A NOx reduction catalyst carrier yields a NOx reduction catalyst with an improved permissible dose of poisoning substances such as arsenic. More specifically, the present invention relates to a NOx reduction catalyst carrier comprising TiO2, having a honeycomb structure and having a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g.

As a method for removing nitrogen oxides from flue gases emitted from stationary emission sources such as thermal power plants, an ammonia-added selective catalytic reduction method has been applied, which uses a catalyst carrying V2O5, WO3, and MoO3 as active ingredients on a TiO2-based catalyst carrier. In this method, NH3 is added as a reductant to cause a NOx reduction reaction (4NO+4NH3+O2→4N2+6H2O) and V, W, and Mo supported on solid acid sites of TiO2 act as active sites.
When a V2O5/TiO2-based catalyst is used in the reduction of NOx from flue gases containing nitrogen oxides emitted in a case in which a coal or a heavy oil is used as the fuel, the activity of such a catalyst degrades over time. The degradation of the activity of a catalyst is due to a very small quantity of poisoning components contained in flue gases, such as As and Ca, accumulating on the catalyst and covering the catalyst active sites. In particular, As contained in flue gases is As2O3 with a high vapor pressure and is oxidized on the catalyst to be converted into As2O5 with a low vapor pressure (As2O3+O2→As2O5). This As2O5 reacts at the solid acid sites, and thus the catalyst activity is lost. Accordingly, when a low-grade coal including a large quantity of arsenic (As), which is a poisoning substance that may considerably affect the catalyst, is used as the fuel, the deterioration of the catalyst occurring due to the rapid loss of solid acid sites caused by As becomes highly problematic.
Incidentally, it has been blown that when an oxide is composited, the solid acid content of the complex oxide usually becomes higher than that of a single-element oxide, although this depends on the type of the element included in the oxide. Focusing on this finding, the inventors have made an attempt to improve the resistance of a catalyst to As by increasing the permissible dose of As by increasing the content of solid acid in a two-component system based on TiO2, such as a TiO2/SiO2 system (refer to Patent Literature 1, for example).


A clutch device includes a main clutch, a pilot clutch, and an inner cage. The main clutch has a friction pack, a pressure device for pressing the friction pack, and a ramp system for moving the pressure device. The pilot clutch is for transmitting torque to the ramp system and can be opened and closed by moving the counter-plate. The pressure device can be moved by the counter-plate. The friction pack is mechanically connected to the inner cage and an outer cage. The ramp system includes a first ramp element arranged on the inner cage, a freewheel, and a second ramp element. The freewheel blocks rotary movement of the first ramp element in a first rotational direction and allows rotary movement in an opposite rotational direction. The first and second ramp elements, and the pilot clutch, are mechanically connected to the inner cage when the pilot clutch is closed.

Particularly for implementing hybrid modules, which allow sequential or, alternatively, simultaneous operation of an internal combustion unit and an electric machine, use is made of specially configured clutch devices, by means of which the power made available by the internal combustion unit and/or the power made available by the electric machine can be transmitted to a drive train. For this purpose, clutch devices of this kind are often equipped with a pilot clutch and a main clutch. By actuating the pilot clutch, it is possible to produce a torque which serves to close or open the main clutch. In this case, a clutch device of this kind is intended to separate the internal combustion unit from the drive train with as little loss as possible during the operation of the electric machine. During the operation of the internal combustion unit, it should be possible to close the clutch. It should be possible to actuate the clutch device with a minimum of energy.
In this regard, DE 10 2012 222 110 A1 discloses a separating clutch for a hybrid drive. By means of the separating clutch, an internal combustion engine of a vehicle can be separated from and connected to an electric machine and a transmission input shaft of a vehicle transmission. In this case, the electric machine can be used as a starter for starting the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, the separating clutch is partially closed by an actuator. To actuate the separating clutch, a planetary transmission, a ramp system and an eddy current brake are used here. Moreover, a freewheel is used as a pilot element for producing a pressing force, by means of which the plate pack of the clutch is clamped. This freewheel allows automatic closure of the clutch, substantially without the supply of additional energy. The freewheel has the effect that the internal combustion engine cannot reach a speed higher than the electric machine or the drive train provided therewith.
In various operating situations of the vehicle, however, a higher speed of the internal combustion unit than the electric machine or the drive train is required. In particular, to minimize the pollutants produced by the operation of the internal combustion unit there is the need to make the internal combustion unit run at a relatively high speed to heat an exhaust gas catalytic converter before the internal combustion unit applies the actual driving power to the drive train.
Another requirement on clutch devices for arrangement in hybrid modules is, of course, high performance in respect of the torque to be transmitted. Moreover, particularly during the process of starting the internal combustion unit by means of the electric machine, there is a requirement to enable control of the torque to be transmitted to the internal combustion unit by the electric machine.
Energy-efficient closure of a torque path between an electric machine and the internal combustion unit for the purpose of starting the internal combustion unit should likewise be possible, as should a "coasting mode", in which the kinetic energy of a vehicle fitted with the hybrid module is not transmitted to the internal combustion unit, as well as an engine brake, in which the rotary motion of the motor vehicle wheels is transmitted to the internal combustion unit in order to use the friction of said unit to produce a braking effect.


An apparatus and method for securing subsea devices to a seabed are provided. The apparatus generally includes a mud can housing that defines a internal space that can be evacuated to drive the housing into the seabed and secured it thereto. At least one receiver is connected to the housing. Each receiver is configured to receive a subsea device so that each subsea device in each receiver is secured to the seabed in a vertical orientation when the mud can housing is secured to the seabed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing subsea devices to a seabed, such as for securing pumps, separators, compressors, solids management equipment, or other equipment used in the handling or processing of fluids for producing fluids from a subsea hydrocarbon reservoir, e.g., to temporarily secure such a device to a seabed and subsequently remove it therefrom.
2. Description of Related Art
In the production of fluids from a subsea hydrocarbon reservoir, it may be advantageous to provide a variety of subsea devices to enable or aid in the production process. For example, subsea pumps can be used to deliver fluids produced from such a reservoir through a pipeline that extends to a topside processing or storage facility. Pumps can also be used for increasing the pressure of an injection fluid, i.e., a fluid injected into the reservoir to aid in the production of fluids from the reservoir. Separators can be used to promote phase separation, e.g. oil, gas, water, and solids, and direction of the products of separation to downstream equipment or to dampen flow surges.
Some subsea devices are conventionally used by installing the devices directly into a well. These devices, commonly termed "in-well" devices, are typically designed and constructed with a high aspect ratio, i.e., to be tall with a small footprint so that the devices will fit into a wellbore of a relatively small diameter. For example, some in-well devices are 4 to 10 inches or less in diameter and are 10-250 feet in height. A variety of different subsea devices that are tall and narrow in diameter have been developed for such intended installation and use in wellbores. Additional in-well devices are anticipated to be produced in the future. While these in-well devices can be effective when used in this manner, the difficulty and cost for installing and servicing such devices can be high. In addition, the number of devices that can be used in a particular well is typically limited.
Thus, a need exists for an improved apparatus and method for deploying and using such subsea devices. The apparatus and method should be compatible with subsea devices that have a high aspect ratio, including in-well devices that are designed for use in wellbores, and should be capable of installations in which each subsea device is disposed in its vertical orientation.

Apparatus and method for securing subsea devices to a seabed


Intelligent routing of communication(s) is provided to international number(s) in a messaging service. To route a communication that includes an international number, format of the communication is established. A text-only communication is delivered through a messaging service transport protocol (MSTP) suitable for text. A media-based communication intended for a plurality of recipients, e.g., a group message, is ungrouped, the international number is identified, and a new message is generated for a group of recipients that excludes a recipient associated with the international number. The new message is delivered through a MSTP suitable for media, whereas an exception handling procedure is conducted for the international number. In addition, to route the communication that includes an international number, network interoperability of predetermined MSTP can be assessed. The communication is delivered through the predetermined MSTP if it is interoperable. Conversely, the communication is routed as a media-based group message.

Mature messaging service transport protocols, such as the Short Message Service (SMS) protocol, display nearly ubiquitous interoperability amongst various telecommunication marketplaces including foreign, or global, marketplaces. Besides technology maturity, the SMS protocol is not only largely employed for instant messaging (IM) of text content amongst subscribers, but it is also heavily exploited as a signaling mechanism for exchange of control data amongst various network components, which further promotes pervasive interoperability. In contrast, messaging service transport protocols, such as the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) protocol, which are based on more recent communication standards, particularly for telecommunication, have rather limited interoperability, especially amongst local, or domestic, and global marketplaces. As mobile communications expand globally because of at least pursuit of market share development by network operators and increased subscriber mobility, such disparity in interoperability amongst marketplaces can be detrimental to advanced messaging services that exploit or are planned to exploit advanced messaging service transport protocols that enable rich, multimedia-intensive messaging services. Accordingly, routing of communication(s) in an advanced messaging service with inadequate interoperability amongst marketplaces at either local or global scale may result in diminished perceived quality of service from subscribers, with the ensuing risk of subscriber attrition or underdeveloped revenue for such advanced messaging service offerings.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Intelligent routing of communications to an international number in a messaging service


A method for converting an analog input signal into a digital value with successive approximation. A first comparison operation is provided before a first approximation, which subdivides a predefined input voltage interval into five partial intervals according to four reference potentials. During the comparison operation, a partial voltage interval determined is used in the ensuing approximation for the selection of a new reference potential pair to be used. This method enables higher sampling rates. At the same time, the range of the input signal is increased.

Analog-to-digital converters are important components in digital signal processing. In this case, analog-to-digital converters convert the voltage of an input signal into a number proportional thereto, which is output as a digital signal. The digital signal is often a serial sequence of a number of bits, the binary value of the sequence representing the proportional number.
The number of bits per digital signal is a measure of its accuracy. An analog-to-digital converter having an accuracy of 8 bits converts an input signal into a binary sequence comprising 8 bits. The total input interval of an analog-to-digital converter is thus decomposed into a total of 256 partial intervals, a binary sequence of numbers comprising 8 bits being assigned to each partial interval beginning with the lowest. The lowest partial interval is assigned the decimal value 0 and the highest partial interval is assigned the decimal value 255.
The method of successive approximation is used in one possibility of realization for an analog-to-digital converter. Said method comprises a plurality of approximation steps, in each step a digital partial value being determined and used for forming the digital total value. In this case, the number of approximation steps corresponds to the binary accuracy of the digital value. A simple embodiment of such a method is described in detail in "Tietze/Schenk, Halbleiterschaltungstechnik [Semiconductor circuitry], 12th edition, Springer, 2002", on page 1009 et seq.
In one variation of this method, an input signal or expediently the voltage of an input signal, in an approximation step, is not compared with one reference voltage or reference potential, but rather with two reference voltages or reference potentials. This involves determining whether the voltage of the input signal is greater or less than the two reference voltages or reference potentials or lies between the two. The two reference voltages or potentials thus subdivide the input interval for this approximation step into a total of three partial intervals, and the comparison determines that one of said three partial intervals in which the voltage of the input signal lies. Depending on the result, a new signal is generated and is used for the ensuing approximation step. Furthermore, each interval is assigned a value which is used for forming the digital output value of the analog-to-digital converter.
In practice, analog-to-digital converters with successive approximation operate in a clocked operating mode and are formed with sample-and-hold devices, each approximation step often being realized by circuits. During a sample phase, the input signals are sampled in the individual stages of the analog-to-digital converter. Signal processing is effected in a hold phase following the sample phase.
Rising clock rates lead to problems, however, in sample-and-hold circuits in the individual approximation stages of the analog-to-digital converter. In particular the sample-and-hold circuits which carry out a comparison of the input signal with the reference signals require time for their decision-making. At low clock rates, a short period of time between the sample phase and the hold phase is sufficient for decision-making, but at high clock rates the period of time is too short and the error rate rises greatly.
In order to prevent this, the comparison circuits of the individual approximation stages have been implemented such that they can make a decision as early as in a preceding time phase. As a result, the comparison circuits have a complete hold phase time for the decision. An analog-to-digital converter with such a "look-ahead technique" is shown in "Matsuura et. al, A 240-Mbps, 1-W CMOS EPRML Read-Channel LSI Chip Using an Interleaved Subranging Pipeline A/D Converter, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 33, No. 11, November 1998, page 1840 et seq.". The major disadvantage of the analog-to-digital converter described therein, however, is its power consumption and its high supply voltage of 3.3 V, which is at odds with the requirement for a lower power consumption and small supply voltage. In addition, the problem of an excessively short period of time for decision-making is not solved completely in the case of this analog-to-digital converter.
A further analog-to-digital converter is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,832. The last approximation stage of the converter therein is formed without additional amplifiers, whereby the current consumption and space taken up are reduced. However, the problem of an error-free conversion remains in this case, too.

Method for converting an analog input signal, and analog-to-digital converter


A double eyelid forming device for non-surgically generating a crease in the upper eyelids of a human comprising a pair of glasses, one string attached to each of the two upper rims of the glasses and running along the curvature of the upper rim, and two sets of beads, each set slidably threaded onto one string. When the device is worn by a human, each set of the beads presses against the corresponding upper eyelid of the human and lead to the formation of a double eyelid.

People in certain populations, for example as much as about 50% Asian populations, are born with single eyelids, i.e., an upper eyelid without visible crease. There has always existed an aesthetic need for converting single eyelids into double eyelids, i.e., upper eyelid divided into a top and bottom portion by a visible crease. The most prevalent manner of conversion is surgery, which is costly, painful and risky. There is a genuine need for non-surgical methods for converting single eyelids into double eyelids.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,856 and U.S. Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2004/0134506 disclose tapes or strings for attaching to the eyelids to form a fold thereon.
Japanese Pat. Pub. No. JP2003310650 discloses a linear and flexible apparatus generally in the shape of eyeglasses. When worn, the upper rim is pressed into the upper eyelids of the wearer and creates a crease therein.
Chinese Pat. Pub. No. CN2044817U discloses an apparatus comprising frame and two pins. The end of the pins are pressed into the eyelids of the wearer, generating point depressions. By sliding the pins along the length of the frame, a line of depression, i.e., a crease can be made into the eyelids of the wearer.
One object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be worn by the wearer without any assistance to generate a crease in the upper eyelids in a non-surgical manner.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device in the form of fully functional eyeglasses which can be worn by the wearer without any assistance to generate a crease in the upper eyelids in a non-surgical manner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a kit for converting a set of regular eyeglasses into a device that can be worn by the wearer without any assistance to generate a crease in the upper eyelids in a non-surgical manner.


A fistula catheter in which an intracorporeal fixing part comprises an inner balloon and an outer balloon is disclosed, whereby it is possible to prevent removal from the fistula by means of the inner balloon, even if the outer balloon deflates.

People with a reduced function for ingesting food orally under their own power due to advanced age or illness (referred to below as "patients") are supplied with fluids such as liquid food or nutrients using a fistula catheter.
When water is used in a fistula catheter employing a balloon, the water introduced into the balloon can leak out spontaneously, deflating the balloon, and the balloon may deteriorate and rupture due to contact with bodily fluids or the substance being supplied into the internal organ, and the fistula catheter may undesirably be removed from the fistula. In such cases, the fistula often closes up in a matter of hours so it may no longer be possible to reinsert the fistula catheter. It therefore becomes necessary to form a fistula again. To prevent such an occurrence, an arrangement has been proposed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0119793 A1 in which a reinforcing material is embedded inside the balloon so that the balloon is less likely to deteriorate or rupture.


Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate avoidance of duplicative resource allocation and/or erroneous service charges via unambiguously indicating an entity responsible for quality of service (QoS) initiation. In one example, an indication is provided to a mobile device to indicate a preference for network-initiated QoS or a preference for device-initiated QoS. QoS for a data flow can be established in accordance with the indication. For instance, the mobile device initiates QoS when the indication specifies a preference for device-initiated QoS while a network establishes QoS when the indication specifies a preference for network-initiated QoS.

I. Field
The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to unambiguously indicating a preference for at least one of network-initiated quality of service (QoS) or device-initiated QoS.
II. Background
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice and data, Typical wireless communication systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, . . . ). Examples of such multiple-access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and the like. Additionally, the systems can conform to specifications such as third generation partnership project (3GPP), 3GPP2, 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), etc.
Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems may simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile devices. Each mobile device may communicate with one or more base stations via transmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from base stations to mobile devices, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communication link from mobile devices to base stations.
As the demand for high-rate and multimedia data services rapidly grows, there has been an effort toward implementation of efficient and robust communication systems with enhanced performance. For example, in recent years, users have started to replace fixed line communications with mobile communications and have increasingly demanded great voice quality, reliable service, and low prices.
To accommodate increasing demand, evolution of core networks of wireless communication systems followed from evolution of radio interfaces. For example, System Architecture Evolution (SAE) lead by 3GPP aims to evolve a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)/General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network. The resultant Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is a multi-access core network based on the Internet Protocol (IP) that enables operators to deploy and utilize one common packet-based core network with a plurality of radio access technologies. The EPC provides optimized mobility for mobile devices and enables efficient handovers between different radio access technologies (e.g., between LTE and High Rate Packet Data (HRPD)). In addition, standardized roaming interfaces enable operators to offer services to subscribers across a variety of access technologies. In addition, the EPC includes an end-to-end quality of service (QoS) concept that enables operators to provide enhanced QoS functions while preserving operator ability to police and charge for such functions.

Network and mobile device initiated quality of service


Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a policy and charging rules node (PCRN), the method including: receiving a RADIUS accounting request (ACR) start message from a network access server (NAS); establishing a RADIUS session with the NAS; applying rules by a rules engine to information in the ACR start message to determine a traffic detection function (TDF) to be updated; establishing a Sd session with the TDF; and binding the Sd session to the RADIUS session.

As the demand increases for varying types of applications within mobile telecommunications networks, service providers must constantly upgrade their systems in order to reliably provide this expanded functionality. What was once a system designed simply for voice communication has grown into an all-purpose network access point, providing access to a myriad of applications including text messaging, multimedia streaming, and general Internet access. In order to support such applications, providers have built new networks on top of their existing voice networks, leading to a less-than-elegant solution. As seen in second and third generation networks, voice services must be carried over dedicated voice channels and directed toward a circuit-switched core, while other service communications are transmitted according to the Internet Protocol (IP) and directed toward a different, packet-switched core. This led to unique problems regarding application provision, metering and charging, and quality of experience (QoE) assurance.
In an effort to simplify the dual core approach of the second and third generations, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has recommended a new network scheme it terms "Long Term Evolution" (LTE). In an LTE network, all communications are carried over an IP channel from user equipment (UE) to an all-IP core called the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The EPC then provides gateway access to other networks while ensuring an acceptable QoE and charging a subscriber for their particular network activity.
The 3GPP generally describes the components of the EPC and their interactions with each other in a number of technical specifications, including the following components: Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) implemented in a Policy and Charging Rules Node (PCRN); Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) implemented in a Policy and Charging Enforcement Node (PCEN); and Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF) of the EPC. These specifications further provide some guidance as to how these elements interact in order to provide reliable data services and charge subscribers for use thereof.
Today LTE networks interact and interface with traditional wired networks. Such networks may include network access servers (NAS) that connect the wired network to the LTE network. Further, the wired network may include a traffic detection function (TDF). The TDF may analyze network traffic for monitoring, detection, billing, inspection, etc. The TDF may be implemented as a deep packet inspection (DPI) node. Also the TDF may be integrated into other nodes and provide traffic detections functionality along with the other functions of the node. The TDF may send traffic information to the NAS.

Binding of SD messages with radius messages


A position sensible liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a plurality of scanning lines, data lines, thin film transistors and pixel, and a second substrate having a plurality of first lines formed along the scanning lines and a plurality of second lines formed along the data lines, for position sensing. The black matrix is used as the position sensor input device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a position sensible liquid crystal display (PSLCD) device, and more particularly, to a position sensible liquid crystal display device having the capability of sensing the precise position of a stylus on the display.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In general, as shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes an upper plate 3, a lower plate 1, and a liquid crystal sealed between the upper and lower plates. The upper plate 3 has a common electrode 6, a layer of black matrix 4, and a layer of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color filers 5 that filter light to generate colors. The lower plate has a plurality of data lines and scanning lines arranged at right angles and at fixed intervals to form a matrix of pixel regions therebetween. Each of the pixel regions has a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode. More particularly, lower plate 1 has thin film transistors 2 disposed thereon at fixed intervals, each with a gate electrode G (corresponding to a scanning line), a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D (corresponding to a data line). Each of the pixel regions has a pixel electrode 2a connected to the drain electrode D of the thin film transistor 2. Black matrix 4 on the upper plate 3 blocks light in sections other than pixel electrodes 2a, which corresponds to the R, G, and B color filters 5. Upon selective application of driving signals from external driving circuits to the scanning lines and the data lines, the LCD device displays an image. Recently, much effort has gone into providing the LCD with a position sensor input device so that the LCD can be used like a note book. That is, a position sensible LCD device is used with a position sensor input device to display letters or graphics written with a stylus on the LCD.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate layers in a position sensible LCD device, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates a PSLCD device having an opaque position sensor input device and FIG. 2B illustrates a PSLCD device having a transparent position sensor input device.
The PSLCD device having an opaque position sensor input device includes a PSD (Position Sensor input Device) panel 21, a back light layer 22, an LCD panel 23, and a protective layer 24 arranged in succession. The PSLCD device having a transparent position sensor input device includes a back light layer 22, an LCD panel 23, and a PSD panel 21 arranged in succession.
The operation of the aforementioned PSLCD devices will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the modules of a PSLCD system.
A driving pulse circuit 12 alternately provides driving pulses to the PSD panel 21 in X-, and Y-axis directions. LCD driving circuit 13 provides a driving signal to the LCD in PSLCD 11. Personal computer 14 controls the LCD driving circuit 13. A stylus 15 is sensed according to capacitive coupling occurring in the PSD. A PSD data processing circuit 16 processes a position signal of the stylus 15 to provide position data. Microcomputer 17 controls the driving pulse generating circuit 12 and transfers the position data from the PSD data processing circuit 16 to the personal computer 14. Therefore, the personal computer 14 controls the LCD driving circuit 13 so that the personal computer 14 can display the pixel on which the stylus is placed.
The operation principle of the aforementioned PSLCD module will now be explained in more detail.
Under the control of the microcomputer 17, the driving pulse generating circuit 12 provides driving pulses to X-, and Y-axis of the PSD alternately for sensing the present position of the stylus 15. The stylus 15 senses a position signal in a potential distribution on the PSD using capacitive coupling and provides the position signal to the PSD data processing circuit 16. The PSD data processing circuit 16 receives the present X- and Y-axis coordinate data of the stylus and converts the coordinate data into digitized position data. Upon reception of the position data from PSD data processing circuit 16, the microcomputer 17 analyses the position data to calculate the present position of the stylus 15 and updates personal computer 14 accordingly. Thus, the pixel of the LCD on which the stylus 15 is placed is displayed under the control of the microcomputer 17.
A conventional PSLCD will be explained with reference to the attached drawing.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a disassembled conventional transparent PSLCD.
Referring to FIG. 4, the transparent PSLCD includes an LCD panel 31, a PSD 32 on the LCD panel 31, and a protective layer 33. The LCD panel 31 is the conventional LCD shown in FIG. 1. The PSD 32 is adapted to sense a position of the stylus according to a potential distribution of a driving AC signal, and the protective layer 33 is provided for protecting the PSD from the stylus.
FIG. 5 illustrates a plane view of a configuration of a conventional PSD.
Referring to FIG. 5, the conventional PSD includes a tablet 41 (sometimes called "digitizer"), first, second, third and fourth ITO layers 42, 42a, 43 and 43a on four sides of the tablet 41. The tablet 41 has a plurality of grids 44 spaced at fixed intervals in X- and Y-axis directions. The grids 44 in the X- and Y-axis directions are formed with transparent electrodes (ITO) having uniform internal resistances and are isolated from one another. Each of the first and second ITO layers 42 and 42a applies a driving voltage in the X-axis direction for sensing a position of the stylus. Each of the third and fourth ITO layers 43 and 43a applies a driving voltage in Y-axis direction for sensing a position of the stylus. Each of the first, second, third and fourth ITO layers 42, 42a, 43 and 43a has a switch for selective application of a grounding voltage or a source voltage to the grids in X- and Y-axis directions of the tablet 41. The switches in the first and second ITO layers 42 and 42a are denoted XS1 and XS2, respectively, and the switches in the third and fourth ITO layers 43 and 43a are denoted YS1 and YS2, respectively. In the conventional PSD, the first and second ITO layers 42 and 42a and the third and fourth ITO layers 43 and 43a are alternately applied a source voltage Vcc from driving pulse generating circuit 12.
When the switches XS1 and XS2 are switched on, the switches YS1 and YS2 are switched off. If the source voltage is applied to first ITO layer 42 and a ground voltage is applied to the second ITO layer 42a, the potential of the grids 44 in the tablet 41 gradually decrease between the first ITO layer 42 and to the second ITO layer 42a. This is because, although the X- and Y-axes grids have uniform resistances throughout the tablet, if the source voltage Vcc is applied from one side, there will be a potential difference between a grid 44 next to a source voltage input terminal and a grid 44 farthest from the source voltage input terminal because of a potential difference due to distance. By using the characteristic of the grids having the potential difference, it is possible to detect a position of a particular point if a source voltage and a grounding voltage are selectively applied to the X- and Y-axes directions. That is, after selective application of a source voltage and a grounding voltage, potentials in the X- and Y-axis are detected with a stylus, and the present position of the stylus is derived.
FIG. 6 illustrates a potential distribution on the conventional PSD tablet shown in FIG 5. A driving voltage is applied to centers of four sides of the conventional PSD. As shown, when a driving voltage is applied to centers of four sides of the conventional PSD, the potential decreases as it goes from the centers to corners of the tablet. This comes from the potential differences caused by distance differences between the grids at the centers which are nearest to voltage input terminals and the grids at the corners which are farthest from the voltage input terminals.
FIG. 7 illustrates a potential distribution on the tablet when a driving voltage is applied to the four corners of the PSD shown in FIG. 5. In general, in order to sense an exact position of the stylus, a linear potential distribution on the tablet is required. However, if a driving voltage is applied to the four corners of the PSD, as shown in shape "A" of FIG. 7, the potential distribution is non-linear, creating non-active regions "a" and "b," which are not detectable with the stylus. The result is that the smaller region "B" is the only region actually detectable with the stylus. The non-linear form of the non-active region implies that the actual active region also has a non-linear form, which means that an exact position sensing is difficult even in the active region in which the stylus can detect a position.
The aforementioned PSLCD device has the following problems.
First, the addition of the PSD region to the LCD device causes the PSLCD device to be bulky and heavy, and have a higher cost.
Second, the connection of the switching device to every grid makes the fabrication process complicated.
Third, the distortion of driving AC signal applied to the PSD causes the potential, distribution on the tablet to be non-linear.

Position sensible liquid crystal display device


A wind-drag type exercise rowing unit includes a generally horizontally extending frame on which a wind-drag type flywheel is mounted. A seat and a foot rest unit are fixed on the frame for supporting an operator. A large belt pulley is mounted on the frame and connected to a rope sheave by means of a one-way clutch. An endless belt is carried on the large belt pulley and a small belt pulley which is secured to the flywheel. A rope is wound around the sheave and secured to the same at one end to a handle at the other end. When the handle is pulled away from the sheave, the sheave is rotated in a direction which causes the clutch to unlock the large belt pulley from the sheave. When the rope is released, the sheave is returned to its static position by a spiral spring. The return rotation of the sheave causes the large belt pulley to be locked on the sheave so that the large belt pulley rotates synchronously with the sheave, thereby driving the small belt pulley and the flywheel. The higher the rotational speed of the flywheel, the greater the air resistance encountered by the fan-type blades of the flywheel. As a result, the rotation of the sheave can be transferred smoothly and quietly to the flywheel by means of the belt and the belt pulleys.

This invention relates to a wind-drag type exercise rowing unit, more particularly to a rowing unit in which the rowing action can be converted into the rotation of a wind-drag type flywheel.
The improvement of this invention is directed to a wind-drag type exercise rowing unit which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,188, issued to Dreissigacker et al on Aug. 2, 1983. This patent teaches a wind-drag type flywheel which has a plurality of fan-type blades When the flywheel rotates, the blades encounter air resistance which tends to decelerate the flywheel, thereby serving as a braking unit. This rowing unit suffers from the following disadvantages: (1) Because a chain extends through a frame by means of chain guides, the wear between the chain and the frame creates much noise when the chain is moved. (2) Because the rowing action of the operator results in instant impulse between the chain and a sprocket which is coupled with the flywheel, the lifetime of the chain is reduced and the noise incurred by the action between the chain and the sprocket is increased.

Ching-Chuan Kang, Ta-Ya Hsiang, Taichung Hsien


The present invention provides a rubber composition, which has improved gripping performance that is required in a competition tire, high hardness and high stiffness. Specifically, the present invention provides a rubber composition comprising 10 to 100 parts by weight of carbon black having nitrogen-adsorbing specific surface area of 160 to 300 m2/g, and 15 to 70 parts by weight of an oil, based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component comprising 20 to 95% by weight of a styrene butadiene copolymer rubber having styrene content of at least 30% and vinyl content of at least 30% and 5 to 80% by weight of butadiene rubber, and silica in an amount of 20 to 100% by weight of the carbon black; wherein the total amount of the carbon black and the silica is 20 to 120 parts by weight.

The present invention relates to a rubber composition and a competition tire using the same.
Tires for motocross competition have blocks that are at least 2 cm high and in order to sufficiently exhibit a pattern effect, the hardness of the rubber must be high. Therefore, rubber compositions for motocross tires contain a small amount of process oil and a large amount of carbon black.
In the conventional composition, the gripping performance until the temperature increase of the tire due to external work is stabilized (initial grip) and the gripping performance in low temperatures are sacrificed. Particularly, on short circuits specially set up inside stadiums, performance when starting is important and improvement of initial grip is demanded.
For example, JP-A-8-333484, JP-A-11-209517, JP-A-11-209518 and JP-A-2002-332381 disclose technology for improving steering stability, rolling resistance, abrasion resistance and wet skid performance of a tire. However, such technology, which is directed to tires of passenger cars, is problematic in that the energy loss at a relatively high temperature range of 30 to 100° C., which is necessary for exhibiting the high gripping performance required in competition tires, is small, for the reason that the amount of vinyl in SBR obtained by solution polymerization is small. Consequently, the above technology does not provide satisfactory gripping performance for competition tires.
The present invention aims to provide a rubber composition, which has improved gripping performance that is required in a competition tire, high hardness and high stiffness.

Rubber composition and competition tire using the same


It is an object of the invention to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus in which the cell gap is uniform and the display quality is high, and also a method for manufacturing the same. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, a color filter side substrate in which a protrusion is formed by a black mask, and a TFT side substrate in which a recess is formed by a resin film such as an orientation film are bonded together via dispersed spacers therebetween, and a liquid crystal is filled between the substrates. In the resin film such as an orientation film, patterning is performed except a portion which is opposed to the protrusion, thereby forming the recess in the TFT side substrate. The formation of the recess prevents the cell gap from being pushed up even when the dispersed spacers are placed on the protrusion. Even in the case where the substrates are not flat, therefore, the cell gap can be maintained uniform.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus, and also to a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display apparatus has a pair of substrates which are opposed to each other. A cell gap is maintained to a constant value by spacers, and a liquid crystal is filled between the substrates. FIG. 7 is a section view showing the configuration of a liquid crystal display apparatus 220 of the conventional art. The liquid crystal display apparatus 220 has a color filter side substrate 225 and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) side substrate 226.
In the color filter side substrate 225, a color filter 202, black masks 204, an counter electrode which is not shown, and the like are arranged on a transparent substrate 208 which is made of glass or the like, and the surface is covered with an orientation film 215. In the TFT side substrate 226, liquid crystal driving elements such as TFT elements, wiring portions 203, an insulating film 207, pixel electrodes which are not shown, and the like are arranged on a transparent substrate 209, and the surface is covered with an orientation film 216.
The liquid crystal display apparatus 220 is produced in the following manner. For example, the color filter side substrate 225 and the TFT side substrate 226 are bonded together to form an empty cell, via dispersed spacers 201 for maintaining the cell gap, and a liquid crystal sealing material 214 into which a spacer 213 for maintaining the cell gap in the periphery of the liquid crystal display apparatus 220 is mixed. A liquid crystal 217 is filled into the empty cell. Then, the filling port is sealed by a sealing agent such as a resin.
The cell gap means the gap G between the color filter side substrate 225 and the TFT side substrate 226 in a pixel region where the pixel electrodes are opposed to the counter electrode, and is determined mainly depending on the diameters of the dispersed spacers 201, and the spacer 213 in the sealing material 214, and the filling and sealing conditions of the liquid crystal 217. The uniformity of the cell gap is closely related to the display quality of the liquid crystal display apparatus 220. When the uniformity of the cell gap is low, there arises problems such as that display unevenness such as brightness unevenness or color unevenness is caused in the display screen.
In a rectangular display region 240 of the liquid crystal display apparatus 220, a large number of pixels in which the respective pixel electrodes are opposed to the counter electrode, and the color filters 202 are formed correspondingly with the pixels. In the display region, in order to prevent light from leaking from adjacent pixels, the black mask 204 which surrounds the color filters 202 of the pixels is formed as required into a lattice-like shape extending over the whole of the display region 240. In a picture frame region 241 surrounding the display region, a frame-like black mask 210 is formed.
The black mask 204, 210 is made of a resin in the same manner as the color filters 202. In order to attain sufficient light shielding properties, therefore, the black masks must be formed so as to be thick. Consequently, a film thickness of the black mask 204, 210 is thicker than that of the color filters 202. As a result, protrusions 205 and 212 are formed in the surface of the orientation film 215 of the color filter side substrate 225.
In the liquid crystal display apparatus 220, the protrusions 205 and 212 are formed by the black masks 204 and 210 in the surface of the color filter side substrate 225 which faces the liquid crystal 217. For example, protrusions caused by the wiring portions 203, the liquid crystal driving elements, and the like may be sometimes formed in the surface of the TFT side substrate 226, so that convex and concave portions are formed in the surfaces of the substrates 225 and 226 which face the liquid crystal.
FIG. 7 shows a state in which a uniform cell gap is formed while the dispersed spacers 201 are not placed on the protrusions 205 and 212 formed by the black masks 204 and 210. However, the dispersed spacers 201 are indefinitely placed because the dispersed spacers are randomly dispersed on the color filter side substrate 225 or the TFT side substrate 226.
FIG. 8 is a section view schematically showing a state where a dispersed spacer 206 is placed on a protrusion 205 of the display region. Since the dispersed spacer 206 is placed on the protrusion 205 formed by the black mask 204 of the color filter side substrate 225, the cell gap which is defined by the dispersed spacer 206 placed on the protrusion 205 is larger than that which is defined by the other dispersed spacers 201 placed on the flat portion, by the dimension equal to the height of the protrusion 205. This difference in the substrate gap causes an uneven cell gap, whereby display unevenness such as brightness unevenness or color unevenness is caused in the display screen.
FIG. 9 is a section view schematically showing a state where a dispersed spacer 211 is placed on the protrusion 212 of the picture frame region 241. In the display region 240, most of area excluding the liquid crystal driving elements and the wiring portions 203 is formed by transparent thin films through which pixel electrode light can be transmitted. By contrast, in the picture frame region 241 surrounding the display region 240, the frame-like black mask 210 is formed in order to prevent light from leaking from the region. In this way, the display region 240 and the picture frame region 241 are different from each other in film structure.
The film thickness of the black mask 210 is thicker than that of the color filters 202. This causes a step to be formed between the display region 240 and the picture frame region 241, and the protrusion 212 to be formed on the face of the orientation film 215 of the color filter side substrate 225 in the picture frame region 241. Therefore, the cell gap which is defined by the dispersed spacers 211 placed on the protrusion 212 of the picture frame region is larger than that which is defined by the spacer 213 in the sealing material 214, and the dispersed spacers 211 push up the cell gap in the periphery of the display region. As a result, an uneven cell gap is formed, and display unevenness such as brightness unevenness or color unevenness is caused in the display screen in the vicinities of the dispersed spacers 211.
In some of conventional art techniques for spacers of a liquid crystal display apparatus, the cell gap in the peripheral portion is adjusted by changing the diameter of the spacer 213 in the sealing material 214. In the case where the dispersed spacers 211 are placed on the protrusion 212 due to, for example, the black mask 210 in the picture frame region 241, however, the dispersed spacers 211 affect the value of the cell gap more dominantly than the spacer 213 in the sealing material 214 as shown in FIG. 9. Even when the diameter of the spacer 213 in the sealing material 214 is changed, therefore, unevenness of the cell gap caused by the dispersed spacers 211 placed in the picture frame region 241 cannot be prevented.
By contrast, in another conventional art technique, it is intended to overcome the problem of an uneven cell gap by reducing the thickness of a film forming protrusions, such as a black mask. However, such a technique has a problem in that the thickness of a film forming protrusions cannot be reduced because of a technical reason such as a method for manufacturing the film forming protrusions, or a reason in display quality such as that sufficient light shielding properties cannot be obtained in the case of a reduced film thickness.
In a further conventional art technique, a method is employed in which a liquid acrylic resin or the like is applied to a substrate by the spin coating method, and the applied thin film is fired to overcoat protrusions, thereby enhancing the flatness of the substrate. However, the method of the conventional art technique has a problem in that an overcoating process must be additionally performed.
In a still further conventional art technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 7-92477 (1995), the difference between the cell gap of a portion where an ITO (Indium-Tin Oxide) film serving as a transparent electrode is formed, and that of a portion where the ITO film is not formed is eliminated by forming a dummy ITO film. In the method, however, the position where the ITO film can be formed, and the thickness of the ITO film are restricted, and hence unevenness of the cell gap caused by small protrusions which are formed by a black mask and the like cannot be improved.
It is an object of the invention to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus of high display quality having a uniform cell gap, and also a method for manufacturing the same.
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus in which spacers and a liquid crystal are interposed between a pair of substrates, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a protrusion in a liquid-crystal-facing surface of one of the substrates; and
forming a recess in a region of a liquid-crystal-facing surface of the other of the substrates, the region being opposed to the protrusion.
According to the invention, in the case where a protrusion is formed in the one substrate, a recess is formed in a region of the other substrate which region is opposed to the protrusion, whereby the cell gap is prevented from being pushed up by a spacer placed on the protrusion. Even when the substrates are not flat, the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, therefore, reduction of the display quality due to unevenness of the cell gap can be prevented, thereby improving the display quality.
When the recess is formed in a thin film constituting the other substrate, it is not required to add a process of forming an additional film on the surface of the other substrate, such as an overcoating process, and the manufacturing cost is not increased.
Even in the case where a film for forming the protrusion and another film which constitute the one substrate cannot be thinned because of a technical reason or a reason in display quality, the cell gap can be uniformalized by forming the recess in the other substrate.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion is a protrusion which is formed by a black mask.
According to the invention, the protrusion is formed in the one substrate by the black mask which is made thicker than a color filter in order to attain light shielding properties, and the recess is formed in the portion of the other substrate, opposed to the protrusion. Therefore, a spacer placed on the protrusion enters the recess, whereby the cell gap is prevented from being pushed up by the spacer. Accordingly, even when the substrates are not flat, the cell gap can be uniformalized.
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus in which spacers and a liquid crystal are interposed between a pair of substrates, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a recess in a liquid-crystal-facing surface of one of the substrates; and
forming a protrusion in a portion of a liquid-crystal-facing surface of the other of the substrates, the portion being opposed to the recess.
According to the invention, in the case where a recess is formed in the one substrate, a protrusion is formed in a liquid crystal layer side portion of the other substrate which opposes to the recess, whereby the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, therefore, reduction of the display quality due to unevenness of the cell gap can be prevented, thereby improving the display quality.
When the protrusion is formed in a thin film constituting the other substrate, it is not required to add a process of forming an additional film on the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the substrate, such as an overcoating process, and the production cost is not increased.
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus in which spacers and a liquid crystal are interposed between a pair of substrates, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a recess in a liquid-crystal-facing surface of one of the substrates; and
filling the recess.
According to the invention, in the case where a recess is formed in the one substrate, the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the one substrate is adjusted and flattened so as to fill the recess, whereby the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, therefore, reduction of the display quality due to unevenness of the cell gap can be prevented from occurring, thereby improving the display quality.
When the recess is flattened by a thin film constituting the one substrate, it is not required to add a process of forming an additional film on the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the substrate, such as an overcoating process, and the production cost is not increased.
The invention provides a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising:
a pair of substrates;
spacers; and
a liquid crystal,
the spacers and liquid crystal being interposed between the pair of substrates,
wherein a protrusion is formed in a liquid-crystal-facing surface of one of the substrates, and a recess is formed in a region of a liquid-crystal-facing surface of the other of the substrates, the region being opposed to the protrusion.
According to the invention, in the case where a protrusion is formed in the one substrate, a recess is formed in a region of the other substrate opposed to the protrusion, so that, even when the respective substrates are not flat, the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus of the invention, therefore, display unevenness such as brightness unevenness or color unevenness can be prevented from occurring, thereby improving the display quality.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion is a protrusion which is formed by a black mask.
According to the invention, the protrusion is formed in the one substrate by the black mask which is made thicker than a color filter in order to attain light shielding properties, and the recess is formed in the portion of the other substrate opposed to the protrusion. Therefore, a spacer placed on the protrusion enters the recess, whereby the cell gap is prevented from being pushed up by the spacer. Accordingly, even when the substrates are not flat, the cell gap can be uniformalized.
The invention provides a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising a pair of substrates; spacers; and a liquid crystal, the spacers and liquid crystal being interposed between the pair of substrates,
wherein a recess is formed in a liquid-crystal-facing surface of one of the substrates, and the recess is filled.
According to the invention, in the case where a recess is formed in the one substrate, the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the one substrate is adjusted and flattened so as to fill the recess, whereby the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, therefore, reduction of the display quality due to unevenness of the cell gap can be prevented from occurring, thereby improving the display quality.
The invention provides a liquid crystal display apparatus comprising: a pair of substrates; spacers; and a liquid crystal, the spacers and liquid crystal being interposed between the pair of substrates,
wherein a protrusion having a height H and a width W1 is formed in a liquid-crystal-layer-facing surface of one of the substrates,
a recess having a depth D and a width W2 is formed in a region of a liquid-crystal-layer-facing surface of the other of the substrates, the region being opposed to the protrusion, and
in the case where the height H of the protrusion is smaller than the depth D of the recess, the width W1 of the protrusion and the width W2 of the recess are selected so that the width W1 is larger than the width W2 of the recess.
According to the invention, in a liquid crystal display apparatus, the one and other substrates are separated from each other by a predetermined gap by the spacers, and bonded together so as to be opposed to each other via the liquid crystal. In this configuration, the protrusion formed in the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the one substrate, and the recess formed in the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the other substrate are placed so as to be opposed to each other. For example, the protrusion is a black mask, and the recess is a contact hole which is formed in an insulating layer by a photolithography technique or the like. In the liquid crystal display apparatus of the invention, the protrusion and the recess are set so that, when the height H of the protrusion is smaller than the depth D of the recess, the width W1 of the protrusion is set to be larger than the width W2 of the recess, whereby the cell gap can be uniformalized. Namely, in the case where several spacers are placed on the protrusion, the width W1 of the protrusion is made larger than the width W2 of the recess, thereby causing spacers on the protrusion to exist in the recess and a region other than the recess. Among spacers placed on the protrusion, spacers existing in the recess do not have a function of restricting the cell gap, but those existing in the region other than the recess restrict the cell gap. Therefore, the effect of pushing up spacers is attained by the protrusion, and the cell gap is prevented from being excessively thinned by the recess. In the liquid-crystal display apparatus, consequently, brightness unevenness is prevented from occurring.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion is a protrusion which is formed by a black mask.
According to the invention, the protrusion is formed in the one substrate by the black mask which is made thicker than a color filter in order to attain light shielding properties, and the recess is formed in the portion of the other substrate opposed to the protrusion. Therefore, a spacer placed on the protrusion enters the recess, whereby the cell gap is prevented from being pushed up by the spacer. Even when the substrates are not flat, the cell gap can be uniformalized.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion and recess are formed in a picture frame region in a periphery of a display region of the liquid crystal display apparatus.
According to the invention, when the film thickness of a black mask placed in a picture frame region in a periphery of a display region is larger than that of a color filter placed in the display region, for example, the flatness of the liquid-crystal-facing surface of the one substrate is lowered. In the picture frame region also, the relationships between the protrusion and the recess are selected as described above, whereby the cell gap is prevented from being excessively thinned by the recess, so that the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, consequently, brightness unevenness can be prevented.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion and recess are formed in a region in a picture frame region and separated from a display region.
According to the invention, the protrusion and recess are formed in a region in a picture frame region and separated from the display region, i.e., in the vicinity of a liquid crystal sealing material. Among spacers placed on the protrusion, spacers existing in the recess in the vicinity of the sealing material do not have a function of restricting the cell gap, but those existing in the region other than the recess and separated from the sealing material restrict the cell gap. Therefore, the cell gap is prevented from being excessively thinned by the recess, so that the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, consequently, brightness unevenness can be prevented.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that the protrusion and recess are formed in a region in a picture frame region and in close proximity to a display region.
According to the invention, the protrusion and recess are formed in a region in a picture frame region and in close proximity to the display region. Among spacers placed on the protrusion, spacers existing in the recess in the vicinity of the display region do not have a function of restricting the cell gap, but those existing in the region other than the recess and separated from the display region restrict the cell gap. Therefore, the cell gap is prevented from being excessively thinned by the recess, so that the cell gap can be uniformalized. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, consequently, brightness unevenness can be prevented.
Furthermore, in the invention it is preferable that a second recess is further formed in a periphery of the recess of the other substrate.
According to the invention, the second recess is disposed in a periphery of the recess which is, for example, a contact hole. In a portion of a contact hole serving as the recess, no restriction due to spacers is imposed on the cell gap, and hence the uniformity of the cell gap is locally lowered so as to produce display unevenness. By contrast, in the invention, the other recess is disposed in a periphery of a contact hole serving as the recess, and the uniformity of the cell gap can be therefore prevented from being locally lowered, whereby brightness unevenness can be prevented.

Liquid crystal display apparatus and method for manufacturing same


The disclosure relates to a gas permeable wall for preventing dirt present in a gas flow from passing through the gas permeable wall with the gas flow. In order to minimize maintenance, the gas permeable wall is a circumferential wall of a cover, and an outlet from the cover is provided for passing on gas having entered the cover through the circumferential gas permeable wall. A support is provided for attaching the cover rotatably to a device, and a drive unit is provided for rotating the cover.

It is known to pass a gas flow through an air permeable wall to remove dirt from the gas flow. The gas permeable wall, such as a filter, can include holes or perforations of a size smaller than the size of the dirt particles. Consequently, the dirt particles are not capable of passing through the gas permeable wall together with the gas flow.
An issue involved with the above mentioned method is the need for maintenance. The dirt which is incapable of passing through the gas permeable wall can remain stuck to the wall and as the amount of dirt increases it can become difficult for the gas flow to pass through the layer of accumulated dirt.
In order to avoid the gas flow through the gas permeable wall decreasing; the accumulated dirt should be removed. This can be done by changing or cleaning the filter. In other words the gas permeable wall can involve maintenance personal to carry out the necessary tasks. In addition, the apparatus may need to be taken out of use for the time period necessary to carry out the maintenance tasks.

Apparatus and method for removing dirt from gas flow


The present disclosure includes: a cowl member that is formed to extend in a vehicle width direction and bulges to the front from a rear side of a motor chamber; a power unit that is fixed to a right side frame in the motor chamber, has a lower portion fixed to a vehicle body, and drives the vehicle by electricity; and a protection bracket provided on an upper surface of the power unit, wherein the protection bracket is configured to abut the cowl member in the case where a frontal collision of a vehicle occurs and the power unit moves downward to the rear.

A hybrid vehicle that includes both of a travel motor and an engine is described in JP-A-2018-114899 (Patent document 1). In this hybrid vehicle, a cowl member is installed in an engine compartment in a manner to bulge to the front. The engine, the motor, a power control unit, a battery, and the like are arranged in the engine compartment, and the power control unit is arranged to be located the highest of the components in the engine compartment. A connector that is connected to the battery is attached to an upper surface of the power control unit. In the case where this vehicle collides with a forward obstacle and the power control unit moves rearward with respect to a vehicle body, the power supply connector possibly comes into contact with a front end of the cowl member. For this reason, the vehicle in Patent document 1 is configured that a projected section projected above the connector is provided on the upper surface of the power control unit and that the projected section comes into contact with the cowl member prior to the connector.


A method and system for achieving fusion is provided. The method includes providing laser source that generates a laser beam and a target that includes a capsule embedded in the target and filled with DT gas. The laser beam is directed at the target. The laser beam helps create an electron beam within the target. The electron beam heats the capsule, the DT gas, and the area surrounding the capsule. At a certain point equilibrium is reached. At the equilibrium point, the capsule implodes and generates enough pressure on the DT gas to ignite the DT gas and fuse the DT gas nuclei.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple like-charged atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. Nuclear fusion is usually accompanied by the release or absorption of energy. Large scale fusion processes, involving many atoms fusing at once, occur in matter that is in a plasma state. For example, the fusion of two nuclei with lower mass than iron generally releases energy, while the fusion of nuclei heavier than iron absorbs energy. In the simplest case of hydrogen fusion, two protons have to be brought close enough for their mutual electric repulsion to be overcome by the nuclear force. The fusion of the protons results in the release of energy.
Research into controlled fusion, with the aim of producing fusion power for the production of electricity, has been conducted for over 50 years. It takes considerable energy to force nuclei to fuse, even those of the lightest element, hydrogen. This is because all nuclei have a positive charge due to their protons and since like charges repel, nuclei strongly resist being put too close together. When accelerated to high speeds, e.g., heated to thermonuclear temperatures, the nuclei can overcome this electromagnetic repulsion and get close enough for the attractive nuclear force to be sufficiently strong to achieve fusion. The fusion of lighter nuclei, which creates a heavier nucleus and a free neutron, generally releases more energy than it takes to force the nuclei together. This is an exothermic process that can produce self-sustaining reactions. At short distances, the attractive nuclear force is stronger than the repulsive electrostatic force. Therefore, if two nuclei are brought sufficiently close to each other, the likelihood that they will fuse together increases significantly. However, the main technical difficulty in achieving fusion is getting the nuclei close enough to fuse.
What is needed is a more repeatable and controllable process of achieving fusion.

Laser fusion neutron source employing compression with short pulse lasers

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC


The results presented herein demonstrate the specific expression of CCR3 in CNV endothelial cells in humans with AMD, and despite the expression of its ligands, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, neither eosinophils nor mast cells are present in human CNV. The genetic or pharmacological targeting of CCR3 or eotaxins as disclosed herein inhibited injury-induced CNV in mice. CNV suppression by CCR3 blockade was due to direct inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, and was uncoupled from inflammation as it occurred in mice lacking eosinophils or mast cells and was independent of macrophage and neutrophil recruitment. CCR3 blockade was more effective at reducing CNV than vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) neutralization, which is currently in clinical use, and, unlike VEGF-A blockade, not toxic to the mouse retina. In vivo imaging with CCR3-targeting quantum dots located spontaneous CNV invisible to standard fluorescein angiography in mice before retinal invasion. CCR3 targeting is useful in reducing vision loss due to AMD through early detection and therapeutic angioinhibition.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is as prevalent as cancer in industrialized nations. Most blindness in AMD results from invasion of the retina by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). AMD affects 30-50 million people globally, with approximately 90% of severe vision loss attributed to CNV (Ambati, J., et al., Surv Ophthalmol. 48, 257-293 (2003)). The worldwide prevalence of CNV is expected to double in the next decade due to population aging. Targeting the pro-angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A has been validated in patients with CNV (Gragoudas, et al. N Engl J. Med. 351, 2805-2816 (2004); Brown. et al. N Engl J. Med. 355, 1432-1444 (2006); Rosenfeld, et al. N Engl J. Med. 355, 1419-1431 (2006)). However, substantial improvement of vision occurs only in one-third of patients treated with VEGF-A antagonists, and one-sixth of treated patients still progress to legal blindness. Moreover, safety concerns with continual (Brown, et al. N Engl J. Med. 355, 1432-1444 (2006)) blockade of VEGF-A, which is constitutively expressed in the normal adult human retina Famiglietti et al. Brain Res. 969, 195-204 (2003)), are emerging Nishijima et al., Am J. Pathol. 171, 53-67 (2007); Saint-Geniez et al., PLoS ONE. 3, e3554 (2008)). Thus, treatment strategies based on more specific targeting of CNV are desirable. However, no molecular marker specific for human CNV has yet been reported.

Method of using CCR3 binding agents to detect choroidal neovascularization

University of Kentucky Research Foundation


The present application is directed to devices and methods for positioning a rod within a patient. One embodiment of the device may include an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end. A connector may be attached to the second end of the inserter for releasably connecting to the rod. The connector may be adjustable between a first position with the rod substantially coaxially aligned with the inserter, and a second position with the rod substantially perpendicular to the inserter.

The present application is directed to methods and devices for implanting a rod within a patient and, more specifically, to methods and devices for implanting a rod in a minimally invasive manner.
The spine is divided into four regions comprising the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions. The cervical region includes the top seven vertebral members identified as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes the next twelve vertebral members identified as T1-T12. The lumbar region includes five vertebral members L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region includes nine fused vertebral members that form the sacrum and the coccyx. The vertebral members of the spine are aligned in a curved configuration that includes a cervical curve, thoracic curve, and lumbosacral curve.
Vertebral rods may be implanted to support and position the vertebral members in one or more of these regions. The rods extend along a section of the spine and may include a curved configuration to conform to the curvature of the spine. Attachment mechanisms are used to attach the rods to the vertebral members. The attachment mechanisms attach to a vertebral member, and also attach to the rod.
Insertion of the rod into a patient normally requires a large incision through the skin and detachment of the paravertebral muscles to access the vertebral members. This type of procedure usually results in a longer surgical procedure with greater amounts of blood loss and increased anesthesia time. These procedures may also have a higher risk of infection, require a longer postoperative recovery time, and result in addition pain and discomfort to the patient.

Methods and devices for a minimally invasive placement of a rod within a patient


An instrument for producing hydrogen-dissolved liquid comprises a hydrogen generating system stored in a separator, and the hydrogen generating system comprises: a hydrogen generating agent that reacts with raw water to generate hydrogen; a metal-ion sequestering agent that sequesters metal ions dissolved from the hydrogen generating agent; and a pH adjusting agent.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an instrument for nondestructively producing high-concentration hydrogen solution.
2. Description of the Related Art
Known methods of producing hydrogen water include a method that uses a hydrogen water electrolytically generating apparatus for household use and a method that causes metal pieces of metal magnesium as a hydrogen generating agent to contact with water (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-167696).

Instrument for nondestructively producing high-concentration hydrogen solution


An optical dropping apparatus and an optical add/drop multiplexer capable of dropping optical signals of an arbitrary wavelength from a WDM optical signal. The apparatus comprises a generating means for occurring four-wave mixing, a dropping means for dropping light of a predetermined wavelength, and a controlling means for controlling the wavelength of a pump light which is occurred four-wave mixing at the generating means. This apparatus is able to change the wavelength of the optical signals to be dropped, by changing the wavelength of the pump light.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical dropping apparatus for dropping optical signals from wavelength-division multiplexing signals by using four-wave mixing and further to an optical add/drop multiplexer for dropping/adding/passing wavelength-division multiplexing signals by using four-wave mixing.
Ultra-long-distance and large-capacity optical communication apparatuses are now required to construct future multimedia networks. Concentrated studies are now being made of the wavelength-division multiplexing as a method for realizing large-capacity apparatuses in view of such advantages that it can effectively utilize a wide bandwidth and a large capacity of an optical fiber.
Especially in recent years, there has been demanded not only the optical communication system for sending/receiving a WDM optical signal between two terminal stations but also the optical communication system having the ADM (Add-Drop Multiplexer) function through the repeater stations called the xe2x80x9cnodesxe2x80x9d and disposed midway of an optical transmission line. This ADM function is to selectively pass only an optical signal having a special wavelength, of the wavelengh-division multiplexing optical signals, to drop the optical signals of the remaining wavelengths with the nodes, and to add another optical signal from that node and send it to another node. For these functions, there have been vigorously investigated the optical add/drop multiplexer (as will be abbreviated as the xe2x80x9cOADMxe2x80x9d) having the ADM functions and acting as the key device of the optical communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
This OADM is disclosed, for example, in Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-055184.
In an OADM 120, as shown in FIG. 13, a WDM optical signal from the precedent node are inputted into one T1 of three ports T1, T2 and T3 of an optical circulator (as will be abbreviated as the xe2x80x9cOCxe2x80x9d) 110.
In this OC 110: the optical beam inputted from the port T1 is outputted to the port T2; the optical beam inputted from the port T2 is outputted to the port T3; and the optical beam inputted from the port T3 is outputted to the port T1. The port T2 of the OC 110 is connected with an optical fiber Bragg grating filter 111 (as will be abbreviated as the xe2x80x9cFBGxe2x80x9d) for reflecting only an optical beam of a predetermined wavelength xcexy and for passing optical beams of the remaining wavelengths. The port T3 of the OC 110 is connected with optical receiving circuit for receiving/processing the optical signals.
The optical signals of the remaining wavelengths (except the optical signal of the wavelength xcexy) passed through the FBG 111 are inputted into an FBG 113 through an optical isolator (as will be abbreviated as the xe2x80x9cISOxe2x80x9d) 112 for passing an optical beam only in one direction. The FBG 113 also reflects only the optical beam of the predetermined wavelength xcexy and passes the optical beams of the remaining wavelengths.
The optical signals passed through the FBG 113 are multiplexed with the optical signal of the wavelength xcexy inputted from the port T3 of an OC 114 having actions similar to those of the OC 110. The optical signal thus multiplexed is inputted into the port T1 of the OC 114 and is outputted from the port T2 to a subsequent node. On the other hand, the port T3 of the OC 114 is connected with an optical sending circuit for sending the optical signal of the wavelength xcexy. Here, the ISO 112 prevents the multiple reflection between the FBG 111 and the FBG 113.
In this OADM 120, the optical signal having the predetermined wavelength xcexy of the inputted WDM optical signal is reflected on the FBG 111 and inputted into the port T2 of the OC 110. Moreover, the optical signal of the wavelength xcexy is dropped by the OC 110 from the port T2 to the port T3. On the other hand, the optical signals of the remaining wavelengths passed through the FBG 111 are multiplexed with the optical signal of the wavelength xcexy, as added from the port T3 of the OC 114, and are outputted from the port T2 of the OC 114 to another node.
Here in the OADM 120 shown in FIG. 13, the reflection wavelengths of the FBGS 111 and 113 are fixed. As a result, the wavelength xcexy of the optical signal dropped/added is determined at the time of constructing an optical transmission system so that the wavelength of the optical signal dropped/added cannot be arbitrarily changed during the time the optical transmission system is running.
When a plurality of wavelengths are to be dropped/added, moreover, the number of OADMs 120 required is equal to that of the optical signals to be dropped/added, so that the optical circuit is required to have more parts and complicated more.
An object of the invention is to provide an optical dropping apparatus which is able to drop an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength from a WDM optical signal by using four-wave mixing in optical fibers.
Another object of the invention is to provide an optical adding/dropping apparatus which is able to add/drop an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength from WDM optical signal by using the four-wave mixing in optical fibers.
Another object of the invention is to provide an optical dropping apparatus which is able to drop a plurality of optical signals having arbitrary wavelengths by using four-wave mixing in optical fibers.
And another object of the invention is to provide an optical adding/dropping apparatus which is able to add/drop a plurality of optical signals having arbitrary wavelengths by using the four-wave mixing in optical fibers.
The above-specified objects can be achieved by an apparatus comprising: generating part for four-wave mixing; dropping part for dropping light of a predetermined wavelength; and controlling part for controlling the wavelength of pump light which is used for four-wave mixing in the generating part.
In this apparatus, light of the predetermined wavelength is dropped from the lights generated by four-wave mixing. In this apparatus, moreover, the wavelength of the optical signals, before occurring four-wave mixing between pump light, can be changed by changing the wavelength of the pump light, so light of an arbitrary wavelength can be dropped.
In this apparatus, on the other hand, the generating part four-wave mixing occurs only in the light of the predetermined wavelength, of a plurality lights, when one pump light acts on the lights of a plurality of wavelengths.
This apparatus can drop/add a light from the light to occur four-wave mixing. Alternatively, the apparatus can drop the light generated by four-wave mixing and can drop/add one of the lights in which four-wave mixing occured. As a result, the apparatus can drop/add a plurality of lights of arbitrary wavelengths.

Optical dropping apparatus and optical add/drop multiplexer


The present disclosure relates to an organic light-emitting diode which can operate at a low voltage with high efficiency and exhibits the effect of having an alleviated luminance reduction rate in a low dynamic range. More particularly, the organic light-emitting diode comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; and a light-emitting layer and a charge balance control layer arranged sequentially between the first and the second electrode, wherein the light-emitting layer includes at least one of amine derivative compounds represented by the following Chemical Formula A and the charge balance control layer includes at least one of anthracene derivative compounds represented by the following Chemical Formula B or C. The structures of Chemical Formulas A, B, and C are as defined in the specification.

Organic light-emitting diodes, based on self-luminescence, exhibit the advantages of having a wide viewing angle, excellent contrast, fast response time, high brightness, excellent driving voltage, and excellent response rate characteristics and of allowing for a polychromic display.
A typical organic light-emitting diode includes a positive electrode (anode) and a negative electrode (cathode), facing each other, with an organic emission layer disposed therebetween.
As to a general structure of the organic light-emitting diode, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and a cathode are formed in that order on an anode. Here, all of the hole transport layer, the light-emitting layer, and the electron transport layer are organic films comprising organic compounds.
An organic light-emitting diode having such a structure operates as follows: when a voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode, the anode injects holes which are then transferred to the light-emitting layer via the hole transport layer while electrons injected from the cathode move to the light-emitting layer via the electron transport layer. In the luminescent zone, the carriers such as holes and electrons recombine to produce an exciton. When the exciton returns to the ground state from the excited state, the molecule of the light-emitting layer emits light.
Materials used as the organic layers in organic light-emitting diodes may be divided according to functions into luminescent materials and charge carrying materials, for example, a hole injection material, a hole transport material, an electron injection material, and an electron transport material. The light-emitting mechanism forms the basis of classification of luminescent materials as fluorescent and phosphorescent material, which use excitons in singlet and triplet states, respectively.
Meanwhile, when a single material is employed as the luminescent material, intermolecular actions cause the maximum luminescence wavelength to shift toward a longer wavelength, resulting in a reduction in color purity and light emission efficiency due to light attenuation. In this regard, a host-dopant system may be used as a luminescent material so as to increase the color purity and the light emission efficiency through energy transfer. This is based on the principle whereby, when a dopant which is smaller in energy band gap than a host forming a light-emitting layer is added in a small amount to the light-emitting layer, excitons are generated from the light-emitting layer and transported to the dopant, emitting light at high efficiency. Here, light with desired wavelengths can be obtained depending on the kind of the dopant because the wavelength of the host moves to the wavelength range of the dopant.
With regard to related arts pertaining to dopant compounds in the light-emitting layer, reference may be made to Korean Patent No. 10-2008-0015865 A (Feb. 20, 2008), which describes an organic light-emitting diode using an arylamine-coupled indenofluorene derivative, and Korean Patent No. 10-2012-0047706 A (May 14, 2012), which describes an organic photoelectric device using a compound in which dibenzofuran or dibenzothiophene coexists with fluorene or in which benzofuran or dibenzothiophene coexists with carbazole.
Another technique for improving luminance efficiency can be found in Korean Patent No. 10-2006-0022676 A (Mar. 10, 2006), which describes an organic electroluminescence device having a blocking layer, disposed between a light-emitting layer and an electron transport layer, for controlling electron density.
In spite of various efforts made to fabricate organic light-emitting diodes having effective luminescence characteristics, however, each of the elements constituting an organic light-emitting diode is still required to have a minimum change in luminance in order to maximize color reproduction and color expression in a wide dynamic range. Particularly, there is still a continued need to develop organic light-emitting diodes free of the problem of large luminance changes in a low dynamic range (low current), which makes low-voltage driving difficult and causes specific colors to drastically decrease in luminance, resulting in make it difficult to implement stable expression of a white color.

Organic light-emitting diode having alleviated luminance reduction in low dynamic range


Component-based rendering and lightning models process scene data to generate rendered images. Components include input and output parameters, data, and/or instructions for evaluation. The component parameters are dynamically typed, so that each component can output data of any arbitrary type and/or quantity to receiving components. The components can also receive data of any type and/or quantity without any advance knowledge of the existence or functionality of the sending component or its output's data type. The components are dynamically bound, so that the dataflow between components is expressed without recompiling components or scene data. Components can be classified into categories, typically representing a discrete functions, operations, or related properties. Components can represent any function or operation associated with rendering, including materials, light sources; colorer components; region definition components; occlusion components; property alteration components; illumination components; reflection and refraction components; broadcasting components; compositing components; post-illumination components; and general utility or modification components.

The present invention relates to the field of computer graphics, and in particular to methods and apparatus for creating, modifying, and using lights and other components to control the attributes and appearance of objects in computer graphics images. Many computer graphic images are created by mathematically modeling the interaction of light with a three dimensional scene from a given viewpoint. This process, called rendering, generates a two-dimensional image of the scene from the given viewpoint, and is analogous to taking a photograph of a real-world scene. Animated sequences can be created by rendering a sequence of images of a scene as the scene is gradually changed over time. A great deal of effort has been devoted to making realistic looking and artistically compelling rendered images and animations.
Lighting makes a substantial contribution to the visual appearance of objects in a scene. Some rendering applications attempt to simulate the physics of lights and their illumination effects on objects in a scene as realistically and accurately as possible. Other rendering applications allow lights and their illumination effects to deviate from real-world physics to provide a greater range of artistic expression.
Many rendering applications use shading programs, or shaders, to determine the visual characteristics of objects. The rendering application samples objects at many points to determine the values of pixels of the image. For each sample point on an object, one or more shaders are executed to determine the color, transparency, position, and/or other attributes. Shaders can evaluate numerous input parameters in determining their results. These input parameters include surface attributes of the object, such as the normal vector of the surface of the object at the sample point; material attributes of the object including color and transparency, for example derived from a texture map, and optical properties, such as diffuse and specular reflectivity coefficients; and illumination attributes, such as the color, intensity, direction, and shadowing of the sample point of the object from one or more light sources.
Many rendering applications allow light sources to "broadcast" any number of shader input parameters to one or more target objects in a scene. When shaders of a target object are executed to evaluate sample points, the shaders use these broadcast shader input parameters as well as shader input parameters of the object itself to determine the visual characteristics of the target objects sample points, and thus the visual characteristics of the objects as a whole.
One problem with this approach is that shader programs are typically tied to a surface or object in a scene. Thus, the illuminated value of the object is largely determined by the material shader programs. This limits artistic reflection, as most changes to the illumination must be made by modifying the shader programs of the object. Moreover, lights broadcast values to shaders associated with objects, but material shaders cannot communicate with lights. Thus, illumination computations are limited to effects in which light parameters are received and the material shader program then respond to these parameters. There is no way to perform illumination computations that modify light parameters in response to material shader programs.
Typically, a user using a lighting configuration application would have to access a large list of all possible parameters of the light. The user would then have to configure all of these parameters correctly to broadcast the appropriate shader input parameter values. This process is time-consuming, unwieldy, and error prone. In some implementations, special scripts and applications are required to parse the parameters of lights to generate supporting data and configuration parameters needed to correctly render lights.
Moreover, many parameters of a light may contradict each other if used incorrectly. For example, a previous lighting system could have 40 or more different parameters specifying the area of effect of a light source. These parameters, if used incorrectly, could interact in unpredictable ways. As a result of this complexity, users were required to have detailed knowledge of the lighting system and the functions of all of the light parameters to correctly configure lights.
Additionally, because the light sources are implemented using a monolithic structure, the shader code includes substantial amounts of parameter checking and special case handling routines for parsing all of the light parameters. These routines add substantial overhead, decreasing rendering performance.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a simpler, more efficient, more flexible, and less error-prone system and method for creating, configuring, modifying, customizing, rendering, and using lights in computer graphics images.