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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to imaging systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to systems and methods of image processing in which images from different detectors or different detector configurations are resized to a standard matrix size.
2. Background Discussion
Radiography is the use of certain spectra of electromagnetic radiation, usually x-rays, to image a human body. Angiography, a particular radiographic method, is the study of blood vessels using x-rays. An angiogram uses a radiopaque substance, or contrast medium, to make the blood vessels visible under x-ray. Angiography is used to detect abnormalities, including narrowing (stenosis) or blockages (occlusions), in the blood vessels throughout the circulatory system and in certain organs.
Cardiac angiography, also known as coronary angiography, is a type of angiographic procedure in which the contrast medium is injected into one of the arteries of the heart, in order to view blood flow through the heart, and to detect obstruction in the coronary arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.
Peripheral angiography, in contrast, is an examination of the peripheral arteries in the body; that is, arteries other than the coronary arteries. The peripheral arteries typically supply blood to the brain, the kidneys, and the legs. Peripheral angiograms are most often performed in order to examine the arteries which supply blood to the head and neck, or the abdomen and legs.
Recent advances in x-ray imaging have allowed the acquisition of digital radiographic images. Different x-ray applications, such as cardiac angiography, interventional angiography, and general radiography will apply different, specifically designed, x-ray flat-panel detectors. Differences typically include the size, image formats, pixel size, frame rates, dose sensitivity, and other parameters of the x-ray detectors. Differences between detectors can arise because the pixels of the x-ray detector are hardwired to the input screen. For example, for flat-panel detectors, the x-ray conversion layer is directly coupled to the underlying pixel matrix.
Conventional image processing typically involves both frequency-domain and time-domain techniques. Frequency-dependent processing may include such techniques as edge enhancement, dynamic range compression, and other advanced multi-frequency filter techniques. Temporal filter techniques may include motion-detection algorithms and time-domain filters. Most of these algorithms depend on the actual pixel size of the detector (including combined super-pixels generated by binning techniques) and the local noise level or signal-to-noise ratio. The pixel size influences the object-sizes on which the algorithms operate, while the signal-to-noise-ratio, which is governed by the dose as well as the pixel size, influences the thresholds or distinction capabilities between noise and structure in those algorithms which involve local or global noise analysis.
Recently, increased use of combinations of applications, such as combination labs for combined cardiovascular as well as peripheral angiography applications, has lead to mixed detector types being used, with each detecting having different characteristics and specific designs. For example, different planes of a single combination lab may utilize different detectors, thereby introducing the problem of different image parameters in a single application.
In another example, a user may use two different labs utilizing two different detector configurations, and may later wish to reconcile the different images taken by the two different detectors, again introducing the problem of different image parameters in a single application.
Conventional techniques to attempt to overcome image quality differences in such combined detector applications typically include attempts for individual parameter optimization. A similar approach that has been attempted involves individual parameter optimization of the image processing pipeline for each detector type so that the image characteristics are as close as possible. This approaches has the disadvantages that (1) it requires independent parameter handling; and (2) it may not be feasible.
Furthermore, independent parameter handling is becoming increasingly complex with the increasing complexity of the algorithms being used.
For example, independent parameter handling is unacceptable when used, for example, with edge-enhancements, which require small, odd-sized kernels, such as 3×3, 5×5, or 7×7 pixel kernels. In such instances, the parameters are discrete, and no fine-matching is possible. Also, in an instance in which two detectors are used, one with a small 150 μm pixel size, and the other with a larger 200 μm pixel size; in the first detector, a 5×5 pixel kernel will act on 750 μm size object structures, while the second detector will act on 1000 μm size object structures. Using a 5×5 kernel for the small pixel detector and a 3×3 kernel for the larger pixel detector will not resolve the problem, and in fact no other kernel size will be an appropriate alternative.
Clearly, this conventional approach has disadvantages for parameter complexity, and inconsistency of image processing from one detector type to another.
Therefore, it would be an advancement in the state of the art to provide a system and method of image processing of images in which images from different detectors are resized to a standard matrix size. | {
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This invention relates to personal computers designed with commercially available microprocessor chip sets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a personal computer in which a new generation of commercially available microprocessors is implemented in a manner to maintain software compatibility with existing application programs.
The present invention permits one to implement a new family of microprocessors such as the Intel 80386 while maintaining compatibility with the older generation of microprocessors, specifically the 80286 microprocessor (manufactured by Intel).
One of the design features of the 80286 microprocessor was the ability to recognize and retain a HOLD request from external hardware during a microprocessor RESET cycle. In the 80286 system, DMA and REFRESH cycle operations (using HOLD) could occur while the CPU was being reset. The feature in the 80286 microprocessor, to recognize a HOLD, during a RESET cycle was eliminated at the time the 80386 microprocessor chip was designed. Thus the 80386 chip is not capable of being fully compatible with 80286 functions because of the loss of this feature. Since many third party software applications for the 80286 processor machines are written with this feature in mind, these programs were incompatible with the new 80386 microprocessor. Failure to find a means to make the programs written for the 80286 microprocessor compatible with the new 80386 microprocessor will result in almost no commercial demand for a computer implementing the new 80386 microprocessor.
The introduction of the personal computer has resulted in a tremendous amount of application software programs written for both the professional and for the home entertainment market. These personal computers are designed around commercially available microprocessor chip sets which may include a plurality of microprocessors connected in an architecture which results in varying degrees of execution throughput rates.
Popular microprocessor chip sets widely used by personal computer manufacturers are the Intel Corporation 8088 microprocessor, 8086 microprocessor and the 80286 microprocessor, all having similar instruction sets. Similar instruction sets are also available for a new generation microprocessor from Intel, the 80386 microprocessor. The 80386 microprocessor has a substantially higher execution cycle rate, almost three times faster than the 80286 . Available also from Intel is a co-processor chip, the Intel 80287, which may be used either with the 80286 or the 80386 microprocessor chips to achieve even higher execution throughput rates.
With the availability of a software compatible (i.e., executes the same instruction set) microprocessor, it is possible to upgrade a prior art personal computer with higher execution speeds for some application programs written for the lower speed microprocessor chip sets. While faster software compatible microprocessors are available, it is not possible, however, to simply substitute the faster microprocessor for the slower microprocessor and thereby produce a personal computer which executes at higher speeds for all of the application programs written for the slower microprocessor.
Not all application programs written for the slower microprocessor i.e., 8088/8086 and 80286 microprocessors are capable of running at faster microprocessor speeds, even though each instruction in the program is executed in a similar manner in these machines. The inability to run some programs at higher speeds results from the fact that programmers, when writing for the slower microprocessor, take advantage of the particular capabilities of the microprocessor in structuring routines. For example, many programmers took advantage of the ability of the 80286 microprocessor to run programs in the "real" and "protected" mode and implemented this capability while at the same time taking the necessary precautions to work within the limitations of these features as the program performed the various functions.
It is undeniable that providing a personal computer capable of executing application programs written for slower microprocessors in a third of the time would be of a commercial advantage in the marketplace, but such a device would not be competitive unless it were able to execute a majority of the application programs written for slower speed microprocessors.
Even though the previous microprocessor chip sets, (i.e. 80286 ) contain a great deal of software compatibility, the internal design of the microprocessors is not the same. This difference in internal design, depending upon the design of the application program, i.e., does it contain a lot of program jumps, affects the adaptability of a given application program to the new microprocessor.
The internal design difference between the 80286 and the 80386 microprocessors is primarily in the amount of pre-fetch buffer memory provided in the microprocessor, however, some of the firmware features in the 80286 microprocessor were eliminated in the design of the 80386 microprocessor.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a personal computer with a new generation microprocessor executing at a faster rate which provides for a faster execution of application programs which were written for an earlier generation of microprocessors while maintaining compatibility with the older generation microprocessors. Compatibility should be maintained particularly when the chip manufacturer has eliminated features from the new generation microprocessor without regard to the issue of compatibility. For example, the older generation microprocessor included features which were intentionally used by program writers as a part of the program, however the chip manufacturer has eliminated these features without regard to the issue of compatibility. One such feature is the ability to recognize and respond to a "HOLD" request during reset of the CPU. | {
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The following U.S. Patent provides background information and is incorporated herein by reference in entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,420 discloses a pallet or cart which can be coupled to a similar pallet or cart in a side by side relationship. The pallet or cart, at its one or right side, has a coupling, which cooperates with an associated coupling on the opposite or left side of an adjacent pallet or cart. The couplings and the associated couplings can be connected to connect the two pallets or carts together to make them capable of being moved together and even be lifted and lowered together by a standard lift truck or forklift or a standard pallet jack. The couplings are also releasable so that, when necessary, each pallet or cart may be used as would be a single pallet or cart. The pallet or cart may have one or more foldable shelves therein. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric power steering apparatus for reducing a steering effort on the steering wheel by torque of a motor.
2. Related Background Art
There existed the conventional electric power steering apparatus among power steering devices for reducing the steering effort on the steering wheel. The electric power steering apparatus was arranged to detect steering torque by a torque sensor and to transmit assist force generated by the motor, based on the steering torque thus detected, through an electromagnetic clutch and a reducing unit to a steering shaft, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Utility Model Application No. 62-13764.
In the electric power steering apparatus described above, however, the motor was connected through the reducing unit to the steering shaft, and thus the motor was an inertial object in the steering system. Specifically, the inertia force of the motor, which is sensed by the driver manipulating the steering wheel, is expressed by (moment of inertia of the motor).times.(gear ratio).times.(gear ratio) and is thus greatly affected by the gear ratios. It was, therefore, the cause of degrading the steering feeling. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of producing copolyester material with peptide, particularly to a method of producing improved copolyester material with peptide which has excellent hydrophilic, antistaticity, toughness and chemical resistance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a widely used copolyester material. PET can be used to spun into fibers for weaving, making clothes, bedding, curtains, sheets and carpets, and can be extruded into films such as photographic film, tapes, videotapes and packaging materials as well. PET can also be blown into a vial, used to replace the glass container to fill tea, soft drinks or fruit juice and other beverages.
Taiwan is originally a major producer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Over the past decades, as the technology is getting mature and labor is expensive, manufacturers gradually shift production equipment to the mainland China and Southeast Asia, using cheap labor in these areas for mass production, and even selling back the products to the domestic. This results in widespread market competition and unprofitable dilemma.
Accordingly, it is necessary to develop an improved copolyester material having a property better than Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), such that manufacturers can produce more durable and more competitive products. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an device for collecting and treating vaporized fuel in a fuel tank without releasing the fuel vapor into the atmosphere. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a testing apparatus that tests for malfunctions concerning the sealing of a fuel vapor treating device, which is provided with a canister for collection of fuel and a purging means for appropriate purging of the fuel into an intake passage of an engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
A fuel vapor treating device typically mounted on a vehicle, collects and treats vaporized fuel in a fuel tank without releasing the fuel vapor into the atmosphere. As shown in FIG. 17, a typical apparatus has a canister 73 that draws in and collects fuel vaporized in a fuel tank 71 through a vapor line 72. The canister 73 is filled with an adsorbent 74 comprised of activated carbon or the like. A purge line 75, extending from the canister 73, is connected to an intake passage 77 of an engine 76. The canister 73 first adsorbs the vaporized fuel drawn in through the vapor line 72. The canister 73 collects fuel and discharges only the residual gas, from which fuel components (particularly hydrocarbon, HC) have been extracted, into the atmosphere through a hole 78. The fuel collected in the canister 73 is purged into the intake passage 77 by way of the purge line 75 during operation of the engine 76. A purge control valve 79, provided in the purge line 75, adjusts the flow rate of the fuel conveyed through the purge line 75 in accordance with the requirements of the engine 76.
In this typical treating device damage or disconnection of the vapor line 72 may lead to a degradation in the airtightness, or sealing, of the treating device. This may result in insufficient treatment of the vaporized fuel.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication 6-108930 describes an apparatus that tests for malfunctions such as those described above. As shown in FIG. 18, a testing apparatus used for fuel vapor treating devices includes a fuel tank 81, a canister 82, a vapor line 83, and a purge line 84. A purge vacuum switching valve (VSV), or purge control valve 85, provided in the purge line 84, adjusts the flow rate of the fuel passing through the purge line 84. An electronic control unit (ECU) 86 controls the purge control valve 85 during operation of the engine 76. A vapor control valve 87, provided in the vapor line 83, controls the flow of vaporized fuel directed toward the canister 82 from the fuel tank 81. A difference in pressure between the fuel tank 81 side and the canister 82 side of the vapor control valve 87 opens the valve 87 and causes the vaporized fuel to flow therethrough toward the canister 82. The testing apparatus includes a pressure sensor 88 which separately detects the interior pressure in the tank side of the vapor control valve 87 and the canister side of the vapor control valve 87. That is, a three-way valve 89, connected to the pressure sensor 88, includes a port connected to the vapor line 83 at the side of the fuel tank 81 and another port connected to the vapor line 83 at the side of the canister 82. The pressure sensor 88 selectively detects the tank pressure and the canister pressure when the ECU 86 switches the side which the three-way valve 89 is connected to in accordance with its requirements. The ECU 86 determines whether there is a malfunction in either the tank side or the canister side based on the detected value of the tank pressure and the canister pressure.
However, accurate detection of the interior pressure in the canister side is obstructed in the testing apparatus described in the above publication when a malfunction occurs in the purge control valve 85. For example, when a valve body of the control valve 85 adheres to a casing or other parts in a closed state, the interior pressure of the canister side may be detected inaccurately since the pressure is detected under the assumption that the valve body is opened. Or, for example, when the valve body of the control valve 85 adheres to the casing or other parts in an opened state, the interior pressure of the canister side may be detected inaccurately since the pressure is detected under the assumption that the valve body is closed. Such erroneous detection of the interior pressure in the canister side may hinder appropriate testing concerning the sealing in the canister side that is conducted by the ECU 86. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to pre-reduction equipment for guiding a pipe blank and reducing its end before it enters an "Assel" rolling mill, which is disposed immediately downstream from the pre-reduction equipment. The mill consists of several freely rotatable rollers, which are disposed uniformly distributed about the pipe blank and can be set concentrically against the pipe blank and the setting motion of which can be controlled as a function of a determined position of the pipe blank.
2. Description of the Related Art
Pre-reduction equipment of the generic type are known, for example, from the DE 38 23 135 C 2. They are used in order to avoid funnel-shaped triangular end parts of pipes rolled from pipe blanks in "Assel" rolling mills. Such triangular end parts arise in the process due to the fact that the end of the pipe, when rolled, expands. In the DE 38 23 135 C 2, in order to avoid these trumpet-shaped pipe ends, it is proposed that the diameter of the end part of the pipe blank be pre-reduced, before it runs into the reduction zone of the "Assel" rolling mill. As pre-reduction equipment, freely rotatable rollers are used, which, when viewed in the rolling direction, are disposed in a stand in front of the "Assel" rolling mill. The four rollers, distributed over the periphery of the pipe blank, can be adjusted concentrically with respect to the pipe blank. Shortly before the end part of the pipe blank enters this pre-reduction equipment, the rollers are switched on and the end part of the pipe blank is reduced in this way. In principle, this pre-reduction equipment has proven its value.
For the initial rolling of the pipe blanks in the "Assel" rolling mill it is necessary to push these blanks so far between the "Assel" rollers so that the latter take hold of the pipe blank. In this connection, it is known that the pipe blank can be clamped at its end so that it cannot rotate and be pushed with the front end into the rolling gap. It is a disadvantage that the pipe blank, so clamped, is twisted in the clamping device, if it is not released in good time. It is furthermore known that a contact shoulder can be provided at the mandrel rod, over which the pipe blank is pushed into the rolling gap. This has the disadvantage that the shoulder can be adjusted as a function of the length and must be geared to the dimensions of the pipe blank, which is to be subjected to an initial rolling process, that is, it must be exchangeable.
A special problem of the initial rolling of the pipe blanks arises when particularly short pipe blanks are used, because the feeding apparatuses have an inadequate lift for pushing the start of the pipe blank securely into the rollers of the "Assel" rolling mill. This is a problem particularly when the pipe blanks must be pushed in by means of the known pre-reduction equipment which, due to the method, must occupy a position at a certain distance from the "Assel" rolling mill. | {
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Most currently available operating systems and application programs are written to display output in a single natural language. A natural language is one that is written and/or spoken and is distinguished from computing languages, such as PASCAL, BASIC or C. Natural languages include languages such as English, French, Arabic and Japanese. Certain software programs are available in multiple versions, wherein each version is written to display output in a different natural language. However, these multiple versions are not integrated into a single product. Operating systems are available that may output text in different natural languages but these operating systems must be internally reset by a software reset or a hardware reboot to switch between natural languages. | {
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Cyclohexanone is typically produced by the oxidation of cyclohexane, or the hydrogenation of phenol. These methods may also generate various contaminants that are difficult to separate from the desired products, and that can render the cyclohexanone product substandard or unusable to downstream processes, for example in the manufacture of caprolactam or adipic acid. Thus, certain treatment means have been described to remove those contaminants from cyclohexanone.
The production of phenol from cyclohexylbenzene is an emerging technology, interesting in that it co-produces cyclohexanone, rather than acetone. Cyclohexylbenzene may be produced, for example, by direct alkylation of benzene with cyclohexene, or as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,513, by contacting benzene with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. The cyclohexylbenzene may then be oxidized to the corresponding hydroperoxide and the hydroperoxide cleaved to phenol and cyclohexanone using a catalyst.
The production of phenol and cyclohexanone from cyclohexylbenzene also produces various contaminants that are difficult to separate from the desired products. However, the nature of those contaminants and the separations thereof are significantly different from those in the conventional Hock process for the production of phenol and acetone, and/or the conventional cyclohexanone production from cyclohexane or phenol. For example, hydroalkylation of benzene produces significant amounts of, among others, cyclohexane and lesser amounts of methylcyclopentane, cyclohexene, phenylcyclohexene, and phenylcyclohexyldiene. Similarly, the oxidation of cyclohexylbenzene typically produces peroxide species alien to the Hock process, such as the desired cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-1-hydroperoxide (CHBHP), and undesired byproduct hydroperoxides such as cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-2-hydroperoxide, cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-3-hydroperoxide and cyclohexyl-1-phenyl-4-hydroperoxide. The cleavage of these various hydroperoxides produces a wide variety of contaminant species which are not produced by the chemistry and technology of either the Hock process, the cyclohexane oxidation process, or the phenol hydrogenation process.
Caprolactam is an important industrial material for making nylon-6, a widely used polymer material. The purity of caprolactam has significant impact on the quality such as strength of nylon-6 made therefrom. Caprolactam can be made from cyclohexanone via the following Route-1:
In the various industrial processes for making cyclohexanone, methylcyclopentanone may be produced as a contaminant. Even at a very small amount, such as on the level of several ppm, methylcyclopentanone, by undergoing similar reactions to those of cyclohexanone in reaction Route-1 above, may lead to the formation of highly undesirable contaminants, particularly methylvalerolactam having one or more of the following formulae:
Methylvalerolactam is very difficult to remove from caprolactam. During further reaction of caprolactam to produce nylon-6 via reaction Route-2 below:
the various isomers of methylvalerolactam, shown above, by polymerization with each other and/or with caprolactam, may significantly reduce the quality and performance of the nylon-6 product, even if at a low concentration.
As such, there is a strong need of producing a cyclohexanone product with very low methylcyclopentanone concentration. Due to the very close boiling points of cyclohexanone (156° C. at 101 kPa), 2-methylcyclopentanone (140° C. at 101 kPa) and 3-methylcyclopentanone (145° C. at 101 kPa), separation of a physical mixture of cyclohexanone and methylcyclopentanone using traditional fractionation to purify cyclohexanone is quite difficult, especially if the concentration of methylcyclopentanone in the final cyclohexanone product is desired to be as low as several ppm by weight. Usually, this would entail the use of complicated, costly, and high maintenance equipment and processes such as one of more of (i) high vacuum inside the column; (ii) fractionation column with high number of distillation trays and/or a high reflux ratio; and (iii) multiple fractionation columns in a series to achieve the desired level of separation. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite plate material of a thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers (hereinafter referred to as FRTP plate) suitable in use for molding various products constructed from a composite material of the thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers (fiber reinforced thermoplastics, hereinafter referred to as FRTP) by stamping or press flow molding method etc., and relates to products molded out of the composite plate material or materials (hereinafter referred to as FRTP products).
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various FRTP plates are known. There are two types of FRTP plates, using excessively long reinforcing fibers and using excessively short reinforcing fibers. Typical FRTP plate of the former type comprises unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers, or reinforcing fibers formed as a fabric or a swirl mat. Typical FRTP plate of the latter type comprises reinforcing fibers formed as a chopped strand mat formation. Although both types of FRTP plates have respective characteristics, recently the former having higher mechanical properties has been more noted than the latter from the viewpoint of use of FRTP material for various mechanical parts which has been broadly developed.
The former type of FRTP plates, which use excessively long reinforcing fibers, are disclosed in, for example, JP-B-63-37694 and JP-A-60-36136. The FRTP plates disclosed in these publications are composites of thermoplastic resins and reinforcing fibers orientated in one direction parallel to one another in the form of a sheet. Since the reinforcing fibers are unidirectionally orientated in these FRTP plates, they are very suitable in the case where a product to be molded requires a directivity in its mechanical properties. However, in the case where a quasi isotropy is required for the mechanical properties of a product to be molded, it is required that a plurality of the FRTP plates must be laminated and arranged so as to gradually shift the directions of the reinforcing fibers of the laminated plates when the product is molded. In this molding, if the lamination structure of the FRTP plates is not adequately determined, the anisotropic properties of the molded product increase.
The FRTP plates of reinforcing fibers formed as a fabric or a swirl mat are disclosed in, for example, the above-described JP-B-63-37694, JP-B-48-8468 and JP-B-48-9958. The FRTP plates having these formations in reinforcing fibers have anisotropies smaller than those of the FRTP plates using unidirectionally orientated reinforcing fibers. However, the FRTP plate of reinforcing fibers formed as a fabric is not suitable for molding an FRTP product having a complicated shape such as a shape having many curved surfaces and/or many corners even if an FRTP product having a simple shape such as a plane plate can be easily molded, because the structural stability of a fabric, wherein warp fibers and weft fibers cross crimp each other, is high, and therefore, the fittability of the FRTP plate in molding to a complicated shape is not good. Also in the FRTP plate of reinforcing fibers formed as a swirl mat, the fittability thereof is not good though the anisotropic properties thereof are smaller than those of the FRTP plate of a reinforcing fiber fabric. Therefore, it is difficult to uniformly distribute the reinforcing fibers in a molded FRTP product because the reinforcing fibers of the FRTP plate lack in fluidity during molding.
On the other hand, the FRTP plate of excessively short reinforcing fibers formed as a chopped strand mat has an excellent fittability higher than that of any above-described FRTP plate, and can be relatively easily served to mold an FRTP product having a complicated shape. However, since the reinforcing fibers are short and it is difficult to increase the volume content of the reinforcing fibers in the FRTP plate or the FRTP product, the reinforcement effect due to the reinforcing fibers cannot be greatly increased, and therefore, the mechanical properties of the molded FRTP product are not high.
To solve such a problem, JP-A-59-62112 proposes that, after a thermoplastic resin is impregnated into or applied on the bundle of reinforcing fibers, the bundle including the thermoplastic resin is cut to many bundle pieces each of which has an excessively long length comparing to its width, the bundle pieces are disposed in a required form and the disposed bundle pieces are heated and pressed. According to this process, the thermoplastic resin is impregnated into the reinforcing fibers more completely and the volume content of the reinforcing fibers can be increased to some extent. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the molded FRTP product using the bundle pieces also can be increased to some extent. However, the degree of the increase is not sufficient to satisfy the objects of the present invention at all.
Moreover, the common problem in FRTP materials or FRTP products comprising relatively short reinforcing fibers is that the impact resistance thereof is relatively low. | {
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Hydrogen and oxygen gases may be generated from liquid water via electrolysis, as is well known in the art. Typically, such electrolysis processes exhibit limited efficiency and may be susceptible to other drawbacks that limit their commercial viability. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a dispensing device and, more particularly, to a dispensing device for storing and dispensing bulk food products such as confectioneries.
It is a growing trend for supermarkets and specialty stores to feature bulk foods in which the customer is permitted to select and package a desired quantity of goods. Thus, the customer is permitted to selectively purchase goods so that the customer receives the feeling that he has purchased the best or freshest possible goods. A further advantage is that the customer is liberated from the weight and freshness limitations of packaged food products. A still further advantage is that by allowing the customer to serve himself, there is no need for an employee to package and stack such packaged goods so that the store limits its overhead costs, which savings may be passed on to customers.
Typically, bulk foods are stored in containers such as barrels or bins. Access is often gained to the product by means of a hinged door. The customer utilizes a scoop or cup to transfer the desired quantity from the barrel to a purchasing medium or receptacle, such as a plastic bag. However, such an arrangement does not prevent contamination of the foods. The very act of opening the hinged door exposes the remaining contents of the barrel to contamination by dust and other airborne particles. It is also impossible to keep the scoop free from food residue or customer mishandling since this arrangement allows the customer to have direct physical contact with the entire quantity of bulk product throughout the selection process. Further, a customer is not prevented from returning dispensed food or product to the bin in such an arrangement, thereby enhancing the possibility of product contamination.
An additional consideration in the storage and dispensing of bulk food products is the option of maintaining a continual flow of fresh product. In the method of dispensing bulk foods, as described above, it is difficult, if not impossible, to place fresh product beneath existing product. Therefore, stale product may easily become commingled with the fresher food product.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,343 to Hughes, et al is directed to a bulk dry food product storage, display and dispensing apparatus which includes a plurality of modules with each module having a plurality of hoppers. Each hopper comprises a continuously changing radius of curvature with the front portion being different than the rear portion so that older product moves forward towards the customer as new product is added in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a rake to permit the customer to manipulate the product from any angle to a dispensing chute.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,609 to Morse, et al. is directed to a sanitary foodstuff dispenser in which bulk product is dispensed from a main storage hopper into a smaller intermediate dispensing bin to allow a customer to accurately measure the desired quantity of product. The customer then manipulates a lever in order to dispense the product.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,578 to Radek, et al. is directed to bulk goods dispenser, which like the Morse patent, permits the bulk product to be dispensed from a main storage hopper into a closed dispensing chamber. The customer then manipulates a lever to dispense the selected product into a receptacle.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,592,494 and 4,650,898 to Ellis, et al. are directed to sealed barrier containers in which bulk product is stored in a main storage container and dispensed into a second storage area through a valve mechanism. Once in the second storage area, the product may be maneuvered to the dispensing chute by the customer by a variety of dispensing mechanisms include a rake.
While these patents provide dispensing mechanisms which work to prevent contamination by the customer and from airborne particles, these patents provide complicated structures and do not provide the regulator means and funnel means of the present invention. Further, these patents fail to provide the removable bottom and raking means which enables the present invention to be readily cleaned. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel method of making theanine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Theanine is known as a principal component of deliciousness of green tea and is an important substance as a flavor component of food such as tea. It is pointed out that γ-glutamyl derivative containing theanine acts as a biologically active substance in animals and plants. For example, it is reported that theanine or L-glutamine competes for convulsion caused by caffeine (Chem. Pharm. Bull. 19 (7) 1301-1307 (1971)). Thus, these compounds are considered to act on the central nervous system and expected to be useful as a biologically active substance.
Conventionally, theanine is generally extracted from dried tea leaves obtained in tea plantations where refined green tea containing theanine is produced. However, this method has two defects, namely, (1) only about 1.5% theanine is stored per predetermined amount of dried tea leaves and (2) photosynthesis is actively carried out in ordinary tea plantations and accordingly, synthesized theanine is quickly resolved, whereupon an amount of stored theanine is small. Thus, it is difficult and not practical to produce a sufficient amount of theanine by the extraction from the dried tea leaves.
Accordingly, new industrial production methods of theanine have been proposed. As one of the methods, a chemical organic synthesis of theanine has been reported (Chem. Pharm. Bull. 19 (7) 1301-1307 (1971)). However, the organic synthesis reaction has a low yield and requires a complicated operation in separation and refinement of composition and the like. Furthermore, an enzyme method has been reported as another industrial production method. In this enzyme method, theanine is synthesized from L-glutamine and ethylamine through the use of γ-glutamyl radical group transition reaction of glutaminase derived from Pseudomonas (JP-A-H11-225789). Additionally, another enzyme method has been developed in which this enzyme is fixed to a carrier (JP-A-H05-328986). However, when glutaminase derived from Pseudomonas is used, L-glutamic acid is synthesized as side reaction product by hydrolysis reaction as well as theanine. Accordingly, L-glutamic acid as a by-product complicates refinement of theanine. | {
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Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of morbidity in the female population. Several malignancies arise from the ovary. Epithelial carcinoma of the ovary is one of the most common gynaecologic malignancies and the fifth most frequent cause of cancer death in women, with half of all cases occurring in women over age 65.
Approximately 5% to 10% of ovarian cancers are familial and 3 distinct hereditary patterns have been identified: ovarian cancer alone, ovarian and breast cancers, or ovarian and colon cancers. The most important risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history of a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister) with the disease. The highest risk appears in women with 2 or more first-degree relatives with ovarian cancer. The risk is somewhat less for women with one first-degree and one second-degree (grandmother, aunt) relative with ovarian cancer. In most families affected with breast and ovarian cancer syndrome or site-specific ovarian cancer, genetic linkage has been found to the BRCA1 locus on chromosome 17q21. BRCA2, also responsible for some instances of inherited ovarian and breast cancer, has been mapped by genetic linkage to chromosome 13q12.
The lifetime risk for developing ovarian cancer in patients harbouring germ-line mutations in BRCA1 is substantially increased over the general population. Two retrospective studies of patients with germ-line mutations in BRCA1 suggest that these women have improved survival compared to BRCA1 negative women. When interpreting this data, it must be considered that the majority of women with a BRCA1 mutation probably have family members with a history of ovarian and/or breast cancer. Therefore, these women may have been more vigilant and inclined to participate in cancer screening programs that may have led to earlier detection. For patients at increased risk, prophylactic oophorectomy may be considered after the age of 35 if childbearing is complete. However, the benefit of prophylactic oophorectomy has not yet been established. A small percentage of women may develop a primary peritoneal carcinoma, similar in appearance to ovarian cancer, after prophylactic oophorectomy (Xiao, C. et al., 2001). Epithelial carcinomas are the most common types of ovarian cancer. Stromal and germ cell tumors are relatively uncommon and comprise less than 10% of cases.
Ovarian cancer usually spreads via local shedding into the peritoneal cavity followed by implantation on the peritoneum, and via local invasion of the bowel and the bladder. The highly lethal nature of this tumor is due to the absence of symptoms in women with early stages of this disease. The incidence of positive nodes at primary surgery has been reported as high as 24% in patients with stage I disease, 50% in patient with stage II disease, 74% in patients with stage III disease, and 73% in patients with stage IV disease. Tumor cells may also block diaphragmatic lymphatics. The resulting impairment of lymphatic drainage of the peritoneum is thought to play a role in development of ascites in ovarian cancer. Also, transdiaphragmatic spread to the pleura is common.
Prognosis in ovarian cancer is influenced by several factors, but multivariate analyses suggest that the most important favorable factors include younger age, good performance status, cell type other than mucinous and clear cell, lower stage, well differentiated tumor, smaller disease volume prior to any surgical debulking, absence of ascites, and smaller residual tumor following primary cytoreductive surgery. For patients with stage I disease, the most important prognostic factor is grade, followed by dense adherence and large-volume ascites. DNA flow cytometric analysis of stage I and stage IIA patents may identify a group of high-risk patients. Patients with clear cell histology appear to have a worse prognosis. Patients with a significant component of transitional cell carcinoma appear to have a better prognosis.
Although the ovarian cancer-associated antigen, CA 125, has no prognostic significance when measured at the time of diagnosis, it has a high correlation with survival when measured one month after the third course of chemotherapy for patients with stage III or stage IV disease (Rossmann, M. G. et al., 2000). For patients whose elevated CA 125 normalizes with chemotherapy, more than one subsequent elevated CA 125 is highly predictive of active disease, but this does not mandate immediate therapy.
Most patients have widespread disease at the time of diagnosis because ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Partly as a result of this, yearly mortality in ovarian cancer is approximately 65% of the incidence rate. Long-term follow-up of suboptimally debulked stage III and stage IV patients reveals a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% even with platinum-based combination therapy. Nevertheless, early stages of the disease are curable in a high percentage of patients.
At present the treatment for late stage ovarian cancers involves a total abdominal hysterectomy, careful examination of serosal surfaces, and attempts to debulk all gross disease usually followed by combination chemotherapy that includes a platinum analogue. The survival rate is then between six to forty month, long term survival being less than ten percent.
There has been ongoing research with the aim of identifying molecules that are differentially expressed in benign and malignant ovarian tumors.
Ovarian carcinomas have been found to express the integrin α2β1 (Moser, T. L. et al., 1996; Cannistra, S. A. et al., 1995; Bartolazzi, A. et al., 1993). α2β1 promotes metastatic dissemination of human ovarian epithelial carcinoma via specific binding interactions with type 1 collagen (Schiro, J. A. et al., 1991; Cardarelli, P. M. et al., 1992). Up-regulated surface-expression of integrin α2β1 has also previously been observed on human gastric carcinoma.
The interaction of α2β1 with type 1 collagen likely plays a critical role in peritoneal seeding as well as in metastasis, and over expression of α2β1 has been shown to induce metastatic properties in non-metastatic cells (Chan, B. M. et al., 1991). Blocking of α2β1 has been shown to largely inhibit adhesion of ovarian carcinomas by type 1 collagen.
Viruses capable of inducing lysis of malignant cells through their replication process are known as oncolytic viruses. Most oncolytic viruses require proliferation in the same species or cell lineage. Infection of a cell by a virus involves attachment and uptake into the cell which leads to or is coincidental with uncoating of the viral capsid, and subsequently replication within the cell.
Oncolytic viruses assessed for capacity to kill cancer cells have included the adenovirus subtype Egypt 101 virus which showed oncolytic activity in the HeLa uterine/cervix cancer cell line, mumps virus for treatment of gastric carcinoma, uterine carcinoma and cutaneous carcinoma, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), influenza virus for treatment of ovarian cancer, and adenovirus for treatment of cervical carcinoma (Nemunaitis J; 1999).
Other reports have indicated that adenoviruses and attenuated poliovirus recombinants may have use in the treatment of malignant glioma cells (e.g. Andreansky S. S., 1996), and that reovirus shows lytic capability in human U87 glioblastoma cells and NIH-3T3 cells with an activated Ras signalling pathway (e.g. Strong J. E. et al, 1998).
A vaccinia oncolysate has also been used in clinical trials to treat melanoma (Stage II) patients (Nemunaitis J., 1999). Modified, non-neurovirulent Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) have been reported as showing promise for the treatment of brain tumors including intracranial melanoma, and subcutaneous human melanoma (Randazzo B. R., 1997), while adenovirus infection has been reported to enhance killing of melanoma cells by the plant mitotoxin, saporin (Satyamoorthy K., 1997).
The receptor on target cells recognised by adenovirus differs for different adenovirus types. That is, adenovirus subgroups A, C, D, E and F for instance recognise the CAR receptor while Adenovirus type 5 (subgroup C), Adenovirus type 2 (subgroup C) and Adenovirus type 9 (subgroup D) recognise major histocompatibility class II molecule, αmβ2 and αv integrins, respectively. The CAR receptor is known to be expressed on melanoma cell lines.
Heparan sulfate is recognised by Herpes simplex types 1 and 2 and human herpes virus 7, Adeno-associated virus type 2. The receptor for human Herpesvirus 7 is CD4 while Epstein-Barr virus recognises complement receptor Cr2 (CD21). Poliovirus type 1 and 2 recognise poliovirus receptor (Pvr) for cell adhesion while reovirus recognises sialic acid. Influenza A and B virus recognise the sialic acid N-acetyl neuraminic acid for cell adhesion In contrast, influenza type C virus recognises the sialic acid 9-O-acetyl neuraminic acid. Vaccina virus recognises both epidermal growth factor receptor and heparan sulfate. Coxsackievirus A13, A15, A18 and A21 recognise ICAM-1 and the complement regulatory protein DAF (CD55) (see eg. Shafren D. R., et al 1997). International Patent Application No. PCT/AU00/01461 describes the administration of Coxsackievirus which recognises ICAM-1 for cell infectivity to a subject for lysis of melanoma cells express ICAM-1. DAF is also recognised by Enterovirus 70 (see eg. Flint S J, et al (2000) Principles of Virology: molecular biology, pathogenesis and control, ASM Press, Washington).
A study evaluating the adaptability of ovarian cells to subculture and their potential use for the detection of viruses has been reported (Harris, R E and Pindak, F F, 1975). In the study, normal ovarian cell cultures were challenged with a broad range of viruses including Picornavirus such as Coxsackievirus A, Coxsackievirus B, Poliovirus, Echovirus and Cardiovirus and serotypes thereof,; Paramyxovirus such as Newcastle disease virus, Measles virus, distemper virus; Adenovirus human subgroup serotypes 3, 4, 7 and 21; Herpes simplex virus, Type 1; Togavirus such as Sindbis and Mararo; Reovirus serotypes 1 to 3; and Vaccinia virus. The study demonstrated that cells from human ovaries can be grown long-term in cell culture and may be passaged an undetermined number of times for the propagation of various vises in vitro and proposed that such cultures may be useful for the purpose of studying viral pathogenisis and pathology of viral infection. The report further suggested that as some viruses such as poliovirus and vaccinia have been shown to cross the human placenta and infect the fetus, the study of viral interactions with normal ovarian cells in culture may be a means of furthering teratogenic investigations.
Metastatic tumor spread is a pathological process associated with a series of adhesion/de-adhesion events coupled with regulated tissue degradation. Adhesion to and migration through the extracellular matrix is essential for tumor invasion. Despite progress being made in the treatment of malignancies, the treatment of cancer including ovarian malignancies presents a major challenge for research and there remains a need for alternatives to existing therapy approaches. | {
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This invention relates to a device for cleaning toner from a moving surface. Although not limited thereto, it is particularly usable in image forming apparatus in which a uniform layer of toner is applied to a surface, the toner is imagewise tacked to the surface and untacked toner is cleaned off the surface. It can also be used in conventional image forming apparatus.
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 07/632,698, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,388 (Kamp et al); 07/673,509 (DeBoer et al); 07/621,691, now abandoned (DeBoer et al); and PCT Application No. 91/08815, filed Nov. 26, 1991 disclose a process in which a uniform layer of toner is applied to a surface. The toner is imagewise tacked, preferably with a laser, to the surface and then the untacked toner is cleaned off the surface, leaving a toner image corresponding to the tacked toner. The tacked toner image can then be transferred to another surface, or it can be fixed to the surface to which it is tacked. This process can provide extremely high resolution and high density with fine toner particles and a precise laser. It does not require the use of light sensitive materials.
In this process, tacking can be accomplished by softening a heat softenable layer on the image surface, softening a toner particle where it touches the image surface, or both. Toner can be applied by a device comparable to that conventionally used to develop electrostatic images, for example, a magnetic brush development station. However, cleaning is somewhat more difficult, since the loose toner must be cleaned off without disturbing what may be quite lightly tacked imagewise toner. A preferable approach to this cleaning problem is to use a magnetic brush cleaner employing hard magnetic carrier particles and a rotating magnetic core which provides a relatively soft cleaning brush that will clean off the loose toner while leaving the lightly tacked toner image.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,704, granted to Hill et al Jan. 10, 1989, shows a magnetic brush development apparatus in which a rotating magnetic core drives developer, including a hard magnetized carrier around a noncylindrical shell. The shell is shaped to control the movement of the developer through an extended development or toning zone. The developer is moved in the same direction as an electrostatic image being developed, and the development zone is extended generally upstream with respect to that movement of the position at which the magnetic core is closest to the image. The shell curves rapidly away from the electrostatic image downstream of the core so that the magnetic field from the core can prevent pickup of the magnetized carrier by the electrostatic image. This extended zone has a tendency to increase the density of the image and thoroughness of the development. Some carrier pickup is tolerated to obtain thorough developing with this apparatus.
Other references which show extended development zones with rotating core development systems include U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,038, Rubin, Jan. 4, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,549, Eisbein et al, Nov. 25, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,850, Yamamoto et al, Sep. 8, 1981; Japanese Utility Model No. 51-164622, Laid-Open No. 53-81040, Jul. 5, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,994, Sasaki et al, Feb. 14, 1989.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,759, granted to Ville et al shows a rotating core magnetic brush development apparatus in which a magnetic shunt is positioned around a portion of the core to interrupt the magnetic field and alter the development characteristics of a two-component magnetic developer. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Conventional p-n Junctions
In conventional silicon photovoltaic cells there is a junction interfaced by "p"-type and "n"-type silicon each respectively generated by diffusion. In one instance an electron poor substance (for example boron) and in the other instance an electron rich substance (for example phosphorus) are used as impurities and are diffused into opposite sides of a single wafer of crystalline silicon or preferably into a single crystal of silicon. A "molecular p-n junction" is thus created. The function of the p-n junction in such a photovoltaic cell is to separate electrons and holes that are respectively created by the absorption of light near the junction.
There are two problems which arise with such p-n junction silicon photovoltaic cells. Firstly, the junction cannot be made very sharp and it usually extends in thickness to over one hundred nanometers. The second difficulty is to assure that the absorption of light will occur only at or near the junction. With materials that are presently used this precision is very difficult to achieve. | {
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The industry has shown a trend in which mobile network operators are rolling out their own WiFi networks to enable wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) to access Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Packet Switched (PS) services using a wireless local area network (WLAN). There may be technical and operational advantages for these operators to integrate WLAN access points (APs) with their base stations, especially for the deployment of small cell overlay. The co-located, or connected, base station/AP scenario may make it possible to have proprietary inter-node communication between the base station and the AP, and may open the door for additional mechanisms for WiFi offloading to provide more throughput and a better user experience. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radio communication system of a water heater including a slave set which remotely operates a water heater main body by radio communication, and a master set which continuously communicates with the water heater main body by wired communication and which intermittently communicates with the slave set by radio communication to relay communication between the water heater main body and the slave set.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a conventional water heater, since an indoor wiring operation of a remote control unit is unnecessary and installation is easy, and besides a remote control unit can easily be provided for an already installed water heater, there is known a radio communication system in which the outdoor water heater main body is remotely operated by radio communication using an indoor slave set (radio remote control unit) while relaying the master set of the outdoor water heater.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the radio communication system of this kind includes a master set 103 which is connected with a wire communication line 106 to an electronic unit 102 of the water heater main body 101 and which communicates with the water heater main body 101 by wired communication, and a slave set 105 which communicates with the master set 103. Wire communication is continuously performed between the master set 103 by radio communication and the water heater main body 101, and radio intermittent communication is performed between the master set 103 and the slave set 105. The intermittent communication between the master set 103 and the slave set 105 is kept in timing-synchronization on the side of the slave set 105 based on a transmission-start time point information included in radio data from the master set 103, indicative of the start time point of the next data transmission (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-328296).
Therefore, when operation information given by switching operation of the slave set 105 is transmitted to the master set 103 by radio intermittent communication, an operation instruction from the master set 103 is immediately transmitted to the water heater main body 101 by full-time wire communication. Then, the water heater main body 101 performs an operation according to the operation instruction. The monitor information (such as combustion operation state, stoppage state of combustion, and hot water supply temperature) of the water heater main body 101 is continuously received by full-time wire communication with by the master set 103, and is transmitted to the slave set 105 by radio intermittent communication from the master set 103. With this configuration, the slave set 105 can periodically obtain the latest monitor information of the water heater main body 101, and the monitor information is displayed on the display section of the slave set 105. In this manner, the master set 103 operates to relay the communication such that the outdoor water heater main body 101 is remotely operated by the slave set 105, i.e. the radio remote control unit, and that the monitor information of the water heater main body 101 is displayed on the slave set 105, in the above-mentioned radio communication system.
Some kinds of the water heater main body can change the setting of the hot water supply temperature only by 1° C. Also, it is desired to suppress the abrupt change in temperature of outgoing hot water by finely controlling the combustion in the water heater main body 101 even if the setting of the hot water temperature is changed during the supply of hot water. In response thereto, as shown FIG. 5, there is known a water heater main body 101 which operates such that if the hot water supply temperature is changed by the slave set 105, the master set 103 instructs the water heater main body 101 to change the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body 101 little by little (e.g., by 1° C.). In this kinds of the water heater, since the master set 103 continuously communicates with the water heater main body 101, the master set 103 continuously receives the monitor information from the water heater main body 101 even while the master set 103 is transmitting data to the water heater main body 101. The master set 103 transmits the monitor information of the water heater main body 101 of the transmission timing to the slave set 105 at the transmission timing of the radio intermittent communication with the slave set 105. Therefore, depending on the transmission timing of the master set 103, monitor information of the water heater main body 101 can be transmitted to the slave set 105 from the master set 103 in a state where the change of the hot water supply temperature in the water heater main body 101 has not yet been completed.
For example, if the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body 101 is changed from the current value of 40° C. to 50° C. in the slave set 105, the master set 103 automatically transmits an operation instruction to change the hot water supply temperature by “+1° C.” to the water heater main body 101 ten times successively so that the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body 101 is changed from 40° C. to 50° C. Even when the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body 101 has been changed only to 43° C. at the intermittent communication timing, the master set 103 transmits monitor information indicating that “hot water supply temperature is 43° C.” to the slave set 105. However, the slave set 105 displays setting information in the slave set 105 and monitor information transmitted from the master set 103 on the same display section. Thus, in the display section of the slave set 105, since the hot water supply temperature is changed to 50° C. first, displayed contents indicating that “hot water supply temperature is 50° C.” is rewritten to “hot water supply temperature is 43° C.” by the monitor information received from the master set 103. Therefore, when a user sees the displayed contents, in which the hot water supply temperature should have been set to 50° C. by the slave set 105, is changed to 43° C., the user feels suspicious or uncomfortable and may mistakenly believe that the slave set 105 is out of order.
To avoid such a problem, it can be considered that the slave set 105 does not receive radio data from the master set 103 for certain period. However, in this case, the slave set 105 does not also receive transmission-start time point information indicative of a next data transmission time point from the master set 103. Thus, there arises a problem that communication timing of the intermittent communication between the slave set 105 and the master set 103 cannot be in synchronization with each other. | {
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1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to microwave applicators used in tissue ablation procedures. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a microwave applicator having either a liquid or solid loaded tip dipole antenna.
2. Background of Related Art
Treatment of certain diseases requires destruction of malignant tissue growths (e.g., tumors). It is known that tumor cells denature at elevated temperatures that are slightly lower than temperatures injurious to surrounding healthy cells. Therefore, known treatment methods, such as hyperthermia therapy, heat tumor cells to temperatures above 41° C., while maintaining adjacent healthy cells at lower temperatures to avoid irreversible cell damage. Such methods involve applying electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue and include ablation and coagulation of tissue. In particular, microwave energy is used to coagulate and/or ablate tissue to denature or kill the cancerous cells.
Microwave energy is applied via microwave ablation antennas that penetrate tissue to reach tumors. There are several types of microwave antennas, such as monopole and dipole. In monopole and dipole antennas, microwave energy radiates perpendicularly from the axis of the conductor. A monopole antenna includes a single, elongated microwave conductor. Dipole antennas may have a coaxial construction including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric portion. More specifically, dipole microwave antennas may have a long, thin inner conductor that extends along a longitudinal axis of the antenna and is surrounded by an outer conductor. In certain variations, a portion or portions of the outer conductor may be selectively removed to provide for more effective outward radiation of energy. This type of microwave antenna construction is typically referred to as a “leaky waveguide” or “leaky coaxial” antenna.
Conventional microwave antennas typically has a long, thin inner conductor which extends along the axis of the probe and is surrounded by a dielectric material and is further surrounded by an outer conductor around the dielectric material such that the outer conductor also extends along the axis of the probe. In another variation of the probe which provides for effective outward radiation of energy or heating, a portion or portions of the outer conductor can be selectively removed. This type of construction is typically referred to as a “leaky waveguide” or “leaky coaxial” antenna. Another variation on the microwave probe involves having the tip formed in a uniform spiral pattern, such as a helix, to provide the necessary configuration for effective radiation. This variation can be used to direct energy in a particular direction, e.g., perpendicular to the axis, in a forward direction (i.e., towards the distal end of the antenna), or a combination thereof.
Invasive procedures and devices have been developed in which a microwave antenna probe may be either inserted directly into a point of treatment via a normal body orifice or percutaneously inserted. Such invasive procedures and devices potentially provide better temperature control of the tissue being treated. Because of the small difference between the temperature required for denaturing malignant cells and the temperature injurious to healthy cells, a known heating pattern and predictable temperature control is important so that heating is confined to the tissue to be treated. For instance, hyperthermia treatment at the threshold temperature of about 41.5° C. generally has little effect on most malignant growths of cells. However, at slightly elevated temperatures above the approximate range of 43° C. to 45° C., thermal damage to most types of normal cells is routinely observed; accordingly, great care must be taken not to exceed these temperatures in healthy tissue.
However, many types of malignancies are difficult to reach and treat using non-invasive techniques or by using invasive antenna probes designed to be inserted into a normal body orifice, i.e., a body opening which is easily accessible. These types of conventional probes may be more flexible and may also avoid the need to separately sterilize the probe; however, they are structurally weak and typically require the use of an introducer or catheter to gain access to within the body. Further, the manufacturing techniques for the conventional probe tend to be cumbersome, time consuming, and prohibitively expensive. Moreover, the addition of introducers and catheters necessarily increase the diameter of the incision or access opening into the body thereby making the use of such probes more invasive and further increasing the probability of any complications that may arise. | {
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This invention relates to a device for longitudinally adjusting vehicle seats.
It is known that the front seats of modem vehicles are provided with means for longitudinally adjusting their position. For this purpose a pair of parallel guides is fixed on the vehicle floor to each seat to act as a support and guide for a corresponding pair of mobile guides rigid with the seat.
These adjustment systems also usually comprise slider means such as rollers and sliding blocks interposed between the fixed guides and mobile guides to facilitate movement of the seat, and locking means for locking the fixed guides and mobile guides together when adjustment has been effected.
In some current devices the movement of the mobile guides is halted by the use of a safety mechanism. This mechanism normally consists of a toothed latch fixed to the mobile guide and urged upwards by a spring so that it engages in corresponding toothing on the fixed guide, to lock the seat in position.
The release is achieved manually by operating a tubular handle pivoted on both the right and left mobile guide. To overcome the resistance offered by the spring which urges the latch, the latter is released from the toothing on the fixed guide to enable the seat to move longitudinally.
An object of the present invention is to provide a simplified seat locking device which enables the latch component to be dispensed of, by making the spring multi-functional in the sense that by being suitably sized, shaped and fixed, it is able to lock the guides together.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device of simple and reliable construction and of low cost.
The fixing systems used up to the present time for securely fixing the glides to the seat or to the vehicle floor usually require the guides to have hexagonal nuts or bolts welded to them.
The assembly of the guides therefore has to be preceded by the welding of the nuts. This welding is a drawback in cost terms, and is avoided by using the device according to the invention.
A further object of the invention is to provide a mobile guide, the section of which incorporates a series of threaded collars for seat/guide fixing, as a replacement for the traditional hexagonal nuts.
In order to reduce lateral slack during the longitudinal movement of the seat, the present invention provides a new guide and roller configuration, in which these components have a self-centering profile.
A further object of the invention is to propose a device for longitudinally adjusting motor vehicle seats able to lock the right and left guides independently, and to simultaneously release them. | {
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Radio frequency (RF) signals that may be received by an RF receiving device may be difficult to detect for various reasons. The signal may be a low power or low amplitude signal. There may also be noise associated with the desired signals that may make the desired signal difficult to detect. For example, the amplitude or power of the desired signal or information signal may be below the level of the noise. A current system for detecting low power or amplitude signals uses phased array antennas; however, the phased array antennas need to be used for detection with maximum gain achieved along a single angle of arrival. Accordingly, the angle of arrival has to be known or selected a priori. Because current systems employee phase shifting and summing prior to the digitization of the signal, only one angle of arrival will realize the maximum gain. This requires phased array antennas to be scanned either physically or electronically. Another solution may be to digitally sample the signals received by each antenna and have banks of phase summing processors that produce maximum gain signals for a multiplicity of specified angles of arrival. This solution has a significant cost and may be impractical in most applications, particularly where weight and computing capacity need to be economized. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Golf balls generally include a spherical outer surface with a plurality of dimples formed thereon. Conventional dimples are depressions on the golf balls' surface that reduce drag and increase lift. Drag is the air resistance that opposes the golf ball's flight direction. As the ball travels through the air, the air that surrounds the ball has different velocities thus, different pressures. The air exerts maximum pressure at a stagnation point on the front of the ball. The air then flows around the surface of the ball with an increased velocity and reduced pressure. At some separation point, the air separates from the surface of the ball and generates a large turbulent flow area behind the ball. This flow area, which is called the wake, has low pressure. The difference between the high pressure in front of the ball and the low pressure behind the ball slows the ball down. This is the primary source of drag for golf balls.
The dimples on the golf ball cause a thin boundary layer of air adjacent to the ball's outer surface to flow in a turbulent manner. Thus, the thin boundary layer is called a turbulent boundary layer. The turbulence energizes the boundary layer and helps move the separation point further backward, so that the layer stays attached further along the ball's outer surface. As a result, there is a reduction in the area of the wake, an increase in the pressure behind the ball, and a substantial reduction in drag. It is the circumference of each dimple, where the dimple wall drops away from the outer surface of the ball, which actually creates the turbulence in the boundary layer.
Lift is an upward force on the ball that is created by a difference in pressure between the top of the ball and the bottom of the ball. This difference in pressure is created by a warp in the airflow that results from the ball's backspin. Due to the backspin, the top of the ball moves with the airflow, which delays the air separation point to a location further backward. Conversely, the bottom of the ball moves against the airflow, which moves the separation point forward. This asymmetrical separation creates an arch in the flow pattern that requires the air that flows over the top of the ball to move faster than the air that flows along the bottom of the ball. As a result, the air above the ball is at a lower pressure than the air underneath the ball. This pressure difference results in the overall force, called lift, which is exerted upwardly on the ball. The circumference of each dimple is important in optimizing this flow phenomenon, as well.
In order to optimize ball performance, it is desirable to have a large number of dimples, hence a large amount of dimple circumference, evenly distributed around the ball. In arranging the dimples, an attempt is made to minimize the space between dimples, because such space does not contribute to the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In practical terms, this usually translates into 300 to 500 circular conventional dimples on the surface of a conventional golf ball.
When compared to conventional size dimples, theoretically, an increased number of small dimples will create greater aerodynamic performance by increasing the total dimple circumference. An example of a golf ball with small dimples is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,852, which discloses a golf ball having 812 concave hexagonal dimples. However, in reality small dimples are not as effective in decreasing drag and increasing lift. This results at least in part from the susceptibility of small dimples to paint flooding. Paint flooding occurs when the paint coat on the golf ball fills the small dimples, and consequently decreases the dimple's aerodynamic effectiveness. On the other hand, a smaller number of large dimples also begin to lose effectiveness. This results from the circumference of one large dimple being less than that of a group of smaller dimples.
Conventional dimples are typically circular depressions and are formed where a dimple wall slopes away from the outer surface of the ball forming the depression. Typically, these depressions have circular perimeters on the ball surface and have spherical or substantially spherical depressions. It has been demonstrated that dimples comprising spherical or substantially spherical depressions exhibit superior aerodynamic performance than dimples comprising non-spherical depressions. However, the circular perimeters of conventional dimples to a large extent limit the maximum dimple density attainable, due to the irregular shape of the spaces between the circular dimples on the ball surface.
To minimize the spaces between the dimples on the ball surface, polygonal dimples have been proposed. Polygonal dimples have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,002,726, 6,290,615 B1, 5,338,039, 5,174,578, 4,090,716, 4,869,512, and 4,830,378, among others. None of these references, however, discloses dimples with spherical or substantially spherical depressions. With the exception of the '726 reference, which describes square dimples with a complex concave depression having varying radii, these references disclose polygonal dimples having depressions formed of planar surfaces, i.e., surfaces formed by polygons joined along vertices. It has also been demonstrated that dimples with polyhedron depressions do not perform as well aerodynamically as dimples with spherical or substantially spherical depressions.
Hence, there remains a need in the art for a golf ball that exhibits superior aerodynamic performance and maximum dimple density. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reserving a session resource in an IPv4/IPv6 combination network system, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for reserving a session resource in an IPv4/IPv6 combination network system that is capable of notifying a starting node of a tunnel session about whether a last node supports RSVP or not while assigning IPv4 address information to an IPv6 host according to a dual stack transition mechanism (DSTM), or Dual IP Layer Stack Transition Mechanism (DSTM), when reserving a resource according to an RSVP mechanism in a 4over6 DSTM environment.
2. Description of the Related Art
The Internet is a core infrastructure of information society. With the development of real-time, high quality service such as voice over IP (VoIP) and Internet TV, most Internet traffic has changed from traffic including text information to multimedia traffic including voice, image, and video information. In addition, traffic has dramatically increased.
The current Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4)-based Internet uses a short address and a complex header structure to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of hosts and multimedia traffic. This degrades the processing speed of a router and a node that process traffic and, in turn, the overall performance of the Internet.
Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) developed to solve such problems associated with IPv4-based Internet has features such as an expanded 128 bit address system, a simplified header structure, improved quality of service (QoS), and enhanced security.
In reality, the current Internet cannot be completely converted into an IPv6 network within a short period of time since it is widely used as an IPv4 network. The IPv4 network and IPv6 network will coexist for the time being while the IPv4 network is gradually replaced by the IPv6 network.
Coexistence of IPv6 hosts/routers and IPv4 hosts/routers in a current IPv4 network is critical to successfully build the IPv6 network.
Efficient accommodation of rapidly increasing traffic requires an Internet infrastructure capable of providing QoS required for traffic having different features, such as voice, video, and data. It is also necessary to define a model capable of providing QoS for multimedia traffic in an IPv4/IPv6 combination network including both the IPv4 network and the IPv6 network.
Methods for processing packets in such an IPv4/IPv6 combination network including IPv4 hosts and routers and IPv6 hosts and routers have been proposed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The methods include a dual stack-based method, a header translation method, and a tunneling method.
In the dual stack based method, all hosts and routers have a dual stack protocol prior to completely shifting to an IPv6 network. That is, the method allows both IPv4 and IPv6 to be used until all systems on the Internet use IPv6.
The header translation method is useful when most systems on the Internet use IPv6 but some still use IPv4. A sender translates a header of an IPv6 packet into an IPv4 header for transmission to a recipient when the recipient does not understand IPv6.
The tunneling method is used when two hosts using IPv6 have to communicate through an IPv4 network. An IPv6 packet is encapsulated in an IPv4 packet upon entrance into an IPv4 area and decapsulated from the IPv4 packet upon exit from the IPv4 region.
Resource reservation protocol (RSVP), a tunneling method for processing packets in the IPv4/IPv6 combination network, is a mechanism that reserves network resources in advance in order to accommodate traffic requiring different QoS in an IP layer.
RSVP may be a flow-based model that allows a user to establish a flow as a kind of virtual line from a source to a destination and to reserve flow-specific resources required by all routers between the source and the destination, thereby guaranteeing QoS.
Here, flow refers to a collection of packets that have the same source and destination address information, the same source and destination port information, and the same session identifier information.
The current RSVP allows the same resource as used for an end-to-end (EtoE) session to be reserved even within the tunnel by dividing an RSVP session for one flow into an end-to-end session and a tunnel session, mapping the two sessions to each other, and separately reserving a resource for each session in order to support end-to-end RSVP on a path including a tunnel.
Among transition mechanisms proposed by IETF Next Generation Transition Working Group (Ngtrans WG), etc., an IPv6 translation mechanism such as network address translation protocol translation (NAT-PT) provides protocol stack translation to enable communication between an IPv6 host and an IPv4 host.
However, because such a translation mechanism translates an IPv6 packet into an IPv4 packet or an IPv4 packet into an IPv6 packet, it is unable to support end-to-end security in a network layer and a transport layer. The translation mechanism is also unable to support perfect translation between the IPv6 header and the IPv4 header.
When an application layer protocol has data containing an IP address, the translation mechanism does not support the translation. To accommodate this application layer protocol, an application layer gateway (ALG) for the application layer protocol is required.
In contrast, a dual stack transition mechanism (DSTM), using a dual stack having both an IPv4 stack and an IPv6 stack as well as tunneling, supports a transparent connection between the dual stack host and the IPv4 host without causing any problem due to protocol translation.
However, the DSTM considers only the initialization of a connection from the dual stack host to the IPv4 host and provides no connection from the IPv4 node to the dual stack host in the IPv6 network.
To solve such problems associated with the original DSTM, a 4over6 DSTM has been proposed. The 4over6 DSTM is able to provide a transparent connection between the IPv4 host and the dual stack host in the IPv6 network even when the IPv4 host establishes the connection to the dual stack host.
Since QoS (Quality of Service) is not considered in the 4over6 DSTM, a tunnel RSVP mechanism capable of reserving resources for end-to-end session, including a tunnel section, is used to provide end-to-end QoS in the 4over6 DSTM environment.
Network Working Group Request for Comments (RFC) 2746 (RSVP Operation Over IP Tunnels) describes an approach for providing RSVP protocol services over IP tunnels. In the RFC 2746, however, there is a limitation that a starting node of the tunnel is only allowed to establish a RSVP session on the tunnel after receiving a reservation (Resv) message containing “NODE_CHAR object” from a last node of the tunnel. This limitation is caused because the starting node of the tunnel cannot be aware of whether the last node supports the tunnel RSVP mechanism. | {
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This invention relates to programmable logic devices (“PLDs”) and other integrated circuits of that general type (all generically referred to for convenience as PLDs). More particularly, the invention relates to high-speed serial data transmitter circuitry for inclusion on PLDs.
PLDs are intended to be relatively general-purpose devices. A PLD can be programmed (configured) and/or otherwise controlled to meet any need within the range of needs that the PLD is designed to support. A PLD may be equipped with high-speed serial data communication circuitry, whereby the PLD can transmit serial data to and/or receive serial data from circuitry that is external to the PLD. In that case, it is desirable for the high-speed serial data communication circuitry of the PLD to be able to support various communication protocols that various users of the PLD product may wish to employ.
In the case of high-speed serial data transmitter circuitry on a PLD, one of the tasks that such circuitry typically needs to perform is serialization of data from the parallel form in which it is typically generated and/or handled in the core logic circuitry of the PLD to the serial form in which the transmitter transmits it off the PLD. This invention provides serializer circuitry that can perform this task for a number of different communication protocols and over a wide range of possible data rates. An illustrative range of data rates that circuitry in accordance with this invention can support is 622 Mbps (mega-bits per second) to 6.5 Gbps (giga-bits per second). This range is only an example, however, and it will be understood that other embodiments of the invention can support other data rate ranges if desired. | {
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Human vertebral bodies are comprised of a dense, hard outer shell and a relatively less dense inner mass. The hard outer shell is very densely compacted cancellous bone, resembling cortical bone at all but high magnification, and is generally referred to as the cortex. The inner mass is a softer cancellous bone. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer shell of cortex bone (the bony endplate) that is adjacent the disc and the bone immediately beneath that bone (both are subchondral, that is, beneath the cartilage layer or cartilaginous endplate that separates the bone from the disc), are defined for the specific purposes of this specification to comprise the “end plate region” to avoid any confusion that might otherwise arise from any inconsistency in the use of any of these terms. While it is understood that these terms may have other meanings more ordinary or special, and that those of ordinary skill in the art might otherwise differ as to the correct meanings of these terms, it is exactly for the purpose of removing any ambiguity that these terms are being so precisely defined specifically for this specification.
The spinal disc that resides between adjacent vertebral bodies maintains the spacing between those vertebral bodies and, in a healthy spine, allows for relative motion between the vertebrae. At the time of surgery, for example in the instance of interbody fusion, that is, where fusion is intended to occur between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient's spine, the surgeon typically prepares an opening at the site of the intended fusion by removing a substantial amount of the nucleus disc material that exists between the adjacent vertebral bodies to be fused. Because the outermost layers of bone of the vertebral end plate are relatively inert to new bone growth, the surgeon will typically work on the end plate to remove at least the outermost cell layers of bone to gain access to the blood-rich, vascular bone tissue within the vertebral body. In this manner, the vertebrae are prepared in a way that encourages new bone growth consistent with fusion.
Devices for assisting a surgeon in accessing the disc space and adjacent vertebral bodies are known. Drill guides and boxed chisels have been used to form an implantation space between the adjacent vertebral bodies for insertion of a spinal implant therein. Applicant invented a guard and instrument system particularly well suited for use in the lumbar spine and of unequalled advantage for use posteriorly therein through which both the implantation space can be formed and a spinal implant can be inserted into the implantation space, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247, filed Jun. 13, 1988, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Applicant also invented a guard having disc penetrating extension(s), which extensions have utility for stabilizing the guard, stabilizing the adjacent vertebrae relative to each other, urging the vertebrae apart if desired, and aligning the vertebrae to each other if desired to form the implantation space through the guard and insert the spinal implant through the guard into the implantation space, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,155 filed Feb. 27, 1995, incorporated herein by reference. The disc penetrating extensions can have either parallel or angled upper and lower surfaces in contact with the adjacent vertebral bodies to place the adjacent vertebral bodies parallel to one another or at an angle to one another. The disclosed disc penetrating extensions are rigid.
To obtain a particular orientation between the adjacent vertebral bodies a surgeon selects a guard having a predetermined orientation between the upper and lower surfaces of the disc penetrating extensions. In the case of disc penetrating extensions that have upper and lower surfaces diverging from one another as would be useful for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), so as to be higher at the insertion or distal end than at the trailing or proximal end of the extensions, a tapered leading end is used to facilitate insertion of the disc penetrating extensions into the disc space. Such a configuration allows for lordosis of the lumbar segment of a spine to be operated upon from a posterior approach. For extensions that have diverging upper and lower surfaces, additional force is required to drive the guard and extensions into place. Then, after an implant is inserted, it may be difficult to remove a distractor element such as a guard having disc penetrating extensions having a maximum height greater then the height of the disc space posterior height.
Present methods of forming the implantation space between adjacent vertebral bodies generally include the use of one or more of the following: hand held biting and grasping instruments known as rongeurs; drills and drill guides; rotating burrs driven by a motor; and osteotomes and chisels. Applicant has taught various novel instruments to mill out the recipient fusion site across the height of the disc space including various cutting/milling frames and various novel cutters as disclosed in applicant's U.S. application Ser. No. 08/688,758, incorporated herein by reference.
The surgeon must work upon the adjacent end plates of the adjacent vertebrae to access the vascular, cancellous bone that is best suited for participating in the fusion and causing active bone growth, and also to attempt to obtain an appropriately shaped surface in the vertebral bodies to receive the implant. Because the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae are not flat, but rather have a complex biological as opposed to geometrical curved shape, it is necessary to conform the vertebrae to the shape of the implant to be received therebetween.
There is a need for a guard for use in posterior lumbar surgery to create an interbody implantation space while providing for spinal lordosis and while being easily and safely inserted and as easily and safely removed. | {
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In general, refrigerator vehicles are used to carry loads such as food products that may lose freshness thereof depending upon temperature.
Refrigerator vehicles for carrying various types of frozen or low-temperature foods/goods that cannot be stored or carried at room temperature may be classified into small straight trucks and medium and large semi-trailers according to a type and load capacity thereof. It should be understood that, terms, such as refrigerator vehicles, refrigeration trailers and refrigerators, as used herein, do not mean only refrigerating functions excluding freezing functions, and comprehensively include terms such as freezer vehicles, freezing trailers, and freezers.
As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerator vehicle is provided at a loading station thereof with a refrigeration trailer 20 having an enclosure shape, and a refrigerator 21 is provided at a head side of the refrigerator vehicle or at one upper side of the refrigeration trailer 20. The inner space of the refrigeration trailer 20 is maintained at a low temperature by an evaporator of the refrigerator 21. The refrigerator 21 is usually an engine driven refrigerator that is driven by a main engine or sub-engine of the refrigerator vehicle.
In a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator 21, a refrigerant circulates via circulation pipes in order of compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator.
Operation of the refrigerator 21 is as follows: the compressor is driven by power of a sub-engine provided at the refrigeration trailer 20, a high-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is changed into a medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant in the condenser as the compressor is driven, the refrigerant supplied from the condenser passes through the expansion valve and flows into the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant absorbs ambient heat while being instantaneously gasified, and cool air is created around the evaporator and discharged into the refrigeration trailer 20 by a separate exhaust fan.
Through constant repetition of the refrigeration cycle, the inner space of the refrigeration trailer 20 is maintained at a preset low temperature, which makes it possible to stably carry all foods and beverages required to be refrigerated or frozen and low-temperature goods under an optimal temperature condition.
FIG. 2 shows an interior of the refrigeration trailer in the related art.
Cool air supplied by the refrigerator 21 is fed into all spaces in the refrigeration trailer 20 through a duct 30 disposed at an upper portion of the refrigeration trailer 20. The duct 30 is open at some portions of left and right sides thereof and at a distal end thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, some cool air is supplied to loads (L) through the left and right openings, and the rest is supplied through the distal opening to the inner space of the refrigeration trailer 20 and circulates therein.
However, the refrigeration system of the refrigeration trailer 20 supplies cool air into the refrigeration trailer 20 irrespective of quantity and volume of the loads (L) in order to maintain the entire inner space of the refrigeration trailer 20 at a preset temperature, which causes unnecessary energy (heat or fuel) consumption even when the loads (L) are small in quantity and volume.
Although refrigerator vehicle have an intake weight determined according to classes thereof, the refrigerator vehicle inevitably have a loading space left in a refrigeration trailer when carrying loads, such as ice cream, having heavy weight and small volume.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, even when the refrigeration trailer 20 is not completely filled with loads (L), the entire inner space thereof is maintained at a low temperature, thereby causing high fuel and oil costs and overload of the refrigeration system in long-distance transportation.
In order to solve this problem, attempts have been made to divide an inner space of a refrigeration trailer using fixed partition walls. However, such attempts are inefficient for real-life situations in which loads are always variable in quantity and volume, and cause limitation in quantity of loads and inconvenience of a loading operation. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for analyzing circuit specification description design, and specifically to an apparatus and a method for analyzing circuit specification description design for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit using circuit specification description.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore in the design of a semiconductor circuit, the circuit specifications are described using a natural language or a property description language, and on the basis of the description, the semiconductor circuit is designed.
When the circuit specification description is described using a natural language, the polysemy, or ambiguity of the natural language causes discrepancy in recognition between designers, resulting in problems, such that the designed circuit does not operate. Although part of the polysemy, or ambiguity of the description can be solved by describing circuit specifications using a property description language (such as SVA and PSL), complete solution cannot be obtained.
For example, when circuit specifications are described as “when ‘req’ is asserted, ‘ack’ is asserted” using a natural language is described using a property description language, the property cannot be described if the number of cycles between ‘req’ and ‘ack’ remains ambiguous. Therefore, these ambiguities are normally solved when the natural language is translated into the property description language.
However, even if circuit specifications are described using a property description language, it cannot be said that the polysemy, or ambiguity of the circuit specification description is completely solved. For example, when circuit specifications are described as “when ‘req’ is asserted, ‘ack’ is asserted” using anatural language is described using SVA, which is a property description language, a“req | => ack”, it cannot be known whether ‘req’ is 1 or 0 in the cycle next to the cyclewherein ‘req’ becomes 1, or whether ‘ack’ is 1 or 0 in the cycle before the cycle wherein ‘ack’ becomes 1. When the circuit specifications of “req | =>ack” is accurately described in the natural language, it means that “when ‘req’ is 1, ‘ack’ becomes 1 after a cycle.” Furthermore, it cannot be known whether the status of ‘req’ in the cycle before the cycle wherein ‘req’ becomes 1 is 1 or 0.
In other words, even in the circuit specifications described using a property language as described above, there can be a plurality of signal patterns (hereafter referred to as “path patterns”) for one circuit specification description. However, since the designer has no means to know how much polysemy is present in the circuit specifications described by the designer, the designer's intention is not accurately conveyed in many cases, leading to the occurrence of problems as described above.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No, 5-101132 proposes a logic circuit operation verifying apparatus that smoothly and efficiently verify a circuit to be designed. However, even in the proposal, no methods to know how much polysemy is present in the circuit specifications described by the designer are disclosed. | {
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In the art of synthesizing signals, three distinguishable techniques have been used: direct synthesis, indirect synthesis, and numerical synthesis.
In the technique of direct synthesis, the desired signal is produced directly from an oscillator. In synthesizing a wide frequency range, this technique becomes extremely complex and costly. Hence this technique is not widely used for wide frequency ranges.
In indirect synthesis, phase lock loops with programmable frequency dividers are commonly used to synthesize the desired frequencies. This technique is by far the most widely used at present both in commercial products and in dedicated applications. The method owes its popularity in large part to the advent of inexpensive programmable frequency dividers in integrated circuit form. The result has been a substantial reduction in complexity, especially in comparison with direct synthesis.
However, neither the direct synthesis nor the indirect synthesis technique in the prior art allows for phase-continuous switching of the carrier signal when the desired synthesizer signal is modulated. Furthermore, both techniques require extensive analog components which are subject to drift and malfunction through aging, temperature effects, and the like.
Numerical synthesis with digital techniques is useful for avoiding the above problems. FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a typical digital numerical synthesizer known in the prior art. Basically, numerical synthesis consists of generating a stream of points representing a desired signal by using digital logic circuits in a digital waveform engine 100. This numerical data stream is converted into the actual desired signal by means of a K-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 200. The DAC output is passed through a low-pass filter (LPF) 300 to remove the frequency components from the sampling clock and then amplified by an amplifier 400. An example of such a system for synthesizing signals in the prior art is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,813.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show two general methods to implement the digital waveform engine block of a typical digital synthesizer.
The first general method, as depicted in FIG. 2, is an accumulator-based synthesizer. This method generates a carrier frequency with frequency modulation (FM) through accumulating instantaneous phase increments. The carrier frequency is combined with user-defined amplitude modulation (AM) and phase modulation (PM) signals. Memory address sequencers 20 and 200 serve as address sources for modulation waveform in Random Access Memories (RAM) 30 and 300. The address increments from a start-to-stop address while looking up stored modulation data that spans the address space. Both AM and PM waveform data are completely user-defined and loaded into the modulation RAMs as needed. A multiplexer (MUX) 40 selects either the digital signal from the PM waveform RAM 30 or an external input 2 to supply the phase for phase modulation. Similarly, a parallel MUX 400 culls either the digital signal from an AM waveform RAM 300 or an external input 1 to supply the amplitude for amplitude modulation.
The key component in this type of synthesizer is a clocked phase accumulator 90. Its purpose is to accumulate an instantaneous phase increment or IPI(t). IPI(t) is defined by the equation, EQU IPI(t)=F.sub.i (t)*.DELTA.t*2.pi.
where F.sub.i (t) is the instantaneous frequency of the desired signal and .DELTA.t is the clock signal. The instantaneous frequency represents the continuous frequency and any FM(t) as desired.
A phase adder 50 then combines the phase for phase modulation from MUX 400 with the output of the phase accumulator to provide the total phase of the desired signal. A sine lookup table 70 then transforms the linear phase to a sinusoidal signal, which is multiplied with the amplitude modulation signal by a multiplier 80 giving: EQU Y(t)=AM(t)* Sin (.SIGMA.IPI(t)+PM(t)). (1)
Y(t) is a digital signal comprising a carrier with frequency modulation, amplitude modulation and phase modulation. The digitally sampled data are fed to the DAC and LPF of FIG. 1 to form the desired analog signal. This method provides a useful output bandwidth that is about 40% of the sample clock frequency.
In the above-described accumulator-based synthesizer method, a physical multiplier is needed to create the waveform. For clock rates exceeding 50 MHz, this multiplier becomes difficult to implement. It is also the weak link in the synthesis chain and is often the limiting factor in raising the sample clock rate. As will be seen, it is the purpose of the present invention to eliminate the multiplier and yet achieve amplitude modulation and signal multiplication.
FIG. 3 illustrates the second general method to implement the digital waveform engine block. This method may be classified as an arbitrary waveform synthesis technique. In concept, a user-defined sampled data waveform is stored in a waveform RAM 30, which contains an exact image of the desired output waveform. This RAM is addressed by a sequencer 20, and the data stream from the RAM 30 are fed to a DAC. The useful output bandwidth of this configuration is about 40% of the sample clock frequency.
This method does not need a phase accumulator, a sine lookup table or a multiplier as in the accumulator-based method and is highly suitable for generating waveforms often classified as "arbitrary." However, one advantage of the accumulator-based synthesizer is that it is more suitable to generate a signal with well-defined amplitude and phase modulation waveforms because it is structured with separate inputs for each of the modulation signals. Therefore, the user only has to supply the modulation signals to each of the inputs. On the other hand, for an arbitrary waveform synthesizer, the user has to generate the addresses for the memory address sequencer which controls the outputs of the waveform RAM. The outputs of the waveform RAM are the digital equivalence of the desired signal. All these steps take time and effort, and the result is not as clean and obvious as putting modulation signals into inputs of an accumulator-based synthesizer. Another advantage of an accumulator-based synthesizer is its phase accumulator, which can easily give an instantaneous frequency resolution (typically<<1 Hz) much smaller than that achievable by an arbitrary waveform synthesizer.
The circuit shown in FIG. 4 is an enhancement of the one in FIG. 3. In this improved architecture, a first and a second waveform RAMs, 30 and 300, are combined to form the final signal. From an application standpoint, to compose the desired signal as either the sum or product of two signals is often desirable. U(t) denotes the signal on the output of a first MUX 40 and V(t) denotes the signal on the output of a second MUX 400. If the desired signal is the sum of U(t) and V(t), then a fourth MUX 60 will select U(t)+V(t) to be its output and a third MUX 150 will select unity to be its output. A multiplier 500 will then multiply the signal (U(t)+V(t)) by the unity signal to generate the desired signal, U(t)+V(t). On the other hand, if the desired signal is the product of U(t) and V(t), then the fourth MUX 60 will select U(t) to be its output and the third MUX 150 will select V(t) to be its output. The multiplier 500 will again multiply its input signals together to generate the desired signal U(t)*V(t). As in the method defined by the circuit in FIG. 2, the multiplier is the weak link in the synthesis chain. For clock rates exceeding about 50 Mhz, the multiplier becomes difficult to implement and bandwidth limiting.
The novel technique in accordance with the present invention incorporates adders, subtractors and trigonometric manipulators in place of multipliers in a digital synthesizer. Thus, the invention has removed the bandwidth-limiting and difficult-to-implement component, the multiplier.
The use of addition and subtraction to achieve the effect of trigonometric multiplication in digital music synthesis was reported by Mr. S. Saunders in the article entitled "Real-time FM Digital Music Synthesis," Proceedings Music Computation Conf., Urbana, IL (November 1975) and by H. G. Alles in the article entitled "Music Synthesis Using Real Time Digital Techniques," Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 68, No. 4 (April 1980). The basic idea is shown in the following equation: EQU Sin (x+d)+Sin (x-d)=2 Cos d Sin x
Alles and Saunders apply the idea of a trigonometric identity to spectral modulation and control of the loudness of digital music in the area of acoustics. The present invention, in contrast, applies the idea of a trigonometric identity to generating arbitrary waveforms. The two parallel ideas have significant differences. For example, Saunders fetches serially the two sinusoidal signals for addition in the above equation, whereas the present invention fetches both signals in parallel. Alles and Saunders describe the combination of sinusoidally varying signals for synthesizing digital music, whereas the present invention teaches combining random waveforms. Other differences will be shown by the following description of the present invention. | {
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It is preferable to design an engine for a constant load so that a desired torque may generate at a low specific fuel consumption. However, it is difficult to design an engine for driving vehicles so as to have low specific fuel consumption within the entire range of the engine operation, since load on the engine varies in a wide range.
FIG. 1 shows a fuel consumption characteristic of an engine for a vehicle at various specific fuel consumptions (g/ps.hr), in which the abscissa is engine speed (r.p.m), the ordinate is engine torque. Curve A shows running load (resistance) of a vehicle on a flat road. The curve A is decided by drag of the body of the vehicle and gear ratio of the transmission of the engine and the specific fuel consumption is decided by the performance of the engine. It is desirably to design the engine so that the curve A may pass through low fuel consumption zones. | {
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People and organizations, such as auto-insurance companies, are interested in collecting vehicle telematics data. Vehicle telematics data includes various data from measurements related to a vehicle's operation. For example, vehicle telematics data may include global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of an automobile that allow the location of the automobile to be tracked. Also, for example, vehicle telematics data may include acceleration data of an automobile that allow the speed of the automobile to be tracked. Auto-insurance companies are interested in this information because they would like to evaluate the risk of customers and potential customers. Other organizations may also be interested in such information to determine a person's behavior. Moreover, parents or other guardians may also be interested in monitoring a vehicle carrying their children or other dependents.
Some vehicles have been equipped with devices for collecting some vehicle telematics data. However, this vehicle telematics data might not be obtained by people and/or organizations remote from the vehicle in real time or while a vehicle is moving. Moreover, vehicle telematics data might not be evaluated in real time or while the vehicle is moving so it may be difficult for people and organizations to take action in response to the vehicle telematics data in a timely manner. In some cases, people or organizations wishing to monitor a vehicle may be unaware that the vehicle is in use (e.g., moving).
As technology advances and adoption of such technology increases, more and more vehicle telematics data may be collected and more and more people may desire access to this data. As such, challenges for making this vehicle telematics data user-friendly and readily accessible may emerge. Specifically, challenges may include implementing a manner for regulating an amount of vehicle telematics data collected, for organizing this data, and for controlling when, how, and what data is reported. Different people and different organizations may want different information reported to them. As more and more vehicle telematics data becomes available, it becomes more difficult to strike a balance between providing too much information and too little information. On one hand, reporting too much information may cause people and organizations to ignore desired information, and therefore, may be detrimental to the effectiveness of monitoring vehicle behavior. On the other hand, reporting too little information may cause false alarms or unnecessary concern for people and organizations that are monitoring a vehicle.
Accordingly, new systems, devices, methodologies, and software are desired to collect and communicate vehicle telematics data. Further, new systems, devices, methodologies, and software are desired to evaluate and share the vehicle telematics data in real time or while a vehicle is moving. In particular, new systems, devices, methodologies, and software are desired to provide people and organizations a means to monitor vehicle behavior and respond to vehicle behavior in a timely manner (e.g., in real time or while the vehicle is moving). For example, parents may desire a tool for monitoring a vehicle carrying their teenage son or teenage daughter. Further, as mentioned above, different people and different organizations may want different information, and thus, new systems, devices, methodologies, and software are desired to allow people and organizations control over when, how, and what information is reported. | {
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The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor memory device, and particularly to a large capacity semiconductor memory device suitable for a storage device in a large-scale computer system. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a semiconductor memory device having information indicative of the presence of defective memory cells (bits).
Conventionally, much effort to improve the production yield of semiconductor devices is being made. Presently, a technique which realizes 100% production yield is not available. It is possible to use only semiconductor memory devices having no defective memory cells. However, the number of defective memory cells increases with an increase in storage capacity and thus it is difficult to obtain a large number of semiconductor memory devices having no defective memory cells. From this point of view, a semiconductor memory device having redundant bits has been proposed. Such a semiconductor memory device has a memory cell array which is divided into a main memory cell array and a redundant memory cell array. Memory cells in the main memory cell are investigated by a conventional wafer probing test, and defective memory cells are detected. The detected defective memory cells are stored in a ROM (read only memory) provided in the semiconductor memory device. When a defective memory cell in the main memory cell array is addressed, a redundant bit in the redundant cell array is actually accessed instead of the addressed defective memory cell.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device in FIG. 1 includes a memory cell array 10, which is divided into a main memory cell array 10a and a redundant memory cell array 10b. The main memory cell array 10a is accessed by a column decoder 11 and a row decoder 12a. The redundant memory cell array 10b is accessed by a redundant row decoder 12b and the column decoder 11. Normally, an address signal from an external circuit (not shown) such as a central processing unit (CPU) is supplied to the column decoder 11, and the row decoder 12a through a controller 13 and a switching circuit 14. Data are read out from or written into memory cells of the main memory cell array 10a corresponding to the address signal. The controller 13 compares the address signal with addresses stored in a read only memory (ROM) 13a. When it is determined that the address signal indicates a group of memory cells including a defective memory cell, the switching circuit 14 supplies the address signal from the controller 13 to the redundant row decoder 12b. A group of memory cells to be substituted for the group of memory cells having the defective memory cell is accessed by the column decoder 11 and the redundant row decoder 12b. Such a replacement is carried out in a row unit.
Memory cells forming the redundant memory cell array 10b must have no defective cells. Thus, the redundant memory cell 10b array is configured by only a limited number of memory cells having no defect. As a result, the redundant memory cell array 10b can save a limited number of defective memory cells in the main memory cell array 10a. In order to provide a large capacity less-expensive semiconductor memory device for use in a large-scale computer system, it is desired that a semiconductor memory device having a large number of defective memory cells be used. The conventional configuration shown in FIG. 1 cannot satisfy such a desire. In some cases, a large number of the elements each having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is used for providing a large capacity semiconductor memory. In this arrangement, each element has the controller 13, the ROM 13a and the switching circuit 14. This prevents the memory device from being compactly made and operating at high speeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to a method of cleaning abrasive plates of an abrasive machine and a cleaning device, more precisely relates to a method, in which abrasive faces of an upper abrasive plates and a lower abrasive plates, which are mutually faced and rotated, are cleaned by water jetted from a nozzle moving along the abrasive faces, and a cleaning device executing said method.
Both side faces of a wafer-shaped work piece, e.g., silicon wafer, are abraded by an abrasive machine. A lapping machine, which is a kind of abrasive machines, is shown in FIG. 10.
In FIG. 10, the lapping machine has an upper abrasive plate 20, whose lower face is an abrasive face for lapping work pieces 10, e.g., silicon wafers, and keys 21 are keyed in an upper face of the upper abrasive plate 20. An air cylinder unit 22 is provided above the upper abrasive plate 20. The air cylinder unit 22 is fixed to an upper part of a gate-shaped frame 14. The upper abrasive plate 20 is rotatably connected to a lower end of a piston rod 22a of the air cylinder unit 22 by a rotary plate 23 and connecting rods 27. By employing a connector 22b, the piston rod 22a cannot rotate; the rotary plate 23 and the upper abrasive plate 20, which are connected by the connecting rods 27, can be rotated with respect to the piston rod 22a and held at the lower end thereof. With this structure, weight or a pressing force of the upper abrasive plate 20, which works to a lower abrasive plate 30, can be controlled by adjusting a lifting force of the cylinder unit 22.
Note that, in some cases, the pressing force working to the lower abrasive plate 30 is controlled by adjusting a pressing force applied to the upper abrasive plate 20.
Since the keys 21 engage with key grooves of a rotary member 54 which is rotated by a motor 70, the upper abrasive plate 20 is rotated by a driving force of the motor 70. A shaft 54a is downwardly extended from the rotary member 54. A gear 54b, which is fixed to a lower end of the shaft 54a, is engaged with an idle gear 63, and the idle gear 63 is engaged with a gear 64, which is fixed to a spindle 60. With this structure, the driving force or torque of the motor 70 can be transmitted to the upper abrasive plate 20 via the rotary member 54.
Since the upper abrasive plate 20 and the rotary member 54 are connected by the keys 21, a clearance between the upper abrasive plate 20 and the lower abrasive plate 30 can be made wider by actuating the air cylinder unit 22 when the work pieces 10 are set or discharged or maintenance is executed.
Carriers 40 are rotated by an external gear 50 and an internal gear 52. A first hollow shaft 50a, which is coaxial to the shaft 54a, is connected to the external gear 50, and a gear 50b, which is fixed to the first hollow shaft 50a, is engaged with a gear 65 of the spindle 60.
A second hollow shaft 30a, which is coaxial to the first hollow shaft 50a, is connected to the lower abrasive plate 30, and a gear 30b, which is fixed to a mid part of the second hollow shaft 30a, is engaged with a gear 61 of the spindle 60.
A third hollow shaft 52a, which is coaxial to the second hollow shaft 30a, is connected to the internal gear 52, and a gear 52b, which is fixed to the third hollow shaft 52a, is engaged with a gear 62 of the spindle 60. The spindle 60 is connected to an adjustable reduction unit 69, which is connected to the motor 70, e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, by a belt.
The upper abrasive plate 20, the lower abrasive plate 30, the external gear 50 and the internal gear 52 are rotated by one motor 70 via the reduction unit 69, the gears and the shafts.
An upper abrasive face of the lower abrasive plate 30 has discharging grooves 12 and 16, which run like lattice as shown in FIG. 11, so as to discharge abraded dusts, which are produced by abrading the work pieces 10, and slurry from the abrasive face. The discharging grooves 12 and 16 are formed in the lower abrasive face of the upper abrasive plate 20, too.
The abraded dusts and slurry gradually deposit in the discharging grooves 12 and 16, and they damage surfaces of the work pieces 10. To prevent the damage of the work pieces 10, the clearance between the abrasive plates 20 and 30 is widen by actuating the air cylinder unit 22 after a prescribed number of abrasive works are completed so as to clean the abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30.
However, the abraded dusts and slurry are solidified in the grooves 12 and 16 of the abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30, so they must be manually removed. Namely, a metal plate is manually inserted into the grooves 12 and 16 so as to scrape out the solidified dusts from the grooves 12 and 16. It takes a long time to completely clean the abrasive faces, and the abrasive faces are sometimes damaged.
To automatically clean the abrasive faces, a cleaning device was disclosed in the Japanese Patent Gazette No. 7-9342 (see FIG. 12). In the conventional cleaning device shown in FIG. 12, front end sections of two nozzles 100a and 100b are respectively enclosed by brush members 102. The nozzles 100a and 100b are provided to a front end of a shaft 106 and respectively headed upward and downward. With this structure, pressurized water is jetted upward and downward from the nozzles 100a and 100b. The shaft 106 is vertically and horizontally moved together with the nozzles 100a and 100 b.
In the cleaning device shown in FIG. 12, front ends of the brush members 102 simultaneously contact the abrasive faces of the upper abrasive plate 20 and the lower abrasive plate 30, and the pressurized water, whose pressure is about 50–100 atm., is simultaneously jetted from the nozzles 100a and 100b toward the abrasive faces rotating (see FIG. 13). The nozzles 100a and 100b are moved in the radial direction with respect to the abrasive faces, so that abraded dusts deposited in the grooves 12 and 16 of the abrasive faces can be removed.
The cleaning device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can automatically clean the abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30.
When the pressurized water is jetted from the nozzles 100a and 100b toward the abrasive faces, the nozzles 100a and 100b are respectively formed by the brush members 102 and the abrasive faces, so that the jetted water cannot be scattered outside.
However, outer edges of the abrasive plates 20 and 30 must be washed so as to clean the whole abrasive faces. When the nozzles 100a and 100b are moved to the outer edged of the abrasive plates 20 and 30, gaps are respectively formed between the outer edges of the abrasive plates 20 and 30 and the brush members 102 as shown in FIG. 14, so that the jetted water is scattered outside from the gaps.
The water jetted outside from the gap between the outer edge of the lower abrasive plate 30 and the brush member 102 for cleaning the lower abrasive plate 30 is received and introduced outside of the cleaning device via a discharging section 31a (see FIG. 10). The discharging section 31a is formed along the outer edge of the lower abrasive plate 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the internal gear 52 is provided in the discharging section 31a, so a width of the discharging section 31a is narrow. Therefore, the water, which has once passed through the discharging section 31a, is not returned to the abrasive face via the discharging section 31a.
On the other hand, the water jetted outside from the gap between the outer edge of the upper abrasive plate 20 and the brush member 102 for cleaning the upper abrasive plate 20 is scattered into a space, in which an abrading mechanism is set.
The water, which is scattered into the space, includes the abraded dusts and used slurry, so it makes abraded products dirty.
Especially, the abrasive machine for abrading silicon wafers, is located in a clean room, so the water jetted from the nozzle 100a and scattered into the clean room via the gap of the upper abrasive plate 20 makes degree of cleanliness of the clean room lower.
If a moving range of the nozzles 100a and 100b is limited so as to prevent the water jetted from the nozzle 100a from scattering outside via the gap of the upper abrasive plate 20, the outer edge portions of the abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30 cannot be cleaned, and the portions must be manually cleaned. Therefore, it is difficult to automatically clean the whole abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30.
Further, in the cleaning device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the pressurized water is simultaneously jetted from the nozzles 100a and 100b so as to simultaneously wash the abrasive faces of the abrasive plates 20 and 30. Therefore, the water washing the lower abrasive face of the upper abrasive plate 20 falls onto the upper abrasive face of the lower abrasive plate 30, so that the upper abrasive face of the lower abrasive plate 30 is made dirty again by the water washing the lower abrasive face of the upper abrasive plate 20.
In the case that width and density of the discharging grooves 12 and 16 of the upper abrasive plate 20 are different from those of the lower abrasive plate 30, proper moving speed for washing the upper abrasive plate 20 is different from that for washing the lower abrasive plate 30. In the cleaning device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the moving speed of the both nozzles 100a and 100b are equal, so one of the abrasive faces cannot be cleaned properly. | {
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The present invention relates generally to optimal use of delay circuits clocked by “double data rate” clock signals, and more particularly to systems including circuitry capable of generating double data rate clock signals that optimally clock data into and out of such delay circuits. The invention also relates to circuitry for automatically correcting duty cycles of clock signals to predetermined duty cycle values.
Double data rate clock signals are used to clock data into and out of a circuit, such as a register, on both the rising edges and the falling edges of the double data rate clock signals, allowing the use of a clock frequency that is one half of the data rate, and therefore allows doubling the effective bandwidth of the system. It usually is important that the duty cycle of high frequency (e.g., several gigahertz) double data rate clock signals be precisely 50%, because otherwise, the amounts of time available to accomplish the timing of the clocking or strobing of the data are asymmetrical for the rising and falling edges of the clock. That may cause various kinds of problems, including asymmetrical noise margins in the timing of various associated digital data signals, which is generally undesirable in very high speed (e.g. several gigahertz) applications wherein all aspects of the data signal timing accuracy may be critical.
For example, asymmetric double data rate clock signals cause higher data error rates in the digital signal being clocked and limit the maximum speed of the system clock signal. Because of the usual parameter variations in the inverters of a delay circuit, any variation from the optimum 50% duty cycle of a double data rate clock signal, wherein the data is latched on both the rising and falling edges of the double data rate clock signal, is likely to cause an even greater error rate of the data being clocked through the delay circuit. Therefore, “loose” control of the duty cycle of a “double data rate” clock usually is not acceptable at high frequencies.
“Prior Art” FIG. 1A shows a typical delay locked loop circuit 1 which includes a transmit register 3 that receives the input data signal DATA via multiconductor input bus 2. The signal DATA is clocked into transmit register 3 every data time frame by a transmit clock DLYCLK. That results in the signal DATA IN appearing on a multi-conductor bus 4 at the data input of a receive register 6 a fixed amount of delay time after the rising or falling edge of transmit clock DLYCLK. The fixed amount of delay time is equal to the sum of an intrinsic delay through transmit register 3 plus the signal propagation time along bus 4 from the data output of transmit register 3 to the data input of receive register 6, plus the set-up time of receive register 6. Data that has been clocked into receive register 6 by data clock DCLK appears as DATA OUT on multiconductor bus 5.
DATA IN bus 4 includes a synchronization conductor 4A having the same average total propagation delay as the other conductors of multi-conductor bus 4. Synchronization conductor 4A conducts a synchronization signal DATA SYNC.
Synchronization conductor 4A provides the synchronization signal DATA SYNC to one input of an exclusive OR gate 9, which functions as a phase detector. The other input of exclusive OR gate 9 receives the data clock signal DCLK which is also coupled by conductor 8 to the clock input 6A of receive register 6. Exclusive OR gate 9 produces an output signal DELAY CONTROL on conductor 10, which is connected to a control input of an adjustable delay circuit 11. Adjustable delay circuit 11 produces a delayed data clock signal DLYCLK on conductor 12. The delayed data clock signal DLYCLK produced by adjustable delay circuit 11 is coupled by conductor 12 to the clock input 3A of transmit register 3 to function as its transmit clock.
Data clock signal DCLK and delayed data clock signal DLYCLK serve as double data rate clock signals as shown in FIG. 1B and require a 50% duty cycle. The various “1”s and “0”s of the input data signal DATA on bus 2 are clocked into transmit register 3 by the rising edge A of DLYCLK as shown in the timing diagram of FIG. 1B and then appear on multiconductor bus 4 at the beginning of frame 17 of DATA SYNC on synchronization conductor 4A. During falling edge B of DLYCLK, the various “1”s and “0”s of DATA on bus 2 are clocked into transmit register 3 and then appear on multiconductor bus 4 at the beginning of frame 18 of DATA SYNC on synchronization conductor 4A. Similarly, the various “1”s and “0”s of DATA IN on multiconductor bus 4 are clocked into receive register 6 by the rising edge C of data clock DCLK and then appear as DATA OUT on output bus 5, and during falling edge D of DCLK the various “1”s and “0”s of DATA IN on multiconductor bus 4 are clocked into receive register 6 and then also appear as DATA OUT on output bus 5.
The feedback of the delay locked loop formed of exclusive OR gate 9, adjustable delay circuit 11, and transmit register 3 forces the edges of DLYCLK to be in quadrature phase locked relationship with the DATA SYNC signal. The rising and falling edges of clock signal DCLK on conductor 8 clock successive bits of DATA IN bus 4 into receive register 6. In order to compensate for various delays associated with transmit register 3 and multiconductor bus 4 and also the set-up time of receive register 6, the delay locked loop adjusts the delay between DCLK and DLYCLK until DCLK and synchronization signal DATA SYNC on conductor 4A are in “quadrature”, i.e. 90 degrees out of phase as shown in the timing diagram of FIG. 1B.
However, this operation does not ensure a 50% duty cycle of DLYCLK, which functions as the transmit clock of transmit register 3.
Although the data rates of the foregoing signals could be achieved by providing a clock that has twice the frequency of the signals DATA IN and DCLK and by latching DATA IN only on the rising edge of DCLK, that would double the bandwidth of the system, which in some cases would be impractical or disadvantageous.
Thus, there is an unmet need for a double data rate clock signal having a duty cycle that is not sensitive to changes in integrated circuit process parameters and temperature.
There also is an unmet need for a circuit and technique which can be used to automatically correct the duty cycle of high speed signals, including double data rate clock signals.
There also is an unmet need for a circuit and technique for providing the capability of generating a signal having an arbitrary fixed duty cycle. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical waveguide devices, travelling-wave light modulators, and a process for producing the optical waveguide devices.
(2) Related Art Statement
In the optical communication field, it is presumed that since the communication capacity will drastically increase, the capacity of the light transmitting system needs to be enlarged. At present, the light transmitting speed of 1.6 GB/sec. has been practically employed. However, as compared with the frequency band (about 200 THz) in which transmission can be effected through optical fibers, this level is merely one hundred thousandth. It is important in drastically increasing the transmission capacity to develop the light modulation technology.
There is the possibility that a traveling-wave light modulator using lithium niobate (LiNbO.sub.3), lithium tantalate (LiTaO.sub.3) or gallium-arsenide (GaAs) for the optical waveguide, can realize a broad bandwidth at a high efficiency. Lithium niobate and lithium tantalate have materials as a excellent materials as a ferroelectric properties have large electro-optical coefficients and can control light within a short optical path. Factors which suppress the modulation frequency of the traveling-wave light modulator, are velocity mismatch, dispersion and electrode loss. Since the velocity mismatch and the dispersion are determined by the structure of the traveling-wave light modulator, it is important to analyze the structure and make appropriate design thereof. On the other hand, the conductivity and a surface skin effect of the material is important for the electrode loss.
The concept of velocity mismatch will now be further explained. In the traveling-wave light modulator, the velocity of the light propagating through the optical waveguide largely differs from that of the modulating wave (microwave) propagating along this electrode. Assume that the light and the modulation wave propagating through the crystal have different velocity Vo and Vm, respectively. For example, in the case of the LiNbO.sub.3 optical modulator having planar type electrodes, the refractive index of the LiNbO.sub.3 single crystal is 2.14, and the velocity of the light propagating through the optical waveguide is inversely proportional to the refractive index. On the other hand, the effective index for modulating wave is given by a square root of the dielectric constant near a conductor. LiNbO.sub.3 is uniaxial crystal, and the dielectric constant in the Z-axis direction is 28 and that in the X-axis and Y-axis directions is 43. Therefore, even if an influence of air having the dielectric constant of 1, the effective index for modulating wave in the LiNbO.sub.3 modulator having a conventional structure is about 4 which is about 1.9.times.2.14. Thus, the velocity of the light wave is large about 1.9 times as much as that of the modulating wave.
The upper fm bandwidth of the light modulator or the modulating velocity is inversely proportional to a difference in velocity between the light wave and the modulating wave. That is, fm=1/(Vo-Vm). Therefore, assuming that the power loss by electrode is zero, a limit is a fm bandwidth X electrode length 1=9.2 GHz.cm. Actually, it is reported that in a light modulator having an electrode length 1=2.5 mm, fm=40 GHz. The effect due to the limit of operation speed becomes more conspicuous as the electrodes become longer. Therefore, a light modulator having a broad bandwidth and high efficiency has been earnestly demanded.
Recently, it is proposed in the case of the optical waveguide devices such as the optical waveguide-type high speed modulators and the high speed switches that the phase matching frequency between the light propagated through the optical waveguide and the modulating wave applied from outside voltage is shifted to a higher side by tens of GHz through designing the configuration of an upper electrode on a substrate in a special shape or forming a layer of glass ("EO devices using LN" in "O plus E", May 1995, pp 91-97).
According to this literature, since the speed of the modulating wave is determined by the average value of the dielectric constant of an area through which electric forces pass between a thin signal electrode and an earth electrode, the modulating speed is increased by thickening the electrode and a buffer layer composed of SiO.sub.2. Further, since the traveling-wave type electrode constitutes a traveling passage, its characteristic impedance needs to be around 50 .OMEGA.. In order to satisfy the above requirements, it is proposed that the electrode and the buffer layer be designed in a protruded shape, a hang-over shape, a grooved shape, sealed shape or the like.
However, since the buffer layer and the electrodes having complicated configurations need be formed on the substrate in the traveling-wave light modulator the production process is complicated since a lot of producing steps are needed, and the production cost is high. In addition, the optical waveguide must be kept in alignment with the buffer layer and the electrodes having the complicated configurations at high accuracy. Furthermore, characteristics such as refractive index are likely to be changed by the formation of a work damaged layer due to damage during the production process. According to a simulation result of an optical waveguide device, the characteristics are degraded and a light absorption characteristic and an extinction ratio characteristic become insufficient.
In addition, although the above difficult problems resulting from the production process are solved, it is still difficult to realize high speed modulation of greater than 10 GHz.cm. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to an endodontic core assembly. Endodontic core assemblies are used in providing a core or anchor for an artificial tooth or the like. The core is usually integral with a post which is normally adapted to be inserted in and fixedly secured to the root canal of a tooth, the root canal usually requiring a preliminary preparation by a reamer.
Since the core is normally exposed to very substantial loads both torsional and flexing, it is very important that the post be embedded within the root canal as firmly as possible. Three basic systems are known for this purpose: The first system is a threaded post, which is usually combined with a suitable cement to secure a firm hold within the root canal. The second known system is a frictional arrangement which is somewhat similar to the threaded system in that the side walls of the root canal are frictionally engaged by the post and the overall bond is further improved by the use of cement. The third known system is so-called cemented system in which the post is made such as to be relatively loose in the root canal and is secured to the root canal walls solely by a suitable cement filling the space between the canal and the post.
Of the above-mentioned three systems, the threaded and frictional system are disadvantageous in that they require a relatively substantial pressure to be exerted upon the inside wall of the root canal engaged by the post. Such forces are directed generally radially outwardly and may result in undesired damage to the root canal which in turn, may give rise to reduced strength of the overall hold of the post (and thus the core) in the root canal.
From the standpoint of avoiding excessive radial pressures on the root canal walls, the cemented arrangement appears to be better advantaged than the first two since there is no active pressure exerted upon the walls of the canal. On the other hand, the canal being usually somewhat conical and usually decreasing in width with the increasing depth of the canal, the problem is to provide a reasonably strong hold by merely the cementing of the post within the prepared root canal. In practice, the cemented version therefore suffers from the drawback of a reduced strength of the anchoring of the post within the canal, the reduction in the strength of the hold being a trade-off for the elimination of the undesired radial stress to which the root canal is subjected with the first two systems. The present invention relates to the third mentioned group, i.e. to the cemented systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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By conservative estimates, harmful algal blooms (HABs) cost the United States $50 million per year (Hoagland, P. et al. Estuaries, 2002, 25:819-837). Such estimates are based upon direct economic impacts on tourism, fisheries, etc., and do not account for irremediable costs such as those caused by mass marine mammal mortalities (Landsberg, J. H. Rev. Fish. Sci., 2002, 10:113-390; Landsberg, J. H. and Steidinger, K. A. “A historical review of Gymnodinium breve red tides implicated in mass mortalities of the manatee (Trichechus mantus latirostris) in Florida, USA”, 1998, pp. 97-100, in B. Reguera et al. Eds, Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Xunta de Galicia and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Vigo, Spain). Worldwide, algal toxins of all types may be responsible for as many as 60,000 human intoxication events per year (Van Dolah, F. M. et al. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess., 2001, 7:1329-1345).
Nearly all coastal regions of the United States are impacted by HABs for various intervals in time and intensity. Perhaps no coastal environment has a frequency of HABs equal to that of the Florida Gulf Coast, caused by the non-peridinin dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (Davis) cf. Hansen and Moestrup (Gymnodinium breve). Although red tides have been observed in the Gulf of Mexico since the Spanish Conquests and reports of catastrophic fish mortalities go back to 1844, the identity of K. brevis, initially named G. breve, as the causative agent was not determined until the bloom of 1946 to 1947 (Gunther, G. et al. Ecol. Monogr, 1948, 18:311-324). In certain years, red tides have occurred during 12 months of the year, although they are most often encountered in the late summer and early fall, correlating with heavy rainfall (Landsberg, J. H. Rev. Fish. Sci., 2002, 10:113-390).
Efforts to control HABs have been hampered by limited research on the subject, particularly with respect to the monitoring and prediction of HABs. Historically, blooms have occurred primarily during the fall and winter months. Over recent years, however, the Florida red tide specifically, and HABs in general, appear to be more prevalent and wide-spread (Chretiennot-Dinet, M., Oceanis, 2001, 24:223-238; Hallegraeff, G. M., Phycologia, 1991, 32:79-99). Massive fish kills, marine mammal mortalities, human poisonings due to the consumption of tainted shellfish and complaints of respiratory irritations among beach-goers are associated with these blooms (Kirkpatrick et al., Harmful Algae, 2004, 3:99-115; Van Dolah et al., in Toxicology of Marine Mammals, Taylor & Francis, Inc., 2002, Vos et al. (Eds.), p. 247-269). These harmful effects are attributed to a suite of polyketide secondary metabolites known as brevetoxins, which are part of a larger family of dinoflagellate-derived polyketide toxins that pose a threat to human health. Brevetoxins are polyether ladder type compounds having two parent backbone structures, brevetoxin A and brevetoxin B, each with several side-chain variants. Examples of other harmful polyketide toxins include ciguatoxin, okadaic acid, and the related kinophysistoxins, pectenotoxins, yessotoxin, and the azaspiracids. The mechanism of synthesis of brevetoxins is unknown but is hypothesized to be the result of enzymes similar to polyketide synthetases. Recently, two polyketide synthetase genes were described from K. brevis (Snyder et al. Mar. Biotechnol., 2003, 5:1-12; Snyder et al. Phytochemistry, 2005, 66(15): 1767-80).
A myriad of approaches have been taken to address the problem of HAB monitoring and prediction, including satellite ocean color sensing (Stumpf, R. P. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess., 2001, 7:1363-1368), photopigment analysis (Millie, D. F. et al. Limnol. Oceanogr., 1997, 42:1240-1251; Millie, D. F. et al. J. Phycol., 2001, 37:35; Oernolfsdottir, E. B. et al. J. Phycol., 2003, 39:449-457), and toxin analysis (Pierce, R. H. and Kirkpatrick, G. J. Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 2001, 20:107-114). Additionally, molecular methods are being developed to detect a variety of HAB species, including Alexandrium sp. (Adachi, M. et al. J. Phycol., 1996, 32:1049-1052; Godhe, A. et al. Mar. Biotechnol., 2001, 3:152-162), Gymnodinium sp. (Godhe, A. et al. Mar. Biotechnol., 2001, 3:152-162; Peperzak, L. et al. “Application and flow cytometric detection of antibody and rRNA probes to Gymnodinium mikimotoi (Dinophyceae) and Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries (Bacillariophyceae), 2000, pp. 206-209, in G. M. Hallegraff et al. Eds., Harmful algal blooms, IOC-UNESCO, Paris, France), Pseudonitzschia sp. (Peperzak, L. et al. “Application and flow cytometric detection of antibody and rRNA probes to Gymnodinium mikimotoi (Dinophyceae) and Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries (Bacillariophyceae), 2000, pp. 206-209, in G. M. Hallegraff et al. Eds., Harmful algal blooms, IOC-UNESCO, Paris, France), Pfiesteria sp., and Pfiesteria-like organisms (Litaker, R. W. et al. J. Phycol., 2003, 39:754-761) as well as K. brevis (Gray, M. et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2003, 69:5726-5730; Loret, P. et al. J. Plankton Res., 2002, 24:735-739).
Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is an isothermal method of RNA amplification that has been previously used in clinical diagnostic testing. Recently, a real-time NASBA assay was developed for the detection of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO) large-subunit (rbcL) mRNA from K. brevis (Casper et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2004, August, 70(8):4727-4732; Casper et al., Harmful Algae, 2006, 6(1):112-118). The rbcL mRNA was selected as the target because cellular levels of mRNA are typically high and RNA degrades quickly in the environment, resulting in detection of viable K. brevis populations only. NASBA RNA amplification occurs at 41° C. (European Patent No. EP 0329822, Davey et al.). RNA is amplified by use of an enzyme cocktail including T7 RNA polymerase, avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase, RNaseH, and two target-specific oligonucleotide primers. A NASBA-based assay for K. brevis polyketide synthesis mRNA has been used to successfully detect and quantify K. brevis in cultures and field samples collected from the coastal waters of southwest Florida (U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,857, Paul, J., issued to the University of South Florida).
Approaches to direct HAB intervention can be grouped into three categories: mechanical, physical/chemical, and biological control. Mechanical control involves the use of filters, pumps, and barriers (such as curtains and floating booms) to remove or filter HAB cells, dead fish, or other bloom-associated materials from impacted waters. Physical/chemical control involves the use of chemical or mineral compounds to kill, inhibit, or remove HAB cells. Biological control involves the use of organisms or pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, zooplankton, or shellfish) that can kill, lyse, or remove HAB cells.
There exists a continuing need for a mitigation system that is effective in controlling and managing an HAB and harmful algae. An important criterion for any effective HAB control system is that the benefits of using the intervention outweigh collateral damage such as threats to public health and environmental impacts. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Numerous agricultural and industrial production systems and processes depend on specific organisms, such as plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa and cultured animal cells, for production of useful materials and compounds, such as food, fiber, structural materials, fuel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or feedstocks thereof. In the process of the current shift to biological production systems for a variety of chemicals and fuels, a wide assortment of organisms will be used for production, most of them microbes, with an increasing tendency towards photosynthetic organisms (Dismukes 2008). The ability to grow robustly, and the ability to efficiently produce the materials and compounds of interest, are desirable properties of these organisms.
Optimization of the growth of these organisms and augmentation of their yield of useful materials and compounds is an ongoing activity of many companies and individuals, with the goal of achieving a higher productivity or yield, or lower production cost of commercially important materials and compounds. Such improvements can occur through the modification of production systems, or through the modification of the organisms themselves.
Genetic or epigenetic changes in organisms can be particularly powerful ways of improving the organisms' performance and raising their productivities. All organisms in use by humans have been selected for specific genetic compositions that maximize their productivity and usefulness. In addition, various techniques can be employed to increase the range of characteristics or phenotypes displayed by these organisms, enabling the selecting of superior strains and varieties. Among these techniques are mutagenesis, genetic engineering, transgenesis, metabolic engineering, breeding, adaptive mutation and others. Application of such techniques has allowed rapid progress in the improvement of organisms.
Deregulating genetic checkpoints is a general strategy for modifying the growth properties and yield of useful organisms. Genetic checkpoints have generally evolved to allow an organism to alter its growth, metabolism or progression through the cell cycle, enabling it to survive periods of stress or nutrient limitation. In multicellular organisms, checkpoints are also in place to inhibit cell divisions once a tissue or organ is mature and fully formed. Relieving these checkpoints is often desirable for maximizing growth, yield and productivity of an organism being cultured or grown in cultivation, where conditions of stress may be controllable and avoidable.
Among the genetic engineering methods developed in the past are gain-of-function approaches, through which one or more homologous or heterologous polynucleotides are introduced into an organism's genome. Typically, such polynucleotides are constructed in a manner that the polynucleotide product will be overexpressed in the organism, thus imparting a novel or altered function to that organism. Mutagenesis can also result in gain-of-function changes in a cell or an organism, although such changes are rarer in response to mutagenesis than loss-of-function changes, in which the activity of a polynucleotide or polynucleotide product is impaired or destroyed by the genetic change.
Polynucleotides tend to have specific functions which are a product of the polynucleotide sequence and of the biochemical properties of the encoded RNA or protein. The sequence and biochemical properties of a protein or RNA govern its structure, biochemical activity, localization within a cell, and association with other cellular components, allowing appropriate activity of the protein or RNA, and proper regulation of that activity. Alteration of a polynucleotide sequence resulting in abnormal properties of the encoded protein or RNA, affecting its biochemical and structural properties, sub-cellular localization and/or association with other proteins or RNAs, can have profound consequences on the characteristics or phenotype of the organism. Polynucleotide fusions, involving joining of intact or partial open reading frames encoded by separate polynucleotides, is a known way of altering a polynucleotide sequence to change the properties of the encoded RNA or protein and to alter the phenotype of an organism.
There are two general mechanisms by which polynucleotide fusions can alter an organism's phenotype. These two mechanisms can be illustrated with the case of polynucleotide A (encoding protein A′) fused to polynucleotide B (encoding protein B′), in which proteins A and B have different functions or activities and/or are localized to different parts of the cell. The first mechanism applies to sub-cellular localization of the two proteins. The fusion protein encoded by the polynucleotide fusion of the two polynucleotides may be localized to the part of the cell where protein A′ normally resides, or to the part of the cell where protein B′ normally resides, or to both. This alteration of cellular distribution of the activities encoded by proteins A′ and B′ may cause a phenotypic change in the organism. A schematic illustration of the altered localization of two proteins as a result of their fusion is illustrated in FIG. 1.
The second general mechanism by which fusion proteins alter the phenotypic property of a cell or organism relates to the direct association of two different, normally separate functions or activities in the same protein. In the case of proteins A′ and B′, their fusion may lead to an altered activity of protein A′ or of protein B′ or of the multiprotein complex in which these proteins normally reside, or of combinations thereof. The altered activity includes but is not limited to: qualitative alterations in activity; altered levels of activity; altered specificities of activity; altered regulation of the activity by the cell; altered association of the protein with other proteins or RNA molecules in the cell, leading to changes in the cell's biochemical or genetic pathways. A schematic illustration of phenotypic changes arising in a cell as a consequence of expressing a fusion protein is shown in FIG. 1.
Gene fusions, the function-generating principle that the technology is based on, is not a regularly occurring biological mechanism (Ashby 2006, Babushok 2007, Whitworth 2009, Zhang 2009, Eisenbeis 2010), but it has been observed sufficiently often to confirm the validity of the strategy. Apart from occurring in evolutionary time, for example in the evolution of new gene sequences by exon shuffling (Gilbert 1978), gene fusions are frequent events in oncogenesis where the fusion of two proto-oncogenes contributes to uncontrolled cell proliferation of cancer cells (Mitelman 2004, Mitelman 2007, Rabbitts 2009, Inaki 2012). Examples of alteration of activity of a polynucleotide fusion are the BCL-ABL oncogene involved in promoting uncontrolled cell growth in chronic myeloid leukemia (Sawyers 1992, Melo 1996), the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) polynucleotides coding for Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase that are involved in aggressive acute leukemia (Marshalek 2011), prokaryotic two-component signal transduction proteins (Ashby 2006, Whitworth 2009) and multifunctional bacterial antibiotic resistance polynucleotides (Zhang 2009). Despite these examples, however, polynucleotide fusions are relatively rare in biology compared to other genetic changes such as point mutations and tend to occur at a frequency that is more appropriately measured over evolutionary time as opposed to per cell generation (Babushok 2007, Eisenbeis 2010). As a result, a system for creating artificial polynucleotide fusions has the potential to create many phenotypes that are rarely or never found in nature. Fusion proteins capable of bypassing a variety of genetic checkpoints in various useful organisms will allow the isolation of faster-growing and higher-yielding strains and varieties.
To date, no attempt has been made to take advantage of the function-generating capability of fusion genes or polypeptides in a large-scale and systematic manner. There are no published examples of large-scale collections of randomized, in-frame polynucleotide fusions. Previous examples of fusion proteins have been generated in a limited and directed fashion with specific outcomes in mind. The present invention describes the creation and use of systematic, randomized, large-scale and in-frame gene fusions or polynucleotide fusions for the purpose of altering gene function, generating new gene functions, new protein functions and/or generating novel phenotypes of interest in biological organisms.
The present invention is distinct from gene and protein evolution methods such as gene shuffling (Stemmer 1994, Stemmer 1994a) that randomly recombine homologous sequences in order to create new variants of specific genes and proteins. The present invention uses collections of sequences that are substantially non-homologous as input sequences to create random, recombinant and novel coding sequences. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates in general to controlling sheet forming processes and, more particularly, to improving the control of such processes.
In a sheet forming machine, the properties of a sheet vary in the two directions of the sheet, namely the machine direction (MD) which is the direction of sheet movement during production and the cross machine direction (CD), which is perpendicular to the MD and is the direction across the width of the sheet during production. Different sets of actuators are used to control the variations in each direction. The machine direction (MD) is associated with the direction of sheet moving speed, hence MD is also considered as temporal direction (TD). Similarly, the cross machine direction is associated with the width of the sheet, hence CD is also considered as spatial direction (SD).
The MD variations are generally affected by factors that impact the entire width of the sheet, such as machine speed, the source of base materials like wood fiber being formed into a sheet by the machine, common supplies of working fluids like steam, water and similar factors.
The CD variations are normally influenced by arrays of actuators located side-by-side across the width of the machine. Each actuator represents a zone of the overall actuator set. In a paper machine, the typical CD actuators are slice screws of a headbox, headbox dilution valves, steam boxes, water spraying nozzles, induction actuators, and other known devices. CD actuators present a great challenge for papermakers since a sheet-forming machine may have multiple sets of CD actuators, each with multiple numbers of zones spread across the entire width of a machine. Each set of CD actuators is installed at a different location of a sheet-making machine. There are different numbers of individual zones in each set of CD actuators. The width of each zone might also be different within the same set. Therefore, each set of CD actuators could have very different impacts on different sheet properties.
Measurements of sheet properties may be obtained from fixed sensors or from scanning sensors that traverse back and forth across the width of a sheet. The sensors are usually located downstream from those actuators that are used to adjust the sheet properties. The sensors measure the sheet properties while traveling across the sheet and use the measurement to develop a property profile across the sheet. The sheet property profile is typically discretized in a finite number of points across the sheet called “databoxes”. Presently, a sheet property profile is usually expressed in several hundreds to more than a thousand databoxes. The sheet property profiles accumulated in time form a two-dimensional matrix. The sheet property measurement at a fixed databox over a period of time can also be viewed like a profile in “temporal” direction or MD. The term “profile” is used with respect to either CD or MD. The sheet property profile is used by a quality control system (QCS) to derive control actions for the appropriate actuators so that the sheet property profile is changed toward a desired target profile. The target shape can be uniformly flat, smile, frown, or other gentle shapes. In order to control sheet property profiles with multiple set of CD actuators, it is important to measure and identify how each CD actuator influences the profiles.
Since the sensors are often located a considerable distance downstream from the CD actuators, the portion of the sheet (in the CD direction) influenced by a CD actuator zone but measured by the downstream sensors is not always perfectly aligned (in the CD direction) with the CD actuator zone, due to sheet shrinkage in the drying process or the sheet wandering sideways while the sheet is traveling through the machine. Furthermore, each CD actuator zone typically affects a portion of the profile that is wider than the portion corresponding to the width of the CD actuator zone. Thus, for controlling the CD profile of a sheet-forming machine, it is important to know which portion of the profile is affected by each CD actuator zone. The functional relationship that describes which portion of the profile is affected by each CD actuator zone is called “mapping” of the CD actuator zones.
In addition to knowing which portion of the profile is affected by which CD actuator zone, it is also important to know how each CD actuator zone affects the profile. The functional curve that illustrates how the sheet property profile is changed by the adjustment of a CD actuator zone is called the “response model” of the CD actuator zones. Conventionally, the response model for a CD actuator zone is represented with an array of discrete values or is modeled with wave propagation equations if the response is related to the spread of the slurry on the Fourdrinier wire. For a typical set of CD actuators, there are easily tens to a few hundreds of zones. For each actuator zone, if the response model is represented by an array of uniform discrete points, the model will be specified in either actuator resolution, which is the number actuator zones, or property profile resolution, which could have hundreds to more than a thousand points. Many paper machines today are equipped with multiple sets of CD actuators. The number of points needed to represent the response model for one sheet property profile for all actuator zones is the number of points per actuator zone multiplied by the total number of zones of multiple sets of CD actuators. In practice each set of actuators can change several sheet property profiles at the same time, and each sheet property profile may also be affected by multiple sets of CD actuators with different responses. These different responses are classified as different response types. The number of points needed to represent a complete response model is further multiplied by the number of sheet property profiles. A complete response model that relates the multiple sets of CD actuators and the multiple high-resolution sheet property profiles specified by the conventional approach will need a massive number of points. This is very inefficient, rigid, and subjects to errors in practice.
For specifying response models for a multivariable sheet-making process, the conventional approaches become extremely cumbersome and impractical. An effective and generalized framework for specifying the response model of all CD actuators is needed to implement a better CD control for a sheet-making machine. Therefore, it would be desirable, if a response model could be effectively described using one or a few critical points and continuous functions. The present invention is directed to such a method and apparatus for creating a generalized response model using one or a few critical points and continuous functions in an effective and user-friendly manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Inflammation and inflammatory processes play a major role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases and conditions. Conditions of the brain in which increased levels of inflammation mediators were found include severe traumatic brain injury, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, cerebral artery occlusion, ischemia, and stroke. Conditions of the heart in which mediators such as the selectins are suggested to play a role include acute myocardial infarct, arterial injury, such as produced by angioplasty, and ischemia. Similarly, selectins are involved in conditions of the kidneys, such as renal injury from ischemia and reperfusion, and renal failure. Furthermore, selectins appear to play a role in organ transplant rejection, cold ischemia, hemorrhagic shock, septic shock, tumour metastasis, chronic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, restenosis, angiogenesis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, adult respiratory stress syndrome, and circulatory shock.
Cell surface adhesion molecules have become recognised as key mediators in numerous cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, immune cell transmigration and response, and cancer metastasis. Four major categories of adhesion molecules have been identified: the immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), cadherins, integrins, and selecting. The selectins represent a family of presently three transmembraneous, carbohydrate-binding glycoproteins: “endothelial” E-selectin, “leukocyte” L-selectin, and “platelet” P-selectin. All three selectins are divalent cation (e.g. calcium) dependent and possess an extracellular domain with a carbohydrate recognition motif, an epidermal growth factor-like motif, and some smaller domains related to complement-regulatory proteins.
Human P-selectin (also referred to as GMP-140, LECAM-3, PADGEM, CD62, CD62P) is expressed by platelets and endothelial cells. When expressed on these cell surfaces, its most notable effect is the slowing of leukocytes as these leave the capillaries and enter the postcapillary venules, the latter representing the major site of leukocyte-endothelium adhesion. The slowing process is observed as leukocyte rolling, signifying an initial adhesion with relatively low affinity. The firm adhesion of rolling leukocytes is primarily mediated by integrins.
In endothelial cells, P-selectin is stored on Weibel-Palade bodies; in platelets, it is found in the α-granules. Following activation, P-selectin is mobilised to the cell surfaces within a few minutes in response to a variety of inflammatory or thrombogenic agents. The endothelial P-selectin's primary function is to recruit leukocytes into postcapillary venules, while platelet P-selectin also results in the formation of thrombi. One of the presently known natural ligands of P-selectin is PSGL-1 (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1), a 160 kDa sialoprotein expressed on the surface of leukocytes where it is concentrated at the uropod. More detailed descriptions of the structure and functions of p-selectin are found in numerous publications, such as J. Panes, Pathophysiology 5: 271 (1999); F. Chamoun et al., Frontiers in Bioscience 5: e103 (Nov. 1, 2000); S.-I. Hayashi, Circulation 102: 1710 (2000).
P-selectin also appears to be involved more directly in platelet aggregation, as was shown recently by studies of the Ca-independent interactions of P-selectin with 3-sulfated galactosyl ceramide (also referred to as sulfatides). This interaction probably takes place at a different binding site of P-selectin, as the binding can be inhibited by the antibody WASP12.2, but not by AK4, whereas the binding of the natural P-selectin ligand PSGL-1, which is involved in leukocyte adhesion, is blocked by both WASP12.2 and AK4. However, it appears that the binding sites are overlapping. It is assumed that sulfatide interactions stabilise platelet aggregates.
On the one hand, it would seem feasible to improve these and other conditions involving the activation of endothelial cells and leukocytes, and specifically the mobilisation and expression of P-selectin by specifically interrupting the P-selectin cascades. This can be done, for instance, by the administration of ligands which selectively bind to human P-selectin, but which do not possess its bioactivity. By this method, mobilised P-selectin could be inactivated and leukocyte-induced tissue damage prevented. Potentially, the same effect could be achieved by gene therapy, provided the P-selectin ligand or antagonist is a peptide or modified peptide. According to this method, somatic cells of a person in need of the therapy would be transfected with an expression vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a P-selectin antagonist.
On the other hand, P-selectin-related diseases and conditions may also be treated or prevented by drugs which do not directly interact with P-selectin, but which suppress some of the detrimental effects of P-selectin activation in the respective cells and tissues. Among the drug substances potentially useful for therapeutic intervention are anti-inflammatory agents such as glucocorticoids.
One of the major drawbacks of any systemic therapy with highly active compounds is their distribution within the organism and the exposure of unaffected cells and tissues, potentially leading to substantial side effects. It would be most desirable to have methods and drug delivery systems available which allow the targeted delivery of active agents specifically to affected cells, without substantially exposing unaffected cells.
While there is no pharmaceutical product comprising a cell-specifically targeted drug delivery system available on the market today, a number of experimental delivery systems have been described in the scientific and patent literature. Drug targeting may be based on conjugates of active principles with target-recognising ligands, such conjugates representing molecular drug delivery systems. A general disadvantage of such conjugates is the low ration of drug substance per ligand (often only 1:1), resulting in the exposure to high levels of ligands.
As an example, Everts et al. (J. Immunol. 168: 883 (2002)) report the selective intracellular delivery of dexamethasone into activated endothelial cells using an E-selectin-directed immunoconjugate. Dexamethasone was covalently attached to an anti-E-selectin Ab, resulting in the so-called dexamethasone-anti-E-selectin conjugate. Binding of the conjugate to E-selectin was studied using surface plasmon resonance and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, internalisation of the conjugate was studied using confocal laser scanning microscopy and immuno-transmission electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that the dexamethasone-anti-E-selectin conjugate, like the unmodified anti-E-selectin Ab, selectively bound to TNF-alpha-stimulated endothelial cells and not to resting endothelial cells. After binding, the conjugate was internalised and routed to multivesicular bodies, which is a lysosome-related cellular compartment. After intracellular degradation, pharmacologically active dexamethasone was released, as shown in endothelial cells that were transfected with a glucocorticoid-responsive reporter gene. Furthermore, intracellularly delivered dexamethasone was able to down-regulate the proinflammatory gene IL-8.
Alternatively, carrier-based drug delivery systems may be rendered target-specific by attaching appropriate target-recognising ligands to their surface. For instance, this approach has been employed using liposomes as carriers. Some of the recent developments based on this approach have been reviewed by Maruyama (Biosci. Rep. 22: 251 (2002)).
For instance, methods for E-selectin targeted drug delivery have been investigated by Spragg et al. (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci USA 94: 8795 (1997)). According to this document, E-selectin was selected as a molecular target for endothelial-selective delivery of therapeutic drugs or genes for treating various disease states. Liposomes of various types (classical, sterically stabilised, cationic, pH-sensitive), each conjugated with mAb H18/7, a murine monoclonal antibody that recognises the extracellular domain of E-selectin, bound selectively and specifically to IL-1 beta-activated HUVEC at levels up to 275-fold higher than to unactivated HUVEC. E-selectin-targeted immunoliposomes appeared in acidic, perinuclear vesicles 2-4 hr after binding to the cell surface, consistent with internalisation via the endosome/lysosome pathway. Activated HUVEC incubated with E-selectin-targeted immunoliposomes, loaded with the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin, exhibited significantly decreased cell survival, whereas unactivated HUVEC were unaffected by such treatment.
On the other hand, there is some evidence that P-selectin may also be at least as an appropriate molecular target for activated endothelial cell involved in inflammatory processes, as was described above. Therefore, there is a need for drug delivery systems which are specifically targeted to this member of the selectin family, and thereby to cells and tissues showing (increased) P-selectin expression or presentation.
The majority of P-selectin binding compounds known today are carbohydrates, based on sialyl Lewis X (sLeX), a tetrasaccharide and natural ligand for the selecting. However, these mimics have the disadvantage of displaying low affinity (micromolar to millimolar range) and low specificity, as they tend to bind to other members of the selectin family with approximately the same affinity as they have for P-selectin.
Therefore, there also is a need for such P-selectin-directed, targeted drug delivery systems which have a high affinity and specificity for the target molecule. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data on the magnetic stripe on the card. The magnetic stripe may contain multiple tracks on which data may be recorded. International standards prescribe, for example, the size of the card, the location of the magnetic stripe and the formats of data recorded on the magnetic stripe. For example, international standards for bankcards including, without limitation, ATM cards, credit cards, and debit cards may prescribe a card size of 3.375 inches long by 2.125 inches wide.
Such standards may also prescribe, for example, the location and width of an elongate magnetic stripe extending across the back of the card on which may be encoded a Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN) in data recorded, for example, on a left-hand portion of the magnetic stripe running to a point near the middle of the magnetic stripe and a cardholder's account information on a right-hand portion of the magnetic stripe.
The magnetic stripe may be read by a magnetic read head of a card reader, for example, of an automated teller machine (ATM) to enable the cardholder to perform an ATM transaction. The card reader captures the cardholder's account information and the BIN or IIN recorded on the magnetic stripe, which may be sent to a host processor coupled to the ATM. The host processor may use such information to route the transaction to the cardholder's bank. An ATM keypad may let the cardholder enter a personal identification number (PIN) and information about the transaction which the cardholder wishes to perform.
In addition, magnetic stripe card readers may be deployed to control access to areas, such as ATM lobbies or vestibules, that are provided with doors secured by electric locks. Such electric door locks may be unlocked, for example, by swiping a properly encoded magnetic stripe card at the card reader. Such deployment may be referred to as an “access control card reader” (“ACCR”). If the proper credentials are encoded on the magnetic stripe, a controller to which the card reader of the ACCR is coupled may send a signal to the electric door lock to unlock the door and admit the cardholder. Thus, cardholders may gain access to such locked ATM lobbies or vestibules by swiping their properly encoded bankcards through a card reader of the ACCR. Typically, the bankcard used for such access may be any valid bankcard such as an ATM card, a credit card, or a debit card issued by a financial institution.
In recent years, huge economic losses have been incurred as a result of the theft and fraudulent use by criminals of cardholders' credentials recorded on the magnetic stripe of their bankcards. One way in which such theft occurs is a criminal practice referred to as “skimming” of bankcard information when a bankcard is used in an otherwise legitimate transaction.
A growing problem of skimming involves criminals putting a device with a skimming read head, such as an overlay, over a card slot of an ATM or ACCR which reads the magnetic stripe as the cardholder unknowingly passes his or her bankcard through the card slot to be read by the internal read head of the ATM or ACCR. The skimming read head reads the same bankcard information that is read by the ATM or ACCR read head and records or sends the information to the criminals.
In another technique, criminal skimmers may access the internal read head of the ATM or ACCR and attach a recording device that can record data from the magnetic stripe card. Regardless of the skimming technique used, it is important to criminal skimmers to make sure that the device at which their skimming activity occurs, such as an ATM or ACCR, continues to work so that cardholders are unaware that their bankcards are being illegally recorded.
In the past, various anti-skimming solutions have been deployed on ATMs across the U.S. Some such solutions have done an effective job of preventing skimming at ATMs for at least a while. However, as may be expected, criminals have found their way to skimming at unprotected ACCRs over time. Consequently, skimmers have defrauded, and are continuing to defraud, financial institutions out of many millions of dollars.
There is a present need for magnetic stripe card readers and methods that avoid exposing a cardholder's account information to potential theft by skimmers when the cardholder uses his or her magnetic stripe card at an ACCR to access a locked premises, such as an ATM vestibule or lobby. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Small animal or laboratory animal research is a cornerstone of modern biomedical advancement. Research using small animals enables researchers to understand complex biological mechanisms, to understand human and animal disease progression, and to develop new drugs to cure or alleviate many human and animal maladies. Small animal research is important in many areas of biomedical research including neurobiology, developmental biology, cardiovascular research and cancer biology. High-frequency ultrasound and high-frequency Doppler ultrasound can be used to image small animals for biomedical research.
Typically, when producing images of an animal using high-frequency Doppler ultrasound, the animal's breathing motion causes artifacts and inaccuracies in the image. For Doppler measurement of the velocity of blood flowing in a vessel, movement of the vessel due to the animal's breathing motion contributes to erroneous measured velocities. When an image is constructed using an ultrasound technique exploiting the total power in the Doppler signal to produce color-coded real-time images of blood flow (“Power Doppler”) over a two-dimensional surface, a motion artifact is displayed as large stripes in the image. Researchers have therefore been limited to producing images of only those parts of the small animal's anatomy not affected by breathing motion. Thus, breathing motion artifacts and inaccuracies hinder beneficial small animal research.
Acquisition of 3D volumes also suffers from respiration artifacts. 3D volumes typically consist of between approximately 2 and 500 individual image frames acquired with a spacing of between approximately 0.01 millimeter (mm) to 1.0 mm. When a number of slices have been acquired they are compiled to render a 3D volume. Each position consists of an independently acquired frame which may consist of a “Power Doppler” frame, a B-Mode frame, or combination of the two. Respiration artifacts cause unwanted motion which reduces the accuracy of the rendered volume. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A vehicle may include one or more object detection sensors such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors, cameras, etc., to detect objects, e.g., in an area outside the vehicle. A sensor for detecting objects outside a vehicle may be mounted to a vehicle exterior. For example, a sensor may be mounted to a vehicle roof, pillar, etc. Alignment of such sensors relative to the vehicle aids in detecting a position of detected objects relative to the vehicle. The sensors may be part of a sensor assembly. Testing of various sensors, e.g., types of sensors, and various types of sensor assembly components, e.g., types of lenses, aids in optimizing performance of the sensor assembly. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In many industries there is a need to control the disposition of certain capital assets for various reasons. Assets may become surplus due to obsolescence or overproduction, they may need refurbishing with new parts, they may need environmentally unsound parts removed or replaced, and the like.
One method in the prior art of controlling the disposition of such assets is complete disposal, which may be accomplished through an outside source. In some instances, the obsolete product may contain subassemblies or parts which have value. For example, a computer manufacturer may introduce a new model mainframe computer and have in its stock a surplus of an older model mainframe. Although the older model mainframe is unsalable, it likely contains many usable parts, such as memory devices, display devices, and the like.
There is thus a need for managing various types of dispositions of surplus or obsolete assets. In the prior art, this may be accomplished by simply providing the surplus products to an outside source which disassembles the products. It has been found, however, that these vendors often inadvertently or fraudulently mismanage the disassembly and disposition of the surplus. For example, parts which should be kept out of the marketplace may be sold on a "black market."This results in fraudulent warranty claims to the original asset manufacturer, poor customer relations, and substantial losses in revenues to the manufacturer.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for the controlled disposition of assets which overcomes the problems of the prior art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Computer and communication technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace. Indeed, computer and communication technologies are involved in many aspects of a person's day. Computers commonly used include everything from hand-held computing devices to large multi-processor computer systems.
Computers are used in almost all aspects of business, industry and academic endeavors. More and more homes are using computers as well. The pervasiveness of computers has been accelerated by the increased use of computer networks, including the Internet. On a network, one or more servers may provide data, services and/or may be responsible for managing other computers. The managed computers are often referred to as nodes. A computer network may have hundreds or even thousands of managed nodes.
Most companies have one or more computer networks and also make extensive use of the Internet. The productivity of employees often requires human and computer interaction. Improvements in computers and software have been a force for bringing about great increases in business and industrial productivity.
Maintaining and supporting computer systems is important to anyone who relies on computers. Whether a computing device is in a home or at a business, at least some maintenance and/or support is often needed. For example, computer software may be frequently upgraded or updated. New software is also continually being integrated into systems across the world. As illustrated by this discussion, systems and methods that improve updating an application may be beneficial. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Technical Field
The technical field relates to a latch apparatus and applications thereof.
2. Related Art
Low supply voltage circuit design is emphasized in research nowadays. Large volumes of research papers and patents have explored circuit design techniques in analog or digital circuits with the constraint of low supply voltage. Besides advanced process manufacturing techniques suitable for low supply voltage, a typical method to achieve low power consumption is to directly reduce the supply voltage of a circuit. However, by lowering the supply voltage of the circuit, many operational conditions of the circuit are limited, and the operating speed of the circuit is directly affected. Therefore, one of the most important research topics is how to solve the problem of speed attenuation at low supply voltage. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Prion diseases are a family of progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of the alternatively folded prion protein PrPSc. In the CNS, prions produce neuronal cell death, spongiform vacuolation and gliosis (1). The PrPSc protein is extractable from diseased tissue and biochemically distinguished from endogenous PrPC by partial protease resistance and detergent insolubility (2). Both PrPC and PrPSc share the same amino acid sequence, but PrPSc adopts an abnormal conformation that is transmissible and serves as a template for the conversion of host PrPC into the pathogenic prion isoform (3;4). The mechanism responsible for the transmission, conformational conversion of PrPC to PrPSc, and subsequent disease progression remains enigmatic.
Detection of infectious prions relies on combined use of immunoassay and histopathological assessment of brain tissue from infected animals (5). Current immunoassays are dependant on antibodies that recognize both the normal and abnormal isoforms of PrP. To distinguish abnormal PrPSc from normal PrPC requires limited digestion with proteinase-K (PK) to hydrolyze PK-sensitive PrPC while retaining the PK-resistant PrPSc (PrP 27-30). The PrP 27-30 protein is smaller than PrPC and intact PrPSc and thus can be recognized by a mobility shift following SDS-PAGE and Western blot detection with anti-PrP antibodies (6;7). Yet prion accumulation in the brain is progressive and infected, asymptomatic animals pose significant sampling challenges as minimal accumulation of PrPSc is localized to other more accessible tissue or fluid compartments (8;9). Moreover, variability in the efficacy of prion proteolysis of samples confounds detection of low-level PrPSc (10).
There remains an acute need for a sensitive and selective prion immunodiagnostic assay capable of pre-clinical assessment of infected animals from accessible tissues or fluids (11). Most immunoassay detection limits are insufficient to detect low-level prion contamination that can transmit disease by bioassay. Current assays are confounded by reliance on removal of PK-sensitive PrPC as no antibody has emerged that can selectively distinguish infectious PrPSc from PrPC (12). The need to remove PrPC protein from samples often diminishes immunoassay sensitivity by reducing the amount of PrPSc and increasing assay background. Moreover, the occurrence of PK-sensitive PrPSc isoforms poses additional concerns for many immunodiagnostic assays (13).
The difficulty of prion antibody generation is underscored by the identical primary structure of normal and abnormal PrP protein isoforms and isolation of purified infectious prion. The use of synthetic PrP peptides or recombinant PrPC has been successful in generating anti-PrP antibodies for detection of both PrPC and PrPSc proteins, but use of a PrPC derivative cannot yield an antibody that selectively bind the structurally distinct PrPSc (14;15). Since the primary structure of PrPSc is identical to PrP, a recombinant PrPSc protein cannot be generated. Moreover, the PrPC antigen has proven to be a poor immunogen as endogenous PrPC protein negates a robust immune response (16;17). The immunogenicity of PrPC antigen has been improved by using Prnp-null mice (Prnp0/0) with resulting production of high-affinity anti-PrP antibodies (14). However, the use of a PrPC antigen invariably leads to production of antibodies that recognize PrPC with a low probability of generating a PrPSc selective antibody capable of directly discriminating between normal PrPC and infectious PrPSc.
The most common methods for the diagnostic confirmation of prion disease involve clinical assessment, followed by post-mortem histopathological evaluation of brain tissue along with biochemical detection of PrP 27-30 (21;22). Several problems have confounded the pre-clinical diagnostic detection of prion. First, accumulation of PrPSc increases progressively over time; second, most PrPSc resides in the brain which imposes biopsy challenges. Third, prion concentrations below current immunoassay detection limits can transmit disease in animal bioassay (23;24). Fourth, no direct detection method has been developed that can distinguish PrPSc from PrPC without enzymatic or chemical manipulation to render endogenous PrPC undetectable while retaining PrPSc activity. Indeed, no antibody has emerged that can selectively bind PrPSc but not PrP, moreover, no surrogate analyte has been identified that can identify prions in preclinical animals (22;25). Finally, species and prion strain variability presents additional detection challenges as a result of distinct tissue distribution and availability (26;27).
Useful biochemical methods have emerged for the enrichment of PrPSc from brain homogenates that take advantage of differences in sedimentation and solubility (28;29). Yet, these preparative methods have proven insufficient to yield PrPSc enriched fractions suitable for crystal formation or as immunogen for the generation of PrPSc selective antibodies. Several factors likely contribute to the inability to generate a PrPSc selective antibody. First, the choice and preparation of inoculum have favored the generation of PrPC antibodies. The use of recombinant PrPC invariably yields antibodies that recognize PrP. Moreover, preparation of a native PrPSc is often confounded by contaminating proteins including PrP. Second, wt animals expressing endogenous PrPC may provide a less robust system for the generation of PrPSc antibodies (30). Third, the method used for screening antibodies requires the selective discrimination of those that bind PrPC from those that bind PrPSc. A method that yields that yields abundant PrPSc from diseased tissue and demonstrates a progressive increase in specific infectivity of prions and generation of high-titer antisera with selective activity to PrP is therefore desired. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides a cleaning method following an opening etch, and more particularly, to a cleaning method that utilizes an in-situ nitrogen (N2) treatment process.
2. Description of the Prior Art
To meet the needs of high integration and high processing speed in integrated circuits (ICs) and in semiconductor fabrication of 0.13 micrometer (μm) or below, a copper (Cu) dual damascene technology in company with low dielectric constants (k values) (low-k; k≦2.9) dielectric layer has now become an effective metal interconnection solution. The reason is because Cu has the features of lower resistance (approximately 30% lower than aluminum) and better electro-migration resistance and so on. Besides, the use of low-k materials as dielectric layers can help to reduce Resistance-Capacitance Time Delay. Therefore, low-k dielectric layer in company with Cu dual damascene in ICs fabrication has become more and more significant.
Low-k dielectric layer is made of carbon doped silicon oxide materials among which at least a portion of the oxygen atoms bonded to the silicon atoms are replaced by one or more organic functional groups such as, for example, an alky group (CH3—), etc. The low-k materials comprise organo-silicate-glasses (OSGs), fluorinated silica glasses (FSGs), hydrogen silsequoxiane (HSQ), methyl silsequoxiane (MSQ), etc. The dielectric constants of those materials are all smaller than about 2.5.
The substitution of one or more organic functional groups for some of the oxygen atoms bonded to the silicon atoms in silicon oxide dielectric materials has a beneficial effect in lowering of the dielectric constant of the carbon doped silicon oxide materials. However, it has been found that the bond formed between the silicon atoms and the organic groups is not as stable as the silicon-oxygen bond formed in conventional silicon oxide materials. Therefore, the bond formed between the silicon atoms and the organic groups is easily damaged during some processes of the Cu dual damascene fabrication such as an opening etch, which is performed to etch the low-k dielectric layer to form opening structures (i.e. trench or via hole), or an ashing process used for removing photoresist layers, etc.
Radicals, which are formed while the bonds formed between the silicon atoms and the organic groups are cleaved, will react with reactive gases used in etch or ashing processes to produce lots of polymers having carbon-fluorine (C—F) bonds remaining on the bottom or the sidewall of the dual damascene structure. Besides, as the improvement of the semiconductor fabrication technology, hard mask layers containing metal layers such as titanium nitride (TiN), etc, are used as etching mask to replace the conventional photoresist layer in the Cu dual damascene fabrication. However, the use of the hard mask layer containing metal layers as an etching mask results in metal residues, which are more difficult to remove than conventional organic photoresist layers, remaining on the bottom or the sidewall of the dual damascene structure. Accordingly, if the dual damascene structure having those polymers or residues were directly filled with a metal conductive layer such as a Cu layer to form a metal interconnection, the resistance would increase.
Accordingly, there are plenty of patents that have disclosed how to clean polymers having carbon-fluorine bonds or metal residues. In U.S patent publication No. 2006/0246717 A1, entitled “Method for fabricating a dual damascene and polymer removal”, a dry clean process is disclosed in which a cleaning gas with hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), or carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) is introduced into a reaction chamber, where the etching process has been performed to form the dual damascene structure, to remove the residues resulting form etching the low-k dielectric layer.
In addition, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,406, entitled “Method for polymer removal following etch-stop layer etch”, an extra process is disclosed in which the semiconductor substrate is moved to a plasma cleaning chamber for introducing a hydrogen-containing plasma to remove the residue polymers.
However, the aforesaid cleaning methods of using H2/O2/CF4 plasma or only H2-containing plasma still can't remove polymers or metal residues effectively; therefore, the aim of increasing yield hasn't made a breakthrough. Accordingly, after performing the conventional plasma cleaning methods, many times wet cleaning processes are needed to achieve removing polymers or metal residues clean. As increasing in the times of wet cleaning processes, the throughput is decreased and the cost is increased. Furthermore, the cleaning methods using reactive gases such as H2 or CH4, etc, as plasma sources usually result in damaging the low-k dielectric layer or changing the dielectric constant of the low-k dielectric layer so as to affect the capacitances of the corresponding devices.
Accordingly, how to remove the residues resulting from the opening etch with a more effective method without destroying the dual damascene structures or changing the constant value of the low-k dielectric layer is still an important issue that needs to be investigated. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to a network simulation for testing network performance. In particular, the present invention relates to bulk call generation and application emulation for purposes of testing and simulation for evaluating the performance of a network.
A computer network includes a set of communication channels interconnecting a set of computing devices or nodes that can communicate with each other. These nodes may be computers, terminals, workstations, or communication units of various kinds distributed over different locations. They communicate over communications channels that can be leased from common carriers (e.g. telephone companies) or are provided by the owners of the network. These channels may use a variety of transmission media, including optical fibers, coaxial cable, twisted copper pairs, satellite links, or digital microwave radio. The nodes may be distributed over a wide area (distances of hundreds or thousands of miles) or over a local area (distances of a hundred feet to several miles), in which case the networks are called wide area (WAN) or local area (LAN) networks, respectively. Combinations of LANs and WANs are also possible in the case of widely separated LANs in branch offices located via a WAN to the LAN in corporate headquarters.
Recently, modem computer networks have greatly increased in number and geographical area, in the number and variety of devices interconnected, and in the scope of applications supported. A modem network may consist of thousands of computing devices made by various manufacturers connected by a variety of transmission media spanning international and intercontinental boundaries.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between users and a network. FIG. 1 shows users 100A-100C who are attempting to make calls to various Internet protocol addresses in the network 106. Users 100A-100C may be any entity attempting to access network 106, such as an individual user, a server, or a corporation. Users 100A-100C typically call into a central office, such as Pacific Bell, which in turn calls an Internet service provider 104, such as Netcom. The call typically terminates with an Internet service provider 104. A router then typically uses a network protocol connection, such as a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), to distribute the calls made by the users 100A-100C to the appropriate Internet protocol (IP) addresses in the network 106.
For testing and simulation purposes, it is often useful to simulate users 100A-100C and the central office 102 to determine the quality and performance of the network 106. For instance, it may be useful for the Internet service provider 104 to determine how many number of calls it can handle within a given amount of time. With that information, the Internet service provider 104 could determine whether its infrastructure is adequate to provide services for its customers. Another instance in which testing and simulation may be required is if a customer does not wish to build its own network, but contracts for a service agreement to utilize someone else""s private network. Typically, these service level agreements agree to provide availability for a certain percent of time. In order to monitor the contracts, simulations can occur which mimics the customers"" access to provide proof that the network can simultaneously handle a given number of calls and that the agreed percentage of availability is actually being provided.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system for testing a network. FIG. 2 shows a bulk call generator 200, such as the bulk call generator manufactured by Abacus, making calls to the network 106. The bulk call generator 200 simulates the users 100A-100C and the central office 102 of FIG. 1 by generating a large number of calls into the network 106. The bulk call generator 200 typically generates a large number of calls into the network 106 to be rerouted back to the bulk call generator 200. In other words, the bulk call generator 200 makes a large number of calls to itself through the network 106. In this manner, the bulk call generator 200 simulates the users 100A-100C and the central office 102 of FIG. 1 to test the performance of the network 106. These conventional bulk call generators 200 are typically a device with dedicated hardware specifically designed to create bulk calls. The conventional bulk call generators 200 typically range in price from $100,000 to $500,000.
Although simulation and testing can be accomplished with conventional bulk call generators, they tend to be extremely expensive. Additionally, conventional bulk call generators typically do not include a variety of IP addresses as part of the test scenario.
It would be desirable to have a bulk call generator which does not require dedicated hardware, which can be manufactured at a reasonable price, and which includes a variety of IP addresses as part of the test scenario. The present invention addresses such a need.
The present invention is a system and method for generating bulk calls and emulating applications. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a router is converted into a bulk call generator which generates packets with Internet protocol (IP) addresses for the purpose of simulating network traffic. These packets may be initially either captured or created. When the packets are captured, they may be captured from actual network traffic and rerouted to various selected IP addresses which are used for simulation purposes. Alternatively, when the packets are created, they may be created within the converted router and various selected IP addresses, reserved for simulation purposes, are assigned to the packets. The various selected IP addresses may be in a range which is user configurable. The IP addresses may be selected from this range by any method, such as incrementation, decrementation, or random selection. Connections may be set up according to a routing table based on the IP addresses of the various data packets.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a set of parameters is assigned to each data packet. Examples of parameters include an interface assignment, packet issuance rate, duration for the rate, number of times to repeat this set of parameters, and a modification scheme for modifying the IP address. A send engine in the converted router may receive the set of parameters and send the data packet according to the instructions in the set of parameters associated with the data packet.
A method according to an embodiment of the present invention for generating a plurality of calls to a network is presented. The method comprising a step of providing a data packet with an address, wherein the address identifies a location within a network, the device being configurable to perform as a router. The method also comprising providing a record with at least one traffic parameter; and sending the data packet to the network for a simulation purpose, the data packet being sent according to the at least one traffic parameter.
A system according to an embodiment of the present invention for generating a plurality of calls to a network is also presented. The system comprising a packet generator subsystem included in a device, wherein the device is configurable to perform as a router, and wherein the packet generator subsystem provides a data packet with an address, wherein the address identifies a location within a network. The system also comprising a dial shelf coupled to the packet generator subsystem, wherein the packet generator subsystem is configured to request the dial shelf to prepare to send a predetermined number of calls for a simulation purpose.
Another system according to an embodiment of the present invention for generating a plurality of calls to a network is presented. The system comprising a means for providing a data packet with an address, wherein the address identifies a location within a network, the device being configurable to perform as a router. The system also comprising a means for providing a record with at least one traffic parameter; and a means for sending the data packet to the network for a simulation purpose, the data packet being sent according to the at least one traffic parameter. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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A chuck for a boring tool, which allows one-handed operation when changing the tool, is known from German Published Patent Application No. 100 26 021. For this purpose, the chuck has a chuck body having an insertion opening, into which a tool shank may be axially inserted. In the inserted state, the tool shank may be axially locked by locking bodies, the locking bodies engaging in axially running grooves in the tool shank, so that the tool shank has a specific movement play in the axial direction in the locked state. For this purpose, radial yielding movement of the locking bodies is prevented by an axially displaceable locking sleeve when the locking sleeve is in a locked position. In contrast, when the locking sleeve is pushed into an unlocked position by the operator, the locking bodies may yield radially outward and the boring tool may be removed from the chuck or inserted into the chuck. The locking sleeve is pre-tensioned in the direction of the locked position by a spring in this case, in order to prevent unintentional unlocking of the boring tool. To allow one-handed operation, however, the locking sleeve may be axially arrested in the unlocked position, the arresting being performed by a leaf spring, for example, which engages in the locking sleeve from the inside. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The bee Apis mellifica, otherwise known as the honey bee, is being damaged by a highly invasive parasite Varroa destructor. It is a parasitic mite which comes from the Asia region. The Asia-local east bee Apis cerana is, due to long term co-evolution with this mite, genetically equipped with a regulation mechanism, by the help of which it decreases mite population in the colony on the level which will not cause the colony to perish. In contrast, the honey bee does not have any natural striking power against this new coming mite. At present, the mite Varroa presents a significant and difficult to solve problem for rearing of honey bees. Varroatosis (the disease caused by Varroa destructor) endangers colonies worldwide, although it has not spread in Australia yet. Varroatosis is therefore considered as a globally spread and the most severe disease of bee brood and adult bees.
All development stages of Varroa prey on haemolymph, thus on blood of bees and brood. They do not only deplete the body of the hosts of nutrients but also cause losses of haemolymph through numerous injuries of the skin. Varroa moreover also transmits causative organisms of many serious viral infections of the bees, and without a treatment from human side causes death of invaded colonies in two to three years from their colonization. Weakening of the colonies causes winter colony loss and enables more malign course of many other bee diseases.
The development cycle of Varroa destructor takes place in the honey bee on a sealed brood of worker bees and drones. Just before the sealing, a fertilized female Varroa passes from adult bees to bee brood. After the sealing, she lays on an erect larva and prepupa most often 2-5 eggs. From the egg emerges hexapod larva, next stages are protonymph and deuteronymph. Sexually mature Varroa males develop in seven days and sexually mature females develop in 9 days. While the bees and parasites are still in the cell, male parasites perish after mating and fertilized females take hold of the young bee, finishing the development. Together with the bee, the female Varroa leave the cell. On worker bees or drones they live several days (2-60), before they are sated, move back to cells, and start to lay eggs. For drone bees, it is characteristic for them to drift into other hives and thus they become main transmitters of this parasite. Similarly, worker bees transmit attached mites into surrounding colonies during drifting or robbery.
There are several different methods and procedures currently used for reduction of the quantity of Varroa mite population in bee colonies. The first of them is a method of chemical treatment with substances of an artificial origin. Thus these are substances which are not naturally in nature and are produced by chemical industry. These are, for example, fumigation or contact acaricides. A disadvantage of this treatment, by these substances, is the fact that they may accumulate to human toxic levels in bee products such as in honey and wax. The market value of these commodities is decreased in comparison with the same products from ecological production without toxic substances. Additionally, the mites have already developed an undesired resistance to some remedies.
The second method of treatment of Varroatosis is based on an application of so called “natural chemistry”. This means a treatment with chemical substances, which are ordinarily common in nature. These are, for example, substances which contain formic acid, essential oils, lactic acid, alcohol or traps with aromatic substances, so called pheromone traps. A disadvantage of use of these substances is possible residua, thus remains of more or less poisonous matters that decompose with difficulty. Another disadvantage of this treatment is the fact that the preparations based on organic acids may harm development of the brood and shorten length of life of adult bees. When they are applied, there are problems with their low or short time efficiency. These substances moreover do not, in sufficient amount, affect development stages of mite, covered under wax caps of the cells. Thus, it is very common supplement treatment with application of synthetic matters in form of fumigation, aerosol treatment, insertion of acaricide strips with long term efficiency, spring painting of the brood and so on. These methods of chemical treatment compensate for insufficient efficiency of the substances based on natural chemistry.
The next method of decreasing the amount of mites is biotechnical methods when chemical substances are not used at all. As an example of this biotechnical procedure, it is possible to mention a method of drone brood comb use as an allurement for mite females. This method, however, can be purposeful only at certain periods of the year, generally from April till July when the drone comb is present. Problems with this method include a relatively high work demand factor and a necessity of accurate keeping of terms of cut out and removal of parasitized drone brood. Moreover, according to some studies, cut out of the drone brood decreases honey yield up to 30% and likewise supports swarming of bees.
Biophysical mechanisms are also used for reduction or liquidation of mites in colony. Part of this category is also a method of thermal treatment of colonies. It is matter of common knowledge that even a relatively small increase of the temperature above normal brood temperature, which ranges in interval from 33-36° C., harms mites or even causes their death. Also Indian bees, as an original host species of Varroa mite, purposely warms its worker brood more than its drone brood. Thus, in this Asian species, the mites attach only to development stages of drones. Because they do not parasitize on worker bees they do not disturb viability of society as whole.
The method of thermal treatment of colonies against Varroa destructor has not been yet, even around the world, developed to the point to be usable to the larger extent in ordinary bee operations. The thermal treatment of the colonies is, by part of professional public, perceived and classified as an alternative method of treatment, which is completely inefficient or in practice unusable for whole colonies.
In publication Varroatosis (Dr. Friedrich Pohl, Víkend publisher 2008, pg. 55) is mentioned a method of thermal treatment of combs without bees. In research, not in operational, conditions the brood combs are deprived of bees and in a warm up case are heated for a certain time for mites to die but for the bee brood not to be damaged. This technology is suitable only for scientific experiments, since thermal differences are very low and consequences for bees are to be yet explored.
From a thermal effect application on whole colonies point of view it is possible to distinguish two techniques. The first technique is based on several hours' lasting heating of hive environment to lower temperature of 40-42° C., which is demanding on time and technical equipment. The bees are for the whole period of mite extermination closed in the hive and its entrance is closed, or dramatically narrowed. During a several hours of lasting heating it is necessary to ensure oxygen for imprisoned bees in the method not to cool down the hive. Likewise it is necessary to divert produced carbon dioxide without thermal losses. It is necessary to regulate temperature not to exceed dangerous limit and kill the imprisoned bees. Adult bees, that is to say, are only able to endure lower temperatures than treated brood. This requires installment of accurate regulation mechanisms controlled by thermostats. The beekeeper has to be present and check or control activities of all mechanisms supporting the life of closed colonies. To allow hot air to spread from a heat source along all spaces of the hive, it is sometimes necessary to increase a gap between combs and apply a system of hot air forced circulation in the hive, for example by the help of a ventilator. This requires not only further technical devices but also a necessity of colonies' dismounting. Therefore any method, based on particular colonies dismount and longtime heating of each hive by the source of an artificial heat, is expensive, technically demanding and to a large extent, nonutilizable.
A second technique of a research application of thermal treatment is based on very strong but short lasting heating of the hive interior up to more than 50° C., for period of several minutes. A longer time interval of this strong heating would kill the bees. A disadvantage of this technique is a fact that a thermal effect will not strike mites on brood, because in a few minutes does not come to necessary heating of the core of the combs. The development stages of the mite survive, and only mites which are on bees in the given moment of treatment are killed. Approximately 80% of all mites in the colony are hidden on the brood, however, under protection of a wax cap. Therefore this method is not and cannot be sufficiently efficient in practice as it does not liquidate a majority of parasites. This method is also risky. If the colony is exposed to high temperature several minutes longer than it is optimal it may cause the bee larvae to fall out from the cells of the combs, it may disturb bee brood development or may even cause older bees to perish. The result may be worse consequences for the colony than damage caused by the mite itself.
Different devices for a thermal treatment of bees against Varroatosis are known. For instance in file CZ 235489 is described a solution where a heat exchanger is placed on the bottom of the box and in an upper part are situated controllable openings for hot air off take from the box. Further is known a solution mentioned in file WO2012108857 A1, where in an interior of a hive above a brood area is placed a ridge body connected via a cable to a source of electric current, which in combination with a heat radiator, electronic control unit, thermal sensor, and an optional diagnostic system enables reduction and control of Varroatosis in colonies. GR1005196 B2 introduces a method and a device designed for a thermal treatment of a colony. In this disclosed method, a bee population in a hive is for a period of 12 minutes exposed to temperature of 40° centigrade. A turbine and a pipeline to a bottom of the hive are used to form a hot air flow closed circuit in the hive.
The problem of the majority of so far published solutions is in a limited possibility of their practical use. A thermal treatment is usually not applied on a whole colony, but many devices are based on a bee thermal treatment without combs, combs without bees and so on, which is very labored and in principle nonutilizable in a commercial practice where the beekeeper has to take care of hundreds or thousands of colonies. To reach an effect of thermal killing of mites there are used structurally complicated and thus also expensive devices, dependent on external sources of electric energy. These have movable and therefore faulty parts which wear out when used. This alone complicates their use in a beekeeping profession.
Likewise are known technical designs and techniques which are applicable for whole colonies. For example in magazine “V{hacek over (c)}ela{hacek over (r)}ství” 7/2012, page 231 is described a device for mite liquidation which works on the presumption that the mite dies at 40° C. temperature, but the bee survives for short periods at 50 to 55° C. temperature. A disadvantage of this solution is an excess of labor and a low efficiency, also the fact that a whole colony is inserted into thenno boxes equipped with thermostats treated with a same regulated temperature, whereas adult bees are only able to endure far lower temperatures than young bees, larvae and pupae. If we imprison an entire colony in a hive and heat the hive intensively there is a risk of killing old bees. There is also risk of a suffocation of a whole colony if there is not, by a technically difficult way, ensured an oxygen entry and carbon dioxide take off and this all without thermal losses which would decrease heating efficiency. Devices which would be able to treat whole colonies in a safe way via an accurately regulated temperature and without bees' mortality are therefore very expensive.
The colonies themselves have to, in a brood rearing period, keep temperature of at least 33° C., namely at the expense of metabolic burning of glycide reserves, thus honey and sugar. The temperature has a completely essential importance for a spring development of colonies. It is, for example, known that in urban areas the colonies have a faster development than the colonies in an open countryside by several weeks. This is due to fact that an urban climate is of mere 2-3° C. warmer than in an open countryside. Commonly used hives are not equipped with a device which would generate a thermal energy and thereby simplify and hasten development of colonies in springtime. They also do not have a device which would supply important water in early spring. Therefore, artificially warmed bees fly out from a hive and chill by watering places. A combination of these unfavorable facts decreases honey yield form early flowering cultures and also decreases flying activity and a pollination performance of colonies.
From U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,528 A is known a method of a thermal treatment of colonies which uses a solar energy. A movable solar collector is possible to set in two positions, when in first position the solar collector is placed above the hive and in second position it is inclined in a sunward direction. In this position the hive is heated via solar energy. The cold air is sucked from an interior of the hive into a piping system, is heated by the help of a collector and then it is returned hack to the hive. A disadvantage of this solution is the solar panel must be manipulated at the start and finish of solar heating, which is labor and time demanding.
The aim of a featured invention is to introduce a new method of a thermal treatment of colonies which efficiently decreases Varroa destructor populations' multitude without chemical treatment. The second positive effect is an improvement of thermal wellbeing of colonies and their better development in a spring period. By the help of this invention is significantly reduced an occurrence of parasites Varroa in all development stages, yet it does not achieve 100% efficiency after first treatment. The full extermination of the parasite is reached after repeated use of thermal treatment in a given year. Because the whole colony is not treated at the same time in one step it is not necessary to imprison adult bees, which are high temperature sensitive, in the hive. There is therefore no risk of their killing by a heat during treatment. Therefore there is no necessity of an expensive thermoregulation mechanisms' application. Individual adult bees' age-related heat tolerance is respected by allowing for a possibility of a spontaneous departure of adult bees from the area with, for them, dangerous temperature. Bee brood, which is a highly resistant to temperature, survives thermal treatment without consequences. However the brood is completely free of parasitic mites which reproduce on it. The lifecycle of this device for a thermal treatment is at least as long as a lifecycle of the hive, thus several decades. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In modern wireless communications systems, a plurality of cells or base stations may be arranged into a cluster, with each cell having multiple transmit antennas and serving a number of users. In Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, the spectrum is divided into subcarriers in frequency domain and OFDM symbols in the time domain. One resource element is typically defined by the time-frequency resource within one subcarrier and one OFDM symbol. Wireless networks generally have a finite number of resource elements over which to communicate data, with the network's throughput capacity generally corresponding to the collective carrying capacity of the network's resource elements.
The increasing demand for wireless bandwidth is expected to push the limits of macro-cell deployment in next-generation networks. As such, next-generation networks may be configured to support small-cell deployment to increase data capacity, while still meeting customer's quality of service expectations and operators' requirements for cost-effective service delivery. Small-cells generally are low-power wireless access points that operate in a licensed spectrum. Small-cells provide improved cellular coverage, capacity and applications for homes and businesses, as well as metropolitan and rural public spaces. Different types of small-cells include, generally from smallest size to largest size, femtocells, pico-cells, metro-cells and micro-cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Users of headsets or headphones often choose not to wear their headset or headphones in an in-the-ears or on-the-ears wearing mode at all times. Instead, users may choose to wear the devices in a body worn stowage mode, such as around their neck, over a shoulder, or elsewhere on the body. As the body-worn stowage wearing mode has become more fashionable, headset and headphones designs have evolved accordingly. These headsets and headphones must be designed to be easily worn while not in use and celebrate the headset or headphones form factor rather than hide it, thereby making it desirable for the user to wear the headset or headphones in plain view.
However, in a body worn stowage wearing mode, headset operation has been limited because it is not worn in the traditional in-the-ears or on-the-ears operational mode. For example, in a body worn stowage wearing mode, a headset ringer is not typically sufficiently loud to hear when played through the ear piece speakers since the ear pieces are not on-the-ears or in-the-ears. In contrast, if the ringer volume is set at a higher level so that it is sufficiently loud to be heard when worn on the body, it would then be too loud when worn in-the-ears or on-the-ears.
Listening to multimedia content is a common use of headsets and headphones. Hearing multimedia content accurately often requires that both the left and right channels be heard. This is typically done by wearing ear pieces in both ears. However, for a number of reasons, simultaneous wearing of two ear pieces is not always desirable. For example, it is illegal to do so while driving an automobile. In an office setting, wearing both ear pieces implies the user is unavailable, which may be considered inappropriate. Furthermore, wearing two ear pieces may interfere with the wearer's capacity to hear outside interrupts such as a desk phone ringing. It may also incorrectly imply that the user is not performing his/her job.
One solution in the prior art is simply for the wearer to remove one ear piece. However, this may be problematic in that one channel (left or right) of the content is lost. The loss of one channel may seriously degrade the listening experience where the left and right channel differ, as is the case for stereo signals or other types of processed or multi-channel signals. It would therefore be desirable to allow the user to remove an earpiece under certain circumstances without losing any audio content.
In another situation, a user may be listening to some form of multimedia such as music and need to talk to somebody nearby or need to listen to something happening in the immediate vicinity. Typically, the user removes his/her earpieces. However, the multimedia continues to play unless the user enters a pause command on the media player user interface. Thus, the user either loses his/her place in the media or has to perform a second action to pause playback.
As a result, there is a need for improved methods and apparatuses for headset or headphones operation based on wearing mode. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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From patent application FR 2 804 784, an identifying member made of a transparent curable resin is known, which incorporates gas bubbles randomly scattered within the identifying member. The gas may optionally be colored in order to increase the contrast between the bubbles and the remainder of the identifying member. This identifying member requires a specific manufacturing process, which is appropriate only for certain types of material.
Also known from patent application FR 2 425 937 is a fibrous structure containing metal fibers. In order to authenticate or identify the fibrous structure, a signature formed by metal fibers dispersed within the fibrous structure is used by relying, for example, on the nature, size, concentration and spatial location of the metal fibers (three-dimensional distribution). Said metal fiber signature may be measured, for example, by an appropriate sensing system in response to a magnetic stimulus.
Moreover, when a paper sheet is formed, the fibers assume an orientation and a distribution, on which the look-through and other optical properties of the sheet depend. The manufacturer will generally attempt to make the fiber distribution homogeneous in order to create a so-called well-closed formation. The presence of air bubbles is generally considered to be a defect, as these air bubbles lead to surface irregularities when forming the sheet, and/or to the presence of minute holes in the sheet. These defects are conspicuous by transmission or look-through, as they generate a locally smaller material density.
The manufacturer may also have to deposit on the paper sheet surface one or more non-fibrous, notably binder-based, surface layers, so as to provide printability characteristics and/or specific properties. Here again, air bubbles within these layers cause defects known as “pinholes” leading to visible light-colored spots, notably in transmitted light.
Devices for removing the air bubbles before they reach the area where the paper layer is formed have been developed. In particular, paper machines are equipped with circuits for stock deaeration so as to reduce the air bubbles. | {
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(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a substrate transport apparatus for use with a substrate processing system for performing varied treatments (e.g. film-forming, prebaking, exposure, development and postbaking) in a photolithographic process of substrates such as semiconductor wafers or glass substrates for liquid crystal displays. Specifically, the invention relates to a substrate transport method and apparatus for transferring substrates through a buffer section having a plurality of storages for temporarily storing the substrates, between a processing unit for performing varied treatments before and after an exposing process and an exposure unit for performing the exposing process.
(2) Description of the Related Art
A conventional substrate transport apparatus of the type noted above transfers substrates between the processing unit and exposure unit through a buffer section having a plurality (e.g. 50 stages) of storages for temporarily storing the substrates. This apparatus includes a first substrate transport device for transporting the substrates between the processing unit and buffer section, and a second substrate transport device for transporting the substrates between the buffer section and exposure unit.
This apparatus operates as follows, for example.
In the buffer section, the first to 25th storages counted from the bottom act as a feed buffer, and the 26th to 50th storages as a return buffer. The feed buffer stores unexposed substrates to be transported to the exposure unit. The return buffer stores exposed substrates transported from the exposure unit.
A first unexposed substrate having a film formed thereon and prebaked in the processing unit is received by the first transport device and deposited on the first (lowermost) storage of the feed buffer. Next, a second substrate is received by the first transport device and deposited on the lowermost one of the vacant storages (i.e. the second storage) of the feed buffer. In this way, each succeeding substrate treated in the processing unit is deposited on a next lower storage of the feed buffer.
The second transport device transfers the substrates, successively in the order of deposition, from the feed buffer to the exposure unit. Of the first and second substrates deposited as above, for example, the first substrate is first transferred to the exposure unit.
The first substrate exposed in the exposure unit is received by the second transport device, and deposited in the return buffer (e.g. the 26th and lowermost storage in the return buffer) of the buffer section. Next, the second substrate is deposited on the lowermost one of the vacant storages (e.g. the 27th storage immediately above the 26th storage). In this way, each succeeding substrate exposed in the exposure unit is deposited on a next lower storage of the return buffer.
The first transport device receives the substrate deposited first in the return buffer if there are substrates therein, and transfers it to the processing unit. The substrate transferred to the processing unit is developed therein.
The above substrate transporting mode absorbs a difference in throughput between the processing unit and exposure unit.
The conventional apparatus with the above construction has the following drawback.
When one of the first and second transport devices transports a substrate to or from the buffer section, the other substrate transport device cannot transport a substrate to or from not only the same storage but the two storages adjacent that storage. This is because the storages are arranged close to one another, and the two transport devices could interfere with each other in their vertical movements. Thus, the transport operation may be retarded. A waiting time is caused with the first or second transport device to lower throughput.
To avoid the above inconvenience, it is conceivable to arrange the storages at increased intervals. Then, naturally, only a reduced number of substrates could be stored, and the buffer section would have an increased height, requiring the transport devices to be movable to an increased height. | {
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A computing device typically provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to interact with the computing device through items such as graphical icons, visual indicators, “desktops” and windows. The graphical user interface is typically designed to enhance user-efficiency and ease-of-use to operate underlying applications. In many cases, a user may invoke multiple applications and/or multiple instances of an application that, in turn, cause the computing device to open and display multiple windows on the computing device's display. | {
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Carbon membranes, among various types of inorganic membranes, exhibit an excellent gas separation performance, and can be used in an environment where organic membranes cannot be used and heat resistance and chemical resistance are required. Therefore, the practical application thereof is expected. Further, hollow fiber membranes have an excellent pressure resistance and a large membrane area per unit volume, and thus have characteristics that they can be used to produce separation membrane modules which are more compact than those produced with flat membranes or spiral membranes.
Hollow fiber carbon membranes have been reported to have problems such as membrane fragility, sealing difficulty, and cost. In order to solve these problems, there have been proposed: a hollow fiber carbon membrane in which an inexpensive polyphenylene oxide derivative is used for forming a precursor (see Patent Document 1); a flexible hollow fiber carbon membrane in which a sulfonated polyphenylene oxide derivative is used for forming a precursor (see Patent Document 2), and the like. | {
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a processing management system that manages processing executed by an electronic apparatus, and an electronic apparatus constituting the processing management system, a management server constituting the processing management system, and a processing management method of the electronic apparatus.
2. Related Art
JP-A-2005-335215 describes an image processing apparatus (an example of the electronic apparatus) in which a login is required before various processing such as print processing is executed. The management tool for such an image processing apparatus causes accounts to correlate to permission processing corresponding to processing permitted to be used in the image processing apparatus in order for the correlated account and processing to be managed.
For example, the permission processing correlating to a first account is assumed to be only print processing and copy processing, and the permission processing correlating to a second account is assumed to be facsimile processing in addition to print processing and copy processing. In this condition, in a case where the first account is used to perform login to the image processing apparatus, print processing and copy processing are permitted to be executed but facsimile processing is prohibited from being executed in the image processing apparatus.
For this reason, in a case where as such, execution of the facsimile processing is requested by a user in the image processing apparatus to which a login is finished using the first account, the image processing apparatus automatically comes into a logoff state to prompt the user to perform another login using the second account. Further, when the second account is used to perform the login to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus permits execution of the facsimile processing.
However, in the image processing apparatus described above, the accounts which can be managed are limited in number due to a memory capacity. For this reason, in a case where the number of users who are likely to use the image processing apparatus are large, due to a memory capacity limitation, it is difficult to set an account for each user and permit permission processing for each account. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the use of back-scattered microwave radiation for non-invasive monitoring and diagnostics of biological activity, physiologic activity, anatomical structure and the pathology of various organs of living animals and man.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of microwaves in monitoring biological activity and pathological diagnostics is receiving more and more attention, particularly because microwaves are capable of penetration of soft tissue and can be used in non-invasive techniques for monitoring the heart, brain and other organs. Two examples of such techniques are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,483,860 to Namarow and 3,951,314 to Malech.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,483,860 to Namarow discloses a method for monitoring intrasomatic circulatory functions and organ movement wherein low power microwave signals are modulated with an audio frequency and transmitted through a horn antenna positioned on a subject's chest. A portion of such signals is reflected back and received through a directional coupler. The received signals are modulated in accordance with heart action, i.e. variations in blood flow during the pumping cycle and movement of the heart and adjacent bodily organs. The modulated signals are amplified and demodulated in a receiver, the modulation envelope being impressed on the audio carrier frequency. While providing an important diagnostic tool, because of the use of a horn antenna large areas are irradiated and it is not possible to isolate for diagnosis small localized areas. Also, since the system depends on variations in blood flow or muscle or heart movement, it cannot be used for medical diagnosis of areas such as the brain which is free from movement or the spine which is substantially transparent to microwaves.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,134 to Malech discloses a method and apparatus for remotely monitoring brain waves. Electromagnetic signals of different frequencies are simultaneously transmitted to the brain of the subject. It is suggested that the signals of different frequencies penetrate the subject's skull and mix to form an interference waveform which is modulated by brain activity. The modulated interference waveform is re-transmitted from the brain and picked up by the antenna and processed in received electronics to develop a signal representing intra-brain activity. While the Malech patent provides a means of monitoring brain function which may be a useful barometer of organic functions, it is too technically cumbersome to be accepted as a general diagnostic tool by the general practioner.
Over the years researchers have reported various techniques for using microwaves as a means for biological studies and reference may be made to the following publications.
(1) C. Susskind, "Possible Use of Microwaves in the Management of Lung Disease," Proc. IEE, Vol. 61, pp. 673-74 (May 1973);
(2) C. Susskind and A. R. Perrins, "Oscillograph Field Plotter," Electronics, Vol. 24, pg. 140 (September 1951);
(3) P. C. Pedersen et al., "An Investigation of the Use of Microwave Radiation for Pulmonary Diagnostics," IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Vol. BME-22, pp. 410-12 (September 1976);
(4) P. C. Pedersen et al., "Microwave Reflection and Transmission Measurements for Pulmonary Diagnosis and Monitoring," IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Vol. BME-25, pp. 40-48 (January 1978);
(5) D. G. Bragg et al., "Monitoring and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema by Microwaves: A Preliminary Report," Investigative Radiology, Vol. 12, pp. 289-91 (May-June 1977);
(6) D. W. Griffin, "MW Interferometers for Biological Studies," Microwave Journal, Vol. 21, pp. 69-72 (May 1978);
(7) H. P. Schwan, "Microwave Biophysics," Microwave Power Engineering, E. C. O'Kresss, ed. (Academic Press. 1968) pp. 213-34;
(8) O. M. Salati et al., "Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards," Electronic Industries, pp. 96-101 (November 1962);
(9) J. Yamaura, "Mapping of Microwave Power Transmitted Through the Human Thorax," Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 67, pp. 1170-71 (August 1978; and
(10) J. C. Lin et al., "Microwave Apexcardiography," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. MT-27, pp. 618-20 (June 1979).
While much research has been funded to develop microwave techniques for diagnostic testing and large amounts of funds have been spent in the development of sophisticated laboratory electronics to support such research, little attention has been paid toward the development of diagnostic instruments or tools capable of every day use by the general practioner. Perhaps one reason for the absence of interest in this area is the traditional reluctance of medical practioners in deviating from accepted practice and the use of tools or instruments radically different from those which have served the profession well over the years. | {
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The present technology relates to an image generating system, an image generating method, and an information storage medium.
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) have recently spread which can display an image showing a state of looking in a sight line direction from a viewpoint disposed within a virtual three-dimensional apace. Such HMDs include an HMD that allows the position of the viewpoint and the sight line direction to be identified on the basis of the attitude of the HMD so that an observer can feel as if the observer were within the virtual three-dimensional space. | {
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The energetic efficiency of the small hermetic compressors of refrigeration is mostly attributed to the good performance of its valves in the control of the gas flow.
Compressors for domestic refrigeration appliances employ one-way valves that control the gas flow during operation. A suction valve controls the gas flow, which comes from the suction line connected to the low pressure side of the refrigeration system, and which is drawn through the compression cylinder, while a discharge valve controls the flow of the already compressed gas to be directed to the high pressure side of the refrigeration system.
The suction and discharge valves are usually formed by one or more gas passage orifices located in the valve plate, and by flexible vanes usually obtained from a thin steel plate and which are fixed by one of the ends thereof, so that when a pressure differential occurs through the valve the flexible vane is displaced, allowing the gas to pass in the preferred required direction.
Some design aspects should be considered in order to obtain an adequate operation with this type of valve, such as: area of the gas passage orifice; rigidity and natural frequency of the flexible vane and mounting characteristics with eventual acoustic filters.
Besides the operational characteristics, the reliability aspects should also be considered, which means to achieve an infinite life condition in relation to fatigue failure within the usual working ranges of the compressor. The main types of fatigue failure that occur in the flexible vane are: high bending stress in the region close to the valve fixation; high bending stress in the region over the gas passage orifice; high impact stress against the seat or against the stop.
The manufacture of the current valves takes into account the design restrictions, which fact, in a certain way, defines the working efficiency thereof. Such efficiency is strongly influenced by the degree of rigidity defined for the flexible vane.
There is a correlation between the rigidity of the flexible vane and the power that is consumed to carry out the suction or discharge processes, in which the higher the power the higher is the rigidity. Dynamic operational aspects of this component should be considered so that a reduction in the rigidity effectively results in an improvement in the performance of the compressor, in which the correct closing point of the valve must be achieved to avoid backflows.
Thus, a reduction in the rigidity of the flexible vane can improve the performance of the product, but results in higher flexibility of this movable component and, in determined working conditions, the amplitude of its displacement will eventually reach amplitudes to which the bending stress in the fixation region reaches prohibitive levels. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments relate generally to compressor seals and, more specifically, to the provision of abradable seals with axial offset for reducing leakage.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A compressor is a machine which increases the pressure of a compressible fluid, e.g., a gas, through the use of mechanical energy. Compressors are used in a number of different applications and in a large number of industrial processes, including power generation, natural gas liquification and other processes. Among the various types of compressors used in such processes and process plants are the so-called centrifugal compressors, in which the mechanical energy operates on gas input to the compressor by way of centrifugal acceleration, for example, by rotating a centrifugal impeller.
Centrifugal compressors can be fitted with a single impeller, i.e., a single stage configuration, or with a plurality of impellers in series, in which case they are frequently referred to as multistage compressors. Each of the stages of a centrifugal compressor typically includes an inlet conduit for gas to be compressed, an impeller which is capable of providing kinetic energy to the input gas and a diffuser which converts the kinetic energy of the gas leaving the impeller into pressure energy.
A multistage compressor 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Compressor 100 is included in casing 110 within which is mounted a shaft 120 and a plurality of impellers 130. The shaft 120 and impellers 130 are included in a rotor assembly that is supported through bearings 190 and 195.
The multistage compressor operates to take an input process gas from an inlet duct 160, to increase the process gas pressure through operation of the rotor assembly, and to subsequently expel the process gas through an outlet duct 170 at an output pressure which is higher than its input pressure. The process gas may, for example, be any one of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, butane, methane, ethane, propane, liquefied natural gas, or a combination thereof.
Seals or sealing systems 180, 185 and 188 are provided between impellers 130 and bearing 190 and 195 to prevent the process gas from flowing through to the bearings. Seals 188 are impeller eye seals.
Each of the impellers 130 increases the pressure of the process gas. Each of the impellers 130 may be considered to be one stage of the multistage compressor 100. Additional stages, therefore, result in an increase in the ratio of output pressure to input pressure.
The rotor assembly includes stationary portions known as stators and rotating portions known as rotors. The overall operating efficiency of a compressor is adversely affected by leakage flow of the working fluid or gas between the stator and rotor due to differential axial pressure of the rotor.
In centrifugal compressors, abradable seals can be used to reduce the leakage flow (of the working gas) to improve stage efficiency via clearance reduction without the risk of harming the rotor portion.
A sealing system using an abradable seal is illustrated in FIG. 2. Sealing system 200 includes a rotor 210 (i.e., a rotating portion) and a stator 220 (i.e., a stationary portion). Rotor 210 rotates around a longitudinal axis of the compressor. Rotor 210 includes a plurality of rotor teeth 215. Rotor teeth 215 can be radial. Stator 220 includes a cavity or housing 230 for housing a stator seal 223.
The stator seal includes an abradable portion or coating 225. Stator seal 223 can be an insert ring with an abradable coating on the inner circumference in some arrangements. In other arrangements, the (entire) insert ring can also be made of an abradable material.
The stator seal circumferentially encloses the rotor; the rotor can rotate within along the inner circumference of the stator seal. A stator seal is located on either side of each stage of a multistage compressor.
Rotation of the rotor 210 causes the rotor-mounted radial teeth 215 to create rub grooves 227 along the inner circumference of the stator-mounted abradable seal 223 and can cause debit (i.e., an increase in the leakage flow) to sealing performance.
In order to reduce leakage flow, a stator seal within housing 230 as illustrated in FIG. 2 can be offset radially from a top portion 235 of the housing 230 by a spring activated mechanism 240. The insert ring is typically partitioned into two or four equal sized sections. The spring activated mechanism permits the stator seal to radially move toward or away from the rotor 210. The two or four equal-sized section of the insert ring facilitate the radial movement.
Stator seal 223 with the spring activated mechanism may also be referred to as a compliant seal, a spring-backed seal or a spring-energized abradable seal. A compliant seal, when compared to a non-compliant seal (i.e., a seal not having a spring activated mechanism and hence no radial offset) provides a smaller radial clearance and a reduction in the leakage flow.
It would be desirable to design and provide an improved sealing mechanism for reducing the leakage flow debit further. | {
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The present invention relates generally to receptacles and, more particularly, to container attachments or adjuncts.
After paddling for a long period of time, most canoeists enjoy a sip of water or other beverage to avoid dehydration. Unfortunately, most open-topped canoes lack cup holders that permit ready access to a drink. Balancing a cup on the narrow gunwale or thwart of a canoe is virtually impossible. Of course, resting a cup upon the bottom of a canoe subjects it to inadvertent kicks by canoeists as well as tips by an unexpected waves. A need, therefore, exists for a safe, handy, and inexpensive cup holder for use by canoeists and others.
In light of the problems associated with retaining a beverage containers upright in a canoe, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a device that will snugly, yet releasably, hold a cup or like container in an upright condition upon a canoe gunwale or other support. The preferred device is formed from a resilient foam material that serves as an insulator to keep the beverage within the cup or container at a desired temperature. When suitably positioned upon a canoe gunwale, the device can serve as a bumper or rest for the knees and thighs of a paddler. Since the resilient foam material is buoyant, the device cannot sink if it falls from a canoe into a body of water.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cup holder of the type described that can be set up and used with minimal instruction and without tools. The cup holder can accommodate supports and containers of various sizes.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a cup holder for the purposes described which is lightweight in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and dependable in use. It is foreseeable that the cup holder will be used away from canoes, perhaps, by way of example only, in securing beverage containers to the armrests and backs of sporting arena seats or in securing beverage containers to the tops of dugout fences in ballparks.
Briefly, the cup holder in accordance with this invention achieves the intended objects by featuring a tube formed of a resilient foam material. The tube has a central passageway extending between its opposed ends. A bottom passageway extends downwardly from the central passageway to the bottom of the tube. The bottom passageway and the central passageway, when taken together, define a keyhole slot open at its bottom that extends the length of tube for receiving a support. A cylindrical bore penetrates the top of the tube and the central passageway for receiving a cup or other form of container.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. | {
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Reciprocating air motors of the type which are used to drive reciprocating fluid pumps have been in use for many years. One of the drawbacks to such air motors is their tendency to ice up when operated continuously due to the repeated condensation of moisture and associated cooling which takes place during operation, particularly in the air valve mechanism. | {
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The present disclosure relates generally to polyolefin production, and more particularly, to membrane fractionation systems employed in polyolefin production to facilitate diluent recovery.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to aspects of art that may be related to aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
As chemical and petrochemical technologies have advanced, the products of these technologies have become increasingly prevalent in society. In particular, as techniques for bonding simple molecular building blocks into longer chains (or polymers) have advanced, the polymer products, typically in the form of various plastics, have been increasingly incorporated into various everyday items. For example, polyolefin polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and their copolymers, are used for retail and pharmaceutical packaging, food and beverage packaging (such as juice and soda bottles), household containers (such as pails and boxes), household items (such as appliances, furniture, carpeting, and toys), automobile components, pipes, conduits, and various industrial products.
Specific types of polyolefins, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), have particular applications in the manufacture of blow-molded and injection-molded goods, such as food and beverage containers, film, and plastic pipe. Other types of polyolefins, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), isotactic polypropylene (iPP), and syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) are also suited for similar applications. The mechanical requirements of the application, such as tensile strength and density, and/or the chemical requirements, such thermal stability, molecular weight, and chemical reactivity, typically determine what polyolefin or type of polyolefin is suitable.
One benefit of polyolefin construction, as may be deduced from the list of uses above, is that it is generally non-reactive with goods or products with which it is in contact. This allows polyolefin products to be used in residential, commercial, and industrial contexts, including food and beverage storage and transportation, consumer electronics, agriculture, shipping, and vehicular construction. The wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial uses for polyolefins has translated into a substantial demand for raw polyolefin, which can be extruded, injected, blown, or otherwise formed into a final consumable product or component.
To satisfy this demand, various processes exist by which olefins may be polymerized to form polyolefins. Typically, these processes are performed at or near petrochemical facilities, which have ready access to the short-chain olefin molecules (monomers and comonomers) such as ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, octene, decene, and other building blocks of the much longer polyolefin polymers. These monomers and comonomers may be polymerized in a liquid-phase polymerization reactor and/or gas-phase polymerization reactor to form polymer (polyolefin) solid particulates, typically called fluff or granules. The fluff may possess one or more melt, physical, rheological, and/or mechanical properties of interest, such as density, melt index (MI), melt flow rate (MFR), copolymer content, comonomer content, modulus, and crystallinity. The reaction conditions within the reactor, such as temperature, pressure, chemical concentrations, polymer production rate, and so forth, may be selected to achieve the desired fluff properties.
In addition to the one or more olefin monomers and/or comonomers, a catalyst for facilitating the polymerization may be added to the reactor. For example, the catalyst may include particles added to the reactor in a reactor feed stream to produce catalyst particles suspended in the fluid medium within the reactor. An example of such a catalyst is a chromium oxide containing hexavalent chromium on a silica support. Further, a diluent may be introduced into the reactor. The diluent may be an inert hydrocarbon, such as isobutane, propane, n-pentane, i-pentane, neopentane, and n-hexane that is liquid at reaction conditions. Further, some polymerization processes may not employ a separate diluent, such as in the case of selected examples of polypropylene production where the propylene monomer itself acts as the diluent.
The effluent discharged from the reactor typically includes the polymer fluff as well as non-polymer components, such as unreacted olefin monomer (and comonomer), diluent, inerts, other hydrocarbons, and so forth. In the case of polyethylene production in liquid phase reactors, such as loop slurry reactors, the non-polymer components primarily include diluent, such as isobutane, having a small amount of unreacted ethylene (e.g., 5 wt. %) and other entrained hydrocarbons. For polypropylene production, the non-polymer components primarily include unreacted propylene monomer having a small amount of other entrained hydrocarbons. The reactor effluent is generally processed, such as by an effluent treatment system, to separate the non-polymer components from the polymer fluff. The polymer fluff may then be treated to deactivate residual catalyst, remove entrained hydrocarbons, dry the polymer, and pelletize the polymer in an extruder, and so forth, before the polymer is sent to a customer.
The non-polymer components, such as the recovered diluent, unreacted monomer, and other non-polymer components from the effluent treatment system, may be treated within a fractionation system to separate most of the recovered diluent from the other non-polymer components. The recovered diluent may ultimately be returned as purified or treated feed to the reactor while the other non-polymer components may be flared or returned to the supplier, such as to an olefin manufacturing plant or petroleum refinery. Typically, the fractionation system may employ fractionation columns to separate the diluent from the other non-polymer components. One or more of the fractionation columns may employ cold temperatures to facilitate separation of some of the components, particularly those with lower boiling points than the diluent. To achieve the cold temperatures, refrigeration systems may be employed within the fractionation columns. However, it is now recognized that the refrigeration systems may be costly to operate, install, and/or maintain. | {
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Ethanol is being hailed as the fuel of the future. Interest in the production of fuel ethanol from renewable sources has increased significantly. In order for fuel ethanol production to become a practical reality, cheaper substrates and more efficient production processes are needed [1, 2]. Biomass, which includes all plant and plant derived material, forms a potential renewable source of sugars that can be fermented to produce fuel ethanol and a variety of other fuels and chemicals. In addition to the many benefits common to renewable energy, biomass is particularly attractive because it is currently the only renewable sustainable energy source for liquid transportation fuel.
Lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive energy feed-stock because it is an abundant, domestic, renewable source that can be converted to liquid transportation fuels (From Biomass to Biofuels: A Roadmap to the Energy Future; Office of Science, US Dept. of Energy, December 2005).
Lignocellulosic biomass consists of three major components: cellulose (˜40-50%), hemicellulose (˜25-35%), and lignin (˜15-20%) [3]. Of these, cellulose and hemicellulose constitute the polysaccharides that can be hydrolyzed to sugars that could be fermented to ethanol. In biomass, the majority of cellulose is a crystalline polymer of glucose that is relatively difficult to hydrolyze into its monomeric sugar residues. Hemicellulose is a short branched polymer of pentose and some hexose sugars that surround the cellulose fibrils and is much less organized [4]. The pentose sugars consist primarily of xylose and to a smaller extent arabinose, while the hexose sugars are usually galactose and mannose. Due to its relatively open structure, the hemicellulose fraction is easier to convert to its sugar monomers by various pretreatment techniques than the cellulose fraction.
For the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol to be economically feasible, it is imperative that the hemicellulose-derived monomeric sugars be fermentable along with the glucose derived from cellulose. Unfortunately, no known native (or wild type) microorganisms are able to efficiently ferment both glucose and xylose to ethanol. Wild type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains can readily ferment glucose as well as other sugar components of biomass like mannose, fructose and galactose [5]. Xylose, which forms a major portion of hemicellulose, cannot be fermented by the same native strains of yeast. Several non-Saccharomyces strains of yeast, such as Pichia stipitis and Candida shehatae, are known to ferment pentose sugars more efficiently than other yeasts [6]. In such yeasts, the xylose metabolism pathway goes from xylose to xylitol to xylulose [7, 8]. In other yeast strains as well as bacteria and fungi, xylose can also be converted to xylulose via a single enzyme, xylose isomerase (XI). Several yeasts, including S. cerevisiae, that cannot ferment xylose are able to ferment xylulose, the ketose isomer of xylose [9-12] to ethanol. Considerable effort has been focused on the genetic modification of microorganisms so that both xylose and glucose can be efficiently metabolized using the same organism [13-25].
While genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have potential for fermentation of pentose and hexose sugars, their genetic stability, overall ethanol yield, and ability to survive under the conditions of industrial fermentation are unproven [26, 27]. Hence, an alternative approach to fermentation of xylose to ethanol involves using native yeast strains with the addition of exogenous enzymes for the isomerization of xylose. In this approach, the production of xylulose is accomplished using immobilized glucose/xylose isomerase [11, 28-30]. The appeal for this approach is that XI, along with amylase and protease, is among the most widely and cheaply available commercial enzymes [31]. Hydrolysate from lignocellulosic biomass will contain both xylose and glucose. The affinity of XI for xylose is typically 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than its affinity for glucose; hence, isomerization of xylose to xylulose will dominate over isomerization of glucose to fructose [31]. However, any fructose formed is readily fermentable by Saccharomyces to produce ethanol, so fructose formation is not a cause for concern.
Although XI is capable of converting xylose to xylulose, under conditions where XI has significant activity, the equilibrium ratio of xylose:xylulose is typically high (on the order of 5:1) [32-34]. Hence, xylose isomerization does not have a favorable forward equilibrium. One way to increase xylose conversion is to drive the isomerization forward by removal of the product xylulose. Simultaneous isomerization and fermentation (SIF), where the isomerization of xylose and the fermentation of xylulose to ethanol occur simultaneously in the same vessel, is one method for increasing xylose utilization. However, SIF does have inherent limitations due to the pH range over which XI is active. All commercially available XI's have optimal activity at pH 7 to 8, and the XI activity drops sharply as the pH decreases. In contrast, the optimal pH for the fermentation is in the range of 4 to 5. The large pH difference associated with these two steps poses a problem for conducting SIF efficiently. The SIF can be carried out at a compromised pH between 4 and 7, but the results are less than optimal for both reactions [11]. Efforts to isolate a XI with optimal activity at significantly lower pH for SIF were also noted in the literature [30]. However, it does not appear that this enzyme has the same level of activity as displayed by the commercially available enzymes.
The instant invention provides a further improvement over one of the co-inventor's prior inventions disclosed in the Fournier et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,468 and the Fournier et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,700, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Considering the above-mentioned concerns, it is clear that there remains a need in the art for a method of developing a process that enables efficient fermentation of xylose and hexose sugars. | {
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It is required to further enlarge the capacity in a backbone transmission system as the amount of information (traffic) in the Internet increases. A coherent optical transmission technology has drawn attention as one of technologies for high capacity. In the coherent optical transmission technology, an AC (Alternating Current) signal component is received which is amplified by mixing signal light and local oscillation (LO) light in a coherent optical receiver device. At that time, the larger the optical output of the local oscillation (LO) light becomes, the larger amplifying operation acts on the signal light. Therefore, the receiving characteristics with the high S/N (Signal/Noise) ratio can be obtained by inputting the high-power local oscillation (LO) light compared with the signal light.
An example of such coherent optical receiver device is described in patent literature 1. The coherent optical receiver device described in patent literature 1 includes an optical hybrid, an optical receiver, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a signal processing unit, and further includes a signal quality monitor, a controlling amount providing unit, an input light level controller, and a local light source.
The input light level controller controls the level of the light signal to be introduced into the optical hybrid, that is, the level of the light signal propagated through the optical transmission path, under the control of the controlling amount providing unit. The level of the local light to be output to the optical hybrid is controlled under the control of the controlling amount providing unit. The signal quality monitor monitors the quality of received signals with reference to information obtained through digital signal processing performed in the signal processing unit.
The controlling amount providing unit provides the input light level controller and the local light source with controlling amounts based on the monitoring results by the signal quality monitor, by which the controlling amount providing unit controls the power ratio between input light and local light that are to be introduced into the optical hybrid and be mixed with each other. In addition, the controlling amount providing unit controls the amplitude of signal light and local light keeping the power ratio constant.
By adopting the configuration, it becomes possible to keep the power ratio between the signal light power and the local light power to a constant level at least. On the other hand, when the local oscillation light power is kept constant, the signal quality of received signals becomes optimum with the signal light power in a prescribed range. As a result, according to the related coherent optical receiver device disclosed in patent literature 1, it is said that the signal quality of received signals can be kept high by controlling the power ratio between the signal light power and the local light power. In addition, it is said that the amplitudes of the signal light and the local light can also be optimized to contribute to further improvement in the quality of received signals. Patent literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-245772 (paragraphs [0031] to [0071]) | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to network technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to reducing roaming latency in a network device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Over recent years, the market for wireless communications has enjoyed tremendous growth. Hundreds of millions of people exchange information every day using pagers, cellular telephones, and other wireless communication products. With tremendous success of wireless telephony and messaging services, it is hardly surprising that wireless communication is beginning to be applied to the realm of personal and business computing. No longer bound by the harnesses of wired networks, people will be able to access and share information on a global scale nearly anywhere they venture.
Many network users, especially mobile users in businesses, the medical profession, factories, and universities, to name a few, find benefit from the added capabilities of wireless Local Area Networks (LANs). The major motivation and benefit from wireless LANs is increased mobility. Untethered by conventional network connections, network users can move about almost without restriction and access LANs from nearly anywhere. In addition to increased mobility, wireless LANs offer increased flexibility. Moreover, sometimes it is more economical to use a wireless LAN. Thus, wireless LANs offer the connectivity and the convenience of wired LANs without the need for expensive wiring or rewiring.
Various protocols have been developed to support wireless networks. As one example, IEEE 802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology. IEEE 802.11 specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client (e.g., Mobile Node) and a base station (e.g., Access Point) or between two wireless clients.
Mobile IP is another protocol which allows laptop computers or other mobile computer units (referred to as “Mobile Nodes” herein) to roam between various sub-networks at various locations—while maintaining internet and/or WAN connectivity. Without Mobile IP or a related protocol, a Mobile Node would be unable to stay connected while roaming through various sub-networks. This is because the IP address required for any node to communicate over the internet is location specific. Each IP address has a field that specifies the particular sub-network on which the node resides. If a user desires to take a computer which is normally attached to one node and roam with it so that it passes through different sub-networks, it cannot use its home base IP address. As a result, a business person traveling across the country cannot merely roam with his or her computer across geographically disparate network segments or wireless nodes while remaining connected over the internet. This is not an acceptable state-of-affairs in the age of portable computational devices.
To address this problem, the Mobile IP protocol has been developed and implemented. An implementation of Mobile IP is described in RFC 2002 of the Network Working Group, C. Perkins, Ed., October 1996. Mobile IP is also described in the text “Mobile IP Unplugged” by J. Solomon, Prentice Hall. Both of these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and for all purposes.
The Mobile IP process and environment are illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown there, a Mobile IP environment 2 includes the internet (or a WAN) 4 over which a Mobile Node 6 can communicate remotely via mediation by a Home Agent 8 and a Foreign Agent 10. Typically, the Home Agent and Foreign Agent are routers or other network connection devices performing appropriate Mobile IP functions as implemented by software, hardware, and/or firmware. A particular Mobile Node (e.g., a laptop computer) plugged into its home network segment connects with the internet through its designated Home Agent. When the Mobile Node roams, it communicates via the internet through an available Foreign Agent. Presumably, there are many Foreign Agents available at geographically disparate locations to allow wide spread internet connection via the Mobile IP protocol. Note that it is also possible for the Mobile Node to register directly with its Home Agent.
As shown in FIG. 1, Mobile Node 6 normally resides on (or is “based at”) a network segment 12 which allows its network entities to communicate over the internet 4 through Home Agent 8 (an appropriately configured router denoted R2). Note that Home Agent 8 need not directly connect to the internet. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be connected through another router (a router R1 in this case). Router R1 may, in turn, connect one or more other routers (e.g., a router R3) with the internet.
Now, suppose that Mobile Node 6 is removed from its home base network segment 12 and roams to a remote network segment 14. Network segment 14 may include various other nodes such as a PC 16. The nodes on network segment 14 communicate with the internet through a router which doubles as Foreign Agent 10. Mobile Node 6 may identify Foreign Agent 10 through various solicitations and advertisements which form part of the Mobile IP protocol. When Mobile Node 6 engages with network segment 14, Foreign Agent 10 relays a registration request to Home Agent 8 (as indicated by the dotted line “Registration”). The Home and Foreign Agents may then negotiate the conditions of the Mobile Node's attachment to Foreign Agent 10. For example, the attachment may be limited to a period of time, such as two hours. When the negotiation is successfully completed, Home Agent 8 updates an internal “mobility binding table” which specifies the care-of address (e.g., a collocated care-of address or the Foreign Agent's IP address) in association with the identity of Mobile Node 6. Further, the Foreign Agent 10 updates an internal “visitor table” which specifies the Mobile Node address, Home Agent address, etc. In effect, the Mobile Node's home base IP address (associated with segment 12) has been shifted to the Foreign Agent's IP address (associated with segment 14).
Now, suppose that Mobile Node 6 wishes to send a message to a corresponding node 18 from its new location. A message from the Mobile Node is then packetized and forwarded through Foreign Agent 10 over the internet 4 and to corresponding node 18 (as indicated by the dotted line “packet from MN”) according to a standard internet protocol. If corresponding node 18 wishes to send a message to Mobile Node—whether in reply to a message from the Mobile Node or for any other reason—it addresses that message to the IP address of Mobile Node 6 on sub-network 12. The packets of that message are then forwarded over the internet 4 and to router R1 and ultimately to Home Agent 8 as indicated by the dotted line (“packet to MN(1)”). From its mobility binding table, Home Agent 8 recognizes that Mobile Node 6 is no longer attached to network segment 12. It then encapsulates the packets from corresponding node 18 (which are addressed to Mobile Node 6 on network segment 12) according to a Mobile IP protocol and forwards these encapsulated packets to a “care of” address for Mobile Node 6 as shown by the dotted line (“packet to MN(2)”). The care-of address may be, for example, the IP address of Foreign Agent 10. Foreign Agent 10 then strips the encapsulation and forwards the message to Mobile Node 6 on sub-network 14. The packet forwarding mechanism implemented by the Home and Foreign Agents is often referred to as “tunneling.”
As described above, a Mobile Node may roam from one Foreign Agent to another Foreign Agent. Similarly, the Mobile Node may roam from one Access Point to another Access Point. An Access Point may be defined as a point of connectivity in a wireless or non-wireless network. During roaming, the Mobile Node registers with its Home Agent to notify the Home Agent of its new location.
Specific events trigger the roaming of the mobile node to one Foreign Agent or Access Point to another Foreign Agent or Access Point when the mobile node is traveling at relatively low speed (e.g., walking speed). However, at a higher speed, these events do not trigger the roaming process quickly enough. As a result, the Foreign Agent or Access Point via which communications are received by the Mobile Node may be outside the coverage area of the Foreign Agent or Access Point. Accordingly, communications may be disrupted.
In view of the above, it would be beneficial if the roaming process could be improved to support travel of Mobile Nodes at higher speeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field
The present invention relates to a charging apparatus for charging a battery for a vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-136122 discloses a technique in which switching elements that supply control voltages to armature coils of a dynamo are added to a rectifying circuit to control the control voltages, so as to increase or decrease output voltages of the dynamo. Upon execution of this control, switching elements which control phases of voltages to be supplied to armature coils for three phases of the dynamo are required, and correspondence between the switching elements and three phases to be controlled has to be specified. A correct connection between the switching element and corresponding armature coil is required not only at the time of manufacture of a vehicle but also at the time of re-assembly after the dynamo and rectifying circuit are disconnected upon maintenance of the vehicle. If the correct connection is not attained at the time of manufacture or re-assembly, a normal operation as a battery charging apparatus cannot be obtained.
For this reason, for example, an input terminal of the rectifying circuit and a corresponding output terminal of the dynamo are colored in the same color to clarify distinctions of the terminals in advance, so that each switching element is correctly connected to the corresponding armature coil. However, distinctions by coloring of the terminals increase cost of the dynamo and rectifying circuit accordingly. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This disclosure relates to regenerative medicine and particularly to a surgical implant procedure and device for the enhancement and appearance of the human penis, and more particularly to a penile implant enabling a non-functioning penis to fulfill normal sexual function. A patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,204 was issued to James Elist on Mar. 25, 2003 for a similar implant and the subject matter of this patent is incorporated by reference hereinto in its entirety. The presently described implant of this disclosure advances the state of the art over the '204 references as will be described herein.
Regenerative medicine is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by replacing damaged tissue and/or by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms to heal previously irreparable tissues or organs. Regenerative medicine refers to a group of biomedical approaches to clinical therapies that may involve the use of stem cells and implantation devices as well as other approaches. Examples include the injection of stem cells or progenitor cells (cell therapies); the induction of regeneration by biologically active molecules administered alone or as a secretion by infused cells and transplantation of in-vitro grown organs and tissues. For example, in abdominal wall reconstruction such as inguinal hernia repair, biologic meshes have been used successfully. When an organ, such as the human penis, is physically damaged or becomes functionally impotent, the implantation of structural elements is sometimes desirable. A prior known approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,204, Mar. 25, 2003, to the present discloser and is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein. The present application discloses and claims certain non-obvious and novel, critical improvements as will be described and shown herein. | {
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Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice and data. These systems may be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), or some other modulation techniques. A CDMA system provides certain advantages over other types of systems, including increased system capacity.
A CDMA system may be designed to support one or more CDMA standards such as (1) the “TIA/EIA-95-B Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standard for Dual-Mode Wideband Spread Spectrum Cellular System” (the IS-95 standard), (2) the standard offered by a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP) and embodied in a set of documents including Document Nos. 3G TS 25.211, 3G TS 25.212, 3G TS 25.213, and 3G TS 25.214 (the W-CDMA standard), (3) the standard offered by a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2) and embodied in a set of documents including “C.S0002-A Physical Layer Standard for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems,” the “C.S0005-A Upper Layer (Layer 3) Signaling Standard for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems,” and the “C.S0024 cdma2000 High Rate Packet Data Air Interface Specification” (the cdma2000 standard), and (4) some other standards. Non-CDMA systems include the AMPS and GSM systems.
A typical wireless system provides point-to-point communication such as voice or data calls between one or more base stations and a mobile station. It is sometimes desirable to offer point-to-multipoint communications, such as broadcast information transmitted to one or more subscribing mobile stations. Broadcast services may include news, sports, weather updates, various audio and/or video presentations, various forms of text, data, and the like.
A broadcast information signal is, by design, not adapted for individual mobile station connections, but rather adapted for transmission to various mobile stations within a cell coverage area. Thus, techniques for optimizing point-to-point links, such as power control, are not as effective when identically applied to the broadcast signal. The signal quality received at various geographical locations in the cell coverage area will vary. Block coding techniques may be employed to provide a minimum quality of service to all the area served by a cell.
Due to the varying signal conditions experienced throughout a cell, it is possible to offer additional content to mobile stations that are in a relatively better reception area. The additional content may be additional text or data to go along with the base information signal embodied in the broadcast signal. Alternatively, additional information may be provided to enhance the quality of, for example, video or audio broadcasts. This additional, or secondary, information stream may be offered on one or more separate, parallel, code-division multiplex broadcast channels that have the same duration as the main broadcast channel that supports mobile stations in all areas of the cell. However, additional complexity, increased cost, increased power consumption, and/or decreased battery life may result if parallel receiving circuitry is deployed within mobile stations to take advantage of the secondary signal.
Furthermore, if multiple broadcast streams are offered for subscription within a cell, an efficient format for transmitting the multiple broadcast streams is desired. There is therefore a need in the art for transmitting and receiving multiple channels with block coding in a communication system. | {
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The light radiation theory of light-emitting device is to generate light from the energy released by the electrons moving between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer. Because the light radiation theory of light-emitting device is different from the incandescent light which heats the filament, the light-emitting device is called a “cold” light source.
The light-emitting device mentioned above may be mounted with the substrate upside down onto a submount via a solder bump or a glue material to form a light-emitting apparatus. Besides, the submount further comprises one circuit layout electrically connected to the electrode of the light-emitting device via an electrical conductive structure such as a metal wire.
Moreover, the light-emitting device is more sustainable, longevous, light and handy, and less power consumption, therefore it is considered as a new light source for the illumination market. The light-emitting device applies to various applications like the traffic signal, backlight module, street light and medical instruments, and is gradually replacing the traditional lighting sources. | {
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DE 44 22 257 C1 discloses a parking lock with emergency release means for an automatic motor vehicle transmission. The parking lock comprises a parking lock gearwheel and a locking pawl that can be actuated by a selector spindle driven by an electric motor. Emergency release is effected by means of a Bowden cable which activates a spring, via a release lever, for actuating the locking pawl.
DE 198 34 156 A1, by the present applicant, discloses a device for actuating a parking lock by means of a so-termed energy spring, which comprises a positionally fixed parking lock cylinder and a piston that can move therein to actuate a locking element (for example a locking cone) of the parking lock. The piston, also referred to as the control element, is pushed in a first direction, i.e., to engage the parking lock, by a compression spring and is moved back in the opposite direction, i.e., to release the parking lock, by the action of a pressure medium. In this end position, the piston is mechanically locked by means of an electromagnet so that, while the vehicle is moving, the locking pawl cannot fall into the parking lock gearwheel.
From the textbook “Fahrzeuggetriebe (Vehicle transmissions)” by H. Naunheimer et al., 2nd Edition 2007, pages 371, 372 an electrically activated parking lock, by the present applicant, is known. The known actuating device comprises a piston that can move in a parking lock cylinder, which acts upon a rotatably mounted parking disk which, for its part, comprises, via a connecting rod, a locking cone for locking and releasing a locking pawl. In the event that the actuating device has failed, an emergency release device by means of a Bowden cable is provided, which engages with the parking disk and locks the locking pawl. Thus, in its disengaged condition the parking lock is secured. An emergency release of this type can prove necessary if a vehicle with a defective parking lock has to be towed away. | {
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This invention relates to a multi-blade ditching machine which is used for burying submarine cables or the like in the sea floor and/or for pulling them above the water surface, and more particularly to an improvement in blades of multi-blade ditching machine.
To protect submarine cables or the like from fishing tools, it has been the practise in many countries of the world to bury the cables or the like in the sea floor and to pull out such buried cables or the like by ditching a ditch for repair in case of faults. For this purpose, ditching machines which ditch the soil or sediment of the sea floor to a predetermined depth have been used, and such ditching machines are called cable-buriers or cable-searchers depending on the purposes thereof.
Although the structure of the cable-buriers is somewhat different from that of the cable-searchers due to the difference in their purposes, the essential ditching portions of both the cable-buriers and cable-searchers are similar to each other, and such ditching portions use water jets or plows for ditching ditches on the sea floor. Conventionally, two types of ditching portions with plows have been used, i.e., single-blade type ditching portions and multi-blade type ditching portions.
With a conventional multi-blade ditching machine, the soil ditched by any one blade is placed in a space defined by the difference of the effective widths between that blade and the immediately preceding blade. In order to restrict the height of the excavated soil below a certain limit (for instance, below twice the excavating depth, which limit can be set as high as about four times the excavating depth) the effective widths of the adjustment blades should be increased by a factor of 1.5 as the position of the blade is forwarded. If the number of blades in one ditching machine is increased in excess of four, the widths of the leading blades become large, resulting in large ditching areas which mean large ditching resistances. Accordingly, the overall ditching resistance of the ditching machine cannot be reduced. Therefore conventionally, the four-blade excavator is generally accepted as providing the minimum ditching resistance.
As explained above, each blade of the conventional multi-blade ditching machine has a portion which pushes away the ditched soil over the same width as the ditching width, so as to provide a space for ditching and soil push-away by the next succeeding blade. Thus, the conventional multi-blade ditching machine has a shortcoming in that each blade thereof is required to have an unnecessarily broad effective width in order to restrict the height of the soil ditched by the next following blade thereof, and each blade thereof requires the immediately preceding blade thereof to have a still broader effective width for the same reason. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-chip package on which a plurality of chips such as a memory device chip and a logic device chip are mounted, and, more particularly, to a novel structure which can implement fast transfer of data signals between both types of chips.
2. Description of the Related Art
A logic device, such as a microcontroller or a memory controller, and a memory device like a DRAM are connected together by a bus line, whereby a data signal like a stored data or an address is sent to the memory device from the logic device, and a data signal stored in the memory device is sent to the logic device.
FIG. 25 shows a conventional structure which has a logic device connected to a memory device. In FIG. 25, a logic device 10 and a memory device 20 are connected together by bus lines 5, so that a data signal is transferred at a high speed in synchronism with a clock. Recently, the speed of transfer of data signals between the logic device 10 and the memory device 20 is getting faster and faster. Increasing the data transfer rate requires an increase in the number of bus lines or an increase in the clock frequency for data transfer. The former scheme increases the bus-lines occupying area on the board on which both devices are mounted, thereby increasing the dissipation power for driving the bus lines. The latter scheme is inadequate because it suffers a limitation to the transfer performance of the bus lines themselves as well as the device speed itself.
FIG. 26 shows the structure of a system LSI which has a logic section 2 and a memory section 3 embedded in a single chip. This structure can permit an improvement on the speed of data transfer between the logic section 2 and the memory section 3. Optimization of the logic section 2 and the memory section 3 however requires that both sections should be formed by separate processes, which together with the one-chip structure would increase the manufacturing cost.
Although designing a logic device and a memory device on a single chip is advantageous in improving the transfer speed, however since it increases the manufacturing cost, it is not practical. A promising method therefore is to construct a logic device and a memory device on separate chips and then to design those chips into a multi-chip structure.
But, any adequate means for accomplishing fast transfer of data signals between such two chips of the multi-chip structure has not been proposed so far. In particular, no structure which outputs a data signal from one chip in synchronism with a predetermined clock and allows the other chip to receive the data signal and transfer it inside has been proposed yet. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Laser ablation is a process that directs high-energy laser pulses to impinge on the surface of a material causing ablation of the surface via laser-material interactions. Laser ablation generates particles or clusters of the material that can be transported by a carrier gas away from the ablation point. The particles or clusters of the material generated by laser ablation can be collected and analyzed to determine properties of the material, e.g., the material composition such as elemental concentrations and isotope ratios. For example, laser ablation can be used for inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) which provides a sampling technique to assess elemental concentrations and isotope ratios in solids with little or no sample preparation. ICP-MS uses an inductively-coupled plasma to produce ions which are subsequently analyzed with a mass spectrometer. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an insulator and carrier for beverage containers and more particularly to a multi-layer and collapsible insulative carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
Carriers or coolers for beverage containers are especially useful in hot or tropical climates. In earlier designs these coolers included for example, a quilted jacket with a flap. The container fit into the open end of the jacket and the flap was used as a cover. Although the quilted material was of a multi-layer design which included exterior and interior fabric layers with an insulative layer therebetween, there was no attention paid to the resulting condensation inside the jacket and the excess water produced could therefore leak out of the carrier. Furthermore, the insulative layer was frequently inadequate for insulating purposes in extremely hot or tropical climates.
In addition, coolers of this design, although collapsible, failed to provide a carrying case for the container to keep it from getting damaged when not in use. Further, frequently no support bases were provided for these earlier designs so that support for the container was obtained from the beverage container itself. As such, these earlier insulated coolers were susceptible to being easily tipped over, particularly in situations where they were placed on slightly unlevel surfaces. | {
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In regions where earthquakes occur frequently as in Japan, elevators have come into widespread use which have the function of performing earthquake emergency return operations in the event of the occurrence of an earthquake in response to the shakes of buildings, i.e., the operating condition of seismic sensors. Incidentally, the above-described seismic sensor is constituted by a two-dimensional accelerometer and the like installed in an elevator machine room and the like, and when shakes of not less than a prescribed value have been sensed by such a seismic sensor as this, for example, a car is stopped at the nearest floor and control is performed thereafter so as to perform a door opening action.
As conventional techniques for an elevator having the function of such an earthquake emergency return operation, there has been proposed, for example, a technique in which a first seismic sensor that detects the shakes of a prescribed high level and a second seismic sensor that detects the shakes of a prescribed low level are provided and an earthquake emergency return operation that responds to the level of shakes is performed when each of the seismic sensors has gone into action. In such an elevator as this, a car is stopped when the first seismic sensor has gone into action. When the second seismic sensor has gone into action, first, the car is stopped at the nearest floor and the inspection of a safety circuit is automatically performed after a lapse of a predetermined time at which the termination of the earthquake is expected. And the elevator is returned to a normal operation under prescribed conditions when no abnormality is discovered in the inspection of the safety circuit (refer to Patent Document 1).
As conventional techniques for an elevator that performs control operations in response to the shakes of a building, there has also been proposed a technique in which an undulatory energy sensor capable of detecting a plurality of strong-wind levels and a controller that controls the elevator on the basis of an output signal from this undulatory energy sensor are provided and a rational control operation that responds to the actual shakes of the building during strong winds is performed. In such an elevator as this, a strong-wind signal indicating that a strong wind has been detected and a plurality of signals indicating the levels of strong winds are output from the undulatory energy sensor to the controller. And the controller that has received each of the signals performs, on the basis of these signals, control operations, such as a deceleration operation, a wait at an intermediate floor and a stop, according to the levels of strong winds (refer to Patent Document 2, for example).
Incidentally, with the tendency toward higher-rise buildings equipped with elevators, recent years have seen reports to the effect that even when shakes against which earthquake emergency return operations are to be performed are not detected by the above-described seismic sensor in the event of the occurrence of a relatively large earthquake in a remote district, long members of an elevator, such as traveling cables and compensating ropes, swing, collide against the equipment in a shaft, and are caught in such equipment. This is because buildings vibrate at a long period due to an earthquake occurring in a remote district, and if the travel of a car is continued in this state, there is a possibility that damage, such as traveling cables and the like being cut and broken equipment in a shaft, occurs.
For this reason, at present, endeavors are being made to develop a new-type seismic sensor that is different from conventional seismic sensors, i.e., a long-period seismic sensor capable of detecting long-period components of the shakes (vibrations) of a building.
There have been trials and proposals to take effective measures against earthquakes before the arrival of a principal motion of the earthquake by distributing an emergency earthquake prompt report to various places immediately after the occurrence of an earthquake by using the Internet and satellite communication on the basis of the information from seismometers (seismic sensors) installed all over Japan. The above-described emergency earthquake prompt report is composed of various kinds of information, such as the occurrence time of the earthquake, the scale of the earthquake, the epicenter, and time allowances until the arrival of a principal motion of the earthquake. The distribution of the above-described emergency earthquake prompt report is based on the technical background that with the recent high-speed, large-capacity designs of general public circuits, high-speed digital circuit networks to realize the Internet and the like have been widely built, permitting high-speed, real-time transmission of information. Incidentally, because the above-described emergency earthquake prompt report is distributed after the occurrence of an earthquake, this report cannot be effectively used in the case of the occurrence of an inland earthquake. However, when a relatively large earthquake has occurred in a remote district, it takes a certain time for a principal motion to arrive after the receipt of an emergency earthquake prompt report. Therefore, if this emergency earthquake prompt report can be effectively used, it is possible to prevent earthquake disasters.
As conventional techniques for an elevator that uses such an emergency earthquake prompt report, there have been proposed techniques that involve receiving an emergency earthquake prompt report, which includes the epicenter of an earthquake and the occurrence time of the earthquake, predicting the arrival time of seismic waves at the present location from the received emergency earthquake prompt report, and controlling earthquake emergency return operations of elevators on the basis of this prediction (refer to Patent Document 3, for example).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-204588
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-319720
Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-224469 | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods for propagating plants. More particularly, it relates to methods for handling, sowing, and germinating plant somatic embryos.
2. Description of Related Art
Considerable attention has been given to the development of somatic embryogenesis processes for clonal reproduction of plants and consequently, the specific steps of somatic embryogenesis have been documented in the art for a wide diversity of plant species including both gymnosperms and angiosperms. All methods of somatic embryogenesis are known as tissue culture processes and generally commence with the selection of an explant from a desired plant. The explant is removed from the parent plant tissue by excision and is subsequently cultured on at least one medium to produce a cell mass capable of further differentiation and development. The cell mass can be maintained and proliferated in the undifferentiated state indefinitely, or manipulated to stimulate differentiation into immature somatic embryo structures which can then be cultured further into mature embryos (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,957,866; 5,238,835; 5,294,549; 5,491,090; 5,501,972; 5,563,061; 5,677,185, as well as PCT Publication No. WO 96/37096, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference). Matured somatic embryos can be harvested and germinated immediately, or dried and then germinated, or dried and stored until required for germination (for example, refer to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,183,835; 5,238,835; 5,413,930; 5,464,769, as well as PCT Publication No. WO 96/37095, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference).
Tissue culture media used to proliferate and propagate plant cultures through the various stages of somatic embryogenesis are typically enriched with mixtures of nutrients that are specifically formulated for each plant species and for the various stages of somatic embryogenesis. A common problem encountered with all somatic embryogenesis processes is microbial, i.e., bacterial, fungal, yeast, contamination of the media and/or plant explants and/or the resulting embryogenic cultures. Microbial contaminants compete with the embryogenic cultures for the nutrients in the media, and in many cases, will infect, consume, parasitize, or otherwise pathogenize the cultures. Consequently, steps must be taken to prevent microbial contamination from the beginning of the embryogenesis process when the tissue explants are excised from the parent tissues, through production, harvesting, drying and germination of the somatic embryos and their subsequent growth into fully functional transplants, i.e., somatic seedlings which can be transplanted into soil or horticultural growing mixes. All manipulations of the cultures at each step of the somatic embryogenesis processes are typically done using aseptic techniques. Embryogenic cultures which show any evidence of microbial contamination at any step in somatic embryogenesis process are sterilized and discarded.
Two of the greatest barriers to commercializing somatic embryogenesis technologies are the processes of sowing and germinating plant somatic embryos. Although numerous protocols are known for the sowing and germination of somatic embryos and growing them into intact functional seedlings, none of these protocols have demonstrated compatibility with conventional horticultural equipment and practices.
Generally, the known protocols for germinating somatic embryos fall into two categories. The first is sowing naked, i.e., uncoated, somatic embryos using aseptic techniques, onto sterilized semi-solid or liquid media contained within a solid-support to facilitate germination (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,183,757; 5,294,549; 5,413,930; 5,464,769; 5,506,136) and subsequently, transplanting the germinants into conventional growing systems. The most significant disadvantage of such protocols for sowing naked somatic embryos is that each embryo typically must be handled and manipulated by hand for the germination and transplanting steps. Although various automation options including robotics and machine vision, have been assessed for their usefulness in cost-effective reduction or elimination of the extensive hand-handling currently necessary to sow naked embryos (Roberts et al., 1995), no commercial equipment currently exists which can reliably, aseptically, and cost-effectively perform the in vitro protocols for germination of naked somatic embryos and subsequent transplanting into conventional propagation systems.
The second category of protocols teach encapsulation of somatic embryos (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,777,762; 4,957,866; 5,183,757; 5,482,857) to provide a means by which the embryos can presumably be sown with mechanical devices such as seeders and fluidized drills, into conventional growing systems. However, there are a number of disadvantages with gel-encapsulated somatic embryos. For example, the hydrated semi-solid physical characteristics of encapsulated embryos make them incompatible for use with conventional seeding equipment currently available for commercial plant propagation, because the semi-solid gel-encapsulated somatic embryos tend to clump together during handling and consequently, are difficult to singulate and dispense. Furthermore, compositions of encapsulated embryos prepared as taught by the art, clog-up the conventional equipment, and for these reasons, it currently is not possible to sow encapsulated embryos with conventional seeding equipment. Consequently, novel equipment has been developed specifically for delivery of encapsulated somatic embryos into conventional growing systems. Such sowing devices have been reviewed by Sakamoto et al. (1995), but these devices have only been developed and tested as prototypes. Because of mechanical limitations and the high costs associated with the prototype mechanical seeders developed for sowing encapsulated embryos, none are currently available for commercial acquisition and use.
Another disadvantage with encapsulated somatic embryos is the lack of nutrient availability that is characteristically supplied to zygotic embryos by their attendant endosperm or megagametophyte tissues. Consequently, the encapsulation technology for somatic embryos has been extended to include the incorporation of various nutrients such as sugars, fertilizers, oxygen, into the encapsulation medium (e.g., Carlson and Hartle, 1995; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,320; 5,010,685; 5,236,469, all of which are herein incorporated by reference). However, a distinct disadvantage associated with nutrient-amended encapsulated embryos is their susceptibility to microbial invasion during manufacture, storage, and during germination if germinated on non-sterile media.
Furthermore, it must be pointed out that although considerable prior art (e.g., PCT Patent Application WO 94/24847, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,010,685; 5,236,469; 5,427,593; 5,427,593; 5,451,241; 5,486,218) teaches methods to manufacture xe2x80x9cartificial seedsxe2x80x9d consisting of somatic embryos encapsulated in gels, which may or may not be amended with nutrients, and which may or may not be encased within a rigid covering, and although the prior art makes references to sowing said artificial seeds ex vitro into germination media comprised of soil or soilless mixes, the prior art only teaches methods for germinating said artificial seeds in vitro, i.e., on sterilized semi-solid laboratory media. No methods are taught or otherwise disclosed, in the prior art for sowing said encapsulated somatic embryos and/or manufactured and/or artificial seed into conventional growing systems using conventional sowing equipment.
However, the most significant disadvantage with all prior art taught for encapsulating or otherwise coating somatic embryos, is that somatic embryos processed following those protocols typically have, as a consequence, much lower germination vigor and success than corresponding zygotic seeds (Carlson and Hartle, 1995). Carlson and Hartle (1995) concluded that considerable research is still required before xe2x80x9cmanufacturedxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cartificialxe2x80x9d seeds based on encapsulation and/or coating of somatic embryos will have practical utility. However, it should be noted that the germination vigor of naked, i.e., uncoated or non-encapsulated somatic embryos produced with methods disclosed in the art can approximate those of the corresponding zygotic seeds (e.g., greater than 85%) (Gupta and Grob, 1995).
An object of the present invention is to facilitate the production of seedlings from somatic plant embryos.
Another object of the invention is to produce pre-germinated somatic embryos of plants that can subsequently or immediately be planted and grown into seedlings.
The present invention relates to a multi-step process to produce seedlings from somatic embryos which begins by germinating somatic embryos and then placing the resultant germinants into dormancy for extended periods of time (e.g. at least 24 hours), for example by drying and/or cooling the embryos, or merely storing them without contact with nutrient solutions. This first component of the multi-step process is referred to as xe2x80x9cpre-germination.xe2x80x9d It has surprisingly been found that pre-germinated embryos placed into a state of physiological dormancy, can be sown and re-germinated when desired or convenient, ex vitro using conventional seeding equipment, into a wide variety of horticultural nursery containers filled with various types of non-sterile growing mixes commonly used in commercial horticultural and agricultural plant propagation.
In one form of the invention, there is provided a process of producing a somatic seedling from a somatic embryo, said process comprising the steps of: pre-germinating a somatic embryo by placing the somatic embryo in contact with a liquid medium used for germinating somatic embryos to produce a pre-germinated somatic embryo, optionally partially immersing the pre-germinated somatic embryo in a solution of abscisic acid (ABA), optionally drying the pre-germinated somatic embryos, placing the pre-germinated somatic embryo on or within the surface of a three-phase substrate, said phases comprising solid, liquid and gas phases, placing said substrate containing said pre-germinated somatic embryo into an environmentally-controlled plant-growing environment, controlling at least one environmental factor in said environment during germination of the pre-germinated somatic embryo to facilitate re-germination, growth and development of the pre-germinated somatic embryo, and applying water and/or nutrient solutions at regular intervals during said period of somatic embryo re-germination to the surface of the substrate in the form of microdroplets such that pre-germinated somatic embryo re-germination, growth and development occur.
Preferably, the somatic embryo is placed in contact with said liquid medium for a period of time in the range of 2-30 days, the medium contains sucrose in a range of 1-9%, the pre-germinated somatic embryo is immersed in said ABA solution for a period of time in the range of xc2xd-2 hours, and the pre-germinated somatic embryo is dried to a moisture content in the range of 5-75%.
The invention, in another aspect, includes a process of producing a pre-germinated somatic embryo, which comprises: pre-germinating a somatic embryo by placing the somatic embryo in contact with a liquid medium used for germinating somatic embryos, optionally partially immersing the pre-germinated somatic embryo in an ABA solution, and optionally drying the pre-germinated somatic embryo. The pre-germinated somatic embryos are preferably placed in a state of physiological dormancy.
The invention also includes a process of producing plant seedlings, which comprises sowing pre-germinated somatic embryos produced by the above process in a three-phase substrate, and growing said pre-germinated somatic embryos. Water and nutrients are preferably applied to a surface of said three-phase substrate in the form of microdroplets, at least to the stage at which the embryos become autotrophic. At this stage, the volume of water or nutrients may be reduced or eliminated altogether.
The invention includes pre-germinated somatic embryos and grown seedlings produced by the above processes.
The process of germinating and then harvesting germinated somatic embryos for re-sowing, is referred to as xe2x80x9cpre-germination.xe2x80x9d
It has also surprisingly been discovered that pre-germinated somatic embryos placed into physiological dormancy, can be desiccated to moisture contents in the range of 5-76%. Furthermore, it has been discovered that desiccated pre-germinated somatic embryos can be stored for extended periods of time without significant declines in physiological integrity or re-germination potential. It has also been discovered that desiccated pre-germinated somatic embryos are amenable for sowing with conventional seeding equipment into conventional plant propagation media for re-germination and further growth and development using conventional plant propagation practices.
Consequently, the preferred multi-step process of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the steps of pre-germinating somatic embryos, harvesting the pre-germinated embryos, placing the pre-germinated somatic embryos into a state of physiological dormancy, sowing the pre-germinated physiologically dormant somatic embryos onto or into germination media, propagating the sown pre-germinated somatic embryos in environmental conditions manipulated to facilitated imbibition, germination, and development into complete seedlings possessing shoots and roots. Furthermore, the multi-step process may also include, if so desired, a step during which pre-germinated somatic embryos are (a) re-sown immediately after harvesting, or (b) desiccated prior to re-sowing.
An advantage of the present invention, at least in preferred forms, is that it may provide a process by which a somatic embryo can be germinated, harvested from the germination medium, and subsequently sown and re-germinated ex vitro using conventional horticultural and agricultural equipment, containers, growing substrates, and growing environments. Alternatively, after the germinated somatic embryos are harvested, they can be dried and stored for periods of time prior to sowing and re-germination.
Another advantage of the invention, at least in preferred forms, is that it may provide a process by which the germination of somatic embryos followed by harvesting and subsequent ex vitro sowing and re-germination of the germinants, can be practiced with a diverse variety of gymnosperm and angiosperm species. Alternatively, harvested pre-germinated somatic embryos of both gymnosperm and angiosperm species may be desiccated and stored for periods of time prior to ex vitro sowing and re-germination.
There are several additional advantages inherent with the use of the process of the invention, at least in its preferred forms. For example, one advantage of pre-germinating plant somatic embryos is that they generally show exceptional vigor during re-germination and subsequent development into complete seedlings possessing shoots and roots. Furthermore, desiccated pre-germinated somatic embryos are particularly useful for preserving the physiological viability of the embryos during extended storage prior to sowing and re-germination. Yet another advantage of pre-germinating somatic embryos is that they can be sorted according to size, length and shape to facilitate production of more uniform crops after sowing, re-germination and growth.
A key advantage of the present process, at least in preferred forms, is that all components of the multi-step process can be practiced in conventional plant propagation environments without the need for aseptic handling processes for sterile growing environments. More specifically, aseptic procedures, and sterile or sanitized equipment and germination/growing environments are not required for successful germination, desiccation, storage, sowing and re-germination of somatic embryos and their subsequent development into complete functional seedlings, thus enabling the entire pre-germination, sowing and re-germination steps to be performed, if so desired, in commercial plant propagation or greenhouse or nursery growing facilities. However, it is preferable to perform the first step, i.e., germination of somatic embryos, in sterile in vitro conditions.
Another advantage is that the pre-germinated somatic embryos can be sown with conventional seeding equipment such as but not restricted to, vacuum-drum seeders, fluid-drill seeders or needle-jet seeders.
A further advantage is that commonly used horticultural and agricultural products such as, but not restricted to, soil-less seedling mixes or rock wool or foams, can be used as the supports onto which the pre-germinated somatic embryos are sown and subsequently re-germinate into and penetrate with their roots.
Yet a further advantage is that if necessitated by the conditions in the commercial growing environments, existing commercial pesticide products such as, but not restricted to fungicides, bactericides, antibiotics, nematicides, insecticides and the like, which are registered for use with the plant species from which the somatic embryos are produced, can be applied to the sown pre-germinated somatic embryos per label instructions for effective pest control, or alternatively, applied to the growing substrates prior to sowing the somatic embryos.
Another advantage is that exogenous nutrients necessary for successful somatic embryo germination and re-germination can be applied via the various numerous methods, such as misting, fogging, spraying, watering and drenching. Furthermore, the exogenous nutrients can be applied in conjunction with conventional horticultural fertigation practices.
A number of terms are known to have differing meanings when used in literature describing this art. The following definitions are believed to be ones most generally used in the fields of botany, plant somatic embryogenesis, and are consistent with the usage of the terms in the present specification.
xe2x80x9cABAxe2x80x9d is abscisic acid, a plant growth regulator.
An xe2x80x9cexplantxe2x80x9d is the organ, tissue or cells derived from a plant and cultured in vitro for the purposes of starting a plant cell or tissue culture.
An xe2x80x9cembryogenic culturexe2x80x9d is a plant cell or tissue culture capable of forming somatic embryos and regenerating plants via somatic embryogenesis.
xe2x80x9cSomatic embryogenesisxe2x80x9d is the process of initiation and development of embryos in vitro from somatic cells and tissues.
A xe2x80x9csomatic embryoxe2x80x9d is an embryo formed in vitro from vegetative (somatic) cells by mitotic division of cells. Early stage somatic embryos are morphologically similar to immature zygotic embryos; a region of embryonal cells subtended by elongated suspensor cells. The embryonal cells develop into the mature somatic embryo.
A xe2x80x9czygotic embryoxe2x80x9d is an embryo derived from the sexual fusion of gametic cells.
xe2x80x9cMegagametophytexe2x80x9d is haploid nutritive tissue of gymnosperm seed, of maternal origin, within which the gymnosperm zygotic embryos develop.
xe2x80x9cEndospermxe2x80x9d is haploid nutritive tissue of angiosperm seed, of maternal origin, within which the angiosperm zygotic embryos develop.
A xe2x80x9cclonexe2x80x9d when used in the context of plant propagation refers to a collection of individuals having the same genetic constitution, and are produced from a culture that arises from an individual explant.
A xe2x80x9clinexe2x80x9d is another term for xe2x80x9cclonexe2x80x9d.
xe2x80x9cNutrientsxe2x80x9d are the inorganic micro- and macro-minerals, vitamins, hormones, organic supplements, and carbohydrates necessary for culture growth and somatic embryo germination.
A xe2x80x9cmicrodropletxe2x80x9d is a self-contained unit of liquid (e.g. water or water-based solution) that is smaller than a drop of the same liquid allowed to form by gravity from a nozzle or solid surface, and is generally contained within a collection of similar microdroplets (e.g. a cloud, mist, fog, fine spray, or the like) produced by applying pressure (e.g. air, a gas or a liquid flowing under pressure provided by a pump) to a drop or other body (e.g. a stream) of the liquid. A microdroplet is usually less than half the size (diameter), and may be less than a quarter or tenth of the size, of a drop of the same liquid, and is preferably small enough to remain temporarily suspended in air (i.e. as an aerosol), and to drift with air currents, rather than fall directly to the ground.
xe2x80x9cAutotrophicxe2x80x9d refers to the stage of plant development when the photosynthetic organelles and related enzymes and biochemical pathways are fully functional and capable of converting light energy, atmospheric carbon dioxide and water into the pre-requisite carbohydrates (e.g., glucose) necessary to sustain further plant growth and development.
xe2x80x9cPhysiological dormancyxe2x80x9d refers to the cessation of the normal metabolic processes, i.e., anabolism and catabolism, that are inherent in plant growth and development, in a manner that does not negatively affect viability.
xe2x80x9cImbibitionxe2x80x9d is the absorption and/or adsorption of water by certain colloids present in seeds or embryos, which results in the swelling of the tissues and activation of enzymatic and physiological processes.
xe2x80x9cGerminationxe2x80x9d is a process of development leading to the emergence of a radical or epicotyl or hypocotyl or a root from an embryo and filter development into a complete seedling having shoots and root.
xe2x80x9cPre-germinationxe2x80x9d is the partial germination of somatic embryos which are harvested and subsequently sown into non-sterile growing media for ex-vitro re-germination, or alternatively, desiccated and stored prior to sowing and re-germination.
In a preferred form, the present invention is generally a multi-step process for ex vitro sowing and germination of plant somatic embryos using conventional horticultural equipment and facilities, comprising, but not restricted to, some or all of the following sequential steps:
1. Sowing the plant somatic embryos onto physical supports placed within containers which contain a liquid germination medium, said embryos placed onto the physical supports in a manner such that the embryos are not submerged in the liquid medium, but instead, such that the liquid medium forms a thin capillary layer around the embryo, said capillary layer also referred to as a film.
2. Incubating the somatic embryos surrounded with a film of germination medium for a period of time ranging between 2-30 days such that embryo germination commences as evidenced by the emergence of a shoot and a root.
3. Placing the containers with the somatic germinants into cold storage, said cold storage comprised of temperatures in range of 2-15xc2x0 C., preferably in the range of 4-10xc2x0 C., for at least, but not limited to, 1 day.
4. Conditioning the somatic germinants by transferring them from the containers containing germination medium to containers containing an ABA solution in the range of 2-100 xcexcM, preferably in the range of 5-20 xcexcM, for a period of time ranging between 30-180 minutes, preferably in the range of 60-90 minutes.
5. Drying the conditioned germinants by transferring them from the containers containing the ABA solution, to a drying chamber, said drying chamber maintaining a relative atmospheric humidity in the range of 35-99% RH, preferably in the range of 80-99%, and incubating said conditioned germinants in said drying chamber for a period of time ranging between 12 hours to 7 days, preferably in the range of 18 hrs to 48 hrs.
6. Storing said conditioned and dried embryos in a sealed package in a facility wherein the temperature is maintained in the range of xe2x88x9285xc2x0 to 30xc2x0 C., preferably in the range of 2-20xc2x0 C.
7. Sowing the pre-germinated plant somatic embryos into nursery containers containing a three-phase substrate, said three phases comprising solids, liquids and air.
8. Placing the nursery containers sown with plant somatic embryos, into a conventional plant propagation environment in which light, temperature, atmospheric humidity, and moisture content of the rooting substrate can be controlled and manipulated to enable and facilitate the re-germination of the somatic embryos and their further development into seedlings.
9. Supplying an aerosol to the surface of the nursery containers sown with somatic embryos, said aerosol containing the necessary carbohydrate compounds required to initiate and sustain the re-germination processes of the somatic embryos.
10. Supplying in the forms of an aerosol and/or a liquid suspension and/or a liquid solution, the micro- and macro-mineral elements required to sustain the re-germination of somatic embryos and their subsequent development into seedlings.
11. Adjusting as required during the somatic embryo re-germination period, the ambient light intensity and diurnal photoperiod, temperature and atmospheric humidity to maintain the development of re-germinated somatic embryos into fully functional seedlings.
Alternatively, at the completion of step 2, pre-germinated embryos may be sown directly after harvesting, i.e., per steps 7-11.
A particular advantage of the process, at least in its preferred forms, is that special hygienic and/or aseptic and/or sterile handling methods and/or equipment and/or facilities are not required to successfully handle, sow and germinate, dry, and re-germinate plant somatic embryos. Accordingly, these steps may be carried out in non-sterile, unhygienic and/or septic conditions, preferably using xe2x80x9cnakedxe2x80x9d embryos (i.e., non-encapsulated or otherwise coated embryos).
It is preferable that the invention be practiced with plant somatic embryos that have been dried to moisture contents that approximate those of their corresponding zygotic seeds, i.e., in the range of 5-20% and more specifically, in the range of 10-15%. However, it is possible to practice the present invention with somatic embryos containing higher moisture contents in the range of 20-70% with the only limitation on the upper limit being the highest level of moisture content that the somatic embryos can be singulated with conventional seeding or seed-handling equipment.
It is preferable that the pre-germination step is carried out in a container wherein there is a physical support such as, but not restricted to, filter paper or a screen comprised of a nylon or polypropylene material or other such materials, is placed on the liquid germination medium such that plant somatic embryos are held on the surface or above the surface of the liquid medium such that a thin capillary layer or film of the germination medium is formed around the somatic embryos. Alternatively, the somatic embryos can be successfully pre-germinated on discontinuous physical substrates comprised of materials such as but not limited to, vermiculite, perlite, peat, coconut husk fibres and the like, said discontinuous supports containing sufficient liquid germination medium to enable the formation of a thin capillary layer or film of germination medium around the somatic embryos. The somatic embryos can be sown onto the surface of the absorbent material by hand or by the means of a mechanical sowing device such as but not restricted to conventional seeding equipment.
However, it is also possible to accomplish the pre-germination of somatic embryos by sowing them with conventional seeding equipment into empty multi-chambered nursery containers exemplified by but not restricted to miniplug trays, said containers having their drainage holes covered by a mesh-like material which will support the somatic embryos after sowing. The containers are then placed onto liquid germination media such that the somatic embryos are in contact with but are not submerged in the liquid media, such that a thin layer of film of germination medium is formed around the somatic embryos.
Although the pre-germinated and subsequently dried somatic germinants can be sown with all conventional seeding equipment used for sowing zygotic seeds, it is preferred to use equipment that dispenses singulated seed into multi-chambered nursery containers, commonly referred to as miniplug trays or cell-packs, said containers commonly used to produce plant plugs which can be mechanically transplanted into larger containers or into field-growing environments.
Another important advantage of the present invention, at least in its preferred forms, is that the sowing and propagation of pre-germinated somatic embryos can be practiced with a wide variety of non-sterilized growing substrates commonly used in conventional plant propagation. The preferred growing substrate is peat-based and has been formulated specifically for germination of zygotic seed and is exemplified by mixtures such as (a) 15.2 cu.ft of peat, 8 cu.ft. of vermiculite, 680 grams of dolomite lime, and 300 grams of Micromax(copyright) (a commercial fertilizer composition comprised of microelements such as but not limited to sulfur, boron, manganese, magnesium, cobalt and iron), and (b) 16.2 cu.ft. of peat, 6.75 cu.ft. perlite, 4 cu.ft. vermiculite, 6 kilograms of dolomite lime, 1.5 kilograms of gypsum, 375 grams of potassium phosphate, 250 grams Micromax(copyright), and 35 grams of wetting agent. Alternatively, commercially formulated mixes such as PRO-MIX-G(copyright) or PRO-MIX-PGX(copyright) (Premier Peat Moss Ltd. Montreal, PQ, Canadaxe2x80x94these are commercial soilless plant growing media comprised of mixtures containing but not limited to peat, perlite, vermiculite and pumice), Sunshine Mix #3 (Sun-Gro Horticulture Inc., Hubbard, Oreg., USA), and Redi-Earth(copyright) (The Scotts Co., Marysville, Ohio, USAxe2x80x94this is a commercial soilless plant growing media comprised of mixtures containing but not limited to peat, perlite, vermiculite and pumice) can also be used with the present invention. It is preferred that the peat-based growing substrate is moistened to a moisture content in the range of 59-75% and then dispensed into multi-chambered trays commonly used for production of plant plugs. Although examples of such trays include Styrofoam #252 miniplug trays manufactured by Beaver Plastics Inc (Edmonton, AB, Canada) and hard plastic #288 or #512 miniplug trays manufactured by TLC Polyform Inc (Plymouth Minn., USA, 55441), the present invention can be practiced with other such multi-chambered trays, or alternatively, with individual pots. It should be noted that the practice of the present invention is not restricted to peat-based mixtures, but also includes other substrate such as Jiffy-7 peat plugs, composted or shredded coconut husk fibres commonly referred to as xe2x80x9ccorxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ccoirxe2x80x9d (1993 Crystal Co., St. Louis, Mo., USA), polymerized substrates (Grow Tech Inc., San Juan Bautista, Calif. USA; Preforma Inc., Oberlin, Ohio USA), extruded foams such as Oasis( (Smithers-Oasis Ltd., Kent, Ohio, USAxe2x80x94this is a commercial expanded foam product comprised of urea formaldehyde), rock wool (Rockwool International A/S, Hovedgaden 584, DK-2640, Denmark) and the like. Regardless of the rooting substrate chosen, it""s physical characteristics should enable development and maintenance of a high relative humidity in the gaseous phase, i.e., in excess of 75% RH, within the substrate while minimizing saturation of the substrate with the liquid phase.
After the pre-germinated somatic embryos are sown onto the surfaces of the rooting substrates, if desired, the embryos may be covered with a thin layer of additional rooting substrate that may be comprised of the same material underneath the embryos or alternatively, with a different type of material. One non-limiting example is sowing the pre-germinated embryos onto PRO-MIX-PGX medium, then overlaying the embryos with a thin layer of coconut husk fibres.
Nursery containers sown with pre-germinated somatic embryos are preferentially placed into a conventional plant propagation environment wherein the conditions are within but not limited to the ranges of temperatures of 15-35xc2x0 C., relative humidities of 75-100%, light intensities of 10-500 foot candles, and diurnal cycles of 6 h day/18 h night-22 h day/2 h night.
It is preferable to maintain a very high level of atmospheric humidity around the nursery containers sown with pre-germinated somatic embryos, i.e., greater than 90% RH, for the first 3-7 days after sowing to facilitate somatic embryo imbibition and germination. A number of methods can be used to maintain the atmospheric humidity at these levels including but not restricted to placing the containers in a greenhouse environment with misting or fogging equipment which is deployed at controlled intervals, placing the containers in a fogging or misting tent or chamber, placing clear plastic domes over the nursery containers and then removing domes periodically to mist or fog the sown embryos and replacing the domes immediately thereafter. Another non-limiting method is to provide a space ranging between 2 mm and 10 mm above the surface of the rooting substrate onto which the embryos are sown and the top of the container, and then covering the top of the nursery container with a plastic film which is removed to enable misting or fogging of the sown embryos and then immediately replaced. After somatic embryo germination is established as evidenced by development of epicotyl and root structures, the germinants can be weaned from the high relative humidity environments and integrated into conventional nursery cultural practices by gradually reducing the amount of misting/fogging applied and/or by extending the periods of time between the misting or fogging steps.
It is preferable to maintain the sown pre-germinated embryos in a high relative humidity environment, i.e., greater than 90% RH, for a period of, but not restricted to, 3-7 days after sowing to facilitate embryo imbibition, prior to supplying exogenous nutrients required for embryo germination.
Another important feature of the invention, at least in preferred forms, is that the exogenous nutrients, including but not restricted to carbohydrates and minerals, required for successful somatic embryo re-germination and subsequent growth and development may be applied as aerosols. The nutrient solutions may be applied with, but not restricted to, conventional misting and/or fogging equipment. Although, the nutrients can be applied individually or combined into one solution, it is preferred to supply the carbohydrates as one solution and the remaining nutrients as a separate solution. A non-limiting example of how this can be practiced is by applying a 3% sucrose solution as a mist to the surface of the growing substrate containing a sown pre-germinated embryo, and then applying at a later time, a solution containing a mixture of mineral nutrients formulated to deliver 454 mg/l nitrogen, 81 mg/l phosphorus, 704 mg/l potassium, 50 mg/l calcium, 39 mg/l magnesium, 193 mg/l sulfur, 3 mg/l manganese, 0.5 mg/l zinc, 89 mg/l chlorine, 3 mg/l iron, 0.7 mg/l iodine, 0.6 mg/l boron, 0.01 mg/l molybdenum, 0.01 mg/l cobalt, and 0.01 mg/l copper. Alternatively, the macronutrients can be supplied as a commercial formulation such as but not restricted to PlantProd(copyright) Plant Starter Fertilizer 10-52-10 (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) or PlantProd(copyright) Forestry Seedling Starter 11-41-8 (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) (Plant Products Ltd., Brampton, ON, Canadaxe2x80x94these are commercial water-soluble fertilizers containing mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and a dye).
An alternative non-limited means of supplying exogenous nutrients to pre-germinated somatic embryos sown onto three-phase growing media within nursery containers is to irrigate or xe2x80x9cdrenchxe2x80x9d the media with nutrient solutions formulated as previously described. This is preferably done just before the embryos are sown in the three-phase growing media.
Since microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, yeast, and algae, are ubiquitous in conventional plant propagation substrates, equipment, containers and growing environments, a wide variety of chemical and biological pesticide products are available to control and eradicate plant pathogens. It has surprisingly been found that aseptic handling procedures and sterilized growing substrates, nursery containers and environments are not required to successfully germinate and grow plant somatic embryos. Indeed, the invention can be practiced in conventional plant propagation environments using only the standard commercial methods of hygiene. Furthermore, we have surprisingly found that pesticides such as Benlate(copyright) (a commercial fungicide composition containing a chemical active ingredient), Rovril(copyright) (a commercial fungicide composition containing a chemical active ingredient), Trumpet(copyright) (a commercial insecticide composition containing a chemical active ingredient) and the like, which are registered for pest control in plant crops, can be used in conjunction with somatic embryos pre-germinated and subsequently sown with the present novel multi-step procedure.
The following Examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any manner. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a domestic catalytic combustion device using catalytic combustion heat as the heat source.
2. Description of Related Art
Heretofore catalytic combustion devices wherein a fuel, which is a gas at room temperature (hereinafter referred to as "liquefied fuel"), such as hydrogen, methane, propane or butane is burnt on surfaces of a catalyst consisting of a noble metal such as platinum or palladium carried on a support or carrier made of glass fibers, porous metal or ceramics. Such catalytic combustion devices are used in domestic appliances such as radiant heaters or stoves fired with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or town gas, soft soldering irons or hair curlers fired with an LPG, or body warmers fired with benzine.
According to the known devices, it has been customary practice to adjust the rate of supply of fuel by means of a pressure regulator and a nozzle associated therewith, thereby adjusting the amount of combustion and the heating temperature. With this arrangement, the adjustment of the amount of combustion in response to the temperature of a combustion chamber or an object to be heated is difficult to achieve.
The catalytic combustion burner is required to have a small thermal capacity for ignitability. Further, the temperature of the catalyst well depends on the change in the rate of supply of gas. Therefore, it is required that the gas supply to the catalytic combustion burner is controlled in response to the temperature of catalyst. Because of its greater thermal capacity, the heating object cools substantially slower than the catalyst during which time the temperature of the catalyst is lowered below the combustible temperature. The catalyst cannot be ignited again and hence a continuous combustion cannot be achieved. On the other hand, at the ignition and temperature glow stages, the catalyst becomes hot well before the heating element is heated and sometimes it is heated at an undue elevated temperature which would have a negative influence on the service time of the catalyst. In order to overcome the foregoing drawbacks, it is necessary to detect a temperature at a point adjacent to the catalyst.
There have been known hair curlers which comprise a bimetal or an expandable liquid thermostatic element disposed in a heating chamber containing a catalytic combustion burner for detecting temperature and for controlling the rate of gas flow in response to the detected temperature. The known hair curler has a drawback in that both the burner and the thermostatic element are disposed in a curling pipe and hence reduction in diameter of the curling pipe is difficult to achieve.
Gas-fired ovens, gas-fired grills or gas-fired water heaters with a flame combustion burner without using a catalyst are known in which a bimetal or an expandable liquid thermostatic element is disposed in a combustion chamber or heating object for detecting the temperature to thereby adjusting the amount of combustion gas. With this arrangement, the thermostatic element is disposed in the combustion chamber through which the waste gas flows, so that the thermostatic element is susceptible to corrosion. A further disadvantage is that a cooking material or other substance is likely to adhere to the surface of the thermostatic element to thereby alter the set temperature. | {
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With the continued miniaturization of integrated circuit (“IC”) devices, the current trend is to produce integrated circuits having shallower junction depths, thinner gate oxides, lightly-doped drain (“LDD”) structures, shallow trench isolation (“STI”) structures, and self-aligned silicide (“salicide”) processes, all of which are used in advanced sub-quarter-micron complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) technologies. All of these processes cause the related CMOS IC products to become more susceptible to damage due to ESD events. Therefore, ESD protection circuits are built onto the chip to protect the devices and circuits on the IC from ESD damage.
Automotive communication circuits in particular, have standards that involve sustaining high voltage and passing system level ESD. On-chip ESD designs for automotive circuit usually result in large ESD clamps having large chip areas. | {
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With the development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the usage of an electronic device and the utilization of wireless communication technology increased and, accordingly, user traffic using the electronic device has been increasing.
The electronic device can apply various techniques to improve a transmission speed due to an increase in user traffic. For example, the electronic device can increase data transfer rates through a multiple antenna transmission scheme (for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)). | {
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The present invention relates to a vacuum booster for operating a brake master cylinder in an automobile, motorcycle or the like in a boost mode, and more particularly to an improvement of a vacuum booster in which a holding tube which holds a valve member of a control valve is fitted in a synthetic resin cylindrical valve case with the front end portion coupled to a booster piston and with the rear end opened, and the base end portion of a valve member is fitted in an annular holding groove formed on the outer surface of the front end portion of the holding tube in such a manner that the base end portion is sealingly engaged with the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case. Further, the present invention relates to a holding tube mounting structure in the vacuum booster with which the holding tube is secured to the cylindrical valve case.
In a conventional vacuum booster, as shown, for instance, in Unexamined Japanese Utility Model Publication (OPI) No. 73459/1989, the holding tube is secured to the cylindrical valve case as follows. The front end of the holding tube is abutted against an annular step formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case. Under this condition, the rear end of the holding tube is held with a circlip which is engaged with an annular engaging groove formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case.
The holding tube is combined with the cylindrical valve case in the above-described manner. Hence, when the holding tube is inserted into the cylindrical valve case under the condition that the base end portion of the valve member is held in the holding groove, the base end portion of the valve member is damaged by the annular step formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case. Therefore, the holding tube and the cylindrical valve case must be assembled carefully. Since the annular engaging groove on the inner surface of the cylindrical valve case is difficult to form with the metal mold, the annular engaging groove is formed by machining. This fact increases the manufacturing cost of the vacuum booster together with the fact that it is necessary to use the circlip to hold the rear end of the holding tube.
In another conventional vacuum booster, as disclosed, for instance, in Examined Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 12852/1992, in order to fix a holding tube inserted into a cylindrical valve case, a circlip retaining a rear end of the holding tube is engaged with an annular groove formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical valve case. That is, the holding tube cannot be fixed without the circlip. In order to engage the circlip with the annular groove, a special tool must be used, which makes it rather difficult to assemble the holding tube and the cylindrical valve case with high efficiency. | {
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(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connection oriented mode communication system suitable for use in, for example, a communication technology of an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) communication system in which a virtual communication path (virtual connection) is established and communication is effected by means of the communication path. The present invention also relates to a node apparatus for use in such connection oriented mode communication system and a connection setting method.
(2) Description of Related Art
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing one example of an existing ATM network. In an ATM network 100 shown in FIG. 25, for example, a plurality of ATM nodes 101A to 101E such as an ATM switch (ATM-SW) are unitarily subjected to management of topology (network arrangement) information of the ATM network 100, whereby a network management system (NMS) 102 can manage call processing control such as call setting control including an establishment of PVC (Permanent Virtual Connection) or the like for each of the ATM nodes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as simply node) 101A to 101E.
As shown in FIG. 25, the ATM node 101A and the ATM node 101D are arranged to accommodate subscriber's terminals 103A and 103D, respectively. Conversely, the ATM nodes 101B, 101C and 101E are arranged to serve as a relaying node for relaying signals between the nodes 101A and 101D.
While in FIG. 25 the ATM nodes 101A to 101E are connected to one another sequentially through a single physical connection line 104, actually the ATM nodes 101A to 101E are connected to one another in a mesh-manner through a proper number of the physical connection lines 104. Also, the number of nodes constituting the ATM network 100 is not limited to the number of nodes appearing in FIG. 25.
Now, in the above-described existing ATM network 100, it is assumed that, as for example shown with a broken line 105 in FIG. 26, the subscriber's terminals 103A and 103D are connected through a PVC [virtual (communication) connection] of a physical link which is established so as to include the ATM nodes 101A, 101B, 101C and 101D.
In this case, according to the arrangement of the existing ATM network 100, for example, the NMS 102 generates Connection (PVC) Setting Request 106 to each of the ATM nodes 101A, 101B, 101C and 101D, and each of the ATM nodes 101A, 101B, 101C and 101D builds a set of assignments of connection effective in the apparatus (hereinafter referred to as intra-unit connection) which indicates a transfer route of a received signal extending through the virtual connection on the input-and-output sides and the apparatus itself. Thus, a communication connection by way of the ATM nodes 101A to 101D is established.
As is widely known, according to the ATM communication arrangement, the connection of the above-described type is specified by a virtual path identifier (hereinafter referred to as VPI) and a virtual channel identifier (hereinafter referred to as VCI) which are attached within a header of an ATM cell (hereinafter sometimes referred to as simply “cell”) Then, each of the ATM nodes 101A to 101D builds a set of assignments (assignment table) specifying the correspondence between the target of reception VPI/VCI designated by the above-mentioned Connection Setting Request 101 generated from the NMS 102, and the destination of the conversion of the VPI/VCI within the apparatus, ICID (Internal Channel IDentifier) and a tag (TAG) for carrying out routing within the apparatus. Thereafter, each of the ATM nodes 101A to 101D makes a setting effective in the apparatus for the specified received cell based on the assignment table. In this way, a desired connection setting is accomplished.
The PVC setting operation carried out in the ATM nodes 101A to 101D (also 101E) will hereinafter be described in more detail. In the following description, every ATM node 101A to 101D is not discriminated from one another and hence each ATM node 101A to 101D is simply denoted as ATM node 101 so long as it is not specifically noted.
FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing in detail the arrangement of the ATM node 101. As shown in FIG. 26, the ATM node 101 includes, for example, an ATM switching unit 110, a plurality of network individual units 112, multiplexing-demultiplexing units (common units) 113 of which number corresponds to the number of the network individual units 112 actually provided in the ATM node 101, a central controller (CC) 141 and a main memory (MM) 142.
The network individual unit 112 is connected with at least one physical line 104 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as simply “line 104”), whereby the network individual unit 112 serves as an interface unit between the network including the line 104 and the ATM node 101. Thus, the network individual unit 112 is selected so that its type matches with the type of accommodating network.
If the physical line 104 is arranged to accommodate an ordinary ATM network in which ATM cells are mapped on a predetermined signal frame such as a SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy), SONET (Synchronous Optical Network) or the like to accomplish signal transmission (i.e., in a CRS (Cell Relay Service)), it is necessary to provide an interface for each accommodated ATM network 104. For this reason, the network individual unit 112 adapted to the CRS such as one having a network interface (IF) unit 111 for each accommodated ATM network 104 is used.
Conversely, if the physical network 104 accommodates a communication lines in which signal transmission is effected by a temporal frame [in a CES (Circuit Emulation Service)], the actually mounted network individual unit 112 is one adapted to the CES having a function for mapping the ATM cells on the above frame [e.g., AAL1 (ATM Adaptation layer 1) terminating function].
If the network individual unit 112 is the CES type, the signal frame transmitted through a single physical line 104 is subjected to a time division multiplex processing. Further, while in the example illustrated in FIG. 26 all of the network individual units 112 have a network IF unit 111 in order for coping with the CRS, all of the network individual units 112 may be arranged to cope with the CES. Also, the network individual units 112 to the CRS and the network individual units 112 adapted to the CES may be provided in a coexisting fashion in the arrangement of the ATM node.
Whichever the arrangement adapted to the CRS or one adapted to the CES the network individual unit 112 employs, the network individual units 112 is provided with fundamental functions requiring the minimum necessity for setting the virtual connection. That is, the network individual units 112 is provided with a VPI/VCI-ICID converting function that an (input) VPI/VCI attached to the header of the up-link input ATM cell transmitted from the physical network 104 is converted into an input internal channel identifier (I-ICID: Input-ICID) inherent to the node 101 itself, and that an I=ICID of a down-link input cell transmitted from the ATM switch unit 110 is inversely converted into a (output) VPI/VCI.
The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 will hereinafter be described. The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 accommodates the network individual units of which number corresponds to the network transmission rate which is capable of being dealt by the unit itself. The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 is also a unit for carrying out multiplexing and demultiplexing on an ATM cell which is transmitted and received between the network individual unit 112 and the ATM switch unit 114. For example, if the allowable network transmission rate of the ATM switch unit 110 is about 2.4 Gbps and the network individual unit 112 is arranged to cope with a signal of about 155 Mbps level [e.g., a signal based on the SONET of OC (Optical Carrier level)−3], the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 can accommodate 16 channels at maximum. If the network individual unit 112 is arranged to cope with a signal of about 622 Mbps level (e.g., a signal of OC-12), the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 can accommodate four channels at maximum.
The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 includes an assignment table (conversion table) (not shown) which designates an assignment relation (combination information) effective between the I-ICID given by the central controller 141 upon setting a call (virtual connection) and a tag and O-ICID (output-ICID: Output internal channel identifier). The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 attaches a tag corresponding to the I-ICID of the input cell from the network individual unit 112 to the cell based on the assignment relation. The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 also has a function to convert the corresponding I-ICID into an O-ICID, delete tag-information of the input cell from the ATM switch unit 110, and convert the O-ICID into the I-ICID.
The ATM switch unit 110 also has a function of switching on the cell in accordance with the tag attached to the cell from each of the multiplexing-demultiplexing units 113, thus supplying the cell to a predetermined multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113. For example, the ATM switch unit 110 repeats selection of one out of two choices, “1” or “0” at every bit of the tag, whereby ATM switch unit 110 carries out switching operation independently.
The central controller 141 is a unit for communicating with respective components 110 to 113 through a bus line 115 so that these components 110 to 113 are intensively controlled. Thus, various setting necessary for call control processing can be achieved. For example, the central controller 141 assigns the VPI/VCI to a call as a target of PVC setting in accordance with the contents of PVC Setting Request 106 from the NMS 102. Then, the central controller 141 converts the VPI/VCI into the internal channel identifier (ICID) which specifies the component address within the node itself (e.g., input/output port number of the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 or the like) that the input cell shall undergo (i.e., connection settled within the component). Thereafter, the central controller 141 determines the tag based on the internal channel identifier.
The main memory 142 is a unit for storing therein data, program (software, firmware) or the like which are necessary for the central controller 141 to operate.
In the above-described ATM node, the PVC (virtual connection) is set in the following manner. That is, when the central controller 141 receives Connection Setting Request 106 from the NMS 102, the above-described ATM node assigns the VPI/VCI (VPI/VCI effective within the component) to the received VPI/VCI as the connection setting target designated by Connection Setting Request 106. Also, the central controller 141 converts the VPI/VCI effective within the component into the I-ICID and further determines the above-described tag and O-ICID so as to correspond to the I-ICID.
The determined assignment relation (combination information) is sent to the corresponding cell input-side multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 and cell output-side multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113, respectively. Each of the cell input-side multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 and cell output-side multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 holds the combination information as a piece of data of a table-style (assignment table). At this time, the central controller 141 sends data indicative of the assignment relation between the VPI/VCI and the I-ICID and data indicative of a reserved band (band reported by the user) to the network individual unit 112 on the input side (output side).
When the above combination information is supplied from the central controller 141 to the network individual unit 112, the network individual unit 112 holds the combination information as a set of table style data (assignment table), whereby the network individual unit 112 carries out VPI/VCI-ICID conversion setting for the PVC setting target and reserves a band reported by the user.
With the above setting operation, the input cell is converted in its (input) VPI/VCI into the I-ICID by the network individual unit 112, and the converted I-ICID is transmitted to an input port of the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 which is designated by the I-ICID. The multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 refers to the I-ICID of the input cell, attaches the tag information corresponding to the I-ICID to the input cell, and converts the I-ICID into O-ICID.
In this way, the input cell is subjected to an automatic switching operation in the ATM switching unit 110 depending on the above tag information, and sent to the corresponding multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 on the output side. When the input cell is received by the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 from the ATM switching unit 110, the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 deletes the tag attached to the input cell, specifies an output port for the cell based on the O-ICID, and converts the O-ICID into an I-ICID. Then, the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 outputs the cell to the network individual unit 112 through the corresponding port. Thereafter, the network individual unit 112 converts the I-ICID of the input cell into a corresponding VPI/VCI.
As described above, the ATM 101 makes the network individual unit 112 and the multiplexing-demultiplexing unit 113 hold the data indicative of the assignment relation (table) in accordance with PVC Setting Request 106 supplied from the NMS 102, whereby a transmission route for the cell within the self node 101 (virtual connection; e.g., a broken line 116 in FIG. 26) is established and the cell can be transmitted by way of the virtual connection.
If the virtual connection is established through each of the ATM nodes 101A to 101D in the above-described manner in accordance with PVC Setting Request 106 supplied from the NMS 102, then the PVC (Virtual Connection) setting is accomplished by way of the ATM nodes 101A to 101D.
According to the above-described arrangement of the conventional ATM network 100, however, when an engineer or the like wants to carry out inspection for maintenance or move the facility of the network 104 in which the connection including a plurality of nodes 101 is set, the engineer shall once break the service connection set in the network 104 (currently working connection) and then establish another connection (detouring connection). Thus, the network system cannot help but interrupting the service provided by means of the currently working connection.
In order to avoid such interruption in connection service, for example, there can be considered one solution that the physical network 104 is made redundant between the adjacent nodes 101 so that a desirable connection can be selected upon necessity, as is represented by the APS (Automatic Protection Switching) technology of SDH or SONET. However, according to the technology, to make the physical network 104 redundant is effected at unit of connection between adjacent nodes 101. Therefore, it is impossible to provide a plurality of connection choices including a plurality of nodes 101. | {
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The present invention relates to a system for reading an optical recording medium having a data region formed by arranging, in parallel, a plurality of data tracks each of which is constituted by a plurality of bits along reference lines which are perpendicular to the data tracks. | {
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This invention relates to rendering irradiated nuclear fuel pins of metal-sheathed refractory pellets into short lengths (typically 2 cms) so that they can be fed, in an acceptable form, to chemical dissolver apparatus.
The current practice for rendering fuel pins into short lengths (such as the fuel pins coming from irradiated fast reactor fuel elements) is to crop them using a shearing machine. The shearing action on a pin (which typically comprises a stainless steel sheath and refractory oxide fuel pellets ) causes fairly rapid wear on the shearing blade and also tends to fold over the sheared sheath end so that, when the cropped length is subjected to dissolving liquids, the liquids are somewhat inhibited from reaching the fuel pellets.
The present invention avoids the above stated adverse feature in a compact machine. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion element, an image reading device, and an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a photoelectric conversion element used in a scanner, a charge-coupled device (CCD) has conventionally been used. However, with recent demands for high speed processing, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) linear image sensor (CMOS sensor) has been attracting attention. The CMOS sensor is the same as CCDs in the point that photoelectric conversion of incident light is performed by a photodiode (PD). However, the CMOS sensor differs from CCDs in a point that charge-voltage conversion is performed near a pixel to be output to a subsequent stage. Moreover, because the CMOS process is used, the CMOS sensor can include therein a circuit such as an analog digital converter (ADC), and is more advantageous in high speed processing.
However, in a CMOS linear sensor, it is necessary to configure multiple circuits such as a transfer transistor that transfers a charge of a PD to a floating diffusion (FD), a reset transistor that resets an FD, and an amplifier transistor (source follower) that outputs a signal to a subsequent stage, for example, in a pixel.
Therefore, in a CMOS sensor, wirings such as a driving signal of respective circuits, and a power source and a ground (GND) are arranged in layers inside a pixel, and an opening (region through which light can enter) of a pixel is limited by these multilayer wirings. Particularly, because the opening of a pixel of a CMOS linear image sensor affects an incidence angle of light, it can cause unevenness in light amount (shading) in a scanner in which incidence angles of light is different at each pixel position, and there has been a problem that unevenness in an signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in a main scanning direction is caused.
To tackle the above problem, for example, in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-170944, a solid-state imaging device is disclosed in which positions of the opening and a micro lens are shifted toward a center of each imaging area from a corresponding photoelectric converting region.
However with a configuration in which an opening position is varied for each pixel, the opening position is fixed according to a light incidence angle, and accordingly, there has been a problem that an optical system used for incidence of light is limited.
In view of the above problem, there is a need to provide a photoelectric conversion element, an image reading device, and an image forming apparatus that can reduce unevenness in an amount of light received at each pixel without limiting an optical system that is used for incidence of light. | {
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The demand for increased storage capacity in memory or rigid disks and the trend towards miniaturization of memory or rigid disks (due to the requirement for smaller hard drives in computer equipment) continues to emphasize the importance of the memory or rigid disk manufacturing process, including the planarization or polishing of such disks for ensuring maximal performance. While there exist several chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions and methods for use in conjunction with semiconductor device manufacture, few conventional CMP methods or commercially available CMP compositions are well-suited for the planarization or polishing of memory or rigid disks.
As the demand for increased storage capacity has increased, so has the need for improved processes for the polishing of such memory or rigid disks. The term “memory or rigid disk” refers to any magnetic disk, hard disk, rigid disk, or memory disk for retaining information in electromagnetic form. The memory or rigid disk typically has a surface that comprises nickel-phosphorus, but the memory or rigid disk surface can comprise any other suitable material. The planarity of the memory or rigid disks must be improved, as the distance between the recording head of a disk drive and the surface of the memory or rigid disk has decreased with improvements in recording density that demand a lower flying height of the magnetic head with respect to the memory or rigid disk. In order to permit a lower flying height of the magnetic head, improvements to the surface finish of the memory or rigid disk are required.
In addition, environmental regulations in many countries limit the amount of organic material in wastewater streams that can be released into the environment. Many polishing compositions used in semiconductor manufacturing are based on water as the liquid carrier. Disposal of waste polishing compositions requires treatment of the compositions to reduce the levels of pollutants, such as the content of organic material in the polishing compositions, which adds to the cost of manufacturing processes. One measure of water quality is known as chemical oxygen demand. Chemical oxygen demand is a measure of the amount of oxygen required to fully oxidize organic material in a waste stream to carbon dioxide, ammonia, and water. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for polishing compositions exhibiting a reduced chemical oxygen demand in order to meet increasing stringent environmental demands. | {
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Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process for the preparation of the reaction products of copolymers first halogenated and thereafter aminated with amines, and to compositions comprising a major proportion of a fuel or lubricant and a minor proportion of said halogenated then aminated polymer as a sludge dispersant and/or V.I. improver. More particularly, this invention relates to copolymers comprising ethylene, a higher .alpha.-olefin and an acyclic or alicyclic nonconjugated diolefin, which are first halogenated and thereafter aminated by reaction with an amine.
Somewhat similar compositions comprising polymeric or high molecular weight materials which incorporate nitrogen have been described both in structure and the related method of preparation in U.S. and foreign patents as dispersants and/or viscosity index improvers for fuels and/or lubricants. For example:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,746 discloses lubricant compositions containing acylated nitrogen compounds having at least 50 aliphatic carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon substituent such as polyisobutylene succinimides of polyalkylene polyamines as sludge dispersants for lubricants.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,316,177; 3,687,849 and 3,687,905 disclose polyamines reacted with the reaction product of maleic anhydride with an oxidized degraded interpolymer containing ethylene and propylene as a sludge dispersant in lubricant compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,492 discloses polymers of conjugated dienes having backbone chain unsaturation which is predominantly cis in configuration, onto which is grafted acrylonitrile.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,757 describes the preparation of fuel detergents by the reaction of backbone chain chlorinated branched chain polymers, such as polyisobutylene or polypropylene with polyamines.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,249 teaches of terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene which is reacted first with maleic anhydride and then reacted with a polyamine.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,387 teaches a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and an unsaturated olefin having nitrogen as a dispersant-detergent-viscosity index improving polymer for lubricating oil and its alternative preparation by displacement of the halogen of a primary halo-substituted olefin with a basic nitrogen compound.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,239 teaches that an ethylene, C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 olefin-diene terpolymer reacted with maleic anhydride and then reacted with an alkyl amine is an additive useful for a light fuel.
British Patent 1,005,638 describes the preparation of ashless dispersants for lubricants by the reaction of a backbone chlorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer with a polyalkylene polyamine. | {
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This invention relates to a drum brake device which functions as a leading-trailing (LT) type when the service brake is operated and functions as a duo-servo (DS) type when the parking brake is operated. More specifically, the invention relates to an improvement in a drum brake device to improve the operation feeling of the parking brake actuator.
For example, this type of drum brake device is disclosed in Australian Patent Number AU-B1-53 491/70 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,260. Both conventional drum brake devices are basically the same in their fundamental function, and they are explained with reference to FIG. 10.
The drum brake device in FIG. 10 comprises a pair of brake shoes b, c mounted on a back plate a, an anchor block d provided between respective ends of the pair of brake shoes b, c, a hydraulic cylinder g provided between respective other ends of the pair of brake shoes b, c, a parking brake lever j pivoted at one end i of one brake shoe b, an idle lever k oscillatably pivoted on the other brake shoe c, and rods l, m provided between both brake shoes b, c, wherein one end n of rod l engages the parking brake lever j and the other end o engages the idle lever k, one end p of rod m engages one brake shoe b and the other end q engages the other brake shoe c and the idle lever k.
Operation of the above-described drum brake device is explained next.
In service brake operation, when the hydraulic cylinder g is pressurized, both brake shoes b, c open with the point of abutment against the anchor block d as the fulcrum and frictionally engage with the brake drum, not shown in the diagram, thereby braking as a LT type brake.
In parking brake operation, when the parking brake lever j is pulled in the direction of arrow X, an operational force is transferred to the one rod l, the idle lever k, and the other rod m in order, thereby opening one brake shoe b to frictionally engage with the brake drum. Then, the idle lever k moves away from a center of the brake drum device such that a point of abutment of the idle lever k is against the rod m as the fulcrum, and the pivot point of the idle lever k presses the other brake shoe c in the direction of Y to frictionally engage with the brake drum. Further, a reaction force of the parking brake lever j in the direction of arrow Z affects on one end i of one brake shoe b.
If at this time, a rotational force is applied to the brake drum in the direction of arrow R as when the vehicle is stopping on an uphill or a downhill slope, the friction force of one brake shoe b is transferred to the other rod m, whereby its other end q presses against the other brake shoe c, supported by the anchor block d, in a duo-servo braking action. If the rotational force is applied to the brake drum in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow R, the friction force of the other brake shoe c is transferred to the other rod m, whereby its one end p is pressed against brake shoe b, supported by the anchor block d, in the same duo-servo braking action as above.
As is evident from this parking brake operation, if the other end q of the other rod m abuts against the idle lever k and a clearance exists between the other end q and the other brake shoe c, then when the shoe c rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow R, the position of the hydraulic cylinder g is repelled to the amount equivalent to the clearance. That is, the brake pedal is repelled which is not only disconcerting to the driver, but the pedal stroke increases in the next brake pedal application. Conversely, if the end q of the other rod m abuts against the other brake shoe c and a clearance exists between the other end q and the idle lever k, then the stroke of the parking brake lever j increases by an amount equivalent to this clearance; that is, the stroke of the hand lever increases. From these perspectives, it is preferable that the clearance between the other end q of the other rod m and either the other brake shoe c or the idle lever k be as small as possible.
FIG. 11 illustrates the concept of an automatic shoe clearance device which is installed in the drum brake device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,260. A bent end y of an adjustment lever r is pivotable on the web of the brake shoe c. One end of an upper arm s is connected to a groove of an upper strut t for engagement therewith. Another arm is connected to a star wheel u of the upper strut t. A spring w, stretched between the adjustment lever r and the pivot lever v, energizes the adjustment lever r in the counterclockwise direction, with the end y as the fulcrum.
Should the brake lining be worn causing the two brake shoes b, c to open by more than a prescribed value when the service brake is applied, the upper arm causes the star wheel u to rotate to automatically extend the entire length of the upper strut t, thereby maintaining a constant clearance between the brake shoes b, c and the brake drum z.
The drum brake device as described above has need of improvement in the following areas:
Both conventional devices described above have a problem in that the cumulative effect of the tolerances of each component for the parking brake requires a clearance between the idle lever k and one rod l or the other rod m. This generates a partially ineffective stroke or play in the system.
Moreover, as the lining of the other brake shoe c is gradually worn, there is a gradual shift in the point at which the other rod m contacts with the brake shoe c or the idle lever k. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the amount of displacement .delta. (amount of lining wear) at the brake center of the brake shoe c (pivot point of the brake shoe c and the idle lever k), and the amount of displacement .delta.c and .delta.k of the brake shoe c and idle lever k respectively at the point of the contact with the other rod m are defined as follows: ##EQU1##
In this case, H.sub.3 is considerably smaller than H.sub.1 ; hence, the displacement .delta.k of the idle lever k will be considerably larger than the displacement .delta.c of the brake shoe c. As a result, as the lining wears, the parking brake lever j stroke increases and this increase is disconcerting to the driver. This also may cause the parking brake lever j to interfere with other components, which influences the effectiveness of the brake. Moreover, consideration of the parking brake lever j stroke, the size of the brake shoe, the brake offset, etc., is restricted, which creates a limitation in its design.
Moreover, the respective brake shoes b, c when applying the parking brake are moved so that the adjacent two ends of the brake shoes b, c rotate in the direction to spread apart. In other words, the adjacent ends of the respective brake shoes b, c separate from the anchor block d simultaneously. In this state, if the brake drum starts to rotate together with the wheel, both brake shoes b, c and rods l, m, etc., also rotate together, whereupon one or the other brake shoe collides against the anchor block d. The noise so generated is disconcerting to the driver. Additionally, this impact load is applied repeatedly on the anchor block d; therefore, the strength of the components becomes critical.
In the conventional device as disclosed in Australian Patent Number AU-B1 53 491/79, the cumulative effect of the tolerances of each component will be such that the idle lever k could abut against the other rod or play could be generated. At the very least, play will be generated when the service brake is applied. Accordingly, the idle lever k could vibrate creating a strange noise when the vehicle is in motion or the foot brake is applied. This noise can be disconcerting to the driver. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor structure, and more particularly, to a semiconductor structure having an epitaxial layer filling a recess, in which the cross-sectional profile of the epitaxial layer is an octagon.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For decades, chip manufacturers have made metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors faster by making them smaller. As the semiconductor processes advance to very deep sub micron era such as 65-nm node or beyond, how to increase the driving current for MOS transistors has become a critical issue.
In order to improve device performance, crystal strain technology has been developed. Crystal strain technology is becoming more and more attractive as a means for getting better performance in the field of CMOS transistor fabrication. Putting a strain on a semiconductor crystal alters the speed at which charges move through that crystal. Strain makes CMOS transistors work better by enabling electrical charges, such as electrons, to pass more easily through the silicon lattice of the gate channel.
FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional diagram illustrating a semiconductor structure applying epitaxy technology in accordance with prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor structure 10 includes a substrate 12, a gate structure 14, a source/drain region 16, two recesses 18 and an epitaxial layer 19. The gate structure 14 includes a gate dielectric layer 14a, a gate electrode 14b, a spacer 14c and a capping layer 14d. The source/drain region 16 and the recess 18 are formed within the substrate 12 adjacent to two sides of the spacer 14c, and a gate channel 20 is formed beneath the gate structure 14 and between the recess 18 to electrically connect the source/drain region 16. The compressive stress or the tensile stress caused by the epitaxial layer 19 is generated on either side of the gate channel 20, thereby increasing the electron or hole mobility in the gate channel 20.
In general, the shape, the size and the relative position of the recess 18 must be formed as shown in FIG. 1 to achieve electrical mobility in the gate channel 20, in which the recess 18 is a diamond shaped structure having a plurality of the slanted sidewalls, and the compressive stress or the tensile stress generated on either side of the gate channel 20 caused by filling the epitaxial layer 19 will increase the electrical or hole mobility of the gate channel 20. However, the process will oblige the gate channel 20 so narrow that the gate structure 14 may collapse and the short channel effect will cause circuit leakages. Moreover, applying the prior art approach (as shown in FIG. 1) to etch the recess 18, the sidewalls of the recess 18 will have an angle A1 pointing to the gate channel 20, and the angle A1 may cause a point discharge and give rise to circuit leakages caused by the short channel effect. Also, the angle A1 beneath the gate structure 14 may easily result in the gate structure 14 collapse because of the stress concentration. Moreover, because the lower part of the recess 18 appears as a V-shaped profile, the angle A2 of the bottom of the recess 18 may also result in circuit leakages. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a solid state light-sensitive device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The making of solid state light-sensitive devices is well known in the prior art. These devices are of the type comprising:
A network of horizontal conductors or rows and a network of vertical conductors or columns intersecting at a matrix of crosspoints;
A light-sensitive element which connects each intersecting row and column;
An addressing circuit, the outputs of which are linked to the rows;
A reading and multiplexing circuit, the inputs of which are linked to the columns.
In all these light-sensitive devices, it is sought to simplify the patterns and technologies used to the maximum extent in order to make the light-sensitive elements in such a way as to increase manufacturing output. It is also sought to decrease the capacitances of the various connections, thus making it possible to simplify the electronic circuits connected to the device. Finally, it is sought to reduce the dark currents (which are harmful) of the light-sensitive devices.
These considerations are all the more important when large-sized light-sensitive devices have to be made, as is the case with X-ray optical image formation where the radiation cannot be focused. | {
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The isolation of biomolecules is a critical part of any sample processing system. With the development of automated molecular analysis systems the biggest restriction is now in the preparation of the sample and the purification of the target sample.
For all biochemistry processes the isolation and purification of the sample target is critical to its success. The limitations in biochemistry analysis process—pyro-sequencing, nucleic acid ligation, polymerase chain reaction, digital PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid sequencing, protein detection/protein enrichment, genetic bead coating, rare cell detection and cell enrichment—and not limited to these, are due to the starting concentrations of the target and the level of biochemical inhibitors present within the reaction sample used in the analysis.
For most biochemistry analysis a series of pre-analysis steps are performed on the sample to isolate the target from the initial sample and remove biochemistry inhibitors. These steps are typically labour intensive and ultimately reduce the starting concentrations of the target.
The current preferred method of sample purification makes use of spin columns. However spin columns require a number of centrifugation steps and hence cannot be integrated with an automated DNA library preparation platform. Similarly, a purification technique for nucleic acid fragment purification from agarose gels also requires centrifugation steps to achieve the nucleic acid isolation.
One technique used for sample purification is paramagnetic bead-based purification. This method offers an approach that can provide improved DNA recovery rates and tuneable buffer conditions that can be used to selectively bind specific DNA fragment sizes.
The paramagnetic bead based purification is a static well batch process. The current method involves the pipetting of the bead-mixture—paramagnetic beads and a buffer—into a well of a microtitre plate along with the initial sample. The solution is pipetted, mixed, and incubated at room temperature to allow the DNA to bind to the beads. The microtitre plate is then placed onto a magnetic plate. The beads holding the bound DNA move to the edge of the plate and are held by the magnet. Next the supernatant (containing waste) is removed using a pipette and discarded. Following this a number of wash steps are then performed to remove residual waste present on/at the bead pellet. Ethanol is pipetted to the plate containing the bead pellet, incubated and then removed using a pipette. This wash step is repeated twice. An elution buffer is then added. The plate is removed from the magnetic plate and the elution buffer is mixed via pipette mixing. The microtitre plate is placed back onto the magnetic plate. The eluent containing the purified DNA is then withdrawn using a pipette.
The paramagnetic bead based protocol is a labour intensive process and is not easily automated due to the large number of pipetting steps required. The high numbers of pipetting steps also result in large initial and final sample volumes, resulting in high reagent costs per data point.
One application and not limited to this application is for improved sample purification for next generation sequencing platforms. Many next generation sequencing platforms require DNA libraries made up of DNA fragments within a specific range of base pair lengths. In addition, these DNA fragments need to be tagged with specific nucleotide sequences (adapters) to allow the sequences to be amplified using PCR and to allow the library fragments to anneal to the sequencer flow cell. Sequence specific indices can also be added to the DNA fragments to identify individual samples when multiplexing sample within a single flow cell. The tagmentation of DNA (DNA is fragmented and tagged with adapters) and the addition of common adapters and indices are achieved in two separate biological reactions. Following these reactions, the DNA library is cleaned to remove excess nucleotides, enzymes, primers, salts and other contaminants. Consequently, the workflow required to tagment DNA, purify tagmented DNA, add common adapters and indices and purify the final library product is complex and labour intensive.
The systems and methods outlined herein can help achieve sample handling that is contamination-free, low-volume, high-throughput, low-cost, and/or high in sample concentration. | {
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This invention relates to a dual-in-line package (DIP) switch, more particularly to a DIP switch having three states.
Referring to FIG. 1, a tri-state DIP switch comprises a base 1 with a plurality of transverse grooves 1a, a plurality of conducting pins 2, a plurality of conducting elements 3, a plurality of slide members 4, and a cover 5. Each of the conducting pins 2 has a conducting strip on the transverse grooves 1a and an extended pointed end folded at the side of the base for connection to an external circuit board. Two of the conducting pins serve as positive and negative input terminals, respectively, for the DIP switch. The plurality of conducting elements 3 are each attached to the bottom surface of one of the plurality of slide members 4. Each slide member 4 rests on one of the grooves 1a and has a length equal to that of the base 1. A plurality of thin shaped partitions 5b are transversely disposed on opposing sides of the plurality of openings 5a at the inner top surface of the cover 5, isolating the slide members 4 from each other. The width of the opening of the shaped partitions is equal to that of the base 1. Each conducting element 3 can be moved to electrically connect one conducting pin 2 to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, or to a space between the positive and negative terminals of the DIP switch. Each slide member 4 has a top protrusion 4a, which protrudes from one of the plurality of openings 5a formed on the cover 5.
A main drawback of this structure is that the cover 5 is joined to the base 1 only by structural means, i.e., the base 1 has a pair of elongated slots formed on its shorter sides and the cover 5 has its shorter sides formed with recessed ends for receiving the elongated slots of the base 1. Thus, the base 1 is not tightly sealed to the cover 5. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an alignment material for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and more particularly, to an LCD device with a simplified manufacturing process using the same.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as “LCD”) devices are becoming more important as a visual information transmitting medium. In order to compete, other various types of display devices are being developed. Therefore, superior operating conditions, such as low power consumption, thin size, light weight, high quality, and the like, are required to occupy a leading position among the various types of display devices.
Currently, LCD devices are used as a main component of flat panel display (FPD) devices because LCD devices satisfy both performance and mass productivity conditions described above. Accordingly, the LCD device is widely utilized in various types of applications, such as in televisions (TVs), navigation systems, and the like. Moreover, the LCD device is regarded as a key display device capable of replacing the existing cathode ray tube (CRT) dominated market.
Generally, LCD devices include a lower substrate referred to as a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate, an upper substrate referred to as a color filter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed of a liquid crystal material filled in a space between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. In this instance, N×M pixels are arranged on the lower substrate in horizontal and vertical directions. Each unit pixel includes a thin film transistor for transmitting an image signal and a pixel electrode for forming an electric field. The upper substrate includes a color filter pattern, a black matrix, and the like. A vertical electric field is generated between a common electrode and a corresponding pixel electrode. The liquid crystal layer, which is filled in the space between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, is made of a material having an optically anisotropic property. In this instance, the liquid crystal is arranged differently depending upon the electric field to be generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, thereby generating a transmittance change according to a polarization property of light.
An alignment film is formed on the surfaces of the upper substrate and the lower substrate, respectively, that is to come in contact with the liquid crystal layer. The alignment film functions to control the direction of the electric field that is generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode in a state where liquid crystal molecules have uniform alignment.
In general, polyimide corresponding to a polymeric material is generally utilized for the alignment film, and the alignment film is aligned in a certain direction to align the liquid crystal in a predetermined direction. In this case, various types of alignment methods may be utilized. An alignment method by rubbing is currently most widely used.
The alignment method by rubbing includes the steps of initially forming an alignment film on a substrate and rubbing the alignment film by using a rubbing membrane, thereby forming uniform microgrooves on the alignment film. Specifically, in the above-described method, liquid crystal molecules interact with the alignment film formed with the microgrooves formed by rubbing to control the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules may be uniformly aligned into a desired direction over the whole surface of the alignment film.
Hereinafter, a section structure of a TFT array substrate and a color filter substrate according to a related art will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the related art TFT array substrate 117 includes a gate electrode 103 formed of a metal layer on a substrate 101. A gate insulating layer 105 consisting of SiO2 or SiNx is provided on the substrate 101 including the gate electrode 103. An active layer pattern 107 patterned into a shape of an island is formed on the gate insulating layer 105. Source and drain electrodes 109a and 109b are formed on the active layer pattern 107 to overlap the active layer pattern 107 in a predetermined shape. In this instance, an inter-layer insulating layer 111 is formed on the substrate 101 including the source and the drain electrodes 109a and 109b. A pixel electrode 113 is formed on the inter-layer insulating layer 111 to be electrically connected with the drain electrode 109b via a contact hole (not shown) formed in the inter-layer insulating layer 111. Finally, an alignment film 115 is formed on the whole surface of the substrate including the pixel electrode 113.
As shown in FIG. 2, the color filter substrate 213 includes black matrices 203 made of a metal material or a black resin on a substrate 201. In this instance, the black matrixes 203 are formed around a pixel area. Color filter patterns 205a, 205b, and 205c, which are red, green, and blue, respectively, are formed between the black matrixes 203. An overcoat layer 207 is formed on the color filter patterns 205a, 205b, and 205c, and a common electrode 209 is formed on the overcoat layer 207. An alignment film 211 is formed on the whole surface of the substrate including the common electrode 209.
As shown in FIG. 3, a liquid crystal panel 300 is formed by bonding the TFT array substrate 117 and the color filter substrate 213 to each other and filling a space between the TFT array substrate 117 and the color filter substrate 213 with a liquid crystal layer 301. The liquid crystal layer 301 contacts with the alignment films 115 and 211. Because the liquid crystal layer 301 is formed between the TFT array substrate 117 and the color filter substrate 213, a light dielectric ratio changes due to an electric field.
As described above, the related art LCD device requires separate alignment films on the pixel electrode and the common electrode respectively. This is because the material used to form the pixel electrode and the common electrode consists of a metal oxide film, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The metal oxide films cannot be used as alignment films. Therefore, in the LCD device of the related art, additional alignment films are required on the pixel electrode and the common electrode, thereby increasing the number of process steps and reducing productivity. | {
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Various host systems, such as mobile and personal computers, comprise storage devices for persistent storage of data. Storage devices may comprise, for example, Solid State Drives (SSDs) based on Flash memory. | {
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(i) Technical Field
The present invention relates to a printed circuit board unit.
(ii) Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-130723 discloses a technique where a terminal pin is inserted into a through hole of the printed circuit board to join both of the terminal pin and the printed circuit board by soldering. The terminal pin is formed with a protruding portion to be inserted into the through hole, in order to stand the terminal pin inserted into the through hole before being jointed to the printed circuit board by soldering.
However, the molten solder may not be sufficiently filled around the protruding portion depending on the shape of the protruding portion. Thus, the solder may be solidified with containing a bubble near the protruding portion. In such a case where the solder is solidified with containing the bubble near the protruding portion, the solder may be cracked by vibration or the like. Further, this may influence the conductivity between the terminal pin and a pattern of the printed circuit board. | {
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1. Field
The present application relates to a solid state imaging device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a video camera and an electronic still camera, a CCD type or amplification type solid state imaging device is used. In such a solid state imaging device, a plurality of pixels having photoelectric conversion parts are arranged in a matrix shape, and signal charges are generated in the photoelectric conversion parts of the respective pixels. In an amplification type solid state imaging device, a signal charge generated and accumulated in a photoelectric conversion part of a pixel is led to a charge-voltage conversion part such as a floating diffusion, the signal charge is converted into a voltage in the charge-voltage conversion part, and a signal corresponding to the voltage is output from the pixel by an amplifying part provided in the pixel.
A solid state imaging device of XY address type or the like being such an amplification type solid state imaging device is generally provided with a vertical signal line provided to correspond to each column of a plurality of pixels and to which output signals of the pixels of the corresponding column are supplied; a sampling hold part that samples and holds signals corresponding to signals of each of the vertical signal lines in accordance with sampling control signals, and supplies the held signals to horizontal signal lines in accordance with a horizontal scanning signal; a horizontal scanning part that supplies the horizontal scanning signal to the sampling hold part; and a horizontal drive controlling part that supplies a plurality of types of pulse signals which relate to a reading of the signals supplied from the sampling hold part to the horizontal signal lines. For instance, the sampling hold part includes: a light signal accumulating capacitor and a subtracting signal accumulating capacitor provided to correspond to each of the vertical signal lines, a light signal sampling switch that makes a light signal including light information on which photoelectric conversion is performed in the pixel accumulate in the light signal accumulating capacitor, a subtracting signal sampling switch that makes a subtracting signal (a so-called dark signal or the like) including a noise element to be subtracted from the light signal accumulate in the subtracting signal accumulating capacitor, a light signal horizontal transfer switch that supplies the light signal accumulated in the light signal accumulating capacitor to a light signal horizontal signal line in accordance with the horizontal scanning signal, and a subtracting signal horizontal transfer switch that supplies the subtracting signal accumulated in the subtracting signal accumulating capacitor to a subtracting signal horizontal signal line in accordance with the horizontal scanning signal. An example of such a solid state imaging device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei 9-284658.
As such a solid state imaging element, one that obtains, using a differential amplifier and the like provided in the solid state imaging element, a difference between a light signal of a light signal horizontal signal line and a subtracting signal of a subtracting signal horizontal signal line and outputs a differential signal between the signals to the outside, and one that outputs each of the light signal and the subtracting signal in a parallel manner to the outside of the solid state imaging element and obtains a difference between the both signals in an external circuit or the like, are known.
Further, in such a conventional solid state imaging device, the horizontal scanning part is generally formed by using a shift register and the like, and generates the horizontal scanning signal by using a driving clock signal, a start pulse signal, and the like supplied from a drive controlling part having a timing generator and the like. The driving clock signal and the like are supplied to the horizontal scanning part during not only a horizontal scanning interval but also a horizontal blanking interval.
With the use of such a conventional solid state imaging device, the difference between the light signal and the subtracting signal can be obtained, so that a noise such as so-called fixed pattern noise is removed, resulting in that an image quality of a captured image is increased.
However, it has been proved as a result of studies undertaken by the present inventors that in the conventional solid state imaging device, when the signals corresponding to the signals of the vertical signal lines are sampled by the sampling hold part, levels of the signals are varied by an influence of noise that cannot be removed by the difference, which decreases the image quality of the captured image. | {
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The use of a personal identification number (PIN), as well as the use of passwords, which is wider due to the fact that passwords enable additional characters (e.g., alphanumeric), in order to restrict the access to software applications and services, is universal, and broadly established.
Yet, the weakness of using PINs and/or passwords to restrict access is well known. For example, a PIN or password can be easily stolen when used, especially when it is transmitted. One of the most accepted ways to overcome the weakness caused by the exposure of secret PINs or passwords, is instead using “One-Time-Passwords”. That is, a PIN or password that is good for one use only.
Clearly, if the one time password is exposed when it is being used, the exposure does not constitute a problem, because the one time password is invalid for further use. Now, the entity accessing the service or application (hereinafter, referred to as the “targeted application”) should use what is referred to as password generator devices in order to obtain a valid one time password for the next access.
These password generator devices usually use sequential algorithms or time dependent algorithms in order to seed the computation of the one time password and then display them for the accessing person. This solution of the problem of the exposure of the PIN/password has created another problem. That is, what happens if the one time password generator falls into unauthorized hands? Clearly, the criminal would then be in an ideal situation for accessing the “would be” restricted targeted application.
This new problem, that is, the possibility that the one time password generator will fall into unauthorized hands, may be easily solved by requesting a constant or fixed PIN or password in order to use the one time password generator. This time, the fact that the PIN/password is constant, does not constitute a problem, due to the fact that such a fixed PIN/password is not transmitted, and the constant password is only used or entered into the one time password generator, and thus is not easily exposed.
Naturally, the fact that the accessing entity should carry an additional device, the one time password generator, is not an advantage to say the least. And it is widely seen as an inconvenient situation.
As the universal trend is to carry one device, the cell phone, for all possible uses, the natural approach is to use the accessing entity's cell phone as a one time password generator. That is, downloading into the cell-phone a software application that is able to compute the one time password and, thus converting the cell phone into a one time password generator, among other functions.
This approach is extensively used these days and several companies are marketing this kind of solution. Nevertheless, a relatively new problem as now been acknowledged. We refer here to the lack of security of cell phone software applications.
Cell phone applications are easily exposed, hacked, and penetrated, and thus are insecure, especially Java based applications. Java applications are effortlessly reverse-engineered, and it is hard to keep data secret, such as a password, to a skilled intruder.
Now, the fact that the very nature of the PIN/password principle is a shared secret constitutes a weakness of the method presently in use for restricting the access to applications. The fact that the knowledge of the secret PIN/password is not restricted to the entity accessing the service or application, but must be also known to the restricted cell phone one time password generator application, is, indeed, a security hole. Why should the application know the PIN? It is necessary in order to enable the application to verify and compare the password entered by the accessing entity to the correct PIN/password.
If the hacker can read the cell phone memory and hence read the expected password, he also can use the one time password generator software, in the same manner as the authorized owner.
Summarizing, one of the weaknesses of the fixed password method derives from the fact that the one time password generator application that is to be accessed knows the secret, and therefore, if a criminal may access such secret, implies that the criminal knows the password, and can impersonate the authorized entity and therefore access the one time password generator application.
A straight-forward approach used to overcome the above referred security hole, includes keeping or storing the hash value of the fixed PIN instead of keeping the PIN. As it is well known, any hash function is a one way function, and it is theoretically impossible to go the reverse way, from the hash value of the PIN to the PIN itself. This fact overcome the security problem referred above, due to the fact that, assuming a hacker read the hash value of the PIN, he will be unable to infer the PIN, and thus the one time password generator application restrictiveness seems secured. Most of the one time password generator cell phone software applications are using the hash functions this way.
But, the security is apparent only as there is an easy way for the hacker, to overcome this hash obstacle. One of the purposes of the present invention is to expose the lack of security inherent to the present in use approach of storing hash values of the PIN and to show a method that truly overcome the lack of security of the cell phone PIN restricted application of the type of the one time password generator.
While it is perfectly true that the hash functions are irreversible, and therefore the attacker can not deduct or infer from the hash value of the PIN, the PIN itself. The attacker can copy the entire one time password generator application to a PC and create a script that will simply try all the possible PIN combinations, until the moment that, eventually the correct PIN will be entered and, consequently the one time password generator application will work in the PC.
Therefore, the attacker can know the correct PIN that runs the specific application in a specific cell phone. It is worth noting that in the case where the one time password generator application limits the trials, enabling a limited number of consecutive wrong PINs, this limitation is easy to overcome by restarting the application in the PC.
Naturally, the attacker can run it and the one time password generator application will display the one time password value that is right for this moment. Consequently, the attacker can access the targeted application, thus, ruining the restrictiveness to the targeted application. The clear conclusion is that the present-in-use method of protecting the access to a cell phone one time password generator application, requesting a PIN, is not secure. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the shared usage of memory by a plurality of agents, i.e., processors. In particular, in one aspect it relates to the efficient use of shared synchronous memory by a plurality of agents, and in another aspect it relates to the flexible partitioning of shared memory between a plurality of agents.
2. Background of Related Art
With the ever-increasing speeds of today's processors, memory designs have attempted to meet the required speed requirements. For instance, synchronous memory such as synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM) and synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) are commonly available synchronous types of memory.
Synchronous memory technology is currently used in a wide variety of applications to close the gap between the needs of high-speed processors and the access time of asynchronous memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Synchronous memory, e.g., SDRAM technology, combines industry advances in fast dynamic random access memory (DRAM) with a high-speed interface.
Functionally, an SDRAM resembles a conventional DRAM, i.e., it is dynamic and must be refreshed. However, the SDRAM architecture has improvements over standard DRAMs. For instance, an SDRAM uses internal pipelining to improve throughput and on-chip interleaving between separate memory banks to eliminate gaps in output data.
The idea of using a SDRAM synchronously (as opposed to using a DRAM asynchronously) emerged in light of increasing data transfer demands of high-end processors. SDRAM circuit designs are based on state machine operation instead of being level/pulse width driven as in conventional asynchronous memory devices. Instead, the inputs are latched by the system clock. Since all timing is based on the same synchronous clock, designers can achieve better specification margins. Moreover, since the SDRAM access is programmable, designers can improve bus utilization because the processor can be synchronized to the SDRAM output.
The core of an SDRAM device is a standard DRAM with the important addition of synchronous control logic. By synchronizing all address, data and control signals with a single clock signal, SDRAM technology enhances performance, simplifies design and provides faster data transfer.
Similar advantage hold for other types of synchronous memory, e.g., SSRAM or even synchronous read only memory.
Synchronous memory requires a clock signal from the accessing agent to allow fully synchronous operation with respect to the accessing agent. If more than one agent is given access to a shared synchronous memory, each agent must conventionally supply its own clock signal to the synchronous memory. Unfortunately, the clock signals from separate agents are not conventionally synchronous or in phase with one another. Therefore, if a synchronous memory were to be shared among a plurality of agents, delays or wait states would be required to allow an error-free transition between access by the first agent having a first synchronous memory access clock signal and a subsequent access by another agent having a different synchronous memory access clock signal.
Some synchronous memory devices have the capability to provide burst input/output (I/O), particularly for the optimization of cache memory fills at the system frequency. Advanced features such as programmable burst mode and burst length improve memory system performance and flexibility in conventional synchronous memories, and eliminate the need to insert otherwise unnecessary wait states, e.g., dormant clock cycles, between individual accesses in the burst.
Conventional SDRAM devices include independent, fixed memory sections that can be accessed individually or in an interleaved fashion. For instance, two independent banks in an SDRAM device allow that device to have two different rows active at the same time. This means that data can be read from or written to one bank while the other bank is being precharged. The setup normally associated with precharging and activating a row can be hidden by interleaving the bank accesses.
There are limitations to conventional system designs using synchronous memory. For instance, wait states are inevitable and necessary when the shared synchronous memory adjusts for access by a different agent having a different clock signal.
For instance, FIG. 5 shows a conventional circuit for allowing, e.g., three agents 502–506 to access a shared synchronous memory block 508. Each agent 502–506 may be a suitable processor, e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor (DSP). As shown in FIG. 5, the processors 502–506 provide read and/or write access to the shared synchronous memory block 508.
As may be appreciated, memory accesses by the separate agents 502–506 would clash unless they are arbitrated to allow only one agent to access the synchronous memory 508 at any one time. Thus, selection logic (i.e., an arbitrator 512) is conventionally provided to control a multiplexer 510, which selects the appropriate address for presentation to the synchronous memory 508, data and control (ADC) signals and clock signal from a current ‘owner’ of the busses. Typically, the agents 502–506 are assigned a hierarchy in which the highest priority agent will own the busses to the synchronous memory 508 and block out accesses by the other agents until finished.
Unfortunately, in such a system as is shown in FIG. 6, if the relative speeds of the agents 502–506 vary and/or the relative phase of the clock signals from each of the respective agents 502–506 varies with respect to one another, accesses to the synchronous memory 508 may necessarily include wait states. Wait states decrease the overall speed of accesses to the synchronous memory 508 and result in decreased performance.
Moreover, as background to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of separate memory systems 600 may be provided as shown in FIG. 6, using one or more arbitrators 612 to authorize access to the respective separate memory blocks 508a, 508b by the separate agents. However, the memory block 508a must be sized with respect to the maximum required amount of memory by the pre-defined groups of accessing agents 602–606, and the memory block 508b must be sized with respect to the maximum required amount of memory by the pre-defined groups of accessing agents 622–626. However, in practice, the synchronous memory blocks 508a, 508b are less than fully utilized, thus wasting memory. Moreover, if a particular use or application of the device uses one agent but not others, the memory pre-defined for use by the unused agent is wasted.
There is thus a need for synchronous memory systems which in one aspect allow efficient use of synchronous memory resources, e.g., by reducing the use of wait states. Moreover, there is also a need for memory systems which in another aspect allow efficient usage of shared memory with respect to adjusting for accesses by a plurality of accessing agents. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
As for the methods for producing optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol, there have been known the method of producing optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol which comprises stereoselectively reducing N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone in the presence of an enzyme having activity in stereoselectively reducing N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone (Japanese Kokai Publication Hei-06-141876), and the method for producing optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol which comprises allowing cells of microorganisms such as the genus Depodascus, cultured products, or processed products thereof to act on N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone (Japanese Kokai Publication Hei-10-150997).
Moreover, as the methods for producing optically active 2-tetralol derivatives, there has been known the method comprising allowing baker's yeast to act on 2-tetralone derivatives having a substituent on a benzene ring to produce the corresponding optically active 2-tetralol derivatives (Tetrahedron 51, 11531, (1995)).
Moreover, as for the methods for producing optically active 1-phenylethanol derivatives, there have been known the method comprising allowing a microorganism belonging to the genus Ashbya or Ogataea, for instance, or processed products thereof to act on a 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanone to form an optically active 2-halo-1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol (Japanese Kokai Publication Hei-04-218384 and Japanese Kokai Publication Hei-11-215995), and the method comprising allowing dry cells of Geotrichum candidum to act on a 1-(substituted phenyl)ethanone to form an optically active 1-(substituted phenyl)ethanol (J. Org. Chem., 63, 8957 (1998)).
However, all of these methods allow only a low substrate concentration or give a low rate of conversion from substrate to product. Thus, more efficient production method has been desired. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
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