The respective partial pressures of an inert gas in the tissues of a human body different in saturation half-time are calculated from the sensed ambient pressure during diving. The respective remaining times of the tissues up to the non-decompression limit are calculated from the obtained partial pressures of the inert gas and are displayed simultaneously on a graphic display.

The present invention relates to electronic depth meters which calculate the partial pressures of an inert gas in the tissues of a human body different in saturation half-time during diving and obtains data on non-decompression or decompression diving from the partial pressures of the inert gas in the tissues.
When a diver has stayed at a position deeper than a predetermined depth for more than a given time, he is required to be subjected to decompression which involves staying at a designated depth for a predetermined time so as to avoid suffering from a submarine sickness when ne ascends to the water surface.
In order to provide easy decompression, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,716 discloses an electronic depth meter which calculates a decompression stop depth and a decompression stop time from the deepest diving depth and the diving time using a table of decompression which is created by the U.S. Navy and displays these data digitally. Another electronic depth meter has been proposed which has the function of calculating and displaying the remaining time in which the diver can ascend without being subjected to decompression or the remaining time up to a non-decompression limit on the basis of the maximum depth and diving time.
If a diver wants to ascend without being subjected to decompression after he dived, he is required to recognize the remaining time up to a non-decompression limit using an electronic depth meter such as that mentioned above and to ascend before the remaining time before the non-decompression limit becomes 0. If the remaining time before the non-decompression limit has become 0, he must stop this ascent at a specified decompression stop depth, stay and be subjected to decompression at that decompression depth for a decompression stay time on the basis of data indicated by an electronic depth meter such as that mentioned above for ascending purposes.
Such electronic depth meter obtains decompression data on the assumption of the diver's stay throughout a diving interval of time at the maximum depth in consideration of maximum safety, so that the non-decompression limit is excessively short.
Under such situations, electronic depth meters have been invented which calculate respective quantities of nitrogen in the tissues of a human body on a real time basis and obtain and display data on appropriate decompression on the basis of those quantities of nitrogen, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,005,282; 4,192,001; and 4,054,783. These depth meters classify the tissues of a human body according to saturation half-time (the time taken to reach 50% of a saturated quantity of nitrogen) in consideration of the rates of dissolution and discharge of nitrogen into and from the respective body tissues being different depending on the respective tissues, calculates the respective quantities of nitrogen using data on the saturation half-times, and obtain and display data on non-decompression diving or decompression diving on the basis of the respective quantities of nitrogen and safety limit quantities of nitrogen. Some of these devices display the shortest one of the respective remaining times up to the non-decompression limit for the tissues so as to indicate the non-decompression limit.
If the remaining times up to a non-decompression limit for tissues having short saturation half-times are small and the remaining times up to the non-decompression limit time for tissues having long saturation half-times are yet large, slight ascent serves to prolong the remaining times up to the non-decompression limit for the tissues having short saturation half-times, so that so careful attention is not required to be paid to such remaining times. However, if the remaining times up to the non-decompression limit for all the tissues are short, a danger is pressing and attention is required. The above depth meters only display the shortest remaining time up to the non-decompression limit in any one of two cases where the diver is required to pay careful attention and where the driver is not required to pay careful attention, so that he cannot recognize which of these two cases he is in.
In consideration of these situations, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,782,338 and 5,049,864 have proposed simultaneous graphic display of quantities of nitrogen in the body tissues. According to this technique, it can be seen whether only a quantity of nitrogen for a specified tissue is large or all the quantities of nitrogen in the body tissues are large. However, the respective remaining times to the non-decompression limit cannot be known from the quantities of nitrogen. Therefore, the diver cannot know the extent to which the remaining time to the non-decompression limit is prolonged if the quantity of nitrogen in the most dangerous tissue is reduced, and the extend to which the remaining time before the non-decompression limit for that tissue is increased.
According to such electronic depth meters, the diver cannot directly know whether the current depth tends to increase or decrease the remaining time before the non-decompression limit, and he is required to wait until he can determine such situation by watching an increase or a decrease in the remaining time up to the non-decompression limit or the quantities of nitrogen actually displayed. Thus, this depth meter is inconvenient to use.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,782,338 and 5,049,864 disclose a technique for displaying as to whether the quantities of nitrogen in the body tissues have exceeded the limit value, using a mark indicative of a non-decompression limit value attached to a graphic indicator for the quantities of nitrogen in the body tissues, but it is difficult to understand to what extent the quantities of nitrogen in the tissues are close to, or exceed, the limit value.


A force development system for the application of controlled variable speeds and torque forces in exercise machines utilized to strengthen and develop body muscles of an exercising person. The system includes a constant speed high torque electric drive motor mechanically coupled to a dynamic clutch device in which the controlled coupling of the rotary force input assembly of the clutch to the rotary force output assembly of the clutch is accomplished via electromagnetic coil activation of metallic powder particles forming coupling particle chains between the input and output assemblies of the clutch. Alternatively, the dynamic clutch of the system may be a fluid clutch containing electrorheological fluid.. The force development system of the invention also includes a speed reduction device between the dynamic clutch and the exercise machine to which the system is applied. An electronic sensor, interconnected to a microprocessor, senses the speed, motion and torque force of the system's output shaft. A control unit (interconnected to the drive motor, the electromagnetic coil of the dynamic clutch and the microprocessor) is directed by the microprocessor (in relation to the speed and torque force information sensed by the electronic sensor) and in turn controls the coupling torque of the dynamic clutch whereby controlled variable speeds and resistive forces are applied to the resistive force mechanism of the exercise machine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to physical exercise machines and devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronically controlled force production and force control mechanism and methodology for use with numerous types of exercise machines.
The skeletal-muscular system of the human body consists of the 206 bones and over 650 muscles that maintain the skeletal structure, protect and support the internal organs, and help the body move. During recent years there has been a great deal of interest shown in the regular and systematic exercise of important body muscles for the development of specific strengths and physical abilities, for the development of desired body shapes and proportions, and for the general maintenance of body health. Particular attention has been devoted to the development of the chest muscles (pectoralis major), back muscles (trapezius), upper arm muscles (biceps and triceps) and principal leg muscles (quadriceps femoris) through weight lifting and force application and resistance exercise programs and machines. Amateur and professional athletes and body builders, both male and female alike, spend many hours per week in such exercise programs utilizing a broad range of apparatus from simple barbells to complex and sophisticated exercise machines.
2. Prior Art
Conventional Exercise Machines. Past and present resistance or force type exercise machines typically utilize the force of gravity acting on a stack of weights to apply a resistance force to the movement of a body part to strengthen the muscles controlling such part. The machine user selects the number of weights desired for stressing the muscles involved in the movement of the body part in question. Alternatively, weights may be supported at variable distances along a force beam whereby the resistance force applied to the user's body part is increased by the distance at which the weight is positioned from the pivot point of the force beam. Also, resistance to movement force is often varied during certain ranges of the exercise motion by utilizing a cam to vary the effective weight of a weight stack or the length of a force moment arm of the device.
The greatest deficiencies of the present exercise machines are that they are subject to the effects of gravity, friction and inertia. The combination of these three forces causes the actual user-experienced force to be less than predictable except within very limited performance parameters. None of the present day exercise machines have the ability to substantially increase or decrease the selected applied force other than by the slight variation caused by the changing leverages resulting from changes in the position of a cam. None offers an accurate predictable force at varied exercise speeds of rates and none have the ability to offer a corresponding increase in resistance for the negative (eccentric contraction) stroke or motion when the exercised muscles are lengthening compared to the positive (concentric contraction) stroke or motion when the exercised muscles are shortening.
Electronic Art. Recently, several electronically controlled exercise machines have been introduced to the body exercise machine market. Their forces are created by: a) an electromagnetic braking system; b) a hydraulic force system; c) a pneumatics force system; or a D.C. motor used as a dynamic brake.
The electromagnetic braking systems offer "concentric only" resistance. This type of exercise machine targets the weakest force generated by a muscle and consequently the results from the exercise machine are limited to the low force concentric contraction (shortening) of the muscles. As a result, the maximum "overload tension" force available through controlled utilization of high eccentric contractions is not allowed. This limitation also prevents any positive result from the exercise movement other than from the concentric motion or stroke and therefore is a technological regression.
The air hydraulics or pneumatics system and the fluid hydraulics system of applying resistance forces in exercise machines have been utilized by several manufacturers. These machines allow performance of both eccentric and concentric force contractions. They utilize air or fluid pressure and mechanical linkages or leverage systems to provide the resistance forces against which exercise forces are applied by the user. Both systems are quite expensive to produce and their overall speed and force potential are not seen to be controllable to the extent of the mechanism of the present invention. Further, these systems are often large and bulky and they have a potential for fluid leaks, having bubbles in their fluid channels, and they require systematic maintenance to assure correct operation.
The D.C. motor has recently been utilized as a dynamic braking device in exercise machines. This method of producing a resistance force is rather basic and in its present state is not easily adaptable to even simple force curves. Further, exercise machines with dynamic braking devices have a problem with inertia and thereby may be less safe in their operation. Inertia also reduces response time to electronic commands from the control system and consequently reduces the performance envelope of the mechanism.

Electronically controlled force application mechanism for exercise machines


A snowshoe having a tubular frame supporting a flexible deck has a molded tail piece connecting the tail ends of the tubular frame. The tail piece has two dowel members which are angled to form a rear apex, such that the tail ends of the tubular frame extend over the dowel members for secure connection. In addition, the molded tail piece has a connecting bracket extending forwardly, with a wide slot in which the tail of the stretched membrane decking is secured. In this way a rear support and connection point for the decking is provided by the tube end connector, while also providing tension on the tail piece retaining it in place without the need for fasteners.

This invention concerns snowshoes, and relates to the structure and manufacture of tubular frame type snowshoes having a stretched deck membrane.
Snowshoes of the general type of which this invention is concerned are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,440,827, 5,687,491, 5,699,630, 5,918,387, and 6,256,908. In those patents the snowshoes have a peripheral frame, preferably of an extended tube of metal such as aluminum, supporting a stretched deck membrane which may be of elastomeric material. This decking material typically is formed with a series of tabs or legs extending outwardly, which are wrapped around the peripheral frame and secured back to the decking, usually by riveting, with the decking stretched and taut. In the above patents the tail end of the snowshoe frame extends to a rear apex, which may be approximately a right angle or a more acute angle and the two tail ends of the tube are welded together. The deck membrane is fixed around the frame forward of and at either side of the rear frame apex.
Molded plastic tail pieces on tubular-frame snowshoes, for connecting the tubing tail ends in lieu of welding, have been known. Snowshoes of Yakima and Northern Lights have employed a molded element to connect the tube ends together at the tail. In one case a simple V-shaped molded element was employed, with cylindrical dowels extending into the frame. In the other case a tab additionally was provided extending forward, with an opening for the purpose of riveting the rear of the deck membrane to this molded element, directly through the tab opening.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,899 shows a snowshoe with a large molded plastic tail section, actually occupying perhaps 25% of the snowshoe""s length as providing a part of the snowshoe""s decking. Rails are received into that tail section.
A snowshoe having a tubular frame supporting a flexible deck has a molded tail piece connecting the tail ends of the tubular frame. The tail piece has two fingers or dowel members angled to form generally a V or U shape, such that the tail ends of the tubular frame fit in a sliding connection that secures the tubing ends in position over the dowel members. In addition, the molded tail piece has a connecting bracket extending forwardly, with a wide slot in which the tail of the stretched membrane decking is secured. In this way a rear support and connection point for the decking is provided by the tube end connector, while also providing tension on the tail piece retaining it in place without the need for fasteners.
Thus, in one embodiment a tail piece frees a snowshoe of the type formed of a peripheral tubular frame supporting a stretched deck membrane as a molded plastic body with a pair of fingers extending in angular relationship to one another, generally forming a V or U shape. The fingers are of a size to extend into the ends of the tubular frame. A tab is integrally formed with the fingers and extends generally in a forward direction between the fingers, and the tab, preferably flat in shape, has an elongated transverse slot positioned to receive a tail end of a snowshoe decking such that the decking tail end can pass through the slot and loop back forward relative to the snowshoe. In a prepared embodiment the molded plastic material comprises nylon with glass fiber filling.
It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a simple and efficient assembly for a tubular frame type snowshoe, and to provide a tail piece for this purpose. These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, considered along with the drawings.


In a device for generating a vapor for a CVD or PVD apparatus, at least two thermal transfer bodies are arranged successively in the direction of flow of a carrier gas. The device also includes an inlet pipe for feeding an aerosol to one of the thermal transfer bodies for vaporization of the aerosol by bringing the aerosol particles into contact with thermal transfer surfaces of the thermal transfer body. At least one of the thermal transfer bodies has an opening for an inlet pipe that has a first flow channel for feeding the aerosol in and a second flow channel for feeding a carrier gas in. Gas passage openings are provided through which the carrier gas flows out of the second flow channel into the first flow channel. The second flow channel is sealed in the area of the mouth of the inlet pipe.

DE 10 2011 051 260 A1 describes a device for generating a vapor. Several thermal transfer bodies, each with different cross sections, are arranged successively in a housing in the direction of flow. An inlet pipe for feeding an aerosol through an upstream thermal transfer body projects through a housing front surface and leads to a central cavity of the device.
In a device described in WO 2012/175128 A1, a housing contains a CVD or a PVD apparatus and a vaporization device having two thermal transfer bodies arranged successively in the direction of flow of an aerosol. The two thermal transfer bodies are formed by electrically conductive solid foams that are heated by passage of an electrical current through them. An aerosol is introduced through a feed line into the vaporizer. The aerosol particles come into contact with the thermal transfer surfaces of the thermal transfer bodies, whereby the particles are vaporized. Similar devices are described in WO 2012/175124 A1, WO 2012/175126 A1 as well as DE 10 2011 051 261 A1.
The production of light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) from organic starting materials is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,296 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,211. To produce these OLEDs, solid or liquid starting materials must be brought into a gaseous form. This is done using a vaporizer. The gasified starting material is fed as vapor into a processing chamber of a CVD or PVD reactor, where the vapor condenses on a substrate.
Methods for depositing layers in the low-pressure range are also described by U.S. Pat. No. 2,447,789 and EP 0 982 411.

Device for generating vapor from solid or liquid starting material for CVD or PVD apparatus


An object of the present invention is to provide an image cutout method capable of moving a nozzle on a photographic image along a contour of a subject and binarizing image data in the nozzle to obtain the contour line of the subject, and cutting out the image along the obtained contour line, and as a result, allowing efficient cutout without putting a load on an operator. To achieve the object, when the nozzle is moved, a direction for moving the nozzle is determined based on a partial contour line in the obtained present nozzle. Thus, it is possible to move the nozzle along the contour of the subject without operator's operation of a pointing device and the like.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to image cutout methods and apparatus, and more specifically to an image cutout method and apparatus for converting an image into data form for digital processing to cut out an image of a desired subject therefrom.
2. Related Art Statement
In recent years, the technology of digital image processing for converting an image into data form for digital processing has been widely used. Also in a field of a photomechanical process for making a printing plate including images, by introducing the technology of digital image processing, most works which had previously been done depending on workers' experiences and intuition were automated, and as a result it became possible to efficiently make a high quality plate even by workers without high skills.
"Cutout" is one of the processes in the photomechanical process. This is a process for cutting out a subject part from an original photographic image with a background. For example, this process is performed when a plate for a catalog or an advertising leaf let is made containing a photograph of a product. If this is done by hand, much expense in time and effort is required. Therefore, a method has been devised that the original photograph is read by a scanner to be converted in data form and the obtained image data is subjected to digital processing to be cut out.
The method is as follows, for example. That is, the image data is binarized with an appropriate reference color (for example, Y, M, C, K) and (positional information of) a boundary line where the obtained bit map is on/off is obtained. Then, only data inside the obtained boundary line is extracted. Thus, the image of the subject part can be cut out from the original image without tracing by an operator.
However, in the above method, it is possible to accurately cut out the image of the subject part when the subject (and the background) has a single-color or a color close thereto, while it is possible to obtain only part of the accurate contour line whichever color is selected for a reference color for binarization when a plurality of colors are included in the subject. For example, when a subject 1101 shaped like a human as shown in FIG. 11 is to be cut out, if the reference color is set based on a color of a body part 1101a, the accurate contour line cannot be obtained in a head part 1101b, and if the reference color is set based on a color of the head part 1101b, the accurate contour line cannot be obtained in the body part 1101a.
Thus, a new method as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (examined)63-5745 by the applicant has been suggested. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the method is for setting a window frame (hereinafter referred to as a nozzle 1201) on a display screen and, with moving the nozzle 1201 along a contour of a subject, binarizing image data in the nozzle 1201. In this method, it is possible to obtain the accurate contour line of the entire subject 1101 by setting an appropriate reference color for each nozzle 1201 even when a plurality of colors are included.
By the way, in the embodiment shown in the above publication, an operator manually performs processing of moving the nozzle 1201 along the contour of the subject 1101. That is, the operator roughly traces the contour of the subject 1101, and from the approximate contour part obtained thereby, a system side traces an accurate contour line.
Specifically, in FIG. 12, the operator first moves the nozzle 1201 to a cutout starting position and sets a reference color. In response, the system side binarizes the image data in the nozzle 1201 to perform processing for obtaining a partial contour line in the nozzle 1201. Next, the operator moves the nozzle 1201 in a direction shown by an arrow in the drawing along the contour of the subject 1101, and further changes the reference color as required. In response, the system side binarizes the image data in the nozzle 1201 after movement to perform processing for obtaining a next partial contour line. Thereafter, the operator and the system repeat the above operation and processing to obtain contour lines of the subject 1101 and the background.
In the above new method, if the processing of moving the nozzle 1201 along the contour of the subject 1101 is performed by the system side, it is possible to further reduce a load on the operator thus perform prepress more efficiently. However, in the above publication and any other publications, processing of automatically moving the nozzle 1201 is not disclosed.
This may be because it is not easy to automatically move the nozzle 1201 on the grounds as follows. That is, the operator can intuitively distinguish the subject 1101 from the background when looking at the photographic image shown in FIG. 12. However, the system side cannot distinguish which data belongs to the part of the subject 1101 and to the background part among the held image data. Thus, moving the nozzle 1201 along the contour of the subject 1101 is easy for the operator, but not for the system side because the system cannot recognize the contour.


Substituted or unsubstituted diphenylamnines can be obtained by reaction of substituted or unsubstituted anilines with substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexanones over a supported catalyst containing rhodium or a combination of rhodium with another platinum metal at 200.degree.-450.degree. C. and 0.1-20 bar.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of substituted or unsubstituted diphenylamines by reaction of the cyclohexanones and anilines on which they are based in the presence of a rhodium-containing supported catalyst.
For the preparation of diphenylamine and derivatives thereof, German Offenlegungsschrift 2,331,878 has disclosed a process in which the starting materials are imines, such as N-cyclohexylidene-aniline and derivatives thereof, which are dehydrogenated in the gas phase in the presence of supported catalysts based on nickel, platinum, palladium or copper/chromium.
Furthermore, German Offenlegungsschrift 2,520,893 has disclosed the preparation of diphenylamine by catalytic dehydrogenation of compounds and/or mixtures of compounds composed entirely or in part of hydrogenated diphenylamine in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst containing nickel/chromium, aluminium, copper, manganese and alkali. Compounds of this type which are mentioned in the exemplary embodiments are binuclear aromatic imines.
Dehydrogenation of dicyclohexylamine to give diphenylamine over noble metal catalysts has also already been proposed (German Offenlegungsschrift 3,801,754).
The processes mentioned require starting materials which are relatively expensive to prepare, such as N-cyclohexylidene-aniline or dicyclohexylamine, and need to be improved if they are to be applied to a process to be carried out industrially.

Process for the preparation of diphenylamines


A method of displaying content on a TV using over-the-top (OTT) processes where the viewer has a user experience similar to or identical with conventional TV usage. The viewer powers on the TV and the last channel or service that was watched is displayed wherein all the content is displayed using OTT and the viewer does not have to execute any other steps, such as going to an app menu and launching a TV app in order to watch OTT content. It is determined whether an input source for the TV is set to a virtual input source. A TV app that enables OTT viewing (viewing TV content via an IP network) is executed. Once the TV app launches, normal TV operations can be performed. The virtual input source of the TV is linked to the TV application.

It is becoming increasingly prevalent for content service providers, such as TV broadcasters, cable TV companies, and the like, to provide their services, such as their TV channel lineup, over the IP network instead of using the traditional broadcast networks. When content/services are provided over the IP network, it is referred to as "over-the-top" or OTT.
Subscribers can receive the same live TV content over the IP network on smart phones, tablet devices, and Internet-connected TVs. By receiving content via OTT, subscribers may eliminate the need to use set-top boxes (STB) by viewing OTT content on TV when the TV is connected to the Internet. Using OTT is becoming a popular way to watch TV and in the future may be the standard way to watch TV (when Internet-connected TVs become more widespread). It may, over time, replace receiving a TV signal using an embedded TV turner or receiving video from an STB on one of the external input sources for the TV.
However, in order to watch OTT content, the TV viewer has to execute certain software on the TV. Another aspect of TV viewing that is becoming more popular is executing applications ("apps") on a TV in the same way users are accustomed to launching apps on their smart phones and tablets. In order to watch OTT content on a TV, the viewer has to launch an app on the TV. The app can often be bought or downloaded from an app store associated with the TV or other provider (e.g., Android Marketplace, iTunes, etc.). In some cases, this is referred to as a TV app. Once this TV app is launched from the screen on the TV that displays the various apps downloaded by the viewer, the viewer can watch TV in a normal manner.
However, having to go to the app screen on the TV after turning the TV on and then having to execute the TV app detracts from the conventional TV experience that the vast majority of viewers are used to. Viewers want to be able to turn on the TV and start watching TV shows or continuing with whatever service was on before they last powered off the TV. They do not want to take extra steps between powering on the TV and getting to the TV channel they want to watch. It would be desirable to give TV viewers a conventional or normal TV viewing experience when watching content and services via OTT.

Managing a TV application for over-the-top TV


A device comprises a plurality of power converters, a resonator block and a connection block. The plurality of power converters is coupled to a power port having a voltage. Each power converter comprises a plurality of switch networks, and each switch network has a plurality of power switches. The resonator block comprises a plurality of resonators. Each resonator has a resonant capacitor and is coupled to one of the plurality of power converters. The connection block comprises a switching component and is coupled to one of the plurality of resonators, and the connection block and the said resonator are configured such that the device operates in a wireless charging mode with the resonator block activated or a wired charging mode with the connection block activated.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is desirable for many applications due to better customer experience and better tolerance of harsh environment. Although the basic theory of WPT has been known for many years, and WPT technologies have been used in some applications in recent years, it has been a challenge to achieve high efficiency wireless power transfer at low cost. Also, the EMI and noise from a WPT system can cause interference to electronic devices, and may present hazards to people and other animals in the close environment, which are significant concerns when the power of the WPT system is high.
Therefore, improvements are needed to design a wireless charging system with good performance. The goals include accomplishing high power WPT systems with high efficiency, low magnetic emission, and low cost.

Modular and efficient wireless power transfer systems with a wired charging mode


Some embodiments provide a method that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for color balancing an image. The method provides a display area for displaying the image. The method provides several color balance modes. The method provides a user interface (UI) control associated with a color balance mode in the several color balance modes. The UI control performs a color balance operation on the image by (1) identifying a color cast in the image and (2) modifying pixels in the image based on the pixels' luminance values in order to reduce the color cast in the image.

Many of the image editing applications available today provide a variety of different tools to edit images. Tools are usually provided to adjust an image's exposure, contrast, saturation, etc. In addition, some applications provide tools for applying effects to the image. Common effects include a black and white effect, a sepia effect, a sharpen effect, a blur effect, an emboss effect, etc.
A particular tool that image editing applications often provided is a color balance tool. Generally, a color balance tool applies a global color adjustment to an image. In many instances, the user uses the color balance tool when the image appears to have an unwanted illuminant such as a yellowish overall appearance from an incandescent light in the image, a colored appearance from light reflecting off a similar-colored wall, etc. Typically, a color balance tool allows the user to increase or decrease an amount of a color or set of colors in the image in order to remove the illuminant in the image so that the image appears similar to the actual subject and/or scene that was captured.

Gray color balance tools for editing images


A liquid crystal material is injected into a liquid crystal cell while a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell rendering the liquid crystal molecules parallel to the substrates. The temperature of the vacuum chamber during injection of liquid crystal material is higher than the room temperature to reduce the viscosity of the liquid crystal material, and below the liquid crystal-isotropic transition temperature to maintain the liquid crystal state. To avoid the evaporation of the liquid crystal material, the temperature is preferably lower than the clearing point of the liquid crystal material. The voltage applied to the liquid crystal cell is over the threshold voltage so that the liquid crystal molecules align themselves parallel to the substrate, and the AC voltage having a low frequency of equal to or lower than 60 Hz is preferably used to make the liquid crystal material oscillate laterally. Then, the steric hindrance and interaction between the homeotropic alignment films and the liquid crystal material is reduced and thereby reducing the injection time. In the end seal process, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal cell as in the filling process to render the liquid crystal molecules parallel to the substrates and make the excess liquid crystal material to discharge easily, and then the injection hole is sealed.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing liquid crystal displays.
(b) Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes two substrates and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The transmittance of light is controlled by the strength of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer. To manufacture the liquid crystal display, two substrates having electrodes on their inner surfaces, respectively, are assembled to form an empty liquid crystal cell, and then liquid crystal material is injected into the empty cell.
A vertically aligned twisted nematic (VATN) liquid crystal display uses homeotropically aligned liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy. A VATN liquid crystal display has many advantages such as a high contrast ratio, fast response time and wide viewing angle, etc. However, there are some problems in the manufacturing method of VATN LCDs. For instance, as vertical alignment films are used for homeotropic alignment, it takes five times longer than the conventional twisted nematic LCDs to fill the empty cell with liquid crystal material due to the steric hindrance and the interaction between the liquid crystal material and the vertical alignment films.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional view of a conventional twisted nematic liquid crystal display and a VATN liquid crystal display, respectively. The figures are used to describe the filling process for these two conventional LCDs.
As shown in FIG. 1, two transparent insulating substrates 1 and 2 are sealed with a sealant 3, except for an injection hole 6, to define a liquid crystal cell. Alignment films 4 are formed on the inner surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2 to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules. In the twisted nematic liquid crystal display, homogeneous alignment films are used. The liquid crystal material 5 injected through the injection hole 6 has positive dielectric anisotropy and lies parallel to the substrates 1 and 2 such that the liquid crystal material 5 easily injected into the liquid crystal cell. The arrow indicates the direction of injection.
In the VATN LCD as shown in FIG. 2, homeotropic alignment films 7 are used to align liquid crystal molecules 8 perpendicular to the substrates 1 and 2. The liquid crystal material 8 is injected through the injection hole 6 in a state where the liquid crystal molecules are standing perpendicular to the substrates 1 and 2. Therefore, it takes a longer period of time to fill the cell due in the steric hindrance and the interaction between the liquid crystal material 8 and the vertical alignment films 7.
After injecting the liquid crystal material, an end seal process takes place. In the end seal process, the liquid crystal cell is hot pressed to maintain a uniform cell gap, and then the injection hole is sealed. Generally, an ultraviolet ray hardening sealant (UV sealant) is used for the end seal. That is, a UV sealant is applied over the injection hole, after which the UV rays harden the UV sealant.
However, excess liquid crystal material continuously discharges from the liquid crystal cell after the injection due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the liquid crystal cell. Therefore, it is necessary for the liquid crystal cell filled with the liquid crystal material to be undisturbed for two or three hours before undertaking the end seal process. However, it is difficult to estimate a suitable amount of time because the viscosity of the liquid crystal material may vary. Especially in the VATN liquid crystal displays, the time to discharge for the excess liquid crystal material is at least twice as long as the filling process because the liquid crystal molecules are perpendicular to the substrates.
If the excess liquid crystal material is not sufficiently discharged before the end seal process, the cell gap between the substrates is not uniformly maintained. Moreover, if the UV sealant is applied while the liquid crystal material is still discharging through the injection hole, bonding strength is decreased. As a result, the sealant may loosen after hardening. In the worst case, the entire mass of fully-hardened sealant may become completely detached from the LCD. In either case, air becomes mixed with the liquid crystal layer or the liquid crystal material is discharged. In addition, time is wasted because the liquid crystal cell should be left to sit after filling for a long period of time.

Method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display


Methods for using substituted phenoxy-, 1-, and 2-naphthalenyloxy-, indenyl-, indolyl-, benzo[b]furanyl-, and benzo[b]thienylcarboxamides of 7,8-(substituted-diamino)-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decanes as agents for alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and other movement disorders are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions employing the compounds are also disclosed.

The present invention is related to a method of using 7-((substituted) amino-8-((substituted) carbonyl)-methylamino)-1-oxaspiro(4.5)decanes and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as agents useful in treating Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and other movement disorders. The compounds, processes for preparing them, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,493, which is herein incorporated by reference. The disclosed utility in the patent is analgesic. The compounds are also disclosed as having sedative, diuretic, and corticosteroid elevating effects and therefore as being useful diuretic and psychotherapeutic agents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,278 and its divisional U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,242 cover use of the above compounds for inflammation, stroke, and cerebrovascular disorders such as cerebral ischemia and infarction. These two patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,087 covers certain substituted trans-1,2-diamino-cyclohexyl amide compounds which demonstrate selective opioid receptor binding. They are disclosed as useful as analgesics, diuretics, and psychotherapeutic agents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,343 covers certain substituted naphthalenyloxy-1,2-diaminocyclohexyl amide compounds which possess selective kappa opioid receptor site binding activity and are useful as analgesics and diuretics.
European Application 258,095A discloses decahydroquinoline derivatives and European application 258,096 covers 1,2-diaminoindane derivatives. The compounds are analgesics with strong affinity for opiate receptors. The compounds are also mentioned as having diuretic, antiarrhythmic, cerebral antiischemic and hypotensive activity.
European Application 260,041 covers 1-acylsubstituted piperidine derivatives useful as analgesics with specific agonist effect on Kappa opioid receptors.
European Application 261,842 covers certain acylated-(1-(phenyl or benzyl)-1,2-ethylene diamines which are K-receptor agonists which act as analgesics through interaction with kappa opioid receptors.
European Application 254,545 covers 1,2-ethylene diamine compounds having analgesic, diuretic and antiinflammatory activity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,286 covers transcyclohexane-1,2-diamine derivatives of thienylacetic acid. The compounds are disclosed as having analgesic activity.
European Application 260,555 covers benzo-fused cycloalkane and oxa- and thia-, cycloalkane trans-1,2-diamine derivatives useful as analgesic and diuretics.

7-((substituted)amino-8-((substitute d)carbonyl)-methylamino-1-oxaspiro(4,5)decanes useful in Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and other movement disorders


Disclosed herein is a turbine rotor having a contoured hub comprising a cambered surface extending from a leading edge of the rotor hub to a trailing edge of the rotor hub along an axial direction of the rotor hub. A turbine rotor and a gas turbine engine comprising a turbine rotor flow path having a cambered surface are also disclosed, together with a method providing a turbine rotor flow path for a turbine rotor hub.

The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for a contoured turbine rotor hub. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods relating to a turbine rotor hub comprising a cambered surface.
Turbine engines may include a compressor section, wherein inlet air is compressed, followed by a combustor section wherein fuel is combusted with the compressed air to generate exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is then directed to a turbine section, wherein energy is extracted from the exhaust gas. Turbine engines including the compressor and turbine sections may comprise a series of confined passages wherein a cascade of stationary vanes and rotating blades are arranged to produce and then remove energy from a working fluid (i.e., from combustion of a fuel.) The geometry and positioning of these vanes and blades relative to one another may determine the efficiency at which a particular turbine engine operates.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,735,612 is directed to improvements in passage configurations for interblade passages in compressor sections and diffusers such as in an air inlet diffuser of a gas turbine engine; the reference does not disclose configurations of the turbine section hub.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,761 is directed to a compressor section flow path which includes circumferentially spaced apart airfoils having axially spaced apart outer and inner ends. An outer wall bridges the airfoil outer ends, and an inner wall bridges the inner ends. One of the walls includes a flute adjacent the leading edge for locally increasing flow area thereat. Again, the '761 patent does not disclose modifications of the turbine section hub.
In addition to compressor flow paths, gas turbine engines may also include turbine section flow paths to and from turbine rotors having rotating blades positioned within the exhaust stream to extract energy from exhaust gasses produced during the combustion process. The flow paths to and from turbine rotors may also comprise stationary vanes and other surfaces which may be dimensioned and arranged within the exhaust gas flow path to optimize the amount of energy extracted, and extend rotor life.
While prior references are directed to turbine rotor blade design, the space between the turbine rotor blades, referred to herein as the turbine rotor hub region, and the turbine rotor flow path between the airfoils generally has been largely ignored. Prior art turbine rotor flow paths are typically comprised of a straight flat surface from the rotor leading edge to the rotor trailing edge along the rotor hub.
As can be seen, there is a need for optimization of flow paths relating to the turbine rotor hub of a gas turbine engine.


A tool-less fastener for use in connecting a computer cable to either a computer or peripheral equipment. An elongated rod with an external expandable sleeve fits into a standard threaded hole and then expanded to fasten the cable to the equipment without the need for a screwdriver or other tool. The tool-less fastener may be independent of or interconnected to the computer cable.

This invention relates to a tool-less fastener, for use in connecting a computer cable to one of a computer port connection and a peripheral port connection. It comprises an elongated rod having a central axis, a first end, and a second end; means for axially biasing the rod which is disposed proximate to the first end; means for restricting axial movement which is disposed proximate to the second end; and a resilient sleeve having an interior recess therethrough that is suitably sized to accommodate the rod and has a relaxed maximum outer transverse dimension that is less than the smallest transverse dimension of the elongated receiving recess. The sleeve is disposed around the rod between the means for axially biasing and the means for restricting axial movement.
The means for axially biasing is movable between a first position in which the sleeve is relaxed having a first pressure that does not substantially exceed a nominal compressive pressure applied to the sleeve by the means for axially biasing and a second position in which a deforming compressive pressure is applied to the sleeve by the means for axially biasing. The deforming compressive pressure compresses the sleeve axially and expands at least a portion of the sleeve radially relative to the central axis of the rod to a deformed maximum outer transverse dimension that is greater than the smallest transverse dimension of the elongated receiving recess.
There is a need for a reliable, efficient and simple means to secure the cabling between a computer and its various peripherals, whereby a functional system is completed. Existing technology for a cable connector utilizes a screw connection with a threaded borehole on the computer port connection or the peripheral port connection, and a rotatable screw integral with the cable holder. Often the space available to work at making the connections is severely limited and it is difficult if not impossible to turn the screw to make the connection.
To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently provides for a tool-less cable fastener. The present invention eliminates the need for tools and eliminates the need to have visual contact with the connection site. And it is possible to make the connection even where the space available to work at making the connections is severely limited. Once electrical connectivity is established, a flip of the lever arm establishes a physical interlock. The tool-less fastener of the instant invention is reliable, reusable and efficient.
In a preferred embodiment of the tool-less fastener of this important invention, the following components are provided: an elongated rod, with dimensions that will vary with application; attached to the rod is a lever mechanism that will rotate to a locking position due to a cam action and a flat surface incorporated on to the face of the lever; and a cupped washer that allows free travel over the outside diameter of the rod selected for the application. This washer is placed on the rod with the concave surface of the cup facing an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve is sized to fit closely over the outside diameter of the rod and of a length extending between two washers. The cupped spring washer may be pressed over an end of the rod until it snaps in place in a circumferential groove. This washer is placed on the rod with the concave surface of the cup facing the elastic sleeve.
The movement of the lever and the subsequent cam action will result in compression of the elastic sleeve between the two washers. A flat section incorporated on the peripheral edge of the lever mechanism can serve to lock the lever in place. The compression causes the elastic sleeve to expand inside of a smooth, threaded, or radially ribbed recess in which it is placed. This results in locking the intended cable in place.
A modular design for this fastener will allow for the custom assembly of the fastener as needed by an end user through stocking of a variety of components to have on hand.
The design allows for simple integration into existing cable manufacturing platforms. The design is also compatible with existing cable replacement applications.
Another advantage of having a tool-less fastener of the type disclosed herein is that there is no loose hardware that can be dropped into a conductive environment and cause component failure or binding of mechanical components such as a cooling fan blade.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

Tool-less fastener for computer connections


Establishing a direct link connection between subscriber stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) comprises transmitting a direct link setup discovery request from an initiating station to an access point of the WLAN for distribution to one or more other stations, the discovery request including information concerning a capability of the initiating station for a direct link setup, receiving information from a receiving station among the one or more other stations, the received information concerning the capability of the receiving station for a direct link setup, and establishing a direct link connection with the receiving station based on the received information.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and more specifically, to the establishment of direct links between subscriber stations in WLAN systems.
2. Background
In many telecommunication systems, communication networks are used to exchange messages among several interacting spatially-separated devices. The various types of networks may be classified in different aspects. In one example, the geographic scope of the network may be over a wide area, a metropolitan area, a local area, or a personal area, and the corresponding networks may be designated as wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), local area networks (LANs), or personal area networks (PANs). Networks may also differ in the switching/routing technique used to interconnect the various network nodes and devices (e.g. circuit switching vs. packet switching), in the type of physical media employed for transmission (e.g. wired vs. wireless), or in the set of communication protocols used (e.g. Internet protocol suite, Synchronous Optical Networking, Ethernet, etc.).
One distinguishing characteristic between communication networks is the choice of wired or wireless media for the transmission of electrical signals among the constituents of the network. In the case of wired networks, tangible physical media such as copper wire, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, etc., are employed to propagate guided electromagnetic waveforms that carry message traffic over a distance. Wired networks are a static form of communication networks and are typically favored for interconnection of fixed network elements or for bulk data transfer. For example, fiber optic cables may be the preferred transmission media for very high throughput transport applications over long distances between large network hubs, such as bulk data transport across or between continents over the Earth's surface.
On the other hand, wireless networks are often preferred when the network elements are mobile with dynamic connectivity needs or if the network architecture is formed in an ad hoc, rather than fixed, topology. Wireless networks may employ intangible physical media in an unguided propagation mode using electromagnetic waves in the radio, microwave, infra-red, optical, etc., frequency bands. Wireless networks have the distinct advantage of facilitating user mobility and rapid field deployment compared to fixed wired networks. However, usage of wireless propagation requires significant active resource management among the network users and higher levels of mutual coordination and cooperation for compatible spectrum utilization.
Accordingly, many wireless communication networks use Access Points (APs) to manage system resources among users, which may be referred to as subscriber stations or simply stations (STAs). Nevertheless, some wireless networking protocols provide for direct link communications among the STAs outside of the AP's mediation. This allows STAs associated with the same AP, for example, to set up a direct link between them. However, conventional discovery of other STAs capable of establishing a direct link has been based on the initiating STA detecting source and destination addresses, and sending a setup request without prior knowledge of the intended peer STA's capabilities.
There is therefore a need in the art for improved device discovery in establishing a direct link between STAs, so that a list of potential peer STAs that are direct-link capable may be discovered before attempting direct link setup.

Methods and apparatuses for direct link setup


A power unit arrangement structure for a vehicle is provided with a side-member extending in a fore and aft direction of a mounting room and enabled to achieve buckling deformation in the fore and aft direction during a frontal collision, a sub-frame extending in the mounting room along the fore and aft direction at an area below the side-member, a mount member having respective an insulating function and permitting a power unit to be supported with the side-member, a bent portion disposed at a substantially intermediate portion of the sub-frame in the fore and aft direction and having a downwardly bent configuration, and a connecting member connecting a lower portion of the power unit to the sub-frame in the vicinity of the bent portion. The mount member is capable of tearing in response to relative movement of the side-member and the power unit in the fore and aft direction during the frontal collision. The sub-frame has a part having a substantially V-shaped configuration in a side view. With such a structure, a falling behavior of the power unit is stably controlled during the frontal collision of the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a vehicular power unit arrangement structure and a method and, more particularly, to a vehicular power unit arrangement structure and its related method which enable a falling behavior of the power unit during a frontal collision of the vehicle to be stably controlled.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H9-240291 discloses a vehicular power unit arrangement structure. Such a structure is comprised of right and left downwardly and curvedly contoured sub-frames that are disposed beneath a power-unit mounting room. A lower portion of the power unit is mounted to the right and left sub-frames, with an upper portion of the power unit being mounted to side-members which are disposed above the power-unit mounting room at right and left sides thereof in a way such that the power unit is ready to be released upon receipt of vertical load beyond a given value. That is, with such a structure, downward bending operation of the sub-frame during the frontal collision of the vehicle permits the power unit to fall down.
However, in such a structure, extensive studies undertaken by the present inventors have revealed that the presence of the curvedly contoured regions of the sub-frames tends to cause the sub-frame to bend in a wide range of an unstable bending region when the sub-frame is subjected to load exerted during the frontal collision of the vehicle. Thus, the need for further improvement in control of the amount of dropping of the power unit would be apparent.
The present invention has been completed with the above view and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular power unit arrangement structure and its related method which is enable to stably control a falling behavior of a power unit during a frontal collision of a vehicle while enabling the power unit to suitably get into an area beneath a vehicular compartment.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a power unit arrangement structure for a vehicle, which has a mounting room partitioned in front of a vehicular compartment for receiving a power unit, comprises: a side-member extending in a fore and aft direction of a mounting room and enabled to achieve buckling deformation in the fore and aft direction during a frontal collision; a sub-frame extending in the mounting room along the fore and aft direction at an area below the side-member; a mount member having respective an insulating function and permitting a power unit to be supported with the side-member, the mount member being capable of tearing in response to relative movement of the side-member and the power unit in the fore and aft direction during the frontal collision; a bent portion disposed at a substantially intermediate portion of the sub-frame in the fore and aft direction and having a downwardly bent configuration; and a connecting member connecting a lower portion of the power unit to the sub-frame in the vicinity of the bent portion. The sub-frame has a part having a substantially V-shaped configuration having the bent portion in a side view.
In other words, in the present invention, a power unit arrangement structure for a vehicle, which has a mounting room partitioned in front of a vehicular compartment for receiving a power unit, comprises: a side-member extending in a fore and aft direction of a mounting room and enabled to achieve buckling deformation in the fore and aft direction during a frontal collision; a sub-frame extending in the mounting room along the fore and aft direction at an area below the side-member; a mount member having respective an insulating function and permitting a power unit to be supported with the side-member, the mount member being capable of tearing in response to relative movement of the side-member and the power unit in the fore and aft direction during the frontal collision; start point defining means, which is disposed at a substantially intermediate portion of the sub-frame along the fore and aft direction, for defining a start point to induce a downwardly convex deformation in the sub-frame during the frontal collision; and connecting means for connecting a lower portion of the power unit to the sub-frame in the vicinity of the bent portion. The sub-frame has a portion having a substantially V-shaped configuration in a side view.
Besides, in the present invention, a method of controlling a falling behavior of a power unit of a vehicle, which has a mounting room partitioned in front of a vehicular compartment for receiving the power unit, comprises: preparing a side-member extending in a fore and aft direction of a mounting room; preparing a sub-frame extending in the mounting room in the fore and aft direction at an area below the side-member, the sub-frame including a bent portion having a downwardly bent configuration formed at a substantially intermediate portion of the sub-frame along the fore and aft direction; preparing a mount member having insulating function and permitting a power unit to be supported with the side-member; preparing a connecting member connecting a lower portion of the power unit to a close proximity area of the bent portion of the sub-frame; causing the side-member to be subjected to buckling deformation in the fore and aft direction during a frontal collision; tearing the mount member in response to relative movement between the side-member and the power unit in the fore and aft direction during the frontal direction; and causing the sub-frame to be bent in downwardly convex configuration at a starting point provided by the bent portion during the frontal collision.
Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

Vehicular power unit arrangement structure and method


An apparatus and a method for an authentication protocol. A client generates a server unique identifier of a server prior to communicating with the server. An encrypted password generator module of the client calculates an encrypted password based on the server unique identifier, a username, and an unencrypted password. A communication request generator module of the client generates and sends a communication request to the server. The communication request includes a username, a client random string, a client timestamp, and a client MAC value. The client MAC value is computed over the username, the client random string, and the client timestamp, using the encrypted password as an encryption key.

One means of authentication includes the use of password on computer systems. For example, on UNIX-type systems, the password for an account is stored in a hashed form. To make it harder for an attacker who has access to the hashed password to perform a class of brute force attacks and potentially gain knowledge of several passwords at once, the password is augmented with a small random value, also known as "salt" before it is hashed. The salt value and the hashed password are then stored in association with other account properties.
Since the salt value is randomly generated, only someone who already has access to the hashed password can compute what a hashed password value should be. This means that the hashed password has to be passed to the authentication process in clear text form. So, either the password must only be used over a secure connection, or the password can be stolen by an eavesdropper.
Similarly, many secure communication protocols require that two communicating programs or computers have a shared secret or a shared master secret, which is either directly or indirectly utilized to encrypt data between the two communicating programs or computers. The secure communication protocols can only decrypt messages where the shared secret is known. The shared secret cannot be provided to each communicating program or computer in the clear or an eavesdropper would be able to intercept the shared secret and use it to decrypt the communications between the programs or computers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Username based authentication and key generation


The invention is directed to a wireless support system for a brassiere. The wireless support system comprises at least one centerfront support and two sideback supports which are composed of a material such as a polyester film. The two sideback supports may be attached to the centerfront support via a stabilizing ribbon or stitches. The brassiere of the present invention has the advantage of providing comfortable support that is form fitting.

Brassieres provide support and enhance the shape of breasts. Brassieres often have a device in the cups of the brassiere to provide support. Devices intended to provide support and shaping for the cups of a bra and similar articles have long been known. These devices are commonly known as underwires and are inserted into and held within a fabric sleeve disposed about the periphery of the lower section of the bra cup. They are made from materials, such as bone, metal or plastic, and are provided in various forms, shapes and cross-sections. Most commonly, the underwire is formed of relatively thin metallic pieces of rectangular cross-section, shaped into an essentially semi-circular or U-shaped form that allows the underwire to be fitted within a sleeve disposed about the periphery of the lower half of the bra cup.
While such underwire structures have achieved widespread usage, a number of significant disadvantages result from their use. In particular, the underwires can damage the fabric sleeve into which the underwire is inserted or irritate the skin of a user leading to discomfort and sometimes bruising. Deformation or distortion of the underwires arises from washing and drying of bras containing underwires. Multiple washings lead to degradation of the fabric of the garment due to shrinkage of the fabric and/or the relative movement occurring between the stiff, rigid metal underwire and the fabric of the bra brought about in machine washing and drying. Using underwires coated with a polymeric material or metal underwires that have plastic tips at their ends does not alleviate these problems completely.


Featured is a manipulation device the ability to navigate virtual microscopy slides. The device includes an inverted light emitting diode (LED) reflecting light off a textured slide to a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that indicates the movement of the slide. The slide is freely moved by hand or traditional X-Y-mechanical stage on a raised platform akin to a slide stage. Finger touch controls are provided to zoom to higher or lower power images. The device plugs into a standard computer system by USB port running software to image a virtual microscope slide. Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.

Before virtual microscopy, doctors, researchers, students and the like, viewed or examined a sample that had been prepared using a glass slide, which included putting the slide into the microscope, getting a position to view the sample using the microscope and focusing their eyes. While this process can become relatively fast with experience, as a practical matter, because the entire slide cannot be seen by the doctor (e.g., pathologist) and the like in one viewing, it is necessary for them to remember portions of one slide while viewing a slide or slides in combination.
With the creation of virtual microscopy techniques and systems, such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,101,265 and 6,272,235, doctors, researchers and the like can have glass slides digitized and saved, which form the basis for a virtual slide. Virtual microscopy in general concepts has generally begun to cover the acquisition, storage and imaging of microscopic digital or computer readable images. It should be understood that the virtual image is not less real than an image of an actual glass slide, notwithstanding any differences between such images due to resolution of devices of devices for digitizing the glass slide and the glass slide itself.
A comparison was made of 31 commercially available digital slide systems then were then available ["Critical comparison of 31 commercially available digital slide systems in pathology", Rojo M G, Garcia G B, Mateos C P, Garcia J G, Vicente M C. Int J Surg Pathol. 2006 October; 14(4); 285-305]. Therein it was reported that one of the problems in digital or virtual microscopic systems was that a computer mouse is not a comfortable device for pathologist to use to review the slide. Currently to view a virtual slide, one would cause the virtual slide to appear on the monitor and thereafter to use the computer mouse to grab one side of the image, drag the image over to the far side of the monitor, then unselect the image with the mouse, move the mouse back to the original side of the image, re-grab the image and drag it over to the far side of the monitor, in a repeated fashion to navigate the slide. This is a time consuming process that cannot be overcome using a traditional mouse.
The article does report of a device or controller by Leica Microsystems (SmartMove) that is supposed to provide an ergonomic manual input controller for an automated XY stage and Z focus movement for use with microsystems developed by Leica. This device is usually coupled to a computer via an interface card so that the device can be used with the standard stages and focus adapters being used. Thus, the device is not a mere replacement of the mouse. The article referred to above also indicated or suggested the need for devices to control navigation of the virtual slide and thus replace the common mouse.
It thus would be desirable to provide a new device for controlling navigating of a virtual slide and methods and systems related thereto. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a device, systems and methods that could be adapted for use with any of a number of computer devices.

Manipulation device for navigating virtual microscopy slides/digital images and methods related thereto


Environmentally friendly, high performance coating formulations and methods for their preparation are described. The coating formulations can be prepared as aqueous dispersions. The aqueous dispersions include a plurality of multiphase polymer particles and a C8-C18 alkyl alcohol alkoxylated phosphate ester surfactant. The multiphase particles include an acrylic-based copolymer derived from one or more (meth)acrylate monomers and at least one copolymerizable surfactant. Optionally, the acrylic-based copolymer is further derived from one or more acid monomers, one or more amide monomers, and/or one or more molecular weight regulators. Further described herein are products prepared from the aqueous dispersions, such as for high gloss and satin paint compositions, that can have a low VOC content.

Coated surfaces, especially those coated with modern low VOC coatings containing 100 g/L VOC or less, such as moldings and panels often become visibly discolored after contact with water repeatedly or over extended periods of time. This problem is enhanced when high polymer content coatings are used on the surfaces. Other issues that can occur with painted surfaces are blistering and surfactant leaching, wherein water soluble components are extracted from the coatings and deposited on the coated surface. Minimizing the amount of water-soluble ingredients has been used to reduce surfactant leaching. However, the water-soluble components are generally substituted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in an environmentally undesirable product.

Environmentally friendly, polymer dispersion-based coating formulations and methods of preparing and using same


Data of a transaction to be synchronized is stored to a non-volatile store, and a Command Complete response is provided. Data of the transaction is supplied to a tape drive for writing to a magnetic tape. The storing, responding, and supplying operations are repeated for subsequent transactions. A Deferred Synchronize Command, specifying a previously supplied transaction, is provided to the tape drive, for writing data of the specified transaction. The tape drive, subsequent to writing all the data of the previously supplied transaction to magnetic tape, provides a Tape Command Complete, whereupon the data of the previously supplied transaction stored to the non-volatile store may be overwritten.

Magnetic tape provides a means for physically storing data which may be archived or which may be stored in storage shelves of automated data storage libraries and accessed when required. Data stored in this manner has an aspect of permanence which allows copies of the data stored in memory or disk at a host system to be erased, knowing that a copy exists on involatile magnetic tape. The available storage space at the host system is relatively expensive, and there is a desire to release the storage space as soon as possible, so that it may be overwritten. Additionally, some host applications are designed with a simple algorithm, in which they do not proceed to processing data beyond the data that has been sent, until they see a Command Complete returned for the just issued store command. This simplifies the host application processing.
Thus, it is often desirable to "synchronize" the data.
"Synchronized data" is defined as data or other information which is subject to a "synchronizing event" or similar command requiring the tape drive to not return "Command Complete" to a write type of command, or an indication that the command has been or will be successfully executed, until it has actually committed the data to involatile media, specifically, in the case of a tape drive, to magnetic tape. As the result, if power is lost or the tape drive fails, the data can be recovered from the tape, whereas it may not be recoverable from a volatile DRAM storage of the tape drive buffer.
One example of a synchronizing event is a Write Filemark command with the Immediate bit set to "0". This means that the drive is not to respond immediately, but instead is to respond when the command has completed, meaning that any data sent as part of the command is written out to tape. A specialized case of a Write Filemark command is where the number of Filemarks field is also set to "0", meaning that the Write Filemark command has no data of its own, and all data which precedes the command must be written to tape before a command complete is sent. Hence, this command is often referred to as a "Synchronize" command, as is known to those of skill in the art.
Another example of a synchronizing event is a host selectable write mode known to those of skill in the art as "non-buffered writes", where an implicit synchronize must be performed after each record is written from the host. "Command Complete" is not returned for any write command until the data is successfully written on tape media.
Herein, writing any data record, group of records, or other mark, is defined as a "transaction", and writing such data record, etc., as the result of a synchronizing event is defined as a "synchronized transaction".
A difficulty with respect to magnetic tape is that the data is recorded sequentially without long gaps between data sets, such that the data is typically recorded in a continuous fashion as much as is possible.
Typically, the data to be written to magnetic tape is staged to a buffer at the tape drive, and the synchronizing event requires that, in writing the synchronized data to magnetic tape, all data in the buffer preceding the synchronized data also be written to tape preceding the data to be synchronized. Additionally, since no data is typically sent to the drive after the drive is sent the synchronizing command and before the Command complete is sent back (to do so would require command queueing of data commands, something which is almost never supported by a tape drive), this has the effect of emptying the buffer. Thus, the synchronized transactions are stored in separate bursts for each synchronizing event, with a noticeable time period before writing the next transaction. This requires that the tape drive "backhitch" after writing the synchronized transaction, in order to write the next transaction closely following the preceding transaction. In the example of a simplified host application as discussed above, the application does not proceed to processing data beyond data that has already been sent until it sees a Command Complete returned for the just issued synchronizing command. This simplifies the host application processing, but at the cost of performance, since it guarantees that the tape drive will run out of data in the buffer before it can issue a Command Complete, thus forcing the tape drive to backhitch. Tape is written or read while it is moved longitudinally at read/write speed. Hence, a backhitch requires that the tape be stopped, reversed to beyond the end of the previous transaction, stopped again, and accelerated up to speed in the original direction by the time that the end of the previous transaction is reached. As is understood by those of skill in the art, the backhitch process consumes a considerable amount of time, and, if a large number of small synchronized transactions are to be stored, the throughput of the tape drive can be reduced dramatically. As an example, backhitch times can vary from about half a second to over three seconds.
Disk drives are typically random access, and may store data without requiring backhitches, but are expensive as compared to magnetic tape, such as magnetic tape cartridges. Hence, disk drives are typically employed, not for the permanent storage of data, but, rather, for the storage of data which is being used by the system, or for the operating system and applications of the system.
Staging buffer systems, such as large capacity disk drive buffer systems, have been employed to provide a physical storage for the data while waiting for the data to be permanently stored to magnetic tape, but, especially in smaller system environments, staging buffer systems are considered expensive, and are avoided if possible. In the larger systems, the staging buffer systems are also considered expensive, and are typically limited in capacity, such that they need to be overwritten as soon as possible. Thus, data to be synchronized is provided to magnetic tape drives in such systems.

Deferred writing of data to be synchronized on magnetic tape employing a non-volatile store

International Business Machines Corporation


A method of making a golf club head and golf club heads produced by said method which involves filling a mold with material selected from the group consisting of metal powders, castings, wrought metal, and green compact metal powders and combinations thereof so as to achieve the desired properties in the particular areas of the club head, compressing the material in the mold to form a green compact of the material, removing the green compact of the material from the mold land then heating the green compact to an elevated temperature to form a sintered product. Thereafter, the sintered product may be further heated under pressure to improve its density.

Ideally, golf club heads should be made with selective perimeter or heel, head, and toe weighting, adjustable densities, extended-life ball-striking surfaces, specific sonic characteristics, high friction surfaces, high ductility hosel and other desired mechanical properties, and an adjustable center of gravity.
At the present time such characteristics are achieved with varying degrees of success by the following: perimeter weighting and head and toe weighting are commonly used in forged and in investment cast clubs and desired weight distribution is achieved by shaping the club head to produce a cavity in the back of the club thus producing a complex shape known as cavity backed irons. In some cases, particularly putters, a cavity is provided in back of the club which is later filled with higher density metals by lead casting or gluing in place higher density metals. The resultant cavity is difficult to finish to a smooth surface by grinding and polishing and thus the club heads are not generally finished to a high polish. The raw, unfinished look of the cavity back is not attractive or well accepted by many skilled players but the improved performance provided by the cavity back and perimeter weighting is recognized as a benefit by players of all skill levels.
Adjustable densities in club heads are not possible using current forging and casting practices. The only method of changing density is to substitute one alloy for another, or by utilizing one or more weight ports where higher density disks or powders may be positioned and held in place by mechanically fastening or glue-bonding the enclosures in place. Additives of different density alloys to other primary alloys in the casting process will only produce a third alloy or a non- compatible mixture of metallic elements not suitable for use as golf club heads.
Extended-life ball-striking surfaces are presently produced by metal spraying a hard deposit on the surface of cast or forged clubs, and flame or case hardening the cast or forged clubs Additionally, ion implantation techniques may be used to harden a previously roughened surface. This is also accomplished by the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,787, Shira, by producing a composite of hard particles in a softer metal matrix on the surface of the club. Extended life ball striking surfaces which are produced by hardening are temporary because of the thin surface developed by conventional techniques. The impact loading of the surface of golf clubs tends to peen and burnish the softer matrix material under the hard surface, thus destroying the desired roughness of the hardened surface material. Hard surfaces produced by flame spraying or plating a hard material on the surface of the golf club are often thin and quite brittle and tend to flake and peel under various service conditions.
Desired sonic characteristics are produced by selecting an alloy that, when properly heat treated, provides a sound when striking the ball that is deemed by experts to be desirable. The sound most desired is that of a ball striking a soft iron-carbon alloy commonly used for forged club heads. The hardness of this alloy is approximately Rockwell B85, a relatively soft, low-strength alloy. Clubs made of alloys with similar hardness levels are easily nicked and damaged by striking rocks and other hard objects, and wear rapidly by abrasion when used in sand traps and loam-type soils.
High friction surfaces are produced by sand blasting, flame spraying, and also by the use of hard particles in a softer metal matrix as is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,787, Shira.
At the present time, desirable properties in selected areas of a club head, such as a high ductility hosel, may be achieved by local heat treating using current technology but no manufacturers are known even to be using this technique.
Using present technology, the center of gravity of presently manufactured clubs is adjusted only by changing the shape, size and location of various portions of the club head or by utilizing suitably positioned weight ports holding appropriate dense materials.

Method of making a golf club head and the article produced thereby


A surface isolation device for isolating a predetermined area of a second surface of a wafer from an etching solution while the etching solution etches a first surface of the wafer to form a plurality of manifolds in the wafer. The surface isolation device has a base for positioning the wafer, a fixture for fixing the wafer on the base, and an isolation ring positioned on the base for isolating the predetermined area from the etching solution. When the fixture fixes the wafer on the base, the wafer sticks to the isolation ring, forming a seal that isolates the predetermined area from the etching solution.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a surface isolation device, and more particularly, to a surface isolation device for isolating a wafer from an etching solution during the fabrication of a print head.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Today""s computer users are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about technology. As a result they are demanding better and cheaper computer peripherals for making hard copies of their documents. Due to their high print quality and low cost, ink jet printers are extensively used to print documents. A typical inkjet printer comprises a print head, and documents are printed by ejecting ink droplets from several nozzles in the print head onto paper. The print head comprises at least one manifold and several chambers. The manifold is used to supply ink to the chambers. Each chamber comprises a nozzle, the nozzle comprising an orifice and a pressurizing device. The pressurizing device is normally a heater that is used to heat the ink in the chamber to produce bubbles, which push the ink out of the chamber in the form of ink droplets.
The manifolds are usually formed internally in the print head. In the early days of print head manufacturing, sandblasting processes were performed to form the manifolds in the print head. However, sandblasting is a low-precision process and causes deviations in the positions of the manifold and rough edges, negatively affecting the quality and yield of the print heads. In order to prevent the above-mentioned problems, the manifold fabrication method using sandblasting processes has been gradually replaced by a method where manifolds are produced by performing an etching process on a single crystal wafer. However, this etching process includes forming a hole as the manifold, so the required time for the etching process would be relatively long. Because etching solutions are usually strong acids or strong bases, the wafer can be easily damaged and cracked during lengthy etching processes. In addition, if another circuit, such as a heater is already formed on the wafer, the heater will be affected by the etching solutions and may not operate normally.
Methods have been devised to decrease damage caused to the wafer and the circuit by the etching solution. In prior art methods, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,452 xe2x80x9cMethod of fabricating bubble jet print devices using semiconductor fabrication techniques,xe2x80x9d when performing a lengthy etching process, a hard passivation film is deposited on the top and bottom of the wafer. After formation of the etching patterns, the wafer is put into the etching solution to be etched. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 illustrate how circuits on a wafer 10 are isolated from an etching solution by a passivation film according to the prior art. Before an etching solution is used to etch the wafer 10 to form an orifice 18 and a chamber 20, other circuits, such as a heater 12 and a transistor 14, are formed on the wafer 10. In order to isolate these circuits from the etching solution, a glass layer 16 is deposited on the wafer 10 after forming the heater 12 and the transistor 14. The glass layer 16 acts as a passivation film for isolating the heater 12 and the transistor 14 from the etching solution. However, the process of depositing the glass layer 16 is complicated and when the etching solution etches the wafer 10, tiny holes can sometimes form at the edge of the wafer 10. These tiny holes decrease the density of the wafer and even affect the yield of forming manifolds. In addition, when depositing the glass layer 16 on the wafer 10, coating holes sometimes form on the glass layer 16. When coating holes form on the glass layer 16, the etching solution can flow through the coating holes onto circuits on the wafer. Therefore, a passivation layer formed on the wafer 10 is not ideal for isolating circuits on the wafer 10 from etching solution.
It is therefore an object of the claimed invention to provide a surface isolation device for isolating a surface of a wafer from an etching solution during a manifold etching process. The surface isolation device also isolates an edge of the wafer so that an etching process can be performed after the formation of a front circuit of the wafer without decreasing the wafer density.
In the claimed invention, the surface isolation device comprises a base for positioning a wafer, a fixture for fixing the wafer to the base, and an isolation ring positioned on the base for isolating a predetermined area of the wafer from etching solution. When the fixture fixes the wafer to the base, the wafer adheres to the isolation ring so as to isolate the predetermined area from the etching solution.
These and other objectives of the claimed invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments that are illustrated in the multiple figures and drawings.


Embodiments of an apparatus for sealing a substrate transfer passage in a chamber are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for sealing a substrate transfer passage in a chamber includes an elongated door member having a concave sealing face coupled to an actuator by a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling configured to allow movement of the door member relative to the lever arm in at least two planes.

1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a slit valve door for sealing substrate passages in vacuum processing systems.
2. Background of the Related Art
Thin film transistors (TFT) are commonly used for active matrix displays such as computer and television monitors, cell phone displays, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and an increasing number of other devices. Generally, flat panels comprise two glass plates having a layer of liquid crystal materials sandwiched therebetween. At least one of the glass plates includes one conductive film disposed thereon that is coupled to a power source. Power, supplied to the conductive film from the power source, changes the orientation of the crystal material, creating a pattern display.
With the marketplace's acceptance of flat panel technology, the demand for larger displays, increased production and lower manufacturing costs have driven equipment manufacturers to develop new systems that accommodate larger size glass substrates for flat panel display fabricators. Current glass substrate processing equipment is generally configured to accommodate substrates up to about five square meters. Processing equipment configured to accommodate substrate sizes exceeding five square meters is envisioned in the immediate future.
Glass substrate processing is typically performed in a cluster tool by subjecting a substrate to a plurality of sequential processes to create devices, conductors, and insulators on the substrate. Each of these processes is generally performed in a process chamber configured to perform a single step of the production process. In order to efficiently complete the entire sequence of processing steps, the cluster tool includes a number of process chambers coupled to a central transfer chamber. A robot is housed in the transfer chamber to facilitate transfer of the substrate between the process chambers and a load lock chamber. The load lock chamber allows substrates to be transferred between the vacuum environment of the cluster tool and an ambient environment of a factory interface. Such cluster tools for glass substrate processing are available from AKT, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Applied Materials, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.
As the substrate size for manufacturing flat panel display grows, the manufacturing equipment for these substrates becomes larger in size as well. Accordingly, the door or gate that isolates one vacuum chamber (or load lock chamber) from another becomes larger, or, specifically longer, since the slot opening between the two chambers has to become wider to accommodate the large width of the substrate passing through the slot opening. The increasing length of the door poses technical challenges for obtaining a good isolation seal between the two chambers, which is maintained by an elastomer seal disposed around the slot opening between the door and a chamber wall.
FIG. 1A depicts a partial sectional view of a substrate passage 108 formed through a chamber body 106 and selectively sealed by a conventional slit valve door 110. Conventional slit valve doors are typically comprised of a flat member of aluminum having a long lateral span. A closing force is applied toward the center of the door 110 by brackets 102 attached, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, to a stiff rotating shaft 104. The door 110 is rotated between a position sealing the passage 108 (as shown in FIG. 1A) and a position clear of the passage 108 by an actuator 118 coupled to the shaft 104. A seal 116 is disposed between the door 110 and chamber body 106.
The force required to load the seal 116 in order to obtain good chamber isolation is high. The high load applied near the center of the door 110 results in a high loading force approximate the center of the door 110 and a substantially lower sealing force near the ends of the door, as depicted by force arrows 112. The shaft 104 may deflect while under load as shown by the phantom shaft 120, as the door 110 has a long span between its bearing supports 114 disposed in the walls of the chamber body 106 and the brackets 102 coupled to the center of the door 110. Deflection of the shaft 104 while the door 110 is in a closed position further aggravates the low loading condition of the seal at the ends of the door. The low sealing force at the edge of the door may lead to undesirable leakage through the passage 108.
In order to provide a stiffer door for more uniform seal loading, the door and/or the shaft may be fabricated from thicker materials or materials having higher modulus. However, this approach increases the cost of the load lock chamber, as high strength materials are typically expensive, and a larger load lock chamber may be required to accommodate the larger, high strength door with adequate clearance during operation. A larger load lock chamber is undesirable due to the increased material and manufacturing costs of the chamber itself, along with increased pump capacity required to pump down the larger load lock volume. Moreover, increased load lock volume typically requires increased pump time which has an adverse affect on system throughput.
The use of the curved slit valve has been proposed to address these concerns and is described in commonly assigned and previously incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/867,100, entitled "CURVED SLIT VALVE DOOR", filed Jun. 14, 2004. The implementation of a curved slit valve door has presented new engineering challenges. For example, as the door sealing surface becomes flat when pressed against the planar chamber wall to seal the slit valve passage, the change in the projected length of the curved slit valve door should be accommodated to prevent excess wear of the door actuation mechanism.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved slit valve door.

Curved slit valve door with flexible coupling