A membrane electrolysis cell, particularly suited for producing chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen by the electrolysis of brine, has its cathode formed by a static bed of a packing material capable of withstanding the cathodic conditions confined between the membrane and a current distribution-baffle plate, parallel and spaced from the membrane. The current distribution plate defines a space within the cathodic compartment through which de-gassed catholyte downflows toward the bottom of the compartment for raising again through the interstices of the cathodic static bed. The internal recycling motion permits a rapid evacuation the gas evolved at the cathode from the interstices of the cathodic bed and prevents catholyte stagnation within the cathodic bed.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to electrochemical technologies and more in particular to methods and electrolysis cells for producing halogens by the electrolysis of aqueous solution of halides.
2. State of the art
One of the most significative innovations in this field of technology has been the adoption of hydraulically impervious, ion exchange membranes as separators between respective anodic and cathodic compartments of electrolysis cells in place of the traditional microporous asbestos diaphragms. These membranes are almost exclusively formed by at least a thin film of a perfluorinated polymer containing pendant polar groups attached to the polymeric matrix.
Another recent innovation, made possible in a way by the novel nature of the separators, has been the development of so-called "O-gap" electrolysis cells, i.e. of cells wherein the electrodes, necessarily porous, are held in direct contact with the surface of the separating element of the cell, that is of the membrane. Such a disposition of the electrodes implies, among others, the advantages of minimizing the cell voltage (ohmic drop), by minimizing the path traversed by the ionic current, together with an intrinsic ease of ensuring an almost perfect distribution of the current density across the whole cell surface, by freeing said requisite from the limitations which have always been imposed by fabrication tolerances of such large surface structures as metal screen electrodes welded on a series of current distributing metal supports.
An early electrolysis cell of this kind is described in the U.S. Reissue Pat. No. Re. 32,077. In this patent the concept of a O-gap membrane cell is exemplified by a monopolar cell containing a plurality of tubular screen anodes, cladded over their external surface by an ion exchange membrane and wherein the cathode is formed by a mass of packing material (static or fixed bed) filling completely the space between the internal walls of a cathodically polarized container of the cell and the membrane cladded surface of the tubolar anodes which traverse the cathodic compartment. Such a way of implementing an O-gap cell, though offering the advantage of an extremely easy construction, has not found widespread commercial application primarily because in producing chlorine and caustic soda in a cell equipped with a modern ion exchange membrane, the catholyte (caustic soda at 30-35% by weight) has a high density and viscosity, and the hydrogen developed on the cathode surface as minute bubbles disperses in the viscous liquid forming a gas-liquid dispersion rather difficult to separate because of the ability of hydrogen in such minute bubbles to disperse itself readily within the bulk of the liquid catholyte. In a cathodic compartment completely filled with such a packing material, the total volume of interstices among the grains or fibers of the packing material is only a small percentage of the total volume of the cathodic compartment and such a constriction of the flow of the hydrogen -catholyte dispersion through the cahodic compartment (normally from the bottom of the compartment to an outlet port placed in the top portion of the compartment) further reduces the possibilities of a fast removal of the gas from the cathodic compartment. This determines a greater than otherwise normal volumetric percentage of gas in the bulk of the catholyte within the cathodic compartment (i.e. within the catholyte traversed by flux lines of ionic electric current). This fact is notably negative as it tends to increase the ohmic drop (cell voltage).
In order to overcome these limitations, a large number of ion exchange membrane cell configurations have been proposed, wherein the desired O-gap condition is obtained by pressing more or less uniformly by resilient means such as springs or other similar elastic structures, a screen electrodic structure (normally a cathode but in some cases an anode) against the surface of the separating membrane of the cell, which membrane being commonly flexible is pushed against a restraining surface provided by the cell counterelectrode which has a substantially rigid nature. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,340,452; 4,530,743; 4,444,632; and 4,536,263 are some examples of as many O-gap cells of this kind.
The quest of a cell configuration capable of associating the advantages of the O-gap configuration to the utilization of essentially flat screen electrode structures which leave empty the remaining space of the electrodic compartment for favoring a fast fluid circulation in and out of the compartment, besides allowing the construction of modular filter press type cells, has lead to the development of cell structures wherein the problems of satisfying stringent fabrication tolerances in terms of planarity, parallelism of structures, have re-presented themselves in order to prevent "pinching" of the membrane at points more stressed than others, and more in general have led to complex and costly cells.

Electrolysis cell and method of producing chlorine


A method and apparatus for conducting analog communication are provided. A first set of wires carrying a data signal is coupled to a data network. A second set of wires carrying an analog signal is coupled to an analog communication network. A single connector is coupled to the first and second sets of wires. A port in a communication device is coupled to the connector. The communication device communicates the data signal and the analog signal over the first and second sets of wires respectively. The second set of wires may be separate from the first set. The second set of wires may be a subset of the first set, in which case, a filter filters an incoming analog signal from an incoming signal on the second set of wires. A multiplexer multiplexes an outgoing analog signal with an outgoing data signal on the second set of wires.

1. Field of the Invention
The principles of the present invention relate generally to an improved communication device, and in particular, to connecting a communication device. Still more particularly, the principles of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for conducting analog communication over a data cable.
2. Description of the Related Art
Telecommunication involves two or more communication devices communicating with each other using a communication network. For example, two telephones may be able to communicate with each other using a telecommunication network called public switched telephone network (PSTN). PSTN is primarily a voice telecommunication network for enabling telephone-based telecommunication between two or more parties.
Conventional telecommunication methods, such as telecommunication using a conventional telephone, convert sound waves of a speaker's voice into analog signals, and carry the analog signals over networks to a destination, such as to a destination telephone. Analog signals, including analog electrical signals, are signals that are time-continuous such that a signal may have any value at a given time, as opposed to a discrete value for a duration of time. A network that facilitates telecommunication is a communication network. A communication network that facilitates telecommunication using analog signals is an analog communication network PSTN is an example of an analog communication network.
A communication device is a device from which a telecommunication call may be placed or received. The term "communication devices" refers to the collection of all devices used for telecommunication. For example, a communication device can be the familiar telephone, a computer with a telecommunication enabling software application, a telephone-like device that works over data networks instead of a plain old telephone system (POTS) line, a wireless or cellular phone, or any other device used for telecommunication. A communication device is any one of these communication devices. Communication devices may also include devices and applications capable of communicating in other ways, for example, by text messaging, instant messaging including text, audio, video, images, and documents.
Data processing systems are often connected with other devices and data processing systems using a data network. The data network provides the networked data processing systems and devices with a communications medium over which data may be exchanged with each other.
Many types of wired and wireless networks are available for networking data processing systems, as well as communication devices. Wired networks utilize physical wires that can carry electrical data signals for connecting data processing systems and communication devices to communicate over the network. Wireless networks generally utilize radio waves for connecting the data processing systems and communication devices to the network in a wireless manner.
Various communication devices are capable of communicating with each other using a variety of networks. Some communication devices are able to communicate using analog signals over analog communication networks. Other communication devices, such as a voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) enabled telephone, communicate over wired or wireless data networks.
With the advent of VOIP, voice telephony delivered over a broadband network has become a popular service. For VOIP service, a VOIP service provider may place a VOIP-enabled communication device at the customer premises, and may require other broadband infrastructure within the customer's network to place or receive VOIP calls. This infrastructure may include broadband adapter and other devices. A broadband adapter is a device that communicates with a broadband network on the service provider's side and communicates with Ethernet-based data networks on the user's side. Some examples of broadband adapters include digital subscriber line (DSL) modem and cable modem.
Communication devices that use analog signals generally use wired analog communication networks for telecommunication. In so using, a communication device connects to the wired analog communication network using wires. Generally, the wires are formed into a cable that includes several wires within it and include modular connectors at each end of the cable.
A modular connector, or connector, is a wiring element that enables connecting electrical wires to circuits and other electrical wires. A common example of a connector is the familiar clear plastic terminal at the end of a telephone cord that "clicks" into the wall outlet for a telephone connection. The clear plastic terminal at the end of the telephone cord is a male RJ11 connector. The wall outlet that the telephone cord clicks into is a female RJ11 connector. Another example of a connector is an RJ45 connector, which is a slightly larger terminal that looks much like the RJ11 connector and is often used as a terminal at the end of a networking cable. The male RJ45 connector connects with a female RJ45 connector that may be available in a wall outlet or at the end of another network cable.
FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of an existing telecommunication environment. Telecommunication environment 100 includes communication device 102 which is capable of conducting analog telecommunication using analog phone cable 104, as well as data communication using Ethernet cable 106. Both, analog phone cable 104 and Ethernet cable 106 are coupled to broadband adapter 108. Coupling cables in the manner of FIG. 1 include connecting the cables to the described devices and connecting the cables to the described devices via one or more intermediary devices. Furthermore, the connections may utilize connectors which may fit into corresponding jacks, sockets, ports, female connectors, splitters, connector adapters, switches, bridges, or hubs. For example, a port is a receptacle for a connector such that some or all the connections in a connector match with corresponding connections in the receptacle.
Broadband adapter 108 may be in communication with service provider's system 110. Communication between broadband adapter service provider's system 110 may be wired or wireless. Service provider's system 110 communicates with data network 112 and analog communication network 114 and provides broadband adapter 108 access to each of those networks.
The circuitry of broadband adapter 108 that is coupled to communication device 102 is the user's side of broadband adapter 108. The circuitry of broadband adapter 108 that is in communication with service provider's system 110 is the service provider's side of broadband adapter 108.
Other devices may be in communication with broadband adapter 108 on the user's side of broadband adapter 108. FIG. 1 shows exemplary analog phone 116 coupled to broadband adapter 108, such as by using a splitter on analog phone cable 104. FIG. 1 also shows exemplary computer 118 coupled to broadband adapter 108, such as by using a hub on Ethernet cable 106.

Method and apparatus for conducting analog communication over a data cable


Presented is a system and method for providing reconfigurable AC interfaces for AC power systems. The method comprises embedding a reconfigurable AC interface for transferring power between power sources and loads, monitoring the voltage and current of the interfaces of the reconfigurable AC interface, and switching between power sources based on the monitoring. The system comprises a reconfigurable AC interface further comprising an inverter for converting DC power to AC, transfer switches with interfaces for connecting to the inverter, other transfer switches, and AC busses, and a controller that dynamically configures the transfer switches to transfer power between the inverter, and AC busses.

Many industrialized countries generate a substantial amount of their electricity in large centralized power plants and delivered via power lines on the utility power grid, or utility grid. Power plants are typically fossil fuel based, nuclear or hydroelectric. However, power may be generated locally, for example using local generators, and available solar, wind, or geothermal resources. The locally generated power is typically on its own grid, called a microgrid. Excess power generated on the microgrid can be sold back to the utility by tying the microgrid electrically into the local utility grid and net metering to determine the net flow of electricity into or out of the microgrid.
Traditionally, the utility grid is AC, or alternating current, and a microgrid interfaces to the utility grid using a grid-tie inverter. The grid-tie inverter uses anti-islanding switches that guarantees that the inverter is disconnected from the utility grid if power from the utility is down and only reconnects when utility is operating normally again. The anti-islanding switches are a safety feature that prevents the microgrid from supplying power onto the utility grid when utility workers may be repairing a downed power line or malfunctioning transformer. Although this protects the utility grids from power generated on the microgrid, there remains the possibility of power interruptions on the microgrid itself
A microgrid can participate in load-shedding programs with the utilities who then treat the microgrids as dispatchable loads that can be shed by the utility if needed. Owners of microgrids agree to be curtailed up to an agreed number of times and durations. In return, the incentive for the microgrid owner is usually a reduced energy rate that lowers the overall energy bill, or a capacity and/or energy payment for the actual load being placed at risk of interruption. Usually owners are notified when utility service is going to be interrupted and the verification that the customer load was shed as requested takes place ex post based on meter data. The owner can choose not to comply with the direction to shed load as requested, although penalties are often levied for non-compliance and may be severe. In some load-curtailment programs, loads are interrupted immediately and without warning. The present microgrid solutions do not address solutions for enabling loads to continue to be powered while complying with utility load-shedding requests.
As microgrids become more common, their influence on the stability of the grid will increase. Undesirable dynamic interactions triggered by microgrids increase the possibility of key, heavily loaded transmission lines tripping. The present microgrid solutions do not address designs of utility grids that utilize the dynamic nature of microgrids to enhance the stability of the utility grids and the transmission lines.

Smart microgrid reconfigurable AC interface


A hemostatic clip includes: a clip body formed by folding an intermediate section of a belt-like member; and a holding tube. The clip body includes: a first member formed of a first metallic material that is elastically deformable; and a pair of second members that are formed of a second metallic material having a lower elastic strain limit than an elastic strain limit of the first metallic member and are connected to respective both ends of the first member. The holding tube is configured to change an opening width of the clip body by holding part of the clip body in the holding tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hemostatic clip that is introduced into a body cavity through an endoscope and used in the body cavity. Particularly, the present invention relates to the hemostatic clip capable of re-ligating target tissue.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, bleeding of a digestive canal is stopped by introducing a hemostatic clip into a body cavity through an endoscope and pinching (ligating) a bleeding spot using the hemostatic clip (e.g., see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2007-196012).
When such a hemostatic clip is used, the bleeding may not be successfully stopped by ligating the bleeding spot once. In such cases, it is convenient that the clip can be reopened and the bleeding spot can be pinched again more properly using the clip. However, it is not easy to reopen the clip because friction between part of the clip retracted into a fixing member such as a holding tube during the pinching produces and the fixing member is generated.
A hemostatic clip capable of re-ligating is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4870139. In this hemostatic clip, an elastic part biasing the clip against a fixing member in an advancing direction is provided in the fixing member. As a result, the clip is relatively easily pushed out even after the clip is retracted into the fixing member once, and thus it is not so difficult to reopen the clip.


Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, by a first device, an encrypted first biometric template generated from a first biometric sample of a user of the first device to a second device, wherein the second device inputs the encrypted first biometric template and a second biometric template generated from a second biometric sample of the user into a function to generate an encoded output. The first device may receive the encoded output from the second device, and may decode the encoded output to recover the encrypted first biometric template and the second biometric template of the user. Upon determining a match result between first and second biometric templates, the first device may transmit unique data to the second device.

In today's technological environment, it is common for users to transmit data between devices. At times, the data may be sensitive and should only be transmitted if the user is authorized. Typically, for a device to know if a user is authorized, the user must present credentials to the device such as a password or PIN. Another way to identify the user, is through biometric verification. Conventional biometric verification systems may transmit a biometric sample from a first device to a second device. The second device may receive the user's biometric sample and it can be compared to the transmitted biometric sample. Such conventional processes expose the biometric sample to man-in-the-middle attacks. Biometric verification should be performed in a way that is secure, and does not expose the user's biometric data in the clear where it can be illegally obtained by a criminal and used to impersonate the legitimate user.
Embodiments of the invention address this and other problems, individually and collectively.

Biometric data security system and method


A microprocessor-based locomotive brake control system having an electropneumatic brake pipe pressure regulating circuit via which a train brake pipe pressure is controlled and a normally closed charging cut-off valve between the brake pipe regulating circuit anad the brake pipe. The charging cut-off valve is electropneumatically controlled in order to effect opening of the normally closed charging cut-off valve on a controlling locomotive. An arrangement is provided for maintaining the charging cut-off valve open when electric power is lost on a controlling locomotive, while providing for closure of the charging cut-off valve on a non-controlling locomotive irrespective of the presence or absence of electric power.

The present invention relates to microprocessor-based electropneumatic type locomotive brake control systems and particularly to an improved brake pipe charging cut-off valve arrangement for such a locomotive brake control system.
Modern-day locomotive controls, including the locomotive brake control system, incorporate computer technology to reduce hardware and to facilitate adaptation of the system to various customer requirements.
In one such brake control system, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,788, a cab-mounted, handle-operated, brake controller outputs a desired brake command signal to a microprocessor unit, which interprets this brake command signal in terms of a feedback signal indicative of the pressure of air in an equalizing reservoir, and then effects operation of application and release electropneumatic valves to adjust the equalizing reservoir pressure in accordance with the brake command signal.
A high-capacity pneumatic relay valve device is employed to vary the trainline brake pipe pressure in accordance with variations of the equalizing reservoir pressure, in order to control the railway car brakes. This so-called brake pipe control circuit of the aforementioned brake control system is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,027.
The brake control system further includes a locomotive brake cylinder control circuit having electropneumatic application and release valves. The locomotive brake cylinder control electropneumatic valves are operated by the microprocessor in response to changes in brake pipe pressure initiated by the brake pipe control circuit in accordance with movement of an automatic brake handle of the cab brake controller. Another high-capacity pneumatic relay valve device controls the pressure in the locomotive brake cylinders according to the pressure output of the locomotive brake cylinder control circuit application and release electropneumatic valves.
The electropneumatic valves in the brake pipe control circuit and in the locomotive brake cylinder control circuit are arranged to assume a pressure release state, in the event of a power loss at the microprocessor unit. In consequence of such a power loss, therefore, brake pipe pressure is reduced while, concurrently, the locomotive brake cylinder pressure is released. A pneumatic back-up control valve in the locomotive automatic brake control circuit is provided to establish locomotive brake cylinder pressure in response to the afore-mentioned reduction of brake pipe pressure resulting from such fail-safe operation of the electropneumatic valves in the brake pipe pressure control circuit, there being a double check valve to separate the pneumatic backup control valve from the electropneumatic valves in the locomotive brake cylinder control circuit.
Additional electropneumatic valves are employed in conjunction with a charging cut-off valve in a branch pipe via which the brake pipe pressure control circuit is connected to the locomotive brake pipe. The charging cut-off valve is provided to establish communication between the brake pipe pressure control circuit and the brake pipe when the locomotive is set up for "lead" operation, as a controlling locomotive, and to interrupt such communication when the locomotive is set up for "trail" operation, as a non-controlling locomotive.
The afore-mentioned charging cut-off valve is bistable and thus remains in its set position in the event of a microprocessor malfunction that causes a loss of power. In the event such a malfunction occurs on a controlling locomotive that is subsequently downgraded to non-controlling status, it will be appreciated that the charging cut-off valve remains in its previously set open position. Typically, such a non-controlling locomotive is hauled "dead", i.e., without electrical power, whereby the application and release electropneumatic valves in the brake pipe pressure control circuit are de-energized. This in turn causes the relay valve in this control circuit to assume an exhaust condition, thereby venting the brake pipe via the open charging cut-off valve. Accordingly, the ability to recharge the brake pipe from another controlling locomotive, following a "loss of power" brake application, could be jeopardized.

Charging cut-off valve arrangement for microprocessor-based electropneumatic locomotive brake control system


A permanent magnet motor has a rotor and a stator. The rotor has a shaft, a rotor core fixed to the shaft, a commutator fixed to the shaft adjacent to the rotor core, and rotor windings wound about poles of the rotor core and electrically connected to the commutator. The stator includes a magnetically conductive round housing, permanent magnets fixed to an inner surface of the housing, and brushes for making sliding contact with the commutator. The ratio of an outer diameter of the rotor core to an outer diameter of the housing is between 66% to 84%.

Many appliances and devices today use electric motors. Many of the appliances, like kitchen appliances such as soybean milk makers or food mixers, want the electric motor to be smaller, lighter and more powerful so as to reduce the size of the appliance with the same performance or to improve the performance of the appliance without increasing its size.
In some conventional kitchen appliances high voltage direct current (HVDC) motors are used. The HVDC motor has a stator and a rotor. The stator has a round housing with one or more permanent magnets fixed to the inner surface of the housing. The rotor has a rotor core and rotor windings wound about poles of the rotor core. The rotor windings are supplied with HVDC power via a commutator and brushes. In a known HVDC motor, the housing of the motor has an outer diameter of 36 mm, the rotor core has an outer diameter of 22.8 mm, and the ratio of the outer diameter of the rotor core to the outer diameter of the housing is 63.3%. The power output of the motor is typically less than 40 watts.
By round housing we mean that the housing has a round or circular cross section. HVDC is generally used to mean a DC voltage of a level derived from a domestic AC electrical supply. Depending on the method of converting the AC power to DC power, the resulting DC power may be between half to same as the supply voltage. Thus HVDC is taken to mean a DC voltage in the range of 50V to 400V.
The present invention aims to provide a permanent magnet motor having higher power output without increasing its size, which is greatly appreciated by the kitchen appliance manufacturers and their customers.


A container with flexible walls has bonded to it a closure which is scored, perforated, narrowed or otherwise weakened in selected patterns such that the closure will substantially retain the liquid in the container while the container is rotated to a pouring position. However, the closure will irreversibly fail and thereby release the liquid when the user squeezes the bottle while in the pouring position.

1. Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to flexible hand held liquid (e.g., motor oil) containers which are inverted to pour their contents into an aperture of a receptacle, such as an engine crankcase.
2. Background Information
Motor oil, engine additives and other liquids in the automotive and other industries are usefully packaged in flexible plastic bottles. To dispense the liquid, the user removes the bottle cap, inverts the bottle and inserts the mouth and neck of the bottle into an aperture of the receptacle of the product. During this process, liquid frequently begins pouring from the bottle's mouth before its insertion into the aperture, resulting in spillage. One common instance of this problem occurs in adding oil to an engine. The crowded and cramped space makes if difficult to insert the bottle's mouth into the crankcase opening quickly. As a result, oil spills and eventually runs onto the user's garage floor or driveway.

Flexible liquid container with spill preventing squeeze openable seal


Access of a social networking profile on a social networking website is detected. Characteristics of the social networking profile are analyzed to determine whether the social networking profile is malicious. Responsive to determining that the social networking profile is malicious, the social networking profile is reported as being malicious.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains in general to security management for social networking websites, and more specifically to detecting malicious social networking profiles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Social networking services have opened up many new avenues to building social networks by allowing users to share information online and connect with a wide range of different users. Social networking services, such as FACEBOOK®, MYSPACE®, and LINKEDIN®, maintain profiles created by users of the service. A user's profile allows other users to learn about the user and communicate with the user. A user's profile includes, for example, information about the user, pictures posted by the user, a listing of the user's friends, and comments posted by users. The amount and types of information that can be shared in these social networking environments is vast.
Malicious entities have taken advantage of the resources of social networking services and have created malicious profiles. A malicious profile is created by a malicious entity with the purpose of deceiving users that access the profile. A malicious profile looks like a normal profile (e.g., a user profile), but in reality it is an image of a normal profile and the image is a hyperlink.
When a user accesses the malicious profile and clicks anywhere on the image, the hyperlink causes the user to be directed to the malicious entity's website or another website that is on a different domain than that of the social networking service's website. The website may contain content that the user is not interested in and/or content the user is not suppose to be looking at (e.g., pornographic content). The website may also try to obtain personal information from the user, such as social security number and credit card numbers. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for ways to detect malicious profiles.

Detecting malicious social networking profiles


A construction structure of wall surface includes: a hat joiner; and a building board. The hat joiner has a fixing plate portion and a design portion, and the building board has a design portion extending linearly on a surface. A joint at which the design portion of the hat joiner constitutes a design surface, and a design pattern at which the design portion of the building board constitutes a design surface, are formed in a same direction, by arranging the building board in plurality to left and right, or above and below, of the design portion of the hat joiner. A width of the joint at the design portion of the hat joiner is the same as a width of each of the design portions on the surface of each of the building boards.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a construction structure of wall surface comprised in an inner wall or an outer wall of a building.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, outer and inner walls of buildings are constructed through fitting of a plurality of building boards onto a building frame. A sealing material is provided for joining the building boards, for countering dimensional changes of the building boards over time, and for waterproofing the building.
For instance, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-343024 discloses the feature of providing a hat joiner, having a linear projection, between the end faces of adjacent external facing members, and forming a joint by providing a sealing material at a portion formed between the front face of the linear projection and the end face of the external facing members.
However, the joint formed by providing the sealing material is likely to be noticeable, which is problematic. Also, sealing deteriorates over time, and performance in terms of durability, waterproofness and so forth becomes impaired, which is likewise problematic. Further, the passage of time gives rise to discoloration and impaired appearance, and makes it necessary to repair and/or renew the deteriorated sealing material.
Accordingly, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-328529 discloses a vertical joint structure wherein siding panels are arranged on a joiner to which a waterproof material is attached, such that the end portions of the siding panels are butt-joined to each other.
No sealing material is required in the structure of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-328529, and hence the problem of noticeable joints that form by providing a sealing material does not occur, nor is repair or renewal necessary upon deterioration of the sealing over time. However, it is difficult to manufacture the siding panels with good enough precision so as to preclude gaps from appearing upon butt-joining to other siding panels, and the joining portions between siding panels are readily noticeable. Also, the dimensions of the siding panels change over time, and hence gaps appear at the joining portions between siding panels, or small gaps become larger, among other problems.


A view finder device for enabling an ordinary video camera to be used for broadcast use. The view finder device includes a control signal input for receiving control signals including a video-select signal; a camera video signal input for receiving a camera video signal from a video camera; an interrupt video signal input for receiving an interrupt video signal from a video interrupt source which is different from the video camera; a video selector for displaying either the camera video signal or the interrupt video signal, according to the video-select signal; a display controller for controlling display of a video selected by the video selector; and a control signal output for outputting the control signals after the video-select signal is removed therefrom.

The present invention relates to a view finder device (a video display device) mounted to a video camera, and more particularly to a view finder device which is capable of switching a video displayed on a display between a video of a camera video signal from a video camera and a video of an interrupt video signal (a return signal from a video interrupt source such as a video switcher).
In general, a plurality of broadcast-grade video cameras are connected to a video switcher when a TV program is recorded or broadcasted. An operator of the switcher views video feeds from the plurality of video cameras at the same time, and determines which of the video feeds will be used for the TV program. In order to create an interesting TV program, it is necessary for example to obtain a zoomed-in video of a subject and a video of the entire area of the scene to express the on-site presence. In order to obtain videos with various views, camera operators are required to spontaneously decide which video image should be sent to the switcher. For this purpose, a function is provided, which enables the camera operator to view the video feed currently being chosen by the switcher. This function allows the camera operator to acquire video image with a view which is different from the one currently being chosen by the switcher. Therefore, a broadcast-grade video camera, in general, is configured to receive an input from the switcher, and includes a function to switch between a video currently being acquired by the camera (hereinafter, referred to as "current video") and a return video from the switcher (hereinafter, referred to as "return video"), generally, by pushing a video-select button provided on a lens mounted on the video camera or pushing a video-select button provided on a zoom remote controller which is connected to the lens.

View finder device, fixture adapter for the same


Embedded BEOL memory devices having a top electrode pillar are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming an embedded memory device includes: depositing a first ILD on a substrate; forming first/second interconnect in the first ILD over logic/memory regions of the substrate; depositing a capping layer onto the first ILD; forming a memory film stack on the capping layer; patterning the memory film stack into a memory device(s) including a bottom electrode, a dielectric element, and a top electrode; patterning the top electrode to form a pillar-shaped top electrode; depositing a conformal encapsulation layer over the capping layer and memory device(s); depositing a second ILD over the conformal encapsulation layer; and forming a first metal line(s) in the second ILD in contact with the first interconnect(s), and a second metal line(s) in the second ILD in contact with the pillar-shaped top electrode. A device is also provided.

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is a type of non-volatile memory. RRAM devices store information based on a resistance across a dielectric element. The dielectric is typically insulating. However, an applied voltage to the RRAM device is used to form an electrically-conductive path or filament through the dielectric element.
Memory devices such as RRAM can be integrated with other device elements such as logic devices in embedded circuit designs. However, accessing the memory devices in a memory integration scheme can present some notable challenges.
For example, current back-end-of-line (BEOL) embedded memory integration schemes have wide top-level metal lines landing directly on the RRAM stack which causes etch and reliability issues. For instance, if the etch for the metal line is too deep, the metal line can wrap around the RRAM stack, causing shorts between the top and bottom electrodes.
Therefore, improved BEOL memory integration schemes would be desirable.

Embedded BEOL memory device with top electrode pillar

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to water-based coatings for frozen confectioneries intended for animal consumption. In particular, it relates to the use of starch and protein in the preparation of a low fat water-based coating for a frozen confectionery.

Edible coatings are commonly used in frozen confectionery products. They provide a texture or taste contrast and improve the organoleptic properties of the product. On the other hand, coatings have the essential function of delaying melting of the ice confectionery coated therewith and preventing the latter from dripping during consumption.
The most commonly used coatings in the frozen dessert industry are fat-based coatings. These usually consist in milk, sugar, cocoa and fat. However, these coatings are high in calorie and high in fat which make them usually not healthy.
Water-based coatings are also known in the art. WO 0130175 describes for instance an aqueous-based coating for ice confections including sorbets. The coating there-described is based on a water-ice solution typically comprising sugars, stabilisers, fruit solids, citric acids, colours and water.
EP 2025241 relates as well to water-based compositions for coating frozen confections. These compositions are based on the use of saccharides and polysaccharides.
Coatings have shown to be particularly useful for the increasingly popular bite-sized ice confectioneries. However, the coatings used in such bite-sized products must demonstrate, in addition to the usual mechanical properties required for single packaged products, additional characteristics so as to prevent individual products in contact in the same packaging from sticking to each other.
Now, low fat water-based coatings known up to date do not constitute solutions to this problem and in particular do not provide sufficient non sticking effect to fulfil the high standards commanded by this type of application.

Water-based coating for frozen confection


An object is to provide a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device in which a time required for removing a sacrificial oxide film can be shortened and damage to a surface of the silicon carbide layer can be reduced. The method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: (a) performing ion implantation to a silicon carbide layer; (b) performing activation annealing to the ion-implanted silicon carbide layer 2; (c) removing a surface layer of the silicon carbide layer 2, to which the activation annealing has been performed, by dry etching; (d) forming a sacrificial oxide film on a surface layer of the silicon carbide layer, to which the dry etching has been performed, by performing sacrificial oxidation thereto; and (e) removing the sacrificial oxide film by wet etching.

A silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diode having resistance to high voltages on the order of kV is configured of an n-type epitaxial layer constituted of SiC and a Schottky electrode formed thereon. In this structure, electric field is apt to concentrate at the periphery of the joint surface between the epitaxial layer and the Schottky electrode. It is therefore necessary that a p-type termination structure for alleviating the electric-field concentration should be formed on a surface layer of the periphery of the joint surface (Schottky joint surface).
For forming the p-type termination structure, a method, in which ions of a p-type impurity such as Al (aluminum) or B (boron) are implanted in an n-type epitaxial layer and activation annealing is performed to the layer through a high-temperature heat treatment at about 1,500° C. or higher, is generally used. For forming a Schottky junction having satisfactory properties, it is necessary to remove the altered layer which has been formed in the SiC surface as a result of the high-temperature heat treatment. Known as techniques for removing the altered layer are, for example, the techniques described in patent documents 1 to 3.
Patent document 1 describes, as a technique for removing the altered layer, a technique in which sacrificial oxidation is performed to a surface layer of the SiC after the activation annealing to form a sacrificial oxide film having a thickness of 40 nm or more but less than 140 nm as a surface layer, and the altered layer is removed together with the sacrificial oxide film.
Patent document 2 describes a technique in which a native oxide film is removed by a treatment with hydrofluoric acid and the surface of the SiC is subsequently cleaned by etching with plasma of a hydrogen/oxygen mixture gas or plasma of a gas containing fluorine atoms.
Patent document 3 describes that an altered layer having a thickness of about 100 nm generates and the altered layer having a thickness of about 100 nm is removed by etching or polishing in an atmosphere containing hydrogen.

Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device


An electrical connection socket structure is configured in a case on a wall. The structure includes a housing, a circuit board and a back plate. The housing and the back plate are made of a plastic material. The circuit board and the back plate are closely stacked on one side of the housing, and an edge of the housing and a back side of the back plate urge the case. Slanted side surfaces at an edge of the back plate urge slanted protruding ribs at an inner side of the housing. Therefore, an external force applied to the housing can be uniformly guided to the case by the back plate, thereby strengthening the structure of the connection socket.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector device for signal leads, and more particularly to an electrical connection socket structure for connecting signal leads.
2. Related Art
Networks and telephones are indispensable tools in people's daily life. So currently, many wired communication systems, for example, networks or telephone systems have been planned no matter in dwelling houses or office area. Communication cables (e.g. network or telephone lines) wired in the building are disposed on a socket panel and exposed outside the wall through. One end of the connector is electrically connected to the communication cables in the building, and the other end has a slot exposed outside the socket panel. Signal leads of telephones, computers, printers, and other electronic devices may be inserted into the slots of the connectors, so as to be connected to the communication cables in the building by the use of the connectors. Common socket panels are mostly separate and scattered on the walls, and this manner may better meet the demands of common family subscribers. In situations of large number of subscribers in a family or office area, for the comprehensive arrangement of the network or telephone lines, the network or the telephone lines are integrated in a gather box. A signal line connection socket similar to the socket panel may be disposed in the gather box, for connecting the communication cables in the building and the signal leads of the electronic devices.
The signal line connection socket is constituted by a front plate and a circuit board. An edge of the front plate is fixed on the gather box, and the circuit board is directly locked on the back side of the front plate through screws. The circuit board has terminal blocks having a plurality of insulation displacement connection terminals (IDC terminals) and connector slots electrically connected with contact terminals of the IDC terminals. Both the terminal blocks and the connector slots are exposed outside the front plate. The IDC terminals are provided for the connection of the communication cables in the building, and the connector slots are provided for the connection of the signal leads of the electronic devices. Thus, the electronic devices are electrically connected to the communication cables through the signal line connection socket. The process of installing the communication cables to the IDC terminals is usually called "wiring" in the industry. That is, the communication cables are pressed to insert in the IDC terminals by the use of a tool, so as to cut a superficial plastic insulating layer on the cables, such that the IDC terminals contact the metal wires in the cables and the cables fix at the same time. During the process of wiring, the terminal blocks may suffer the external force repetitively, and the external force is transferred to the front plate via the circuit board. Moreover, if the operation is improper, the tool may directly hit the front plate, and the front plate endures most of the external force in the wiring process. So, the structural strength and durability of the front plate become especially important.
In order to enhance the structural strength and the durability of the front plate, the front plates of most of the signal line connection sockets are made of a metal material, such that the front plate can pass the standard intensity test. However, the cost of the metal material is considerably expensive, and the manufacturing procedure is quite difficult. For example, the metal processing procedure, such as turning and punching, must be adopted to form the finished products, and thus the production cost is considerably expensive. Therefore, the cost of the front plate made of the metal material cannot be effectively reduced, such that the price of the signal line connection sockets is quite expensive.


A protective jacketing-insulation composite structure and method is provided for inhibiting the corrosion of a pipeline. The method includes forming a porous-insulation into an elongated-arcuate-shape, applying a sodium silicate solution layer to the insulation and at least partially within the pores thereof, permitting the sodium silicate solution layer to set to a threshold amount, adhering an outer facing to the sodium silicate solution layer after the permitting step is accomplished, installing the insulation and facing to the outer surface of a pipeline, and sealing any exposed edges or seams that may exist between multiple installed products. A structure such as made from this method can have a release layer and contact adhesive.

In many industries, it is commonplace to provide thermal insulation for pipe and equipment to prevent heat loss or gain. When insulation on pipe and equipment are exposed to the external environment, the insulation material can become wet leading to its physical deterioration, loss of thermal efficiency, and corrosion of the pipe or piece of equipment being insulated. Therefore, an additional outer layer, commonly called a protective jacketing (sometimes also referred to as a lagging or cladding), is installed over the insulation to provide it with weather protection and protection from physical abuse. Currently, the insulation field is lacking protective jacketing constructions whereby the jacketing can be pre-applied to an insulation, and then transported as pre-jacketed insulation construction to an industrial job site such that the construction can be easily, quickly, and efficiently installed on pipe and/or equipment in the field.
Typically, protective jacketing materials, in the form of materials such as sheet metal, plastic sheet, metal foil / plastic laminates, or metal foil / fiberglass cloth laminates, are not adhered to industrial insulation in a factory, prior to transporting the materials to the industrial site. Rather, the insulation materials are first transported to the industrial site, installed on the pipe and/or equipment, and then the protective jacketing is installed separately over top of the insulation. The two are then simply fastened or banded together. The reason the material transport and material installation is done in this sequence is because most industrial insulation surfaces are dusty and fibrous in nature. These characteristics give an insulation surface that is dusty which contains loose fibers and hence, do not allow for direct bonding of the insulation to a protective jacketing. Therefore, the installation process at the industrial site is inherently slow and labor intensive. The protective jacketing must be installed and sealed in a separate step, after the insulation has been installed and restrained with tape or wires or bands.
The practice of the insulation contracting industry is to transport insulation materials and protective jacketing to the industrial job site, then install the insulation on the pipe or equipment, securing it in place with tape, wire or bands, followed by a separate protective jacketing installation step. A drawback of this process is when the insulation and protective jacketing are fastened together, gaps, however miniscule, remain between the protective jacketing overlaps, from one sheet of jacketing to the next, or on the lap joints where the jacketing circumscribes the circular pipe insulation. The movement of the protective jacketing relative to the insulation and the insulated surface, caused by pipe or equipment movement and/or differential thermal expansion and contraction, prevents a true seal. The lack of a seal allows for the possibility of gaps through which water, or other electrolytes, can enter the insulation itself and be absorbed or condensed onto the insulation, leading to CUI. The present invention addresses these shortcomings by first providing an industrial insulation amenable for direct bonding to a protective jacketing.
It would be desirable to provide insulation amenable for bonding or adhering uniformly to a protective jacketing. Such an insulation substrate would preclude the possibility of movement of a jacketing, once the insulation-jacketing construction is installed on a pipe or piece of equipment. This would allow application of a protective jacketing in a factory setting, which would dramatically decrease installation time and costs in the field (e.g., by reducing tools, labor and materials). Prior to the present inventors' discovery, due to the friable nature of many insulation materials, a protective jacketing had to be manually installed on the thermal insulation at the site of the pipe or equipment that required insulation. A protective jacketing-insulation material composite structure serves to secure the protective jacketing-insulation bond from disturbance under typical industrial conditions. The present invention addresses these and other needs.
Corrosion of metal pipe or piece of equipment under insulation, known as corrosion under insulation (CUI), presents a major problem for most process industries, including, but not limited to, petroleum, chemical, food and paper. In many instances, corrosion of pipe or equipment is not determined until system failure. Pipe or equipment leakage, catastrophic damage caused by such leakage, significant operational downtime and high maintenance costs are all effects CUI.
Although corrosion is easily diagnosed by looking at the exterior surface of a pipe or piece of equipment, insulation and protective jacketing on the outer surface of the pipe or equipment insulation presents an optical, barrier to the pipe or piece of equipment. Because water intrusion to the insulation is unpredictable, CUI is also highly unpredictable, so inspection has to encompass the entire insulated system in order to be effective. Corrosion of a particular segment of a pipe or piece of equipment, therefore, can be both costly and arduous to decipher.
For corrosion to occur on a metal pipe or piece of equipment, there must be (1) an anode, (2) a cathode, (3) an electrical path caused by a potential difference between the anode and cathode, and (4) an electrolyte. Inherent to all metals are an anode, cathode and electrical path (i.e., the metal surface of the pipe or piece of equipment). Speed and frequency of transfer of electrons between the anode and cathode correlates with the tendency of a pipe or piece of equipment to corrode, and will differ based on material of the pipe or piece of equipment, its contents, system operating temperature, etc. Although CUI can be inhibited somewhat at the outset by choosing one substrate over another, the substrate will still be susceptible to CUI if electrolytes are introduced via damp insulation. It is not always cost feasible to replace existing pipe or piece of equipment, so the substrate cannot always be selected. It is of particular concern, therefore, to limit electrolytes (in most cases water), from interaction with insulation surrounding a pipe or piece of equipment, and the pipe or piece of equipment itself, by sealing the insulation from the external environment. The present invention addresses this need.
There are methods to detect CUI before system failure, such as removing insulation, followed by inspection of the pipe or piece of equipment, utilizing moisture density gauges and infrared surveys. These methods are time consuming, costly, and in many cases, require operational downtime. Detection efforts can be limited by implementing systems which employ composite structures comprised of a protective jacketing over insulation. This solution, if provided correctly (i.e., a uniform interface between the protective jacketing and insulation), would limit the CUI inspection costs of an industrial system because no vapor could be trapped between the protective jacketing layer and the insulation layer. Current methods for providing a protective jacketing allow for the protective jacketing to move, and consequently, do not provide a seal from the external environment. For example, metal bands have been used to attach an aluminum jacket to pipe insulation; these restrain the insulation and the metal jacket to the pipe but do not preclude intrusion of water at the joints, where the jacketing material overlaps itself or the adjacent section. This technique leaves at least a gap between the insulation's exterior surface and the jacket, which in turn permits movement of the jacket and intrusion of water.

Pre-applied protective jacketing construction for pipe and block insulation


Disclosed are heat sealable compositions comprising: (a) from about 30 to about 70 weight percent a low melting polymer comprising an ethylene based copolymer having a density of from about 0.88 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.915 g/cm.sup.3, a melt index of from about 1.5 dg/min to about 7.5 dg/min, a molecular weight distribution no greater than about 3.5, and a composition breadth index greater than about 70 percent; and, (b) from about 70 to about 30 weight percent of a propylene based polymer having from about 88 mole percent to about 100 mole percent propylene and from about 12 mole percent to about 0 mole percent of an alpha-olefin other than propylene. Further disclosed are films and articles made thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to blends of very low density polyethylene or plastomers with propylene based polymers. In another aspect, this invention relates to blends of very low density polyethylenes or plastomers with propylene based polymers which are useful as heat sealable compositions, and to films and articles made thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Plastic films have found utility in a wide variety of packaging applications such as for example bags, pouches, tubes and trays. In many film packaging applications it is necessary to seal the film during the packaging operation. This may be accomplished by using adhesives or by using heat sealing techniques. When heat sealing is used, it is important that the plastic film be readily heat sealable while also possessing other good physical and mechanical properties such as resistance to tearing, tensile strength, and processabilty in high speed equipment.
For example in packaging items into a bag made from film, film is generally first processed into a bag, a bottom being formed by squeezing together two films, and subjecting the bottom to a temperature above the seal initiation temperature under pressure, to seal the bottom of the bag. The bag is subsequently filled with the goods to be packaged, and the top is sealed in a fashion similar to how the bottom was sealed.
Film heat sealing is generally affected by means of heated flat surfaces, between which the films are forcefully pressed together at a temperature above the seal initiation temperature of the film. When use is made of equipment such as vertical form, fill and seal machines, the bag is filled with the contents to be packaged while the bottom seal is still hot. Cooling the seal would entail too long a waiting time, thus lengthening the cycle time and increase operating costs. Consequently, the film must be one which enables the formation of a strong seal even as the seal formed is at or near the seal formation temperature.
It is evident that an important characteristic for a heat sealable film is the temperature at which the sealing begins, i.e. the heat seal initiation temperature. It is desired to operate at as low of a temperature as possible because (1) it broadens the heat sealable range, (2) it permits higher productivity due to less time for cooling, (3) it requires less energy to heat seal at lower temperature, and (4) at a lower heat seal initiation temperature, the film is more forgiving of inadequacies in the heat sealing equipment.
Many commonly used plastic materials which are used in the formation of film products could benefit from an improvement of their heat sealing characteristics. For example, crystalline polypropylene films have found extensive use in the field of packaging. Polypropylene films, in both oriented or non-oriented form, are used widely in packaging applications because of their superiority in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness, and optical properties such as gloss and transparency, and food hygiene such as freedom from toxicity and odor. However, polypropylene films (including those from polypropylene copolymers) typically require heat sealing initiation temperatures upwards of about 120.degree. C. before adequate film seal strengths (at least 200 g/inch, desirably 400 g/inch and higher per specified settings for pressure and dwell time) are obtained. Consequently, there has been quite a bit of development work to find ways that would allow the heat sealing of propylene films at lower temperatures. Such approaches have included the use of coatings, blend components and multiple film layers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,092 and divisionals, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,339,496, 4,340,640 and 4,340,641, all disclose a heat sealable packaging film layer for a polypropylene substrate wherein the film layer comprises a blend of a copolymer of ethylene and a higher olefin and a copolymer of propylene and a higher olefin. U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,945 discloses the use of a linear low density polyethylene in a heat sealable film composition, and E.P. 0221726 discloses a heat sealable layer comprising very low density polyethylene blended optionally with a polyolefin.
Unfortunately, the prior art heat sealable films are not without certain deficiencies. A need still exists in the industry for a heat sealable layer having a seal initiation temperature of about 110.degree. C. or lower while the film maintains good elevated temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, blocking resistance, good strength and rigidity, and good film optical properties.
A class of highly active olefin catalysts known as metallocenes is well known especially in the preparation of polyethylene and copolyethylene-alpha-olefins. These catalysts, particularly those based on group IV B transition metals, zirconium, titanium and hafnium, show extremely high activity in ethylene polymerization. The metallocene catalysts are also highly flexible in that, by manipulation of catalyst composition and reaction conditions, they can be made to provide polyolefins with controllable molecular weights from as low as about 200 (useful in applications such as lube oil additives) to about 1 million or higher, as for example in ultra high molecular weight linear polyethylene. At the same time, the molecular weight distribution of the polymers can be controlled from extremely narrow (as in a polydispersity, M.sub.w /M.sub.n of about 2), to broad (a polydispersity of about 8).
Exemplary of the development of these metallocene catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene is U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,299 to Ewen et al. hereby incorporated by reference. Among other things, this patent teaches that the structure of the metallocene catalyst includes an alumoxane, formed when water reacts with trialkyl aluminum with the release of methane, which alumoxane complexes with the metallocene compound to form the catalyst.
There are a number of structural variables in polyolefins which effect the ultimate properties of the polymer. Two of the most important are composition distribution (CD) and molecular weight distribution (MWD). Composition distribution (CD) refers to the distribution of comonomer between copolymer molecules. This feature relates directly to polymer crystallizability, optical properties, toughness and many other important use characteristics. Molecular weight distribution (MWD) plays a significant role in melt processability as well as the level and balance of physical properties achievable. Molecular weight (MW) determines the level of melt viscosity and the ultimately desired physical properties of the polymer. The type and amount of comonomer effects the physical properties and crystallizability of the copolymer. All of these structural features (MW, MWD, CD, comonomer type and amount) are readily controllable through the use of metallocene catalysts as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,299 cited above.
Metallocene catalysts are particularly attractive in making tailored ultrauniform and super random specialty copolymer. For example, if a lower density copolymer is being made with a metallocene catalyst such as very low density polyethylene, (VLDPE), an ultrauniform and super random copolymerization will occur, as contrasted to the polymer produced by copolymerization using a conventional Ziegler catalyst.
In view of the ongoing need for heat sealable films of optimum quality for particular uses, it would be desirable to provide compositions utilizing the high quality characteristics of very low density polyethylene prepared with metallocene catalysts.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to polyolefin homopolymer and copolymer blends utilizing as a low temperature polymer, ethylene based polymers, either VLDPEs or plastomers, prepared by metallocene catalysts. The blends of the present invention are particularly useful as heat sealable films in plastic packaging.

Heat sealable blend of very low density polyethylene or plastomer with polypropylene based polymers and heat sealable film and articles made thereof


An LC composite component having an integral sintered body formed by cofiring green compacts of an inductor material and a capacitor material in an adhered state.. The inductor material and capacitor are both capable of being sintered at a low temperature, so that they may be cofired with substantially no counterdiffusion taking place between them upon cofiring.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite component, and more particularly, it relates to an LC composite component comprising an inductor and a capacitor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In manufacturing an LC composite component, it is preferable to couple an inductor material with a capacitor material to be cofired, thereby to integrally sinter to same and achieve reduction in manufacturing step, cost and size.
In general, however, the inductor material is prepared from ferrite powder etc. and the capacitor material is prepared from barium titanate powder etc. both requiring a high firing temperature of about 1200.degree. to 1400.degree. C., and hence strong reaction is caused between the materials by cofiring, leading to counter diffusion in the interface between the materials. Upon such counter diffusion in the interface, no prescribed Q-value is achieved in the inductor while the capacitor is increased in dielectric dissipation factor tan .delta., whereby the entire characteristics are degraded.
In order to solve such problems, a conventional composite component has been manufactured by separately firing an inductor and a capacitor and adhering the same to each other after firing.
However, such a method of separately firing the inductor and the capacitor and adhering the same thereafter requires a number of steps and an increased cost, while the composite component itself cannot be reduced in size.

Method of manufacturing an LC composite component


A vehicle interior trim part having a molded skin, an intermediate layer, a substrate, at least one reinforcing element arranged in the intermediate layer, and at least one fixing element formed as a part of the skin which acts to fix the position of reinforcing element so that its position cannot inadvertently change as the vehicle interior trim part is being produced. The fixing element is formed as at least one rib-shaped, elevated portion from the same material as the remaining molded skin. A method for producing the vehicle interior trim part is also provided.

It is known in accordance with the prior art first to manufacture a molded skin by spraying onto a mold or by rotational sintering for manufacturing a vehicle interior trim part such as a dashboard. Subsequently, the molded skin and a carrier likewise previously manufactured are inserted into a foaming tool and back-foamed. To define bends of the molded skin, for example at openings to be introduced for air discharge installations, with an exact positioning, it is known also to arrange reinforcement elements in the foaming tool at the points of the intended bends of the molded skin.
However, the problem results in this respect that the reinforcement elements can float up on the back foaming. A position of the reinforcement elements and thus of the bends of the molded skin is hereby varied. In the worst case, the reinforcement elements can move into a region in which an opening should later be introduced. This can have the result that tools which are used for introducing the openings are damaged. If the opening is stamped out, for example, a reinforcement element which has slipped into the region of the opening can result in a blade break in the stamp used.
Vehicle interior trim parts having reinforcement elements arranged in the intermediate layer are known, for example, from documents DE 60 2004 012 790 T2, DE 199 62 551 A1 and DE 30 16 199 A1.

Vehicle interior trim part as well as method for manufacturing a vehicle interior trim part


A task unit included in an application is executed. The task unit includes instructions for executing an application task. An exception is thrown by the task unit. A program fragment for resolving the exception is identified and used to obtain user input to resolve the exception.

Computer applications often raise exceptions, or otherwise halt execution, for a variety of reasons, including a failure to receive expected or needed input. Unfortunately, when expected input is not received, applications often lack mechanisms for addressing an exception condition. For example, an application may be lacking user information needed to proceed, but mechanisms for obtaining such information may be lacking.


Described is a heating means for thermally connecting two objects each having a plastic material, wherein, in the connecting, a first inner object is surrounded at least partially by a second outer object, and the heating means is located between the first inner object and the second outer object. The heating means has a ribbon-type structure, in which a plurality of openings is formed. These openings are dimensioned such that molten-on plastic material of the first inner object and/or of the second outer object can intrude and can connect to molten-on plastic material of the respective other object. Alternatively or in combination, the openings are filled with a plastic material, which can connect to molten-on plastic material of the first inner object and/or of the second outer object. The ribbon-type structure has a ferromagnetic material, which is inductively heatable and which has a Curie temperature that is lower than 460° C. and/or that is adapted to the melting temperature of the first inner object and/or of the second outer object. There is further described a welded arrangement as well as a welding system having such a heating means as well as a method for thermally connecting two objects each having a plastic material.

Objects made of plastic may be thermally connected to each other by inserting an electrically conductive material between the two objects to be connected and by heating the former by an alternating electromagnetic field, which is generated by a specially embodied generator. In the so-called induction welding of plastic objects, an electromagnetic coupling is effected between a magnetic and electrically conductive material and an induction generator substantially via a magnetic field, which is variable in time and which is generated by a coil of the induction generator.
The principle of induction welding is used in particular in the thermal connecting of ends of two plastic pipes by a plastic bushing (or sleeve), which is pushed (or slipped) over the two ends to be welded together. Herein, a magnetic and electrically conductive heating means is introduced between the plastic bushing and the lateral surface of each respective end section of the two pipes to be connected and is heated inductively such that the outer sides of the two end sections as well as the inner side of the plastic bushing are molten on and assume a permanent welding connection during a subsequent cooling down.
Induction welding methods are disclosed for example in EP 2 452 805 A1.
However, a technical problem in induction welding consists in that the amount of heat and/or the thermal energy, which is supplied via the heating means, is to be adjusted such that a stable thermal welded connection is ensured on the one hand and the form stability of the objects to be welded together is not endangered on the other hand. Only in this way, "good" welded connections can be achieved by induction welding.

Thermal joining of plastic objects by means of heating means having low curie temperature


A device for validating a secure tag comprises: an optical source (such as one or more LEDs); a processor coupled to the optical source for controlling emissions therefrom; and a luminescence detector coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to control the optical source to create a first and a second pulse sequence having first and second excitation parameters respectfully. The processor is also programmed to control the luminescence detector to measure first and second luminescence in response to the first and second pulse sequences respectively. The processor is programmed to validate the secure tag in the event that the first and second luminescence meet an acceptance criterion. A method of validating a secure tag is also described.

Secure tags are used for a number of different purposes; a primary purpose being preventing, detecting, and/or deterring counterfeiting of an item to which the secure tag is affixed.
One type of secure tag that has recently been developed includes multiple small particles of a host (such as glass) doped with one or more rare earth ions ("RE ions"). This type of secure tag is described in US patent application number 2004/0262547, entitled "Security Labelling," and US patent application number 2005/0143249, entitled "Security Labels which are Difficult to Counterfeit", both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
These RE particles can be applied to valuable items in different ways. For example, the secure tags can be incorporated in fluids which are applied to valuable items (by printing, spraying, painting, or such like), or incorporated directly into a substrate (paper, metal, rag, plastic, or such like) of the valuable items.
In response to suitable excitation, a secure tag comprising RE particles produces a luminescence spectrum having narrow peaks because of the atomic (rather than molecular) transitions involved. The narrow luminescence peaks result primarily from internal (4f to 4f) transitions of the lanthanide ion. Luminescence is a generic term that relates to a substance emitting optical radiation in response to excitation, and includes photoluminescence.
Photoluminescence is a generic term that includes fluorescence and phosphorescence, which will now be described with reference to FIG. 1, which is a simplified Jablonski energy diagram 10 showing most of the possible transitions in a molecule or atom. In FIG. 1, the wavy lines represent dark transitions (transitions that do not emit or absorb light). The solid lines represent transitions that absorb or emit light.
The molecule or atom starts out in the ground state (S0) 12. When the atom or molecule absorbs light of the appropriate frequency (illustrated by arrows 14 in FIG. 1), electrons in the molecule or atom are promoted to a first singlet excited state (S1) 16 or to a second singlet excited state (S2) 18 (each state having multiple vibrational energy levels). The spin on the promoted electrons are preserved during excitation. The electrons are typically excited to a higher vibrational energy level in the first singlet excited state (S1) 16 before rapidly relaxing (illustrated by arrows 20 in FIG. 1), to the lowest energy level in the first singlet excited state (S1) 16. This event is termed vibrational relaxation or internal conversion and occurs in about a picosecond or less. The excited state may decay directly back to the ground state by way of fluorescence (illustrated by arrows 22), quenching (illustrated by arrow 24), or non-radiative relaxation (illustrated by arrows 26). The excited state may also transfer energy to the triplet excited state (T1) 28, which is referred to as intersystem crossing, as illustrated by wavy line 30. The spin on the electron is flipped as it moves from S1 to T1. From the T1 state the molecule or atom may emit a photon of light (phosphorescence) 32 or lose the energy via non-radiative relaxation 26. During phosphorescence the spin on the electron is again flipped. The transition from T1 to S0 is slow compared to other possible transitions, the timescales are typically between 10−3 to 102 seconds. Thus, in internal conversion the spin is preserved; whereas in intersystem crossing the spin is flipped.
Secure tags based on RE ions phosphoresce, which allows a delay to be used between excitation and measuring the stimulated phosphorescence. This ensures that any fluorescence from background material (such as a substrate on which the secure tag is located) has decayed prior to the phosphorescence measurements taking place.
To enable quick and accurate validation of a secure tag, a luminescence signature is typically derived from the luminescence measured from that secure tag. This luminescence signature may be based on peak locations, absence of peaks, relative peak intensities, and such like. A luminescence signature is typically derived by converting a large number of data points from a luminescence spectrum into a relatively short code. This short code (the luminescence signature) enables rapid comparison with other, pre-stored luminescence signatures to facilitate validation of the secure tag.
It would be desirable to increase the security of secure tags based on RE particles to make them even more difficult to counterfeit, without making validation of the RE particles slower or more expensive.


The flying object according to one embodiment comprises: a main body; a main wing formed on a side surface of the main body; a duct-shaped first propulsion part which is provided outside the main wing and can be tilted; a second propulsion part arranged behind the main body; horizontal tail wings formed on both side surfaces of the second propulsion part; and a control part for controlling the movement of the first propulsion part, second propulsion part, and horizontal tail wings, wherein the control part controls the second propulsion part and the horizontal tail wings according to the tilt angle of the first propulsion part.

By applying a duct to a propeller of a flying object capable of vertically taking off and landing, a thrust force may increase by an effect of the duct. However, when a sufficient force is not generated to overcome a pitch moment and a momentum drag that are generated by the shape of the duct, a fuselage or a body of the flying object may become unstable or fall. To overcome these, there is a method of reducing the length of a duct or additionally mounting or increasing control surfaces under a duct to increase a controlling force.
By applying such a method of reducing the length of a duct, it is possible to reduce a crosswind effect under a vertical takeoff and landing condition of a flying object. However, in the case of a flying object with a tiltable duct, a lift force generated in the duct during a forward flight may decrease, and thus there is a limit to the reduction of the length of the duct.
A flying object with a duct may be generally in the shape of a single duct and be vertical in the case of vertical takeoff and landing and hovering. In the case of a forward flight, the flying object may fly with its posture tilted. However, the flying object may not be able to be tilted exceeding a certain posture, and thus not possible to fly at a high speed.
In the case of a flying object in which a tiltable duct is provided in its wing or fuselage for a high-speed flight, the flying object may operate as a fixed-wing flying object while taking off and landing and horizontally rotating or being tilted, in a state in which the duct is in a vertical shape.
In addition, a drone started in a military industry refers to a flying object in the shape of an aircraft or helicopter that flies by the induction of radio waves without a human being aboard. The drone is recently being used widely for military and commercial purposes, and accordingly research on this is vigorously being conducted.
In particular, a drone having a great sensing capability with a camera, a sensor, and the like, and having rapid mobility is being used in various fields, such as, for example, transportation, security, surveillance, observation, or the like.
As an instance of the foregoing, American shopping mall companies are planning to construct a distribution and delivery system using a drone and promoting this.
A drone may be provided in various types, for example, a fixed-wing type, a rotary-wing type, and a complex type, according to the purpose of use. The fixed-wing type drone refers to a drone that flies using a lift force generated by a fixed wing as in a general aircraft.
In such a case, a drone in which a tiltable duct is provided in a wing or fuselage for a high-speed flight may operate as a fixed-wing flying object while taking off and landing and horizontally rotating or being tilted, in a state in which the duct is in a vertical shape.
For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0067686 discloses a tilt-duct aircraft.

Flying object and flying object position control system


Systems and methods which provide modeling or simulation of gamma ray (GR) tool response using a hybrid analytical and numerical technique are shown. Embodiments employ a GR tool simulation technique which provides gamma ray information simulated as a function of only the gamma particles which reach the detector without scattering. Embodiments utilize a discretization function to determine the gamma particles which would reach a point detector from each unit volume source of an investigation domain without scattering. Embodiments further utilize the foregoing discretization function with respect to a plurality of point detectors, wherein the particular number and configuration of point detectors are selected to relatively accurately simulate the results of a particular GR detector configuration, such as line detector or volume detector configurations. Embodiments may be implemented using inexpensive and widely available computing platforms, such as personal computers, thereby facilitating economic and practical GR tool simulation.

Gamma ray (GR) detectors have been widely used to collect information during geological exploration, hydrocarbon drilling operations, etc. For example, GR detectors are commonly used to passively collect gamma ray radiation in the environment in which the GR detectors are disposed. Various geological media, such as shale, provides a natural source of gamma ray energy, whereas other geological media, such as sand, provides very little gamma ray energy. Accordingly, a GR detector is useful in obtaining information regarding the geological media and structure.
GR tools employing the aforementioned GR detectors have been commonly employed to create well logs useful in analyzing geological structures penetrated by hydrocarbon drilling operations. Such GR tools have comprised wireline tool configurations, which require removal of the drill string from the borehole in order to introduce the tool into the well. More recently, such GR tools have comprised logging while drilling (LWD) tool configurations, wherein the GR tool is included in the drill string and provides a GR detector disposed upon the circumference of the drill string assembly (i.e., eccentric from the drill string center of rotation). The foregoing GR tools comprise a passive GR detector, such as may be comprised of a scintillation detector, providing frequency and amplitude information corresponding to the gamma rays impinging thereon. Accordingly, by collecting gamma ray information, using the aforementioned GR tools, information regarding the geological structure, such as depth, thickness, and type of sediment beds, may be obtained. That is, gamma ray signatures associated with various media may be analyzed to determine the characteristics of a geological formation being explored.
Although GR logs acquired using the foregoing GR tools can reveal sedimentary structure of formations penetrated by the borehole, the information provided by such GR tools is not robust. Accordingly, where a vertical well penetrates horizontal structure, the GR logs may be relatively straight forward to interpret, such as by determining the measured depths (MDs) at which particular gamma ray signatures are experienced. However, where there is a high dip angle between the borehole and structure feature, such as sediment bed boundary, as is often experienced in high angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells, the information provided by GR logs becomes very difficult to analyze. Moreover, the eccentricity associated with the GR detector being disposed on the circumference of the drill stem further obscures the proper analysis of GR log information provided by LWD tools. For example, it has been discovered that a single sediment bed boundary penetrated by a borehole at a high dip angle (e.g., 80°) using a LWD GR tool provides a double peaked GR detector amplitude response. Such a response, without more information appears to represent more than one sediment bed boundary, none of which appear to be at the actual measured depth of the actual sediment bed boundary penetrated. As HA/HZ wells, and other situations where high dip angles are experienced, are becoming more common, the usefulness of GR logs is decreasing.
Efforts have been made to provide modeling or simulation of GR tool response in order to better interpret GR logs. For example, computer code providing Monte-Carlo for N particles (MCNP) simulation, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, has been used to simulate GR tool response. Unfortunately, such MCNP simulation requires substantial computing power and time. For example, simulation of GR tool response for a relatively simple formation often requires days of computing time on a multi-processor supercomputer. Moreover, a nuclear physicist, or other person with very advanced training, is required to properly implement the MCNP simulation. Accordingly, such simulation has been cost and time prohibitive for widespread use.


In accordance with a first aspect, a binding assay comprises a machine-readable storage medium which supports a molecular receptor (22). In accordance with a second aspect, a support member (50) supports first (22) and second (24) molecular receptors and first (26) and second (28) data identifying the molecular receptors (22,24). In accordance with a third aspect, a support member has a first annular portion (106) to support molecular receptors and a second annular portion (108) to support machine-readable data identifying the plurality of molecular receptors.

The present application is related to the following application:
xe2x80x9cMolecular Detection Devices and Methods of Forming Samexe2x80x9d, Ser. No. 08/846,975, filed Apr. 30, 1997.
The subject matter of the above-listed application is hereby incorporated by reference into the disclosure of the present application.
The present invention relates to molecular detection devices and methods and systems for performing a binding assay therewith.
Recent efforts have been directed in developing chips for molecular detection. Of particular interest are DNA chips for sequencing and diagnostic applications. A DNA chip includes an array of chemically-sensitive binding sites having single-stranded DNA probes or like synthetic probes for recognizing respective DNA sequences. The array of binding sites is typically arranged in a rectangular grid.
A sample of single-stranded DNA is applied to the binding sites of the DNA chip. The DNA sample attaches to DNA probes at one or more of the binding sites. The sites at which binding occurs are detected, and one or more molecular structures within the sample are subsequently deduced.
In sequencing applications, a sequence of nucleotide bases within the DNA sample can be determined by detecting which probes have the DNA sample bound thereto. In diagnostic applications, a genomic sample from an individual is screened with respect to a predetermined set of probes to determine if the individual has a disease or a genetic disposition to a disease.


A package comprising a package container structure having an open end leading into an interior chamber therein, a package lid structure mounted over the open end of the package container structure in generally sealed relation with the interior chamber thereof so as to be moved into opening relation thereto, and a device for use with a medicament vial disposed within the sealed interior chamber. The device and package container structure have interengageable elements disposed out of interengagement when the device is disposed within the sealed interior chamber operable when the package lid structure is moved into opening relation and the device is moved out of the open end of the interior chamber to be moved into interengagement. The device and package container structure with the interengaging elements thereof interengaged provide a generally sealed interior space including the interior chamber within which a medicament vial is contained in cooperating relation with the device.

This invention relates to packaging and more particularly to packaging of devices useful with medicament vials or the like.
A specific preferred example of a device of the type herein contemplated is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,568. This patent discloses a device in the form of a control assembly for use with a vial having a hazardous material therein and an open end sealingly closed by an elastomeric stopper assembly. The purpose of the control assembly is to enable a user to mix a diluent with the hazardous material within the vial and then fill a syringe having a hypodermic needle with the liquid solution in such a way as to substantially prevent the hazardous material from entering the immediate atmospheric environment. In the opening paragraphs of the specification of the aforesaid patent, there is discussion and identification of a number of devices of this type. The present invention contemplates packaging of any of the prior art devices of this type. However, a preferred device is the control assembly disclosed in the aforesaid patent.
The control assembly disclosed in the patent includes a hollow control structure having opposite first and second open ends. The first open end of the control structure is closed by a septum capable of having the syringe needle moved in penetrating relation therethrough and of providing a seal after the syringe needle has been withdrawn. The control structure is capable of being fixedly secured to the vial so that the second open end thereof is disposed in sealed relation to the stopper assembly end of the vial. A piston is mounted within the hollow interior of the control structure between the open ends dividing the hollow interior into a vented chamber communicating with the septum through the first open end and a sealed chamber communicating with the central exterior of the elastomeric stopper assembly of the vial through the second open end. The vented chamber is vented to the atmosphere and a filter is disposed in the vent so as to permit the vented chamber to remain at atmospheric conditions while preventing movement of hazardous material outwardly through the vent past the filter. The piston is mounted within the control structure for movement from an initial position wherein the volume of the vented chamber is maximum and the volume of the sealed chamber is minimum to a final position wherein the volume of the vented chamber is minimum and the volume of the sealed chamber is maximum. The central portion of the piston is formed of a resilient material in a size and shape sufficient to provide the capability of having the syringe needle which is first moved in penetrating relation through the septum thereafter moved in penetrating relation through the central portion of the piston and of providing a seal after the syringe needle has been withdrawn so that when the syringe needle after having been moved in penetrating relation successively through the septum and the piston is thereafter moved in penetrating relation through the elastomeric stopper of the vial, any elevated pressure conditions and aerosoling of hazardous material which passes outwardly of the elastomeric stopper incident to syringe needle withdrawal therefrom is captured within the sealed chamber and any elevated pressure conditions produced thereby are reduced substantially to atmospheric conditions by the increase of the volume of the seal chamber through movement of the piston from its initial position until the pressure causes the piston to reach its final position so that the subsequent withdrawal of the syringe needle from the piston occurs while the sealed chamber is generally under atmospheric conditions and, hence, no aerosoling of hazardous material into the vented chamber occurs incident to such withdrawal, thereby enabling the subsequent withdrawal of the syringe needle from the septum to occur under uncontaminated atmospheric pressure conditions within the vented chamber.
As disclosed in the patent, the device is particularly suited for use in situations where the diluent filling and mixing procedures are performed separately from the procedures relating to the filling of a syringe with the liquid solution. Typically, these functions are separately defined in a hospital situation where the dry medicament within the vial is, subsequently, mixed with diluent in the pharmacy and a different syringe is filled with the liquid solution prior to administration either in the ward or in the patient's room. Under these circumstances, while in the pharmacy it is desirable to equalize the pressure within the vial after the diluent has been inserted and mixed with the dry or freeze dried medicament. This pressure equalization is achieved simply by releasing the diluent syringe plunger with the end of the needle communicating within the upper portion of the interior of the vial confining the gaseous fluid therein above the liquid solution. The plunger will be displaced by the pressure. This will reduce the pressure within the vial substantially to atmospheric conditions. The needle of the syringe with the gaseous fluid filled therein is then withdrawn from the stopper assembly and piston so that the end of the needle is disposed within the vented chamber. The gaseous fluid contents of the diluent syringe chamber are then extruded through the needle into the vented chamber and finally the needle is withdrawn with the syringe chamber exhausted. Similarly, when the filling procedures are to be undertaken, it is preferable to first withdraw the plunger of the syringe and to expel the gaseous contents of the syringe chamber into the vial after the needle has been moved through the stopper assembly. This introduction of pressure into the vial chamber is then used to assist in moving the liquid solution back into the chamber of the syringe. This is accomplished by inverting the vial so that the open end of the needle penetrates just through the stopper assembly and the gaseous pressure on top of the liquid serves to move the same downwardly through the needle and into the syringe.
The device of the patent is thus effective in alleviating the possibility of hazardous material from entering the immediate environment. However, the device does not provide any protection against contamination of the environment in the event that the vial container itself should be accidentally fractured so as to spill the contents to the environment.