A light weight electric-powered radial saw intended to cut overhead limbs employs a housing having a forwardly direction U-shaped receiving yoke, and a rearwardly directed fitting which receives an elongated handle. An annular saw blade is rotatively supported within the yoke by a plurality of idler rollers journaled to the housing. An electric motor positioned within the housing has a drive shaft that extends in parallel relationship above the saw blade. A drive transmission device such as a gear is interactive between the drive shaft and the saw blade.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to power tools, and more particularly concerns a lightweight hand held saw adapted to sever overhead tree limbs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous proposals have been made adapting circular saw blades and cutting disks for cutting standing trees. In the majority of the known devices, the circular saw blade is mounted on a central axle and is rotated at high speeds, i.e. rim speeds in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 f.p.m. It is felt that these speeds are necessary to give a high quality cut, and perhaps more importantly to build up a reservoir of energy which can be applied to produce a rapid cut. Varying degrees of success have been achieved by the devices now known.
One problem with the majority of circular saw devices is that they are bulky and heavy. One reason for this is that the rotary cutter running on a central axis must have a diameter at least twice that of the tree or limb to be cut plus space required for the hub and axle. It has been found that a minimum size for the saw is about 21/2 times the diameter of the largest tree to be cut.
Another reason contributing to the bulkiness of circular saws is that, in many cases they require protection, particularly where slim disks are used to minimize the kerf loss. Also, in many instances, the saw blade is retractably mounted in a housing which increases the bulk of the device and requires additional apparatus to effect a reciprocating stroke at least equivalent to the largest diameter to be cut.
Another major drawback to the use of circular cutting blades in the cutting of trees and limbs is that as the teeth of the blade are advanced through the tree, the trunk or branch flexes due to its own weight. Although the teeth of the saw are relatively unaffected, the central portion of the blade may become pinched and bound. Blade binding creates a greater load under which the saw must work. Often, the blade's speed slows significantly or stops altogether. In such cases, it becomes difficult to merely remove the saw blade. In other instances, the saw may "kick-back" against the additional load, placing the saw operator in danger of injury. Binding further acts to reduce blade and tool life.
General procedures have evolved in tree work to deal with blade binding. Tree workers often must tie ropes around limbs or trunks in order to pull against binding forces. Such ropes must be fastened to high tree regions, creating greater work effort and risk for workers. Usually branches are cut in a stroke from top to bottom of the branch in order to prevent blade binding. However, the downward stroke seldom makes a clean cut through the branch. Usually, once the branch is substantially weakened at some point during the cut, the remaining wood, no longer capable of sustaining the weight of the distal branch portion, snaps and bends. A ragged portion of the stump is left, often with resultant splitting or peeling of wood and bark on the stump.
Numerous saw devices have been disclosed in the prior art which seek to eliminate the potential for binding, most notably the annular saw blade. Various annular blades have been employed in attempts to make a clean pass through a tree trunk or branch. Annular blades have further been introduced in order to reduce the diameter of blade necessary and the attendant weight and bulk of apparatus necessary to drive and protect the blade. This reduction is achieved through the greater portion of the blade which may be cleanly passed through the trunk or branch owing to tangential rather than central disposition of drive mechanisms.
Annular saws have been known for more than a hundred years. In relation to conventional circular saws they have, however, until recently had little importance. The fitting of an annular saw with a suitable power unit requires considerably more advanced technical solutions than the fitting and driving of a conventional circular saw. It can be said that there are two main principles for fitting and driving an annular saw blade. In one principle, both drive rollers and support rollers work on the web portion of the blade. The drive rollers operate through either a gear drive acting upon a cut-out in the saw blade, or a friction drive which is more usual and often preferred. In order that such friction drive may function properly, the drive rollers must be pressed forcefully against the body of the saw blade. This leads to severe heating of the saw blade so that the latter buckles. Annular saws with drive rollers which work through a friction coupling against the body of the saw blade are described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,930,310 and 4,316,328.
In a second principle of drive, the inner rim of the saw blade is acted upon, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,880. The annular saw of this patent is an improvement over earlier designs. The design, however, is not completely without disadvantages. In order that a safe friction coupling may occur between the drive surfaces on drive pulleys which form part of the drive system, and which are pressed in opposite directions towards each other at right angles to the plane of symmetry of the saw blade so that the rim section of the saw blade is gripped between the drive pulleys, the pressing force must be great. This produces severe heating of the rim section. This does not bring about buckling of the saw blade, especially as the design permits the saw blade to be cooled with cooling liquid, but it entails considerable loss of energy, so that the drive effect is considerably impaired. Liquid cooling requires additional hoses, fittings and connections which also add weight and limit the effective distance at which the saw may be operated from the user and coolant source.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,065 and 5,009,011, both to Johansson each disclose annular blade saws which may be hand held. However these saws are powered by a hydraulic motor through which hydraulic fluid must be pumped. The hydraulic motor, pressure, and return hoses add significant weight to the saw. It is evident that use of this saw must occur in close proximity to the hydraulic pumping means because a long expanse of hydraulic hose would preclude manual lifting to significant heights. Furthermore, the friction drive rollers are proportionally large and contribute weight.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,733 to Hamilton discloses a tree felling head which includes a frame having a grapple mounted thereon with a grapple jaw which may be selectively opened and closed to respectively receive and grasp a standing tree. Power means selectively open and close the grapple. A severing device mounted on said frame below said grapple device is a rim driven circular saw mounted on an arm pivotally attached to the frame for movement in a horizontal plane. A second power means effects rotation of said severing device. The Hamilton cutting head does not disclose an annular cutting ring blade, however, it makes use of a rim gear drive means comprising a power means having a drive shaft adapted to rotate in an axis which is parallel rather than orthogonal the plane of the cutting blade. A pinion gear disposed upon the drive shaft, meshes with gear teeth adjacent the rim of the saw blade, and thereby provides rotational drive to the blade. Although the Hamilton device discloses this drive means, it is particularly adapted to fell standing trees at the base and is not amenable to cutting a substantially horizontal branch, due to its design and weight.
In order that a ring saw may be used to sever an overhanging limb, certain characteristics are desirable and/or necessary. The preferred saw device must be lightweight in order that it may be mounted upon an elongated handle capable of reaching the limb by the operator standing upon the ground below. None of the aforesaid devices are of sufficiently lightweight construction. The use of gasoline and hydraulic motors contribute significant weight to the devices. Furthermore, energy sources such as gasoline, and cooling means contribute weight and bulk. Extended hydraulic and cooling hoses are heavy and not amenable to extension of the saw means to significant heights. Furthermore, hydraulic and gasoline motors overhead can leak fluids upon the operator.
Gasoline motors are furthermore not amenable to the task of cutting overhead limbs due to fire hazards. Often a limb to be severed may have a plurality of dried leaves attached. Hot engine exhaust can ignite such leaves, and if the engine unit falls to the ground, a fuel tank rupture may occur.
It is furthermore desirable to have a well balanced saw means to enable the unit to be extended overhead. The effective weight of an unbalanced unit may be multiplied many times when supported by a long lever arm in the form of an extension handle. Additionally, the cutting extremity of the blade should preferably by symmetrically opposed to the handle means in order that force used to support the unit overhead may be efficiently transmitted in a vertically upward direction into the cutting stroke.
The use of a saw in an overheat cutting job brings with it a number of considerations. In addition to the weight of the cutting head, other forces are transmitted through an extended handle. Merely raising a long assembly, comprised of a saw unit mounted at the distal extremity of a pole, in a arcuate manner from horizontal to vertical disposition by an operator holding the proximal extremity may require a vectored force greater than an individual may be capable of. Once cutting commences, a torque force is exerted in the direction opposite to the direction of blade rotation. This force may be greater than an individual may be capable of restraining, causing the blade to "walk" across and out of contact with the overhead hub.
Due to design constraints, the ring saw devices heretofore proposed are not amenable to the task of extended overhead cutting of tree limbs.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rotary saw which may be positioned overhead to effect an upwardly directed cutting stroke.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a saw of the aforesaid nature which is durable in construction, simple to use, easily maintained, and amenable to low cost manufacture.
These and other beneficial objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description.


Improved apparatus and methods for use in atmospheric moisture harvesters are disclosed. In particular, sectored or zoned cooling/condensation surfaces to optimize cooling efficiency are disclosed. In one embodiment, cooling is provided by dual-refrigerant, buffered cooling cells. In another embodiment, cooling is provided by thermoelectric cooling devices. Where thermoelectric cooling devices are used, an airway duct that covers both the cool side and the warm side of the devices can be provided, such that an airflow system that is driven by the difference in density between cooled, de-moisturized air and warmed air is established. Localized temperatures and moisture levels are monitored so that cooling can be adjusted as necessary to provide optimal, most energy-efficient condensation of moisture.

According to the two patents incorporated by reference above, modest amounts of water (e.g., at least sustenance levels) can be obtained by condensing moisture from the atmosphere. The '499 patent discloses an apparatus for doing so in which a cooling system is affixed to a photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel converts light into electricity which powers the cooling system, and the cooling system cools the panel so that moisture condenses on a condensation surface thereof. The '063 patent discloses an apparatus in which an energy-gathering member is spaced from a condensation surface so as to define an airway. A cooling system is powered by the energy-gathering member and cools the airway and/or the condensation surface such that moisture condenses on the condensation surface.


Polycarbonate resins containing repeating or recurring polymer chain units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents alkyl are useful in high temperature applications, when thermoplastically molded into articles.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to polycarbonate resins and more particularly to thermoplastic, aromatic polycarbonate resins useful for molding articles which are stable under relatively high temperature conditions.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Phenolphthalein, as a dihydric phenol reactant, has been used to prepare polycarbonate resins; see for example the disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,036; 3,036,037; 3,036,039; 4,078,999; 4,167,536; and 4,310,652. Phenolphthalein has also been used as a reactant in admixture with bisphenol-A to prepare copolycarbonate resins; see for example Lin, M.S. and E.M. Pearce, Polymers With Improved Flammability Characteristics, II: Phenolphthalein Related Copolycarbonates, Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry Edition, (1981) 19: p.2151-2160. Poly(ester-carbonates) prepared with phenolphthalein reactant are also known; see U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,652.
The phenolphthalein copolycarbonates exhibit excellent ductility and high heat-distortion temperatures. However, the presence of even small quantities of phenolphthalein residues in the product resins, or in the brine medium used in preparation affords discolored resin and recycle water (pink coloration). This is not desirable for many commercial purposes. It has also been reported (Lin, M.S. and E.M. Pearce, Polymers With Improved Flammability Characteristics. I. Phenolphthalein Related Homopolymers. Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry Edition, (1981) 19: p.2659-2670) that phenolphthalein based polycarbonate resins are difficult to melt process because of cross-linking and chain scission through the lactone ring; see also Lin, M.S., B.J. Bulkin, and E.M. Pearce, Thermal Degradation Study of Phenolphthalein Polycarbonates, Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry Edition, (1981) 19: p.2773-2797 at page 2774.
Certain derivatives of phenolphthalein have also been used as dihydric phenols to prepare polycarbonate resins. For example, Lin and Pearce, I: Pgs. 2151-2160, supra., describe preparation of polycarbonate homopolymer resins wherein 3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine and 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine were separately polymerized (phosgenated).
We have found the copolymerization of 3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide with bisphenol-A polycarbonate to be extremely difficult because of what appears to be concurrent side reactions through the amide hydrogen during polymerization. These side reactions cause emulsification during interfacial polymerizations, which hinders pH control, molecular weight control and work up of the polymer.
Copolymers of 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide were found to have poor melt stability during melt processing resulting in foamy polymer melts and moldings, and discoloration of the resin during melt processing.
Aromatic polyesters of phenolphthalein were found to have better UV stability than both the bisphenol-A and phthalimidine aromatic polyester. (See P. W. Morgan, Linear Condensation Polymers From Phenolphthalein and Related Compounds, Journal of Polymer Science: Part A, (1964) 19: 437-459). The phthalimidine copolymers are reported to rapidly discolor on UV exposure. These results suggest that the alkyl phthalimidine polycarbonates would also have poor UV stability. Contrary to these results, we have found that these copolymers have excellent UV stability (comparable to bisphenol-A based polycarbonate).
We have also found that selected phenolphthalimidine homo and copolycarbonates are useful in the same applications found useful for phenolphthalein copolycarbonates, but advantageously articles molded from them are more UV stable, have adequate melt stability and good ductility. The phenolphthalimidine based polymer resins are also free of the objectionable coloration associated with the phenolphthalein monomer, homo and copolycarbonates.
Other advantages of the resins of the invention will be described more fully below.

Heat-resistant polycarbonate resins containing 2-alkyl-3,3-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide


A folding canopy beach tent comprised of lightweight rod structure frame with connecting joints. This structure opens and closes. To closing structure folds down and the rods fold inward making the structure compact. The umbrella and flaccid mesh like material cover the frame structure. The material serves as a protection against sunrays and weather elements. The front flaccid mesh serves as enclosure for the structure. The side flaccid mesh allows airflow, and visibility of surroundings. The dimensions of the folding canopy beach tent provides' enough room to place a child, and other items. Stakes are used to secure the structure to the surface, therefore reducing the likelihood of the wind moving it. The stakes also secure the mesh enclosure when lowered to the ground. The structure's umbrella like material base can be directly sat or laid on. The folded canopy beach tent is carried in a carry tote with strap.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is related to folding tents and canopies with attached material to lay a beach towel, material or other items on, as well as a carry tote with arm strap to carry the collapsed, folded, and wrapped invention. Specifically to be used on beaches to reduce sun exposure and weather elements while offering material to sit or lay on, as well as an enclosure option it give an appearance of security to its contents. This invention allows a stake like object to pass through a base loop secured to the base of the invention and push into the beach or ground surface. Therefore, the stake secures the invention to the beach or ground surface doing so reduces the likelihood of the invention being moved or blown away by the wind.
2. Prior Art
Standard umbrellas are heavier and long. This makes them more difficult to handle or carry on or off the beach. It can be difficult to stake the umbrella in the sand without it falling down or blowing away. High winds can pull the umbrella out of the sand therefore potentially hitting, damaging, or harming somebody. Standard umbrellas, which are on a pole in the air, do not prevent or reduce sand or other elements from hitting the person lying or sitting under it. Also, on windy days unless weighted down papers will blow or fly away while under a standard umbrella.
Standard canopy tents have small openings. This makes it difficult to place infants or young children in carrying seats through. It is difficult for the baby or toddler to get their diaper or clothes changed or fed through a small opening. Also, the small tent canopies are not secured to the sand therefore can be blown over. As the small tent canopy is completely enclosed there is a reduced amount of airflow through or in the canopy. Although shading the content it may become very warm inside the small tent canopy.


The edge fixtures are designed to clip at least two edges of at least one solar panel and corner fixtures are designed to clip to each corner of at least one solar panel. These fixtures can be made by casting mold that can use materials of aluminum or aluminum alloys, or made by injection molding using plastic materials. The examples show the edge fixtures and the corner fixtures having flexible features to fix or install on any desired angle surface with various supporting members such as frame members and cross brace members which can be shaped as polygon or use angle aluminum or angle aluminum alloy or angle iron or angle steel etc. These fixtures and supporting members can be installed on the ground or attached to additional structures such as roofs of buildings etc. for residential, commercial and industrial users.

The present invention relates using fixing apparatus to install at least one solar panel, more particularly to utilize fixing apparatus to install at least one solar panel to additional support members to achieve a wide range of usage of solar energy when these fixing apparatus are employed.
Reduce cost of energy for residential, commercial and industrial users is critical. Using either thin film or crystalline silicon solar panels to generate electricity or to charge batteries or battery packs or other usage require fewer procedures in comparison to other types of energy. Since solar panel is light-weight and easy to use, it has a great potential for a wide range of uses.
The prior arts shown that the solar panel or photovoltaic module or kit installation or methods of assembly require complex production lines and assembly procedures which are less likely to be extensively use.
The present invention simplifies fabrication of edge fixtures and corner fixtures and reduces assembly or installation procedures to operate with various support members that are required by thin film or crystalline solar panels. The edge fixtures and corner fixtures can be employed by support members such as frame members and cross brace members or building structures, etc. The examples show these fixtures having flexible features to fix or install on any given angle surface with various supporting members which solve the problems of narrow usage of solar panel generated power. The edge fixtures and corner fixtures installed with various supporting members widen or increase the usage of solar energy which suit for residential, commercial and industrial users.


The color sensing circuit includes a light detector to receive light and to generate a signal that is dependent on the received light. The light detector includes a first electrode coupled to a first node and a second electrode coupled to a second predetermined signal. A storage device is provided that includes a first node and a second node coupled to the second predetermined signal. A first switch is provided that selectively couples the first node with the first electrode of the storage device based on a charge control signal. A signal processing circuit is provided that includes a first electrode and an output to generate an output signal that represents the light received by the light detector. A second switch is also provided that selectively couples the first electrode of the storage device with the first electrode of the signal processing circuit based on an evaluate control signal. The signal processing circuit selectively asserts the charge control signal and evaluate control signal.

Color sensors are becoming more prevalent and have many potential areas of use and application. These applications include office automation, quality control and color coding in such industries as food, textile, paint, assembly and packaging, environmental lighting, consumer good, pharmaceutical, medical and research and automotive.
FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art color sensor 2 implemented on a printed circuit board 10. The prior art color sensor 2 includes a photodiode 4, a transimpedance amplifier 6, and external components (e.g., resistors) 8 that are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 10. The photodiode 4 converts color light into a corresponding current that represents the incident light. The operational amplifier 6 functions as a transimpedance amplifier and generates an output voltage (V_OUT) that represents the light received by the photodiode 4. The external components 8, which can be feedback resistors, for example, may be tuned to achieve a proper gain for the amplifier 6.
FIG. 6 illustrates a prior art circuit implementation of a color sensor 2 of FIG. 5. The photodiode 4 can includes a filter and a photodiode. The filter and photodiode are referred to as a color sensor. The transimpedance amplifier includes a negative input terminal, a positive input terminal, and an output for generating the output voltage (V_OUT). The negative input terminal is coupled to one terminal of the photodiode, and the positive input terminal is coupled to a second terminal of the photodiode, which is coupled to a ground potential. The negative input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier are coupled through a feedback resistor (R_F) and a feedback capacitor (C_F). In other words, the feedback resistor (R_F) and the feedback capacitor (C_F) are coupled in parallel between the negative input terminal and the output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier.
Since this prior art approach employs external components (e.g., the external resistors), higher photocurrents are needed to make the color sensor less sensitive to noise, which is a major consideration when designing color sensors with external components. In order to provide higher photocurrents, a larger photodiode area is required. Moreover, large external feedback resistors 8 are needed for the transimpedance amplifier 6 to converts these large currents into a corresponding output voltage. Consequently, one disadvantage of the prior art color sensor is that the sensor wastes space. For example, the large photodiode area and large resistors utilized by the prior art design is very space inefficient.
Moreover, another disadvantage of the prior art color sensor is that the sensor design employs large external resistors, whose operating characteristics are very dependent on temperature. When the operating temperature changes, the operating characteristics of the temperature dependent devices also changes, thereby complicating the circuit design and injecting problems of how to maintain a consistent output across temperature variations.
Based on the foregoing, there remains a need for a color sensing circuit that overcomes the disadvantages set forth previously.

Color sensing circuit employing charge storage device

Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


Aspects described herein relate to an apparatus, system, and method for the airborne launch of inflatable, lighter-than-air devices from aircraft. In some instances, a container comprising a drag parachute and a main parachute assembly may be deployed from an aircraft. Drag forces on the container may cause the drag parachute to be expelled from the container. Drag forces on the drag parachute may cause the main parachute assembly to be expelled from the container. The main parachute assembly may include a canopy with an opening and a release channel connecting the opening with the container. The container may further include a balloon inflation mechanism, which may be used to inflate one or more balloon envelopes. The one or more balloon envelopes, after being inflated, may be configured to be released from the container, traverse the release channel, and exit the main parachute assembly through the opening.

High-altitude balloons have emerged as an increasingly utilized tool for the deployment of research, surveillance, and reconnaissance payloads. As compared to conventional means for payload deployment such as rockets and aircraft, which are technologically complex and capital-intensive, high-altitude balloons present a mechanically simple and low-cost alternative.
Lighter-than-air devices, such as balloons, offer a variety of advantages in comparison to other aircraft. For example, the advantages of lighter-than-air devices may include the ability to achieve ceiling altitudes of more than 100,000 ft (30 km), operational lifetimes of several days or more, small stowage volume due to thin and flexible envelope materials, stable flight characteristics, scalable payload capacity, and the low cost of manufacture, launch, and operation.
In the past, balloons have commonly been launched from ground sites. However, such launches can be difficult due to low altitude weather conditions like rain, storms, and hail, as well as other factors which can delay and prevent launchings. Further, availability of ground sites can be limited according to the geography and flora.
Launching balloons from aircraft can have significant advantages over launchings from ground based sites. Among others, advantages comprise the maneuverability to pursue changing weather patterns, the accessibility of remotely located or otherwise difficult to reach areas such as mountain ranges, coastal areas, flooded areas, and oceanic areas, as well as the ability to reach disaster zones or areas of time-critical concern in a timely manner.
In comparison to ground based launchings, the launching of a balloon from a host aircraft generally requires additional components to protect the thin envelope material of the balloon from stresses as caused by air turbulence in the vicinity of the aircraft, high air speeds, and/or tumbling that may result after ejection from the host aircraft moving at high speed.
The disclosure provided herein allows for the launch of one or more balloons from an aircraft. In particular, a container may be ejected from an aircraft, with the container having a first drag device, such as a parachute, to slow down the deployment speed of the container, reorient the container, and to deploy a main parachute consisting of an envelope which shields the balloon from on-rushing air whilst it is inflated by a gas tank located in the container. The inflated balloon can then be released through an opening in the parachute. During the decent of the main parachute, one or more balloons can sequentially be inflated and released.
Previous systems are limited by (a) the possibility to launch multiple balloons (U.S. Pat. No. 3,366,345), (b) generate considerable drag by means of a parachute as needed for low descent velocities with heavy gas tanks (U.S. Pat. No. 3,366,345), (c) provide shielding against air turbulence (U.S. Pat. No. 2,967,677), or (d) allow the launch of lighter than air vehicles (U.S. Publication No. 2015/0266578).


This device for cooling regions with limited thermal exchange surface, in particular for electronic components, comprises a body made of thermally conducting material which internally defines a duct for the passage of a refrigerating fluid and has a portion of its surface associable with a region to be refrigerated; the passage duct has, for at least a portion of its extension, a circular cross section, and at this portion there is an injection nozzle which is fed with pressurized refrigerating fluid so as to cause expansion of the refrigerating fluid in the passage duct. The injection nozzle is arranged in the body with a delivery direction having a component which is tangent to the circumference of the cross section of the passage duct to achieve a vorticose motion of the expanding refrigerating fluid about the axis of the passage duct, producing, by centrifugal force, a separation between liquid, which adheres to the wall, and vapor, which flows at the center of the passage duct, thus enhancing the thermal exchange between the fluid and the cooling surface.

The present invention relates to a device for cooling regions with limited thermal exchange surface, in particular for electronic components.
As is known, most of the electronic components currently used in control circuits have an extremely low efficiency, usually approximately 10%, and therefore most of the electric power supply is converted into heat. On the other hand, in order to ensure the correct operation of these components, they must be kept within a rather narrow temperature range. In view of the fact that the thermal exchange surface available to remove the excess heat from said electronic components is rather small, usually a few square centimeters, the problem of eliminating the heat produced by the operation of electronic components is particularly felt.
A plate with a substantially planar face, to be coupled to the region of the electronic components to be cooled, is currently used to eliminate the excess heat from components of this kind; a plurality of channels is defined in the plate and extends from a single duct through most of the surface to be coupled to the region which should be cooled. Said duct is fed with a refrigerating fluid, usually freon, which is compressed and refrigerated through a conventional thermodynamic cycle. An injection nozzle is arranged at the input of said duct and causes the expansion, or vaporization, of the refrigerating fluid, which successively flows through the branched channels and cools the plate, thus removing heat from the region to be refrigerated.
Due to the advancement of technology, which has led to a rapid decrease in the dimensions of electronic components, such known devices are very often insufficient to ensure the operation of said components within their optimum temperature range, with consequent reduction in the reliability and durability of said components.
Due to the branched structure of the channels inside the plate, when the plate dimensions are reduced, consequently reducing the dimensions of the channels, the amount of removable heat is in fact considerably reduced.

Device for cooling regions with limited thermal exchange surface, in particular for electronic components

F.I.M.A.C. Fabbrica Italiana Macchine Aria Compressa S.p.A.


Methods of designing a BAW resonator and filter and the resulting devices are provided. Embodiments include patterning a bottom electrode of a resonator; patterning a top electrode of the resonator; and intersecting areas of the top and bottom electrodes to provide an effective area of the resonator, wherein the effective area includes a closed-loop contour line including a pulse function pattern with pre-defined amplitude, period and a number of repetitions of pulses along the closed-loop contour line.

BAW resonators, filters and other components are widely used in high frequency applications such as 4G or long term evolution (LTE) communications to remove unwanted frequencies and improve signal quality. With an effective operating frequency range of 2 gigahertz (GHz) to 16 GHz, BAW components also feature the design advantage of requiring decreased size to accommodate higher bandwidths. This limits their circuitry footprint while making them practical for use in demanding 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G and future broadband applications.
However, BAW filters are susceptible to unwanted lateral wave propagation that impacts the quality (Q) factor—a measure of the quality of a filter to selectively filter signals at certain frequencies. Lateral waves also cause BAW filters to exhibit spurious and notorious resonance mode behavior that superposes the target (expected) longitudinal thickness mode. Resultantly, the range of frequencies or wavelengths that pass through the BAW filter are unreliable.
Conventional rectangular shaped electrodes of resonators or filters exhibit deeper penetration of lateral waves when analyzed with interferometry simulation. A more spurious mode is exhibited with conventional rectangular electrodes which also use more kinetic energy and have a reduced Q factor.
FIGS. 5A-5D schematically illustrate, in top view, elements of conventional resonator electrodes. FIG. 5A schematically illustrates an electrode 501 of a resonator having a rectangular shape. The electrode 501 includes straight line edges formed along the perimeter of the electrode 501. The launch wave 503 of electrode 501 is launched and reflected back in a parallel manner as shown by reflected wave 505. This structure produces the shortest path for a lateral wave, shortest lateral wave reflection time and results in higher energy lateral modes.
FIGS. 5B and 5C schematically illustrate, in top view, elements of conventional resonator electrodes in polygon shapes. FIGS. 5B and 5C schematically illustrates an electrode 501 of a resonator having a non-rectangular, polygonal shape where no two sides are parallel to one another. The launch wave 503 of electrode 501 is launched and reflected back at an angle as shown by reflected waves 505. These polygonal shaped electrodes produce a longer path for a lateral wave, longer lateral wave reflection time and results in lower energy lateral modes.
FIG. 5D schematically illustrates an electrode 501 of a resonator having a rectangular shape and including a peripheral ring 509. The peripheral ring 509 is provided as an acoustic absorber to change acoustic boundary conditions. The electrode 501 includes straight line edges formed along the perimeter of the electrode 501. The launch wave 503 of electrode 501 is launched and reflected back as a ring-weakened lateral wave 511. Wave 513 represents the wave that is transmitted beyond the peripheral ring 509. This structure produces a longer path for the ring-weakened lateral wave 511 and results in lower energy lateral modes.
A need therefore exists for methodology enabling formation of a BAW resonator and filter that exhibits a high Q factor and improved lateral wave response and the resulting device.

Acoustic resonator and filter with electrode having zig-zag edge and method for producing the same

VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.


There is provided a system for testing an electronic device in a test arrangement. The test arrangement includes a data interface and a user interface that is configured to output user outputs comprising image and/or audio information. The exemplary system comprises an automation unit configured to be connected via a data connection to the data interface. The user outputs are provided as output via the data interface and can be transmitted via the data connection to the automation unit. The automation unit is configured to carry out an evaluation of the user outputs.

Electronic devices and the programs executed on them are often subjected to comprehensive tests in order to check that they are functioning properly. In the past, such function tests were largely performed manually in that an operator would operate the device that was to be tested or the devices that were contained in a test arrangement according to a prescribed test sequence. However, with the increasing complexity and functional diversity of electronic devices and the programs executed on them, manual function tests have become very personnel- and cost-intensive. Therefore, ways are being sought to perform tests in an automated testing process so as to reduce the time and cost investment needed for performing function tests. A challenge in the automation of device tests is especially that, to the greatest extent possible, the test arrangement should be operated during the testing operation in the same manner as a user would do during normal operation.
German patent application DE 10 2006 004 284 A1 describes a test method for a technical device having a user interface. In particular, this method is used to test mobile communication terminal devices such as, for example, mobile telephones. In order to perform the test, a control unit controls a robot means which acquires outputs from the device that is to be tested by means of a camera and a microphone. The acquired outputs are evaluated in the control unit for purposes of an automated acquisition of device functions. In order to operate the device that is to be tested, the robot means has actuation means, especially a tappet to actuate a keyboard of the device that is to be tested.
With this test method, the use of the robot means ensures that the operation during the testing conditions corresponds to the operation during normal conditions; however, providing the robot means is associated with a great deal of effort. After all, the robot means and the device that is to be tested have to be in the same place, and in particular, the robot means has to be mechanically adapted to the device that is to be tested.

System and method for testing an electronic device


A Wankel engine with a peripheral wall of the stator body including a non-circular opening formed therethrough and defining at least part of a port. The opening has a perimeter defined by a first edge and remaining edges, with the remaining edges being located downstream of the first edge with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotor. The remaining edges extend non parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apex seals.

Rotary engines such as the ones known as Wankel engines use the eccentric rotation of a piston to convert pressure into a rotating motion, instead of using reciprocating pistons. In these engines, the rotor includes a number of apex portions which remain in contact with a peripheral wall of the rotor cavity of the engine throughout the rotational motion of the rotor through respective apex seals.
In use, the apex seals are pressed against the peripheral wall and as such may tend to penetrate the openings of peripheral intake and/or exhaust ports. As such, the apex seals may hit on downstream edges of these openings, which can lead to apex seal and/or port edge damage, which in turn may lead to increased leakage around the apex seals.

Port for rotary internal combustion engine


Radiation sensitive devices include a substrate comprising a radiation sensitive material and a plurality of resonance elements coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element is configured to resonate responsive to non-ionizing incident radiation. Systems for detecting radiation from a special nuclear material include a radiation sensitive device and a sensor located remotely from the radiation sensitive device and configured to measure an output signal from the radiation sensitive device. In such systems, the radiation sensitive device includes a radiation sensitive material and a plurality of resonance elements positioned on the radiation sensitive material. Methods for detecting a presence of a special nuclear material include positioning a radiation sensitive device in a location where special nuclear materials are to be detected and remotely interrogating the radiation sensitive device with a sensor.

There is a security interest in detecting radioactive materials, such as special nuclear materials ("SNMs," such as, for example, uranium (235U, 233U) and plutonium (239Pu)), at airports, seaports, border crossings, public places, and other locations. Conventionally, radiation detectors for identifying SNMs are effective only in close proximity to the SNMs because radiation intensity drops at a rate proportional to 1/r2, where r is the distance between the SNM and the radiation detector. SNMs may emit gamma rays and neutrons. Detection of SNMs is conventionally accomplished by detecting characteristic gamma rays, which may be substantially attenuated by shield materials. Neutrons from the SNMs (e.g., so-called "fast" neutrons) are difficult to detect with conventional detectors and are often not distinguished from background neutron emission (e.g., so-called "thermal" neutrons). Radiation detection methods are primarily reliant on ionization and scintillation processes, which often require high voltage biasing and/or electro-optical assemblies that complicate field deployment. Inorganic scintillators, for example, exhibit a nonlinear response and poor energy resolution, which limits their use for high resolution spectroscopic applications. Some conventional radiation detectors require the growth of crystals that are expensive and fragile. Furthermore, many conventional neutron detectors do not have the capability to provide imaging or directional information.
Turning to another technology, frequency selective surfaces (FSS) are used in a wide variety of applications including radomes, dichroic surfaces, circuit analog absorbers, and meanderline polarizers. An FSS is a two-dimensional periodic array of electromagnetic antenna elements. Such antenna elements may be in the form of, for example, conductive dipoles, loops, patches, slots or other antenna elements. FSS structures generally include a metallic grid of antenna elements formed on a dielectric substrate. Each of the antenna elements within the grid defines a receiving unit cell.
An electromagnetic wave incident on the FSS structure will pass through, be reflected by, or be absorbed by the FSS structure. This behavior of the FSS structure generally depends on the electromagnetic characteristics of the antenna elements, which can act as resonance elements. As a result, the FSS structure can be configured to function as low-pass, high-pass, or dichroic filters. Thus, the antenna elements may be designed with different geometries and different materials to generate different spectral responses.
The inventor has appreciated the need for improving upon existing technologies and to provide methods, structures, and systems associated with detecting radiation, such as radiation from radioactive materials (e.g., SNMs).

Radiation sensitive devices and systems for detection of radioactive materials and related methods


A printing method for use in fabrication of an electronic unit comprising one or more lines of a regularly repeating structural feature formed over a substrate, the structural feature repeating over a regular interval along each line. The method comprises: using a first print-head arrangement to print portions of a composition at a first pitch along each of the lines; and using a second print-head arrangement to print portions of the composition at a second pitch along each of the lines; such that the first and second pitches together produce a beating pattern along each of the lines, having a beating wavelength matched to the interval of the regularly repeating structural feature.

Techniques are known for forming opto-electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) over a substrate. Supported on the substrate, each such device comprises a layer of electroluminescent material disposed between two electrodes referred to as the anode and cathode. The device may also comprise a charge injection layer and/or a charge transport layer disposed between the electroluminescent layer and one of the electrodes. In modern devices, the electroluminescent layer, charge injection layer and/or charge transport layer may be formed of an organic polymer. An LED comprising one or more such organic layers may be referred to as an organic LED (OLED). In a particular application, an array of these constituent devices may be formed over a substrate such as glass or plastic in order to produce a unit such as an electronic display screen for a computer, television, mobile terminal or other appliance.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic top-down view of an exemplary display panel. The display panel comprises a substrate 102 having an array area 104 in which the pixels of the display are formed. Within the array area 104 are defined a plurality of structural lines in the form of channel regions 106. Each line or channel region 106 comprises a row of smaller pixel regions 108 formed at regular intervals along the length of the channel region 106. The substrate 102 and array area 104 are typically both square or rectangular shaped, in the same orientation, hence defining perpendicular axes X and Y in the horizontal and vertical directions of the array area as shown, with the mutually perpendicular Z axis being perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 102 and array area 104 (i.e. out of the page). In this case the pixel regions 108 are typically arranged in rows along the horizontal length of the array area (the X direction) and columns along its vertical length (the Y direction). In the example shown the channel regions 106 have a longitudinal direction which extends across the horizontal length of the array area 104 (in the X direction). The pixel regions 108 themselves each also have a longitudinal axis aligned with their respective channel 106, each being longer in the direction along the channel 106 than in the direction perpendicular to the channel 106.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic side cross-section through the layers of an exemplary light-emitting device such as an OLED, which may be formed in a pixel region 108 of a display panel. The method of forming the panel begins by providing a substrate 202 and then forming portions of anode material 204 over the substrate 202. Preferably the substrate 202 is formed of a transparent material such as glass or a suitable plastic, and the anode 204 is formed of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO), such that the light can be emitted through the substrate 202.
Each channel region 106 may be defined by a longitudinal well formed over the substrate 102 in the array area 104 (running in the X direction in the example of FIG. 1). In this case, each well is formed by banks of a separating material 214 such as photoresist defining the sides of the well, and a strip of the anode material 204 at the base of the well. Each channel region 106 has a structurally recurring feature along its length which defines the separate component pixel regions 108, e.g. a repeated tapering and/or break in the well at regular points along its length (i.e. at periodic X coordinates in the example of FIG. 1). In the pixel regions 108 of the well, a hole injection layer 206 is then formed over the anode 204, a hole transport layer 208 is formed over the hole injection layer, a semiconducting electroluminescent layer 210 is formed over the hole transport layer 208, and a cathode 212 is formed over the electroluminescent layer 210.
In operation of the finished device, when a suitable potential difference is applied between the anode 204 and cathode 212, holes (h+) are injected into the device from the anode 104 and electrons (e−) are injected from the cathode 212. The holes and electrons combine in the electroluminescent layer 210 to cause an excitation which then decays to emit light. Injection of the holes from the anode 204 is assisted by the hole injection layer 206, and transport of the holes from the anode 204 to the electroluminescent layer 210 is assisted by the hole transport layer 208.
Alternative arrangements are also possible, for example with a cathode formed over the substrate and the anode as the top electrode, and/or comprising an electron injection layer and electron transport layer between the cathode and an electroluminescent layer.
As mentioned, each of the hole injection layer 206, hole transport layer 208 and/or electroluminescent layer 210 may be formed of an organic polymer. An advantage of organic polymer layers is that they can be deposited by solution-processing of a film-forming polymer material, allowing low cost manufacturing and better control over the deposition process. The technique involves applying a solution containing the desired polymer material to the relevant surface, then drying off the solvent by evaporation or other such drying technique, thereby leaving a film of the remaining polymer material. Advantages of organic polymers along with some suitable solutions and deposition techniques are discussed in international patent application publication no. WO 2006/123167.
For forming the hole injection layer 206, the solute used may be a hole-injecting material comprising an "active" component doped with a typically larger amount of host "matrix" component. The active component is that actually chosen for its ability to promote hole injection, whilst the matrix component is a charge balancing counterion. One particular example of a hole-injecting material disclosed in WO 2006/123167 is PEDOT: PSS. That is, an active component of polyethylene-dioxythiophene ("PEDOT" or sometimes just "PEDT") doped with a matrix component of polystyrene sulfonate ("PSS"). The PSS is soluble in water so as to produce a solution suitable for deposition techniques. Recently there have been provided alternative hole-injection materials other than PEDOT:PSS. For example, Plextronics produce a range of materials referred to as "PLEX" comprising a sulfonated polythiophene derivative as an active component and poly-(4-vinylphenol) (PVPh) as a matrix component. Unlike PEDOT:PSS, an additional solvent such as diethylene glycol is used in the deposition solution.
One technique that can be used for depositing features of the panel such as the organic layer(s) 206, 208, 210 is inkjet printing, e.g. using inks comprising solutions of organic conducting or semiconducting polymers to deposit the organic layers. Note that ink in this context does not necessarily imply colouring, but rather can refer to any solution that can be printed and then dried in order to deposit the solute.
To this end, a print-head 110 may be provided comprising a row of nozzles 112. The row of nozzles is oriented parallel with the direction of the channel regions 106 (the X direction in FIG. 1), and the print-head 110 and substrate 102 move relative to one another so as to perform a printing pass in a print direction P transverse to the channel regions 106 (i.e. moving in the Y direction in FIG. 1). Moving relative to the substrate 102 in this manner, the print-head 110 thus prints into each channel region 106 in succession. Further, the nozzles 112 are spaced with a regular spacing along the row, preferably with multiple nozzles per pixel region 108. Thus as the print-head 110 moves over each successive channel 106 in turn, it prints multiple drops of the organic ink into each pixel region 108 of the respective channel 106 simultaneously.

Printing method for use in fabrication of an electronic unit


The present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute a method of determining a pattern of a mask and an effective light source distribution with which the mask is illuminated, both of which are used for an exposure apparatus including an illumination optical system which illuminates a mask with light from a light source and a projection optical system which projects a pattern of the mask onto a substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a recording medium and a determination method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Along with the recent miniaturization of semiconductor devices, it has become difficult for an exposure apparatus to transfer (resolve) patterns corresponding to such microdevices. Under the circumstance, to keep up with miniaturization of semiconductor devices, an exposure apparatus employs resolution enhanced technologies such as modified illumination and OPC (Optical Proximity Correction) and technology optimizing the pattern of a mask and the illumination shape (effective light source distribution) with which the mask is illuminated. The illumination shape (effective light source distribution) is a light intensity distribution formed on the pupil plane of an illumination optical system and is also the angular distribution of light which illuminates a mask.
To optimize the illumination shape, the device layout pattern (target pattern), the evaluation positions in a transfer pattern (optical image), and the evaluation values (e.g., the dimensions, the DOF, and the exposure margin) at the evaluation positions are set first. Next, a transfer pattern is calculated while changing the illumination shape, and the evaluation values at the evaluation positions in the transfer pattern are obtained. The transfer pattern calculation and the evaluation value obtaining are repeated until the evaluation values satisfy evaluation references (evaluation criterions) or the number of times of change in illumination shape reaches a predetermined number. The illumination shape is expressed numerically. For example, annular illumination having a constant intensity is expressed by a function having inner σ and outer σ as parameters (variables), and these parameters are optimized using, for example, a Monte Carlo method. Note that the same pattern naturally yields different transfer patterns when different illumination shapes are used, so the transfer pattern shifts from the target pattern upon changing the illumination shape. For this reason, OPC for matching the transfer pattern with the target pattern is necessary in that case. OPC is performed every time the illumination shape is changed or when the illumination shape is changed by a predetermined amount.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,566 (to be referred to as "patent reference 1" hereinafter) proposes a technique of setting a pattern to be formed on a substrate (wafer) and calculating a mathematically optimized mask pattern and illumination shape. The technique in patent reference 1 analytically calculates the solutions (the mask pattern and illumination shape) instead of repetitive computation. Although the technique in patent reference 1 does not adopt OPC, it is an illumination shape optimization technique including mask pattern correction in a broad sense because it copes with a situation in which a pattern to be formed on a substrate (for example, a wafer) is different from an optimized mask pattern. The technique in patent reference 1 has a merit of analytically calculating the solutions, but requires limiting the evaluation value to the tilt of an optical image and, additionally, limiting the number of types of patterns to be formed on a substrate to one. In this manner, the technique in patent reference 1 is impracticable because it has a demerit that there exist small degrees of freedom.
Moreover, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-079714 proposes a technique of optimizing the mask pattern and illumination shape in this way.
Unfortunately, the conventional techniques that relate to optimization of the mask pattern and illumination shape cannot form patterns, which are rapidly becoming finer, with a sufficiently high accuracy. This is because the conventional techniques separately optimize the mask pattern and illumination shape (i.e., do not optimize them at once). As described above, factors associated with OPC depend on the illumination shape, so it is generally performed after determining (optimizing) the illumination shape. However, it is often the case that the mask pattern deforms upon OPC and so the illumination shape determined before the OPC becomes no longer optimum after the OPC.

Recording medium and determination method


A countermeasure system for intercepting an incoming weapon, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG), includes a launcher that is used to launch a countermeasure. A door covers and protects the countermeasure in an opening in the launcher prior to the launch of the countermeasure. The door is separated (pushed away) from launcher when the countermeasure is launched, for example being pushed out into a flight path of the countermeasure by the countermeasure itself. The door may be attached to the countermeasure, or may be a separate piece that flies away from both the countermeasure and the launcher after launch of the countermeasure. Pitch over motors or other orientation adjustment devices may be used to change the orientation of the countermeasure after launch. The countermeasure may be used to defeat the incoming weapon in any of a variety ways.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of countermeasure systems and methods for defeating incoming projectiles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) are examples of a type of projectile that poses a great threat to ground vehicles, aircraft, and helicopters. RPGs are commonly used during close-in military engagements, where the shooter and the target are close to one another. The flight time of an RPG to target is on the order of 100 milliseconds. Therefore a fast response is important in defeating an incoming RPG, as well as many other types of incoming weapons.
In addition, it is desirable that countermeasures for defeating incoming weapons be protected from bullets, shrapnel, and other threats, prior to use. Armor has been used to protect the countermeasures, and protective doors used to cover launch openings have been moved out of the way by use of pyrotechnic-, hydraulic-, and/or spring-actuated mechanisms. However, these mechanisms all take some time to operate, and/or require a large amount of potential energy to be stored up and then released in a short time. Storage of a large amount of potential energy may require a large volume and/or weight, and release of a large amount of energy in a short time may be hazardous if accidentally actuated prior to operation.

Countermeasure system and method for defeating incoming projectiles


A method of making a colloidal metal dispersion that is useful as a toner fluid. The method involves reducing a palladium and/or platinum metal of a metallo-organic palladium and/or platinum metal salt in a dispersing medium that contains a soluble surfactant and a carrier liquid. The palladium and/or platinum metal of the metallo-organic metal salt is reduced in the dispersing medium to form elemental metal particles. The soluble surfactant is present in the dispersing medium in an amount sufficient to charge and stabilize the elemental metal particles as a colloidal metal dispersion.

Metallic toner fluid compositions are known in the toner fluid art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,362, 4,985,321 and 4,892,798 disclose metallic toner fluid compositions and their use in making metallic coatings. The metallic toner fluid compositions contain colloidal, elemental metal particles dispersed in nonpolar organic carrier liquids. Surfactants are employed in the nonpolar carrier liquids to charge and stabilize the colloidal metal dispersions. These patents disclose that the metallic toner fluid compositions can be prepared using a gas evaporation reactor (GER), a Klabunde-style static reactor, or a Torrovap.TM. rotary reactor (Torrovap Industries, Markam, Ontario, Canada). The GER is disclosed as being the preferred reactor for making colloidal metal dispersions. Although these reactors may be suitable for making colloidal metal dispersions, each of these reactors, including the preferred GER, provide difficult and mechanically-complicated ways of generating metallic particles for toner fluids.
For example, the GER generates metal particles from bulk metal under very stringent operating conditions. The metal is heated in a furnace chamber to a temperature that can be in excess of 1000.degree. C. under a relatively low vacuum. The metal particles that form from this heating are carried from the furnace chamber to the carrier liquid by an inert gas. Frequently, vacuum leaks occur in the GER, causing an increase in particle size an oxidation of the metal particles (when oxidizable metals are used). In addition, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to generate small metal particles at a fast rate; thereby making a commercialized process impractical. Large metal particles are not as suitable for use in a metallic toner fluid composition because the dispersions tend to be less stable, and when the large particles are deposited on a substrate they provide low image resolutions. High resolutions are needed to make good graphic images.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,677 discloses a method of preparing a dispersion of colloidal nickel, palladium, or platinum metal particles in the size range of about 10 to 200 Angstroms. The method comprises preparing a solution of a functional polymer in an inert solvent, and incrementally adding thereto an organometallic metal precursor containing nickel, palladium, or platinum. The temperature of the solution is sufficiently high to decompose the organometallic metal precursor to yield colloidal metal particles. The only palladium and platinum organometallic metal precursors that are disclosed in this patent are dichloroplatinumdicarbonyl and dipalladiumchlorodicarbonyl. These organometallic metal precursors have the carbon atom bound directly to the metal atom and contain neutral carbonyl functionality, and therefore require an anionic species, in this case, chloride, to balance the positive charge of the metal. Chloride, however, as a negatively-charged species, may have a deleterious effect on the stability of the dispersion, and hence its use as a toner fluid. Further, the organometallic palladium and platinum salts disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,677 are not commercially available and are very difficult to prepare. For example, the preparation of the dipalladiumchlorodicarbonyl starting material calls for the use of perezone, a quinone-type natural product extracted from certain varieties of the Perezia root. See Garcia et al., Structure of Di-.mu.-chlorobis(dicarbonylpalladium), C43 Acta, Cryst. 1679-81 (1987); Gonzalez et al., The Electrochemical Reduction of Perezone in the Presence of Benzoic Acid in Acetonitrile, 310 J. Electronic Chem. 293-303 (1991); and Garcia et al., Perezone and Related Sesquiterpenes from Parvifoline, 50 J. Nat. Prods, 1055-1058 (November-December 1987).

Method of making a colloidal palladium and/or platinum metal dispersion

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A tool for grasping an electronic component that includes a first arm and a second arm resiliently joined together at one end and each separately extending to free end opposite from each other and spaced apart while at rest. The tool further includes a first and a second extension each attaching to the free end of the respective arms, and a lateral member extending from each extension towards the opposing extension. The extensions and lateral members each have at least one contact surface and the bottom surfaces of the lateral members and inner surfaces of the extensions recede from the contact surfaces, reducing the surface area of contact when an object is grasped with the tool.

Electronic devices of all types rely on the use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) of varying sizes and construction to enable the functionality of the device. PCBs make use of different connection and assembly technologies, some of which include through-hole connections and surface mount technology (SMT). Components can be attached to a PCB using one or more attachment technologies, such as: by directly soldering the component to a prepared metallic attachment pad, by inserting a component with pins into through holes, by inserting a component with pins into a socket receptacle soldered to surface attachment pads or by soldering component pins into through holes. Mass production of PCBs involves the use of complex semi-automated machines and processes to complete assembly. However, prototype design work and repair operations are typically done using manual processes and tools.
Specialized tools have been developed for facilitating various manual operations of assembly and repair of PCBs. Much of the development has been directed towards the type of operation being performed or the type of component with which the operation is being performed. Manual tool development can address specific issues of the electronics industry such as pin alignment, contamination, or fragility of the component. One type of manual tool developed for electronic assembly and rework operations can be referred to as grasping tools.
Grasping tools are used for grasping, positioning, and maneuvering components, such as inserting and removing dual in-line pin (DIP) chip components and basic electronic components such as capacitors and resistors. Electronic components have been reduced in size over time to meet consumer demands of ultra portable devices with high levels of function and high speed performance. Size reduction and electronic package consolidation have increased the sensitivity of components to handling and placement during manual assembly or repair activities. Component damage and excessive rework can result from difficulties in handling and positioning components during repair or assembly.

International Business Machines Corporation


A universal-type coupling member including a head portion, a stem portion rotatable in the head portion, and a gasket inset in the head portion and in sealable contact with the stem portion, and having a fluid passageway therethrough is provided, which can be connected to another appropriate universal-type coupling member. Use of the coupling member of this invention can relieve the uncoupling effects of twist or torque in universal-type coupling combinations.

The universal coupling was designed to be an inexpensive, quick-connecting, sexless coupling. This coupling was used primarily for the transfer of compressed gases such as air, and it has also been used for the transfer of such gaseous substances as steam and of such liquids as water.
The heads of universal couplings interlock with each other, and in general, all sizes of universal couplings from one-quarter of an inch to one inch fit with each other, and all sizes of universal couplings from one and one quarter of an inch to two inches fit with each other. Hence, the name "universal coupling" has been rendered and is known in the art.
The universal coupling may be a dangerous coupling even when it is used as intended and even more so when it is used with steam. Characteristics which can make the universal coupling dangerous in use in general include the twist which is present in formerly coiled and uncoiled-for-use hose conduit segments, which are coupled by the universal coupling, and the torque provided by the passage of fluid through the conduit segments which are coupled by the universal coupling, e.g., compressed air being passed between flexible hose conduit segments, especially when surging therethrough.
From its inception there have been many attempts to make the universal coupling a safer coupling by means of such features as retaining devices as well as by different gaskets. See, Goodall, U.S. Pat. No. 1,914,368 (Jun. 20, 1933). See also, e.g., Allen, U.S. Pat. No. 2,132,506 (Oct. 11, 1938); Kelly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,250,199 (Jul. 22, 1941); Kutina et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,984 (Aug. 27, 1974); Treloar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,701 (Mar. 5, 1985).
The reason that attempts are made to make the universal coupling a safer coupling by improving its gasket is because the gasket in general provides the holding power of the universal coupling. The universal coupling requires the friction and pressure of the gasket assembly in order to hold its two heads together as is known in the art. See e.g., Dixon Valve and Coupling Co., Chesterton, Md. 21620, Product Bulletin of Feb. 2, 1987 with Universal Coupling Torque Test of a test conducted between May 22, 1986 and Aug. 8, 1986.
Furthermore, because it generally is the combination of friction and pressure of the gasket that keeps the two heads of a universal coupling together, gaskets for universal couplings are typically made to be very hard and stiff. Thus, for the most part, it may well be difficult for one to connect the two heads of such universal couplings.


When a low-pass filter 204 cuts a loud tone component from a waveform signal that soft and loud tone components are synthesized, and outputs a soft tone component signal, and a high-pass filter 205 cuts a soft tone component from the waveform signal that soft and loud tone components are synthesized, and outputs a loud tone component signal, the outputs at this time are switched on the basis of tone information (touch information, pitch information, tone color information, and the like).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tone generator and an electronic instrument for generating a single tone signal by mixing tone component signals obtained by tone generating units, and a storage medium for computer readably storing processing steps for implementing that.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, for example, an electronic instrument generates a single tone signal corresponding to a key touch from tone component signals such as soft, middle, and loud tone components. For this purpose, a tone generator with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 is prevalently used in an electronic instrument.
More specifically, as shown in the above FIG. 1, an electronic instrument has three tone generating units 901 to 903. The first, second, and third tone generating units 901, 902, and 903 respectively read out waveform data 911, 912, and 913, which are stored in a waveform memory (not shown) and respectively serve as soft, middle, and loud tone components, and generate and output soft, middle, and loud tone component signals 921, 922, and 923. That is, the first tone generating unit 901 generates the soft tone component signal 921 corresponding to a soft key touch from the waveform data 911, the second tone generating unit 902 generates the middle tone component signal 922 corresponding to a middle key touch form the waveform data 912, and the third tone generating unit 903 generates the loud tone component signal 923 corresponding to a hard key touch from the waveform data 913. One tone signal for a key touch performing by the player is generated with changing the mixing ratio of the aforementioned soft, middle, and loud tone component signals 921, 922, and 923 in accordance with the intensity of the key touch.
For example, in case of a soft key touch, a tone signal for the key touch is generated and output using only the soft tone component signal 921 generated by the first tone generating unit 901.
On the other hand, in case of a middle key touch, the second tone generating unit 902 generates the middle tone component signal 922, and a tone signal corresponding to the key touch is generated and output by mixing this middle tone component signal 922 and the soft tone component signal 921 generated by the first tone generating unit 901. At this time, as the key touch becomes harder, the mixing ratio of the middle tone component signal 922 of the second tone generating unit 902 increases, and inversely the mixing ratio of the soft tone component signal 921 of the first tone generating unit 901 decreases. Finally, the mixing ratio of the soft tone component signal 921 becomes "0" to leave the middle tone component signal 922 alone. In this manner, a tone ranging from a soft key touch to a middle key touch can smoothly change.
In case of a hard key touch, the third tone generating unit 903 generates the loud tone component signal 923, and a tone signal for the key touch is generated and output by mixing this loud tone component signal 923 and the middle tone component signal 922 generated by the second tone generating unit 902. Also at this time, as the key touch becomes harder, the mixing ratio of the loud tone component signal 923 of the third tone generating unit 903 increases, and inversely the mixing ratio of the middle tone component signal 923 of the second tone generating unit 902 decreases, thereby smoothly changing the tone ranging from a middle key touch to a hard key touch. But, since the loud tone component signal 923 does not contain any soft tone component signal (a signal in the low frequency range), the mixing ratio of the middle tone component signal 922 must not be set at "0". That is, the middle tone component signal 922 must always be output.
However, as described above, in the conventional arrangement for generating a tone signal, individual tone component signals are generated and mixed from units of waveform data as sources for a single tone signal, while changing the mixing ratio at that time in accordance with the key touch intensity, thereby generating a tone signal for the key touch. According to this arrangement, a change in tone color can be implemented in accordance with the player's key touch, but the waveform data of all tone components (soft, middle, and loud tone components, and the like) must be stored in a waveform memory.
Besides, when generating and producing a single tone signal, tone generation channels of a sound source LSI corresponding to the types of tone component signals used for that are required. For example, when one tone signal is generated and produced from three tone component signals, i.e., soft, middle, and loud tone component signals, three tone generation channels are used. For this reason, even when the total number of tone generation channels of the sound source LSI is 48, the number of tones that are actually produced at the same time is 16 (48.div.3=16). That is, when a single tone signal is produced, the number of tones that are produced at the same time decreases with increasing the number of tone component signals used for that.
For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 1-257898, 1-269995, and the like, describe an arrangement for generating a single tone signal by obtaining kinds of waveform data by filtering a single unit of waveform data, and synthesizing (mixing) those waveform data. With this arrangement, however, though the waveform memory size can be saved since only the single unit of waveform data as a source for generating a tone signal need only be stored in the waveform memory, the tone generation channels corresponding to the kinds of waveform data (which are actually used to generate a tone signal) obtained by filtering that waveform data are required, and the number of tones that are produced at the same time decreases accordingly.
Therefore, since tone generation channels of the sound source LSI must be used in accordance with the number of tone component signals used to generate a tone signal, conventionally the limited tone generation channels of the sound source LSI cannot effectively be used. Also, when the number of kinds of tone component signals is increased to implement a larger change in tone color, the number of tones that are produced at the same time decreases accordingly, and hence, the number of tone generation channels of the sound source LSI must be increased, thus increasing circuit scale.

Tone generator, electronic instrument, and storage medium


Provided is a dialog supporting device which can support dialog to be speedily completed on the whole, by reducing the number of operations required to generate one utterance regardless of dialog partner's interrupting utterances. The dialog supporting device includes: an example database which holds examples used in the dialog; an utterance receiving unit which receives an utterance of the user and provides the utterance as utterance information; an example selecting unit which (i) extracts candidates for an example by searching the example database based on the utterance information, (ii) selects a desired example from the extracted candidates according to instructions from the user, and (iii) obtains a translated example associated with the selected example; a sending unit which sends the translated example to a dialog supporting device of a dialog partner of the user; a receiving unit operable to receive an example from the dialog supporting device of the dialog partner; an utterance outputting unit which outputs the received example; and an example reevaluating unit which reevaluates the candidates held in the example selecting unit, based on the received example.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dialog supporting device which supports on-going dialog between people.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, translation devices have been developed with the purpose of supporting on-going dialog in different languages, which is made between ordinary people and local people on trips abroad or the like. Such a translation device is represented by certain translation devices in which a translation scheme using original/translation pairs of example sentences, or example usages, is implemented in small information processing apparatuses such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Such devices have thousands of examples in order to cover general travel conversation. However, the devices have a problem when a user actually uses the device, since the user has to select a desired example from a list of the examples by sight. This problem is noticeable, especially when such a device has a small display for displaying the list of examples, which makes it difficult for the user to view many examples at once. Moreover, in general use of the translation device, one dialog with a dialog partner requires more than several examples, so that the translation device completes the dialog taking much more time than the user expects. Therefore, in order to achieve the final purpose of supporting dialog between people, there is a need for a function by which the user can speedily select the desired example from a great number of examples.
As a method for solving the above problem, there has been proposed a technique of narrowing down candidates for a next utterance of a user, using example dialog models or a corpus of conversation training histories, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-30187, for instance.
When such a translation device is actually used, two users who speak respective different languages can have dialog using respective translation devices freely. When the translation device has an example that expresses exactly what one user wishes to say to the other user (hereinafter, referred to also as "a partner", "a dialog partner", or "a partner user"), the former user simply selects the example. However, each example in the translation device is generally a short sentence, so that it is able to be applied to various dialog situations. This is because a long example expresses a rather specific situation and thereby applications of the sentence are considerably limited. Therefore, the user has to express what to say, by sequentially selecting a plurality of such short examples.
However, although it is possible to shorten a time required to select examples using, for instance, the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-30187, or the like, it is not possible to completely eliminate a time lag between selection of a certain example and selection of a next example. Therefore, as explained below, depending on how the translation device is used, there is a problem that one utterance is outputted from the translation device, using operations which are several times as many as operations for searching one example.
For instance, it is assumed that a user A who speaks Japanese has a dialog with a user B who speaks English, and that the user A wishes to say to the user B, "I'd like to know a cheap way to get to the airport". In this situation, a translation device of the user A has only the following examples which are related to what the user wishes to say.
<Example 1> " " "How can I get to the airport?"
<Example 2> "" "I'd like to take a cheaper way."
Here, the user A firstly selects " " and then selects "". The user B hears the example 1 "How can I get to the airport?" outputted from a translation device of the user B, and then, after a certain time period, hears the example 2 "I'd like to take a cheaper way". Here, it is assumed that the user B attempts to reply to the user A immediately after hearing the example 1, and thereby searching for examples explaining ways to an airport using the translation device of the user B. When the user B hears the example 2 from the user A during the above searching, the user B has to delete all of the searching operations, and begins to search for different examples to reply to the example 2. In short, although the conventional technologies reduce example searching operations required to output one utterance, a problem still remains that the outputting is often cancelled by interruption of a partner's further utterance, so that the operations for the unnecessary outputting are wasted operations. As a result, depending on how the translation device is used, outputting of one utterance from the translation device requires a great number of operations which are several times as many as the operations required to search for one example.
Thus, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a dialog supporting device which can support dialog to be speedily completed on the whole, by reducing the number of operations for generating one utterance regardless of partner's interrupting utterances.


Provided is a film or sheet composed of a resin composition that includes a poly lactic acid (A), an acidic functional group-modified olefinic polymer (B) including an acidic functional group and having an acid value of 10 to 70 mg KOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 80,000, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (C), and an aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) including a compound of General Formula (I) and in which the aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) is included in an amount of 10 to 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the poly lactic acid (A), and a method for manufacturing the film or sheet by melt film formation. Each sign in Formula is as described in the specification.

A poly lactic acid resin is a biomass polymer and therefore has been drawing attention in recent years in the context of the depletion of petroleum resources, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, and the like.
However, poly lactic acid itself is readily burned and thus difficult to be used for members that require flame retardancy, such as electrical and electronic applications. In addition, the poly lactic acid has a low crystallization rate and is unlikely to be crystallized by a common film forming procedure. Thus, a film composed of a resin composition containing the poly lactic acid has a problem of poor heat resistance. For example, such a film is thermally deformed at about 60° C. or more that is a glass transition temperature of the poly lactic acid and cannot keep a film shape.
For providing desired flame retardancy and heat resistance to the poly lactic acid resin, the following methods and the like have been developed.
For example, there has been developed a method of providing the flame retardancy and heat resistance by the addition of a phosphorus-containing or nitrogen-containing flame retardant into a mixture of a poly lactic acid resin and a heat resistant polymer such as a polycarbonate resin (Patent Documents 1 and 2). There has been also developed a method of providing the flame retardancy and heat resistance by heat treating, at a particular temperature, a resin composition that is obtained by the addition of a flame retardant to a mixture of a poly lactic acid resin and an amorphous resin or a low-crystalline resin, during or after injection molding to highly crystallize the poly lactic acid resin (Patent Document 3).
However, either method does not provide sufficient effect on the problem when it is used for a film or sheet. In particular, there has been developed no method that can be applied to a thin film having a thickness of less than 200 μm until now.
Commonly, the smaller thickness a film or sheet has, the more difficult it is to satisfy a standard for flame retardancy (for example, UL-94 VTM standards). To address this, a flame retardant is mixed in a larger amount. However, the flame retardant is a foreign matter to the poly lactic acid resin, and thus such a poly lactic acid resin has a problem of the reduction of the breaking strength or tear strength.
There is another problem. That is, when a resin composition containing the poly lactic acid is melted to form a film or sheet using metal rolls, the resin composition adheres to the metal rolls to interfere with the formation of the film or sheet because the resin composition has a poor releasability from the rolls.
For the heat resistance, there were reported methods for providing the heat resistance by accelerating the crystallization of the poly lactic acid resin by the following methods.
For example, there has been developed a method in which the poly lactic acid resin is subjected to, for example, melt extrusion to form a sheet and the sheet is biaxially stretched to accelerate stretching oriented crystallization (Patent Document 4). However, this method has a disadvantage that a high operating temperature largely increases heat shrink due to internal stress during the stretching. Hence, the actual operating temperature is at highest about 100° C.
A method of crystallization by the addition of a crystal nucleating agent also has a problem. That is, in common film formation, a film is cooled to a glass transition temperature or less immediately after the melt film formation in order to keep the film shape, while the film has a small thickness. Thus, the cooling rate is increased and the advantageous effect of the crystal nucleating agent is unlikely to be achieved. To address the problem, it has been developed that a heating step at 60 to 100° C. is arranged for accelerating the crystallization after the film formation step (Patent Document 5). However, this method is inefficient because a film is once cooled and solidified, and then heated again.

Flame-retardant poly lactic acid-containing film or sheet, and method for manufacturing thereof


A device (1) for computer tomography, which is set up for x-ray scatter correction, features an evaluation unit (17) which evaluates values stored as a table in a data memory for x-ray scatter correction, which have been determined in advance with the aid of a Monte Carlo simulation which take account of interactions of the photons with the object (2) to be investigated.

A device and a method of this type with scattering correction are known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,391 A. The known device and the known method allow x-ray scatter to be corrected within the framework of computer tomography.
Computer Tomography (=CT) is a well-known method with which the three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue density distribution, or to put it more precisely of the linear coefficient of attenuation of x-rays, of the inside of the body is possible with high spatial resolution and great quantitative accuracy of density resolution. The spatial resolution is typically <=1 mm and the density resolution typically amounts to a few Hounsfield Units (1 HU= 1/1000 of the density of water).
With two-dimensional detectors with a typical size of around 40 cm×40 cm such as for example x-ray image amplifiers or Flat-Panel Detectors (=FPD), It is possible, with just a single half rotation, which extends over more than 180 degrees and the cone angle, to record and to reconstruct an image of a large volume area, (=Conebeam CT=CBCT).

Device and method for x-ray scatter correction in computer tomography