The invention relates to a top-emissive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) (10) arranged to emit light having different emission colors, comprising a multi-layered structure provided with a first electrode, a second electrode and a functional layer enabling light emission disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein thickness (H1, H2) of the functional layer is modulated by allowing at least a portion of the functional layer to interact with a thickness modulator (5a, 5b, 5c), wherein the functional layer comprises a hole injection layer or the electron injection layer.

An embodiment of an OLED capable of emitting light having different colours is known from WO 2006/087654. In the known OLED an anode layer is provided on a suitable substrate, which is followed by a hole-injection layer, for example a PEDOT:PSS material, followed by a layer of a light emissive material, having modulated thickness along the substrate, above which a cathode layer is deposited.
In the known OLED, for obtaining suitable thickness modulation of the light-emitting layer the light-emitting layer is deposited by a technique such as ink-jet printing.
It is a disadvantage of the known OLED that accuracy of thickness modulation of the light-emitting layer may be of inferior reproducibility due to possible process inconsistencies of the ink-jet printing. In addition, boundaries between regions having different thickness may not be of a suitable sharpness, due to the fact that patterning is carried out from a liquid phase causing liquid to assume an intermediate thickness between such adjacent regions due to surface tension.

Patterning the emission colour in top-emissive OLEDs

Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO


A lithium secondary cell includes an inner electrode body impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte. The inner electrode body includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode wound or laminated together with a separator inserted therebetween. A cell case contains the inner electrode body and includes an electrode cover sealing the inner electrode body and is provided with cell covers, external terminals and internal terminals. The lithium secondary cell is provided with a unit for cooling the electric current path. The lithium secondary cell is capable of preventing a lowering of performance and extending the service life by preventing heating of the lithium secondary cell and maintaining the cell temperature within an adequate range.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Applications 2001-080635, filed Mar. 21, 2001, and 2002-061485, filed Mar. 7, 2002, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a lithium secondary cell (hereinafter simply referred to as xe2x80x9ccellxe2x80x9d) and a lithium secondary cell connecting structure (hereinafter simply referred to as xe2x80x9cconnecting structurexe2x80x9d), and more particularly, to a lithium secondary cell and a lithium secondary cell connecting structure capable of preventing a lowering of performance due to the use and extending its service life.
Lithium secondary cells are widely used as power supplies for portable communication apparatuses and electronic devices such as notebook personal computers in recent years. Furthermore, the development of lithium secondary cells is underway as motor drive batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (hereinafter simply referred to as xe2x80x9celectric vehicle, etc.xe2x80x9d) in response to a growing international demand for resource saving and energy saving to protect the global environment. This lithium secondary cell is used for a connecting structure made up of a plurality of cells connected in series to secure a voltage necessary to drive the motor. Since the service life of an electric vehicle, etc. is estimated to be about 5 to 10 years, this lithium secondary cell and the lithium secondary cell connecting structure are expected to have their service life equivalent to that of the electric vehicle, etc.
This lithium secondary cell has a high operating voltage and high energy density, having an advantage of being able to discharge a high current, while it has a disadvantage of generating great heat, liable to cause a temperature rise of the battery. This temperature rise due to heating is attributable to inner resistance of the inner electrode body generated when a current flows. When the inner electrode body is continuously exposed to a high temperature state caused by the temperature rise, its internal resistance further increases, which causes the inconvenience of eventually reducing the battery capacity and drastically reducing performance.
However, despite such inconvenience of the lithium secondary cell, it is the current situation that heating prevention measures are not taken sufficiently accompanied by problems of an inevitable lowering of performance due to the use and short service life. Furthermore, the lithium secondary cell connecting structure needs to provide space between cells to facilitate the heat dissipation of each lithium secondary cell, which causes a problem of poor volumetric efficiency of the connecting structure.
The present invention has been implemented in view of the above-described conventional problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide a lithium secondary cell and a lithium secondary cell connecting structure intended to prevent heating of the lithium secondary cell and the lithium secondary cell connecting structure to maintain their temperature within an appropriate range so as to prevent a lowering of the performance due to the use and extend their service life.
That is, the present invention provides a lithium secondary cell comprising: an inner electrode body impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte, made up of a positive electrode and a negative electrode wound or laminated together with a separator inserted in between, a cell case that contains the inner electrode body and an electrode cover that seals the inner electrode body provided with a cell cover, external terminals and internal terminals characterized by including a means for cooling the electric current path. In the present invention, it is preferable that the electric current path includes the external terminals.
According to the present invention, there is further provided a lithium secondary cell comprising: an inner electrode body impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte, made up of a positive electrode and a negative electrode wound so as to surround an outer wall of a core with a separator inserted in between, and a cylindrical cell case that coaxially contains the inner electrode body; wherein a heat conductivity ratio (X/Y) of a heat conductivity (X) in a direction of the center axis to a heat conductivity (Y) in a direction of a diameter of the lithium secondary cell is 50 or more. In the present invention, it is preferable that the heat conductivity ratio (X/Y) is 100 or more.
This configuration condition is ideally applicable to a lithium secondary cell having a capacity of 2 Ah or more and ideally mounted on a vehicle to start an engine and ideally used for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a lithium secondary cell connecting structure constructed of a plurality of lithium secondary cells connected in series and/or in parallel by means of a bus bar, with the lithium secondary cell comprising an inner electrode body impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte, made up of a positive electrode and a negative electrode wound or laminated together with a separator inserted in between, a cell case that contains the inner electrode body and an electrode cover that seals the inner electrode body provided with a cell cover, external terminals and internal terminals, characterized by including a means for cooling the electric current path. In the present invention, it is preferable that the electric current path includes the bus bar.
This configuration condition is ideally applicable to a lithium secondary cell having a capacity of 2 Ah or more and ideally mounted on a vehicle to start an engine and ideally used for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle.

Lithium secondary cell and lithium secondary cell connecting structure


A control apparatus and a control method are used in a fuel cell system, in which fuel gas and oxidant gas are supplied to a fuel cell stack 1 to generate electric power, a load unit 9 is driven by supplying the generated power thereto, and the generated power is stored in a power storage unit. A control unit 10 sets in advance a margin load power to be supplied from a power storage unit 8 to the fuel cell stack 1 when the load of the load unit 9 changes at a predetermined rate, and computes outputable power of the power storage unit 8. Then, the control unit 10 compares the margin load power and the outputable power to generate an amount judgment result. When the outputable power is larger than the margin load power, the control unit 10 controls the power generation amount of the fuel cell stack 1 such that charged power becomes equal to an electric power difference between the margin load power and the outputable power.

In a fuel cell system used as a power source of a vehicle, a fuel cell stack is often used. The fuel cell stack is obtained in such a manner that a fuel cell structure having an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode provided as a pair interposing a solid polymer electrolyte film therebetween is sandwiched by separators, and a plurality of the fuel cell structures are laminated on each other. Electric power generated from the fuel cell stack is charged to a battery and then used to drive a motor in the vehicle.
With respect to a fuel cell system, a control, which is performed in such a manner that a charge level of a battery (SOC) is set high at the time of low speed driving to secure driving force of a motor and to secure electric power capable of being outputted from the battery, is disclosed in the gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-92610.
Also, with respect to a conventional fuel cell system, for example, a method is disclosed in the gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10(1998) -271706. In this method, a state is detected where a main load, such as a motor installed in a vehicle, is almost zero. As a result of the detection, when a judgment for the detected state tells that a battery is to be charged, the battery is charged. According to this method, in the conventional fuel cell system, it has been possible to supply sufficient electric power at all times, even when the electric power required by the load changes by a large amount.

Control apparatus and control method of fuel cell system


The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for orienting image data derived from body tissue. An imaging assembly is introduced into the body of a patient and rotated about an axis. A tracking beam mechanically associated with the imaging assembly is generated, such that the tracking rotates about the axis in unison with the imaging assembly. An angle that the rotating tracking beam makes between a reference rotational orientation and a reference point is determined. The reference rotational orientation can be associated with a fiducial point within the ultrasound image data, such that the ultrasound image can be oriented based on the determined tracking beam rotation angle.

For purposes of diagnosis and treatment planning, imaging techniques are commonly used in medical procedures to view the internal anatomy of a patient's body. In one imaging technique, an imaging catheter with a rotatable ultrasound transducer mounted on its tip is inserted into the patient's body, e.g., through a blood vessel. To obtain an interior image of the body, the rotating ultrasound transducer emits pulses of ultrasound energy into the body. A portion of the ultrasound energy is reflected off of the internal anatomy of the body back to the transducer. The reflected ultrasound energy (echo) impinging on the transducer produces an electrical signal, which is used to form a 360 degree cross-sectional interior image of the body. The rotating ultrasound transducer can be longitudinally translated, so that multiple cross-sectional images can be generated and later reconstructed into a three-dimensional interior image of the body.
Oftentimes, it is desirable to properly orient an image generated by the imaging catheter relative to an anatomical structure (such as, e.g., a heart) or a reference point (such as, e.g., the anterior of a patient). Recently, it has become desirable to properly orient an ultrasonically generated local image of body tissue within a global image of a body or organ containing such body tissue. In order to assist physicians in maneuvering medical devices to sites of interest in the body, such global images are typically generated using a guidance system.
In one guidance system, a fluoroscopic image of the device (or at least radiopaque bands located on the device) and surrounding anatomical landmarks (with or without the use of contrast media) in the body are taken and displayed to the physician. The fluoroscopic image enables the physician to ascertain the position of the device within the body and maneuver the device to the site of interest. In another guidance system using anatomic mapping, a graphical representation of the device or portion of the device is displayed in a three-dimensional computer-generated representation of a body tissue, e.g., a heart chamber. The three-dimensional representation of the body tissue is produced by mapping the geometry of the inner surface of the body tissue in a three-dimensional coordinate system, e.g., by moving a mapping device to multiple points on the body tissue. The position of the device to be guided within the body tissue is determined by placing one or more location sensors on the device and tracking the position of these sensors within the three-dimensional coordinate system. An example of this type of guidance system is the Realtime Position Management™ (RPM) tracking system developed commercially by Cardiac Pathways Corporation, now part of Boston Scientific Corp. The RPM system is currently used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia to define cardiac anatomy, map cardiac electrical activity, and guide an ablation catheter to a treatment site in a patient's heart.
In order to properly display the local image within the global image (however generated), both the local image and the global image are registered in a three-dimensional coordinate system. If the global image is a three-dimensional computer-generated representation of the body tissue, it is typically already registered within a three-dimensional coordinate system. Registration of the local image within the three-dimensional coordinate system can be accomplished by mounting a location sensor on the imaging catheter a known distance from the rotating ultrasound transducer, so that the three-dimensional coordinates of the ultrasound transducer, and thus, the origin of the local image can be determined. Depending on the type of location sensor, up to five degrees of freedom (x, y, z, pitch, and yaw) can be determined for the local image.
For example, a plurality of ultrasound sensors, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/128,304 to Willis et al. entitled "A dynamically alterable three-dimensional graphical model of a body region," can be mounted along the distal end of the imaging catheter. The geometry of the distal end of the imaging catheter can be extrapolated from the determined positional coordinates of the ultrasound transducers, so that the three positional coordinates (x, y, z) and two rotational coordinates (pitch and yaw) of the imaging element can be determined.
As another example, a magnetic sensor, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,199 to Ben-Haim, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Treating Cardiac Arrhythmias," can be mounted at the distal end of the imaging catheter. Theoretically, these magnetic sensors can be used to determine six degrees of freedom, including roll. Because the roll of a rotating imaging element relative to the distal end of the imaging catheter is not known, however, the roll of the imaging element within the three-dimensional coordinate system cannot currently be determined using the magnetic sensors alone. It would be theoretically possible to mount the magnetic sensor on the rotating shaft to determine the roll of the rotating imaging element. Because these magnetic sensors are relatively large, however, such an arrangement is typically not practical.
As a result, it may be difficult to properly orient an image generated by a rotating imaging element. There thus remains a need for an improved system and method for properly orienting such an image.

Method and apparatus for orienting a medical image


Pressure sensors having a topside boss and a cavity formed using deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) or plasma etching. Since the boss is formed on the topside, the boss is aligned to other features on the topside of the pressure sensor, such as a Wheatstone bridge or other circuit elements. Also, since the boss is formed as part of the diaphragm, the boss has a reduced mass and is less susceptible to the effects of gravity and acceleration. These pressure sensors may also have a cavity formed using a DRIE or plasma etch. Use of these etches result in a cavity having edges that are substantially orthogonal to the diaphragm, such that pressure sensor die area is reduced. The use of these etches also permits the use of p-doped wafers, which are compatible with conventional CMOS technologies.

Pressure sensors have become ubiquitous the last several years, finding their way into many applications, such as tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS), manifold absolute pressure (MAP) applications, for example, in automotive exhaust lines, automatic transmission gear boxes, consumer applications involving barometric pressure measurements, and others.
These pressure sensors may typically be formed on a silicon die having a diaphragm over a cavity, where the diaphragm is supported by a sidewall or bulk region. One or more sensors, such as a Wheatstone bridge consisting of diffused or implanted resistors, may be located on the diaphragm. Pressure, either from above the diaphragm or below in a cavity, deflects the diaphragm and its sensors. This deflection, and hence the pressure, can be measured by utilizing the piezo-resistive effect. That is, as the sensors are stressed due to the bending of the diaphragm, the piezo-resistive effect changes the value of one or more of the resistors that are typically configured in the Wheatstone bridge. This change in resistance results in a change in the output of the Wheatstone bridge from which the change in pressure can be inferred.
Pressure sensor performance can be improved by increasing the sensor's sensitivity. Increased sensitivity results in a larger output signal that is less affected by or compromised by noise and signal interference. Sensor performance can also be improved by improving its linearity. Improved linearity results in a more accurate pressure to output signal conversion. Unfortunately, increasing either sensitivity or linearity comes at the expense of the other.
One way to improve both sensitivity and linearity is for a portion of the diaphragm to be formed having a relatively thicker portion, which may be referred to as a boss. This boss may extend into the cavity below the diaphragm. The boss may act as a concentrator, concentrating pressure induced stress into a smaller area, thereby increasing device sensitivity. This concentration may also increase linearity. But many problems may arise with the use of this type of boss.
For example, since the boss is formed in the cavity below the diaphragm, it may be difficult to align the boss with features such as a Wheatstone bridge on the topside of the diaphragm. Additionally, manufacturing processes for said boss have to be performed on the backside of the silicon wafer, which is disadvantageous compared to standard CMOS manufacturing techniques. Also, since these bosses are typically thick, they have a relatively large mass. This mass may provide stress on the diaphragm when it is accelerated, such as when the pressure sensor is moved. Gravity may cause the boss to provide a varying stress on the diaphragm as the pressure sensor is placed in different orientations. Further, bosses are typically formed using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) etch. These etches result in a cavity having sloped sides. Sloped sides mean a greater area is consumed by the cavity, which increases the size of the pressure sensor. Moreover, an n-doped silicon wafer is needed for a KOH etch. Unfortunately, most CMOS processes are based on using a p-doped silicon wafer.
Thus, it is desirable to provide pressure sensors having bosses that have a reduced mass and are more readily aligned to features on a top side of a diaphragm. It is also desirable to have a pressure sensor with a cavity formed to provide a smaller die size in a manner compatible with conventional CMOS processes.

CMOS compatible pressure sensor for low pressures


A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person""s body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear. Finally, a mechanical feedback barrier is introduced and maintained between the sound reception site and the transducer to minimize acoustic feedback therebetween. Preferably, this feedback barrier is established by removing, separating, or fixing, or combinations thereof, a portion of the hearing impaired person""s ossicular chain (e.g malleus, incus, or stapes).

The present invention relates to implantable hearing systems for assisting hearing in hearing impaired persons.
Some implantable hearing assistance systems use a microphone located in or near the ear to convert acoustic sound energy into an electrical signal. The electric signal is amplified, modulated and then directly communicated by a transducer to the inner ear to stimulate the cochlea to assist hearing. Alternatively, the amplified signal is communicated to a transducer for conversion to mechanical acoustic energy for vibratory application to the stapes of the middle ear or the cochlea. The mircrophone can be located externally, subdermally adjacent the ear, or within the external auditory canal. The transducer is commonly connected to a portion of the middle ear, known as the ossicular chain, which includes the malleus, incus and stapes. Vibrations are emitted from the transducer into and through the ossicular chain to the cochlea of the inner ear.
The ossicular chain facilitates forward transmission of mechanical sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane of the external auditory canal to the inner ear. However, the ossicular chain also permits reverse transmission of mechanical sound energy to be transmitted from the transducer of the implantable hearing assistance system, back through the ossicular chain to the tympanic membrane, and into the external auditory canal. This retrograde sound transmission passes out of the external auditory canal and is acoustically fed back to the microphone of the system.
This acoustic feedback limits the maximum gain which the hearing assistance system can apply to the signal received by the microphone. In particular, the feedback created by reverse bone conduction through the ossicular chain has an inverse relationship with usable gain. For example, if one percent of the acoustic vibratory signal emitted by the transducer to the stapes, or other part of the ossicular chain, is fed back through the ossicular chain and into the external auditory canal to the microphone, the gain for the hearing assistance system is limited to roughly 100 or 40 dB. Due to the nature of the hearing losses and the acoustic limitations of these systems, a much higher gain is ideal. Accordingly, reduction or elimination of this feedback is desirable.
Moreover, these hearing assistance systems, which transmit acoustic sound energy onto an ossicular chain with a transducer, are inefficient and consume power rapidly. Inefficiency results from the mechanical force that must be exerted by the transducer against the ossicular chain. This inefficiency causes rapid power consumption, requiring frequent battery changes. Battery changes are, at least, inconvenient for an externally located battery, and at worst, costly and surgically-related for a battery implanted in the middle ear or subdermally.
The importance of restoring hearing to hearing impaired persons demands more optimal solutions in hearing assistance systems. Ideally, an improved hearing assistance system both minimizes power consumption as well as maximizes gain to produce a better acoustic signal for reception into the cochlea and the inner ear.
A method and apparatus of the present invention improves hearing for a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person""s body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp, or even subdermally along the external auditory canal.
The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.
Finally, a mechanical feedback barrier is introduced and maintained between the sound reception site and the transducer to minimize acoustic feedback therebetween. Preferably, this feedback barrier is established by removing a portion of the hearing impaired person""s ossicular chain (e.g. malleus, incus, or stapes) or fixing a portion of the ossicular chain to prevent transmission of sound feedback. In other embodiments, a portion of the ossicular chain is not removed but merely separated so that the procedure can be reversed if desired at a later time.
This method and apparatus of the present invention optimizes hearing improvement by preventing unnecessary mechanical feedback that can occur through the ossicular chain and the external auditory canal. Interrupting the ossicular chain, or otherwise immobilizing the ossicular chain, to prevent this retrograde sound transmission permits significant enhancement of the gain applied to the amplified electrical signal transmitted to the stapes or inner ear. In addition, less mechanical energy is required to transmit the acoustic energy to the interrupted ossicular chain or cochlea than when the ossicular chain remains intact. Accordingly, this method and apparatus reduces power consumption and frequent battery replacement for implantable hearing assistance systems.

Method and apparatus for reduced feedback in implantable hearing assistance systems


A method or system of translating a virtualized address to a real address is disclosed that includes receiving a virtualized address for translation; generating a predicted intermediate address translation using a portion of the bit field of the virtualized address; determining a predicted real address using the predicted intermediate address or portion thereof; performing a translation of the virtualized address to an actual intermediate address; determining whether the predicted intermediate address is the same as the actual intermediate address; and in response to the predicted intermediate address being the same as the actual intermediate address, providing the predicted real address as the real address.

The disclosure herein relates generally to data processing, and more particularly, to methods, apparatus, and systems for optimizing address translations in a computer system.
Among other tasks, memory management manages the data stored in a computer including overseeing the retrieval and storage of data from memory in a computer. Memory management is often a key factor in overall system performance for a computer. Computer systems often include physical memory used to store applications and data. Modern computers typically rely on a memory management technique known as virtual memory management to increase performance and provide greater flexibility in computers and the underlying architectural designs upon which they are premised.
With a virtual memory system, the underlying hardware implementing the memory system of a computer is effectively hidden from the software of the computer. A relatively large virtual memory space, e.g., 64-bits or more in width, is typically used for such a computer, with computer programs that execute on the computer accessing the memory system using addresses pointing to locations in the virtual memory space. The physical memory devices in the computer, however, are accessed via "real" addresses that map directly into specific memory locations in the physical memory devices. Hardware and/or software in the computer are provided to perform "address translation" to map the real memory addresses of the physical memory to virtualized addresses in the virtual memory space. As such, whenever a computer program on a computer attempts to access memory using a virtualized address, the computer translates the virtualized address into a corresponding real address so that the access can be made to the appropriate location in the appropriate physical device mapped to the virtualized address.
One feature of virtual addressing is that it not necessary for a computer to include storage for the entire virtual memory space in the physical memory devices in the computer's main memory. Instead, lower levels of storage, such as disk drives and other mass storage devices may be used as supplemental storage, with memory addresses grouped into "pages" that are swapped between the main memory and supplemental storage as needed ("paging"). When the processing system uses paging, the low order bits of the virtual address are preserved and used directly as the low order bits of the actual physical address, while the high order bits may be treated as a key or index to one or more address translation tables that correspond to a range of consecutive physical addresses. The memory referenced by such a range may be called a page. Page sizes may range in size, for example, from 512 bytes through 8 megabytes.
In addition, some computer designs also include the concept of segmentation, which partitions the virtual memory into different segments in order to facilitate and simplify the handling of large and growing data structures, and otherwise provide greater flexibility for performing memory management when multiple processes are capable of being handled in a computer at any given time. Each segment typically is mapped to blocks of pages. When segmentation is used, an additional layer of virtualization is used, requiring an additional translation to be performed. Typically, in systems incorporating segmentation and paging, computer programs access the memory system using "effective" addresses, thus requiring a translation first from effective (EA) address to intermediate or virtual address (VA), and then from intermediate or virtual address (VA) to real address (RA).
Address translation in a virtual memory system typically incorporates accessing various address translation data structures. One such structure, referred to as a segment table, includes multiple entries that map effective addresses to intermediate virtual addresses on a segment-by segment basis. Another such structure, referred to as a page table, includes multiple entries that map intermediate virtual addresses to real addresses on a page-by-page basis. Using virtual addressing, processors can access memory using physical addresses that are generated from translating effective addresses (EA) to intermediate or virtual addresses (VA) and translating intermediate or virtual addresses (VA) to physical or real addresses (RA).
Often, due to the large number of memory accesses that constantly occur in a computer, the number of entries required to map all of the memory address space in use by a computer can be significant, and requires the entries to be stored in main storage, rather than in dedicated memory, which makes accessing such entries slow. To accelerate address translation, high speed memories referred to as segment look-aside buffers (SLB) and translation look-aside buffers (TLB) are typically used to cache recently-used entries for quick access by the computer. A SLB is a cache of segment table entries mapping effective addresses (EA) to intermediate or virtual addresses (VA). A TLB is a cache of page table entries mapping intermediate or virtual addresses (VA) to physical addresses or real addresses (RA). With each memory access, the EA is presented to the SLB, which if the SLB hits the SLB provides the VA, and then the VA is presented to the TLB which if the TLB hits the TLB provides a real address (RA) to the processor. If the address misses in the SLB or TLB, a more costly hardware handler or software handler is invoked to load and insert the required segment table entry into the SLB, and/or the page table entry into the TLB so the address will hit in the SLB and TLB and the memory access can proceed.
Due to the frequency of memory access requests in a computer, address translation can have a significant impact on overall system performance. As such, it is desirable to minimize the amount of time to provide an address translation.

Methods and systems for predicting virtual address

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided are a developing roller which includes a shaft, and a base layer and a surface layer sequentially formed on an outer peripheral portion of the shaft in a radial direction, where 1) a low-resilience layer is disposed between the base layer and the surface layer, 2) the low-resilience layer has a loss tangent tan δ value that is larger than a loss tangent tan δ value of any of the base layer and the surface layer when measured under conditions of a temperature of 23° C., an amplitude of ±20 μm, and a frequency of 6 Hz, and 3) the developing roller has an Asker C hardness and thickness value of 500 or less, which is defined by the following formula (1):Asker C hardness and thickness value of the developing roller=Asker C hardness of the developing roller×(thickness of the developing roller+6)  (1).

In an image forming apparatus typified by a copying machine, a laser beam printer or the like, image forming and printing is performed by the following series of processes, and the series of processes are repeated in a cycle:
1) the surface of a photoconductor is uniformly charged (charging);
2) the image of a subject is read by an optical system, the image information is projected as light on the photoconductor (exposure), and a latent image is formed by erasing the electric charges of the light-exposed portion of the photoconductor (electrostatic latent image formation);
3) toner is adhered to the photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image has been formed, and a toner image is formed from the electrostatic latent image (development);
4) the toner image is overlaid on a recording medium such as paper and fixed (transcription and fixation);
5) the toner remaining on the photoconductor is removed (photoconductor cleaning); and
6) all the electric charges on the surface of the photoconductor is removed (static elimination).
In the series of image forming and printing processes, the process of "development" will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. Toner 24, which is a coloring material in image forming technology, is supplied from a toner storage portion 21 to the surface of a developing roller 26 by a toner supply roller 25, and the toner 24 is formed into a uniform thin layer on the surface of the developing roller 26 and triboelectrically charged through a layer-forming blade 27. Then, the toner 24, which is in a uniform thin layer and has been triboelectrically charged, is conveyed to a photoconductor 23 by the developing roller 26 and adhered to an electrostatic latent image held on the surface of the photoconductor 23 to form a toner image.
The toner on the surface of the developing roller 26 is usually physically damaged (toner damage usually occurs) in the situation where the toner 24 is formed into a uniform thin layer and triboelectrically charged on the surface of the developing roller 26 through the layer-forming blade 27, due to a stress generated between the layer-forming blade 27 and the developing roller 26 for this purpose, or in the situation where the toner 24 is conveyed to the photoconductor 23 by the developing roller 26 and adhered to the electrostatic latent image held on the surface of the photoconductor 23 to form a toner image, due to a stress generated between the photoconductor 23 and the developing roller 26 for this purpose. The toner damage causes the formation of filming and toner mass or the like due to toner charging failure, toner adhesion failure, and toner melting and sticking, all of which result in an excessive increase in the amount of toner conveyed by the developing roller, leading to a problem of deterioration in image forming and printing quality. Particularly in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for image forming apparatus in terms of, for example, high speed, improvement of image fineness, and color imaging, and the excessive increase in the amount of toner conveyed by the developing roller caused by the toner damage has become an increasingly serious problem.
Under such circumstances, it is required to suppress the toner damage to obtain stable and good image forming and printing quality in a long period of time, and the toner is being improved. The design concept of the developing roller, as an aspect of solution, is also important.


This invention relates to novel (2-aryl-2-substituted)ethyl-1,2,4- triazoles and the enantiomorphs, acid addition salts and metal salt complexes thereof, as well as their method of preparation and their use as highly active broad-spectrum systemic fungicides.

1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to (2-aryl-2-substituted)ethyl-1,2,4-triazoles, their enantiomorphs, acid addition salts and metal salt complexes, compositions containing these compounds and the use of these compounds as fungicides, particularly against phytopathogenic fungi.
2) Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,165, discloses 1- and 4-arylcyanoalkyl-1,2,4-triazoles as fungicidal agents. The compounds of this disclosure are limited to those having a cyano group bonded to the beta carbon of the alkyl substituent on the triazole.
European Patent Application No. 61,798 discloses 2-ethyltriazole derivatives having a phenyl substituent on the beta carbon of the ethyl group. All of the compounds of this disclosure also have a hydrogen atom attached to the beta carbon as well as a secondary or tertiary amino group.
European Patent Application No. 52,424 discloses 2-ethyl substituted triazole compounds in which the beta carbon of the ethyl group has a chloro, cyano, or oxy substituent.
U.K. Patent Application No. GB 2104065A discloses microbial mandelic acid derivatives and mandelonitriles. These compounds are generally 2-ethyltriazoles in which the beta carbon of the ethyl group is substituted by an aromatic substituent, an oxy substituent, and a carboxyl or cyano group. All of the compounds of this disclosure require that at least one of the substituents on the beta carbon of the ethyl group be an oxy substituent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,335 discloses fungicidal hydroxyethylazolyl-oxime derivatives. The compounds of this disclosure, in addition to having the oxime functionalitv on the asymmetric carbon, also all have a hydroxy group on the same carbon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,085 discloses fungicidal 1-(2-aryl-2-R-ethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles as fungicidal agents. The compounds of this disclosure all have a hydrogen atom on the beta carbon of the ethyl substituted triazole in addition to an optionally substituted phenyl group and lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkenyl, aryl methyl and aryl ethyl substituents.
German Patent Publication 3408127 discloses fungicidal N-(azolylethyl)carboxamides. The compounds of this disclosure reportedly have a carboxamide group attached to the beta carbon of the ethyl substituent of the triazole.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,942 discloses herbicidally active phenylacetonitriles. These compounds, while being substituted ethyl-triazoles, have either a cyano or ethynyl group on the beta carbon of the ethyl substituent.


A cable management system securing apparatus includes a rack mount. A cable management system securing arm is pivotally coupled to the rack mount and operable to be pivoted and locked in a securing position and a release position. The rack mount may be mounted to an information handling system rack and the cable management system securing arm may be pivoted and locked in the securing position in order to secure a cable management system in the information handling system rack.

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to securing a cable management system used with an information handling system.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option is an information handling system. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements may vary between different applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Some information handling systems such as, for example, rack mounted servers, are mounted in racks to facilitate storage, use, and access to the information handling systems. Cable management systems are typically mounted to the racks in order to manage the numerous cables which are coupled to the information handling systems. Some of these cable management systems are pivotally mounted to the racks and the information handling systems in order to allow the information handling systems to be cycled in and out of the rack while the cables remain in the cable management systems. A number of issues arise with respect to these cable management systems.
When the information handling systems are in the rack with the cables coupled to the information handling system and positioned in the cable management system, the information handling system may be pushed fully into the rack for storage or use. When the information handling system is pushed fully into the rack, the tension in the cables can cause the cable management systems to pivot away from the information handling system and towards the back of the rack such that, when a user attempts to access the information handling system from the back of the rack, they must deal with one or more cable management systems which are pivoted towards them, or which come swinging out at them when the door to the back of the rack is opened.
Conventional methods used to secure these cable management systems tend to take up too much space and are difficult to install and use.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide for securing a cable management system absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.

Method and apparatus for securing a cable management system


In some embodiments, the system is programmed to build from multiple training sets multiple digital models, each for recognizing plant diseases having symptoms of similar sizes. Each digital model can be implemented with a deep learning architecture that classifies an image into one of several classes. For each training set, the system is thus programmed to collect images showing symptoms of one or more plant diseases having similar sizes. These images are then assigned to multiple disease classes. For a first one of the training sets used to build the first digital model, the system is programmed to also include images that correspond to a healthy condition and images of symptoms having other sizes. These images are then assigned to a no-disease class and a catch-all class. Given a new image from a user device, the system is programmed to then first apply the first digital model. For the portions of the new image that are classified into the catch-all class, the system is programmed to then apply another one of the digital models. The system is programmed to finally transmit classification data to the user device indicating how each portion of the new image is classified into a class corresponding to a plant disease or no plant disease.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
Plant disease detection is important in agriculture. Today an automated approach often involves classifying plant photos by learning from sample photos. Each photo can show a leaf having disease symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms are caused by multiple diseases. Sometimes, these symptoms have different sizes or overlap one another. It would be helpful to have an efficient and accurate approach of recognizing the plant diseases infecting the leaf from such a photo without requiring as samples a large number of photos showing various symptoms of these plant diseases.

Detection of plant diseases with multi-stage, multi-scale deep learning


A gas flow is described to reduce condensation with a substrate processing chuck. In one example, a workpiece holder in the chamber having a puck to carry the workpiece for fabrication processes, a top plate thermally coupled to the puck, a cooling plate fastened to and thermally coupled to the top plate, the cooling plate having a cooling channel to carry a heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from the cooling plate, a base plate fastened to the cooling plate opposite the puck, and a dry gas inlet of the base plate to supply a dry gas under pressure to a space between the base plate and the cooling plate to drive ambient air from between the base plate and the cooling plate.

In the manufacture of semiconductor chips a silicon wafer or other substrate is exposed to a variety of different processes in different processing chambers. The chambers may expose the wafer to plasmas, chemical vapors, metals, laser etching, and various deposition and acid etching processes in order to form circuitry and other structures on the wafer. During these processes, the silicon wafer may be held in place by a vacuum chuck or an electrostatic chuck (ESC). The chuck holds the wafer by generating an electrostatic field to clamp the back side of the wafer to a flat surface or puck surface of the chuck.
As fabrication techniques for plasma processing equipment advance, such as those designed to perform plasma etching of microelectronic devices and the like, the temperature of the wafer during processing becomes more important. Liquid cooling is sometimes used to absorb the plasma power heat and remove it from the chuck. In some cases, other processes are performed at much lower temperatures than a typical plasma process. A chuck that operates under a wide range of temperatures allows different processes to be performed without moving the wafer to a different holder. This allows for reduced costs for the fabrication as a whole.
For lower temperature processing operations, condensation may occur on the processing equipment. When it occurs on a wafer or other substrate holder, such as a pedestal, carrier, or chuck, condensation can impair the operation of the holder. It can also reduce the operational lifespan of the holder.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Gas flow for condensation reduction with a substrate processing chuck


A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions configured to be formed on the imaging surface of a semiconductor substrate, an element isolation portion in which an impurity diffusion region is formed so as to isolate the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions on the imaging surface, a light shielding portion configured to stop incident light from entering the element isolation portion on the imaging surface, and a plurality of pixel transistors configured to be formed on the imaging surface and to read out and output signal charge, generated in the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions, as data signals, wherein the light shielding portion includes an extending portion extending among the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions and is formed so that the extending portion of the light shielding portion and each of the gate electrodes of the pixel transistor are connected to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device, a method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device, and an electronic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic apparatuses such as digital video cameras and digital still cameras include solid-state imaging devices. Examples of the solid-state imaging devices include a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor.
In the solid-state imaging device, an imaging region in which a plurality of pixels are formed is arranged on a semiconductor substrate. In each of the plurality of pixels, a photoelectric conversion portion is arranged. The photoelectric conversion portion is, for example, a photodiode and generates signal charge by receiving incident light on a light-receiving surface, the incident light coming in through an external optical system, and subjecting the received incident light to photoelectric conversion.
In the CMOS image sensor among the solid-state imaging devices, in addition to the photoelectric conversion portion, a pixel is configured to include a plurality of transistors. As pixel transistors, the plurality of transistors are configured to read out and output signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion portion, to a signal line as an electric signal. For example, four transistors, namely, a transfer transistor, a reset transistor, an amplification transistor, and a selection transistor are arranged as the pixel transistors on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. In addition, wiring lines electrically connected to the plurality of transistors included in the pixel transistors are arranged on the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
In the CMOS image sensor, in order to decrease the size of pixels, it is proposed that pixels are configured so that a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions share the pixel transistors mentioned above. For example, a technique in which two or four photoelectric conversion portions share one pixel transistor group is proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004-172950, 2006-157953, and 2006-54276).
In addition, a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor in which the back side of the semiconductor substrate is subjected to light, the back side being opposite to the side of the surface of the semiconductor substrate on which wiring lines and pixel transistors are arranged, is proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-347325).
In the example mentioned above, an element isolation portion is arranged on a substrate so as to isolate a plurality of pixels from one another. For example, a shallow trench isolation (STI) region is arranged, as the element isolation portion, on a semiconductor substrate. In addition, an impurity diffusion region is arranged, as the element isolation portion, on the semiconductor substrate. For example, a method, such as an EDI separation method, in which the impurity diffusion region is formed in the semiconductor substrate and a thick insulation layer is further arranged on the impurity diffusion region is proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005-347325, 2006-93319, and 2006-216577). Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-88447 is an example of related art.

Solid-state imaging device with impurity diffusion element isolation region, method for manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus incorporating same


Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an espresso or other coffee drink maker that is configured to accept a number of different forms of coffee grounds. It may accept powder/coffee grounds that are loose, coffee capsules, coffee pods, (e.g., “ESE” (easy serving espresso) pods), or any other format. The machine may also be provided with an optional built-in grinder, which allows the machine to accept fresh coffee beans, in order to grind and brew them on-site, in a single machine. Such espresso/coffee drink makers find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles such as aircraft, but may be useful in a number of other locations.

Espresso makers typically force very hot water through tightly packed and very fine espresso powder/coffee grounds. Varying the fineness of the grind, the amount of pressure used to tamp the powder/grounds, or the pressure of the water itself can be used to vary the taste of the espresso. Steam-driven units operate by forcing water through the coffee by using steam or steam pressure. Piston (or lever)-driven machines use a lever, pumped by the operator, to pressurize hot water and send it through the coffee grounds. Lever machines may either by manual piston or by spring piston design. Pump-driven machines operate by a motor-driven or solenoid-driven pump that provides the force necessary for espresso brewing. Some pump-driven machines use a single chamber to both heat the water to the desired brewing temperature and to boil water for frothing milk. Other machines use a single boiler kept at steaming temperature, but water for brewing is passed through a heat exchanger, taking some heat from the steam without rising to the same temperature. Other machines heat water in a separate chamber, which requires two separate boilers, and are referred to as "dual boiler" or "dual heater" machines. In recent years, air-pump driven espresso machines have also been developed, which use compressed air to force the hot water through the coffee grounds (the compressed air comes from either a hand-pump, N20 or CO2 cartridges or an electric compressor). Traditional coffee machines also cause hot water to interact with coffee grounds, and may do so via percolation, drip methods, or french pressing. Improvements to espresso machines and other coffee drink makers continue to be made, and any of the embodiments described herein are intended for use with any of these various types of machines.
Many espresso and coffee drink makers, such as for commercial use, high-end home use, and for use on-board aircraft (or other passenger transport vehicles), are attached directly to the water plumbing of the site or vehicle. This allows the machine to pull as much water as needed from large water tanks so that it is able to brew without being manually refilled. Other designs have built-in water reservoirs that are to be periodically refilled. The embodiments described herein may be used with either of these types of machines.
One feature common to most espresso and coffee drink makers is that they are designed to accept one particular form of powder/coffee grounds. For example, some machines are designed for particular use with certain brands or styles of capsules or pods, or only for use with loose coffee grounds. These machines have internal features that are specifically shaped to hold the particular brand or style of capsule, pod, or loose grounds in order to force water therethough and to create the desired espresso or other coffee drink. For example, a certain brand X machine may be designed for use only with brand X capsules or cups. This can limit the end user or consumer to purchasing only the coffee pods, capsules, or cups that work with the particular purchased machine. For example, if an airline wishes to offer espresso or cappuccino on-board its aircraft, the airline typically selects the coffee form it desires (e.g., a particular brand of pods or capsules or easy serving espresso pods), and then installs the appropriate machines on its fleet.
However, when these machines are purchased in bulk to be installed on a fleet of aircraft, for example, being limited to one form of coffee capsule or pod can be disadvantageous in a number of instances. For example, an aircraft may not wish to be locked into only one supplier for the life of the aircraft fleet that has been fitted with a particular machine brand. A supplier may raise costs to a prohibitive level, may discontinue particular flavors, may change the shape or form of their product packaging, or may not offer options that are green or recyclable, conflicting with a company's desire or mission to be environmentally friendly. There are a number of other reasons why a particular airline may desire interchangeability and flexibility in the types of coffee and espresso it serves. Although the desire for interchangeability has been described with respect to airlines/aircraft usage, it should be understood that there are other instances when interchangeability may also be desired. For example, a particular company or restaurant with multi-office sites may wish to purchase one type of machine for all locations, but to have long-term flexibility on coffee suppliers or interchangeability at individual sites.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a universal espresso or other coffee drink maker that provides this interchangeability between variously-packaged coffee grounds.


An automotive engine has a canister for purging fuel vapor to an intake passage of the engine through a purge valve. An O.sub.2 -sensor is provided for producing an output voltage relative to oxygen concentration of exhaust gases of the engine. A feedback control system responds to an output signal of the O.sub.2 -sensor for controlling the air-fuel ratio of mixture supplied to the engine with a correcting coefficient. Stopping of the purging of the fuel vapor at idling of the engine is detected and a purge cut-off signal is produced. In response to the purge cutt-off signal, the coefficient is increased to 1.0, so that the air-fuel ratio is reduced to enrich the mixture, thereby preventing the mixture from becoming lean at the stopping of the purging.

The present invention relates to a system for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel of mixture for an automotive engine, and more particularly to a system for controlling the air-fuel ratio in accordance with a feedback signal from an O.sub.2 -sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration of exhaust gases from the engine.
Generally, the engine is provided with a carbon canister for absorbing the fuel vapor in a fuel tank during the time when the engine is not running, and for purging the fuel vapor from the canister to an intake manifold at predetermined conditions of the engine operation. When the fuel in the canister is purged, the fuel vapor is added to the air-fuel mixture induced in the cylinders of the engine, rendering the mixture rich.
Referring to FIG. 6, a conventional canister purge system comprises a carbon canister 12 having a purge valve 15 and a solenoid-operated control valve 13 provided in a line 14 which communicates the purge valve 15 with an intake passage 3. The canister 12 is communicated with the intake passage 3 downstream and upstream of a throttle valve 3a through the purge valve 15 and a purge line 16. The control valve 13 is opened when its solenoid is energized by a signal current from an electronic control unit 20. Accordingly, vacuum communicating with the purge valve 15 through the line 14 opens the valve so that the fuel vapor trapped in the canister 12 is purged into the intake passage 3 through the purge line 16. In order to stabilize the air-fuel ratio when the engine is idling, an idle signal is applied to the control unit 20 to de-energize the solenoid of the control valve 13 to close the purge valve 15, thereby stopping the purging of the fuel vapor.
In another type of a canister purge system shown in FIG. 7, the canister 12 is communicated with a purge port 3b formed in a throttle body immediately above the throttle valve 3a through the purge line 16. When the engine is idling, the throttle valve 3a is closed, so that vacuum does not communicate with the canister 12, thereby cutting off the purging of the fuel vapor.
When the vehicle is driven where the atmospheric temperature is high, or at high altitude, a large amount of fuel vapor is generated so that when the canister is purged, the air-fuel ratio becomes excessively rich. Accordingly, the air-fuel ratio control system operates to dilute the rich mixture in accordance with the feedback signal of the O.sub.2 -sensor. Namely, a feedback correcting coefficient is set to a minimum value (for example, 0.75), so that the air-fuel ratio is maintained at the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Under such a condition, when the throttle valve is closed at idling, the purging is cut off. Accordingly, the air-fuel mixture induced in the cylinders immediately becomes lean. The feedback control system operates to enrich the mixture by increasing the correcting coefficient in response to the output of the O.sub.2 -sensor. However, as shown in FIGS. 8b and 8c, because of delay of the feedback control operation, the air-fuel mixture stays lean for some time, which will cause the engine to malfunction.
Japanese Patent Applications Laid Open 58-35256, 59-188063 and 60-175757 disclose systems for preventing the air-fuel mixture from becoming too rich as a result of the purging of the canister. Japanese Patent Applications Laid Open 60-8458 and 61-1857 disclose systems wherein deviation of the air-fuel ratio during the purging of fuel vapor is prevented in dependency on the feedback signal of the O.sub.2 -sensor. However, none of these disclosures proposes a control system of the air-fuel ratio where the delay of the feedback control is compensated when the purging of the fuel vapor is stopped.

Air-fuel ratio control system for automotive engines


A semiconductor module includes a semiconductor chip, base frame, a circuit board, and a screw. The base frame has a main surface having a concave portion in which the semiconductor chip is mounted. The base frame is thermally and electrically connected with the semiconductor chip through a die bonding material. The circuit board has a grounding pattern and is arranged above the main surface of the base frame. The screw electrically connects the main surface of the base frame and the outer peripheral portion of the concave portion to the grounding pattern of the circuit board and mechanically connects the base frame to the circuit board.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor module and a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structure for separating dissipation of heat generated in a semiconductor device from grounding of a circuit.
2. Description of the Background Art
In semiconductor devices, in order to stabilize operation, it is required to efficiently release heat generated by semiconductor elements.
For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 4-174547 discloses a structure of a lead frame for a power semiconductor device. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 4-174547, a die pad of a lead frame is formed thicker than an outer lead of the lead frame. Heat generated in a semiconductor chip is absorbed in the die pad. The increased thickness of the die pad facilitates heat dissipation from the semiconductor chip. The surface of the die pad that is opposite to the surface provided with the semiconductor chip is exposed without being covered with resin. The exposed surface is brought into contact, for example, with a heat radiation fin, thereby facilitating dissipation of heat generated by the semiconductor chip.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 6-61396 discloses a lead frame for improving a heat dissipation effect while the characteristics of a semiconductor device are maintained. This lead frame includes a stage on which a semiconductor chip is mounted. A heat sink plate is attached on the back surface of the stage.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-165442 discloses a mold package capable of improving heat dissipation and high-frequency characteristics. This mold package has a thick lead electrode connected with a semiconductor chip, and a thin lead electrode thinner than the thick lead electrode. The lower surface of the thick lead electrode is exposed on the lower surface of the package and is used as a heat dissipation electrode. On the other hand, part of the upper surface of the thick lead electrode is exposed on the upper surface of the package and is used as a grounding electrode.
For semiconductor devices operating at high frequency or high power, in particular, grounding of a semiconductor chip is important. In many cases, the back surface electrode of the semiconductor chip is used as a grounding electrode and is electrically connected with a lead frame via a die bonding pad. The potential of the grounding electrode can be stabilized more as the number of paths of ground current output from the back surface of the semiconductor chip is increased. However, Japanese Patent Laying-Open Nos. 4-174547 and 6-61396 do not disclose a specific structure for securing a path of ground current.
On the other hand, size reduction is required in a module including a circuit board and a semiconductor device operating at high frequency or higher power. According to the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-165442, the grounding electrode and the heat dissipation electrode are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the package, respectively, so that ground current and thermal flow can be separated from each other such that the direction of ground current and the direction of thermal flow are opposite to each other. Thus, the module can be reduced in size. However, according to the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-165442, the path of ground current is limited to the path formed by the thick lead electrode. In view of stable operation of semiconductor devices, a larger number of ground paths is preferable.

Semiconductor module and semiconductor device


A collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprises a collapsible filter body of polymeric material which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filer element. A proximal inlet portion of the filter body has one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. A distal outlet portion of the filter body has a plurality of generally circular outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body. The distal outlet portion of the filter body in the region of the outlet openings has means for reducing shear stress on blood passing through the outlet openings. The shear stress reducing means includes lead-in and lead-out radiussed portioins of the filter body leading to the outlet holes. The porosity of the distal portion of the filter body decreases towards the distal end. A blind portion extends for at least 5% of the length of the body. Preferably there are between 200 and 300 outlet opening with an average diameter of approximately 150 microns.

The invention relates to an embolic protection device.
The term xe2x80x9cSTROKExe2x80x9d is used to describe a medical event whereby blood supply to the brain or specific areas of the brain is restricted or blocked to the extent that the supply is inadequate to provide the required flow of oxygenated blood to maintain function. The brain will be impaired either temporarily or permanently, with the patient experiencing a loss of function such as sight, speech or control of limbs. There are two distinct types of stroke, haemorrhagic and embolic. This invention addresses embolic stroke.
Medical literature describes caroitid artery disease as a significant source of embolic material. Typically, an atherosclerotic plaque builds up in the carotid arteries. The nature of the plaque varies considerably, but in a significant number of cases pieces of the plaque can break away and flow distally and block bloodflow to specific areas of the brain and cause neurological impairment. Treatment of the disease is classically by way of surgical carotid endarterectomy whereby, the carotid artery is cut and the plaque is physically removed from the vessel. The procedure has broad acceptance with neurological complication rates quoted as being low, somewhere in the order of 6% although claims vary widely on this.
Not all patients are candidates for surgery. A number of reasons may exist such that the patients could not tolerate surgical intervention. In these cases and an increasing number of candidates that are surgical candidates are being treated using transcatheter techniques. In this case, the evolving approach uses devices inserted in the femoral artery and manipulated to the site of the stenosis. A balloon angioplasty catheter is inflated to open the artery and an intravascular stent is sometimes deployed at the site of the stenosis. The action of these devices as with surgery can dislodge embolic material which will flow with the arterial blood and if large enough, eventually block a blood vessel and cause a stroke.
It is known to permanently implant a filter in human vasculature to catch embolic material. It is also known to use a removable filter for this purpose. Such removable filters typically comprise umbrella type filters comprising a filter membrane supported on a collapsible frame on a guidewire for movement of the filter membrane between a collapsed position against the guidewire and a laterally extending position occluding a vessel. Examples of such filters are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,549, No. 5,053,008, No. 5,108,419, WO97/17100 and WO 98/33443. Various deployment and/or collapsing arrangements are provided for the umbrella filter. However, as the filter collapses, the captured embolic material tends to be squeezed outwardly towards an open end of the filter and pieces of embolic material may escape from the filter with potentially catastrophic results. More usually, the filter umbrella is collapsed against the guidewire before removal through a catheter or the like. Again, as the filter membrane is collapsed, it will tend to squeeze out the embolic material. Further, the umbrella filter is generally fixed to the guidewire and any inadvertent movement of the guidewire during an interventional procedure can dislodge the filter.
The insertion of such known filters in the human vasculature which comprises very small diameter blood vessels may result in inappropriate haemodynamics which can exacerbate damage to the flowing blood and may result in haemolysis.
This invention is therefore directed towards providing an embolic protection device which will overcome these major problems.
According to the invention there is provided a collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising:
a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element;
a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body;
a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body;
the distal outlet portion of the filter body in the region of the outlet openings having means for reducing shear stress on blood passing through the outlet openings.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the shear stress reducing means includes lead-in radiussed portions of the filter body leading to the outlet holes.
In a particular embodiment of the invention the shear stress reducing means includes lead-out radiussed portions of the filter body leading from the outlet holes.
Most preferably the outlet holes are generally circular.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention the proximal inlet portion of the filter body in the region of the inlet openings has means for reducing shear stress on blood passing through the inlet openings. Preferably the shear stress reducing means includes lead-in radiussed portions of the filter body leading to the inlet holes. Ideally, the shear stress reducing means includes lead-out raduissed portions of the filter body leading from the inlet holes.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the filter is of a polymeric material. Preferably the filter body defines a three dimensional matrix. Most preferably, the filter body is of a resilient elastomeric material. The filter body may be of a polyurethane elastomer. Most preferably the filter body is of a polycarbonate urethane material.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention the filter body is covered with a hydrophilic coating, the openings being provided in the coating.
Preferably the filter is of a polymeric material and the raduissed portions are formed by solvent polishing of the polymeric material.
In a preferred embodiment the porosity of the distal portion of the filter body decreases towards the distal end of the filter. Ideally, the overall porosity of the distal portion of the filter element is from 5% to 40%. Preferably the overall porosity of the distal portion of the filter element is form 8% to 21%.
In a preferred embodiment in the transverse cross sectional areas at longitudinally spaced-apart locations of the distal portion are substantially the same.
Preferably the distal portion is of generally conical shape having a radial dimension which decreases towards a distal end of the filter element.
In one embodiment the distal portion includes a blind section adjacent to the distal end of the filter element. Preferably the blind portion extends longitudinally for at least 5% of the length of the distal portion, ideally for less than 30% of the length of the distal portion.
In a preferred arrangement the number of outlet holes increases towards an outer edge of the distal outlet portion of the filter body.
Most preferably there are between 200 and 1000 outlet openings with an average diameter of between 50 and 200 microns. Ideally, there are between 200 and 300 outlet openings with an average diameter of approximately 150 microns. There may be at least 200 outlet openings with an average diameter of no more than 200 microns.
Preferably there are less than 1000 openings with an average diameter of at least 50 microns.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the openings are sized such that shear stress imparted to blood flowing through the filter body at physiological flow rates is less than 800 Pa, most preferably less than about 400 Pa and ideally less than about 200 Pa.
The openings are ideally generally circular openings.
In a preferred embodiment said filter body, when in a deployed configuration includes a generally cylindrical intermediate section between said proximal and distal portions. The filter body is generally tapered when in a deployed configuration. Preferably said distal section of said filter body comprises at least a portion of the filter element. Ideally said intermediate section of said filter body comprises at least a portion of the filter element.
In a preferred embodiment the intermediate section of said filter body includes a circumferential groove.
In a particularly preferred embodiment said filter body, when in a deployed configuration is defined by a generally elongated shape, having an intermediate section with an axial dimension and a transverse dimension, the ratio of the axial dimension to the transverse dimension being at least 0.5, ideally at least 1.0.
In one embodiment of the invention the filter body includes a guidewire lumen extending co-axially of a longitudinal axis of the filter body.
In another aspect the invention provides a collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising:
a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element, the filter body having a proximal end, a longitudinal axis and a distal end;
a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body;
a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body;
the porosity of the distal portion of the filter body decreasing towards the distal end of the filter.
In a further aspect the invention provides a collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising:
a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element;
a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body;
a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body;
the filter body comprising a membrane of polymeric material;
wherein there are between 200 and 1000 outlet openings with an average diameter of between 50 and 200 microns.
The invention also provides a collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising:
a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element;
a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body;
a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body;
the filter body comprising a membrane of polymeric material;
wherein the openings are sized such that shear stress imparted to blood flowing through the filter body at physiological flow rates is less than 800 Pa, preferably less than about 400 Pa.
In a further aspect the invention provides a collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprising:
a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element;
the filter body having a longitudinal axis a proximal inlet portion, a distal outlet portion and an intermediate section extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion;
a proximal inlet portion of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body;
a distal outlet portion of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body;
the filter body having a guidewire lumen co-axial with the longitudinal axis;
wherein in a deployed configuration the intermediate section is generally cylindrical with an axial dimension and a transverse dimension, the ratio of the axial dimension to the transverse dimension being at least 0.5, preferably at least 1.0.
In yet another aspect the invention provides a transcatheter embolic protection device including:
a delivery system comprising:
a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, distal and proximal portions, said distal portion of the tubular member being removably advanceable into the vasculature of a patient;
a medical guidewire longitudinally axially movable in said tubular member and having distal and proximal portions;
and a filter element of any aspect of the invention the filter body having;
a first collapsed, insertion and withdrawal configuration an a second expanded, deployed configuration;
a proximal inlet section and a distal outlet section, said proximal inlet section including inlet openings which are operable to admit body fluid when the filter body is in the second expanded configuration;
a plurality of outlet openings disposed on at least a portion of the filter element adjacent to the distal outlet section;
wherein said filter body is moved between said first and second configurations by displacement of said delivery system.
Preferably the filter body has a collapsible filter frame operably coupled thereto. Said frame may comprise a plurality of support arms having proximal and distal ends. Preferably the arms are formed of an elastic shape memory material.
In a preferred embodiment said frame is constructed such that filter body is biased toward said second, deployed configuration.
In one embodiment of the invention said inlet openings are defined at least partially by said arms. Preferably proximal portions of said arms extend generally outwardly and distally from said guidewire when said filter body is in said second, deployed configuration.
In one embodiment distal portions of said arms extend generally outwardly and proximally from said guidewire when said filter body is in said second, deployed configuration.
Preferably the distal portion of the tubular member further includes a pod for receiving therein the filter body when in said first, collapsed configuration. Preferably said filter body is urged into said first, collapsed configuration by said pod when the guidewire is moved proximally.
In one embodiment said guidewire is solid.
In one arrangement said filter body comprises a sleeve slidably disposed on said guidewire. The device may further comprise stops for limiting the range of longitudinal movement of the sleeve on said guidewire. The sleeve may comprise a guidewire member distal to the filter body tapering distally.


A method, unit and computer program performed by a packet separation unit in a communications network for enabling of data traffic separation comprising: obtaining a traffic rule set from a rule manager, determining a complementary rule related to the traffic rule set, arranging the rules in an hierarchical order such that a received data packet will be evaluated with the rule with the most likeliness to comply with a received data packet, receiving the data packet, directing the data packet to a local shared environment.

Today's development in information technology and communication services is moving from local services to shared services. Such shared services may start from sharing the same data center with high security facilities, cooling, redundant electricity supply and redundant bandwidth. Shared services may range over shared computer hardware, shared operating systems, all the way to shared computing power distributed over a number of physical computers. There are a number of similar terms for shared services, such as hosted services, virtualized servers, virtualized computing, networked computing, clouds, computer clouds and cloud computing, not limiting to similar terms.
Centrally located resources, or resources distributed to different continents around the globe linked together such that they form a common pool of resources, are typically beneficial from a cost perspective. A few examples of resources which may be suitable to share for the purpose to save costs are; back-up diesel generators, doubled communication links provided from separated and different physical directions, hardware computer equipment, single point for software maintenance and updates of one system, instead of potentially many systems to maintain.
There are a number of benefits of sharing resources and loosen the relation between software based services and computer hardware. It provides cost efficient solutions, flexibility for service providers who do not have to worry about the burden of computer hardware.
However, the trend to move services higher and higher up in the network architecture and sometimes also longer away in physical distance may cause problems. An increasing problem of today may be the fact that the communications networks are highly utilized and therefore cannot handle expected large increases of data traffic without significant investments. Sometimes it might be acceptable that signaling may be carried over long distances, because the signaling only requires limited bandwidth, but the following traffic related to the signaling may less desired to carry longer than necessary. Sometimes the signaling itself would benefit of a shorter path, because in a situation with many router hops and high network load, latency and jitter may affect service performance.
Further is more and more type of mass media, such as newspapers and broadcast type of services moving into the communications networks. An effect of that is that the load on the communications network increases, with a mix of common content as well as highly personalized content. News content may be more or less common, but advertising may be rather personalized, or at least not directly associated with the news content or originating from the same source as the news content.

Method nodes and computer program for enabling of data traffic separation


A powertrain arrangement for selectively operating a vehicle in a skid-steer configuration is provided. The arrangement includes an engine coupled to a differential. A first torque transfer mechanism is coupled to a coupling mechanism and arranged to drive a first set of wheels on a side of the vehicle orientated parallel to a wheelbase of the vehicle. A second torque transfer mechanism is coupled to the differential and arranged to drive a second set of wheels on an opposite side of the vehicle. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the differential and includes a rotation selector arranged to selectively engage an output of the differential to provide a torque input to the first torque transfer mechanism of a direction so as to drive the first set of wheels in one of a same and an opposite direction as the second set of wheels.

The sport utility market today includes, among other things, four wheel drive vehicles that are capable of both on-road and off-road navigation. Generally, for off-road driving or utility work-site applications, the more maneuverable a vehicle is, the more capable the vehicle is in handling various types of terrain or obstacles that may be encountered. Features such as ground clearance and suspension travel play a role in the capability of a vehicle for handling off-road work-site terrain.
Often, in off-road maneuvering such as on trails or at a construction site, obstacles are encountered that require a tight turning radius to be able to maneuver around or avoid the obstacle. Sport utility and construction vehicles have improved their turning radius' over the years, but there is still room for improvement as these vehicles still require a sizeable turning radius to maneuver around such objects.
In addition to maneuvering around obstacles or terrain, traction is a key component to maneuverability over or on terrain. Most sport utility and utility vehicles today employ various four wheel drive systems with most having a solid rear axle and a centrally mounted rear differential. The centrally mounted rear differential typically reduces ground clearance and the solid rear axle results in an upward rotative force being applied to one rear tire while a downward rotative force is applied to the other rear tire.
Though the previously described vehicle configurations and powertrain systems work for their intended purpose, they also possess certain attributes that detract from their overall utility. Thus, there is a need for an improved powertrain system and vehicle configuration that overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages.

Powertrain arrangement for a skid-steer vehicle