The input ESD protection circuit of the present invention uses a series n+ active area resistor placed in an n-well placed in series with shunt transistor all of which are in parallel with an SCR shunt to ground circuit, thereby providing greater than +/-7000V HBM (the Mil. Std. human body model (HBM) test model) and +/-600V MM EIAJ (the EIAJ machine model (MM) test model) ESD protection response. The series n+ active area resistor is placed inside an n-well as are all metal contacts to the input, to improve junction integrity during an ESD event. The parallel SCR circuit is designed in a layout that has an n+ diffusion area tied to V.sub.SS surrounding the n+/p+ diffusion inside the n-well on three sides to provide greater surface area for current distribution.

Increasing pin counts, as well as faster circuit speeds, have compounded the need for reliable ESD protection in integrated circuits (ICs). Input/output signals to a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit are typically fed to input/output pads which are connected to the gates of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors. If a high static discharge voltage is accidentally applied to any of the input/output pins of an IC, the input/output transistor's gate insulator and the contacts between the pad and the underlying active area are vulnerable to damage if adequate ESD protection is not present. Therefore, all pins of MOS ICs must be ESD protected to prevent any harmful static discharge voltages from damaging the IC.
Four main types of ESD protection circuits have been implemented in IC design which are intended to provide a current path to ground to absorb the high static discharge voltage. These four main ESD protection circuits include: 1) diode breakdown, 2) node-to-node punchthrough, 3) gate-field-induced breakdown, and 4) parasitic pnpn diode latchup.
Operation and construction of each of the four main types of ESD protection circuits have been described in various publications, such as the textbook "SILICON PROCESSING FOR THE VLSI ERA--VOLUME II, 1990, pp. 442-446 and therefore are not described further herein.
Also an input ESD protection circuit is described in two articles: the first article is entitled "A PROCESS-TOLERANT INPUT PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR ADVANCED CMOS PROCESSES", Roundtree et. al., 1988 EOS/ESD SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS, pp. 201-205, and the second article is entitled "INPUT PROTECTION DESIGN FOR OVERALL CHIP RELIABILITY", C. Duvvury et. al., 1989 EOS/ESD SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS, pp. 190-197.
The first article describes a process-tolerant input protection circuit for advanced CMOS processes based on a lateral silicon controlled rectifier (LSCR). This article shows that LSCR devices when applied in many applications have failure thresholds of greater than +/-6000V. FIG. 2, of this article shows the LSCR device which is a variation of the pnpn-diode ESD protection circuit. The second article does a study on the LSCR circuit.
Though the LSCR circuit mentioned above provides reasonable ESD protection, even greater protection is desired. The input ESD protection circuit of the present invention provides greater than +/-7000V ESD protection response due to its unique circuit fabrication layout.
All articles and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.


An integrated bio-chip includes; a sample detection portion including at least one light receiving device which detects fluorescent light emitted from at least one sample, a light transfer portion disposed on a light incident surface of the sample detection portion, and which includes at least one excitation light absorbing waveguide which absorbs an excitation light and transmits the fluorescent light emitted from the at least one sample, and a sample reaction portion disposed adjacent to an incident end of the at least one excitation light absorbing waveguide, and including at least one reaction region on which the at least one sample is attached, wherein the sample detection portion, the light transfer portion, and the sample reaction portion are integrally coupled to each other as a single component.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to integrated bio-chips and methods of fabricating the same, and more particularly, to integrated bio-chips used for spectroscopically detecting a sample and methods of fabricating the integrated bio-chips.
2. Description of the Related Art
Bio-chips typically have a structure in which very tiny, e.g., microscopic, cells are arranged on a substrate in micro-units in a matrix shape, wherein each of the cells includes biogenic organic materials such as nucleotide and/or protein. Bio-materials fixed on the substrate of the bio-chip operate as biological receptors for target bio-materials.
Bio-chips detect the target bio-materials via interaction between the target bio-materials and the bio-materials which are fixed on the substrate; the various interactions may include a hybridization reaction of a nucleotide or an antigen-antibody interaction. The bio-chips may be used to research functions of genes, to search for illness-related genes, to analyze gene expression, to analyze protein distribution by detecting the bio-materials such as nucleotide or protein having a specific sequence or various other similar uses.
The interaction between the bio-materials may be detected using a fluorescence detection method. The fluorescence detection method is a spectroscopic method of detecting fluorescent images by irradiating a predetermined excitation light on fluorescent materials tagged on the bio-materials, e.g., tagged on the target bio-materials. The detection of the fluorescent images is made using an optical scanning apparatus such as a charge-coupled device ("CCD") scanner or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor ("CMOS") Image Sensor ("CIS") scanner.
The fluorescence obtained by irradiating the predetermined excitation light onto the fluorescent material tagged on the bio-materials is much weaker than the excitation light used for irradiation of the fluorescent material, and thus may obscure fluorescence detection. Therefore, an apparatus or method which could reduce the unwanted obscuration effects of the excitation light would be advantageous. In addition, current detection apparatuses use a scanner-type photodetector that is large, complex, and expensive, and thus, a compact bio-chip and a detection apparatus having the same would be an improvement.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Integrated bio-chip and method of fabricating the integrated bio-chip


The game apparatus displays on a television a scene in which a pirate shoots an arrow at a first timing. Next, the game apparatus determines, at a second timing which is a timing after a predetermined time period has elapsed from the first timing, whether the attitude of a terminal device is an attitude in accordance with an instruction issued by the pirate when the pirate shot the arrow at the first timing. When the attitude of the terminal device is the attitude in accordance with the instruction issued by the pirate, the game apparatus displays a scene in which the arrow has reached the screen of the terminal device.

There have been games in which a user presses a button corresponding to a screen display, to the rhythms of BGM. For example, in a conventional game, a game is advanced by a player pressing a button at timings indicated by a character and the like displayed on the screen.
However, in such a conventional game, an operation is performed at a timing, based on a display presented within a limited range of one screen, and thus, the user does not feel the broadness of the space.
Therefore, an object of the exemplary embodiment is to provide a game program, a game apparatus, a game system, and a game processing method that each allows the user to feel the broadness of the space, by use of a plurality of display devices.
In order to solve the above problem, the exemplary embodiment has employed the following configurations.
The exemplary embodiment is directed to a game program performed by a computer of a game apparatus that causes a first display device to display an image. The game program causes the computer to perform issuing a predetermined instruction to a user in the first display device at a first timing; receiving an input by the user outputted from an input device; performing a predetermined game process, based on one of a state of an input to the input device at a second timing which is a timing after a predetermined time period has elapsed from the first timing, and a difference between a timing of an input to the input device and the second timing; and presenting a result of the game process on a second display device.
The state of the input to the input device may be, for example, a state of an operation performed onto the input device (for example, the state of the attitude of the input device, the state of a button operation, and the like) or a state based on an action of the user himself or herself. The game apparatus may be an information processing apparatus for various purposes, such as a personal computer.
According to the above configuration, a predetermined instruction can be issued in the first display device at the first timing, and for example, a game process can be performed based on the state of an input to the input device at the second timing, and a result of the game process can be presented on the second display device. Further, the game process can be performed based on a difference between the second timing and the timing of an input, and a result of the game process can be presented on the second display device. Accordingly, the user can feel as if he or she is playing the game in a space including the plurality of display devices, and can feel the broadness of the space.
In another configuration, the predetermined game process may be performed, based on the state of the input at the second timing.
In another configuration, the second display device may be a portable display device integrated with the input device.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to play the game using the portable display device in which the input device and the display device are integrated.
In another configuration, the input device may output attitude data in accordance with its own attitude. An attitude of the portable display device is received based on the attitude data. The predetermined game process is performed, based on the attitude of the portable display device at the second timing.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform the game process based on the attitude of the portable display device.
In another configuration, the computer may further be caused to perform determining whether the attitude of the portable display device is an attitude in accordance with the predetermined instruction. A game process in accordance with a result of the determination at the second timing is performed.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make a result of the game process different, depending on whether the attitude of the portable display device at the second timing is the attitude in accordance with the predetermined instruction issued at the first timing.
In another configuration, an attitude of a virtual camera in a virtual space may be set in accordance with the attitude of the portable display device, and an image of the virtual space may be taken by the virtual camera, and thereby a second image in accordance with the attitude of the portable display device may be displayed on the portable display device.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to change the image displayed on the portable display device, in accordance with the attitude of the portable display device.
In another configuration, the computer may further be caused to perform reproducing predetermined music. In this case, the first timing and the second timing are set, synchronized with the rhythm of the predetermined music.
According to the above configuration, the first timing and the second timing are set in accordance with the rhythm of predetermined music. Thus, the user can enjoy the rhythm game.
In another configuration, the first timing and the second timing may be set at timings when the predetermined music is reproduced.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to set the first timing and the second timing in accordance with the timings of the reproduction of the predetermined music.
In another configuration, a predetermined sound may be outputted at the first timing from a sound outputting unit provided in the first display device. A predetermined sound is outputted at the second timing from a sound outputting unit provided in the second display device.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to output a predetermined sound from the first display device at the first timing and to output a predetermined sound from the second display device at the second timing
In another configuration, notification in accordance with a result of the determination obtained during a time period from the first timing to the second timing may be performed on the portable display device.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user, during the time period from the first timing to the second timing, whether the current attitude is the attitude in accordance with the predetermined instruction.
In another configuration, the program may further cause the computer to perform an evaluation of the input by the user, in accordance with a result of the determination at the second timing.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to evaluate the input inputted by the user.
In another configuration, the computer may further be caused to perform determining whether the portable display device is moving at the second timing. A result of a game process performed in accordance with a result of the determination whether the portable display device is moving is presented on the portable display device at the second timing.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make a result of the game process different, depending on whether the portable display device is moving at the second timing.
In another configuration, a scene in which a predetermined object is started to be moved as the predetermined instruction may be displayed on the first display device. A scene in which the predetermined object has reached the second display device as the result of the game process is displayed on the second display device.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to display on the first display device a scene in which the predetermined object is started to be moved at the first timing, and to display on the second display device a scene in which the predetermined object has reached the second display device at the second timing. This allows the user to feel as if the predetermined object moves between the first display device and the second display device, and thus, it is possible to give the user an impression as if he or she is playing the game in a space which extends between the first display device and the second display device.
In another configuration, image data indicating the result of the game process may be outputted to the portable display device. The portable display device includes: an image data obtaining unit that obtains the image data outputted from the game apparatus; and a display unit that displays the result of the game process indicated by the image data obtained by the image data obtaining unit.
According to the above configuration, by outputting an image from the game apparatus to the portable display device, it is possible to display a result of the game process on the portable display device.
In another configuration, the computer may further be caused to perform generating compressed image data which is obtained by compressing the image data. The compressed image data is outputted to the portable display device. The portable display device further includes an image decompression unit that decompresses the compressed image data and obtains the image data. The display unit displays the result of the game process indicated by the image data decompressed by the image decompression unit.
According to the above configuration, the image data indicating the game process is compressed and outputted from the information processing apparatus to the portable display device. Therefore, even when the image has a large data amount, it is possible to transmit the image from the game apparatus to the portable display device in a short period of time.
It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment may be a game apparatus that realizes the above features. In another exemplary embodiment, the game system may be structured by a plurality of components that realize the above features and mutually operate with each other. The game system may be structured by one or a plurality of apparatuses. Another exemplary embodiment may be a game processing method.
According to the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide a game program, a game apparatus, a game system, and a game processing method which each allows the user to feel the broadness of the space by using a plurality of display devices.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein game program, game apparatus, game system, and game processing method


A method for emitting laser light in the form of laser pulses, including the steps: planning a laser pulse based on pulse parameters, checking whether laser pulses which were emitted within a predefined preceding time interval, together with the planned pulse, meet a predefined energy criterion, and emitting the planned laser pulse with the aid of an emitting unit if the energy criterion is met, and not emitting the planned laser pulse or reducing a power of the laser pulse if the energy criterion is not met.

Conventional, optically active sensors and actuators may use an active light source, such as, in particular, a laser. Such sensors and actuators have to be designed in such a way that the maximum emitted light output is not able to damage a human eyesight even in an unfavorable spatial and temporal combination.
International standards on eye safety exist for this purpose, based on which, as a function of the parameters of the light emission, light output limiting values may be derived for the guaranteed adherence to the eye safety in all possible operating scenarios. Assuming the most unfavorable spatial and temporal combination of such a system at any point in time causes the parameters of the light emissions to be operated below the damage threshold during normal operation. In particular, no consideration of the actual operating behavior takes place, so that the emission of laser light follows a control system which includes fixedly predefined limiting values.
A system for operating a laser device is described in German Patent Application No. DE 10 2007 018 366. It is provided in the process that a control system is present, which supplies a laser pulse sequence signal having an established duty cycle and an established power level, which, in particular, meets requirements with regard to an eye safety limit.


A method for treating a shear-thinning residue composition deriving from the synthesis of an aryl ether ketone, the residue composition including a liquid fraction and solid residues, the method including the steps of: passing said shear-thinning residue composition through a shear-generating evaporating device, between a rotating part and a stationary part; and recovering a condensed liquid fraction and separately recover concentrated solid residues.

Aryl ether ketones (AEK), notably poly aryl ether ketone polymers (PAEK) have a number of properties which make them useful for applications involving exposure to high temperature or to high mechanical or chemical stress. They are, for instance, useful in the aerospace industry, in offshore drilling and in medical devices.
At the end of the manufacture process of the AEKs, the residual solvents, the unconverted reactants, the reaction by-products along with remaining unrecovered particles of the AEK compounds often form a viscous slurry which is difficult to handle and is prone to plugging the equipment due to the deposition of solids. Furthermore, not only is the slurry classified as hazardous waste, but also the recovery and recycling of the reaction solvents and/or reactants from the slurry is considered to be a difficult procedure which requires high costs.
Conventional means for handling such slurries involves the use of a large quantity of solvent during the manufacture process or the addition of diluent fluids in order to reduce the viscosity or increase the dilution of the slurry. However, this results in larger volumes and costs associated with the handling and disposal of hazardous waste.
Document JP 555-15604 discloses a device for removing volatile substances from a high viscosity composition, and more particularly for removing residual tobacco and remaining solvents from a thermoplastic resin, by using a thin-film evaporator.
Document JP 553-111394 discloses a method for removing remaining monomers from a polyamide resin, by using a thin-film evaporator.
Document US 2011/0201775 discloses a method for removing impurities found in diphenyl sulfone, the solvent used for the synthesis of poly aryl ether ketone polymers and more specifically for the synthesis of poly ether ketone and poly ether ether ketone polymers, in order to improve the polymer properties. One of the approaches employed makes use of a thin-film evaporator.
Document US 2003/0111186 discloses a method for removing all solvent from a solution containing a polyphenylene ether polymer resin, the method employing the use of a wiped thin film evaporator.
There is still a need for a method for recovering residual solvents and reactants from residues related to the synthesis of aryl ether ketones in a simple and cost-effective way, in order to reduce raw material costs, while at the same time minimizing the volume and the hazardous nature of the waste.

Method for the recovery of compounds deriving from the synthesis of poly aryl ether ketone polymers


A disposable sweatband liner 10 made of a thin, flat and moisture absorbing material is shaped curved 28 to fit around the forehead of a person. A disposable sweatband liner is affixable to a cap, hat or sun visor by adhesive material 12. A disposable moisture absorbing sweatband strip is shaped to fit the forehead side headband of a cap, hat or sun visor. The disposable sweatband liner is folded in half where a slit 16 is notched for easy peel off of a peel off backing paper 14. The disposable sweatband liner 10 can be affixed and detached easily by a user as needed.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to sweatband apparatus, specially to such disposable applications which are affixed to a cap, hat or sun visor.
2. Description of Prior Art
The present invention relates to sweatband disposable applications which are affixed to a cap, hat or sun visor.
In the past, it has been common to have a variety of sweatbands four of sorting sweat on the forehead of an individual during sporting activities such as golf, tennis or baseball and/or outdoor activities. Typically, such sweatbands are a part of a cap, hat or sun visor. Such sweatbands are made of a moisture absorbing material to absorb the sweat on the forehead of an individual to prevent it from rolling down the face.
A number of prior U.S. Patents have dealt with sweatbands, and these include;
U.S. Pat. No. 1,986,312, issued to F. O. Wilson, on Jan. 1, 1935, which discloses a device for preventing the soiling of hats and headhears.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,886, issued to L. Hoffeld on Jun. 4, 1935, which discloses a combined sweatband and removable lining.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,157, issued to Ogden W. Boden on Jun. 23, 1981, which teaches a ventilated hat which has an adjustable band. The adjustable band is preferably formed as a moisture absorbing sweatband and allows circulation of air through a gap between two bands.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,519, issued to Norman J. Nicastro on Jul. 19, 1983, which teaches a headband which includes an absorbent material and elastic material. The headband encircles the head of the user and absorbs sweat.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,782, issued to John J. Wason on Jul. 26, 1983, which teaches a sweatband with an end fastners at each end.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,406,021, issued to Benard Bloom on Sept. 27, 1983, which teaches an uniform cap with adjustable sweatband. There are holes in the sweatband to be adjusted to fit through the holes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,817, issued to Merle W. Nunnery on Sept. 4, 1984, which teaches a perspiration band for headgear, consisting of a terrycloth strip, with snap fastners for attachment to hat bands.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,156, issued to Marvin Wishman on Mar. 5, 1985, which teaches an improved nonwoven polypropylene fabric as a method of transferring moisture-bearing surface utilizing the fabric.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,903, issued to Larry L. Brown on Oct. 22, 1985, which teaches a sweatband shaped to fit around the head of a person and has strips of hook and loop material attached thereto for attaching a sun visor or cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,317, issued to Larry L. Brown on Dec. 23, 1986, which teaches a sweatband apparatus, with a sweatband attached to the inside of a cap with hook and loop fastners, e.g., VELCRO.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,734, issued to Mark Der Estephanian on May 30, 1989, which teaches a low cost sweatband which is formed of an elastic fabric core of a length to resilently encircle the head and an absorbent pad by stitching onto the elastic fabric.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,116, issued to Lloyd S. Sullivan on Aug. 15, 1989, which teaches a sweatband which has a first component for absorbing perspiration and a second component for holding the sweatband includes elongated ends, elastically extensible to opposite ends.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,210, issued to George J Konucik on Jul. 17, 1990, which teaches a quick change sweatband with a combination of hook pile fastners and the pad, quickly removed for replacement.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,488, issued to Leslie A. Ashnoff on Aug. 14, 1990, which teaches a forehead guard consisting of a closed loop of a terrycloth or similar stretch material tube and an attached semi-circular plastic shock absorbing member within the tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,404, issued to Joseph Fekete on Aug. 21, 1990, which teaches a liner for a hard-hat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,504, issued to Phyllis S. Benston on Jun. 25, 1991, which teaches a liner for a helmet, hat, cap or other head covering which has a body with a central section and tapered end sections.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,210, issued to Victor L. Tivis on Oct. 22, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,088, 126, issued to Richard M. Mathis on Feb. 18, 1992 which discloses a disposable liner for safety hats and protective head coverings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,196, issued to William W. Sullivan on Sep. 10, 1991, which teaches a cap which has a cover, a bill, a two-part adjustable band with standard adjustment apertures and fittings and a liner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,761, issued to Bradley Piche on Jun. 7, 1994, which teaches a self-adhering absorbent disposable pads for headgears, which is of straight line and not tubular.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,955, issued to Arthur P. Poltka on Jul. 18, 1995, which teaches a quick release reusable sweatband, which is retained on the inside of a cap by hook and loop fastners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,248, issued to Richard S. Young on Mar. 25, 1997, which teaches a sweat-band for a hat, that can be easily inserted and removed, comprising a flexible retaining strip by means of snap fastners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,046, issued to Lawrence Green on May 27, 1997, which teaches a self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweatband for a hat.
In contrast to these prior patents, the present invention provides a disposable sweatband liner which can be replaced quickly and easily just by simply affixing it to an original headband of a cap, hat or sun visor to its concave curved portion. The disposable sweatband liner is folded in half at where the peel off backing paper is notched into a slit for easy applications.
In accordance with the present invention a disposable sweatband liner, which is shaped with a curve to fit the forehead side headband of a cap, hat or sun visor, is provided with an easy peel off slit on backing paper at folded notch.
Objects and Advantages
Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the disposable sweatband liner described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide sweatband liners which can be produced in a variety of materials, such as cotton terrycloth, or other moisture absorbing material;
(b) to provide a sweatband liner which can be produced for the convenience of being disposable, and soft and comfortable to the touch;
(c) to provide a sweatband liner which can be printed with advertisements on it;
(d) to provide a sweatband liner which creates clean and sanitized feeling to users by just affixing a fresh disposable sweatband liner;
(e) to provide a sweatband liner which can be used as hat sizers also;
(f) to provide a sweatband liner which can be used by restaurant employees as a clean and sanitized headgear alternative.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a sweatband liner which can be used conveniently and easily to prevent dirt and perspiration from accumulating on a cap, hat or sun visor, which is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture, which can be supplied in a simple package. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.


A method is disclosed for producing a water-absorbent resin by a reversed-phase suspension polymerization method, wherein an odor originating from a raw material component, in particular, a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion medium, is further reduced as compared with a water-absorbent resin obtained by a conventional method, and a water-absorbent resin obtained by the method. More specifically, a method is disclosed for producing a water-absorbent resin by performing a reversed-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion medium, comprising adding and dispersing an aqueous solution of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophilic polymeric dispersion agent to a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion medium in the presence of a surfactant under stirring, and performing a reversed-phase suspension polymerization using a radical polymerization initiator, and a water-absorbent resin obtained by the method.

Water-absorbent resins are widely used in hygienic materials such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins; daily commodities such as pet sheets; water absorbing sheets for food products; industrial materials such as water blocking materials for cables; water retention agents for greening/agriculture/horticulture; and the like.
Hygienic materials such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins are generally constituted with a top sheet, a back sheet, a hot melt adhesive, an elastic material, a water-absorbent resin and a pulp fiber, various synthetic resins and modifiers are used. Therefore, an odor originating from raw material components is perceived from the hygienic materials, in some cases. Since these hygienic materials are put on the human body, the odor makes users uncomfortable even if it is subtle and, therefore, it is desired to develop an odor-free material.
Among constituent materials of these hygienic materials, the water-absorbent resin has a subtle odor originating from the substances used in the production process, and since the odor tends to emit upon water absorption, it is considered to be desirable to reduce the odor.
As water-absorbent resins used for hygienic materials, for example, a partially-neutralized product of polyacrylic acid, a neutralized product of a starch-acrylic acid graft polymer, a hydrolysate of a starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer, a saponified product of a vinyl acetate-acrylic acid ester copolymer are known.
As methods for producing such water-absorbent resins, an aqueous polymerization method and a reversed-phase suspension polymerization method are known. In a case where a water-absorbent resin is produced by a reversed-phase suspension polymerization method in which polymerization is performed by suspending a water-soluble monomer in a dispersion medium, a major cause of the odor is considered to originate from the dispersion medium.
As conventional methods for producing the water-absorbent resin by a reversed-phase suspension polymerization method, known are a method of polymerizing an aqueous solution of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and alkali metal salt thereof in a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent using a radical polymerization initiator in the presence or absence of a internal-crosslinking agent in which a sucrose fatty acid ester is used as a protective colloid agent (see Patent Document 1), and a method of polymerizing a 25% by mass or more of aqueous solution of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid and alkali metal salt thereof in a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent using a radical polymerization initiator in the presence or absence of a internal-crosslinking agent in which a polyglycerol fatty acid ester with an HLB of 2 to 16 is used as a surfactant (see Patent Document 2). However, these production methods do not focus on reduction of an odor, and thus odors of the resultant water-absorbent resins are not sufficiently low.

Method for producing a water-absorbent resin


A lawn mower blade having a thickness of approximately 0.075 inches comprises a main body, an elevational profile, and end portions equidistant from the center of the blade. The elevational profile consists of a raised portion that reaches a height at the plateau portion at the center of the blade. The elevational profile increases at an angle xcex1 as the end portions approach the plateau. Each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. The height to blade thickness ratio is at least two-to-one. Further, since the mower blade is generally not heat treated, ribbing is added to the mower blade to provide strength.

A. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a thin lawn mower blade. More specifically, the invention is a lawn mower blade having a maximum height to blade thickness ratio of at least two-to-one.
B. Description of the Related Art
Lawn mower blades typically have a thickness ranging from 0.150 to 0.250 inches. Known lawn mower blades generally have maximum blade height to blade thickness ratios of approximately one-to-one or just slightly larger. Similarly, bossed sections are usually not integrated into blade designs, but if they are, they are typically very small. Typical manufacture includes the steps of placing a piece of steel or other suitable material in a machine and then stamping it to arrive at the desired shape. After the blade is shaped, heat treatment is performed to increase the strength and durability of the blade.
While current mower blade designs are suitable for their intended purposes, many improvements could be made. For example due to typical blade thickness and corresponding blade weight, the amount of power needed to accelerate and stop the blade is greater than if the blade were not as heavy. Further, damage may occur to mower blades from shock caused by impacting certain obstacles. If the heat-treated lawn mower blade encounters sandy conditions, such as but not limited to those found in coastal regions, then the blades suffer significant wear and tear because the sand impacts the mower components with such force that xe2x80x9csand-blastingxe2x80x9d may occur. Thus, the integrity of the mower blade may decrease over time in sandy conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,078 to Warren discloses a mower blade having a blade thickness of 0.25 inches. The maximum height of the blade profile is 0.375 inches. This results in a maximum height to blade thickness ratio of about 1.5. This blade however, does not solve the problem, as does the present invention.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a thin lawn mower blade, which has a maximum height to thickness ratio of at least two to one. It is also desirable to provide a lawn mower blade that is capable of accelerating and stopping quickly and is resistant to various shocks it may encounter, including without limitation, sand. Thus, the current invention provides that the difficulties inherent in thee art are overcome in a way that is simple and efficient, while providing better and more advantageous results.
The present inventive mower blade comprises a main body portion as well as first and second end portions substantially equidistant from the center of rotation, where each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. Further, the mower blade comprises a maximum height, usually located about the center of rotation. The maximum height to thickness ratio is at least two-to-one.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mower blade that has a raised center and a high elevational profile, such that a cavity is defined thereunder.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mower blade comprising a pair of oppositely disposed flange portions operatively connected to the end portions opposite of the cutting edge portion. Each flange portion extends upwardly from each respective end portion, such that airflow properly positions the associated underlying vegetation to be cut.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade having a maximum height located at the center of rotation.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade having a maximum height-to-blade thickness ratio of at least ten-to-one.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade having a maximum height-to-blade thickness ratio of about least sixteen-to-one.
Another object of the present invention provides a lawn mower blade having a longitudinal axis and a raised center portion, wherein said raised center portion extends about the longitudinal axis, such that the total length of the lawn mower blade is greater than the length of the raised center portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade wherein the high elevational profile increases at an angle as the first and second end portions approach a plateau portion of the raised center portion.
Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade having a raised center portion with a width, wherein, the width is greatest about a transverse axis of the blade. The transverse axis intersects the center of rotation and the width gradually decreases as the raised center portion extends past the plateau portion and towards the first and second end portions.
Still another object of the present in invention is to provide a lawn mower blade having a blade width, wherein the raised center portion width is less than the blade width.
Still yet, another objective of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade made of a non-heat treated material.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade that has a higher yield strength at the cutting edge portion than the raised center portion, first and second end portions and said flange portions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade that is light-weight and that accelerates and stops with less force than known blades.
Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade that absorbs energy on impact.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lawn mower blade that is easy and economical to manufacture.


A fuel delivery module 14 and fuel tank combination includes a fuel tank 16 for a vehicle. The fuel tank has a top wall 25 and a bottom surface 20. A fuel pump 18 is disposed in the fuel tank. The fuel pump has an axis A disposed generally at an acute angle α with respect to the bottom surface of the fuel tank. A fuel filter 22 is disposed in the fuel tank generally adjacent to the fuel pump. A flange 23 is mounted to the top wall 25 of the fuel tank.

For shallow fuel tanks such as saddle tanks for vehicles, conventional fuel delivery modules are too tall since the fuel pump 12 is mounted vertically. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 1, the height H of the conventional fuel delivery module 10 is too large for such applications. Compressing the height H of the conventional fuel delivery module results in interferences and therefore cannot be packaged in an acceptable manner.
Thus, there is a need to provide a fuel delivery module that is can be suitably packaged in a low profile fuel tank such as a saddle tank.

Fuel delivery module for low installation height applications


An image control system has a table, a head frame, an imaging system, a rotation system, and a control system. The head frame includes at least one pin which immobilizes a select patient anatomy with respect to the table while the imaging system collects image data through a CT scan process. The CT scan process produces an image of the patient anatomy, with the image including an artifact associated with the at least one pin. The artifact masks an area of interest in the image. The control system determines an angle of rotation which will move the artifact out of the area of interest and rotates at least one of the table, the head frame, and the imaging system by the angle of rotation. A subsequent image produced by the CT scan process includes an image of the patient anatomy with the artifact moved out of the area of interest.

Neurosurgical procedures, at times, will require imaging and immobilization of the head simultaneously. The immobilization of the head is maintained by a head frame that attaches to the head using pins, typically made of titanium. Titanium is the most common choice because it is cost effective, biocompatible, and fracture resistant. Regardless of the many excellent qualities of titanium, titanium has a high density which creates very large and dense artifacts in its x-ray trajectory path. These artifacts can cause masking of important information and reduce visualization of critical anatomy.
Earlier attempts to resolve these artifacts include measures of re-attachment of the head frame, prior image fusion, or by ignoring the issue with no solution and continuing on with the procedure. These solutions are not ideal as they introduce unnecessary risk of injury to the patient and risk of missing a potentially important aspect of an image. Another solution is the replacement of titanium with carbon fiber or sapphire pins, but this comes at a great expense. The present disclosure describes a procedure to redirect artifacts caused by titanium skull pins in order to overcome the problems described above in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Skull pin artifact rotation for the use in image-guided neurosurgery procedures


The present invention is a power supply apparatus capable of providing one or more individually controllable high voltage outputs for various components within an electrophotographic printing machine. Receiving power from an input power source, the power supply apparatus produces various high voltage outputs, wherein each output is capable of providing a range of high voltage potentials. The individual high voltage outputs are regulated by a microcontroller which receives an analog voltage signal from a voltage sensor and produces a voltage control signal which is then used to regulate the outputs in a conventional manner for resonant- or switching-type power supplies. The microcontroller regulates the output potentials by varying the voltage control signals for each of the outputs as a function of the difference in magnitude between the analog voltage signal and a voltage set-point value associated with the output.

Frequently, an electrophotographic printing machine processes highlight or multicolor original documents to form copies thereof. In an electrophotographic printing machine, a photoconductive member is charged to a substantially uniform potential to sensitize the surface thereof. The charged portion of the photoconductive member is thereafter selectively exposed in an imaging zone to a light source such as a raster output scanner. Exposure of the charged photoconductive member dissipates the charge thereon in the irradiated areas. This discharge records an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive member corresponding to the informational areas contained within the original document being reproduced. After the electrostatic latent image is recorded on the photoconductive member, the latent image is developed by bringing a developer material into contact therewith. Generally, the developer material comprises toner particles adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules. The toner particles are attracted to the latent image from the carrier granules to form a toner image on the photoconductive member which is subsequently transferred to a copy sheet. The copy sheet is then heated to permanently affix the toner image thereto in the image configuration.
Multicolor electrophotographic printing is substantially identical to the foregoing process of black and white printing. However, rather than forming a single latent image on the photoconductive surface, successive latent images corresponding to different colors are recorded thereon. Each single color electrostatic latent image is developed with toner of a color complimentary thereto. This process is repeated a plurality of cycles for differently colored images and their respective complimentarily colored toner. Each single color toner image is transferred to the copy sheet in superimposed registration with the prior toner image. This creates a multilayered toner image on the copy sheet. Thereafter, the multilayered toner image is permanently affixed to the copy sheet creating a color copy.
In the area of multicolor electrophotographic printing, it is highly desirable to accurately control the charging characteristics of the photoconductive surface at all stages of the electrophotographic process in order to obtain reliable renditions of the original document. Other charging devices are utilized within the transfer and cleaning operations of the electrophotographic process and the power supplied to these devices, as well as any bias voltages applied to enhance development of the latent images, must be similarly controlled.
Heretofore, numerous power supply designs have been employed within electroreprographic machines to control the voltage level produced by the power supplies. The following disclosures may be relevant to various aspects of the present invention:

Microprocessor controlled high voltage power supply


A high-mechanical strength biocompatible crystallized glass essentially comprises both crystallines consisting of tetrasilicic fluorine mica series and calcium phosphate series. The crystallized glass has substantially non-sodium oxide and useful in a dental medical care, as repairing material of tooth.

The present invention relates to crystallized glass or glass ceramics and, in particular, to biocompatible glass which is useful for repair of destroyed portion of a tooth or aesthetic improvement of a tooth and others in a dental medical care.
It is needless to say that the biocompatible materials which are useful, for example, for tooth repairing materials, are required not to be harmful to living tissues such as human bodies and animal in bodies. Among the other various important requirements for such biocompatible materials are high mechanical strength and an excellent biological affinity.
Although mica series crystalline and calcium phosphate series like apatite are well known as typical and conventional biocompatible materials in the prior art (Japanese Patent Applications laid open under Nos. 199742/1984 and 10939/1987), they have disadvantages.
The mica series crystallized glass can not satisfy the requirements for excellent biological affinity and moreover has low dimensional accuracy.
The calcium phosphate series crystallized glass is insufficient insofar as mechanical strength is concerned, in particular, exhibits substantial degradation of strength due to a flaw or microcrack.


A filter system and a method for filtering an analog signal includes an analog-to-digital converter with an input to which an analog filter input signal is supplied, and an output at which an impulse signal is available that includes a sequence of impulses, the number of the impulses per time unit depending on the magnitude of the filter input signal. The filter system is further provided with a counter system to which the impulse signal is supplied and that contains at least one counter. At least once during an interval of evaluation, a counter reading of the at least one counter is supplied to a digital-to-analog converter to produce an analog filter output signal, the amplitude of the filter output signal depending on the value of the counter reading. The filter system can be placed in a power factor controller.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a filter configuration, in particular, to a filter configuration that is suitable for filtering an output voltage signal of a power factor controller, a method for filtering an analog filter input signal, and a power factor controller.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a power factor controller according to the prior art. Such a power factor controller has the task of forming a uniform output voltage Uout from an alternating input voltage Uin, in which case the intention is for the output voltage Uout to be kept at least approximately constant both in the event of changes in a load that can be connected to output terminals AK1, AK2 and for AC voltages having different peak values or root-mean-square values. To convert the input voltage Uin into the output voltage Uout, use is made of a step-up switching regulator (boost converter) that is connected downstream of a bridge rectifier and has a series circuit including an inductor L and a switch T in parallel with the bridge rectifier BR and a series circuit including a diode D and a capacitor C in parallel with the switch, it being possible to tap off the output voltage Uout at the capacitor C. With switch T closed, the inductor takes up energy and outputs it through the diode D to the capacitor when switch T has, subsequently, been opened.
The switch T, which is a power transistor, in particular, is driven in clocked fashion by a pulse width modulator PWM, the output voltage Uout or the power consumption of the power factor controller being dependent on the frequency with which the switch is closed and on the switch-on duration for which the switch remains closed.
The power factor controller has both a current regulating circuit for regulating the current consumption from the mains and a voltage regulating circuit for regulating the output voltage Uout. The task of the current regulating circuit is to regulate the current IL through the coil such that the average value of the coil current is proportional to the input voltage Uin, or the magnitude of the input voltage Uin, for the comparison of an instantaneous value of the input voltage Uin and of the coil current IL, the pulse width modulator PWM is fed, from a measuring configuration MA1 through a multiplier, an input voltage signal that is dependent on the input voltage Uin, and a voltage Ui that is present across a current sensing resistor Rs, as current signal.
The task of the voltage regulating circuit is to keep the output voltage Uout constant in the event of fluctuations in a load connected to the output terminals AKI1, AK2 or in the event of a variable input voltage Uin. To that end, a second voltage signal, which is dependent on the output voltage and is formed by a second measuring configuration MA2, is compared with a reference value Vref. The information regarding the deviation of the second voltage signal Vs2 from the reference value is fed to the pulse width modulator PWM by multiplication of the differential signal by the first voltage signal Vs1. The amplitude of the voltage signal Vs fed to the pulse width modulator PWM is, thus, raised or lowered depending on the output voltage Uout.
The signal Vs1 fed to the multiplier MUL for multiplication by the first voltage signal, preferably, changes very slowly in comparison with the period duration of the input voltage. To prevent hum signals that are superposed on the output voltage signal Vs2 from distorting the sinusoidal waveform of the voltage signal Vs, and from thus disturbing the regulation of the output voltage, a low-pass filter is provided in the voltage regulating loop. The low-pass filter is formed by two capacitors Cf1, Cf2 and a resistor, which are connected up to an operational amplifier OP1 that forms the difference between the reference signal Vref and the second voltage signal.
The capacitors and the resistor have to be embodied as external components, that is to say, they cannot be integrated in an integrated circuit, which is how the pulse width modulator PWM is usually embodied. This need for external components increases the costs of the drive circuit of the switch.
The paper: xe2x80x9cEasy Power Factor Corrector Using a DSPxe2x80x9d by Yves De Mari et al., Power Conversion, June 1999 Proceedings, pages 585 to 592, discloses using a digital signal processor (DSP) for filtering a signal dependent on the output voltage in a power factor controller. Such a procedure is expedient if a DSP is present, there is still free computational capacity in the DSP, and there is no need for mains isolation between the DSP and a power section of the power factor controller. Otherwise, the use of a DSP that is used only for filtering the voltage signal is too cost-intensive for most applications.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a filter configuration, a method for filtering an analog filter input signal, and a power factor controller that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that can be realized cost-effectively and without external components and that can be accommodated, in particular, as a constituent part of an integrated circuit in a drive circuit of a power transistor.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a filter configuration for filtering an analog signal, including an analog-to-digital converter unit having an input for receiving an analog filter input signal having a magnitude and an output supplying a pulse signal having a sequence of pulses, a number of the pulses per unit time being dependent on the magnitude of the filter input signal, a counter configuration being connected to the output of the analog-to-digital converter unit and receiving the pulse signal from the analog-to-digital converter unit, the counter configuration having at least one counter supplying a counter reading having a value, and a digital-to-analog converter unit connected to the counter configuration, the counter configuration supplying to the digital-to-analog converter unit in each case once during an evaluation interval the counter reading and forming an analog filter output signal having an amplitude dependent upon the value of the counter reading.
Accordingly, the filter configuration has an analog-to-digital converter unit having an input, to which an analog filter input signal is fed, and having an output, at which a pulse signal is available. In such a case, the pulse signal has a sequence of pulses, the analog-to-digital converter unit being configured such that the number of pulses of the pulse signal per unit time is dependent on the magnitude of the filter input signal. Connected downstream of the analog-to-digital converter unit is a counter configuration, to which the pulse signal is fed and that has at least one counter whose counter reading changes depending on the pulses of the pulse signal. The counter is configured such that, in each case at the end of a periodically recurring sampling interval, the counter reading of the at least one counter is acquired and is available as counter output signal. Connected downstream of the counter configuration is a digital-to-analog converter unit, to which the counter output signal is fed and that provides an analog filter output signal dependent on the value of the counter reading.
Such a filter according to the present invention can be used as a filter in a feedback path of a power factor controller, but it can also be used for filtering arbitrary output signals with long time constants from sensors. In particular, the power factor controller can include input terminals for applying an input voltage, output terminals for providing an output voltage, an inductor having an energy uptake, the inductor connected to at least one of the input terminals, at least one switch connected to the inductor and controlling the energy uptake of the inductor, a drive circuit connected to the switch and driving the switch, a feedback path connected to the output terminals and to the drive circuit and feeding a signal dependent upon the output voltage back to the drive circuit, the signal having a magnitude, the feedback path having the filter configuration according to the present invention.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, at least one counter of the counter configuration is, preferably, configured such that it effects exclusively up-counting or exclusively down-counting. Furthermore, the pulse signal and the duration of the evaluation interval are coordinated with one another such that the counter overflows at least once within an evaluation interval and starts to count anew at an initial value.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the at least one counter starts to count at an initial value and has a minimum or maximum counter reading and, upon reaching the minimum or maximum counter reading, the at least one counter starts to count at the initial value again.
Such a digital filter having only an up-counter has an integrating action on the filter input signal, the counter readings remaining the same at the end of the evaluation intervals if a filter input signal is established in the case of which the pulse signal formed by the AD converter unit outputs, within the evaluation interval, a number of pulses corresponding to the maximum counter reading of the counter so that the counter overflows once and, at the end of the evaluation interval, again assumes the counter reading at the end of the previous evaluation interval.
Such a filter can be used as an integrating regulator (I regulator) in the voltage regulating circuit of a power factor controller, in which case the AD converter unit, the counter configuration and the DA converter unit can be realized in an integrated circuit without external components. At the gate level, such a filter can be realized with fewer than 100 gates that can be accommodated in the drive chip of a power transistor.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the AD converter unit may be configured as a conventional voltage-controlled oscillator, as is described, for example, in Tietze, Schenk: xe2x80x9cHalbleiterschaltungs-technikxe2x80x9d [xe2x80x9cSemiconductor circuitryxe2x80x9d], 9th edition, Springer, 1991, page 488 et seq. [page 436 et seq.]. Furthermore, the AD converter unit used may also be a so-called sigma-delta converter, which is described for example in the paper xe2x80x9cDesign of a CMOS Second-Order Sigma-Delta Modulatorxe2x80x9d by Bernhard E. Boser et al., 1988 IEEE Solid State Conference, Digest of Technical Papers, pages 258 to 259.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the analog-to-digital converter unit has a signal generator configuration for providing a reference signal rising continuously in sections and a clock generator, the analog-to-digital converter unit compares the reference signal and the analog filter input signal, and the analog-to-digital converter unit supplies the pulse signal as a clock signal at the output dependent upon the comparison of the reference signal and the analog filter input signal.
A conventional digital-to-analog converter may be used as the DA converter unit, in which case, for the use in a power factor controller, a multiplying DA converter is, preferably, used that, in addition to the counter output signal, is fed a further signal, for example, the input voltage signal of the power factor controller. A signal corresponding to the product of the further signal with an analog signal dependent on the counter output signal is present at the output of the multiplying DA converter.
In the filter according to the invention, the filter output signal may have a proportional and an integrating component if the counter configuration has a first counter and a second counter, the counter reading of the second counter, at the beginning of an evaluation interval, being set to the value of the counter reading of the first counter at the end of the previous evaluation interval. The counter reading of the second counter at the end of the evaluation interval is fed to the DA converter unit for the purpose of forming the filter output signal. The counter reading of the first counter at the end of the evaluation interval corresponds to the integrating component of the filter output signal. The difference between the counter reading of the second counter at the end of the evaluation interval and the counter reading at the beginning of the evaluation interval corresponds to the proportional component of the filter output signal.
A filter output signal having an integrating and a proportional component can also be generated by a counter that is set to a stored counter reading at the beginning of an evaluation interval, the stored value corresponding to a counter reading of the counter after a first time interval within the evaluation interval. The counter reading at the end of a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval is used for the formation of the filter output signal by the DA converter.
This counter is incremented at the beginning of the evaluation interval, preferably, during a predetermined time interval according to a clock signal proceeding from the value stored in the register, until it is, subsequently, incremented further during the first and second time intervals according to the pulse signal.
The counter reading determined at the end of the first time interval, which counter reading is stored in the register, forms the integrating component of the filter output signal. The integrating and proportional components of the filter output signal are formed successively in the case of this embodiment of the invention.
In all of the embodiments of the filter according to the invention, the analog-to-digital conversion of the filter input signal is equivalent to a sampling of the filter input signal and effects a filtering out of hum components in the filter input signal.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the digital-to-analog converter unit has an output terminal providing the analog filter output signal, a first series circuit having k resistors and k+1 voltage taps, a voltage dependent on the further signal being present across the first series circuit, at least one second series circuit having first and second connection terminals, m resistors, and m voltage taps, a first switch having a first and second contact pair connecting the first and second connection terminals to two different voltage taps of the k+1 voltage taps of the first series circuit, the first switch being driven dependent upon the output signal of the counter configuration, and a second switch selectively connecting one of the m voltage taps of the second series circuit to the output terminal and provide the analog filter output signal, the second switch being driven dependent upon the output signal of the counter configuration.
In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the digital-to-analog converter unit has an output terminal providing the analog filter output signal, a first series circuit having k resistors and k+1 voltage taps, a voltage dependent on the further signal being present across the first series circuit, at least one second series circuit having first and second connection terminals, m resistors, and m voltage taps, a first switch having a first and second contact pair connecting the first and second connection terminals to two different voltage taps of the k+1 voltage taps of the first series circuit, the first switch being driven dependent upon the counter reading of the counter configuration, and a second switch selectively connecting one of the m voltage taps of the second series circuit to the output terminal and provide the analog filter output signal, the second switch being driven dependent upon the counter reading of the counter configuration.
In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the resistors of at least one of the first series circuit and the second series circuit are different in each case.
In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, the analog-to-digital converter unit has a first and second voltage-controlled oscillator each supplying an output signal or a first and second sigma-delta converter each supplying an output signal, the counter configuration has first and second counters, the output signal of the first voltage-controlled oscillator or the first sigma-delta converter is fed to the first counter, an output signal of the second voltage-controlled oscillator or the second sigma-delta converter is fed to the second counter, and the first and second counters are coupled to set the second counter to a counter reading of the first counter.
With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a method for filtering an analog signal. The method provides for a filter input signal to be converted into at least one first pulse signal having a sequence of pulses, the number of pulses per unit time being dependent on the amplitude of the regulating signal. Furthermore, in the method, the counter reading of at least one counter is changed according to pulses of the pulse signal, the at least one counter, preferably, effecting exclusively up-counting or down-counting. The counter reading of the at least one counter is determined in predeterminable evaluation intervals, an analog filter output signal dependent on the counter reading determined subsequently being formed, the amplitude of which filter output signal is dependent on the counter reading.
In accordance with again another mode of the invention, there is provided the step of exclusively effecting up-counting or down-counting with the at least one counter. Upon reaching a minimum or maximum counter reading, the at least one counter starts to count at an initial value again.
In accordance with again a further mode of the invention, there is provided the step of increasing the counter reading with each pulse of the pulse signal.
In accordance with again an added mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of changing the counter reading of the at least one counter dependent upon pulses of a clock signal within a first time interval at a beginning of an evaluation interval and subsequently changing the counter reading dependent upon pulses of the pulse signal within a second and third time interval, storing the counter reading at the end of the second time interval, and setting the counter to the stored counter reading at the beginning of the next evaluation interval.
In accordance with again an additional mode of the invention, there is provided the step of setting the third time interval to be longer than the second time interval.
In accordance with still another mode of the invention, there is provided the step of increasing the counter reading by a fixed value within the first time interval.
In accordance with still a further mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of defining a first lower value and a first upper value, and storing the first lower value or the first upper value at an end of the second time interval if the counter reading lies outside an interval defined by the first lower value and the first upper value.
In accordance with still an added mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of defining a lower limit value and an upper limit value and outputting the counter reading of the at least one counter to form a control signal if the counter reading lies within an interval defined by the lower limit value and the upper limit value.
In accordance with still an additional mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of converting the analog filter input signal into a first pulse signal and a second pulse signal each having pulses, providing the at least one counter as a first counter and a second counter, changing a counter reading of the first counter dependent upon the pulses of the first pulse signal and changing a counter reading of the second counter dependent upon the pulses of the second pulse signal, setting the second counter, at the beginning of an evaluation interval, to the counter reading of the first counter at an end of a previous evaluation interval, and forming the filter output signal utilizing the counter reading of the second counter at an end of an evaluation interval.
In accordance with another mode of the invention, there is provided the step of setting frequencies of the first and second pulse signals to differ for the same filter input signal.
In accordance with a further mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of converting the analog filter input signal into the first pulse signal and a second pulse signal each having frequencies and setting the frequencies of the first and second pulse signals to differ for the same filter input signal.
In accordance with an added mode of the invention, during generation of the filter output signal, there is provided the step of, multiplying the counter reading by an instantaneous value of a further signal.
In accordance with an additional mode of the invention, there is provided the step of multiplying the further signal by a predeterminable factor prior to the multiplication, the factor being dependent upon an average value of the further signal.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, there is provided the step of setting the amplitude of the filter output signal to be exponentially dependent on the counter reading at an end of an evaluation interval.
In accordance with a concomitant mode of the invention, there is provided the step of setting the amplitude of the filter output signal to not be linearly dependent upon the counter reading at an end of an evaluation interval.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a filter configuration, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Filter configuration, method for filtering an analog filter input signal, and power factor controller


A metal plate of the present invention includes at least one bead having a bead body and a bead end portion terminating in the middle of the plate. The bead end portion has curved edges connected to edges of the bead body. The distance between the curved edges of the bead end portion increases as the distance from an end of the bead body increases. Also, the height of the bead end portion gradually decreases as it approaches edges thereof. The metal plate may be used as a gasket or may be combined with other metal plates to constitute a steel laminate gasket.

The present invention relates to a metal plate with a bead, more particularly to a metal plate wherein a bead terminates inside the metal plate. The metal plate of the invention can be used solely as a metal plate gasket, or can be combined with other metal plates to form a steel laminate gasket.
In a metal gasket, when a hole is to be sealed, a bead is formed around the hole. When the gasket with the bead is compressed, the bead deforms to provide surface pressure therearound, by which an area around the hole is securely sealed. Also, a bead may be formed on a metal plate as explained hereinafter.
In a gasket for an internal combustion engine, especially a cylinder head gasket, in case a cylinder head is firmly attached to a cylinder block, equal surface pressure may not be formed between the cylinder head and cylinder block. Unbalanced surface pressure is caused by, for example, unequal arrangement of cylinder holes and other holes, or bolts for connecting the cylinder head and cylinder block. Unbalanced surface pressure may happen in case a cylinder head bends relative to a cylinder block by heat in use.
In case unbalanced surface pressure occurs, surface pressure must be balanced. Otherwise, unbalanced surface pressure causes leakage around holes to be sealed.
In case unbalanced surface pressure is formed between a cylinder head and cylinder block, a thin metal plate may be attached to a part of a gasket, or a bead may be formed in a plate at a portion where special support is required. This kind of bead extends at a portion of a gasket and terminates in a middle of a metal plate.
Namely, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bead 10 terminates in a middle of a plate 11. At an end of the bead 10, side edges 12 converge together, and the height of the bead 10 decreases.
On the other hand, surface pressure obtained by a bead is determined by width and height of the bead in case the same metal plate is used. Namely, as width and height of a bead decrease, surface pressure increases though compressibility decreases. Therefore, in case the side edges 12 converge and the height of the bead decreases as in the conventional bead 10, surface pressure at an end of the bead 10 becomes strong.
This kind of strong surface pressure at an end of a bead causes unbalance of surface pressure, which may cause leakage around holes to be sealed. Namely, in case a bead terminates in a middle of a plate, unbalanced surface pressure occurs, so that fluid inside holes may leak therefrom.
Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a metal plate with a bead, in which surface pressure gradually decreases at an end of the bead when the bead is compressed.
Another object of the invention is to provide a metal plate as stated above, which can be easily and economically manufactured.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.


An optical semiconductor package includes a support with a passage to receive a ring holding a lens situated facing an optical sensor. The support has, in the passage, at least one local release recess and the ring is equipped peripherally with a locally projecting, elastically deformable element. The local release recess and the elastically deformable element are such that, when the ring occupies an angular mounting position, the locally projecting elastically deformable element is engaged in the local recess of the support and, when the ring is pivoted from the aforementioned angular mounting position, the locally projecting elastically deformable element is moved out of the recess of the support and is compressed against the wall of the passage in order to secure the ring relative to the support.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of optical semiconductor packages.
2. Description of Related Art
Optical semiconductor packages are known which include a plate, on the front of which are fixed an integrated circuit chip electrically linked to this plate and chip encapsulation means, supporting an objective lens situated facing the integrated optical sensor provided on the front of this chip.
Currently, these encapsulation means comprise a ring holding the lens and threaded externally, and a support with an internally threaded passage. The ring is coupled to the support by threaded coupling and the lens is adjusted relative to the optical sensor of the chip by the number of screw turns. When the required adjustment position is achieved, the ring must then be fixed on the support. This is done routinely by an additional bonding operation.
A need accordingly exists in the art to simplify the above coupling, adjustment and fixing operations.

Optical semiconductor package with compressible adjustment means


A connection system between a head and a bottle of a trigger dispensing device includes a main skirt having a first flexible tab and a neck (2b) having a first sloping plane and a first pocket. The first flexible tab extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and the first end is joined to an annular wall by a closing wall. The system also provides for an auxiliary window obtained through the annular wall of the main skirt, and a rigid auxiliary tooth of the neck, suitable to snap into the auxiliary window.

As is known, such dispensing devices are today enormously widespread in various fields: home hygiene, air fresheners, fabric treatment with stain removers or before ironing, gardening, and many others. Every year, millions of dispensing heads and bottles are produced.
In a filling system, the bottles are filled with the desired liquid, for example a detergent, and highly automated machines are used to apply the dispensing head to the respective bottle.
It is therefore essential for the connection system between the dispensing head and the bottle to allow a rapid, effective and reliable application.
For this purpose, bayonet connection systems are particularly effective. An example of embodiment is illustrated in the document EP-A2-0867230 in the name of the Applicant.
Moreover, more and more often, the dispensing devices are reusable so as to be filled by the user with the desired product, purchased in refill packs.
The connection system between the dispensing head and the bottle must therefore be reversible, in the sense that the user must be able to easily separate the head from the bottle, to proceed with filling the bottle and reapplying the head.
However, it has been found that, after some repeated operations of separating the head from the bottle and reapplying it, the currently known connection systems undergo rapid deterioration which manifests itself in a rapid decay of the torque necessary for the user to rotate the head and separate it from the vial and the consequent instability of the connection when the head is reapplied to the bottle.
Some solutions aim to solve such problem. For example, the solution illustrated in the document WO-A1-2012/153540 is known.

Connection system between a bottle and a dispensing head


An aqueous primer composition for facilitating and promoting good adhesion across an interface between a nonporous substrate and a polymeric coating composition contains from about 0.05 to about 0.3 parts by weight of an amimopropylsilane or a mercaptopropylsilane per 100 parts by weight of water and, optionally to facilitate adhesion under wet conditions, up to about 0.4 parts by weight of a hydrophobic silane per 100 parts by weight of water and aminopropylsilane or mercaptopropylsilane. The primer composition is nontoxic, nonflammable and free or substantially free of any environmentally undesirable volatile organic components. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the primer composition includes an effective amount of a conventional surfactant sufficient to uniformly wet the surface of the substrate to enable uniform dispersion of the silane coupling agent over the surface. The primer composition is also preferably adjusted to a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5 to inhibit condensation or oligomerization of the silane coupling agent and thereby increase the useful shelf-life of the composition.

Conventional primer systems for use with moisture curable sealant compositions generally contain a large amount of volatile organic solvent, a film former, pigment and silane coupling agent. The coupling agent is typically an aminosilane, mercaptosilane, or isocyanatosilane which reacts, for example, with free isocyanate groups in the sealant and with free hydroxyl, oxide, or silanol groups on the substrate to form a bridge between the sealant and the substrate. The conventional sealant primer systems provide good adhesion across the substrate-sealant interface and are convenient to use because they dry quickly. However, recent concern over the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the environment has resulted in pending legislation which would essentially mandate the elimination of volatile organic compounds whenever possible.
In addition to the problems relating to compliance with pending VOC legislation, the use of conventional solvent based sealant primer systems requires the implementation of precautionary procedures and the incurment of potential risks due to the toxicity and flammability of the organic solvents. Accordingly, organic based sealant primer systems are undesirable and an aqueous based sealant primer system which has a substantially reduced organic solvent content or which is preferably free of volatile organic compounds, and which provides comparable adhesion across the substrate-sealant interface, would be highly preferred.

Aqueous silane coupling agent solution for use as a sealant primer


Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.

This disclosure generally relates to systems for carrying tools across surfaces, such tools including (but not limited to) sensors used in nondestructive evaluation (NDE). In particular, this disclosure relates to tool-carrying crawler vehicles that are capable of operating on a non-level surface.
Prior art systems for inspecting a non-level surface, such as the surface of an aircraft fuselage, include track-based systems, large robotic manipulator arms to position the tool, hand-held scanners and differential-drive crawler vehicles. The term "differential drive" refers to a type of vehicle motion control that makes turns by independently driving the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. In vehicles with four or more wheels, this type of motion control is sometimes called skid steer. Such vehicles are subject to motion constraints (i.e., they do not allow simultaneous translation and rotation) and are considered to be non-holonomic-motion systems.
It is known to use a non-holonomic-motion crawler vehicle to position and move NDE (nondestructive evaluation) scanning equipment on an aircraft fuselage. The scanning process requires precise position and orientation control in order to achieve the desired scanning path. Standard differential-drive vehicles will tend to slip sideways slightly when external forces are applied perpendicularly to the direction of travel. In the case where a surface of an airplane fuselage is being scanned, the vehicle needs to be attracted to the surface—usually with some type of suction or vacuum creation system. As the vehicle moves horizontally on and across the side of the fuselage, the external force of gravity pulls on the vehicle, causing it to slip sideways. Since a differential steer vehicle cannot directly control sideways motion, NDE scans acquired with that type of vehicle (i.e., a non-holonomic platform) can be distorted.
If a holonomic vehicle were to be used instead, any undesired motion could be corrected directly. The most common type of holonomic vehicle configuration uses a type of wheel called a Mecanum wheel. A Mecanum wheel is a type of wheel with multiple individual rollers that, when used in pairs, allows vehicle motion in any direction (i.e., holonomic motion). While these wheels work well on level surfaces, they have trouble creating the desired motion on inclined surfaces. This problem is due to the requirement that all wheels have sufficient traction on each wheel to support the forces required to make the desired movement. This is especially true of sideway motions.
There is a need for a system that enables precise control of the holonomic motion of a tool-carrying vehicle on a non-level surface.

Holonomic motion vehicle for travel on non-level surfaces


Methods, systems, and devices are described for direct device-to-device (D2D) communications in a subframe on a channel in an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. A user equipment (UE) may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure on the channel in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The UE may identify a time period between a completion of the LBT procedure and a boundary of a second subframe. The UE may transmit a Wi-Fi preamble and a variable length message on the channel during the identified timer period. The variable length message may include a duration that is time aligned with the boundary of the second subframe.

Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure, for example, relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to a listen-before-talk mechanism that supports direct communications on an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band.
Description of Related Art
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code-division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time-division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems.
By way of example, a wireless multiple-access communication system may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, otherwise known as user equipments (UEs). A base station may communicate with UEs on downlink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a base station to a UE) and uplink channels (e.g., for transmissions from a UE to a base station). UEs may communicate directly with each other using direct-to-direct (D2D) communications over a direct D2D wireless link.
Current implementations provide for D2D communications in band(s) of a licensed radio frequency spectrum and/or an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. Communications in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, however, may comply with various requirements regarding medium access procedures, for example. The UEs may synchronize their D2D communications using wireless wide area network (WWAN) resources, e.g., LTE bands.

Listen-before-talk for LTE direct on unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band


A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, such as after an engine cold start, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders having a first ignition timing, and a second group of cylinders having a second ignition timing more retarded than the first group. In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also can change to combusting all cylinders at substantially the same ignition timing under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates generally to air-fuel ratio sensor diagnosis.
2. Background of the Invention
There are various methods used for determining whether an exhaust air-fuel ratio sensor has been degraded. For example, one method is to look for switching during closed loop control around stoichiometry. If the sensor switching reduced, then degradation could be found. Another method is to determine whether the sensor is operating within predetermined range around a desired air/fuel ratio.
The inventors herein have recognized a problem with prior approaches. In particular, when using a system in which the sensor is exposed to air pumped through a cylinder, the sensor may stop switching, or be forced beyond the predetermined range. Thus, even for a sensor that has not degraded, a false indication can be provided that the sensor is degraded.
The above disadvantages are overcome by a system, comprising: an engine having a first group of cylinders and a second group of cylinders; a sensor coupled at least to said first group of cylinders in an engine exhaust; a controller for operating said first group with air and substantially no injected fuel, operating said second group with air and injected fuel, reading an output of said sensor, and determining degradation of said sensor based on said reading.
By determining whether the sensor indicates lean when exposed to air pumped through a cylinder that is not combusting, it is possible to check functionality of the sensor and prevent false indications that the sensor has degraded.

Method for air-fuel ratio sensor diagnosis


An automatic animal feeder includes a bowl, a base unit which accepts the bowl, a lid which may be closed to cover the bowl and prevent access to it, or opened about a hinge to allow access to the bowl, a lid control mechanism capable of keeping the lid closed, or opening the lid, the bowl including a profile on its outer surface, on the side furthest from lid hinge, and a base unit including a corresponding profile on its inner surface. The bowl profile and the base profile interlock when the bowl is positioned in the base unit, such that the side of the bowl with the profile is constrained against being lifted substantially vertically.

A known type of automatic cat feeder comprises two bowls, each covered by a lid, where each lid is controlled by a timer. The user places cat food in each bowl, and sets each timer for when a cat is to be fed. When each timer determines that the set time has elapsed, the lid controlled by that timer is released, so that the cat may eat the cat food; in this way, the user can ensure in advance that a cat will be fed at pre-determined times. This is particularly useful if the user is not going to be present to feed the cat for period.
These feeders typically feature removable bowls, so they can be washed easily. Although the lid covers the bowl, and cannot be completely lifted until the timer releases the lid, there can be some play in the lid release, and some cats are able to lift the lid slightly, and then repeatedly pull on the bowl so that it is gradually extracted from the gap between the lid and the feeder. The cat can then eat the cat food before the time the user has set the cat feeder to open.
Cat feeders having two bowls, two timers and two lids may be used may be used in at least two ways; firstly, to feed one cat two separate meals, and secondly to feed two cats a single meal. When feeding two cats from the same feeder, it is usually recommended that the user sets both lids to open at the same time. This is because one cat may be more assertive than the other, and if the meals are presented at different times, the more assertive cat will eat both, while the less assertive cat does will not be fed.
However, even when the user tries to set both timers to open at the same time, the resolution and accuracy of the timers usually means that one lid will open minutes before the other, allowing one cat access to the bowl before the other.


A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element and a photoelectric conversion element manufactured by the manufacturing method. The method includes the steps of forming a p-type impurity diffusion layer by diffusing boron into a silicon substrate, forming an oxidation control mask on a surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in an area corresponding to an area where an electrode for p-type is to be formed, forming a thermal silicon oxide film on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer, exposing part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer by removing the oxidation control mask formed on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in the area corresponding to the area where the electrode for p-type is to be formed, and forming the electrode for p-type on the part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer exposed by the removal of the oxidation control mask.

Development of clean energy has recently been desired in view of the problem of exhaustion of energy resources and the global environment problem such as an increase in CO2 in the air, and photovoltaic power generation employing photoelectric conversion elements, in particular solar cells has been developed and put into practice as a new energy source, and is now on the way to progress.
A conventional mainstream solar cell is a bifacial solar cell which is manufactured, for example, by diffusing, into a light receiving surface of a silicon substrate of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, an impurity of a conduction type opposite to that of the substrate so that a pn junction is formed, and forming electrodes at the light receiving surface and the back surface of the silicon substrate opposite to the light receiving surface, respectively. In the bifacial solar cell, it is also common to diffuse an impurity of the same conduction type as that of the silicon substrate into the back surface of the silicon substrate at a high concentration, thereby to achieve higher output by a back surface field effect.
Research and development is also being made on a back electrode type solar cell without an electrode formed at a light receiving surface of the solar cell but with an electrode formed only at the back surface (See, for example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-310830 (Patent Literature 1)).
The back electrode type solar cell, generally having no electrode on the light receiving surface, has no shadow loss resulting from an electrode on the light receiving surface, and can be expected to provide an output higher than that of the bifacial solar cell. Therefore, making use of such properties, the back electrode type solar cell is applied to a solar car or a concentrator solar cell.
FIG. 4(a) shows a schematic plan view of an example of the back surface of a conventional back electrode type solar cell, and FIG. 4(b) shows a schematic cross sectional view along 4b-4b in FIG. 4(a). Herein, the back electrode type solar cell shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and (b) is configured to have an n-type silicon substrate 1, on the back surface of which strip-like electrodes for n-type 11 and strip-like electrodes for p-type 12 are arrayed alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(a).
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), at the back surface of n-type silicon substrate 1, a strip-like high-concentration n-type impurity diffusion layer 3 formed by diffusion of phosphorus serving as an n-type impurity, and a strip-like high-concentration p-type impurity diffusion layer 4 formed by diffusion of boron serving as a p-type impurity are formed alternatively at a predetermined spacing.
It is noted that although FIG. 4(b) shows only one each of high-concentration n-type impurity diffusion layer 3 and high-concentration p-type impurity diffusion layer 4 for illustration purpose, there actually are the same number of high-concentration n-type impurity diffusion layers 3 as that of strip-like electrodes for n-type 11 and the same number of high-concentration p-type impurity diffusion layers 4 as that of strip-like electrodes for p-type 12. Further, strip-like electrodes for n-type 11 are in contact with respective high-concentration n-type impurity diffusion layers 3 and strip-like electrodes for p-type 12 are in contact with respective high-concentration p-type impurity diffusion layers 4.
Furthermore, on the back surface of n-type silicon substrate 1, a passivation film 9 is provided. Through an opening provided in passivation film 9, electrode for n-type 11 is in contact with high-concentration n-type impurity diffusion layer 3, and electrode for p-type 12 is in contact with high-concentration p-type impurity diffusion layer 4.
In addition, formed at a light receiving surface opposite to the back surface of n-type silicon substrate 1 is a textured structure 8 which is formed of pyramid-like irregularities, for example, and formed on textured structure 8 is an antireflection film 10.
The hack electrode type solar cell configured as above is capable of taking a larger amount of sunlight in because no electrode is formed on the light receiving surface, which is a surface of n-type silicon substrate 1 on which the sunlight is incident.

Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion element