An ultrasonic bath (30) is arranged below a wafer processing bath (10). Wafers (40) are processed while ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic bath (30) to the wafer processing bath (10). The wafers (40) are processed while being entirely dipped into the wafer processing bath (10) and rotated by wafer rotating rods (53).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wafer processing apparatus, a wafer processing method, and a semiconductor substrate fabrication method and, more particularly, to a wafer processing apparatus for processing a wafer by dipping it into a processing solution, a wafer processing method, and a semiconductor substrate fabrication method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cleaning processing is a typical example of wafer processing. One subject of wafer cleaning is to increase the speed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-293478 has disclosed a wafer cleaning method capable of increasing the cleaning efficiency by supplying ultrasonic waves while rotating a wafer, and an apparatus for practicing this method.
The wafer cleaning method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-293478 is based on the recognition that a wafer is most efficiently cleaned at the interface between a cleaning solution and ambient atmosphere. In the wafer cleaning method, therefore, particles inevitably attach to a wafer at the interface between the cleaning solution and ambient atmosphere.
In the wafer cleaning apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-293478, a cam mechanism for rotating a wafer is arranged immediately below the wafer, so a rotating force is not efficiently transmitted to the wafer. In the wafer cleaning apparatus, the transmission of ultrasonic waves is interrupted because the cam mechanism is laid out to completely shield the wafer from below. As a result, the strength of ultrasonic waves differs between the center and peripheral portion of the wafer, and the wafer cannot be uniformly processed. This nonuniformity cannot be improved by rotation of the wafer.
It is an object of the present invention to prevent contamination of a wafer by particles in various wafer processes including cleaning and etching.
It is another object of the present invention to make wafer processing uniform.
A wafer processing apparatus according to the present invention is a wafer processing apparatus for processing a wafer by dipping the wafer into a processing solution, characterized by comprising a processing bath having a depth that allows to completely dip the wafer into the processing solution, wafer rotating means for rotating one or a plurality of wafers held by a wafer holder by using a wafer rotating member which rotates about a shaft shifted from a portion immediately below a barycenter of the one or plurality of wafers, and ultrasonic generating means for generating ultrasonic waves in the processing bath.
In the wafer processing apparatus, only the wafer rotating member is preferably arranged as a member for transmitting a rotating force to the wafer below the one or plurality of wafers held by the wafer holder.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the wafer rotating member preferably comprises at least one rod member substantially parallel to the shaft, and the rod member preferably rotates about the shaft.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the rod member preferably has a diameter much smaller than a diameter of a cylinder virtually formed upon rotation of the rod member about the shaft.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the rod member preferably has a groove which engages with a peripheral portion of the wafer.
In the wafer processing apparatus, a section of the rod member taken along the shaft preferably has a substantially sine-wave shape.
In the wafer processing apparatus, a section of the rod member taken along the shaft preferably has a substantially full-wave rectifying shape.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the wafer rotating means preferably further comprises driving force generating means arranged outside the processing bath, and driving force transmission means for transmitting a driving force generated by the driving force generating means to the wafer rotating member and rotating the wafer rotating member.
The wafer processing apparatus preferably further comprises a dividing member for dividing an interior of the processing bath into a processing wafer side and a side of the driving force transmission means.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the driving force transmission means preferably transmits the driving force generated by the driving force generating means through a crank mechanism.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the processing bath preferably comprises a circulating mechanism having an overflow bath.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the circulating mechanism preferably comprises contamination reducing means for reducing contamination of the wafer by particles.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the contamination reducing means preferably comprises a filter.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the contamination reducing means preferably comprises means for adjusting flow of the processing solution in the processing bath.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the ultrasonic generating means preferably comprises an ultrasonic bath and an ultrasonic source, and the processing bath preferably receives ultrasonic waves through an ultrasonic transmitting medium set in the ultrasonic bath.
The wafer processing apparatus preferably further comprises driving means for changing a relative positional relationship between the ultrasonic source and a wafer to be processed.
In the wafer processing apparatus, the driving means preferably moves the ultrasonic source within the ultrasonic bath.
In the wafer processing apparatus, at least portions of constituent members of the processing bath and the wafer rotating means which may come into contact with the processing solution are preferably made of one material selected from the group consisting of quartz and plastic.
In the wafer processing apparatus, at least portions of constituent members of the processing bath and the wafer rotating means which may come into contact with the processing solution are preferably made of one material selected from the group consisting of a fluorine resin, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
A wafer processing method according to the present invention is a wafer processing method of processing a wafer while ultrasonic waves are supplied, characterized by comprising processing the wafer while entirely dipping the wafer into a processing solution and rotating the wafer.
A wafer processing method according to the present invention is a wafer processing method of processing a wafer while ultrasonic waves are supplied, characterized by comprising processing the wafer while entirely dipping the wafer into a processing solution, and rotating and vertically moving the wafer.
A wafer processing method according to the present invention is a wafer processing method of processing a wafer while ultrasonic waves are supplied, characterized by comprising processing the wafer while entirely dipping the wafer into a processing solution and changing a position of an ultrasonic source.
The wafer processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the wafer is cleaned using a wafer cleaning solution as the processing solution.
The wafer processing method is suitable for a method of etching the wafer using a wafer etching solution as the processing solution.
The wafer processing method is suitable for a method of etching a porous silicon layer of a wafer having the porous silicon layer using a porous silicon etching solution as the processing solution.
The wafer processing method is suitable for a method of etching a porous silicon layer of a wafer having the porous silicon layer using, as the processing solution, any one of
(a) hydrofluoric acid,
(b) solution mixture prepared by adding at least one of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to hydrofluoric acid,
(c) buffered hydrofluoric acid,
(d) solution mixture prepared by adding at least one of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to buffered hydrofluoric acid, and
(e) solution mixture of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid.
A semiconductor substrate fabrication method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the step of forming a non porous layer on a porous layer formed on a surface of a first substrate, the step of bonding a first substrate side of a prospective structure and a second substrate prepared separately to sandwich the non porous layer between the first substrate side and the second substrate, the removal step of removing the first substrate from the bonded structure to expose the porous layer on a second substrate side thereof, and the etching step of etching the porous layer while the second substrate side on which the porous layer is exposed is completely dipped into an etching solution, and ultrasonic waves are supplied, thereby exposing surface of the second substrate side, the etching step rotating the second substrate side.
A semiconductor substrate fabrication method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the step of forming a non porous layer on a porous layer formed on a surface of a first substrate, the step of bonding a first substrate side of a prospective structure and a second substrate prepared separately to sandwich the non porous layer between the first substrate side and the second substrate, the removal step of removing the first substrate from the bonded structure to expose the porous layer on a second substrate side thereof, and the etching step of etching the porous layer while the second substrate side on which the porous layer is exposed is completely dipped into an etching solution, and ultrasonic waves are supplied, thereby exposing surface of the second substrate side, the etching step rotating and vertically moving the second substrate side.
A semiconductor substrate fabrication method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the step of forming a non porous layer on a porous layer formed on a surface of a first substrate, the step of bonding a first substrate side of a prospective structure and a second substrate prepared separately to sandwich the non porous layer between the first substrate side and the second substrate, the removal step of removing the first substrate from the bonded structure to expose the porous layer on a second substrate side thereof, and the etching step of etching the porous layer while the second substrate side on which the porous layer is exposed is completely dipped into an etching solution, and ultrasonic waves are supplied, thereby exposing surface of the second substrate side, the etching step changing a position of an ultrasonic bath.
The etching solution used in the etching step is preferably any one of
(a) hydrofluoric acid,
(b) solution mixture prepared by adding at least one of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to hydrofluoric acid,
(c) buffered hydrofluoric acid,
(d) solution mixture prepared by adding at least one of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to buffered hydrofluoric acid, and
(e) solution mixture of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid.
The removal step preferably comprises exposing the porous layer by grinding, polishing, or etching the first substrate from a back surface.
The removal step preferably comprises separating the first substrate side and the second substrate side at a boundary of the porous layer.
The non porous layer is preferably a single-crystal silicon layer.
The non porous layer is preferably made up of a single-crystal silicon layer and a silicon oxide layer formed on the single-crystal silicon layer.
The non porous layer is preferably a compound semiconductor layer.
The second substrate is preferably a silicon substrate.
The second substrate is preferably a silicon substrate having a silicon oxide film formed on a surface to be bonded to the first substrate side.
The second substrate is preferably a light-transmitting substrate.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Wafer processing apparatus, wafer processing method, and semiconductor substrate fabrication method


A non-aqueous ink jet ink composition contains a white pigment having an average particle diameter of 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less, glycol diether represented by the following formula 1 and having a flash point of 70° C. or less, and glycol monoether represented by the following formula 2:R1O—(R2O)m—R3  Formula 1:(In Formula 1, R1 and R3 each independently represent alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 each independently represents alkylene groups having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and m is an integer of 1 to 4.); andHO—(R4O)n—R5  Formula 2:(In Formula 2, R4 each independently represents alkylene groups having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to 4.).

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a non-aqueous ink jet ink composition and an ink jet recording method.
2. Related Art
An ink jet recording method allows recording of high definition images with a relatively simple apparatus, and thus the ink jet recording method has been rapidly developed in various fields. In the development, various examinations have been made for discharge stability and the like. For example, for the purpose of providing an oil-based white ink composition for ink jet recording excellent in long-term storage stability, discharge stability, covering ability to the base of a medium to be printed, and quick-drying properties of printed matter, JP-A-2008-248008 describes an ink composition containing a white pigment, the white pigment which is obtained by further covering titanium oxide fine particles covered with an oxide of aluminum and/or silicon and having an average particle diameter of 0.15 μm or more and 0.25 μm or less with SiH-containing polysiloxane and/or dimethyl polysiloxane so that the content of the SiH-containing polysiloxane and/or dimethyl polysiloxane is 0.01 mass % or more and 0.50 mass % or less, a glycol ether dialkyl ether solvent, a dispersant containing an acrylic copolymer, and an acrylic resin obtained by solution polymerization using a radical polymerization initiator in a glycol ether dialkyl ether solvent or a cyclic ester solvent.
However, the ink composition described in JP-A-2008-248008 has problems that the discharge stability of the ink composition and the covering ability of recorded matter to be obtained have not yet been sufficient.

Non-aqueous ink jet ink composition and ink jet recording method


An assembled crankshaft whose crank webs on both sides are connected to, so as to be integral with, part of an adjoining shaft pin, with these parts being designed as hollow pins, and in the case of which crankshaft the parts of adjoining crank webs jointly forming a shaft pin are at least partially stepped in their diameter and inserted into each other, with the outer part having a higher yield point than the inner part and with a force-locking connection existing between the two parts.

The invention relates to an assembled crankshaft having crank webs on both sides which are connected to, so as to be integral with, parts of an adjoining pin, which are designed as hollow pins. Furthermore, it analogously relates to other shafts assembled from individual portions, with connecting regions of comparable geometry, for instance, to transmission shafts assembled from longitudinal portions or assembled camshafts.
Assembled camshafts of the above mentioned type are known in the art. In the case of these crankshafts, the webs are followed by hollow crank pin halves abutting with identical diameters, with an inserted sleeve connecting the pin halves to each other. Expansion of the inserted sleeve preferably takes place by applying hydraulic pressure or by using mechanical means. Furthermore, it is also possible to produce a shrink connection between the pin halves and the sleeve or to press the over-dimensioned sleeve into the pin halves. In addition to force locking connections, material locking connections produced by welding or soldering are also known.

Emitec Gesellschaft fur Emissionstechnologie mbH


An electric-parking-brake for a utility-vehicle, including: a feed-line for brake-pressure air; a discharge-line for brake-pressure air for a pneumatic-brake-device; a first-valve and a second-valve, each being switchable between a stable-state and an activated-state in response to electrical control-signals; and a valve-device which is connected between the feed-line and the discharge-line and exhibits a control-input, the valve device being switchable between a stable-state and an activated-state in response to control signals at the control-input, the feed-line being connected to the discharge-line in the activated-state, in which the first-valve in the stable-state or in the activated-state connects the control-input of the valve-device to the discharge-line, to retain a current-state of the valve-device when the brake-pressure air is applied to the discharge-line, and in the activated or stable state connects the control-input to the second-valve. Also described are an electric parking brake system, a utility vehicle, and a related method.

Parking-brake systems have to satisfy various safety requirements. For instance, it is required that they are capable of being operated stably in at least two states. In a first state, moving the vehicle is to be possible without a spontaneous activating of the parking brake being triggered—at least not so long as a sufficient pneumatic pressure is applied. In the second state, a stable parked position is to be maintained, even when the vehicle is not in operation.
Some parking-brake control systems for towing vehicles and trailers are frequently based on an elaborate pneumatic piping system in the cabin of the utility vehicle. Such a system is shown, for instance, in FIG. 5 and includes a first valve 510, a second valve 520, a shuttle valve 550 and a bypass valve 560, which are supplied with compressed air via a first storage-pressure port 501 and a second storage-pressure port 502. The two pneumatic valves 510, 520 are arranged, for example, in the instrument panel of the towing vehicle. In the event of activation, the brake-pressure air is routed to a parking-brake device (for example, a spring-type actuator in the towing vehicle and/or in the trailer), specifically via a vehicle parking-brake port 507b (for the towing vehicle) and/or a trailer parking-brake port 507a (for the trailer). The first storage-pressure port 501 and the second storage-pressure port 502 are connected to a shuttle valve 550 (a so-called double-check valve or select-high valve) which makes a respectively greater pressure from the two storage-pressure ports 501, 502 available to a feed line 505 leading to the first and second valves 510, 520.
The first valve 510 and the second valve 520 are each capable of being operated manually, independently of one another, by a driver. In the retracted state shown, the first valve 510 breaks the fluid connection between the feed line 505 and the trailer parking-brake port 507a. In like manner, the second valve 520 in the state shown breaks the pneumatic connection between the feed line 505 and the vehicle parking-brake port 507b. The position shown of the first valve 510 and of the second valve 520 consequently represents the stable parked position. In this case, the spring-type actuators of the pneumatic brakes have been vented by an existing pneumatic connection to a vent port 590, and the braking action is brought about by springs in the spring-type actuators. In the case of a storage pressure that is too low, the two valves 510, 520 spring out by themselves and vent the spring-type actuators, so that the stable parked position is assumed.
If the towing vehicle are to be moved together with the trailer, the first valve 510 and the second valve 520 are pushed in manually by the driver. Correspondingly, the first valve 510 opens the pneumatic connection between the trailer parking-brake port 507a and the feed line 505, and the second valve 520 opens the pneumatic connection between the feed line 505 and the vehicle parking-brake port 507b.
The bypass valve 560 has the following function. If the driver would like to re-assume the parked position from the stable driving position when both valves 510, 520 are located in the pushed-in state, and only retracts the second valve 520 from the driving position and manually holds the first valve 510 in the lower position, the bypass valve 560 constitutes a pneumatic bypass to the vent port 590, in order nevertheless to obtain the reduction of pressure in the system. As a consequence, in every case a venting of the trailer parking-brake port 507a occurs, so that the trailer also assumes the stable parked state.
However, the parking-brake system shown requires a pneumatic piping systems in the cabin of the vehicle, which is elaborate. There is therefore a need to replace this conventional parking-brake control system with more cost-effective and safe electronic solutions that require less space in the instrument panel of the towing vehicle and nevertheless enable an automatic parking-brake function.
An example of an electronic parking-brake system is shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, wherein FIG. 6A represents the stable parked position and FIG. 6B represents the stable driving position.
The electric parking brake again includes a first valve 610, a second valve 620 and a valve device 630, which have been formed between a feed line 105 and a discharge line 107. The feed line 105, in turn, provides the brake-pressure air, and the discharge line 107 (outlet) couples to the spring-type actuator 660. In the stable parked position (see FIG. 6A), by virtue of the spring the spring-type actuator 660 brings about a braking force which is exerted via the coupling element 670. In the driving position (see FIG. 6B), the parking brake is released by the brake-pressure air which moves a piston 662 contrary to the spring force.
The first valve 610 and the second valve 620 in this example are electrically controllable solenoid valves which are magnetically controllable between two positions. The valve device 630 includes a first inlet 631, a second inlet 632, a third inlet 633, an outlet 107 and a vent 590. Connected between the first inlet 631 and the feed line 105 is the first valve 610 which either supplies the first inlet 631 with compressed air from the feed line 105 or vents it. Connected between the second inlet 632 and the feed line 105 is the second valve 620 which either supplies the second inlet 632 with compressed air from the feed line 105 or vents it. In the de-energized state, both valves 610, 620 are in the vented position. The third inlet 633 is directly connected to the feed line 105.
The valve device 630 includes a spring 636 which biases a piston 635 in the valve device 630 so that piston 635 closes the third inlet 633 pneumatically via a closing element 639. This is the stable parked position in which, in addition, the first and second valves 610, 620 vent the first and second inlets 631, 632.
The valve device 630 can be brought into the stable driving position via the second inlet 632, by the second valve 620 admitting compressed air into a chamber below piston 635 via the feed line 105. As a consequence, on an underside on piston 635 an additional pneumatic pressure is exerted which suffices to move piston 635 upward contrary to the spring force of the spring 636. Piston 635 can move upward until the closing element 639 closes an upper opening having a cross-sectional area A1. This state is shown in FIG. 6B.
This state is similarly stable, since the force with which piston 635 is pushed upward is equal to the product of area A1 and the pressure P made available by the compressed air, and area A1 has been chosen to be larger than area A2 which represents the cross-sectional area at the lower piston stop 635. Therefore piston 635 is held in the upper position with a greater force. In order that this position is still stable even when the second valve 620 is being vented, the spring force F of the spring 636 has been chosen in such a way that:F<(A1−A2)*P where (A1−A2)*P is the force with which piston 635 presses against the spring 636. Therefore the spring tension of the spring 636 cannot push the closing element 639 downward contrary to the compressive force.
If piston 635 is located in the upper position, as shown in FIG. 6B, at the same time the outlet 107 is connected to the third inlet 633, having the consequence that the pneumatic compressed air is also applied to the spring-loaded cylinder 660 and moves piston 662 therein contrary to the spring tension of the spring-type actuator 660. Hence the brake is released and the vehicle can be moved. Since piston 635 remains stably in the upper position, the vehicle can be moved even when the first and second valves 610, 620 are being vented (for example, are being switched off).
Disadvantages of the electronic variant of the parking brake that is shown are its complexity (the valve device 630 needs a total of five ports) and the fact that the stable position depends on the spring force. If the spring force changes through aging processes, this may have the consequence that the valve device 630 can no longer be held stably in the individual positions.
There is therefore a need for alternative solutions that, on the one hand, do not need any pneumatic piping in the cabins of the towing vehicle and, on the other hand, are capable of being realized with simple pneumatic components.

KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH


A system, a method, and various software tools enable a video hosting website to automatically identify posted video items that contain spam in the metadata associated with a respective video item. A spam detection tool for user-generated video items based on keyword stuffing is provided that facilitates the detection of spam in the metadata associated with a video item.

1. Field of Art
The present disclosure relates generally to web-based video display and specifically to software tools and methods for spam detection for online user-generated videos.
2. Description of the Related Art
The sharing of video content on websites has developed a worldwide phenomenon, supported by dozens of websites. On average, hundreds of thousands of new videos are posted every day to various video hosting websites, and this number is increasing, as the tools and opportunities for capturing video become easy to use and more widespread. Many of these video-hosting websites also provide viewers with the ability to search for a video in which they are interest. It is estimated that in 2006, there were over 30 billion views of user generated video content worldwide.
Users who upload videos onto the video hosting websites are able to add descriptions and keywords or tags related to their video; these descriptions and keywords are stored in metadata associated with the video. In some embodiments, comments entered by other users are also stored as metadata. The metadata is indexed, and thus facilitate viewers who can search for videos of interest by entering keywords and phrases into a search engine on the video hosting website. Some users attempt to intentionally misrepresent the content of their video, so that their videos appear more often in the search results, and thus be seen by more viewers. These users employ various methods—sometimes called "spamdexing"—to manipulate the relevancy or prominence of their video in the search results, for example, by stuffing their descriptions with popular words or phrase in order to target these popular queries. This results in making it more difficult for viewers to find videos that actually related to the viewer's interests, as expressed in their keyword searches.

Spam detection for user-generated multimedia items based on keyword stuffing


Thermoplastic polyarylate compositions suitable for molding are formed from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid or mixtures thereof, a bisphenolic compound such as bisphenol A and from about 5 to 10 mole % relative to the monomeric charge of 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid.

The present invention is directed to novel aromatic polyesters, i.e. polyarylates.
Linear aromatic polyesters prepared from dicarboxylic acids, especially from aromatic dicarboxylic acids and bisphenols are well known for their suitability for molding, extrusion, casting, and film-forming applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,216,970 to Conix, discloses linear aromatic polyesters prepared from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and a bisphenolic compound. Such high molecular weight compositions are known to be useful in the preparation of various films and fibers. Further, these compositions, when molded into useful articles using conventional techniques, provide properties superior to articles molded from other linear polyester compositions. For instance, aromatic polyesters are known to have a variety of useful properties, such as good tensile, impact, and bending strengths, high thermal deformation and thermal decomposition temperatures, resistance to UV irradiation and good electrical properties.
It is known to impart desired physical properties to polyarylate resins by the inclusion of additives. However, the inclusion of additives to polyarylate obviously increases the expense of such compositions above the polyarylate resin itself. Moreover, often while improving one physical property, the additives may degrade another property inherent in the polyarylate resin. Accordingly, it would be worthwhile to improve the inherent properties of the polyarylate without resorting to the excessive addition of modifying substances.
In forming polyarylates, in general, it is necessary to conduct the polymerization in two stages. In the first stage, a prepolymer is formed typically having an intrinsic viscosity of up to 0.3 dl/g. The prepolymer is formed by condensing the aromatic dicarboxylic acid components with the bisphenolic compound. In the second stage, polycondensation takes place resulting in an aromatic polyester having an I.V. of greater than 0.4 dl/g. While the two-step process has proven useful to yield acceptable polymeric materials, it would be worthwhile to prepare a polyarylate in one step providing polyesters of intrinsic viscosity of greater than 0.4 dl/g without resorting to the prepolymer/post polymerization two-stage process.
The primary objectives of the present invention are to produce a polyarylate having inherently improved properties and to form the aromatic polyesters in only one step and still provide the polyesters with sufficiently high molecular weight.

Novel polyarylate compositions having improved properties


A battery pack apparatus particularly adapted for use on a portable appliance, as for example, a lap-top computer, is removably attached to the appliance by a coupling arangement that is organized so as to compel a wiping action to occur between the contacts of the apparatus and those of the appliance during assembly and disassembly of the apparatus to the appliance. In this way, the buildup of oxide deposits on the respective contacts is prevented. Also disclosed is a detent operated latching arrangement in which the detent is operated by a spring-biased, cam-actuated lever arm that, in turn, is operated by a spring-biased selectively operated actuator bearing a cam which cooperates with an inclined plane follower surface on the lever arm.

Lap-top computers are characterized by design demands that are unique as compared with personal or other computers of conventional design. Most importantly, in addition to being durable, they must be of compact construction in order that they will be sufficiently small and of light weight to enable their being readily carried, held and manipulated for lap-top use. Also, due the portable nature of the apparatus, recognition must be given to the fact that the computer will be employed in locations presenting diverse positional requirements and operational demands that must be accommodated. Furthermore, it is desirable that such apparatus be sufficiently versatile in design as to enable utilization also as a desk top apparatus. Consequently, the apparatus must be readily convertible from one form of apparatus to the other.
In furtherance of the achievement of an effective portable computer apparatus that can be utilized over long periods of time without disruption, it is desirable that the battery pack that supplies electrical power to the apparatus in its portable mode be compact and easily detachable from the apparatus in order that the cell elements of the battery pack can be recharged or replaced. It is also desirable, in order that use of the apparatus without disruption can be prolonged, that such apparatus have the capability of preventing or retarding the accumulation of metal oxides on the electrical contact elements between the battery pack and the CPU.
It is to the attainment of this objective, therefore, to which the present invention is directed.


A tracking data receiver which can compensate for deterministic jitter is disclosed. The device utilizes a history of past data received to determine which of multiple samples taken within a bit period to utilize. Due to deterministic jitter that can occur in data signal communication, the delay of waveform development varies with the ratio of 0""s to 1""s transmitted prior to the bit period being observed. The present invention exploits the predictable nature of the deterministic jitter to decide which sample to choose.

Two basic receiver architectures are prevalent in the industry today; tracking and over-sampling. In summary, tracking receivers use a PLL (phase locked loop) structure or functionally equivalent structure such as an application of a DLL (delay locked loop) that compares the phase of received data with a local clock""s phase and adjusts the local clock""s phase to match the received data""s phase. In addition, the structure modulates the frequency of the local clock to match the rate of the incoming data. (See G. C. Hsieh, J. C. Hung, Phase-Locked Loop Techniquesxe2x80x94A Survey, IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, Vol. IE-43, No.6, 609-615, December 1996.) It tracks and synchronizes itself to the received data so that it can sample the data with appropriate timing to reliably receive it. Tracking the rate of received data enables the structure to sample the data with consistent timing for each bit received. By tracking the rate and phase of the data, the receiver can tolerate phase and amplitude jitter that may be present in the received waveform due to various noise sources.
An over-sampling receiver avoids the use of a PLL structure by taking many samples of the received data and looking at the history of those samples to filter out noise in the data. The structure analyzes the history of past samples and utilizes one of various algorithms to determine which samples are providing a correct representation of received data and which are erroneous and/or redundant.
Tracking receivers typically perform only a single sample per bit to recover the data. There is the potential for error occurring due to the fact that the sample is taken at the same point in the bit period each time. Deterministic jitter, as explained below, can cause the waveform of the received data to change and shift within the bit period. This can cause a PLL structure to potentially sample the data too early or too late within the bit period because the bit may not have fully formed or because the transition to the next bit has already begun at that sample time. This would cause the sampler to provide an erroneous result.
In general, over-sampling receivers contain a much higher percentage of digital circuitry, which should be more tolerant of noise sources. However, the rate at which they sample the incoming waveform has to be increased with increasing jitter in the channel. Also, the over-sampling receiver needs to handle the frequency difference between the transmit and receive clocks.
There are primarily two types of noise (jitter) that the receivers must deal with: random and deterministic. Random jitter is produced by various sources. The effect each individual noise source has is not predictable, and the accumulation of the unpredictable noises is the random jitter. The accumulation has a symmetrical distribution centered around where the expected signal should be located. Because the average (accumulation over time) of these sources is the correct point in time, it is not difficult to compensate for.
Deterministic jitter is a main concern of the present invention. This type of noise is caused primarily by the interaction of capacitive, inductive, and resistive effects of the media upon which the data travels. Deterministic jitter does not have a symmetrical effect on the signal. It can cause the waveform to distort and shift in time (determined by the pattern of signal sent down the media channel). This creates the possibility of receivers utilizing over-sampling and tracking methods to acquire erroneous interpretations of the received data. When utilizing tracking methods, the sampling of the signal may be taken too early or too late. The distortion and shifting of the waveform could cause the sampler to read the data before or after it has reached the correct level or started its transition to the next level. Similarly, over-sampling methods could misinterpret received data because of the shift in time that the deterministic jitter causes on the waveform of the data. The effects of deterministic jitter on the received data can be predicted algorithmically with usage of the history of previously received data.
Because of the foregoing problems with sampling receivers in the art, there is a need for a sampling data receiver that is not susceptible to the various problems that occur in tracking and over-sampling receivers.

Method and apparatus for a tracking data receiver compensating for deterministic jitter


A power control system includes a current transformer to step down a switch current of a switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the stepped down current is received by a switching power converter controller. Since the current is received by the controller, the current is not converted into a voltage prior to receipt by the controller in order for the controller to monitor an inductor current of the switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the controller compares the stepped down switch current with a reference current. In at least one embodiment, the controller includes a voltage converter to convert the switch current into a voltage within the controller. The controller compares the voltage representing the switch current with a reference voltage. The controller can use the current or voltage comparisons to control power factor correction and output voltage regulation of a switching power converter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of electronics, and more specifically to a switching power converter control system and method with direct current transformer sensing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Switching power converters provide regulated output voltages for numerous electronic products including lamps, such as light emitting diode and gas discharge type lamps, cellular telephones, computing devices, personal digital assistants. As the name suggests, switching power converters include a switch that controls the output voltage. Sensing current in the switch provides feedback to a controller to allow the controller to control the switch and, thus, regulate the output voltage of the switching power converter. The switch current can be sensed in any number of ways. Switch current can be sensed as a voltage across a sense resistor in series with the switch. However, conducting a high switch current across the sense resistor of the switching power converter can result in consequential power losses. Current transformers provide a more efficient way of sensing the switch current. A primary-side of the current transformer is placed in series with the switch to conduct the switch current. The secondary-side conducts a stepped-down switch current. A sense resistor across the secondary-side of the current transformer develops a voltage corresponding to the stepped-down switch current, thus, lowering the power loss across the sense resistor.
FIG. 1 depicts a power control system 100, which includes switching power converter 102. In at least one embodiment, switching power converter 102 operates in a continuous conduction mode (CCM). In CCM, the inductor current iL in inductor 104 does not go to zero during operation of switching power converter 102. As subsequently described in more detail, in CCM operation, PFC and output voltage controller 106 senses switch current iDP in switch 108 by sensing a voltage VCTS corresponding to a current iDS across a secondary winding 110 of current transformer 112. Switch 108 is implemented as a field effect transistor (FET).
Switching power converter 102 converts voltage sourced from voltage source 114 into a regulated link voltage VLINK across link capacitor 116. Voltage source 114 supplies an alternating current (AC) input voltage VIN to a full bridge diode rectifier 117. The voltage source 114 is, for example, a public utility, and the AC voltage VIN is, for example, a 60 Hz/110 V line voltage in the United States of America or a 50 Hz/220 V line voltage in Europe. The rectifier 117 rectifies the input voltage VIN and supplies a rectified, time-varying, line input voltage VX to the switching power converter 102. Capacitor 115 filters high reference components of input voltage VX and, thus, provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.
The switching power converter 102 includes at least two switching operations. The first operation controls switch 108 to provide power factor correction (PFC), and the second operation controls switch 108 to provide regulation of link voltage VLINK. The goal of power factor correction technology is to make the switching power converter 102 appear resistive to the voltage source 114 so that the real power provided to switching power converter 102 is equal to the apparent power provided to switching power converter 102.
During operation of switching power converter 102, the inductor current iL ramps 'up' when switch 108 conducts, i.e. is "ON", and ramps down when switch 108 is nonconductive, i.e. is "OFF". When switch 108 is ON, inductor current iL magnetizes inductor 104 and also magnetizes the primary-side winding 118 of current transformer 112. In at least one embodiment, current transformer 112 is configured as a toroid with a primary-side to secondary-side winding ratio of 1:N. "N" is, for example, 10. The primary-side transformer current iDP equals the inductor current iL when switch 108 is ON. Thus, the second-side current iDS equals iDP/N when switch 108 is ON.
When switch 108 is ON, secondary-side current iDS flows through diode 120 and is filtered by filter 122 to reduce noise. Resistor 121 provides a number of functions, such as reverse current protection for diode 120. The resistance value of resistor 121 is a matter of design choice. In at least one embodiment, resistor 121 has a resistance greater than an input resistance of load 132. In at least one embodiment, the resistance of resistor 121 is approximately equal to at least ten times the input resistance of load 132. A secondary-side current transformer voltage VCTS develops across filter 122 when switch 108 is ON. In embodiment, filter 122 is designed so that the transformer voltage VCTS is 1V at the peak of secondary-side current iDS. Current synthesizer 126 charges capacitor 128 with a current proportional to the switch current iDS. The transformer voltage VCTS is level shifted up one 'diode drop' voltage across diode 124 relative to the voltage VCTC across capacitor 128. (A "diode drop" voltage refers to a voltage drop across a forward biased diode. A typical diode drop voltage is 0.7V). The inductor current iL is the same as the switch current iDS when switch 108 is ON. Thus, control signal generator 130 determines the inductor current iL when switch 108 is ON based on the secondary-side voltage VCTS.
When switch 108 is OFF, secondary-side current iDS is zero, and inductor current iL flows through diode 127 to charge link capacitor 116. Diode 127 prevents reverse current flow into inductor 104. PFC and output voltage controller 106 includes a current synthesizer 128 to reconstruct the inductor current iL during the OFF time of switch 108. In general, current synthesizer 126 controls the discharge of capacitor 128 in proportion to the input voltage VX and the link voltage VLINK to reconstruct the down slope of inductor current iL and, thus, determine the inductor current iL when switch 108 is OFF. Upon determining the switch current iDS while switch 108 is ON using the secondary-side voltage VCTS of current transformer 110 and reconstructing the inductor current iL when switch 108 is OFF, control signal generator 130 generates control signal CS0 to regulate the link voltage VLINK and provide power factor correction for switching power converter 102. The link voltage VLINK is supplied to load 132. A more complete explanation of an exemplary operation of PFC and output voltage controller 106 is described in "High Performance Power Factor Preregulator", Unitrode Products from Texas Instruments, part numbers UC2855A/B and UC3855A/B, Data Sheet June 1998, revised October 2005 and Application Report SLUA146 May 1996, revised April 2004.
The cost of external components is generally higher than the cost of integrated components. For example, if filter 122 could be eliminated, the cost of power control system 100 could potentially be reduced.

Switching power converter controller with direct current transformer sensing


A seal includes a housing having a back plate and a front plate. A supporting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the back plate, and bristles in the supporting bristle layer have a first diameter. A sealing bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the supporting bristle layer, and bristles in the sealing bristle layer have a second diameter. A shielding/protecting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the sealing bristle layer, and bristles in the shielding/protecting bristle layer have a third diameter. The second diameter is smaller than both the first diameter and the third diameter.

The invention relates generally to restricting the flow of a fluid between two pressurized chambers and more specifically to a brush seal for restricting a flow of fluid between pressurized chambers of a turbomachine.
Turbomachines, such as gas turbines and steam turbines, employ bladed rotors in a turbine section to convert thermodynamic energy from the fluids such as pressurized steam, compressed air and combustion gases into mechanical energy for rotating one or more centrally mounted shafts. The shafts, in turn, provide power to aircraft, heavy equipment, waterborne vehicles and electrical power generators. The interfaces between adjacent engine components in turbomachines are sealed in various ways to restrict leakage of fluids such as the pressurized steam, compressor air and combustion gases. There are many interfaces between rotating and stationary components in such turbomachines. Sealing these interfaces presents challenges due to the excessive fluid temperatures and pressures, combined with relative axial and/or radial movement between the engine components. Generally, sealing of these interfaces is done using various types of seals like labyrinth seals and honeycomb seals.
A brush seal is an advanced seal that provides an alternative to labyrinth or honeycomb seals. The brush seal is comprised of thousands of densely packed wire filaments (bristles) secured between two metallic plates. Bristles with a flexible end bridge a gap between adjacent components and any relative movement is absorbed through deflection of the bristles. Brush seals are very effective because they have minimum effective clearance during normal operation. The tortuous path through the bristles achieves the restriction effect even as the gap distance changes. Brush seals offer many advantages when compared with traditional seals. Unlike the labyrinth seal, a brush seal is designed to come in contact with a rotor to provide a positive seal.
Brush seal bristles are also susceptible to deflection due to fluid pressure loading. For this reason, back plates support the bristles along a majority of their length. The bristles are loaded against the back plate by the fluid pressure, thus preventing permanent deflection.
However, previous fleet experience shows that bristle deflections eventually yield the bristle ends, reducing their sealing effectiveness and rendering them unacceptable for continued service. Reduced brush seal effectiveness will increase fluid leakage, fuel usage and, consequently, increase operating costs until the brush seal is replaced. Removal and disassembly of a turbomachine for brush seal replacement is both costly and time consuming.


A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor having high electric characteristics with high productivity. In the method for forming a channel region of a dual-gate thin film transistor including a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode which faces the first gate electrode with the channel region provided therebetween, a first microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed under a first condition for forming a microcrystalline semiconductor film in which a space between crystal grains is filled with an amorphous semiconductor, and a second microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed over the first microcrystalline semiconductor film under a second condition for promoting crystal growth.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor and a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor, and a display device using the thin film transistor.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one type of field-effect transistor, a thin film transistor whose channel region is formed using a semiconductor film which is formed over a substrate having an insulating surface is known. Techniques in which amorphous silicon, microcrystalline silicon, or polycrystalline silicon is used for the semiconductor film which is used for the channel region of the thin film transistor have been disclosed (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). A typical application of thin film transistors is a liquid crystal display television device, in which the thin film transistors are each put to practical use as a switching transistor for each pixel in a display screen.

Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


The present invention relates to a toner for electrostatic charge image development, including toner base particles containing a binder resin containing as a main component a vinyl resin having a constitutional unit derived from a monomer having an acid group, and aluminum, wherein a concentration of the aluminum in the toner base particles, as measured by radio inductively coupled plasma emission spectral analysis, is from 900 to 2,200 ppm. According to the present invention, there is provided a means for improving the environmental stability of electrification, and the glossiness and the image density of the image to be formed in a good balance while maintaining sufficient low temperature fixability in a toner for electrostatic charge image development.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a toner for electrostatic charge image development.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, a toner exhibiting excellent low temperature fixability has been demanded in order to fix a toner image with less energy than in the prior art from the viewpoint of an increase in speed and energy saving. It is required to lower the melting temperature or melt viscosity of the binder resin which constitutes the toner in order to lower the fixing temperature of the toner.
Moreover, it has been demanded a technique which can improve not only the low temperature fixability but also other properties in association with the request for the diversification or image quality enhancement of printed matters in recent years.
For example, a toner having toner particles which contain a polyester resin as a main component and further contain styrene-(meth)acrylic resin particles and a trace amount of aluminum element has been proposed in JP 2015-148724 A (corresponding to US 2015/220,009 A1) as a technique related to the image quality enhancement of fixed image which has been demanded more and more in recent years. The polyester resin exhibits excellent sharp meltability and has an advantage that the softening point can be easily lowered while maintaining a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) as compared to a styrene-acrylic resin. Moreover, according to the toner, it is possible to suppress the gloss unevenness of a halftone image while maintaining low temperature fixability.
In addition, a toner having toner particles which contain a specific amount of a specific element such as magnesium or calcium together with a sulfur element-containing polymer has been proposed in JP 2002-108019 A (corresponding to US 2002/048,010 A1). According to the toner, uniformity or environmental stability of electrification of the halftone image is improved.

Toner for electrostatic charge image development


A drug-loaded microparticle is applied to a medical device for subsequent application to biological tissues. A method of formulating a drug-loaded microparticle and applying it to the surface of a medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The drug-loaded microparticle is formulated by combining a drug with various chemical solutions. Specified sizes of the microparticles and amounts of drug(s) contained within the microparticles may be varied by altering the proportions of the chemicals/solutions. In addition to various drugs, therapeutic substances and radioactive isotopes may also be loaded into the microparticles. The drug-loaded microparticle are suspended in a polymer solution forming a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may be applied to the entire surface or only selected portions of the medical device via dipping, spraying or combinations thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a medical device for use in tissue and organ treatment and, in particular, to drug-loaded microparticles embedded within a matrix and applied to the medical device.
2. Related Art
A variety of surgical procedures and medical devices are currently used to relieve intraluminal constrictions caused by disease or tissue trauma. An example of one such procedure is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). PTCA is a catheter-based technique whereby a balloon catheter is inserted into a blocked or narrowed coronary lumen of the patient. Once the balloon is positioned at the blocked lumen or target site, the balloon is inflated causing dilation of the lumen. The catheter is then removed from the target site thereby allowing blood to freely flow through the unrestricted lumen.
Although PTCA and related procedures aid in alleviating intraluminal constrictions, such constrictions or blockages reoccur in many cases. The cause of these recurring obstructions, termed restenosis, is due to the body's immune system responding to the trauma of the surgical procedure. As a result, the PTCA procedure may need to be repeated to repair the damaged lumen.
Stents or drug therapies, either alone or in combination with the PTCA procedure, are often used to avoid or mitigate the effects of restenosis at the surgical site. In general, stents are small, cylindrical devices whose structure serves to create or maintain an unobstructed opening within a lumen. The stents are typically made of stainless steel or a memory-responsive metal, such as Nitinol™ and are delivered to the target site via a balloon catheter. Although the stents are effective in opening the stenotic lumen, the foreign material and structure of the stents themselves may exacerbate the occurrence of restenosis or thrombosis.
Drugs or similar agents that limit or dissolve plaque and clots are used to reduce, or in some cases eliminate, the incidence of restenosis and thrombosis. Since the drugs are applied systemically to the patient, they are absorbed not only by the tissues at the target site, but by all areas of the body. As such, one drawback associated with the systemic application of drugs is that areas of the body not needing treatment are also affected. To provide more site-specific treatment, stents are frequently used as a means of delivering the drugs exclusively to the target site. By positioning the stent at the target site, the drugs can be applied directly to the area of the lumen requiring therapy or diagnosis.
In addition to the benefit of site-specific treatment, drug-loaded stents also offer long-term treatment and/or diagnostic capabilities. These stents include a biodegradable or absorbable polymer suspension that is saturated with a particular drug. In use, the stent is positioned at the target site and retained at that location either for a predefined period or permanently. The polymer suspension releases the drug into the surrounding tissue at a controlled rate based upon the chemical and/or biological composition of the polymer and drug.
The above-described devices and methods for treatment of restenosis and thrombosis, and other similar conditions not specifically described, offer many advantages to potential users. However, it has been discovered that such devices and methods may be deficient in their current drug-loading and drug-delivery characteristics. In particular, the amount or volume of drug capable of being delivered to the target site may be insufficient due to the limited surface area of the stent. In addition, drug release rates may also be inadequate since the rate at which the drug is released or delivered to the target site is a function of the chemical and/or biological properties of the polymer in which the drug is embedded.


A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe in a pipe sealing system. The sealing system includes a male, spigot pipe end which is joined to a mating female belled pipe end. The belled pipe end has an internal groove adjacent a mouth region thereof which is simultaneously formed under temperature and pressure as the mouth region is forced over a forming mandrel and about a sealing gasket located on the forming mandrel so that the sealing gasket is prelocated within the internal groove. The sealing gaskets of the invention have a specially designed sealing capability to seal volume ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to sealing gaskets and sealing systems used for pipe joints in plastic pipelines in which a male spigot pipe section is installed within a mating female socket pipe section to form a pipe joint, and to efforts to economize sealing systems for water, sewer agricultural and other fluid pipe sealing systems employing such pipe joints while maintaining acceptable pressure ratings.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fluid sealing systems for plastic, fluid conveying pipes are used in a variety of industries. The pipes used in such systems are typically formed from thermoplastic materials including polyolefins and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In forming a joint between sections of pipe, the spigot or male pipe end is inserted within the female or socket pipe end. An annular, elastomeric ring or gasket is typically seated within a groove formed in the socket end of the thermoplastic pipe. As the spigot is inserted within the socket, the gasket provides the major seal capacity for the joint. Various types of sealing technologies have been employed to assure the sealing integrity of the pipe joint. It is important that the sealing gasket not be dislodged during the joint make up and that the gasket not become twisted or otherwise compromised in field applications.
One attempt to insure the integrity of the pipe joint involved the use of a pipe gasket having one region formed of an elastically yieldable sealing material, such as rubber, and a second distinct region formed of a more rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. Other approaches to the problem included the use of a homogeneous rubber ring with a stiffening band which was manually inserted into a mating groove provided on the internal diameter of the rubber ring. Each of these solutions was less than ideal, in some cases failing to provide the needed joint integrity and often contributing to the complexity and expense of the manufacturing operation.
In the early 1970's, a new technology was developed by Rieber & Son of Bergen, Norway, referred to in the industry as the "Rieber Joint." The Rieber system provided an integral sealing mechanism within the belled or female pipe end for sealing with the spigot end of a mating pipe formed from thermoplastic material. In the Rieber process, the elastomeric gasket was inserted within an internal groove in the socket end of the female pipe as the female or belled end was simultaneously being formed. The gasket was first positioned on the exterior of a cylindrical forming mandrel. The heated pipe end was forced over the forming mandrel and gasket. The female pipe end was then cooled and the forming mandrel was retracted, leaving the elastomeric gasket seated in an internal groove formed within the completed bell pipe end. The provision of a prestressed and anchored elastomeric gasket during the belling process at the pipe factory provided an improved socket end for a pipe joint with a sealing gasket which would not twist or flip or otherwise allow impurities to enter the sealing zones of the joint, thus increasing the reliability of the joint and decreasing the risk of leaks or possible failure due to abrasion. The Rieber process is described in the following issued United States patents, among others: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,120,521; 4,061,459; 4,030,872; 3,965,715; 3,929,958; 3,887,992; 3,884,612; and 3,776,682.
Despite the advances offered by the Rieber process, difficulties were sometimes encountered in the belling operation, particularly with thin wall pipe. In some cases, the belling forces could rupture the thin wall pipe as the heated pipe end was forced over the belling mandrel and a traditionally sized elastomeric gasket seated on the mandrel.
There thus exists a need to provide a sealing gasket of reduced physical proportions for use in some belling operations, particularly those employing thin wall plastic pipe.
There also continues to exist the need to economize the sealing gasket and pipe joint manufacturing processes in order to produce gaskets in large quantities for use in countries worldwide at the lowest possible cost while maintaining an acceptable level of quality.
A need exists for a sealing gasket design which can be used in a Rieber type belling operation, which design provides optimum sealing capacity with the minimum amount of rubber being employed in order to provide a sealing gasket with a selective economy of scale.

Pipe gasket with selective economy of scale


A method for generating a financial report indicative of estimated turbine maintenance costs is provided. The method includes receiving, at a database, turbine operational history data and turbine inspection data from a user for a pre-identified turbine, receiving, at the database, turbine replacement part costs, turbine part repair costs, and vendor service costs associated with the pre-identified turbine, inputting a pre-determined turbine operational forecast into the database, analyzing turbine maintenance information including at least one of turbine operational history data, turbine inspection data, replacement part costs, part repair costs, vendor service costs, and turbine operational forecast, and automatically generating a financial report including at least one schedule of turbine maintenance events and costs associated with each event based on the turbine maintenance information analysis.

This invention relates generally to analyzing power plant event schedules, more particularly, to generating a financial report indicative of turbine maintenance event schedules by a business entity for a client.
Power plants utilizing gas turbines and steam turbines have become increasingly more complex thereby utilizing an increased quantity of various components. The power plant is periodically shut down to allow scheduled turbine maintenance events, facilitating maintenance and repair of the installed components, and to replace components which have reached the end of their useful life.
At least one known method utilizes a complex algorithm to determine the current operating condition of the power plant and the current hours on each part within the power plant. Utilizing a complex algorithm can be time consuming and costly since the algorithm generally relies on user information that is manually calculated to generate a schedule of parts replacement. If the manual calculations are incorrect, a part at or near the end of its life cycle may not be replaced during the shutdown resulting in an unanticipated plant shutdown in the future. Additionally, at least one known method utilizes a condition-based prediction of outages. The condition-based prediction requires an operator to inspect each part and manually enter the data into the algorithm. Manually entering data into the algorithm is time consuming and increases a likelihood that the algorithm with generate erroneous results.

Methods and systems for generating a financial report


In various embodiments, methods and systems for implementing parental controls on mobile devices using virtual private network (VPN)-based parental control services are provided. A parental control profile is received at a controlled device where the parental control profile includes instructions to configure the controlled device with a device control policy. A VPN is configured using the parental control profile. The VPN can be a virtual point-to-point connection between the controlled device and a network of the parental control service platform. Requests for resources from the controlled device are communicated using the VPN such that access to a resource of the resource request is based on a parental control server referencing a device control policy in the VPN-based parental control service. The device control policy includes at least a selected predefined parental control policy. It is contemplated that custom restricted resources and additional controls can be configured for the device control policy.

Parental controls generally refer to features that regulate access to content. Parental controls can be included in a variety of media platforms, from video games and television services to mobile devices and software. Parental controls can be defined for content that is configured, stored, and accessed differently. Implementing and managing parental controls for media platforms and content can present challenges with increased accessibility to media platforms and different types of content.

Virtual private network based parental control service


Methods, pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising an attenuated bacteria that expresses a recall antigen are disclosed for treatment of cancer.

Throughout this application various publications are referred to in parentheses or superscript. Full citations for these references may be found at the end of the specification. The disclosures of these publications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the subject application to more fully describe the art to which the subject invention pertains.
Cancer remains a major health concern in the U.S. and abroad. In 2011, there were an estimated 13,397,159 people living with cancer in the United States. Based on age-adjusted data from 2007-2011, the number of new cases of cancer per year was 460.4 per 100,000 men and women. The number of deaths per year was 173.8 per 100,000 men and women. Approximately 40.4 percent of men and women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2009-2011 data. It is expected that annual cancer cases will rise from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million within the next 2 decades (World Cancer Report 2014).
Success of cancer immunotherapy is hindered by two major problems. One problem is that tumor-associated antigens (TAA), used in cancer vaccines, are often self-antigens that are overexpressed or mutated in tumor cells compared to normal cells. The T cells in the thymus have been taught earlier in life not to react to self-antigens, and therefore it is difficult to induce strong T cell responses to TAA. The other problem is that most cancer patients are old, and the elderly react less efficiently to vaccines than young adults. This is often due to lack of naïve T cells (only generated at young age, and are used during life) that react for the first time to a new antigen and are responsible for the generation of memory T cells upon repeated exposures with the same antigen. The present invention addresses both of these problems and the need for improved treatments for cancers and in particular for improved treatments for metastases.

Treatment of cancer using recall antigens delivered by attenuated bacteria

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Inc.


Substantially purified salivary Lu. longipalpis polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are disclosed. Vectors and host cells including the Lu. longipalpis polynucleotides are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for inducing an immune response to sand fly saliva. In other embodiments, methods for treating, diagnosing, or preventing Leishmaniasis are disclosed.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and affect many millions of people worldwide. In humans, infection with the parasite manifests either as a cutaneous disease caused mainly by L. major, L. tropica, and L. mexicana; as a mucocutaneous disease caused mainly by L. brasiliensis; or as a visceral disease caused mainly by L. donovani and L. chagasi. In canids, Leishmania infections manifest as a visceral disease that can result in high death rates.
All leishmanial diseases are transmitted to their vertebrate hosts by phlebotomine sand flies, which acquire the pathogen by feeding on infected hosts and transmit them by regurgitating the parasite at the site of a subsequent blood meal (Killick-Kendrick, Biology of Leishmania in phlebotomine sand flies. In Biology of the Kinetoplastida. W. Lumsden and D. Evans, editors. Academic Press, New York. 395, 1979).
While obtaining a blood meal sand flies salivate into the host's skin. This saliva contains anticlotting, antiplatelet, and vasodilatory compounds that increase the hemorrhagic pool where sand flies feed (Ribeiro et al., Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 4:683, 1986; Charlab et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 26:15155, 1999). Some of these components are additionally immunomodulatory. For example, the New World sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis contains the 6.5 kDa peptide, maxadilan, which is the most potent vasodilator known (Lerner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 17:11234, 1991). Maxadilan additionally has immunosuppressive activities of its own (Qureshi et al., Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 6:665, 1996), as do many persistent vasodilators such as prostaglandin E2 (Makoul et al., J. Immunol. 134:2645, 1985; Santoli and Zurier, J. Immunol. 143:1303, 1989; Stockman and Mumford, Exp. Hematol. 2:65, 1974) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (Nong et al., J. Immunol. 1:45, 1989). Old World sand flies do not have maxadilan but instead use AMP and adenosine as vasodilators (Ribeiro et al., J. Exp. Biol. 11:1551, 1999). Adenosine is also an immunomodulatory component, promoting the production of IL-10 and suppressing TNF-α and IL-12 in mice (Hasko et al., J. Immunol. 10:4634, 1996; Webster, Asian Pac. J. Allergy Immunol. 2:311, 1984; Hasko et al., FASEB J. 14:2065, 2000). Despite what is known about the role of sand fly saliva and disease transmission, much remains unknown, and an effective vaccine does not exist. Thus, there is a need for agents that can be used to induce an immune response to the organisms that cause leishmaniasis.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services


A remotely located, uniquely identified resource can serve an application utilized by the Web browser. Access to the application can require authentication including a userid and password. A memory for a record associated with the application can be queried. The memory can include a set of userids and passwords indexed against unique application identifiers that are independent upon server identifiers or URLs. Responsive to querying the memory, a match between the application requiring authentication and a unique application identifier in the memory can be determined. A userid and password can be provided without manual input from a user from memory that is associated with the unique application identifier to the remotely located. The uniquely identified resource can use the userid/password as authentication to access the served application.

The present invention relates to the field of user identification data management and, more particularly, to an autonomous intelligent user identity manager with context recognition capabilities.
The use of various forms of user identification data to validate user access to computing systems is commonplace. Between work-related systems and the plethora of Web sites available via the Internet, users often have multiple combinations of user identification data, and remembering the combinations and their associated applications has become a growing problem.
A variety of approaches have been developed to address the management of user identification data. Examples of current approaches include browser caching, cookies, password wallets, and single-sign-on solutions. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages over the others. For example, browser caching occurs when a browser saves userid/password combinations a first time this information is entered for a given Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Subsequent visits to that URL result in the saved information being used. Browser caching solutions have a limitation in that a userid/password combination will never be automatically entered for a URL identified resource that has never before been visited. Additionally, this solution is client centric so that when a user utilizes multiple different computers, userid/password information stored on one computer must be re-entered for a different computer.
Password wallets establish a cache able to hold a set of userid/password combinations. When a new userid/password combination is needed, a Web browser can access the cache and select a combination. Thus, password wallets can provide a userid/password even when a URL is being visited for a first time. A limitation of password wallets is that a userid/password combination must be manually selected from the password wallet each time a password is required.
Single-sign-on solutions (e.g., OpenID, BLUEID, etc.) allow for an identity to be created, where that identity can be used when logging into URLs that support that identity standard. In such a solution, a userid/password combination must still be manually entered, even though the entered userid/password combination can be the same across all URLs/servers that support that standard of the single-sign-on solution.
Another solution is based on a URL or domain/federation membership that can be pre-configured and then automatically entered when a URL is visited. This is how IBM TIVOLI FEDERATED IDENTITY MANAGER (TFIM) and other similar products function. These solutions have limitations including: pre-configuration can be a complex, yet required process; separate identity management application(s) with associated name servers and/or LDAP servers may be required; and the like.
While all of the above approaches are helpful in many situations, none of them can handle situations where the location (e.g., URL or server) of a software application requiring a userid/password is subject to change. For example, a server farm is often used to provide high-availability Web services or applications. Each time a user accesses an application, the application may be provided by a different server of the server farm. Each server is uniquely identified within the server farm by a different identifier (e.g., URL). The differences in servers result in a user being prompted to enter userid/password information, which has previously been entered for that same application, when a different server was utilized. From an end user perspective, they are being asked to re-enter their userid/password for that application, which can be confusing and frustrating to a user, and which can also induce unnecessary concerns that an illegitimate site (e.g., a phishing site) is attempting to acquire their userid/password for non-legitimate purposes.

Autonomous intelligent user identity manager with context recognition capabilities

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a technique for updating the coefficients a(n) of an adaptive filter impulse response A(n), where EQU A'(n)=(a.sub.o (n) a.sub.l (n) . . . a.sub.m (n)). is the adaptive filter impulse response at time n. The impulse response is utilized for tracking the output y(n) of a communications channel, where ##EQU1## where H is an unknown impulse response of the channel, EQU H'=(h.sub.o h.sub.l . . . h.sub.m),. the ' character denoting transposition. The channel is driven with a known input signal s(n), where EQU S'(n)=(s(n) s(n-l) . . . s(n-m)).. According to the techinque, the output x(n) of an adaptive filter, where EQU x(n)=S'(n)A(n). is compared with the channel output y(n) according to the Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm to develop an LMS error prediction signal. At the same time, the adaptive filter output x(n) is compared with the channel output y(n) according to the Sign Algorithm (SA) to develop an SA error prediction signal. If the LMS error signal is greater than or equal to a preselected value, then it is used to update the coefficients a(n) of the adaptive filter impulse response. If the LMS error signal is less than the preselected value, then the SA error signal is used to update the coefficients a(n).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to telecommunications systems and, in particular, to an adaptive filtering coefficient update technique that combines features of the least mean squares algorithm and the sign algorithm to arrive at a hybrid stochastic gradient algorithm that is both fast and consistently convergent.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Two common adaptive filtering coefficient update algorithms are the Least Mean Squares (LMS) and the Sign Algorithm (SA). The LMS method is not consistently successful in converging a filter. However, in those situations where it does operate successfully, it is fast. The SA method, on the other hand, always succeeds, but it is slow.
A typical adaptive filtering application, shown in FIG. 1, involves driving a channel with an unknown impulse response H, EQU H'=(h.sub.0, h.sub.1,...,h.sub.m) (1)
where the ' character denotes transposition, with a known input signal S(n), EQU S'(n)=(s(n), s(n-1),..,s(n-m)) (2)
The output of the channel at time n is given by the convolution sum, ##EQU2##
In adaptively tracking the channel output, the adaptive filter produces an output x(n), EQU x(n)=S'(n) A(n) (4)
where EQU A'(n)=(a.sub.0 (n), a.sub.1 (n),.., a.sub.m (n)) (5)
is the adaptive filter impulse response at time n.
Being time variable, the adaptive filter coefficients are updated as follows, EQU A(n+1)=A(n)+g(n) f.sub.1 (e(n)) f.sub.2 (S(n)) (6) EQU e(n)=y(n)-x(n) (7)
where e(n) is the prediction error, g(n) is a gain that can be either constant or time variable, and f.sub.1 (.) and f.sub.2 (.) are generalized functions.
Adhering to adaptive filtering terminology, it is said that "convergence" is achieved when EQU A(n)=H for all n, (8) EQU e(n)=Q for all n, (9)
In practice, Equations (8) and (9) above will not be exact equalities. Rather, there will be a misadjustment between A(n) and H, and 0<.vertline.e(n).vertline.<.rho., where .rho. is small, i.e. the practical limit of the algorithm.
Both the Least Mean Squares algorithm and the Sign Algorithm have received extensive treatment in the theoretical literature and have found wide practical application.
Referring to FIG. 2, which shows a possible circuit implementation of the LMS algorithm, the LMS algorithm structure may be expressed as follows: EQU A(n+1)=A(n)+K e(n) S(n) (10)
where K is a constant positive coefficient adaption step size. The choice of K for an assured convergence is discussed by B. Widrow et al., "Stationary and Non-Stationary Learning Characteristics of the LMS Adaptive Filter", Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 64, pp. 1151-1162, Aug. 1976.
If K is chosen according to the criteria set forth by Widrow et al, then convergence is assured. However, in practical telecommunications applications, the channel H over which echo cancellation or equalization is being performed is not known. Consequently, it is impossible to determine K a priori, and convergence is not guaranteed over any arbitrary channel. When convergence does take place, the result is the minimization of the expected value of the error squared u=E(e(n).sup.2); that is, the error variance is minimized. The product e(n)S(n) used in Eq. (10) above is a biased estimate of the slope of the expected value of the error squared w=dv/dA(n).
In a digital implementation of the LMS algorithm, when convergence starts, e(n) is large and K is typically fixed at K=1/(2.sup.11); the coefficients A(n) are 24 bits wide (1 sign bit+23 magnitude bits). The product p=Ke(n) is equivalent to shifting e(n) to the right by 11 places and, initially, when e(n) is large, p is still on average such that .vertline.p.vertline.>1/(2.sup.23) and, therefore, this update is "seen" by A(n). However, as convergence progresses and e(n) becomes smaller as desired, .vertline.p.vertline.<1/(2.sup.23) and the coefficients A(n) are not being updated anymore. Therefore, convergence is not optimal, since by using more than 24 bits for A(n), convergence could have proceeded and e(n) could have been further decreased.
The LMS algorithm has also shown parameter drift properties that are described by Sethares et al, "Parameter Drift in LMS Adaptive Filters", IEEE Transactions on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, vol.ASSP-34 No. 4, Aug. 1986, and have been observed in a working prototype. The problem is that, with bounded steady state inputs, the output x(n) and the error e(n) remain bounded and approximately zero, respectively, while the parameters A(n) drift away from H very slowly.
Referring to FIG. 3, which shows a possible circuit implementation of the Sign Algorithm, the Sign Algorithm structure may be expressed as follows: EQU A(n+1)=A(n)+L sign(e(n)) S(n) (11)
where L is a constant positive step size, usually equal to the least significant bit in the coefficients A(n). Convergence is achieved for any positive L, as discussed by A. Gersho, "Adaptive Filtering With Binary Reinforcement", IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, Vol. IT-30, No. 2, Mar. 1984.
For the same desired residual error variance as the LMS technique described above, the convergence time for the Sign Algorithm is always longer than the LMS algorithm, as described by Gersho and by T.A.C.M. Claasen and W.F.G. Mecklenbrauker, "Comparison of the Convergence of Two Algorithms for Adaptive FIR Digital Filters", IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems, Vol. CAS-28, No. 6, June 1981. Implementation of the Sign Algorithm is simpler than the LMS algorithm, since p=Ke(n) in LMS becomes +L or -L in the Sign Algorithm. When convergence is achieved, the Sign Algorithm minimizes the expectation of the absolute value of the error, E(.vertline.e(n).vertline.). In the course of convergence and after it is achieved, in a digital implementation, the coefficient vectors A(n) always "see" the updating increment, since to every coefficient of A(n), a least significant bit is added or subtracted depending on sign(e(n)) and the corresponding s(n-j).
No parameter drift has been observed in the Sign Algorithm. A theoretical reason is not known, but it is believed that the hard limiting of the error signal gives an unbiased estimate of w=dv/dA(n), which is essential for the stability of the steady state convergence.

Hybrid stochastic gradient for convergence of adaptive filter


This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of hybrid tea rose plant named xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 which has attractive white colored flowers and attractive dark green and glossy foliage. This new variety is characterized by having large and well turbinated buds, a high production of long stems with a long vase life, vigorous and upright growth and good tolerance to powdery mildew. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is well suitable for year round production of cut flowers in commercial glass houses as a flowering cut rose.

Varietal denomination: xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99.
The present invention constitutes a new and distinct variety of hybrid tea rose plant named xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99. The new variety originated as a single plant as a result of artifically pollinating xe2x80x98KORmodikaxe2x80x99 (not patented) with an unnamed seedling (not patented) in a cultivated greenhouse environment in 2000 in Germany. The mutation was vegetatively propagated from cuttings by self-rooting and tested for productivity and growth. The objectives of the testing and development of this rose variety for commercial greenhouse culture was to create a new and distinct variety with:
1. Uniform, large buds that are well turbinated and flowers with good vase-life.
2. Novel flower color.
3. High cut flower production, with medium to long stems.
4. Vigorous, upright growth.
5. Suitability for production from softwood cuttings.
6. Good tolerance to powdery mildew.
7. Suitability for production of cut flowers under greenhouse growing conditions.
This combination of qualities was not present in previously available commercial cultivars of this type and distinguish xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 from other varieties known to the inventor.
The seeds from hybridization were planted in a controlled environment and evaluations were conducted on the resulting plants. xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 was selected in a development program in Klein Offenseth, Sparrieshoop, Germany.
Asexual reproduction of xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 by cuttings was first done on May 15, 2001 in Germany and later in California. The reproductions by cuttings done in controlled greenhouse environments have confirmed that distinguishing features of the new cultivar come true, remain stable and are retained through successive propagations. xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 is a highly productive hybrid tea rose with a vase life greater than 11 days. Under conventional greenhouse conditions in Germany (64xc2x0 C. nights, 26xc2x0 C. days), xe2x80x98KORturekxe2x80x99 produces 220 stems per plant per square meter per year averaging 65 cm long.
The new rose is distinguished from xe2x80x98KORcilmoxe2x80x99 by the following combinations of characteristics:

Hybrid tea rose plant named xe2x80x98Korturekxe2x80x99

W. Kordes Sohne Rosenschulen GmbH and Co. KG


A mold clamping apparatus includes a stationary platen, a movable platen, a driving device, a rotational-linear motion transmission mechanism, a braking device, and a mold clamping force applying mechanism. The stationary platen is arranged on a frame and mounts a stationary metal mold for a molding machine. The movable platen is arranged to oppose the stationary platen to move forward/backward with respect to the stationary platen and mounts a movable metal mold. The driving device moves the movable platen forward/backward with respect to the stationary platen. The rotational-linear motion transmission mechanism is arranged between the driving device and the movable platen and converts a rotational torque of the driving device into a linear motion in a moving direction of the movable platen. The braking device is connected to the driving device and brakes a linear motion of the movable platen toward the stationary platen at the end of the linear motion. The mold clamping force applying mechanism applies a mold clamping force to the movable platen upon braking of the braking device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mold clamping apparatus for a molding machine, for opening/closing or clamping stationary and movable metal molds in a molding machine such as a die casting machine or an injection molding machine.
2. Prior Art
A molding machine such as a die casting machine or an injection molding machine generally comprises two stationary platens having four corners connected by tie bars and a movable platen located between the two stationary platens and supported to be movable forward and backward by the tie bars. A stationary metal mold and a movable metal mold are mounted on one of the stationary platens and the movable platen, respectively. The movable metal mold, which is moved by a hydraulic cylinder directly or via a toggle mechanism and closed with respect to the stationary metal mold, is clamped by a mold clamping cylinder directly or via a toggle mechanism. Thereafter, a molten metal or a molten plastic is injected into a cavity of the metal molds and solidified, thereby manufacturing a molded product.
Such a conventional molding machine, however, has three platens, i.e., two stationary platens and a movable platen. Therefore, if a machine is of a vertical clamping type, the height of the machine is increased. If a machine is of a horizontal clamping type, the total length of the machine is increased.
The present applicant, therefore, has proposed an apparatus having only one stationary platen as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-238456. In this apparatus, tie bars as mold clamping pistons each having a distal end portion connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders fixed to the stationary platen are inserted to be movable forward and backward in the cylinders. A movable platen is supported by the tie bars via guide bushes and connecting means such as split nuts to be threadably engaged with threaded portions of the guide bushes. A mold opening/closing cylinder is located between the stationary and movable platens. Upon mold clamping, the movable platen is moved by the mold opening/closing cylinder while the split nuts are open, thereby performing mold closing. After the split nuts are closed to connect the movable platen and the tie bars, the mold clamping cylinder is operated to perform mold clamping.
In such a conventional mold clamping machine, however, the split nuts are not smoothly threadably engaged with the threaded portions, resulting in poor operability and uncomfortable noise generated upon engagement. In addition, since the movable platen is supported by the tie bars via the guide bushes, the movable platen tends to be inclined by a gap formed in order to facilitate sliding of the movable platen. As a result, no satisfactory mold clamping precision can be maintained, and burrs are discharged.
In addition, in the conventional mold clamping apparatus for a molding machine, the movable platen is supported by the tie bars via the elongated guide bushes. Therefore, when the movable platen is moved forward/backward by a driving device upon mold opening/closing, supporting portions are sometimes distorted to disable smooth movement For this reason, a large driving force is required. Furthermore, if a high molten metal pressure is generated upon injection of a molten metal or the like into metal molds to slightly distort the movable platen via the metal molds, a stress of the distortion abrades or damages the guide bushes or the tie bars.

Mold clamping apparatus for molding machine


A flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint (CVJ) includes a smaller-diameter mounting portion provided at one end, a larger-diameter mounting portion provided at the other end, and a bellows portion provided between both of the mounting portions. The larger-diameter mounting portion and the bellows portion are connected to each other by a straight portion, and the smaller-diameter mounting portion and the bellows portion are connected to each other by a straight portion. An axial distance of each of the straight portions is equal to or larger than 20% of an entire axial distance from a boundary between the larger-diameter mounting portion and the adjacent straight portion to a boundary between the smaller-diameter mounting portion and the adjacent straight portion, and an axial distance of the bellows portion is in a range of 20% to 60% of the entire axial distance, so that the bellows portion is located substantially centrally in an axial direction between both of the straight portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint (CVJ) for use in a driving shaft or the like of an automobile, and particularly, to a flexible boot for CVJ for use in a driving shaft or the like for a rear axle having a small operating angle in an automobile.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a conventional flexible boot for CVJ used in a driving shaft or the like for a rear axle (which will be referred to as a flexible boot for a rear axle hereinafter), a flexible boot for CVJ used in a driving shaft or the like for a front axle (which will be referred to as a flexible boot for a front axle hereinafter) is appropriated in many cases.
The flexible boot for the front axle is constructed, as a common configuration, of a smaller-diameter mounting portion adapted to be supported on the shaft, a larger-diameter mounting portion coaxially disposed at a distance from the smaller-diameter mounting portion and having a diameter larger than that of the smaller-diameter mounting portion, and a bellows portion of a substantially triangular truncated conical shape which integrally connects the smaller-diameter mounting portion and the larger-diameter mounting portion to each other. The bellows portion includes a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys alternately connected to one another, and a straight portion is formed between the bellows portion and the smaller-diameter mounting portion and has a length 0.1 to 16 times a distance from the center of the smaller-diameter mounting portion to the center of the larger-diameter mounting portion (for example, see JP-A-2002-295509).
In the flexible boot for the front axle, it is conventionally necessary for the function of the flexible boot to increase the development length of the bellows (the total distance of an outer periphery of the bellows portion) so as to withstand an operating angle of up to 50 degree. For this reason, the number of the crests and the valleys of the bellows portion is required to be 5 to 6, resulting in an increase in weight of the flexible boot.
On the contrast, in the flexible boot used for the rear axle, the maximum operating angle is on the order of 15 degree, and the required performance is low, as compared with the flexible boot for the front axle.
Therefore, the conventional flexible boot suffers from the following problem: When the flexible boot for the front axle is appropriated intact for the flexible boot for the rear axle, there is no deficiency in respect of the quality and the function, but the weight of the flexible boot is increased, which is unsuitable for a reduction in weight of a vehicle, and which brings about an increase in cost.

Flexible boot for constant velocity universal joint


Techniques are described for detecting and compensating for characteristic changes of a photoelectric conversion element, such as changes related to the temperature of the photoelectric conversion element. A display device that includes an I/O display panel and a light-receiving drive circuit is disclosed. The I/O display panel includes a plurality of display pixels; and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements including a first photoelectric conversion element that substantially is shielded from light and a second photoelectric conversion element that is exposed to light. The light-receiving drive circuit receives a first detection signal from the first photoelectric conversion element and resets the second photoelectric conversion element based on the first detection signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sensor device that detects the position and the like of a nearby object by using a sensor element, a method of driving a sensor element applied to such a sensor device, a display device that includes a sensor function (input function) and a display function, and an electronic apparatus that includes such a display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Previously, there have been known techniques of detecting the position or the like of an object touching or close to a display surface of a display device. For example, there is known a technique providing such a structure that a film-like transparent touch panel is disposed to be laid on a display panel. As a system of such a display panel, a pressure sensitive type and a capacitance type have been previously known.
Further, there has been developed a display device in which display pixels and light-receiving elements are arranged in a matrix form within a display panel so that the display panel itself has an optical sensor function (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications No. 2006-276223 and No. 2008-233257).

Sensor device, method of driving sensor element, display device with input function and electronic apparatus