A terahertz ellipsometer, the basic preferred embodiment being a sequential system having a backward wave oscillator (BWO); a first rotatable polarizer that includes a wire grid (WGP1); a rotating polarizer that includes a wire grid (RWGP); a stage (STG) for supporting a sample (S); a rotating retarder (RRET) comprising first (RP), second (RM1), third (RM2) and fourth (RM3) elements; a second rotatable polarizer that includes a wire grid (WGP2); and a Golay cell detector (DET).

The practice of ellipsometry is well established as a non-destructive approach to determining characteristics of sample systems, and can be practiced in real time. The topic is well described in a number of publications, one such publication being a review paper by Collins, titled "Automatic Rotating Element Ellipsometers: Calibration, Operation and Real-Time Applications", Rev. Sci. Instrum., 61(8) (1990).
Before proceeding, as it is relevant to the present invention, it is noted that ellipsometer systems generally comprise means for setting a linear or elliptical polarization state, (typically substantially linear).
Continuing, in general, modern practice of ellipsometry typically involves causing a spectroscopic beam of electromagnetic radiation, in a known state of polarization, to interact with a sample system at at least one angle of incidence with respect to a normal to a surface thereof, in a plane of incidence. (Note, a plane of incidence contains both a normal to a surface of an investigated sample system and the locus of said beam of electromagnetic radiation). Changes in the polarization state of said beam of electromagnetic radiation which occur as a result of said interaction with said sample system are indicative of the structure and composition of said sample system. The practice of ellipsometry further involves proposing a mathematical model of the ellipsometer system and the sample system investigated by use thereof, and experimental data is then obtained by application of the ellipsometer system. This is typically followed by application of a square error reducing mathematical regression to the end that parameters in the mathematical model which characterize the sample system are evaluated, such that the obtained experimental data, and values calculated by use of the mathematical model, are essentially the same.
A typical goal in ellipsometry is to obtain, for each wavelength in, and angle of incidence of said beam of electromagnetic radiation caused to interact with a sample system, sample system characterizing PSI and DELTA values, (where PSI is related to a change in a ratio of magnitudes of orthogonal components rp/rs in said beam of electromagnetic radiation, and wherein DELTA is related to a phase shift entered between said orthogonal components rp and rs), caused by interaction with said sample system. The governing equation is:ρ=rp/rs=Tan(Ψ)exp(iΔ)
As alluded to, the practice of ellipsometry requires that a mathematical model be derived and provided for a sample system and for the ellipsometer system being applied. In that light it must be appreciated that an ellipsometer system which is applied to investigate a sample system is, generally, sequentially comprised of:                a. a Source of a beam electromagnetic radiation;        b. a Polarizer element;        c. optionally a compensator element;        d. (additional element(s));        e. a sample system;        f. (additional element(s));        g. optionally a compensator element;        h. an Analyzer element; and        i. a Spectroscopic Detector System.Each of said components b.-i. must be accurately represented by a mathematical model of the ellipsometer system along with a vector which represents a beam of electromagnetic radiation provided from said source of a beam electromagnetic radiation, Identified in a. above)
Various conventional ellipsometer configurations provide that a Polarizer, Analyzer and/or Compensator(s) can be rotated during data acquisition, and are describe variously as Rotating Polarizer (RPE), Rotating Analyzer (RAE) and Rotating Compensator (RCE) Ellipsometer Systems. It is noted, that nulling ellipsometers also exist in which elements therein are rotatable in use, rather than rotating. Generally, use of a nulling ellipsometer system involves imposing a substantially linear polarization state on a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a linear polarizer, causing the resulting polarized beam of electromagnetic radiation to interact with a sample system, and then adjusting an analyzer to an azimuthal azimuthal angle which effectively cancels out the beam of electromagnetic radiation which proceeds past the sample system. The azimuthal angle of the analyzer at which nulling occurs provides insight to properties of the sample system.
Continuing, in use, data sets can be obtained with an ellipsometer system configured with a sample system present, sequentially for cases where other sample systems are present, and where an ellipsometer system is configured in a straight-through configuration wherein a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to pass straight through the ellipsometer system without interacting with a sample system. Simultaneous mathematical regression utilizing multiple data sets can allow calibration of ellipsometers and evaluation of sample system characterizing PSI and DELTA values over a range of wavelengths. The obtaining of numerous data sets with an ellipsometer system configured with, for instance, a sequence of sample systems present and/or wherein a sequential plurality of polarization states are imposed on an electromagnetic beam caused to interact therewith, can allow system calibration of numerous ellipsometer system variables.
It is further noted that it was disclosed in a Co-Pending Parent Applications, Ser. Nos. 12/802,734 and 12/456,791 and 12/802,638, that the present invention is a practical ellipsometer or polarimeter system for application in the range of frequencies between 300 GHz or below. In that light it is to be understood that prior art demonstrates that it is not unknown to propose, or provide a system for, and practice of ellipsometry at Terahertz (THz) frequencies, however, a specific embodiment than makes such possible and which is suitable for general application in universities and industry etc., has not been previously disclosed. To the Applicant's knowledge, there are no commercially available THz ellipsometers or polarimeters available in the market place.
While Synchrotrons have been used to provide THz frequency band electromagnetic radiation in ellipsometers, it is not remotely possible to provide a Synchrotron at every location whereat it is desired to practice THz ellipsometry. The present invention provides combination of many elements, which results in a novel, practical system for general application in the market place.
Before proceeding, it is of benefit to define some terminology. First, a generally accepted range for what constitutes a Terahertz range of frequencies is from 3×1011 (ie. 300 GHz), to 1.3×1012 (ie. 1.3 Thz), Hertz. The Terahertz range is sandwiched between the microwave, (the high end of which has a wavelength of 1 millimeter), and the far-infrared, (the long-wavelength edge of which is 100 micrometers), ranges of wavelengths/frequencies.
Next, it is noted that a number of sources of Terahertz (THz) electromagnetic radiation exit. For instance, a Smith-Purcell cell is a device which directs an energetic beam of electrons very close to a ruled surface of a diffraction grating. The effect on the trajectory of the beam is negligible, but a result is that Cherenkov radiation in the Terahertz frequency range can be created, where the phase velocity of the electromagnetic radiation is altered by the periodic grating. Another source of Terahertz radiation is a Free Electron Laser. In this source a beam of electrons is accelerated to relativistic speed and caused to pass through a periodic transverse magnetic field. The array of magnets is sometimes called an undulator or "wiggler" as it causes the electrons to form a sinusoidal path. The acceleration of he electrons causes release of photons, which is "synchrotron radiation". Further, the electron motion is in phase with the field of said released electromagnetic radiation, and therefore the fields add coherently. Instabilities in the electron beam resulting from interactions of the oscillations in the undulators lead to emission of electromagnetic radiation, wherein electrons radiate independently. The wavelength of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the electrons can be adjusted by adjusting the energy of the electron beam and/or magnetic field strength of the undulators, to be in the Terahertz range. Another source, (and preferred in the present invention), of Terahertz frequencies is a Backward Wave Oscillator (BWO), which is a vacuum tube system comprising an electron gun that generates an electron beam and causes it to interact with an electromagnetic wave traveling in a direction opposite to that of ejected electrons such that THz frequency oscillations are sustained by interaction between the propagating traveling wave backwards against the electron beam.
It is also disclosed that numerous detectors exist for monitoring Terahertz range electromagnetic radiation. One example is a Golay cell which operates by converting a temperature change resulting from electromagnetic radiation impinging onto material, into a measurable signal. Generally, when electromagnetic radiation is caused to impinge on a blackened material it heats a gas, (eg. Xenon) in an first chamber of an enclosure, and that causes a distortable reflecting diaphram/film adjacent to said first chamber to change shape. In a second chamber, separated from the first by said diaphram/film an electromagnetic beam is caused to reflect from the film and into a photocell, which in turn converts the received electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal. A Bolometer is another detector of monitoring Terahertz range electromagnetic radiation, but operates by using the effect of a changing electric resistance caused by electromagnetic radiation impinging onto a blackened metal.
It is also noted that there are Solid State sources and detectors of Terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation. For instance, an identified reference by Nagashima et al. discloses that THz pulses can be generated by a bow-tie photoconductive radiation antenna excited by a mode-locked Ti-saphire laser with 80 Fs time width pulses, and a detection antenna can be formed from a dipole-type photoconductive antenna with a 5 micron gap fabricated on thin film LT-GaAs. Further, it is known that a company named AB Millimeter in Paris France, supplies a system that covers the entire range from 8 GHz to 1000 GHz with solid state source and detector devices.
Before disclosing known references, it is noted that computer searching at the PTO Website for Patents and Published Applications containing the words:                (ellipsometer & bolometer); and        (ellipsometer & Golay cell);produced only one hit, that being. Published Application US2005/0175507 by Tsukruk. Said 507 reference does contain the words ellipsometry and Golay, but does not describe an ellipsometer system comprising said elements.
Further, a PTO Website Search for Patents and Published Applications containing the words:                (ellipsometer & backward wave oscillator);        (ellipsometer & Smith-Purcell); and        (ellipsometer & free electron laser);produced only U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,618 to Nakahara et al., which contains the words ellipsometer & free electron laser, but does not describe a combination of said elements.
A Patent to Wang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,492 is of interest as it describes free electron lasers used in combination with a Golay cell and Smith-Purcell detectors. However, it does not describe application in ellipsometry or polarimetry.
A Published Application, US2006/0050269 by Brownell describes use of a free electron laser and a Smith-Purcell detector, but not in the context of ellipsometry or polarimetry.
An article titled "Gain of a Smith-Purcell Free Electron Laser", Andrews et al., Phy. Rev., Vol 7, 070701 (2004), describes use of Smith-Purcell Free Electron Laser.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,790 to Kompfner is disclosed as it describes a Backward Wave Oscillator.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,880,355 to Epsztein is disclosed as it describes a Backward Wave Oscillator.
Known References which describe Ellipsometers which operate in the THz frequency range are:                "Terahertz Generalized Meuller-matrix Ellipsometery", Hofmann et al., Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 6120, pp. 61200D1-61200D10, (2005), describes applying Thz electromagnetic radiation in generalized ellipsometry wherein the source of the Thz electromagnetic radiation is a synchrotron located at BESSY, in Germany.        "Terahertz magneto-optic generalized ellipsometry using synchrotron and blackbody radiation", Hofmann et al., American Inst. of Physics, 77, 063902-1 through 063902-12, (2006), describes applying Thz electromagnetic radiation in generalized ellipsometry wherein the source of the Thz electromagnetic radiation is a synchrotron and a conventional blackbody. The use of an FTIR source and bolometer is also mentioned.        "Label-free Amplified Bioaffinity Detection Using Terahertz Wave Technology", Menikh et al., Biosensors and Bioelectronics 20, 658-662 (2004), describes use of an unbiased GaAs crystal THz source of electromagnetic radiation and a ZnTe crystal detector.        Spectroscopy by Pulsed Terahertz Radiation", Hango et al., Meas. Sci. and Technol., 13 (2002), pp 1727-1738, describes applying 30 GHz-10 THz and describes use of Fourier Transform Spectrometers (FTS) in the Far Infrared (FIR) frequency range with the caution that such an approach is not easily applied below 1 THz. Said reference also describes application of Backward Wave Oscillators (BWO) plus frequency multipliers, with the caution that to cover the range of 30 GHz to 3 THz typically requires many BWO's and frequency multipliers to cover said frequency range. This article favors use of a Femto-sec laser (eg. a mode-locked Ti:saphire laser or Er-doped fiber laser in combination with a photoconductive antenna made on low-temperature grown GaAs).        "Measurement of Complex Optical Constants of a Highly Doped Si Wafer Using Terahertz Ellipsometry", Nagashima et al., Applied Phys. Lett. Vol. 79, No. 24 (10 Dec. 2001). This article describes use of a mode-locked Ti:saphire laser with a bow-tie antenna and GaAs detector antenna).        Published Patent Application No. US2004/0027571 by Luttman mentions using a THz light Source in an ellipsometer system.        "Development of Terahertz Ellipsometry and its Application to Evaluation of Semiconductors", Nagashima et al., Tech. Meeting on Light Application and Visual Science, IEEE (2002) proposes a Terahertz ellipsometer.        "Terahertz Imaging System Based on a Backward-Wave Oscillator, Dobroiu et al., Applied Optics, Vol. 43, No 30, (20 Oct. 2004) describes use of a Terahertz source to provide electromagnetic radiation.
A Patent to Herzinger et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,184, describes an "Odd-Bounce" system for rotating a polarization state in an electromagnetic beam. Patents disclosed in the Application leading to U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,184 are:                Patent to Herzinger, U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,618 is disclosed as it describes a Single Brewster Angle Polarizer in the context of multiple reflecting means, and discloses prior art dual Brewster Angle Single Reflective Means Polarizer Systems.        Patent, to Herzinger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,675 describes an adjustable beam alignment compensator/retarder with application to spectroscopic ellipsometry.        U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,537 to Johs et al. describes a multiple Berek plate optical retarder system.        U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,102 to Johs et al. describes a single triangular shaped optical retarder element.        U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,098 to Johs et al., describes dual tipped wire grid polarizers in combination with various compensator/retarder systems.        U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,981 to Johs et al., describes a dual horizontally oriented triangular shaped optical retarder.        U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,674 to Johs et al., describes a parallelogram shaped optical retarder element.        U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,325 to Johs et al., describes a dual vertically oriented triangular shaped optical retarder element.        U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,450,231 and 7,460,230 to Johs et al. are disclosed as they describe deviation angle self compensating compensator systems.        A Patent to Johs et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,630 is disclosed as it describes an ellipsometer system in which an analyzer and polarizer are maintained in a fixed in position during data acquisition, while a compensator is caused to continuously rotate.        A Patent to Thompson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,212 is also disclosed as it teaches a mathematical regression based double Fourier series ellipsometer calibration procedure for application, primarily, in calibrating ellipsometers system utilized in infrared wavelength range. Bi-refringent, transmissive window-like compensators are described as present in the system thereof, and discussion of correlation of retardations entered by sequentially adjacent elements which do not rotate with respect to one another during data acquisition is described therein.        Further Patents disclosed in the 184 Patent are:                    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,757,494; and                            5,956,145;                                                to Green et al., in which are taught a method for extending the range of Rotating Analyzer/Polarizer ellipsometer systems to allow measurement of DELTA'S near zero (0.0) and one-hundred-eighty (180) degrees, and the extension of modulator element ellipsometers to PSI'S of forty-five (45) degrees. Said Patents describes the presence of a variable, transmissive, bi-refringent component which is added, and the application thereof during data acquisition to enable the identified capability.        A Patent to He et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,327 is disclosed as it describes an ellipsometer system which enables providing a polarized beam of electromagnetic radiation at an oblique angle-of-incidence to a sample system in a small spot area.        Patents of general interest disclosed in the 184 Patent include:                    Patent to Woollam et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,359, (describes a beam chopper);            Patent to Johs et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,201;            Patent to Green et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,706; and            Patent to Johs et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,582;and are disclosed as they pertain to ellipsometer systems.                        A Patent to Coates et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,321 is disclosed as it describes applying a reflected monochromatic beam of plane polarized electromagnetic radiation at a Brewster angle of incidence to a sample substrate to determine the thickness of a thin film thereupon. This Patent also describes calibration utilizing two sample substrates, which have different depths of surface coating.        Other Patents which describe use of reflected electromagnetic radiation to investigate sample systems are:                    Nos. RE 34,783,            U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,817,            U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,704                        to Coates; and                    U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,091                        to Johnson.        A Patent to Bjork et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,207 is disclosed as it describes an ellipsometer system which has provision for sequentially, individually positioning a plurality of reflective polarization state modifiers in a beam of electromagnetic radiation. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,210,401; 4,332,476 and 4,355,903 are also identified as being cited in the 207 Patent. It is noted that systems as disclosed in these Patents, (particularly in the 476 Patent), which utilize reflection from an element to modify a polarization state can, if such an element is an essential duplicate of an investigated sample and is rotated ninety degrees therefrom, the effect of the polarization state modifying element on the electromagnetic beam effect is extinguished by the sample.        A Patent to Mansuripur et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,695 is disclosed as it describes an apparatus for measuring reflectivity.        Patents to Rosencwaig et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,750,822 and 5,596,406 are also identified as they describe systems which impinge electromagnetic beams onto sample systems at oblique angles of incidence. The 406 Patent provides for use of multiple wavelengths and multiple angles of incidence. For similar reasons U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,951 to Gold et al. is also disclosed.        In addition to the identified Patents, certain Scientific papers were also disclosed in the 184 Patent are:        A paper by Johs, titled "Regression Calibration Method for Rotating Element Ellipsometers", Thin Solid Films, 234 (1993) is also disclosed as it describes a mathematical regression based approach to calibrating ellipsometer systems.
An additional relevant Patent is U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,917 to Johs. This Patent describes a combined polychromatic electromagnetic radiation beam source comprising beam combiners.
It is also disclosed that the J.A. Wooliman Co., Inc. has marketed an IR range Ellipsometer, called the IR-VASE®, for many years. Said instrument provides capability from 10 THz to 150 THz and is a Variable Angle, Rotating Compensator system utilizing a Bomen FTIR Spectrometer. Further, it comprises an FTIR Source, and an Odd-Bounce image rotating system for rotating a polarization state imposed by a wire-grid polarizer. It is noted that as marketed, this system has never provided the capability to reach down to 1 THz, which capability was achieved via research in developing the present invention.
Additional references which describe ellipsometry practiced in the THz range are:                "THz Ellipsometry in Theory and Experiment", Dietz et al. 33rd International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves and 16th International Conference on Terahertz Electronics, IRMMW-THz (2008) describes an experimental ellipsometer for use in the THz frequency range;        "Study Terahertz Ellipsometry Setups for Measuring Metals and Dielectrics Using Free Electron Laser Light Source", Rudych, 31st International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves and 14th International Conference on Terahertz Electronics, IRMMW-THz (2006) describes use of a free electron laser to provide THz frequencies;        "Spectral THz Ellipsometer for the Unambiguous Determination of all Stokess Parameters", Hoildack et al., 30th International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves and 13th International Conference on Terahertz Electronics, IRMMW-THz (2006) describes a concept for determining all Stokes Parameters;        "Terahertz Magneto-Optic Generalized Ellipsometry Using Synchrotron and Blackbody Radiation", Esquinzi et al., Sci. Instrum., Vol. 7, No. 6 (2006) describes use of synchrotron generated electromagnetic radiation in magneto-optic generalized ellipsometry;        "Terahertz Generalized Mueller-Matrix Ellisometry", Esquinazi et al. Proc. Int. Soc. Opt. Eng., Vol. 6120, (2006) describes synchrotron generated electromagnetic radiation in generalized Mueller Matrix ellipsometry        "THz Time-Domain Magneto-Optic Ellipsometry in Reflection Geometry", Kuwata-Gonokami et al., Trends Opt. Photonics Series, Vol. 97, (2004) describes determining a dielectric tensor using THz frequencies in magneto-optic optical measurements;        "Terahertz Polarimetry", Gallot et al., Conf. Lasers Electro-Optics, CLEO, Vol. 3 (2005) describes determining the polarization state of a THz wave over a wide range of frequencies;        "Evalution of Complex Optical Constants of Semiconductor Wafers using Terahertz Ellipsometry", Hangyo et al., Trends Opt. Photonics Series, Vol. 88, (2003) describes combined terahertz ellipsometry with time domain spectroscopy.
Additional references which describe sources of Terahertz frequency range electromagnetism are:                "Improved Performance of Hybrid Electronic Terahertz Generators", Hurlbut et al., 33rd International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz (2008), describes combining BWO's with frequency multipliers;        "Terahertz Wave Generation in Orientation-Patterned GaAs Using Resonantly Enhanced Schemes", Vodopyanov et al., SPIE-Intl. Soc. for Opt. Eng. USA, Vol. 6455, (2007), describes application of Zincblende semiconductiors (GaAs, GaP) to produce THz frequencies;        "Terahertz BWO Spectroscopy of Conductors and Superconductors", Gorshunov et al., Quantum Electronics, Vol. 37, No. 10 (October 2007), describes methods for directly measuring dielectric response spectra of dielectrics, consuctors and superconductors using BWO generated spectrometers;        "Portable THz Spectrometers", Kozlov et al., 31st International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves and 14th International Conference on Terahertz Electronics, IRMMW-THz (2007), describes a portable THz spectrometer which operates in the frequency range of 0.1-1 THz;        "Terahertz Time-Domain Spectrsocopy", Nishizawa et al., Terahertz Optoelectronics, Topics Appl. Phys. 97, 203-271 (2005).        U.S. Pat. No. 7,339,718 to Vodopanov et al., Issued Apr. 3, 2008 describes a method for generating THz radiation comprising illuminating a semiconductor with an optical pulse train.        U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,423 to Stehie et al., Issued Nov. 16, 2004 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,618 Issued Jan. 25, 2005 are also identified as they mention application of THz frequencies in an ellipsometer system.
It is noted that the Search Report for a co-pending PCT Application, PCT/US09/05346, was recently received. It identified the following references: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,795,184; 7,274,450 and 6,798,511; and Published Applications Nos. US2004/0228371; US2007/0252992; US2006/0289761; US2007/0278407; US2007/0097373. Also identified were: a Ph.D. dissertation by Duerr, Erik Kurt, titled "Distributed Photomixers", Mass. Inst. Tech., September 2002; and article thtled "Hole Diffusion Profile in a P—P+ Slicon Homojunction Determined by Terahertz and Midinfrared Spectroscopic Ellipsometry", Hofmann et al., App. Phys. Lett., 95 032102 (2009).
The identified references, application Ser. No. 12/456,791, Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/208,735 Serial and No. 61/281,905, are all incorporated by reference into this Specification.
Even in view of relevant prior art, there remains need for an ellipsometer or polarimeter system for application in the Terahertz region, preferably in combination with a convenient approach to providing linearly polarized beams of electromagnetic radiation in which the azimuthal angle of the linear polarization can be controlled.

Terahertz ellipsometer system, and method of use


The disclosure relates to identifying novel therapeutic targets and/or diagnostic and/or prognostic markers by correcting abnormal RhoH expression in a hematopoietic cell.

Aberrant expression of the intracellular signaling molecule Ras Homolog Family Member H (RhoH) occurs in a number of hematopoietic disorders, such as leukemias and lymphomas. In these disorders, abnormal expression of RhoH has been shown to be a marker of poor prognosis. However, directly using RhoH as a diagnostic marker or therapeutic target is difficult since it is expressed intracellularly.

Identification of novel diagnostics and therapeutics by modulating RhoH


An improved endless conveyer belt is provided which can carry minute particles of conveyed product such as are found in packed bed applications, without limiting the ability of the conveyor belt to articulate into a spiraling conveyor stack. The perforations in the foraminous bottom member of the conveyor belt can be dimensioned according to the size of conveyed products. The number and placement of the perforations can be chosen to alter gas flow characteristics of the belt.

This invention is an improved endless conveyor belt that can be used to reorder or dry tobacco, or treat other particulate solid materials. The improvement comprises modification to a self-stacking spiral conveyor belt that traverses through a circulating treatment gas in the housing of a gas treatment apparatus. The modification allows treatment of much smaller-dimension discrete products than had been possible with open-web belts of the prior art. The modification also makes it possible to treat a packed bed of conveyed product rather than a single layer of relatively large discrete products. The invention also provides additional control over the gas flow within the gas treatment apparatus. These objectives are achieved without impairing the articulation of the belt links into the spiral. Prior art conveyor belts of this type are either self-stacking, i.e., the side links are in the form of side plates serving as spacers, the upper edge portions of which are adapted to engage the lower edge portions of the overlying turn of the conveyor belt so as to support this turn, or supported by separate rails following the spiral path of the conveyor belt.
A gas treatment apparatus in the form of a self-stacking spiral conveyor is known where products on the conveyor are treated by heat transfer from a treatment gas, such as refrigerating, freezing, or heating. The conditioning means for the treatment gas may be a heat exchanger which cools or heats the treatment gas before it circulates around and through the bed of conveyed product.
For example, a Frigoscandia self-stacking spiral conveying machine (e.g., a Model GCP 42 self-stacking spiral freezer supplied by Frigoscandia Food Process Systems AB of Helsingborg, Sweden) is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,938,651, 4,565,282, 4,603,776, 4,899,871, and No. 4,941,567. This apparatus, by virtue of its self-stacking spiral design and gas recirculation fans, channels the majority of gas flow downward through the multiple tiers of the conveyor, which are carrying the product.
Use of the appropriate treatment agent in the treatment gas permits a variety of non-thermal treatments to the conveyed product. The use of such a device for non-thermal treatments such as a process where air of controlled moisture content is used to increase the moisture content of tobacco is disclosed in copending, commonly-assigned U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 07/969,109 and 07/969,798, filed concurrently herewith and hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
The use of such a gas treatment apparatus has heretofore been limited by the open web of the conveyor belt to relatively large discrete solid objects such as hamburger patties. The prior art open-web belt used a series of interlocking flattened helical springs to prevent the conveyed material from falling through the gaps between the rods that supported the conveyor belt bottom. These rods and springs formed an open-web belt that was not adaptable for use with small or irregularly sized products such as cut tobacco leaves.
Additionally, the resistance to gas flow from the rods and springs was very low and essentially invariable. The fixed resistance to gas flow precluded varying the resistance to gas flow in the vertical direction as one tool to control the gas flow pattern within the conveyor stack.

Conveyor belt for treatment of particulate solid material


Supplementary grid blanking and spot burn protection are provided in a receiver/monitor (10) by a grid bias control circuit (50) including a blanking signal generator (60) that produces a blanking output signal (S1) devoid of any picture representative component whenever a vertical blanking signal (VB) or a horizontal blanking signal (HB) is present. A capacitor (C1) strips DC from the blanking signal and the resultant signal (S2) is applied to a modulation input (84) of a grid bias generator to produce an output grid bias reference voltage (Vr) modulated by the AC component of the blanking signal. The reference voltage (Vr) is coupled via a spot burn protection circuit (100) and a grid coupling circuit (120) to the control grids of three projection kinescopes (16, 18, 20). Distortions which may tend to appear in the grid blanking pulses are corrected by a high frequency correction circuit (140) coupled between an output (66) of the composite blanking generator (60) and an input (122) of the grid coupling circuit (120).

When a conventional television system is turned off (i.e., switched from "run" to "stand-by" operating modes) the collapse of the raster may concentrate the kinescope beam energy to a small spot and this may burn the kinescope phosphor. A known method of preventing such a "spot burn" is to detect the loss of sweep condition and apply a relatively high negative voltage to the control grid (grid "G1") of the kinescope of a sufficient value to cut off the electron beam. Kinescope beam cut-off voltages are typically on the order of minus two hundred volts or so relative to the cathode. Protection circuits of this type are generally known as "grid kick" protection circuits.
In more detail, in the "grid kick" method of spot burn protection, a charge storage device (e.g., a capacitor) is coupled to a control grid of the kinescope and is further coupled through a switching circuit to a relatively high voltage positive supply. The charge storage device is charged through the switching circuit by the high voltage supply during normal operation when scanning signals are present.
Upon scan loss, the switching circuit operates to ground the positive (+) capacitor plate so as to produce a high negative voltage at the other plate of the capacitor which is coupled to the control grid of the kinescope. In this manner, a sufficient voltage difference is maintained between the cathode and the control grid as the deflection or sweep signal collapses to reduce the beam current to zero and thus the kinescope screen is protected from phosphor burn.
An example of a "grid kick" type of spot burn protection circuit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,754 entitled PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR A CATHODE RAY TUBE which issued Feb. 18, 1992 to John B. George. Another is described by Gurley et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,639 entitled VIDEO DISPLAY APPARATUS. WITH KINESCOPE SPOT BURN PROTECTION CIRCUIT which issued Aug. 27, 1991.
In television systems employing kinescopes as display devices, the video signals (e.g., R, G and B) to be displayed are typically amplified by respective high voltage kinescope driver amplifiers for application to respective ones of the kinescope cathodes. Typically, the required high voltage for the cathode driver amplifiers may be in a two to three hundred volt range. In the interest of improving the system power efficiency and reducing the voltage rating of driver amplifier components, it is generally desirable to reduce the overall high voltage requirements for the driver amplifiers.
A problem exists, however, when one contemplates reducing the high voltage for the cathode driver amplifiers. Specifically, a point may be reached in which the retrace blanking component of the video signal may be reduced by so much that beam retrace artifacts may appear in displayed images.
The root of this problem is that beam retrace blanking is the very first component of the cathode drive signal to suffer from reduced operating voltage. This is because the retrace signal (e.g., horizontal or vertical blanking) is the most positive component of the cathode drive signal. More specifically, the "picture" representative component occurs in a lower range of voltages with peak white being the lowest picture voltage level and with picture black occurring at an intermediate voltage level. Blanking components, such as horizontal and vertical blanking (being 40 IRE above black level, so called "blacker than black" components) occur at the maximum cathode drive voltage levels.
To overcome the problem of loss of retrace blanking as the high voltage for the cathode driver amplifiers is reduced, one might consider providing supplementary retrace blanking to the control grid (grid number "G1") of the kinescope.
An example of television apparatus with supplementary kinescope blanking is described by James C. Peele in U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,647 entitled CATHODE RAY TUBE DRIVER CIRCUIT which issued Aug. 5, 1986. A problem undertaken by Peele was to reduce the operating voltage requirements for individual semiconductor amplifiers used to amplify component video signals (R, G, B) for application to a kinescope.
In the Peele apparatus, a video signal is coupled to the cathode of a kinescope via a first driver amplifier that receives positive high voltage (+Vdc) from a positive power supply and produces a video output signal that is biased positive with respect to ground. The video signal is also coupled to the control grid of the kinescope by a second driver amplifier (of the inverting type). The second driver amplifier is provided with a negative high voltage supply (-Vdc) from a negative power supply and produces a complementary video output signal that is biased negatively with respect to ground. In total, the apparatus requires three cathode driver amplifiers and a positive high voltage supply and three grid driver amplifiers with a negative high voltage supply.
As a result of the unique topology of the Peele system, the cathode and grid electrodes are driven differentially by the video signals and so the effective grid-cathode drive voltage is twice the voltage produced by each of the high voltage driver amplifiers individually. This allows a reduction in the magnitudes of the positive (+Vdc) and negative (-Vdc) amplifier high voltage power supply voltages since each amplifier has to supply only one half of the drive voltage normally required for "single ended" (i.e., non-differential) kinescope driver amplifiers.
It is herein recognized that one problem with the Peele apparatus is that a pair of complementary high voltage power supplies are required to form each kinescope beam. The requirement for such dual positive and negative high voltage power supplies may greatly increase the cost and complexity of the receiver.
Another problem concerns matching the characteristics of the inverting and non-inverting amplifiers for the cathodes and grids. For maximum bandwidth, the amplifiers should have similar characteristics. Since the amplifiers operate with opposite polarity supply voltages and opposite polarity bias voltages, matching of the amplifier AC and DC characteristics may be difficult. For example, if the amplifiers are designed to be electrical complements of each other, it may be difficult to fine NPN and PNP transistors having well matched AC and DC characteristics. If, on the other hand, the amplifiers are identical but biased above and below ground, a further inverting amplifier may be required for inversion of the video signal applied to the grid driver amplifiers.
A further problem with the Peele apparatus relates to spot burn protection of the kinescope. Specifically, as discussed above, it is generally desirable in television display systems to protect the kinescope from spot burns upon occurrence of loss of scanning (deflection) signals as may occur, for example, upon turn off of the system. In the Peele apparatus, the need for three cathode driver amplifiers and three grid driver amplifiers (with complementary DC biasing) would indicate the need for multiple spot burn protection circuits, one for each cathode amplifier and one for each control grid amplifier, to provide beam cut-off in the event of scan loss. It would be desirable to avoid the complexity of six amplifiers.

Television apparatus with supplementary kinescope blanking and spot burn protection circuitry


“A mobile station that includes a measurement information storage unit configured to store a measurement rule and a measurement object in association with each other; a measurement unit to perform a measurement of a radio quality in an inter-frequency cell using a frequency defined by the measurement object stored in the measurement information storage unit; a measurement report transmitter unit configured to transmit a measurement report to a radio base station, when determining that a determination condition defined by the measurement rule associated with the measurement object is satisfied on the basis of the measurement result of the radio quality; and a handover processor unit configured to perform an inter-frequency handover in response to an instruction from the radio base station. The measurement information storage unit is configured to change the association between the measurement rule and the measurement object, when the inter-frequency handover is performed.”

Heretofore, there has been provided a mobile communication system that allows an inter-frequency handover for a mobile station UE in a communication environment including a mixture of multiple cells (frequency cells) using different frequencies.
Specifically, a mobile communication system based on the "LTE (Long Term Evolution)" system specified in the 3GPP employs the following configuration. A mobile station UE measures a radio quality in a cell (inter-frequency cell) neighboring a frequency cell that is currently in communication with the mobile station UE. Then, when determining, with reference to a determination condition, that the measured radio quality satisfies a predetermined radio quality, the mobile station UE transmits a measurement report (Measurement Report) indicating the measurement result to a radio base station eNB. Subsequently, the radio base station eNB determines, in accordance with the received measurement report, that an inter-frequency handover for the mobile station UE should be performed from the frequency cell currently in communication with the mobile station UE to an inter-frequency cell having a better radio quality.
Here, the mobile communication system based on the LTE system not only needs to co-exist with a mobile communication system based on another system that has been already deployed such as a UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) system and a GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network) system, but also needs to support mobility to and from these mobile communication systems.
Note that, the service to be provided, the transmission rate, the radio efficiency and the like differ among the different mobile communication systems, so that the mobile communication system optimum for the communications differs depending on the terms and conditions or the used service of the user.
In addition, the mobile communication system based on the LTE system supports various bandwidths from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. Accordingly, when multiple LTE carriers (frequencies) having different bandwidths exist, the optimum frequency differs depending on the used service.
For example, a broadband carrier (frequency) is preferable in a service where a large amount of data is to be downloaded instantly. However, a broadband carrier (frequency) does not necessarily have to be used in a service such as a voice service or machine-to-machine communications.
In addition, it is preferable to flexibly switch between mobile communication systems (RATs) or between carriers (frequencies) in accordance with the degrees of congestions in the RATs or the frequencies.
Accordingly, there is required a method capable of flexibly switching between the RATs or frequencies in accordance with the terms and conditions or the used service of the user, or the degrees of congestions. In particular, there is required a control method with which a priority level can be designated for each RAT or each frequency.
However, the conventional mobile communication system has a problem that the aforementioned determination condition cannot be flexibly changed between multiple mobile communication systems (RATs) or carriers (frequencies) in accordance with their priorities.
In this respect, the present invention has been made in view of the aforementioned problem, and an object of the invention is to provide a mobile station and a mobile communication method capable of flexibly changing a determination condition for determining whether or not to transmit a measurement report by a mobile station UE.

Mobile station and mobile communication method


A method of establishing a path between routers in a system-on-chip (SoC) of n×n mesh topology structure having a plurality of intellectual properties (IPs) each with a unique address and routers corresponding to each of the IPs respectively, including: receiving a routing packet including a hop counter, and updating address information and information of a stored routing table; establishing a path to at least one neighboring router using the updated routing table upon a request to establish the path; and delivering data by using the established path.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system-on-chip having an n×n mesh topology structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to establishing paths between routers of a system-on-chip.
2. Description of Related Art
To facilitate Internet access or computing functions of digital data equipment like cell phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), digital TVs, and smart phones, a number of semiconductor chips including microprocessor, network chip, and memory are required. As the data equipment has become more complicated, integration among these products is already occurring and will become a necessity in near future. If that happens, even more chips will be required within one single data device.
Developed as an answer to the above is a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) technology which integrates features of every component (even semiconductors) on a single chip. In general, the SoC system is constructed of a computing element, input and output (I/O), logic, and memory. The compact and high-integration SoC features high performance and low power consumption, so a majority of data equipment will benefit from the SoC technology. Intellectual property (IP) is also used to help designers to create the semiconductor chip much more rapidly. The IP is a design block that is specially developed as a ready-to-use application to the single chip.
A number of technologies have been devised to realize the SoC, and approaches connecting various IPs embedded in a chip have been addressed as a critical factor. There are two approaches connecting the various IPs, one using a bus structure and the other using a network structure. However, the bus architecture already reached its structural limit as the amount of data transmitted/received between IPs increases. This is because when a specific IP uses a bus, and other IPs cannot use the bus at all. That is, the specific IP exclusively uses the bus.
Moreover, the bus architecture is not extendable but fixed, so that additional IPs of the chip cannot be connected to a bus. As an attempt to solve the performance drawback of the bus architecture, network architecture has been devised to connect IPs. Furthermore, the network structure has an advantage of low power consumption compared to the bus structure. Hereinafter, the network structure is referred to as networks-on-chip (NoC). The NoC architecture causes a problem when general network technologies are applied since networks are designed on the IPs embedded in a chip.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of establishing a path between routers in a system-on-chip of n×n mesh topology structure, including: originating, via a router, a routing packet; setting a hop counter of the routing packet to 1; broadcasting the routing packet from the router to at least one neighboring router; generating a token packet having a destination address indicating an address of an IP connected to first router; and broadcasting the token packet to the at least one neighboring router.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of establishing a path between routers in a system-on-chip of n×n mesh topology structure, including: comparing, when a routing packet is received from a neighboring router, a hop counter of the routing packet to 2(n−1), reading a source address from the received routing packet when the hop counter of the received routing packet is determined to be less than 2(n−1), and discarding the received routing packet when the hop counter of the received routing packet is determined not to be less than 2(n−1), 2(n−1) being a smallest hop number to a router positioned at n×n from a router positioned at 1×1 and of the n×n mesh topology; determining whether the read address is a new address, updating a routing table using the received routing packet when the read address is a new address, and comparing the hop counter of the received routing packet to a stored hop counter for the source address stored in the routing table when the read address is not a new address; updating the routing table when the hop counter of the received routing packet is determined in the comparing the hop counter of the received routing packet to a stored hop counter to be less than or equal to the hop counter stored in the routing table; updating the hop counter of the received routing packet when the hop counter of the received routing packet is determined in the comparing the hop counter of the received routing packet to a stored hop counter to be larger than the hop counter stored in the routing table; and determining whether a destination address of a received token packet is the same as that of the router; sending the routing packet data to an IP connected thereto when the destination address is determined to be the same, and broadcasting the updated received router packet to at least another neighboring router when the destination address is determined not to be the same.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of establishing a path between routers in a system-on-chip of n×n mesh topology structure, including: reading a destination address of a received token packet received by a receiving router from a neighboring router; comparing the read destination address to the address of the receiving router; generating a routing packet including information about the receiving router when the addresses are determined to be the same, and discarding the received token packet when the addresses are determined not to be the same; broadcasting the generated routing packet to at least one neighboring router; designating a router to generate a next routing packet; generating a token packet having a destination address of the designated router; and broadcasting the generated token packet to the at least one neighboring router.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of establishing multiple paths for data transmission, including: receiving data and a destination address of the data from a neighboring router; determining whether x-direction position information of the received destination address is the same as x-direction position information of a receiving router; sending the received data to a router based on the determining of x-direction information; determining whether the y-direction position information of the received destination address is the same as y-direction position information of the receiving router; and sending the received data a router based on the determining of y-direction information.

System-on-chip establishing paths between routers and method therefor


When a system receives sensitive data, it can request an encryption key from an encryption/decryption unit. A central processing unit (CPU) of the system can encrypt the sensitive data using the encryption key before writing the sensitive data to memory. Thus, the sensitive data is encrypted when written to memory.

The present disclosure relates to software, and more specifically, to encryption of sensitive data in live memory.
Throughout different fields, a common critical concern is the importance of maintaining security and/or controlling access to sensitive data. For example, sensitive data may include personally identifying information (PII), health information, financial data, etc. To accomplish this, many computerized applications that utilize sensitive data may encrypt the sensitive data when storing it in long-term storage, such as on a hard disk drive (HDD). When an example application needs to use the data, it may retrieve the encrypted data from storage, decrypt it, and then utilize the decrypted sensitive data to perform whatever operations are required (such as processing an online payment with a user's credit card information).
Many typical computer systems may have the capability to generate a "memory dump," which is often a compilation of some or all data stored in memory. For example, some systems may automatically dump contents of memory to a file when an application crashes or otherwise fails. The contents of the memory at the time of the crash may assist in discerning why the application failed. However, if sensitive data is being stored in memory at the time of the dump, it may be written to file as well, enabling unauthorized access or disclosure. Sophisticated attackers may take advantage of this to acquire sensitive data without access.


A power busway interposer enables a power busway assembly of energized busway segments to be extended, via coupling additional busway segments to the assembly, while maintaining energization of the assembly. As a result, a power busway assembly providing power support to electrical loads can be extended while maintaining power support to the electrical loads. The interposer includes separate sets of connectors that couple with separate busway segments and a switching device which selectively electrically couples the connectors, so that a power busway connector can be de-energized while another separate power busway connector is coupled to an energized busway segment and then subsequently energized. Extending the power busway assembly can include coupling separate sets of connectors to separate busway segments, where the separate sets of connectors are electrically isolated, and adjusting the switching device to electrically couple the separate sets of connectors, so that power is distributed between coupled busway segments.

Organizations such as on-line retailers, Internet service providers, search providers, financial institutions, universities, and other computing-intensive organizations often conduct computer operations from large scale computing facilities. Such computing facilities house and accommodate a large amount of server, network, and computer equipment to process, store, and exchange data as needed to carry out an organization's operations. Typically, a computer room of a computing facility includes many computing racks, which may include server racks. Each computing rack, in turn, may include many computer systems, servers, associated computer equipment, etc.
Because the computer room of a computing facility may contain a large number of servers, a large amount of electrical power may be required to operate the facility. In addition, the electrical power is distributed to a large number of locations spread throughout the computer room (e.g., many racks spaced from one another, and many servers in each rack). Usually, a facility receives a power feed at a relatively high voltage. This power feed is stepped down to a lower voltage (e.g., 208V). A network of cabling, bus bars, power connectors, and power distribution units, is used to deliver the power at the lower voltage to numerous specific components in the facility.
The amount of computing capacity needed for any given data center may change rapidly as business needs dictate. Most often, there is a need for increased computing capacity at a location. Initially providing computing capacity in a data center, or expanding the existing capacity of a data center (in the form of additional servers, for example), is resource-intensive and may take many months to implement. Substantial time and resources are typically required to design and build a data center (or expansion thereof), lay cables, install racks, enclosures, and cooling systems to implement waste heat removal therefrom. Additional time and resources are typically needed to conduct inspections and obtain certifications and approvals, such as for electrical and HVAC systems.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and "includes" mean including, but not limited to.


A dispersible silicone antifoam composition for providing controlled foaming liquid laundry detergent formulations and wherein there is provided a non-aqueous emulsion of primary and secondary silicone antifoam agents, at least one nonionic silicone surfactant for emulsifying the primary and secondary antifoam agents in a solvent, a first organic surfactant dispersing agent for assisting in dispersing the emulsified primary and secondary antifoam agents in the liquid laundry detergent, and a second dispersing agent of a nonionic difunctional block-copolymer terminating in primary hydroxyl groups for further assisting in dispersing the emulsified primary and secondary anitfoam agents in the liquid laundry detergent.

This invention relates to a dispersible antifoam formulation containing a silicone for incorporation into liquid laundry detergents and which antifoam formulation provides a stable, relatively clear detergent with controlled foaming behavior.
Solid detergent formulations are sold in powder or granular form. A serious disadvantage of solid detergents of this type is that, on account of the hygroscopicity of individual raw materials of the formulation, the solid detergent shows a pronounced tendency towards caking or clumping in the presence of small quantities of moisture. This does not make the detergent unusable, however, because the effect of the individual components of the detergent remain intact even after clumping or caking in the presence of moisture. However the appearance of the detergent in most cases is diminished. As a result there has been a desire to develop liquid detergent compositions for use in lieu of conventionally formulated solid detergent compositions. The liquid detergent allows for use of lower washing temperatures inclusive of cold water laundering. Granular detergents have not fully adapted to such variations because of weaknesses in respect of dissolving speed, insolubility, and cleaning efficiency. Due to such problems of caking and the slowness of solid and granular detergents to dissolve, trends in detergent manufacture have leaned toward the liquid detergent. Such detergents usually include an organic surfactant, water, various detergent builder systems, enzymes, bleaches, pH modifiers, and solvents. It is not uncommon to also include an antifoam or defoamer formulation as a part of the detergent package.
A defoamer or antifoam agent is a material which, when added in low concentration to a foaming liquid controls the foam problem. The defoamer equilibrates the rate of foam collapse with the rate of foam formation. Such materials, in addition, remove unsightly and troublesome surface foam, improve filtration, watering, washing, and drainage, of various types of suspensions, mixtures slurries. Defoamers have found application traditionally in such areas of use as the pulp and paper industry, paints and latex, coating processes, fertilizers textiles, fermentation processes, metal working, adhesive, caulk and polymer manufacture, the sugar beet industry, oil well cement, cleaning compounds, cooling towers, and in chemical processes of varied description such as municipal and industrial primary and secondary waste water treatment facilities. It is essential for a defoamer that it be inert and not capable of reacting with the product or system in which it is used, and that it have no adverse effect on the product or system. The components of a defoamer generally consist of primary and secondary antifoam agents, a carrier, an emulsifier, and optionally a stabilizing agent. The primary antifoam agent is the main ingredient of the defoamer and includes materials such as hydrophobic silicone treated silica, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, and fatty acids and esters. In particular, hydrophobic silica is finely divided silica coated with chemisorbed silicone. The silica is dispersed in hydrocarbon oil and the hydrophobic silica particles present a low energy silicone surface to the foamed environment. In the absence of the hydrocarbon oil, hydrophobic silica itself has no defoaming capacity. The secondary antifoam agent acts synergistically with the primary antifoam agent and includes such materials as silicones, and fatty alcohols and esters. Carriers frequently comprise hydrocarbon oils, water, fatty alcohols and esters, and solvents. Emulsifiers such as esters, ethoxylated compounds, sorbitan esters, silicones, and alcohol sulfates, function to spread or introduce the primary and secondary antifoam agents and the carrier into the system she-f life of defoamers can be improved by stabilizing agents, and often in water based defoamers a preservative is added to prevent bacterial spoilage in the drum or shipping container. Such stabilizing agents have consisted of, for example, oleic acid, hexylene glycol, fatty alcohols, naphthalene sulfonates, butyl alcohol, and formaldehyde.
The inclusion of a defoamer or antifoam agent in a liquid laundry detergent is not new, however, it is not common. This is for the reason that it is particularly difficult to homogeneously disperse antifoam formulations into aqueous mediums such as liquid laundry detergents. A liquid laundry detergent is a complex formulation chemically and ingredient-wise, and often the complexity of such formulations hinder a homogeneous dispersion of an antifoam composition in the detergent. The result is often loss of clarity seen in hazy formulations, as well as flocculates of antifoam accumulating at the surface of the detergent. The use of antifoams in granular and powdered detergent formulations is taught in a number of references, exemplary of which are, for example, West German published unexamined application (Offenlegungsschrift) No. 2832679 of Feb. 15, 1979; French published unexamined application No. 2285453 of May 21, 1976; European published unexamined application No. 0091802Al of Oct. 19, 1983; and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,400,288, and 4,732,694, issued Aug. 23, 1983 and Mar. 22, 1988, respectively. Typical of liquid type laundry detergent formulations which include an antifoaming agent or suds suppressor can be found in, for example, U.S Pat. No. 4,075,118, issued Feb. 21, 1978. A particularly effective silicone antifoam agent is taught in U.S. Pat. No. ,4,639,489, issued Jan. 27, 1978 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,740, issued June 7, 1988. However, in aqueous medium, this antifoam like other antifoam formulations has been found to be difficultly dispersible.
Therefore, and in accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that certain combinations of surfactants and dispersants when included with and incorporated into an antifoam formulation of U.S Pat. No. 4,639,489 and 4,749,740, render the antifoam dispersible in aqueous mediums such as liquid laundry detergents and therefore solve the problem of dispersibility of the antifoam formulations.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,479, issued Jan. 8, 1974, to Keil, there is disclosed an emulsion or dispersion of a foam contro agent in a polyglycol such as polypropyleneoxide, polyethyleneoxide, or copolymers thereof for use in aqueous systems. However the aqueous systems in Keil are industrial systems such as alkaline soap solutions evaporated alkaline paper black liquors, concentrated synthetic rubber latices, steam distilled styrene-butadiene emulsions, refined sugar, dyed textiles, and sewage. An alkaline soap solution cannot be considered a domestic liquid laundry detergent because liquid laundry detergents are not made from soap but from synthetic detergents. Further, except for the non-aqueous polyglycol vehicle in Keil, the surfactants included therein are all silicone type, as compared to the mixed organic and silicone type surfactants of the present invention. In addition, and in contrast to the present invention, Keil fails to teach the inclusion of a secondary antifoam agent, as well as an nonionic organic surfactant. Thus, a homogeneous relatively clear liquid laundry detergent can be provided herein and which contains an improved antifoam formulation.

Dispersible silicone antifoam formulations


An optical fiber holder includes a pair of first optical fiber guides, each of the first optical fiber guides satisfying a condition of an allowable bend radius of an optical fiber; a second optical fiber guide configured to hold a joined portion of the optical fiber at a position between the first optical fiber guides, the second optical fiber guide satisfying the condition of the allowable bend radius of the optical fiber; and a tray to hold the first optical fiber guides and the second optical fiber guide, the tray having a fiber extraction opening for pulling the optical fiber onto the tray. A distance from the fiber extraction opening to a fixing position of the second optical fiber guide on the tray is set smaller than a distance from the fiber extraction opening to a fixing position of the first optical fiber guides on the tray.

Optical circuit devices are made workable generally by connecting a number of optical components via optical fibers. To operate an optical amplifier, for example, thirty or more optical fibers are joined to one another to connect optical components. There are some known techniques for joining optical fibers. One method is using optical fiber cable with a connector, which connector is to be connected to a counterpart connector via an optical adaptor. Another method is splicing optical fibers. To join a number of optical fibers all together, the latter method is generally employed because it is advantageous from the viewpoints of durability against loss of optical signals and stowing efficiency. In general, the more the optical fibers to be connected, the greater the signal loss and the required stowing space.
FIG. 1A through FIG. 1E illustrate a conventional method for splicing optical fibers using a fiber fusion splicer. In FIG. 1A, optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2, which are used to connect optical components inside an optical circuit device 101, are pulled out from an opening 101a of the optical circuit device 101 such that the optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2 can be placed on a splicer (not shown). Then, in FIG. 1B, the ends of the optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2 are spliced by the splicer. The spliced part is reinforced by a protection sleeve 104. By this splicing process, optical components (not shown) arranged in the optical circuit device 101 are connected to each other via the optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2. The spliced optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2 involve a surplus length produced for the purpose of fiber fusion splicing using the splicer. The surplus length of the spliced optical fibers 102 is stowed in the optical circuit device 101. This process is called a "surplus length stowing process".
As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the looped optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2 (which are collectively referred to as "optical fibers 102") are twisted in figure eight (8). Then, the twisted optical fibers 102 are folded onto the optical circuit device 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1D, and further folded at the twisted portion as illustrated in FIG. 1E such that the entirety of the surplus length of joined optical fibers is accommodated in the case of the optical circuit device 101.
The acceptable bend radius of the optical fibers 102 is confined to prevent degradation of optical signals propagating through the optical fibers 102. Microbending deformation due to twisting of optical fibers will cause degradation of optical signals. Since it is difficult to visually determine at which point microbending exists, it is hard to specify and repair the portion at which optical signal loss has occurred due to the microbending. Accordingly, it is preferred not to twist the optical fibers during the surplus length stowing process.
Although in FIG. 1A through 1E each of the optical fibers 102-1 and 102-2 pulled out from the opening 101a is depicted in a single line for the purpose of simplification, a set of optical fibers (e.g., ten optical fibers) are pulled out from each side of the opening 101a of the optical circuit device 101 in the actual process. A set of optical fibers are arranged in parallel and joined end-to-end to the counterpart set of optical fibers by fusion splicing. The collectively spliced optical fibers are twisted or folded during the surplus length stowing process, and each one of the optical fibers has to be treated very carefully. Accordingly, the stowing work becomes complicated with increased workload. In addition, if the surplus length stowing process is carried out by hand, the handiwork varies depending on the workers.
A known technique for stowing the surplus length of optical fibers is bundling the surplus lengths and tucking the bundle between surplus length stowing sheets. (See, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 61-116302). Another known method is winding the surplus lengths of optical fibers and fixing the winding in an annular groove. (See, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-156634).
In view of these problems, there is a demand for an optical fiber holder that can hold a set of optical fibers in good order without twisting, while satisfying the allowable (minimum) bend radius. There are also demands for an optical device using the optical fiber holder and a surplus length stowing method for optical fibers.

Optical fiber holder, optical device using the same, and method for stowing surplus length of optical fiber


An insertion tool for inserting a spinal rod into a patient is provided. The insertion tool includes an upper body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a handle assembly extending from the upper body portion, an elbow member connected to a distal end of the body portion, a lower body portion defining a second longitudinal axis, and a drive mechanism extending between the handle assembly and the lower body portion for controlling the selective engagement of the spinal rod. The lower body portion extends from the elbow and is configured to selectively engage a spinal rod.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic spinal surgery, and more particularly, to devices and methods for inserting a rod during spinal surgery.
2. Background of Related Art
The spinal column is a complex system of bones and connective tissues that provide support for the human body and protection for the spinal cord and nerves. The adult spine is comprised of twenty-four vertebral bodies, which are subdivided into three areas, including seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae and five lumbar vertebrae. Between each vertebral body is an intervertebral disc that cushions and dampens the various translational and rotational forces exerted upon the spinal column.
There are various disorders, diseases and types of injury which the spinal column may experience in a lifetime. These problems may include, but are not limited to, scoliosis, kyphosis, excessive lordosis, spondylolisthesis, slipped or ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease, vertebral body fracture, and tumors. Persons suffering from any of the above conditions typically experience extreme or debilitating pain and often times diminished nerve function.
One of the more common solutions to any of the above mentioned conditions involves a surgical procedure to implant a rod or rods along the spine to support the vertebral bodies. Typically, the implanted rod is attached to the vertebral bodies using pedicle screws, hooks or anchors. Although instruments have been designed to assist in the insertion of the rod through the implanted screws, hooks or anchors, there exists a need for an improved insertion device.

Rod insertion instrument and method of use


The present invention relates to a connector housing and a method of manufacturing the waterproof connector housing. The waterproof connector housing according to the present invention includes: an engagement frame for receiving a mating connector at a front portion thereof; a ring-like primer layer formed on a wall of at least an engagement face of the engagement frame; and addition-reaction fluid silicone rubber formed on the ring-like primer layer, wherein the addition-reaction fluid silicone rubber is combined with the primer layer by vulcanizing the fluid silicone rubber such that a ring-like packing is integrally formed with the connector housing. The method of manufacturing the waterproof connector housing includes the steps of: manufacturing a connector housing having an engagement frame for receiving a mating connector at a front portion thereof; attaching a primer layer to a wall of an engagement face of the engagement frame; drying the primer to form a ring-like primer layer; putting the connector housing with the primer layer between a male metal mold and a female metal mold having an opening; injecting fluid silicone rubber into the opening of the female metal mold; vulcanizing the fluid silicone rubber to form a ring-like packing in the opening; and removing the male and female metal molds to take out a molded product in which the ring-like packing is integrally formed with the connector housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector housing for connecting a male connector and a female connector with each other with a waterproof seal therebetween and a method of manufacturing the waterproof connector housing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, a ring-like packing is used as a separate part for sealing an engagement face between a male connector and a female connector. However, the work for attaching the packing to the engagement face is worrisome and the packing is liable to fall off. To eliminate these drawbacks, it is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Showa 63-221568 that a ring-like packing c is integrally formed on an inner wall of a housing of a female connector as illustrated in FIG. 5, or, the ring-like packing may be formed integrally in double housings e of the male connector d as illustrated in FIG. 6. Further, in order to improve the waterproofness of the packing, a sticky material is added to a rubber material to give the packing c and c' stickiness. However, when the rubber material has stickiness, it also sticks to a metal mold. Even though surface treatment such as fluorine coating is applied to the metal mold to avoid the problem, the durability of the coating is not sufficient so that there is a difficulty in putting the method into practical use.
Further, it is disclosed in the patent application described above that fluid silicone rubber is used as material for the packing c and c'.
When synthetic rubber other than the silicone rubber is used as material for the packing, a vulcanizing agent such as sulfur, organic peroxide or the like is added for vulcanization. As a result, secondary products of the reaction are volatilized, causing electric contacts to be polluted. On the other hand, when addition-reaction silicone rubber is used, the secondary products described above are not generated, but, cyclicsiloxane remains in the fluid silicone rubber, which also causes the electric contacts to be polluted as described above. Therefore, to avoid the problem, a waterproof rubber stopper or a ring-like packing as a separate part is attached to a housing after those parts are secondarily vulcanized at 200.degree. C. or 2 hours. However, when the packing is integrally formed with the housing, the secondary vulcanization cannot be applied due to the deformation of the housing. That is, there is a problem in which when the packing is integrally formed with the housing according to predetermined vulcanizing time, injection pressure, and temperature of metal mold for vulcanizing the rubber, the housing deforms or burrs are generated on the packing form attached to the housing since the housing is made of unreinforced thermoplastic resin such as PBT, 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon.

Waterproof connector housing and method of producing the same


A system, apparatus and method are disclosed for implementing a managed network in a hybrid network environment to support nodes having managed network capability together with nodes that do not support managed network capabilities. In one form of the invention, a method for managing data communication on a network coupled to first nodes and second nodes is provided comprising: controlling a first time period for one or more first data transmissions on the network wherein the first nodes are permitted to transmit data during the first time periods and the second nodes are not permitted to transmit data during the first time period by causing the second nodes to treat the first time period as a single transmission period. Other methods, apparatus and systems are provided.

The general concept of a network manager is well known and is implemented in some network industry applicable standards. Some of the advantages of a managed network are that the nodes can make better use of the given channel resources; there is better support of applications requiring quality of service (QoS) such as voice, video, audio; and there is support of low-power consumption and/or low-MIPS applications.
In some standards (for example, DOCSIS1.1, IEEE1394, IEEE802.11, incorporated herein by reference), isochronous operation is obtained by dividing the time axis into multi-frames, and using a network manager. The manager can be selected in various ways. A manager in this context is a station on the network that has the authority to distribute channel resources and determine which station currently has the right to transmit. The multi-frame (of constant or variable length) is divided into two periods: A contention free period (CFP); and a contention period (CP).
Nodes that support a managed network, sometimes referred to as point coordination function (PCF) capable, are given channel resources (that is, time periods) within the CFP. These nodes may transmit also in the CP, mostly using it for short management or data packets (for example, request for channel resources within the CFP). Variations on this method exist (for example, short CP's within the CFP).
Other standards, such as Ethernet IEEE Std 802.3 and HomePNA2.0, incorporated herein by reference, do not support managed networks. Instead they use contention-based techniques. Options for controlling media access on the contention based network may include CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense, Multiple Access, With Collision Detection) or CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense, Multiple Access, With Collision Avoidance). Generally, stations with a packet ready for transmission sense the line and transmit only when the media is free. If two stations collide, an algorithm exists to resolve the collision.

Network manager for a hybrid network environment


The basic concept of the present invention comprises converting a standard buffer circuit into an adjustable buffer circuit that will in effect reduce the operating speed and power consumption of the IC in which it is constructed. An adjustable buffer circuit can be designed into a chip design that will allow manufacturing to either use a bonding option or the blowing of a fuse to adjust its operating speed and active power consumption. One important application would be in memory devices such as for static random access memory (SRAM) devices. For example, if may be desirable to allow a -15 ns access time SRAM to be downgraded to a -20 ns or -35 ns access time device while lowering its active power consumption by .apprxeq.20-30% so that it will pass the -35 ns I.sub.CC specification rating. Although the concept of the present invention would require more layout area on the die, by appropriately bonding or blowing a fuse to control the adjustable circuitry, slower speed grades that meet power rating specifications are obtained.

As access times decrease for the high-end semiconductor market, the speed and power specifications are violated for the integrated circuits (ICs) with slower speed grades.
FIG. 1 shows a common complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter (also referred to as a buffer) with a p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor M1 and n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor M2. Typically, the method to reduce propagation delays in this common inverter would be accomplished by increasing the sizing of transistors M1 and M2. This creates a power consumption problem if the device containing a buffer with certain sized transistors is used in a unit or system that requires a device having a slower speed grade.
One way to solve this problem would be by creating the ability to reduce both the operating speed and operating power for the device used in products that are destined for slower applications.
In the present invention, a standard buffer or driver circuit is converted into an adjustable buffer circuit, thereby allowing the speed and power consumption to be reduced.


A wet wiper for cleaning accumulated oral debris from removable dental appliances. The wet wiper comprises a water insoluble substrate and a physiologically acceptable cleansing composition, wherein the cleansing composition comprises: (i) a liquid carrier consisting of a solution of water and ethyl alcohol, wherein the ethyl alcohol is about 3% to about 90% by weight of the cleansing composition, and wherein the water is q.s. to 100%; and (ii) about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the cleansing composition of a flavor. Methods for cleaning removable dental appliances are also provided, such methods comprising the step of contacting, for a time sufficient to reduce oral debris, the removable dental appliances, with a wet wiper of the present invention.

Removable dental appliances (hereinafter referred to as removable appliances) have been used since the early 1900's, and the category encompasses a wide variety which can be easily removed and re-inserted in the mouth, including those for function, expansion, orthodontics, retention, bruxism, protection of the hard and soft tissues and as a dental prosthesis. Examples of removable appliances include those used for orthodontic tooth positioning as in the system sold under the trademark, Invisalign;® retainers, of which Hawley and Essix-types are examples; as well as nightguards, mouthguards, biteguards, dentures, and removable partial dentures. Wear times of removable appliances vary. For example, some appliances, like sportsguards, are worn for only for a few hours and removed infrequently, while others, like aligners, are worn throughout the day and require more frequent removal and reinsertion for all meals, snacks and beverages. As removable appliances grow in popularity and use, the need for new intermittent oral care regimens, tailored to specific lifestyle considerations, is increasing.
The placement of removable appliances in the oral cavity leads to the accumulation of oral debris on the surfaces of the appliance and all of its parts. Typically, the major proportion of oral debris that accumulates on removable appliances is dental plaque which adheres tenaciously to the appliance surfaces and is not easily removed. Removal of dental plaque is important because it is a living structure containing organisms which have specific biochemical activities and metabolism and whose enhanced pathogenic potential constitutes a threat to oral health by stimulating disease processes such as dental caries and periodontal disease. In addition, the microorganisms contained in dental plaque have been implicated in the generation of objectionable mouth odors.
A problem with cleaning dental appliances is that it can be difficult, time-consuming, inconvenient, or even impossible at times, depending on how and when cleaning is needed. Two major approaches are generally recommended to patients cleaning removable appliances. One approach relies on mechanical devices, while the other approach utilizes chemical methods. In some instances, a combination of these approaches may actually be used.
The most familiar mechanical approach is with the use of a brush in the presence of either hot or cold water. A key disadvantage of this method is that it typically requires running water and a sink. Another disadvantage is that scrubbing the appliance with just water does little to kill pathogenic organisms that may be present on the appliance surfaces. A less common but more effective mechanical approach is through the use of a table-top ultrasonic cleaner; however, utilization is limited because the devices are bulky, not portable, and require a dedicated source of electrical power.
The other major approach recommended to patients for cleaning removable appliances is with the use of chemicals. The most common chemical method is soaking the removable appliance in a denture tablet solution. Certain mouthwash products are also used due to their more desirable odor, flavor and antibacterial claims of their manufacturers. Disadvantages of the chemical method, however, include soaking times, difficulty and inconveniences associated with the variety of auxiliary aids required, (e.g., water, soaking tub, sink) as well as possible discoloration of clear plastic appliances from some dyes within the chemical formulations.
Unclean removable appliances represent both esthetic and health concerns for the person using them. Despite the aforementioned approaches, there remains a need for a one-step cleaning regimen to efficiently and conveniently remove oral debris and malodors from removable appliances. As such, there is a need for a portable, disposable, wet wiper that can be used at any time, in any location, to clean and deliver mouth refreshment, without requiring additional auxiliary components like water or power. Such a product may be used several times a day, especially immediately after meals, in order to reduce accumulated oral debris and the return of oral malodor.
The art is replete with numerous wet wiper products for cleaning a variety of objects including glass, kitchen and bathroom countertops, furniture, sports equipment, skin, hair, food and food contact surfaces, yet the authors are unaware of any prior art covering the method of using a wet wiper for cleaning removable appliances that provides the one-step portability, convenience, performance, and desired sensory characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,772 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,940 teach the use of fibrous wet wipers for cleaning foods, toys and food/child contact surfaces. The problem with this technology is that it does not address the specific needs required of an oral hygiene product for cleaning removable appliances. For such a product, it is necessary to include ingredients specific to oral care that deliver pleasant flavor and mouth refreshment, and that also remove/reduce plaque, calculus, stain and malodor. Thus, the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and provides a means to deliver improved benefits for the specific purpose of cleaning removable appliances without rinsing, while also providing portability in a one-step cleaning regimen.

Wet wiper articles and methods for cleaning removable dental appliances


A restraint system, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a restraint device, to be activated in at least two steps; a sensor unit for sensing activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; a control device for processing the activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; as well as an ignition unit for driving the actuators for activating the at least one restraining device. To increase the safety of such a restraining device, at least two independently switched ignition units are provided such that, when one ignition unit fails, the activation of the restraint device in at least one step is guaranteed by the other ignition unit.

The invention relates to a restraining system and, in particular, to a restraining system for a motor vehicle including a restraining device, which is activated in at least two stages, a sensor unit for sensing activation-relevant operating data, a control device for processing the activation-relevant operating data, and an ignition unit for driving the triggering units to activate the at least one restraining device.
Such restraining systems (which are known, for example, as an air bag system or as a seat belt system with a seat belt tightener or the like) for the protection of the occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of an accident have already become in the interim a standard feature in many vehicles. Typically, acceleration sensors, which are disposed in the vehicle, detect whether an abrupt delay of the vehicle, which is to be interpreted as a collision with an obstacle, has occurred. In the given case, an airbag in its folded state is filled, for example, with gas within a few fractions of a second by activating, or rather igniting, an ignition unit in order to intercept the body of an occupant and to avoid contact with harder parts of the vehicle.
Improved systems are in a position to fill, step-by-step, the airbag as a function of the size of the person and/or the magnitude of the accident. In this way, it is achieved that the airbag is inflated in such a manner that it is adapted to the situation (a child or an adult and/or a severe or mild accident) and that unnecessary milder injuries, caused by overfilling the airbag or filling the airbag too fast, are avoided. Such a system has already been described in the German patent document DE 101 02 646 A1.
The present invention is based on the problem of providing a restraining system that is intended for a vehicle and that ensures an improved protection of the occupants.
The invention solves this problem by providing an occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle including a restraining device, which is activated in at least two stages, a sensor unit for sensing activation-relevant operating data, a control device for processing the activation-relevant operating data, and an ignition unit for driving the triggering units to activate the at least one restraining device. At least two independently switched ignition units are provided such that if one ignition unit fails, the activation of the restraining device in at least one stage is guaranteed by the other ignition unit. The construction of the inventive restraining system, in which at least two different ignition units are assigned to each restraining device, to be activated step-by-step, for activating its different stages, ensures that, when one ignition unit fails, the restraining device (or rather each restraining device) to be activated is activated at least partly in at least one single stage by at least one other ignition unit.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each ignition unit exhibits a plurality of ignition end stages, whereby the individual ignition end stages are assigned to each ignition unit of a number of different restraining devices (in particular, of the same type—e.g., only airbags or only seat-belt systems). In an especially preferred embodiment, the invention relates to restraining systems in the form of airbag systems. As an alternative or in addition, however, other restraining systems, such as a seat-belt system with a seat belt tightener, are also envisioned.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A vertically disposed oil pan baffle includes a body having first and second opposing side walls joined by a third wall, and an opposing fourth wall. Each of the first and second side walls is configured to conform with first and second internal surfaces of an oil pan. A metering opening is formed in one of the third and fourth walls. The metering opening is configured and disposed to control a rate of flow of oil through the vertically disposed oil pan baffle.

Many motor vehicles rely on some form of lubricant to reduce friction between adjacent moving surfaces. In most cases, a motor vehicle engine includes an engine block that includes cylinders, pistons, and one or more cylinder heads that may support valves. An oil pan is generally mounted to a lower portion of the engine block. The oil pan collects lubricant or oil passing downward through the cylinder heads and engine block. The engine often includes an oil pump having an inlet provided in the oil pan. The oil pump urges the oil from the oil pan back through the engine block, often times to the cylinder heads, to provide continuous lubrication. In many cases, the oil pan is shaped to force the oil to collect near the inlet.
In some instances, oil may move away from the inlet. Vehicle accelerations could generate forces that cause the oil to move away from the inlet. Accelerations may arise from increases in vehicle speed, changes of direction, such as driving through a curve or making a right or left turn, and the like. When oil moves away from the inlet, supply to the oil pump may be interrupted. In such cases, continuity of the oil flow may also be interrupted. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a baffle in the oil pan to limit oil moving away from the inlet to ensure continuity of oil delivery to the motor vehicle engine.