An electrical connection or junction device. An insulation housing (2) has two conductor insertion apertures (3, 13) for insertion of two electrical conductors (4, 14) to be connected and two actuation apertures (5, 15) for insertion of an actuating tool to open tension springs (2, 12). Tension springs (2, 12) each have a clamping arm (6, 16) with a cutaway (7, 17) to allow insertion of the electrical conductor (4, 14) to be connected, a bearing arm (8, 18) extends approximately perpendicularly to the clamping arm (6, 16), and a spine (9, 19) connects the clamping arm (6, 16) and the bearing arm (8, 18). The two tension springs (2, 12) are arranged at an angle of approximately 180xc2x0 to one another, so that the two bearing arms (8, 18) are arranged with their bottom sides (10, 20) facing one another, the clamping arms (6, 16) overlap each other, and the cutaways (7, 17) at least partially cover each other when the tension springs (2, 12) are opened.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connection or junction device having an insulation housing and at least two tension springs, wherein the insulation housing is furmished with at least two conductor insertion apertures for the insertion of at least two electrical conductors to be connected and at least two actuation apertures for the insertion of an actuating tool that is used to open the tension springs, with the tension springs being each furmished with a clamping arm having a cutaway to allow insertion of the electrical conductor to be connected, a bearing arm that extends approximately perpendicularly to the clamping arm, and a spine connecting the clamping arm and the bearing arm. More particularly, the present invention further relates to an arrangement of at least two tension springs, each of which being furnished with a clamping arm having a cutaway allowing insertion of an electrical conductor for connection, a bearing arm extending approximately perpendicularly to the clamping arm, and a spine connecting the clamping arm and the bearing arm.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrical connection or junction devices are used to establish an electrical connection or junction, specifically an electrically conductive connection, and more specifically a galvanic connection, between a contact element and a counterpart contact element. For functional purposes, the distinction between a connection device and a junction device is relatively unimportant. The term connection device is frequently used to refer to a device in which a movable device is connected to a fixed device, and a junction device is the term used for a connection between two movable or fixed devices.
The electrical connection or junction devices described above are often also called tension spring clamps due to the nature of the connection principle. The essential components of these kinds of electrical clamps are the tension springs, which are loop-shaped clamp springs, and of which a wide variety of different configurations and designs are known. In this context, the following patents are cited, for example: DE 196 26 390 C2, DE 197 11 051 A1, DE 197 15 971 C1, DE 198 05 903 C1, or DE 198 10 310 C1. Consequently, all configurations of loop-shaped clamp springs that are known from the prior art, particularly from the patents cited above, fall under the generic term xe2x80x9ctension springxe2x80x9d.
Over the course of time, tension spring clamps have become established on the market alongside screw clamps, and more recently also alongside electrical clamps with strip-and-connect technology, and which are used in the millions, particularly as series clamps. The advantage of tension spring clamps over screw clamps lies in the fact that tension spring clamps allow wiring to be done more quickly and more easily. In order to actuate the tension spring clamp, all that is needed is an actuating tool, for example a screwdriver, which is pressed into the actuating channel to open the clamp. The blade of the screwdriver biases the tension spring, so that a clamping point opens. A conductor to be connected can then be inserted through the cutaway into the clamp arm, and when the screwdriver is withdrawn the conductor is then clamped by the underside of the cutaway against the bearing arm of the tension spring or a busbar connected to the tension spring. Tension spring clamps are known in a wide range of configurations, particularly as series clamps, and are usually locked onto a hat-shaped bearing rail.
As switching cabinets, whose main purpose is to accommodate the tension spring clamps and other electrical clamps in common use have shrunk in size, so do the tension spring clamps have to also become smaller. Many suggestions have already been made for reducing the surface area of the electrical clamp or for providing the largest possible number of connection possibilities on the smallest possible surface area.
For example, a tiered clamp for electrical conductors is taught by DE 40 19 130 A1, in which multiple tension springs are disposed one above the other, and which may be opened individually using an actuating tool that is inserted into the connection clamp from above. Additionally, two-tier tension spring clamps or three-tier tension spring clamps are known in which the individual tension springs are disposed in a stepped arrangement.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection or junction device and to provide an arrangement including at least two tension springs that allow a further reduction in size, but which may still be manufactured simply and thus as inexpensively as possible.
The object underlying the present invention is solved by the electrical connection or junction device due to the fact that two tension springs are arranged at an angle of approximately 180 degrees with respect to one another, so that the spines of the two bearing arms of the tension springs are facing one another, and the clamping arms of the two tension springs overlap each other, and the cutaways in the clamping arms at least partially cover each other when the tension springs are opened. Thus, the fact that the two tension springs are arranged at an angle of 180xc2x0 to one another means that the two tension springs are in a mirroring arrangement with respect to each other. The effect of the arrangement of the two bearing arms with their spines facing one another is that the tension springs are also offset by 180xc2x0 with respect to the known arrangements.
The electrical connection or junction device according to the present invention thus has at least one xe2x80x9cdual connectionxe2x80x9d, which is created from the two xe2x80x9ccooperatingxe2x80x9d tension springs. Because the clamping arms of the two tension springs overlap and the cutaways at least partially cover each other when the tension springs are opened, not only the conductor to be contacted through the tension spring in question, but also the conductor to be contacted through the other tension, are advanced through the two cutaways of the tension springs. The first electrical conductor is clamped by the first tension spring against the upper side of the bearing arm of the second tension spring. Thus, an electrical connection or junction device configured in this way establishes an electrical connection between two conductors inserted into the two tension springs.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection or junction device is furnished with at least one bearing rail, which is conductively connected to the tension springs. The provision of a bearing rail of such kind represents a simple method to create a junction clamp that connects one or more inputs with one or more outputs. If the electrical connection orjunction device is furmished with the xe2x80x9cdual connectionxe2x80x9d created by the tension springs according to the present invention, both at the input side and at the output side, a highly compact four-wire tension spring clamp may be produced. Of course it is also possible to provide more than one xe2x80x9cdual connectionxe2x80x9d, both at the input side and the output side of the tension spring clamp, and the number of xe2x80x9cdual connectionsxe2x80x9d may be different on the two sides.
If the electrical connection or junction device according to the present invention is furnished with a bearing rail, there are a number of possible ways to connect this bearing rail conductively to the tension springs. According to a first and particularly easily realized variant, the bearing rail is disposed between the two bearing arms of the two tension springs. This means that the bearing rail may only be advanced between the two bearing arms of the two tension springs and may only contact the bearing arms through the elastic force of the two tension springs. In this variant, the tension springs are then secured in the insulation housing while the position of the bearing rail is secured in position by the two tension springs. Alternatively or additionally, however, the bearing rail may also be connected by welding or soldering to the bearing arms of the tension springs.
Besides the option to dispose the bearing bar between the two bearing arms of the tension springs, it is also possible to arrange the bearing bar on one side of at least one tension spring, in which arrangement the bearing bar may be connected either directly or indirectly to one or both tension springs via a connecting element. This arrangement of the bearing bar either directly or indirectly connected to a bearing arm of a tension spring via a connecting element may be easily achieved since the bearing arm represents the fixed part of the tension spring. The clamping arm and the spine of the tension spring must be movably disposed so that the tension spring is capable of being opened.
If the bearing rail is connected to the tension spring via a connecting member, the end of the connecting member distal to the tension spring may have the form of a clamping spring contact, particularly a fork spring or a U-spring. In this way, it is possible to insert a bearing rail into the end of the connecting member that is conformed as a clamping spring contact, which rail may then serve as a busbar, and via which multiple adjacently arranged tension spring clamps may be driven with a shared potential.
The electrical connection or junction device according to the present invention may be produced easily if the tension springs are connected together in a single unit. For example, the two tension springs that are arranged at an angle of 180xc2x0 with respect to one another may have a single shared bearing arm. In this way, the upper surface of the bearing arm serves as a contact for one conductor and the lower surface serves as a contact for the other. The electrical connection or junction device may be constructed simply and inexpensively if identically conformed tension springs are used. Then the two tension springs may be connected to one another via the ends of the bearing arms or via a lateral edge of the bearing arms. The two tension springs may then be punched out of an elastic sheet material and bent into their final shape.
The insulation housing for accommodating the tension springs may be conformed differently depending on the use and field of application of the electrical connection or junction device. In particular, the insulation housing may include a locking arrangement for securing the electrical connection or junction device on a busbar. The insulation housing is also usually equipped with latching pins and snap-in holes, which allow several electrical connection or junction devices to be locked together to form a clamp block. For a detailed description of housing forms known from the state of the art, see for example the housing forms in applicant""s product catalogue xe2x80x9cCLIPLINE 2000 Modular Terminal Blocksxe2x80x9d, particularly on pages 230 to 239. Of course only the minimal space requirement entailed by the arrangement of the tension springs according to the present invention is taken into account for purposes of constructing the insulation housing.
In particular, it is clear from the above that the essential inventive element of the electrical connection or junction device of the present invention is the arrangement and configuration of the tension springs. Accordingly, the present invention relates not only to an electrical connection or junction device having an insulation housing and having at least two tension springs, but also to an arrangement of at least two tension springs. The object of the present invention is solved in the arrangement of the tension springs by the fact that the two tension springs are arranged at an angle of approximately 180 degrees with respect to one another, so that the two bearing arms are disposed with their undersides facing each other, wherein the clamping arms of the two tension springs overlap, and the cutaways in the clamping arms cover one another at least partially when the tension springs are in the open state.
There is a wide range of options for varying individual elements in order to improve and refine the electrical connection or junction device and the arrangement of two or more tension springs according to the present invention.


Systems and methods are described for efficiently processing events related to a relationship between a primary copy of data at a primary storage system and a mirror copy of the data at a cross-site secondary storage system of a multi-site distributed storage system. According to an example, a mediator agent that is configured on both primary and secondary storage systems provides coordination and serialization for various events generated in the relationship. The multi-site distributed storage system performs actions based on the event processing such as performing a failover operation from the primary storage system to the secondary storage system or resynchronizing the relationship to ensure application protection and availability.

Multiple storage nodes organized as a cluster may provide a distributed storage architecture configured to service storage requests issued by one or more clients of the cluster. The storage requests are directed to data stored on storage devices coupled to one or more of the storage nodes of the cluster. The data served by the storage nodes may be distributed across multiple storage units embodied as persistent storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), flash memory systems, or other storage devices. The storage nodes may logically organize the data stored on the devices as volumes accessible as logical units. Each volume may be implemented as a set of data structures, such as data blocks that store data for the volume and metadata blocks that describe the data of the volume.
Business enterprises rely on multiple clusters for storing and retrieving data. A secondary cluster can replicate data at a primary cluster. The storage nodes within a cluster may generate systemic events for a continuity relationship between the primary and secondary copies of the data. Multiple events can be generated simultaneously. A lack of coordination in processing these events can lead to data corruption.

Methods and systems to interface between a multi-site distributed storage system and an external mediator to efficiently process events related to continuity


A racket for striking a ball that has an outer frame and a inner frame attached to the outer frame between at about a 10 o'clock position and a two o'clock position. The outer and inner frames are ovoid shaped with the small end of the ovoid shape toward the crown of the outer frame. There are a plurality of first and second port means and a plurality of chamber means to facilitate stringing of a ball engaging webbing. The racket has a bifurcated extension attached to a shaft which is attached to a handle. The flexing leverage is introduced at the crown instead of at the handle allowing the ball to remain on the strings longer to yield greater accuracy and power. The inner frame tends to align in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the handle at the approximate moment of the impact of the ball when the lower part of the inner frame flexes past the outer frame.

1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to a racket for striking a ball. The construction of this racket with its flexing inner frame causes a directed redistribution of energy. This increases the player's control over the placement of the ball.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the past, many configurations of rackets have been offered to enhance a user's control over the ball U.S. Pat. No. 2,109,525, to F.W. Donisthorpe on Mar. 1, 1938 describes a racket with a grip portion spaced away from the head approximately a distance equal to the length of the grip and having the forked portion and the head portion one continuous laminate. There is a slot in side member to allow an awl to be inserted at the junction of the head and the side member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,505 to Thomas E. Beall on June 13, 1978 for a tennis racket with a head that is cantilevered from the grip that supports the head and has two unconnected shafts. The head is separable from the side portions so that the heat may be strung separately.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,194 to Josef Fisher on Feb. 13, 1979 for a racket shows a bifurcated handle with a head attached to the forks by a plurality of vibration-absorbing elastic elements to cushion the blow to the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,822 to Yao T. Li on Jan. 29, 1980 describes a racket with a inner head resiliently attached by means of an elastic insert to an outer head and with the stringing done from the top of the inner head
U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,455 to Shozo Kurusu on Apr. 7, 1987 shows a racket with one stringed head spot welded to a forked frame to provide increased control of the ball.


A circuit arrangement for a picture display device for generating an essentially sawtooth-shaped line deflection current with a trace and a retrace through a deflection coil, which circuit arrangement comprises a series circuit of a trace capacitor, the line deflection coil and a bidirectionally conducting, line frequency-controlled switch which is conducting during the trace time and is not conducting during the retrace time, in which retrace time the deflection coil and a retrace capacitor are part of a resonant network. The series circuit also comprises a voltage source, while the losses in the series circuit are so low that the sum of the DC components of the voltage of the source and of the voltage across the trace capacitor is many times higher, at least 5 times, than the amplitude of the AC component of the source. The deflection current is given a desired variation by means of three controls.

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for a picture display device for generating an essentially sawtooth-shaped line deflection current with a trace and a retrace through a deflection coil, which circuit arrangement comprises a series circuit of a trace capacitor, the line deflection coil and a bidirectionally conducting, line frequency-controlled switch which is conducting during the trace time and is not conducting during the retrace time, in which retrace time the deflection coil and a retrace capacitor are part of a resonant network.
Such a circuit arrangement for a picture display device is generally known. During the trace time the retrace capacitor is short-circuited by the switch, while the deflection coil is connected to the voltage of the trace capacitor, the trace voltage. The line deflection current initially having a linear variation as a function of time flows through the coil. During the retrace time, the retrace capacitor and the coil form part of a resonant network, in which time the current goes from the maximum value in one direction to the same value in the other direction. The periodical opening and closing of the switch at the line frequency thus results in a sawtooth-shaped current through the deflection coil. To fill up losses in the circuit arrangement, a power supply source is provided for generating a DC voltage of high value, often with stabilization facilities for keeping the said value constant. This source is coupled to the deflection circuit by means of a smoothing capacitor of high capacitance and an storage inductance of high value. During the trace time the current flows through the storage inductance and the energy stored therein causes a compensating current to the resonant network during the retrace time. The average value of the trace voltage is substantially equal to the voltage of the source.

Line deflection circuit arrangement for a picture display device


Enolase levels are predictive of the probability that a cancer patient will respond favorably to cancer therapy involving administration of hypoxia-activated achiral phosphoramide mustards.

Cancer is one of the major causes of human morbidity and mortality. Cancer treatment is challenging because it is difficult to kill cancer cells without damaging or killing normal cells. Damaging or killing normal cells during cancer treatment causes adverse side effects in patients and can limit the amount of anticancer drug administered to a cancer patient. It is also difficult to kill cancer cells in hypoxic regions distant from the vasculature where anticancer drugs fail to penetrate.
Many cancer cells are more hypoxic relative to normal cells. Tumor hypoxia is associated with resistance to anticancer therapies, cancer relapse, and poor prognosis. Certain drugs in preclinical and clinical development target hypoxic cancer cells. These drugs, called hypoxia-activated prodrugs or "HAPs" are administered in an inactive, or prodrug, form but are activated, and become toxic, in a hypoxic environment. US 2010/0137254 and US 2010/0183742, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, describe HAPs such as those having a structure defined by formula (I), below:
where Z3 is selected from the group consisting of:
andX4 is Cl or Br.
The compounds known as TH-302 and TH-281 are particularly promising therapeutic candidates. TH-302 (see Duan et al., 2008, J. Med. Chem. 51: 2412-2420, incorporated herein by reference), known by the chemical name (2-bromoethyl)({[(2-bromoethyl)amino][(2-nitro-3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methoxy]phosphoryl})amine, has the structure represented below:

Another promising HAP is TH-281, which differs from TH-302 only in that it has 2-chloroethyl groups instead of the 2-bromoethyl groups present in TH-302.
The aforementioned HAPs can be used in combination with other drugs, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer or any other cancer, such as gemcitabine, gemcitabine in combination with nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane), or FOLFIRINOX based on folinic acid (Leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan (Camptosar) and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) (see e.g., WO 2013/126539, PCT/US2014/047885, and Conroy et al., 2013, Current Oncology Reports 15(2): 182-189; each incorporated herein by reference).
However, while nearly all tumors contain hypoxic regions, there is a wide variability among patients in how hypoxic a tumor of a given cancer type may be. For example, using median tumor pO2 (mm Hg) as a measure of tumor hypoxia, one study of 33 soft tissue sarcoma patients showed that the median tumor pO2 ranged from about 1 to about 70 mm Hg (see Nordsmark et al., 2001, Brit. J. Cancer 84(8): 1070-1075). Another study of 58 head and neck cancer patients showed the hypoxic fraction ranged from just above 90% to 1%. Thus, if greater tumor hypoxia correlates with a better response to HAP-mediated anti-cancer therapy, then this variability in tumor hypoxia will translate into a variable response to HAP anti-cancer therapy.
Enolase enzymes are encoded by three genes (ENO1, ENO2 and ENO3) and can produce multiple forms of enolase enzymes, including α-enolase (ENO1), γ-enolase (ENO2) and β-enolase (ENO3) (Capello et al., 2011, FEBS J. 278: 1064-1074; incorporated herein by reference). Enolase enzymes are glycolytic enzymes that catalyze the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. They can also localize to cytoplasmic membrane, acting as receptors for plasminogen and be secreted into the blood where serum levels can be measured. A serum-based immunoassay for ENO2 (NSE) is used in the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, and other neural crest derived tumors and multiple immunoassay formats are available to measure ENO2 (Kasprzak et al., 2007, Pol J Pathol. 58: 23-33, incorporated herein by reference). US 2004/0219572 is directed to markers for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, including alpha-enolase, which is incorporated herein by reference. ENO1 and ENO2 are hypoxia-induced genes and the glycolytic activity of the encoded enzymes is thought to play a role in the altered cellular metabolism and survival of hypoxic cancer cells. Hypoxia results in a number of biological responses mediated by hypoxia signal transduction pathways. Two of the primary hypoxia signal transduction pathways are the HIF (hypoxia inducible factor) pathway and the UPR (unfolded protein response) pathway. The HIF-1 transcription factor, the master control factor for the hypoxic response in cells, is believed to regulate the expression of ENO1 and ENO2 since both genes contain HIF-1 transcription factor binding sites in their promoter regions (Tanimoto et al., 2010, HUGO J 4:35-48). Further enolase-related matter is described in US 2007/0077583, US 2010/0028907, US 2012/0164146 and Diaz-Ramos et al., 2012, J Biomed Biotech 2012: 1-12), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
There remains a need for new methods of determining whether a cancer patient is likely to respond favorably to treatment with hypoxia-activated achiral phosphoramide mustards, such as TH-302, and/or to treat such patients. The present invention meets these needs.

Predictive biomarker for hypoxia-activated prodrug therapy


A paper feeder, a control method thereof, and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The paper feeder includes a moving member to push paper loaded on one paper loader to another empty paper loader. With regard to operation of the moving member, the stop time of the moving member may be variable based on a paper size input by a user, which enables a stop position of the moving member to be automatically adjusted based on the paper size, resulting in enhanced user convenience.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a paper feeder, a control method thereof, and an image forming apparatus having the same, the paper feeder being configured to receive a number of sheets of paper, which reduces the frequency at which paper must be supplied.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image forming apparatus is designed to form an image on a printing medium based on an input image signal. Examples of image forming apparatuses include printers, copiers, fax machines, and devices combining functions thereof.
In operation of the image forming apparatus, a photoconductor, which has been charged with a predetermined electric potential, is exposed to light such that an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface of the photoconductor and subsequently, a developing unit provides the electrostatic latent image with developer to form a developer image. The developer image formed on the photoconductor may be transferred to paper directly or by way of an intermediate transfer unit. Finally, the image transferred to the paper is fixed to the paper via fusing.
The image forming apparatus includes a paper feeding cassette in which several sheets of paper are received so as to be fed upon image forming.
Recently, regardless of the presence of the paper feeding cassette, the image forming apparatus tends to employ a High Capacity Feeder (HCF), which is designed to successively feed a number of sheets of paper into the image forming apparatus.
A conventional high capacity feeder includes a first paper loader to receive paper to be fed into the image forming apparatus, a second paper loader to receive paper to be fed into the first paper loader, a moving member to push and move the paper received in the second paper loader to the first paper loader, and a sensing unit to sense whether or not the moving member has reached a reference position so as to know when to stop the moving member.
With regard to operation of the high capacity feeder having the above-described configuration, if the first paper loader is completely out of paper, the paper received in the second paper loader is moved into the first paper loader by operation of the moving member. The moving member stops operation if the sensing unit senses that the moving member has reached the reference position.
The high capacity feeder, however, has difficulty changing the stop time of the moving member based on the size of paper because it has no ability to know the size of paper.
Therefore, the conventional high capacity feeder always stops the moving member at the same time regardless of the size of paper, and it may be necessary to inconveniently adjust a position of the sensing unit based on the size of paper to be used in the high capacity feeder, prior to initiating operation of the high capacity feeder.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Paper feeder, control method thereof and image forming apparatus having the same


The present invention is directed to therapeutic compositions targeting the NCCa-ATP channel of an astrocyte, neuron or capillary endothelial cell and methods of using same. More specifically, antagonists of the NCCa-ATP channel are contemplated. The compositions are used to prevent cell death and to treat secondary damage associated with spinal cord injury.

NCCa-ATP Channel
A unique non-selective monovalent cationic ATP senstive channel (NCCa-APT channel) was identified first in native reactive astrocytes (NRAs) and later, as described herein, in neurons and capillary endothelial cells after stroke or traumatic brain injury (See, International application WO 03/079987 to Simard et al., and Chen and Simard, 2001, each incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). The NCCaATP channel is thought to be a heteromultimer structure comprised of sulfonylurea receptor type 1 (SUR1) regulatory subunits and pore-forming subunits, similar to the KATP channel in pancreatic β cells (Chen et al., 2003). The pore-forming subunits of the NCCa-ATP channel remain uncharacterized.
SUR imparts sensitivity to antidiabetic sulfonylureas such as glibenclamide and tolbutamide, and is responsible for activation by a chemically diverse group of agents termed "K+ channel openers" such as diazoxide, pinacidil and cromakalin (Aguilar-Bryan et al., 1995; Inagaki et al., 1996; Isomoto et al., 1996; Nichols et al., 1996; Shyng et al., 1997). In various tissues, molecularly distinct SURs are coupled to distinct pore-forming subunits to form different KATP channels with distinguishable physiological and pharmacological characteristics. The KATP channel in pancreatic β cells is formed from SUR1 linked with Kir6.2, whereas the cardiac and smooth muscle KATP channels are formed from SUR2A and SUR2B linked with Kir6.2 and Kir6.1, respectively (Fujita et al., 2000). Despite being made up of distinctly different pore-forming subunits, the NCCa-ATP channel is also sensitive to sulfonylurea compounds.
Also, unlike the KATP channel, the NCCa-ATP channel conducts sodium ions, potassium ions, cesium ions and other monovalent cations with near equal facility (Chen and Simard, 2001) suggesting further that the characterization, and consequently the affinity to certain compounds, of the NCCa-ATP channel differs from the KATP channel.
Other nonselective cation channels that are activated by intracellular Ca2+ and inhibited by intracellular ATP have been identified but not in astrocytes. Further, the NCCa-ATP channel expressed and found in astrocytes differs physiologically from the other channels with respect to calcium sensitivity and adenine nucleotide sensitivity (Chen et al., 2001).
Other nonselective cation channels that are activated by intracellular Ca2+ and inhibited by intracellular ATP have been identified in endothelial cells (Csanady and Adam-Vizi, Biophysical Journal, 85:313-327, 2003), but these channels are not regulated by SUR1 and are not inhibited by glibenclamide.
Spinal Cord Injury
A contusion injury to the spinal cord is often worsened by secondary damage from tissue inflammation and swelling. Secondary injury that expands the region of irreversible damage should, in principal, be preventable since it occurs in delayed fashion while under medical care, but effective treatments are not yet available. Secondary injury typically involves a zone of potentially viable tissue, called the penumbra, that surrounds the initial injury. Viability of neural tissues in the penumbra is precarious, and those tissues can easily succumb and die.
Changes in gene expression related to inflammation are among the earliest and strongest responses following spinal cord injury (Bareyre and Schwab, 2003; Bartholdi and Schwab, 1997).
An inflammatory response is necessary for resolution of the pathogenic event, but bystander or collateral tissue damage is caused by the toxic nature of many of its by-products. It is generally recognized that inflammation can be deleterious because cytotoxic agents such as TNFα and NO may be released, and because inflammation promotes formation of edema and swelling, which in turn contribute to tissue ischemia. Thus, a strong inflammatory response can cause expansion of the original zone of tissue death. In contrast, ameliorating the inflammatory response can diminish the overall extent of damage.
One of the most potent stimulators of inflammation in spinal cord injury is blood that extravasates from fractured capillaries following injury. Blood is universally held to be highly toxic to central nervous system tissues, include spinal cord.
Cells die by apoptosis and necrosis. The distinction is important, not so much for cells that die, but for cells in surrounding tissues—the penumbra—that may survive, albeit tenuously at first. Necrotic death incites an inflammatory response, whereas apoptotic death does not. Molecular mechanisms responsible for inflammation following necrotic cell death are not fully understood, but it is likely that necrotic death, unlike apoptotic death, is accompanied by release of intracellular molecules when cell membranes lyse. These intracellular molecules, when released, activate other cells, notably microglia, whose activation results in expression of chemokines that in turn attract inflammatory cells. Thus, a logical therapeutic goal is to reduce necrosis, even if only to convert it to apoptosis, to reduce the release of intracellular molecules that initiate inflammation.
An important class of intracellular molecules that can initiate inflammation in necrotic death is heat shock proteins (HSP). Injury to the spinal cord causes activation of astrocytes and up-regulation of developmentally regulated intracellular proteins, including vimentin, nestin and HSP. HSP-32 and HSP-70 are of special interest because they are up-regulated in spinal cord injury (Song et al., 2001; Mautes et al., 2000; Mautes and Noble, 2000). In astrocytes, HSP-32 (heme oxygenase-1) is induced by blood and blood products, and HSP-70 is induced by hypoxia or glucose deprivation (Regan et al., 2000; Matz et al., 1996; Lee et al., 2001; Currie et al., 2000; Xu and Giffard, 1997; Papadopoulos et al., 1996; Copin et al., 1995).
HSP-70 and HSP-32 activate microglia in vivo, (Kakimura et al., 2002) and activated microglia, in turn, release inflammatory chemokines that attract macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Thus, deleterious pathological events leading to inflammation-mediated secondary injury may originate, in part, with necrotic death of astrocytes and release of HSPs as well as from extravasated blood. Therefore, the present invention is directed to decreasing necrotic death of reactive astrocytes and to reducing extravasation of blood as an improved therapeutic strategy to treat spinal cord injury.

Methods for treating spinal cord injury with a compound that inhibits a NCCA-ATP channel

The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veteran Affairs


Methods are provided for predicting properties based on stress wave velocity measurements, such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and/or warp potential of trees and/or logs from a timber-based raw material group (“TBRMG”). The methods provide a formula allowing compensation for growth rate differences between stands. Accordingly, the present invention prevents underestimation or overestimation of MOE and/or warp potential.

It is generally known that acoustic measurement can be used to determine properties of a wood product, such as a log, tree, board, or the like. These properties may include, for example, stiffness, strength, shrinkage, and other characteristics. In some embodiments, in which properties of a wood product are being ascertained, a stress wave is induced into the wood product. Next, a measurement is taken with respect to the time in which the stress wave travels from a first end to a second end of the wood product. From this time interval, a velocity of the stress wave can be determined via the equation:v=d/t
Where "v" is velocity of the stress wave; "d" is the distance traveled by the stress wave; and "t" is the time period of travel. This method of determining velocity is commonly referred to as a "time-of-flight" method. The velocity can, for example, be correlated to a modulus of elasticity ("MOE") for the wood product, which is an indicator of the stiffness of the wood product. The velocity can also be correlated to warp potential for the wood product.
These types of measurements are most commonly taken on the outer wood, or mature wood, of a standing tree to assess stiffness and warp propensity of the lumber converted from a pre-harvest forest stand. Trees and stands demonstrating high values for stress wave velocity ("SWV") generally will produce lumber that is stiff and stable, as well as less prone to warp.
Juvenile wood, or wood comprising approximately the first 10-15 growth rings has low stiffness, has a steep shrinkage gradient, and is more prone to warp than mature wood. As a result, the outer wood measurement of stress wave velocity will over-estimate the stiffness and underestimate the warp propensity of the recovered lumber which contains a large amount of juvenile wood. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the growth rate effect on measurement of stress wave velocity versus actual stiffness of lumber derived from a log via a cant (i.e. the stress wave velocity estimation problems associated with logs and trees). In addition to the diverse site and genetic factors, plantation stands have different silvicultural prescriptions during their long rotation. Thus, although the diameter, or the age, or both, of pre-harvest stands may be the same, the growth ring patterns of the trees could be very different. Previous studies have taught mathematical corrections for both diameter and SWV for the evaluation of MOE of logs. However, these corrections do not compensate for the impact of a percentage of juvenile wood in a sample.
It is known that stiffness is the one of the most deficient properties for structure wood products, and straightness is one of the most important factors in a lumber buying decision for builders. Therefore, stiffness and warp propensity are important properties of trees and logs used to manufacture wood products. Stiffness and warp propensity varies significantly within and between forest stands, and this offers an opportunity to rank and sort the trees and stands for genetic improvement and for allocating a particular material to the appropriate manufacturer to optimize the value through the forest cycle. Visual characteristics such as size and morphology of crown, stem, and branches may offer some indications of wood properties; however, trees or stands with identical morphologies often have very different stiffness and warp propensity levels. Rapid, nondestructive methods have been applied to sort and rank internal wood properties such as stiffness and warp propensity of trees, logs, stems or forest stands. However, these methods often cannot predict or rank MOE or warp propensity sufficiently because they do not compensate for growth rate differences.
A need, therefore, exists for a method for adjusting property calculations based on stress wave velocity measurements to compensate for growth rate differences amongst timber-based raw material groups.

Methods for adjusting stress wave velocity-based predictions of lumber stiffness and warp propensity of a timber-based raw material group


A magnetic resistance system for use with drum sets that allows for various levels of magnetic repulsion between a drum beater and a batter head. A drum beater having a beater magnet is used in conjunction with an impact pad having an impact magnet. The drum beater is attached to a drum pedal, while the impact pad is integrated with the batter head of the drum, either directly or through a suspension bracket. The beater magnet and the impact magnet are oriented to repel each other as the drum beater is driven towards the batter head, thus creating an additional bounce back of the drum beater from the batter head of the drum. One or more subsequent impact pads may be interchanged or stacked with the impact pad in order to further increase the bounce back of the drum beater from the batter head.

A drum kit includes a combination of drums and other percussion instruments. A standard drum kit comprises a bass drum, a floor tom, a snare drum, hanging toms, and various cymbals. Many drummers choose to personalize their kits adding many other instruments, depending on the style of music they perform. The basic apparatus however remains largely unchanged; therefore, the innate musical talent and skills of the drummer are at the centerpiece of any musical performance. Kick/bass drums as they are more commonly known, are foot activated percussion instruments, used to add a deeper tone, and to mark or keep time. The bass drum can be operated by foot or by hand. Most foot operated bass drum pedals have the same overall working principles. The drummer presses onto a pedal which transfers the forces applied by the user, to a linkage. The linkage moves the drum beater in sync with the motion of the user's foot, creating a distinct rhythm. Pedals used in these types of assemblies can have various linkage adjustment mechanisms, allowing for different levels of resistance. Drummers are limited in terms of customizing the sound and frequency of the instrument. The combination of the linkage mechanism and the materials used in the beater allow the musicians to make alterations in the sound created by the instrument. Adding dual pedals for both feet, may be another option to consider. The present invention aims to enhance and solve some of the problems mentioned above by providing an additional method of controlling the tension, resistance and ease of playing the bass drum.
Most drums maintain the same basic construction components, including a drum shell, a drum hoop, a drum head, lugs and tension rods. Due to the possibility of distorting the sound, some drummers avoid attaching accessories directly onto the surface of the drum head itself. The sound quality and accuracy is a critical aspect and most drummers are adamant about providing a quality acoustic experience for the audience.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic resistance system for use with drum sets that allows for various levels of magnetic repulsion between a bass (kick) drum beater (or other type of drum beater) and a batter head. A drum beater having a beater magnet is used in conjunction with an impact pad having an impact magnet. The drum beater is attached to a drum pedal, while the impact pad is integrated with the batter head of the drum, either directly or through a suspension bracket. The beater magnet and the impact magnet are oriented to repel each other as the drum beater is driven towards the batter head, thus creating additional push back (repulsion) of the drum beater from the batter head. One or more subsequent impact pads may be interchanged or stacked with the impact pad in order to further increase the repulsion of the drum beater from the batter head.

Magnetic resistance system for use with drum sets


A signal generating method and apparatus in the field of signal technologies are provided. The method includes: adjusting an incident angle of an optical signal entering a polarization beam splitter, so that the polarization beam splitter outputs a first optical signal and a second optical signal that have a preset power ratio; performing QPSK modulation on the first and second optical signal respectively by using a first and second externally input data streams, to obtain a first and a second QPSK optical signal; before the first QPSK optical signal and the second QPSK optical signal are input into a polarization beam combiner, adjusting a polarization state of the first or the second QPSK optical signal; when the polarization states of the two QPSK optical signals are the same, outputting a 16QAM signal; and when the polarization states of the two QPSK optical signals are orthogonal, outputting a DP-QPSK signal.

In a communication system, important modulation modes include quadrature phase shift keying (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, QPSK), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, 16QAM), and dual polarization quadrature phase shift keying (Dual Polarization Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, DP-QPSK). Accordingly, a QPSK signal may be obtained by adopting the QPSK modulation, a 16QAM signal may be obtained by adopting the 16QAM modulation, and a DP-QPSK signal may be obtained by adopting the DP-QPSK modulation.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing modulation structure for generating a QPSK signal. As shown in FIG. 1, a QPSK modulator receives an externally input data stream (Data) and an optical signal that is input by a laser diode (LD), and performs QPSK modulation on the input optical signal by using the data stream, so as to obtain a QPSK signal and output the QPSK signal. The QPSK signal modulation structure show in FIG. 1 is capable of generating only a QPSK signal, but cannot generate other signals.
Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an existing schematic diagram of a modulation structure for generating a 16QAM signal. As shown in FIG. 2, an optical signal output by an LD is split into a first optical signal and a second optical signal that have the same optical amplitude (that is, having the same optical power), and the second optical signal is processed by a variable optical attenuator (VOA), so that the optical amplitude of the second optical signal is attenuated to 25% (that is, the optical power is attenuated to 25%); a first QPSK modulator receives externally input Data and the first optical signal, and performs QPSK modulation on the first optical signal by using the externally input Data, so as to obtain a first QPSK signal; a second QPSK modulator receives externally input Data and the second optical signal that is processed by the VOA, and performs QPSK modulation on the second optical signal that is processed by the VOA by using the externally input Data, so as to obtain a second QPSK signal; and a 16QAM signal is obtained by combining the first QPSK signal and the second QPSK signal, and is then output. The 16QAM signal modulation structure shown in FIG. 2 is capable of generating only a 16QAM signal, but cannot generate other signals.
Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an existing modulation structure for generating a DP-QPSK signal. As shown in FIG. 3, an optical signal of an LD is input into a polarization beam splitter (PBS) and then split into a first optical signal and a second optical signal that have different polarization directions; the polarization direction of the first optical signal is orthogonal to that of the second optical signal, and the optical power of the first optical signal is equal to that of the second optical signal; a first QPSK modulator receives externally input Data and the first optical signal, and performs QPSK modulation on the first optical signal by using the externally input Data, so as to obtain a first QPSK signal; a second QPSK modulator receives externally input Data and the second optical signal, and performs QPSK modulation on the second optical signal by using the externally input Data, so as to obtain a second QPSK signal; and a DP-QPSK signal is obtained by combining the first QPSK signal and the second QPSK signal through a polarization beam combiner (PBC), and is then output. The DP-QPSK signal modulation structure shown in FIG. 3 is capable of generating only a DP-QPSK signal, but cannot generate other signals.
The modulation structures for generating the QPSK, 16QAM, and DP-QPSK signals are capable of generating only a corresponding type of signals respectively, but cannot generate other types of signals.


A system using two magnetic quadrupole antennas, two magnetic dipole antennas and means for processing the respective antenna signal outputs provides unambiguous estimates of elevation and polarization for an incident RF signal. The system uses an efficient procedure to process the signals from a small aperture array of fixed loop elements for the purpose of providing radio direction of arrival information that is free of intrinsic polarization error. The directional information is developed by performing a simultaneous arctangent operation on signals output from the antennas or as the measured phase difference between a quadrature summed quadrupole output and a quadrature summed dipole output compensated by a phase offset between the dipole antennas and the quadrupole antennas.

Numerous radio wave direction finding systems are known in the prior art. An early example of a direction finding system is the spaced loop direction finding system described in 1921 by Eckersly. In 1935, Eckersly and Marconi described an improved direction finding system based on a precision spaced loop which rotated. More recent sophisticated direction finding systems are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,093,827.
The previous fixed spaced loop systems were designed to provide accurate azimuth angle of arrival for incoming ground wave signals. However, their performance was degraded for sky wave signals having significant elevation angles with horizontally polarized electric field components. The direction finding system shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,572 was designed to provide accurate azimuthal and elevation measurements on the incident signals, both for ground waves and also for multipolarized sky waves independent of elevation.
An electrically small loop is equivalent to a magnetic dipole, and can be used in a receive mode to provide partial information about electromagnetic polarization and consequently about direction of arrival for ground wave signals. Both spinning loops and fixed simple loop arrays have been successfully employed for ground wave direction finding. A properly arranged array of simple loops can also be connected to produce an equivalent magnetic quadrupole. Such magnetic quadrupoles have also been successfully used for groundwave direction finding, but suffer polarization/elevation limitations very similar to the simple loop systems.
Performing direction finding on HF radio signals which have propagated through the ionosphere (sky wave signals) requires DF systems that are free of the above described intrinsic polarization errors. Typically, such systems have been large aperture systems. However, a suitable site that is sufficiently large to accommodate large aperture systems is frequently unavailable at the desired location. To provide skywave direction finding capability with small aperture systems, several spaced loop DF systems have been developed for operation against skywave signals. These include spinning spaced loops and arrays of multiple fixed spaced loops that equivalently synthesize spinning spaced loops. The spinning spaced loop systems do not lend themselves readily to automated, unattended operation, and have the shortcomings that are typical of mechanically moving system. The skywave spaced loop array is a system of six independent outputs and requires rather complex processing to produce the unambiguous bearing.


An apparatus for an exhaust gas system includes a main exhaust passage, a main catalytic converter disposed in the main exhaust passage, a bypass exhaust passage, a bypass catalytic converter disposed in the bypass exhaust passage, and a valve configured to open or close a section of the main exhaust passage. The bypass exhaust passage bypasses the main exhaust passage between a branch point of the bypass exhaust passage out of the main exhaust passage and a junction with the main exhaust passage at a upstream side of the main catalytic converter. A first sensor indicates a first air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas in the bypass exhaust passage. A second sensor indicates a second air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the main catalytic converter. A controller determines whether the valve in the closed configuration leaks exhaust gas based on the first and second air-fuel ratios of exhaust gas.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the technical field of purifying exhaust gas emissions from an internal combustion engine (also referred to hereinafter as "engine"). As it is used herein, the term "purify" refers to reducing the toxicity of the exhaust gases emitted by an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present invention pertains to diagnosing whether there is any leakage by a flow path switching valve in an exhaust gas purifying system.
Exhaust gas is introduced into a bypass exhaust gas passage that includes a bypass catalytic converter. Preferably, the bypass exhaust gas passage is disposed relatively upstream of a main catalytic converter in a conventional exhaust system, and a flow path switching valve diverts the exhaust gas through the bypass exhaust gas passage after initiating a cold start-up of the engine.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, exhaust gas cannot be sufficiently purified between the cold start-up of an internal combustion engine and the full activation of a catalytic converter, i.e., when the catalytic converter's temperature increases sufficiently. This is especially the case when a main catalytic converter is disposed a distance downstream from the engine (e.g., underneath an automobile). However, if the main catalytic converter is disposed closer to the engine, then the durability or lifespan of the catalyst can be significantly compromised due to thermal deterioration.
A related exhaust system includes a bypass exhaust gas passage and a bypass catalytic converter, which are disposed in parallel to an upstream portion of a main exhaust gas passage leading to a main catalytic converter. A flow path switching valve is configured to introduce the exhaust gas into the bypass exhaust gas passage immediately after initiating the cold start-up of the engine. As such, since the bypass catalytic converter is disposed upstream in the exhaust system relative to the main catalytic converter, it can be activated more rapidly to thereby allow purification of exhaust gas to begin sooner.
In the related exhaust system, when the flow path switching valve does not completely switch the flow path (e.g., exhaust gas leaks into the main exhaust gas passage when it is supposed to be prevented by the flow path switching valve), unpurified exhaust gas may be discharged to the atmosphere until the main catalytic converter is fully activated.
The related exhaust system includes a method for detecting flow rate reduction as a result of using the flow path switching valve; however, the related exhaust system fails to include anything in relation to diagnosing leakage of unpurified exhaust gas. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that can properly diagnose leakage by the flow path switching valve.

Diagnostic apparatus for an exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas purification system and a diagnostic method thereof


A node synchronization apparatus in a wireless network system sets a fast Fourier transform (FFT) start point and requests a one-hop neighbor node to change its transmission time. The synchronization apparatus sets a signal receiving time and requests a one-hop neighbor node to change a receiving time. In this way, a node synchronizes signal transmission and signal reception.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a synchronization apparatus and method in wireless network systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a synchronization method in consideration of a propagation delay depending on a distance between nodes when respective nodes have different clock values and when inter-node distances are different from one another.
(b) Description of the Related Art
A wireless network system mostly uses a method of performing synchronization with a node that transmits a beacon using time information of the node.
This synchronization method is based on the case in which each node is located within an allowed range, that is, inter-node distances are similar or a small propagation delay is present. Accordingly, there is a need for a synchronization scheme considering a propagation delay depending on a distance between nodes in the case where nodes are arranged at different distances among them, and a difference between clock values of nodes in case of distributed topology. In addition, a synchronization method in the case where orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is applied has not yet been defined, and thus this synchronization method is also needed.

Synchronization apparatus and method in wireless network systems


Apparatus calibrates a micro-array receiver. The apparatus includes a micro-array receiver including a substrate having coated a biologically active region with a composition including a first set of micro-spheres modified with a biological probe and containing an optical bar code generated from at least one colorant associated with the micro-spheres; and a calibration region associated with the substrate, the region being outside the biologically active region and having an area containing the optical bar code color.

This invention relates in general to molecular biological systems created with color beads and, more particularly to a means by which a micro-array reader can determine the colors used for encoding random beads.
Ever since it was invented in the early 1990s (Science, 251, 767-773, 1991), high-density arrays formed by spatially addressable synthesis of bioactive probes on a 2-dimensional solid support has greatly enhanced and simplified the process of biological research and development. The key to current micro-array technology is deposition of a bioactive agent at a single spot on a microchip in a xe2x80x9cspatially addressablexe2x80x9d manner.
Current technologies have used various approaches to fabricate micro-arrays. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,087, issued May 2, 1995, McGall et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,678, issued Feb. 6, 1996, Fodor et al., demonstrate the use of a photolithographic process for making peptide and DNA micro-arrays. The patent teaches the use of photolabile protecting groups to prepare peptide and DNA micro-arrays through successive cycles of deprotecting a defined spot on a 1 cmxc3x971 cm chip by photolithography, then flooding the entire surface with an activated amino acid or DNA base. Repetition of this process allows construction of a peptide or DNA micro-array with thousands of arbitrarily different peptides or oligonucleotide sequences at different spots on the array. This method is expensive. An inkjet approach is being used by others e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,283, issued Jun. 27, 2000, Papen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,762, issued Jul. 4, 2000, Papen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,966, issued Aug. 1, 2000, Papen et al., to fabricate spatially addressable arrays, but this technique also suffers from high manufacturing cost in addition to the relatively large spot size of 40 to 100 xcexcm. Because the number of bioactive probes to be placed on a single chip usually runs anywhere from 1000 to 100000 probes, the spatial addressing method is intrinsically expensive regardless how the chip is manufactured. An alternative approach to the spatially addressable method is the concept of using fluorescent dye-incorporated polymeric beads to produce biological multiplexed arrays. U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,180, issued Nov. 9, 1999, Chandler et al., discloses a method of using color coded beads in conjunction with flow cytometry to perform multiplexed biological assay. Micro-spheres conjugated with DNA or monoclonal antibody probes on their surfaces were dyed internally with various ratios of two distinct fluorescence dyes. Hundreds of xe2x80x9cspectrally addressedxe2x80x9d micro-spheres were allowed to react with a biological sample and the xe2x80x9cliquid arrayxe2x80x9d was analyzed by passing a single micro-sphere through a flow cytometry cell to decode sample information. U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,540, issued Feb. 8, 2000, Walt et al., discloses the use of fiber-optic bundles with pre-etched microwells at distal ends to assemble dye loaded micro-spheres. The surface of each spectrally addressed micro-sphere was attached with a unique bioactive agent and thousands of micro-spheres carrying different bioactive probes combined to form xe2x80x9cbeads arrayxe2x80x9d on pre-etched microwells of fiber optical bundles. More recently, a novel optically encoded micro-sphere approach was accomplished by using different sized zinc sulfide-capped cadmium selenide nanocrystals incorporated into micro-spheres (Nature Biotech. 19, 631-635, (2001)). Given the narrow band width demonstrated by these nanocrystals, this approach significantly expands the spectral bar coding capacity in micro-spheres.
Even though the xe2x80x9cspectrally addressed micro-spherexe2x80x9d approach does provide an advantage in terms of its simplicity over the old fashioned xe2x80x9cspatially addressablexe2x80x9d approach in micro-array making, there are still needs in the art to make the manufacture of biological micro-arrays less difficult and less expensive and to simplify the process for identifying the color spectrum used to encode the beads (micro-spheres) used in micro-array receivers.
According to the present invention, there is provided a solution to the problems and fulfillment of the needs discussed above.
According to a feature of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for calibrating a micro-array receiver comprising;
a micro-array receiver including a substrate having coated a biologically active region with a composition including a first set of micro-spheres modified with a biological probe and containing an optical bar code generated from at least one colorant associated with said micro-spheres; and
a calibration region associated with said substrate, said region being outside said biologically active region and having an area containing said optical bar code color.
The invention has the following advantages.
1. A robust means is provided by which a micro-array reader can identify the color spectrum used to encode micro-spheres (beads) used in random array structures.
2. A calibration color region is provided on the micro-array receiver having identifying marks adjacent thereto to facilitate location of the calibration region by the micro-array reader.


A circuit is provided which prevents dendrite formation on interconnects during semiconductor device processing due to a dendrite-forming current. The circuit includes a switch located in at least one of the dendrite-forming current paths. The switch is configured to be open or in the “off” state during processing, and is configured to be closed or in the “on” state after processing to allow proper functioning of the semiconductor device. The switch may include an nFET or pFET, depending on the environment in which it is used to control or prevent dendrite formation. The switch may be configured to change to the “closed” state when an input signal is provided during operation of the fabricated semiconductor device.

Under some circumstances, dendrites of conductive material may be formed between metal or other conductive material interconnects during fabrication of a semiconductor device. For example, where copper lines are formed by a damascene process, a polishing step is utilized to planarize the surface of the layer holding the damascene-formed lines. Typically, the polishing step involves a slurry incorporating a grinding compound and/or chemical. The polishing process accordingly will produce small particles of the material being ground away which will remain suspended in the slurry. Consequently, the interconnect being polished will be immersed in a slurry having conductive particles suspended therein.
Under certain conditions, a voltage potential may appear across some or all of the interconnects. This voltage potential, in conjunction with chemical activity associated upon the interconnects in the slurry may cause a dendrite of conductive material to form on at least one of the interconnects. Additionally, such a dendrite may grow towards another interconnect and ultimately, make electrical contact with the other interconnect.
The interconnect towards which the dendrite grows will have a voltage potential opposite to the voltage potential of the interconnect producing the dendrite. The voltage potential on each interconnect driving the dendrite growth is produced by, for example, the structure of the device to which the interconnects connects are connected, and may not be necessarily directly related to the process at the device's surface.
Such a dendrite then would form a short between the interconnects which otherwise should be insulated from one another. The shorted interconnects then impair circuit functioning.

International Business Machines Corporation


An apparatus for producing oxidic nanocrystals from metal organic compounds or volatile inorganic compounds comprises an apparatus which includes a first vaporizer which is connected to a first carrier gas stream to produce a first reactant gas stream, a second vaporizer is connected to a second carrier gas stream to produce a second reactant gas stream the first and second reactant gas streams are connected to a first feed line and flow heated reactor wherein the reactants are heated and reacted to provide oxidic nanocrystals which are unagglomerated having a mean particle size of up to 20 nanometers.

Oxidic nanocrystals, in particular doped oxidic nanocrystals, such as for example europium-activated yttrium oxide (Y2O3:Eu) have been paid increasing attention in recent years for use as phosphors for illumination equipment (U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,489). For this reason, a very wide variety of oxidic nanocrystals have been tested for suitability for use as a phosphor. Consequently, corresponding processes and apparatus for producing nanocrystals of this type have also been proposed.
For example, to produce Y2O3:Eu, gas condensation techniques are known, cf. for example D. K. Williams et al., J.Phys.Chem.B 102 (1998), p.916. However, a drawback of these known processes is that the resultant oxidic nanocrystals are of highly amorphous structure and, in addition, have a monoclinic crystal structure. However, for the oxidic nanocrystals to be used as phosphors it is desirable for them to be in the cubic equilibrium phase, since this is when the light efficiency is highest.
To achieve this, hitherto the amorphous or monoclinic phase has been transformed into the cubic phase by an additional heat treatment at approximately 900° C. However, this entails considerable grain growth, and consequently the cubic phase is only present as a single phase at ultimate particle sizes of over about 50 nm. This in turn, on the one hand, means a high outlay in terms of energy and time for the production of nanocrystals of this type. On the other hand, the relatively large ultimate particle size considerably limits the possible applications of these oxidic nanocrystals which are produced using processes according to the prior art. Hitherto, it has not been possible to produce phosphors with small ultimate particle sizes, in particular of up to 20 nm, which have a high level of efficiency. The term ultimate particle size is understood to mean the grain size of the phosphor following-a heat treatment which may lead to partial agglomeration. The agglomeration can be classified as low if there is as yet no sintering of the grains at the boundary surfaces, although grains may already be arranged next to one another in rows. By contrast, the term initial particle size is used if the original grain size prior to a heat treatment is what is meant.

Apparatus for producing oxidic nanocrystals

Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen mbH


Nucleic acids comprising the neuregulin 1 gene (NRG1) and encoding NRG1 polypeptides are disclosed. Also described are related nucleic acids encoding NRG1 polypeptides; NRG1 polypeptides; antibodies that bind to NRG1 polypeptides; methods of diagnosis of susceptibility to schizophrenia; assays for agents that alter the activity of NRG1 polypeptide or which identify NRG1 binding agents, and the gents or binding agents identified by the assays; NRG1 therapeutic agents, including the NRG1 nucleic acids, NRG1 polypeptides, or agents that alter the activity of an NRG1 polypeptides; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the NRG1 therapeutic agents; as well as methods of therapy of schizophrenia. Novel haplotypes with a common core haplotype in affected individuals are described, as well as their use in methods for screening for susceptibility to schizophrenia. Also described are hypomorphic mice for use in identifying phenotypes associated with schizophrenia, as well as for use in assessing agents of interest for neuroleptic activity and for potential therapeutic use for treatment of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a devastating form of psychopathology, with a lifetime prevalence worldwide of 0.5%-1%. Twin and adoption studies suggest that both genetic and environmental factors influence susceptibility (see, e.g., Tsuang, M. T. et al., Schizophr. Res. 4(2):157-71 (1991); Tienari, P. J. and Wynne, L. C., Ann. Med. 26(4):233-7 (1994); Franzek, E. and Beckmann, H., Am. J. Psychiatry 155(1):76-83 (1998); Tsuang, M. T., J. Biomed. Sci. 5(1):28-30 (1998)). Among first-degree relatives, the risk has been reported to vary from 6% in parents, to 10% in siblings, and to 13% in children of schizophrenic individuals; if one of the parents is also schizophrenic, the risk to siblings increases to 17%, and children of two schizophrenics have a risk of 46% of developing the illness (McGue, M. and Gottesmann, I. I., Eur. Arch. Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci 240:174-181 (1991); see also, e.g., Lim, L. C. and Sim, L. P., Singapore Med. J. 33(6):645-7 (1992)). The mode of transmission, however, remains uncertain.
Reports of suggestive linkage to several loci have been published, including loci on chromosomes 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 20, 22 and the X chromosome (see, e.g., for chromosomes 3p and 8p, Pulver, A. E., et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 60(4):252-60 (1995); for chromosomes 5q, 6p and 8p, Kendler, K. S. et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 88(1):29-33 (1999); for chromosomes 5q, 6p, 8p, 20p and 22q, Hovatta, I. et al., Mol. Psychiatry. 3(5):452-7 (1998); for chromosome 6p, Schwab, S. G. et al., Nat. Genet. 11(3):325-7 (1995), Brzustowicz, L. M. et al., Am. J. Hum. Genet. 61(6):1388-96 (1997) and Cao, Q. et al., Genomics 43(1):1-8 (1997); for chromosomes 6 and 8, Straub, R. E. et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol 61I:823-33 (1996); for chromosome 8, Kendler, K S. et al., Am. J. Psychiatry 153(12):1534-40 (1996); for chromosome 10, Straub, R. E. et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 81(4):296-301 (1998) and Schwab, S. G. et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 81(4):302-307 (1998); for chromosome 13, Lin, M. W. et al., Psyciatr. Genet. 5(3):117-26 (1995); Lin, M. W. et al., Hum. Genet. 99(3):417-420 (1997) and Blouin, J. L. et al., Nat. Genet. 20(1):70-73 (1993) (8 and 13); for chromosome 22, Gill, M. et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 67(1):40-45 (1996) and Bassett, A. S. et al., Am. J. Med. Genet. 81(4):328-37 (1998); and for the X chromosome, Milunsky, J. et al., Clin. Genet. 55(6):455-60 (1999)).

Neuregulin-1 transgenic mouse and methods of use


An apparatus of the present invention includes partition selection circuitry configured to selectably provide individual access to multiple ones of a plurality of partitions of a data storage component by a host device without multiple partition support. The apparatus can also include the data storage component and/or the host device. The partition selection circuitry uses a logical block addressing (LBA) address generated by the host device, and an operating mode indicator indicative of a particular partition, to allow the partitions of the data storage component to be accessed by the host device without multiple partition support. Methods implemented by the apparatus are also disclosed.

Systems using a file allocation table (FAT) which employs 16 bits for addressing clusters of data are known as "FAT16 file systems". A FAT16 file system is limited to 2 Gbytes per partition. Storage devices with a capacity of more than 2 Gbytes, and with which a FAT16 file system is used, therefore tend to have multiple partitions, each with no more than 2 Gbytes of capacity.
The 2 Gbyte barrier of the FAT16 file system partition limit is imposed by the maximum number of clusters and the largest cluster size supported by the FAT16 file system. The FAT16 file system is limited to 65,525 clusters. The size of a cluster must be a power of 2, and be less than 65,536 bytes. This results in a maximum cluster size of 32,768 bytes (32 Kbytes). Multiplying the maximum number of clusters (65,525) by the maximum cluster size (32,768) equals 2 Gbytes.
In storage systems using multiple partitions, the first partition is typically referred to as the "primary partition." Everything not stored in the primary partition is stored in an "extended partition." A utility program, for example the "Fdisk" utility program, is used to create, delete or modify partitions on a storage system. The Fdisk utility program is a DOS utility used to configure and partition storage systems to prepare them for DOS use. The Fdisk utility software creates only one primary DOS partition (commonly referred to as "PRI DOS") on a physical disc of a disc drive data storage system. Other utility programs can also be used to create, delete or modify partitions.
Consequently, digital cameras and other host devices must use a "FAT32" file system (i.e., a file allocation table which employs 32 bits for addressing clusters of data) in order to allow reading and writing of data above the 2 Gbyte limit on an associated data storage system or device. When a host device does not support multiple partitions for FAT16, it can only access the primary partition of its associated storage device. This in turn wastes the capacity of the storage device beyond the 2 Gbyte limit.
Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these and/or other problems, and offer other advantages over the prior art.

Method and data storage system for providing multiple partition support


There are provided: a unit data group formation section for forming a unit data group comprising at least one piece of unit data; a thumbnail image generation section for generating a thumbnail image for unit data; a link information generation section for generating unit data link information to link with each unit data forming the unit data group; a data group generation section for generating a data group comprising a unit data group and unit data link information; and a closed session processing section for performing a closed session process so that other reproducing apparatuses can read an optical disc recording at least one data group. The closed session processing section generates a menu image including the thumbnail image based on the unit data, generates menu image link information for linking with the menu image, and records the menu image and the menu image link information on an optical disc.

Presently, the DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), one of large-capacity optical discs, is available in the forms of: DVD-R (DVD-Recordable) capable of recording data; and DVD-RW (DVD-Rewritable), DVD-RAM (DVD-Random Access Memory), and the like capable of rewriting recorded data. Data recorded on DVD-R or DVD-RW cannot be reproduced on a reproducing apparatus, PC (personal computer), and the like compliant with only DVD-video formats because of format incompatibility. In order to allow the reproducing apparatus, PC, and the like to reproduce data recorded on the DVD-R or DVD-RW (hereafter referred to as the DVD-R/-RW), data recorded on the DVD-R/-RW needs to be converted into a specified format compliant with the DVD-video format. In order for the PC and the like to reproduce data recorded on the DVD-R/-RW, the data recorded on the DVD-R/-RW needs to comply with the Universal Disc Format (UDF) standard.
FIG. 1 shows a data structure of an optical disc that records data using a logical format compliant with the DVD-video format. As shown in FIG. 1A, an information recording surface on the optical disc compliant with the DVD-video format is divided into a lead-in area, a data zone, and a lead-out area from the innermost side. The data zone actually records intended real data.
The data zone is divided into three areas from the lead-in side: a UDF (Universal Disc Format) area A1, i.e., a file system area for describing a UDF bridge configuration; a VMG (Video Manager) area A2 as a DVD management information area; and a real time data recording area A3. The UDF area A1 and the VMG area A2 record information for managing video data recorded on the real time data recording area A3. The UDF area A1 is referred to as a first management information area. The VMG area A2 is referred to as a second management information area. The VMG area A2, i.e., the second management information area, corresponds to a file management system specific to the DVD-video format. The VMG area A2 records TOC (Table Of Contents), i.e., information to manage the whole of video data recorded in the real time data recording area A3. On the other hand, the UDF area A1, i.e., the first management information area, corresponds to a file management system specific to the PC and the like. The UDF area A1 uses a format such as UDF for compatibility with file systems for PC and the like to record information to manage the whole of video data recorded in the real time data recording area A3.
The real time data recording area A3 is a user area for recording real data such as motion pictures. As shown in FIG. 1B, motion pictures are recorded on the basis of VTS (Video Title Set). The VTS is referred to as a title. Up to 99 titles can be provided. As shown in FIG. 1C, the VTS comprises VTSI (Video Title Set Information), VTSM_VOBS (Video Object Set for the VTSM), VTSTT_VOBS (Video Object Set for Titles in a VTS), and VTSI_BUP (Backup of VTSI) from the beginning.
The VTSTT_VOBS records video data, i.e., actual data, according to the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 format. The VTSI records recording position information and the like, i.e., information for managing video data comprising actual data. The VTSM_VOBS records a title menu of the video data. The VTSM_VOBS is optional. The VTSI_BUP records backup data for VTSI. The VTSTT_VOBS comprises packetized data based on a specified amount. When data to be recorded comprises motion pictures, for example, the VTSTT_VOBS uses a chapter (CHP) as a reproduction unit and comprises a plurality of chapters (CHP) as shown in FIG. 1D.
When the PC or the like accesses an optical disc having the above-mentioned data structure, the UDF area A1 can be used to retrieve and reproduce an intended file. When a DVD player is used for reproduction, the VMG area A2 can be used to retrieve and reproduce an intended file.
There is available an Incremental Recording system (hereafter referred to as an INC system) or a Restricted Over Write system (hereafter referred to as an ROW system) as a recording system for writing motion pictures on such optical disc. The INC system is mainly used for DVD-R and the like and sequentially records motion pictures. The ROW system is mainly used for DVD-RW and the like and randomly records motion pictures. When data is recorded on an unrecorded area, even the ROW system needs to sequentially record motion pictures. The INC and ROW systems manage processes such as reservation on optical discs using an RMA (Recording Management Area) provided more inside than the lead-in area.
FIG. 2 shows a recording process according to the INC system. The INC system is defined to be able to write to up to three areas, i.e., each of these areas is referred to as Rzone. The RMA manages each Rzone area.
When recording a motion picture, the INC system first reserves the Rzone areas as shown in FIG. 2A. Here, the Rzone areas are reserved as follows. An area for Rzone 1 is defined so as to form the UDF area A1 and the VMG area A2, i.e., areas for recording the management information. An area for Rzone 2 is defined in the next unrecorded area to form the real time data recording area A3 so as to form the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS of the first VTS. The remaining unrecorded area is defined to be an area for Invisible Rzone (Rzone 3). By reserving Rzone 1 and Rzone 2, the INC system ensures areas for recording the management information. It also ensures areas for forming the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS of the first VTS.
The INC system sequentially records motion pictures from the beginning of the Invisible Rzone to form the VTSTT_VOBS comprising actual data. When a user's instruction completes recording of actual data for one VTS, the VTSI_BUP is recorded in succession to recording of the actual data as shown in FIG. 2B. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the system returns to the beginning and forms the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS in the Rzone 2 to close it. In this manner, the INC system records one VTS on the optical disc.
FIG. 2D shows how the INC system records the next VTS successively. The system reserves the Rzone 3 in the remaining unrecorded area to ensure an area for the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS and defines the Invisible Rzone. Then, as shown in FIG. 2E, the system records actual data to form the VTSTT_VOBS, and then forms the VTSI_BUP. As shown in FIG. 2F, the system forms the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS in the previously ensured area. In this manner, successive VTS areas are recorded on the optical disc as shown in FIG. 2G. To successively record VTS, the INC system likewise defines an unrecorded area for successively recording VTS.
As mentioned above, the INC system successively records VTS's to form the real time data recording area A3 on the optical disc. Such optical disc requires format conversion by means of a closed session process and the like (hereafter referred to as a finalization process). Otherwise, the optical disc cannot be reproduced on a reproducing apparatus or the like that complies with only the DVD-video format. The following describes the finalization process with reference to FIG. 2H.
As shown in FIG. 2H, for example, the finalization process is used to form the UDF area A1 and the VMG area A2 in Rzone 1 on the optical disc. The lead-in area is formed on the innermost periphery. The lead-out area is formed on the outermost periphery. The finalization process can enable compatibility with read-only optical discs. To form the UDF area A1 and the VMG area A2, the system generates data to be recorded in the UDF area A1 and the VMG area A2 from data of the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS in each VTS. The system records the generated data in Rzone 1 to close it.
FIG. 3 shows a recording process according to the ROW system. The ROW system performs padding to previously ensure areas for recording the lead-in area, the UDF area, the VMG area, and the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS for the first VTS as shown in FIG. 3A. Here, the padding is a process to record dummy data such as NULL for ensuring areas.
After ensuring these areas, the ROW system sequentially records images as shown in FIG. 3B to form the VTSTT_VOBS comprising actual data. Upon completion of recording actual data for one VTS, the system then records the VTSI_BUP. The system performs the padding process to ensure areas for the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS in the succeeding VTS. As shown in FIG. 3C, returning to the beginning, the system forms the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS corresponding to the recording of this actual data. In this manner, the ROW system records one VTS on the optical disc.
To record the next VTS in succession, the ROW system, as shown in FIG. 3D, records actual data following the padding area formed by the immediately preceding VTS to form the VTSTT_VOBS and the VTSI_BUP. The padding process is performed to ensure areas for the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS of the VTS to follow. As shown in FIG. 3E, the VTSI and the VTSM_VOBS are formed in succession. In this manner, the next VTS is recorded on the optical disc as shown in FIG. 3F. To further record the VTS, the ROW system likewise performs the padding process or the like to record the VTS successively.
As mentioned above, the ROW system successively records VTS's to form the real time data recording area A3 on the optical disc. Like the INC system, such optical disc requires format conversion by means of the finalization process and the like. Otherwise, the optical disc cannot be reproduced on a reproducing apparatus or the like that complies with only the DVD-video format. The following describes the finalization process with reference to FIG. 3G.
As shown in FIG. 3G, for example, the finalization process is used to form the UDF area and the VMG area in the area padded by the finalization process. The lead-in area is formed on the innermost periphery. The lead-out area is formed on the outermost periphery. The finalization process can enable compatibility with read-only optical discs.
FIG. 4 shows a data structure of the VMG in FIGS. 2H and 3G recorded by the finalization process. FIG. 4 represents the data structure of menu information (hereafter referred to as a main menu) for selecting each title (each VTS).
The VMG comprises VMGI (Video Manager Information) and VMGM_VOBS (Video Object Set for the VMG menu). The VMGI records a group of VMGM_PGCI (VMG Menu Program Chain Information), i.e., link information to each VTS menu. This information takes effect when selected between menu pages or from the main menu. Each VMGM_VOBS comprises a plurality of cells each of which corresponds to each main menu screen page. The cell records the following images in the MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) format: a menu screen background, a menu title, a thumbnail (hereafter referred to as a VTS thumbnail) created from a representative image of each VTS, a previous page button, a next page button, and the like. Further, the cell includes NV_PCK comprising PCI and DSI. The PCI includes HLI (Highlight Information). The HLI records information such as a VTS thumbnail position, a button position, a highlight color, highlight movement when a four-direction button is pressed, and the like.
For example, a main menu screen in FIG. 5 can be realized by appropriately recording the VMG having the above-mentioned structure. A menu key is used to call the menu screen. The four-direction key is used to move a highlight. An execution key is centered on the four-direction key and can be used to select one VTS thumbnail. The execution key can be also used to call the VTS menu (to be described) or switch between menu pages. Selecting the next page button displays the next main menu. Selecting the previous page button displays the most recent main menu. In the example of FIG. 5, one main menu contains six VTS thumbnails, but is not limited thereto.
FIG. 6 shows a data structure of the VTS in FIGS. 2C and 3C recorded when the VTS is closed. FIG. 6 shows the data structure of information about a menu (hereafter referred to as a VTS menu) for selecting each CHP included in the VTS.
The VTS comprises VTSI, VTSM_VOBS, VTSTT_VOBS, and VTSI_BUP. The VTSI records a group of VTSM_PGCI (VTS Menu Program Chain Information), i.e., link information to each CHP. This information takes effect when selected between menu pages or from the VTS menu. Each VTSM_VOBS comprises a plurality of cells each of which corresponds to each VTS menu screen page. The cell records the following images in the MPEG format: a menu screen background, a menu title, a thumbnail (hereafter referred to as a CHP thumbnail) created from a representative image of each CHP (to be described), a previous page button, a next page button, and the like. Further, the cell includes NV_PCK comprising PCI and DSI. The PCI includes HLI (Highlight Information). The HLI records information such as a CHP thumbnail position, a button position, a highlight color, highlight movement when a four-direction button is pressed, and the like.
For example, a VTS menu screen shown in FIG. 7 can be realized by appropriately recording the VTS having the above-mentioned structure. As mentioned above, the VTS menu can be selected from the main menu to call a VTS menu screen as shown in FIG. 7. The four-direction key is used to move a highlight on the called VTS menu screen. The execution key at the center of the four-direction key can be used to select one CHP thumbnail, reproduce or display a selected chapter (CHP), or switch between menu pages. Selecting the next page button displays the next VTS menu. Selecting the previous page button displays the immediately preceding VTS menu. In FIG. 7, one VTS menu contains six CHP thumbnails, but may be configured as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2875231.
As mentioned above, the DVD-video format has a limitation of up to 99 titles (VTS's) capable of being recorded on an optical disc. When one scene per title is recorded in compliance with the DVD-video format, only up to 99 scenes can be recorded on one optical disc. For example, let us assume that one scene is recorded five or six seconds. Then, one optical disc can just record scenes up to approximately eight minutes.
The DVD-video format is specified to be able to divide one title into 99 scenes or chapters (CHP). When data is recorded based on one scene per chapter, one optical disc can record 99×99=9801 scenes.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the DVD-video format creates menus in two layers independently of user's intentions. A scene (CHP) is divided into a plurality of VTS menus. In order to select an intended scene (CHP), the user first selects a VTS thumbnail from the main menu in FIG. 5 to call the VTS menu. The user then needs to select an intended CHP from the called VTS menu as shown in FIG. 7.

Optical disc recording apparatus and method thereof


An image pickup unit includes a dioptric system that reflects a luminous flux of an optical image incident on an optical lens group and performs optical path conversion, an image sensor in a bare state that is joined to the dioptric system, and includes a light receiving element that forms the optical image, and a light shielding member that is placed to be opposed to and cover at least surfaces around an optical axis of the optical lens group, except for a joining surface of the dioptric system to the image sensor, so that an air gap apart from the image sensor by a predetermined distance is provided, shields incidence of a harmful light onto the light receiving element, and is formed from a metal thin film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention particularly relates to an image pickup unit for an endoscope which is contained in a distal end portion, in image pickup units for endoscopes provided in electronic endoscope apparatuses.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, endoscopes have been widely utilized in a medical field and an industrial field. In conventional endoscopes, image guides have been used, and endoscopes which enable users to observe insides of body cavities of patients, inner portions of jet engines or the like in eyepiece portions which users look into have been typical.
Further, in recent endoscopes, an electronic endoscope apparatus has appeared, in which an image pickup unit provided with a solid image pickup device is incorporated in a distal end portion of an insertion portion, photographs the inside of the body cavity of a patient, the inner portion of a jet engine or the like, and displays an endoscopic image on a display apparatus such as an external monitor.
The image pickup unit of the electronic endoscope apparatus is provided with an image sensor which photoelectrically converts detected light into an electric signal. As the image sensor, the image sensor with a solid image pickup device, an electronic circuit and the like being packaged as one electronic component has been typical.
Further, the image pickup unit for use in an electronic endoscope is required to have such a size as to be capable of being housed inside of a downsized distal end portion with reduction in a diameter of an insertion portion. Therefore, some of the image pickup units placed in the distal end portions of endoscope apparatuses with small housing spaces use prisms as structures which cause refracted lights to be incident on image sensors, in order to prevent the distal end portions from being upsized in an outside diameter direction in particular.
For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 5-9504 discloses a technology of a solid image pickup device package that has a holding member which holds a barrel and a prism which are integrated, and completely prevents separation of a cover glass and a package body made of ceramics by the holding member. In the solid image pickup device package described in the Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 5-9504, the package body of ceramics, and the holding member formed from a metal material or a synthetic resin material are used.
Incidentally, light shielding ability for unnecessary light to a light receiving element is required for an image pickup unit so that a light other than a photographing optical image is not detected in the light receiving element of the solid image pickup device.