A computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically creating a rule for defining a workflow in a laboratory management system is provided. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a first node within a graphical diagram in response to user input and to display a node condition/action window adjacent the graphical diagram. The first node represents an action or condition. The graphical diagram represents the rule and each node within the graphical diagram assists in creating the rule. The node condition/action window displays program code for executing the action or condition represented by the first node.

Laboratories use a variety of laboratory management systems to integrate laboratory software and instruments; to manage samples, laboratory users, and standards; to control other laboratory functions such as Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC); to conduct sample planning, invoicing, and plate management; and to manage workflow. Laboratory management systems can include a variety of different types of systems for managing samples, information and/or instruments within a laboratory, such as a Laboratory Information System (LIS), a Process Development Execution System (PDES), and a Laboratory Information Management System or Laboratory Integration Management Solution (LIMS).
A Laboratory Information System ("LIS") is a class of software that receives, processes, and stores information generated by medical laboratory processes. LIS systems often must interface with instruments and other information systems such as hospital information systems (HIS).
A Process Development Execution System (PDES) is a system which is used by companies to perform development activities for manufacturing processes.
A Laboratory Information Management System or Laboratory Integration Management Solution (LIMS) is a software system used in laboratories for the integration of laboratory software and instruments and the management of samples, laboratory users, standards and other laboratory functions such as Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), sample planning, invoicing, plate management, and workflow automation. LIMS systems may also support information gathering, decision making, calculation, review and release into the workplace and away from the office. More recently, LIMS systems are starting to expand into Electronic Laboratory Notebooks, assay data management, data mining and data analysis.
Modern laboratory management systems have implemented extensive configurability as each laboratories needs for tracking additional data points can vary widely. Vendors of laboratory management systems often cannot make assumptions about what these data tracking needs are and therefore need to be adaptable to each environment. Users of laboratory management systems may also have regulatory concerns to comply with such as CLIA, HIPAA, GLP and FDA specifications and this can affect certain aspects of sample management in a laboratory management system. One key to compliance with many of these standards is audit logging of all changes to data of laboratory management systems, and in some cases a full electronic signature system is required for rigorous tracking of field level changes to data of laboratory management systems.
A user may configure a laboratory management system whereby users are assigned roles or groups. Typically the role of a user will dictate their access to specific data records in the laboratory management systems. Each user account is protected by security mechanisms such as a user id and a password. Users may have customized interfaces based on their role in the organization. For example, a laboratory manager might have full access to all of a laboratory management system's functions and data, whereas technicians might have access only to data and functionality needed for their individual work-tasks.
Some laboratory management systems offer some capability for integration with instruments. A laboratory management system may create control files that are "fed" into the instrument and direct its operation on some physical item such as a sample tube or sample plate. The laboratory management system may then import instrument results files to extract QC or results data for assessment of the operation on the sample or samples. Data owners may access the resulting stored information at any time.
Laboratory management systems may be customized for use in a wide variety of settings and laboratories, such as medical or clinical laboratories, biological laboratories, chemistry laboratories, chemical or petroleum laboratories, commercial or manufacturing use, forensics or crime laboratories, pathology laboratories, public safety and public health laboratories, and water processing and testing facilities.
Laboratory management system may manage various workflows within a laboratory, such as the management of samples within a laboratory, the management of information within a laboratory, and the management of instruments within a laboratory. Samples include: biological samples taken from a patient, such as blood, urine or tissue; evidence samples taken from a crime scene, such as bullets, biological samples, pictures, and video; and samples of materials, liquids, or compounds. Instruments includes analyses equipment within a laboratory and any other laboratory equipment, measurement instruments, observation instruments such as a microscope or a video camera, sensors and other such equipment within a laboratory.
One core function of laboratory management systems is the management of samples. This typically is initiated when a sample is received in the laboratory at which point the sample will be registered in the laboratory management system. This registration process may involve accessioning the sample and producing barcodes to affix to the sample container. Various other parameters may be recorded as well, such as clinical or phenotypic information corresponding with the sample. The laboratory management system may then track chain of custody of the sample as well as the sample location. Location tracking often involves assigning the sample to a particular location such as a shelf/rack/box/row/column. Other event tracking may be required such as freeze and thaw cycles that a sample undergoes in the laboratory.
In order manage a workflow in a laboratory management system, a user typically has to write program code for a computer program through which the rule operates for each rule for which the user wishes to create. The task of writing program code for a rule is often laborious and requires many hours of work from a trained computer programmer to complete. Writing program code for a rule also requires an in-depth understanding of how the laboratory management system functions. Typically, the user of a laboratory management system does not have the type of training and skills needed to write the program code needed from which the rule operates. Thus the task of writing program code for a rule usually falls to a software engineer.
It would be desirable to provide a simplified method for developing rules for managing a workflow in a laboratory management system which do not require the use of a software engineer. It would also be desirable to provide a simplified method for developing rules for managing a workflow in a laboratory management system from which an end-user could develop program code for.

Graphically based method for developing rules for managing a laboratory workflow


According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus has a monitoring unit, and an arbitration unit. The monitoring unit monitors a data amount in a first transfer buffer of a first image processing unit, and a data amount in a second transfer buffer of a second image processing unit. The arbitration unit arbitrates, so that when the data amount in the first transfer buffer becomes not less than a predetermined first threshold value, the number of times of data transfer from the first transfer buffer to a main memory is increased. Furthermore the arbitration unit arbitrates, so that when the data amount in the second transfer buffer becomes not more than a predetermined second threshold value, the number of times of data transfer from the main memory to the second transfer buffer is increased.

An electrophotographic image processing apparatus to deal with image data and other data, such as a digital multi-function machine (MFP=Multi-Function Peripherals) is known. The image processing apparatus uses a parallel system bus, such as a PCI bus (Peripheral Components Interconnection bus), as an interface between a plurality of devices, such as a scanner and a printer. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus has an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for each function. For example, the image processing apparatus has an ASIC to process image data from a scanner. For example, the image processing apparatus has an ASIC to perform expansion processing of print data from a PC (Personal computer). For example, the image processing apparatus has an ASIC and so on to process image data to a printer. Each of these ASICs connects to a local memory.
The above-described image processing apparatus constantly manages a large amount of data which are transferred between respective devices, such as a scanner and a printer. The image processing apparatus manages a large amount of data, and in addition, it is necessary for the image processing apparatus to control the respective devices so that a scanner and a printer and so on can achieve a function as an image input/output device. However, there is a case where a high speed processing is required in the image processing apparatus. Specifically, there is a case where speeding up of a CPU and a main memory is required. Furthermore, there is a case where support for an application which needs a large amount of calculation is required. Furthermore, there is a case where improvement and so on in the connectability with an external device is required. In these cases, it is necessary that the image processing apparatus also speeds up a speed (transfer band) of a flow of various data such as image data and a control command.
Furthermore, an image processing apparatus using a high-speed serial bus such as a PCI express is known. This image processing apparatus uses a high-speed serial bus, to broaden the data transfer band. The image processing apparatus broadens the data transfer band, and thereby intensively process the data which has been processed using a local memory, using a main memory. As a result, since a plurality of memory devices are eliminated in the image processing apparatus, cost reduction can be achieved.
On the other hand, in the image processing apparatus using a high-speed serial bus, since data is intensively processed using a main memory, there is also a demerit that difficulty increases regarding the arbitration of data transfer. In the image processing apparatus, particularly in the MFP, there is a case where a CPU starts operations (reading/printing of a document) of a scanner and a printer, while processing various applications in the background. In such a case, since a sheet is conveyed in the MFP at a constant speed, it is necessary to perform data processing so as to meet the conveyance of a sheet.
It is necessary that in a scanner image processing pass, the image processing apparatus writes image data outputted from a scanner in a main memory without delay. Furthermore, it is necessary that in a printer image processing pass, the image processing apparatus reads print image data expanded on a main memory without delay and outputs the data to a printer.

Image processing apparatus and data transfer control method


On the trailing side of a main pole air bearing surface of a magnetic head for perpendicular recording, the central portion is formed closer to the leading side than the corners on the trailing side, such that the main pole air bearing surface is formed in the shape of a recess with respect to the tailing side. As a result, it is possible to linearize the magnetic field distribution on the trailing side whereby the magnetic reversal is determined, and to record a bit without curving the shape of magnetic reversal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic head for perpendicular recording and a method for manufacturing the same, and a magnetic disk storage apparatus mounting the magnetic head for perpendicular recording.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a magnetic disk storage apparatus, the data on a recording medium is read and written by a magnetic head. The areal recording density is required to be increased in order to increase the recording capacity per unit area of the magnetic disk. However, with a current longitudinal recording method, there occurs a problem as follows. As the length of a bit to be recorded decreases, thermal fluctuation of the magnetization of the medium becomes a serious problem which restricts the limit of the areal recording density. There is a perpendicular recording method for recording a magnetization signal in a direction perpendicular to the medium for solving this problem.
There are two types of perpendicular recording methods: a method in which a double layered perpendicular medium having a soft magnetic underlayer is used as a recording medium; and a method in which a single layered perpendicular medium having no underlayer is used. When the double layered perpendicular medium is used as the recording medium, recording is usually performed by using a so-called single pole type head having a main pole and an auxiliary pole.
Further, in order to improve the recording density, the track density and the linear recording density are required to be improved also for perpendicular recording. In order to improve the track density, the track width of the magnetic head is required to be increased in fineness and precision. When perpendicular magnetic recording using the double layered perpendicular medium and the single pole type head is performed, the distribution of the write field generated from the magnetic pole of the single pole type head is largely different from that of the longitudinal magnetic recording. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the contours of the perpendicular component of the write head field intensity are distributed concentrically wherein the maximum intensity occurs from the central portion of the main pole, and exhibit such a distribution that a contour closer to the outside has a more swollen shape. Therefore, the shape of the air bearing surface of the main pole largely affects the recorded magnetization pattern of the medium.
FIG. 2(A) is a distribution diagram of the contours of perpendicular components of head write field in the form of a main pole in the prior art obtained by simulation. FIG. 2(A) indicates that the field distribution is curved toward the trailing side. Herein, the trailing side denotes the downstream side of the disk rotating direction, and it denotes the direction of the arrow indicated as "disk rotating direction 17" in FIG. 2(A). In contrast, the upstream side of the disk rotating direction is referred to as a leading side. FIG. 2(B) is a diagram showing the magnetization configuration, obtained from simulation, recorded on the medium when a head having such a magnetic field distribution is used. As indicated from FIG. 2(B), the magnetic reversal position in the track central portion is situated more toward the disk rotating direction than in each of the track edge portions, so that the shape of magnetic transition of the medium is curved. Such a phenomenon actually becomes apparent from the observation result by means of a MFM: magnetic force microscopy.

Method for manufacturing a magnetic head for perpendicular recording

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, LTD.


Hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte lithium-ion battery devices are disclosed. Certain devices comprise anodes and cathodes conformally coated with an electron insulating and lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte layer.

Lithium-ion batteries are receiving attention for use in next generation electric vehicles. However, the batteries still require significant improvement in energy density, cycle life, and safety to accelerate the development and market penetration of lithium-ion battery technologies. In conventional lithium-ion batteries, the porous electrodes, which are constructed of particles of active materials, electronic conductive agents and binders, are wetted by a liquid electrolyte. Prevention of internal electronic path formations (internal short circuits) between the paired electrodes typically depends solely on a porous solid separator, usually a polymer film inserted between the anode and the cathode, which provides spatial and electrical separation of the anode and cathode. Maintaining the mechanical integrity of the separator during exposure to high temperatures, chemical stress and/or mechanical stress is therefore important for the safety of lithium-ion batteries systems. This is not always possible, however, as polymeric separators tend to break down during operating conditions that generate high temperatures, chemical stress and/or mechanical stress. Failure of the polymeric separator typically leads to failure of the battery. Technologies such as ceramic-coated separators, ceramic-polymer composite separators, and multi-layer separators have been developed to compensate for this, however, these safety-oriented separator technologies do not work consistently under various and demanding environmental conditions, especially for large electrode surface area systems.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Lithium-ion batteries having conformal solid electrolyte layers


Provided is a conveyance system that adjusts the position of a conveyed substrate, prevents damage resulting from the heat of another apparatus in a conveyance base, prevents insufficient electrical power of another apparatus in the conveyance base, and can move the conveyance base smoothly. A substrate processing system is provided with a conveyance chamber and a sliding box moving within the conveyance chamber. A plurality of processing modules are connected, and the sliding box is provided with: a conveyance arm that moves wafers; a servo motor that moves the conveyance arm; and a servo motor driver that controls the electrical power supplied to the servo motor. A servo motor controller that controls the servo motor driver is disposed outside a transfer module, and the servo motor driver and servo motor controller perform optical communication.

A substrate processing system for performing a process on a substrate, for example, a wafer for semiconductor devices (hereinafter simply called a "wafer") includes a plurality of process modules, that is, substrate processing apparatuses for performing a process on the wafer for each sheet, thus improving processing efficiency of the wafer.
The substrate processing system further includes a load lock module, that is, a carry-in/out apparatus for performing the carry-in/out of a wafer with respect to the substrate processing system, and a transfer module, that is, a conveyance system connected to the corresponding load lock module. The plurality of process modules is connected to the transfer module. The transfer module includes a slide box, that is, a conveyance base for conveying a wafer. The corresponding slide box includes a conveyance arm on which a wafer is loaded and that can extend/contract and rotate. Furthermore, the slide box moves within the transfer module and conveys the wafer between the load lock module and each of the process modules.
In general, in order to efficiently locate the plurality of process modules, the transfer module includes a chamber extended in the direction in which the slide box moves. In recent years, it has been proposed to configure the transfer module using a plurality of conveyance units having a block shape and to change the length of the transfer module regarding the direction in which the slide box of the transfer module moves by changing the number of conveyance units. Accordingly, the yield of semiconductor devices or a change of a process performed on a wafer can be flexibly handled by changing the number of process modules connected to the transfer module.


The present invention generally relates to the field of woodworking tools and particularly to an indexing assembly for a lathe. An aspect of the present invention is directed to a lathe, including a frame; a bed coupled with the frame; a head stock configured for mechanically engaging a first end of a workpiece, the head stock being coupled with the bed; and a tail stock, including a housing, the housing including a fine adjustment assembly for mechanically engaging with a second end of the workpiece, wherein the tail stock is adjustably and slidably coupled with the bed via an indexing assembly, the indexing assembly configured to provide the lathe with positive locking capabilities.

Lathes may be utilized with various workpieces of varying size and shape. Therefore, it is important for a lathe to be configured to accommodate various workpieces in a manner which allows the workpiece to be adequately secured by the lathe during cutting and shaping operations. Further, it is important to be able to quickly and conveniently adjust the lathe to accommodate a wide range of workpieces having various sizes and shapes. Current systems do not always allow a lathe operator to make adjustments in a time efficient fashion. Also, current systems are not always configured to secure workpieces in a stable manner during cutting and shaping operations.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a lathe, suitable for adjustably accommodating a variety of different sized workpieces in both a time-efficient and secure manner. It would be further advantageous to have a lathe having a tail stock with positive locking capabilities which provides for time-efficient adjustability and improved stability when securing a workpiece.

Positive lock tail stock support for lathe


A method of providing a mold with a conformal cooling passage includes rough machining a mold cavity generally corresponding to a molded part shape using CAD data. Conformal cooling slots are cut in the mold cavity using the CAD data. The conformal cooling slots are welded shut using the CAD data to provide conformal cooling passages. A class A surface is machined over the conformal cooling passage and corresponds to a finished mold part shape using the CAD data.

This disclosure relates to moulds having conformal cooling and a method for providing the same.
Moulds, such as those used in plastic injection moulding, are subject to significant heat during the injection moulding process. The moulds are cooled during injection moulding to cool the plastic part and improve cycle times.
Over the years conformal cooling has been used to improve mould cooling by providing more uniform cooling of the part. A conformal cooling approach provides cooling passages that generally conform to or follow the contour of the moulded part beneath the finished mould surface. Since the finished mould surface is of a generally complex shape, it is difficult to provide conformal cooling passages in the desired location. Typically, intersecting passages are gun-drilled into the mould, and then plugged at various locations, to provide the conformal cooling passages. Providing conformal cooling passages in this manner is undesirable due to the large expense, the difficulty in gun-drilling large moulds (such as those used for vehicle bumpers), and the poor approximation of the conformal cooling passages to the finished mould surface.


An electric hair cutter includes a motion conversion mechanism that converts rotary motion of an output shaft of an electric motor into reciprocating linear motion and a movable blade driven by reciprocating linear motion of the motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism includes a first conversion portion, converting rotary motion of the output shaft into reciprocating rotary motion about a first axis, a second conversion portion, converting the reciprocating rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion, and an output portion, coupling the second conversion portion to the movable blade. The second conversion portion includes a motion transmission part, coupling the first conversion portion to the output portion, and an elastic deformation part coupled to the motion transmission part to restrict motion of the motion transmission part caused by motion components differing from a motion component in an output direction so that the motion transmission part linearly reciprocates.

The present disclosure relates to an electric hair cutter.
One example of a known electric hair cutter, which is driven by electric power to cut body hair such as beard, includes an electric motor having an output shaft and a motion conversion mechanism that converts rotary motion of the output shaft of the electric motor into reciprocating linear motion. The reciprocating linear motion drives a movable blade with respect to a fixed blade. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2013-66548 discloses one example of such an electric hair cutter. As shown in FIG. 12, an electric hair cutter 900 includes a motion conversion mechanism 910 that includes a first conversion portion 911, a second conversion portion 912, and an output portion 913.
The first conversion portion 911 converts rotary motion of an output shaft 921 of an electric motor 920 into reciprocating linear motion in a direction intersecting with the axis of the output shaft 921. The second conversion portion 912 includes a link 912A and guides 912C. The link 912A is coupled to the first conversion portion 911 to convert the reciprocating linear motion transmitted from the first conversion portion 911 into a reciprocating linear motion performed in a direction extending along the axis of the output shaft 921. The guides 912C are in contact with opposite sides 912B of the link 912A so that the link 912A moves in the direction extending along the axis of the output shaft 921. The output portion 913 is coupled to the second conversion portion 912 to drive a movable blade 931 with respect to a fixed blade 932 when the reciprocating linear motion is transmitted from the second conversion portion 912.
In the motion conversion mechanism 910 of the above publication, the reciprocating linear motion that is transmitted from the first conversion portion 911 to the second conversion portion 912 contains a motion component corresponding to the direction extending along the axis of the output shaft 921 and a motion component corresponding to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the output shaft 921. Thus, when the second conversion portion 912 linearly reciprocates in the direction extending along the axis of the output shaft 921, the opposite sides 912B of the link 912A interfere with the guides 912C. Such interference of the link 912A with the guides 912C may generate a loud noise.

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


Gypsum wallboard made lighter and less dense, without sacrificing strength, by adding to the gypsum slurry used in making the board a styrene butadiene polymer latex substantially stable against divalent ions in which the styrene butadiene polymer latex substantially stable against divalent ions in which the styrene butadiene polymer includes at least 0.25 wt. % of an ionic monomer.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to improved gypsum wallboard and to materials and processes for making such products.
2. Background
Gypsum wallboard is conventionally made by depositing an aqueous slurry of calcined gypsum (xe2x80x9cgypsum slurryxe2x80x9d) between large sheets of paper or other material and allowing the slurry to dry. Calcined gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4.xc2xdH2O) which rehydrates to gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) during the drying process. See Kirk Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Second edition, 1970, Vol. 21, Pages 621-624, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference.
In order to achieve sufficient strength, traditional, commercial wallboard has been made with a density of about 1700 pounds (xcx9c772 kg.) per thousand square feet of xc2xd inch thick board. Although it would be desirable to reduce this density and hence overall board weight, previous attempts have met with limited success, primarily due to loss of strength.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,825 to Burke et al., the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, describes an approach for reducing gypsum wallboard density without sacrificing strength by including in the gypsum core an acrylic latex having a particular combination of properties. Acrylic latexes are expensive, and therefore commercially unattractive. Therefore, it is desirable to develop an alternate and less expensive approach to accomplishing this objective.
In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that certain styrene butadiene latexes, modified to be substantially stable against divalent ions, can also reduce gypsum wallboard density without sacrificing strength. Because these latexes are generally less expensive to manufacture than acrylic latexes, it has also been found that commercial use of these latexes is feasible.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a new composition for making gypsum products comprising water, calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a styrene butadiene polymer latex substantially stable against divalent ions in which the styrene butadiene polymer includes at least 0.25 wt. % of an ionic monomer. In addition, the present invention also provides a new process for making gypsum wallboard from this composition as well as the wallboard so made. Preferably, the styrene butadiene polymer of the latex used in the present invention includes copolymerized sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid salt, known industrially as xe2x80x9csodium AMPS.xe2x80x9d

Gypsum composition with styrene butadiene latex additive


A method and apparatus for processing air. The apparatus comprises an air separation module, a first input, a first output, a second output, and a flow control system. The air separation module is configured to generate an inert gas. The first input for the air separation module is configured to receive first air. The first output for the air separation module is configured to output the inert gas from the air separation module. The second output for the air separation module is configured to output separated air from the air separation module. The flow control system is configured to control a flow of air in the air separation module that increases a rate at which the air separation module reaches a desired operating temperature for generating the inert gas using a number of ports in the flow control module.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to inert gas generation systems for aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for warming an air separation module in an inert gas generation system for an aircraft.
2. Background
Many aircraft have inert gas generation systems. An inert gas generation system is used to render a fuel tank in an aircraft substantially inert. In these illustrative examples, fuel tanks may have a space above the fuel in which fuel vapors may be present. This space in the fuel tank is referred to as an ullage.
Inert gas generation systems are employed to reduce a possibility of combustion within the ullage in a fuel tank. Inert gas generation systems may be used to reduce the oxygen content in these spaces below a threshold needed for combustion. Without sufficient oxygen, fuel vapors in these locations are unable to ignite.
Inert gas generation systems may introduce an inert gas into these locations. This inert gas may be a gas, such as nitrogen, nitrogen enriched air, carbon dioxide, and other types of inert gases. With the use of an inert gas, the oxygen content may be reduced below a threshold for combustion.
Inert gas generation systems may employ air separation modules to generate inert gas. For example, an air separation module may be configured to generate an inert gas in the form of nitrogen enriched air from the air that is sent into the air separation module. The nitrogen enriched air is air that has higher nitrogen and lower oxygen content than the air that is sent into the air separation module.
Some currently available air separation modules include permeable membranes that separate the oxygen and nitrogen. These permeable membranes produce inert gas more efficiently above a selected temperature or within a selected temperature range. These temperatures are typically elevated temperatures as compared to the temperature when the aircraft is not in use. Material limitations are also present that preclude long-term operation above a certain temperature.
Aircraft inert gas generation systems are typically designed to operate near this temperature limit to reduce the size of the air separation module. For example, a permeable membrane in an air separation module may have a desired operating temperature of about 170 degrees Fahrenheit and a long-term temperature limit of about 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The air input into an air separation module may have these temperatures or even slightly higher temperatures. When an air separation module has not been used for some period of time, the temperature within the air separation module may be lower than the desired temperature.
As a result, a desired temperature for generating nitrogen enriched air at a desired level may not occur until the temperature of the air separation module reaches a desired temperature for providing a desired level of nitrogen in nitrogen enriched air. This warm-up time may take more than about 15 minutes before the air separation module is ready to operate to generate nitrogen enriched air with a desired oxygen level.
This warm-up time may increase the time needed to prepare an aircraft for operation. As a result, the time needed to prepare an aircraft for a flight may be longer than desired with these warm-up times.
Inert gas generation systems may reduce the warm-up time by using a high flow mode. In a high flow mode, the restriction downstream of the air separation module is reduced so that the flow rate of nitrogen enriched air increases. Additionally, the temperature in the air sent into the air separation module also may be increased to reduce the warm-up time. Even with these procedures, the time needed to warm up an air separation module may still be longer than desired.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above as well as possibly other issues.

Warming system for air separation modules


An aircraft wing element comprises two temperature sensors that are situated on each side of an electrothermal mat, between a structure portion and a shield of said wing element. A shield temperature can be measured more accurately, and a thermal energy flow that is transferred to the shield can be evaluated.

Thus in a manner known for example from the document WO 2007/135383, an aircraft wing element comprising a rigid internal structure portion and a shield which is intended to be exposed to atmosphere during an aircraft flight, can also comprise several components superimposed between this structure portion and this shield. Each of these components is in the form of a layer which is arranged parallel to a surface of the structure portion. These components comprise at least the following three, in the order in which they are listed, starting from the structure portion:                a first temperature sensor, which itself comprises a first support film and at least one first track of a first electrically conductive material with an electrical resistivity value of this first material that varies as a function of its temperature, the first sensor being rigidly connected to the surface of the structure portion;        an electrothermal mat forming a heating element, which is rigidly connected to the first sensor; and        an electrically insulating film, which is rigidly connected to the electrothermal mat by a first face of this insulating film, and connected to the shield by a second face of the same insulating film, and which is capable of transferring heat between these first and second faces of the insulating film.
When it is supplied with electrical current, the electrothermal mat produces heat, at least part of which diffuses towards the shield with the aim of preventing ice formation or melting any ice which has already accumulated thereon.
The function of the insulating film is to electrically insulate the shield with respect to internal components of the wing element, in particular with respect to the electrothermal mat. It also protects some of these components against electrical discharges which may occur on the shield, in particular lightning strikes.
Finally, the function of the first temperature sensor is to measure the temperature of the electrothermal mat, for example with the aim of regulating this temperature.
However, such wing element does not make it possible to know the temperature of the shield separately from that of the electrothermal mat, or to evaluate the flow of thermal energy that is transferred to the shield when the electrothermal mat is supplied with electrical current.
An object of the present invention is thus to improve such wing element in order to make it possible to measure the temperature of the shield separately from that of the electrothermal mat, and to evaluate the flow of thermal energy that is transferred to the shield.
An additional object is to avoid the modifications introduced by the invention to a wing element causing heat accumulation points between the shield and the electrothermal mat during operation of this latter. In fact, such localized accumulations of heat are likely to degrade the wing element, in particular by affecting or deforming some of its components.


A method and apparatus to automatically orient golf balls for milling comprising a plurality of aligned cups. Each cup has a generally hemispherical recess to receive a golf ball. A first component is provided to move the golf balls from cup to cup. A second component is provided to detect the height of the golf ball in the cup as a function of whether excess circumferential material is in the cup or resting on the upper surface of the cup. A third component is provided to initiate blasts of air when excess material is in the recess. A fourth component is provided to terminate the blasts of air at subsequent cups if there is no excess material in the recess.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing flash from golf balls, and more particularly, to automatically aligning the flash and gates of a golf ball in a horizontal plane whereby such flash may be removed automatically by a milling machine.
2. Description of the Background Art
Various methods and apparatus have been devised for removing the flash from golf balls which is formed during the fabrication process. The flash and gates are formed when two hemispherical halves of the golf ball are injection molded or otherwise coupled together about a core. The flash represents the horizontal equator of the ball and contains excess material extending radially from the ball. Although various machines, normally abrading machines, are utilized to remove such flash prior to sale and use, it has been necessary in the past to manually position the golf ball with respect to the milling machine prior to milling.
Prior art machinery similar to that disclosed and claimed herein include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,561,908 to Reinfeld; 4,501,715 to Barfield; 4,779,387 to Reid et al.; and 4,894,958 to Takasaki.
Reinfeld includes a rotatable ball support member, a rotatable ball engaging member positionable directly above the ball support member and means for driving the ball engaging member. Other means position the ball engaging member for movement to and from engagement with the ball on the ball support member, a cutter means is provided and a support means carries the cutter means and is pivotally positioned so that control means connecting to the support means can move it to bring the cutter means into and out of engagement with the ball on the ball support member for trimming mold flash, or rind therefrom.
Barfield relates to a mold and method of compression molding shell half covers around a core to forth golf balls. Opposed dies are pressed together such that some of the material trapped between the approaching dies is forced back into the mold to compensate for shrinkage and the remainder is forced outside of the die cavities where it can be drained off.
Reid et al. relate to an automatic buffing machine and method for automatically buffing a golf ball. The golf ball is oriented such that the flash ring is in a predetermined plane and then the flash ring is removed. The golf ball matrix is preferably utilized to orient the golf ball and both cutting and sanding are preferably used to remove the flash ring.
Takasaki relates to an apparatus for scraping off burrs at the resin outer layer of a golf ball. According to this patent, even if some errors exist in the diameter of golf balls of resin outer layer, only burrs can be scraped off automatically at high efficiency without impairing the degree of true circle of golf balls and without generating deformation of golf balls.
The above mentioned patents disclose methods and apparatus for specific applications. None of such machines and methods, however, are particularly adapted for automatically positioning flash lines of golf balls during the manufacturing process.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus to automatically orient a golf ball for milling comprising a plurality of aligned cups, each cup having a generally hemispherical recess to receive a golf ball; means to move the golf balls from cup to cup; means to detect the height of the golf ball in the cup as a function of whether excess circumferential material is in the cup or resting on the upper surface of the cup; means to initiate blasts of air when excess material is in the recess; and means to terminate the jets of air at subsequent cups if there is no excess material in the recess.
Another object of the present invention is to automatically position golf balls with their flash lines in a horizontal plane.
It is a further object of the present invention to continuously and automatically position golf balls for flash line removal.
It is a further object of the present invention to use pulsed blasts of air in sequential steps to reposition golf balls until the equator thereof is in a horizontal plane.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method and apparatus for removing flash and gates from golf balls


In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer arranged over a substrate. A first interconnect conductive structure extends through the first interconnect dielectric layer. A first capping layer is arranged over the first interconnect conductive structure, and a second capping layer is arranged over the first capping layer. The first capping layer includes a first two-dimensional material that is different than a second two-dimensional material of the second capping layer. An etch stop layer is arranged over the first interconnect dielectric layer and the second capping layer. The integrated chip further includes a second interconnect dielectric layer arranged over the etch stop layer and a second interconnect conductive structure extending through the second interconnect dielectric layer and the etch stop layer to contact the first interconnect conductive structure.

As dimensions and feature sizes of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) are scaled down, the density of the elements forming the ICs is increased and the spacing between elements is reduced. As the distance between any two adjacent conductive features decreases, the resulting capacitance increases, which will increase power consumption and time delay. Thus, manufacturing techniques and device design are being investigated to reduce IC size while maintaining or improving performance of the IC.

Two 2D capping layers on interconnect conductive structure to increase interconnect structure reliability

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A method for operation in a WTRU may comprise transmitting, from the WTRU to an eNB, a request for SPS resources including a periodicity of the requested SPS resources and a time offset indicative of a time in which the WTRU expects have an SPS resource allocated. The method may further comprise receiving, by the WTRU from the eNB, in response to the transmitted request for SPS resources, an SPS configuration. The time offset of the transmitted request may include a subframe number (SFN) offset with respect to SFN 0 of the WTRU. The received SPS configuration may correspond to a PC5 interface and the SPS configuration may be received over a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) (collectively referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X)) are vehicular communication systems in which vehicles and roadside units are the communicating nodes in a communication network. These nodes provide each other with information, such as safety warnings and traffic information. In a cooperative approach, vehicular communication systems may be more effective at avoiding accidents and traffic congestions than if each vehicle tries to solve problems individually.
Direct device-to-device (D2D) communications have begun being supported by major standardization bodies like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In the case of 3GPP and Long Term Evolution (LTE) based radio access, support for D2D communications is being introduced to allow for cost-efficient and high-capability public safety communications using LTE technology. This is firstly motivated by the desire to harmonize the radio access technology across jurisdictions in order to lower the capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) of radio-access technology available for the use of public safety (PS) type of applications. This is secondly motivated by the fact that LTE as a scalable wideband radio solution allows for efficient multiplexing of different services types like voice and video.
Since PS applications typically require radio communications in areas that are often not under radio coverage of an LTE network, for example, in tunnels, in deep basements, or following catastrophic system outages, there is a need to support D2D communications for PS in absence of any operating network or prior to the arrival of AdHoc deployed radio infrastructure. However, even when operating in presence of operating network infrastructure, PS communications may typically still require higher reliability than commercial services.
V2X communications standards and technologies may be developed based on the current D2D LTE specifications, in addition to potential enhancements to LTE, in both D2D and non-D2D, to meet requirements of the services subgroup to the 3GPP Technical Specification Group on Service and System Aspects (SA1).

Methods and systems for scheduling in Uu-based vehicle-to-vehicle communication


Methods, apparatus and computer readable medium for handling error correction in a memory are disclosed. In some embodiments, first data is written to the memory, and a value(s) of an operational parameter(s) that is a consequence of the writing of the first data is determined. Second data is read from the memory, and the value(s) of the operational parameter(s) may be used when correcting errors in the second data. In some embodiments, the first data is the same as the second data. The presently-disclosed teachings are applicable to any kind of memory including (i) non-volatile memories such as flash memory, magnetic memory and optical storage and (ii) volatile memory such as SRAM or DRAM.

Error Correction in Flash Memory Devices
Flash memory devices have been known for many years. NAND-type flash memories differ from other types of flash memories (e.g. NOR-type), among other characteristics, by the fact that a certain number of information bits, written to the memory, may be read from the memory in a "flipped" state (i.e. different from the state that the original bits were written to the memory).
In order to overcome this phenomenon and to make NAND-type memories usable by real applications, it is a common technique to use Error Correction Codes (ECC) in conjunction with these memories.
There is an ongoing need for improved techniques and apparatus for handling error correction in flash memory devices, and in storage devices that include memory other than flash memory.
A Discussion of Device Architecture
FIG. 1A (prior art) is a block diagram of a flash memory storage device 260 (prior art). The flash memory storage device includes a flash memory 270 and a flash controller 280 operative to read data and to write data to the flash memory 270. The terms "program", "programming", "programmed", and "programmable" are used herein interchangeably with the terms "write", "writing", "written", and "writable", respectively, to denote the storing of data in a flash memory.
One example of a flash memory storage device is a "peripheral flash storage device." Peripheral flash storage devices are well-known in the art of computing, in form factors such as USB flash drives (UFD); PC-cards; and small storage cards used with digital cameras, music players, handheld and palmtop computers, and cellular telephones.
FIG. 1B (prior art) is a block diagram of a peripheral flash memory storage device 260*(the asterisk indicates that the flash memory storage device is a peripheral flash storage device) that is "coupled with" or configured to exchange data with a host device 310 (for example, a laptop or desktop or handheld computers, digital camera, mobile telephone, music player, and video game consoles) via device-side interface 250. Peripheral flash memory storage device 260* and host device 310 communicate with each other via communications link 300 using host-side interface 350 and device-side interface 250 (for example, respective USB or SD interfaces).
In one example, flash memory storage device 260* provides data-reading and data-writing services to host device 310. Data received by flash memory storage device 260* from host device 310 is written to flash memory 270 by flash controller 280. Furthermore, in response to "data read" requests received by flash memory storage, flash controller 280 reads data from flash memory 270.
Errors may be corrected in the read data at "read time" or at any later time. The error-correction may be carried out at least in part by flash controller 280, at least in part by host device 310 (for example, by execution of executable code 340 in RAM 330 by host-side processor 320 or in any other manner), and any other location and in any other manner.
The skilled artisan will appreciate that "peripheral flash storage devices" are not the only class of flash memory storage devices. For example, certain mobile phones, desktop or laptop computers, PDA devices or other electronic devices may also include flash memory and a flash controller, and may not necessarily be configured to couple with a host device and/or provide data reading services and/or data writing service for a host device.
The skilled artisan will appreciate that the flash memory devices described in FIGS. 1A-1B are just one class of peripheral storage memory device, and other memory devices may include other types of volatile memory, such as magnetic memory (for example, magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) or hard disk platters). Furthermore, it is appreciated that the some peripheral storage devices may use volatile memory instead of, or in addition to, flash memory 270.
Multi-Die Flash Devices
Although flash memory 270 is illustrated as a single unit in FIG. 1B, it is appreciated by the skilled artisan that flash memory 270 may reside on a single die or may reside on multiple dies. FIG. 2A (prior art) is a block diagram of a multi-die flash memory 270 that includes N flash dies, where N is a positive integer. On each flash die resides a plurality of flash memory cells (not shown in FIG. 2A).
It is appreciated that memory other than flash memory (for example, random-access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM)) may also be provided as multiple dies.
Flash Memory Cells and Flash Blocks
In flash memory devices, the indivisible unit of data storage is the flash memory "cell". FIG. 2B (prior art) illustrates a cross-section of a typical prior-art electrically-erasable non-volatile memory cell 100 (NAND flash). A metal gate 181 is deposited over an insulating oxide layer 183 atop a semiconductor channel 185, thereby forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). During fabrication, a floating gate 187 is embedded entirely within oxide layer 183, such that floating gate 187 is completely insulated electrically from all conducting paths. Electrons deposited on floating gate 187 cannot normally drain off and therefore tend to remain in place. A suitable amount of electrical charge thus present on floating gate 187 creates a static electrical field which, because of the field effect, influences the charge carriers in semiconductor channel 185, thereby allowing the conductivity of semiconductor channel 185 to indicate the relative amount of charge on floating gate 185. Hence a suitable charge on floating gate 187 can serve as non-volatile data storage. For programming, charge is injected onto floating gate 187, and for erasing, charge is removed therefrom. Both of these operations are accomplished via quantum-mechanical processes such as the tunneling effect and the hot electron effect. Oxide layer 183 is extremely thin, so that in the presence of a suitably-high attractive electrical field the wave-function of an electron residing in semiconductor channel 185 can extend across oxide layer 183 and overlap floating gate 187. Under such conditions, there is a significant probability that an electron in semiconductor channel 185 will cross through oxide layer 183 and appear on floating gate 187. This phenomenon is exploited to program cell 100. In Single-Level Cell ("SLC") flash memory, a cell stores only a single bit (data values of '0' and '1'). In Multi-Level Cell ("MLC") flash technology, a cell can store 2 bits by exhibiting 4 distinct voltage levels on floating gate 187 (data values of '00', '01', '10', and '11'). More generally, a MLC cell can store n bits by exhibiting 2n distinct voltage levels on floating gate 187. Certain threshold values of the conductivity of semiconductor channel 185, corresponding to different amounts of charge on floating gate 187, are predetermined to unambiguously discriminate between different data values.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2C. Cells within a memory device are arranged in an array, usually having subdivisions. A number of cells are commonly configured into a "page" 110, which contains cell 100, along with similar cells 102 and 104, and so forth. Likewise, a number of pages are commonly configured into a "block" 120, which contains page 110, along with similar pages 112 and 114, and so forth. Finally, a number of blocks make up an entire device 130, which contains block 120, along with similar blocks 122 and 124, and so forth.
It is appreciated that memory other than flash memory (for example, random-access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM)) may also be organized into cells, pages and blocks.
Word Lines
Reference is now made to FIG. 2D (prior art) which illustrates an array 10 of cells 100. Cells 100 are accessed by word lines 103 connected to control gates of cells 100 and by bit lines 107 connected to array 10 at the drain side. Bit line 107 is selected by a bit line select (drain side) 109 and a bit line select (source side) 111. Typically, in some NAND flash devices, not all cells 100 have the same reliability. For example, cells that are closer to the bit line select (drain side) 109 are more sensitive to disturbance errors than other cells 105, while cells closer to the source side select 111 have better reliability characteristics.
It is appreciated that memory other than flash memory (for example, random-access memory (RAM) may also be accessible using word lines and bit lines.

Using programming-time information to support error correction


A pressure-balanced enclosure for subsea use, and in particular for use as a submersible junction box in which subsea cables can be joined. The apparatus maintains a balanced pressure within the termination chamber; it is field installable, testable, and repairable. The termination chamber is not oil-filled; instead, it is substantially filled with a solid particulate fill material which includes a portion of elastomeric material.

There are many uses for sealed, pressure-balanced enclosures in the offshore industries, such as for housing sensors, batteries, and other sorts of apparatus that must be deployed at depth while not being directly exposed to the seawater itself. As one practical example, such enclosures are frequently used as subsea junction boxes. Components are typically joined within such junction-boxes while they are open. The enclosures are then closed and sealed prior to submersion in order to prohibit the intrusion of seawater. There are two broad existing categories of subsea junction boxes. One category comprises a gas-filled compartment in which various components are joined. The compartment pressure remains substantially at one atmosphere. This category of junction box must have very heavy walls and high-pressure seals to withstand the enormous pressure at great depth. In a second existing category of subsea junction boxes, the enclosure in which various components are joined, hereinafter called the termination chamber, is filled with oil that is pressure-balanced to the ambient sea pressure by a compensator. The walls and seals of these pressure-balanced junction boxes can be much less robust than those of the gas-filled junction boxes because there are no high-pressure differentials between the termination chamber and the exterior environment.
Subsea junction boxes are often used to join two or more subsea cables; or to join one or more cables to underwater connectors, or to other devices; or to join two or more devices without cables. At times they are used as "smart boxes" which join attachment points of a single device, such as an underwater connector or cable, to sensors, batteries, or other devices within the termination chamber.
When cables are joined to a junction box sometimes the cable-to-junction-box joint is connectorized, meaning that the cable does not actually penetrate the termination chamber, but instead is joined to it by way of a connector which passes through the termination chamber wall. In other common applications, the cable's bitter end itself actually penetrates the termination chamber. An underwater cable is essentially a long, thin pressure vessel in which there are voids, such as the interstices between twisted wire strands or between various other cable elements, which are nominally at one atmosphere pressure even when the cable is submerged to great depths. Prior-art termination chambers are typically filled with dielectric oil after the conductors within the chamber are attached to their respective attachment points. Oil is chosen due to the attributes that it is electrically isolative; it is able to evenly transmit the exterior ambient pressure to the interior portions of the chamber volume; and, it can be easily removed for maintenance and repair of the elements within the chamber. The oil pressure within the chamber is possibly very high depending upon its depth in the water. Therefore there can be a large pressure difference between the oil in the termination chamber and the cable interstices. Oil can undesirably flow into interstitial voids in the cable in case of nicks, pinholes, or other small perforations through the conductor jackets or, as described below, through boot seals.
Boot seals are frequently used to seal cable interfaces from the environment exterior to them. A generic example of a boot seal is shown in FIG. 4. Simple jacketed cable 36 in the example has a single, jacketed conductor 37. A first elastomeric boot-seal sleeve portion 38 is stretched over jacketed cable 36, and a second smaller elastomeric boot-seal sleeve portion 39 stretches over jacketed conductor 37. Pressure applied to the exterior of the FIG. 4 boot seal simply adds to the constrictive pressure of the elastomeric stretch, and enhances the seal between the boot seal and the elements of the cable. Boot seals such as shown in FIG. 4 are one-way seals. That is, they seal against intrusion of the exterior environment into the interface 40 between cable elements 36 and 37. But if there is an overpressure within cable interface 40, such as would occur with pressurized gas, water, or gel within interface 40, the overpressure could blow the boot seal axially away from the interface, or simply unseat sleeve 38 or 39.
Subsea cables are often so large that they cannot be practically transported to a place where they can be terminated in a laboratory-like environment; they must be terminated in the field. Therefore, there is often a need in the offshore industries for cable-to-connector junctions that can be installed, tested, and repaired in the field prior to immersion. Cables for subsea use commonly consist of an exterior jacket which houses a variety of individually jacketed electrical conductors and/or optical fibers within an inner core. The electrical conductors usually consist of stranded wires. In a typical termination process, the cable exterior jacket and core are cut back exposing lengths of the individually jacketed conductors. In the case of a cable carrying optical fibers within tubular conduits, tube-end-seal assemblies such as the example described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,021 to Cairns et al. ("the '021 patent"), the contents of which are included herein by reference, provide sealed barriers between the chamber volume and the interior portion of the fiber-carrying tubular conduits.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,926 to Cox ("the '926 patent"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a prior art arrangement. In the '926 patent, a cable is sealably joined mechanically to a junction box whose termination chamber houses the end of the cable core and the exposed conductors. The chamber is filled with dielectric oil. Boot seals are stretched across the joints between the core and the jackets of the exposed lengths of conductors thereby sealing those interfaces to prevent oil from entering the cable. The exposed conductors go further on within the oil chamber to eventually join to other conductors or to the attachment points of connectors or other devices. All joints between the conductors and attachment points are also sealed by boot seals. As a result, there are usually many seals and exposed, jacketed conductors within the oil-filled chamber. When completely installed, a compensator, such as a flexible portion of the chamber wall, allows the pressure within the oil to closely match that of the outside environment. Under pressure any perforations through the boot seals or conductor jackets will cause the chamber oil to be forced into the cable interstices. The chamber walls will then either collapse or rupture, allowing seawater to enter, and creating a catastrophic failure.
Another failure mode can occur when gel-filled cables are employed. In this mode, as cables are passed over handling devices such as pulleys, the gel can be "milked" toward the oil-filled termination chamber. That can unseat boot seals and result in subsequent failure. Still another failure mode, occurs when a cable is retrieved quickly from great depths. In this case pressurized gas expands within the cable, and seals within the oil-filled chamber can be temporarily or permanently unseated, allowing chamber oil to enter the cable interstices. Failure can also occur when the cable is under axial compression, as can happen during handling. In this case, if not arrested properly, the cable can piston into the oil-filled chamber and destroy the inner works.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,821 to Cairns et al. ("the '821 patent"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes another prior art arrangement. Unlike arrangements prior to it, exemplified by the '926 patent, the '821 patent termination has separate first and second termination chambers intended, as discussed in the specification of the '821 patent, to obviate the aforementioned failure modes by providing an impenetrable barrier between a first chamber, and a second chamber which is filled with oil. The individual cable conductors are terminated in the first chamber to sealed penetrators which pass through the impenetrable barrier and onward into the second, oil-filled, chamber. The '821 patent discloses three basic embodiments: One with a first chamber filled with a cast, solid material, and maintained at one atmosphere pressure; one with a first chamber filled with a cast, solid material, and pressure compensated with grease to the ambient working pressure; and, one with a first chamber filled entirely with grease and compensated to the ambient working pressure. In all three embodiments the second chamber is oil-filled and pressure compensated to the ambient working pressure.
In the first two aforementioned embodiments of the '821 patent termination, once the conductors are terminated to attachment points on the impenetrable barrier the first chamber is filled with a pourable material which cures to a solid.
In the third aforementioned mentioned '821 patent embodiment, the first chamber is not filled with solid material, but rather is grease filled; and incorporates a compensator mechanism that balances the pressure within the grease to the ambient working pressure. Therefore, the first chamber in this third embodiment has all of the attributes of the earlier technology comprising only an oil-filled, pressure-balanced termination chamber.
In early art exemplified by the '926 patent, cable conductors extending outward from the core were exposed in a single oil-filled termination chamber and therein connected to the attachment points of connectors or other devices. All interfaces presenting potential leak paths of the oil into the cable were sealed with boot seals. The terminations were first completed up to the point of filling the chamber with oil. Next a method such as gas leak testing was employed to find any leaks from the chamber into the cable, or between the chamber and the exterior environment. If leaks were found, the termination could be easily dismantled for repair and retesting. Also at the point prior to oil filling, the quality of electrical and/or optical circuits could be tested, and if necessary, repaired. Even after oil filling, if defects were found in the termination, the oil could be drained, and repairs made. That is not the case with the '821 patent termination. Once the solid filler is installed into the first chamber, that portion can no longer be non-destructively disassembled for repair, nor can it be leak tested against water ingression. The solid filler embodiments of the '821 patent are, therefore, not completely testable or repairable in the field.
A subsea termination chamber has two fundamental requirements of a fill material: one, that it will transmit the ambient exterior pressure uniformly within the chamber; and two, that it will not escape. Filling the termination chamber with fluid satisfies the first of these requirements, but can fail the second.

Pressure-balanced subsea enclosure with elastomeric fill material


Techniques and apparatuses are described for managing inter-radio access technology capabilities of a user equipment. A base station (gNB base station 121) receives a New Radio capability information element (information element 500) that indicates one or more core networks supported by the user equipment (UE 110). Based on the New Radio capability information element, the base station generates a measurement configuration and sends measurement configuration to the user equipment (at 1010). Afterwards, the base station receives one or more measurement results based on the measurement configuration (at 1030). The base station then determines a handover type for the user equipment (at 1105, at 1205, at 1305), and initiates the handover based on the determined handover type (at 1110, at 1210, at 1310).

A base station, such as a fifth-generation new-radio base (5GNR) station, may establish a connection with a user equipment (UE). The base station, however, may not know capabilities of the user equipment with respect to inter-radio access technologies. Such capabilities may include an ability to support carrier bands and networks, for example.
In certain instances, measurements performed by the UE may trigger a handover. However, without the base station knowing the capabilities of the UE with respect to inter-radio access technologies, handing over the connection to another base station may fail.

Managing inter-radio access technology capabilities of a user equipment


A system for manipulating and transporting items of various sizes and shapes comprising a carry-all handle having affixed thereto at least two hook and hook-loop fastened strips of length A, and a plurality of additional hook and loop fastener strips of various lengths which can be connected to the strips of length A so that the carry-all handle can be attached to and manipulate items of various sizes and shapes.

Various devices are known which are used to facilitate the manipulation of awkward-sized items such as two and three liter disposable plastic bottles of the type used to package beverages. Such plastic bottles are large and quite heavy when filled with liquid. Lifting and manipulating such containers is difficult for children, older adults, and others who may have difficulty manipulating awkwardly shaped and/or heavy items due to illness or injury. Such devices are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,486,043, 4,842,158, 4,896,913, 5,013,074, 5,183,168, 5,580,343, 6,543,825 and 6,651,838.
All of the devices described in the aforementioned U.S. Patents differ in certain aspects, but all are limited for use with large plastic bottles. None of these references describe or claim a carry-all system that can easily be used for the manipulation and/or transport of a wide variety of items having different sizes and shapes.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a carry-all handle system that can easily be used to manipulate and transport a variety of items with different shapes and sizes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carry-all handle system that can be stored in a pocket or purse, and include all the necessary components to manipulate and transport a wide variety of different items.


The invention relates to a compound having the general Formula I: ##STR1##. including its salts, where Z is either the group having the general Formula II: ##STR2##. where. R.sub.1 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms or aryloxyalkyl whose alkyl group has 1-4 C atoms, PA1 R.sub.2 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, PA1 R.sub.3 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO.sub.2, PA1 Y is H.sub.2 or O and PA1 L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, PA1 or is the group having the general Formula III: ##STR3## PA1 n is 2 or 3, PA1 R.sub.4 is alkyl having 1-4 C atoms or alkoxyalkyl having 2-5 C atoms, PA1 R.sub.5 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO.sub.2 and PA1 L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen, PA1 or is the group having the general Formula IV: ##STR4## PA1 R.sub.6 is alkyl having 1-3 C atoms or phenyl, PA1 R.sub.7 is H, alkoxy having 1-4 C atoms, halogen, NO or NO.sub.2 and PA1 L is a luminophoric moiety in a position para or meta to the nitrogen.. where. where. The compound of the invention can be used as a luminescence indicator for the determination of calcium ions in a sample.

For determining the calcium ions, the sample is contacted at least indirectly with a luminescence indicator (=luminophore-ionophore) having a luminophoric moiety and an ionophoric moiety, which ionophoric moiety reacts with the calcium ions present in the sample, whereupon the luminescence of the luminophoric moiety is measured and the concentration or the activity of the ionized calcium is deduced utilizing the test reading, i.e. the calcium ion is determined.
A determination method of this type is based on the reversible binding of calcium ions to a Ca.sup.2+ -selective ionophore and on the so-called "PET effect" between the ionophore and a luminophoric moiety.
The reversible binding of calcium ions to the ionophore proceeds according to the principle of mass action (Equation 1): ##EQU1##
wherein, at a given ionic strength and temperature, the dissociation constant (K.sub.d) is given by Equation 2, ##EQU2##
wherein I means the ionophore with the charge number -2, ICa the ionophore-ion complex and c the concentration. In the following, K.sub.d and cCa.sup.2+ are given in mol/l and mmol/l, respectively.
The PK.sub.d value (Equation 3) is the negative common logarithm of the dissociation constant: EQU PK.sub.d =-log(K.sub.d) (3)
The term "PET effect" denotes the transfer, induced by photons, of electrons (photoinduced electron transfer=PET) from the ionophoric moiety or ionophore to the luminophoric moiety or luminophore, which causes a decrease in the (relative) luminescence intensity and the luminescence decay time of the luminophore. Absorption and emission wavelengths of the luminophoric moiety or luminophore, respectively, remain basically unaffected in the process (J. R. Lakowicz in "Topics in Fluorescence Spectroscopy", Volume 4: Probe Design and Chemical Sensing; Plenum Press, New York & London (1994)).
By the binding of ions to the ionophore, the PET effect is reduced or completely suppressed, so that there is an increase in the luminescence of the luminophoric moiety. Hence, the concentration or the activity of the ion to be determined can be deduced by measuring the change in luminescence properties, i.e. luminescence intensity and/or luminescence decay time.
In mammals, calcium plays important physiological roles. These roles include: (1) controlling blood coagulation by activating the formation of thrombin from prothrombin, (2) excitation of muscle, heart and nerve cells, including acting as a second messenger like cAMP.
Measurement of extracellular ionized calcium is an essential part of medical diagnostics. The measurement of ionized calcium, blood gases and potassium is mandatory to allow for the maintenance of good cardiac function during liver transplant operations or other operations that require bypassing the heart and lung functions and using artificial life support.
Ion selective electrodes (ISE) have been used for determining calcium ions in body fluids for many years. Serious drawbacks of electrochemical measuring arrangements are the requirement of a reference element, sensitivity towards electrical potentials and electromagnetic interference. While ion-selective electrodes are rugged and reliable, they are expensive to use in a disposable device application. In addition, these electrodes require an electrical connection of the sample measurement device to the instrument.
However, optical methods or optical sensors do not require a reference element. The optical signals are independent of external potentials and currents. Such optical methods of determining calcium as are known to date are based f.i on the measurement of the luminescence intensity or luminescence decay time of a calcium-specific luminescence indicator or the light absorption of a calcium-specific absorption indicator, which depend directly or indirectly on the concentration or activity of calcium ions.
In order to determine intracellular calcium concentrations, indicators which change their absorption and/or luminescence properties by reversible binding of calcium ions (see above, Equation 1) are, e.g., used. Suitable indicators for intracellular calcium determination are based e.g. on tetracarboxylate Ca.sup.2+ chelating compounds having the octacoordinate ligating group characteristics of EGTA (=ethylene glycol bis(-beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid) and BAPTA (=1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,209 e.g. discloses the BAPTA analogs which are electronically coupled to one or two fluorescent dye molecules capable of being excited in the UV range. By the binding of calcium ions to the ionophore, the absorption wavelength of the dye (a stilbene derivative) is changed. By means of suitable electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents it is feasible to change the calcium dissociation constant in the range of 80 to 250 nmol/l.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,673 further describes BAPTA analogs which--in electronically decoupled condition--are bound to xanthene dyes (fluoresceines, rhodamines). As a result of the electronic decoupling from the fluorophore, a PET effect occurs which is recognizable from the constant spectral position of the fluorescence emission band and the increasing fluorescence intensity depending on increasing concentrations of Ca.sup.2+ (see FIG. 4a of the reference). From the low K.sub.d values it can be seen that the fluoroionophores described (see FIG. 6 of the reference) are not useful for the determination of millimolar concentrations of Ca.sup.2+ in whole blood or blood plasma.
As a consequence of the very low dissociation constant, such calcium-ionophores are useful for determining Ca.sup.2+ in samples having correspondingly low calcium values, such as e.g. intracellular Ca.sup.2+. In contrast to this, blood plasma for example has Ca.sup.2+ concentrations in the range of about 0.4-2 mmol/l. Suitable ionophores for optical determination of Ca.sup.2+ in the blood or blood plasma thus must have correspondingly high K.sub.d values. Ideal K.sub.d values lie within the expected range of the Ca.sup.2+ concentrations or activities to be determined.
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,911, fluorescent indicators based on fluorinated BAPTA derivatives are known which have K.sub.d values in the millimolar range. One major disadvantage with this method is the very complicated synthesis of fluorinated BAPTA derivatives.
Moreover, the known ionophores based on BAPTA or on derivatives thereof in an aqueous environment and at normal ambient temperatures are not particularly stable chemically (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,209, column 26, lines 40-46). This is particularly disadvantageous in determination procedures using optical sensors in measuring situations requiring a high shelf life (durability) of the sensor or where, for monitoring purposes, one sensor is to be used for measuring over prolonged time periods.
The present invention aims at avoiding these disadvantages and problems and has as its object to provide luminophore-ionophores for the optical determination of calcium ions, whose ionophores if compared to such BAPTA compounds as are known to date, in particular fluorinated derivatives, are more easily synthesizable and--in electronically decoupled condition--can be covalently bound to suitable luminophores.
Further, the ionophores of the provided luminophore-ionophores are to exhibit K.sub.d values allowing the determination of physiological calcium values without requiring previous diluting of the sample material, wherein, by means of suitable substituents, the K.sub.d values are to be adjustable with regard to the expected values of the concentrations of Ca.sup.2+ in the sample material which are to be determined.
In addition, it is to be possible for the luminophore-ionophores to be bound to a hydrophilic polymer material by means of a chemical group in order to use them in optical sensors.
Preferred luminophore-ionophores should not exhibit inherent pH dependence in the expected pH range of the sample and should be excitable by light of commercially available LEDs (preferably >420 nm). These luminophore-ionophores should, in addition, be chemically stable in an aqueous environment even at high ambient temperatures and over prolonged time periods (>3 months).

Luminescence indicator for determining calcium ions


A mountain climbing training machine includes a conveyor belt with a number of shell plates fastened onto the conveyor belt. The shell plates have associated irregular contours defined by rock-like protrusions. The shell plates are secured at spaced locations along the rotating conveyor belt. The shell plates provide a treading surface while the conveyor belt rotates. As arranged, the shell plates go around the semi-circular surfaces of revolving shafts at both ends of the conveyor belt without producing a build-up of resistance in the process.

There are numerous conventional physical training machines, but if such exercise machines are viewed in terms of types found on the market and in exercise clinics and analyzed according to function, most can be categorized as running machines, weight lifting machines, waist trimmers and other single function exercise machines, while consideration of another type of multi-function exercise machine would categorize such devices into two types, with the former type being relatively smaller in size and the latter type being relatively large and having more functional aspects. Both types are purchased according to consumer requirements and the functions of these exercise machines are all similar with few differences, utilizing a design technology based on the principles of leverage and elasticity in which the only variances are slight changes in shape, and since it is upon these minor differences that their respective patents are based, therefore the structure of the invention herein has absolutely nothing in common with conventional exercise machines, furthermore, the invention herein utilizes a simple structure that can attain its projected functions as a new structure health mountain climbing training machine of innovative design.

No. 13, Wuchuen First Road, Wuku Industrual Area


An aircraft comprising a fixed structure, a fuselage mounted on the fixed structure and a tail unit system comprising a structural element housed inside the fuselage and mounted to be rotationally mobile relative to the fixed structure about a transverse axis of rotation parallel to a transverse axis of the aircraft. A first actuation system displaces the structural element in rotation about the transverse axis of rotation, on either side of the structural element. A horizontal tail unit has one end rotationally mobiley mounted on the structural element about a longitudinal axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft and another end which extends out of the fuselage by passing through a window in the fuselage. For each horizontal tail unit, a second actuation system displaces the horizontal tail unit in rotation about the longitudinal axis of rotation.

An aircraft conventionally comprises a fuselage at the rear of which is arranged a stabilization system comprising a vertical tail unit and a horizontal tail unit.
The vertical tail unit comprises a fixed vertical stabilizer and a rudder articulated on the vertical stabilizer. The vertical tail unit generates a drag and adds a significant weight to the aircraft while its usefulness is limited during the different flight phases of the aircraft, in particular when cruising.

Aircraft having articulated horizontal tail units


A method for forming reinforced interconnects or bumps on a substrate includes first forming a support structure on the substrate. A substantially filled capsule is then formed around the support structure to form an interconnect. The interconnect can reach a height of up to 300 microns.

The present invention relates to a method for forming interconnects on a semiconductor wafer or printed circuit board (PCB). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for forming reinforced interconnects having a support structure therein to achieve a high stand-off.
Development of microelectronics packaging has been continually driven by the quest to reduce costs and achieve higher packaging density and improved performance while still maintaining or even improving circuit reliability. To meet these ends, a flip-chip bonding process, where a semiconductor chip is assembled face down on a substrate or circuit board, has become a popular choice in microelectronics packaging. Flip-chip bonding is advantageous because the space normally required for bump or connections within the chip is eliminated. In addition, flip-chips generally provide superior performance in high frequency applications.
A flip-chip assembly is typically fabricated in three stages: forming interconnects or bumps on a chip, attaching the bumped chip to a board or substrate, and filling the space remaining under the bumped chip with an electrically non-conductive material. There are many conventional methods of forming interconnects on a semiconductor wafer. One method includes forming a gold stud bump on a substrate with a wire bonder and forming a second stud bump thereon with solder to increase the interconnect stand-off.
Although in theory, additional stud bumps may be stacked in succession to obtain a high stand-off, the process is problematic. Firstly, the top surface of each stud bump is unlikely to be flat, thus making stacking difficult. Secondly, if a stud bump is formed over three or more stacked bumps, it is likely to collapse during formation. Therefore, the maximum number of stud bumps is limited and the stand-off height restricted to about 60 microns. With a low stand-off of about 60 microns, the bump is prone to shear strain arising from a mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between the semiconductor chip and the wafer substrate. Excessive strain can cause bump fracture resulting in failure of the flip chip assembly.
Another method of forming interconnects involves providing an elongated pillar with a total stand-off height in the range of 80 to 120 microns formed from two elongated pillars. This method begins by first forming a layer of photo-resist on a flip-chip. Portions of the photo-resist layer may then be irradiated to form through holes in the layer. The holes are separately filled with copper followed by a solder to form an elongated pillar.
To fill the holes, the entire structure may first be placed in a copper bath and electroplated to deposit copper in the holes. Subsequently, the entire structure may be placed in a solder bath and electroplated to fill the remaining space in the holes with solder. The photo-resist layer is then removed by chemical baths to expose the elongated pillar. Reflow of the elongated pillar can then be carried out to connect the flip chip to a substrate.
Unfortunately, this process for forming interconnects is expensive and involves numerous chemical solutions, which generate chemical wastes. Another problem is that the stand-off of the pillar is limited by the thickness of the photo-resist layer. Although thickness of the photo-resist layer can be increased, doing so limits the pitch of the pillar. In practice, the openings in the photo-resist layer typically have a reverse conical shape, i.e., the openings taper towards a narrow end at the bond pads. Therefore, if a fine pitch is desired, the thickness of the photo-resist layer may be limited to about 80 microns. Hence, there is a tradeoff between a high stand-off and a fine pitch.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a method for forming interconnects that is low cost and does not involve wet chemicals. In addition, it would be desirable to have a method that provides high stand-off and fine pitch.

Method for forming reinforced interconnects on a substrate


A mobile terminal having a folder configured for protection against damage to a display module, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), due to an external impact is provided. Buffering members disposed in various positions between the display module and the upper cover of the folder are configured to absorb an impact generated due to an externally applied force, to prevent deformation of the upper cover, and to prevent subsequent damage to the display module. Additionally, a number of reinforcing mechanisms may be provided to enhance the strength of the upper and lower covers of the folder, making them less susceptible to deformation due to an externally applied force.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a folder type mobile terminal.
2. Background of the Related Art
Folder type mobile terminals have become widely used due to a number of advantages associated with them. One such advantage is that a folder type mobile terminal can accommodate a large display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), making it easier to view information displayed to a user via the display. For example, newly developed dual display folder type mobile terminals which have a display mounted not only on an inner side of the folders, but also on an outer side thereof are becoming increasingly popular.
FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a related art folder type mobile terminal. FIG. 1B is a schematic disassembled perspective view of a related art folder of a folder type mobile terminal. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the related art folder of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
A related art folder type mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 1A includes a main body 200, and a folder 100 rotatably attached to the main body 200. The related art folder of a mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 1B, includes an upper cover 102, which forms an outer surface of the terminal, and a lower cover 104, which engages with the upper cover 102. A hinge portion 116 connects the folder to a body of the terminal (not shown). An LCD module 106 is installed between the upper cover 102 and the lower cover 104, and has a sub LCD 108 at the front surface thereof, a main LCD (not shown) at the rear surface thereof, and a receiver 110 at one side thereof A transparent window 120 is provided in the upper cover 102 for viewing information displayed on a display portion 128 of the sub LCD 108. To minimize thickness of the folder, only the portion of the folder in which the transparent window 120 is installed protrudes from the folder.
That is, the upper cover 102 is provided with an opening portion 122 in order to view information displayed on the sub LCD 108 through the transparent window 120. A rib 124 for mounting the transparent window 120 is formed at an edge of the opening portion 122, and a protrusion portion 126 is formed at a periphery of the opening portion 122. A lower surface of the rib 124 and an upper surface of the sub LCD 108 maintain a constant gap in order to prevent the sub LCD 108 from being damaged by contact with the rib 124.
However, in the conventional art folder, because the area where the transparent window 120 of the upper cover 102 is attached protrudes, an external impact which may be applied when, for example, the terminal is dropped, will frequently be applied to the protrusion portion 126, causing the protrusion portion 126 to be deformed, and the sub LCD 108 to be damaged. More particularly, if, as shown in FIG. 3, an external force F1 is applied to an upper surface of the protrusion portion 126, the rib 124 where the transparent window 120 is mounted is bent downward. The rib 124 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sub LCD 108, thus damaging the sub LCD 108.


Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for improving audio processing and playing multiple sounds using fewer resources. Various implementations may create audio files, in some cases from a single sample of a type of sound, where the files represent specific quantities of that type of sound, such as 10 footsteps or 1000 claps. Given a desired target number of sounds to play, various implementations determine an appropriate combination of the employable audio files to represent the desired number of sounds, and play or render the combination as an approximation of the desired target number of sounds. By using single audio files that represent and sound like multiple instances of a specified type of sound, the various implementations use significantly fewer computing and audio resources than playing an equivalent number of audio files each of which contains a single instance of the specified type of sound.

In a computer application environment, each sound produced, for example by a user or the application, may be represented by a sound event or an audio stream or the like. A conventional technique for an application to produce multiple sounds at the same time is to individually and simultaneously play an audio file for each of the multiple sound events in separate "audio processing channels," (e.g., input feeds or voices), where a limited number of audio processing channels are provided by the underlying computing system's audio hardware resources and audio software resources.
This conventional technique requires that the application load all of the audio files that are to be played at the same time (e.g., one for each sound event), into memory for use by the computing system's audio hardware and software resources, which mixes them into a fixed number of audio output channels (e.g., two output channels for stereo) and produces an analog signal for playing by the loudspeaker(s) without noticeable delay. The audio hardware and software of most computing systems provide several audio processing channel resources that can handle several play requests at a time, for example, on the order of 32, 64, or 128 audio processing channels that can play a similar number of simultaneous audio play requests. Thus, there are technical limitations on the number of audio files or sounds that can be played at the same time without changing the basic hardware resources and/or audio software resources of the underlying computing system.
For some applications that have large numbers of simultaneous users, however, such as large multi-player games (e.g., massively multiplayer online (MMO) games), there is a need to play a large number of sounds at the same time. Because of sound-generating actions performed by the many users (e.g., game players), such an application may require several hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, or more audio events to be played simultaneously, and conventional hardware, audio software, and processing power resources cannot meet such an application's demands.
To cope, most conventional computing systems and audio subsystems are designed to drop sound-play requests according to a priority scheme when the maximum limit of simultaneous requests is exceeded. For example, if a computing system has audio processing channel resources that can play no more than 32 simultaneous sounds, then a request to play a 33rd sound while all 32 audio processing channels are busy will cause the system to identify the priority level associated with each of the 33 sounds and drop the lowest priority sound—i.e., not play the lowest priority sound or stop playing it, if it is already playing.
This causes undesirable effects. When the audio processing channels are full, a new request to play an audio file or sound will either not be played because it has a lower priority than all of the sounds in the channels that are being played already, or the system will abruptly stop a lower priority audio file that is currently being played, remove it from its audio processing channel, and place the new, higher-priority audio file into the freed audio processing channel and start it playing. This type of abrupt stop and switch is undesirably noticeable to listeners. This is particularly undesirable if the playing audio file that is stopped and preempted by a higher priority audio file contains background music, which the user is accustomed to hearing uninterrupted while using an application such as an MMO game.

Systems and methods for playing multiple sounds