The invention relates to a method of generating X-ray images by means of a photoconductor which is provided on a conductive substrate and whose surface potential can be read by means of probes, and also relates to a device suitable for carrying out the method. In order to avoid image artefacts which could be caused by deviating sensitivities of the probes or by frequency-dependent distortions, after the charging of the photoconductor the substrate potential is varied during a test phase. Test data is generated which correspond to the spatial or temporal variation of the potential on the surface of the photoconductor; from this test data there is formed correction data which is stored in order to correct the image data of a subsequent X-ray exposure.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of generating X-ray images by means of a photoconductor which is provided on a conductive substrate and whose surface potential can be read by means of probes, and also relates to a device suitable for carrying out such a method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A method and device of this kind are known from the publication "Proceedings of SPIE", Vol. 626, 1986, pp. 176-184 as well as from DE-OS 40 04 348 which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,493. Therein, the surface potential of the surface potential of the photoconductor is read by means of a probe device. The probes could be situated at different distances from the surface of the photoconductor and these distances could fluctuate during the reading of the photoconductor. If no steps are taken, this will cause artifacts in the X-ray image reconstructed by means of the image data supplied by the probes. To this end, during the read-out operation the distance between the probes and the surface of the photoconductor is continuously determined by applying an alternating voltage to the substrate. This alternating voltage is capacitively applied to the probes which thus supply an alternating voltage signal whose amplitude is a measure of the probe distance.
In the method described in "Proceedings of SPIE", supra, the dependency on distance of the amplitude of the alternating voltage is utilized to generate correction data which is applied to the image data so as to compensate for the distance fluctuations and to suppress the associated artefacts. In the method described in DE-OS 40 04 348, however, the probes are moved in the direction perpendicular to the photoconductor in dependence on the signal amplitudes measured so that the distance remains substantially constant.
In order to avoid mutual influencing of the image signals on the one hand and the alternating voltage signals on the other hand, the frequency of the alternating voltage must be substantially higher than that of the image signals. Therefore, the image signals and the alternating voltage are separated and processed in two channels by suitable filters.

Method of generating X-ray images and device suitable for carrying out the method


A filler for filling a gap includes a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1.SiaNbOcHd.  [Chemical Formula 1]In Chemical Formula 1, a, b, c, and d represent relative amounts of Si, N, 0, and H, respectively, in the compound, 1.96<a<2.68, 1.78<b<3.21, 0≦c<0.19, and 4<d<10.

1. Field
This disclosure relates to filler for filling a gap, a method of preparing the same, and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor capacitor using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As semiconductor technology is increasingly developed, there is continuous research on forming highly-integrated and faster semiconductor memory cells that have improved performance and integrate smaller semi-conductor chips. Particularly, these semiconductor memory cells, e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM) may be used. The DRAM is capable of freely inputting and outputting information, and may realize large capacity.
The DRAM may include, e.g., a plurality of unit cells including one MOS transistor (MOS transistor) and one capacitor. The capacitor may include two electrodes and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween. The capacity of the capacitor may depend on a dielectric constant, a thickness of the dielectric layer, an area of the electrodes, or the like.
As a size of a semiconductor chip is reduced, the size of the capacitor therein may also be reduced. However, it is desirable for a smaller capacitor to have a sufficient storage capacity. A bigger capacity may be obtained by increasing the vertical area of the capacitor to increase overall active area.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Filler for filling a gap, method of preparing the same and method of manufacturing semiconductor capacitor using the same


A more efficient method of data collecting using multicast instead of individual slave-by-slave requests for data defines a multicast address through a master station. Slave stations are divided into feature groups according to their feature value and a mapping relationship table between the multicast addresses and the feature groups is established. Data request frames from the master station to the slave stations include a destination address which is parsed by all the slave stations, and if the destination address is the same as the multicast address in the mapping relationship table, the slave stations in the feature group associated with the destination address transmit data in response to the master station, the data request being discarded by other slave stations which are not associated.

In industry, Modbus asynchronous serial link protocol (Modbus protocol) is used to implement centralized management of communication among controllers or between controllers and other network devices. Modbus protocol is a master-slave communication protocol. A master station and multiple slave stations are connected to the same serial bus. Only the master station can initiate requests for data to be sent, and slave stations respond to the request by the master station. In each data collection cycle, according to the Modbus master-slave unicast communication method, the centralized controller master station must send a data request to each slave station to obtain the response. When there is a large number of slave stations, and collection is very active, sending a large number of requests on the serial bus increases a possibility of communication errors. Thus, there is room for improvement within the art.

Efficiently collecting and distributing multicast data


An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a multiple wheel assemblies coupled to the frame assembly. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a cross-tube coupled to wheel assemblies and positioned between the wheel assemblies. The agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly is also configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the cross-tube is positioned vertically above the rear hitch assembly.

The invention relates generally to agricultural implements, and more particularly, to a hitch assembly and cross-tube structure for an agricultural implement.
Agricultural implements are typically pulled through a field by a tow vehicle. The agricultural implements may direct tools to perform various functions in the field, such as fertilizing, opening, closing, cutting, and forming trenches. Certain agricultural implements may include a rear hitch assembly for towing an auxiliary implement (e.g., a tank assembly for storing agricultural material) behind the agricultural implement. As the size of farms grow, larger auxiliary implements may be utilized to store additional agricultural material (e.g., fertilizer, seeds, etc.). However, as auxiliary implement sizes increase, auxiliary implement weights also increase. An increased weight increases the stress applied to the hitch assembly and/or the agricultural implement. Accordingly, the hitch assembly may be constructed more robustly to withstand stress applied by larger auxiliary implements. Unfortunately, such reinforced hitch assemblies may reduce the ground clearance of the hitch assembly, possibly impeding maneuvering of the agricultural implement, and/or interfering with the agricultural functions of the implement.

Hitch assembly and cross-tube structure for an agricultural implement


The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A preferably reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.

The invention relates to motor vehicles in general, and more particularly to improvements in power transmitting and power transmission interrupting arrangements (hereinafter called power trains) for use in motor vehicles. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in power trains of the type wherein the torque transmitting system (such as a friction clutch or a torque converter with a bypass or lockup clutch) and/or the gear selecting and shifting transmission system is automated.
Power trains of the above outlined character comprise means for operating the automated system or systems. Certain recently developed operating means employ a discrete signal receiving and signal transmitting control unit (such as an electronic circuit) for each automated system, a single control unit for the single automated (transmission or torque transmitting) system, or a common control unit for both automated systems. The connection between a control unit and a discrete automated system or between a control unit and each of two automated systems comprises actuating means for shifting an automated transmission system into or from a selected or particular gear and/or for changing the condition of an automated torque transmitting system between a disengaged or partly or fully engaged condition.
Power trains of the above outlined character are disclosed, for example, in published German patent application Serial No. 43 09 901 (to which reference may be had, if necessary). For example, one of the power trains disclosed in this published German patent application is designed to ensure that shifting of the transmission system into a selected gear and/or any other regulation(s) of the transmission system is or are automated which is in contrast to most standard power trains employing a manually operable transmission system with a lever or rod which must be actuated by the operator of the motor vehicle to select a particular gear, to shift from a previously selected gear and to shift into the newly selected gear.
A drawback of presently known power trains with automated transmission systems and/or with automated torque transmitting systems is that, in the event of a malfunction or breakdown (such as damage to or destruction of an important or key component) and/or under other circumstances which cause a partial or complete failure of the automated system, the operator or even a highly skilled mechanic can be confronted with a situation that the motor vehicle is stalled or stranded at a location which is remote from an acceptable parking area, garage or repair shop. In this respect, a manually operated transmission system or torque transmitting system is more practical because, and assuming that the motor vehicle is equipped with a standard manually shiftable transmission system, exertion of a rather pronounced force upon the gear shifting lever or rod normally suffices to shift the manually operated transmission system into a selected gear or from a particular gear in order to place the motor vehicle in a condition in which the vehicle can be driven to a desired location by its own prime mover, or towed or pushed to such location by the operator (with or without assistance, e.g., from other occupant(s) of the affected vehicle) or by a second vehicle.
Analogously, if a pedal-operated torque transmitting system (such as a friction clutch) happens to malfunction, it is often still possible to cause the clutch to assume an engaged or disengaged condition, depending upon whether the disabled or partially disabled vehicle is to be pushed or pulled to a selected location or advanced to such location under its own power (e.g., at a low or extremely low speed).
If the power train of a motor vehicle employs an automated transmission system which is designed to be shifted into selected gears in response to signals from an electronic control unit, failure of the electrical energy supplying means can entail a disablement of the control unit so that automatic shifting into or from a selected gear is no longer possible. The same undesirable situation arises if a defect develops in the actuating means which is operated by the control unit and normally transmits motion to one or more internal or external mobile gear shifting and/or selecting components of an automated transmission system. Such actuating means can employ one or more electric or other suitable motors and a linkage, a cable, a Bowden wire or other suitable means for transmitting motion from the output element(s) of the motor or motors to the mobile input element(s) of the automated transmission system. Thus, if a malfunction develops .while the automated transmission system is in (a forward or reverse) gear (rather than in neutral), e.g., due to the failure of the car battery and/or a generator to supply electrical energy to the electronic control unit, the transmission system acts as a parking brake and prevents any movements of the affected motor vehicle. The reason is that a conventional automated transmission system cannot be shifted into neutral gear if such automated system and/or the operating means therefor develops certain defects.
Presently known operating means for automated transmission systems are constructed and assembled in such a way that, if a malfunction develops in the means for transmitting signals to a control unit (e.g., a microprocessor) of the operating means or the means for transmitting signals from the output or outputs of the control unit to the driving unit or units (e.g., one or more electric motors) of the actuating means between the control unit and the automated transmission system, the operator of the motor vehicle is no longer in a position to shift the defective automated transmission system into neutral gear or into another (forward or reverse) gear. This results in the aforediscussed inconveniences, such as the inability of the operator of the affected motor vehicle to drive the vehicle to a desired location under its own power, or even to push or pull the vehicle to such location. Thus, it is then necessary to lift the disabled motor vehicle onto the platform of a truck or to actually dismantle certain parts of the power train in order to alter the condition of the power train to an extent which is necessary to permit the driving, pushing or pulling of the vehicle to a safe parking area, to an area which is authorized for parking, to the garage of the owner of the vehicle, or to a repair shop.
The situation is not much different in the event of malfunctioning of an automated torque transmitting system (e.g., a friction clutch or a torque converter with a bypass or lockup clutch) and/or of the means for operating such automated torque transmitting systems. Thus, it is not alway possible to place a disabled automated torque transmitting system into a fully engaged condition, into a partially engaged condition or into a fully disengaged condition.

Emergency facilities for influencing defective constituents of power trains in motor vehicles


According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes a base substrate provided with light emitting elements, an encapsulation layer covering the light emitting elements, a first conductive layer disposed on the encapsulation layer and comprising first conductive patterns, a first insulation layer disposed on the encapsulation layer to cover the first conductive patterns, a second conductive layer disposed on the first insulation layer and comprising first sensing patterns, second conductive patterns electrically connecting the first sensing patterns, and second sensing patterns electrically connected by the first conductive patterns, a second insulation layer disposed on the first insulation layer and the second conductive layer without overlapping the light emitting elements to cover the second conductive layer, and a light shielding layer covering the second insulation layer. The light shielding layer and the second insulation layer are in contact with the first insulation layer.

The present inventive concept relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same.
Various display devices used in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation units, and game consoles have been developed.
The display device includes a display panel for displaying an image and an input sensing unit for sensing an external input. The display panel includes a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of pixels connected to the plurality of scan lines and the plurality of data lines. Also, the display device includes a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area disposed adjacent to the display area. Also, the input sensing unit includes a plurality of detecting sensors and a plurality of sensing signal lines connected to the detecting sensors.

Display device having a light shielding layer disposed on a second insulation layer covering an upper surface and sidewalls of the second insulation layer


A number of applications can be run by the computing system. Such applications can execute independently from each other and can also each independently manage a corresponding set of content stored on a local storage device (LSD). One of the advantages presented by the invention is the ability of the LSD to inform one application of the content made available on the LSD by another one of the applications even though the applications have no relationship to each other. In this way, a synergy between the independent applications can be achieved providing a co-operative environment that can result in, for example, improved operation of the computing system, improved resource (i.e., memory, bandwidth, processing) allocation and use, and other factors.

Internet technology is, has been and still remains, a rapidly developing field, particularly in the area of network optimization and in particular for improving the end-user browsing experience. In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application program) which services the requests of its clients (e.g. request for a web page, connection establishment, etc.) by forwarding the requests to other servers, typically web servers.
An Internet application (e.g., a FTP client that uses the FTP protocol or any other Internet application such as a WEB browser) usually manages at least two relevant interfaces, a first interface to a local mass storage device referred to as a mass storage interface through which the internet application manages content stored in a cache by way of a cache manager using a host device file system (HDFS). More generally, however, any number of internet applications can each manage their own content stored in the local mass storage device through their respective logical interfaces where each of these individual storage areas are managed by their own set of rules. In the case where a representative internet application takes the form of a browser application, the browser cache manager uses a set of rules, also referred to as browser cache policies, to serve the browser with appropriate content. In order to improve response time and preserve network bandwidth, the browser cache will typically store content based upon the relevant rule(s) set forth by the cache policies. For example, the browser cache manager (following the relevant cache policies established for a particular browser) can store content (in the form of a WEB page for example) based upon previously retrieved WEB pages in anticipation that the browser is likely to request that particular WEB page again in the near future. In this way, instead of using valuable network resources, the browser cache manager can retrieve the relevant WEB page stored locally in the browser cache.
Another interface used by the internet application can be used for internet connectivity such as management of HTTP commands that are carried over a network connection in communication with a network resource that can be either a local resource or a remote resource. In the case of mobile browsing the browser usually gets access to the remote resource/server through a proxy server that can perform content optimization/adaptation/filtering/compression, and so on in order to preserve valuable mobile link resources. Proxy servers can also be used in enterprise systems that require additional tasks such as access control on the edge of the Internet. Another value lies in the management of a proxy cache that can apply 'content pre-fetching techniques" so as to pre-cache content "on the edge of the Internet" (i.e., closer to the user's browser). In this way, the browsing experience can be accelerated since requested content is on hand when needed.
However, since the browser cache and the proxy cache are managed independently of each other, there can be little or no "learning" from or about each other's cache policies. Therefore, there can be no overall cache management policy since the proxy cache and the browser cache are guided by their own set of rules that may or may not be known to the other since the browser application and the proxy can be supplied by different vendors. This lack of overall cache management policy can create inefficiencies that can result in a less than optimal browsing experience due to, in part, the inefficient allocation of storage resources. Such inefficiencies can include, for example, duplicating content stored in both the proxy cache and the browser cache, resulting in an inefficient use of network and storage resources (i.e., unnecessarily sending the browser content over the network link).
A proposed solution includes integrating a client agent on the mobile handset in order to synchronize between the browser and the proxy cache. However, since the client agent is typically application specific its use is limited to specific platforms. Due in part to the heterogeneity of host operating systems, particularly in mobile platforms, the usefulness of the client agent may be quite limited. This heterogeneity is made even worse in the case of a "closed" operating systems (such as Nucleus) as opposed to that of "open" operating systems such as Windows, Symbian, and the like. Since different mobile handsets may run on different operating systems, such implementation typically requires complex software integration. This software integration may prove even more complex when using mobile handsets that run on non-open operating systems.
Therefore, a method, system, and apparatus that overcomes the limitations besetting the internet application experience that includes mobile web browsing.


The present application discloses a method for transmitting an uplink signal and a terminal device, including: receiving, by a terminal device, uplink grant information transmitted by a network device, where the uplink grant information is used to instruct the terminal device to transmit a first uplink channel in a first sub-slot and to transmit a second uplink channel in a second sub-slot, where the first uplink channel comprises first uplink data and does not comprise a reference signal, the second uplink channel comprises the first reference signal, the first sub-slot and the second sub-slot are adjacent sub-slot on a first carrier, the first sub-slot is located previous to the second sub-slot, and the first reference signal is used to demodulate the first uplink data; determining, by the terminal device, whether to transmit the first uplink channel in the first sub-slot according to a priority of an uplink channel.

In the prior art, in order to reduce the delay of signal transmission, the time unit (or transmission time interval) used for signal transmission may be less than 14 symbols, that is, the transmission time interval for signal transmission is a short transmission time interval (sTTI). The sTTI may be divided into a slot TTI (slot-TTI) and a sub-slot TTI according to the length of the transmission time unit. Where, the time length of the slot TTI includes 7 symbols, and the time length of the sub-slot TTI includes 2 symbols or 3 symbols. For the sub-slot TTI, the position of the reference signal used to demodulate the uplink data channel in each sub-slot TTI is indicated by the uplink grant information. There may be one or more symbols of the uplink channels of different lengths overlap during transmission, and therefore, on these overlapping symbols, when the total transmitting power used to transmit multiple uplink channels exceeds the maximum transmitting power of the terminal device, how the terminal device to perform the transmission of the uplink channel becomes an urgent problem to be solved.

Method for transmitting uplink signal and terminal device

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


An example system includes a computing device located proximate to a physical activity surface, a video capture device, and a detector. The video capture device is coupled for communication with the computing device and is adapted to capture a video stream that includes an activity scene of the physical activity surface and one or more interface objects physically intractable with by a user. The detector processes the video stream to detect the one or more interface objects included in the activity scene, to identify the one or more interface objects that are detectable, to generate one or more events describing the one or more interface objects, and to provide the one or more events to an activity application configured to render virtual information on the one or more computing devices based on the one or more events.

The present disclosure relates to virtualizing tangible interface objects.
A tangible user interface is a physical environment that a user can physically interact with to manipulate digital information. While the tangible user interface has opened up a new range of possibilities for interacting with digital information, significant challenges remain when implementing such an interface. For instance, existing tangible user interfaces generally require expensive, high-quality sensors to digitize user interactions with this environment, which results in systems incorporating these tangible user interfaces being too expensive for most consumers.

Virtualization of tangible interface objects


Methods and systems for separating a mixed waste into a wet organic fraction, a dry organic fraction, and an inorganic fraction are achieved by (i) comminuting the mixed solid waste, (ii) fractionating the comminuted stream by size to produce two or more particle-sized waste streams, and (iii) processing one or more of the particle-sized waste streams using density separation to produce an intermediate wastes stream, and (iv) recovering a homogenous product (e.g., a recyclable material or an organic fuel) from the intermediate waste stream.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods adapted for use in waste recycling and conversion. More specifically, the present invention relates to the recycling and conversion of solid waste derived, for example, from domestic and commercial refuse.
2. The Relevant Technology
Commercial, industrial, and residential consumers generate large amounts of throw-away and waste products (i.e., municipal solid waste) that need to be handled and disposed of in an environmentally satisfactory manner. Disposal of municipal solid waste (hereinafter "MSW") has traditionally presented a number of problems.
MSW is typically disposed of by landfilling and/or incineration. The waste products in landfills are typically either raw garbage or incinerator ash. These methods of waste product disposed contaminate the soil, water and air. Environmental restrictions as well as land usage demands for housing have reduced the number of sites available for landfills.
Incineration (i.e., the mass burning of waste products) is rapidly becoming a non-viable alternative in heavily populated areas. Public outcry over the air pollution associated with burning garbage has halted nearly all new incinerator construction.
In response to these waste disposal problems, governments and the public have demanded that, wherever possible, recycling systems should be employed both to conserve material resources and to reduce pollution problems. Efforts have been made to recover valuable resources such as glass, plastic, paper, aluminum, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals from waste materials. For example, households in many cities are asked to sort their garbage into recyclables (e.g., paper, plastic containers, metal containers and glass containers) and non-recyclables. However, rates of non-compliance and mis-compliance are high. That is, some customers fail to sort their waste or they sort incorrectly, which either shunts recoverable materials into the waste stream or contaminates the recyclable stream with waste materials. Non-compliance and mis-compliance reduce the efficiency of and increase the costs associated with operating a recycling system that is designed to processed pre-sorted waste.
In contrast, some recycling systems attempt to dispense with the problems associated with pre-sorting by attempting to recover recyclable materials from mixed waste. However, many of these systems are fraught with the tendency to be highly labor intensive to operate, while offering relatively low recovery rates of recyclables. Furthermore, these types of recovery facilities or programs still do not recover much of the energy rich wet and dry organic materials, which are mostly landfilled as residue.
Many recycling systems configured to work with pre-sorted waste or mixed waste are designed to recover specific materials and/or form specific products. The components of these systems are arranged and designed to recover certain individual fractions such as combustible organic materials, aluminum, ferrous metals, glass, plastic, and miscellaneous bulky inorganic materials. Efficient resource recovery depends in large part upon separating the maximum amount of desirable material from the refuse using relatively few separating components and minimizing the percentage of unwanted materials in the individual fractions.
Nevertheless, the energy balance of many recycling systems is sub-par or, in some cases, negative. For example, many recycling systems tend to misdirect recoverable materials, which reduces the efficiency of downstream processes and wastes much of the valuable energy and/or materials that may otherwise have been recaptured from the recovered waste. In other cases, the processes of recovering, transporting, and recycling the recyclable materials are so inefficient that they consume more energy than could be saved by simply landfilling the garbage and making new products from raw materials.

Mechanized separation and recovery system for solid waste


Embodiments are directed to implementing the protocol endpoint (PE) as a LUN object without significant modification to also support additional features. In particular, since many of the additional features are similar to those already implemented within storage group objects, it would be desirable to implement a PE using both a LUN object and a storage group object linked together. This result may be accomplished by implementing the PE as a LUN object is used when certain features are being accessed and as a storage group object that is used when other features are being accessed. This linkage may be achieved by indexing both the storage group object and the LUN object representing the PE using the same World Wide Name.

Virtual machines (VMs) are used to allow several logical computers to run on a single computing device. VMs conveniently may also be created on-the-fly as needed. Typically, a VM makes use of several different disk volumes, including, for example, a configuration volume, a data volume, a swap volume, etc. In some systems (e.g., VMware), each VM has at least four volumes, and each volume may have up to 32 snapshots (presenting a view of the data on that volume at a particular moment in time). Thus, each VM may be associated with 128 or more volumes. If a system runs 1,000 VMs, for example, there may be on the order of 128,000 volumes, which is more than a typical data storage system is capable of presenting at once, even if the system is internally capable of managing that many logical drives.
A virtual logical volume (e.g., a VMWare VVol) is a logical volume that is managed by a data storage system but presented to an external host via a protocol endpoint (PE). A PE functions as a single SCSI target but presents many internal logical volumes to an external host.


The distance between an optical diffraction device and a focusing lens, and the coefficient of the focal length change of the focusing lens, are adjusted based on the calculation expression of wavelength identification errors in light of temperature change of a member making up light receiving means (e.g., PD array), thereby performing correction of wavelength identification errors, whereby optical wavelength identification can be performed with high precision even when the temperature changes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical wavelength identification apparatus, and particularly relates to an optical wavelength identification apparatus, and an optical wavelength identification method, whereby optical wavelength identification error occurring along with temperature change can be accurately corrected.
2. Description of the Related Art
An environment which can reap the benefits of broadband Internet service is being implemented, due to the rapid spread of high-speed access networks employing a band of several to 100 Mbit/s or so, such as recent FTTH (Fiber to the Home), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), and so forth, and in order to correspond to increase of communication demand, with a backbone network (core network), extremely large capacity optical communication systems employing the wavelength multiplex technology are now under construction. On the other hand, with a connection portion between a metro network and a core network, the limit of electric switching capabilities still remains, and there is concern that that band bottleneck might occur at this portion. Accordingly, it is conceived as effective means to build new photonic network architecture for directly connecting between an access network and a core network at an optical region without providing an electric switch therebetween, and research and development are being actively pursued in various places. With these optical networks, technique for monitoring of multiple wavelength light components included in light signals and for detecting wavelengths thereof at optical nodes disposed in a core network, metro core network, metro access network, and so forth, is increasingly important.
A configuration example of an optical wavelength detection system will be shown in FIG. 1.
With this configuration example, an optical diffraction device 100, a focusing lens 200, and light receiving means 300 are fixed on a board 400.
The optical diffraction device 100 disperses incident light into light components having multiple wavelengths included in the light thereof. The focusing lens 200 refracts the respective incident light components and focuses these upon the light receiving surface of the light receiving means 300. The light receiving means 300 detect, based on the incident position of the light receiving surface of each light component, the wavelength of the light component thereof. With the configuration example in FIG. 1, light components 40 focused from the focusing lens 200 (FIG. 1 illustrates the optical paths of three light components) are configured so as to temporally change the directions thereof at a reflection mirror 390 to perpendicularly enter the light receiving surface of the light receiving means 300. Here, the example shows a case of employing a PLC (Planner Lightwave Circuit) type spectral element serving as the optical diffraction device 100, and a PD (Photo Diode) array serving as the light receiving means 300.
With the configuration such as FIG. 1, when temperature changes, along with the thermal expansion of the board, the distance between the optical diffraction device 100, the focusing lens 200, and the light receiving means 300, and the focal length of the focusing lens 200 change, and along therewith, the incident positions of the light components focused on the light receiving surface of the light receiving means change, so it is necessary to correct the change thereof.
As for a technology for correcting influence due to such temperature change, with an optical pickup, laser collimator apparatus, and so forth, a technology has been disclosed wherein the focal length change due to temperature is cancelled out by thermal expansion such as the casing of an optical part. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 63-264716 discloses a projection lens for compensating the change of the focal position due to temperature change, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1-220234 discloses a technology for compensating the focal length change along with the temperature change of a collimator lens, and the relative position change between a light source and the collimator lens due to use of a compensating member, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-133087 discloses a technology for compensating the temperature change of the focal position of an optical system, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-281033 discloses a technology for suppressing the amount of astigmatism due to the temperature change, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-64757 discloses a technology for canceling out the change of the focal length due to temperature change.
As described above, with the conventional technologies, correction is made regarding the change caused by the expansion of the board material due to temperature change, and the focal length change of the focusing lens, but the expansion due to the temperature change of a PD array member for detecting light components is not taken into consideration. The conventional correction methods select a material for conforming the lens focal length change due to temperature, and the amount of change due to thermal expansion of the material of the board for fixing between the diffraction device and the focusing lens, and between the focusing lens and the PD array, or a material for approximating the lens focal length change to zero as much as possible, and also approximating the thermal expansion of the member to zero as much as possible. However, the thermal expansion of the PD array itself is not taken into consideration, and accordingly it has been difficult to completely suppress the identification errors of the optical wavelength due to temperature change.
With optical wavelength measurement, an optical wavelength selection switch, and so forth in an optical transmission network, high-precision wavelength identification is demanded, and a higher-precision wavelength identification method for also taking the expansion of the member itself making up the PD array into consideration is demanded.

Temperature-independent optical wavelength identification apparatus and optical wavelength identification method


A process is provided for depositing an silicon oxide film on a substrate disposed in a process chamber. A process gas that includes a halogen source, a fluent gas, a silicon source, and an oxidizing gas reactant is flowed into the process chamber. A plasma having an ion density of at least 1011 ions/cm3 is formed from the process gas. The silicon oxide film is deposited over the substrate with a halogen concentration less than 1.0%. The silicon oxide film is deposited with the plasma using a process that has simultaneous deposition and sputtering components. The flow rate of the halogen source to the process chamber to the flow rate of the silicon source to the process chamber is substantially between 0.5 and 3.0.

One of the primary steps in the fabrication of modern semiconductor devices is the formation of a thin film on a semiconductor substrate by chemical reaction of gases. Such a deposition process is referred to generally as chemical vapor deposition ("CVD"). Conventional thermal CVD processes supply reactive gases to the substrate surface, where heat-induced chemical reactions take place to produce a desired film. Plasma-enhanced CVD ("PECVD") techniques, on the other hand, promote excitation and/or dissociation of the reactant gases by the application of radio-frequency ("RF") energy to a reaction zone near the substrate surface, thereby creating a plasma. The high reactivity of the species in the plasma reduces the energy required for a chemical reaction to take place, and thus lowers the temperature required for such CVD processes as compared with conventional thermal CVD processes. These advantages are further exploited by high-density-plasma ("HDP") CVD techniques, in which a dense plasma is formed at low vacuum pressures so that the plasma species are even more reactive.
Any of these CVD techniques may be used to deposit conductive or insulative films during the fabrication of integrated circuits. For applications such as the deposition of insulating films as premetal or intermetal dielectric layers in an integrated circuit or for shallow trench isolation, one important physical property of the CVD film is its ability to fill gaps completely between adjacent structures without leaving voids; this property is referred to as the film's gapfill capability. Gaps that may require filling include spaces between adjacent raised structures such as transistor gates, conductive lines, etched trenches, or the like.
As semiconductor device geometries have decreased in size over the years, the ratio of the height of such gaps to their width, the so-called "aspect ratio," has increased dramatically. Gaps having a combination of high aspect ratio and a small width present a particular challenge for semiconductor manufacturers to fill completely. In short, the challenge usually is to prevent the deposited film from growing in a manner that closes off the gap before it is filled. Failure to fill the gap completely results in the formation of voids in the deposited layer, which may adversely affect device operation such as by trapping undesirable impurities. The semiconductor industry has accordingly been searching aggressively for techniques that may improve gapfill capabilities, particularly with high-aspect-ratio small-width gaps.


An air bag apparatus is installed along the front-to-rear axis of the interior-facing side roof rail of a vehicle. The air bag has an air bag body, an inflator and a fluid body supply device. The air bag body has a plurality of inflatable chambers with at least one specific chamber and at least one general chamber. When in the deployed state, the specific chamber is positioned adjacent a structural pillar member of a vehicle side portion of the vehicle body. When in the deployed state the general chamber is located adjacent the vehicle side portion. In use, the inflator supplies a high-pressure fluid to the air bag body thereby inflating each of the chambers and the fluid supply delay device selectively delays the high-pressure fluid to the specific chamber relative to the general chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a safety apparatus for motor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a curtain air bag apparatus. During an emergency, such apparatus is constructed so that an air bag body is adapted to be inflated and deployed in a curtain shape that extends from a roof side-rail downwardly, thereby converting the interior side portion of a vehicle compartment.
2. Background Information
Air bag apparatus provided along a front-to-rear axis in the side portion of a vehicle compartment roof side-rail is typically known as a curtain airbag. In an emergency situation, such as a side collision or a rollover of the car, an air bag body is inflated and deployed in a curtain shape in the downward direction to protect a passenger located in a front and/or rear seats. In a crash situation, this deployment prevents direct contact of the passenger with the interior side-wall of the vehicle compartment, thus absorbing collision energy.
When not deployed, the air bag body is typically received in a folded state between the interior facing side of the vehicle roof side-rail and the interior roof trim. The interior roof trim serves to cover the air bag body, which is conveniently folded in a bellows shape. During an emergency, such as a vehicle side impact, a high-pressure gas is released into the air bag body from an inflator. This causes the air bag body to be deployed in a curtain shape along the interior side-wall of the vehicle compartment.
Curtain air bag constructions typically consist of a plurality of inflation chambers (bladders) arranged along the front-to-the rear axis of the vehicle body. The chambers are also usually linked to each other. These chambers are inflated individually by a high-pressure gas, thereby expanding to define the fully deployed air bag body, for example see Japanese Patent Application, Publication No. 2002-302006.
In conventional motor vehicles, however, the interior side-wall of the vehicle compartment where the air bag body is deployed is constructed mainly of side window glass, i.e., the front and rear side windows. A front pillar, a center pillar, and a rear pillar are also positioned respectively in the front part, the intermediate part, and the rear part of the side window glass. As will be appreciated, these structural pillars are necessary to define and strengthen the side-wall of the vehicle compartment as well as to support the roof. Typically, these structural pillars extend inwardly into the interior of the vehicle compartment so that the exterior of the vehicle appears to have a substantially planar surface. Hence, the interior surface of the side-walls of the vehicle compartment are typically non-planar and are somewhat contoured, with recesses formed where the side window glass is located between the structural pillars.
Known curtain air bags are designed to cover the entire side portion of the vehicle, from the front passenger side of the side window glass as far as the rear pillar. Such deployment is necessary to protect passengers in both the front and rear seats, particularly in the event of a side impact or rollover. The plurality of inflation chambers in the body of the air bag are, thus, disposed along the length of vehicle interior compartment including across the structural center and rear pillars. Therefore, when the specific chambers are inflated those located over the center and rear pillars will extend into the interior space of the vehicle compartment by the same amount as the pillars extend into the vehicle interior. This results in an uneven deployment configuration in which those inflation chambers located over the pillars deploy further into the vehicle interior compared to those inflation chambers positioned adjacent to the side window glass. Accordingly, when each chamber of the air bag body is fully inflated, the inflation force of the chambers overlaying the structural pillars causes those located adjacent to the side windows to be pulled further into the interior of the vehicle away from the side window glass.
The above description of traditional curtain air bag deployment can cause problems particularly when the passenger is moved in an outward direction (relative to the vehicle) as a consequence of a side collision or a rollover. Collision forces will move the passenger towards the side window glass, where the inflation chambers are spaced away from the side window glass and, thereby, the air bag will engage the passenger in the middle of air bag deployment. Hence, the air bag body fails to occupy the space between the passenger and the side window glass as intended and the protective effect of the curtain air bag is severely diminished.


Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a vertical platform lift assembly control system are disclosed. The control system may provide a method for monitoring sensors for the vertical platform lift, and may determine operating modes and fault conditions from the sensor data. An indicator system for the vertical platform lift may provide user feedback based on sensor data and the status of the control system.

Mobility-impaired individuals frequently use mobility assistance devices such as, for example, power chairs, scooters, or wheelchairs to aid in transportation. While these mobility assistance devices may provide greatly increased mobility over uniform surfaces, they may not be effective on non-uniform surfaces, such as, for example, stairs. Vertical platform lifts may provide users of mobility assistance devices a method of navigating these non-uniform surfaces.

Vertical platform lift and control system


A system for processing signals includes a receiver assembly for receiving a signal. The signal has a sample component with a sample electric field and a sample polarization, and has a reference component with a reference electric field and a reference polarization. The receiver assembly includes an analyzer for polarimetrically processing the signal, including differencing the signal to generate a difference electric field proportional to the difference of the sample and reference electric fields. By polarimetrically differencing the signal, the analyzer reduces the magnitude of the common-mode signal at the difference signal receiver. The receiver assembly includes an electric-field detector for measuring the difference electric field such that the reduction in common-mode amplitude decreases the noise equivalent power of the electric-field detector. One advantage of the present invention, then, is the reduction of noise equivalent power of the electric-field detector when measuring small variations in large electric fields.

In many contexts it is desirable to detect electromagnetic radiation signals, such as in spectroscopy, refractive index measurements or the like. Conventionally, such radiation may be detected by means of a power detector whose output voltage is proportional to input power (watts). Such power detectors include, for example, thermistor bolometers, thermopile detectors, silicon diode photon detectors and the like. In an alternative technique, an electric-field sensing system detects electromagnetic radiation by producing an output voltage proportional to the electric-field strength (volts/meter) in the region around an input antenna. Examples of these systems include, for example, conventional radio receivers, television receivers, radar receivers and the like. Electric-field sensing systems lend themselves to heterodyne detection and typically exhibit a significantly lower noise-equivalent power than power detectors, and are therefore better adapted to receive lower-power beams. Nonetheless, in various contexts, the maximum sensitivities permitted by such conventional electric-field sensing systems are being challenged, and even exceeded.
More particularly in the context of spectroscopy, for example, data for chemical and biological agents such as the Anthrax stimulant Bacillus Subtilis (BG) indicates the need for spectral measurements over a wide frequency range with challenging sensitivity. Typically, measurements are taken from dense samples of BG spores prepared at concentrations high enough to be measured by a conventional Fourier Transform spectroscopy (FTS) instrument. At these concentrations, resonances may be damped by the density of spores in the sample. As will be appreciated, measurements on samples in low density aerosol form may provide better characterization of biological warfare agents (BWAs) in representative scenarios. However, measurements on such samples require spectrometer sensitivities not available in today's laboratory spectrometers. As such, it would be desirable to design a system and method for detecting very low power electromagnetic signals absorbed by low concentration samples with better sensitivity than that of currently available systems and methods.

System and method for power ratio determination with common mode suppression through electric field differencing


To schedule workloads of requesters of a shared storage resource, a scheduler specifies relative fairness for the requesters of the shared storage resource. In response to the workloads of the requesters, the scheduler modifies performance of the scheduler to deviate from the specified relative fairness to improve input/output (I/O) efficiency in processing the workloads at the shared storage resource.

In a typical information technology (IT) enterprise, storage resources are shared by multiple applications to improve utilization, cost, and operational efficiency. In many cases, storage systems that are shared by multiple applications do not attempt to distinguish between the different applications. Rather, a shared storage system attempts to optimize the overall performance of the storage system and to treat all requests the same. Often, a scheduler associated with storage system attempts to enhance overall throughput of the storage system, based on the conventional belief that enhancing the overall throughput is good for all applications accessing the storage system. For applications that may desire higher performance from the storage system, dedicated storage resources can be allocated to such applications. However, dedicating storage resources to applications is inflexible and inefficient.

Scheduling requesters of a shared storage resource

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An adsorbent unit including a porous container, adsorbent in the container, at least one tab extending outwardly from the container, side edges on the tab, and concave indentations in the side edges. The tab can have an aperture therein for mounting the tab on the filter body of a return bend of an accumulator. Another embodiment of the adsorbent unit can include two tabs extending outwardly from the opposite ends of the container, rigid outer ends on the tabs, and concave indentations in the sides of the tabs between the outer ends of the tabs and the adsorbent container. In use, the concave indentations of the various tabs receive the spaced pipes of a return bend pipe utilized in a refrigerant accumulator.

The present invention relates to an adsorbent unit for use in a refrigerant accumulator of an air conditioning system which contains a U-shaped return bend pipe.
By way of background, an adsorbent unit is utilized in a refrigerant accumulator for the purpose of adsorbing moisture in the refrigerant. Insofar as known, in the past, when a single adsorbent unit was utilized in a refrigerant accumulator having a U-shaped return bend pipe, the bag itself was usually not partially secured relative to the spaced pipes by means of concave indentations in the fabric portion thereof.


A board game includes a housing container to secure a foldable game board having first and second card groups to accommodate singles or team play. The game is directed to acquire property in four categories and to effect play until ultimate finish of the four categories and response to questions upon landing upon one of a plurality of "crown" spaces throughout the board is effected. The game further includes acquisition tokens shaped to correspond to the properties. Each acquisition token is illuminatable such that when a player acquires a property the corresponding acquisition token is illuminated to visually indicate acquisition of that property.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to board game apparatus, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved board game apparatus directed to the acquisition of property and proper response to questions relative to singles or team play among players.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Board game apparatus of various types have been utilized throughout the prior art for the entertainment and amusement of individuals. Such board game apparatus is exemplified in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,787,639; 4,902,020; 4,840,382; 4,962,934; and 4,955,616.
The instant invention is directed to the use of a board game apparatus not addressed in the prior art to associate reward relative to proper response, as well as to chance travel about a game board and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A computer music playing system of the invention permits setting parameters before playing, sound generation control, musical interval control, and special control during playing by merely operating a hand held type position input device. System operability is good, use efficiency is improved, and the computer can be used even if the user does not know music playing technique and musical theory. A hand held type position input device is provided, and by operating the hand held position input device, various selections and various settings in software are executed. The band members can be set, the playing style can be changed by a combination of the setting of the band members and the selection of the music to be played. The operator of the hand held position input device can participate as a member of the band.

Hitherto, the following methods have been used to perform extemporaneous playing of music by using a computer.
1. A keyboard of the computer is regarded as a keyboard of a musical instrument and music is played.
2. A few playing patterns are prepared and a desired pattern is selected and played.
The first method requires adequate keyboard playing technique and knowledge of musical theory and has a drawback in that, if they are inadequate, where is no guarantee that the music can be correctly played on the basis of the musical theory. The second method has a drawback in that the degree of freedom is low because music other than the prepared patterns cannot be performed, and if the number of patterns which can be selected is increased, the operation becomes complicated.
According to the above methods, therefore, extemporaneous playing having a high degree of freedom and which is accurate with respect to musical theory cannot be realized by simple operations without adequate musical instrument playing technique and adequate knowledge of musical theory.
According to the invention, extemporaneous playing is fundamentally achieved as follows. First, playing data of musical pieces to be played is prepared. The above data includes not only accompaniment data but also harmony composition sound data on the progress of the musical pieces. The accompaniment is subsequently started and played by the computer, and the extemporaneous playing is performed by operating a pointing device (for instance, a mouse) which communicates with the computer. The start and stop of the sound generation are indicated by a button of the pointing device. That is, a sound is generated only when the button is depressed. The pitch of sound which is generated is decided with reference to the harmony composition sound data. The motion of the pointing device is detected every predetermined time (i.e. periodicalily) corresponding to the tempo of the playing, and the sound pitch is changed as required. If the movement amount is large, the sound pitch changes significantly and is raised or dropped in accordance with the moving direction. Fundamentally, although the sound pitch doesn't change in the case where the pointing device is not moved, the sound pitch automatically changes to the correct sound pitch in the case where correction is necessary upon progress of the musical piece.
In recent years, with the advancement of computers, particularly personal computers, a computer of small size, light weight, and high performance has been developed and is used for not only office work but also for communication, education, graphics, and games.
For use with a computer, as well as for use with the widespread home game-playing device there have been developed various kinds of games including a role playing game (RPG), a shooting game, a playing card game, a mah-jongg game, and the like.
Computers are also used in hobby fields such as divination, go (a Japanese game), and the like, or the musical field such as composition and arrangement.
In the conventional playing method for playing by software, there is not a method whereby such playing is performed by using a hand held type position input device which is generally called a mouse and there is also not a method whereby sound generation control, a musical interval control, and other special controls upon playing by software are executed. Instead, in the conventional method, control signals are inputted by keyboard operation. Thus, there are inconveniences in that the inputting operation from the keyboard is very difficult, great skill and experience are needed for the inputting operation, the operability is low, and use efficiency is low.
In the conventional playing method, further, there are inconveniences, such as that since playing technique and musical theory are necessary, a person who knows none of the playing technique and the musical theory cannot use such an apparatus.
According to the invention, in an attempt to eliminate the above inconveniences, in a playing method in which software is inserted into a computer, the computer is operated by a keyboard, and sound is generated from a speaker through a sound Source, the playing method is characterized in that a hand held type position input device is provided. By operating the hand held type position input device, various kinds of selections and various kinds of settings in the software are executed, for example so that band members are set or a playing style is changed by a combination of the setting of band members and the selection of the titles of music to be played, an operator of the hand held type position input device can be allowed to participate as a member of the band, and sound generation control, musical interval control, and special control upon playing are executed by the hand held type position input device.
According to the invention as mentioned above, the titles of the music to be played in the software are selected by the hand held type position input device, the band members are selected, (the playing style being determined by the combination of the setting of the band members and the selection of the titles of the music to be played), the operator of the hand held type position input device can be allowed to participate as a member of the band, and sound generation control, musical interval control, and special control upon playing of the music by the playing software are executed.

Extemporaneous playing system by pointing device


A method of assaying a physiologically active substance, which comprises activating blood coagulation factor XII in plasma in the presence of said physiologically active substance being tested to convert prekallikrein in the plasma into kallikrein, and measuring the activity of kallikrein thus formed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of assaying physiologically active substances. More particularly, it relates to a method of assaying physiologically active substances involved in the process of plasma kallikrein formation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Kallikrein is a group of protease widely distributed in the plasma and tissues of animals, and is known to participitate in an enzyme reaction system called kallikrein-kinin system.
This kallikrein-kinin system is closely related to many other enzyme reaction systems, such as the renin-angiotensin system, the blood coagulation system, the fibrinolysis system, the complement system, and the arachidonate cascade producing prostaglandin, leukotriene and thromboxane, as well as to the behavior of catecholamine, thus playing an important role for function control in living bodies. To be more specific, it is deeply concerned, through other enzyme reaction systems, with blood pressure control, control actions relating to blood coagulation fibrinolysis-complement system, and peripheral blood circulation improvement and other control actions exerted by various physiologically active substances produced from the arachidonate cascade.
It is known that plasma kinin, which is a product of the kallikrein-kinin system, shows various physiological actions, such as hypotensive action as a result of vasodilation, enhancement of vascular permeability, contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, development of pains, leucocytes chemotaxis, and liberation of catecholamine from the adrenal cortex. It is also known that plasma kinin acts as a mediator for acute inflammations, including allergic reactions. Thus the presence of plasma kinin in living bodies is of great significance.
Hence, establishing a simple method for correctly evaluating the action of substances involved in the formation of kallikrein ( substances that retard or accelerate the formation of kallikrein ) would be of great use in learning the aforementioned actions for function control in living bodies and also in developing new drugs having such actions.
The kallikrein-kinin system involves a series of enzyme reactions as described below.
Blood coagulation factor XII ( Hageman factor; hereinafter abbreviated as F-XII ) is the substance which plays the major role in this enzyme reaction system. F-XII in the plasma is activated upon contact with a negatively charged substance ( such as glass, kaolin and elaidic acid ) or with a substance existing in living bodies ( such as collagen, homocystine, platelet membrane and sulfated glycolipid ), or as a result of nociceptive stimulation upon tissues. The resulting activated F-XII ( F-XIIa ) then acts upon prekallikrein present in the plasma to convert it into kallikrein, which in turn acts upon high-molecular-weight kininogen in the plasma, liberating bradykinin which is a nonapeptide.
Eventually, the kinin thus formed causes inflammations and pains, and exerts various influences on living bodies through action upon the arachidonate cascade.
In-vitro simulation of the aforementioned series of enzyme reactions related to the kallikrein-kinin system has led us to find that the reaction system adopted in this invention provides a simple, highly reliable, and most effective method for assaying physiologically active substances. This invention was accomplished based on these findings.

Method of assaying kallikrein formation substances


A double bed snowmobile trailer includes an axle assembly, trailer support wheels rotatably mounted to the axle assembly to rotate about a common axle axis, a pair of trailer beds each mounted to the axle assembly to pivot independently of the other about the common axle axis, a draw bar pivotally connected with respect to the middle of the axle assembly and extending forwardly in normal relation to a vertical plane including the common axle axis, and means to releasably fasten each of the trailer beds to the draw bar to prevent rotation of the trailer bed with respect to the draw bar when the trailer beds are in a substantially horizontal over-the-road snowmobile transport position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to trailers used for receiving, transporting over the road, and discharging lightweight vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The popularity of snowmobiles in the northern tiers of states and in the mountains during the late 1960's and in the 1970's resulted in the development of many varieties of trailers designed to carry these relatively narrow, motor powered, relatively lightweight vehicles from the owner's home bases to areas suitable for their use. The boom in the use of trailers to make possible such recreational activity in the cold climes of the United States, Canada and elsewhere in the world rivals the development and use of special use trailers to carry recreational boats to areas far from home and back again.
Many such snowmobile trailers were developed, some were patented, and many were quite suitable for the usages to which they were put. However, as in any boom of this nature, the relationship of weight, ease of operation, reliability, and usable life to cost was not a critical factor in the early years of the boom.
This activity now continues at a strong and steady rate; but efficiency, weight, reliability, trouble-free operation and useful lifetime in relationship to initial cost and cost of upkeep are now much more important factors.
A snowmobile necessarily uses skis or runners to support its front end and to steer it. It uses a relatively wide continuous track extending from the middle toward the rear to support the rear end and, most importantly, to drive the vehicle forward. Because skis and runners are effective in a forward direction only, it is generally not considered worthwhile to provide for powered drive in a reverse direction. Therefore, snowmobile trailers are often either provided with some way of discharging the snowmobiles in forward direction; or are provided with some means of depositing the rear end and track of the snowmobile on the ground and then pulling the trailer out from under it.
It is known to drive snowmobiles up on tilting trailer beds or platforms which are pivoted to trailer frames and to have those snowmobiles tip forward into horizontal positions as their centers of gravity pass the platform pivot points U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,950 granted to Zemien on Jan. 22, 1974; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,831 granted to Huff on May 8, 1973.
It is known to use parallel pairs of individually mounted trailer beds or platforms to receive, transport over the road, and discharge two snowmobiles or the like. See the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,168,932 granted to Clark on Sept. 25, 1979; 3,720,336 granted to Murray et al on Mar. 13, 1973; 3,945,521 granted to Decker on Mar. 23, 1976; and 3,604,579 granted to Jenkins on Sept. 14, 1971.
Various structures have been developed to allow snowmobiles to be driven forwardly to discharge them from snowmobile trailers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,444, granted to Jakel on Mar. 29, 1977 does not use a pivoted trailer bed, but rather uses a ramp which can be fastened behind a horizontal trailer bed so that a snowmobile can be driven up onto the bed from the rear, and utilizes the same ramp when fastened in front to deflect the skis or runners of the snowmobile to steer it and support it as it moves forwardly under its own power to leave the trailer.
Several of the patents listed above disclose elaborate, expensive and relatively unwieldy turntables between the trailer beds and fixed trailer frames. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,720,336; 3,945,521; and 3,604,579.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,831, also listed above, shows a trailer with a rigid frame to which is pivoted a drawbar or tongue. This drawbar can be swung under the trailer main frame at 90.degree. either to the right or to the left in order to let a trailer bed pivot toward its front end so that a snowmobile can be driven forwardly off of the trailer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,967, shows a structure whereby the rear end of a snowmobile is supported on an open U-shape subframe or trailer bed which is pivoted to an open U-shape trailer frame. To discharge the snowmobile, the bed is tipped back to allow the snowmobile to rest on the ground, the support between the rear of the snowmobile and the trailer bed is removed, and the trailer is then pulled ahead leaving the snowmobile discharged from it and ready for its intended use.
Also cited during a preliminary search on this invention were the following, which are not considered to be as pertinent as those discussed above: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,730,542 granted to Chadwick on May 1, 1973; 3,720,335 granted to Ward on Mar. 13, 1973; 3,989,270 granted to Henderson on Nov. 2, 1976; and 4,222,698 granted to Boelter on Sept. 16, 1980.
Neither the inventor nor those in privity with him are aware of any prior art which is closer than that discussed above. Neither are they aware of any prior art which anticipates the claims set out herein.


An optical proximity correction modeling method for predicting a topography effect due to a pattern stack structure that includes a first material pattern, a second material pattern, and a boundary region between the first material pattern and the second material pattern. The method includes generating a first region filter that corresponds to the first material pattern, a second region filter that corresponds to the second material pattern, and an edge function corresponding to the boundary region; generating a bulk image signal from a layout using the first region filter and the second region filter; generating an edge image signal from the layout using the edge function, a characteristic kernel that represents characteristics of the boundary region, the first region filter, and the second region filter; and generating a final model signal from the bulk image signal and the edge image signal.

1. Technical Field
The present inventive concept is directed to an optical proximity correction modeling method and system.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In the design of an integrated circuit, to form a desired circuit on a semiconductor substrate, after creating a layout of the circuit, the layout may be transferred to the surface of a wafer through a photomask. As the design of the integrated circuit is complicated due to the high integration of semiconductor devices, a pattern layout should be correctly implemented according to the initially intended design on the photomask that is used in a photolithography process.
As the wavelength of a light source used in an exposure apparatus becomes closer to a feature size of a semiconductor device, pattern distortion may occur due to diffraction, light interference, etc. Accordingly, an optical proximity effect occurs in which a pattern shape is distorted due to the influence of an adjacent pattern or an image having a different shape from an original shape is formed on the wafer. To avoid optical proximity effects such as changes in dimension, an optical proximity correction (hereinafter, referred to as OPC) process may be performed that predicts a change in pattern dimension, and transforms the design pattern in advance to obtain a pattern shape after a pattern transfer that corresponds to a desired layout.

Optical proximity correction modeling method and system


Embodiments described herein may take the form of a textile product having one or more regions of reduced density. These reduced density volumes may form one or more features in the product. For example, the reduced density volumes may have better acoustic transmission properties, optical transmission properties, flexibility, and the like. Sound transmission may be enhanced not only in terms of clarity, but also overall range. That is, certain audio frequencies that the textile may normally block when in an unaltered state may pass through a textile having reduced density or reduced density regions.

Textile products have been in use for thousands of years and come in many forms. One way to classify textile products is by whether they are woven products (such as cotton products, and including knitted textiles) or non-woven products (such as felt products). Generally, both have many applications and are widely used.
One example of a nonwoven textile is felt, which has been used to make goods for centuries. Felt may be formed by placing randomly aligned wool and/or synthetic fibers under pressure and adding moisture, and optionally chemicals. With sufficient time, heat and water, the fibers bond to one another to form a felt cloth. This process may be known as "wet felting."
As another option, fibers may be formed into a felt through "needle felting." In needle felting, a specialized notched needle is pushed repeatedly in and out of a bundle or group fibers. Notches along the shaft of the needle may grab fibers in a top layer of the bundle and push them downward into the bundle, tangling these grabbed fibers with others. The needle notches face toward the felt bundle, such that the grabbed felt is released when the needle withdraws. As the needle motion continues, more and more fibers are tangled and bonded together, again creating a felt cloth.
Although two different ways to create felt products have been described, it should be appreciated that variants and/or other methods may be employed. Regardless of the production method, however, felts share certain characteristics. For example, felts are often used as an acoustic damper due to their relatively dense natures. Likewise, felt tends to pull apart readily, due to its nonwoven nature, if the integrity of the bonds between the threads is compromised. This tendency to break apart when subjected to certain stresses and/or chemical may limit the usefulness of felt for certain applications.


In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides systems and methods that can convert clean or raw natural gas, clean or dirty coke oven gas, or the like to reducing gas/syngas suitable for direct reduction with minimal processing or cleaning. Hydrocarbons and the like are converted to H2 and CO. S does not affect the conversion to reducing gas/syngas, but is removed or otherwise cleaned up by the iron bed in the direct reduction shaft furnace. Top gas may be continuously recycled or a once-through approach may be employed.

Conventional reforming processes for the direct reduction (DR) of iron oxide to metallic iron utilize NG that has been processed or cleaned to remove impurities, such as hydrocarbons (gases and liquids), excess carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur (S), etc. Most reformers can handle some ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and traces of C5+, but are primarily designed for reforming methane (CH4) with a top gas, for example. S acts as a catalyst poison and can only be tolerated in low ppm quantities, in the range of 5 to 10 ppm.
Thus, what is still needed in the art are systems and methods that replace the reformer with an alternative component that can convert clean or raw NG, clean or dirty COG, or the like to reducing gas/syngas suitable for DR with minimal processing or cleaning. Hydrocarbons and the like would be converted to hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). S would not affect the conversion to reducing gas/syngas, but would be removed or otherwise cleaned up by the iron bed in the DR shaft furnace.

System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using natural gas


A method of emulating segment addressing by a processor that includes initiating a Virtual Machine Monitor in a kernel mode; initiating a Virtual Machine in a user mode; forming a dynamically mapped table in Virtual Machine Monitor space, the dynamically mapped table corresponding to a table of segment descriptors of the Virtual Machine; populating the dynamically mapped table with descriptors that raise exceptions upon an attempt by the Virtual Machine to address a corresponding segment; and mapping a descriptor to the dynamically mapped table upon the Virtual Machine's use of that descriptor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to Virtual Machine (VM) technology and, more particularly, to methods and systems for emulating the memory segment model of a microprocessor.
2. Background Art
With VM technology, a user can create and run multiple operating environments on a computer at the same time. Each operating environment, or Virtual Machine, requires its own operating system (OS) and can run applications independently. The VM software provides a layer between the hardware of the computing system and the software that runs on it.
Frequently, the problem arises of simultaneously running different operating systems on the same hardware system. For example, with one version of MICROSOFT WINDOWS running on the computing system, it can be necessary to start another instance or another version of WINDOWS or another operating system on the same hardware system.
A typical Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) enables a single physical machine or processor to act as if it were several physical machines. A VMM, typically jointly with a high-ranking OS (although there are VMMs that can be executed on bare hardware, without a high-ranking OS), can run a number of different operating systems simultaneously, such that each of the different operating systems has its own VM. In other words, a typical VMM can handle a number of VMs, each of which represents its own OS, and each of which can run its own application software and control or use its own hardware, including certain types of processors, I/O and data storage devices, and so on, as if they were running on a single processor. The high-ranking OS is typically referred to as a "host OS" (HOS). The multiple operating systems that are running as VMs are typically referred to as "guest operating systems" ("guest OSs") running "guest code."
A conventional approach for implementing VMs includes a VMM approach developed by IBM and implemented on mainframes, which support virtualization. Another approach includes implementing VMM on modem processors, which do not support the hardware virtualization, such as full step-by-step or page-by-page interpretation of the original code, or full binary translation of the original code, or combining binary translation of some portions of the original code and direct execution of other portions of the original code.
One of the common problems in Virtual Machine technology is the overhead that results from processing of privileged but unsafe instructions, also known as processing of "code under control." In particular, in the context of some Virtual Machine implementations, such as, for example, described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/139,787, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SAFE EXECUTION OF GUEST CODE IN VIRTUAL MACHINE CONTEXT, filed on May 31, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the high "cost" of the exceptions needed to handle the privileged but unsafe instructions is of particular concern. In other words, triggering, or raising, the exceptions is one of the major sources of overhead.
Memory management in modern microprocessors is a fairly complex subject. Many modern microprocessors have a large address space, for example, an address space defined by 32 bit addresses (i.e., a 232, or four gigabytes, address space), or 64 bit addresses (which corresponds to 264 possible addresses). Most practical computers do not have that much physical memory. Typically, only a fraction of the total address space that is theoretically possible is actually physically available in a particular computer. Therefore, complex schemes need to be implemented to ensure that an address specified in the instruction being executed is directed to an address that actually physically exists. To solve this problem, various translation mechanisms exist to convert specified nominal (linear) addresses to actual physical addresses, and to ensure that units of memory (pages, segments, etc.) are swapped in and out of physical memory, as appropriate.
In the context of Virtual Machine technology, the issue arises in ensuring that the emulation correctly takes place, and that the emulation is transparent to the guest code of the Virtual Machine, notwithstanding the need to reconcile the architectural and segment issues of memory addressing. To achieve this, it is desirable to utilize the various useful capabilities of the processor's segment model in the virtualization of the processor.
The second issue that a Virtual Machine designer needs to address is how to utilize the segment architecture of the processor for both the implementation of the Virtual Machine itself, and for various tasks that the Virtual Machine Monitor may need to perform.
In the INTEL architecture, any memory access requires segment translation. To execute an instruction, the CPU uses code segment translation. To access data, CPU uses data segment translation. Any instruction utilizes at least one segment register to address the memory (code segment). For example, in the INTEL processor, CS is the code segment register to execute instructions, SS is the stack segment register to storing data in by default, the stack, DS is the data segment register, and ES, FS, GS are segment registers for other data access. For example, the processor checks the code segment register (CS) prior to execution of any code. Code (instructions) can be grouped by different code segments, and for each segment there is a corresponding descriptor value in the CS register (which defines the start (base) address of the segment, the privilege level, and the limit, or size, of the segment, such that the entire segment in memory is linear and is uninterrupted in terms of its addresses). Similarly, the data segment registers (SS, DS, ES, FS, GS) is usually used to access data in memory. Other items that comprise descriptors include segment granularity, Present—Not Present bit, descriptor privilege level (DPL), type of the descriptor, etc.
Global and Local Descriptor Tables (GDT and LDT) are tables in the physical memory that store segment descriptors for each segment. The value in the segment register is usually referred to as a "selector" and points to the entry in the GDT.
The challenge, therefore, is to ensure that the behavior of the virtualized code matches what it would have been, were it not virtualized, given attempts by the guest code to manipulate the segment registers, and the GDT and LDT. Another issue that arises is how to efficiently virtualize the processor's segment model for the purposes of both the VM and the VMM.
Accordingly, what is needed are methods and systems for efficient emulation of the segment model when running a Virtual Machine.

Memory segment emulation model for virtual machine


An edible pet dental treat comprised of a substantially hard edible material formed into ribs having channel portions for cleaning pet teeth as it is being chewed. The edible treat is comprised of a plurality of ribs/channels formed on two sides of a bulb portion. The present invention also has first and second end portions with protrusions for massaging and scraping the tongue of the pet.

The present invention is directed to the field of pet dental treats. More specifically, the present invention is related to a pet treat comprised of a substantially hard or hard edible material formed into ribs having channel portions for cleaning and removing tartar from pet teeth as it is being chewed. The edible treat is preferably comprised of a plurality of ribs/channels formed on two sides of a bulb portion. The present invention also has first and second end portions with protrusions for massaging and scraping the tongue of the pet for freshening breath.
The present invention is adapted to promote movement inside the mouth of the pet and is comprised of a unique combination of ribs, channels, cut-outs or openings, and protrusions for providing more ways to clean pet teeth, gums and tongues. The present invention also provides more surface area than traditional pet dental apparatus for promoting mouth cleanliness and health.


For updating shared databases on a subscriber network, a managing center sends messages addressed to each of these bases. When one requires to address a great number of databases, the time to accede to each of them increases considerably considered the necessity to repeat the information to ensure the good reception of messages. Instead of addressing by name each database, it is proposed to transmit criteria in which a certain number of databases recognize themselves and apply a selective updating on these bases.

In a system comprising a managing centre having a main database, and a plurality of subscribers each one having a subscriber's database over a wide territory, it is known to send data by phone or hertz route to update the database of these subscribers. These messages address, either to all the subscribers, or to a particular subscriber, that is to say, that they contain a subscribed module address.
As some systems of this type do not use return path towards the managing centre such as by modem for example, it is difficult to know if the sent data have arrived correctly. In this way, it is obliged to repeat these messages periodically in order to ensure that the message has arrived property at destination at least once.
One can easily imagine what the consequence is in a system managing a large number of subscribers, for example 2 to 3 million, the repetition of these messages being able to saturate rapidly the transmission capacity.
In a system of this type, the transmission channel is used more for transmission of useful data such as audio, video or data and managing data, for subscriber databases, and can occupy only a very limited bandwidth.
Such a system is described in the European patent EP 0 616 714, and treats the problem of the updating of a database defined in a smart card. The controls are of simple type and are all destined to enter data in this database. Even if this structure has an advantage on the previous solutions, that is to say based on a structure fixed by the supplier of the software, it do not permit the personalization or special processing.
Another example of the limits of the existing addressing is disclosed in EP 0 491 069. Each database includes a single identifier used to address this database. Thus, when a large number of databases must be updated, they must be addressed sequentially.
One realizes that one is rapidly limited if one wants to use more sophisticated functions, for example to offer one month of free subscription for a new channel to all the subscribers having subscribed for at least one year. In such a case, according to the present transmission technique, one determines on the main database in the managing centre, the list of subscribers answering this criterion, and one formats and then sends on the network a message to each chosen subscriber, a message containing the address of the addressee.
One must not forget that these messages must be repeated periodically to assure that each subscriber has the possibility to receive it.
At present, such functions are not easily possible because they can completely saturate the system with the transmission of managing messages. The specific addressing is therefore used for initialising a subscriber or to update the same, following a call to the management centre.
When one considers the subscriber databases according to the prior art, one can see that these databases contain only information allowing the access to transmissions broadcasted. Said information or data called "systems" such as the subscriber number, are memorized independently. It is based on these data-systems that one determines if a message is addressed to the considered database. No request inside of the database is made, the test using only the systems information.

Method and system for transmitting messages for database


A composite propeller blade and hub attachment assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a blade root having a first connecting member and a hub arm having a second connecting member. The first connecting member meshingly engages the second connecting member. A device preloads the blade root and the hub arm. The first and second connecting members form a slot for receiving the preloading device. The preloading device includes an outer movable unit, an inner movable unit, and a mechanism for displacing the outer and inner movable units relative each other. As the mechanism for displacing relatively moves the inner and outer units, the preloading device is caused to expand and tension the blade root and hub arm for mechanically preloading the blade, in a manner which increases the low centrifugal load off lightweight composite blades.

With the invent of the composite propeller blade, which are lighter than the earlier metal and/or metal-composite hybrids, blades in operation experience reduced centrifugal loading. Accordingly, the loading is typically insufficient to prevent rocking caused by high bending loads. Many current designs use a retention assembly that includes one or more bearings that must be preloaded by some means. The rocking effect caused by the bending loads is alleviated in many current designs by use of pitch change bearings with increased diameters. Often, these designs also use extra rows of bearings. However, these additions add to the weight and complexity of the blade and retention assembly design, thereby increasing costs and potential for mechanical failure. In addition, many composite propeller blades attach through a shear bond joint to a metal retention member. This is an inefficient means for load transfer and requires a secondary mechanical backup.
As indicated, the existing solution to prevent rocking is to use a preloaded bearing assembly so as to provide a compensating load. For example, the double row bearing design, used by the assignee of the present application, is preloaded by a large mechanical nut through a very stiff load path, making the application of preloading somewhat difficult. In addition, it is difficult to monitor and retain the initial preload over long periods of service time. Also, current designs require the use of special tools to apply the high preload necessary. And, some form of load monitoring is required to prevent the loss of foundation/attachment stiffness at the base of the blade. Without such monitoring and means for adjusting the preload, a potentially dangerous change in blade resonant frequency can arise undetected. And, since the most current designs use a mechanical nut, small amounts of fretting or wear on the threads that engage the nut can lead to this loss of stiffness. In addition to the above, replacement of blades with these types of retention designs is cumbersome and requires a significant amount of time. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,850,801 to Valentine and 5,118, 256 to Violette et al, both assigned to the assignee of the present application, provide examples of such designs.
Blade retention may also be achieved by using a pin assembly at the base of the blade for attaching the same to a receiver portion attached to the hub of the propeller assembly. A plurality of patents has issued with respect to such designs. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,817 to Violette et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,02,824 to Violette et al and U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,376 to Sikorsky et al.
Sikorsky et al is particularly interesting and describes a method of attachment of a rotor blade of fiber reinforced plastic to a metal rotor hub. The shank of the propeller blade attaches to the hub through a connection. Prestress can be applied through the connection to the propeller to assist in resistance of lateral impact force. In this design, the blade 4 connects to a tubular body B of the hub by means of bolts or screws. In addition, the blade includes a tubular shank 18b that extends into the tubular body and which further connects to the tubular body via an attachment or tensioning means 5b. The tensioning means 5b comprises a tensioning bolt 21 rotatably arranged in a transverse bore in shank 18b. The tensioning bolt includes pivot pins 22 and 23 extending from each end thereof and which are eccentric to the centerline of the bolt. Each pivot pin 22 and 23 resides in a support disk 25 and 26, respectively, which mount in circumferential slots 27 and 28, respectively, in the wall of tubular body 8b. When turning the tensioning bolt 21 via head 24 of pin 23, support disks 25 and 26 travel in slots 27 and 28. By this process, tension is applied to shank 19 in a direction of arrow 29 to press the blade against an upper flange of body 8b. This tensioning produces a prestress in the blade 4 that opposes stresses developed in the blade due to lateral impact forces during operations. While a cam or a center pin design is used to apply the downward force to the shank 18b, no locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the prestress on the shank. This shortcoming could potentially allow loss of the prestress and/or require that the bolts 6 maintain the prestress, which may also give rise to a prestress loss by their loosening.
An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 and in this embodiment, a retaining pin 32 resides in a transverse opening 31 in shank 18c. The pin includes end portions received in holes 34a and 34b in a tension sleeve 33 that surrounds shank 18c. The tension sleeve includes two spirally ascending semi-annular cam faces 35 and 36 that inversely conform to cam faces on an additional coaxially arranged rotary sleeve 37. The tension sleeve and rotary sleeve are arranged one above the other for axial displacement in the tubular body 8c. Tubular body 8c includes circumferential slots 38a and 38b to permit access to positioning holes 39a and 39b in the rotor sleeve 37. A tool, not shown, may be used to engage the positioning holes 39a and 39b such that the rotary sleeve 37 is rotatable to tension the shank 18c. Similar to the embodiment discussed above, there appears to be no means for locking the prestress position of rotary sleeve 37 and tension sleeve 33 to ensure maintenance of the preload. Again, the design uses bolts 36 to lock the preload position into place, which as discussed above, presents questionable preload security.
There exists a need, therefore, for an improved pin type retention and preload assembly for retaining a propeller blade to a hub and for preloading the same, whereby the preload position of the blade relative the hub is locked into place.

Bar wedge preload apparatus for a propeller blade