding structural elements.
Thus German patent Application No. DE 1,775,597 describes a system for the assembly of shaped sectional members by means of a nodal junction element consisting of a hollow block in which an opening is formed in each of its different faces. Each shaped sectional member is attached to said nodal junction element by means of the curved ends of a blade spring placed within the end portion of each sectional member. It is thus only necessary to insert the ends of said blade spring within one of the openings of a nodal junction element in order to secure the corresponding sectional member. However, this attachment is effected simply by interengagement and fails to provide a sufficient degree of strength and rigidity to permit the use of a system of this type for the assembly of building members.
In regard to German patent Application No. DE 2,633,147, this document describes a system of assembly in which provision is again made for junction elements each formed by a hollow block having openings which are oriented in different directions. In the case of this system, the end portion of each sectional member carries a fastening end-piece terminating in a head which is capable of rotational engagement within one of the openings of a nodal junction element. Said fastening end-piece is screwed into a nut carried by the end of the corresponding sectional member, and it is possible to tighten the end-piece head after engagement of this latter. However, in this case also, the tightening action achieved is not sufficiently effective to permit adoption of the system for the assembly of construction elements since accidental unscrewing is liable to occur under the action of impacts or vibrations.
In another German patent Application No. DE 2,100,874, this specification describes a truss, or trelliswork beam structure in which the corresponding beams are attached to sectional members placed at the point corresponding to their junction lines. These sectional members are provided with channels which have a constriction at the entrance and are intended to receive the bulged ends of assembly elements carried by the corresponding beams. These assembly elements are slidably mounted within the ends of said beams, which are stationarily fixed in position as a result of the clamping action of coupling screws. However, this system is not sufficiently effective to permit of its adoption for building elements. Furthermore, the system is designed for the assembly of beams against structural junction members but could not be transposed to the case of connection of the ends of different beams to a common junction element.
In the case of French patent Application No. 2,268,970, this specification describes elements which are designed to form a structural framework and consist of sectional members provided with grooves having a throttled portion at the groove inlets. These grooves are intended to receive the locking lug of a fastening end-piece for the purpose of fixing another structural member placed at right angles. These grooves can also receive assembly components for fixing other elements such as, for example, partition-wall panels or the like. However, these different assembly components entail the need to engage the locking lug of each component within the corresponding groove starting from one end of a sectional member, then to bring said component into the desired position by displacement in sliding motion. Furthermore, the framework members thus provided do not comprise any means for connecting the sectional members in different directions around common nodal junction elements for the purpose of erecting a three-dimensional structure. | {
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The present invention is related to the field of data storage systems.
Data storage systems have long been specialized, purpose-built hardware devices specifically tailored for providing secondary storage to separate host computer systems. Common examples include (1) an integrated cached disk array (ICDA), which includes an array of physical disk drives, semiconductor storage cache, and storage processors interfacing to the host computers using storage-oriented protocols, and (2) network-attached storage or NAS, which has generally similar structure while providing a network-oriented connection (e.g., TCP-IP) and typically a distributed file system (e.g., CIFS) interface to the hosts.
There is an industry trend toward so-called software-defined storage, in which data storage is provided by specialized software-implemented (or “virtualized”) appliances using more generic hardware. In some cases, a virtualized storage appliance may execute substantially the same software image as a corresponding purpose-built storage system, with modification as necessary to accommodate the generic underlying hardware substituted for the more specialized purpose-built hardware. | {
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Lane detection is an important component of driver assistance systems that are used, e.g., for longitudinal control or for lane keeping.
Known lane detection systems are based on assigning the detected structures to the side of the lane and the distance thereof from the middle of the lane. The difficulty of said assignment increases with an increasing distance of the measuring system from the structures. Furthermore, the description of the detected lane usually refers to the position of the vehicle and does not provide any explicit information about the far range. The usual lane model uses the curvature and the curvature change of a clothoid model to describe the further course of the road, wherein the estimated values are an averaging relative to the ego-position of the vehicle. Therefore, the known methods are not capable of determining the exact point of transition between two clothoid segments since roads are created by stringing clothoid segments together. For example, the transition from a bend to a straight line cannot be determined precisely, which results in an unnatural control behavior of a vehicle lateral control system of a driver assistance system at these points of transition.
According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,259 B1, which is incorporated by reference, this problem is solved by supplying the surroundings data generated by a sensor system to a filter bank made up of several Kalman filters, wherein the lane model is based on a clothoid model in which the road region in front of the vehicle is subdivided into a near range (up to a distance d1) and a far range (distance from d1 to d2) having different clothoid parameters, wherein a continuous transition between these two ranges is assumed. Thus, a point of transition between two clothoid segments of the road is not estimated, but the transition point is assumed to be at distance d1. Each of the individual Kalman filters of the filter bank is adapted to a lane model, which lane models differ from each other with respect to the position of the transition point relative to distance d1. Each Kalman filter of this filter bank provides an estimate of the lane model parameters of the respective model, wherein each of these estimated values is subsequently weighted with a weighting value that corresponds to the probability of the occurrence of the respective model. The weighted output data are merged. | {
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The orally administered solid unit dosage forms heretofore recognized in the pharmaceutical industry are generally divisible into two basic forms, i.e. tablets and capsules. There are various broad categories of both tablets and capsules recognized in the art such as, for example, those which are enteric coated to release medication in the intestinal tract, those which, by various mechanisms, release medication over an extended period of time, effervescents and the like. By and large such conventional solid oral dosage forms suffer from a number of disadvantages.
First, conventional solid oral unit dosage forms are disadvantageous in that each contains, admixed with the active ingredient, a plurality of various substances which are termed "therapeutically inert or non-toxic, pharmaceutical adjunct materials". Such materials fall under the art-recognized categories of diluents, excipients, binders, lubricants, disintegrants, stabilizers, buffers, preservatives and the like. Although these materials are recognized as indispensable in the art of pharmaceutical compounding, their use nonetheless presents problems which must be dealt with from a viewpoint of cost, final size and weight of the dosage unit and the like. Additionally, each such adjunct material must be evaluated before use in terms of potential incompatibilities with the medicaments present. Further, certain of these materials, e.g. lubricants, may present problems concerning the bioavailability of the active ingredient. Also, the presence of such materials must be considered in analytical procedures utilized to test for potency etc. of the finished dosage form.
A second primary disadvantage in solid oral unit dosage forms known to the art is that the methods available for assay thereof involve destruction of the dosage form thereby permitting the testing of only a small percentage of such forms actually produced. Therefore, it is recognized in the art that there can be considerable deviation within a given batch of such dosage forms since the mean of dosage, performance, etc. for each batch deviation is determined by analysis of a relatively minor number os samples.
The batch concept in itself is a disadvantage to prior art oral solid dosage forms simply from the viewpoint of the economics of the batch designation, control and evaluation.
In accordance with the present invention, solid dosage units primarily for oral ingestion are provided which are producible in large numbers at high speed and, because they are prepared by a method unique in the pharmaceutical industry, they do not suffer from the above enumerated disadvantages of currently available solid oral dosage forms, i.e. tablets and capsules. This method is highly advantageous in that it: eliminates the necessity for batch requirements as they are conventionally recognized; provides for continuous on-line analysis for potency as well as on-line performance evaluation of the dosage forms as they are being produced; provides the substantial elimination of the necessity of mixing conventional pharmaceutical adjunct materials with the medicaments with the exception of glidants which may be required to facilitate the flow of powders and/or certain other materials advantageous for product performance; and provides pharmaceutically elegant unit dosage forms which can be engineered to release medicament at any desired rate and which are capable of a rate of release faster than commercial tablets and capsules presently available. In summary, the dosage forms of the invention provide assurance that a larger percent of a more accurately measured amount of medication will be available in a more precisely controlled time after ingestion than is the case with present commerical units.
The oral unit dosage forms of the present invention are advantageous in a number of important respects, foremost of which is the fact that they are substantially qualified by on-line procedures during high-speed, substantially automated manufacturing operations. In addition, the dosage forms of the present invention are also advantageous in that the medicament contained therein is released for absorption with exceptional uniformity over a large number of dosage units. Further, the dosage units of the invention can be engineered to release medication within a shorter period of time after ingestion than is possible with solid oral dosage forms, e.g., tablets and capsules, presently available. Therefore, the dosage units of the invention provide superior consistency both in content of medicament and release thereof for absorption.
Regarding the prior art, the following publications, which are directed to solid dosage forms distinguishable from conventional tablets are noteworthy. Russell, U.S. Pat. No. 3,444,858 issued May 20, 1969 describes a vehicle for the buccal administration of medicaments comprising a strip of gelatinous material containing medication, said strip being divided into sections each of which is connected to the next by easily tearable ligaments. In use, a section is merely separated from the strip and placed in the mouth.
A second publication warranting mention is an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 289, No. 10 pp. 533-5 (1973). This article decribes a means whereby birth control medication is being made available to women in the Peoples Republic of China on a very large scale. In this method, a sheet of colored, water-soluble, carboxymethylcellulose paper is treated with a solution of progestational and estrogenic materials. The sheet is then perforated and cut into strips. The medicament is packaged as a strip of 22 "squares" which are torn from the strip and taken daily. This method does not provide for the concealment of the drug in the final dosage form, thereby suffering from the disadvantage of potential contamination and/or inactivation of the medication once the package is opened. Further, by virtue of not being completely unitized, such perforated strips can give rise to uneven tearing at the perforations and potentially, disproportionate dosage.
Finally to be considered is Higuchi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,214 issued Dec. 7, 1971 which describes a dosage form utilized for controlled, i.e. sustained release of medicaments. The dosage form is comprised, in essence, of a medicament containing martix which is coated on a substrate which is then spiral wound to a final "jelly roll" appearance. After ingestion, the medicament is released by the gradual erosion of the outer layers of substrate and also by diffusion from the sides where there is exposed medicament. There is no disclosure of whether the disclosed dosage forms are amenable to high capacity pharmaceutical manufacturing. There is further no disclosure of means whereby the disclosed dosage forms can be rendered into pharmaceutically elegant finished products.
In distinct contrast to the teachings of the foregoing publications, the novel solid dosage units of the present invention are completely unitized, amenable to non destructive, on-line analytical testing during high capacity pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, are essentially free from pharmaceutical adjunct materials that may interfere with performance, have no exposed medicament and have a superior consistency of release of medicament which enhances the efficacy thereof. | {
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The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding and dispensing beverage containers, cans, or other types of articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons that clip onto a flange of one or more containers. | {
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Use of a room-temperature hardening composition containing a polyether polymer containing hydrolyzable silicon groups and a silanol condensation catalyst, for example as sealant or adhesive, is well known and useful industrially. An example of the method of producing such a hydrolyzable silicon group-containing polyether polymer is to produce a polyether polymer having terminal OH groups, convert the terminal OH groups to olefins, and hydrosilylate the olefin with a hydrolyzable silicon group-containing hydrosilane compound.
However, if an oxidative impurity is present in the unsaturated group-containing polyether prepared by conversion of the terminal OH groups, the impurity inhibits the following hydrosilylation reaction in the method. For prevention of such a reaction inhibition known is a method of advancing the hydrosilylation reaction without problem by decomposing the oxidative impurity present in the unsaturated group-containing polyether with ascorbic acid (see Patent Document 1).
On the other hand, a method of polymerizing an alkyleneoxide by using an alkali metal catalyst such as KOH, a double metal cyanide complex catalyst as a catalyst or the like has been known as a method of producing polyether polymers having terminal OH groups. In such a polymerization method, the catalyst used in polymerization and the residue thereof are removed from the system by a method suitable for the system.
For example, a method of using a double metal cyanide complex gives a polymer having a number-average molecular weight of 8,000 or more and a narrow molecular weight distribution. A curable resin composition containing the hydrolyzable silicon group-containing polyether polymer prepared by such a method is useful, for making the hardened product more flexible, reducing the viscosity of the composition, and making the composition more processable.
The double metal cyanide complexes are removed, for example, by water extraction (see for example Patent Document 2). However, vigorous agitation of the polyether polymer and water for sufficient contact results in emulsification of the system containing the polymer substance, demanding an extended period for separation of the polyether polymer from water after agitation and also a larger facility. Alternatively, gentle agitation for prevention of emulsification also caused a problem of insufficient extraction of metal impurities.
Alternatively, methods of adding a chelating agent such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) were also proposed (see for example Patent Document 3). These methods resulted in residual of a chelating agent such as EDTA in the polymer, which functions as a hydrosilylation reaction inhibitor, and thus had a disadvantage of demanding complete removal of EDTA before hydrosilylation.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-212349
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-105079
Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 06-200013 | {
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Many traditional computer systems communicate with each other using web-based communication protocols such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). HTTP may function as a request-response protocol in a client-server computing model. For example, a web browser may be the client and an application running on a computer hosting a web site may be the server. The client submits an HTTP request message to the server. The server, which provides resources such as HTML files and other content, or performs other functions on behalf of the client, returns a response message to the client. The response contains completion status information about the request and may also contain requested content in its message body.
However, the request-response protocol defined by HTTP is a stateless communication protocol. That is, an HTTP server does not retain information or status about each user for the duration of multiple requests. However, some web applications implement states or server side sessions using cookies, for example. A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, may be in some circumstances a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user's web browser while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user's previous activity.
Cookies were designed to be a reliable mechanism for websites to remember the state of the website or activity the user had taken in the past. This can include a record of clicking particular buttons, a record of logging in, or a record of which pages were visited by the user even months or years ago. | {
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In a TOFMS, ions originating from a sample compound are made to fly over a fixed distance by being granted fixed kinetic energy, the time required for this flight is measured, and the mass-to-charge ratio of the ion is found from said flight time. For this reason, if there is variation in the position of the ion or the initial energy of the ion when the ion is being accelerated to begin its flight, this will produce variation in flight time for ions of the same mass-to-charge ratio, leading to a decline in mass resolution and mass accuracy. One known method of overcoming this issue is to use an orthogonal acceleration (also called “vertical acceleration” or “orthogonal extraction”) type TOFMS.
In an orthogonal acceleration-type TOFMS, an ion beam originating from a sample is accelerated in a pulse in a direction orthogonal to the direction of progress, and ion packets produced thereby are sent into a flight space where mass spectrometry is performed. Performing acceleration in an orthogonal direction suppresses variation in the initial speed of ions in the direction of acceleration, making it possible to significantly reduce turnaround time occurring during ion acceleration, in turn making it possible to improve mass resolution. In recent years, so-called Q-TOF devices capable of high-accuracy, high-resolution MS/MS analysis, which are equipped with a highly ion-selective quadrupole mass filter around the collision cell in the stage prior to the orthogonal acceleration-type TOFMS, with its high mass resolution and mass accuracy, have come to be widely used to perform proteome analysis, etc.
FIG. 4 is a schematic structural drawing of the orthogonal acceleration portion of a common prior-art orthogonal acceleration-type TOFMS.
Orthogonal acceleration portion 1 includes flat repeller electrode 11 provided parallel to the direction of progress of the introduced ion beam (X axis direction), extraction electrode 12 provided opposite repeller electrode 11 across from the ion beam, and a plurality of acceleration electrodes 13 (13a, 13b) that together form the acceleration area in which ions extracted by the repeller electrode 11 and extraction electrode 12 are accelerated. Among these, extraction electrode 12 and acceleration electrode 13b in the final stage of the acceleration region comprise a grid electrode in which a conductive grid is spread over the aperture traversed by ions (see Non-patent Literature 1).
In this orthogonal acceleration portion 1, an ion beam originating from a sample compound is introduced in the X axis direction into the extraction area between repeller electrode 11 and extraction electrode 12, as indicated in FIG. 4. At this time, electrodes 11 and 12 have the same potential (for example, ground potential), so there is no electric field in the extraction area or the acceleration area. At a designated point in time when an adequate quantity of ions have been introduced, a high-voltage pulse of the same polarity as the ion is applied to repeller electrode 11, and voltage serving to accelerate the ion is applied to extraction electrode 12 and acceleration electrode 13 along the Z axis direction. The magnetic field formed by the voltage applied in this way causes part of the ion beam to be deflected from the extraction area towards the acceleration area, upon which major kinetic energy applied thereto by the accelerating field causes it to traverse the grid aperture of the final-stage acceleration electrode 13b and be discharged as an ion packet. Although the accelerating field accelerates the ion in the Z axis direction, because the initial speed of the ion is in the X axis direction (drift direction), the actual direction at the start of flight will be in the direction indicated by the outline arrow in FIG. 4.
The reason for using a grid electrode for both the extraction electrode 12 and the acceleration electrode 13b is to delimit the border of the potential while ions are made to traverse at a designated transmission efficiency in order to form a uniform accelerating field in the acceleration area. However, when the ions traverse the grid electrode, a fixed proportion of the ions disappear upon coming in contact with the grid, rendering unavoidable a commensurate loss in signal sensitivity. Furthermore, diverging lens effect is produced by leaks in the electric field through microscopic openings in the grid, causing a portion of the diverging ions to not be injected, further reducing sensitivity, which runs the risk of reducing resolution or accuracy due to a decline in optical characteristics such as time convergence at the point in time of arrival at the detector.
To overcome this drawback that exists in the event of the use of a grid electrode, orthogonal acceleration-type TOFMS not using a grid electrode has also been proposed (see Patent Literature 1, 2, etc.). However, devices of this kind require the addition of hardware such as electrodes pulse-driven at a designated timing as well as advanced and complicated controls, which makes considerable cost increase unavoidable.
Another device has been proposed wherein a focusing electrode is provided in the extraction area between the repeller electrode and the extraction electrode in order to compress the ion packet in the drift direction and thereby make it possible to use a detector with a small ion detection surface (see Patent Literature 3). However, because this device, like the aforesaid prior art, uses a grid electrode in the final stage of the extraction electrode and the acceleration electrode, it is difficult to achieve a high ion transmission efficiency. Furthermore, focusing electrodes must be added anew, but in actual fact, it is difficult to provide focusing electrodes within the narrow extraction area between the repeller electrode and the extraction electrode in such a way as to exert an adequate electric field. | {
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Various solar energy collection arrangements have been devised which employ collector panels or reflectors and which are directed at the sun in order to efficiently collect solar energy. Many of the applications of solar tracking systems have been implemented in connection with parabolic reflectors, since proper attitude of parabolic reflector troughs is more critical than is the orientation of flat solar collection panels. Parabolic reflector troughs are generally of uniform cross section and have a concave highly reflective parabolic surface which receives the rays of the sun and reflects this solar radiation into a longitudinally extending concentrator pipe conducting a heat transfer medium and located at the parabolic focus. The reflected solar energy is absorbed in the heat transfer medium, usually a liquid, which flows through the pipe to a heat exchanger.
In prior art systems employing parabolic reflectors, the desirablity of maintaining the trough in proper orientation relative to the position of the sun overhead has been recognized and considerable effort has been directed to implementing workable tracking systems. All conventional systems heretofore employed, however, have been significantly deficient in one or more respects. In the simplest arrangement, where manual orientation is contemplated, the solar collection panels are seldom properly oriented, with the result that energy collection is only occassionally conducted at maximum efficiency. Electromechanical systems have been implemented to maintain proper orientation, but these systems have all involved an inordinate consumption of energy in the process. For example, one and three quarter horsepower motors have been employed to rotate reflector dishes or troughs of conventional solar collection systems. The amount of energy necessary to effectuate rotation detracts significantly from the net energy output achieved using conventional solar collection systems of this type.
In all of the foregoing prior art systems, some positive drive system has been necessary to alter the orientation of the collector. That is, it has heretofore been necessary to drive some mass to effectuate rotation of the collector during the daylight hours in order to maintain proper collector orientation toward the sun. The energy expended in this manner has seriously detracted from the overall benefits to be gained by solar tracking. That is, such collector systems tend to utilize a significant portion of their increased energy output for their own operation, and hence do not significantly improve the net energy output as productive solar energy. The required energy consumption is aggravated with increased size of collector systems which are necessary in order to provide a sufficient energy output to justify the initial cost of maintenance of a solar energy collection system.
In the aforesaid U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 744,290, a system of much greater simplicity was implemented. The embodiment depicted in that application involves the lateral movement of a counterweight relative to the rotational axis of a solar collection device to tilt the collector to a controlled degree. That is prior to solar noon, the counterweight is laterally offset from the axis of rotation to tilt the collector toward the east. At solar noon the counterweight is positioned in a vertical plane passing through the center of gravity and the rotational axis of the collector. After solar noon the counterweight is offset from the axis of rotation to tilt the solar collector toward the west. While this arrangement is quite advantageous in overcoming the defects of the prior art, the present invention represents an even greater improvement.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solar energy tracking arrangement which does not require the movement of a mass of a magnitude proportional to the mass of the solar collector. Rather, the present invention relies upon the force of gravity to effectuate rotation of the collector to maintain proper orientation toward the sun. Energy consumption during the daylight hours only occurs incident to the release of a locking system which opposes the force of gravity. The release mechanism, however, may be a very lightweight device and does not depend in any way upon the mass of the system to be controlled. Preferably, control of the tracking system is achieved by merely withdrawing a pawl from a ratchet gear for a short interval to allow the collector to rotate slightly. An alternative form of the invention involves momentarily disabling an electric brake which otherwise prevents rotation of the collector. In any form of the invention, rotation of the collector results the force of gravity acting upon it. After sunset when the collector no longer is able to receive solar energy, it may either be manually reset to an initial starting position from which it will begin progressing at sunrise, or it may be driven by a very low power motor through a high gear ration, since repositioning of the collector need not be completed before dawn.
A particularly advantageous feature of the invention is its application to flat plate collectors. Previously, tracking systems had not generally been applied to flat plate collectors because any increase in efficiency resulting from a tracking system applied to flat plate collectors could not be justified by the expense of the tracking system. However, it has been found that an overall increase in efficiency of 30 percent is to be expected by applying the present invention to a flat plate solar energy collection panel system. That is, by employing the tracking system of the present invention the number of flat plate solar collection panels that are required to produce a given energy output is decreased by 30 percent. Furthermore, because of the simplicity of the tracking system of the present invention, tracking with flat plate collectors can be achieved without modification of the collector panels themselves and with a minimal investment for a tracking system.
A further object of the invention, especially as applied to flat plate collectors, is to obtain an advantage in facilitating maintenance. In conventional systems, rectangular collectors are packed side by side in a fixed rectilinear array. Consequently, a defect in an interiorally located flat plate collector panel is extremely difficult to reach and service. Using the tracking and orientation system of the present invention, however, the panels need merely be tilted on edge to provide a passageway for access to service, repair and replace interiorally located panels.
A further feature of the invention is the tandem interconnection of collectors in which the rotation of one collector can be transmitted to induce a uniform rotation in all of the collectors using a single rotation restraint applied to a single collector.
A result of utilization of the invention is that the increase in efficiency in a flat plate solar energy collection system achieves a critical goal which is necessary for the application of solar energy to refrigeration. In order to be able to refrigerate to any commercially meaningful degree, temperatures of at least 212.degree. F. must be achieved for a significant refrigerating effect to occur. Conventional flat plate collector systems in stationary arrays are able to achieve consistent temperatures of only about 180.degree. F. However, by implementing the tracking system of the present invention, temperatures in excess of 212.degree. F. may be achieved using flat plate collector systems. This opens up the entire range of cooling applications to implementation by solar energy. This is especially significant since in those areas where the ground surface availability of solar energy is greatest, such as in desert areas, the requirement for air conditioning and other refrigeration is especially great. By increasing the energy collection of solar energy by thirty percent, as is possible using the present invention, the available output in refrigeration capacity of flat plate collector systems is increased by 50 percent during the solar cycle. Thus, not only does the present invention achieve a raw increase in efficiency in solar energy collection, it also expands the efficiency of energy utilization in refrigeration by an even greater percentage.
The effect of increased efficiency in solar energy collection achieved by the present invention utilizing flat plate collectors may be numerically determined by considering the amount of energy lost in flat plate solar panels that are oriented at other than perpendicular incidence to solar radiation. At an angle of 10.degree. relative to normal incidence, there is an energy collection loss of 1 1/2%. At 15.degree. this loss increases to 3 1/2% while at 20.degree. and 25.degree. the losses are 6% and 9 1/2% respectively. It can thus be seen that in conventional flat plate collector systems the efficiency of solar energy collection is less than 90% throughout the greater portion of the solar day with the exception of that time period between 10 am and 4 pm. Since this maximum efficiency period encompasses only four hours out of a 10 hour solar day, and since the present invention increases collection efficiency to over 90% throughout the entire solar day, the magnitude of the advance achieved through the present invention may be appreciated. | {
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As an electronic device develops, it has more and more strong function, in particular, many applications such video applications and web page applications are installed in both a cell phone and a tablet computer. In various applications, the electronic device needs to use different postures to achieve corresponding functions in a better manner. However, the electronic device in the prior art, such as the cell phone or the tablet computer, is in a bar form, and typically has a monotonous posture and thus it is difficult to meet the requirements for postures of various electronic devices in various applications. | {
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The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, coupling mechanisms for interfacing the electrical and lighting systems of towing vehicles and their respective towed vehicles require electrical power to be carried from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle through a wire harness/cable. Most trailer lighting systems operate turn and brake signals. Thus, the electrical interface components that minimize wiring between towing mounts are helpful to interface the two electrical systems, which would otherwise be incompatible.
It is known in the art that the interconnections between vehicles often use threaded connectors that require tools to connect and disconnect. This also requires additional wiring. A gladhand type interconnection is often used with an interlocking hose coupling fitted to hoses supplying pressurized air from a tractor unit to air brakes on a semi-trailer, or from a locomotive to railway air brakes on railroad cars. Such gladhand connectors resemble a pair of hands shaking when interlocked.
Other proposals have involved interconnecting electrical assemblies for towed vehicles. The problem with these tow connection assemblies is that they require tools and are time consuming to couple and decouple. Also, they require numerous wires. Even though the above cited tow connection assemblies meet some of the needs of the market, a gladhand electrical connectivity towing system that connects the electrical wiring from a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle by detachably coupling a pigtail to a vehicle mount through a tool-free, 20°-25° rotation gladhand connection of male and female gladhand couplers, and further aligning and stabilizing the electrical interfaces through the gladhand couplers, is still desired. | {
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Technical Field
This disclosure relates generally to deploying applications in a “cloud” compute environment.
Background of the Related Art
An emerging information technology (IT) delivery model is cloud computing, by which shared resources, software and information are provided over the Internet to computers and other devices on-demand. Cloud computing can significantly reduce IT costs and complexities while improving workload optimization and service delivery. With this approach, an application instance can be hosted and made available from Internet-based resources that are accessible through a conventional Web browser over HTTP. An example application might be one that provides a common set of messaging functions, such as email, calendaring, contact management, and instant messaging. A user would then access the service directly over the Internet. Using this service, an enterprise would place its email, calendar and/or collaboration infrastructure in the cloud, and an end user would use an appropriate client to access his or her email, or perform a calendar operation.
Cloud compute resources are typically housed in large server farms that run one or more network applications, typically using a virtualized architecture wherein applications run inside virtual servers, or so-called “virtual machines” (VMs), that are mapped onto physical servers in a data center facility. The virtual machines typically run on top of a hypervisor, which is a control program that allocates physical resources to the virtual machines.
It is known in the art to provide appliance-based or platform-based solutions to facilitate rapid adoption and deployment of cloud-based offerings. Typically, a cloud-based offering is deployed as a cloud application package. One such appliance that may be used for this purpose is IBM® Workload Deployer, which is based on the IBM DataPower® 7199/9005 product family. Typically, the appliance is positioned directly between the business workloads that many organizations use and the underlying cloud infrastructure and platform components. Alternatively, cloud application packages may be deployed using platform-as-a-service (PAS) infrastructure, such as the IBM® SmartCloud® Orchestrator open cloud management platform. A management platform of this type typically comprises several layers including an infrastructure services layer for provisioning, configuring and managing storage, compute and network resources, a platform services layer, and an orchestration services layer to provide business process management. The platform services layer includes virtual machine image lifecycle management capabilities and pattern services, wherein a “pattern” provides deployment and management instructions for the business service. A pattern preferably is an XML-based definition of an infrastructure configuration required to provision and managed the various resources (e.g., compute, networking, storage, OS, middleware, and the like) for a specific application (or application-type) workload.
As security software deployments become increasingly complex, application developers are further removed from the inner workings of the security environment. As a consequence, security operations often are left to the security experts. The move to virtualization and private clouds, however, empowers application developers with more and more operational capability. Application developers then find themselves in a difficult position. In particular, when putting an application into production, the developer may not have the necessary background and context to evaluate properly the security impact and needs of his or her application. Today, application developers often work with security experts to design a strategy for secure application deployment. The security expert, however, may encounter the same problem, but from the other direction. As applications and middleware become increasingly complex and virtualized, the security expert may not fully understand the application to properly evaluate its security impact and needs.
Thus, there is a need to bridge this knowledge gap between application developers and security experts, and to facilitate the seamless and reliable deployment of new cloud-based applications. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric power steering apparatus which assists a steering force by transmitting a driving force of an electric motor to a steering mechanism.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, an electric power steering apparatus has been used as an equipment for a motor vehicle. Such an electric power steering apparatus is configured to assist a steering effort by transmitting, to a steering mechanism, a torque produced at an electric motor that is driven in accordance with a steering torque applied to a steering wheel (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-081102, for example).
In sudden braking of the motor vehicle, a brake pad strongly presses against a disk rotor and generates a great vibration onto vehicle wheels. The vibration is transmitted to a steering wheel through a steering mechanism and vibrates the steering wheel, adversely affecting the steering feeling. There is a need to improve this drawback. | {
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The invention relates to explosion bonded multilayered components which comprise titanium bonded to steel using a copper-nickel interlayer and the method of making the multilayered component.
In the past, it has not been possible to directly join titanium and steel using conventional fusion welding, due to the formation of brittle intermetallics in the weld metal. Explosion bonding has been used to cold weld titanium to steel, however, the bond produced by the direct bonding between steel and titanium does not exhibit good fracture toughness. Thus, if sufficient stress is concentrated in the titanium/steel bond zone to initiate fracture, brittle catastrophic failure of the transition joint can occur. Although this deficiency is not fully understood, the prevailing hypothesis is that the poor bond properties result from a significant atomic spacing mismatch between titanium and steel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,259 to Ueda discloses the simultaneous use of two interlayers, first tantalum or niobium, and then copper, nickel, or copper-nickel, between titanium and steel to improve bond toughness of bonded and subsequently hot rolled clad. Both tantalum and niobium are very expensive and limit the practicality of the disclosed product.
Copper and nickel interlayers between titanium and steel have also been used to improve bond toughness. However, the use of copper and nickel does not produce a bond toughness equivalent to that of the tantalum family, and thus the use of either metal is not as effective.
It is therefore an object of the instant invention to provide an improved titanium/steel transition joint with superior bond toughness.
It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a multilayered metal component with improved bond fracture toughness.
It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a method for forming a improved multilayered titanium/steel product utilizing explosive force. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a portable, self-contained solar cooking stove which is foldable into a neat compact unit, easily stored and quickly unfolded and assembled for use for solar cooking. The stove may be economically produced from paper cardboard and foil.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Solar stoves known in the prior art are provided with an open top box form oven, with petal shaped reflector panels extending upwardly from the oven. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,898,786, ten of such petal form reflector panels were required to surround the oven and reflect solar heat into the oven. For folding the prior art structure into a compact unit for storage, the petal form reflector panels have not functioned as well as is possible with the reflector panels of the present invention.
In the prior art, it has been necessary to provide a hole in the window element covering the oven, said hole serving to receive a pin mounted vertically in the hole to be aligned with the sun by orienting the solar stove until the pin does not cast a shadow.
One of the objects of the invention is to improve the reflector panel constructions over the prior art, and another object is to eliminate the need for drilling a hole in the oven cover to receive the pin required in the prior art arrangement.
Another object is to provide an improved and novel oven construction. | {
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Vision systems for detecting, identifying, and tracking targets must acquire and process large volumes of video data in real time. Most applications requiring these tasks, however, are characterized by imagery where targets and other objects of interest occupy only a small fraction of the total scene. Hence, traditional imaging systems that employ uniform and constant spatial resolution throughout the entire field of view acquire much irrelevant information and thus burden valuable data processing and communication resources in the system. As a result, such systems are slow and do not operate at their full potential due to a flood of unimportant video information. Building vision systems with multiple cameras, several processors, high-bandwidth communication links, and specialized hardware will increase performance, but results in equipment that is complex, expensive, large, heavy, high power consuming, and prone to failures. These constraints make constant resolution vision systems difficult or impossible to use where space, speed of response, and reliability are critical considerations, for instance, in defense applications.
Humans and other vertebrates have foveal vision that allows them to concurrently perform several tasks: survey a wide field of view at a low resolution for situational awareness and detection of features or targets of interest; track moving targets with great accuracy; scan at high resolution these multiple targets of interest; and communicate over channels with limited bandwidth (neurons) the information of interest to the computer (brain). Because high-resolution imaging is limited to the fovea, which is fixed in the center of the retina, the tracking of targets involves movement of the eyes and the head.
The vision system of the present invention operates according to a concept termed Dynamically Reconfigurable Vision, or DRV, which is inspired by the biologically proven concept of foveal vision, but is further extended for practicality in a machine vision implementation. DRV is adaptive image sensing driven by a computer or human operator's response to changing scenery. One goal of this system is to reduce the amount of irrelevant video information sensed and thus achieve more effective bandwidth and computational resource utilization than traditional vision systems. This is achieved by a system controlled by a computer or microprocessor and a photodetector array for imaging a frame of a scene through multiple independently controllable, time-correlated, overlapping photodetector array windows, which are dynamically reconfigurable in real time, and where such windows in a frame are capable of having varying resolution.
Several vision systems or imaging photodetector arrays have been developed which do not enable DRV. U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,654 describes a focal plane array imaging device having sensor windowing, variable integration time, and snapshot mode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,469 describes a control system for an image array sensors providing multiple windows. U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,311 provides a pixel array imager with a high and low resolution mode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,483 describes a multiresolution image sensor that contains an electronic shutter, can form multiple pixel windows, and possesses a multiresolution imaging circuit for averaging pixels into groups of superpixels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,335 provides a color CCD sensor video camera that is adapted for processing images of different resolution to provide a user selectable image size. U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,208 describes a reconfigurable camera with low-bandwidth transmission capability using a conventional image sensor, processor, and memory that can hold several image compression algorithms. These vision systems and sensors do not provide a reduction in the amount of irrelevant information sensed through the use of a computer-controlled system for imaging a scene through multiple independently controllable, time-correlated, overlapping sensor windows.
In a publication by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a photodetector array circuitry is described that performs snapshot imaging and pixel averaging, see F B. Pain and X. Zheng, Active Pixel Sensor with Photosites in Substrates, NASA Tech Brief, vol. 23, no. 10, October 1999 (from JPL New Technology Report NPO-20534). This circuitry requires the host computer to send control signals to the sensor for the extraction of the signal from each superpixel, and like the other prior art system, do not provide imaging a scene through a multiple independently controllable, time-correlated, overlapping sensor windows.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,871, a multiresolution image sensor is described that inputs data representing a superpixel to a computer that controls the size of that superpixel. The computer extracts video data from the photodetector array one superpixel at a time. This is time consuming and reduces bandwidth by increasing the amount of interaction between the computer and the camera. Furthermore, the values reporting the level of illumination of the superpixels generated by the system are a function of pixel size in which this value is equal to the sum of the comprising pixels. The superpixel values are normalized so that the image processing algorithms do not erroneously interpret the superpixel to represent a bright scene region. This operation requires extra time and system memory, thus slowing down the image processing. Larger pixel values also require a wider dynamic range in the video communication circuits. In addition, the photodetector array described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,871 does not operate in a snapshot mode, so that the exposure time can be different for different pixels after the system has been reconfigured, requiring the computer to carry out additional normalization of pixel values in order to avoid a mistake in interpreting the pixel values in the context of the image. Moreover, because the pixels in this patent are exposed at different times, any motion in the field of view (due to camera and/or target motion) will introduce artifacts, such as target warping, artifacts that reduce the accuracy of the target classification. Overexposed pixels in an image will appear brighter than the properly exposed or underexposed pixels in the same image.
Other developed vision systems that use fixed geometry multiresolution have a two-dimensional photodetector array that has small size pixels in the center and larger size pixels in the periphery, closely simulating the anatomical structure of the retina. Such arrays are not reconfigurable, do not operate in a closed loop fashion with the vision processor, and require a pointing mechanism for gazing. Mechanical pointing suffers from instabilities and is slow. Further, because the topology of the array in a fixed geometry system cannot be changed on demand, some relevant regions of the scene may not be resolved adequately, as a result sacrificing system reliability and usefulness, while the irrelevant regions may be resolved too finely, hence reducing the efficiency of system resource utilization.
In still other systems, referred to as pyramidal machine vision systems, targets are detected using low resolution; these targets are then scanned using localized high-resolution windows. However, the pixels that form the high resolution windows are not combined into superpixels directly in the pixel array, but the information from individual pixels is combined in the computer so as to mimic superpixels. These techniques require the processing of video from a uniform resolution camera to generate the pyramid data structure. As a result, the communications bandwidth and the video processing resources are not used any more efficiently than in a conventional uniform resolution camera. | {
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Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries represented by lithium secondary batteries have high electromotive force and high energy density. For this reason, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries are used as the main power supplies of mobile communications equipment and portable electronic equipment. Further, demand for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries as a memory backup power supply is increasing year by year. Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries with higher energy density are strongly demanded so that equipment using those batteries has a smaller size and higher performance, and achieves being maintenance-free.
To meet this demand, silicon materials having a larger theoretical capacity than carbon material are drawing attention. The theoretical capacity of silicon that stores and emits lithium ions is larger than that of graphite, lithium metals, aluminum, or the like.
However, when crystalline silicon stores lithium ions during charging, it expands to have a volume four times as large as the original volume at the maximum. For this reason, when silicon is used as a negative electrode material, it is deformed by the volumetric change and pulverized, and thus the electrode structure is destroyed. To address this problem, Patent Document 1, for example, proposes a method of making a phase including silicon into an amorphous state, and using composite particles made of a crystalline alloy phase of silicon and a transition metal and amorphous phase of silicon as a negative electrode so that pulverization of silicon is inhibited. Patent Document 2, for example, proposes a method of forming thick oxide films on the surfaces of particles by heat treatment and improving the high temperature storage characteristics.
However, Patent Document 1 does not discuss the thickness of the oxide films on the surface thereof sufficiently. Patent Document 2 sufficiently discusses the thickness of the silicon oxide film, but does not discuss the thickness of the oxide film of the transition metal. Thus, these techniques cannot provide a negative electrode material with excellent overcharge-resistant characteristics, which is one of important characteristics of a memory backup power supply.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2004-335272
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2004-319469 | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrodes for sensing signals such as electrocardiograph signals and, more particularly, this invention relates to electrode elements or conductors adapted for use in such electrodes to interconnect an electrolyte with suitable signal processing or monitoring equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,696,807 and 3,701,346 illustrate medical electrodes which are known in the prior art and to which the present invention is applicable. In these patents an electrolyte applied to the skin of a human or other animal subject is interfaced to electrocardiograph monitoring equipment by a solid metal conductor such as silver contacted to the electrolyte. Electrodes of this type are known to function adequately to meet the needs of the medical profession but are also relatively expensive because the preferred metal for electrolyte contact is silver. Even though the amount of silver used in such electrodes is not great, the cost of the silver used in the electrode represents a significant cost factor. Aside from the cost of the raw metal, difficulties encountered in forming or shaping solid metal contribute to the cost of electrode manufacture. Because of the cost of the manufacture, commercially available electrode configurations are to some extent limited.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,860 teaches an electrode conductor for interconnecting between an electrolyte and electrocardiograph monitoring equipment, the conductor comprising a dispersion of finely divided carbon in plastic. Such a conductor is desirably inexpensive but is also found to be relatively ineffective when compared with electrode devices which utilize metal conductors. In particular it is found that the signal which such an electrode can transmit to associated monitoring equipment is so erratic (wandering base line, irregular trace) that the informational signals available at the skin surface of the subject being monitored are distorted and sometimes entirely obscure.
It has also been known to produce electrode elements comprising a layer of silver on a copper support. Electrocardiograph traces obtained with the use of such electrodes frequently reveal a base line irregularity and the failure to provide proper repetitive wave forms, particularly after an extended period of contact with an electrolyte. Even when great care is employed in producing the silver layer, there is a distinct likelihood that the electrolyte will contact the underlying copper through minute pores in the silver layer. It is believed that when the electrolyte has invaded the silver layer so as to engage the underlying copper, the electrocardiograph monitoring equipment is seeing the product of two electrodes, one being silver contacted by the electrolyte and the other being copper contacted by the electrolyte, and it is further believed that reactions occur between these dissimilar metals which disturb the signals received by the monitoring equipment. | {
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The present invention relates to a device to enhance the brightness for head lamp, and especially to a head lamp for a vehicle that includes in one embodiment a circular neon light tube installed about an inner periphery of a hyperboloid reflecting mirror, and in another embodiment includes such features as a layer of fluorescent material coated onto an inner surface of a lens illuminated by a proximately disposed additional bulb.
Typically, only small secondary lamps of a vehicle are actuated at dusk or other conditions where lamp illumination is to serve primarily for indicating the presence of the vehicle. However, light emitted from a small lamp is often not sufficiently strong to attract the attention of others to the light. As a consequence, otherwise avoidable accidents occur as people are not adequately alerted to approaching vehicles. Therefore, the alerting function of conventional small lamps is limited, as they are not sufficiently conspicuous to other drivers or pedestrians.
Therefore, there is a need for a novel device which can improve upon the aforesaid defects of the prior art.
Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a brightness enhanced head lamp having an additional lighting element which is preferably a neon lamp tube. A neo lamp tube of a predetermined size is installed between a hyperboloid reflecting mirror and a head lens of the head lamp. A primary bulb of the lamp is illuminated with the neon lamp tube at the same time. Aided by the hyperboloid reflecting mirror, the lens is very brightly illuminated so that driving safety is promoted.
Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a brightness enhanced head lamp having an additional lighting element which is preferably a neon lamp tube. A neon lamp tube of a predetermined size is installed between a hyperboloid reflecting mirror and a head lens of the head lamp. A primary bulb of the lamp is illuminated with the neon lamp tube at the same time. Aided by the hyperboloid reflecting mirror, the lens is very brightly illuminated so that driving safety is promoted.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a brightness enhanced head lamp, wherein an inner periphery of the surface of the lens is coated in another embodiment with a layer of light fluorescing material. As the bulb is illuminated, focusing of the mirror-reflected light is enhanced. Therefore, safe driving conditions are promoted. | {
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A need exists for a controller that senses and controls locking engagement between a locking mechanism having a female member and a male member when a portion of the locking mechanism is attached to a device, particularly a safety device where locking engagement must be tightly controlled to avoid safety hazards. Such a control system is particularly useful in the determination of when a portion of a locking mechanism that is attached to a human worker may safely be detached and safely held, or “docked,” until safety conditions allow for reengagement. | {
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The paper used as the filtration medium for automotive type filters has been traditionally treated with phenolic resole type resins. This has been done to improve the paper's strength properties and allow it to be pleated in an accordian-like shape and to hold this shape when the paper composite is cured. The standard phenolic resin used to treat automotive filter paper had relatively low mol ratios, on the order of 1.0/1 to 1.3/1 formaldehyde to phenol. This has been necessary so that good final paper properties, especially flexibility, could be achieved. Higher mol ratio resins tend to result in brittle paper on curing.
The traditional method of making an automotive filter has been for a paper maker to treat a base filter sheet with an alcohol solution of these phenolic resole resins. The treated sheet was passed through an oven to drive off the solvent and make a so-called B-stage sheet. This sheet was then shipped to the filter maker where it was pleated and put through an oven to further cure the sheet and to hold the shape of the pleats.
With the onset of greater concern for environmental quality, the filter manufacturers have requested paper suppliers to supply a formaldehyde-free impregnated sheet that holds its pleat, and meets all of the requirements for oil filters.
This invention is directed to oil filters and oil filter media impregnated with a water-based latex containing polymerized vinyl chloride. Such oil filters are manufactured with only a single cure and do not impair the environment by emitting volatile solvents. | {
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Conventionally, in production of packaging containers that contain liquid food such as milk or soft drink, a web-like packaging material formed from a flexible laminate material is formed into a tubular shape by means of a preforming apparatus, and the tubular packaging material is sealed and cut at predetermined intervals While being filled with liquid food, thereby yielding brick-like packaging containers.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional filling apparatus.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a web-like packaging material formed from a flexible laminate material. The packaging material 11 is produced by means of an unillustrated packaging-material-producing machine and is set in the form of a reel 12 on a delivery unit 13. The packaging material 11 is delivered by means of the delivery unit 13 and is caused to travel through the filling apparatus by means of a feed apparatus.
While the packaging material 11 is traveling, an unillustrated hole is punched in the packaging material 11, and an unillustrated inner tape and an unillustrated pull tab are affixed to the packaging material 11 in such a manner as to cover the punched hole. Subsequently, the packaging material 11 is caused to travel vertically. While being guided by means of a plurality of forming rings 15 disposed along the traveling direction, the vertically traveling packaging material 11 is formed into a tubular shape such that opposite side edges thereof overlap each other by a predetermined overlap quantity. A portion where the opposite side edges overlap each other; i.e., an overlap portion, is sealed in the longitudinal direction by means of an unillustrated longitudinal sealing device.
While the packaging material 11 is guided by means of a tube guide roller 17, liquid food is supplied from above to the tubular packaging material 11 via a filling pipe 16. Next, while being gripped from opposite sides by means of sealing jaw devices, the packaging material 11 is laterally sealed at predetermined longitudinal intervals and is formed into a pillow-like prototype container 18 through deformation effected by unillustrated forming flaps. The sealing jaw devices constitute a lateral sealing device.
Subsequently, each prototype container 18 undergoes cutting at a laterally sealed portion; i.e., a lateral seal portion, and folding along previously formed folding lines so as to be formed into a predetermined shape, thereby assuming the form of a brick-like packaging container which contains a predetermined amount of liquid food.
The feed apparatus generally includes a pair of nip rollers R1 (FIG. 1 shows only one of the paired nip rollers) disposed adjacent to the delivery unit 13 and adapted to feed the packaging material 11 while nipping the packaging material 11 from front and rear sides; unillustrated crease rollers for forming creases on the packaging material 11 while the same is being rotated; a pair of nip rollers R2 (FIG. 1 shows only one of the paired nip rollers)-disposed at the highest position of the filling apparatus and adapted to feed the packaging material 11 while nipping the packaging material 11 from front and rear sides; and unillustrated engagement portions formed integrally with the corresponding forming flaps and adapted to engage lugs formed on the prototype container 18 in the vicinity of the lateral seal portions so as to move the prototype container 18 and the packaging material 11 forward as the forming flaps move.
The tube guide roller 17 includes at least two support rollers. Each of the support rollers has a predetermined curved surface for guiding the packaging material 11.
Meanwhile, in the filling apparatus, the traveling web-like packaging material 11 can be positioned in a relatively easy manner by means of unillustrated guide members which are formed in correspondence with opposite side edges of the packaging material 11. However, positioning the traveling tubular packaging material 11 is difficult, since the packaging material 11 is curved.
Upon reception of force from the feed apparatus, the tubular packaging material 11 may move in a circumferential direction, with a resultant deviation of the overlap portion from a predetermined position. In order to cope with the problem, an unillustrated movable guide roller, an unillustrated movable forming ring, and the like are disposed along a travel path of the packaging material 11 so as to correct the position of the overlap portion through operation of the movable guide roller, the movable forming ring, and the like.
In this case, the movable guide roller is disposed upstream of the forming rings 15 in the traveling direction of the packaging material 11. Furthermore, the movable forming ring is disposed in the vicinity of a forming ring 15 disposed on the upstream side among the plurality of forming rings 15. Since the packaging material 11 which has undergone correction for the position of the overlap portion is fed to the downstream forming ring 15, the tubular packaging material 11 can travel stably through employment of the following mechanism: among forming rollers of the forming ring 15, a predetermined forming roller has a flange formed thereon, and the flange lightly presses a side edge portion of the packaging material 11.
However, in the conventional filling apparatus, when the packaging material 11 of a certain size is to be corrected for the position of the overlap portion through operation of the movable guide roller, the movable forming ring, and the like, a side edge portion of the packaging material 11 impinges on the flange, and thus the flange interferes with correction on the position of the overlap portion. As a result, an attempt to correct the position of the overlap portion may fail.
Thus, a packaging container is formed while the overlap portion is deviated from the predetermined position.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem in the conventional filling apparatus and to provide a filling apparatus capable of reliably correcting the position of an overlap portion. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are degenerative genetic diseases linked to an enzymatic defect. In particular, MPSs are caused by the deficiency or the inactivity of lysosomal enzymes which catalyze the gradual metabolism of complex sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These enzymatic deficiencies cause an accumulation of GAGs in the cells, the tissues and, in particular, the cell lysosomes of affected subjects, leading to permanent and progressive cell damage which affects the appearance, the physical capacities, the organ function and, in most cases, the mental development of affected subjects.
Eleven distinct enzymatic defects have been identified, corresponding to seven distinct clinical categories of MPS. Each MPS is characterized by a deficiency or inactivity of one or more enzymes which degrade mucopolysaccharides, namely heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) or Sanfilippo disease is a lysosomal storage disease, of the mucopolysaccharidosis group, characterized by severe and rapid intellectual degradation. The first symptoms appear between 2 and 6 years old: behavioral problems (hyperkinesia, aggressiveness) and intellectual degradation, and sleeping problems with very moderate dysmorphic signs. The neurological damage becomes more marked around the age of 10 years old, with loss of psychomotor acquisitions and of communication with the entourage. Epilepsy often occurs after the age of 10 years old. The disease is due to the presence of undegraded heparan sulfate owing to the defect in one or other of the four enzymes required for its catabolism, responsible for one of the four types of MPS III: type IIIA (heparan sulfamidase), type IIIB (alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase), type IIIC (acetylCoA: alpha-glucosaminide-N-acetyltransferase) and type IIID (N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase). There is at the current time no effective treatment for this disease.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) or Maroteaux-Lamy disease is a lysosomal storage disease, of the mucopolysaccharidosis group, characterized by severe somatic involvement and an absence of psycho-intellectual regression. The prevalence of this rare mucopolysaccharidosis is between 1/250 000 and 1/600 000 births. In the severe forms, the first clinical manifestations occur between 6 and 24 months and are gradually accentuated: facial dysmorphia (macroglossia, mouth constantly half open, thick features), joint limitations, very severe dysostosis multiplex (platyspondyly, kyphosis, scoliosis, pectus carinatum, genu valgum, long bone deformation), small size (less than 1.10 m), hepatomegaly, heart valve damage, cardiomyopathy, deafness, corneal opacities. Intellectual development is usually normal or virtually normal, but the auditory and ophthalmological damage can cause learning difficulties.
The symptoms and the severity of the disease vary considerably from one patient to the other and intermediate forms, or even very moderate forms also exist (spondyloepiphyseal-metaphyseal dysplasia associated with cardiovascular involvement). Like the other mucopolysaccharidoses, Maroteaux-Lamy disease is linked to the defect of an enzyme of mucopolysaccharide metabolism, in the case in point N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (also called arylsulfatase B). This enzyme metabolizes the sulfate group of dermatan sulfate (Neufeld et al.: “The mucopolysaccharidoses” The Metabolic Basis of Inherited Diseases, eds. Scriver et al, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1989, p. 1565-1587). This enzymatic defect blocks the gradual degradation of dermatan sulfate, thereby leading to an accumulation of dermatan sulfate in the lysosomes of the storage tissues. At the current time, there is just one medicament authorized for the treatment of this disease: Naglazyme® (recombinant human galsulfase), the cost of which is extremely high (in the United States, it is about $350 000 per year). An alternative to this treatment is bone marrow allograft.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) or Sly disease is a very rare lysosomal storage disease of the mucopolysaccharidosis group. The symptomology is extremely heterogeneous: antenatal forms (nonimmune fetoplacental anasarca), severe neonatal forms (with dysmorphia, hernias, hepatosplenomegaly, club feet, dysostosis, significant hypotonia and neurological problems evolving to retarded growth and a profound intellectual deficiency in the event of survival) and very moderate forms discovered at adolescence or even at adult age (thoracic kyphosis). The disease is due to a defect in beta-D-glucuronidase, responsible for accumulation, in the lysosomes, of various glycosaminoglycans: dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. There is at the current time no effective treatment for this disease.
There is therefore clearly a need to provide subjects suffering from MPS type III, VI and VII with a drug treatment, and in the case of MPS type VI, an alternative treatment not derived from biotechnology.
Odiparcil (4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl-5-thio-β-D-xylopyranoside; CAS 137215-12-4) belongs to the thioxyloside family. This compound, described in patent application EP-A-0 421 829, corresponds to the formula:
This compound was the subject of a clinical development (phases 1 and 2) in the treatment of thrombosis at the end of the 1990s and at the beginning of the 2000s. Its mechanism of action can be summarized in the following way: Odiparcil behaves as a substrate for an enzyme, GT1 (galactosyl transferase 1), which initiates the synthesis of GAG chains toward the dermatan sulfate/chondroitin sulfate pathway. These GAGs are cell constituents as proteoglycans (when they are bonded to proteins on a serine and a first sugar which is xylose) and are also secreted into the extracellular medium. They have varied roles, ranging from the control of coagulation (heparin/heparan and dermatan sulfate secreted into the circulation) to the regulation of growth factors (beta-glycan).
It has now been noted, and this is the subject of the present invention, that Odiparcil makes it possible to increase total GAG synthesis at the extracellular level and, by the same token, will contribute to reducing the intracellular GAG load by acting as a “decoy”, making the residual activity of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase more effective. It is thus possible to envision the treatment of MPS type III, VI and VII owing to the decrease in GAG accumulation at the intracellular level. | {
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There has been widely practiced anodic oxidation treatment in which an anodic oxide film is formed on a surface of a member including, as a substrate, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or the like to improve plasma resistance and gaseous corrosion resistance of the substrate. For example, a vacuum chamber used in a plasma treatment apparatus in a semiconductor manufacturing facility or each of various components provided in the inside of the vacuum chamber typically comprises aluminum alloy. However, if the aluminum alloy member is used for such an application while being not treated (while being solid, or as it is formed into a component), the component cannot maintain its plasma resistance, gaseous corrosion resistance, and the like. Consequently, an anodic oxide film is formed on a surface of the member comprising aluminum alloy to improve the plasma resistance, the gaseous corrosion resistance, and the like.
In recent years, power to be applied for plasma generation increases with increase in plasma density due to narrowed interconnection width. In existing anodic oxide films, therefore, dielectric breakdown may be induced by high temperature and high voltage occurring at high power application. Etching uniformity or film formation uniformity is degraded due to varied electric properties at a portion where such dielectric breakdown has occurred; hence, a member to be used is desired to have excellent withstand voltage properties and excellent hot cracking resistance (heat resistance). The insulating member for semiconductor is recently used in a higher temperature environment associated with higher density, smaller size, and higher power of semiconductor, and is recently subjected to higher temperature during a manufacturing process of semiconductor; hence the insulating member is also necessary to have excellent withstand voltage properties and excellent hot cracking resistance (heat resistance). In addition, it is also an important requirement to achieve such demand characteristics at low cost.
There have been proposed various techniques for improving properties of the aluminum alloy member having the anodic oxide film thereon. For example, PTL 1 proposes a technique for improving withstand voltage properties by using an aluminum alloy having higher purity as a substrate to decrease the number of intermetallic compound particles. However, film cracking may occur under high temperature in such an anodic-oxidation-treated aluminum alloy member that is therefore not improved in hot cracking resistance.
PTL 2 proposes an aluminum-alloy metal substrate with an insulating layer for a solar cell, which is improved in withstand voltage properties by minimizing metallic silicon in the aluminum alloy. This technique also does not consider the hot cracking resistance; hence, film cracking may occur under high temperature in the metal substrate. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the planarizing of a surface of wafer in the manufacturing of a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to chemical mechanical polishing apparatus for polishing the surface of wafer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, semiconductor devices are becoming more highly integrated and the distance between adjacent cell regions is constantly being reduced. Accordingly, the surface configuration of the semiconductor wafer is becoming more complicated such that height differences at the wafer surface are becoming more pronounced. Therefore, a broken wire or a short circuit can be produced more easily during manufacture, especially during a multi-stacked process. Therefore, planarization technology is required to reduce the height differences at the surface of the wafer and thereby make it less likely that defects will be produced during the manufacturing of wiring on the surface. In this respect, a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is widely used as the planarization technique. The CMP process uses an abrasive solution (slurry) to eliminate the height difference(s) on the surface of the wafer.
More particularly, conventional CMP equipment comprises a head for supporting the wafer and a table onto which the slurry is dispensed. The wafer is adhered to the head, and a grinding pad is attached to the table. The slurry is supplied between the head and the table, and the head and the table are rotated independently of each other to grind the wafer.
Another type of CMP equipment that is widely used comprises an index table including a plurality of wafer chucks. The index table is divided into multiple areas, such as four areas. The wafer chucks hold respective wafers using a vacuum and rotate at a high speed. The four areas comprise a loading station, a first grinding station at which a rough grinding process is performed, a second grinding station at which a final grinding process is performed, and an unloading station, respectively. The index table is rotated in a predetermined direction to bring the wafer chuck into position with the respective stations in succession, whereby the wafer held by the chuck is subjected to a predetermined grinding process.
To this end, a first and a second grinding head are provided above the first and the second grinding stations of the index table, respectively. The first and second grinding heads can be moved up and down and rotated to perform a grinding process on each wafer disposed at the respective grinding station.
Furthermore, a cleaning and drying unit is disposed to one side of the index table to clean and dry wafers transferred thereto from the unloading station after the grinding process is completed. The cleaning and drying unit also includes a wafer chuck having an upper surface to which a wafer can be secured by a vacuum. This wafer chuck is also rotated in a predetermined direction.
However, recently, the wafers that are being subjected to the CMP process are thinner and larger in diameter than ever before. Accordingly, the wafers tend to warp, especially at the outer peripheral edge portions. A wafer that is warped may not be smoothly inserted into the slot of a cassette when the wafer is unloaded from the CMP equipment. That is, the wafer can be bumped into the cassette and become damaged or broken after the CMP process is completed. | {
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The conformation of the light socket for outdoor-usage light string is quite different from that for indoor-usage. The light socket for indoor-usage provides minimal protection against moisture, and thus can not be used outdoors. There is a known conventional water-proof light socket showing in FIG. 1, in which a base (11) has a protractile separation plate (12) extended thereof to separate the end of said base as two portions to isolate the power wires. Although this conformation of the light socket can protect the light string from moisture, formation of a mold for this conformation is rather difficult and thus increases the cost. Therefore, it is not practical to use such light socket for indoor-application. Furthermore, there is a need to develop a light socket for both indoor- and outdoor-usage in a lower cost. | {
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Experimental and clinical observations have supported the concept that the hypothalamus plays a key role in the regulation of adenohypophysial corticotropic cells secretory functions. Over 25 years ago, Guillemin, Rosenberg and Saffran and Schally independently demonstrated the presence of factors in hypothalamus which would increase the rate of ACTH secretion by the pituitary gland incubated in vitro or maintained in an organ culture. None of the secretagogs characterized mets the criteria expected of a physiologic corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) until ovine CRF (oCRF) was characterized in 1981 and was found to have the formula:
H-Ser-Gln-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-L eu-Glu-Met-Thr-Lys-Ala-Asp-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-Ser-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu- Leu-Asp-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2.
Sauvagine is a 40-residue, amidated generally similar peptide which was isolated from the skin of the South American frog Phyllomedusa sauvagei. It was characterized by Erspamer et al. and was described in Regulatory Peptides, Vol. 2 (1981), pp. 1-13. Sauvagine has the formula: pGlu-Gly-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Ile-Asp-Leu-Ser-Leu-Glu-Leu-Leu-Arg-Lys-Met-Ile-G lu-Ile-Glu-Lys-Gln-Glu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Gln-Gln-Ala-Ala-Asn-Asn-Arg-Leu-Leu-Leu- Asp-Thr-Ile-NH.sub.2. Sauvagine and oCRF have been reported to have biological activity in lowering blood pressure in mammals and in stimulating the secretion of ACTH and .beta.-endorphin. The purification of another CRF has been pursued, using as a starting material 100,000 lyophilized rat hypothalami. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a display panel, a display apparatus having the display panel, a method of manufacturing the display panel and a method of cutting the display panel. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a display panel having an upper substrate partially cut, a display apparatus having the display panel, a method of manufacturing the display panel and a method of cutting the display panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel displaying an image, and a backlight assembly providing light to the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel includes a display substrate that is a thin-film transistor substrate, a counter substrate facing the display substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the display substrate and the counter substrate. The display substrate may include a display area in which a pixel electrode is formed, and a non-display area in which a driver for driving the liquid crystal display panel is formed.
The driver formed in the non-display area may include a driving chip for driving the liquid crystal display panel, or a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) for providing a driving signal to the driving chip. In order to expose a pad of the driver in the non-display area, the counter substrate is partially cut and removed. Generally, for a method of cutting the substrate, there are a scribing cutting method using a diamond wheel, a laser cutting method and a manual cutting method using a bamboo bar.
As for the display apparatus such as a laptop computer, a cellular phone and so on, the display apparatus is required to be light and slim, and so a plastic substrate is used as the liquid crystal panel. When the plastic substrate is cut by using the scribing cutting method, the substrate may be torn off so that a whitening phenomenon may be generated. Cutting the plastic substrate by using the laser cutting method is difficult to adjust a cutting width of the substrate. In addition, cutting the plastic substrate by using the manual cutting method is not efficient and impossible to be automated. | {
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This invention relates to a defoaming apparatus.
In various fields such as water treatment and some chemical industries there is a problem of disposing of foamed liquids. The problem is most severe, however, in the oil drilling industry where foams are commonly used when the geological strata support a relatively small pressure gradient and circulation of conventional drilling fluids would result in total loss of the fluids. Foaming agents are thus used to raise the liquids accumulated in the gas deposits. Likewise, the drilling, completion, and work-over of depleted oil reservoirs located in areas of great altitude or under a great depth of water need the use of fluids of specific weight ranging from 0.10 to 0.80 such as aerated muds or foams.
The foams are made from surface active materials and other additives such as stabilizers. They are propelled by pumps and gases under pressure and are immediately injected.
Back on the surface, these foams cannot be handled by the pumps. Consequently, in order to re-use the liquid and the gas, it is necessary to break the emulsion. Demulsifying products are costly and generally not very effective. Storage of the foams and the natural destruction thereof is a long, polluting, burdensome and uneconomical operation. In addition, when drilling in sedimentary strata, the gas used for the preparation of the foams is generally air. When the rock formation traversed contains signs of hydrocarbons, the air that is a constituent of the foam becomes charged with gaseous hydrocarbons and can become an explosive mixture. The risk of using an explosive mixture in the hole can be lessened by using methane for the preparation of the foam. But, above ground storage of the mixture is dangerous and, when the foam is destroyed, a gaseous mixture is released that could be explosive. | {
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome which causes chronic symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and the like, bowel movement disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and the like, defecation trouble, defecation straining, and the like. It is caused by functional abnormality of the lower digestive tract, mainly the large intestine, despite the absence of organic disorders such as inflammation, tumors, and the like, and is classified based on the conditions of stool into diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, and alternating IBS which alternately repeats diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a disease which has a relatively high frequency occupying from 20 to 50% of bowel disease patients who consult outpatient cares, which is predominant in females with a male to female ratio of 1:2 regardless of race, and which has a high prevalence rate in the younger generation. Since mental stress correlates strongly with the state of the disease, it is regarded as a representative stress-related somatic disease and it is said that the stress management is important for the improvement of symptoms. Actually, it is known that abnormal motility of gastrointestinal tract is significantly accelerated and the symptoms are aggravated when emotional stress is applied to IBS patients. In addition, since the symptoms continue, a vicious circle is likely to form in which increased patient anxiety further aggravates the symptoms.
As the drug therapy of IBS, an anticholinergic is used for abdominal pain, and a tricyclic antidepressant for the improvement of pain threshold value reduction in the digestive tracts, and for the improvement of abnormal bowel motility, a stegnotic, a drug for controlling intestinal function, and the like in the case of diarrhea, and a saline cathartic and the like in the case of constipation, however these are merely symptomatic therapies and their effects are not clear. As an agent from which effects can be expected for both diarrhea and constipation, there is polycarbophil calcium, which regulates the hardness of feces by gelating in the intestines, however it exerts very limited effects because not only there is a bloating at the initial stage of its administration but also it requires time to exhibit the effects. Anxiolytics and antidepressants are used when anxiety and tension are considerably increased due to stress, however they are administered at a dose lower than the dose in the psychiatric field, so that there are cases in which the mental symptoms are not improved or cases in which these are improved but they do not exhibit any effects on the bowel movement disorder. Generally, among the symptoms of IBS, anxiolytics are effective for diarrhea and abdominal pain in some cases, but they have a tendency to exhibit little effect on constipation.
There are a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist alosetron and a 5-HT4 receptor agonist tegaserod as the agents, which have been drawing attention in recent years, and they are used in the diarrhea-predominant and the constipation-predominant, respectively. These agents improve the bowel movement by regulating the movement of intestines, and exhibit an effect quickly. However, though alosetron shows a relatively high improving rate of from 40 to 60% for abdominal symptoms and diarrhea, constipation occurs in 30 to 35% of the patients and it causes ischemic colitis (including mortal cases) as a serious side effect, so that its use is limited (Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, it cannot be said that the effect of tegaserod on the constipation-predominant is sufficient, and there is a possibility of causing tachyphylaxis (a phenomenon in which resistance is generated when a drug is repeatedly administered within a short period of time).
Apropos, when the living body receives a stress, it generates a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (HPA system) reaction, in which an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released through the secretion of a stress-related substance from the hypothalamus and a subsequent action upon the anterior hypophysis, and the ACTH released into the blood secretes corticosterone from the adrenal cortex, and thereby shows various stress responses such as increase in the blood pressure and the like. As the stress-related substance, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), bombesin (BB)/gastrin releasing peptide (GRP), vasopressin, neuropeptide Y, substance P, neurotensin, and the like are known. Secretion of these substances from the hypothalamus is accelerated when a stress is applied to an animal. Particularly regarding the CRH, it has been reported that it reinforces ACTH release and large bowel movement when administered to IBS patients (Non-Patent Document 2).
The bombesin/GRP as one of the stress-related substances is a brain-gut peptide and expresses various physiological actions via bombesin receptors. The bombesin receptor is classified into 3 subtypes of BB1, BB2 and BB3/BRS3 (bombesin receptor subtype-3), and as intrinsic ligands of mammals for the BB1 and BB2 receptors, neuromedin B and GRP have been identified respectively. It has been reported that the GRP and BB2 receptors are present ubiquitously in the brain, the digestive tracts, and the like, but GRP is markedly increased in the amygdala and hypothalamus when stress is applied to an animal (Non-Patent Document 3). In addition, it has been reported also that a BB2 receptor antagonist inhibits the increase in ACTH when administered into the cerebral ventricle in a restraint stress-added rat (Non-Patent Document 4).
As the role of the GRP/BB2 receptor in the digestive tract functions, it has been reported that it enhances the contraction in isolated human and rabbit ileum longitudinal muscle specimens (Non-Patent Documents 5 and 6), and enhances the water secretion in guinea pigs with the coexistence of a vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (Non-Patent Document 7). In addition, it has been reported that BB2 receptor antagonists including RC-3095 that is a peptidic BB2 receptor antagonist, is effective for an abnormal bowel motility in a stress-induced defecation model. It has also been reported that, using an abdominal muscle contraction reaction as the index, RC-3095 is effective for an abdominal symptom in an abdominal pain model induced by large intestinal distension. Accordingly the BB2 receptor antagonist shows excellent efficacy on both the abdominal symptom and abnormal bowel motility (Patent Document 1).
As shown above, the BB2 receptor antagonist is expected to be a therapeutic agent for IBS, showing excellent efficacy on both the abdominal symptom and abnormal bowel motility.
Furthermore, since the bombesin/GRP also has a function as a cell growth factor and the expression of the GRP/BB2 receptor is increased in various cancer cells of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and the like, the efficacy of RC-3095 has been reported in a large number of antitumor tests (Non-Patent Documents 8 to 10). From this viewpoint, the BB2 receptor antagonist can also be expected to be effective against various cancers.
The tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative has been reported in Patent Documents 2 to 4.
Patent Document 2 describes that a 3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative represented by the following formula (A) has a caspase activating action and an apoptosis inducing action, and is effective for cancers, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, psoriasis, and the like. However, there is no description of its antagonistic action on a bombesin type 2 receptor or of its efficacy regarding IBS.
(for the symbols in the formula, refer to the publication)
Patent Document 3 describes that a tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative represented by the following formula (B) is a ligand of an HDM2 protein, has an apoptosis inducing activity and a proliferation inhibitory activity, and is effective against cancers. However, there is no description of its antagonistic action on a bombesin type 2 receptor or of its efficacy regarding IBS.
(for the symbols in the formula, refer to the publication)
Patent Document 4 describes that a tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative represented by the following formula (C) is a neurotensin-2 (NT-2) receptor antagonist and is effective against pain. However, for R5 corresponding to R1 of the present invention, there is no description on the R1 group of the present invention. In addition, there is no description of its antagonistic action on a bombesin type 2 receptor or of its efficacy regarding IBS.
(wherein R5 means (C1-C8) alkyl which is optionally substituted with a group selected from trifluoromethyl, halogen, saturated or partially unsaturated (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, and (C6-C10) aryl. For the other symbols, refer to the publication.)
The compounds described in the following Tables 1 to 11 below are reported as Catalog Compounds. However, there is no description of the antagonistic action on a bombesin type 2 receptor and the efficacy for IBS, of these compounds. Further, in the following Tables, the abbreviations below are used. Me: Methyl, Et: Ethyl, iPr: Isopropyl, nBu: Normal Butyl, Ph: Phenyl.
TABLE 1 CAS Registry No.RaRbN—931939-66-1 931315-65-0 902607-43-6Me2N—902450-09-3Ph—(CH2)2—NH—891914-00-4PhCH2—NH— 891913-84-1 891913-76-1 891913-68-1 891913-28-3 891913-04-5 891912-88-2EtNH— 891912-80-4
TABLE 2891912-64-4 891912-56-4 891912-48-4 891912-40-6 891912-16-6 891912-08-6 891912-00-8 891911-84-5 891911-60-7 891911-52-7 891911-44-7 891911-36-7
TABLE 3891911-29-8 891911-22-1 891911-07-2 891910-93-3 891910-86-4 891910-72-8 891910-65-9 891910-58-0 891910-23-9 891910-07-9 891909-99-2 891909-91-4EtO—(CH2)3—NH— 891909-83-4
TABLE 4891909-75-4 891909-67-4 891909-59-4iPrO—(CH2)3—NH— 891909-51-6 891909-27-6PhN(Et)—(CH2)3—NH— 891909-11-8 891909-03-8 891908-95-5 891908-55-7Et2N— 891907-99-6 891907-91-8 891907-83-8 891907-75-8 891907-43-0MeO—(CH2)3—NH—891907-35-0nBuNH—891907-27-0iPrNH— 891907-19-0 891907-11-2MeO—(CH2)2—NH—
TABLE 5891907-03-2 891906-95-9 891906-87-9 891906-79-9 891906-71-1 891906-55-1 891906-39-1 891905-75-2 891904-87-3
TABLE 6 CAS Registry No.RaRbN—685520-62-1 685520-61-0 442858-62-0EtO2C—CH2—NH— 442858-61-9 442858-27-7MeO2C—(CH3)2—NH—442858-05-1MeO2C—CH2—NH— 442858-04-0 442857-76-3 442857-73-0 442856-86-2 442856-85-1 442856-80-6Et2N—
TABLE 7442856-71-5 442856-34-0 442856-31-7 442856-30-6 442856-29-3iPrNH— 442856-28-2 442856-17-9 442856-15-7PhN(Et)—(CH2)3—NH— 442855-08-5 442854-93-5 442854-92-4 442854-57-1MeO—(CH2)2—NH— 442854-41-3
TABLE 8 CAS Registry No.RaRbN—685520-63-2 442859-46-3 442859-42-9 442859-40-7 442859-39-4 442859-38-3 442859-36-1 442859-27-0 442859-26-9
TABLE 9442859-25-8 442859-20-3Et2N— 442859-13-4 442859-12-3 442859-11-2MeO—(CH2)3—NH—442859-09-8nBuN(Et)— 442859-06-5 442859-05-4nBuNH— 442859-03-2 442859-02-1EtO2C—CH2—NH—442859-01-0MeO—(CH2)2—NH—442858-99-3nBuN(Me)NH— 442858-98-2 442858-93-7 442858-91-5PhCH2N(Me)— 442858-86-8 442858-79-9
TABLE 10442858-77-7 442858-76-6 442858-72-2 442858-67-5 442858-56-2iPrNH— 442858-55-1
TABLE 11 CAS Registry No.RaRbN—442888-72-4 442888-70-2 442888-60-0 442888-49-5 442888-41-7 442888-39-3 442888-37-1 442888-35-9
Non-Patent Document 1: “American Journal of Gastroenterology”, (USA), 2003, vol. 98, p. 750-758
Non-Patent Document 2: “Gut”, (England), 1998, vol. 42, p. 845-849
Non-Patent Document 3: “The Journal of Neuroscience”, (USA), 1998, vol. 18, p. 4758-4766
Non-Patent Document 4: “Life Sciences”, (Holland), 2002, vol. 70, p. 2953-2966
Non-Patent Document 5: “Gastroenterology”, (USA), 1991, vol. 100, p. 980-985
Non-Patent Document 6: “Neurogastroenterology and Motility”, (England), 1997, vol. 9, p. 265-270
Non-Patent Document 7: “Annals of the New York Academy of Science”, (USA), 2000, vol. 921, p. 420-424
Non-Patent Document 8: “Cancer”, (USA), 1998, vol. 83, p. 1335-1343
Non-Patent Document 9: “British Journal of Cancer”, 2000, vol. 83, p. 906-913,
Non-Patent Document 10: “Cancer”, (USA), 2000, vol. 88, p. 1384-1392
Patent Document 1: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2006/115135
Patent Document 2: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2004/04727
Patent Document 3: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2006/97323
Patent Document 4: Pamphlet of International Publication No. 03/29221 | {
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Support of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU)-based and WTRU-assisted observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) methods has been identified as one technique to improve upon achievable accuracy and speed for positioning in a long term evolution (LTE) system.
For OTDOA methods, a WTRU observes signals of several neighbor cells, measures the observed time differences of arrival (for example, as compared to its own serving cell), and reports these to the network. In one method, the network then derives a positioning estimate based on factors such as known deployment locations of the reported neighbor signals, known transmission time differences among various cells in the network, and the like. This is referred to as WTRU-assisted positioning. Alternatively, the network provides the factors to the WTRU so that the WTRU computes its own position from the measurements using these factors and the observed time differences of arrival measurements. This is referred to as WTRU-based positioning.
WTRU time difference measurements may be defined based on one or more reference signals (RS) from the cells being measured. The RS may be either Release 8 LTE Cell-Specific RS (CRS) and/or a newly designed Positioning RS (PRS). Either may be used individually or in combination by the WTRU to derive the measured metrics. As a result, the WTRU may need to know which RS to use for the time difference measurements.
The time difference measurement that may be used for OTDOA calculations may be the Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD). The RSTD may be defined as the relative timing difference between a cell j and cell i, which may be defined as TSubframeRxj−TSubframeRxi, where TSubframeRxj is the time when the WTRU receives the start of one subframe from cell j and TSubframeRxi is the time when the WTRU receives the corresponding start of one subframe from cell i that is closest in time to the subframe received from cell j. The reference point for the observed subframe time difference may be the antenna connector of the WTRU. The RSTD measurement may be applicable to intra-frequency and inter-frequency cells. The WTRU, therefore, needs to support measurements made on neighbor cell carrier frequencies that are different than the serving cell carrier frequency. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible display technology, and in particular, to providing data display of a flexible display device associated with various input systems utilizing a flexible sensor and a touch sensor system.
2. Description of the Background
Portable terminals are widely used because they can be carried easily. Conventional portable terminals may have a reproducing function, such as an MP3 player function and an image collecting function (e.g., a digital camera). Portable terminals can also support mobile games and/or arcade games.
Portable terminals may execute the functions through displays. Conventional displays of portable terminals may be small and spatial arrangements in the portable terminals may be limited due to the available size. Accordingly, portable terminals have started to employ a display that can be flexible. Such displays may be referred to as flexible displays. Conventional devices with flexible displays may be referred to as flexible display devices. The flexible display devices may receive signals by a simple signal input, and display data stored in the storage unit on the flexible display. A variety of applications may be required to use the flexible display feature. | {
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Among existing non-volatile memory-based ICs, flash memory is the most advanced of its kind. A distinguishing feature of a conventional flash memory is that, in addition to an oxide insulating layer typically formed in a conventional MOSFET, a floating gate is formed in between a gate and a channel in the MOS of the tradition flash memory, such that data are stored by introducing into or removing from the floating gate negative charges. However, as regards conventional flash memory, the gate is made of doped polysilicon. With the conventional floating gate, electric conduction is achieved, using charges stored in doped polysilicon which forms the floating gate. Charges are stored in the doped polysilicon and thus they move freely within the doped polysilicon. Charges will hardly be maintained in the doped polysilicon, if there is a current leakage from any point of a tunnel oxide layer beneath the polysilicon floating gate. Moreover, the tunnel oxide layer will have to be thinned down if the size of the memory is to be reduced. However, whatever thinning-down effort is subject to the physical limit of direct tunneling, and thus a thinning down process does have its own limit.
In view of this, U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,766 proposes a nano-structure memory device. FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a cross-sectional view of a nanocrystal memory 100 known in the prior art. The nanocrystal memory 100, which has a basic structure of a transistor comprising a substrate 101, a source 102, a drain 103, a tunnel oxide layer 104, and a gate 105, coupled with nanocrystals 106 embedded in a nanocrystal layer 107 between the gate layers, allows charges to be stored. The proposed nano-structure memory device not only solves the drawbacks of flash memory, namely high operating voltage and slow reading speed, but also enhances memory retention. Unlike a conventional polysilicon floating gate, the proposed nano-structure memory device has charges stored in spaced-apart nanocrystals, and the spaced-apart nanocrystals do not move in relation to each other. The proposed nano-structure memory device overcomes a drawback of the prior art, that is, it is difficult to store charges (wherein charges are stored in polysilicon which forms a floating gate to achieve electric conduction in accordance with the prior art) in the presence of a current leakage from any point of a tunnel oxide layer underlying the conventional polysilicon floating gate. Moreover, the conventional polysilicon floating gate achieves charge blocking solely by being barrier-dependent, thus causing insurmountable difficulty in a thinning-down process performed on the tunnel oxide layer. However, the nanocrystals provide insulation required for quantum confinement, so as to store charges in quantum wells. In the absence of an applied voltage, charges are confined to the quantum wells and thereby are stored, allowing the tunnel oxide layer to be thinned down further.
Although the insurmountable difficulty in the foregoing design of the polysilicon floating gate is solved (by thinning down the tunnel oxide layer and thereby enabling charges to enter the quantum wells readily and thereby be stored), but charges stored in the silicon nanocrystal floating gate may readily tunnel out and hardly be retained, because disposed between the channel and the nanocrystals is a mere insulating layer, that is, the tunnel oxide layer.
To address the foregoing problems, academics suggest that charge loss should be prevented by an improved floating gate made of self-aligned double layered silicon (R. Ohba, IEDM, December 2000). Referring to FIG. 2B (PRIOR ART), a nanocrystal structure known in the prior art is replaced with a double layered nanocrystal structure 200. Referring to FIG. 2A (PRIOR ART), the fabricating method comprises the steps of: growing a tunnel oxide layer 204 on a silicon substrate 201; depositing a silicon layer 208 on the tunnel oxide layer 204; forming an oxide layer 209 on the silicon layer 208; depositing a silicon dot 210 (Si dot) on the oxide layer 209; and oxidizing the silicon dot 210 before finalizing the self-aligned double layered silicon structure as shown in FIG. 2B (PRIOR ART). Silicon nanocrystals 211 are formed by a portion of the silicon layer 208 covered by the silicon dot 210 and thereby not oxidized. With the double layered quantum well structure, after charges are stored in the nanocrystals, it is difficult for subsequent charges to enter the nanocrystals because of Coulomb blockade. Accordingly, charges are confined to the quantum wells and are unlikely to tunnel out due to Coulomb blockade; therefore, charge retention is enhanced.
However, this method still has practical drawbacks. Although its structural theory is better than the foregoing single layered nanocrystal, but insurmountable difficulty still exists in practice when fabrication parameter is considered. If the previous level of the operating voltage is to be maintained or even lowered, the oxide layer will have to be thinned down, but the thinning down process will cause a memory retention problem. Although memory retention can be enhanced if the thickness of the oxide layer is increased, the operating voltage is compromised.
In addition to the aforesaid problems, a nanocrystal fabrication process has to address an issue, that is, the control of the formation of nanocrystals during the fabrication process. For instance, it will be impossible to store enough charges in a nanocrystal layer disposed with nanocrystals, if the nanocrystals disposed in the nanocrystal layer are too small or over-dispersed; as a result, the charges present in a channel beneath an oxidation layer decrease, causing difficulty in interpretation. In other words, in the event that few charges are stored in the nanocrystal layer, there will be a negligible difference between a threshold voltage associated with the presence of nanocrystals in the nanocrystal layer and a threshold voltage associate with the absence of nanocrystals from the nanocrystal layer, and in consequence it is impossible to determine whether charges are stored in the nanocrystal layer and perform effective interpretation. Accordingly, a nanocrystal fabrication process should be preferably provided with sufficient nanocrystals to store charges so as to create a significant difference between the threshold voltage associated with the presence of charge storage and the threshold voltage associated with the lack of charge storage, thereby enabling the memory to perform effective interpretation.
There are presently two methods for storing more charges, namely enhancing nanocrystal density, and increasing the number of charges stored in each nanocrystal. According to current technology, it is difficult to increase nanocrystal density, and thus considerations are given to attempts to store more charges in each nanocrystal. However, after a charge is stored in a nanocrystal, it is difficult for the next charge to enter the well and be stored in the nanocrystal because of an increase in potential energy. Even if the charge is forcibly stored in the well, the barrier will be insufficient to stop the charge from tunneling out; as a result, the charge tunnels into an oxide layer and fails to be stored in the nanocrystal.
Therefore, metal nanocrystal is used, which has higher charge storage density due to a metal has more states in conduction band compared to the silicon nanocrystal. Moreover, a metal with a higher work function can be chosen to be the nanocyrstal to enhance the potential barrier of a quantum well, so as to enhance charge retention.
The urgent problem to be solved is to maintain the foregoing advantages of silicon nanocrystal when operating voltage and charge retention are considered, and keep the foregoing advantages of metal crystals such as containing more charges. | {
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Conventional, multi-pass data processing is exemplified in computer graphics systems and methods. In the computer graphics field, data is processed using a multi-pass data-processing pipeline in which each pass performs a sequence of operations on the data. Processed data, for example color or depth values for pixels, may be stored as a texture map for re-use in a conventional multi-pass data-processing system.
In computer graphics, multi-pass methods generally create image data, in a first pass, that are then used as input in a subsequent pass. For example, in the first pass an image may be rendered by a graphics data-processing pipeline and stored in a frame buffer as image data. The image data is then used, for example, as a texture map, in a subsequent pass, to generate new image data, which can then be used in another pass through the pipeline, producing new data in a frame buffer, and so on and so forth. The end result of the multi-pass process is a final image in a frame buffer for optional display to a user. A graphics processor having a graphics pipeline architecture is described further herein for purposes of clarity with respect to a “first pass” through a graphics pipeline to generate initial image data and a “second pass” or subsequent pass through a graphics pipeline to generate display image data. However, it should be understood and appreciated that “passes” involve a sequence of operations which may be done with a multi-processor/multi-engine graphics processor architecture instead of a graphics pipeline processor architecture.
Geometry processors are hardware components configured to accept a specific format for vertex information. More particularly, vertex information may be of a fixed or floating-point data length with sufficient precision for image rendering. However, after vertex information is processed in a graphics processor to provide image data, for example to generate color and depth (z) values for pixels to be rasterized to be scanned out for display or stored in graphics memory, such stored image data is no longer in such a specific format for use by a geometry processor. Additionally, image data to be scanned out for display does not involve the precision associated with geometry processing, and thus data lengths, as associated with data precision, for image data are shorter than vertex information data lengths. Accordingly, as is described further herein, this stored image data is obtained from graphics memory by a host processor and translated into vertex information in such a specified format for re-use by a geometry processor. Such translated image data may be stored in graphics memory for later use by a graphics processor or provided more directly from a host processor to a graphics processor. Though graphics memory is described in terms of local memory or frame buffer memory, it should be appreciated that graphics memory may be shared memory of host memory.
Reflection mapping is an example of a multi-pass process of the prior art. In a first pass through a graphics data-processing pipeline, an image is rendered using a viewpoint located at a position occupied by a reflective object in a scene. The rendering results in an intermediate red-green-blue (RGB) image that is stored in a frame buffer. In the second pass, the RGB image generated in the first pass is used as a reflection map, a particular type of texture map. In the second pass, the scene is rendered, and surface normals (normal vectors) of the reflective object, along with vectors from the viewpoint to each point on the reflective surface, are used to compute texture coordinates to index the reflection map to the surface of the reflective object. Hence, this example includes two passes, a first pass to generate a reflection map by rendering an image from a first vantage point; and a second pass to render the scene to produce a final image, using the reflection map to color (texture) the reflective object.
Shadow mapping is another multi-pass method of the prior art. In shadow mapping, a depth-only image is first rendered from the vantage point of each light source. The resulting image data is then used while rendering an entire scene from the viewpoint of an observer. During the rendering of the scene, the depth-only images are conditionally used to include each of the corresponding light sources when computing a color value, that includes lighting, for each pixel or pixel fragment.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art General Computing System generally designated 100 and including a Host Computer 110 coupled through a bus disposed on a motherboard of Host Computer 110, such as External Bus 115, to a Graphics Subsystem 120. Though a direct memory access (DMA) connection between Host Processor 114 and Interface 117 is illustratively shown, Graphics Subsystem 120 may be connected to Host Memory 112 via an input/output (I/O) hub or controller (not shown) as is known. Host Computer 110 is, for example, a personal computer, server, computer game system, or computer-based simulator, including a Host Processor 114. A Host Memory 112 of Host Computer 110 may be used to store geometric data representative of one, two, three, or higher-dimensional objects. For example, Host Memory 112 may store x, y, z data representing locations of surface points in “object space.” These x, y, z data are often associated with u, v data relating each surface point to a color or texture map. Host memory 112 may store information relating the relative positions of objects and a viewpoint in “world space.” In some instances Host Computer 110 is configured to tessellate the x, y, z, data to generate a vertex-based representation of primitives that represent a surface to be rendered.
Graphics Subsystem 120 receives data from Host Memory 112 through an Interface 117. The bandwidth of Interface 117 is limited by External Bus 115, which is typically a peripheral bus, e.g., accelerated graphics port (AGP) or peripheral component interface (PCI) coupled to Host Memory 112 of Host Computer 110. A Memory Controller 130 manages requests, initiated by hardware components of Graphics Subsystem 120, to read from or write to a Local Memory 135. Communication between Interface 117 and Memory Controller 130 is through an Internal Bus 145. Geometry Processor 140 is designed to operate on the types of data received from Host Computer 110. For example, Memory Controller 130 receives vertex data via Interface 117 and writes this data to Local Memory 135. Subsequently, Memory Controller 130 receives a request from the Geometry Processor 140 to fetch data and transfers data read from Local Memory 135 to Geometry Processor 140. Alternatively, Geometry Processor 140 may receive data directly from Interface 117. In some prior art graphics subsystems (not shown), a DMA processor or command processor receives or reads data from Host Memory 112 or Local Memory 135, and in some prior art graphics subsystems (not shown) Graphics Subsystem 120 is integrated into an I/O hub or I/O controller, where graphics memory is shared with Host Memory 112 though some Local Memory 135 may be provided.
Geometry Processor 140 is configured to transform vertex data from an object-based coordinate representation (object space) to an alternatively based coordinate system such as world space or normalized device coordinates (NDC) space. Geometry Processor 140 also performs “setup” processes in which parameters, such as deltas and slopes, used to rasterize the vertex data are calculated. In some instances Geometry Processor 140 may receive higher-order surface data and tessellate this data to generate the vertex data. Geometry Processor 140 is configured to accept a specific format for vertex information. More particularly, vertex information may be of a fixed or floating-point data length with sufficient precision for image rendering.
The transformed vertex data is passed from Geometry Processor 140 to Rasterizer 150 wherein each planar primitive (e.g., a triangle or a quadrilateral) is rasterized to a list of axis-aligned and distributed grid elements (i.e., discretized) that cover an image to be rendered. The grid elements, conventionally in NDC space, are mapped onto a region of an array of pixels that represent the complete image to be rendered. Each element of the array covered by a grid element is a fragment of the corresponding image and is therefore referred to as fragment data; the fragment data is for one or more pixels or pixel fragments. Each fragment data element output by Rasterizer 150 includes associated data characterizing the surface (e.g. position in NDC, colors, texture coordinates, etc.).
Each fragment data element output by Rasterizer 150 is passed to a Texturer 155 and to a Shader 160 wherein the fragment data is modified. In one approach, modification is accomplished using a lookup table stored in Local Memory 135. The lookup table may include several predetermined texture or shading maps that may be accessed using texture coordinates as indices. An output of Shader 160 is processed using Raster Operation Unit 165, which receives the fragment data from Shader 160 and, if required, reads corresponding pixel data such as color and depth (z) in the current view for additional processing.
After performing the pixel operations involving color and z, Raster Operation Unit 165 writes the modified fragment data into Local Memory 135 through Memory Controller 130. The modified fragment data, written to Local Memory 135, is new or initial pixel data with respect to a first pass through a graphics pipeline. The pixel data is stored subject to modification by one or more subsequent fragment data written to the same pixel (memory) location or delivery to a Display 175 via Scanout 180.
Alternatively, pixel data within Local Memory 135 may be read, through Memory Controller 130, out through Interface 117. Using this approach, data in Local Memory 135 may be transferred back to Host Memory 112 for further manipulation. However, this transfer occurs through External Bus 115 and is therefore slow relative to data transfers within Graphics Subsystem 120. In some instances of the prior art, pixel data generated by Raster Operation Unit 165 may be read from Local Memory 135 back into Raster Operation Unit 165 or Texturer 155. However, in the prior art, data generated in the graphics data-processing pipeline (i.e., Geometry 140, Rasterizer 150, Texturer 155,.Shader 165, and Raster Operation Unit 165) as output from Raster Operation Unit 165 was not accessible to Geometry Processor 140 without first being converted into a compatible format by Host Computer 110.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a prior art method of image rendering using the General Computing System 100 of FIG. 1. In a Receive Geometry Data Step 210 data is transferred from Host Memory 112 through Interface 117 to either Local Memory 135, under the control of Memory Controller 130, or directly to Geometry Processor 140. This transfer occurs through External Bus 115, which, in comparison to data busses within Graphics Subsystem 120, has lower bandwidth. In a Process Geometric Data Step 220, performed using Geometry Processor 140, surfaces within the transferred data are tessellated, if needed, to generate vertex data and then transformed. After transformation, primitive “setup” for rasterization is performed.
In a Rasterize Step 230 performed using Rasterizer 150 fragment data is generated from vertex-based data.
In a Process Fragments Step 240 the fragment data is textured and shaded using Texturer 155 and Shader 160. In an exemplary implementation, per-vertex colors and texture coordinates (among other per-vertex attributes) are bilinearly interpolated per fragment across the primitive to compute color and z (depth) values that are output to Raster Operation Unit 165.
In a Store Pixel Data Step 250 Raster Operation Unit 165 is used to map the fragment produced in the previous step onto a pixel in Local Memory 135, optionally operating on previously-stored data at that pixel location, and, finally, depending on the result of available tests (e.g., depth test, alpha test, stencil test) in the Raster Operation Unit 165, conditionally storing the fragment data into its corresponding-pixel location in Local Memory 135. Storage occurs by writing data through Internal Bus 170. The color data generated by Raster Operation Unit 165 is typically limited to match color depth of supported displays. Data from Local Memory 135 are transferred to a display device in a Display Step 260.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an advanced method of image rendering known as reflection mapping. In this method pixel data is first rendered for a first scene and viewpoint. A scene consists of one or more objects. The first image is then used as a texture map for shading one or more objects in a second viewpoint of the scene. The final image shows a reflection of the first scene on the surface of the object in the second viewpoint of the scene. As shown in FIG. 3, steps 210 through 250 are performed in a manner similar to that described in relation to FIG. 2. In Store Pixel Data Step 250 the first scene pixel data is stored in a region of Local Memory 135 that can be read by Texturer 155. Instead of immediately being used in Display Step 260, the data stored in Store Pixel Data Step 250 is used in a second pass through the graphics data-processing pipeline. The second pass starts with a Receive Geometry Data Step 310 wherein geometry data representing an object in the second viewpoint of the scene is received from Host Computer 110. This data is processed using Geometry Processor 140 in Process Geometric Data Step 320 and transformed into second fragment data in a Rasterize Step 330.
In a Process Fragments Step 340, the second fragment data is shaded using the first pixel data stored in Store Pixel Data Step 260. This shading results in an image of the first scene on the surface of an object in the second viewpoint of the scene. The shaded second pixel data is stored in a Store Pixel Data Step 350 and optionally displayed in a Display Step 260.
Due to the specified dynamic range and precision of the numerical values (i.e., the formats) associated with data busses or graphics data processing elements within Graphics Subsystems 120, heretofore data had to be converted, if feasible, by Host Processor 114 of Host Computer 110 to facilitate date re-use. For example, color values written into Local Memory 135 are 24-bit RGB fixed integer data strings, making those values incompatible with Geometry Processor 140 using values representing vertices or surfaces, where data lengths are conventionally longer than 24-bits and which may use floating-point values. Heretofore, for Geometry Processor 140 to process data written by Raster Operations Unit 165, Host Processor 114 read and formatted such data to produce data formatted for input to Geometry Processor 140. Notably, data formatted for Geometry Processor 140 could be provided to graphics subsystem 120 via External Bus 115; however, in addition to the above-mentioned drawbacks, this use consumes performance dependant bandwidth between Host Computer 110 and Graphics Subsystem 120. Therefore, it would be desirable and useful to increase flexibility for data re-use by a graphics subsystem. Additionally, it would be desirable and useful to improve system level performance by providing data re-use with less dependence on such performance dependent bandwidth. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an organic thin film transistor, and more particularly, to a method for fabricating an organic thin film transistor and a method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device using the same that employ an rear exposing process to form an active layer.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Following the development of polyacetylene, which is a conjugated organic polymer exhibiting semiconductor characteristics, an organic semiconductor has been actively studied because its advantageous characteristics of easiness in formation of a film type, flexibility, conductivity and a low production cost. An organic semiconductor may be employed in an electronic device or an optical device.
Among devices using the semiconductive polymer, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) employing an organic material has been the focus of many ongoing researches. In general, an OTFT has a similar structure as that of an Si-TFT, and an OTFT employs an organic material at a semiconductor region, instead of Si.
An OTFT has many advantages in that a thin film can be formed by an atmospheric pressure printing process instead of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) requiring sub-atmospheric pressure for forming the existing Si thin film, a roll-to-roll process using a plastic substrate can be performed, and a low-cost transistor can be implemented.
FIGS. 1A to 1E are cross-sectional views showing a method for fabricating an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) in accordance to the related art. In FIG. 1A, a method for fabricating an OTFT according to the related art includes preparing a transparent substrate 10. In particular, a first metal material is deposited and patterned to form a gate electrode 11 using a photolithography process. The photolithography process includes a photoresist film coating process for coating a photoresist film on an etching object layer on which a pattern is to be formed, an exposing process for aligning a mask on the photoresist film and irradiating light through the mask, a developing process for forming a photoresist pattern on the etching object layer by removing the irradiated portions of the photoresist film using a developer, an etching process for forming a desired pattern by etching the etching object layer by using the photoresist pattern as a mask, and a striping process for removing the photoresist pattern remaining on the pattern. For example, the first metal material is the etching object layer, and the gate electrode 11 is patterned as the first metal material is etched.
Subsequently, SiNx or SiOx is deposited on the entire surface of the first substrate 10 including the gate electrode 11 using a plasma enhanced CVD method to form a gate insulating layer 13.
In FIG. 1B, a low-molecule organic material, such as pentacene, is deposited at an upper surface of the gate insulating layer 13 to form an active pattern 15 on a portion of the gate insulating layer 13 corresponding to the gate electrode 11. Because a photoresist film changes electric characteristics of the pentacene, a conventional photolithography process cannot be used. Thus, the active pattern 15 is formed using a shadow mask. The shadow mask has a certain region opened for allowing formation of a pattern and has a different concept from a mask used for a conventional exposing process. For example, the mask used for the conventional exposing process is divided into regions for blocking light or transmitting light, whereas the shadow mask is divided into the opened region and a closed region, so that a material for forming a pattern is deposited only through the opened region to form the same pattern as the opened region. However, a pattern formed using the shadow mask has a quite inferior precision as compared to a pattern formed by using the general mask.
As shown in FIG. 1C, a second metal material is deposited on the active layer 15 and is patterned to form source and drain electrodes 16 and 17 on the active layer 15. In particular, the second metal material is patterned using the photolithography process to form the source and drain electrodes 16 and 17 like the gate electrode 11.
In FIG. 1D, an inorganic film or an organic film is deposited at the entire surface of the substrate 10 including the source and drain electrodes 16 and 17 to form a passivation film 18. The passivation film 18 is patterned to form a contact hole 19 exposing a portion of the drain electrode 17 using the photolithography process.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1E, a transparent conductive material, such as ITO, is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate 10 including the contact hole 19, and is patterned to form a pixel electrode 20 electrically connected to the drain electrode 17 through the contact hole 19. The transparent conductive material is patterned using the photolithography process to form the contact hole 19.
However, because the method of fabricating an OTFT according to the related art requires a shadow mask to form the active pattern, the accuracy of the active pattern reduces and the number of masks uses increases. Thus, a fabrication efficiency decreases, and electrical characteristics of the OTFT are degraded. | {
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In some wireless communication systems, multiple mobile transceivers, also known as ‘user equipment’ (UE), e.g., cellular telephones, communicate simultaneously with stationary transceivers, e.g., base stations. In such communications systems, reference signals are necessary for coherent demodulation of RF signals and detection of data at the receiver. The reference signals are also used to estimate a quality of uplink channels from the mobile transmitters to the receiver for channel-dependent frequency-scheduling and/or time-domain scheduling.
Allocating more resources, such as power, time and frequency for the reference signals improves channel state information (CSI) estimation, and thus, leads to better demodulation of the data with a reduced bit error rate (BER). However, increasing the resources for the reference signals reduces the spectral efficiency of the system.
In such systems, a sub-frame is a basic unit of transmission. The sub-frame includes short blocks and long blocks. The short blocks can include the reference signals. The long blocks do not include reference signals. In 3GPP, the sub-frame corresponds to a transmission time interval (TTI). That is, the entire sub-frame is transmitted during one continuous, uninterrupted time interval. In the art and herein, the terms ‘TTI’ and ‘sub-frame’ are used interchangeably.
In the prior art, each TTI includes an equal number of reference signals so that the receiver can estimate the CSI before the data in the TTI are demodulated and detected.
In 3GPP LTE, two reference signal patterns are currently being considered. With frequency division multiplexing (FDM), each UE sends its uplink reference signal across a distinct set of sub-carriers, R1-060246, “EUTRA SC-FDMA Uplink Resource Block, Resource Allocation and Pilot/Reference Signal Design & TP,” Motorola; incorporated herein by reference. The reference signals of any two UEs are orthogonal to each other and do not overlap in the frequency-domain.
With code division multiplexing (CDM), each UE sends its uplink reference signal across a common set of sub-carriers, R1-060784, “Orthogonal Pilot Channel Structure for E-UTRA Uplink,” NTT DoCoMo, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Panasonic, Sharp; incorporated herein by reference. Orthogonality between the reference signals of two UEs is achieved in the ‘code-domain’ by ensuring that the UEs transmit sequences across time and frequency that are orthogonal to each other. For example, the reference signals are generated by taking cyclic shifts of a single constant amplitude zero auto-correlation (CAZAC) sequence. Examples of CAZAC sequences are given in B. M. Popovic, “Generalized Chirp-like Polyphase Sequences with Optimal Correlation Properties,” IEEE Trans. Info. Theory, vol. 38, pp. 1406-1409, July 1992; and D. C. Chu, “Polyphase codes with good periodic correlation properties,” IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. IT18, pp. 531-532, 1972; both incorporated herein by reference.
In general, the overhead associated with the uplink reference signals is considerable as the reference signals are required to enable the receiver to estimate the channel quality of all the UEs that intend to communicate with it, and to aid the receiver station to coherently demodulate the data from the signals received from the respective transmitting UEs. Generating the reference signals consumes power and takes time. Transmitting the reference signals consumes power. Estimating the CSI from the received reference signals consumes power and takes time. The reference signals consume precious bandwidth and valuable space in the sub-frames that could otherwise be used by data and control signals.
Therefore, it is desired to reduce the overhead associated with the reference signals used for coherent signal demodulation and data detection on uplinks from transmitters to a receiver so that the number of UEs that transmit signals simultaneously can be increased. | {
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The composition and quality of ambient air in any given area may vary depending on a number of factors, including the presence of air pollution and various airborne contaminants. These contaminants may include biological materials, including bacteria and viruses, as well as chemical materials, such as pollutants and toxins.
In order to determine the air quality, the ambient air may be monitored. Monitoring may be effected in a variety of ways. Typically, samples of air are collected at specific locations for a given period of time, followed by the analysis of the samples using any number of known analytical techniques.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,479, issued Jan. 4, 2000, provides a personal continuous air monitor capable of sensing radiation. This air monitor employs a filter or detector head with a radiation detector and a series of signal processing units.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,596, issued Feb. 13, 2001, provides a visual airborne contaminant indicator employing a colored pH indicator, which may be used with an adsorptive filter.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,153, issued Jun. 19, 2001, provides a diffusional gas transfer system for removing airborne particles.
However, it would be a significant contribution to the art to provide an improved, versatile method and apparatus for monitoring air quality. | {
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This invention relates generally to engine control systems, and more particularly to engine control systems adapted for controlling an engine upon loss of such engine""s primary crankshaft position sensor.
As is known in the art, on modern internal combustion engines, engine speed and position is determined by a sensor reading mechanical features on the rotating crankshaft, often called a crankshaft position sensor (CKP). Upon failure of this sensor or the associated wiring, the electronic system does not have necessary signal information. In many cases, this results in an inability to run the internal combustion engine. In some cases, a second position sensor, like a camshaft position sensor, can be utilized to provide engine operation albeit at a reduced function level.
More particularly, the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) provides highly accurate information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and is utilized by the internal software in providing proper operation of the internal combustion engine. Upon failure of this sensor, the software will either be unable to work, thus disabling engine operation; or, in some systems, the software will provide use of other sensor inputs to run the engine under these different sensor inputs, usually, however, at a reduced function level.
The inventors have recognized a method for correcting for the loss of the primary crankshaft position sensor for a Powertrain control module having a Central Processing Unit (CPU) which includes the use of one or more Time Processing Units (TPUs). Initially, the CPU loads a first, normal engine operating program stored in the CPU memory into the TPU memory. The TPU uses the first computer program to control the engine in the absence of detection of a failure in primary crankshaft position sensor. Upon detection of a failure, the CPU loads a second program stored in the CPU memory into the TPU memory. The TPU executes the second program loaded into the TPU memory to thereby control the engine upon the loss of such engine""s primary crankshaft position sensor.
More particularly some Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) for Internal Combustion Engines utilize Central Processing Unit (CPU) Architectures with Time Processing Units (TPU) which perform key calculation and control functions. These TPUs provide efficient means of performing calculation intensive functions. These TPU units typically contain relative small amounts of RAM space, which limits program size allowable on the TPU. A key feature of the TPU is its proactive approach to handling events and the resulting fine resolution achieved for waveform generation and measurement. The TPU consists of a single microsequencer and dedicated channel hardware (there are 16 channels). The microsequencer prepares the channel-specific hardware to react to possible future events. When a particular event actually occurs, the hardware autonomously performs some action and requests microsequencer servicing. Because the hardware is autonomous, the usual latency penalties associated with an undedicated microsequencer are not incurred. The microsequencer responds to the service request (after servicing any existing requests based on an optimized scheduling mechanism) and prepares the channel hardware for the next event. Further description of a time processor unit (TPU) is in xe2x80x9cTPU Time Processor Unit Reference Materialxe2x80x9d published by Motorola, Inc., 1996 the entire subject matter thereof being incorporated herein by reference.
In some configurations, these TPU segments are used to control Electronic Ignition, Fueling and other functions. These functions often have significant calculation and control requirements and the software size requirements for normal function do not allow sufficient memory size to provide for special functions, like compensating for partial system failure. One situation is to provide continuing operation under system failure conditions, like a crankshaft position sensor failure.
In accordance with the present invention, a method for controlling an internal combustion engine system upon loss of a crankshaft position sensor signal produced by such system is provided. The method includes providing a control module having a central processing unit and a time processor unit associated with such central processing unit. The time processor unit has programmed into it a first code for operating the engine system in the presence of a proper crankshaft position sensor signal. The control module stores a second code for loading into the time processor unit to operate the engine system with the time processor unit upon detection of an improper crankshaft position sensor signal. Initially, the engine system is operated with the time processor unit executing the first code. The method monitors the crankshaft position signal for a fault. Upon detection of the fault, the method loads the second code into the time processor unit and operates the engine system with the time processor unit executing the second code.
In accordance with the present invention, in a normal engine operating mode (i.e., with proper crankshaft position signals), standard engine operating software is loaded to the TPU. In a failure mode management mode, (i.e., upon detection of an improper crankshaft position signals), special compensation software is loaded into and executed by the TPU.
In one embodiment, the engine operator initiates power to the PCM, usually through turning the key in the ignition switch. The PCM loads normal operation software into the necessary TPUs for engine operation (assuming no parameters were noting special software loads needed). The PCM determines the crankshaft position sensor is not providing a proper signal and sets a parameter to indicate the crankshaft position sensor is failed. The operator turns the PCM power xe2x80x9coff xe2x80x9d by turning the ignition key to an xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d position. The operator turns the ignition key back xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d providing the power to the PCM a second time. Upon initialization, the PCM recognizes the crankshaft position sensor (or other system) has failed. The PCM loads special software to the TPU to compensate for the failed sensor (or other system). The engine can then be operated, possibly at a reduced function level. | {
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Endoscopic surgical techniques allow a surgical procedure to be performed on a patient's body through a relatively small incision in the body and with a limited amount of body tissue disruption. Endoscopic surgery typically utilizes a tubular structure known as a cannula which is inserted into a small incision in the body. The cannula holds the incision open and serves as a conduit extending between the exterior of the body and the local area inside the body where the surgery is to be performed.
Due to the relatively small size of the passage into the body which is defined by the cannula, certain surgical procedures, such as posterior disectomies and procedures using steerable surgical instruments, have been difficult to perform using endoscopic techniques. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to network control, and, more specifically, to techniques for sending notifications to network control software with advance source media access control (MAC) address learning.
Description of Related Art
Server virtualization permits a physical computer system's hardware resources to be shared between virtual machines (VMs). Multiple VMs, each with its own operating system, run in parallel on a single physical machine, without being aware of the virtualization environment. A software entity called the hypervisor (or virtual machine monitor) monitors execution of the VMs and distributes hardware resources between the VMs.
Software exists for controlling networks and, in particular, configuring network settings for VMs. IBM VMReady® is one network control program that permits, among other things: discovery of VM MAC and IP addresses and hypervisor management interfaces for MAC and IP address and how they are connected to a physical switch; VMs to be grouped together to provide VM isolation at the layer 2 (data link layer) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, and the same networking policies assigned to VMs in a given group; virtual networks to be configured using application programming interfaces (APIs) provided by the virtual environment; and detecting VM migration from one location to another and automatically moving network attributes such that VMs maintain their network policies as they migrate. To accomplish these and other tasks, the network control software may need to be notified of packets being received from new VMs and VMs that have moved. For example, to move network attributes in response to VM migration, network control software may need to receive notification from the switch whenever the switch detects VM migration. As another example, network control software may need to be notified by the switch in order to validate new and moved VMs. To validate new and moved VMs, the network control software may communicate with the hypervisor to determine if the VM source MAC address and source port are valid. If the hypervisor does not validate the information that is contained in the network control software notification, then the network control software will not validate the forwarding database entry for the VM and will set up an access control list (ACL) rule to discard all frames with that source MAC address. VM validation ensures that only known, registered VMs are sending traffic on the network, thereby protecting the network from unknown or malicious traffic. VM validation also allows the network control software to set up ACL rules for validated VMs. Without receiving a notification about new or moved VMs, the network control software would not know to set up such ACL rules.
One traditional technique for notifying network control software of new and moved VMs uses ACL rules on received packets to determine when a notification to the network control software is needed. Notifications then pass through a packet rate limiter which limits the rate at which notifications are sent to the network control software to not overwhelm it. However, the packet rate limiter only controls the rate of notifications and has no knowledge of the contents of the notifications. As a result, some notifications may be sent at a higher rate than desired, which wastes bandwidth, while others may be sent at a lower rate than desired, which increases the time it takes for the notification to reach the network control software. For example, assume the switch receives packets from two new VMs and decides to redirect these packets (as notifications) to the network control software. In such a case, the rate limiter may allow the packet from the first VM to be sent, but discard the packet from the second VM. As more packets are received from the second VM, probability suggests that one of those packets will eventually be sent to the network control software. However, the inability to control how often the packets are sent means that, e.g., packets from the second VM may take a long time to reach the network control software, while packets from the first VM may be sent to the network control software at a higher rate than desired. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains in general to nuclear reactor fuel assemblies and more particularly to a pressurized water reactor nuclear fuel assembly instrumentation thimble.
2. Background
A typical pressurized water reactor includes a reactor vessel which contains nuclear fuel, a coolant, typically a water based solution, which is heated by the nuclear fuel, and means for monitoring and controlling the nuclear reaction. The reactor vessel is cylindrical, and is provided with a hemispherical bottom and a hemispherical top which is removable. The hot water coolant solution is conveyed from and returned to the vessel by a reactor coolant system which includes one or more reactor coolant loops (usually three or four loops, depending upon the power generating capacity of the reactor). Each loop includes a pipeline to convey hot water from the reactor vessel to a steam generator, a pipeline to convey the water from the steam generator back to the reactor vessel, and a pump. The steam generator is essentially a heat exchanger which transfers heat from the reactant coolant system to water from a source that is isolated from the reactor coolant system; the resulting steam is conveyed to a turbine to generate electricity. During operation of the reactor, the water in the vessel and coolant system is maintained at a high pressure to keep it from boiling as it is heated by the nuclear fuel.
Nuclear fuel is supplied to the reactor in the form of a number of fuel assemblies, that are supported within a reactor core by upper and lower traversely extending core support plates. Conventional designs of fuel assemblies include a plurality of fuel rods and control rod guide thimbles which are hollowed tubes held in an organized array by grids spaced along the fuel assembly length and attached to the control rod guide thimbles. The guide thimbles are structural members which also provide channels for neutron absorber rods, burnable poison rods or neutron source assemblies which are all vehicles for controlling the reactivity of the reactor. Top and bottom nozzles on opposite ends thereof are secured to the guide thimbles; thereby forming an integral fuel assembly.
The grids, as is known in the relevant art, are used to precisely maintain the spacing between the fuel rods in the reactor core, resist rod vibration, provide lateral support for the fuel rods and, to some extent, vertically restrain the rods against longitudinal movement. One type of conventional grid design includes a plurality of interleaved straps that together form an egg-crate configuration having a plurality of roughly square cells which individually accept the fuel rods therein. Depending upon the configuration of the control rod guide thimbles, the guide thimbles can either be received in cells that are either sized the same as those that receive the fuel rods therein, or can be received in relatively larger thimble cells defined in the interleaved straps. Typically at least one instrumentation tube is provided that extends through at least one cell, typically the center cell, in each strap and is captured between the top and bottom nozzles. The instrumentation tube, like the control rod guide thimbles, is attached to each of the grid cells through which it passes by a mechanical connection formed by bulging or welding. A number of measuring instruments are employed within the reactor core to promote safety and to permit proper control of the nuclear reaction. Among other instruments, neutron flux detectors are stationarily positioned within the instrumentation tubes within the core for that purpose. For a proper flux reading of the neutron activity within the region of the corresponding fuel assembly it is important that the flux detectors be centrally positioned around the longitudinal axis of the instrumentation tube. Centering of the in-core instrumentation is required to ensure the detector responses are consistent from location to location within the core. One existing instrumentation tube design is illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the instrumentation tube 10 extending between the upper or top nozzle 12 and the bottom nozzle 14. An in-core instrument 16 extends through the interior of the instrument tube 10 spanning between the top nozzle 12 and lower or bottom nozzle 14. Dimples 18 formed by crimping the instrumentation tube at a number of diametrically opposed points around its circumference, center the in-core instrumentation 16 within the tube 10. Typically the dimples are provided at a number of elevations along the instrumentation tube 10, with subsequent dimples being rotated 90 degrees as shown in the top section of the instrumentation tube 10 shown in FIG. 2. However the dimples preclude the bulging of the instrumentation tube to a spacer grid at the dimple elevations and also are limited in their ability to center smaller outside diameter in-core instrumentation within the instrumentation tube.
Accordingly, a new instrumentation tube design is desired that will center the in-core instrumentation while providing a smooth wall, non dimpled, outside circumference that may be either welded or bulged to the spacer grids.
Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide such an in-core instrumentation tube that can center any size in-core instrumentation within the instrumentation tube. | {
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In recent years, there have been increasing opportunities to photograph samples using a digital camera. Digital cameras using a sensor such as a CCD and a CMOS are more sensitive to brightness changes than are direct observations with human eyes or photographing with silver salt film cameras. Because of this, non-uniformity in illumination, which is not a problem in direct eye observations or photographing with silver salt film cameras, is a significant problem when photographing with digital cameras. Therefore, in illumination devices for microscopes, there has arisen a need to further increase the uniformity of illumination.
A conventional measure against non-uniformity in illumination is using the so-called Keller illumination technique, which theoretically provides a uniform illumination on a sample surface. However, because the light intensity distribution over the angular direction of light emitted by the light source is not uniform, non-uniformity in illumination still occurs. Although uniform illumination without any non-uniformity in illumination can be obtained if the angular distribution of light emitted from the light source can be made uniform, this is difficult to achieve in actuality.
As a means to improve the illumination non-uniformity caused by the angular distribution of light, a conventional method has been used wherein an integrator, such as a fly-eye lens, is used to divide a light flux into many parts; thus each part has a more uniform illumination. However, there has been the difficulty that adopting this method makes the illumination optical system device itself large, thereby increasing the cost.
Japanese Patent Application 2005-215992 proposes a method of correcting a non-uniform illumination distribution using an optical element such as a neutral density (hereinafter ND) filter and a frosted filter. A similar optical element is also disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application 2006-30535. Each of these prior art examples of correcting a non-uniform illumination distribution has problems. For example, if an ND filter is used, the influence of wavelength characteristics cannot be avoided. In other words, using an ND filter does not satisfy the objective of reproducing accurate color by illumination with white light. On the other hand, if a frosted filter is used, there is the problem such that it cannot be processed to have the exact transmittance as calculated (through a numerical simulation). Namely, there remains the inaccuracy that the transmittance calculated in the design stage cannot be realized.
Moreover, in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application 2006-30535, an illumination distribution is corrected using an optical element having a transmittance distribution that directly complements (i.e., is the inverse of) the intensity distribution of the light source. Thus, this method of correcting a non-uniform illumination distribution does not truly utilize the characteristics of the illumination optical system. | {
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Generally, an automobile air-conditioner accommodating a refrigerant compressor uses a refrigerant gas containing therein a mist-like lubricant oil, i.e., oil fine particles. The lubricant oil is needed for lubricating the compressor. Nevertheless, when the lubricant oil is adhered to an evaporator arranged in the refrigerating circuit of the air-conditioner, the evaporator is unable to conduct an effective thermal exchange, and accordingly, the refrigerating efficiency of the air-conditioner is lowered. Further, when an increase in the amount of the lubricant oil contained in the refrigerant gas flowing in the refrigerating circuit occurs, the amount of the lubricant oil remaining inside the compressor is accordingly reduced, and therefore, the internal movable elements of the compressor suffer from a lack of lubrication. Accordingly, the adoption of a method of separating the mist-like lubricant oil from the refrigerant gas is required when the oil-containing refrigerant gas enters the compressor to be compressed therein.
One typical conventional swash plate type refrigerant compressor is provided with an internal construction such that a small hole is formed in a cylinder block of the compressor, to allow a communication between a suction passageway and a swash plate chamber and thereby permit a flow of the refrigerant gas from the swash plate chamber when a pressure of the refrigerant gas in the swash plate chamber becomes excessively high due to a bleeding of a blow-by refrigerant gas from cylinder bores into the swash plate chamber. In this compressor, a small amount of lubricant oil separated from the refrigerant gas, due to an impingement of the oil-containing refrigerant gas upon the internal wall of the suction passageway when entering the compressor from an external refrigerating circuit, is allowed to enter the swash plate chamber through the above-mentioned small hole. Nevertheless, such a small hole is unable to positively separate the lubricant oil from the lubricant oil-containing refrigerant gas, to thereby draw the lubricant oil into the swash plate chamber. This is because the small hole has different action from that of a baffle plate, and cannot function to deaden the flow inertia of the lubricant oil-containing refrigerant gas when it enters the compressor from the outside. Namely, the small hole of the typical conventional swash plate type compressor cannot function to separate the oil component from the refrigerant gas. | {
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Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered to be useful for nutritional applications, pharmaceutical applications, industrial applications, and other purposes. However, the current supply of PUFAs from natural sources and from chemical synthesis is not sufficient for commercial needs. PUFAs derived from microorganism such as microalgae can be produced in large scale while avoiding the contamination issues associated with fish oils.
Polyketide synthase (PKS) systems are generally known in the art as enzyme complexes related to fatty acid synthase (FAS) systems, but which are often highly modified to produce specialized products that typically show little resemblance to fatty acids. It has now been shown, however, that polyketide synthase-like systems exist in marine bacteria and certain microalgae that are capable of synthesizing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. These systems are referred to herein as PUFA synthases, PUFA synthase systems, PUFA PKS systems, or PKS-like systems for the production of PUFAs, all of which are used interchangeably herein.
The PUFA PKS pathways for PUFA synthesis in Shewanella and another marine bacteria, Vibrio marinus, are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,486. The PUFA PKS pathways for PUFA synthesis in the eukaryotic Thraustochytrid, Schizochytrium sp. ATCC 20888 (hereinafter “Schizochytrium 20888”), is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,566,583. The PUFA PKS pathways for PUFA synthesis in eukaryotes such as members of Thraustochytriales, including the additional description of a PUFA PKS system in Schizochytrium 20888 and the identification of a PUFA PKS system in Thraustochytrium sp. ATCC 20892, including details regarding uses of these systems, are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,461, and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,642,074, respectively. The PUFA PKS pathways for PUFA synthesis in another eukaryotic Thraustochytrid, Schizochytrium sp. ATCC PTA-9695 (hereinafter “Schizochytrium 9695”), is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010-0266564, published Oct. 21, 2010 and in PCT Publication No. WO 2010/108114, published Mar. 19, 2010. U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,418, discloses the detailed structural description of a PUFA PKS system in Thraustochytrium sp. ATCC 20892, and further detail regarding the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, n-3) (EPA) and other PUFAs using such systems. U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,856 discloses the structural and functional description of PUFA PKS systems in Shewanella olleyana and Shewanella japonica, and uses of such systems. These applications also disclose the genetic modification of organisms with the genes comprising the PUFA PKS pathway and the production of PUFAs by such organisms. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,626 describes a PUFA PKS system in Ulkenia, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,590 describes PUFA PKS genes and proteins from Thraustochytrium aureum. Each of the above-identified applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Accordingly, the basic domain structures and sequence characteristics of the PUFA synthase family of enzymes have been described, and it has been demonstrated that PUFA synthase enzymes are capable of de novo synthesis of various PUFAs (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5, n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6, n-3) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6; C22:5, n-6).
PUFA synthases produce long chain polyunsaturated tatty acids de novo from malonyl-CoA using NADPH (and perhaps NADH) as a reductant. These multi-subunit enzymes have been identified in both marine bacteria and in the eukaryotic Thraustochytrid group of marine algae (Metz et al., 2001, Science 293:290-293). All of the PUFA synthases identified to date contain multiple ACP domains upon which the fatty acids are assembled. ACP domains require attachment of a co-factor by a phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) in order to function. Individual PPTases can have ACP substrate preferences, and when expressing a PUFA synthase in a heterologous organism, it may be necessary to provide a PPTase that can recognize, and activate, its ACP domains.
Novel production of PUFAs in several heterologous host organisms has been achieved by expression of the genes encoding the PUFA synthase subunits along with an appropriate PPTase. Of particular interest here, is the PUFA synthase derived from Schizochytrium 20888 (Metz et at., 2001, Science 293:290-293). The primary products of this PUFA synthase are DHA and DPAn-6. Schizochytrium 20888 has been developed as a commercial source for oil enriched in DHA. The organism can accumulate high levels of oil (>60% of the biomass) and DHA can comprise >40% of the fatty acids present in that biomass (Barclay et al., Single Cell Oils, 2nd edition. 2010 AOCS Press, pgs 75-96). In the native organism the DHA to DPAn-6 ratio typically ranges between 2.3 to 2.7. Expression of the PUFA synthase subunits of Schizochytrium 20888, along with an appropriate PPTase (e.g., Hetl from Nostoc sp., see Hauvermale et a., 2008, Lipids 41: 739-747 and Metz et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2013-0150599) in heterologous host cells has resulted in production of DHA and DPAn-6 in those cells. Although DHA and DPAn-6 are produced in cells of E. coli (Hauvermale et al., 2008, Lipids 41:739-747), and in yeast and higher plants (Metz et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2013-0150599), the levels have not approached those observed in the native organism. Additionally, in both yeast and in plants, the DHA to DPAn-6 ratio is typically significantly lower than that observed in the native organism. It is possible that some factor (or factors) in addition to the activated subunits of the enzyme itself is present in the cells of Schizochytrium 20888 which facilitates activity of the enzyme.
Since additional factors involved in the PUFA synthesis mechanism can have implications for increasing the efficiency of and/or improving the production of PUFAs in an organism that has been genetically modified to produce such PUFAs, there is a need in the art for finding such factor/factors. Accordingly, there is also a need in the art for improved methods of production of PUFAs, including in microorganisms that have been genetically modified to produce such PUFAs, which take advantage of the activity of such mechanism. | {
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The separation and recovery of biomolecules like enzymes and glycoproteins are critical cost determining steps in most of the down stream processes in biotechnology industries. Conventionally, separation of lysozyme from the crude sources has been done by salt precipitation (Hasegawa, Mineo, Yoshida, Kazuya, Miyauchi, Sakae, Terazono, Masami: U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,583, (1985)) or by ion exchange techniques (Hasegawa, Mineo, Ozaki, Kitao; U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,755 (1987); Durance, Timothy, Li-Chan, Eunice, Nakai, Shuryo: U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,851 (1990); Hasegawa, Mineo: U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,695 (1985); Takechi, Kaz, Takahashi, Tsuyos, Inaba, Toyoaki, Hasegawa, Eiichi: U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,125 (1978).
Various techniques based on affinity interactions between enzyme-inhibitor, enzyme-substrate, enzyme-transition state analog, enzyme-cofactor and the like have been developed as better alternatives to the above-mentioned conventional systems for the selective recovery of enzymes. Most of the affinity based separations involve polymers to which the affinity ligand or cofactors or dyes are chemically linked. The complex formed between enzyme and the polymeric ligand is subsequently processed to isolate the enzyme.
These alternative systems primarily involve affinity chromatography or affinity ultrafiltration. Although these techniques provide high selectivity, they are beset with several practical difficulties which are summarised below.
Bozzano A. G., Glatz C. E., J. Memb Sci 55, 181-198 (1991); Ehsani N., Parkkinen S., Nystrom M. J. Memb Sci 123, 105-119, (1997) disclose that affinity ultrafiltration is suitable for the separation of enzyme only in cases where the difference between the molecular weights of the desired enzyme and other biomolecules is appreciably large. Also, at high pressures, the denaturation of the enzyme and fouling of the membrane leads to poor product quality (Ehsani N., Parkkinen S., Nystrom M. J. Memb Sci 123, 105-119, (1997)).
Affinity chromatography (Hirano S., Kaneko R, Kitagawa M., Agric. Biol. Chem, 55, 1683-1684 (1991); Safrik L., Safarikova M., J. Biochem Biophys. Methods, 27, 327-330 (1993); Reid, Lorne S.: U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,845 (1985)) is found suitable only for small capacity columns. Scale up of the columns retards the flow rate and leads to clogging of the columns, thereby resulting in increased cost of the process. Another disadvantage of this process is that it is non-continuous since periodic flushing is required at specified time intervals to remove any undesirable non-specifically adsorbed biomolecules in the column (Chern C. S., Lee C. K., Chen C. Y., Yeh M. J., Colloids and Surfaces B. Biointerfaces. 6 37-49, (1996)).
Affinity precipitation eliminates many of the above-mentioned problems and offers certain advantages such as ease of scale up, amenability to continuous operation and recycling of the affinity ligand (Chem C. S., Lee C. K., Chen C. Y., Yeh M. J., Colloids and Surfaces B. Biointerfaces. 6 37-49, (1996)). Affinity precipitation involves the formation of a complex between the enzyme and a stimuli sensitive affinity polymer in a homogeneous solution. This complex is precipitated by a change in the pH, temperature or ionic strength. This complex is dissociated and the polymer is separated by varying either one of the above-mentioned stimuli and the enzyme is then isolated (Gupta M. N., Kaul R., Guogiang D., and Mattiasson B., J. Mol. Recog. 9, 356-359, (1996)). Thus the recovery of the enzyme by this process is much simpler.
It is well known that ligands containing N-acetyl groups such as N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, chitin, chitosan, and the like exhibit affinity for various enzymes and lectins (Tyagi R., Kumar A, Sardar M., Kumar S., Gupta M. N., Isol.Purif. 2, 217-226, (1996); Katz, Friedrich D., Fishman, Louis, Levy: U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,317 (1976)).
All the above ligands are derived from glucose. Since glucose is a carbons source for many microbes, such ligands are susceptible to microbial attack and hydrolytic degradation resulting in poor stability of these ligands (Hirano S., Kaneko H., Kitagawa M., Agric. Biol. Chem, 55, 1683-1684 (1991)). Also chitosan is insoluble in alkaline media while crosslinked chitosan and chitin are insoluble in both alkaline and acidic media (Ruckstein, Eli; Zeng, Xianfang; Biotechnology and Bioengineering 56, 610-617 (1997)). This limits their use. Moreover, chitin and chitosan can undergo transglycosylation and mutarotation, which drastically reduces their efficiency in any affinity based recovery of enzyme (Davies, R. C., Neuberger, A, Wilson, B. M., Biochem Biophys Acta, 178, 294-305, (1969); Neuberger, A., Wilson, B. M., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 147, 473-486, (1967)). Thus, it is desirable to replace glucose by stable synthetic ligands during the synthesis of thermoprecipitating affinity polymers for enzyme separations. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Numerous fungi and bacteria are serious pests of common agricultural crops. One method of controlling diseases has been to apply antimicrobial organic or semiorganic chemicals to crops. This method has numerous, art-recognized problems. A more recent method of control of microorganism pests has been the use of biological control organisms which are typically natural competitors or inhibitors of the troublesome microorganisms. However, it is difficult to apply biological control organisms to large areas, and even more difficult to cause those living organisms to remain in the treated area for an extended period. Still more recently, techniques in recombinant DNA have provided the opportunity to insert into plant cells cloned genes which express antimicrobial compounds. This technology has given rise to additional concerns about eventual microbial resistance to well-known, naturally occurring antimicrobials, particularly in the face of heavy selection pressure, which may occur in some areas. Thus, a continuing need exists to identify naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds which can be formed by plant cells directly by translation of a single structural gene.
European Patent Application 204,590, based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 725,368, describes a method of genetically modifying a plant cell to control expression of heterologous foreign structure genes. In the method, the plant cell is transformed to contain a pRi T-DNA promoter and a heterologous foreign structural gene, the promoter and the structural gene being in such position and orientation with respect to one another that the structural gene is expressible in a plant cell under control of the promoter.
Likewise, European Patent Application 186,425, based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 685,824, describes a recombinant DNA expression vector which comprises (a) a transcription unit, flanked by T-DNA border sequences, which comprises a promoter and associated amino terminal region encoding sequences and a terminator signal sequence in which the sequences are derived from one or more genes which are naturally expressed in a plant cell, and (b) an antibiotic resistance gene-encoding sequence located between the promoter and associated amino-terminal region-encoding sequence and the terminator sequence and (c) a DNA fragment containing a replicon that is functional in Agrobacterium.
PCT application 8807087, based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 168,109, discloses a recombinant virus expression system comprising a Heliothis polyhedrin promoter and a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous peptide or protein, which may have antimicrobial activity.
Akaji, K. et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Tokyo) 37(10):2661-2664 (1989), reports the syntheses of three peptides from horseshoe crab, including tachyplesin I and II.
Kawano, K. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265(26):15365-15367 (1990), reports the isolation of tachyplesin I from hemocytes of the horseshow crab, and determination of its betasheet structure.
Miyata, T. et al., J. Biochem (Tokyo) 106(4):663-669 (1989), discloses isolation of tachyplesin II from horseshoe crab and elucidation of its structure and biological activity.
Muta, T. et al., J. Biochem (Tokyo) 108(2):261-266 (1990), discloses isolation of tachyplesin III and a processing intermedate of its precursor.
Nakamura, T. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263(32):16709-16713 (1988), discusses isolation and chemical structure of tachyplesin.
Niwa, M. et al., First Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Association for Developmental and Comparative Immunology (Jadci), Tokyo., Japan, November (14(2):2-3 (1990) deals with the antimicrobial activities of tachyplesin isopeptides.
Shieh, T. C. et al., FEBS (Fed. Eur. Biochem. Soc.) Lett. 252(1-2):121-124 (1989) discloses synthesis and properties of tachyplesin I.
Shigenaga, T. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265(34):21350-21354 (1990) describes cloning of cDNA for the peptide precursor of tachyplesin and the cellular localization of the peptide in the horseshoe crab.
Japanese laid-open patent application 02207098, assigned to Taiyo Fishery KK, disloses a composition having high specificity to beta-glucan. The composition includes an amoebocyte lysate from Lumulina and blood cell membrane proteins including tachyplesins I and II.
Japanese laid-open patent application 02204500, also assigned to Taiyo Fishery KK, discloses an article insoluble carrier for removing pyrogens from fluids. The article is made by bonding crab peptides identified as tachyplesins I and II to a water insoluble carrier.
The disclosures of the foregoing references are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference to show the state of the art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for estimating a road surface condition under a traveling vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
To enhance the travel stability of a vehicle, it is desired that the road surface condition or the ground contact state of the tire is estimated with accuracy and the data thus obtained is fed back to vehicle control. If the road surface condition or the ground contact state of the tire can be estimated in time, then it will be possible to operate such advanced control as ABS (antilock braking system) braking before taking any danger avoidance action such as braking, accelerating, or steering. With such facility, there will be a marked boost in the safety of vehicular operation.
There are a number of proposed methods for estimating a road surface condition. In one of such methods (see Patent Document 1, for instance), a tire used for the estimation of road surface conditions has deformable structural areas, each including sipes, formed at a specific pitch P circumferentially in the shoulder region of the tire. And the vibrations of the running tire tread are detected by an acceleration sensor to acquire a vibration spectrum, and at the same time the wheel speed is measured by a wheel speed sensor. Then the road surface condition is estimated from the vibration level caused by the deformable structural areas at the detected frequency calculated from the wheel speed measured by the wheel speed sensor and the pitch P.
Also, there are methods proposed for estimating the road-hugging performance of a wheel, using a kinetic state quantity of the wheel (see Patent Document 2, for instance). As described in Patent Document 2, an FFT analysis is performed on the vibration components in the unsprung resonant frequency range extracted from a wheel speed. Then the maximum value Gv of gain of the obtained frequency component in the analysis is compared with the predetermined reference value Gv0. And if the maximum value Gv of gain is greater than the reference value Gv0, the road-hugging performance is determined to be poor, and if the maximum. value Gv of gain is smaller than the reference value Gv0, the road-hugging performance is determined to be satisfactory.
Also, there are various road surface shape detecting apparatuses disclosed. In one of them (see Patent Document 3, for instance), the vibrations of unsprung parts of a vehicle when the vehicle goes over a road surface bump are detected by acceleration sensors attached to the unsprung parts of the right and left wheels. At the same time, the difference Ap-p between the maximum value and the minimum value of the unsprung vibrations is calculated. Then the road surface bump height X1 and the road surface bump width X2 are estimated using the difference Ap-p between the maximum value and the minimum value and a multiple regression equation representing a predetermined relationship between the road surface bump height X1 and road surface bump width X2 and the difference Ap-p between the maximum value and the minimum value. Note here that the multiple regression equation is determined for each of wheel speeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrically rewritable non-volatile semiconductor storage device and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, LSIs are formed by integration of devices in a two-dimensional plane on the silicon substrate. Although it is common to reduce (refine) the dimension for each device in order to increase memory storage capacity, recent years are facing challenges in such refinement from the viewpoint of cost and technology. Such refinement requires further improvements in photolithography technology. However, the costs of lithography process are ever increasing. In addition, if such refinement is accomplished, it is assumed that physical improvement limit, such as in breakdown voltage between devices, would be reached unless driving voltage can be scaled. That is, it is likely that difficulties would be encountered in device operation itself.
Therefore, such semiconductor storage devices have been proposed recently where memory cells are arranged in a three-dimensional manner to achieve improved integration of memory devices (see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-266143).
One of the conventional semiconductor storage devices where memory cells are arranged in a three-dimensional manner uses transistors with a cylinder-type structure (see Patent Document 1). Those semiconductor storage devices using transistors with the cylinder-type structure are provided with multiple conductive layers corresponding to gate electrodes and pillar-like columnar semiconductors. Each columnar semiconductor serves as a channel (body) part of a respective transistor. Memory gate insulation layers are provided around the columnar semiconductors. Such a configuration including these conductive layers, columnar semiconductor layers, and memory gate insulation layers is referred to as a “memory string”. In this memory string, the columnar semiconductor layers are formed in a matrix form in the row and column directions parallel to the substrate. The conductive layers are formed in a stripe pattern extending in the row direction, and at a certain pitch in the column direction.
In consideration of the lithography resolution limit (F) and the width of conductive layers, at least a distance of 3F in the column direction and 2F in the row direction is required for a distance between the centers of the columnar semiconductor layers. However, there is still a need for non-volatile semiconductor storage devices manufactured with even smaller occupation area than in the conventional technology as mentioned above. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The disclosure is directed to motorized closure assembly. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to motorized sliding windows and doors.
Building doors and windows include a number of different types of designs such as overhead doors and windows, horizontal sliding doors and windows, vertical lift doors and windows, folding doors and windows, pocket doors and windows, roller doors and windows etc. With space for buildings and apartments getting increasingly small, so does the space available for any driving mechanisms configured to open and close these doors and windows.
Additionally, safety and aesthetic considerations impose design restrictions making commonly used externally visible and accessible drive mechanisms undesirable.
Accordingly, there is a need for concealed drive mechanisms for doors. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to novel aluminous compositions prepared by reacting gamma alumina with aluminum hydride. These compositions are useful as catalysts, particularly as catalysts for acid catalyzed reactions.
2. Background of the Invention
Aluminum hydride has been decomposed to produce aluminum metal coatings on alumina. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,333 issued Mar. 17, 1970. These processes are typically low temperature processes, below 250.degree. C. The instant compositions contain no aluminum metal. The compositions of the instant invention have signficantly altered catalyst properties over conventional alumina catalysts. They find use for catalyzing acid catalyzed reactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
EP 0 954 639 B1 discloses a set of paving stones that respectively have a polygonal base surface, side surfaces with ribs and visible sides, for paving surfaces with optionally different laying patterns. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention is related to machines for spot welding aluminum, and more particularly to such a machine having a pair of shunts connected between the electrodes and the transformer in a close, side-by-side relationship to reduce the reaction normally developed when the electrodes are fired.
Spot welding machines have long been employed for welding steel. However, a special problem arises when such machines are employed for welding aluminum because low resistance aluminum requires two to three times the current required for steel. Usually 440 voltage is supplied to a transformer which reduces the electrode voltage to about 7 volts with an amperage build-up of approximately 30,000 amps. A U-shaped low reactance connection is necessary to accomodate the high amperage welding current. When such amperage is applied to the electrodes, a magnetic force build-up tends to drive conventionally arranged shunts apart as the transformer is fired.
Such a reaction not only reduces the life of the machine, but results in considerable current loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
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