A method of inhibiting tumor metastasis in an animal without treating the tumor cells by administering to said animal a metastasis inhibiting effective amount of a heterocyclic amide represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different members of the group consisting of halo, phenyl, substituted phenyl and a ##STR2## group wherein q, r and t are independently an integer of from 1 to 8 provided that q+r+t is equal to or less than 10; Y is thio or sulfinyl; alk is straight or branched chain lower alkylene, and R.sub.3 is a heterocyclic amine represented by the formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, or substituted benzyl; p is 0 to 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

It is generally understood that the metastasis of tumor cells is a critical event in the natural history and spread of cancer The spread of the tumor often places it beyond surgical treatment and results in a drastically worsened prognosis for the patient. Current concepts suggest that metastasis is a complex, multistep process (Fidler, I. J. et. al., Adv. Cancer Res., 28: 149-250, 1978). However, invasion through basement membrane is an essential step in the process by which tumor cells form new lesions and this may involve a common mechanism for many tumor cells. Basement membranes (Martin, G. R., et. al., Ann. Rev. Cell Biol., 3: 57-85, 1987), are the extracellular structures surrounding most epithelial tissues, nerves and muscle and lining most blood and lymph vessels. Collagen IV, laminin and a large heparan sulfate proteoglycan are major components of basement membranes. Basement membranes represent significant barriers to most cells, but malignant tumor cells can penetrate them. This is believed to require degradation by specific proteolytic enzymes (Liotta, L. A., Am. J. Pathology, 117: 335-348, 1986), (Terranova, V. P. et. al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 77: 311-316, 1986). Because the basement membranes in all tissues have the same components, (Martin, G. R., et. al., Ann. Rev. Cell Biol., 3: 57-85, 1987), it is possible that similar mechanisms are employed by many malignant tumor cells in invading basement membranes, although this has not been shown directly. The degradation of the collagen IV network may be the critical step, (Liotta, L. A., Am. J. Pathology, 117: 335-348, 1986), (Terranova, V. P. et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 77: 311-316, 1986) and it may be possible that collagenase IV is needed to do this. However, this is uncertain since other proteases includinq gelatinase, stromelysin, and elastase are able to degrade the collagen IV monomer under in vitro conditions (Murphy, G. et. al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 831: 49-58, 1985).
Collagenase IV is secreted in an inactive form. Activation of the enzyme is achieved via plasminogen activator and plasmin. Inhibition of either enzyme prevents malignant tumor cells from being invasive (Reich, R. et. al., Cancer Res. 48: 3307-3312, 1988). A high production of plasminogen activator is frequently observed with malignant cells (Dano, et. al., Adv. Can. Res. 44: 139-266, 1985).
Laminin and the protein of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan are susceptible to a variety of proteolytic enzymes. Degradation of the heparan sulfate chains requires a heparanase, and inhibitors of this enzyme have been shown to be antimetastatic in experimental studies (Nakajima, M., et. al., Cancer Research, 47: 4869-4876, 1987).
Motility factors and tissue chemotactic factors can stimulate the movement of malignant tumor cells and have been implicated in the organ specific metastasis of certain tumor cells (Hujanen, E. S. et. al., Cancer Research, 45: 3517-3521, 1985). Matrix proteins such as laminin have both chemotactic and heptotactic activity and might be expected to accelerate the movement of malignant tumor cells (McCarthy, J. B. et. al., Cancer Metastasis Rev., 4: 125-152, 1985). In vitro assays of tumor cell invasiveness often employ chemoattractants to increase the migration of the tumor cells (Albini, A. et. al., Cancer Research, 47: 3239-3245, 1987). Chemoattractants may have a significant role in tumor cell metastasis.
Hematogenous tumor metastasis is thought to be mediated in part by alternations in vascular integrity and interactions with platelets. Arachidonic acid metabolites, i.e., prostacyclin, thromaoxane A.sub.2 and leukotrienes are powerful modulators of vascular integrity, tone and platelet aggregation and may be involved in the development of tumor growth and metastasis. There is evidence of a correlation between tissue levels of leukotriene C.sub.4 levels and vasogenic edema surrounding brain tumors, K. C. Black, et al. ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY 19(6):592-595 (1986). Honn, et al., demonstrated that selective inhibition of thromboxane synthetase, as well as pretreatment with exogenous prostacyclin significantly decreased hematogenous metastases in animal models. SCIENCE 212:1270(1981); ADV.PROSTAGLANDIN, THROMBOXANE, LEUKOTRIENE RES.12:313 (1983); BIOCHEM. BIOPHYS. RES. COMMUN. 102:1122(1981). Ketoconazole, an antifungal agent which inhibits both the thromboxane synthetase and 5-lipoxygenase metabolic pathways significantly reduced metastasis of B16-F10 murine melanoma cells in mice, P. A. Wardone, et. al, J. SURG. RES. 44 (4): 425-429 (1988). When human PC-3 cells derived from a metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma were incubated with eicosatetraynoic acid, an in vitro inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase), DNA synthesis was supressed, K. M. Anderson, et al., THE PROSTATE 12:3-12 (1988).
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors have been used as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAID's) and analgesics. Mixed cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitors such as benoxaprofen have been used for the same purposes. Both groups of drugs have exhibited undesirable toxicity in human use (see for example, Goodman and Gilman, The Pharamcoloqical Basis of Therapeutics, Seventh Ed. (1985) Chapter 29 pages 674-715).
Wagner, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,812, and related U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,076,841 and 4,078,084 which issued from divisional applications of the -812 application, all assigned to The Dow Chemical Company, disclose 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) thiocarboxylic acids, esters and simple amides which are hypolipidemics and are useful in reducing plasma lipid levels, especially cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
European Patent Application No. 86 101 300.1 discloses 5-lipoxygenase inhibiting compounds which are useful as anti-inflammatory and anti allergy agents and which are represented by the formula ##STR4## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different members of the group consisting of halo, phenyl, substituted phenyl and a ##STR5## group wherein q, r and t are independently an integer of from 1 to 8 provided that q+r+t is equal to or less than 10; Y is thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl; Alk is straight or branched chain lower alkylene, and R.sub.3 is a heterocyclic amine represented by the formula: ##STR6## wherein R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl, carboxyl or carboxylower alkyl; X is selected from the group consisting of N--R.sub.4, O and CH.sub.2 ; m is 2 or 3; n is 2 or 3 when X is O or N--R.sub.4 and n is 1 to 3 when X is CH.sub.2 ; p is 0 to 2; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Use of heterocyclic amides to inhibit tumor metastasis

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services


A laminated high-frequency low-pass filter includes a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a fourth dielectric layer, and a fifth dielectric layer are laminated on the first dielectric layer. An earth electrode is formed on the first dielectric layer. A first capacitive open-circuited stub electrode, a second capacitive open-circuited stub electrode and a third capacitive open-circuited stub electrode are formed on the second dielectric layer. A first strip line electrode and a second strip line electrode are formed on the third dielectric layer. The first and second strip line electrodes are formed as meander lines. A shield electrode is formed on the fourth dielectric layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high-frequency low-pass filter and more particularly to a high-frequency low-pass filter having a strip line electrode for use as an inductor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional high-frequency low-pass filter. The high-frequency low-pass filter 1 shown in FIG. 15 includes a dielectric substrate 2 having first and second main surfaces. On the entire surface of the first main surface of the dielectric substrate 2, an earth electrode 3 is formed. In the center of the second main surface of the dielectric substrate 2, two microstrip line electrodes 4a and 4b forming first and second inductors are located. Furthermore, on the second main surface of the dielectric substrate 2, a first capacitive open-circuited stub electrode 5a forming a part of a first capacitor and an input electrode 6a forming an input terminal extend from end of one microstrip line electrode 4a. A second capacitive open-circuited stub electrode 5b forming part of a second capacitor extends from the other end of microstrip line electrode 4a and one end of the other microstrip line electrode 4b. A third capacitive open-circuited stub electrode 5c forming part of a third capacitor and an output electrode 6b as an output terminal extend from the other end of the other microstrip line electrode 4b.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing another example of a conventional high-frequency low-pass filter. Compared with the high-frequency low-pass filter shown in FIG. 15, in the high-frequency low-pass filter 1 shown in FIG. 16, three chip capacitors 7a, 7b and 7c instead of three capacitive open-circuited stub electrodes are used.
The high-frequency low-pass filters 1 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 have an equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 17 in a form of a concentrated constant. That is, the high-frequency low-pass filters 1 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 have an input terminal IN and an output terminal OUT. Between the input terminal IN and the output terminal OUT, the first and the second inductors L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are connected in series. Furthermore, the input terminal IN is grounded through the first capacitor C.sub.1, the connecting point between the first and the second inductors L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 is grounded through the second capacitor C.sub.2, and the output terminal OUT is grounded through the third capacitor C.sub.3.
In the conventional examples shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when a stray capacitance between the earth electrode and the microstrip line electrode is increased, an inductive impedance between both ends of the microstrip line electrode is decreased. Consequently, it is difficult to miniaturize and adapt in a lower frequency.
Furthermore, in the conventional examples shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when the stray capacitance between the earth electrode and the microstrip line electrode is increased, a frequency by which the impedance between both ends of the microstrip line electrode turns into a capacitive impedance is decreased. Consequently, it is difficult to adapt in a higher frequency.
Also, in the conventional examples shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, an unnecessary passband is generated by resonance in the frequency of the wavelength ##EQU1## wherein L is the line length of the microstrip line electrode, .epsilon..sub.r is the relative dielectric constant around the microstrip line electrode, and N is an integral number. Therefore, a good spurious characteristic is not obtained.

Laminated high-frequency low-pass filter


A wireless wearable sensor device, system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for screening for structural heart disease based on electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and/or accelerometer signals on a patient's skin surface.

Auscultation is a technique for listening to sounds associated with functioning of internal organs such as the heart, lungs and intestines using a stethoscope; and it is one of a physician's fundamental diagnostic tools. The sounds, produced predominantly by the closure of atrio-venticular and semilunar heart valves, and the manual heart auscultation, provide a glimpse of cardiac diagnosis on the structural and functional health of the heart. However, the traditional stethoscope used as a spot check diagnostic tool relies on the physician's skill and experience, and therefore is inherently limited by the human threshold of audibility in perceiving sounds of only certain magnitude and bandwidth; further, capturing sound data records for future reference are not possible.
Advances in objective heart sound analysis using electronic recordings are crucial as more than 5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with heart valve disease every year. With an aging population, acquired structural heart diseases such as calcific aortic valve stenosis and mitral regurgitation are the third most common cardiovascular disease. Adult patients with aortic stenosis are about 1.5 million in U.S. and 56% of them are over 70 years old in Europe. Besides, congenital heart disease, the most common condition with structural heart defects at birth, affects more than 71,000 children in the U.S. and European Union every year. Effective medical management and surgical treatment planning for structural or congenital heart disease may necessitate objective and reliable monitoring of functions of the heart including heart sounds.
With the advent of digital stethoscopes, clinicians are now able to record heart sounds as digital waveforms, and include a visual component, beyond listening, to the examination. Heart sound recordings, known as phonocardiograms (PCG), are recorded by microphones typically placed at one of the common heart auscultation sites. These sites include the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral areas on the chest. The PCG recordings are essentially comprised of the fundamental heart sounds, S1 and S2, commonly referred to the "lub" and "dub" sounds, respectively. In addition to these normal heart sounds, relatively weak S3 and S4 heart sounds in individuals with risks of heart failure, and other abnormal sounds such as opening snap, ejection sound, murmurs, and mid-systolic clicks, may also be present. The application of digital signal processing and machine learning techniques to these PCG signals can overcome the limitations of manual auscultation for effective clinical diagnosis using heart sounds. However, automated classification of heart sounds is not trivial as PCG can be obscured by background noise, breathing sounds, intestinal sounds, and sensor motion against the body. Continuous monitoring of heart sounds using novel wearable medical device sensors with sophisticated algorithms may emerge for screening or diagnosing abnormal heart conditions/defects, which would allow for early and appropriate medical intervention.
Automated classification of heart sound pathologies has been evolving over the last decade using various features extractions involving signal amplitudes, frequencies, wavelets, time-frequency spectral measures, and statistical methods in conjunction with segmentation and classifier methods. However, mass screening for structural heart disease employing a continuous wearable sensor device capable of measuring plurality of physiological signals including ECG, PPG, and accelerometer that allows accurate heart sound segmentation and classification into normal versus abnormal classes at hospital or in-home environment remains a challenge.
Auditory filter models are designed to imitate the way human ear filters sound using an array of independent bandpass filters that recognize and discriminate sound signals effectively at low frequencies more closely than high frequencies. This ability to discern changes more closely at low frequencies is a useful feature for PCG analysis since the spectral power of most heart sounds primarily occur and overlap at low frequencies, particularly under 200 Hz. While auditory filter models are successfully applied in speech analysis, they are relatively unexplored in heart sound classification. Previous studies involving auditory filter model for PCG analysis include noise detection and assessment of the patent ductus arteriosis.
Therefore, there is a strong need for a solution that overcomes the aforementioned issues. The present invention addresses such a need.

Screening device, method, and system for structural heart disease


A plug including main optical connector bodies, a housing for securing and holding the main optical connector bodies on the connecting end side thereof, a cylindrical inner shell surrounding the housing and attached to the housing by screwing a threaded hole formed in a rear wall portion thereof onto a thread formed in the outer periphery of the housing, and a cylindrical outer shell surrounding the inner shell and having a thread formed in the inner periphery thereof on the connecting end side and a step portion formed in the inner periphery on the rear end side thereof, the thread being screwed onto the thread of an enclosure shell. When the plug is coupled to a receptacle, the inner shell is rotated with respect to the housing and the connecting end of the inner shell hits the abutment surface of the enclosure shell and, when the outer shell is screwed onto the enclosure shell, the step portion hits the rear wall portion. This plug can be coupled properly to the receptacle by accommodating variations in the position of the mating optical connector housed in the receptacle and can be reduced in size.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of the optical connector connecting structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2012-68323 (referred to hereinafter as Literature 1) as an example of such an optical connector connecting structure in the prior art. In Literature 1, the optical connector connecting structure includes a housing and an adapter. The housing 10 holds an optical connector 21, while the adapter 31 to be coupled to the housing 10 is secured to an enclosure 32 so as to cover a portion of the optical module 33 partially protruding outward from the enclosure 32.
The housing 10 has a cylindrical portion 11, an outer cylindrical portion 12, a connection member 13, and a cable 14 connected to the connection member 13. The connecting end of the cylindrical portion 11 serves as an engagement portion 11a. A support portion 11b is formed in the engagement portion 11a to support the optical connector 21 such that the optical connector 21 is movable in the axial direction. A through hole 11c is formed in the support portion 11b, into which an attachment member 22 attached to the optical connector 21 is inserted.
The optical connector 21 has main body portions 21a. The attachment member 22 is attached to the base end portions of the main body portions 21a. The attachment member 22 has a main body portion 22a, base end portions 22b, and a flange portion 22c. The main body portion 22a extends through the through hole 11c. Although not shown in FIG. 1, boots for protecting optical fiber cables 23 are secured to the main body portions 21a of the optical connector 21. The attachment member 22 is attached so as to cover the boots.
A partition 15 having a through hole 15a formed therein is secured to the cylindrical portion 11 on the base end side of the support portion 11b. Coiled springs 16 are provided between the partition 15 and the flange portion 22c of the attachment member 22. The base end portions 22b are inserted into the springs 16. Urging force of the springs 16 urges the attachment member 22 in the axial direction toward the connecting end. The optical connector 21 is thereby urged in the axial direction toward the connecting end.
The cylindrical portion 11 has a sliding portion 11d formed therein. The sliding portion 11d has the maximum outer diameter and is slidable with respect to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 12, so the outer cylindrical portion 12 is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion 11 about the axis. The outer cylindrical portion 12 is movable with respect to the cylindrical portion 11 within a predetermined range in the axial direction. A ring member 17 made of rubber is provided in a recess of the cylindrical portion 11.
The connection member 13 is connected to the cylindrical portion 11 on the base end side thereof. A ring member 18 made of rubber is provided between the connection member 13 and the cylindrical portion 11. The cable 14 is connected to the connection member 13 on the base end side thereof. The optical fiber cables 23 from the optical connector 21 are inserted into the cable 14.
Ferrules 21b and springs 21c that urge the ferrules 21b in the axial direction toward the connecting end are held in the main body portions 21a of the optical connector 21. Latch arms 21d are provided on the main body portions 21a. The optical fiber cables 23 are connected to the main body portions 21a on the base end side thereof and the ferrules 21b are connected to the optical fibers inside the main body portions 21a.
The adapter 31 is engaged with a hole portion formed in the enclosure 32. The adapter 31 has an engagement portion 31a that engages with the cylindrical portion 11. An annular engagement groove portion 31b is formed in the engagement portion 31a on the base end side thereof. The engagement groove portion 31b is continuous with the inner surface of the engagement portion 31a. A through hole 31c is formed in the adapter 31. The connecting end of the optical module 33 inserted through the through hole 31c protrudes from the through hole 31c. A ring member 34 made of rubber is provided between the base portion 31d of the adapter 31 and the enclosure 32.
The optical module 33 has insertion holes 33a into which the optical connector 21 is inserted. Ferrules 33b to be connected to the ferrules 21b in the optical connector 21 are provided within the insertion holes 33a. The ferrules 33b are urged by springs 33c in the axial direction toward the connecting end.
In such a configuration, when the adapter 31 and the housing 10 are coupled to each other, the engagement portion 31a of the adapter 31 is inserted between the outer cylindrical portion 12 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 and the engagement portion 11a of the cylindrical portion 11 is inserted into the engagement groove portion 31b. The ferrules 21b and 33b are brought into press contact with each other and the optical connector 21 moves in the axial direction toward the base end against the urging force of the springs 16.
The optical connector 21 is thus supported movably in the axial direction. When the optical connector 21 is connected to the optical module 33, variations in the length of the optical module 33 in the axial direction that differ with the type of the optical module 33 are accommodated and the optical connector 21 can be connected to the optical module 33.
As described above, in Literature 1, the optical connector 21 held in the housing 10 is movable with respect to the cylindrical portion 11 in response to the position of the connecting end of the optical module 33 (i.e., length of the optical module 33) in the adapter 31. On the other hand, the optical fiber cables 23 connected to the optical connector 21 are fixedly secured to the connection member 13 on the base end side of the cylindrical portion 11. When the optical connector 21 moves in the axial direction toward the base end, the optical fiber cables 23 would bend.
Since the optical fibers are made of glass and are vulnerable to bending (fragile when bent), it is necessary to provide an extra length to each optical fiber that is long enough to prevent the radius of curvature of the optical fiber from becoming small when the optical fiber is bent.
It is necessary, therefore, that the cylindrical portion 11 in Literature 1 admits such an extra length for the optical fiber. Hence, there are drawbacks that the cylindrical portion 11 cannot be shortened and therefore the housing 10 cannot be reduced in size.

Plug and optical connector connecting structure

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited


A vehicle flap, such as a tailgate, has an inner shell, such as an inner metal sheet, an outer shell, such as an outer metal sheet, connected to the inner shell, and at least one reinforcement tube. The reinforcement tube is arranged between the inner shell and outer shell and is connected to the inner shell and/or outer shell.

The invention relates to a vehicle flap for a vehicle. In particular, the vehicle flap takes the form of a tailgate.
The prior art discloses different vehicle flaps on vehicles. When formed as tailgates, they close a loading space or luggage compartment of a vehicle. Previously known vehicle flaps are made up for example of an inner metal sheet and an outer metal sheet and any further metal sheets. Hinges are usually used to connect the vehicle flaps to the body of the vehicle. Where appropriate, an opening mechanism is provided in order to open the flap without a force being exerted by the user or to assist the manual opening.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle flap for a vehicle that is lightweight while being simple to produce and allowing for safe operation of the vehicle.
The object is achieved by a vehicle flap. The vehicle flap is particularly designed for use on a vehicle. In particular, what is concerned here is a road vehicle, particularly preferably a two-track passenger car. In particular, the vehicle flap is situated at the rear of the vehicle and is thus also referred to as a tailgate. The vehicle flap is connected to a body of the vehicle particularly by means of hinges.
According to the invention, the vehicle flap comprises an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell is connected to the outer shell directly and/or indirectly, for example by adhesive bonding and/or welding. In principle, the inner shell and the outer shell can be produced from any desired material. Use is typically made here of a metal sheet, and therefore the inner shell can also be referred to as an inner metal sheet and the outer shell can also be referred to as an outer metal sheet.
What is preferably characteristic for the inner shell and outer shell is that they both extend around a window opening of the vehicle flap. The inner shell and outer shell are thus preferably not metal sheets in the vehicle flap that are used only for stabilizing certain regions; rather, the inner shell and the outer shell together form the substantial geometry of the vehicle flap. With the vehicle flap closed, the inner shell faces inward and the outer shell faces outward. Particularly within the inner shell there can also be arranged a cladding.
According to the invention, at least one reinforcing tube is situated between the inner shell and outer shell. With particular preference, exactly two of the reinforcing tubes described here are used. The at least one reinforcing tube is connected to the inner shell and/or the outer shell. This connection occurs in a form-fitting manner, a force-fitting manner and/or integrally bonded manner. In particular, the reinforcing tube is welded and/or adhesively bonded to the inner shell and the outer shell.
The use of the reinforcing tube increases the stiffness of the vehicle flap. By virtue of the arrangement between inner shell and outer shell according to the invention, the inner shell forms a continuous, uninterrupted surface which is used in particular for a sealing surface. Furthermore, the reinforcing tube can thus be directly connected to the outer shell and the inner shell.
With particular preference, there is provision that the reinforcing tube has a transverse portion. The transverse portion extends above the window opening. On this transverse portion there is arranged a hinge for attaching the vehicle flap to a body. Where appropriate, a reinforcing plate can here be fitted into or onto the reinforcing tube for screwing to the hinge.
The transverse portion preferably extends+/−25° parallel to the vehicle transverse axis.
The hinge is preferably screwed to the reinforcing tube, in particular to the transverse portion. The screw connection, and hence the longitudinal axis of the screws, runs preferably +/−25°, in particular +/−15°, perpendicular to the vehicle transverse axis. The screw connection thus extends substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction and/or the vehicle vertical direction. This screw connection is possible in particular since the reinforcing tube has a transverse portion and hence the hinge can be screwed directly to the reinforcing tube and not for instance to the inner or outer metal sheet.
Furthermore, there is preferably provision that the reinforcing tube has a side portion. In particular, the transverse portion transitions directly into the side portion. In particular, the reinforcing tube is designed in one piece.
The side portion extends laterally to the window opening. With particular preference, there is provision that an opening mechanism is fastened to the side portion. This opening mechanism, for example an electric spindle drive or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, is designed to open and/or close or to assist the manual actuation of the vehicle flap. This fastening of the opening mechanism is preferably situated laterally to or below the window opening of the vehicle flap.
Furthermore, there is preferably provision that the vehicle flap has a sealing surface. The sealing surface points inward with respect to the vehicle. In particular, the sealing surface is formed by the inner shell. The sealing surface is in particular designed to be fully circumferential and closed. In particular, the sealing surface is formed exclusively and without interruption by the inner shell.
The sealing surface runs at least in certain portions in the region of the at least one reinforcing tube. This means that with a view perpendicular to the sealing surface, the sealing surface overlaps with the reinforcing tube. The arrangement of the reinforcing tube inside the flap, that is to say between the inner shell and outer shell, means that it is possible to position the sealing surface at the same position as the reinforcing tube without thereby the sealing surface being formed by the reinforcing tube itself or being interrupted. Since the reinforcing tube is arranged between the inner shell and outer shell, the sealing surface can be formed exclusively by the inner shell.
The sealing surface is designed to bear against a complementary body sealing surface or a seal which is arranged on the body side.
Furthermore, there is preferably provision that the inner shell has a U-shaped cross-sectional region, wherein the reinforcing tube is arranged at least partially inside this U-shaped cross-sectional region. The sealing surface is likewise formed by the U-shaped cross-sectional region and is situated on the outer side of the U-shaped cross-sectional region.
As already mentioned, there is preferably provision that the respective reinforcing tube is produced in one piece. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing tube preferably has, at least on certain portions, a fully circumferentially closed cross section.
Furthermore, there is preferably provision that the reinforcing tube is a hydroformed tube. Hydroforming particularly makes possible a one-piece bent tube that has the aforementioned transverse portion and side portion.
In principle, there are body constructions with a water gutter and without a water gutter. A water gutter refers to a region of the body around the rear opening; at least laterally to the opening and possibly above it and/or below it. The water gutter is usually covered by an overhang of the vehicle flap, but is situated radially outside the seal such that water can run into this water gutter. If the construction provides a water gutter, the opening mechanism can also be arranged in this water gutter.
The here presented construction of the vehicle flap makes it possible to use the reinforcing tube and at the same time to arrange the sealing surface as far as possible to the inside (close to the window opening). Radially outside the sealing surface there thus remains sufficient installation space for configuring an overhang which in turn can cover the body-side water gutter.
Thus, there is preferably provision that the inner shell and outer shell project laterally beyond the sealing surface with an overhang. The overhang length, measured from the radially outer end of the sealing surface, is preferably at least 3 cm, particularly preferably at least 7 cm, in particular at least 10 cm.
The invention further comprises a vehicle having a body and a vehicle flap as has just been described.
There is preferably provision that the body comprises, at least in the region laterally to the vehicle flap or the rear opening, a water gutter which can be concealed by the vehicle flap. The water gutter is situated outside the seal formed by the tailgate and body. On at least one side there is preferably situated in the water gutter an opening mechanism for opening the vehicle flap. As already described, this opening mechanism is preferably fastened to the side portion of the reinforcing tube. The attachment/fastening can also occur at the top at the transition from the transverse portion to the side portion. Here too, a reinforcement of the reinforcing tube to secure the tailgate stiffness is possible.
Furthermore, there is preferably provision that when using two reinforcing tubes on both sides of the window opening, two symmetrical components and/or identical parts are used as reinforcing tubes which, for example in the case of hydroforming, can be produced in the same mold.
Further details, features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description and the figures.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


An MTJ pattern layout for a memory device is disclosed that includes two CMP assist features outside active MTJ device blocks. A first plurality of dummy MTJ devices is located in two dummy bands formed around an active MTJ device block. The inner dummy band is separated from the outer dummy band by the MTJ ILD layer and has a MTJ device density essentially the same as the MTJ device block. The outer dummy band has a MTJ device density at least 10% greater than the inner dummy band. The inner dummy band serves to minimize CMP edge effect in the MTJ device block while the outer dummy band improves planarization. A second plurality of dummy MTJ devices is employed in contact pads outside the outer dummy band and is formed between a WL ILD layer and a BIT ILD layer thereby minimizing delamination of the MTJ ILD layer.

Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) that incorporates a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as a memory storage device is a strong candidate to provide a high density, fast (1-30 ns read/write speed), low power, and non-volatile solution for future memory applications. The architecture for MRAM devices is composed of an array of memory cells generally arranged in rows and columns. Each memory cell is comprised of a memory element (MTJ) that is in electrical communication with a transistor through an interconnect stack. The memory elements are programmed by a magnetic field created from pulse current carrying conductors such as copper lines. Typically, two arrays of current carrying conductors that may be called "word lines" and "bit lines" are arranged in a cross point matrix. Normally, the word lines are formed under the MTJs and are isolated from the memory elements by a one or more layers such as an etch stop layer and an interdielectric (ILD) layer. The bit lines contact the top portion of the MTJs and are electrically connected to a conductive cap layer. Additionally, there is a bottom electrode (BE) that contacts the bottom of each MTJ and electrically connects the MTJ with an underlying transistor.
The MTJ consists of a stack of layers with a configuration in which two ferromagnetic layers are separated by a thin insulating layer such as AlOX that is called a tunnel barrier layer. One of the ferromagnetic layers is a pinned layer in which the magnetization (magnetic moment) direction is more or less uniform along a preset direction and is fixed by exchange coupling with an adjacent anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) pinning layer. The second ferromagnetic layer is a free layer in which the magnetization direction can be changed by external magnetic fields. The magnetization direction of the free layer may change in response to external magnetic fields which can be generated by passing currents through a bit line and word line as in a write operation. When the magnetization direction of the free layer is parallel to that of the pinned layer, there is a lower resistance for tunneling current across the insulating layer (tunnel barrier) than when the magnetization directions of the free and pinned layers are anti-parallel. The MTJ stores digital information ("0" and "1") as a result of having one of two different magnetic states.
In a read operation, the information is read by sensing the magnetic state (resistance level) of the MTJ through a sensing current flowing through the MTJ, typically in a current perpendicular to plane (CPP) configuration. During a write operation, the information is written to the MTJ by changing the magnetic state to an appropriate one by generating external magnetic fields as a result of applying bit line and word line currents. Cells which are selectively written to are subject to magnetic fields from both a bit line and word line while adjacent cells (half-selected cells) are only exposed to a bit line or a word line field.
As the MTJ size from a top-down view shrinks relative to the easy axis and hard axis directions (x,y plane), and from a cross-sectional perspective is reduced in thickness (perpendicular to the x,y plane) in order to satisfy higher performance MRAM requirements, the interconnects within the MRAM structure also decrease in size to conform to electrical requirements and space restrictions for high density designs. There is also a greater demand on reliability of the MRAM device since reduced MTJ sizes usually lead to a greater chance of device failure at contact points between adjacent metal layers and tend to cause delamination of the one or more interlayer dielectric (ILD) layers that separate the bit line and word line during CMP processing.
In order to maximize word line and bit line writing efficiency in an MRAM device, one needs to minimize both the distance from the bit line (BIT) to the MTJ free layer and the distance from the word line (WL) to the MTJ free layer. The distance between the WL and MTJ free layer is normally reduced by a cut back in thickness of one or more of the WL, WL ILD, and BE layers. In order to shorten the distance between the BIT and MTJ free layer, one needs to reduce the MTJ capping layer thickness and/or the insulator thickness (if any) between the BIT and MTJ capping layer.
The method of shrinking the distance between the BIT and MTJ free layer depends on the approach taken to create the connection between the BIT and MTJ. In one approach, the BIT directly connects to the MTJ capping layer. This method involves forming a thick hard mask layer normally made of Ta on the MTJ stack of layers. Once the MTJ stack is patterned and etched to form an array of MTJ elements, a layer of insulator material (MTJ ILD) is deposited over the MTJ array. Then CMP is used to remove the MTJ ILD layer until it becomes coplanar with the hard mask surface. Subsequently, the BIT layer is deposited and patterned on the MTJ ILD layer and over the MTJ array. A second approach consists of connecting the BIT to the MTJ through a via. Insulator materials are first deposited after MTJ pattern and etch. Then CMP is employed to planarize the insulator layer but stops before reaching the MTJ hard mask surface. Next, a contact hole layer is photo-patterned and etched to the top surface of the MTJ element. The BIT and via between the BIT and MTJ may be deposited during the same dual damascene process. The second approach is not only costly but has difficulty in controlling distance between the BIT and MTJ from wafer to wafer. The second method is also faced with a serious overlay requirement between the via layer and MTJ array as MTJ size scales down. The first method is more efficient but is limited by CMP dishing and protrusion control capability unless a very thick capping layer about 1000 Angstroms thick or more is used. However, the thick hard mask layer causes a loss in writing efficiency and results in problems for MTJ etch process control. Therefore, a change in mask design for the MTJ layout in an MRAM device is needed to enable the CMP process following MTJ ILD deposition to achieve improved planarization and prevent delamination of dielectric layers above the WL.
A routine search of the prior art revealed the following references. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,015, a magnetic memory device is described that has dummy cells in a peripheral portion of the MTJ cell array to achieve uniform pitch throughout the area in center and non-center portions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,677 discloses a magnetic memory device having dummy elements in a peripheral circuit portion wherein the sum total of occupying areas of the dummy elements is 5% to 80% of the peripheral circuit portion in order to improve CMP uniformity. U.S. Patent Application 2004/0056289 shows dummy cells that are arranged for uniform CMP speed. U.S. Patent Application 2003/0223283 teaches dummy cells, word lines, and bit lines for uniform trench etching.

Method of magnetic tunneling junction pattern layout for magnetic random access memory


The machine is provided with casting-off sinkers having two casting-off surfaces which are mutually spaced in a direction which is parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder to form toweling stitches. The machine has auxiliary jacks which are accommodated in axial grooves of a needle cylinder and can move, when actuated, along these grooves parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder so as to act, with their upper end, on the casting-off sinkers to move them in a direction which is radial to the needle cylinder from a rearward position, in which they receive two threads engaged by the contiguous needles on a same one of the two casting-off surfaces, forming two loops of knitting of equal length, to an advanced position in the direction of the axis of the needle cylinder, in which they receive the two threads engaged by the contiguous needles respectively on one of the casting-off surfaces and on the other casting-off surface so as to form two loops having mutually different lengths, i.e. toweling stitches.

The present invention relates to a circular knitting machine for manufacturing socks, stockings and the like, with device for producing patterns with toweling stitches.
As is known, circular knitting machines for manufacturing socks and stockings or the like comprise a needle cylinder which is arranged vertically and on whose skirt a plurality of axial grooves is defined; each groove accommodates a needle in such a manner that it can slide parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder, and each needle is provided with a heel which protrudes radially from the related axial groove.
Needle actuation cams are arranged around the skirt of the needle cylinder and define paths which can be engaged by the heel of the needles when the needle cylinder is rotatably actuated about its axis with respect to the needle actuation cams. The paths defined by the actuation cams are shaped so as to cause, during the rotation of the needle cylinder about its own axis, a movement of the needles along the related axial grooves of the needle cylinder which causes the tip of the needles to protrude upward from the upper end of the needle cylinder so as to engage the thread or threads fed at a feed, or drop, of the machine and so as to subsequently retract into the needle cylinder, forming new loops of knitting linked to the previously formed loops which are cast off the needles and descend into the needle cylinder. The needle actuation cams also define paths which avoid this movement of the needles, keeping them inside the grooves of the needle cylinder so as to prevent them from taking up the thread provided at a feed, excluding them from the knitting in progress.
The actuation or exclusion of the needles at a feed of the thread or threads is obtained by means of selection devices which move the needles along the related axial grooves of the needle cylinder, so as to shift the heel of the needles from one path to another path, both of which are defined by the needle actuation cams.
Some of the selection devices currently in use comprise a selector arranged in each axial groove of the needle cylinder below the needle and provided with a heel which extends radially with respect to the needle cylinder. Each selector can oscillate in a plane which is radial with respect to the needle cylinder to pass from an inactive position, whereat it is sunk so that its heel is inside the related groove of the needle cylinder, to an active position, whereat said heel protrudes radially from the related axial groove to engage selector actuation cams which, similarly to the needle actuation cams, are arranged around the needle cylinder and have ascending portions and descending portions to move the selectors along the related axial grooves in a direction which is parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder during the rotation of the needle cylinder with respect to the actuation cams.
The selectors are shifted from the inactive position to the active position, or vice versa, by means of various types of devices which laterally face the needle cylinder and interfere, or do not interfere, depending on the actuation imparted to them, with lugs of the selectors which have been moved beforehand into the active position to return the selectors to the inactive position or to keep them in said active position and thus produce their engagement with the selector actuation cams.
Proximate to the upper end of the needle cylinder there is also a sinker ring in which a plurality of radial grooves is defined; said grooves are angularly offset with respect to the axial grooves of the needle cylinder, and each one slidably accommodates a casting-off sinker along a direction which is radial with respect to the needle cylinder. The casting-off sinkers are provided with a heel which protrudes upwardly from the radial grooves of the sinker ring and engages within a path, defined by sinker actuation cams, which causes a cyclic movement of the sinkers toward or away from the axis of the needle cylinder. With this movement, the sinkers are moved so that one of their longitudinal ends, which is flat, is arranged between two contiguous needles so that the thread, or threads, engaged by the needles rests on this portion while the needles retract into the grooves of the needle cylinder, forming new loops of knitting.
Special sinkers are used to form toweling or loop pile stitches; they have two flat portions which are mutually spaced in a direction which is parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder, are termed casting-off surfaces and are mutually separated by a tab. Said sinkers are moved in the direction of the needle cylinder axis when the contiguous needles have started their downward movement after engaging at least two threads at a feed so that the tab of the sinker is inserted between these two threads, making one thread rest on a casting-off surface and the other thread rest on the other casting-off surface, with the consequent forming of toweling stitches.
With current knitting machines it is possible to produce knitting formed completely with toweling stitches or knitting with portions with toweling stitches alternated with portions knitted with normal stitches. In this latter case, long-heeled sinkers and short-heeled sinkers are arranged in the sinker ring, for actuating the two types of sinkers in different manners so as to alternate plain knitting with toweling-stitch knitting.
In any case, with current machines it is not possible to individually actuate the casting-off sinkers so that they form toweling stitches while performing one row of knitting and form normal stitches while performing a subsequent row, so as to obtain patterns with toweling stitches alternated with normal stitches and even with a complicated outline.
On the other hand, it is not possible to individually select the sinkers by means of a selection device which faces the sinker ring in an upward position due to the bulk problems which are particularly felt in this region of the machine.

Circular knitting machine for manufacturing socks, stockings and the like, with device for producing patterns with toweling stitches


It is intended to provide a method for determining homogenization and/or reaction completion, capable of making the measurement time necessary and sufficient and enhancing the measurement speed, and a method for measuring solution concentration using the same. According to the method for determining homogenization and/or reaction completion and the method for measuring solution concentration using the same, homogenization and reaction completion are determined based on the optical property of the liquid mixture of a test liquid and a reagent liquid.

According to conventional methods of measuring solution concentration, a test liquid and a reagent liquid are mixed in a predetermined volume ratio and sufficiently stirred until the resultant mixture becomes homogeneous, to prepare a liquid mixture. Then, the liquid mixture is stirred at a predetermined temperature, and upon the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the optical property of the liquid mixture is measured to determine the concentration. In methods of measuring the concentration of a specific component by utilizing biochemical reactions, such as enzyme reactions and antigen-antibody reactions, it is common to set the predetermined temperature to 37° C., which is close to living body temperature. It is also common to set the predetermined period of time to a period of time within which the reaction sufficiently reaches completion. Naturally, since the rate of a reaction depends on temperature, concentration, and the like, a sufficient period of time for the completion of the reaction is set in consideration of the concentration of the test liquid at the predetermined temperature.
As described above, in conventional practice, optical property is measured under conditions where the liquid mixture is sufficiently stirred until homogenized and the reaction would never fail to reach completion. That is, sufficient conditions for homogenization and reaction completion are set.
Also, with conventional apparatuses for measuring solution concentration, a test liquid is retained in a sample cell that is structured to propagate light through the test liquid. This sample cell is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, made of, for example, glass, and has transmission faces that are transparent. Thus, light can be propagated through the test liquid. When the test liquid and a reagent liquid are introduced into the sample cell and mixed, the sample cell is detached from the optical system for measuring optical property, and the following operations are performed.
Usually, the top part of this sample cell is open, and a predetermined volume of a test liquid is introduced from the top part using a dropper, a pipette, a syringe, or the like. Subsequently, a predetermined volume of a reagent liquid is mixed thereinto such that the volume ratio of the test liquid to the reagent liquid is constant. Thereafter, the resultant mixture is sufficiently stirred in the sample cell with a stirring stick, stirrer, or the like until it becomes homogenized, and the whole sample cell is kept at a predetermined temperature, for example, in a constant-temperature bath. After the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the sample cell is remounted onto the optical system, and the optical property of the liquid mixture in the sample cell is measured.
However, there have been problems in that conventional solution concentration measuring methods involve a large number of processes and conventional solution concentration measuring apparatuses are large-scaled. Further, there has been another problem of requiring increased measurement time. Therefore, there is a demand for solution concentration measuring apparatuses having a simple structure without a constant-temperature bath and the like, as well as solution concentration measuring methods capable of easy automation.
Further, there has also been another problem in that the processes of loading and unloading the sample cell cause a slight change in the position of the optical system, possibly leading to errors in measurement results. Furthermore, still another problem has been that complicated operations are necessary, and hence, operation mistakes, etc. tend to occur, thereby resulting in poor reliability.
In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable method of measuring solution concentration capable of easy automation, as well as a highly reliable, small-sized apparatus of measuring solution concentration capable of easy automation. The present invention further provides a solution concentration measuring method and a solution concentration measuring apparatus which can reduce the time necessary for homogenization and/or reaction completion to the requisite minimum, thereby enabling a reduction in measurement time.

Method of judging homogenization/reaction completion and method of measuring solution concentration using the same


A visual display of user data, based on a motion sensor is described. In one embodiment, the visual display comprises a first plurality of time units, indicating an activity level for each time unit during a day portion of a day, and a fitted smooth goal curve, indicating a goal activity level, the goal activity level indicating a goal activity for each of the first time units, the goal activity level based on an overall goal setting and a goal curve defining activity levels throughout the day.

As accelerometers become more common, smaller, and low-power consumption, users increasingly have accelerometer-based data available to them.
The accelerometer data may be used in a step-counter or pedometer, to count a user's steps. In the prior art, pedometers generally allow a user to set a step count goal (e.g. 10,000 steps for the day) and then show a current step count. Some prior art pedometers enable the user to upload the pedometer results to their computer to track results over multiple days.

Method and apparatus to provide movement-based analytics


A security detection system includes a radiation source configured to generate and direct terahertz radiation onto an object. Further, the system also includes a detector module configured to detect and process radiation from the object, the detector module comprising a parallel arrangement of at least two low noise amplifiers, each operable in a respective frequency band.

The invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for imaging in the Terahertz (THz) frequency range, and more specifically to examining a sample containing an explosive material.
Over the past several years, there has been an emerging interest in the potential of THz detection for security related applications such as imaging of concealed weapons, explosives and chemical and biological weapons. Terahertz radiation is readily transmitted through most non-metallic and non-polar media, which advantageously enables the THz systems to "see through" concealing barriers such as packaging, clothing, shoes, book bags, for example, in order to probe any potentially dangerous materials contained within. Additionally, many materials of interest for security applications including explosives and chemical and biological agents have characteristic THz spectra that may be used to fingerprint and thereby identify these concealed materials. Thus, the combination of transparency to clothing and packaging combined with spectroscopy of illicit materials such as narcotics, biological weapons or explosives may facilitate detection and identification of many different types of materials. Furthermore, THz radiation is believed to pose no more than minimal health risks to either a person being scanned or the operator of the system.
Presently available THz imaging techniques employ receivers that can be operated in a super-heterodyne configuration. The super-heterodyne approach is a relatively simple and low-cost approach that uses a single low noise amplifier (LNA) gain stage, a mixer, a local oscillator (LO) source and an intermediate frequency (IF) block. However, due to the relatively large number of receiver channels required, time synchronization of the local oscillation distribution may be critical. Direct-detection architectures may be employed to overcome the shortcomings of the super-heterodyne receivers. The direct-detection architecture entails use of a high gain LNA cascade, bandpass filtering, a high sensitivity detector and direct current (DC) electronics for noise voltage amplification. Unfortunately, these direct-detection receivers require a high level of gain in the low noise amplification stages with a flat gain response in order to amplify the scene noise floor above the noise floor of a detector diode. Furthermore, controlling this level of gain at the module level may be an onerous task as oscillation and unwanted feedback may occur especially as the operating frequency is increased.
There is therefore a need for a THz imaging system capable of real-time imaging. In particular, there is a significant need for a design of a THz imaging system for real-time imaging for use in security standoff detection applications. Also, it would be desirable to develop a simple and cost-effective method of fabricating a THz imaging system capable of real-time three-dimensional imaging.

Direct conversion system for security standoff detection


A transmission cable includes a plurality of transmission wires, an inner covering layer, at least one grounding wire, a conducting layer, and an outer covering layer. The plurality of transmission wires are traverse disposed in parallel to form at least one transmission wire layer. The inner covering layer wraps around the transmission wire layer. The grounding wire is disposed at one side of the inner covering layer. The conducting layer wraps around the inner covering layer and the grounding wire. The grounding wire is electrically connected with the inner surface of the conducting layer. The outer covering layer wraps around the conducting layer and forms a flat shape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transmission cable. In particular, this invention relates to a flat transmission cable.
2. Description of the Related Art
Transmission cables usually are applied to a variety of electronic devices, such as connecting the communication devices (Internet server, telephone set), or connecting the peripherals (mouse, and keyboard).
Reference is made to FIG. 1. The transmission cable of the prior art includes a plurality of transmission wires, a conducting layer 73 and a covering layer 74. The plurality of transmission wires includes a plurality of power wires 71 and a plurality of signal wires 76. All wires are close to form a bundle. The conducting layer 73 wraps around the plurality of transmission wires, and the covering layer 74 wraps around the conducting layer 73. Thereby, the transmission cable has a circular-tube shape.
When the transmission cable is used, the circular-tube outline of the transmission cable is obviously disposed and is not neat. The operation environment is disordered. Moreover, the user may be tripped due to the transmission cable and the connection will be bad.
When the transmission cable is not used, it is not convenient for the user to receive the transmission cable due to the circular-tube outline. Even though the user rolls and receives the transmission cable, the dimension is large. It is inconvenient for the user to carry or store it.
Furthermore, the conducting layer 73 of the transmission cable has an electric-magnetic sheltering effect. In order to enhance the transmission quality, the electric-magnetic sheltering effect of the transmission cable must be improved.


A copper alloy having satisfactory pressability and a method of manufacturing this alloy. The alloy contains: 0.1 to 0.4% (weight %) of Fe, 0.05 to 0.20% of Ti, 0.003 to 0.10% of Mg, 0.5 to 1.5% of Sn, and 0.01 to 1.0% of any one or two or all of the elements Zn, Ni and Co, the rest consisting of Cu except for impurities. The method comprises the steps of: hot-working this alloy; cold-working and annealing the hot-worked alloy one or more times, batch-annealing it at least once at 400.degree. to 600.degree. C. for 30 to 600 minutes and keeping the final cold-working ratio at 60% or less; and performing low-temperature annealing of the alloy at a temperature of 250.degree. to 400.degree. C.

(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a copper alloy suitable for making electrical and electronic parts whose physical properties are required to satisfy a wide range of requirements, be excellent in heat-resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, pressability, etc., as well as to a method of manufacturing this alloy.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, phosphor bronze has been used for such electrical and electronic parts. This material, however, may involve more heat generation than is desirable because of its low electrical conductivity. Furthermore, it is rather expensive. Brass, like phosphor bronze, may also be subject to more heat generation than is desirable due to its low electrical conductivity. Apart from this, hard tempered materials are not suited for electrical and electronic parts of the above category since they do no offer satisfactory pressability.
In view of this, various copper alloys have recently been proposed which excel both in electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. These alloys, however, are strengthened by precipitation hardening, so that, when subjected to pressing under severe conditions, they often suffer cracks For example, the alloy that the inventor of the present invention proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-39213 excels both in electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, but it may suffer cracks when formed into small terminals or the like by press working.

Copper alloy having satisfactory pressability and method of manufacturing the same


A gaming chair assembly with adjustable keyboard assembly having a base frame assembly with a tubular framing configuration and a keyboard tray assembly having a lower tubular arm member selectively and telescopically coupled to one of the plurality of base frame members in a selectively lockable configuration, a pivoting lower tubular arm member rotatably coupled to the lower tubular arm member, two upright tubular arm members coupled together, wherein one of the upright tubular arm members has a tubular t-post defining a through hole thereon. A keyboard support member is selectively, slidably, and lockably coupled to the tubular t-post and disposed within the through hole thereon and a keyboard tray member with a mounting bracket coupled thereto is pivotably coupled to a tray clamping member with a through hole defined thereon and that is selectively, slidably, and lockably coupled to the keyboard support member.

Numerous industries such as, for example, the video game industry, and various technical training programs such as airline and commercial pilot flight training programs, require the use of chair assemblies configured in such a way as to give users the ability to maneuver controls, manipulate handles, and interact with computerized screens or simulators. In the video gaming industry, gaming chair assemblies have amassed great popularity and fame as users seek to maintain full comfort while gaming for hours without having to sacrifice the maneuverability and flexibility of movement needed to adequately perform. As such, a growing need in various industries has arisen for gaming chair assemblies that provide natural comfort, maneuverability, and adjustability. Existing prior art, however, does not provide solutions for such needs with respect, specifically, to attached keyboard assembly extensions and structural arms.
Existing prior art embodies varied gaming chair assemblies, some of which also contain adjustable keyboard assemblies. These known gaming chair assemblies that are operably configured to utilize a keyboard/mouse obstruct fail to provide sufficient adjustability for the users of said assemblies. Additionally, those known assemblies that do have a keyboard stand that are operable to adjust, fail to effectively lock and stay in their desired place. For example, during gameplay, where the chair framing is subjected to heightened vibrational forces, the keyboard and/or mouse support plates or trays become inadvertently loosened or otherwise dislodged out of their desired position.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.


Processes for forming a coating on electroconductive flat blanks having two major surfaces and sheared edges are provided. Also provided is a process for forming a multi- composite coating on a pre-sheared, electroconductive, flat blank having two major surfaces and sheared edges. Methods for forming and coating metal blanks are also provided. The present invention further provides a pre-sheared, flat electroconductive blank having two major surfaces and coated with a multi-layer composite coating composition on one major surface. The present invention also provides a method for coating a continuous metal strip, optionally, thereafter forming a coated blank therefrom, and, optionally, applying a second coating to the blank.

Electrodeposition as a coating application method involves deposition of a film-forming composition onto a conductive substrate under the influence of an applied electrical potential. Electrodeposition has become increasingly important in the coatings industry because, by comparison with non-electrophoretic coating means, electrodeposition offers increased paint utilization, improved corrosion protection and low environmental contamination.
Initially, electrodeposition was conducted with the workpiece being coated serving as the anode. This was familiarly referred to as anionic or anodic electrodeposition. However, in 1972, cationic (or cathodic) electrodeposition was introduced commercially. Since that time, cationic electrodeposition has steadily gained in popularity and today is by far the most prevalent method of electrodeposition. For example, throughout the world, more than 80 percent of all motor vehicles produced are given a primer coating by cationic electrodeposition.
Multilayered coating composites for metal substrates, for example, substrates used in the appliance and automobile industries, typically have involved electrodeposition coatings as an initial resinous coating layer to protect the metal substrate from corrosion. However, two-coat application by the electrodeposition process is known in the art. For example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,988,420; 4,840,715; and 5,275,707 disclose multi-layered composite coatings applied by electrodeposition wherein electroconductive pigments are included in a first electrodeposited acrylic resinous coating, and subsequently a second coating is electrodeposited over the conductive first coating. Typically, these second electrodeposition coatings are applied for durability and decorative purposes.
The term "blank" refers to a flat or substantially flat section cut or "sheared" from a coiled metal strip and subsequently formed into a part, such as front and side panels for appliances, e.g., refrigerators, washers and dryers, metal office furniture, e.g., filing cabinets and desks, and building products, e.g., fluorescent lighting fixtures. Often holes must be punched in the blanks.
Coated metal blanks can offer many advantages in the manufacture of such products. Coated blanks can be "stacked" for storage in a vertical stacker while awaiting subsequent coating, forming, fastening and/or assembly processes. This can result in a reduction of inventory storage space as well as a reduction in in-process inventory. Also, primed-only blanks which have been cut to specification for various end-use products can be stacked off-line awaiting subsequent top coating steps. A wide variety of top coating compositions (e.g., liquid coatings and powder coatings) can be applied to the primed blanks using various application techniques, for example, electrodeposition, spray or roll coating techniques. In this way, a wide variety of colors can be delivered in a relatively short time.
As mentioned above, blanks can be cut from pre-coated or pre-painted coiled metal substrates or, alternatively, from coiled metal stock prior to coating the coiled metal. Problems can arise when blanks are cut from pre-coated metal. The shearing of these blanks (thus creating blanks having "sheared edges") and the hole punching process typically creates exposed sheared ends and edges (i.e., edges devoid of protective coating), thus necessitating application of additional corrosion inhibitors to these areas. Special corrosion protection is especially critical if the finished product is subjected to high humidity conditions or aggressive detergents. Moreover, the coil-applied coating must meet strict flexibility requirements in order to withstand the shearing and punching processes without fracturing and/or losing adhesion at the edges of the sheared/punched area, as well as post-forming processes.
For the above-stated reasons, blanks cut from uncoated coiled metal stock, which are subsequently coated and formed into parts, can offer several advantages. First, sheared ends and edges are coated during the overall coating process, thus eliminating the additional step of applying a corrosion inhibitor to these edges. Further, although the coatings applied to pre-sheared blanks must meet the flexibility requirements necessary for withstanding post-forming processes, the need for coatings capable of withstanding the harsh shearing and punching processes is eliminated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,704 teaches a combined coil and blank powder coating line which has the capability of coating coiled metal strips to form pre-coated metal coil stock as well as coating pre-sheared and/or punched blanks with the same coating line. Due to the necessity of placing the blanks on a horizontal support surface for transport, however, only the topside of the blank can be powder coated, thus leaving the underside uncoated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,667 discloses a process for producing a multilayer lacquer coating of low dry film thickness in which a primer of an electrodepositable aqueous coating composition is electrophoretically applied onto (presumably both sides of) a conductive substrate and subsequently cured to form an electrically conductive primer on the substrate. A base coat is formed thereover by electrodeposition of a color-giving and/or effect-producing aqueous electrodepositable coating composition. The multilayer coating process is particularly useful for coating automobiles or pre-formed automobile parts.
It would be desirable to provide a post-formable, multi-layer composite coating on a metal blank using, at least in part, an electrodeposition process. The process would advantageously include electrodeposition of a corrosion inhibitive conductive primer to the blank surfaces followed by electrodeposition of an appearance enhancing top coat, or, alternatively, application of a non-electrophoretic top coating. Such a process would provide the aforementioned desired coating properties with efficient paint utilization and fast cure times.

Process for electrocoating metal blanks and coiled metal substrates


A transonic hull having a bow, a stern, a longitudinal length therebetween, side surfaces extending from the bow to outboard portions of the stern, a lower surface extending between the side surfaces, the transonic hull having a submerged volume with an approximately triangular shape in plan view with apex adjacent the bow and a base adjacent the stern, and an approximately triangular shape in side view when in motion with a base adjacent the bow and an apex adjacent the stern.

1. Field of Invention
The multimission capability of TH-MM is related generally to surface ship and boats, and to subsurface vehicles which can operate successfully as a displacement and/or transplanar surface regimes, as well as a winged vehicle capable of subsurface operation though sustained downward hydrodynamic forces on its wings at design submerged operational speeds. The multimission also covers air drop into water directly into submerged operation, and amphibious water/beach operations.
2. Description of Related Art
Given the broad scope of the invention, a description of related art covers the following:
Subsurface Vessels
(a) Submarine is a vessel such as shown in FIG. 1A, supported on surface by buoyant forces with small buoyancy reserve on surface such as shaded area 3 in FIG. 1B. Descent and climb is controlled by adding or removing water ballast. Additional control is provided by external foils such as rear rudder in yaw, and forward horizontal foils 7 in pitch. the submarine is autonomous, capable of operating at the surface of the water in displacement mode but, in order to facilitate diving, its reserve buoyancy is minimal compared to surface ships and boats. Submarines can descend to large depths. Consequently, it must use circular structural cross-section such as in FIG. 1B to resist great compressive forces at depth. Submerged, but near surface it can ingest air by a retractable vertical tube called Schnorkel, unless nuclear powered (not requiring air for engine).
The ration of submarine weight to total displacement of its shape approaches 1 at surface and is substantially 1 when submerged.
The weight-to-drag ratio of a deeply submerged submarine can be high compared to surface ships at the same speed and weight, because when deeply submerged, it does not generate surface waves. Nuclear submarines have no practical restrictions on range and endurance. Their weight-to-drag ratio when operating at (or near) the surface, however, is not favorable due to great surface disturbance they create, as can be seen in FIG. 2 taken from published photographs of submarines at speed at the surface.
(b) Semi-submarine have been proposed as transport ships when a permanent submerged displacement volume and a surface-piercing strut for permanent fresh air breathing, allowing the use of internal combustion engines and increasing crew comfort. It is claimed to have favorable lift-to-drag ratio and favorable sea-keeping characteristics in certain sea conditions, compared to surface ships, for example as described in a paper by MIT's Professor Mandel's examining several novel ship types.
(c) Submersible is generally understood to be a subsurface vessel having a limited structural and operational subsurface capability. It is capable of surface actions such as firing guns and torpedoes. As designed in the past they had limited subsurface speed and range, for example, the earliest submersibles of the first World War.
(d) Swaths are multihulls with submerged displacement volume.
Subsurface Vessels
The present invention is also related in its surface operation to Transonic Hull and Transonic Hydrofield of patent application Ser. Nos. 08/814,418 and 08/814,417. It may also relate to art cited by Patent Office, and by applicant, in pursuit of application Ser. No. 08/814,418. However, the present application in its multimission bi-hydro substance, is not related to the above art.

Multimission transonic hull and hydrofield


A method and apparatus for providing a current-in-plane (CIP) GMR sensor with an improved in-stack bias layer with a thinner sensor stack is disclosed. Improved pinning of a free-layer in a CIP GMR sensor stack is provided using dual in-stack biasing layers. The sensor stack is made thin because an anti-ferromagnetic layer is not necessary to bias the free-layer.

1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates in general to magnetic sensors, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing a current-in-plane (CIP) GMR sensor with an improved in-stack bias layer with a thinner sensor stack.
2. Description of Related Art.
Magnetic recording is a key segment of the information-processing industry. While the basic principles are one hundred years old for early tape devices, and over forty years old for magnetic hard disk drives, an influx of technical innovations continues to extend the storage capacity and performance of magnetic recording products. For hard disk drives, the areal density or density of written data bits on the magnetic medium has increased by a factor of more than two million since the first disk drive was used for data storage. Areal density continues to grow due to improvements in magnetic recording heads, media, drive electronics, and mechanics.
Magnetic recording heads have been considered the most significant factor in areal-density growth. The ability of the magnetic recording heads to both write and subsequently read magnetically recorded data from the medium at data densities well into the gigabits per square inch (Gbits/in2) range gives hard disk drives the power to remain the dominant storage device for many years to come.
Important components of computing platforms are mass storage devices including magnetic disk and magnetic tape drives, where magnetic tape drives are popular, for example, in data backup applications. Write and read heads are employed for writing magnetic data to and reading magnetic data from the recording medium. The read and write heads are connected to processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions.
A magnetoresistive (MR) sensor changes resistance in the presence of a magnetic field. Recorded data can be read from a recorded magnetic medium, such as a magnetic disk, because the magnetic field from the recorded magnetic medium causes a change in the direction of magnetization in the read element, which causes a corresponding change in the sensor resistance.
A magnetoresistive (MR) sensor detects magnetic field signals through the resistance changes of a sensing element as a function of the strength and direction of magnetic flux being sensed by the sensing element. Conventional MR sensors, such as those used as MR read heads for reading data in magnetic recording disk and tape drives, operate on the basis of the anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) effect of the bulk magnetic material, which is typically permalloy. A component of the read element resistance varies as the square of the cosine of the angle between the magnetization direction in the read element and the direction of sense current through the read element. Recorded data can be read from a magnetic medium, such as the magnetic disk in a magnetic disk drive, because the external magnetic field from the recorded magnetic medium (the signal field) causes a change in the direction of magnetization in the read element, which in turn causes a change in resistance of the read element. This change in resistance may be used to detect magnetic transitions recorded on the recording media.
In the past several years, prospects of increased storage capacity have been made possible by the discovery and development of sensors based on the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect, also known as the spin valve effect. In a spin valve sensor, the GMR effect varies as the cosine of the angle between the magnetization of the pinned layer and the magnetization of the free-layer. Magnetic sensors utilizing the GMR effect are found in mass storage devices such as, for example, magnetic disk and tape drives and are frequently referred to as spin valve sensors. In operation, a sense current is caused to flow through the read head and therefore through the sensor. The magnetic flux from the disc causes a rotation of the magnetization vector in at least one of the sheets, which in turn causes a change in the overall resistance of the sensor. As the resistance of the sensor changes, the voltage across the sensor changes, thereby producing an output voltage.
The output voltage produced by the sensor is affected by various characteristics of the sensor. The sense current can flow through the sensor in a direction that is parallel to the planes of the layers or stacked strips. This is known as a current-in-plane (CIP) configuration.
Alternatively, the sense current can flow through the sensor in a direction that is perpendicular to the planes of the layers or stacked strips that comprise the sensor. This configuration is known as a current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) configuration.
One of the problems with such a MR read head, however, lies in developing a structure that generates an output signal that is both stable and linear with the magnetic field strength from the recorded medium. If some means is not used to stabilize the sensing ferromagnetic layer, i.e., to maintain it in a single magnetic domain state, the domain walls of magnetic domains will shift positions within the sensing ferromagnetic layer, causing noise that reduces the signal-to-noise ratio. This may give rise to a non-reproducible response of the head, when a linear response is required. Therefore, the free-layer must be stabilized by longitudinal biasing so that the magnetic spins of the free-layer are in a single domain configuration.
There are two stabilization schemes for biasing of the free-layer. One stabilization scheme is to provide a bias field from the lead regions at the side edges of the read sensor. The most common technique includes the fabrication of a bias layer for providing tail stabilization at the physical track edges of the sensor. The efficacy of the method of stabilization depends critically on the precise details of the tail stabilization, which is difficult to accurately control.
The other stabilization scheme is to provide an in-stack longitudinal bias structure including a soft ferromagnetic bias layer and an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) bias layer. However, as the thickness of the AFM layer is reduced, the exchange bias also decreases. One method to construct thinner sensors is to provide biasing without an anti-ferromagnetic layer using in-stack biasing. However, the sense current in a current-in-plane (CIP) GMR sensor may be shunted by the bias stack thereby degrading the ability of the sensor to detect recorded signals.
It can be seen that there is a need for a method and apparatus for providing a current-in-plane (CIP) GMR sensor with an improved in-stack bias layer with a thinner sensor stack.

Method and apparatus for providing a current-in-plane (CIP) GMR sensor with an improved in-stack bias layer with a thinner sensor stack

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


Embodiments of the present invention provide a coefficient determining apparatus, equalizer, receiver and transmitter. The coefficient determining apparatus comprises: a synchronizer configured to find a position of a training sequence from signals containing the training sequence received by a transmitter; and a first processor configured to set an initial tap coefficient of an equalizer according to the received signals and the training sequence; wherein in each polarization state, the training sequence comprises n pairs of training symbols, in the n pairs of training symbols, the training symbols of the same pair being identical, the training symbols of the different pair being different, a cyclic prefix and a cyclic postfix being respectively inserted before and after each pair of training symbols, and n being an integer greater than 1. By using the training sequence contained in the transmitted signals to determine an initial tap coefficient of the equalizer relatively close to the optimal value, channel damages may be approximately compensated, and the receiver is facilitated in further processing the signals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a coherent optical communication system. As show in FIG. 1, in the coherent optical communication system, optical signals are transmitted from the transmitting end to the receiving end via optical channels. Dispersion in the optical fiber and polarization mode dispersion will induce inter-symbol interference (ISI). In order to compensate for the ISI induced by the optical channels, equalization is generally used in the receiver. The equalization may be divided into two steps: the first step is static equalization for compensating for the damages that are induced by the optical channels and do not vary along with the time (such as accumulated dispersion), and the second step is adaptive equalization (AEQ) for compensating for the residual dispersion and the damages varying along with the time (such as polarization scattering and polarization mode dispersion). An adaptive equalizer is generally realized by a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. In a dual-polarization system, a butterfly FIR filter is used as an equalizer.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a butterfly FIR filter. As show in FIG. 2, the FIR tap coefficients are denoted by vectors wxx, wyx, wxy and wyy, and the relations between the input and output of the equalizer are as shown by formulae (1x) and (1y):sx=wxxrx+wyxry  (1x)sy=wxyrx+wyyry  (1y);
where,  denotes a convolution operation, r is an input signal of the equalizer, s is an output signal of the equalizer, and the two subscripts x, y denote two polarization modes.
Currently, there are mainly two conventional adaptive equalization methods: a constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and a decision-assisted minimal mean square error (MMSE) algorithm, in both of which an initial tap coefficient (weight) is set first for the FIR filter, and then the tap coefficient is iteratively updated according to a certain cost function, making it converged to an optimal value. However, any information on related channels is not used in setting an initial tap coefficient for the FIR filter, which may be much different from the optimal value, and need a relatively long converged procedure in reaching the optimal value.
It should be noted that the above description of the background art is merely provided for clear and complete explanation of the present invention and for easy understanding by those skilled in the art. And it should not be understood that the above technical solution is known to those skilled in the art as it is described in the background art of the present invention.

Coefficient determining apparatus, equalizer, receiver and transmitter


Staircase structures for a three-dimensional (3D) memory device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes disposing an alternating dielectric stack on a substrate with first and second dielectric layers alternatingly stacked on top of each other. Next, multiple division blocks can be formed in a staircase region. Each division block includes a first plurality of staircase steps in the first direction. Each staircase step in the first direction has two or more dielectric layer pairs. Then, a second plurality of staircase steps along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, can be formed. Each staircase step in the second direction includes the first plurality of staircase steps along the first direction. The method further includes forming an offset number of dielectric layer pairs between the multiple division blocks such that each dielectric layer pair is accessible from a top surface of a staircase step.

As memory devices are shrinking to smaller die size to reduce manufacturing cost and increase storage density, scaling of planar memory cells faces challenges due to process technology limitations and reliability issues. A three-dimensional (3D) memory architecture can address the density and performance limitation in planar memory cells.
To further increase storage capacity in a 3D memory, the number of vertically stacked memory cells has been increased greatly. The dimensions of the staircase structure used to form contacts for memory cells are increased accordingly, which reduces the effective storage capacity per area for the 3D memory. Staircase structures with multiple divisions can reduce the lateral dimensions of the staircase structures by creating staircase steps in both x- and y-directions. To further reduce the lateral dimensions of the 3D memory, a need exists for an improvement in the staircase structure to achieve higher storage density.

Staircase structure for three-dimensional memory


A spark ignition internal combustion engine (1), in particular an Otto-cycle gas engine, with at least one ignition device (14) per cylinder (2), wherein at least one piston (4) has a recess (8) in the piston head and wherein the recess (8) in plan view on to the piston head is of a substantially heart-shaped shape which differs at least in a region-wise manner from a circular shape, wherein the shape of the recess (8) in a plan view on to the piston head has precisely one axis of symmetry (10).

The invention concerns a spark ignition internal combustion engine with at least one ignition device per cylinder wherein at least one piston has a recess in the piston head.
Internal combustion engines with pistons of that kind are already known, wherein the recess can in part be of a bowl or tub shape (Hyronen combustion chamber). It can be disposed centrally or eccentrically in the piston. In addition, EP 0 598 941 A1 and EP 0 299 747 A2 also disclose piston recesses which are of a configuration that differs from the simple bowl or tub shape. The purpose of such a recess is to improve engine combustion and in particular to achieve very fast, stable and anti-knock combustion. That can only be attained by ensuring optimum turbulence or flow speed in the region of the ignition location of the spark plug. In that respect it is to be noted that, with excessively high flow speeds in the region of the ignition location the ignition spark is blown out while with excessive low flow speeds in the region of the ignition location combustion takes place too slowly and too sluggishly. In the internal combustion engines which are already known, with recesses in the piston head, in accordance with the state of the art, an optimum flow speed in the region of the ignition location is only inadequately ensured.
Therefore the object of the present invention is to design a recess in the piston head in such a way that the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated and optimum and fast combustion in the combustion chamber of spark-ignition internal combustion engines is ensured.
In accordance with the invention that is achieved in that the recess in plan view on to the piston head is of a substantially heart-shaped shape which differs at least in a region-wise manner from a circular shape, wherein the shape of the recess in a plan view on to the piston head has precisely one axis of symmetry.
The configuration of the recess in the piston head, in accordance with the invention, provides that the flow speed at the ignition location is in the optimum range (between about 4 m/sec and 6 m/sec). That therefore ensures that the ignition spark at the ignition location is neither blown out by excessively high flow speeds nor does excessively slow combustion of the fuel-air mixture take place due to excessively low flow speeds at the ignition location. Ensuring an optimum flow speed at the ignition location, in accordance with the invention, provides for very fast combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the entire combustion chamber, as is otherwise known only in relation to compression-ignition internal combustion engines (for example diesel engines). The invention can preferably be used in Otto-cycle gas engines.
In that respect a particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the recess is of a non-convex shape in a plan view on to the piston head. In this respect the term xe2x80x98non-convexxe2x80x99 relates to the fact that, in a plan view on to the piston head, not all connecting lines between any two points on the periphery of the shape of the recess according to the invention extend within the recess.
Advantageous variants of the recess according to the invention are in this connection characterised in that in a plan view on to the piston head the recess, over an angular region of between 200xc2x0 and 250xc2x0, preferably between 220xc2x0 and 230xc2x0, is of a substantially circular peripheral shape, preferably with the center point of the circular piston area as the center of the circle.
Further advantageous embodiments provide that in a plan view on to the piston head the recess has an inwardly extending portion. It is desirable in that respect if in a plan view on to the piston head the inwardly extending portion extends over an angular region of between 80xc2x0 and 130xc2x0, preferably between 100xc2x0 and 110xc2x0. In addition it is desirable if in a plan view on to the piston head the inwardly extending portion extends into the interior of the recess over a maximum extent of between 25% and 50%, preferably between 35% and 40%, of the largest diameter of the recess.
It is further important for the ignition location of the ignition device to be arranged at a favourable position with respect to the recess. In that respect a highly favourable alternative configuration provides that at least one ignition device has an ignition location, wherein the ignition location in projection on to the plan view on to the piston head is substantially on the axis of symmetry of the recess and/or substantially at the center point of the circle of the circular region of the peripheral shape of the recess.
With regard to the arrangement of the recess according to the invention in relation to the inlet and exhaust valves of the cylinder of the internal combustion engine, it is desirable if in a plan view on to the piston head the axes of symmetry of the arrangement of the inlet and exhaust valves assume an acute angle, which differs from 0xc2x0, 45xc2x0 and 90xc2x0, with respect to the axis of symmetry of the recess. That arrangement provides that the structure involves an asymmetrical position of the recess in accordance with the invention, in relation to the preferred flow directions of the fuel-air mixture flowing in and out through the inlet and exhaust valves. That is in turn particularly desirable in terms of achieving an optimum flow speed for the fuel-air mixture and optimum turbulence of the fuel-air mixture at the ignition location.
In order to achieve adequate cooling of the piston with the recess according to the invention, it is particularly desirable for a cooling duct to be arranged in the piston in the material surrounding the recess.
Desirable embodiments further provide that the shape of the recess, as viewed in a plan view on to the piston head, extends substantially over the full depth of the recess.

Spark ignition internal combustion engine