A family of transmissions is incorporated into powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between an engine and a final drive mechanism. Each of the family members includes three planetary gearsets, one of which is an input planetary gearset and the other two are interconnected ratio planetary gearsets. Each transmission family member employs three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms (clutches) and two stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms (brakes) to provide the six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. These torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two during the establishment of the speed ratios within the family member. Two of the rotating torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively connectable between the faster rotating member of the input planetary gearset and the two interconnected planetary gearsets and the remaining rotating torque transmitting mechanism is selectively connectable between the slower rotating member of the input planetary gearset and at least one member of the interconnected planetary gearsets.

The present invention is related to power transmissions and, more particularly, to a family of power transmissions having three planetary gearsets that are controlled by five torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
Passenger vehicles include a powertrain that is comprised of an engine, multi-speed transmission, and a differential or final drive mechanism. The multi-speed transmission increases the overall operating range of the vehicle by permitting the engine to operate through its torque range a number of times as the transmission ratios are interchanged. The number of forward speed ratios that are available in a transmission determines the number of ratio interchanges that can occur and therefore the number of times the engine torque range can be repeated.
Early automatic transmissions had two speed ranges. This severely limited the overall speed range of the vehicle and therefore required a relatively large engine that could produce a wide speed and torque range. This resulted in the engine operating at a specific fuel consumption point, during cruising, other than the most efficient point. Therefore, manually shifted (countershaft transmissions) were the most popular.
With the advent of three and four speed automatic transmissions, the automatic shifting (planetary gear) transmission increased in popularity with the motoring public. These transmissions improve the operating performance and fuel economy of the vehicle. The increased number of speed ratios reduces the step size between ratios and therefore improves the shift quality of the transmission by making the ratio interchanges substantially imperceptible to the operator under normal vehicle acceleration.
It has been suggested that the number of forward speed ratios be increased to five and even six speeds. This has been accomplished in many heavy truck powertrains. Six speed transmissions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,927 issued to Polak on Jan. 31, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,208 issued to Koivunen on Jun. 6, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,352 issued to Lepelletier on Apr. 21, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,251 issued to Beim and McCarrick on Feb. 4, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,135 issued to Baldwin et al. on Jul. 4, 2000, and European Patent Application No. EP 1 033 510 A1 published Jun. 9, 2000.
Six speed transmissions offer several advantages over four and five speed transmissions, including improved vehicle acceleration and improved fuel economy. While many trucks employ six-speed transmissions, such as Polak, passenger cars are still manufactured, for the main part, with three and four speed automatic transmissions, and relatively few five or six speed devices due to the size and complexity of these transmissions. The Polak transmission provides six forward speed ratios with three planetary gearsets, two clutches, and three brakes. The Koivunen and Beim patents utilize six torque transmitting devices including four brakes and two clutches to establish the six forward speed ratios and one reverse ratio. The Lepelletier and the EP publications each employ three planetary gearsets, three clutches and two brakes to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse ratio. One of the planetary gearsets in each of these publications is positioned and operated to establish two fixed speed input members for the remaining two planetary gearsets.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved family of multi-speed transmissions having three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms for providing at least six forward speed ratios.
In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission is disposed in a powertrain and has an input shaft driven by an engine and an output shaft driving a final drive mechanism.
In another aspect of the present invention, one of the planetary gearsets has a first member continuously interconnected with the input shaft, a member continuously interconnected with a stationary transmission housing, and a third member which is noncontinuously connected to other transmission members.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the two remaining planetary gearsets have first respective members continuously interconnected and second respective members continuously interconnected.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first interconnecting member is continuously connected with the output shaft or selectively connectable with the transmission housing through a stationary torque transmitting mechanism. The second interconnecting member is selectively connectable with either the transmission housing through a stationary torque transmitting mechanism or the non-continuously connected member of the first mentioned planetary gearset, through a rotating torque transmitting mechanism.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one of the two remaining planetary gearsets has a member continuously interconnected with the transmission output shaft and one of the two remaining planetary gearsets has at least one noncontinuously interconnected member.
In yet still another aspect of the present invention, a non-stationary member of the first mentioned planetary gearset is selectively connectible with a member of one of the other planetary gearsets through a selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanism.
In a further aspect of the present invention, two torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively connect the other non-stationary member of the first mentioned planetary gearset with members of the interconnected planetary gearsets.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, a fourth selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanism is operable to selectively connect at least one member of the two remaining planetary gearsets with a stationary component, such as the transmission housing.
In yet still a further aspect of the present invention, a fifth torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to connect at least one member of the remaining two planetary gearsets with a transmission housing member.
In accordance with the object and aspects of the present invention, each family member has three planetary gearsets with each gearset including three members. The first, second or third member of each planetary gearset may be any one of a sun gear member, a ring gear member, or a planet carrier assembly member. The first member of the first planetary gearset is continuously connected with the first member of the second planetary gearset. The second member of the first planetary gearset is continuously connected with the second member of the second planetary gearset. The first member of the third planetary gearset is continuously connected with the input shaft. The second member of the third planetary gearset is continuously connected with a transmission housing. The third member of the third planetary gearset is rotated at a speed proportional to the first member of the third planetary gearset at a speed that may be increased from or reduced from the first member. Therefore the third planetary gearset has a high speed member, a low speed member, and a stationary member.
The first stationary torque-transmitting mechanism connects a member of the first planetary gearset to a transmission housing. The second selectively engageable stationary torque-transmitting mechanism connects a member of the first or second planetary gearset to the transmission housing. The first selectively engageable rotating torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnects the low speed member of the third planetary gearset with a member of the first or second planetary gearset. A second selectively engageable rotating torque-transmitting mechanism connects the high speed member of the third planetary gearset with a member of the first or second planetary gearset. The third selectively engageable rotating torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnects the high speed member of the third planetary gearset with a member of the first or second planetary gearsets. The input path to the first of the rotating torque-transmitting mechanisms, as described above, is slower than or reduced in speed from the rotational speed of the input path to the second and third rotating torque-transmitting mechanisms.
The five selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the planetary gearsets between the input shaft and the output shaft of the transmission.

Family of multi-speed transmissions with three planetary gearsets


A product provided with a coding pattern which comprises a plurality of marks, each of which represents one of at least two different values, and which further comprises a plurality of nominal positions, each of the plurality of marks being associated with a nominal position and the value of each mark being determined by its location relative to its nominal position. A method and device of using the product are also disclosed.

Storing coded information on a surface by means of different types of marks is already known.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,434 describes, for example, a position-coding pattern which codes X-Y-coordinates for a number of positions on a writing surface. The position-coding pattern makes it possible for a user to record electronically graphic information which is created on a writing surface by continuously reading the position-coding pattern.
Three examples of the construction of the position-coding pattern are given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,434. In the first example the pattern consists of symbols, each of which is constructed of three concentric circles. The outer circle represents the X-coordinate and the middle circle the Y-coordinate. Both the outer circles are additionally divided into 16 parts which, depending upon whether they are filled in or not, indicate different numbers. This means that each pair of coordinates X, Y is coded by a complex symbol with a particular appearance.
In the second example, the coordinates of each point on the writing surface are given by means of bar-codes, a bar-code for the X-coordinate being shown above a bar-code for the Y-coordinate.
A checkered pattern which can be used to code the X- and Y-coordinates is given as a third example. However, there is no explanation as to how the checkered pattern is constructed or how it can be converted into coordinates.
A problem with the known pattern is that it is constructed of complex symbols and the smaller these symbols are made, the more difficult it is to produce the patterned writing surface and the greater the risk of incorrect position determinations, while the larger the symbols are made, the poorer the position resolution becomes.
A further problem is that the processing of the detected position-coding pattern becomes rather complicated, due to the fact that a processor has to interpret complex symbols.
An additional problem is that the detector or sensor which is to record the position-coding pattern must be constructed in such a way that it can record four symbols at the same time so that it is certain to cover at least one symbol in its entirety, which is necessary in order for the position determination to be able to be carried out. The ratio between the required sensor surface and the surface of the position-coding pattern which defines a position is thus large.
In EP 0 578 692 a position-coding pattern is described which is constructed of cells in the form of squares. The value of the cells is determined by their appearance, for example their color. The cells can be separated by separation zones so that two adjacent cells with the same color can be distinguished. The position-coding pattern differs from that according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,434 in that a particular number of cells, that is symbols, together code a position. The coding is in addition floating, which means that an arbitrary partial surface of the pattern which contains the above-mentioned number of cells codes a position. Each cell thus contributes to the coding of several positions. In this way the ratio between the required sensor surface and the part of the position-coding pattern which defines a position is less than in the above-mentioned US patent. In addition each cell is less complex and therefore the processor which is to decode the position-coding pattern needs to be able to recognize fewer different elements. However, the processor needs to be able to locate and distinguish at least two different cells.
EP 0 171 284 B1 shows another floating position-coding pattern which is constructed of horizontal and vertical lines, the vertical lines coding the position in the horizontal direction and the horizontal lines coding the position in the vertical direction. The lines can be found in positions which are a multiple of 1 mm. The presence of a line in such a position codes a one (1), the absence of a line in such a position codes a zero (0).
It is, however, difficult to record and decode a pattern of lines, as the intersections between the lines can be difficult to record. In addition, it is often the case that the sensor is not held parallel to the base, which results in a perspective where the lines are no longer parallel. It can then be difficult to determine whether a line is actually missing. In addition, there must not be too many missing consecutive lines, as difficulties can then arise in the decoding. Furthermore, the information content is small.
Applicant's Swedish Patent Application SE 9901954-9, which was filed on 28 May 1999 and which was not publicly available at the time of filing the present application and thereby does not constitute prior art, describes an additional position-coding pattern of the floating type in which the position information is coded graphically by means of dots of a first and a second size, a dot of the first size corresponding to a zero (0) and a dot of the second size corresponding to a one (1). A plurality of dots together code the coordinates for a position.
It is a general desire that coding patterns which are used to store information on a surface must be able to code a lot of information per unit area and must be simple to detect and decode even when subjected to interference of difference kinds.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Coding pattern comprising a plurality of marks


A factor estimating device estimates a factor from a defective result generated in a target system for diagnosis. A factor estimating process is carried out based on causality network recorded in an estimate knowledge recording part, and data on input items corresponding to conditions included in the causality network are obtained. Based on the obtained data, fitness factors are calculated, and certainty factor is obtained for each factor as representing the group of fitness factors corresponding to conditions included in the factor estimating paths. Influence factors showing the degree of influence of obtained data on input items are calculated, and data on input items with high influence factor are obtained.

This invention relates to factor estimating device, method and program for estimating factor of a result that takes place in a target system under diagnosis, as well as a recording medium for recording such a factor estimating program. In particular, this invention relates to a production process management device for managing production processes of target products.
Processes for improving production steps are being required for factory production lines in order to improve the yields. In such an improvement process, steps that cause defective products are identified and apparatus are adjusted and cleaned so as to eliminate factors that cause such defective products.
In a production process including a large number of steps, however, a variety of candidates are considered as factors of causing defective products such as defective components of the production apparatus, problems involved in the setting of the production apparatus and the problems related to the routes of transportation. For example, the processes of a system for surface-mounting circuit boards may be divided into the printing, mounting and reflow steps. The printing step is where a solder paste is applied to a substrate, and the mounting step is where components are set on the substrate. In the final reflow step, heat is applied to melt the solder to attach the components. If a bridge defect occurs in such a surface-mounting system, displacement of the mask and the unclean female mold may have contributed as the cause of the defect but one or more of them may be the basic factor.
When a phenomenon that becomes a factor of a defect appears, not only does a symptom of the defect appear in the products, but there also appear some effects in the operation history of the production apparatus and the inspection history of the inspection apparatus. The amount of data related to the symptoms of these defective products and to the operation history of the production apparatus and the inspection history of the inspection apparatus becomes enormous, making it very difficult to carry out any analysis on the occurrence of the defects.
Persons in charge of production management with a lot of experience in production management may know empirically the relationship among the effects of such factors on the production and inspection apparatus and how to interpret such effects and may be able to effectively improve the production steps. Inexperienced production managers will have to examine many candidate factors one at a time to finally identify a real factor, and it turns out to be a very time-consuming effort to improve the production steps.
It is therefore being desired to provide a method of highly accurately and efficiently estimating factors of any abnormal situation independently of the level of skill of the production manager. Japanese Patent Publication Tokkai 6-196900, for example, disclosed a method of obtaining data from inspecting apparatus individually provided to each of the printing, mounting and reflow steps and making an estimate based on such data. In the case of a surface-mounting system, however, there is no guarantee that all data necessary for estimating a factor can be obtained from such inspecting apparatus. Although the area of solder as seen from the front of the substrate may be obtained by an image processing technology, for example, data on the warping of the substrate can be obtained only by a visual observation by a viewer from the side. Although a device for detecting the warping of the substrate may be considered, it is not desirable to allow the total cost of the inspecting apparatus to increase unnecessarily. In other words, it is preferable to input data from human observers in addition to data obtained from an inspection apparatus. This is to say that cooperation between an inspection apparatus and a human observer is preferable for estimating factors.
In general, knowledge data are of a network structure and a search is carried out from a root node along a path. In order to make an efficient estimate, therefore, it is necessary to optimize this network structure. This may be done, for example, by making an important item for the estimate as a node on an upstream side, but it will involve large amounts of labor and cost. In addition, so-called important items may change, depending on the circumstances of making the estimate. In summary, it is extremely difficult to form a network structure capable of efficiently making an estimate according to a variety of circumstances.

Factor estimating device, method and program recording medium therefor


A method of winding an elastomeric yarn, such as spandex, onto a spool includes the steps of providing a spool; providing an elastomeric yarn; rotating the spool at a speed to define a spool rotation speed; moving the yarn traversely with respect to the spool in an alternating to and fro manner to define a traverse frequency; winding the yarn onto the spool; controlling the ratio of the spool rotation speed to the traverse frequency to define a wind ratio during the winding of the yarn onto the spool; and decreasing the traverse speed as the yarn is wound onto the spool in an inverse proportion to an amount of yarn that has been wound. The winding of the yarn onto the spool forms a yarn cake on the spool. The traverse speed may be decreased in inverse proportion to a diameter of the yarn cake. The method may further include the step of shifting the yarn by a pitch for each rotation of the spool.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to package of wound elastomeric fiber and a method for the same. In particular, the invention relates to precision wound spandex.
2. Description of Related Art
In winding a yarn or multi-filament fiber onto a package, the package is typically rotated and the yarn is fed to the circumferential surface of the package and distributed axially along the package by a traverse arrangement, such as a reciprocating fiber guide. In random winding, the package is rotated, typically, by frictional contact with a drive roller acting directly on the surface of the package, or by directly powering the chuck holding the packages which are in contact with a non-driven roller. The package has typically the same surface speed as the roller and is typically kept constant during winding. As the surface speed is constant, a declining rotational speed of the package occurs as the package increases in diameter, while the traversing apparatus reciprocates the fiber at a nominally constant frequency. As a result, the yarn lay is random, giving the term of "random winding" to this technique. One problem of random winding is that as the package grows to certain diameters successive turns of yarn (or every other or every third or fourth turn of yarn) may lie one on top of one and the other, giving rise to ribbons of yarns which tend to not only distort the package shape, but may also adversely affect subsequent unwinding of the yarn from the package. These ribbons also cause undesirable vibrations in winding and unwinding which can result in fiber disturbances, such as tangles and breaks.
Surface winding of an elastomeric yarn, such as spandex, is a difficult process because of the very low tension developed in the fiber due to its highly elastomeric properties and to its very sticky nature. To develop enough tension to process the fiber in spinning, a significant amount of stretch is required. Due to the high stretch required, the wound yarn cake will be under high internal tension which may cause the core fibers of the wound cake to begin to fuse together. Furthermore, ribbons that may be formed during random winding represent regions of higher density, compared to other portions of the cake. With random winding of elastomeric yarns, such ribbons may lead toward the fusing of yarns within the yarn package.
Thus, there is a need in the art to improve winding techniques, especially for elastomeric yarns, to avoid problems associated with the prior art.

Precision wind synthetic elastomeric fiber and method for same


An automated system for determining artifacts in images indicating defects in an imaging device being tested employs a constant radiation source which supplies radiation of spatially uniform intensity to the imaging device to be tested. The imaging device then creates a flood image A.sup.(0). A region of interest (ROI) mask means for all pixel values of flood image A.sup.(0) sets values to zero outside of the imaging devices field of view to produce a flood image A.sup.(1). An image normalization means normalizes flood image A.sup.(1) to have an average value of zero producing a normalized flood image A. A correlation means performs an autocorrelation of normalized flood image A to produce a correlation field which is then masked to select portions of the correlation field. The correlation values of the selected regions are summed, the squares of the correlation values are summed and the resulting sums are normalized for mask shape and flood image intensity to determine and quantify the presence of specific artifacts. These normalized summed values may be compared to predetermined thresholds to determine if the artifacts have a magnitude above an acceptable level. Based upon the results of the comparison, a corrective action may be taken such as removing the imaging device from a manufacturing line or adjusting the imaging device and retesting it.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for testing imaging devices and more specifically to a system, using correlation techniques for determining defects in imaging devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Because artifacts in an image distort the image, it has become necessary to identify the imaging devices which produce artifacts during their manufacturing, calibration, or field use. These artifacts may be difficult to identify visually and more difficult to identify visually when superimposed upon an image. If the artifacts are not corrected in images, they my be perceived as actual structures in the image. This may be the case in medical imaging where artifacts in the image might be perceived as clinical features in a patient, leading to misdiagnosis. These imaging devices may be medical imaging systems such as Gamma Cameras used in imaging radioactive tracers introduced into a patient's body, X-ray imaging devices, and magnetic resonance (MR)imaging systems.
Prior art methods of detecting defects in Gamma Cameras, for example, are determined by an operator visually examining artifacts in an image produced by a Gamma Camera stimulated by a constant intensity gamma radiation source. This results in a very subjective test that varies greatly from camera to camera.
In Gamma cameras, for example, artifacts may appear as:
1) tubular or hexagonal "hex" patterns showing a distinct evenly spaced dark and light patterns; PA0 2) secondary tube or "hex" patterns, which are differently sized evenly spaced dark and light circular or hexagonal patterns; PA0 3) tramlines, which appear as lines through the image; PA0 4) non-functional tubes, which appear as one or more dark or light regions having little relation to each other PA0 5) bright or dark regions near the edges of the image; and 6) general blotches throughout the image.
Currently, there is a need for a reliable and accurate system to detect and quantify artifacts indicating defects in imaging devices, and adjust the devices to reduce or eliminate the artifacts.

Correlation methods of identifying defects in imaging devices


A driving assembly includes a viscous shear coupling (15), a clutch (17) and a hysteresis or eddy current brake (19). The clutch comprises inner and outer parts (20 and 21) between which are received torque-transmitting balls (18) received in a cage (16) to which is connected a disc (30) forming part of the brake. The outer part (21) can overrun the inner part whether or not the brake is actuated. The inner part (20) can overrun the outer part (21) if the brake (19) is not actuated but drives the outer part (21) if the brake is actuated. The outer part (21) is connected to one part of the viscous shear coupling (15). A drive member (34) is connected to the inner clutch part (20) and a driven member (38) forms the other part of the viscous shear coupling.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to to a driving assembly comprising a drive member, a driven member, a viscous shear coupling and a clutch between the driven member and the viscous shear coupling and selectively operable to allow torque to be transmitted from the drive member to the viscous shear coupling and from the viscous shear coupling to the driven member.
Such a drive assembly finds particular application in a drive transmission for a motor vehicle in which there is a prime mover and a drive line between the prime mover and the road wheels. The drive line can include a driving assembly as described so that the drive may be selectively applied to the road wheels through the driving assembly.
More particularly, the arrangement is useful in a four-wheel drive vehicle in which one set of road wheels is directly driven from the prime mover and the other set of road wheels is driven through a driving assembly as described only when the directly driven wheels begin to slip.
2. Description of Prior Art
It is known in a four-wheel drive vehicle to have one set of road wheels directly driven from the prime mover and the other set of road wheels driven via a viscous shear coupling. Such a coupling may, for example, comprise a housing and a hub with the hub being rotatably mounted in the housing. There are two sets of plates, the plates of one set being carried by the housing and the plates of the other set being carried by the hub. These plates are interleaved and the housing contains a viscous liquid such for example as a silicone oil. Such a viscous coupling is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,922.
With such a coupling, torque is transferred between the housing and the hub when there is a relative speed difference between them as a result of shearing of the silicone fluid between adjacent plates. As is mentioned above this drive may be used to drive one set of wheels when the directly driven wheels tend to slip.
In the prior art, where a viscous shear coupling is interposed in the drive line to a set of wheels, torque is transmitted to those wheels whenever a speed difference occurs between the two sets of wheels. However disadvantages can occur where the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock braking.
Moreover, if it is the front wheels that are directly driven and if these tend to lock on braking so that a speed difference occurs between the front and rear wheels, torque can be transmitted by the viscous shear coupling to the rear wheels while the front wheels are locked; this tends to make the vehicle unstable.
Various proposals have been made to solve this problem by disconnecting the viscous coupling so there is no tendency to drive the rear wheels. Thus if the rear wheels overrun the front wheels there is in effect a free wheel device. It has also been proposed that when the brakes are applied the drive to the viscous coupling is disconnected.


A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuration by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cylindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.

This invention relates to the casting of metal strip by continuous casting in a twin roll caster.
In a twin roll caster, molten metal is introduced between a pair of counter-rotated horizontal casting rolls that are cooled so that metal shells solidify on the moving roll surfaces and are brought together at a nip between them to produce a solidified strip product delivered downwardly from the nip between the rolls. The term "nip" is used herein to refer to the general region at which the rolls are closest together. The molten metal may be poured from a ladle into a smaller vessel or series of smaller vessels from which it flows through a metal delivery nozzle located above the nip, so forming a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting surfaces of the rolls immediately above the nip and extending along the length of the nip. This casting pool is usually confined between side plates or dams held in sliding engagement with end surfaces of the rolls so as to dam the two ends of the casting pool against outflow.
Further, the twin roll caster may be capable of continuously producing cast strip from molten steel through a sequence of ladles. Pouring the molten metal from the ladle into smaller vessels before flowing through the metal delivery nozzle enables the exchange of an empty ladle with a full ladle without disrupting the production of cast strip.
In casting thin strip by twin roll caster, the unpredictability of the crown in the casting surfaces of the casting rolls during a casting campaign is a difficulty. The crown of the casting surfaces of the casting rolls determines the thickness profile, i.e., cross-sectional shape, of thin cast strip produced by the twin roll caster. Casting rolls with convex (i.e., positive crown) casting surfaces produced cast strip with a negative (depressed) cross-sectional shape, and casting rolls with concave (i.e., negative crown) casting surfaces produced cast strip with a positive (i.e., raised) cross-sectional shape. The casting rolls generally are formed of copper or copper alloy with internal passages for circulation of cooling water usually coated with chromium or nickel to form the casting surfaces, which undergo substantial thermal deformation with exposure to the molten metal.
In thin strip casting, there is a desired roll crown to produce a desired strip cross-sectional profile under typical casting conditions. It is usual to machine the casting rolls with an initial crown when cold based on the projected crown in the casting surfaces of the casting rolls under typical casting condition. However, the differences between the crown shape of the casting surfaces between cold and casting conditions is difficult to predict. Moreover, the actual crown of the casting surfaces during the casting campaign can vary significantly from that projected crown under typical conditions, since the crown of the casting surfaces of the casting rolls can change even during typical casting due to changes in the temperature of molten metal supplied to the casting pool of the caster, changes in casting speed and other casting conditions, and even with slight changes in the composition of the molten metal as occurs during casting.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a reliable and effective way to directly and closely control the shape of the crown in the casting surfaces of the casting rolls during casting, and in turn, the cross-sectional profile of the thin cast strip produced by the twin roll caster. Previous proposals for casting roll crown control have relied on mechanical devices to physically deform the casting roll, e.g., by the movement of deforming pistons or other elements within the casting roll or by applying bending forces to the support shafts of the casting rolls. Yet, there has not been an effective way to dynamically control the roll crown to produce the desired profile of the cast strip until now.
We have determined that reliable and effective control of the casting roll crown and, in turn, cross-sectional strip profile can be achieved by providing a casting roll of such configuration to enable control of the crown in the casting surfaces by varying casting parameters.
Disclosed is a method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll crown comprising the steps of:
a. assembling a caster having a pair of counter rotating casting rolls with a nip there between capable of delivering cast strip downwardly from the nip, where each casting roll has a casting surface formed by a cylindrical tube of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloy optionally with a coating thereon and having a plurality of longitudinal water flow passages extending through the tube having a thickness of no more than 80 millimeters, the cylindrical tube capable of changing crown of the casting surface with changes in temperature of water flowing through the passages during casting,
b. assembling a metal delivery system capable of forming a casting pool supported on the casting surfaces of the casting rolls above the nip with side dams adjacent ends of the nip to confine the casting pool,
c. positioning at least one sensor capable of sensing thickness profile of the cast strip downstream of the nip and generating electrical signals indicative of the thickness profile of the cast strip,
d. controlling the temperature of the water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in the tube thickness,
e. counter rotating the casting rolls and varying the speed of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system, and
f. controlling the casting roll drive to vary the speed of rotation of the casting rolls and varying the temperature of the water flow circulated through the water flow passages by a control system responsive to electrical signals received from the sensors to control roll crown of the casting rolls during a casting campaign.
The cylindrical tube of each casting roll is of a circumferential thickness that, by varying the casting speed and controlling the temperature of the water circulated through the casting rolls, the crown in the casting surfaces of the casting can reliably be varied to achieve and maintain a desired cross-sectional profile of the cast strip. The thickness of the cylindrical tube may range between 40 and 80 millimeters in thickness or between 60 and 80 millimeters in thickness. The casting rolls may have a cavity internal of the cylindrical tube to define the thickness of the cylindrical tube and facilitate flexure of the cylindrical tube to provide crown control with changes in casting speed and temperature of water circulated through the casting rolls. Water may be circulated through the water flow passages and the cavities of the casting rolls in series. Alternatively, water may be circulated through the water flow passages and then through the cavity of at least one of the casting rolls, or water may be circulated through the cavity and then through the water flow passages of at least one of the casting rolls.
Also disclosed is an apparatus for continuously casting thin strip by dynamically controlling roll crown comprising:
a. a caster having a pair of counter rotating casting rolls with a nip there between capable of delivering cast strip downwardly from the nip where each casting roll has a casting surface formed by a cylindrical tube of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloy optionally with a coating thereon and has a plurality of longitudinal water flow passages extending through the tube having a thickness of no more than 80 millimeters, the cylindrical tube capable of changing crown of the casting surface with changes in temperature of water flowing through the passages during casting,
b. a metal delivery system capable of forming a casting pool supported on the casting surfaces of the casting rolls above the nip with side dams adjacent ends of the nip to confine the casting pool,
c. at least one sensor capable of sensing thickness profile of the cast strip downstream of the nip and generating electrical signals indicative of the thickness profile of the cast strip,
d. a water flow controller capable of controlling the temperature of the water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in the tube thickness,
e. a casting roll drive system capable of counter rotating the casting rolls and varying the speed of the casting rolls during casting, and
f. a control system responsive to electrical signals received from the sensors capable of controlling the casting roll drive to vary the speed of rotation of the casting rolls and controlling the water flow controller to vary the temperature of the water flow circulated through the water flow passages to control roll crown of the casting rolls during a casting campaign.
Again, the cylindrical tube may have an internal cavity to define the cylindrical tube and provide for flexure thereof as described above. Tube may be between 40 and 80 millimeters in thickness or between 60 and 80 millimeters in thickness.
The longitudinal water flow passages in the tube thickness may be arranged in three pass sets round the cylindrical tube thickness, so that the cooling water circulates through the three passages of the set in series before exiting the casting roll either directly or through the internal cavity. Alternatively, the longitudinal water flow passages in the tube thickness may be arranged in single pass sets round the cylindrical tube thickness so that the cooling water circulates through one passage before exiting the casting roll either directly or through the internal cavity.
At least one sensor capable of sensing thickness profile of the cast strip may be adjacent to pinch rolls through which the strip first passes after casting. A plurality of sensors capable of sensing thickness profile of the cast strip may be positioned laterally across the strip.
Various aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

Method for casting metal strip with dynamic crown control


In a method of passivating a semiconductor device with two types of transistors, e.g., NMOS and PMOS transistor, the semiconductor device is placed in a pressurized sealed chamber and at least two different passivating gases are introduced into the chamber. The two passivating gases can be selected to have one gas suitable for passivating PMOS transistors and the other gas suitable for NMOS transistors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of passivating a semiconductor device with at least two types of transistors at a high pressure and, more specifically, to a method of conducting a high pressure anneal employing at least two different gases.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of silicon in semiconductor devices, such as CMOS devices, is well known. The fabrication of CMOS devices typically requires that both n-channel (NMOS) and p-channel (PMOS) transistors are built on the same substrate through numerous steps, which include sputter deposition, photolithography, wet etching, plasma etching, chemical vapor deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, ion implanting, and annealing steps for activating and driving implanted ions. A number of these steps cause defects in the device. For example, plasma etching typically leaves dangling silicon bonds that reduce electron mobility and cause degradation of the device's performance. Ion implanting can also create damage to the silicon crystal structure.
Recently, a high pressure anneal process was developed to alleviate the problems caused by such dangling bonds. During the high pressure anneal process, the semiconductor devices are typically subjected to a high pressure gas such as hydrogen or ammonia. It is thought that the defects of semiconductor devices are removed when the hydrogen bonds with the broken bonds of silicon. However, since the drains and sources of NMOS and PMOS are doped with different types of impurities which are expected to have different reaction mechanisms during the high pressure anneal process, it is a rather difficult task to optimize process parameters in the high pressure anneal process for a CMOS device. Furthermore, it is rather difficult to choose an annealing gas suitable for both NMOS and PMOS transistors.

Method of passivating semiconductor device


The present invention provides a process to extract oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril to yield an edible oil rich in xcex2-carotene. The process can be carried out without the use of any harmful organic solvents, and provides products containing other carotenoids, such as lycopene, and fiber and vitamin E. This invention provides a bioavailable and stable source of xcex2-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, in areas where vitamin A deficiency exists. Products derived from this invention serve as a safe source of antioxidants and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries as well as providing a suitable, effective food additives and colorants.

Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to food, food supplements, animal feedstuffs, human foodstuffs, pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparation, particularly of a process to produce a food that can improve health and prevent diseases.
2. Prior Art
Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (spiny melon) is indigenous to Southeast Asia, and not commonly seen in this country. Descriptions of the plant can be found in several publications (Bailey, Heiser, Herklots and Perry). Medicinal use of Momordica cochinchinensis seeds was described by Nguyen, and by Vuong (Vuong, 1998). Concentrations of total carotenoid in Momordica cochinchinensis can be found in a publication by West and Poortvliet. A publication by Vuong described the plant and discussed its use in improving vitamin A status of children in Vietnam (Vuong, 2000). Another publication by Vuong et al. described a supplementation trial of rice mixed with Momordica cochinchinensis pulp to improve plasma retinol and beta-carotene of preschoolers in Vietnam (Vuong et al., 2002).
Beta-carotene is among hydrocarbon carotenoids with antioxidative activities (Krinsky). According to epidemiological and animal studies, beta-carotene plays an important role in the prevention of cancer (Bertram, Carughi, Krinsky, Narisawa et al., Poppel and Goldbohm). xcex2-carotene as a provitamin A carotenoid is essential in regions of the world where vitamin A deficiency exists and food rich in retinol is not economically available. It would be a significant advancement in the art to obtain xcex2-carotene from aril of Momordica cochinchinensis fruits and to provide an economical process to produce food products high in beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is abundant in fruits, vegetables and some animals (Britton). Red palm oil, oil extract from palm fruits is the only food oil that contains significant amount of beta-carotene (Nagendran et al., Choo et al.). Commercial production, composition and application of red palm oil have been widely published (Kritchevsky, Scrimshaw, Rao, Manorama and Rukmini, Nagendran et al.). Rao and other authors reported positive results of studies using red palm oil to improve vitamin A status of children in India and Africa (Rao, Stuijvenberg and Benade). Efficiency of the conversion of intake beta-carotene into vitamin A depends on the amount of available beta-carotene in the body or the bioavailability of beta-carotene and physiological status of the host (Dimitrov et al., Goodman). Absorption of dietary beta-carotene is effected by many factors (de Pee et al., Van Vliet et al., Dimitrov et al.). Oil facilitates the absorption and transport of beta-carotene and thus increases its bioavailability (Goodman).
1. Bailey LH. The Garden of the Gourds. New York: The Macmillian Company, 1937.
2. The Gourd Book. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1979.
3. Herklots GAC. Vegetables in South-East Asia. London: George Allen and Unwin LTD, 1972.
4. de Pee S, West C E, Permaesih D, Martuti S, Muhilal, Hautvast J G A F. Orange fruit is more effective than are dark-green, leafy vegetables in increasing serum concentration of retinol and xcex2-carotene in schoolchildren in Indonesia. Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 68:1058-67.
5. Britton, G. Carotenoids. In Natural Food Colorants; Hendry, G. A. F., Houghton, J. D., Eds., Blackie: Glasgow, U.K. 1992; p 280.
6. Dimitrov N V, Meyer C, Ullrey D E, Chenoweth W, Michelakis A, Malone W, Boone C, Fink G. Bioavailability of xcex2-carotene in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1988; 48:298-304.
7. Goodman D. The intestinal absorption and metabolism of vitamin A and xcex2-carotene in man. J Clin Invest 1966; 45:1615-23.
8. Krinsky N., Antioxidant functions of carotenoids. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Vol. 7, pp. 617-35, 1989.
9. Kritchevsky D. Impact of red palm oil on human nutrition and health. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 21:2, 2000, pp. 182-88.
10. Manorama R, Rukmini C. Effect of processing on beta-carotene retension in crude palm oil and its producs. Food Chem 1991; 42: 253-64.
11. Manorama R, Brahmam GNV, Rukmini C. Red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene for combating vitamin A deficiency. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1996; 49:75-82.
12. Nagendran B., Unnithan R. R., Choo Y. M., and Kalyana Sundram. Characteristics of red plam oil, a carotene- and vitamin E-rich refined oil for food uses. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, Vol. 21, Number 2, June 2000, pp. 189-201.
13. Poppel G. and Goldbohm R. Epidemiologic evidence for xcex2-carotene and cancer prevention. Am J clin Nutr, 1995; 62 (suppl):1393S-402S.
14. Rao N. Potential use of red palm oil in combating vitamin A deficiency in India. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 21:2, 2000, pp. 202-11.
15. Scrimshaw N. Nutritional potential of red palm oil for combating vitamin A deficiency. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 21:2, 2000, pp. 195-201.
16. Van Vliet T. Absorption of xcex2-carotene and other carotenoids in humans and animal models. Eur J Clin Nutr 1996; 50(Suppl 3):S32-7.
17. Thieme J. G. Coconut Oil Processing. Agricultural Development Paper No. 89. Food And Agriculture Oganization of the United Nations, Rome, 1968.
18. Nagendran B., Unnithan U. R., Choo Y. M., and Kalyana Sundram. Characteristics of red palm oil, a carotene- and vitamin E-rich refined oil for food uses. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 21:2, 2000, pp. 189-201.
19. Chandler, L. A., and Schwartz S. J., HPLC separation of cis-trans carotene isomers in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. J. Food Sci. 1987, 5(3), 669-72.
20. Choo, Y. M. et al.: xe2x80x9cProduction of Palm Oil Carotenoid Concentrate And Its Potential Application in Nutritionxe2x80x9d, Lipid-Soluble Antioxidants, 1992, pp. 243-254, XP-002120457.
21. Carughi A. et al. xe2x80x9cPlasma Carotenoid Concentrations Before and After Supplementation With a Carotenoid Mixturexe2x80x9d, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 59, No. 4, April, 1994, pp. 896-899, XP002120458.
22. Bertram J., xe2x80x9cThe chemoprevention of cancer by dietary carotenoids: studies in mouse and human cells,xe2x80x9d Pure and Appl. Chem., vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 1025-1032 (1994).
23. Krinsky N, xe2x80x9cCarotenoids and Cancer: Basic Research Studies,xe2x80x9d Nat. Antioxid. Health Dis., pp. 239-261 (1994).
24. Bertram J, xe2x80x9cThe chemoprevention of cancer by dietary carotenoids: studies in mouse and human cells,xe2x80x9d Oxid, Stress and Aging, pp. 221-235 (1995).
25. Le T. Vuong. Underutilized beta-carotene-rich crops of Vietnam. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, Vol. 21, No. 2, June 2000.
26. Le T. Vuong, Stephen R Dueker, Suzanne P. Murphy. Plasma beta-carotene and retinol concentrations of children increase after a 30-d supplementation with the fruit Momordica cochinchinensis (gac). Am J Clin Nutr 2002; 75:872-9.
27. Narisawa et al., xe2x80x9cInhibitory effects of natural carotenoids, .alpha.-carotene, beta.-carotene, lycopene and lutein, on colonic aberrant crypt foci formation in rats,xe2x80x9d Cancer Letters, vol. 107, pp. 137-142 (1996).
28. Nguyen D V. Medicinal Plants of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Westminster, Calif.: Mekong Printing, 1998.
29. Perry L. M. Medicinal Plants of East and Southeast Asia, Attributed Properties and Uses. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 1980.
30. Vuong, L. T. Xoi Gac, a rice preparation containing beta-carotene from Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (gac), for the prevention of vitamin A deficiency in northern Vietnam. Ph. D. Dissertation, University of California at Davis, 1998.
31. West C E. Poortvliet E J. The Carotenoid Content Of Foods With Special Reference To Developing Countries. Washington D.C.: USAID-VITAL, 1993.
The objects of this invention include the process to produce an edible oil extract containing beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E, from the aril of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (spiny melon) and the use of this oil in food, and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries.
Spiny melon is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The plant can be cultivated either from seeds or root tubers. The aril of spiny melon contains a significant amount of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene and lycopene, and oil. In one of the embodiments of this invention, oil is extracted from dried aril of spiny melon. The oil contains beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin E. The process does not involve any organic solvent and thus the oil is safe for human and animal consumption. According to epidemiological and animal studies, carotenoids play an important role in the prevention of cancer, and heart disease. xcex2-carotene as a provitamin A carotenoid is essential in regions of the world where vitamin A deficiency exists and food rich in retinol is not economically available. It would be a significant advancement in the art to attain beta-carotene and lycopene from spiny melon especially in its own oil, which can improve absorption and transport of carotenoids.
The present invention is directed to a method of obtaining carotenoids from Momordica cochinchinensis aril in an oil extract and in the dried aril. In one currently preferred embodiment of the method, a quantity of Momordica cochinchinensis aril is obtained. Aril is removed from seeds. The wet aril can be used as it is, or dried. Drying can be accomplished using conventional drying techniques, such as freeze drying, drum drying, tray drying, sun drying, and spray drying. Drying is preferably in low heat and closed chamber to avoid degradation of carotenoids. In one currently preferred embodiment of the method, wet aril is dried in an electric powered drying box under 60xc2x0 C. The dried Momordica cochinchinensis aril preferably has a moisture content in the range of 10-15% by weight. Dried aril can be stored in sealed, dark container for up to 1 year without significant degradation of carotenoids. In one currently preferred embodiment of the method, dried aril is heated slightly before pressing for oil. Heating improves yield of oil, and separation of carotenoids from the plant protein. In another preferred embodiment of the method, an oil expeller is used to produce oil extract. Oil produced can be filtered by using a leaf filter, or centrifuge decanter, or letting the oil rest in a large container overnight, separate out the residue, and then letting the oil go through a leaf filter to reduce water content. Oil extract of Momordica cochinchinensis aril contains from 3000 to 6500 ppm of carotenoids by weight, of which 45-75% are xcex2-carotene. Oil produced from Momordica cochinchinensis aril should be stored in sealed and dark container to avoid rapid degradation and/or oxidation of carotenes. Oil can be kept up to 2 years with minimum loss of xcex2-carotene and without any added preservatives.
(Not Applicable)
The present invention is directed to carotenoids fom the aril of Momordica cochinchinensis fruit and to the process of extracting and purifying the oil extract.
In a currently preferred process of producing Momordica cochinchinensis oil extract, the ripen fruit is either hand picked or by mechanical equipment. The fruit can be harvested when its color becomes orange or red. After harvested, fruits can be kept at room temperature for about 2 weeks. The ripe fruit is preferably placed in straw lined containers for further processing and transport. The containers can optionally be stored under refrigerated conditions prior to further processing. The fruit used in the production of oil is inspected for spoilage. Spoiled fruit is separated from the acceptable fruit. The fruit is thoroughly cleaned before any processing occurs.
The processing method for Momordica cochinchinensis aril oil includes seeding, drying, pressing, separation of water, and packaging was designed to retain maximum amount of xcex2-carotene, minimum water activity and low rancidity value in the oil.
Seeding and Drying
Momordica cochinchinensis fruit aril contains between 17,000-35,000 xcexcg/100 g of xcex2-carotene depending on ripeness of the fruit. The amount of lycopene in gac fruit aril varies between 2 to 5 times that of xcex2-carotene (35,000-175,000 xcexcg/100 g), also depending on ripeness of the fruit. About 40% of the dry weight is oil.
The first step in the oil extraction process is scooping out all the aril from the cavity of the fruit into a large container. Separation of seeds from the wet aril can be done mechanically or manually. To remove the seeds manually, the preferred method is to dry the aril by using a variety of methods, including freeze drying, drum drying, tray drying, or sun drying. If a conventional electric powered drying box, or warming oven is used, the wet aril at first is spread on a drying tray. The tray is best made of stainless-steel wire, gaps should not be larger than one inch square. The trays are then placed in the drying box for about 1 hr under 60 deg. C. until the surface of the aril is no longer sticky. At this temperature, the aril can be dried quickly, however, the heat is not high enough to destroy carotenoids. Drying box or warming oven should be closed and dark, as light will also destroy carotenes. The aril can also be covered by clean cloth and sun dried for 4-5 hours, or on a pan over low flame for about 1 hour, however these techniques are expected to incur higher loss of light, heat, and oxygen sensitive carotenoids. Apparently, seeds can also be removed from the wet aril (without drying), however this takes a considerable longer time, and loss of materials is higher. Drying aril before seeding has shown to speed up the seeding process, and reduce water which is necessary for the oil production. Dried aril is then peeled open, and the seeds are removed. The aril after seeded still contains a significant amount of moisture. The oil produced will contain too much water. Seeded aril should be dried again in drying oven under 60 deg C. until moisture content is reduced to about 12-15%. Depending on the size of the drying oven, this step can take up to 2 hours for about 60 kg of fruits. Carotenoids can also be removed from seeds and aril by mixing the aril with alcohol or any organic solvents (ethanol, THF), however, this method is not preferable as it is neccessary to remove all potentially toxic solvents when the oil or aril is used as a food ingredient.
Pressing and Oil Separation
Pressing can be done with a continuous expeller or a small single expeller. If an electric powered oil press is not available, a manual screw press or semi-manual, hydrolic oil press can be used. If a boiler is not attached with the expeller, aril should be warmed slightly in oven ( less than 60 deg C.), for about 10 min, since warming the aril will increase oil yield. Oil yield by the medium size continuous oil expeller is about 20-22%, and of the manual press is about 10% dried weight of aril. The oil produced can be settled in a large container overnight to separate out residue, and further purified by filtering. The filtering equipment preferably consists of, but is not limited to, a centrifuge decanter, a screen filter, a filter press, a leaf filter, reverse osmosis filtration, and any other standard commercial filtration devices. Oil produced by this process should contain between 3000-6500 ppm of total carotenoids, 2500-4500 ppm xcex2-carotene, 500-2500 ppm lycopene, and 150-350 ppm vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). The oil produced by the described process has 0.29% of moisture, pH=4.32, and 0.10% of free fatty acid as oleic. Peroxide Value of the oil is less than 1 meq/kg. Since the oil contains a significant amount of carotenoids, it has an intense red color. It has no odor and a mild nutty flavor. Other available methods can be used to bleach the oil, and/or deodorize to improve palatability or marketability. Oil should be kept in dark, sealed containers and refrigerated to prevent degradation and/or oxidation of carotenoids. If properly stored, oil can be kept for at least 2 years with minimum loss of carotenes, and undetectable rancidity. Oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril is extremely rich in xcex2-carotene and contains a significant amount of vitamin E. The oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low in saturated fatty acids. Momordica cochinchinensis oil can be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to cooking oil, salad oil, condiments, seasonings, food colorants, dietary supplements, cosmetics including soaps, skin oil, and animal feedstuff.
The following tables demonstrate nutritional values of oil extract of Momordica cochinchinensis. Values presented are representative of quantitative analyses for this invention, but not inclusive or absolute, since nutrient contents of fruits may vary depending on ripeness, growing regions or climate and post-harvest handling and processing.

Momordica cochinchinensis (Spreng.) xcex2-carotene and method


The present invention relates to a biosensor which comprises a covalently attached monomolecular biological conjugate layer and a transducing system, wherein the biological conjugate layer has the following structural formula I:

(a) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to biosensors in which a monomolecular biological conjugate layer is attached to a transducing device.
(b) Description of Prior Art
Biosensors are a rapidly emerging technology for detecting and/or measuring the occurrence of biological phenomena or the presence of biological molecules or organisms. A biosensor is any analytical device incorporating a biological material, a biologically derived material or biomimetic intimately associated with or integrated within a physiochemical transducer or transducing microsystem, which may be optical, electrochemical, thermoelectric, piezoelectric or magnetic (Fishman et al., Annu. Rev. Biophys. Biomol. Struct., 27:165-198, 1998). Typical biosensors are formed by attaching a biological molecule, such as an enzyme or an antibody, to a transducer. The biosensor is exposed to an environment in which it is desired to detect bioactivity or a specific biological entity, and signals emitted by the transducer reflect the involvement of the biological molecule in a bioreaction or biointeraction.
Examples of biosensor technology are disclosed in Ahluwalia et al., xe2x80x9cA comparative study of protein immobilization techniques for optical immunosensors,xe2x80x9d Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 7:207-214(1991) and Geddes et al., xe2x80x9cImmobilisation of IgG onto gold surfaces and its interaction with anti-IgG studied by surface plasmon resonance,xe2x80x9d Journal of Immunological Methods, 175:149-60 (1994).
An important issue in the construction of biosensors is the attachment and immobilization of a biological material in relation to the transducer. If the biological molecule is not attached in proper relation to the transducer or in sufficient amount, then the sensor may not operate satisfactorily. Problems encountered with prior biosensor constructions include maintaining sufficient accessibility, density and/or orientation of the biologically active molecule or organism used in the biosensor. Some sensor designs enclose the bioactive molecule in a matrix or membrane. Such designs tend to restrict the accessibility of the bioactive molecule to the moiety which it is intended to interact with and sense and thereby limit the sensitivity of the resulting sensor. Attempts have also been made to directly attach bioactive molecules to sensors and/or substrates. However, such techniques do not necessarily result in optimum density of the bioactive sensor molecules or in a uniform orientation of the bioactive sensor molecule with the active site or epitope in a properly exposed position for effective interaction with the intended moiety. None of the prior art biosensors is provided with a chemical coating which would promote optimum biochemical interactions reactions at the biosensor/test medium interface, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and usefulness of the biosensor. Consequently, despite the efforts of the prior art, there remains a substantial need for improved biosensor designs.
In various fields, attempts have been made to affix molecules on the surfaces of articles or materials to modify their surface properties. For example, Sukenik, C. N. et al. (J. Biomed. Materials Res., 24:1307-1323, 1990) describes the modulation of cell adhesion by modification of titanium surfaces with covalently attached self-assembled monolayers. Wieserman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,176 teaches a process for chemically bonding a monomolecular layer of phosphorous- containing material to metal oxide/hydroxide particles to form an active material suitable for use as an absorbent. Rhee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,955 discloses covalent attachment of collagen to organic polymers and their use with implants. However, none of these documents discloses or suggests the use of bioactive conjugates which include covalently attached biologically active molecules to a biosensor surface in order to enhance the sensitivity and/or usefulness of a biosensor.
Advances in the immobilization of affinity ligands and innovation in the merging field of bioelectronics have combined to produce revolutionary new detection devices. Affinity electrodes and biosensors are based on the specific interaction between receptors, enzymes, or antibody molecules and their specific target analytes. The application of this technology to measurement systems has created novel analytical detection devices for such diverse fields as diagnostics, therapeutics, process control, waste and environmental monitoring, computer technology, and the kinetic analysis of the interaction of various biological substances.
Common to every device is a support material to which an immobilized affinity ligand is attached. This ligand may be an enzyme that is designed to monitor the presence of its specific substrate in solution. It may be an antibody that can measure its complementary antigen, or an antigen to detect specific antibodies. The affinity ligand may also be any biospecific molecule that interacts with a particular receptor protein (or vice versa). It can even be an immobilized intact living organism (cellular) that can act on specific substances in the solutions with which it comes in contact.
To detect the interaction of these affinity pairs, a functional biosensor needs an electronic transducer that senses the subtle chemical changes that take place between the immobilized ligand and the specific analyte. The detection process may involve the monitoring of electrical effects such as potentiometric changes, amperometric fluctuations, or capacitance differences; optical effects such as light absorption, scattering, or refractive index; changes in density or mass; acoustical effects such as changes amplitude, frequency, or phase of a sound wave; or thermal differences using sensitive calorimeters. The electronic detector then sends its signals an amplification device that also may process and compute the concentration of the analyte in solution. The output and control of these instruments may be as simple as reading a needle gauge on a device such as a pH meter as complex as sophisticated computerized instruments with programmable interfaces.
The principles of biosensor operation have been employed for decades with oscilloscopes designed to monitor slight changes in electrical phenomena. For instance, an olfactory organ such as the antenna of a butterfly can be placed between the input leads of an oscilloscope and used to detect the interaction of olfactory receptors with various volatile substances. In this case, the initial amplifiers of the receptor-ligand interaction are the olfactory nerves that generate action potentials along their length in response to the binding of specific substances. Important qualitative information can be obtained in such a system, but is of little quantitative use.
In modern biosensor design, a synthetic receptor-ligand surface is constructed that has specificity for a single substance. Since the surface is monospecific and the response varies in proportion to the quantity of ligand in the sample solution, quantitative analytical measurements are possible.
The goal is to form a local concentration of the affinity ligand across the biospecific surface. Correct orientation and retention of activity are important in this process, especially for ligands containing active sites that must interact with specific analytes after immobilization.
In general, entrapment or absorption procedures do not yield stable affinity systems for biosensor design. Such sensors may work for brief periods in the laboratory, but the weak bonds created by noncovalent attachment usually cause severe leakage of the biomolecule off the surface and degradation of performance with use. Entrapment, however does provide a viable immobilization means when attaching cellular ligands to a surface, since the cells are typically surrounded by a polymerized or gelatinous membrane and are unable to break free.
The aim of the present invention is to provide biosensors in which a monomolecular biological conjugate layer is covalently attached either directly to a transducing device or to a metal coating on at least one surface of a transducing device.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided for use a monomolecular biological conjugate layer adapted to attach to a metallic transducing device directly or to a transducing device which has a thin coat of metal. The monomolecular biological conjugate layer has the following structural formula I:
xe2x80x94Rxe2x80x94Xxe2x80x94Pxe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein,
R is O or S, adapted to be covalently attached to a metallic surface;
X is selected from a bond, linear or branched chains of 1 to 30 covalently attached atoms selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, Si or S or other linking atoms, rings of 1 to 20 covalently attached atoms selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, Si or S or other linking atoms and a combination of rings and chains of similar composition; and
P is a covalently-attached biological molecule.
More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, X is selected from one of the following possibilities: a direct bond to a biological molecule; a linear alkyl C1-C30 chain, terminated by COOH, NH2, OH, SH or other functional groups chosen to permit covalent linking to a biological molecule; a linear chain consisting of 1-20 atoms of C interspersed with 1-10 atoms of N, O or S, terminated by COOH, NH2, OH, SH or other functional groups chosen to permit covalent linking to a biological molecule; a linear alkylsilyl SiC1-SiC30 chain, terminated by COOH, NH2, OH, SH or other functional groups chosen to permit covalent linking to a biological molecule; or rings composed of C and/or N, connected directly to a biological molecule or connected by means of linear chains of C, N, O or S atoms, terminated by COOH, NH2, OH, SH or other functional groups chosen to permit covalent linking to a biological molecule.
The X moiety of the biological conjugate is selected depending on the desired P molecule which is to be attached to a transducing device and also is chosen according to the desired spacing distance of the P molecule from the transducing device. Consequently, this leads to the correct orientation of the biological molecule for sensing and/or measuring purposes.
The preferred X moieties in accordance with the present invention are C2-C12 alkyl, which may be substituted or non-substituted, SiC3-SiC12, which may be substituted or non-substituted, and 1,3,5-triazine (cyclic C3N3), which may be substituted or non-substituted.
The X moiety may be substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of COOH, NH2, OH, SH, Cl or other groups chosen to permit covalent linking to a biological molecule.
The stably attached biological molecule P includes, but is not limited to, a biological material (such as tissue, microorganisms, whole cells, enzymes, receptors, antibodies or nucleic acids), a biologically derived material or biomimetic. Examples of suitable biological materials include osteopontin, derivatized osteopontin, anti-osteopontin antibodies, bone sialoprotein, bone acidic glycoprotein-75, osteocalcin, osteonectin, bone morphogenetic proteins, transforming growth factors, laminin, type IV collagen, type VIII collagen, enamel proteins (amelogenins and non-amelogenins), anti-amelogenin antibodies, xcex12HS-glycoprotein, fibronectin, cell adhesion peptides, prostaglandin, serum proteins, glucocorticosteroids (dexamethasone), phosphate, phosphoserine, pyrophosphates, phosphothreonine, phosvitin, phosphophoryn, biphosphonates, phosphonates, phosphatases, sulfonates, sulfates, carboxylates, bone and epithelial proteoglycans, mineral and cell binding peptide sequences such as Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid (Arg-Gly-Asp), polyaspartate, and other biological molecules capable of interacting with a biological moiety to be sensed or measured.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a monomolecular biological conjugate layer adapted to covalently attach to a transducing device of a biosensor.
The biosensor can also be coupled with a chemical separations, for example a chromatographic separation process.
Further, the monomolecular biological conjugate layer of the present invention may form a self-assembling monolayer on the transducing device surface.
In addition to covalently attaching the biological molecule, the monomolecular biological conjugate layer inhibits the contamination of the metal surface of the transducing device.
In accordance with the present invention the expression xe2x80x9cmetal coatxe2x80x9d is intended to mean any transducing device material made of solid metal or of a metal sheet or foil, or a material having at least one side or one surface coated with metal.
More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, the metal surface of the transducer may be any metal to which a suitable oxygen or sulfur atom containing functional group can be covalently attached. If the biosensor is to be used in conjunction with a living organism, for example implanted into a living patient, the metal surface of the transducer should be formed of a medically acceptable metallic material. Suitable metals are known to persons skilled in the art. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, stainless steel, tantalum, Vitallium(trademark), gold, silver, platinum and/or alloys thereof. Titanium is the preferred metallic material.
The modified metal surfaces, as in the present invention, may be used for the micro or nanofabrication of molecular patterns or arrays of molecules, which are herein referred to as xe2x80x9cmolecular integrated circuitxe2x80x9d. This form of molecular integrated circuits may have applications in fields such as bioelectronics and molecular electronics.
Another application for the monomolecular biological conjugate layer of the present invention would be in the construct of tips for atomic force microscopy (AFM) and/or for scanning probe microscopy. This would allow the studying of the force or interaction between molecules, where one is attach to a substrate and the other is attached to the tip of AFM.

Biosensors comprising a covalently attached monomolecular biological conjugate layer and a transducing device

Abstract: wherein,

Abstract: R is O or S covalently attached via a first covalent bond to the transducing device surface;

Abstract: X is a linker covalently attached to R via a second covalent bond and selected from a bond, linear or branched chains of 1 to 30 covalently attached atoms of at least C, N, O, Si or S, rings of at least one of C, N, O, Si or S, and a combination thereof; and

Abstract: P is a biological molecule stably attached to X via a third covalent bond.


A glass substrate excellent in strength properties and a glass cutting method are provided. When a glass substrate having predetermined size is to be formed by cutting a glass plate, any crack or chip is not generated on a cut face. Therefore, a pulverized powder is prevented from being generated from this portion. A glass substrate is obtained by cutting at least with laser light radiation so that a surface roughness of cut side faces and of the glass substrate are 50 nm or less and a depth of laser marks and on the cut side faces are 0.06 mm or more.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a glass substrate that is formed by cutting glass with laser light radiation and forced cooling, and to a glass cutting method.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, as a glass cutting method for cutting a glass plate vertically and horizontally to produce a glass substrate with predetermined width and length, there is a mechanical cutting method as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-71124, or a laser cutting method for using laser light radiation is employed.
In the case where a cutting method with a mechanical process is employed, a blade pressurizes glass to generate median cracks, that is, cracks propagating vertically onto a glass surface, thereby cutting the glass. In this cutting method, the thus formed glass cut faces are brought into contact with each other in a depressurization step of the blade, resulting-in generation of lateral cracks, that is, cracks propagating horizontally on a glass surface.
Therefore, it was conventionally difficult to perfectly prevent the generation of microcracks, that is, lateral cracks generated on a cut face in a mechanical glass cutting process. The generation of cracks also leads to generation of a pulverized powder, so-called cullet. As a result, inconveniences occur in that, for example, the cullet covers the surface of a display and impairs the visibility. Moreover, in the case where a glass substrate is used for a touch panel or the like, the cullet adheres to a transparent conductive layer and causes short circuit.
Although there is a method for reducing the generation of such lateral cracks through a chemical treatment, such a method wanes the productivity, leading to increased cost. Moreover, the use of a chemical treatment has a problem in that it generates a variation in glass strength.
On the other hand, as a laser cutting method, for example, a heat cutting method with a carbon dioxide gas laser has been proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-217478, Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-254172 and the like.
In the case where a cutting method only with normal laser light radiation is used, however, on a cut side face of the glass substrate 1 which is formed by radiating laser light, minute cracks and cullet are adversely generated in a laser mark 2 that appears from the laser-irradiated side, as represented by a schematic sectional structure showing an example thereof in FIG. 8.
To cope with such a problem, a cutting method, which takes advantage of combined effects of heating through radiation of a carbon dioxide gas laser or the like and forced cooling using water or a compressed air, has been proposed. According to this method, a thermal strain is generated in glass owing to the combined effects and is used as a trigger to cut a glass to be separated.
In particular, this cutting method incorporating laser radiation and forced cooling attracts attention as a cutting method for obtaining a thin glass substrate having a thickness of 1.1 mm or less, for example, about 0.3 to 0.7 mm. Such a thin glass substrate is utilized for a touch panel that is recently attached on a surface of various displays as a simple way of inputting information or for a portable terminal using such a touch panel.
This method is advantageous in that microcracks are scarcely generated because no mechanical force is applied to a glass.

Glass substrate and glass cutting method


A positioning assembly includes a first connecting rod with a threaded end section, a second connecting rod with a threaded end section, an adjusting member having two opposite threaded ends that threadedly engage the threaded end sections of the first and second connecting rods, and a third connecting rod that is pivoted to the second connecting rod so as to pivot relative to the second connecting rod between used and folded states.

This application claims priority of Taiwanese Application No. 092211980, filed on Jun. 30, 2003.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a positioning assembly for positioning a container on a platform of a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate conventional horizontal positioning assemblies 13 for positioning containers 14 on a platform 10 of a vehicle, such as a cargo-carrying ship. Each of the horizontal positioning assemblies 13 includes an adjusting member 131 connected to a support 11 on the platform 10 through a coupling member 132, and an extension rod 133 that threadedly engages the adjusting member 131 and that is connected to a corner fitting 141 of the respective container 14 through a hook member 134.
The conventional horizontal positioning assembly 13, when left on the platform 10 (i.e., it remains connected to the support 11), tends to be damaged during piling of the containers 14 on the platform 10. As a consequence, each positioning assembly 13 is normally required to be detached from the support 11, which is relatively inconvenient, and requires a space for storage. Moreover, since each positioning assembly 13 is relatively long, carrying and transport thereof for storage can be very troublesome.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a positioning assembly that is capable of overcoming the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.
According to the present invention, there is provided a positioning assembly for positioning a container on a platform. The container has a corner fitting. The positioning assembly comprises: a first connecting rod having a platform-connecting end that is adapted to be connected to the platform, and a threaded end section that is opposite to the platform-connecting end; a second connecting rod having a coupling end and a threaded end section that is opposite to the coupling end; an elongated adjusting member disposed between the first and second connecting rods and having two opposite threaded ends that threadedly and respectively engage the threaded end sections of the first and second connecting rods so as to permit extension and retraction of the first and second connecting rods relative to the adjusting member; a third connecting rod that has a hook-connecting end, and a pivot end opposite to the hook-connecting end and pivoted to the coupling end of the second connecting rod; and a hook member pivoted to the hook-connecting end of the third connecting rod and adapted to be connected to the corner fitting of the container.

Positioning assembly for positioning a container on a platform


A system, method, and computer program product are provided for calibrating a sensor device, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and/or magnetometer. The sensor device provides measurements, and a determination if the sensor device is in a steady state is made based at least partly on the measurements. If the sensor device is in a steady state then measurement data is stored in a memory, and the sensor device is calibrated at least partly with the stored data. A set of such steady points is gathered with the sensor device in various spatial orientations, preferably with the steady point orientations spaced appropriately apart to ensure precise calibration throughout the range of possible orientations. Calibration parameters are determined by fitting the set of steady point measurements to an ellipsoid. Active audio and visual guidance may be provided to a user to assist with orienting the sensor device during calibration.

Portable sensor devices are becoming more widely used in a variety of fields. Such sensor devices may require correction of systematic errors, typically in the field prior to use. There are many specific reasons why a sensor device such as a magnetometer or accelerometer sensor triad may require calibration. It may be necessary for example to correct for scale factor, biases, or non-orthogonality of the three sensors making up a sensor triad. Alternatively, the temperature, local magnetic or gravitational field may change or there may be misalignment between two or more sensor triads due to manufacturing variations or limits of the technology. It is expected that calculating the desired result from calibrated data will yield better accuracy than merely using the raw sensor data.
This patent application provides a viable approach to solving this challenge and presents a practical implementation of that technique.


Disclosed is a sheet stack manufacturing process. At first, a plurality of band sheets are fed. Each band sheet is folded at least once along a longitudinal direction thereof at a first folding step, to form folded bands. Then, each folded band is folded along the longitudinal direction at a second folding step to have at least three fold lines by the first and second folding steps and to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof, thereby to form a band-shaped sheet stack in which a plurality of sheets are combined with one another so as to be stacked on one another. The band-shaped sheet stack is cut to a predetermined length to be separated into individual sheet stacks.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a sheet stack in which sheets of wet tissue paper, wet nonwoven fabric, dry tissue paper or dry nonwoven fabric are so stacked in a folded state that they can be sequentially taken out.
2. Related Art
Wet sheets for wiping hands or anal regions of babies or for cleaning toilets or dining rooms are sealed and accommodated in a packaging member such as a hard container or a bag formed of a packaging sheet, so that they be kept in the wet state. In this packaging member, moreover, there is formed an opening for allowing the sheets to be sequentially taken out. The wet sheets of this kind are combined with the upper and lower ones being connected to each other. When the upper sheet is pulled out of the opening, the lower sheet is dragged by the upper sheet so that an upper portion of the lower sheet may be protruded from the opening.
Examples of the so-called xe2x80x9cpop-up type sheet stackxe2x80x9d of this kind in the related art are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
In a sheet stack 1 shown in FIG. 12, each sheet 2 of a predetermined width is folded in two to have a v-folded structure in which an upper fold is designated by 3 and a lower fold is designated by 4. Between the upper fold 3 and the lower fold 4 of one sheet, moreover, there are sandwiched the lower fold 4 of the overlying sheet and the upper fold 3 of the underlying sheet. Between upper and lower sheets, the upper fold 3 and the lower fold 4 are joined (closely contacted) with each other at an overlap portion of a predetermined width La.
In a sheet stack 5 shown in FIG. 13, each sheet 6 of a predetermined width is folded in three to have a z-folded structure in which an intermediate fold is designated by 7, an upper fold folded back upwardly from the intermediate fold 7 is designated by 8 and a lower fold folded back downwardly from the intermediate fold 7 is designated by 9. Over the lower fold 9 of one sheet, there is laid the upper fold 8 of the underlying sheet. These lower fold 9 and upper fold 8 are joined (closely contacted) with each other at an overlap portion of a predetermined width Lb.
The sheet stacks 1 and 5 are individually accommodated in a packaging member such as a hard container of plastics or a bag formed of a soft packaging sheet. As one sheet is taken out from the opening formed in the upper face of the packaging member, the next sheet overlapping with that overlap portion is pulled out so that its end portion is partially protruded from the opening, after the upper sheet was taken out, and is allowed to be subsequently taken out.
The sheet stacks 1 and 5 can be manufactured as follows: At first, band sheets are continuously unwound from individual roll goods in a number corresponding to the number of the sheets to be stacked. Then, by using a guide plate, each band sheet is folded along a longitudinal direction (flow direction) thereof into the v-folded structure shown in FIG. 12 or into the z-folded structure shown in FIG. 13. Simultaneously with this v-folding or z-folding step, upper and lower sheets are so combined as to overlap each other with the aforementioned overlap portion. As the aforementioned steps are performed for every band sheets, there is formed a band-shaped sheet stack in which band sheets are folded and combined as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13. This band-shaped sheet stack is cut to a predetermined length to manufacture the individual sheet stacks. This sheet stack is impregnated with a liquid into a wet state and is packaged in the packaging bag.
In the case where each sheet is folded once into such a v-folded sheet as shown in FIG. 12 or folded twice into such a z-folded sheet as shown in FIG. 13, the folding number of each sheet is so small that it is possible to combine upper and lower sheets simultaneously with the folding of the lower sheet such that a portion of the upper sheet is sandwiched between folds of the lower sheet.
However, if an original entire width (i.e., width before folded) of the sheet is 190 mm or 200 mm and if the width La or Lb of the overlap portion is set at 30 mm most preferable for the stack of the wet sheets, for example, the width of the sheet stack 1 or 5 becomes too large. In the case where the v-folded sheets are combined as shown in FIG. 12, the sheet stack has a width of about 170 mm. In case where the z-folded sheets are combined as shown in FIG. 13, on the other hand, the sheet stack has a width of about 85 mm. Accordingly, it is difficult to accommodate the sheet stack in a small-sized packaging member suitable for potable use, for example.
In order to provide a sheet stack having a smaller width from the sheets having the original width of 190 mm or 200 mm, therefore, it is necessary to increase the folding number of the individual sheets. However, when each sheet is to be folded along three or more fold lines into a sheet folding structure having four or more layers, it becomes difficult to adopt the aforementioned folding step, at which upper and lower sheets are combined simultaneously with the folding of the lower sheet. When each sheet is to be folded into four or more layers and the upper and lower sheets are to be combined simultaneously with this folding, more specifically, the structure of the guide plate (generally called xe2x80x9csailorxe2x80x9d) is extremely complicated. Even if this folding should be possible, on the other hand, the precision of the folding width would be difficult to keep.
In order to avoid the foregoing problems while folding each sheet in a large folding number and combining the upper and lower sheets, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Heisei 10-174663 (174663/1998) discloses a folding process in which a band sheet is folded along a longitudinal direction (flow direction) thereof and is then folded back along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereby to increase the folding number. However, if the sheet is folded back in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction, the flow velocity of the sheet for forming the sheet stack is difficult to speed up with a resultant defect that the mass productivity is lowered.
The present invention has been worked out in view of the problems set forth above. An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet stack manufacturing process for manufacturing a compact sheet stack in a high mass productivity.
According to the invention, there is provided a sheet stack manufacturing process comprising:
feeding a plurality of band sheets;
folding each band sheet at least once along a longitudinal direction thereof at a first folding step, to form folded bands;
folding each folded band along the longitudinal direction at a second folding step to have at least three fold lines by the first and second folding steps and to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof, thereby to form a band-shaped sheet stack in which a plurality of sheets are combined with one another so as to be stacked on one another; and
cutting the band-shaped sheet stack to a predetermined length to be separated into individual sheet stacks.
For example, at the first folding step, each band sheet may be folded only once into a two-folded band having upper and lower folds, and at the second folding step, the upper and lower folds of each two-folded band may be folded together in one direction so as to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof.
In an alternative, at the first folding step, each band sheet may be folded only once into a two-folded band having upper and lower folds, and at the second folding step, the upper and lower folds of each two-folded band may be folded in opposite directions so as to sandwich a portion of an overlying sheet thereof with folding of the upper fold at the second folding step and sandwich a portion of an underlying sheet thereof with folding of the lower fold at the second folding step.
In another alternative, at the first folding step, each band sheet may be folded twice into a three-folded band, and at the second folding step, a portion of each three-folded band may be folded so as to sandwich a portion of at least one of an overlying sheet and an underlying sheet thereof.
In the sheet stack, preferably, all the sheets are subjected to the first and second folding steps and folding structures are symmetric between upper and lower sheets.
As set forth, the individual band sheets are folded into the folded bands at the first folding step prior to the second folding step. Then, the individual folded bands are fed to the second folding step and further folded to be combined with another sheet. Therefore, it is possible to make such a complicated folding structure as has never been practiced in the related art. In this folding structure, for example, four or more folds are overlapped in the thickness direction, and the upper and lower sheets are combined. In addition, since all the fold lines extend in the longitudinal direction (flow direction) of the band sheet, the manufacture line can be speeded up.
Here, it is also possible that other band sheets, as fed without being subjected to the first folding step, are folded simultaneously with the second folding step to have at most two fold lines and to be combined with the folded bands subjected to the first and second folding steps so that folding structures are different between upper and lower sheets in the sheet stack.


A computer receives information from a user, which includes the identity of and installation preferences for the software to be installed on a second computer. Information about the environment of the second computer is gathered by the computer. The computer defines a set of search parameters based on the information received and the environment of the second computer. The computer searches for data stored on storage devices and the Internet. The computer retrieves the data, associated to a second installation of the software on a third computer, which relates to the installation of software on the second computer. The computer generates guidance for installation of the software on the second computer, based on the identity of the software to be installed, installation preferences for the software to be installed, the environment of the second computer, and the data associated to an installation of the software on a third computer.

Installation of complex software systems typically involves many options allowing for numerous combinations of possible scenarios. The user performing the installation often needs guidance in making choices and understanding the potential implications of those choices. Installation software generally includes warning messages and other guidance to the users during the installation of the software.
Some existing software installation systems create software packages and include an installation wizard to help the user through the installation process and pre-check the computing environment for software prerequisites. However, if a specialized software package or software update installed on a computer was released after the software installation wizard was released, complications during the installation process may arise because each software update and specialized software package may necessitate alterations in the new software's installation parameters.
Often the information the user needs to understand is present in multiple different sources and repositories, including product help, white papers, technical support bulletins and advisories, websites, and on-line forums, etc. This information may be extensive and the vast majority of the information may not be applicable to the specific installation the user is attempting. Further, it may be difficult for the providers of this information to ensure that the information is adequately current and accurate to match the particular software being installed.

Providing guidance for software installation

International Business Machines Corporation